| Page 4 GOLF | Page 10 Hafeez, Schwartzel To Advertise here Wasim help outlasts Haas Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 Pakistan beat to win Valspar Sri Lanka Championship

Tuesday, March 15, 2016 TENNIS Jumada II 6, 1437 AH Djokovic and Nadal GULF TIMES tested in Indian Wells, Serena strolls SPORT Page 11

MOTOGP FOCUS Ready for Feuding Rossi and battle, MotoGP roars into 2016

s is tradition, the Losail Circuit Sports Club will host the Marquez fi red up fi rst round of the MotoGP World Championship under their famous fl oodlights. Since 2008, each season of the MotoGP World Cham- pionshipA has begun under the brilliant fl oodlights of the Qatar circuit, the only night race on the calendar. This season will be no diff erent as the Commercial Bank Grand Prix of Qatar starts what is set to be an incredible year in the premier class of motorcycle rac- ing. The intrigue and drama of the 2015 season still lingers in the for new season minds of many but all riders now have a plethora of new challenges and hurdles to focus on overcoming. The 2016 season sees the most radical regulation changes since ‘It would be hypocritical to say that it’s over and shake his hand, because it’s not true’ MotoGP entered the four-stroke era in 2002. A spec ECU and soft- ware package supplied by Magneti Marelli looks set to level the AFP playing fi eld and increase the importance of a rider’s right wrist, Paris especially towards the end of a race with adaptive strategies re- moved. Michelin also step in as the offi cial tyre supplier of the MotoGP class, presenting an all-new challenge for riders and the alentino Rossi and Marc Mar- factories to overcome. quez renew their bitter rivalry Michelin, the new MotoGP tyre supplier, will bring the soft and as the 2016 world motorcycling medium option rear tyres to the fi rst round along with soft, me- championship gets underway in dium and hard fronts. VQatar on Sunday with accusations of be- Of all the riders it seems reigning MotoGP World Champion Jorge trayal and intimidation still dominating Lorenzo has adapted the quickest to the new landscape. The fi ve- the paddock. time champion led both the Sepang and Qatar Tests by over half a Nine-time world champion Rossi was second, stamping his authority and intent to retain his crown. within touching distance of a 10th title One of the biggest revelations of testing has been Maverick on his Yamaha last season only for an ill- Vinales, the Team Suzuki Ecstar rider leading the Phillip Island judged kick at Honda rival Marquez at the Test and fi nishing third in Qatar. It was not as smooth a transition penultimate race in Malaysia. for teammate Aleix Espargaro who has struggled with front-end He was punished by being forced to confi dence on his bike throughout testing. start the title-decider in Valencia at the After a hard fought title battle that went down to the fi nal race back of the grid, a penalty which allowed of the year, Valentino Rossi remains as hungry as ever for his tenth his Yamaha teammate Jorge Lorenzo to title. The Doctor has won four times in Qatar, including his thrilling take the championship by just fi ve points. 2015 victory. Rossi finished fourth but accused Unfortunately for the Repsol Honda Team, 2015 proved a diffi - Marquez of deliberately helping fellow cult year for Marc Marquez. The double MotoGP world champion Spaniard Lorenzo to the finish line at his crashed six times as he attempted to override his RC213V. Testing expense by acting effectively as a body- ahead of the 2016 season also proved diffi cult for Marquez who guard. crashed multiple times. It proved an even more diffi cult time for “I allowed myself to be tricked by Mar- Dani Pedrosa, the second factory rider having a torrid time during quez. He really betrayed me. He said he testing and unable to get near his goals. was a fan but it was all lies, bulls***,” said Aside from Vinales, Scott Redding has also shown well through- Rossi on the eve of his 21st season as a pro- out the testing period and ended the fi nal test as the leading Ducati. fessional rider. His GP15 is showing no signs of ageing and after a confi dence sap- The Italian added: “It would be hypo- ping year in 2015, Redding is back to having fun on a motorcycle. critical to say that it’s over and shake his Danilo Petrucci, Scott Redding’s teammate, suff ered a severely hand, because it’s not true. Our relation- broken hand after falling at Turn 8 in Phillip Island. The Italian was ship can never be recovered. I like to do forced to miss the Qatar Test, undergoing an operation to repair the real things, not to pretend.” Since 2008, each season of the MotoGP World Championship has begun under the brilliant floodlights of the Losail circuit. damage and is hopeful of competing in the Qatar GP. Rossi and Lorenzo will be teammates Iannone will be hoping to stop Redding’s charge and usurp him again in 2016 but they are far from friends, Rossi and Honda teammate Dani Pedrosa as the top Ducati throughout the year. Testing got off to a slow start a factor which adds to Yamaha’s conun- as being the major title rivals. for the Ducati Team rider, gradually improving the 2016 Desmo- drum at the end of the year when both “The strength of Lorenzo is his speed; sedici GP and working on the longer term development of the bike men will be out of contract. the guy is fast and once he’s far ahead on as opposed to one fl ying lap. “What happened (last year) took a toll, track it’s very hard to beat him. Valentino Teammate Andrea Dovizioso has also been focused only on de- so whatever happens, it seems tricky to has a lot of experience and Dani’s compre- velopment work, putting in lap after lap to gather data for the en- consider keeping Lorenzo and Rossi at hensive understanding of a situation is his gineers back in . Yamaha in 2017,” Yamaha Tech 3 boss strong point,” he summarised. Staying with the same team for the fi rst time in three years, Cal Herve Poncharal told motorsport.com. “But you never know who else could Crutchlow showed well in all three tests and consistently chal- “If Lorenzo stays, I don’t know if Rossi surprise you, especially seeing how the lenged for top Honda honours. The Qatar Test ended in a vicious will want to stay, and vice versa.” Ducati team are getting stronger with a lot crash for the LCR Honda man but in true Crutchlow style, he was The public disputes between Rossi, of technical improvements.” joking about the crash soon after and is fi red up for the season and triple MotoGP champion Lorenzo and The 2016 championship starts under the eager to help Honda improve the RC213V. Marquez, a two-time winner of the elite lights in Qatar on Sunday and ends in Va- It will be a big year for both Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith. title, have also attracted the attention of lencia in November with 21 riders—nine of With the majority of factory seats open at the end of the year, both legendary 15-time champion Giacomo whom are Spanish—battling over 18 races. Monster Yamaha Tech 3 riders will be hungry to land a much sought Agostini. Rossi won in Qatar 12 months ago but after factory contract. “I would like to see a bit more respect Valentino Rossi (left) and Marc Marquez are locked in a bitter battle involving accusations endured mixed fortunes in pre-season The fi rst three rounds look set to be extended test sessions for between them because for me this is the of betrayal and intimidation. testing at the desert track, twice coming Aprilia Racing Team Gresini who debuted the brand new 2016 RS- most important thing,” Agostini told mo- off his machine. GP at the Qatar Test. While pleased with the early results, all in- togp.com, refl ecting on the Rossi-Mar- important thing is to have respect for each saw his hopes of a third successive tri- The championship also has a diff erent volved are aware that they are nowhere near their maximum and quez spat. other as that leads to great racing and this umph undone midseason when he frac- tyre supplier with Bridgestone giving way much more track time is needed. With both Stefan Bradl and Alvaro “I don’t think that true friendship can is what I hope we will see.” tured a fi nger in a dirt bike accident. to Michelin while a new control electron- Bautista at the helm, Aprilia are sure to make continuing progress exist between rivals in our sport, but the Marquez, the 2013 and 2014 champion, The 23-year-old again sees Lorenzo, ics system has also been introduced. throughout the year. (MotoGP.com)

QMMF Racing Team optimistic ahead of season-opener at home

By Sports Reporter “The off icial tests here in Qatar started well for with the front feeling, but at the end of the first us, I had a good feeling with the bike straight day, we tried something diff erent and it was a away. It was strange that I could do better lap little bit better, especially with old tyres. On the times with the hard tyre than with the softer second day, we fully concentrated on our race MMF Racing Team riders Julian Simon compound. But all in all, we went well and we pace, but we didn’t improve the way I was hop- and Xavier Simeon ended an intense managed to go as fast as last year, which is ing for. On the third day, we made a big step in Qthree-day-test on the Losail circuit one good,” 28-year-old Simon said. the right direction and we improved with the week prior to the season-opening Grand Prix of “There is still a lot of work to do as far as one settings for the front, but all in all, there is still a Qatar with promising results. Spaniard Simon single fast lap is concerned, but our race pace lot of work left to do,” the Belgian said. managed to improve steadily and closed in on is good. I hope we can continue on our way “The general feeling with the bike is good, we the top riders of the category with a lap time up, because I want to be fully prepared for the are strong as far as race pace and consistency of 2:00.573, just 1.1 seconds behind the fastest home race of my team and to be able to fight goes, but I still need to deepen my understand- rider on the 5.380 kilometre track. for a strong result for our main sponsor and for ing of the bike in all details. In the practice His 26-year-old Belgian teammate Simeon the fans here in Qatar.” sessions for the Grand Prix next week, we have was not far behind, with a lap time of 2:01.112 Simeon elaborated on his work load in the test- many more set-up changes planned and I hope minutes, which placed him in the middle of the ing sessions at Losail. they will help me to make the next step and get hard-fought Moto2 field. “When we came here, we struggled a little bit fully competitive.” QMMF Racing Team rider Xavier Simeon Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, March 15, 2016 MOTORSPORT

FOCUS Formula 1 back bigger and busier than ever F1 will return with a new season in Melbourne packed with more races, more teams, rookies and new rules

AFP

ore races, more teams, a trio of rook- ies and more complicated new rules, roars back to life with a fresh coat of paint in Melbourne Mnext weekend, but facing many familiar prob- lems and questions. First among them is the unknown level of moti- vation that defending three-time world champion will take into the 2016 season as he seeks a hat-trick of successive title triumphs with the all-conquering Mercedes team. Hamilton, champion in 2008, 2014 and 2015, appeared to lose his ‘mojo’ at the end of last year once he had clinched the title with three races to go and that allowed his teammate Nico Rosberg to seize the momentum going into the European winter. Pre-season testing in Spain has given few clues on how the Briton and the German will size up when they race in earnest for the fi rst time at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 20 and, beyond that, it is virtually impossible what may lie ahead. While Mercedes delivered impressive reli- ability and endurance, as well as solid speed and performance, at the two weeks of testing in Spain, Ferrari were faster with both four-time champion and his team-mate Kimi Raikkonen topping the times. That suggests much of the same this year with Ferrari closing the gap and Vettel, in his second season with the scarlet scuderia, mounting a more serious challenge to the pace-setting Mer- cedes outfi t. For the champions, the main problem may be in managing the relationship between their globe-trotting superstar champion, who may be distracted, and his frustrated, but wholly com- mitted, team-mate as Ferrari close in. Behind them, the unchanged Williams and Red Bull teams are likely leaders of the chasing Mercedes drivers Nico Rosberg (left) and Lewis Hamilton pose in front of a Mercedes-Benz oldtimer racing car during a press conference in Fellbach, Germany, on Friday. (AFP) pack while the fi eld will welcome the arrival of the new Haas team, the fi rst American outfi t to ed by Tag-Heuer while their ‘siblings’ Toro While this will exhaust many people involved, race in F1 in three decades. Rosso, with an unchanged driver line-up, have it has given F1’s ‘sports tourist fans’ a wider 2016 Formula 1 Calendar Oct 9: Japan (Suzuka) With Dallara chassis and Ferrari power-units, switched from to Ferrari power. range of races to choose from in a season that Oct 23: United States (Austin) and with Frenchman Romain Grosjean as lead The other two rookies will be the Manor Rac- will see a range of minor technical changes. March 20: Australia (Melbourne) Oct 30: Mexico (Mexico City) driver alongside Mexican Esteban Gutierrez, ing pairing of German prodigy Alterations to the exhaust systems are ex- April 3: Bahrain (Sakhir) Nov 13: Brazil (Sao Paulo) they are aiming to make a solid mid-fi eld start and Indonesia’s fi rst F1 driver in a pected to make the engines sound louder—af- April 17: (Shanghai) Nov 27: Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina) and may the returning Renault squad, fol- Mercedes-powered team that is intent on mak- ter widespread complaints orchestrated by May 1: Russia (Sochi) lowing their take-over of Lotus. ing serious progress from the back. the sport’s commercial supremo Bernie Eccle- May 15: Spain (Barcelona) Last 10 world champions It will also be intriguing to see if the Following the departures of team bosses John stone—and new tyre rules have given the teams May 29: Monaco (Monte Carlo) 2015 Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes McLaren-Honda team, which experienced a Booth and Graeme Lowdon, Manor have re- a wider choice of Pirelli rubber. June 12: Canada (Montreal) 2014 Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes deeply disappointing 2015 season, continues to cruited former McLaren manager This allows for three dry compounds for each June 19: Europe (Baku, Azerbaijan) 2013 Sebastian Vettel (GER) Red Bull struggle—a story that could lead to tensions as and former Ferrari technical staff and driver, instead of two, and will usher in more July 3: Austria (Spielberg) 2012 Sebastian Vettel (GER) Red Bull two-time champion and the . Haryanto, backed by signifi - variations in strategy, tactics and pit-stops. A July 10: Britain (Silverstone) 2011 Sebastian Vettel (GER) Red Bull 2009 champion lose patience. cant Indonesian sponsorship, has captured his new ‘ultrasoft’ tyre for street tracks is also being July 24: Hungary (Hungaroring) 2010 Sebastian Vettel (GER) Red Bull Renault’s return has ushered in team changes country’s imagination already and will further introduced. July 31: Germany (Hockenheim) 2009 Jenson Button (GBR) Brawn including the departure of Grosjean and the ar- establish F1 in south-eastern Asia. Qualifying sessions are also changing with Aug 28: Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps) 2008 Lewis Hamilton (GBR) McLaren-Mer- rival of British newcomer while The calendar has expanded to an unprec- the use of an elimination system that will see a Sept 4: Italy (Monza) cedes Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado has been re- edented 21 events, including a fi rst visit to a new driver knocked out every 90 seconds in each of Sept 18: Singapore (Singapore) 2007 Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) Ferrari placed by Dane . street circuit at Baku in Azerbaijan where the the three qualifying segments, Q1, Q2 and Q3. Oct 2: Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) 2006 Fernando Alonso (ESP) Renault Renault’s return also means that their engines European Grand Prix will be held in June. It guarantees that only two cars will be left on continue to be used though in 2016 with the aid This event and the return of the German track in the fi nal minutes of Q3 -- and that the of performance tweaking from Ilmor Engineering. Grand Prix have been added to last year’s 19 rac- front row of the grid is decided when the cheq- wards as in previous years. will not hide a likely ongoing debate within the For Red Bull, the power units are being badg- es to create a demanding schedule. uered fl ag drops and not in the minutes after- Like many other changes, it is cosmetic and sport about its future shape and structure.

BOTTOMLINE Things people will talk about in the new season embarrassing ninth of the ten teams. Flashes of encouragement in Barcelona suggest their under-performing Honda engine has improved, but not enough to end a 57-race losing run covering the last three seasons. Controversial qualifying shake-up Hamilton has slammed F1 as “broken” and “lacking direction” in an opinion that will no doubt strike a chord with some fans. One of the Briton’s gripes is the new ‘knockout’ qualifying system. He reckons the move, an attempt to shake up qualifying to boost F1’s ap- peal, is detrimental to the sport. Alon- so was similarly unimpressed. “I’m sad for the sport because it doesn’t look right from the outside when in one week we change the qualifying format three times.” Sebastien Vettel, in his first season for Ferrari, picked up crumbs from Mercedes’ plate in Malaysia, Hungary, and Singapore. Super-size season Can Ferrari muscle in on suggest Ferrari are not a million miles fi rst corner clash in Austin. Rosberg the Mercedes show? away from the Silver Arrows, as under- rattled off wins in the fi nal three races F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone clearly lined by Rosberg: “We know Ferrari are and the German will be desperate to believes bigger is better, with the 2016 Mercedes have danced around their very close - but we’re not sure if we’re continue where he left off to finally get season serving up a record 21 races. rivals for the past two seasons, Lewis ahead or behind.” his hands on the championship he so Ambitious Azerbaijan, the oil and Hamilton and Nico Rosberg unstop- desperately craves and prevent Hamil- gas-rich former Soviet state staged pable in 16 of the 19 races in 2014, and Lewis and Nico rivalry ton claiming his fourth title. last year’s European Games - and on matching that ridiculous superiority June 19 the streets of the capital Baku last year. Sebastien Vettel, in his fi rst The rivalry between Lewis Hamil- Will McLaren turn up? will provide the backdrop to the Grand season for Ferrari, picked up crumbs ton and Nico Rosberg over the past Prix of Europe. Financial concerns from Mercedes’ overladen plate in Ma- two seasons has saved Formula One Missing, believed lost - that was over the staging of the October 23 laysia, Hungary, and Singapore. Trying from becoming about as exciting as the glum story for the former world US Grand Prix in Austin appear to be to fathom out concrete conclusions watching a slo-mo video of goldfi sh champions last term, and only their lifting, while F1 is back in Germany, at from pre-season testing is nigh on swimming round a bowl on loop. The most ardent fans could envisage a Hockenheim on July 31, after last year’s impossible, such is the veil of secrecy former friends turned arch rivals were dramatic turnaround in fortunes based race was cancelled. teams delight in throwing up around at loggerheads in 2014. And there was on pre-season testing. Former world car set-ups, fuel loads, tyres, etc etc. more of the same in 2015, culminating champions Fernando Alonso and Jen- But on the face of it, eight days of test- in ‘capgate’ when Rosberg petulantly son Button mustered a mere 27 points McLaren Honda driver Fernando ing in Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya threw his cap at Hamilton after a bitter between them, McLaren fi nished an Alonso walks in downtown Baku. (AFP) Gulf Times Tuesday, March 15, 2016 3 MOTORSPORT

FORMULA 1 MOVERS AND SHAKERS Here's a look at the teams that will spice up competition in what is expected to be the biggest F1 season of recent times

MERCEDES (1st last season) ll-conquering German Formula AOne masters. Head and shoul- ders above the chasing pack over the past two seasons. Marshalled by the eloquent Toto Wolff and F1 legend it’s hard to see beyond a third straight constructors title for the team, with the only burning ques- tion—whether Nico Rosberg can fi nally best his arch rival Lewis Hamilton for the drivers’ title. In pre-season testing Mercedes piled on the miles -- 3742 of them—to advertise their remarkable reliability as Melbourne looms. That, linked with a formidable management structure and two of the best drivers in the business should once again prove an unstoppable combination.

FERRARI (2nd) hree wins and 13 podium fi nishes Tfor Sebastien Vettel last year gave the men from Maranello glimpses of light at the end of the Mercedes- blocked tunnel, hopes bolstered by decent testing times in Barcelona. All the neutrals are praying the scarlet scuderia can mount a serious title challenge with Vettel and Kimi Raik- Mercedes konen, the last Ferrari driver to win a world championship in 2007. Team principal is heady days of Sebastien Vettel’s four demanding improvement on 2015: “I world titles owner Dietrich Mateschitz think this year, we need to push a bit warned he might pull the plug on both more. We would like to fi ght until the Red Bull and sister team Torro Rosso. end for the championship.” But that threat failed to materialise McLaren and the team have designated 2016 as WILLIAMS (3rd) a “transition” year ahead of a serious DTM German Touring Car champion hird for the past two seasons, the assault on the 2017 championship with MCLAREN (9th) Pascal Wehrlein, and Rio Haryanto, Tmuch-admired British team run on smiling and cerebral he fallen British giants will be the fi rst Indonesian in F1. Formerly (in F1 terms at least) a compact budget Daniil Kyvat once again at the wheels. Thard pushed not to improve on known as Marussia, Manor are will once again be snapping at the big last year’s humiliating performance, a seeking to add to their modest points two teams’ heels. Brazilian veteran FORCE INDIA (5th) year of failure and frustration as their total achieved when the late Jules and Finn Valterri Bottas superb 2015 saw the Indian-owned reunion with Honda fell fl at. Former Bianchi fi nished ninth in Monaco in link up for the third year to provide the ASilverstone outfi t fi nish best of the world champions Fernando Alonso 2014. Mercedes-powered outfi t with vital rest in 2015. With the not inconsider- and Jenson Button mustered a mere 27 continuity. “They work well together able help from their Mercedes engine points between them. Testing hinted HAAS and both have the ideal blend of speed it is once again up to Nico Hulkenberg that Honda’s reliability has improved, he fi rst American team in F1 in 30 and consistency,” said team principal and Sergio Perez to keep pushing for it certainly needs to to raise fl agging Tyears, the North Carolina-based Frank Williams. more podiums in 2016. spirits back at the once proud team’s newcomers are powered by Ferrari with Toro Rosso Woking headquarters. “Last year veteran French driver Romain Grosjean RED BULL (4th) RENAULT (6th as Lotus) was a tricky season for all of us but and Mexican Esteban Gutierrez driv- ell publicised marital problems he French marque are back after constructors and drivers titles to their by McLaren, drives alongside rookie we learned a hell of a lot,” refl ected ing. “First, we need to go out there and Wwith engine supplier Renault Twrapping up a lengthy takeover name—Renault essentially bought Jolyon Palmer. “We have the budget, Alonso. show that we can do the job, that we dogged Red Bull throughout last of Lotus in December. Associated back the team they sold to Genii Capi- the talent, the people. Renault is back can fi nish races, that we are respected season. As results tapered off after the with the sport since 1977 -- with 12 tal in 2009. Kevin Magnussen, let go to win,” said Jerome Stoll, Renault by the fans and other teams in the pad- Sport Racing president. n all-new driver line-up sees two dock,” team principal Guenther Steiner rookies join the grid—German said. Ferrari A TORRO ROSSO (7th) ed Bull’s sister team have two Rimpressive young drivers, teenager Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz Jr, who managed more successful overtaking manoeuvres than any other drivers on the grid last year. Verstap- pen had a remarkable rookie season, scooping ‘Personality of the Year’, ‘Rookie of the Year’ and ‘Action of the Year’ awards at the FIA’s annual Oscars ceremony. With these two in command Torro Rosso can have realistic hopes to climb up the standings.

SAUBER (8th) ronically given their Swiss base ISauber were dogged by cash fl ow concerns in the past but are now on a more stable fi nancial footing courtesy of Felipe Nasr and Marcus Eriksson, who are helping signifi cantly to keep Manor the team’s bank account in the black.

RALLYING Al-Rajhi cruises to record fi ft h win in Ha’il rally

Agencies Thani began well with the second fast- Ha’il, Saudi Arabia est time in the super special stage, but technical issues accounted for his Nis- san Patrol. audi Arabia’s Yazeed al-Rajhi Abdul-Majeed al-Khulaifi retained and German navigator Timo his quad title with a comfortable victory Gottschalk cruised to a comfort- over Heshayan al-Heshayan’s Yamaha able victory in the Ha’il Nissan and Ahmed al-Nasser rode the solitary SInternational Rally yesterday morning Honda motorcycle and completed the after winning the super special and all event once again. Abdulsalem Hamam four selective sections in Saudi Arabia’s fi nished an third in the quads. premier motor sport event. The Riyadh driver began the fi nal leg OVERALL STANDINGS with a lead of 1min 01min 46sec and 1. Yazeed al-Rajhi (SAU)/Timo extended that to a winning margin of Gottschalk (DEU) Hummer 8hr 10min 1hr 23min 45sec to confi rm a second 50sec successive win in his powerful Hummer 2. Ahmed Abdullah al-Shehail (SAU)/ and a record fi fth in total. Rasheed Mslet (SAU) Nissan 9hr 34min “I am extremely happy to win this 35sec rally for the fi fth time,” said al-Rajhi. 3. Faris al-Mashna (SAU)/Saud al-Zayed “I notice the progress the event makes (SAU) Nissan 9hr 42min 27sec year-after-year and it is getting better 4. Rajah Farhan al-Shammeri (SAU)/ with the support from Prince Saud bin Mubarak al-Shammeri (SAU) Nissan 9hr Abdul Mohsen bin Abdul Aziz, Prince 59min 44sec Abdullah bin Khalid and Prince Sultan 5. Ahmed al-Sabban (SAU)/Adel Abdul- bin Bandar al-Faisal. lah (QAT) Ford Raptor 10hr 00min 17sec “The competition was diff erent this 6. Meshaal al-Saeedi (SAU)/Bandar al- year and I have noticed the progress Saeedi (SAU) Nissan 10hr 02min 39sec that all the drivers are making and that 7. Khalid al-Fraihi (SAU)/Ali Obaid (ARE) refl ects in the atmosphere of the rally. Nissan 10hr 03min 04sec I had a few early setbacks. We lost our 8. Khalaf-Jouan al-Shammeri (SAU)/ way in the fi rst stage and had to re- Yazeed al-Rajhi confirmed a fifth victory in the Ha’il Nissan International Rally yesterday. Jouan al-Shammeri (SAU) Toyota 10hr trace our steps to avoid getting lost 05min 05sec and missing a waypoint and the engine No one in the 46-fi eld was a match Ahmed-Abdullah al-Shehail fin- 12th positions, courtesy of strong gawi, Munif al-Salmani and Jaafar- 9. Ahmed al-Gashami (SAU)/Waleed al- also stopped for some minutes. I had for al-Rajhi, although Rajah-Fahan ished second overall in another Nis- performances by Saudi’s Faris al- Majed al-Qahtani. Al-Shegawi, for Fiuam (SAU) Nissan 10hr 16min 15sec a diff erent strategy this year. I took it al-Shammeri drove impressively in his san and the Japanese manufacturer Mashna and the Saudi sextet of Me- his part, set the second quickest time 10. Ahmed al-Shegawi (SAU)/Arif Yousef easier and controlled my pace to en- Nissan Patrol to claim fourth overall and title sponsor also filled third, shaal al-Saeedi, Khalid al-Fraihi, on the last stage. Mohammed (ARE) Nissan 10hr 16min sure that I could win.” and victory in the T2 category. sixth, seventh, ninth, 10th, 11th and Ahmed al-Gashami, Ahmed al-She- Qatar’s Sheikh Hamed Bin Eid al- 33sec Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, March 15, 2016 CRICKET

WARM-UP GAME Miandad hits out at Afridi over ‘loved Hafeez’s 70, Wasim’s more in India’ four- haul help comments Pakistan down Lanka Pak top order move into better touch in their only World T20 practice match, as Mohamed Hafeez and Imad Wasim shine with bat and ball to help set up 15-run win

IANS Kolkata

eft-arm spinner Imad Wasim came up with IANS a four-wicket haul as Pakistan produced a Karachi clinical display to humble Sri Lanka by 15 runs in a World Twenty20 warm-up match Lyesterday. ormer Pakistan Javed Replying to Pakistan’s 157/5, Sri Lanka could only Miandad lashed out at his reach 142/9 before around 15,000 spectators at the Fcompatriot (pic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Mohamed Hafeez led the below) after the latter’s comments that charge for Pakistan with an unconquered 49-ball Pakistan cricketers were loved more by 70, that was inclusive of nine fours and a six. Indians than fans back home. The Sri Lankan innings began with a jolt, as Afridi had made the statement Tilakratne Dilshan got out in the very second over while addressing a press conference without bothering the scorer. The other opener Di- in Kolkata where the Pakistani team nesh Chandimal (30; 21b, 5x4) went on the off en- landed on Saturday evening to take sive with some delectable shots, and added 37 for part in the World Twenty20 tourna- the second wicket with Lahiru Thirimanne (45; 37b, ment, to be held across seven Indian 4x4, 2x6). cities starting tomorrow. Wasim then got into the act, getting rid of Chan- He had said that he always enjoyed dimal in the sixth over, with Hafeez taking the off er- playing in front of Indian fans and that ing at mid-wicket. Sri Lanka were then 39/2. Cha- they received more love in India than mara Kapugedera and Thirimanne tried to retrieve in Pakistan. “These cricketers should the situation with another 37-run partnership, that be ashamed of themselves for saying came to an end with the former becoming Wasim’s such a thing. Shame on you,” Miandad second victim. was quoted as saying by Pakistani Thirimanne was looking solid, as he plundered channel Aaj TV yesterday. 14 runs off a lacklustre Shahid Afridi in the seventh “What have the Indians given us? over, and then lofted him out of the ground in the Speak the truth even while in India. For 12th, but was also lucky to be the benefi ciary of a the last five years what have they given dropped catch by Hafeez at deep mid-wicket. us or done with Pakistan cricket? Hav- However, he failed to take advantage of the re- ing served Pakistan cricket for so many prieve, and was out a little later at the same score of years I am shocked and hurt to hear 39, giving another wicket to the 27-year-old Wasim. such comments from our players,” The Wales-born, who carries a dual passport, did Miandad said. more havoc to the top order by seeing the back of “The job of this team is to go and Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews (10), with the play well in India and not make such Lankan score reading 101/5 in the 13th over. Pakistan opener unnecessary comments,” the former The skipper’s dismissal opened the fl oodgates, as Mohamed Pakistan skipper added. Sri Lanka lost three more by adding only 19 Hafeez plays a A petition was also filed against runs. The match was virtually over. And the remain- shot during his Afridi in the Lahore High Court over his ing overs were a mere formality. latest remark. The petition was filed by Sri Lanka had earlier lost to New Zealand by 74 unbeaten 49-ball- advocate Azhar Siddique who argued runs in their fi rst warm-up game. 70 in their World that Afridi’s statement has hurt Paki- Earlier, the Pakistan innings was built around Twenty20 warm- stani sentiments and the court must three partnerships, with Hafeez being involved in up game against ask the skipper to explain his remarks. two of them. Openers Sharjeel Khan and Ahmed Sri Lanka, at the Shehzad provided the perfect launch with a 39- run stand before Sharzeel was devoured by Sachitra Eden Gardens Senanayeke with an incoming ball in the sixth over. in Kolkata It was a revenge of sorts for Senanayeke, who was yesterday. clobbered by the Pakistani batsman for a four and six Hafeez's knock off consecutive balls in his previous over. Shehzad helped his team (18) departed a little later, following which Hafeez and Sarfraz Ahmed (13) put on 39 for the third wicket. beat Pakistan were 63/2 at the halfway stage of the in- Sri Lanka by nings. Rangana Herath plotted Sarfraz’s dismissal in 15 runs, for the 13th over, with Dinesh Chandimal doing a smart whom Lahiru bit of stumping. Hafeez then showed some blitz bat- Thirimanne ting in the company or Umar Akmal (13), with the pair adding 53 runs off 34 balls. (left) top-scored Akmal departed in the penultimate over, which with 45. It was gave a double wicket, as Afridi lasted Pakistan's only only three balls and could not even open his account. warm-up game Brief scores ahead of their first match against Pakistan 157/5 in 20 overs (Md Hafeez 70 .; Thisara Perera 2/21) beat Sri Lanka 142/9 in 20 overs Bangladesh (Lahiru Thirimanne 45; Imad Wasim 4/45) by 15 runs tomorrow. (AFP)

SPOTLIGHT Dawson is ’s mystery spinner at World T20 Hampshire’s slow left -armer “I didn’t know much about Liam ates after a maiden Test tour against could prove to be a wildcard should Liam Dawson jumped the queue when ’s before but I found him to be a really Pakistan there in November, suff ered the management opt for his left-arm Zafar Ansari injured a thumb impressive operator,” Flower said. “He a dislocated thumb on the day of his angle or conditions necessitate three and had to miss out on a place in was very self-suffi cient, low mainte- call-up. His unfortunate break was spinners. “Liam has an advantage–the England’s Twenty20 squad nance and a very good competitor in Dawson’s lucky one, the Lions captain opposition don’t know him well. And the middle. His batting was skilful, suggesting to Flower his one of the things that international By Ali Martin in London calm under pressure and he played the revived Hampshire colleague could step cricket can do over time is create doubt The Guardian spinners well off the front and back up, having known him since he was a but he shouldn’t have any, he should be foot. His bowling was canny and ac- 13-year-old teammate at Chippenham. feeling pretty good about himself—it curate; he could sense when batsmen With selectors Mick Newell and will all be new for him. His selection ead coach has were going to have a crack seemed a Angus Fraser present for spells, and is exciting for all young cricketers; it is never seen him play and his step ahead. You can fi eld him anywhere Flower in charge, Dawson’s 14 wickets evidence in front of their eyes as to how county scarcely used him in too, so that made for a very strong on tour saw him leapfrog a fellow left- close they are to representing their Twenty20 last year but the package. I hope Liam does get a go in armer, Lancashire’s Stephen Parry, be- country,” Flower said. Hman behind Liam Dawson’s selection India—he might not be high profi le but fore going on to join Morgan’s tourists Flower is a World Twenty20-win- for England is adamant he has what it that doesn’t mean he can’t be success- for the Twenty20 leg in South Africa, ning coach, having overseen the 2010 takes to thrive on the world stage. ful at international level.” where he would meet the squad. victory in the Caribbean alongside the It was Andy Flower, the national Whether a debut follows in the next “The fi rst few days with England captain Paul Collingwood, who is now team’s former technical director, who three weeks or not, Dawson’s promo- I was in my shell and a bit nervous— part of the coaching set-up. A repeat is recommended the spin-bowling all- tion to the senior set-up caps a remark- that’s natural—but it was good to meet not out of the question, he believes, if rounder be included in the 15-man able surge up the ranks by a cricketer the lads,” said Dawson, who watched the approach is similar. World Twenty20 squad after watch- who only midway through last season cricket at that point of the season but with his full-time employer after being the 2-0 series defeat from the sidelines. “We had a wonderful, hyper-aggres- ing him at close quarters for the Lions moved to Essex on loan after being I was disappointed because I felt I’d recalled two weeks into the month’s “You can see the intensity is greater in sive method at that time which gave over the course of the winter. The rec- frozen out of Hampshire’s plans in the been a key player in the Twenty20 arrangement, including a career-best international cricket and adapting to us a real sense of freedom. The play- ommendation, coming after 10 limit- NatWest T20 Blast. It was a situation side,” Dawson said. “I told the club six for 47 against Sussex in the Royal that means you can hold your own. ers thoroughly enjoyed that tourna- ed-overs fi xtures against Pakistan A the former England Under-19 captain I didn’t want second XI cricket and London Cup, a match in which he also The Lions helps to narrow that gap and ment,” Flower recalled. “You have to either side of Christmas, now has the found tough to accept, having played a things moved quickly from there.” scored an unbeaten 73. it’s no surprise a lot of guys have come play in that aggressive manner to have uncapped Dawson in India, hopeful central role in the club’s limited-overs The brief four-match spell at A sliding-doors moment for two from there.” a chance. It will be a challenge for Eng- of making his international bow when double in 2012–a season he ranks as his Chelmsford would reinvigorate the young England cricketers would come While Dawson is expected to pro- land this time—it is the subcontinent ’s side start their cam- career highlight to date. 26-year-old, who went on to enjoy when Surrey’s Zafar Ansari, down to go vide back-up for and Adil and things are diff erent—but they aren’t paign against West Indies tomorrow. “I was averaging 26 in fi rst-class a fi ne second half to the season back on Lions duty in the United Arab Emir- Rashid in India, Flower believes he going to be shy about having a go.” Gulf Times Tuesday, March 15, 2016 5 CRICKET

FOCUS Twenty20 carnival gets underway from today AFP PAST WORLD T20 WINNERS Nagpur 2014, SRI LANKA wenty20 cricket’s showpiece tourna- Sri Lanka defeated India by six wickets to ment begins in earnest today as India, lift the 2014 title in Mirpur, Bangladesh. The once so sniff y about the glitzy World victory atoned for their defeat in the previ- T20, get the group stages underway for ous two finals and provided the perfect T20 Tthe fi rst time on home soil. international farewell for Kumar Sangakkara The build-up has been marred by rows over and Mahela Jayawardene. security for Pakistan and the late release of tick- ets, while holders Sri Lanka are mired in turmoil. 2012, WEST INDIES But the controversies have done little to West Indies stunned Australia in the semi- dampen the fervour of Indian fans who believe finals and then broke the hearts of Sri Lanka skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has a date with in a low-scoring final. Despite scoring only a destiny at the April 3 fi nal at Kolkata’s iconic modest 137, the Windies restricted the hosts Eden Gardens. to 101 in reply before Chris Gayle led his team- India, hosting the tournament for the fi rst mates in a celebratory ‘Gangnam Style’ dance. time, begin the group stages with a match in Nagpur against New Zealand today. Dhoni is 2010, ENGLAND expected to retire after the tournament and his Player of the tournament team will be desperate to give him a fairytale inspired England to their first ICC trophy in send-off , fi ve years after he led them to victory perfect fashion, defeating arch-rivals Aus- on home soil in the 50-over World Cup. tralia in the West Indies. The man known as ‘Captain Cool’ is trying to keep expectations in check, saying the 2007 2009, PAKISTAN champions “are looking to make a slow and A Younis Khan-led Pakistan blew Sri Lanka steady progress, rather than think(ing) too far away in a one-sided final at Lord’s to secure ahead”. their second ICC world title. But retired opener Virender Sehwag, Dhoni’s 2007, INDIA teammate in the 2011 World Cup triumph, re- fl ected the overwhelming mood of confi dence India won a thrilling inaugural final against when he said he was “99 percent certain” India Pakistan by five runs when Misbah-ul-Haq would clinch a second World T20 title. failed to make the runs needed in the final Dhoni was handed the T20 captaincy for the over, inspiring their previously sceptical fan- inaugural tournament in South Africa in 2007 base to embrace the T20 format. when established stars such as Sachin Tendulkar Indian cricketers celebrate with the trophy after winning the inaugural edition of the ICC World Twenty20 tournament, at the Wanderers and Rahul Dravid stayed at home. stadium in Johannesburg in this file photograph dated September 24, 2007. India, led by MS Dhoni, beat Pakistan in the final. (AFP) India’s cricket board, worried about the im- last month’s retirement of talismanic skipper pact of Twenty20 cricket on the 50-over game, T20 matches involving India are guaranteed ment and I think the all-around ability of this world cup heartaches hangs heavy. But in AB de Brendon McCullum. only reluctantly agreed to send a team to ensure sell-outs and the format’s popularity has put team is what excites me,” said Dravid. Villiers, they possess arguably the game’s most Sri Lanka, winners last time in 2014, have also the right to host the 2011 World Cup. question marks over the future of . But the former skipper said the high number lethal batsman. struggled since the retirement of star batsmen One senior board offi cial lamented the tour- After 10 wins in their last 11 games, few teams of players with IPL experience meant a lot of His main rival for that title, Chris Gayle, will Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. nament would be “a circus and our players will have begun a tournament as such strong fa- teams were in with a shout, and he tipped the be the West Indies’ chief weapon as they try to They have changed their captain and coach be clowns”, according to The Times of India. vourites and India do not have many obvious new-look England to make an impact with the prove they are still a force in T20 cricket despite since the turn of the year. The 2007 triumph, all the sweeter as it came weaknesses. Powerful openers Rohit Sharma likes of in their ranks. “England, the their decline in Tests. Pakistan have been widely written off and over arch-rivals Pakistan, transformed the and Shikhar Dhawan have hit a purple patch, way they played in the last year or so, they’ve Australia will also look to batter opponents their preparations were hit by their delayed de- board’s perception of the game and spurred it building platforms that allow star batsman Virat played... a more aggressive brand of cricket— into submission, boosted by David Warner and parture in a row over the venue of Saturday’s into creating the money-spinning Indian Pre- Kohli to let rip. Off -spinner Ravichandran Ash- whether it’s with the bat and ball—and the re- Glenn Maxwell’s recent record stand of 161 match against India, which has been shifted mier League (IPL). The fi reworks and dancing win should thrive on home wickets and pace- sults are already beginning to show,” he said. against South Africa. But ’s bowlers from Dharamsala to Kolkata. girls that are integral to an evening’s entertain- man Mohamed Shami’s comeback after lengthy South Africa may be in decline with premier lack experience. Afghanistan and Bangladesh, who topped ment at the IPL should be even more prominent injury problems is a major boon. bowler Dale Steyn struggling for fi tness, while New Zealand, beaten by Australia in last year’s their groups in the preliminary stage which end- in the World T20. “This is a pretty formidable side at the mo- the “chokers” tag which stems from a run of ODI World Cup fi nal, have been weakened by ed on Sunday, complete the line-up.

PREVIEW First day, fi rst show: Red-hot India take on Kiwis in opener ‘I think the key is to learn from the past where calmness is required in big tournaments because you can get sort of carried away or over anxious or over excited. Both those feelings are not great for any side. What we’ve learned from playing in big events in the past is that we have to stay calm and focus on the skills that need to be executed on field’

AFP ing 63 when New Zealand narrowly lost to Nagpur England in their fi nal warm-up match on Saturday. India also suff ered a rare defeat in what tar batsman Virat Kohli urged was an unoffi cial T20 international on his teammates to stay calm amid Saturday when they lost by four runs to growing fervour about India’s South Africa in another high-scoring prospects in the World Twenty20, match. With their powerful openers aheadS of the hosts’ tricky tournament Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma hit- opener against a New Zealand team who ting a purple patch, and the veteran Yuvraj are determined to show there is life after Singh also in good nick, India will expect Brendon McCullum. to post a big total on a batsman-friendly After winning 10 of their last 11 T20 in- pitch in Nagpur. ternationals, India are hot favourites for the Kohli, in top form himself, said rook- World T20 and former batsman Virender ie Indian bowlers Jaspreet Bumrah and Sehwag said last week he was “99 percent Hardik Pandya would also be crucial to certain” they would become the fi rst team the outcome, saying they had showed few to win the trophy for a second time. signs of nerves in their fl edgling interna- The hosts are on such a roll that skip- tional careers. per Mahendra Singh Dhoni is struggling “Players like Hardik and Bumrah they to dampen expectations that the team have more confi dence than when we start- are sure-fi re winners. And Kohli, who is ed out,” he said. “They have performed in sometimes regarded as something of a diff erent situations and they have brought fi rebrand, too tried to put a dampener on that confi dence with them into the side. expectations at a press conference on the They have backed their skills and I think eve of the match in Nagpur and said it was this is what has been the x-factor for us.” CLOCKWISE important not to get carried away. Like many of his fellow skippers, Wil- FROM LEFT: “I think the key is to learn from the past liamson believes that India are the team where calmness is required in big tourna- to beat but says his side—which is still to Indian skipper ments like the ICC (International Cricket win a World Cup—do not lack in belief. Mahendra Singh Council) events because you can get sort “No doubt India will be possibly the fa- Dhoni bats of carried away or over anxious or over vourites for this tournament but I think all during the Indian excited,” said Kohli, who is India’s Test the teams will come here thinking they can team’s nets captain. win it,” he said last week. session in Nagpur “Both those feelings are not great for Dhoni, known as ‘Captain Cool’, has any side going into a big tournament. been downplaying expectations, joking yesterday. What we’ve learned from playing in big that the team can still step up a gear or two. India’s Virat Kohli tournaments in the past is that we have “We are running on sixth gear (although) I dives for a catch to stay as calm as possible and focus on know the technology has gone into eighth the skills that need to be executed on the gear,” he quipped earlier during the week. during a team fi eld,” Kohli added. training session. India have a woeful track record against Teams New Zealand’s the Black Caps in World T20 tournaments, India (from): Mahendra Singh Dhoni (cap- losing four out of their fi ve previous en- tain), Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bum- Ross Taylor bats counters while the other match was rained rah, Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, at the nets. off . And although New Zealand have been Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, Mohammed undermined by inspirational skipper Shami, Pawan Negi, Ashish Nehra, Hardik Hosts India will Brendon McCullum’s retirement on the Pandya, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, clash with New eve of the tournament, their performance Rohit Sharma, Yuvraj Singh Zealand in the in warm-up matches shows they are not New Zealand (from): Kane Williamson opening game lacking in fi repower. (captain), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, of the World They thrashed holders Sri Lanka last Martin Guptill, Grant Elliott, Colin Munro, Twenty20 at the Thursday when Colin Munro, Corey An- Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, VCA Stadium in derson and Grant Elliott all posted half- Adam Milne, Henry Nicholls, Luke Ronchi, centuries in rapid time. Skipper Kane Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Southee, Nagpur today. Williamson then smashed an entertain- Ross Taylor (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, March 15, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT ROCK SOLID Atletico’s dogged defence drives Hopeful Man City European dream

AFP Madrid

ften overshadowed by aiming to banish the glitz and glamour of Real Madrid’s ga- lacticos and collective brillianceO of Barcelona’s attack- ing triumvirate of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, Atleti- co Madrid have carved out their own golden era on a historically File picture of Atletico Madrid’s England’s woes great defence. coach . PSV Eindhoven travel to the Vicente Calderon for the second- sheet and saved a penalty as ‘It’s a diff icult tournament but we’ve got to believe we can win it or there’s no point in leg of their Champions League Atletico progressed in a shootout last-16 clash today, with the tie against Bayer Leverkusen. turning up. We have to concentrate on the Champions League...’ fi nely balanced at 0-0, tasked “I always laud the work, com- with one of the most diffi cult mitment and, above all, the AFP challenges in European football: way in which he won his place,” Manchester breaching the Atletico backline. Simeone said of the Slovenian. In 14 Champions League “He waited for his moment, matches at home since Diego worked hard and when someone anchester City goalkeeper Joe Simeone rode to Atletico’s rescue works the rewards come. He has Hart believes that his team four years ago, only three sides an enormous future. We hope he can still win this season’s have managed to score with Ben- doesn’t stop improving.” Champions League despite fi ca, earlier this season, the only Atletico were so keen to make Mtheir failure to live with the pace in the away team to win in the Spanish sure Oblak is part of their prom- . capital. ising future they gave him a City carry a 3-1 lead into the home leg Quiet but effi cient, Atletico’s major pay rise and extended his of their Champions League last 16 tie defensive numbers this season are contract to 2021 last month. with Dynamo Kiev today, putting them on course to be the best of all time. Yet, Oblak is far from the only in a commanding position to reach the With a remarkable 27 clean rock in Atletico’s defensive wall. quarter-fi nals for the fi rst time in the sheets in 42 games in all compe- Having seen Radamel Falcao, club’s history. titions, goalkeeper Jan Oblak is Diego Costa and Arda Turan sold Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Norwich City set to break Paco Liano’s Span- in recent years, the one player was the latest in a succession of disap- ish record of 18 for the fewest Simeone has insisted he’ll never pointing results that have left dents in number of goals conceded in a La let go is Uruguayan braveheart City’s league title aspirations, ahead of Liga season. Diego Godin. this weekend’s derby with Manchester Oblak has been beaten just The return of left-back Filipe United, but Hart still feels that his side 12 times in 29 Liga games so far, Luis after a year at Chelsea has can rule the roost in Europe. four of which came in two games reunited three-quarters of the “It’s a diffi cult tournament, but we’ve against Messi, Suarez and Neymar. defence that won Atletico the got to believe we can win it or there’s no Thanks to Real Madrid’s ad- title and went within a point in turning up,” the England goal- ministrative tardiness in trying minute of winning the Champi- keeper said yesterday. to land David de Gea last August, ons League in 2013/14. “We focus on one game at a time. We Oblak remains the most expen- Juanfran has been installed as have to concentrate on the Champions sive goalkeeper in Spanish foot- Spain’s fi rst-choice right-back, League, then we look at another big game ball history after his 16 million whilst, at just 21, Jose Maria on Sunday (against United). euro ($17.8 million) switch from Gimenez is already one of the “It’s important for us—qualifying is Benfi ca in 2014. world’s best centre-backs. a target we’ve had for a number of years Yet, faced with the daunting More than names, though, it is now and we’ve got ourselves in a good task of replacing Thibaut Cour- Simeone’s relentless insistence position. The Premier League is defi - tois, Oblak had a diffi cult start to on hard work and organisation nitely still up for grabs, but for now we’re life at the Calderon. that makes Atletico so hard to putting that to one side and concentrat- He initially lost out to Miguel breakdown. ing on another competition.” Angel Moya in the battle to be “Simeone is the stone around Last month’s League Cup fi nal win Simeone’s fi rst choice and it which this project is con- over Liverpool means that City manager wasn’t till this stage of last sea- structed,” said Godin. “He has Manuel Pellegrini is already guaranteed son’s Champions League that he strengthened this group of play- to sign off with at least one trophy before began to prove his worth. ers. He has made the players and handing the reins to at the Brought on to replace the in- fans believe, not just with words season’s end. Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini during a training session at the City Football Academy. jured Moya, Oblak kept a clean but with acts.” But progress in Europe would repre- sent a historic breakthrough, as well as fi rst leg in , having lost back-to- Fixtures “The Premier League is defi nitely throwing up the intriguing possibility of back league games at home to Leicester still up for grabs, but for now CONCERN being drawn to face Guardiola’s Bayern City and Tottenham Hotspur before a At 10:45pm Qatar Time we’re putting that to one side Munich—should they overcome Juven- second-string team were humbled 5-1 by Manchester City vs Dynamo Kyiv and concentrating on another tus—in the last eight. Chelsea in the FA Cup, but they bounced Atletico Madrid vs PSV Eindhoven competition” City’s league form is unlikely to have back with a slick 3-1 win at Kiev’s Olym- Zidane ‘worried’ Bayern, Barcelona and Paris Saint- pic Stadium. Yarmolenko proved his fi tness after an Germain quaking in their boots, with Yaya Toure’s fi ne 90th-minute strike, never won in England in 13 attempts— ankle injury by scoring for the third game Pellegrini’s side having failed to string allied to goals by Sergio Aguero and Dav- drawing two and losing 11 -- but they running, with a 64th-minute strike that by directionless back-to-back victories together since id Silva, left City with one foot in the last will take encouragement from the fact proved to be the winner. mid-October. eight and the Ivorian midfi elder has been that City have kept just one clean sheet in While the odds are stacked against Ser- passed fi t for today’s reunion after miss- their 17 Champions League home games hiy Rebrov’s team, who are missing several Real Madrid TOURE FIT ing the trip to Norwich with a heel prob- to date. players through injury, defender Yevhen Yet it has been a diff erent story in Europe, lem. Furthermore, while the fi rst leg took Khacheridi sees the trip to the Etihad Sta- with home-and-away wins over Borussia City picked up no new injuries at Car- place during the Ukrainian Premier dium as a chance to restore pride. Moenchengladbach and Europa League row Road, which means that long-term League’s winter break, Dynamo are now “We don’t want to make the same mis- champions Sevilla enabling them to top casualties Kevin De Bruyne, fully up and running and won 2-1 at Kar- takes we had in Kiev,” he told Ukrainian Group D above last season’s beaten fi nal- and Fabian Delph are their only con- paty Lviv last Friday to supplant Sha- sports newspaper Komanda. ists Juventus. fi rmed absentees. khtar Donetsk at the league summit. “It will be diffi cult to win, but we’ll try City were toiling ahead of last month’s Ukrainian champions Dynamo have Ukraine international winger Andriy to do that.”

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Dortmund response praised Real Madrid’s coach .

AFP “We aren’t thinking about the Madrid Champions League. The players were thinking about what they aft er fan dies during game had to do in the game today, but eal Madrid boss Zin- the truth is we gave away the ball edine Zidane admit- an incredible number of times,” DPA said: “On the pitch, we were com- ted he is concerned by he said. Dortmund pletely unaware of what was hap- his side’s form after “If we want to aspire to some- pening elsewhere in the stadium. squeezingR past Las Palmas 2-1 thing in the future, we have to “Even the referee asked me on Sunday thanks to Casemiro’s play better. That is clear because upporters at Borussia what was going on, why the at- injury-time winner. playing like this we won’t go an- Dortmund have been mosphere had sunk so low. After Zidane’s men were outplayed ywhere.” praised for their re- the game the manager told us. by Las Palmas for large spells Madrid were bailed out on a sponse to news that a fan The game seemed insignifi cant on their fi rst visit to the Canary number of occasions by goal- hadS died during the Bundesliga then, it is simply tragic.” Islands in 15 years, but made the keeper Keylor Navas, but Wil- match with Mainz. Dortmund defender Mats hosts pay for poor marking at lian Jose looked to have fi nally After news spread during the Hummels said for a short mo- set-pieces as Sergio Ramos and handed Las Palmas a share of second half of Sunday’s game ment he recalled the terrorist Casemiro both netted from cor- the spoils when he cancelled out that two fans had collapsed, attack in Paris while playing for ners. Ramos’s fi rst-half header three supporters stopped chanting Germany against at the “I go away happy with the minutes from time. and the match was played in an Stade de France in November. result, but a little worried with However, Casemiro popped up unusually silent atmosphere. “Then I had also noticed the what I saw in the second-half,” unmarked to head home in stop- Shortly before the end of the atmosphere in the ground and I said Zidane. page time before Ramos saw his game the 81,000 spectators Dortmund’s players line up to show their respects after the death of a fan during a Bundesliga match. was reminded of that,” he said. Victory closed the gap on 20th red card as a Madrid player stood up from their seats, held Coach Thomas Tuchel praised La Liga leaders Barcelona to 12 for a second bookable off ence. up their scarves and sang the perienced before.” new phenomenon. In addition but at some point asked myself his players for their perform- points, but with only nine games Both Ramos and central de- Liverpool football anthem You’ll Dortmund confi rmed a the “capos” - who coordinate ‘what is this for a strange at- ance, with the win keeping to play, Madrid’s remaining real- fensive partner Pepe will now be Never Walk Alone. 79-year-old man died of a fan chanting behind the goals mosphere?’” Mainz coach Mar- Dortmund fi ve points behind istic hope of a trophy this season suspended for the visit of Sevilla “I have to pay my deepest re- suspected heart attack and a using megaphones - made sure tin Schmidt said. leaders Bayern Munich in the is the Champions League. next weekend. spect. It shows how deeply rooted 55-year-old man needed resus- supporters fell silent and put “I found it inspiring how Bundesliga. The 10-time European cham- “I don’t think football is un- concepts like honour and respect citating but was reported to be away their banners. 80,000 fans fell quiet as a mark “It was very difficult to stand pions progressed to the quarter- just because we scored from two for others are and can be ex- in a stable condition in hospital. Players and coaches weren’t of respect in just a few minutes. on the edge of the pitch or on fi nals with a similarly uncon- set-pieces and that is part of pressed just like that,” Borussia It is not unusual for there to initially aware of why the at- Such solidarity is impressive. the pitch, not knowing what vincing display to see off Roma in football too,” added Zidane. president Reinhard Rauball said. be spectator fatalities during mosphere in the Westfalensta- Everyone in the stadium came was going on but still having to midweek, but Zidane insisted his “Las Palmas did very well and “The reaction of the fans was matches, but the stadium in- dion had become so subdued. together as a unit. That is, sadly, fulfil our obligation of putting side’s standards must improve caused us a lot of problems, but extremely spontaneous and ternet connection and the use “I wanted to push on the not always the case.” in the best possible perform- dramatically if they are to go fur- it is our contribution that both- something that I have never ex- of social media helped created a touchline in the second half Dortmund striker Marco Reus ance,” he said. ther in the Champions League. ers me.” Gulf Times Tuesday, March 15, 2016 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT INJURY Van Gaal hails Man United’s spirit Coach Pochettino AFP Manchester

anchester United manager Louis van Gaal praised the spirit of his side as refuses to give up Mthey scored a late goal to earn an FA Cup quarter-fi nal replay at West Ham and potentially save their season. United trailed to a stunning Dimitri Payet strike before An- thony Martial equalised in the 83rd minute to give Van Gaal’s United manager Louis van Gaal. Spurs’ title pursuit side renewed hope of ending the season with a trophy and poten- the Cup for the fi rst time since tially keeping the Dutchman in a 2011 and to go above United in ‘We are in a good position with eight games to play. That is 24 points, a lot of points, job. the Premier League in pursuit of Van Gaal said: “When you a possible top-four fi nish. so anything can still happen in the race’ have played against West Brom and lost and against Liverpool PAYET CONTROVERSY and lost, to come back like that is They went close to winning at amazing. Old Traff ord for the fi rst time in “When you see the spirit of 11 visits thanks to Payet’s 11th my team it is unbelievable. When goal of the season, superbly con- you lose a game against Liverpool verted from a 30-yard free-kick. it runs very deep in the club. However, there was some de- “Then you have to play within bate as to whether the France in- two days against a very good ternational should still have been team like West Ham, who have on the pitch, having been booked been preparing for this game for earlier for a trip on Jesse Lin- a week while we had to recover in gard and then going down in the two days, and found yourselves box four minutes before his goal 1-0 behind. So to come back like when there looked to be no con- that is fantastic. tact from a challenge by United “I was very proud of my team defender Marcos Rojo. and the fans were also very “Payet was more or less div- proud. I have seen a great match, ing,” added van Gaal. “He was an entertaining match. We are maybe touched but not enough still in three competitions and to fall like that. But there is al- I said to Wayne Rooney, Luke ways discussions about the deci- Shaw, Ashley Young that you can sions of the referee. still play the fi nal.” “The man has to decide within The injured trio will be fi t by one second. That is more diffi cult May but United—trailing Liver- than I can do. I have seen the vid- pool 2-0 from the fi rst leg of their eos. That is why I am in favour of Europa League last-16 tie and a fourth referee with the video.” sixth in the Premier League—still West Ham manager Slaven have a long way to go to try and Bilic, not surprisingly, defended win the FA Cup for the fi rst time his man and is looking forward to since 2004. a second chance to beat United in West Ham, whose last success what will be the last cup tie at the in the competition was in 1980, Hammers’ current ground before had won 10 of their previous 15 they move to the Olympic Sta- games to reach the last eight of dium in the summer.

IN SUPPORT Leicester title

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino with Harry Kane at the end of the game between Aston Villa andTottenham Hotspur at Villa Park. charge ‘defi es logic’,

AFP games to play. That is 24 points, a lot of big diff erence in games. His part in the Frenchman whose team are nine points London points, so anything can still happen in the fi rst goal was the key moment in the game short of safety. says Linekar race. because we had created so many oppor- “The fi rst one was a lack of concentra- “We showed good character and the tunities in the fi rst half.” tion, a lack of experience and we know auricio Pochettino is refus- team played very well, so it was good to Spurs must now try to overturn a that when we concede a goal currently, ing to give up on Tottenham’s recover this feeling after a few games that three-goal defi cit against Borussia Dort- we become a little fragile. hopes of clinching the Pre- were diffi cult. mund on Thursday in the Europa League “But I have to say the reaction of the mier League title after a 2-0 “When you play against a team fi ght- last 16. players and the attitude was right. The Mwin at seemingly doomed Aston Villa cut ing for survival, it can be very diffi cult. But their manager stressed: “This vic- evidence is that we could have drawn the gap on Leicester to just two points. But we showed the right energy, and the tory helps us to prepare for the next game right at the end with the chances we Spurs have played a game more than right mentality too.” on Thursday against . missed.” the shock leaders who welcome Rafael Pochettino hailed the contributions of We are down in the tie, but anything can He added: “This is not a dream, for Benitez’s Newcastle side on Monday. Kane and Alli after the two England play- happen in football, so we will try to turn sure, but it’s not a nightmare so far. In all But after seeing Harry Kane score ei- ers linked up so eff ectively to bring about it around.” diffi culties, we are still alive and we still ther side of half-time thanks to Dele Villa’s downfall. For Villa manager Remi Garde, it was a believe we can win enough games to be Alli’s creativity, the Tottenham manager “Harry had a lot of chances today, but familiar tale of gloom and despondency safe. promised Leicester a fi ght to the fi nish. he kept working hard for the team and as another defeat leaves them needing a “It gets harder to do with each defeat “It was very important to get the three showed why he is such a fantastic player,” miracle to survive now. and we have to improve in a lot of areas points for us to keep the pressure on said the Spurs boss. “Like every defeat, I think we conced- if we are to survive, but we will keep on Leicester,” admitted Pochettino. “Dele is a clever player and he has the ed two goals in the worst period that you fi ghting until it’s mathematically impos- “We are in a good position with eight awareness and quick thinking to make a could imagine before the game,” said the sible.” File picture of Leicester City manager .

AFP Nothing,” he added. SERIE A London When Leicester appointed Ranieri in succession to sacked manager Nigel Pearson before ormer Leicester striker the start of this season, Lineker Gary Lineker has said was unimpressed by the Italian’s the club’s push to win credentials. the Premier League this “I felt it was pretty uninspired Higuain hits 27th goal as Napoli seasonF “defi es logic” and put the choice. In his previous job he team on the threshold of “sport- managed a Greek National side ing immortality”. that lost to the Faroe Islands... Having only narrowly avoided Oh how wrong I was, how won- relegation from the lucrative derfully, spectacularly, blissfully keep tabs on leaders Juventus English top fl ight last season, the wrong.” Midlands club were 5,000/1 with Lineker, who has promised to AFP tify himself. Tonight he did well “Higuain doesn’t need to several British bookmakers to be present the BBC’s fl agship Match Palermo and was playing totally for the justify himself. Tonight he crowned champions this term. of the Day football programme team,” Sarri told Mediaset. did well and was playing Yet Claudio Ranieri’s men in his underwear if Leicester “I’m really happy with what totally for the team,” Sarri have defi ed those odds in spec- are crowned champions, added: onzalo Higuain struck we’ve done so far in this cam- told Mediaset tacular style and will have a fi ve- “What we are witnessing, should from the spot to claim paign. We’re three points behind point lead at the top of the table, Leicester go on to win the title, is his 27th Serie A goal Juventus, but if the Bianconeri as Lazio ended a three-game with just eight matches remain- quite possibly the most unlikely this season as Napoli keep on going the way they’re go- winless run with a 2-0 home ing, if they beat basement club triumph in the history of team Gmaintained their push for a fi rst ing there’s not much we can do.” win over Atalanta that left Ste- Newcastle on Monday. sport. ‘scudetto’ in 26 years with a Roma sit eight points behind fano Pioli’s men in eighth but 13 For ex-England international “A collection of individu- patchy 1-0 win at Palermo on Juve and fi ve behind Napoli but, points behind Inter in the Eu- Lineker, a lifelong Foxes fan, the als who couldn’t win a football Sunday. after Edin Dzeko and Alessan- ropa League spots. fact that Leicester, who’ve never match for love nor money a year A 1-0 win for Juventus over dro Florenzi struck in a 2-1 win AC Milan, meanwhile, look set won the English title, are leading ago have turned into an invin- Sassuolo on Friday meant the at Udinese, Luciano Spalletti’s to battle for one of the league’s the likes of bigger-spending ri- cible force...All beautifully held champions opened up a six- men have tightened their grip on two Europa League spots after a vals such as fourth-placed Man- together by the canny, inspira- point gap at the top days before third place. scoreless draw at Chievo left the chester City, Manchester United tional—yes, inspirational—Tink- a Champions League last 16 de- Fiorentina, one of three teams seven-time European champi- and reigning champions Chel- erman,” he said in a reference to cider at Bayern Munich. battling to fi nish among the top ons 11 points behind Roma. sea at this stage of the season, is the disparaging nickname Rani- But Napoli made sure the sus- three, were leading 1-0 against New Palermo coach Walter staggering. eri received during a brief spell in pense is maintained for yet an- Verona thanks to Mauro Zarate’s Novellino was installed only “Something extraordinary is charge of Chelsea. other week with a dominant but 40th minute opener only to set- last week after Giuseppe Iachini happening in the world of foot- “I don’t think I have ever cagey performance that was set- tle for a draw when Eros Pisano walked out following a disa- ball,” the 55-year-old Leicester- wanted something to happen tled by Higuain’s 23rd-minute headed home at the death. greement with owner Maurizio born Lineker, now a BBC televi- more in sport in my entire life. opener. The point moved Fiorentina Zamparini, who had recalled the sion football presenter, wrote in “The pressure will mount with Higuain and Lorenzo Insigne back up to fourth but La Viola Italian to the fray last month af- Monday’s Guardian newspaper. every passing week. With expec- both missed chances to wrap up are level on points (54) with In- ter sacking him in November. “Something that defi es logic. tation comes danger. They have, the points before the fi nal whis- ter Milan, who claimed a pre- Sarri added: “It wasn’t easy Something truly magical. Some- though, shown no fear thus far. tle, but coach Maurizio Sarri cious 2-1 win over Bologna on against Palermo because they thing that makes me well up with No sign of wavering under the said the Argentine does not de- Saturday. were determined to come emotion because this something magnitude of what they might serve criticism. SSC Napoli Gonzalo Higuain (L) celebrates after scoring during the Elsewhere Sunday, Miroslav bouncing back after everything is happening to my team. achieve. They are on the edge of “Higuain doesn’t need to jus- Serie A match aaginst Palermo. Klose struck a second-half brace that has happened this week.” “Nothing compares to this. sporting immortality.” Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, March 15, 2016 SPORT

NBA FOCUS Wild’s Coyle having breakout season with James scores 27 as help of ‘Dr. Shot’

By Michael Russo his fi rst of the season against Star Tribune (Minneapolis) the St. Louis Blues — they came off quick shots with no load. ith Charlie “Just a little twitch,” Coyle Cavs crush Clippers Coyle still sting- said. ing from Michal Said Tucker, “Everybody Neuvirth robbing wants to go bar down and ‘The guys had a great right rhythm and were able to knock them down’ Whim of a buzzer-beating tying score the highlight reel, but at goal in Philadelphia on Feb. 25 the end of the day, as long as with a sprawling paddle save, you’re raising your hands and DPA the Wild winger looked at his celebrating, that’s the main Los Angeles Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (R) celebrates phone and saw a text message thing.” with guard J.R. Smith during their NBA game against Los pop in from “Dr. Shot.” Tucker says in his extensive Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports “Get rid of the puck!!!” the history of coaching hockey he Cleveland Cavaliers text read. “You held onto it players, Coyle’s work ethic is wouldn’t allow an ex- too long. That’s why the goalie right up there with Tavares’ tended trip to Hollywood came across. If you didn’t hang approach as the most impres- distract them from their onto it, it would be in the net.” sive he has seen. Ttask at hand. Nobody cares about the Tucker’s facility is almost LeBron James scored 27 points split second like Glen Tucker an hour’s drive without Boston before sitting out the fourth does. A split second in hockey traffi c from where Coyle lives quarter, and the visiting Cava- can mean the diff erence be- in the off season. Coyle arrives liers used a long ball barrage to tween scoring and not. Tucker, a few times a week ... after he crush the LA Clippers 114-90 on Coyle’s off season shooting in- skates for two hours, after he Sunday. structor, teaches several spe- works out, after he does his The Cavs returned to Staples cialised techniques to get shots yoga and Pilates. Center and dominated the Clip- off lightning fast at his Shoot “He shoots probably 1,500, pers for their sixth win in seven to Score Academy in Waltham, 2,000 pucks without a break,” games following Thursday’s Mass. Tucker said. “I’m like, ‘Char- 12-point victory over the co- Tucker’s list of NHL clients lie, get some water or some- tenant Lakers. is impressive. He has worked thing because I need a break.’ “ “This is a business trip, we get with Islanders captain John Coyle stands 6-foot-3 and the opportunity to be in a great Tavares since he was 7 years weighs 220 pounds, so Dr. Shot city but at the end of the day we old and has worked with eve- altered Coyle’s sticks because know the main focus was to con- rybody from future Hall of “they were too wimpy. That’s tinue the momentum,” James Famer Jarome Iginla to Bru- why he was always breaking said. “So we came out and took ins stars Patrice Bergeron and sticks.” care of business.” Zdeno Chara to Rick Nash, He changed Coyle’s fl ex The Cavs tied a season best, P.K. Subban and Jack Eichel. from an 87 to a 95 to give him hitting 18-of-37 three-pointers Coyle works out in the sum- a stiff er shaft, changed his lie behind fi ve apiece from streaky- mers with Boston College star to get his heel closer to the ice shooting JR Smith and reserve Colin White, and White re- and softened up his blade. Channing Frye, while James ferred Coyle to Tucker a few Coyle also uses skills and added three. years ago. Coyle credits much skating coach Adam Nicholas “The ball was moving and we of his breakout, team-leading, out of Maine. made the extra passes,” James 21-goal season to work he does “He helps me get in posi- said. “The guys had a great right in the summer with Tucker. tion to receive those pucks and rhythm and were able to knock “He just knows the tech- gives me skating techniques in them down.” nique and works on shooting and out of corners,” Coyle said. Kyrie Irving and Smith had 17 from uncomfortable posi- “Those two guys have been points apiece while Frye added 15 tions,” Coyle said. “That’s huge for me.” for the Eastern Conference-best hockey. How many times do Both Nicholas and Tucker Cavs (47-18), who improved to you get the puck in the slot and send Coyle video throughout 3-0 on their current four-game you can cock it with perfect the season to refi ne things. road trip. form? It’s not a lot. So you’ve Tucker calls his videos, “Med- “After a slow start, we made got to be able to spring it from icine from Dr. Shot.” the adjustments and minus the anywhere as quick as you can. “If you don’t feel well, you fi rst four or fi ve minutes we “He calls it a twitch.” go to the doctor and get some played a solid game and did not In fact, Tucker developed medicine to feel better,” Tuck- look back,” said Cavs big man what he calls a twitch board er said, laughing. “Charlie and Kevin Love who fi nished with 12 — a 4-foot long, 1-foot wide I set a goal this year of 20 goals. points and nine rebounds. board that sits 4 inches off Then, from there, we’ll set the Cleveland fell behind 14-4 at Tucker’s synthetic ice. It won’t goal higher fi ve goals a year, the start before making a lineup allow a player to get “load” or and before you know it, he’ll be change and it worked. follow-through with his stick. hitting 30, 40 goals a season. The Cavs closed the quarter “He compares it like a plane “Congrats to him. He got to on a 17-5 run that snowballed taking off a ship’s runway,” 20. He’s worked his butt off to into a 30-6 blitz for a 37-23 lead Coyle said. “You only have get where he is, but I believe, midway through the second so much runway before the he’s a perennial 30-goal scor- quarter en route to a 58-41 half- successful stay in LA. RESULTS Hayward netted 27 and the vis- committing 12 of their 21 turno- plane’s going to fall into the er, I really do.” time cushion led by 17 James “We’re getting into form right iting Jazz (31-35) sent the sliding vers resulting in 17 Bucks points ocean. So if the puck’s in front points. now,” James said. Cleveland 114 LA Clippers 90 kidding Kings to a fi fth straight in the pivotal 31-21 fourth quar- and guy’s stick is right there, “We went small and it opened “We’ve got a great rotation Atlanta 104 Indiana 75 loss. Marcus Cousins topped ter. you can’t cock it back and get the game open for us,” Cavs going, the guys are healthy and Utah 108 Sacramento 99 Sacramento (25-40), with 31 New York Knicks 90, LA the shot off . You just rip it.” coach Tyronn Lue said. we’re just trying to play the right Milwaukee 109 Brooklyn 100 points and 10 rebounds after Lakers 87: Spaniard Jose Cal- Sportsnet Insider Elliotte The Cavs knocked down 8-of- way.” NY Knicks 90 LA Lakers 87 serving Friday’s one-game team deron nailed the game-winning Friedman showed video of 11 from behind the arc in the JJ Redick fi red in 19 points, suspension. 3-pointer with two tenths of a Coyle working with Tucker third quarter, with Smith bury- while Chris Paul had 17 and 10 Milwaukee Bucks 109, second left, lifting the visiting on Saturday’s “Hockey Night ing fi ve of his six, as the gap grew assists to pace the Clippers (42- Horford and Paul Millsap scored Brooklyn Nets 100: “Greek Knicks over Lakers. Carmelo in Canada” Wild-Canadiens to 91-68 heading into the fi nal 23), who were dealt their most 18 points apiece, and the Hawks Freak” Giannis Antetokounmpo Anthony had 26 points with 12 telecast. period. lopsided loss of the season. (38-29) went on a game-break- had 28 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds while Calderon net- Coyle, 24, has surpassed his “We have a thing now,” Love “We should have more pride at ing 30-5 run in the fi nal seven rebounds for his fourth career ted just nine, as New York (28- career high of 12 goals in 2013- said of the 3-point spree. “If you home,” said Clippers centre De- minutes of the third quarter, triple-double - all in the last 11 40), who moved to 2-2 on its 14 by nine goals this season have any air space and that shot Andre Jordan, after an 11-point, to soar past the visiting Pacers games - and the visiting Bucks six-game road trip. Lou Wil- with 13 games to play. He says is there, you’re taking it.” 11-rebound eff ort. “We started (35-21) for their fi fth win in six (29-38) closed on a 25-9 run liams netted 15 points, and Kobe if you look back to many of his With James done for the night, the game great but there was no games. to clip the Nets for their third Bryant added 14 for the Lak- goals this season — not some the “King” turned cheerleader, fi ght once they punched back.” Utah Jazz 108, Sacramento straight win. Brook Lopez scored ers (14-53), who rallied from 16 of the slippery smooth dangles dancing and jumping around on Elsewhere: Atlanta Hawks Kings 99: Derrick Favors had 28 20 for the Nets (18-48), who lost down before their two-game win he has scored off , but some of the bench as the Cavs capped a 104, Indiana Pacers 75: Al points and 14 rebounds, Gordon a fourth consecutive game after streak ended. the tight-area goals including

NHL Red Wings edged by lowly Maple Leafs 1-0

By Carlos Monarrez RESULTS well and got off three shots. Detroit Free Press The Maple Leafs almost Pittsburgh 5 NY Rangers 3 kicked off the scoring at 12:58 Tampa Bay 4 Columbus 0 of the fi rst period. As they skat- ne day after the De- Toronto 1 Detroit 0 ed into the zone, Zach Hyman troit Red Wings put snapped off a shot from the slot. together an impressive Mrazek defl ected the shot but performance against when DeKeyser’s pass at the right at Ben Smith, who used his theO New York Rangers, they were Leafs’ blue line was defl ected. shoulder to illegally bat the puck stymied against the NHL’s worst Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau got back past Mrazek. The goal was team. the puck and threaded a beau- immediately waved off . The Wings had their chances tiful pass that sprung a streak- Darren Helm, who scored but failed to get any of their 38 ing Grabner.Wings coach Jeff twice in Saturday’s 3-2 overtime shots past Toronto Maple Leafs Blashill gave Mrazek the start on win over the Rangers, did not goaltender Jonathan Bernier in consecutive days based on the play because of the fl u. Sunday night’s 1-0 loss to the lack of travel and Mrazek’s hot The Wings had a slight scare Maple Leafs at Joe Louis Arena. streak over the past two games. when Pavel Datsyuk went down After a scoreless fi rst period, Mrazek rewarded Blashill at the end of the fi rst period. He the Leafs (23-34-11) took a 1-0 early in the fi rst period when was listed as having an upper- lead with 29.5 seconds left in the he stopped Nazem Kadri on a body injury was listed as ques- second period. breakaway off a great outlet pass. tionable to return. Shortly after the Wings’ pow- Kadri deked to Mrazek’s left, but Datsyuk, fourth on the team er play expired, Michael Grab- the goalie slapped down his pad with 38 points, returned late in ner darted in on Petr Mrazek on and stoned the shot. the second period and played on a breakaway. Danny DeKeyser Mrazek made 26 saves. the fi nal power play of the pe- trailed closely and was able to The Wings (34-24-11) strug- riod.Datsyuk appeared to suff er pulled down Grabner just as he gled again on the power play. the injury when he got tangled approached Mrazek. Grabner They managed only one shot on along the boards with Kadri and and the puck went sliding past their fi rst two power plays. In Leo Komarov. All three players Mrazek and into the net.After the third period, they did better. spilled to the ice. As Datsyuk fell review, the goal was verifi ed. With Peter Holland off for hook- over Kadri, Komarov fell forward Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Jonathan Bernier receives congratulations from teammates after the game against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Grabner was able to break free ing, the Wings moved the puck and on top of Datsyuk’s back. Louis Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times Tuesday, March 15, 2016 9 SPORT

FOOTBALL RUGBY New Zealand down South Africa to win Fourth Workers Cup Vancouver Sevens

AFP Vancouver

ew Zealand grabbed their third Rugby World Sevens to kick off on Friday Series win of the season on Sunday, powering past South Africa 19-14 to win the inaugural Vancouver Sev- ens. ‘We’re delighted that this year’s tournament has been expanded from 16 to 24 teams’ NNew Zealand added another title to those won in Wellington and Sydney, bouncing back after a quarter-fi nal exit last week in Las Vegas. By Sports Reporter “We struggled last week in Vegas with the new team, getting our Doha combinations together but this week we really wanted to go better and I am just so pleased we won the fi nal because it has been a hard week,” said captain Tim Mikkelson. he fourth edition of the “We let ourselves down last week and dropped down the table Workers Cup will kick and we really wanted to fi nish strong in this tournament,” he said. off at Qatar Sports Club South Africa struck fi rst, with Rosko Specman speeding through on March 18. for a try despite the fact that it appeared had managed TOrganised by the Qatar Stars to hold him. League (QSL) and sponsored by New Zealand’s answer came without delay as the Supreme Committee for De- found Sam Dickson out wide for a try and delivered livery & Legacy (SC), the seven- the conversion. week Workers Cup tournament It was Dickson who won the restart, fi nding Baker for another aims to demonstrate the power converted try that saw New Zealand up 14-7 at the half. of football by uniting Qatar’s New Zealand stretched the lead to 19-7 with a try by Lewis football community and off er- Ormond after the break, and a late try by Seabelo Senatla wasn’t ing an opportunity for work- enough for South Africa. ers involved in building 2022 “It was a tough tournament, six real hard games, and I think FIFA World Cup infrastructure every game came down to the last whistle and the boys showed a chance to take part in a high- some heart,” Dickson said. profi le event. Australia rallied to shock Fiji 19-12 in the bronze medal playoff . Twenty-four teams are com- John Porch ran in two tries in the second half, Quade Cooper peting in this year’s expanded converting one as Australia avenged their defeat by the reigning tournament, which will con- series champions in the fi nal in Las Vegas. clude with a showpiece fi nal on Fiji had lost Kitione Taliga to a fi rst-minute yellow card but be- May 6 at Qatar Sports Club. ing a man down didn’t prevent them from scoring the opening try The draw for the tournament through Masivesi Dakuwaqa. took place at Al Bidda Tower Emosi Mulevoro added another try before Australia answered yesterday. through Stephen van der Walt, who raced over to make it 12-7 at Ahmed al-Arami, QSL Execu- Qatar Stars League executive director of competitions Ahmed al-Arami (R) and Supreme Committee for & Legacy manager of the interval and set the stage for the comeback. tive Director of Competitions, community events Khalid al-Jumaily during the launch of the Fourth Workers Cup football tournament yesterday. PICTURES: Mamdouh Fiji were sent into the third-place match by South Africa, who said: “The Workers Cup is fast notched a convincing 31-19 semi-fi nal victory. becoming a highlight of the Qa- A pair of rapid-fi re tries from sealed New Zealand’s tari sporting calendar and we’re 28-19 semi-fi nal win over Australia. delighted that this year’s tour- The Sevens World Series, in the spotlight this year thanks to nament has been expanded from rugby’s return to the at Rio in August, now heads 16 to 24 teams. to Hong Kong April 8-10, with tournaments to follow in Singapore, “The energy and passion Paris and London. shown by the players over the Fiji maintained their lead in the standings with 106 points, just last three years has been remark- one point in front of South Africa with New Zealand one further able. They clearly love taking point back in third. part and being involved in the football community.” Only Grand Slam will do for Jones’s England “Football is for everyone – it has the power to unite and in- England may have won their first Six Nations title in five years last spire. This tournament forms weekend but that will count for little with new coach Eddie Jones an important part of our man- if they fail to complete a Grand Slam against France in Paris on date to continually build Qa- Saturday. Jones succeeded where predecessor Stuart Lancas- tar’s football culture, and we are ter—sacked after England’s first-round exit at last year’s World Cup proud to host it. It’s essential followed four successive runners-up finishes in the Six Nations— we give something back to our failed by guiding the Red Rose to Europe’s premier international community, especially to those rugby union title at his first attempt. England’s 25-21 win over who are playing a pivotal role in Wales at Twickenham on Saturday gave their Australian boss a developing our country’s infra- perfect four from four record, while Scotland’s 29-18 defeat of structure.” France at Murrayfield 24 hours later ensured they secured the title Seven teams involved in the with a round to spare. For all their financial muscle and playing tournament are SC contractors: resources, England have not completed a Grand Slam since their G4S, Aamal, Al Asmakh Facili- World Cup-winning year of 2003, when Jones was in charge of ties Management, BOTC Qatar, beaten finalists Australia, and only victory at the Stade de France Galfar Al Misnad Qatar, Midmac will satisfy their current coach. “We want to achieve the Grand Contracting and Nakheel Land- Slam and we haven’t done that yet,” said Jones, who enhanced his scapes. tournament which promotes of the players involved in the to ensuring their health, safety, mac Contracting will be the reputation at last year’s World Cup by guiding Japan to a shock Khalid al-Jumaily, SC Man- unity and the power of football.” Workers Cup are the ones build- well-being and dignity, while team to beat this year after they win over rugby giants South Africa. Reflecting on England’s imme- ager of Community Events, said: “It’s important we support the ing the stadiums and infrastruc- encouraging their competitive defeated Outlook Trading on diate post-match reaction to surviving a late Welsh rally after his “The SC is committed to sup- people who are helping us deliver ture which the whole world will spirit in the best possible way.” penalties in last year’s fi nal at team had enjoyed a comfortable 25-7 lead until the final minutes. porting the Workers Cup – a the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Many see in 2022. We are committed Defending champions Mid- Gharafa Stadium.

QATAR INTERNATIONAL TAEKWONDO OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

Qatar’ continued to win medals in the 2nd Qatar International Taekwondo Open Championship. The four-day event, which started on March 12, saw the hosts winning 37 medals on the opening day while an additional 41 were added to the tally on the second day. Over 400 athletes from 30 countries are taking part in the championship which is being held at the Aspire Zone Ladies’ Sports Hall in Doha. On Sunday, Qatar made a complete domination of the cadet men’s -61kg category as the country’s representatives, Amr Moustafa, Youssef Elkasabgy and Alexandre Saillant won the gold, silver and bronze, respectively. The Qatari athletes also had a strong showing in the junior women’s +63kg with Myar Mukthar narrowly losing the gold to Tunisia’s Ameni Layouni while in the cadet men’s -53kg, Ojan al-Khayaren and Mohamed Reda Khir won the silver and bronze respectively. PICTURES: JAYARAM Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, March 15, 2016 SPORT

VALSPAR GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP HORSE RACING

Cheltenham Schwartzel outlasts awaits new Haas to win PGA title champions AFP shot Un De Sceaux, who stamped Cheltenham, England his claim when trouncing former champion Sire De Grugy at As- Haas and Schwartzel each finished 72 holes on seven-under par 277 cot in January. Thursday’s World his week’s Cheltenham Hurdle looks at the mercy of AFP Festival will crown two Thistlecrack but whatever his Palm Harbor, Florida Charl Schwartzel of South Africa poses with the new champions, hails fate trainer Colin Tizzard’s heart trophy after winning the Valspar Championship the return of a superstar, will be pumping quicker than the Tand sees cycling queen Victoria milk machines back at his West at Innisbrook Resort Copperhead Course outh African Charl Schwart- in Palm Harbor, Florida on Sunday. (AFP) Pendleton competing at National Country dairy farm 24 hours zel, the 2011 Masters champion, Hunt’s Olympics months after later. parred the fi rst playoff hole on learning to ride. The popular farmer-cum- Sunday to defeat American Bill With injury depriving the bril- trainer sends out Cue Card - one HaasS and capture the US PGA Valspar liant Faugheen from defending of the aces in a Gold Cup fi eld Championship. his Champion Hurdle crown, robbed of injured defending Schwartzel won his 15th profes- today’s opening day show- champion Coneygree. Cue Card sional title worldwide, his first since case is there for the taking. But cemented his standing as one of last month’s European Tour Tshwane such is the strength in depth of the top chasers in the business Open and his first in a US event since Faugheen’s trainer Willie Mullins in the King George VI Chase at he birdied the last four holes at Augusta the Irish training phenomenon Kempton. National to win his first major title five still saddles two of the top three He is in line for a £1 million years ago. in the betting. ($1.44m) bonus should he scale Haas was right of a cart path with his Heading the market is his the chasing tree after wins at tee shot on the fi rst playoff hole, the par- gutsy mare Annie Power, gener- Kempton and Haydock. Among 4 18th, and found a bunker with his sec- ally on off er at 2-1. She was sup- those out to stop him is Mullins’ ond shot while Schwartzel landed his ball plemented after advertising her Vautour, a brilliant Festival win- in the middle of the green. well-being in a Punchestown ner 12 months ago but for whom Haas, 33, blasted out to 25 feet with his prep. A winner of 13 of her 15 stamina is a question mark af- third shot while Schwartzel, 31, left his races Annie Power was primed to ter Cue Card pipped him in the birdie putt two feet short. Haas tapped in win at last year’s Festival only to shadow of the post in the King for bogey but Schwartzel tapped in for par come a cropper at the fi nal fl ight George over a shorter distance. and the triumph. in the mares hurdle. Mullins, who has never won a Schwartzel made the greatest last-day Mullins, who sent out a record Gold Cup, also has Don Poli, like rally to win in tournament history, one eight Festival winners in 2015, Vautour chasing a Festival hat- better than the four-stroke comeback of also saddles Nichols Canyon, trick and Djakadam, runner-up Australian John Senden in the 2014 fi nal who had second favourite Iden- to Coneygree last year. round. tity Thief two lengths back when The Gordon Elliott-trained Haas and Schwartzel each fi nished 72 winning at Leopardstown in De- Don Cossack, travelling omi- holes at the Innisbrook resort’s Copper- cember. British hopes are carried nously well when a penultimate- head course on seven-under par 277 after chiefl y by The New One. Trainer fence faller in the King George, is 54-hole leader Haas shot a 72. Nigel Twiston-Davis is hoping another with a huge chance. Schwartzel birdied three of the last six it’s a case of third time lucky. Half an hour after the Gold holes in regulation to fi re a four-under Tomorrows sees equine great- Cup, double London 2012 Olym- par 67, the day’s low round. He missed by ness grace Prestbury Park in the pic cycling gold medallist Pend- inches on a 40-foot birdie putt at 18. shape of returning hero Sprinter leton, who had never sat on a “That was a really good round,” Sacre. Nicky Henderson’s im- horse this time last year, aims to Schwartzel said. “I think everyone’s goal posing charge routed his rivals to add a remarkable chapter to her was just to keep bogeys off the card. You land the 2013 Champion Chase. career by lining up in the ama- were just surviving. It was just really An irregular heart beat put his teur Gold Cup - the Foxhunt- tough.” career in jeopardy for a season. ers Chase. She told London’s American Ryan Moore, who parred He made a comeback last year, Evening Standard that her mo- the last 12 holes, was third on 279 with only to disappoint when pulling tivation for accepting the chal- 22-year-old amateur Lee McCoy, the up behind Dodging Bullets. This lenge was not money, but a fresh playing partner of world number one term though, on the evidence of challenge. In stark contrast to Jordan Spieth on Sunday, fourth on 280. two emphatic victories, the old conditions Pendleton experi- Spieth, the reigning US Open and Mas- swagger is back. enced at the 2012 Lee Valley Vel- ters champion, faded quickly out of con- He is a best-priced third fa- oPark, the going at Cheltenham tention. He took a bogey at the second, vourite behind Mullins’ odds-on is forecast as soft in places. birdied the par-5 fi fth, but made double bogey at the par-3 eighth and a bogey at 11 to doom his title bid, shooting a 73 to share 18th on 284. McCoy, whose boyhood home was near the fi rst tee, sank a 28-foot birdie at the 12th and a tap-in birdie at the par-5 14th on the way to a 69 to fi nish on 280, be- coming only the fi fth top-fi ve amateur fi nisher in a PGA event since the tour’s last amateur winner, Phil Mickelson in 1991 at Tucson. “Surreal to say the least,” McCoy said. “I’ve just always dreamed of getting a tee time here. To be in contention playing perfect”—to pull within a stroke but a LEADING FINAL ROUND SCORES 72, Retief Goosen (RSA) 70-69-72-72, Henrik with the number one player in the world tap-in birdie by Haas at 11 boosted the x-wins at first playoff hole; USA unless Stenson (SWE) 71-70-70-72, Jason Gore 72-72- was just unbelievable. I had to pinch my- American’s edge and an 11-foot Haas stated, par 71, a-denotes amateur 67-72, Charley Hoff man 69-72-67-75 self several times.” birdie putt at the 12th stretched his lead 277 - x-Charl Schwartzel (RSA) 71-70-69-67, 284 - Brett Stegmaier 71-72-73-68, Justin Haas led at eight-under when the day to three strokes. Bill Haas 71-67-67-72 Leonard 72-72-71-69, Justin Thomas 72-67-72- began and sank an 18-foot birdie putt at But Schwartzel sank a seven-foot bird- 279 - Ryan Moore 70-69-69-71 73, Jordan Spieth 76-68-67-73 the second. He stumbled with bogeys at ie putt at the par-5 14th to close within 280 - Lee McCoy-a 74-71-66-69 285 - Jonas Blixt (SWE) 70-73-74-68, Chez the third and par-3 fourth and found a two again, and added a 24-foot birdie 281 - Charles Howell 67-72-70-72, Graham Reavie 69-75-73-68, Jason Dufner 72-71-72- greenside bunker on his way to a bogey at putt at the par-3 17th to move within one DeLaet (CAN) 72-66-68-75 70, Luke Donald (ENG) 75-69-71-70, Greg the ninth, making the turn at six-under stroke. 282 - Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) 72-70-70-70, Yates 69-73-72-71, Kevin Na 74-68-72-71, just one ahead of Moore with fi ve others Haas sank a testy nine-foot par putt at Scott Brown 70-69-72-71, Steve Stricker 71- Daniel Summerhays 71-73-69-72, Danny only two adrift. the par-3 15th to stay in front but found 66-72-73, Patrick Reed 71-70-68-73 Willett (ENG) 70-72-71-72, Sam Saunders 74- Schwartzel sank a 64-foot birdie putt a bunker at 16 and missed a 10-foot par 283 - Matt Kuchar 71-70-74-68, George 71-68-72, Kang Sung (KOR) 72-68-72-73, John at the par-3 13th—saying, “that was just putt, falling into a tie with Schwartzel. McNeill 74-66-73-70, Daniel Berger 70-68-73- Huh 71-71-69-74 Horses arrive at gallops ahead of the Cheltenham Festival. (Reuters)

QATAR INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN HORSE SHOW

Al Shaqab stallion Hariry Al Shaqab was adjudged the champion in the Senior Stallions category on the final day of the Qatar Equestrian Federation president Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah (left) presents the winner’s trophy after Qatar International Arabian Horse Show at Al Shaqab Arena. Between Al Shaqab and Al Thumama Stud, Qatar picked up five Al Thumama Stud’s Belladonna AT amassed 25 points to win the Yearling Fillies Championship ahead of Loulou Al out of six gold medals. PICTURES: Juhaim Nasser of Qatar’s Al Nasser Stud. Gulf Times Tuesday, March 15, 2016 11 SPORT

TENNIS Djokovic and Nadal tested in Indian Wells, Serena strolls Defending two-time champ Djokovic is seeking to become the first player in tournament history to claim five titles

AFP Indian Wells

orld number ones Novak Djokovic and Serena Wil- liams had to dig deep at Indian Wells on Sunday to Wfend off a pair of unheralded but spirit- ed opponents. Williams stepped up her bid for her fi rst Indian Wells title in 15 years with a straight-set 7-6 (7/2), 6-0 victory over 56th-ranked Yulia Putint- seva. Djokovic dropped the fi rst set before coming from behind to book his third-round spot in the ATP and WTA hardcourt tournament with a 2-6, 6-1, 6-2 victory over 149th-ranked qualifi er Bjorn Fratangelo. In the evening session, reigning champion Simona Halep steamrolled Ekaterina Makarova 6-2, 6-4 to get her title defence off to a fl ying start. The two-time Indian Wells champion Wil- liams had a diffi cult time with Putint- seva in the opening set but then steam- rolled through the second to wrap up the win in one hour, 15 minutes. “The fi rst set was a little tricky, then I had to fi nd my inner tiger... and roar,” said Williams, who booked a fourth- round clash with Kateryna Bondar- enko. Williams has a chance to become the fi rst three-time winner in women’s singles at Indian Wells, a feat she failed to achieve last year when she was forced to withdraw from her semi-fi nal with a knee injury. Williams, who won the event in 1999 and 2001, returned to the tournament last year, ending a 14-year boycott which began after she beat Kim Clijsters in the 2001 fi nal. That year spectators at Indian Wells booed Williams during the fi nal and jeered her sister, Venus, and father Richard Williams when the pair arrived to watch the match. Rich- ard Williams alleges that racists com- ments were directed at them. World number one Novak Djokovic of As the top seed and a 21 Grand Slam Serbia hits a forehand shot during his win champion, Williams is the clear fa- over Bjorn Fratangelo of USA at the BNP vourite this week. And her quest was Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis boosted with the early elimination of Garden in Indian Wells, California. (AFP) two of the top fi ve seeds in the women’s draw, Angelique Kerber and Garbine Muguruza. Although Williams got off to a poor start on Sunday, she closed out the contest in style with an ace on match point. “I was just trying to fi nd my rhythm out there, trying my best to not get off to a slow start,” she said. fully the next one will be better.” head-to-head meetings, with Djokovic stopped Thiemo de Bakker 7-6 (7/5), 6-2, 6-2 Roberto Bautista (ESP x14) bt x9) bt Andreas Seppi (ITA) 7-6 (7/1), 6-4 “Just trying to fi ght.” After the victory in diffi cult, windy owning a 24-23 edge. 6-4. Elsewhere in women’s action, Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) walkover Dominic Steve Johnson (USA x30) bt John Millman The defending two-time men’s conditions, Djokovic next faces Ger- Japanese star Kei Nishikori eased into world number three Agnieszka Rad- Thiem (AUT) bt Jozef Kovalik (SVK) 7-6 (AUS) 6-4, 6-2 champ Djokovic has now won 12 con- man Philipp Kohlschreiber who swept the third round with a 6-3, 6-3 win over wanska breezed past ’s Monica (7/4), 7-6 (7/3) Jack Sock (USA x21) bt Women’s third round: Serena Williams secutive matches in Indian Wells and past Denis Kudla 6-0, 6-1. “Today Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Kukushkin. The Niculescu 6-2, 6-1 to reach the fourth Michael Berrer (GER) 6-2, 6-4 Sam Querrey (USA x1) bt Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) 7-6 is seeking to become the fi rst player in is one of those days where you don’t 26-year-old Nishikori, seeded fi fth in round. Last year’s runner-up Jelena (USA x31) bt Thiemo de Bakker (NED) 7-6 (7/2), 6-0 Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) bt tournament history to claim fi ve titles. feel the ball well,” Djokovic said. “You his eighth appearance in Indian Wells, Jankovic crushed CoCo Vandeweghe (7/5), 6-4 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA x7) bt Lesia Tsurenko (UKR) 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (9/7) Djokovic won 78 percent of his fi rst know, swirly conditions.” has never made it past the fourth round 6-0, 6-1 and Czech Petra Kvitova de- Vincent Millot (FRA) 7-5, 6-1 Rafael Nadal Agnieszka Radwanska (POL x3) bt Monica serve points, made three double faults World number fi ve Rafael Nadal lost in the California desert. “It is not easy feated Swede Johanna Larsson 6-3, (ESP x4) bt Gilles Muller (LUX) 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 Niculescu (ROM x32) 6-2, 6-1 Nicole Gibbs and had his serve broken three times the fi rst set but bounced back to subdue playing the fi rst match of any tourna- 4-6, 7-5. Fernando Verdasco (ESP) bt Martin Klizan (USA) bt Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) 6-0, including twice in the fi rst three games. Gilles Muller 6-2, 2-6, 6-4. Nadal, the ment,” Nishikori said. “But I felt com- RESULTS (SVK x25) 5-3 retired Alexander Zverev 6-4 Petra Kvitova (CZE x8) bt Johanna He returned the favour in the decid- former three-time Indian Wells cham- fortable today. So I hope I can go further (x denotes seeded player): (GER) bt Grigor Dimitrov (BUL x23) 6-4, Larsson (SWE) 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 Barbora ing third set by breaking Fratangelo in pion, moves on to face fellow Spaniard than the last couple of years.” Men’s second round: Novak Djokovic 3-6, 7-5 Adrian Mannarino (FRA) bt Benoit Zahlavova Strycova (CZE) bt Kurumi Nara games one, fi ve and seven. “All in all, Fernando Verdasco in the third round. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga defeated French (SRB x1) bt Bjorn Fratangelo (USA) 2-6, Paire (FRA x19) 6-1, 6-3 Gilles Simon (FRA (JPN) 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 Simona Halep (ROM it was just not a great performance,” The draw sets up a possible semi- compatriot Vincent Millot 7-5, 6-1; 6-1, 6-2 Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER x27) bt x16) bt Vasek Pospisil (CAN) 1-6, 6-0, 6-1 x5) bt Ekaterina Makarova (RUS x30) 6-2, Djokovic said. “But you have to deal fi nal showdown between Djokovic and Dominic Thiem beat Jozef Kovalik Denis Kudla (USA) 6-0, 6-1 Feliciano Lopez Kei Nishikori (JPN x5) bt Mikhail 6-4 Jelena Jankovic (SRB x19) bt Coco with it, accept it. A win is a win. Hope- Nadal. They’re nearly even in their 47 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/3); and Sam Querrey (ESP x18) bt Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) Kukushkin (KAZ) 6-3, 6-3 John Isner (USA Vandeweghe (USA) 6-0, 6-1

NADAL PLANS TO SUE FRANCE’S CYCLING EX-SPORTS MINISTER Thomas developing into next Indian Wells: Rafael Nadal (right) stepped up to face fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco in his attack Sunday on those who label him a the hardcourt tournament, one of the biggest drugs cheat, threatening to sue the French ex- events on the ATP Tour calendar outside of the sports minister who said the Spanish tennis star four Grand Slams. Team Sky rider failed a drug test. The draw sets up a possible semi-final Nadal said he is seeking “justice” and will showdown between world number one Novak Reuters Thomas has been following a path have his day in court to silence critics like Djokovic and Nadal. They’re nearly even in their Paris similar to Wiggins’s, starting his career former French minister Roselyne Bachelot. 47 head-to-head meetings, with Djokovic own- on the track, with both men clinching “I am gonna sue her, and I gonna sue every- ing a 24-23 edge. the team pursuit Olympic title in Bei- one who gonna comment something similar eraint Thomas secured his jing in 2008. He fi nished his fi rst Tour in the future, because I am tired of that,” Nadal biggest road victory in the de France in 2007 in 140th position— said Sunday night at the Indian Wells hardcourt Paris-Nice race on Sunday but out of 141 fi nishers. tournament. there could be much more to But Team Sky, which he joined in Gcome for the Briton who is developing 2010, started his transformation into a Bachelot, who served as sports minister be- tween 2007 and 2010, has said that Nadal faked into another Team Sky-shaped grand one-say classic rider although several an injury in 2012, when he missed the final six tour champion. The Welshman, who coaches and sports directors lauded his months of the season due to knee problems, in like Bradley Wiggins made his name on ‘huge engine’, hinting he had the quali- order to hide a positive drug test. the track, showed his improving climb- ties to become a grand tour rider. The 14-time Grand Slam champion first told ing ability at last year’s Tour when he The development started last sea- AFP on Saturday night that he was going to fi nished 15th overall after riding mainly son when Thomas lost considerable seek “justice” and use the courts to put a stop to help team leader . weight—at least eight kilos—and the to speculation he ever used performance-en- In the week-long Paris-Nice race, all-rounder now believes he could hancing drugs. “I am tired about these things. I he beat seven-times grand tour winner mount a Tour challenge in two years, let it go a few times in the past. No more,” Nadal Alberto Contador by four seconds af- just before Froome’s contract with said, adding that he expected better of person ter surviving the Spaniard’s onslaught Team Sky comes to an end. who was “minister of a big country and a great in the fi nal hilly stage, showing great “I’m happy where I am at the mo- country like France.” composure and resilience. ment,” the 29-year-old said. “This year, Nadal has never failed a drug test in his many He still has a lot to learn to become next year I’m really going to learn what years on the ATP Tour and has always vehe- the third Briton to win the world’s it is about, leading a team. I’m like a mently denied ever using a banned substance. greatest race, however, after Wiggins in sponge, soaking up as much as I can.” Nadal said he had been reluctant to take people 2012 and Froome in 2013 and 2015. “Even if he’s attached to the clas- who accused him of using illegal drugs to court “One step at a time,” said Thomas, sics, he’s been yearning for something in the past, but has now changed his mind. who also won the week-long Tour of else since last year,” Team Sky sports Nadal, the world number five, beat Gilles Algarve last month. “This year is all director Nicolas Portal said. So instead Muller 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 in the second round at about one-week races. I think riding of trying to win Paris-Roubaix, the Indian Wells on Sunday. Nadal, the former with Froomey, living (on the French ‘Queen of the Classics’ in April, Tho- three-time Indian Wells champion, moves on Riviera) near him, I learnt a hell of a lot. mas will be in Tenerife attending a Sky His record speaks for itself.” training camp. British rider . (AFP) Tuesday, March 15, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT SC’s Youth Panelists show passion and commitment towards Qatar ’22 The youngsters' commitment towards the local football club symbolises their connect with the larger community

ne of the poignant moments that cap- tured the success of the inaugural year of the Supreme Committee for Deliv- ery & Legacy’s (SC) Youth Panel came atO the end of Thursday’s graduation ceremony. The 18-year-old Abdulla al-Hor, one of the 35 graduates of the Class of 2015, hardly batted an eyelid while answering the question that www. sc.qa put before him – should there be a broad- cast programming clash involving matches of the two club teams he supported, Al Sadd and Liverpool, which game would he choose? “Al Sadd of course,” the response was fi red in. Such is Abdulla’s passion and commitment to- wards local football that the fi ve-time European champions stood no chance. The youngster’s commitment towards the lo- cal football club symbolises his connect with the larger community. An initiative of the Community Engagement department of the SC aimed at giving a voice to the youth of Qatar in the delivery and legacy planning of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, the Youth Panel is indeed destined to be a resound- ing success in the hands of Abdulla and many more such committed youngsters. An initiative of the Community Engagement department of the SC aimed at giving a voice to the youth of Qatar in the delivery and legacy planning of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, the Youth Panel In the years leading to 2022, the Youth Panel is destined to be a resounding success in the hands of committed youngsters. members and alumni will help enhance aware- ness of the social and human legacy oriented because of western media reporting. I would like dent at the Park House English School, says the programmes being delivered by the SC as part of to spread the word among the youth there that biggest benefi t of the Youth Panel was that it its preparations towards hosting the 2022 FIFA Qatar is not what they have read about. helped to get her out of her comfort zone for the World Cup, the fi rst ever tournament in the "The Youth Panel experience was a huge eye fi rst time. Middle East and the second in Asia. opener for me in this regard – I was able to learn “The last year has been a great journey of fun- In the case of Abdulla, a fi rst year communi- a lot about the country by visiting local com- fi lled discovery and I will cherish it. I have been cations student at Northwestern University, the munities and talking to decision makers. I hope making productive use of my experiences by desire to make a diff erence for his country lies in to encourage the youth in Germany to come and talking about them to friends in Qatar. the fi eld in which he hopes to be a professional in visit Qatar in person and fi nd out for themselves "And when I visit India on vacation there is the future – the media. about this wonderful country,” she said. a great deal of interest about Qatar hosting the “I am an aspiring fi lmmaker and am inter- Vivien — an eleventh grade student at the 2022 World Cup and me being part of it. Like ested in the wider media scene. The unique ac- Middle East International School who hopes to many Indians I support Brazil and if I am not cess I have enjoyed as a Youth Panel member has specialise in politics and international relations in Qatar in 2022, I will defi nitely come back to enabled me to fi nd out that the reporting in the — is a die-hard fan of Mario Gotze, who scored watch the Selecao hopefully adding to their sil- western media about Qatar is one dimensional the winner for Germany in the fi nal of the 2014 verware. I am sure many of my Indian friends and far from accurate. I would like to work with World Cup. She is excited at the thought of Qa- will be here as well.” local communities and tell their stories to wider tar hosting the 2022 World Cup. “I will defi nite- Despite being a Real Madrid supporter and regional and global audiences.” ly be here before the tournament and through- a die-hard fan, Tehreem’s Vivien Fakhoury – a 17-year-old Lebanese- out the event,” she said. standout moment was the meeting the Youth German who has lived in Qatar since 2006 Tehreem Raza, 18, also envisages a youth am- Panel members had with Barcelona and Spain – foresees a bigger role for herself as a youth bassadorial role whether she is based in Doha legend Xavi. “He is such a legend and yet so ambassador in the land of her birth – four-time – where she has lived for the last 11 years – or humble. For a brief while I forgot that I was a World Cup winners Germany. “There has been India, the country of her birth. The aspiring Real fan,” she signed off with a smile. a negative perception in Germany about Qatar management professional, currently a stu- www.sc.qa

L’Arc moves RUGBY to Chantilly as Longchamp to Clubs, offi cials take stock of Sevens tournament get makeover By Sports Reporter players to choose from, the Falcons captain Barat Doha said playing in the domestic sevens championship Paris: The next edition of the is a good opportunity for his players. prestigious Qatar Prix de l’Arc “We have a team playing 15s rugby already and de Triomphe horse race will he Qatar Rugby Federation offi cials and now the sevens team. That translates into around take place in Chantilly and not team captains and coaches met at the 50 French players participating in the sport which Longchamp on October 2 as the Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters is a great thing for us. We enjoy playing rugby in famous Paris racetrack gets a yesterday to review the Qatar Rugby Sev- Qatar. The federation has been very supportive. Tens season so far. And we are representing the French people in this makeover. Longchamp will be closed Among those present on the occasion were sport, which is a great thing for us,” Barat said. until September 2017, with Ed- QRF general secretary Ali al-Malki, QRF senior DRFC Hurricanes, who are third in the stand- ouard de Rothschild, president co-ordinator Samuel Rico, and Camels 1 captain ings with 22 points, have just come off a see-saw of France Galop, the governing Illese Rakabu, Camels 2 captain Tala Mujalli, Blue match day, losing to Camels 1 0-70, while posting body of horse racing in France, Falcons captain Jean Barat, DRFC Hurricanes act- a commanding 46-7 win over the Camels 2 side. yesterday symbolically laying ing captain Tim Newnham, Al Khor Rugby Club “I think it was an unexpected win over Camels 2 the first stone. coach Andy Napier, College of North Atlantic- because we played Camels 1 fi rst and it didn’t ex- Traditionally run at Long- Qatar captain Syed Asad Ali and Lions RFC cap- actly go according to plan. But we had been work- champ, the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de tain Moses Dorairajah. ing hard the past few weeks, we had drawn with Triomphe brings together the With 23 matches played by seven teams in the Camels 2 in our fi rst game. Not to take anything world’s most talented thorough- league already, Camels 1 side have stayed unbeat- away from their performances, I think everything breds aged 3 and over en and lead the standings with 40 points, while just went our way that day,” Hurricanes acting “Longchamp is the flagship Camels 2 are second with 26 points. captain Newnham said. “We hope to have similar racecourse in France. Opened Camels 1 have managed to hang on to the ball (From left) QRF senior co-ordinator Samuel Rico, Al Khor Rugby Club coach Andy Napier, Camels 2 performances in the coming matches.” in 1857, it was renovated in 1966 the most during their matches, a key factor in the captain Tala Mujalli, DRFC Hurricanes acting captain Tim Newnham, Blue Falcons captain Jean Barat, Most team offi cials, however, said that while but with time it became es- shorter format of the game, and hence have been QRF general secretary Ali al-Malki, College of North Atlantic-Qatar captain Syed Asad Ali, Lions RFC they are faced with a limited pool of players to sential to renovate especially the very eff ective in scoring the most tries. captain Moses Dorairajah and Camels 1 captain Illese Rakabu at a media conference yesterday. pick from, they are working towards increasing stands,” said de Rothschild, add- It also helps that the team, being built as the that pool in order to better compete in the tourna- ing that the legendary racetrack federation’s fl agship team in the sevens competi- down to us playing like a team, training together, but we are happy with how everyone’s helping ment. Meanwhile, QRF general secretary al-Malki itself would not be touched. “The tion, have a few Fijian players and some of the best and that’s very important because all our players each other and playing,” Camels 1 captain Rakabu said that besides the Asian Rugby Champion- idea is to create an aesthetic players from the other clubs, with Aaron McLel- are from diff erent countries. Our idea is to put in said yesterday. ship, which will be held in April between the in- place where there will be various land and Greg Evans of Doha Rugby Football Cen- our best eff orts, help each other, and review our At the other end of the spectrum are the French ternational teams from Qatar, Iran and Lebanon, activities aside from racing,” he tre (DRFC) as cases in point, in their ranks. games, we learn from our weaknesses… some of Blue Falcons, who have only managed to win the federation will also be conducting a training added. “We know we are top of the table and that boils them have started playing with us just this year twice in their nine games. With limited number of course for referees. Leading figures from the world of racing, including trainer Christiane Head-Maarek and FOCUS jockey Stephane Pasquier, were in attendance for the laying of the foundation stone for the stands which will be covered Doha World Challenge Cup attracts top names with a transparent panoramic glass building. By Sports Reporter years later in London, he won two more tari gymnasts will produce some good “The horses will have to adapt Doha gold medals and one bronze at the 2012 results, despite the strong challenge because at Chantilly the course Olympic Games. that awaits them from the world’s best is flatter and there is a rise at the He was also part of the Chinese Ali al-Hitmi, gymnasts. The QGF organising com- end,” said Head-Maarek, double he 9th edition of the FIG Ar- team, that won the gold medal in the President of the mittee has also invited presidents of Prix de l’Arc winner in 2013 and tistic Gymnastics World Chal- team event at the 2006 World Cham- Qatar Gymnastics some national and regional Gymnas- 2014 with Trêve. lenge Cup, which will be held pionships and the 2006 . Federation tics Federations to attend the event in “That’s racing! We’re used to from March 24th to 26th at the Brazil’s Diego Hypolito, the two- Doha. TAspire Zone, has attracted top ranking time bronze medallist on Exer- The organising committee of the running on diff erent racetracks. We’ll give instructions to our gymnasts. cise in World Cups in Japan 2011 and 9th Challenge jockeys,” she added. Ali al-Hitmi, President of the Qa- China 2014, will be the star attraction. Cup is chaired by the al-Hitmi and Punters will have to wait just tar Gymnastics Federation (QGF), said The list of women athletes is topped includes Abeer al-Boanain the QGF under two years before seeing a around 111 gymnasts, including 67 by Romanian trio of Catalina Ponor, Assistant Secretary as a Tournament thoroughbred galloping again at males and 44 females from 33 coun- and Diana Bulimar, Director, Mohammad al-Marakhi, the famous track in Paris. “The tries will take part in the event. The with all three having competed in Ol- Deputy Tournament Director and work is being done with respect three-day championship will also see ympics. Head of Public Relations Commit- for the environment,” explained participants from Syria and Iraq. The Ponor will compete only on beam, tee, Abdulrahman al-Qahtani, Head architect Dominique Perrault. QGF President added Qatar will be slowly easing her way back into her of Finance and Media Committee, “We have recovered and recy- represented by Farah Tariq, Mahmoud three events after an injury took her Anis Saoud, Head of Judges Commit- cled materials, including 30,000 al-Saadi and Ahmad al-Dayani. out last fall, while Iordache will do all tee, Aysha al-Naimi, Head of Protocol m3 of concrete. It concerns the Among men, China’s Zou Kai will but . Committee , Abdulrahman al-Muf- stands but also the paddock and be a star attraction. The 28-year-old ’s , Il- many is sending two young gymnasts want to test their preparations for the tah, Head of Spectators Committee stables.” gymnast won three gold medals at the aria Käslin, and Stefanie Siegenthaler with potential to fi ll some of the avail- Rio Olympics later this year. and Dr Yojan Bokova, Head of Medical 2008 Olympic Games in . Four will also be seen in action, while Ger- able spots. Most of the gymnasts would Al-Hitmi said he hopes that the Qa- Committee.