FOOTBALL | Page 2 CCRICKETRICKET | Page 5 Barca on the Stoinis scalps brink of title four to set up in fi nal day Punjab win showdown over Mumbai
Saturday, May 14, 2016 TENNIS Sha’baan 7, 1437 AH Resilient Djokovic GULF TIMES fends off Nadal, Murray wins SPORT Page 11
VOLLEYBALL Arabi fl y high with Emir Cup hat-trick, domestic treble ‘We were confident that if play according to our strengths we will win the title...our service disrupted Jaish’s plan’
By Yash Mudgal Doha
l Arabi once again proved their supremacy in the domes- tic volleyball circuit as they clinched their 22nd Emir Cup Atitle with a straights set 3-0 (25-19, 25-21, 25-17) victory over El Jaish yes- terday. At the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena, Arabi played to their strengths to stop the Armymen from winning their second title of the season and in the process, Maaouia Lajnef’s boys completed an Emir Cup title hat-trick. Recently-crowned league champions Arabi had defeated Al Rayyan in last year’s fi nal and Police the year before that. Yesterday’s win also completed a do- mestic treble for Arabi, with Super Cup and the league already in the bag. The architect of Arabi’s victory, Ital- ian Ivan Zaytsev, who scored 16 points, was all praise for his teammates. “We are really happy to win the Emir Cup third time in a row. It is a very good win for us. The credit goes to team work. It is always good to see your teammates fi ghting together,” Zaytsev, who was declared Player of the Match for his stellar display, told Gulf Times. “We were confi dent that if play ac- cording to our strengths we will win the title. I think our service disrupted Jaish’s game plan,” he said. With the victory, Arabi also avenged their Qatar Cup semi-fi nal loss to Jaish. “Yes, for sure, we are happy to beat Jaish after losing to them in Qatar Cup,” he said. Arabi controlled the opening set right from the start. Using superb serv- ice and clever net play, especially by Renan Rebeiro, Ibrahim Mohamed and Al Arabi players and off icials celebrate their win in the Emir Cup volleyball with the winners’ trophy at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena yesterday. PICTURES: Jayaram Ahmed Bassam, they enjoyed the lead and shot fi ve points clear (15-10). spiked the ball into the net and Arabi ance in the season. I am indeed satisfi ed fi nal we will not be able to bounce back This, coupled with sound defence, grabbed a commanding 2-1 lead. Arabi with our report card of the season, we as we were physically exhausted having was more than enough to keep Arabi completed the rout, working diligently featured in three fi nals in the seasons played a long season. So today, you saw rolling and Jaish under pressure. on widening the gap in the third set. and emerged winners in one of them,” we tried to make a comeback but did not Arabi looked more fl uent and dan- Jaish and Arabi were clashing for a Belhadj said. have the physical energy to do so,” the gerous with all-round volleyball in the title for the second time this season. Belhadj gave full credit to Arabi for Tunisian said. second set. After some initial resist- Earlier, they were pitted in the season- their win, but he was disappointed with Jaish’s Cuban star Robertlandy Si- ance, Arabi moved fi ve points ahead opening QVA Cup fi nal, which the Ar- the hectic schedule of the season. mon scored match-high 17 points. again at 19-14. Camejo and Simon mymen won 3-1, after rallying from one “Arabi played well, they deserved to Qatar Olympic Committee secretary sparked a rally and Jaish came within a set down. win, full credit to them. Our strength has general Dr Thani al-Kuwari and Qatar point of drawing level (22-21), but two Though Jaish lost their second fi nal been to fi ght back when we are down. We Volleyball Association president Khalid brilliant smashes, especially the sec- of the season, their coach Zohair Belh- could not do it today. I had said on the eve Ali al-Mawlawi presented the awards. ond one off a fi ne retrieve by Rebeiro, adj was all praise for his boys. of the fi nal that we are ‘physically down’. Al Arabi Club took home QR500,000, brought them up to 24-21. Then Simon “I am happy with team’s perform- We knew that if Arabi played well in the while El Jaish collected QR250,000.
Al Arabi’s Tunisian coach Maaouia Lajnef and Italian player Ivan Zaytsev with the QOC secretary general Dr Thani al-Kuwari, Qatar Volleyball Association president Khalid Ali al-Mawlawi with the El Jaish players and off icials. Emir Cup trophy. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, May 14, 2016 FOOTBALL
FIFA CONGRESS FIFA has a woman secretary general for fi rst time
AFP will bring a fresh wind to FIFA, some- traordinary congress in February to all the issues, or criticisms, or what- es prickly votes over the admission of Mexico City body from outside, not somebody from overcome a deep corruption crisis. ever, which happened around the last Gibraltar and the former Serbian prov- inside, not somebody from the past but “Today we pass from the words to the World Cup bidding process, it is abso- ince of Kosovo, taking the world body somebody new.” actions, from the proclamations to the lutely crucial for FIFA’s credibility that to 211 members. IFA named a Senegalese UN Samoura will take her post by mid- facts,” said Infantino, who was elected we have a bullet-poof bidding process diplomat as its fi rst ever female June after undergoing an eligibility in February after his predecessor Sepp in place for 2026,” Infantino said. Indonesia ban lifted, Kuwait secretary general yesterday, a check administered by an independent Blatter was brought down by the scan- He noted that human rights require- remain under suspension surprise and historic move an- review committee. dal. “You will see us reborn” through ments will be examined during the nouncedF at a congress to overhaul the “Today is a wonderful day for me, this congress, he added. process for the fi rst time and that bid- FIFA yesterday lifted Indonesia’s scandal-plagued organisation. and I am honored to take on the role In another step towards restoring ders that fail technical requirements year-long ban from international com- Fatma Samoura, 54, comes from of FIFA’s secretary general,” Samoura, trust, the North and Central American will be excluded. But the scandals keep petitions but confi rmed the suspen- outside the football world, having who has also worked at the World Food and Caribbean football confederation haunting world football. sions of Kuwait and Benin over govern- worked with the United Nations for 21 Program, said in a statement. “I also (CONCACAF), which has been in the On Monday, Infantino’s former boss, ment interference in the sport. FIFA years. She is currently based in Nigeria look forward to bringing my experi- eye of the corruption storm, elected a Michel Platini, said he will step down president Gianni Infantino said at a for the UN Development Program. ence in governance and compliance new president on Thursday. Canadian as head of European football body congress in Mexico City that Indonesia FIFA president Gianni Infantino, to bear on the important reform work football chief Victor Montagliani be- UEFA after failing to overturn his ban was reinstated after the government who announced her appointment dur- that is already underway at FIFA.” came CONCACAF’s fourth president from all football-related activity over sent a letter notifying that it had lifted ing the annual congress in Mexico City, The former secretary general, Jer- in fi ve years after his three predecessors allegations that he received a dubious sanctions on its national football body. said his future number two was “a great ome Valcke of France, was sacked in were ensnared in corruption allegations, two million Swiss franc ($2 million, 1.8 But the FIFA congress voted to confi rm person” with experience managing big January and banned from football for serving as interim secretary general with the last one arrested in December. million euros) payment from FIFA. the suspensions of Kuwait and Benin. organisations, budgets and staff . 12 years over misconduct in television since then. FIFA’s new council, meanwhile, re- Earlier this month, FIFA banned two FIFA suspended the Kuwait Football “We have to be serious when we say deals and World Cup ticket sales—one FIFA offi cials gathered in the Mexi- sumed on Tuesday the process to select top executive members from Chile and Association (KFA) last October after we embrace diversity and we believe in of the many scandals that hit FIFA. can capital to formally implement the host of the 2026 World Cup, which Colombia for life over bribes. fi nding the government had interfered gender equality,” Infantino said. “She Germany’s Markus Kattner had been changes that were adopted at an ex- had been frozen since last year. “After In other decisions, the congress fac- in the group’s aff airs.
LA LIGA SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Outgoing Celtic Barcelona on the boss has no regrets brink of title in fi nal day showdown ‘It is essential for us to keep a clean sheet because we know from middle to front we can make the diff erence. Mentally we have to be aware of the fact that it is in our own hands. AFP against Motherwell will hold We have 93 or 94 minutes to win one match and we have already won a lot this season’ Glasgow mixed feelings for him, but says he is now looking forward to some time off in his native utgoing Celtic man- Norway. ager Ronny Deila The former Stromsgodset says he doesn’t re- boss says he won’t rush back gret joining the in to management. “It has to ParkheadO club, despite rueing be something that excites me,” some of his decisions from his Deila said. “It was like that time in charge. when I came to Celtic. There The 40-year-old will leave was no thought in my head that the club tomorrow after his I was not going to do this and I side are presented with the will never regret that decision. Scottish Premiership cham- “It’s been a long season and pionship trophy following you can feel we’re starting to their fi nal game of the season get a bit tired and I’m looking against Motherwell. forward to getting some vaca- The Norwegian won two tion. It’s a little bit sad but at the league titles and a League same time it’s a good feeling. Cup during his two seasons in “It’s diffi cult to say what charge of the Glasgow giants you feel, you need some time but came in for criticism fol- to refl ect on what you have lowing poor European results been through over the past two and recent cup semi-fi nal de- years before you can say that. feats to Ross County and Old “The best thing for me is to Firm rivals Rangers. have some time off , to refl ect “I would do a lot of things what I have been through and diff erently, but there are a lot recharge my batteries and then of things I did really well,” Dei- really get that hunger again in la said. “I have brought in a lot what I want to do.” of my ideas and a lot of things Celtic’s Leigh Griffi ths have been positive for Celtic. won’t be able to add to his tally “I have also learned a lot of 40 for the season against from Scottish football as it’s Motherwell due to suspension always the give and take when while club captain Scott Brown you come to new environ- misses out due to injury. ments—it’s not just one way— Elsewhere today, Inverness and that’s been very good for Caledonian Thistle and Dun- me. I’m sitting here today dee will battle it out for sev- much more mature, much enth spot—the only position more experienced, a better in the table still to be decided. person and manager. “I will miss being part of Fixtures a club like Celtic and all the Playing Today: Inverness CT games, the fans and the in- vs Dundee; Kilmarnock vs tensity that goes into it. I love Dundee United; Partick Thistle it and hate it. You’re afraid to v Hamilton lose but at the same time you Playing Tomorrow: Aberdeen love to win. You are really on a vs Ross County; Celtic vs Moth- The Barcelona strike force of Luis Suarez high all the time, and so alive.” erwell; Hearts vs St Johnstone (left), Neymar and Lionel Messi (right). Deila admits the match (All games start 15:30 Qatar time) Uganda kicked out of U-20 AFP striker Luis Suarez said. “Mentally we sealed their survival with a 4-1 win at Se- The situation at the bottom is just as Barcelona have to be very strong and be aware of the villa last weekend. tight with Getafe, Sporting Gijon and Rayo fact that it is in our own hands. We have “If I were a Barcelona player I would say Vallecano battling to avoid joining Levante World Cup for age cheating 93 or 94 minutes to win one match and we the opponent doesn’t matter. They have in being relegated. Reuters which they won 3-2 on ag- arcelona have the upper hand in have already won a lot this season.” the team to be able to beat anyone, but we Getafe have matters in their own hands Cairo gregate. a fi nal day showdown with Real Suarez has come up big when Barca won’t roll over,” insisted Granada goal- as victory at Real Betis tomorrow will se- Goalkeeper James Ahebwa Madrid for the Spanish title today most needed him with 11 goals in his last keeper Andres Fernandez. cure their place in the top fl ight for a 13th had been registered to play for as they know a victory at Granada four games to get the Catalan giants back However, build-up to the fi nal games has consecutive season. Sporting are level on ganda are the latest Ugandan club SC Villa in the willB ensure them a 24th La Liga crown. on track. Moreover, the Uruguayan is now as ever in the fi nal weeks of La Liga been points with Getafe but are in the relega- country to be kicked African Champions League Madrid are a point behind and have well set to become the fi rst player other dominated by whether teams going for the ti- tion zone due to their inferior head-to- Uout of the qualify- two years ago, using a birth to stretch their winning La Liga run to 12 than teammate Lionel Messi and Madrid tle or battling relegation should be allowed to head record and need to better the Madrid ing competition for the 2017 date of 1997. Yet for the un- games at Deportivo la Coruna and hope for rival Cristiano Ronaldo to win the Pichichi pay bonuses to their rivals’ opponents to win. side’s result when they host Villarreal. under-20 World Cup finals der-20 qualifiers, he produced a Barca slip-up to land the title. award for La Liga’s top scorer in seven sea- “I am a player that always goes out on the Rayo can only be saved by bettering both in South Korea after being a passport that stated he was The battle between the two richest clubs sons. Suarez’s 37 La Liga goals as part of a pitch motivated and to enjoy myself,” added Getafe and Sporting’s results at home to caught for age cheating, the born in 1998. in the world has come down to the fi nal day tally of 56 in all competitions this season is Fernandez. “For me the subject of bonuses Levante. Confederation of African Foot- Rwanda will instead now thanks to Barca’s incredible slump of three four more than Ronaldo. is diffi cult. The league ought to take action.” Fixtures ball announced yesterday. play Egypt in the second consecutive league defeats in April, the fi rst However, the former Liverpool striker Despite a looming Champions League Uganda’s expulsion follows round of the preliminaries next time in 13 years they had gone on such a run. claimed that individual glory will mean fi nal against Atletico Madrid, Real are set Playing today: Deportivo la Coruna vs a similar punishment for weekend. Last month, Kenya However, the world champions have nothing if it is not accompanied by his sec- to recall Gareth Bale and goalkeeper Keylor Real Madrid; Granada vs Barcelona (all neighbours Kenya last month. were thrown out for fielding bounced back in style with four straight ond La Liga title. “I am happy to help the Navas from injury against a Deportivo side 18:00); Atletico Madrid vs Celta Vigo; Ath- The punishment was five over-age players in their victories by a combined 21-0 scoreline to team, but I don’t care about the Pichichi also with nothing to play for. letic Bilbao vs Sevilla (both 20:30) handed out because it was tie with Sudan. take them to the brink of a sixth Spanish or the golden boot if we are not champions “I don’t think they will go out on the Playing Tomorrow: Malaga vs Las Palmas discovered Uganda fielded a Age cheating is notorious in title in eight seasons. and not able to achieve our objectives as a pitch relaxed,” said Madrid defender (13:00); Espanyol vs Eibar (20:00); Rayo player who had supplied two African football but off ending “It is essential for us to keep a clean group,” Suarez said. Marcelo. “Teams always play their best Vallecano vs Levante; Real Betis vs Getafe; diff erent dates of birth in the football associations are rarely sheet because we know from middle to Crucially, Barca are facing a Granada against Madrid and I am sure Deportivo Sporting Gijon vs Villarreal (all 20:30) qualifying tie with Rwanda, caught or punished. front we can make the diff erence,” Barca side with nothing left to play for after they will want to win.” (All timings Qatar time) Gulf Times Saturday, May 14, 2016 3 FOOTBALL
ADIEU & THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES... ‘King’ Ibrahimovic announces PSG exit ‘I am very proud of the last four years. I have loved every day I have spent here. PSG has become a star club internationally and I have played a major part in that transformation. The time has now come for me to take a diff erent path. This is not a farewell but simply a goodbye for now. I came here like a king and leave as a legend. But I will come back’
AFP formation. The time has now come for London me to take a diff erent path. This is not a farewell but simply a goodbye for now. I came here like a king and leave as a leg- latan Ibrahimovic confi rmed end. But I will come back!” yesterday that he will leave Paris Ibrahimovic scored his 36th league Saint-Germain at the end of this goal of the season in Wednesday’s 1-1 season, but the French champi- draw at Bordeaux, leaving him just one onsZ said the Swedish star will eventually goal away from equalling Argentine return in a “management” role. striker Carlos Bianchi’s PSG record of “My last game tomorrow at Parc des 37 in a top-fl ight campaign, set back Princes… I came like a king, left like a in 1978. legend,” wrote Ibrahimovic on Twit- He has 46 in all competitions and has ter, ending speculation that he could 152 goals in total as a PSG player in 178 extend his contract with PSG beyond appearances, having overtaken Por- this season. tuguese great Pauleta as the club’s all- Ibrahimovic, whose existing deal time leading scorer back in October. expires on June 30, will make his fi nal Ibrahimovic has also become the home appearance for the club in their club’s all-time leading scorer in the last Ligue 1 game of the season against league and in Europe, but he nev- Nantes today. er really managed to reproduce his However, he will then run out in a brilliant domestic form in the Champi- PSG shirt one more time when they ons League. face Marseille in the French Cup fi nal The Swede performed poorly in on May 21 at the Stade de France. PSG’s quarter-fi nal exit to Manches- “After discussions between Paris ter City last month, missing a penalty Saint-Germain and the agent of Zlatan in the 2-2 fi rst-leg draw at the Parc des Ibrahimovic, the club and the player Princes before Paris went out 3-2 on have mutually decided not to renew aggregate. his contract,” PSG said in a statement. “It is a bit of a sad moment. A page is “They have also agreed that once his turning. We are never really prepared. playing career is over, Ibra will join the We are witnessing the fi nal moments management of the club in a position of the greatest player to have played in of responsibility.” Ligue 1 in recent years,” lamented PSG In the meantime, Ibrahimovic will coach Laurent Blanc. make his French swansong as a player In Paris speculation will now turn to when he turns out for Sweden at Euro who PSG will sign to replace their talis- 2016 in June. man. They have in the past been linked There has been widespread specula- with moves for Real Madrid and Por- tion about the 34-year-old former Ajax, tugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona and Barcelona’s Brazil forward Neymar. AC Milan star’s next destination. He However, moves for these two play- has been linked with a move to the Eng- ers would be extremely complex and lish Premier League, while his agent re- costly, and a report yesterday in sports cently suggested he could return to AC daily L’Equipe indicated that the Qa- Milan and Major League Soccer is an- tar-owned club will instead turn their other potential destination. One report crowned France’s player of the year for lan in 2012, winning the Ligue 1 title in sweep of the domestic honours for the years. I have loved every day I have attentions to Antoine Griezmann. The in Italy said he was “90 percent” likely a record third time, has enjoyed enor- each of his four seasons. second year running and Ibrahimovic spent here,” Ibrahimovic said. “PSG has Atletico Madrid and France striker to continue his career with LA Galaxy. mous domestic success with PSG since If Paris win the French Cup next will have won 12 trophies with the club. become a star club internationally and I would cost in the region of 70 million Ibrahimovic, who last weekend was moving to the French capital from Mi- week, they will have completed a clean “I am very proud of the last four have played a major part in that trans- euros (£55.1m, $79.5m), L’Equipe said. Ranieri returns to Chelsea Zlatan ready for Euro swansong with reputation restored
with Juventus that were you floor the accelerator. AFP back there with Juventus in the AFP Champions League but this time is Paris revoked because of the Guardiola filled up with London Calciopoli match-fixing diesel and went for a spin diff erent because this time it is with scandal. The biggest gap in in the countryside. If that’s Leicester, another English club,” latan Ibrahimovic his CV is his lack of success what he wanted, he should laudio Ranieri believes said Ranieri. has one of the hot- in the Champions League. have bought himself a Fiat Leicester City’s shock title “It is emotional, I hope my old test shots in football At international level from the start.” Ctriumph has restored his fans are happy. When I came here Z reputation in the minds of his critics I said ‘the last match is at Chelsea... and he is not at all modest he does not represent The Euros will be par- about it. one of the major powers, ticularly special for Ibrahi- ahead of an emotional return to wow’. Now I come back as a cham- “One thing is for sure, a and with his 35th birthday movic as they take place former club Chelsea tomorrow. pion. It’s a good story.” World Cup without me is approaching, this may be in the country that has The 64-year-old’s appointment Before the club’s annual summer nothing to watch,” said the his last chance at a major become his adopted home last July was heavily criticised by trip to Thailand, the homeland of Swedish superstar after his tournament. in four years with PSG. pundits and former players alike Leicester owners Vichai and Aiya- country failed to qualify A player who stands 6 He is a superstar in but the Italian’s side have since un- watt Srivaddhanaprabha, Ranieri for Brazil 2014. So it is just feet 4 inches tall (1.95m) France, and has his own dergone an extraordinary transfor- will join an open-top bus parade as well he has made it to and has a black belt in puppet on the cult satirical mation from relegation favourites through the city centre with crowds Euro 2016. taekwondo has scored programme Les Guignols, to Premier League champions. of 60,000 expected to pour onto Ibrahimovic scored some of the most eye- but he has never mastered Sacked at Chelsea by owner Ro- the streets. three goals in the two-leg catching international the language and has an man Abramovich in 2004 after fail- “I expect a lot of people on the playoff against Denmark goals, from his back-heel uneasy relationship with ing to deliver the title and replaced street to enjoy with us and we can that Sweden won 4-3 against Italy at Euro 2004 the French media. by Jose Mourinho, Ranieri insisted say thank you to our fans. Every- on aggregate to reach to his breathtaking over- Some who have spent he didn’t covet acclaim from his body wants to stay with us because France. The 34-year-old head kick from 35 yards time in his company talk former employers following his the fairytale was for everybody,” Paris Saint-Germain player against England in 2012. of an intelligent person achievements with Leicester. said Ranieri. makes the diff erence for But international hon- who despises losing, and “Now I have won the Premier “Now football fans believe, an otherwise mediocre ours have not followed. whose demanding nature League, maybe everyone looks maybe they think: ‘No we don’t go Sweden team. ‘Ibra’ featured at just one has been the biggest fac- more positively at what I did,” Rani- down, we can win’. Amazing! You “It’s a challenge—a world World Cup, in 2006, and tor in transforming PSG. eri said yesterday ahead of Leices- remember I said the Hollywood class player and good has not gone beyond He has suggested the club ter’s match against last season’s fairytale always finishes well and players, but not as good as the quarter-finals of the did not even exist before Premier League champions. for us too. We won and now we him—to get a good team,” European Championship, his arrival in 2012. “It changed not my mind but enjoy, recharge the batteries for says Sweden’s coach Erik a competition in which Ibrahimovic once re- maybe other minds. I was so happy next season. It will be harder but we Hamren. he has scored six times fused a trial at Arsenal as a before because I know very well will be ready.” Ibrahimovic is not just spread over the 2004, teenager, later explaining how I work and what I achieve In the immediate future, Sweden’s captain and best 2008 and 2012 finals. himself by saying “Zlatan before,” he added. however, Ranieri has the task of player now, he is possibly However, after once doesn’t do auditions”. “It is not important for to me to persuading Professional Footballers the country’s greatest ever, briefly quitting the interna- He has never made it to have credit, it was so important to Association Player of the Year Riyad their all-time record goal- tional scene, he has flour- the English game, but that bring another team (to the top), Mahrez and midfield engine N’Golo scorer with 62 and a record ished under Hamren. The could still change. His PSG to show my passion to the team. Kante to sign new contracts at the 10-time winner of the coach’s ability to get along deal—worth a reported 20 I think life is full of opportunity, King Power Stadium. national Guldbollen award with Ibrahimovic contrasts million euros ($22.7m) a I think it is important to take the Both players have been linked for player of the year. with Pep Guardiola, with year—expires at the end right opportunity.” with moves to Arsenal and Paris Born in a diff icult whom the striker famously of the season and media Ranieri said his return to west Saint-Germain in recent weeks neighbourhood of Malmo endured a diff icult relation- reports say Manchester London, where he spent four but the Leicester owners have to a Bosnian father and ship at Barcelona. United are interested. moderately successful years at expressed confidence that the pair Croatian mother, Ibra- Ibrahimovic has said He has enjoyed a superb Stamford Bridge, would be an will stay. himovic has enjoyed a that he once told Guar- season with PSG, break- “emotional” occasion. Meanwhile, When quizzed on glittering career. diola to “go to hell” and ing the 40-goal barrier, As Chelsea drew 2-2 with Totten- who his scouting team will be look- He has just won his blamed him for a disap- and recently joked that ham Hotspur just under a fortnight ing at in the off -season, Ranieri was 11th league title, a fourth pointing stint at the Camp he would stay if the Eiff el ago, a result which confirmed typically evasive. straight French champion- Nou. “When you buy me, Tower were replaced with Leicester had won the first top-tier “We are watching, of course, we ship with PSG following you are buying a Ferrari,” a statue of him. title in the Midlands club’s 132-year want to build a very good team. We two titles at Ajax, three at he said. “If you drive a For now, though, his history, home supporters were want to keep our stars, it is a fan- Inter Milan, one at Barce- Ferrari you put premium French swansong looks heard chanting the aff able Ranieri’s tastic group. It will be important to lona and one at AC Milan. fuel in the tank, you drive like it will come in the name throughout. find the right players, with the right There were also two onto the motorway and colours of Sweden. “It is amazing. I have been mentality... we want fighters.” Gulf Times 4 Saturday, May 14, 2016 FOOTBALL
BUNDESLIGA Champions Bayern only set to get stronger
AFP defender Mats Hummels and 18-year- and Hiroki Sakai. rently in the relegation zone. Munich old Benfi ca midfi elder Renato Sanches. Their Germany goalkeeper Ron- Werder, the 2004 champions, are Bayern splashed out a reported 73 Robert Zieler has already said he will two points above them in the relegation million euros ($83 million) to sign the leave at the end of the season. play-off position and entertain Frank- ep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich pair on Tuesday from Borussia Dort- Hummels will play his fi nal home furt, who are another point better off . will lift the Bundesliga trophy mund and Benfi ca respectively as they game for runners-up Dortmund when Stuttgart, who have an inferior goal for a historic fourth consecutive sent out a clear statement to their rivals they host Cologne. The Germany cen- diff erence to the two sides above them, time today—with their rivals both in Germany and across Europe. tre-back was booed during their pre- have not won in eight but must win at predictingP they will get even stronger “One should never be resigned, but vious home match and he can expect Wolfsburg to stand any chance. next season under Carlo Ancelotti. it’s clear that with their new signings more of the same at Signal Iduna Park. However, the best they can hope for Bayern’s home match against Hano- and with the team they already have, Dortmund have already started is climbing into 16th and setting up a ver 96, who are already relegated, will Bayern have taken a few more steps spending the reported 38 million euros two-legged play-off against Nurem- be Guardiola’s last at the Allianz Arena ahead of all the teams in the Bundesli- they will receive for Hummels by sign- berg, who will fi nish third in the sec- before he takes over at Manchester ga,” said Wolfsburg’s Germany winger ing France’s young player of the year ond tier. Bremen know a win will keep City next season. Andre Schuerrle. Ousmane Dembele from Rennes on them up but Frankfurt, who have won It promises to be a festive occasion in Another victory over Hanover Thursday. The 18-year-old is reported their last three games, need just a point Munich and Guardiola will be a prime will give Bayern 28 wins from their to cost 15 million euros and Liverpool to avoid the drop. candidate for the traditional ‘beer 34 games this season. Guardiola has were also chasing his signature. shower’ when the Bayern squad are pre- won 81 of his 101 top-fl ight fi xtures in Dortmund will fi nish as the best Today’s Fixtures sented with over-sized glasses of beer Germany giving him the highest win- ALL THE BEST: Outgoing Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola (left) with his ever second-placed side regardless of Bayern Munich vs Hanover 96; Borus- to start the party after the fi nal whistle. ning percentage of any coach to have replacement Carlo Ancelotti. Guardiola will take charge of Manchester City next season. whether they add to their 77 points. sia Dortmund vs Cologne; Bayer Under Guardiola, Bayern have dom- worked in the Bundesliga. One of three big-name clubs will be Leverkusen vs Ingolstadt; VfL Wolfs- inated Germany’s top fl ight over the Midfi elder Arturo Vidal will win his of Munich, according to reports. pected to travel to Munich for the game relegated tonight with Werder Bremen, burg vs VfB Stuttgart; Augsburg vs last three seasons by starving their op- fi fth consecutive league title after four Relegated Hanover last beat Bayern despite their fate having been sealed. Eintracht Frankfurt and VfB Stuttgart Hamburg; Werder Bremen vs Eintracht ponents of possession. with Juventus and now one with Bay- in the Bundesliga four years ago and “We’ll try to take something from Mu- battling to avoid joining Hanover in the Frankfurt; Hoff enheim vs Schalke 04; His successor Ancelotti will inherit a ern. Meanwhile, it could well be Mario this will be their last chance for at least nich,” said Hanover coach Daniel Sten- second tier. Mainz vs Hertha Berlin; Darmstadt vs star-studded squad which will be fur- Goetze’s fi nal home game having been another season. del, whose side will be without injured Three points separate the three with Borussia Moenchengladbach ther boosted by new signings Germany told by Ancelotti to seek a transfer out Some 7,000 Hanover fans are ex- Japan internationals Hiroshi Kiyotake Stuttgart, the 2007 champions, cur- (All matches start 16:30 Qatar time)
PREMIER LEAGUE LIGUE 1 Monaco hope to hold on to CL spot Manchester rivals AFP lose their star player Hatem Ben Monaco Arfa, linked to Barcelona, while Puel himself is soon out of contract and is said to be a contender to be- onaco must avoid a come the next Bordeaux coach. slip-up on the fi nal A young side would surely day of the French struggle to reach the Champions season today or League group stage, and if they fi ght for Euro spot Mrisk losing out on a Champions did come third it could make League berth at the expense of life awkward for on-loan striker local rivals Nice. Valere Germain, another out- City are two points clear of United and, with their goal diff erence at +30 compared to The principality club have standing performer who is due been in the top three since De- to return to parent club Monaco. their rivals’ +12, Pellegrini’s side need only to draw in south Wales to qualify for Champions cember but have stumbled in re- Nice won 7-2 in Guingamp last cent weeks and a 6-1 trouncing season but have won just one of League and consign their neighbours to the drudgery of the Europa League at Lyon last weekend eff ectively their last 11 away league games. ended their hopes of fi nishing A point would almost cer- second and sealing automatic tainly secure fourth spot, with Champions League qualifi cation. Saint-Etienne hosting Lille in a Manchester City coach Manchester United Monaco host mid-table straight fi ght for the fi nal Europa Manuel Pellegrini. coach Louis van Gaal. Montpellier at the Stade Louis League berth. II knowing that a three-point Sixth-placed Lille must win defi cit to second-placed Lyon at the Stade Geoff roy-Guichard, coupled with a far inferior goal otherwise they will only qualify diff erence means they must in- for Europe if champions Paris stead focus on making sure of Saint-Germain beat Marseille in third spot, which carries with it the French Cup fi nal. a berth in the Champions League At the bottom, Toulouse will third qualifying round. secure a miraculous escape from Leonardo Jardim’s side, quar- relegation with a win at Angers. ter-fi nalists in Europe’s elite club They were 10 points from safety competition last season, must 10 games from the end of the win to be sure of a podium place. season but climbed out of the Otherwise, Nice, two points back bottom three with a win at home in fourth with a better goal dif- to Troyes last weekend. ference, can capitalise by beating If they slip up, either Gazelec Guingamp in Brittany. Ajaccio or Reims could capital- Jardim, who has this week ise—Gazelec visit Lorient while seen injured midfi elder Joao Reims entertain Lyon. PSG will Moutinho return to training, receive the Ligue 1 trophy after denied his future at the club de- their fi nal game against Nantes pends on securing third spot. at the Parc des Princes. “For me, I will be here at the end of June to prepare next season. I Today’s Fixtures have always had the full backing Rennes vs Bastia; Troyes vs Mar- of those in charge,” he said. seille; Caen vs Bordeaux; Monaco Nice have to win to stand a vs Montpellier; Guingamp vs chance of overtaking their Cote Nice; Saint-Etienne vs Lille; Paris d’Azur neighbours but coach Saint-Germain vs Nantes; Lorient Claude Puel hinted that his club vs Gazelec Ajaccio; Angers vs would be better off going into the Toulouse; Reims vs Lyon Europa League. Nice are likely to (All matches start 22:00 Qatar time)
SERIE A Frosinone hold key to runners-up spot
AFP ed extra motivation ahead of an Rome expected sell-out at the impos- ing San Paolo, they need look no further than Gonzalo Higuain. t is a picturesque town The Argentine striker is only AFP +12, Pellegrini’s side need only to draw in game now and then see what happens.” title for 55 years, Tottenham would have 100km south of Rome and two goals short of equalling AC London south Wales to qualify for the Champions Just 10 months after being installed as the consolation of fi nishing above north notorious for high levels of Milan and Sweden striker Gun- League and consign their neighbours to 5,000-1 outsiders for the title, Leicester London rivals Arsenal for the fi rst time pollution, but little Frosi- nar Nordahl’s 1950 record of the drudgery of the Europa League. bid farewell to the most remarkable sea- since 1994-95 if they take a fi rst runners- Inone play the Serie A kingmak- 35 goals in a 20-team, three- anuel Pellegrini has vowed After three years and three trophies son in the club’s 132-year history with a up berth since 1963. ers today when Roma battle points-for-a-win season. to give Manchester City with City, Pellegrini would love to say fare- trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea. Mauricio Pochettino’s second placed Napoli for runners-up spot and A hat-trick would see Higuain the perfect parting gift of a well in style. “We have always been in the It is an appropriate last hurrah for side are two points ahead of Arsenal with a sure Champions League place. make history, and help soothe Champions League place at Champions League spots for 37 games, so Claudio Ranieri’s side because the team- a far superior goal diff erence, meaning a Despite Juventus securing a the pain of coming so close to a Mthe expense of Manchester United, while I think we deserve to be there,” Pellegrini spirit and desire that played such a sig- draw or win at Newcastle would make it record-equalling fi fth successive fi rst scudetto since the heyday of champions Leicester will bring down the said. “It’s about a style. For me it’s impor- nifi cant role in their title triumph stands irrelevant how the third placed Gunners crown last month, there is still Diego Maradona in 1990. curtain on their astonishing season at tant to be the highest-scoring team for in marked contrast to the lethargic eff orts fare in their home fi xture against bottom plenty at stake in Italy’s top fl ight Napoli fi nished third last year, Chelsea tomorrow. three seasons, to be always in the Champi- of Chelsea’s sullen superstars. club Aston Villa. “Finishing third would with Champions League and Eu- but failed to qualify for Europe’s With a memorable Premier League ons League and to win three titles.” While Eden Hazard, Diego Costa and be hard to stomach,” Tottenham striker ropa League places up for grabs premier club competition af- campaign coming to a conclusion with United’s 3-2 defeat at West Ham in mid- company showed little commitment to Harry Kane said. “It would be good for the on the fi nal weekend of action. ter a play-off defeat to Athletic the fi nal round of fi xtures this weekend, week took their European fate out of their the cause in a desultory title defence, the fans to have the bragging rights for the fi rst Frosinone have already been Bilbao. This summer, it could be the focus is split between the Manchester own hands and Louis van Gaal’s men host likes of N’Golo Kante and Jamie Vardy time in a long time. It’s in our hands.” relegated along with Verona Roma’s turn to taste that chas- rivals’ battle for the last spot in Europe’s Bournemouth knowing only a victory, rose from obscurity to reach the pinnacle West Ham, Southampton and Liverpool to Serie B, and for the sceptics tening experience. elite club competition and a fi tting fi nale combined with a City defeat at Swansea, of the English game. are all in contention for Europa League there is arguably one more rea- for Leicester as the fairytale champions will be enough to snatch a top four fi nish. Leicester midfi elder Kante, a £5.6 spots, although qualifi cation may not be son to believe they won’t rise Fixtures bow out at the home of last year’s winners. Despite the unpromising situation, million ($8 million) signing from Caen, decided until after the FA Cup fi nal. to the occasion at Napoli’s San Playing today: Juventus vs For City manager Pellegrini, his side’s United midfi elder Michael Carrick, whose summed up that never-say-die spirit Playing Tomorrow Paolo stadium today. Sampdoria (18:00); AC Milan vs trip to Swansea off ers an opportunity to side face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup fi - with more tackles and interceptions than Yet Napoli, sitting second Roma; Napoli vs Frosinone; Sas- leave on a high note as the Chilean pre- nal on May 21, urged his teammates not to other Premier League player this season. Arsenal vs Aston Villa; Chelsea vs Leicester; with a two-point lead on Roma suolo vs Inter Milan (all 21:45) pares to clear his desk ahead of the arrival coast through the Bournemouth game. “I am not a star player,” Kante said. “I Everton vs Norwich; Manchester United vs in third, are already fi rmly in the Playing tomorrow: Chievo vs of Pep Guardiola, who moves to Eastlands “We have to stay focused, that’s the think it was the spirit of the team. When I Bournemouth; Newcastle vs Tottenham; driving seat and heading towards Bologna; Empoli vs Torino; Genoa from Bayern Munich in the close season. situation that has presented itself now,” came here I could not imagine this, win- Southampton vs Crystal Palace; Stoke vs an estimated 30m euros jackpot vs Atalanta (all 19:00); Lazio vs Fourth-placed City are two points clear Carrick said. “We were in control of it ning the title. But we fi ght all the time and West Ham; Swansea vs Manchester City; Wat- generated by qualifying directly Fiorentina; Palermo vs Verona; of United and, with their goal diff erence at going into the West Ham game but we’ve this is why we have done it.” ford vs Sunderland; West Brom vs Liverpool to the competition’s group stages. Udinese vs Carpi (all 21:45) +30 compared to their fi fth-placed rivals’ let it slip. We have to win our last league Despite missing out on a fi rst top-fl ight (All matches start 17:00 Qatar time) If Maurizio Sarri’s men need- (All timings Qatar time) Gulf Times Saturday, May 14, 2016 5 CRICKET
INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE Dravid, Jayawardene join ICC cricket committee
Batting greats Rahul Dravid and Mahela Jayawardene joined the ICC’s cricket committee yesterday in the Stoinis scalps four first major appointments at the game’s governing body since India’s Shashank Manohar was elected chair- man. Former Indian skipper Dravid and retired Sri Lankan strokemaker Jayawardene, to set up Punjab win two of the biggest run- scorers of all-time, will join the likes of Australian coach Kumble, another former India Vijay and Saha score half centuries as Mumbai lose by seven wickets Darren Lehman and umpire leg-spinner, will remain as chair Richard Kettleborough on a of the committee after being Agencies body which has a crucial say re-elected for a second stint, the Visakhapatnam, India in playing matters. ICC added in a statement after The International Cricket a meeting at their headquarters Council (ICC) said Jayawardene in Dubai. The appointments alf centuries by Murali Vijay and Dravid had joined the come a day after Manohar, a (54) and Wriddhiman Saha (56) committee after Sri Lanka’s former president of the Indian made light of a 125-run chase as Kumar Sangakkara and former cricket board, was unanimously Kings XI Punjab secured a sev- India leg-spinner Laxman elected as the first independent Hen-wicket win over Mumbai Indians to Sivaramakrishnan completed chairman of the world’s govern- leapfrog Rising Pune Supergiants to take their three-year terms. Anil ing body. the seventh place on the Indian Premier League table. Earlier, Australia’s promising all- rounder Marcus Stoinis claimed an im- COMMENT pressive four-wicket haul as Kings XI Punjab restricted Mumbai Indians to a meagre 124 for 9 in 20 overs. Kieron Pollard (27) was the top scorer for Compton survives Mumbai, while Stoinis (4 for 15), Sandeep Sharma (2 for 11) and Mohit Sharma (2 for 26) were the pick of the bowlers for Kings XI. in England squad Punjab’s chase did not start on a great note with opener Hashim Amla walking back for a duck in the opening over. How- but plenty to play for ever, Vijay and Saha knit a 116-run stand before the wicketkeeper was cleaned up by Mitchell McClenaghan. By then, though, Punjab was already within eight runs of victory. Glenn Maxwell (0) couldn’t stay at the pitch for the victory shot after he was caught at mid-on by Pollard off Mc- Clenaghan. Gurkeerat Singh hit a bound- ary off the last ball of the 17th over to take his team past the target. Stoinis, who was adjudged Man of the Match, said, “The wicket suited my bowling. It looked tough to score. Maybe it was a blessing in disguise that we got to chase. It was team eff ort for sure.” Kings XI Punjab bowler Marcus Stoinis (right) celebrates the wicket of Mumbai Indians' Kieron Pollard during their Indian Premier Opener Vijay, who scored an unbeaten League match in Visakhapatnam, India, yesterday. (AFP) 54, said, “I was hitting the ball well and now Nick Compton everything seems to be falling together. We With the home side going at a poor run did not trouble the opposition much as over as Stoinis dismissed Krunal, fol- were missing out on winning moments. rate, Sharma, trying to up the scoring, half of Mumbai’s batsmen were back in lowed by Pollard in successive balls to put By Mike Selvey in London strong Yorkshire attack, which, This wicket was on a slower side but the sought to sweep left-arm spinner Axar the pavilion with the team at 61 for 5 in Punjab back into the game. The Guardian with national selector James fi rst six overs set the tone for us.” Patel but was clean bowled. the 14th over. From there on the home side lost wick- Whitaker watching, may well Opting to bat, Mumbai got off to a dis- His wicket at a crucial juncture brought Hard-hitter Pollard and Krunal Pan- ets in clusters, losing Tim Southee (1) and have rubberstamped his eleva- appointing start losing opener Unmukt more troubles for the defending champi- dya (19), who were new at the crease, McClenaghan (4), but Harbhajan Singh n the end, after all the spec- tion. Compton, of course, who Chand (0) and Ambati Rayudu (0) inside ons as they were down to 36 for 3 in the took a bit to settle down but once they (14 not out) with a few blows helped his ulation, combinations and has played only two of his 13 Tests the fi rst three overs to have the team in ninth over itself. got used, took on the bowlers with couple team cross 120-run mark. names hurled into the hat, at home, will be making a return the back foot right at 8/2. It was not the end of worries for Mum- of boundaries and sixes to put Mumbai there was very little at all up to the ground where his ear- Chand’s opening partner and skipper bai as yet another set batsman Rane, who back into the game. The duo helped the Ifor grabs. One batting place cer- lier fate was sealed in the match BRIEF SCORES: Mumbai Indians 124 for Rohit Sharma (15) along with incoming looked to score, was eventually caught side cross the 100-run mark and stay on 9 in 20 overs (K Pollard 27; M Stoinis 4-15) tainly opened up for next week’s against New Zealand three years batsman Nitish Rane (25) held on to take behind by wicket-keeper Saha off the course for a competitive total. lost to Kings XI Punjab 127 for 3 in 17 overs fi rst Test against Sri Lanka at ago. Then, in the second innings, the team to 21 for 2 after completion of bowling of Stoinis. But the 42-run partnership for the (W Saha 56, M Vijay 54 not out; M Mc- Headingley, the result of the un- he painted himself into a corner, powerplay. Incoming batsman Jos Buttler (9) too sixth wicket came to an end in the 17th Clenaghan 2-24) by seven wickets fortunate illness leading to James making seven from 45 balls of an Taylor’s retirement, which has opening stand of 72 with Cook gone to James Vince, the Hamp- at a time that quick runs were shire captain. needed for a declaration. Meanwhile, Nottinghamshire It will be Alex Hales who con- You cannot win a tournament depending on surfaces: Gambhir pace bowler Jake Ball replaces tinues to open with Cook, and he Chris Woakes, who, with Steven probably has this three-match Wishing not to dwell at length upon the “We have done reasonably well in this The team in purple need just two more Finn not yet fi t, played in Eng- series against Sri Lanka to nail state of wickets being provided at the tournament and been pretty much wins to make it to the play off s and the land’s last Test against South the position. His delayed start ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), consistent. We have not demanded for captain believes the time has come for Africa in January. The whole 12- to the season, self-imposed in Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper anything, whatever wicket we get we the diff erent units to gel together and man squad has a feel of continu- order to have some downtime af- Gautam Gambhir yesterday said that should be up for it and we are ready perform collectively. ity about it, which is a standpoint ter the winter, was something of to become champions a team needs to for it.” “There were good signs that people of Trevor Bayliss. a calculated risk, and his form in perform well on any given surface. Gambhir also said crowd support is were getting runs, bowlers were Vince’s name has been buzz- the three innings since has been In the last game that KKR played against something that gives an extra boost to performing well but we need to do it ing around for a while now. He patchy. Gujarat Lions at their home turf-the sides playing in home conditions. together. If you want to win a game of has impressed when in the one- If he does not score well in the Eden Gardens -- they were provided “Obviously, home advantage does make cricket, not one or two individuals can day squads, with Bayliss par- next month or so, and Robson, with a seaming track where Lions pac- a diff erence especially with the crowd’s end up winning you a game of cricket. ticularly struck by him, and has for example, continues his good ers knocked the Knights top order in no support. When the crowd is in your Obviously the batsmen need to do well successfully captained the Lions. form, then he would certainly be time. Though KKR recovered after an favour and cheering for you, it does and the bowlers need to complement The latter, lest people forget, is under pressure to retain his place early setback, Gujarat were able to cross able to adapt to every situation and give you an extra boost that you are them with the fielders complementing a strong pathway into the senior for the Pakistan series that starts the line with five wickets to spare. every condition. Our spinners and looking for; especially when you play in both the departments,” the discarded team, more so than county crick- in July. “If you want to win a tournament, you bowlers need to bowl on any kind of places like Eden Gardens or Mumbai or Indian opener stated. et. Although Ball has leaped to In the opinion of those who can’t be dependent on surfaces. If you surface that is given to us,” Gambhir told Bengaluru when the crowd is loyal to KKR’s opponent for today’s game are prominence with some excellent coach him at Middlesex, Rob- want to be a champion, you should be reporters here. the teams,” he stated. the Rising Pune Supergiants. performances for Nottingham- son suff ered from trying to prove shire so far this season, he too has himself last season after being been impressive with the Lions, dropped by England, and that so is hardly a maverick choice. this year, with it out of his sys- BOTTOMLINE Such is the monitoring that few tem, he is more relaxed and bat- are these days. ting better as a result. However The great survivor appears they do not believe it would have to be Nick Compton, for in the been the right move to pick him debate over the past few weeks yet. Angus Fraser, the director Steyn still the standard-setter in Broad’s eyes concerning who would be in the of cricket at Middlesex, but also England top three with Alastair an England selector, would have Cook, his name was rarely men- noted that advice. AFP creasingly consistent. “I feel with a bit tioned. Indeed, there was an as- The injury to Mark Wood, London of experience, I know what I’m looking sumption that his time had gone Woakes’s strange ineff ectiveness for as a bowler now, know what tempo with a series that after a match- when he has played (it is hard I’m trying to find in my run-up,” he winning performance in the fi rst to discern much wrong with his tuart Broad may have risen to said. “I feel like I can adapt to differ- Test in Durban, where circum- method but he just doesn’t get number one in the world Test ent conditions quicker. When I was my stances demanded his attritional international batsmen out), and a bowler rankings but, as far as the learning my trade, up until 25 or 26, I style, became increasingly in- belief that for all Liam Plunkett’s England paceman is concerned, only seemed to strike when conditions troverted save a bizarre failed apparent pace (not as ferocious SouthS Africa quick Dale Steyn is the were really in my favour. Whereas I feel attempt to fi nish the Wanderers as some perceive but still decent) “bowler of our generation”. the more I’ve played in different condi- Test with a fi rst-ball six. he does not gain any movement, Broad’s record of 333 wickets in 91 tions, the more I’ve realised you have to All the indications were that has opened the door for another Tests at an average of 28.66 is worthy of adapt your game quickly in Test cricket with Taylor certain to continue paceman. considerable respect. to survive.” at fi ve, Vince, who the selec- Ball really does look the part: But Steyn’s fi gures of 406 wickets in Broad’s new-ball partnership with tors were determined to pro- tall but not stringbeany, an ath- 82 Tests at 22.53 stands comparison with James Anderson has become one of the mote, would be chosen to bat at letic run and high action that all-time great fast bowlers such as the most celebrated in English cricket his- number three. lends him consistency of line, West Indies’ Malcolm Marshall, Aus- tory. But they’ve generally been known So it is possible that Taylor’s plus pace in the higher regions of tralia’s Dennis Lillee and England’s Fred as ‘Anderson and Broad’, with the Lanca- illness has benefi ted Compton fast-medium and beyond – and Trueman, all of whom had Test bowling “I’ve played 40-odd Tests on the “For me, it’s all about trying to take shire seamer, England’s all-time leading rather than Vince, who will now good movement. averages in the early 20s. bounce now, so I’ve been out there hav- top-order wickets and get us into a win- Test wicket-taker, having the privilege of make his debut at fi ve instead. It should not be taken for “On the ranking, I’m certainly not go- ing the opportunity to take wickets and ning position,” he said. “When you fi nish choice of ends. Compton, whose career was res- granted that it will be Finn rather ing to sit here and say I’m a better bowler bowling within a bowling unit that’s cre- your career, you don’t look back on where “I’ve never bowled down the hill at urrected for the tour of South than Ball who joins Jimmy An- than Dale Steyn—I’ve said before he is ating a lot of pressure,” said Broad. you got to in the rankings, you look back Headingley, that’s my aim next week— Africa after more than two years derson and Stuart Broad as the the bowler of our generation,” explained “It’s always nice when you do get to a on Test match wins and what the team to try to get a spell down the hill,” joked out, has had an indiff erent start third frontline seamer. While Broad in London on Thursday at an event ranking like that, but it’s not something I wins.” Broad ahead of the fi rst of a three-Test to the season at Middlesex, with Ball has forced his way in, Finn – staged ahead of next week’s fi rst Test be- focus on a huge amount,” added the Eng- Broad has a reputation as something series against Sri Lanka starting at York- a top score of 44 in six innings, certainly in his last match against tween England and Sri Lanka at Heading- land mainstay, who has a narrow lead at of a ‘streaky’ bowler who can produce shire’s headquarters in Leeds, northern half of them on the same pitches Nottinghamshire – was visibly ley by series sponsors Investec. the top of the Test standings from India unplayable spells such as the one on his England, on May 19. that have seen Sam Robson score struggling for rhythm. His run “It’s very nice to be at the top of the off -spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Trent Bridge home ground last year where On a more serious note, Broad said: a double century and two other looked out of kilter and he was rankings, but for me it’s come really for Broad, the son of former England open- his stunning return of eight for 15 set up “I’m not a big away swinger, Jimmy al- centuries in three innings. not hitting the crease as hard as me through playing a lot of cricket,” add- ing batsman turned International Cricket England’s Ashes series-clinching win ways swings the ball away, so the dream On the other hand, Vince did he does when at his best. How he ed Nottinghamshire seamer Broad, who Council (ICC) match referee Chris Broad, over Australia. is a bit of a cross-wind. He can choose the make an excellent century at and Ball perform in training may at 29 is three years younger than Steyn. was clear where his goals lay. But Broad believes he has become in- end that helps him swing it away.” Headingley recently against a well decide who is included. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, May 14, 2016 SPORT
NBA FOCUS Sharks advance aft er dominating Thunder dispatch Predators in Game 7
The Sports Xchange score his fourth of the playoff s San Jose at 3:54 after Nashville defense- man Shea Weber got caught on a pinch. he San Jose Sharks ad- Marleau’s 64th career playoff Spurs, advance to vanced to the Western goal chased starting Nashville Conference fi nal after goalie Pekka Rinne, who broke routing the Nashville his stick on the crossbar after the TPredators 5-0 in Game 7 of their goal. semi-fi nal series at SAP Center San Jose goalie Martin Jones on Thursday. stopped all 20 shots Nashville The victory saw the Sharks produced for his fi rst career advance to a matchup against playoff shutout. Western fi nals the St. Louis Blues in the best- The Sharks scored the only of-seven West fi nal that will two goals of an opening period send the winner on to play for they dominated from start to ‘We’re just excited to get this opportunity. Not too many teams get this opportunity’ the Stanley Cup. fi nish. Game 1 will be on Sunday in Joe Pavelski potted his ninth St. Louis. goal of the playoff s with a one- The Sharks will be making timer from 10 feet on the power their fourth appearance in the play after taking a pass from West fi nals, and fi rst since going Marleau, who was behind the back-to-back in 2010 and 2011. net. San Jose are seeking their fi rst Joel Ward made it 2-0 when conference crown. he picked Nashville defenseman The Blues and Sharks have Roman Josi’s pocket at the visi- met four times in the postsea- tors’ blue line. Rinne was unable son, only in the fi rst round, with to stop a half-speed shot fol- each team winning twice. San lowing a stickhandling move at Jose won two of three regular- 16:51. season meeting this year. Couture scored his seventh Leading by three going into goal of the playoff s and fthfi of the fi nal period, the Sharks took the series just 36 seconds into advantage of defenseman Mat- the second period to give the tias Ekholm’s cross-check of hosts a 3-0 lead they would Tommy Wingels at the horn of nurse throughout the middle pe- the second period. riod. Center Joe Thornton tapped Couture pounced when the home a rebound left on a Lo- puck slipped off the stick of We- gan Couture shot when San Jose ber, and the speedy center broke broke on 4-on-1 after intercept- in alone to beat Rinne with a low ing a Mike Fisher drop pass just shot inside the near post. inside the San Jose blue line. RESULT Thornton’s third goal of the Playoff s (series best of seven) postseason came 32 seconds into Western Conference the third. At San Jose Patrick Marleau capped a San Jose 5 Nashville 0 2-on-1 break with Couture to (San Jose wins series 4-3)
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (L) handles the ball in front of San Antonio Spurs forward Kyle Anderson during the fourth quarter in game six of the second round of the NBA Playoff s at Chesapeake Energy Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports
The Sports Xchange Monday in Oakland, Calif. Duncan wasn’t ready to an- a dunk. However, Thunder for- the Western Conference fi nals Oklahoma City “Game 1 they just outplayed,” nounce his future plans after ward Serge Ibaka (eight points, for the fourth time in six years. Durant said of the Spurs, who the game. “I will get to that once 10 rebounds) came up with a The Thunder were 0-3 against won the series opener by 32 I get out of here,” Duncan said. blocked shot. That led to anoth- Golden State in the regular sea- or much of the season, points. After trailing by 28 points, the er dunk by Durant and a 101-88 son, but they are looking for- the Golden State War- “Game 3, I think we gave Spurs cut the lead to 15 points advantage with 3:06 left. ward to taking on the defending riors and San Antonio the game away, and we didn’t with less than seven minutes in San Antonio’s David West hit champions. Spurs seemingly were want to do that again. We were the game. Westbrook missed a a jumper, but Westbrook an- “It’s going to be fun,” Durant onF a collision course. The teams huge on the road, though. Rus- layup, and Leonard dribbled the swered with a 3-pointer. After said. “We’re just excited to get with the two best records in the sell (Westbrook) was huge last ball upcourt with all the mo- Leonard missed a shot, West- this opportunity. Not too many NBA were predestined to meet game. I think that propelled us mentum on San Antonio’s side. brook connected on a layup to teams get this opportunity. in the Western Conference fi - into having a good game tonight. However, Westbrook came seal the win. We’re looking forward to it.” nals, while the up-and-down “We’re not done yet. We have from the back to poke the “I think to start the fourth, we Duncan looked rejuvenated in Oklahoma City Thunder were to keep improving. Keep getting ball away for the steal. Thun- kind of lost our way off ensively. the fi rst quarter. He hit his fi rst an afterthought. better and get ready for the next der guard Andre Roberson (14 Got a little stagnant,” Thunder three shots from the fi eld, and However, after a grueling se- series.” points) threw the ball ahead to coach Billy Donovan said. the Spurs had a quick 12-8 lead. ries against the Spurs, it is the Durant shot 12-for-24 from Durant, who was fouled while “We knew at some point they It didn’t last long, though. Thunder who will face off with the fi eld. He was a perfect 12- hitting a tough layup. The ensu- were going to make a run. They Led by Westbrook and Durant, the defending champion War- for-12 from the free-throw line ing free throw pushed the gap have too much character and are Oklahoma City gathered itself riors for a chance to reach the and pulled down nine rebounds. back to 18 points. too good of a team. But our guys and began to attack the Spurs. NBA Finals. Westbrook posted 28 points The Spurs scored the next weathered it and got through it, The duo combined for 18 points Kevin Durant scored 37 and 12 assists, and Steven Ad- fi ve points, including a layup and we found a way to close the in the quarter as the Thunder points, and Oklahoma City ams added 15 points and 11 re- by Duncan with 5:21 left in the game out.” grabbed a 25-19 lead. earned the coveted spot with bounds for the Thunder. game to cut lead to 97-84. The Thunder continued their The Thunder bench sub- a 113-99 victory Thursday in Kawhi Leonard paced the Durant then drove from mid- rebounding dominance with a sequently took control of the Game 6 of the Western Confer- Spurs with 22 points on 9-of- court to throw down a dunk. 50-40 advantage. They turned fi rst half. Waiters, Randy Foye ence semifi nals at the Chesa- 23 shooting. LaMarcus Aldridge and the Thunder came up with the ball over 12 times, while the and Enes Kanter came in and peake Energy Arena. added 18 points and 14 re- back-to-back defensive stops Spurs gave the ball away just 10 kept the pressure on the Spurs Third-seeded Oklahoma City bounds. In what may have been before Danny Green nailed a times. Oklahoma City outshot on both ends of the court and advances to face the top-seeded his fi nal game in the NBA, Tim 3-pointer to slice the margin to San Antonio from the fl oor, 47.1 helped stretch the lead to 18 San Jose Sharks celebrate after they beat the Nashville Predators in Golden State in the Western Duncan scored 19 points in 34 12. Durant turned the ball over, percent to 43 percent. points. That included Waiters Game Seven of the Second Round during the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Conference fi nals. Game 1 is minutes of action. and Duncan took the ball in for Oklahoma City is headed to dishing out four assists. Playoff s at SAP Center in San Jose. (Getty Images/AFP)
SPOTLIGHT Ulis is not the shortest player at NBA combine
By Jerry Tipton who did not participate in all the Lexington Herald-Leader Combine activities. Several players, including Skal Deng questionable for Heat Labissiere, Ulis and Murray, did with bruised left wrist entucky All-American not play in the combine games. Tyler Ulis is not the Murray was among only three Britain’s Luol Deng, a key playmaker for the Miami Heat, shortest player at the players who declined to do the was declared questionable by the NBA club on Thursday NBA combine. He was media interview sessions. The for Friday’s crucial home playoff matchup against the Kmeasured as 5-foot-10 (with other two were Brandon Ingram Toronto Raptors. The 31-year-old Sudanese-born forward shoes) and 5-8} (without shoes). (Duke) and Buddy Hield (Okla- underwent an MRI exam that revealed no fracture in The shortest player at the homa). showing the extent of the injury, which was suff ered in Combine is Kay Felder (Oak- Murray and Ingram also de- Wednesday’s 99-91 loss at Toronto. land), who measured at 5-9{ clined to be measured in what That result gave the Canadian club a 3-2 lead in the (with shoes) and 5-8\ (without the NBA calls “anthropometric best-of-seven Eastern Conference series. The winner will shoes). Ulis and Felder were fi - stats,” which involve the size and face the Cleveland Cavaliers to decide a berth in next nalists for the Bob Cousy Award, proportion of the human body. month’s NBA Finals. Miami center Hassan Whiteside, the which goes to the nation’s best It measures reach, wingspan, team’s top playoff rebounder with 10.9 a game, remains point guard. Ulis won the award. height (with and without shoes), unlikely to play after missing the past two games due to Ulis weighed less than any weight, percentage of body fat a sprained ligament in his right knee. eng ranks second player at the combine. He and length and width of hands. for the Heat in playoff rebounds with 6.1 a contest in addi- weighed 149 pounds. Felder Among the anthropometric tion to 14.3 points, 1.7 assists and 1.1 steals. weighed 177.2 pounds. fi ndings: Marcus Lee (8 foot, 11{ In the regular season, Deng averaged 12.3 points, 6.0 The second-lightest player at inches) had a longer reach than rebounds and 1.9 assists for the Southeast division cham- the combine is North Carolina Labissiere (8-9{). Lee also had a pions. Deng played from 2004-2014 with the Chicago point guard Marcus Paige, who longer wingspan: 7-3 to Labis- Bulls before being traded to Cleveland. He signed with weighed 163.8 points. siere’s 7-2{. Neither were among the Heat in July of 2014 after LeBron James left Miami to Ex-Cat Jamal Murray was the bulkiest players. Labissiere return to the Cavaliers. among a small group of players weighed 215.8 pounds, Lee 211. Gulf Times Saturday, May 14, 2016 7 SPORT
MLB SPOTLIGHT Ex-Cowboys Hardy undergoing therapy Kershaw, Dodgers to get back in NFL
By Clarence E. Hill Jr. in the media. He was also con- Fort Worth Star-Telegram sidered a bad infl uence on the younger players such as Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Law- he Dallas Cowboys have rence. blank Mets 5-0 moved on from Greg The Cowboys took a chance Hardy after one disap- on Hardy after he missed 15 pointing and controver- games as a member of the Caro- ‘I don’t think there’s enough adjectives to describe what he does for our ballclub’ Tsial season. lina Panthers in 2014 after being The veteran defensive end still placed on the commissioner’s doesn’t have a team but his agent exempt list because of a May By Andy McCullough Drew Rosenhaus remains hard at 2014 domestic violence inci- Los Angeles Times Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws work looking to fi nd him a new dent. in the fi rst inning of the game against the New York Mets at home. He also missed the fi rst four Dodger Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Per Mike Florio of Pro Football games with the Cowboys for ehind a fence in the of Pro Football talk, Rosenhaus violating the league’s personal left-fi eld corner of has sent detailed reports to all conduct policy. Dodger Stadium, the NFL teams regarding Hardy’s The Cowboys have not given relief corps of the Los eff orts toward self improvement up on giving players second AngelesB Dodgers lounged on in hopes of getting back in the chances, but they decided Hardy folding chairs with their hands league. wasn’t worth the eff ort. stuff ed in their pockets as Hardy has been evaluated and “In our business, you’re deal- Thursday’s ninth inning be- treated by a number of NFL phy- ing with human beings and you gan. The relievers had idled all sicians, gone through individual don’t ever know exactly how evening, not one member of and group counselling and has that’s going to work,” vice presi- the group rising to loosen up, been assessed for anger manage- dent Stephen Jones said recently. as Clayton Kershaw completed ment, temper management, do- You try to put the best infra- his latest masterwork. Kershaw mestic violence and ADHD, per structure in place and the best granted them the night off . the report. situation in place and every now In a 5-0 victory, one that al- He has undergone 24 psychi- and then you take a risk. lowed the Dodgers to split a atric therapy sessions this year “We’ve done it with players four-game series with the Mets, and will continue with that go- in the past and it’s worked out. I Kershaw delivered his second ing forward.This is good for think one of the most important shutout of the season. He sur- Hardy, but he remains in the past things is when you take a chance rendered only three hits. No Met for the Cowboys. with a player, if you see it’s not touched third base. He struck Hardy didn’t live up to expec- working, it’s time to move on. out 13, reaching a double-digit tations on or off the fi eld in 2015. We gave it its due in terms of a total for the fi fth consecutive He was brought in to improve year here, and we just felt like at game. the pass rush, but ended up with the end of the day, it wasn’t the “He’s just a beast,” Manager only six sacks, including two the right fi t. We wish him nothing Dave Roberts said. “He’s just fi nal eight games. but the best, getting his hands completely dominant. I don’t Meanwhile, he drew the ire of around everything in his life think there’s enough adjectives coach Jason Garrett for frequent and hopefully getting in a place to describe what he does for our tardiness and inappropriate where he can be successful in ballclub.” statements on social media and whatever he chooses to do.” The game allowed for a series of smaller victories. Kershaw (5- 1, 1.74 ERA) demonstrated his compatibility with catcher Yas- mani Grandal. He reported im- proved control of his curveball. And he continued an astounding string of strikeouts _ he has now struck out 77 batters this season and walked only four. Grandal keyed the off ense with a three-run homer in the fi rst inning. Chase Utley added his third homer of the season. Kershaw required no further as- sistance. He improved to 81-0 when his teammates provide him four runs of support. It was the 14th shutout of his career and the 23rd complete game of his career. “Tonight I was able to get In deference to the fi ckle na- After a trio of singles off Bar- lacked interest in losing it. after he fanned on Kershaw’s Canada battle past Germany, US beat France deep in the game,” Kershaw said. ture of the club’s off ense, the tolo Colon, the Dodgers led by a In the third inning, Kershaw 109th pitch of the game, a cur- “Strikeouts are just kind of a by- Dodgers fi ddled with Kershaw’s run when Grandal batted in the faced Colon. Colon delighted veball in the dirt. Canada were given their toughest test at the world championship product. It’s not that important, catching partner. He has great fi rst. Colon is a marvel for those his teammates and stupefi ed the At last, the relievers had a before they overcame a spirited challenge from Germany yesterday, in the grand scheme of things.” affi nity for veteran A.J. Ellis. who lack interest in aesthetics. Internet last week when he hit reason to move. The group fi l- winning their Group B clash 5-2. Kershaw allowed himself to But Roberts paired him with He will turn 43 in two weeks.. the fi rst home run of his 19-year tered out of the bullpen toward The game was tied at 2-2 going into the final period but goals from feel a sense of accomplishment. Grandal for the second time in His portliness masks his gift for career by walloping a fastball the handshake line, queuing Taylor Hall, Boone Jenner and Cody Ceci helped the defending He did not allow the Mets any- 2016. In their fi rst outing, Ker- manipulating the baseball. from San Diego Padres starter up to congratulate their ace. champions to their fourth straight win in the competition. thing of the sort. And he pro- shaw weathered a fi ve-run bar- But with two runners aboard, James Shields. “That’s always the goal: Shake Also in Group B, the United States scored three second-period goals vided his usual dose of succor rage from the Miami Marlins in Grandal waited for a fastball Kershaw had no interest in the catcher’s hand,” Kershaw in just over five minutes on the way to a 4-0 victory over France. for his team. one inning and incurred his only in the zone. An 87-mph two- operating as Colon’s latest pat- said. “That’s always the goal. It “It was a real team eff ort out there,” U.S. goaltender Mike Condon, The Dodgers (18-17) entered loss this season. seamer arrived on a 2-0 pitch. sy. He fi red fastballs without feels good.” who earned a 19-save shutout, told the International Ice Hockey the day with a 6-1 record in But the front offi ce appreci- The resulting blast raced off worry. Colon behaved as if the Federation’s (IIHF) website. games started by Kershaw and ates Grandal’s two-way value and Grandal’s bat and into the rules forbid him from swinging. RESULTS “We tried to play our game and do the things we needed to get the a 11-16 record otherwise. Before his ability to frame pitches for bleachers in right. “If you’re The Mets could not cause Baltimore 7 Detroit 5 win. That was important for us, and we are happy to come out with the game, Roberts did not even strikes. Grandal ranked second going to throw a fastball, I’m Kershaw stress. His slider con- NY Yankees 7 Kansas City 3 the win.” attempt to downplay Kershaw’s in the majors in runs saved via going to be ready for it,” Gran- tinued to torment hitters, but Boston 11 Houston 1 Russia did not have the Washington Capitals trio of Alexander importance to the club. There framing heading into Thursday, dal said. “Whether it’s 97 or now his curveball joined the Philadelphia 7 Atlanta 4 Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Dmitri Orlov at their disposal but was no point in trying. “When according to Baseball Prospectus. 87.” fun. He unleashed the pitch in (10 innings) the Red Machine did not need them as they crushed Denmark 10-1. you have the best pitcher on “Yaz is great back there,” Kershaw An inning later, Utley bat- the ninth inning, striking out San Diego 3 Milwaukee 0 However, the Czech Republic still lead Group A after they thrashed the planet pitching for you that said. “And obviously A.J. and I tered a solo shot of his own. Lucas Duda, Curtis Grander- San Francisco 4 Arizona 2 Norway 7-0, with Lukas Kaspar scoring two goals, to maintain their day, those are games you have to have been doing it for a long time. Kershaw now had a fi ve-run son and David Wright, all with St. Louis 12 LA Angels 10 unbeaten record. win,” he said. I’m good, either way.” lead as his cushion. And he hooks. Wright hung his head LA Dodgers 5 NY Mets 0
ICE HOCKEY Ugly duckling Panarin thrives for Russia at Worlds
AFP playoffs earlier this week. marks on signing these types of tion,” he told reporters last Moscow “We are of course waiting for players,” the scout said, asking month. them,” Panarin said. “They make not to be named as he cannot “It’s comfortable here.” the team stronger.” discuss individual players. Panarin’s Chicago teammates ussian winger Artemi Russia face Switzerland on Some hockey experts say Pan- have given him an unusual nick- Panarin has come a long Saturday in their fi fth prelimi- arin, at 5’11” (180 cm) and 170 lbs name—“Bread Man”—in refer- way since North Amer- nary round game and currently (77 kg), went undrafted because ence to the US-based Panera ica’s NHL teams fi rst rank second in Group A, trailing of his small stature and lack of Bread restaurant chain. snubbedR him at the draft. the Czech Republic. strength. “It’s all in good fun,” Panarin Now after a stellar debut sea- Craig Button, the former told reporters last month. “Now son with the Chicago Black- Calder nomination general manager of the Calgary Russian fans have started calling hawks, the 24-year-old forward Panarin’s impressive fi rst NHL Flames who now serves as direc- me things like ‘bun’.” is in the race for the league’s best season, during we scored 30 tor of scouting for Canada’s TSN Part of the Russian winger’s rookie award and is looking to goals and had 47 assists, earned sports network, told AFP that success can be attributed to his guide Russia to glory at the World him one of the three nomina- Panarin would have had a better linemates, league MVP nominee Championship on home ice. tions for the Calder Trophy as chance at being drafted had he Patrick Kane and defensive- In Russia’s fi rst four group rookie of the year, which will be not been Russian. minded centre Artem Anisimov. games he netted three goals and awarded next month. Many NHL teams, he said, “I think he’s on a team that put notched up six assists as the He had played in the Rus- worry Russian players will him in a situation where he can team won three and lost one af- sian-based Kontinental Hockey struggle with the smaller North have success,” the professional ter launching the tournament in League (KHL) for seven seasons American ice surface and physi- scout said. Moscow. before signing a two-year con- cal play, or that they will have “I’m not sure he would get “We are all working for the tract with Chicago last spring. diffi culty adapting to life outside the same opportunity on certain same goal,” the curly-haired Panarin is up against 19-year- Russia. other teams.” player said after a national team old Connor McDavid of the Ed- But hockey experts say that practice this week. monton Oilers and Philadelphia Playing with Kane Panarin, who had assists on half The Russian team will be Flyers defenseman Shayne Gos- Although Panarin still of Kane’s 46 goals this season, boosted when forwards Alex- tisbehere, who is 23, for the Cal- speaks to the North American has not only been on the receiv- ander Ovechkin and Evgeny der Trophy. Russia’s Artemi Panarin scores against Latvia’s Elvis Merzlikins. (Reuters) media through a translator, he ing end but has proven talented Kuznetsov and defenseman Panarin shrugged off the seems to have embraced his enough to contribute to Kane’s Dmitry Orlov arrive from the prospect of winning the trophy, “I played here in Russia, but it’s Chicago’s signing of Panarin cause of possible adjustment life in Chicago and has become league-leading points total. United States on Friday. Their which is often the prelude to a not like they were playing kids’ was a gamble, a professional issues of a well-established a key player in his team’s line “You have to have a very high team, the Washington Capi- successful career in the world’s hockey over there,” Panarin said of scout for a Western Confer- KHL player. up. talent level to be able to play with tals, was eliminated in the NHL top league. the two other Calder contenders. ence NHL team told AFP, be- “There’s a lot of question “It’s a fi rst-class organisa- Patrick Kane,” the scout said. Gulf Times 8 Saturday, May 14, 2016 SPORT
SPOTLIGHT CONTROVERSY Japan says payments Kenya seeks were above board urgent talks on
doping concerns File picture of IOC President Thomas Bach (C) preparing to shake hands with IOC Vice President John Coates (L) and Japanese ‘Kenya has sought an urgent meeting with WADA to review the main areas of Olympic Committee President Tsunekazu Takeda. concern... Kenya will work with WADA to settle the concerns it has raised’ Reuters Tong Han, a friend of the young- Tokyo er Diack. “The payments mentioned in the media were a legitimate con- ayments made by the sultant’s fee paid to the service Tokyo 2020 Olympics we received from Mr. Tan’s com- bid committee that have pany,” Takeda and Higuchi said. been questioned in me- “It followed a full and proper Pdia reports were legitimate con- contract and the monies were sultant’s fees and were checked fully audited by Ernst & Young by auditors, two Japanese offi - ShinNihon LLC.” cials who led the successful bid Takeda is currently a vice pres- said yesterday. ident of the Tokyo 2020 Games The Guardian newspaper re- organisation and the president of ported on Wednesday the Tokyo Japan’s Olympic Committee, as bid team had made payments well as an International Olympic totalling more than $2 million to Committee (IOC) member. a Singapore bank account it said “The fi rm contracted for this was linked to Papa Massata Di- work had good credentials and ack, son of disgraced former in- references and were experts on ternational athletics chief Presi- Asian and Arabic and we were dent Lamine Diack. fully satisfi ed with the service we In a statement, bidding com- received from them,” Takeda and mittee ex-president Tsunekazu Higuchi said. Takeda and ex-director general “Furthermore, the amounts Nobumoto Higuchi said: “The paid were in our opinion proper Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee can and adequate for the services confi rm that it paid an amount provided and gave no cause for for the professional services suspicion at the time.” received for the following con- Hikariko Ono, spokeswoman sultation work including; the for the Tokyo 2020 Games Or- planning of the bid; tutoring on ganising Committee, which is presentation practice; advice for diff erent from the bid commit- international lobbying commu- tee that won the right to host nications; and service for infor- the Olympics back in 2013, said mation and media analysis. on Thursday the committee be- “All these services were prop- lieved Tokyo won because it pre- erly contracted using accepted sented the best bid. business practices.” The IOC has said it has been Diack senior is under a French in touch with French magistrates police investigation for corrup- who are investigating the IAAF tion at the International Asso- case involving Diack and his son ciation of Athletics Federations and are also looking into the spe- (IAAF) during his time as presi- cifi c payments. dent. His son, believed to be in An IOC spokesman said the Senegal, declined to comment to group’s ethics and compliance Athletes run in a tea plantation during a national marathon in the Nandi Hills, on the outskirts of the town of Kapsabet, near Eldoret, western Kenya. the Guardian because of the in- offi cer would continue to be in vestigation, the paper reported. contact with French authorities Reuters ympics in Rio de Janeiro. he said, repeating Kenya’s commitment enact the anti-doping law or be declared The Singapore account where to clarify any alleged improper Nairobi The International Association of Ath- to ensuring its sports men and women non-compliant. The president signed the the money was allegedly depos- conduct, while French prosecu- letics Federations said WADA’s action “is were clean. new legislation into law on April 22. ited was controlled by Ian Tan tors declined to comment. a further refl ection of the IAAF’s concerns In an earlier statement, the minister But WADA President Craig Reedie said enya has requested an urgent about the level of commitment to anti- had said WADA had outlined “areas of on Thursday that it was not in line with meeting with the World Anti- doping at the national level in Kenya.” the act which they want to be rewritten the organisation’s requirements. Singapore says helping French with Olympic Doping Agency to resolve the The IAAF, which in November sus- or rectifi ed for us to regain full compli- “We have been working with Kenya for payment probe body’s concerns, the sports pended Russia from international athlet- ance as soon as possible.” He did not a number of years and thought we had Kminister said on Friday after the East ics because of widespread drug cheating, provide details when asked at the news agreed that the draft legislation and rules Singapore’s anti-corruption “As investigation is still ongo- African nation was judged non-compli- said Kenyan athletes were still eligible to conference. were entirely compliant, and it would agency said yesterday it was ing, we will not be able to ant with WADA’s code and put at risk of compete nationally and internationally. Kenyan athletes won two gold medals, appear that during their parliamentary helping French authorities comment further.” missing the Rio Olympics. It said Kenya’s participation in Rio was in four silvers and fi ve bronze at the last Ol- process changes were made that unfor- investigating possible fraud Singapore’s CPIB is a govern- Kenya passed an act of parliament in the hands of the International Olympic ympics in London. tunately weren’t code-compliant, so we in Japan’s Olympic bid after ment agency that investigates April to criminalise doping, but WADA Committee. will be in touch with Kenya to try and a company based in the city- and prosecutes corruption in said on Thursday it needed to make “Kenya has sought an urgent meeting FAILED TESTS resolve that at the earliest possible mo- state was linked to alleged the public and private sectors. changes to ensure compliance with the with WADA to review the main areas of Up to 40 Kenyan athletes have failed ment,” he said. irregularities. A business profile of Black Tid- code, which sets a framework for consist- concern and to secure a review of its deci- doping tests since 2012, the biggest name Kenyan running great Kipchoge Keino, “The Corrupt Practices Inves- ings lodged with Singapore’s ent rules and policies around the world. sion,” Sports Minister Hassan Wario told among them being former three-time who is chairman of the National Olym- tigation Bureau (CPIB) is work- Accounting and Corporate The WADA ruling meant Kenya, for a news conference. “Kenya will work with Boston City Marathon and Chicago Mar- pic Committee of Kenya, called WA- ing with the French authorities Regulatory Authority shows decades a leading power in middle- and WADA to settle the concerns it has raised.” athon champion, Rita Jeptoo, now serv- DA’s move “very unfortunate” but said on this case,” CPIB said in an the company as a sole propri- long-distance running, could be in dan- Kenyan offi cials could travel to WADA’s ing a ban. his government had not acted quickly e-mail response. etorship registered in 2006. ger of exclusion from the Aug. 5-21 Ol- Canadian headquarters at the weekend, WADA had given Kenya until May to enough against doping.
BOTTOMLINE Kremlin slams Sochi doping claims as ‘slander’
AFP 2015 when he resigned after the World sia last year said that FSB security serv- “These look like absolutely Moscow Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accused ice offi cers were present at the anti- unsubstantiated claims. It just the laboratory of being part of a state- doping laboratory in Sochi. looks like, you know, let’s say, the sponsored doping programme. The International Olympic Commit- slander of a defector” he Kremlin yesterday rub- In his fi rst interview, Rodchenkov tee said in November that there was no - Kremlin spokesman Dmitry bished claims of a vast state- described a massive, tightly-organised reason to doubt the anti-doping results Peskov run doping programme during doping operation involving Russia’s in Sochi, however. the 2014 Winter Olympics in FSB security service and the sports WADA has previously focused on sure of myself 300 million percent.” TSochi vaunted as a triumph for Vladimir ministry. Russia’s allegedly facilitating drug “Why should we believe such a per- Putin’s Russia. “I would not rely on such unsubstan- cheats at the London Olympics in 2012. son and trust him?” Legkov said of Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov tiated claims,” Peskov said when asked Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko Rodchenkov in a comment in to state dismissed the allegations that dozens to comment on alleged involvement by has condemned the latest allegations as television. of Russian athletes including at least 15 the ministry and the security service. “absurd,” calling them “a continuation Alexander Zubkov, a bobsledder who medallists took performance-enhanc- The claims come as a huge blow of the information attack on Russian won two golds, told Sport Express the ing drugs during the showpiece games to Russia, which spent billions turn- sport”. claims were “complete slander against when Russia boasted of its eff orts to ing Sochi from a rundown resort to a Kremlin spokesman Peskov on Friday the athletes of the Russian team and clean up sport. gleaming showcase for the games. denied that Mutko risked dismissal. against me as an individual.” “These look like absolutely unsub- Putin personally backed Russia’s “No, quite the opposite.... we gener- “I took part in fi ve Olympics and won stantiated claims,” Peskov told journal- bid, even giving an emotional speech ally side with his point of view,” Peskov medals at three. After each one I took ists in response to the claims by Grigory in English to the International Olympic said. part in doping controls. And now, sud- Rodchenkov, the former head of Rus- Committee. Asked if Russian athletes would be denly someone is trying to pin some- sia’s anti-doping laboratory, the lat- After dire results at the previous able to compete at the Rio Olympics thing on me.” est doping accusations to rock Russian winter games in Vancouver, Russia this summer, he said Mutko would need Willi Schneider, the German coach sport. topped the medals table at Sochi with to answer this, but added: “We hope of Russia’s skeleton team since 2012 “It just looks like, you know, let’s say, 13 golds in an apparent turnaround for that all will be well.” and former Canada coach, told sports the slander of a defector,” Peskov said, its sporting fortunes. website Sportbox.ru that “my per- using Cold War rhetoric used to refer to “The results show that the diffi cult ‘SLANDER AGAINST RUSSIAN TEAM’ sonal opinion is all this is dirty politics. Soviet citizens who fl ed to the West. period in the history of Russia sport is Russian athletes whose names were on There’s nothing truthful in these re- Rodchenkov, fearing for his safety over,” Putin said after the games. a spreadsheet shown to the New York ports, only rumours.” and currently living at a secret loca- “Everything that was done and in- Times by Rodchenkov, which he said Rodchenkov alleged that skeletonist tion in Los Angeles, made the sensa- vested in our sport has not been in outlined doping plans for Sochi, denied Alexander Tretyakov, who won gold at tional claims to the New York Times on vain,” he boasted. the allegations. Sochi, was among the athletes involved Thursday. Russia has always insisted that the Cross-country skier Alexander Leg- in doping. He headed Russia’s anti-doping Russian cross country skier Alexander Legkov at a news conference after Sochi games were clean. kov who won gold and silver at Sochi Schneider said: “I’m sure Tretyakov laboratory from 2006 to November rejecting doping claims by Russian athletes at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. WADA in its damning report on Rus- told Sport Express newspaper “I am was clean.” Gulf Times Saturday, May 14, 2016 9 SPORT
SPOTLIGHT INJURY Scot Inglis ‘critical’ aft er Vietnam Bolt ready for 2016 motorbike crash
AFP he helped create after problems London with travel insurance covering medical bills, said: “I didn’t ex- pect to get the response that we cottish judo player did and it’s overwhelming, but debut as Olympics Stephanie Inglis is in a it’s testament to the kind of per- “critical” condition after son Stephanie is.” suff ering a motorbike ac- He added: “If anyone can pull Scident in Vietnam, her sister told through this it’s Stephanie. the BBC yesterday. “She has been a fi ghter her Inglis, a silver medallist at the whole life, following in her fa- 2014 Commonwealth Games in ther’s footsteps and becoming Glasgow, suff ered severe head an international athlete, com- draws nearer injuries after the 27-year-old’s peting for Great Britain all over skirt got caught in a wheel and the world, beating adversity, pulled her off the bike as she competing and winning a silver ‘When I left Jamaica everything was good. This is my first race, so you never know travelled to a school where she medal in Glasgow 2014 Com- had been teaching English to monwealth Games, fi ghting for what to expect, because race fitness is diff erent from training’ under-privileged children for the her country and her dreams. past four months. “Now she is fi ghting for her Stacey Inglis said her sister life.” was now being treated in an in- JudoScotland issued a state- tensive care unit at a Hanoi hos- ment saying they were “obvi- pital, where she is in a coma. ously shocked and saddened”. Her parents have fl own from It added: “Steph was a valued their home in Inverness, north- member of the JudoScotland ern Scotland, to be at her beside. Performance Squad prior to her “She’s in a very critical state, retirement and a leading mem- she’s in a coma,” Stacey Inglis ber of the Glasgow 2014 Com- told BBC television. monwealth Games team, adding “There is a lot of bleeding to to Scotland’s medal count with a the brain and swelling, and we silver medal (under 57kg). are just not sure what is going to “The thoughts and prayers of happen.” everyone at JudoScotland are An online fundraising cam- with Steph and her family at this paign to help pay for Inglis’s diffi cult time.” medical costs has raised more Meanwhile the Foreign Offi ce than £75,000 ($107,000, 95,000 said: “We are in contact with the euros) within hours of being es- family of a British national who tablished. has been hospitalised in Viet- Fellow judoka Khalid Ghe- nam, and will continue to off er lan, writing on the website page support at this diffi cult time.”
BOXING Women boxers punch through social taboos in Sudan
File picture of Jamaica’s Usain Bolt gesturing to the crowd after Jamaica won the men’s 4x100m relay final at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
AFP Saturday at the Truman Bodden Sports decathlon king Ashton Eaton over 100m. “I am going to Rio for the three George Town Complex. “These upcoming races will determine gold medals. That’s always the aim “When I left Jamaica everything was where I am preparing for Rio,” Bolt said. and as I said earlier in the season, good,” Bolt told AFP at the Truman Bod- “I just have to hope that everything fall I would love to break 19 seconds,” sain Bolt will take the fi rst long den Sports Complex on Thursday. into place and when I get back to Jamaica he said strides on his road to Rio here “This is my fi rst race, so you never in training, I will know what I need to today when he makes his 2016 know what to expect, because race fi t- work on.” World champion and Olympic Games track debut with less than three ness is diff erent from training.” Although his qualification for the Ol- silver medallist Carmelita Jeter headlines Umonths to go before the Olympics. Bolt however believes he is ready to ympics is likely to be a formality, Bolt the women’s 100m, which also has USA Arafat Abkar (R) practises at the Nile Club in Khartoum, Sudan. The Jamaican sprint king is planning hit the ground running, revealing that said the Jamaican track and field trials 200m champion Jenna Prandini and Ja- a successful defence of his 100m, 200m training partner Yohan Blake has been in were a priority. maican Kerron Stewart. Reuters Sudanese girl to box and I faced and 4x100m crowns in Brazil, an unprec- blistering form this year. “The way I feel “We always focus on trials (Jamaica Prandini is also in the women’s 200m Khartoum big pressures from my family and edented “triple-triple” in what he has I should run a good time, because I train Olympic Trials) fi rst,” he said before re- with compatriot Miki Barber. people but I’ll continue as this is said will be his fi nal Olympic games. with (Yohan) Blake, who ran a good time iterating his determination to scoop an- American Kori Carter is the biggest my life’s dream,” said Mohamed The 29-year-old superstar has not (9.93) already this season,” Bolt said. other treble of golds in Rio, where he is name in the women’s 400m hurdles weat drips from Ara- at a state-run youth centre in competed since winning three gold med- Bolt’s competition on Saturday in- also hoping to become the fi rst man to while Kendra Harrison of USA will start fat Abkar’s brow as she Khartoum, where she trains. als at last August’s World Champion- cludes training partner Kemar Bailey- duck under 19 seconds for the 200m. favourite over Phylicia George of Canada dodges blows in an open- Nearby, two women were ships in Beijing and is hoping to use this Cole and the Cayman Islands’ Kemar “I am going to Rio for the three gold and Virgina Crawford in the women’s air arena in Khartoum’s training alongside men, shouting weekend’s Cayman Invitational to gauge Hyman, both of whom have gone below medals. That’s always the aim and as I sprint hurdles. searingS summer heat. Wearing as they jumped from foot to foot the state of his race fi tness. 10 seconds for the 100m. said earlier in the season, I would love to Trinidad and Tobago’s Machel Cedenio only shorts and a T-shirt, the and punched each other with Bolt, the world record holder over Bolt will also run in Ostrava later this break 19 seconds,” he said. will try to better his personal best of 44.34 22-year-old draws crowds in a worn gloves. The equipment is 100m and 200m, runs in the 100m on month, where he is scheduled to face US Elsewhere on Saturday, America’s 2011 clocked here last year in the men’s 400m. country where Muslim mores worn and basic, but the centre mean women’s boxing is a rare is busy, the atmosphere buzz- spectacle. ing with young people practising BOTTOMLINE “When I train, more specta- everything from martial arts to tors watch because women’s soccer. boxing is new and unfamiliar in “People watch satellite chan- Sudan,” Abkar said proudly at nels and look on the Internet and the private Nile Club in the south that has changed the culture and of the city. given new courage to women in Sudan is ruled by Islamic law, the past few years to pick up box- Gatlin looks for mental edge which requires women to dress ing gloves,” Mohamed Yousef, modestly. So, when she’s in the head of the Sudanese national street, Abkar follows the fashion boxing team, said. by wearing loose, fl owing gar- ments and covering her hair. “People mock women ahead of Olympic showdown In the ring, however, her who box. They think it’s AFP “I hope that it will turn around pion Aries Merritt will hope to bare head and defined muscles not feminine but they’re George Town for me when it comes to Rio ‘16,” take a step forward in his return mark her out for criticism and wrong ... I don’t think this he said. from kidney surgery in the men’s ridicule. That is a price Abkar is sport will stop me getting Last August’s double defeat 110m hurdles. willing to pay. married. So far, we’ve faced ontroversial sprinter Jus- to Bolt capped a troubled world Merritt, who had surgery last “People mock women who no objections from anyone, tin Gatlin will work to championships for Gatlin, now September, is up against Ja- box. They think it’s not feminine governmental or otherwise” sharpen his mental edge 34, who had been dominant be- maica’s world indoor champion but they’re wrong ... I don’t think at the Shanghai Diamond fore Beijing despite his advanced Omar McLeod, who won their this sport will stop me getting “The Sudan Boxing Federation LeagueC today as he homes in on an age. race this month in Doha in a married. So far, we’ve faced no asked us put more emphasis on Olympic showdown with his great The American refused to world-leading 13.05sec. objections from anyone, govern- girls to encourage them to con- rival Usain Bolt. speak to British media at the Kenya’s David Rudisha has set mental or otherwise,” she said. tinue in the sport.” Gatlin, a two-time doping of- meet because of what he per- his sights on the meet record of Most families are not so sup- Ali al-Aqraa, 78, a retired Su- fender, was upstaged emphati- ceived as biased coverage over 1:44.91 as he zeroes in on his Ol- portive and another girl at the danese boxing champion and cally by Bolt at last year’s Beijing the two failed dope tests earlier ympic 800m title defence, four club said she boxed in secret as the fi rst to begin training women world championships and he in his career. years after he set a stunning world her family would object to her said a lack of funds, not enthusi- said staying focused was his big- record at the 2012 London Games. taking part in what they see as a asm, was the biggest hurdle. gest goal this year. WADA WARNING But Rudisha will also have an man’s sport. Abkar was Sudan’s weight- Gatlin led the world in both Gatlin had raised eyebrows by anxious eye on events back home Women’s boxing was unheard lifting champion and repre- the 100 and 200 metres before setting personal bests at both after the World Anti-Doping of in Sudan until four years ago, sented her country abroad before Beijing but he panicked and lost 100m and 200m in the months Agency said Kenya’s eff orts when Sahar Mohamed took up taking up boxing last year. She is both races to Jamaica’s Bolt, before Beijing. Some research against drugs were inadequate, the sport and represented her one of four women on the boxing adding extra spice to their ex- has indicated that steroids can raising fears that the athletics country at the All Africa Games team at the Nile Club, where she pected meeting in Rio. File picture of Justin Gatlin. continue to boost performance powerhouse will miss Rio. last year. She was defeated on trains three times a week. Now Gatlin is back in China years after they are taken. Meanwhile multiple world points in the Middleweight cat- “What pushed me to box was for his second outing of the year, go all out in Shanghai, he is pointment against the ice-cool Gatlin timed 10.02 sec in Ka- and Olympic sprint champion egory by Yannick Azangue of watching American champion with all eyes on whether he can hot favourite for the race after Bolt in Beijing. wasaki last week and he should Veronica Campbell-Brown Cameroon. Laila Ali,” she said, referring to beat Femi Ogunode’s 9.91 sec- setting the five fastest times of “Now I’m training to be a canter to victory on Satur- headlines the women’s 200m, Since then, the Sudan Amateur the daughter of boxing legend onds, the fastest time so far this 2015. better athlete, make sure I stay day with Qatar’s Ogunode and and French Olympic champion Boxing Federation has sought to Muhammad Ali. “As I train night year. But the American said his big- focused within myself when it American Michael Rodgers Renaud Lavillenie will meet encourage women to join the sport and day her image is in my mind. Although Gatlin, who in- gest goal was maintaining men- comes to competition,” Gatlin looking his biggest threats. world title-holder Shawn Barber despite social challenges. I hope to become a world cham- jured an ankle last year, won’t tal focus after last year’s disap- said. Elsewhere, Olympic cham- in the men’s pole vault. “Four years ago, I was the fi rst pion like her.” Gulf Times 10 Saturday, May 14, 2016 SPORT
FORMULA 1 / SPANISH GRAND PRIX GOLF / PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP Day shoots Rosberg back on record-tying 63 for two-shot lead
Reuters top in practice Los Angeles
Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen second fastest in the both free practice sessions ason Day lived up to his status as the world’s number one golfer as he charged into a two-shot leadJ with a record-tying nine- under-par 63 in Thursday’s opening round of the Players Championship at Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Taking advantage of a recep- tive layout at the TPC Sawgrass with very little rough and barely a breath of wind early on a sun- drenched day ripe for low scor- ing, the long-hitting Australian piled up nine birdies in a bogey- free display. Though he rued a missed bird- ie opportunity at the par-three cially on this course - to have a eighth, his penultimate hole, decent lead. I’ve got only a two- Day picked up fi ve shots over the shot lead and there’s a slew of closing stretch to become just guys that are at seven under and the fi fth player to card a 63 at the at six and fi ve (under).” event widely regarded as the un- Four-times major winner Ernie offi cial fi fth major. Els of South Africa, Italy’s Franc- “I played solid from tee to esco Molinari and Americans green and I was very confi dent Hudson Swaff ord, Brooks Koepka, with my putter,” Day told Golf Daniel Berger and Boo Week- Channel after fi nishing two ley opened with 66s while world ahead of Americans Cameron number two Jordan Spieth dou- Tringale, Bill Haas and Brendan ble-bogeyed his fi nal hole for a 72. Steele, England’s Justin Rose and The late starters had to cope Ireland’s Shane Lowry. with strengthening winds in the “Just got things going. Unfor- afternoon when scoring became tunately it didn’t go in on eight,” a little more diffi cult as Ameri- he said of a narrow miss with a can Rickie Fowler, the defending 40-foot putt at the eighth that champion, and Northern Irish would have given him a birdie- world number three Rory McIl- birdie-birdie fi nish. roy both opened with 72s. “I really wanted to hole that putt to then try and give myself a LEADING ROUND I SCORES birdie on nine to beat the record 63 - Jason Day (AUS) but I will take tying the course 65 - Cameron Tringale (USA), record.” Shane Lowry (IRL), Justin Rose Fred Couples in 1992 was the (ENG), Bill Haas (USA), Brendan Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg arrives in the pits during the first free practice session for Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo, Spain, yesterday. (Reuters) fi rst player to shoot 63 at the TPC Steele (USA) Sawgrass before Greg Norman 66 - Francesco Molinari (ITA), Reuters (1994), Roberto Castro (2013), Hudson Swaff ord (USA), Ernie Barcelona Martin Kaymer (2014) and then Els (RSA), Brooks Koepka (USA), F1 drivers vexed by tearaway troubles Day followed suit. Daniel Berger (USA), Boo Week- PGA Championship winner ley (USA) ormula One world championship Formula One drivers fear that a simple, solutions during testing in Barcelona what we are going to do. We tried to put Day, who has long coveted a fi rst 67 - Jerry Kelly (USA), Gary leader Nico Rosberg set the prac- throwaway strip of plastic film could next week. tape on the side of the chassis but once Players title to add to his already Woodland (USA), James Hahn tice pace yesterday for a Span- land them in trouble and they do not The strips are designed to be torn away you’ve taped one, where does the next impressive golfi ng resume, felt (USA), Danny Lee (NZL), Nick Tay- ish Grand Prix that could see the know how to handle it. during a race so that the driver’s vision one go? I remove four to five in a race.” that fatigue had helped his on- lor (CAN), Jhonattan Vegas (VEN), MercedesF driver celebrate his eighth win course focus. The governing International Automo- is not restricted by smears of grease or Mexican Sergio Perez agreed with Jonas Blixt (SWE), Ryan Palmer in a row. bile Federation (FIA) plans to enforce a dirt. Some drivers start with nine or 10, Grosjean. “It’s been a long week because (USA), Zach Johnson (USA), Alex The German, who would become only long-ignored rule, buried in an appendix ripping them off as the laps unfold. “We were discussing the other day it’s been hot and I just felt really Cejka (GER) the third driver to win the fi rst fi ve races of to the sporting code, on the disposable However the debris can cause accidents at the drivers’ briefing, how can you tired for some reason,” said the 68 - Will Wilcox (USA), Chad a season after compatriot Michael Schu- tear-off strips that drivers have on the if caught in a brake duct, something survive with one tear-off for the entire 28-year-old Australian, who has Campbell (USA), Paul Casey macher and Britain’s Nigel Mansell if he visors of their helmets. that is of particular concern at tight race? In the first three laps you prob- won six tournaments in his last (ENG), Martin Kaymer (GER), Rus- triumphs tomorrow, led the way with a The rule bars drivers from throwing street circuits like Monaco. ably throw three already,” said the Force 16 starts. “That kind of distract- sell Knox (SCO), Billy Horschel fastest time of one minute 23.922 seconds. such ‘tear-off s’ onto the track or pit “Honestly, I don’t see any solution. Unless India driver. ed me from anything else. (USA), Kim Si-Woo (KOR), Carl Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel had been lane. you put a glove box in the car,” joked “Sometimes they break ... so you have “The scores here are so low. Pettersson (SWE), Hideki Mat- fastest in the morning session in 1:23.951 The crackdown had been due to start French driver Romain Grosjean, who to go for the other side, and at the same When you shoot a nine-under- suyama (JPN), Steve Wheatcroft and was fourth in the second session. at Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix but was races for the new US-owned Haas team. time you have to change gear or you hit par round, you expect - espe- (USA) Both were well inside Rosberg’s 2015 postponed to the following race in Mo- Grosjean said he had tried to keep the the limiter. If it’s what we have to do and pole position time of 1:24.681. naco on May 29 after teams and drivers tear-off s in the cockpit, being under put it somewhere in the car ... but where? Vettel’s team mate Kimi Raikkonen said they needed more time. the misapprehension that the rule was “I don’t really know how we are going FOCUS was second fastest in both sessions, 0.254 FIA race director Charlie Whiting said already being enforced. to do it ... I think the FIA has to think of adrift of Rosberg in the afternoon, with teams would try out various possible “It’s a disaster,” he said. “I don’t know another alternative.” three-times world champion Lewis Ham- ilton fourth in the morning but third after Els enjoys upside in lunch. turbo and a part of the energy recovery tralian team mate Daniel Ricciardo was from the rear of his Force India car. The Ferrari were the only ones using the system for Barcelona. quicker in both. team have brought major aerodynamic quicker, soft tyres in the morning, having But limited time to change the design Toro Rosso’s Carlos Sainz was ahead of upgrades to Spain. love-hate relationship opted for more sets than their rivals as since the last race in Russia meant they both Red Bulls in the afternoon. French rising star and reserve Sebastien they feel their car is better suited to them. had just one example available and get- Spain’s Fernando Alonso, twice the Ocon made his practice debut with Re- Hamilton is 43 points behind Rosberg ting it ready in time had taken a “super- world champion, was 10th and seventh nault, taking the car that Britain’s Jolyon at Players C'ship in the standings after suff ering power unit human” eff ort, the team said. on another encouraging day for McLaren Palmer will race on Sunday, but was unable failures in the last two race weekends that Dutch teenager Max Verstappen was after last year’s struggles. to set a lap time due to technical problems. sent him to the back of the fi eld in China sixth and eighth on his practice debut Mexican Sergio Perez had a diffi cult Palmer also had problems in the af- Reuters and to 10th on the starting grid in Russia. with Red Bull after leaving Toro Rosso in morning, stopping with two-thirds of ternoon, with a tyre blowout halting the Los Angeles Mercedes said they had changed the a swap with Russian Daniil Kvyat. Aus- the session remaining after smoke came session.
rnie Els has endured BOTTOMLINE some tough times on the PGA Tour this season but on Thursday at the Play- ersE Championship he enjoyed Ariya targets Rio gold aft er LPGA Tour breakthrough one of his best days at a venue where he has developed a long- standing “love-hate” relation- Reuters does not suit my game,” she added of the ship. Singapore brand new layout built on a nature re- The smooth-swinging South serve to the west of Rio de Janeiro for the African, whose world ranking efi ted hugely since re-uniting Aug. 17-20 tournament. has plummeted to 229th after with his former swing coach, riya Jutanugarn sank a gutsy “On the tour, I am always trying to win recent struggles with his swing David Leadbetter. par putt on the 72nd hole to every tournament and my target is to be and short game, fi red a six-un- “We worked a bit on Tuesday become the fi rst Thai to claim among the top 10 by the end of the year,” der-par 66 in ideal conditions and yesterday evening and my an LPGA Tour victory last Ariya, who followed in the footsteps of for the opening round at the TPC body feels good,” said the former Aweekend and after fi nally getting her elder sister Moriya (world number 96) to Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, world number one, a four-times maiden win after several near misses, play on the LPGA Tour, said. Florida. major champion who has not the 20-year-old has set her sights fi rmly “I have tried to change the way I ap- It was his lowest score at the won a tournament anywhere on Rio. proach the game this year. My caddie PGA Tour’s fl agship event, which since the European Tour’s 2013 Big-hitting and renowned for her ag- always tells me to believe in myself and is widely viewed as the unoffi cial BMW International Open. gressive play, Ariya famously blew a two- love each shot that I play. It seems to have fi fth major, since he shot a 65 in “I can get into the same posi- shot lead on the fi nal hole of her home worked well.” the third round of the 1996 Play- tions that I got into in my prime. I Honda LPGA Thailand event in 2013 when Proud of his daughters, Somboon is ers Championship. couldn’t quite do that for a while a stunning triple-bogey eight handed Ko- confi dent Ariya has the skills and tem- “I haven’t treated this course but now I feel good ... and it felt rea’s Park In-bee a one-shot triumph. perament to climb all the way to the top very well and it hasn’t treated comfortable today, swing and At last month’s ANA Inspiration, Ar- as the nation begins to embrace women’s me very well in the past,” a smil- putter.” iya held a two-shot lead late in the fi nal golf after the men had dominated the ing Els told Golf Channel after Els, 46, was especially pleased round of the season’s fi rst major but three playing fi eld for many years. recording an eagle at the par- to fl ourish on the always chal- bogeys in a row from the 16th handed the “I follow both of the girls and its great fi ve second, six birdies and two lenging par-72 layout at the TPC title to world number one Lydia Ko as the to see they are improving. With proper bogeys on a receptive Stadium Sawgrass which was designed by Thai was left to rue another collapse. nervy fi ve-footer at the last in Alabama. FATHER’S PRIDE management, so much more success lies Course layout. golf course architect Pete Dye. At last week’s Yokohama Tire Classic, “The last three holes were so tough. I “The Olympic gold is one of my goals this in wait for Ariya,” he said. “On a day like this, the course “I’ve got a love-hate relation- Ariya led by three strokes going into the couldn’t control anything.” year,” Ariya, who was introduced to golf “It’s exciting that there are going to be is in unbelievable shape, the ship with Pete Dye,” beamed the fi nal round after a sizzling 63 on Saturday The victory took Ariya up to 21st in the by her father Somboon at the age of fi ve, a lot of good Thai players on the LPGA,” greens are great and the fairways South African, who is popularly and despite seeing her advantage dwindle world rankings and she is ready to mount told reporters in Thailand, where she was former Tour player Numa Gulyanamitta are good so it’s really been nice.” known as the ‘The Big Easy’. to just one shot by the last, she was not an assault on Olympic gold alongside due to meet with Prime Minister Prayuth added. “Men’s golf is very popular in Els, whose recent struggles “This course has had its way about to be denied again. compatriot Pornanong Phatlum, herself Chan-ocha on Friday. Thailand, but now that we have more included a well-publicised six- with me so it’s nice to get one up “My legs were shaking, my hands were a four-time runner up on the lucrative “I will try my best to bring home the women players, people will be cheering putt at the fi rst hole of the Mas- on the course. The relationship, shaking,” Ariya told reporters after her US-based circuit. medal despite the fact that the course for both.” ters last month, said he had ben- we will see how it continues.” Gulf Times Saturday, May 14, 2016 11 SPORT
TENNIS / ITALIAN OPEN CYCLING Greipel roars Resilient Djokovic as Lotto score Giro hat-trick
AFP one. Before the sprint, we hit the fends off Nadal Foligno, Italy front early. I was happy to fi nd my way to another win. The fi n- Murray holds off strong fightback from David Goff in to reach semi-finals ish was nervous.” ermany’s Andre Greipel Dutchman Tom Dumoulin of overcame a late chal- the Giant team retains the race lenge by Australian leaders’ pink jersey a day after Caleb Ewan to roar to an claiming a handful of seconds Gimpressive sprint win to secure a from his main rivals, such as 2013 hat-trick of victories for his Lot- champion Vincenzo Nibali and to team yesterday. Spanish duo Mikel Landa and Greipel, the Lotto team rider Alejandro Valverde. known as the ‘Gorilla’ for his im- Dane Jakob Fuglsang, of Niba- pressive physique, claimed his li’s Astana team, is second overall maiden win of the 99th edition at 26secs with Russian Ilnur Za- on Wednesday. karin in third place for Katusha It ended compatriot and ri- at 28. val Marcel Kittel’s bid for a third Valverde (Movistar) sits in stage win from this year’s race, and sixth place at 41, with Nibali a fortune smiled kindly on Greipel further six seconds behind in again late in the 211 km seventh eighth place overall. stage when Etixx team sprinter The eighth stage today is a Kittel suff ered a puncture vefi kil- rolling 186 km from Foligno to ometres from the fi nish. Arezzo that should keep the A day after seeing teammate peloton on their toes. Tim Wellens claim his maiden It features a combination of stage from the race, Greipel fl at and mountain roads, steep made it three victories on the climbs and a 6.4 km section on trot for his team to pull level 2-2 dirt roads with gradients in the with compatriot and sprint rival double fi gures. After cresting the Kittel. To add to Kittel’s woes, Alpe di Poti climb, the road drops Greipel has taken the points quickly into Foce dello Scopetone competition’s red jersey from and straight into the fi nish line. him. “If we were playing football, STAGE 7 RESULTS (top ten) we’d say we’ve scored a hat trick 1. Andre Greipel (Lotto) 5:01:08” with three consecutive stage 2. Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek) ST wins,” said Greipel. “We’re very 3. Sacha Modolo (Lampre) happy.” 4. Caleb Ewan (Orica) Lotto were instrumental in 5. Enrico Battaglin (LottoNL) chasing down an early breaka- 6. Matteo Trentin (Etixx-Quick-Step) way, the last remnants of which 7. Alexander Porsev (Katusha) were reeled in inside the fi nal 8. Alexey Tsatevich (Katusha) 8km. 9. Nicola Ruff oni (Bardiani Valvole) After a series of big bends in 10. Elia Viviani (Team Sky) the road slowed the bunch down, Orica-GreenEdge made a late OVERALL STANDINGS (top ten) charge for victory with Ewan 1. Tom Dumoulin (Giant) 29:23:23” pulling to the front. 2. Jakob Fuglsang (Astana) +26” But with the fi nish line barely 3. Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha) +28” 50 metres away, Greipel put in 4. Bob Jungels (Etixx - Quick-Step) Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates his win over Spain's Rafael Nadal in the Italian Open quarter-final in Rome yesterday. (Reuters) a last, decisive eff ort to finish +35” ahead of Italians Giacomo Niz- 5. Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL) +38” Reuters ever, it took all of the Serb’s incredible Djokovic next meets Kei Nishikori of Monte Carlo last month and the fi nal in zolo (Trek) and Sacha Modolo 6. Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) Rome defensive skills to withstand a much-im- Japan or Dominic Thiem of Austria. Madrid last week, Murray said he was en- (Lampre), with Ewan eventually +41” proved performance from the nine-times Earlier, Andy Murray held off a strong joying himself on clay. fading to fourth place. 7. Diego Ulissi (Lampre) French Open champion. fi ghtback from David Goffi n to beat the “I always said it was the surface I en- “It was tough all day with a 8. Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) +47” orld number one Novak Coping better with a blustery wind that Belgian 6-1 7-5. joyed playing on the most because it is strong breakaway that was hard 9. Kanstantsin Siutsou (Dimension Djokovic fended off a resur- swirled around the Foro Italico, Nadal In a repeat of their clash in last year’s very challenging,” he added. to catch. My team did an amaz- Data) +49” gent Rafael Nadal 7-5 7-6 (4) broke to lead 3-2 but Djokovic recovered Davis Cup fi nal, world number three In the women’s event, last year’s Wim- ing job,” said Greipel. 10. Rigoberto Uran (Cannondale) in a pulsating battle yester- to level at 4-4 and then won the fi rst set Murray raced through the fi rst set for the bledon runner-up Garbine Muguruza of “The chase had to be a serious +51” Wday to reach the semi-fi nals of the Italian on his fourth set point. loss of just 10 points. Spain beat Swiss Timea Bacsinszky 7-5 Open. In the second set Nadal broke in the After recovering from 3-1 down in the 6-2 to reach the last four. Nadal led 4-2 in the fi rst set and had opening game and despite calling the second, the Scot served for the match at She plays American Madison Keys who fi ve set points on serve at 5-4 in the sec- physio because of pain in his left foot, he 5-4 only to be broken thanks to a stun- overcame Czech Barbora Strycova 6-4 ond but Djokovic held fi rm for a bruising held his advantage to 5-4. ning pass by Goffi n. 4-6 6-3. clay-court victory which took two hours Serving for the set he held fi ve set Murray broke again in the next game Romania’s Irina-Camelia Begu saw off 24 minutes. points but Djokovic saved the lot and and served out second time round to set Misaki Doi of Japan 6-2 7-6 (3) and next It was his seventh straight win over the broke back, eventually sealing the match up a meeting with France’s Lucas Pouille. faces world number one Serena Williams Spaniard and 11th in 12 meetings. How- on a tiebreak. Having reached the semi-fi nals in or Russia’s Svetlana Kuznetsova.
Williams wows fans... with risky dog food tale
World number one Serena Williams talk to turn to her off -court antics. On and successful women athletes in the said she won’t be eating dog food again social media, Williams set tongues wag- world, it raised eyebrows but Williams after giving in to temptation, and com- ging when she claimed to have eaten “a replied to queries on Thursday by say- ing close to upsetting her plans for a spoonful” of her pet Yorkshire terrier’s ing: “I’m not the most serious person off fourth Italian Open crown in Rome. tasty-looking salmon and rice dish at her the court. On the court I am, but off the American star Williams beat compatriot Rome hotel, telling her followers: “Don’t court I don’t have a serious bone in my Christina McHale 7-6 (9/7), 6-1 on Thurs- judge me.” body.” day to set up a quarter-final meeting In the video, posted on the popular Smiling, she added: “In fact, I have been with Russia’s Svetlana Kuznetsova. Snapchat platform, she claimed the food told I need to grow up a lot.” A year after retiring following her tasted “a little bit like a house-cleaner Admitting she was feeling no serious ill opening match due to an elbow injury, ahead of the defence of her French thing” and admitted she needed an eff ects of the incident, she added: “No, Williams is looking for her first triumph Open title in Paris later this month. urgent trip to the bathroom hours later. thank God! But I don’t know how my dog in Rome since 2014 as she builds form But post-match, it did not take long for Coming from one of the most famous eats that. I guess he’s okay with it.” Lotto's German cyclist Andre Greipel (centre) sprints to win the seventh stage of 99th Giro d’Italia in Foligno, Italy, yesterday. (AFP)
SPOTLIGHT Tennis Australia back Kyrgios over behaviour criticism
Reuters cially Tomic who was heavily criticised for his Melbourne attitude during the Madrid Open. Australia’s Tomic snubs Rio Olympics Earlier this week, however, the 21-year- old Kyrgios said of the warning: “If you don’t Troubled tennis star Bernard Tomic ennis Australia (TA) and the Austral- want two of the best players in Australia to said yesterday he will not be avail- ian Olympic Committee appear to be represent your country, so be it.” able to represent Australia at this headed for a showdown over Nick Chiller, a former Olympic modern pentath- year’s Rio Olympics, citing a busy Kyrgios for the Rio Games after the lete, was unperturbed yesterday at Tomic’s playing schedule. 21-year-oldT was publicly backed by his sport’s withdrawal and added that Kyrgios was still It follows Tomic and fiery compa- governing body yesterday. treading a fi ne line as to whether he would be triot Nick Kyrgios being warned Kyrgios was targeted again by the Austral- selected. “I think his comments show maybe he that their on-court behaviour could ian team’s chef de mission Kitty Chiller earlier doesn’t really know what it means to be an Aus- threaten their places on the Austral- yesterday as a player who needed to improve tralian Olympian,” Chiller said of Kyrgios’ state- ian team for the Games in August. “I make this decision based on what his behaviour or he would not be selected for ment earlier this week. “If someone doesn’t see The world number 22 will instead is best for my tennis career.” Rio even if he is nominated by TA. the value in that, then that’s their loss.” play an ATP Tour event in Mexico, The announcement comes after “Since the disciplinary action taken against Kyrgios has had several incidents of poor which is on at the same time. widespread criticism of Tomic’s on- Nick last year he’s made a concerted eff ort to behaviour in the last 12 months and was given “With a heavy sense of regret, I have court attitude in recent events and improve his performance and behaviour, and a suspended ban by the ATP last year for an made the diff icult decision to not concern over his behaviour by the full credit to him,” TA president Steve Healy off -colour comment directed at Swiss Stan play with the Australian tennis team Australian Olympic Committee. said in a statement late yesterday. Wawrinka. as they pursue an Olympic medal in He made headlines last week when “It’s unfortunate that he’s been included He was also booed by his home crowd at the Rio,” he said in a statement. he turned his racquet the wrong unfairly in recent discussions on player be- Australian Open in January after a running “I have always proudly represented way to face a match point in the haviour that have not involved him.” battle with a chair umpire. my country in Davis Cup and given Madrid Masters first round against The world number 20 was drawn back into Healy, however, said Kyrgios had been my all when wearing the green and Fabio Fognini. the limelight after compatriot Bernard Tom- working hard to rehabilitate himself. gold, but on the basis of my ex- Tomic later told his post-match ic said he would not be available for the Rio “His performances this year have been tremely busy playing schedule and news conference: “I don’t care about Games in August due to an “extremely busy” markedly improved and its obvious he’s show- my own personal circumstances, I that match point. Would you care playing schedule. ing more maturity,” Healy said. “Nick deserves am regrettably unable to commit to if you were 23 and worth over $10 Both Tomic and Kyrgios had been warned by the opportunity to concentrate on his tennis this year’s tournament. million?” Chiller last week about their behaviour, espe- without any additional distractions.”
Saturday, May 14, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT
SPOTLIGHT Lekhwiya set up Emir Cup fi nal clash with Al Sadd Djamel Belmadi’s boys come from a goal down to defeat El Jaish 2-1 while Sadd down Al Rayyan 3-2 in a thrilling encounter
Lekhwiya’s Mohamed Musa (2ndL) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Jaish yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil & Shemeer Rasheed. Sadd midfielder Hassan al-Haydous celebrates with teammates after scoring against Rayyan.
By Sports Reporter The South Korean produced a great Doha freekick, one that curled over the wall and straight into the near corner of the goal. Coach Belmadi’s reaction – run- ekhwiya came from a goal down ning around and punching the air – to defeat El Jaish 2-1 and set up said it all. a fi nal clash with Al Sadd in the In the second half too, Lekhwiya 2016 Emir Cup. Goals from Nam saw more of the ball then Jaish. They LTae-Hee and Mohamed Musa helped had a few sporadic attempts but none cancel out Abderrazzak Hamedallah’s that were too threatening. Lekhwiya early strike and give Djamel Belmadi’s brought on striker Mohamed Muntari boys a deserving victory. to increase their scoring chances but Earlier in the day, Al Sadd too came it was a short stint that ended in pain. from a goal down to defeat Al Rayyan The lanky striker pulled up after being 3-2. A brace from Sadd’s Hassan al- on the pitch for barely a few minutes. Haydous and a 90th minute strike The knee injury that seemed to have from Bounejah Baghdad helped the kept him out seemed to have resur- Wolves cancel out Rodrigo Tabata’s faced and Muntari was see in tears later brace yesterday and reach the fi nal. as he had to be replaced. Luiz Martin Jaish had defeated Lekhwiya in the came on in his place. Qatar Cup fi nal with a 90th minute Lekhwiya continued to look for the goal from Hamedallah. And with the goal and though many attempts were Emir Cup being the last chance for sil- wasted they fi nally got one in through verware, Lekhiwya were keen to avenge Musa. The defender has an uncanny through their captain Tabata. The lull. Both teams were building attacks their loss. But it was Hamedallah who ability to put himself on the scoresheet Rayyan striker won the Masour Muf- but neither was able to fi nd the back of provided Jaish with the lead when he and it was he who scored the winning tah award for the most number of goals the net. But there was time for drama converted from the spot in the 28th goal, off a corner, in the 79th minute. Le- scored in the QSL and he gave his team right towards the end of the match. minute. This goal came against the khwiya will now hope for a similar strong the lead in the 12th minute. Sadd scored another great team goal, run of play with Lekhiwya dominat- performance against Sadd and look to But Sadd’s midfi elder al-Haydous which started with Xavi orchestrating ing possession. Such was the one sided claim a piece of silverware this season. produced a burst of two goals in two the move outside the box and ended play that Lekhwiya had raked up six Earlier in the day, Sadd claimed a minutes to wrestle back the lead and with Baghdad calmly tapping it in in corners in the fi rst 18 minutes. thrilling victory over Rayyan. Jorge the initiative. Al-Haydous brought his the 90th minute. Lekhwiya continued to dominate Fossati’s won the Qatar Stars League team on level when he converted from Rayyan were able to reduce the defi - play but were unable to get the equal- with ease but seem to be on the wane the spot in the 19th minute and then cit in the 94th minute when Tabata izer. But then just when it looked like since. They lost the Qatar Cup semi- got the end of a Xavi pass on the right converted the penalty. But it was a Jaish would go into the break with a fi nals to Lekhiwya 3-1 in a lacklus- and fi red the ball into the roof of the goal too late and Sadd claimed a great one-goal lead, Tae-Hee stepped up tre performance. Yesterday they be- net to put Sadd ahead. morale-boosting victory and the brag- for a freekick at the edge of the box. gan well and had taken the early lead After this burst of action there was a ging rights.
HORSE RACING Al Mourtajez targets Qatar Coupe d’Europe des Chevaux Arabes Agencies most accomplished competition. London He is coming off a third place for his sea- sonal debut in the Gr2 PA at Toulouse. He is trained by Elisabeth Bernard, who also sad- l Shaqab Racing’s Al Mourtajez will dles AJS Rudainah, in the colours of Al Shaqab be the hot favourite for tomorrow’s Racing, and who is making her comeback. Qatar Coupe d’Europe des Chevaux She already has Group places, having fi n- Arabes (Gr1 PA) in Deauville, France. ished second behind the excellent Loraa last AThomas Fourcy’s charge is one of the best year. Al Shaqab Racing also has Laft Nethar, older purebred Arabians as was evident from who has only run twice, but is coming off an his majestic win in the Qatar Arabian World impressive win in Toulouse. Cup (Gr1 PA) on the Arc day last year at A regular starter in the top Arab races, Longchamp. Prada T (Djendel) hasn’t run since the Qatar After a trip to Qatar, which ended with Arabian World Cup. She previously fi nished third place in the HH The Emir’s Sword (Gr1 second to Sir Bani Yas at Goodwood. PA), he has now returned to France, at Deau- ville, and the participation of six-year-old son of Dahess has scared off the others with In this October 4, 2015, picture, jockey Julien only four others in the 2000m race. Auge rides Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Mourtajez Sir Bani Yas, winner of the Qatar Interna- to victory in the Qatar Arabian World Cup tional Stakes (Gr1 PA) at Goodwood, is the (Gr1 PA) at Paris’ Longchamp racetrack.