FOOTBALL | Page 3 TENNIS | Page 10 England Serena To Advertise here to take on holds on to Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 in advance in friendly Miami

Saturday, March 26, 2016 CRICKET Jumada II 17, 1437 AH West Indies in GULF TIMES semis aft er thrilling win over S. Africa SPORT Page 2 MOTORSPORT KUWAIT INTERNATIONAL RALLY Al-Attiyah in cruise control ‘We win all the stages and I have a big lead now. The objectives change now though. We have to conserve that lead and make no mistakes on the last day. It is very important for me to win in Kuwait and extend my lead in the championship’

By Our Correspondent Kuwait’s Meshari al-Thefi ri Julai’a, Kuwait produced the standout local performance of the day in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X to atar’s Nasser Saleh al-Atti- hold third overall and second in yah may well be able to hit MERC 2, despite a minor incident the cruise control button on on the second stage when he the fi nal leg of the Kuwait damaged the intercooler InternationalQ Rally, after he surged into a staggering lead of 6min 23.2sec after lem. I lost third gear and continued the six timed special stages in the southern stage. On the next stage only the fourth Kuwait deserts on Friday. and fi fth gears were working. I retired He and French navigator Matthieu before the last stage.” Baumel were never troubled during a Leader al-Attiyah said: “I fi nish faultless day, where their Skoda Fabia three stages and I am leading and was R5 won every stage to take fi rm control fastest on all three stages. I feel com- and push the 11-time regional cham- fortable and in a safe mood with the pion towards a record sixth win in Ku- Skoda. The Michelin tyres are working wait. well in Kuwait. Everything is fi ne.” “A perfect day for our team, really,” The event is being organised by the refl ected al-Attiyah. “We win all the Basil Salem al-Sabah Motor Racing stages and I have a big lead now. The Club (BMRC) under the chairmanship objectives change now though. We of Sheikh Athbi Nayef Jaber al-Ahmad have to conserve that lead and make al-Sabah and in conjunction with the no mistakes on the last day. It is very General Authority for Sport. important for me to win in Kuwait and Today, teams tackle the remaining extend my lead in the championship.” six desert special stages of the event, A fi erce desert battle raged behind commencing with the fi rst of two runs the leading drivers in the MERC 2 class through the 16.61km of the Bnaider that could well become the highlight of stage. The ceremonial fi nish is sched- the regional championship this year. uled for 16.30hrs outside the Safi r Ho- Yigit Timur began to up his pace tel and Residences in Fintas, south of as the day progressed and the Turk Kuwait City. snatched the MERC 2 lead and second Positions after SS7 (top 5): overall at the end of the sixth stage in a Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT)/Mat- Tok Sport Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution powers his Skoda across the thieu Baumel (FRA) Skoda Fabia R5 X. By the end of the leg, that advantage Kuwait desert yesterday. 1hr 09min 36.1sec was a mere 4.1 seconds. 2. Yigit Timur (TUR)/Ufuk Uluocak Kuwait’s Meshari al-Thefi ri pro- (TUR) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X duced the standout local performance 1hr 15min 59.3sec of the day in his Mitsubishi Lancer sixth stage and the gap is very small. I navigator Savvas Laos rounded off the rounded off the 10 survivors. “The stages are really nice. I was not 3. Meshari al-Thefiri (KWT)/Nasser al- Evolution X to hold third overall and have the advantage tomorrow, because top fi ve in their Subaru Impreza. Qatar’s Khaled al-Suwaidi and Ital- taking risks or adventures. Nasser is Kuwari (QAT) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X second in MERC 2, despite a minor I know the stages very well. The most The Lebanese duo of Rodolphe As- ian co-driver Giovanni Bernacchini not an easy driver to beat, so I was be- 1hr 16min 03.4sec incident on the second stage when he important thing is to fi nish to celebrate mar and experienced co-driver Joseph were a comfortable second in their ing logical,” said al-Suwaidi. “I did a 4. Rashed al-Nuami (QAT)/Nicola damaged the intercooler. winning the national championship.” Matar held sixth and Saudi rookie Ford Fiesta R5 until they lost over fi ve mistake with the tyres. I put the hard Arena (ITA) Subaru Impreza “I am very happy to fi nish the day Qatar’s Rashed al-Nuami and Ital- Rakan al-Rashed and Finnish naviga- minutes with a broken gearbox in stage compound and was afraid of punc- 1hr 16min 28.2sec in the top three,” said al-Thefi ri. “The ian navigator Nicola Arena were fourth tor Jarkko Kalliolepo were seventh. fi ve and slipped to eighth overall. On- tures. I will try to push a little more 5. Khalifa al-Attiyah (QAT)/Sav- Turkish guy (Timur) is second. Four and third in MERC 2 and al-Attiyah’s Germany’s Edith Weiss and the Ku- going problems cost them further time tomorrow.” vas Laos (CYP) Subaru Impreza seconds between us. I lost time in the brother Khalifa al-Attiyah and Cypriot waiti duo of Saleh Ali and Elie Chachati before they retired before stage seven. “On the fourth stage I have a prob- 1hr 16min 42.6sec

CRICKET/ WORLD T20 Smith, Faulkner lift Australia to victory over Pakistan to set up knockout clash with India

Reuters Mohali MOHALI SCORECARD Australia Khalid Latif b Faulkner 46 Umar Akmal ustralia beat Pakistan by 21 UT Khawaja b Wahab Riaz ...... 21 b Zampa ...... 32 runs in their World Twen- AJ Finch b Imad Wasim ...... 15 Shahid Afridi* st †Nevill b Zampa ...... 14 ty20 Super 10 stage match in DA Warner b Wahab Riaz ...... 9 Shoaib Malik not out ...... 40 Mohali yesterday to stay on SPD Smith* not out ...... 61 Imad Wasim c Coulter-Nile b Faulkner 0 courseA for the semi-fi nals and elimi- GJ Maxwell c Ahmed Shehzad b Imad Sarfraz Ahmed† c Khawaja b Faulkner 2 nate their opponents from the tourna- Wasim ...... 30 Wahab Riaz c Hazlewood b Faulkner .. 0 ment. SR Watson not out ...... 44 Mohammad Sami not out ...... 4 Australia skipper Steven Smith Extras: (lb 8, w 5)13 Total: (4 wickets; Extras: (b 1, lb 1, w 1) ...... 3 struck an unbeaten 63 off 43 to steer 20 overs)193 (9.65 runs per over) Fall Total (8 wickets; 20 overs):...... 172 Australia to 193-4, before James of wickets 1-28 (Khawaja, 3.4 ov), 2-42 Did not bat: Mohammad Amir Faulkner took fi ve wickets, including (Warner, 5.1 ov), 3-57 (Finch, 7.2 ov), 4-119 Fall of wickets 1-20 (Ahmed Shehzad, two off consecutive deliveries in the (Maxwell, 13.4 ov) 2.5 ov), 2-40 (Sharjeel Khan, 5.3 ov), 3-85 fi nal over, to help his team seal the win. Bowling: Amir 4-0-39-0, Sami 4-0-53- (Umar Akmal, 10.3 ov), 4-110 (Shahid Man-of-the-match Faulkner gave 0, Riaz 4-0-35-2, Afridi 4-0-27-0, Wasim Afridi, 13.2 ov), 5-147 (Khalid Latif, 17.3 away just 27 runs and was helped by 4-0-31-2 ov), 6-147 (Imad Wasim, 17.4 ov), 7-164 another impressive performance by (Sarfraz Ahmed, 19.1 ov), 8-164 (Wahab Faulkner: young leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who Pakistan (target: 194 runs from 20 Riaz, 19.2 ov) five-wicket haul took two for 32. overs) Bowling: JR Hazlewood 4-0-26-1, Australia, batting fi rst on a green- Sharjeel Khan b Faulkner ...... 30 NM Coulter-Nile 4-0-45-0, JP Faulkner tinged pitch, lost three wickets in Ahmed Shehzad c Coulter-Nile b Hazle- 4-0-27-5, SR Watson 2-0-27-0, A Zampa quick succession, with fi t-again wood...... 1 4-0-32-2, GJ Maxwell 2-0-13-02 paceman Wahab Riaz doing the ini- tial damage by bowling in-form Us- man Khawaja for 21 and castling David Warner on nine. deliveries) and then by the big-hitting Pakistan got off to a poor start, kistani skipper Shahid Afridi stumped ing the settled Khalid Latif (46 off 64 the last six balls, ran out of steam. Aaron Finch went next, bowled by Shane Watson. losing Ahmed Shehzad for one, and for 14 and bowled Umar Akmal, who balls) before striking again next ball to The win took Australia to second left-arm spinner Imad Wasim for 15 to Watson struck four fours and three Faulkner picked up the key wicket of was looking dangerous after racking up get Wasim. He was at it again at the place in the fi ve-team group, behind leave Australia struggling on 57-3. sixes to race to an unbeaten 44 off 21 opener Sharjeel Khan who smashed six 32 in 20 balls. death, dismissing Sarfraz Ahmed and New Zealand, who are already through Smith, however, steadied the ship deliveries as Australia took 66 runs off boundaries en route to a quick-fi re 30. But Faulkner took the plaudits with Riaz with his fi rst two deliveries as to the semi-fi nals and ahead of India in aided fi rst by Glenn Maxwell (30 off 24 the last fi ve overs. Zampa got into the act by getting Pa- a match-winning performance, bowl- Pakistan, who needed 30 runs from third due to a superior net run rate. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, March 26, 2016 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT PREVIEW England must revel in big occasion of Windies into semis Sri Lanka showdown aft er thrilling win over South Africa Sammy’s side successfully chase down a target of 123 with just two balls to spare for a third consecutive victory, become the second team to qualify for the last four File picture of England batsman Joe Root playing a shot. AFP Nagpur By Vic Marks, The Guardian was turning, in which case there Delhi may be a traitor in the camp. At the crease, some of the team were he West Indies clinched a spot in not thinking straight, regardless the World Twenty20 semi-fi nals n a muggy holiday af- of the conditions. with a thrilling three-wicket win ternoon when most On Saturday England have the over South Africa at the Vidarbha of the locals were opportunity to demonstrate that TCricket Association Stadium in Nagpur meandering lazily on they possess a steeliness that rev- yesterday. theO grass around the India Gate els in the big occasion. On cur- Darren Sammy’s side successfully in Edwin Lutyens’ Delhi, Eng- rent form, Root of Sheffi eld is as chased down a target of 123 with just two land’s cricketers were earnestly likely as anyone to provide that. balls to spare for a third consecutive Group preparing at the Feroz Shah Ko- Naturally, he is positive in outlook. One victory, becoming the second team to tla ground just down the road, “There have been times when qualify for the last four after New Zealand. a conglomeration of a stadium we’ve bowled extremely well in It was South Africa’s second defeat of that has never been as architec- this tournament and times when the tournament and means England can turally satisfying and owes noth- we’ve obviously batted extremely secure a berth in the semis at their expense ing to Lutyens. well,” he said while acknowledg- with a win against Sri Lanka on Saturday. England’s hope is that they are ing that these two disciplines have The Windies rode on a gritty 44 from not preparing for their last game yet to fi re simultaneously. “The Marlon Samuels to prevail in a tense fi nish. in the World Twenty20. Realis- exciting thing for me is that if that They had earlier restricted South Af- tically, though not mathemati- comes together we’ll be a very rica to 122 for eight after Sammy opted to cally, they have to beat Sri Lanka hard team to beat.” Now is the time fi eld fi rst. on Saturday to have a chance for that union. It looked like the Windies would canter of reaching a semi-fi nal, which They will not have a full squad home but Imran Tahir grabbed two wick- would almost certainly take available. Reece Topley, laid low ets in the 17th over and the Caribbean place in Delhi. with stomach problems, did not side ended up going into the fi nal over England are playing the hold- train yesterday but he was very requiring nine to win. ers yet they start as favourites. unlikely to be selected anyway Carlos Brathwaite hit a massive six Sri Lanka have lost key men since after Plunkett’s excellent per- before precocious fast bowler Kagiso they hoisted the trophy into the formance against Afghanistan. Rabada bowled a wide. Brathwaite then Dhaka skies in April 2014. The state of Alex Hales’s back grabbed a quick run before Denesh Ram- Since the match against Af- is more signifi cant. It is improv- din carried the Windies over the line with ghanistan, when England’s bat- ing and he was able to partici- a single. ting spluttered along with all pate in training on the eve of the Samuels’ 32-run partnership for the West Indies batsmen Carlos Brathwaite (R) and Denesh Ramdin (C) celebrate after winning the World T20 cricket tournament the smooth acceleration of Del match but England will not come third wicket with Johnson Charles (32) match against South Africa at The Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur yesterday. Boy’s Reliant Regal, there has to a decision on his fi tness until set up the chase only for the team to lose been much talk from the England Saturday afternoon. James Vince their way in the middle overs. partnerships in a crucial game for their didn’t last long, scoring nine off seven left South Africa reeling on 20 for three camp about “adapting to condi- stands by again. Sri Lanka may Andre Fletcher made 11 while Chris survival in the tournament. balls before being caught by Sulieman after three overs. tions” and “honest” assessments hope that Hales is absent. In the Gayle surprisingly shone with the ball Left-hander Quinton de Kock top- Benn off paceman Andre Russell. South Africa needed AB de Villiers to of that ugly batting display – last World Twenty20 Sri Lanka rather than the bat. scored for the Proteas with 47 while It quickly got worse for the Proteas put a big score on the board but the classy and Joe Root did not disappoint suff ered their solitary defeat The big-hitting left hander smashed a David Wiese, batting at number seven, when Gayle, who has barely turned his stroke-player could only manage 10 be- us when looking forward to the when Hales smashed 116 on a four off his fi rst ball but was clean bowled notched 28. arm over in recent years, grabbed the fore being cleaned up by Dwayne Bravo. match against Sri Lanka. dewy night in Chittagong. by Rabada off his second. Hashim Amla was run out for one on wicket of Rilee Rossouw. David Miller then came in but lasted “It’s about adapting to condi- Whoever bats for England will Gayle had earlier claimed two wick- just the third ball of the innings. Rossouw’s dismissal, which the dread- only four balls, bowled by Gayle. Chris tions a bit better than we did in be confronted by a variety of ets as South Africa suff ered from lack of Captain Faf du Plessis came in and locked Gayle celebrated with a little jig, Morris made 16. the previous game,” he said. spinners. Paul Farbrace, coach However, the process of of Sri Lanka when they won Scoreboard: South Africa v West Indies adapting to conditions is not the the trophy, has already shared entire story. There remains the how “[Rangana] Herath would SOUTH AFRICA WEST INDIES concern that there is a wobbli- have loved to have bowled on H. Amla run out 1 J. Charles c du Plessis b Wiese 32 ness to England’s cricket in the that [Afghanistan] wicket”. Jef- Q. de Kock b Russell 47 C. Gayle b Rabada 4 special cut and thrust of what frey Vandersay’s wrist-spinners F. du Plessis c Benn b Russell 9 A. Fletcher run out (Rossouw) 11 is, in eff ect, “knockout” cricket. pacifi ed the West Indies batsmen R. Rossouw c Russell b Gayle 0 M. Samuels c de Villers b Morris 44 There is often a delicious, ad- in Bangalore and they could eas- AB. de Villiers b Bravo 10 D. Bravo c Wiese b Phangiso 8 ditional tension to World Cup ily give the off -spinner Sachitra D. Miller b Gayle 1 A. Russell c Miller b Tahir 4 cricket, so it is not only a ques- Senanayake his fi rst outing of D. Wiese c Sammy b Bravo 28 D. Sammy b Tahir 0 tion of the clinical adjustment to the tournament. After all this is C. Morris not out 16 C. Brathwaite not out 10 diff erent conditions, which we Delhi – and this is England. A. Phangiso run out 4 D. Ramdin not out 1 keep hearing about. Extras (b 4, w 2) 6 Extras (lb 1, w 8) 9 On Wednesday against Af- Today’s fi xtures Total (for 8 wickets, 20 overs) 122 Total (for 7 wickets, 19.4 overs) 123 ghanistan the conditions had Did not bat: K. Rabada, I. Tahir Did not bat: S. Badree, S. Benn nothing to do with Root’s dis- (Qatar time) Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Amla), 2-13 (du Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Gayle), 2-34 missal – he was stranded mid- Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Plessis), 3-20 (Rossouw), 4-46 (de Vil- (Fletcher), 3-66 (Charles), 4-87 (Bravo), pitch when he realised that Ben Eden Gardens, Kolkata liers), 5-47 (Miller), 6-97 (de Kock), 7-112 5-100 (Russell), 6-100 (Sammy), 7-113 Stokes had no intention of mov- 12:30pm (Wiese), 8-122 (Phangiso) (Samuels) ing. Nor could the conditions Bowling: Badree 3-0-22-0, Russell 4-0- Bowling: Rabada 3.4-0-38-1, Morris explain Eoin Morgan’s reluctance England vs Sri Lanka 28-2, Gayle 3-0-17-2, Brathwaite 2-0-11-0, 4-0-33-1, Tahir 4-0-13-2, Wiese 4-0-19-1, to play a shot to his fi rst ball – af- Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi West Indies’s Chris Gayle (C) comes up with a unique way of celebrating a wicket after Benn 4-0-20-0, Bravo 4-0-20-2 Phangiso 4-0-19-1 terwards England’s captain did 5pm dismissing South Africa’s batsman David Miller yesterday in Nagpur. claim that someone had said it

BOTTOMLINE Sluggish pitches proving to be a mixed blessing

By Mike Selvey, The Guardian Williamson’s intelligence. played on the same grounds and simi- Women’s cricket has progressed London It would not be stretching the imagi- lar surfaces. In theory it is an excellent massively but, although boundaries nation too far to suggest that in terms of concept to run the men’s and women’s have been brought in to try to promote some of the pitches the tournament has tournaments at the same time. But if the hitting of sixes, it is not essentially ngland got themselves in a mess been set up to benefi t the host nation the men’s game is being enhanced by a power game like the men’s, relying as of their own temperamental and hinder others, and in this they have some of the challenges being posed and much on deftness of touch, defl ection making in Delhi, bailed out by come a little unstuck. With the Black the responses to them – a new perspec- and use of angles as slugging. the lower order and the bowl- Caps already sure of a semi-fi nal place, tive on how T20 can be played – the It has a diff erent but still entertain- ers.E Maybe they saw demons where India’s match against Australia in Mo- women’s has been diminished some- ing appeal. But to achieve this batsmen there were none. The pitch looked hali on Sunday could decide whether it what at a time when it is being broad- need pace on the ball, which is not pos- nothing like the turner that a glance at is the favourites, India, or the holders cast globally, and there is an imperative sible on sluggish pitches against spin- the scoreboard might suggest. Indeed, Australia, who are eliminated (it could to make it as attractive as possible. ners, who are slow and loopy to begin their reading of the surface seemed be both). And the 2007 World Cup in On Tuesday, in Dharamsala, Eng- with, and seamers without real velocity. spot-on, with the paceman Reece Top- the Caribbean, where a Super 8 match land’s women got as bogged down as It is no fault of the players that a match ley replaced by another, Liam Plunkett, featured Bangladesh against Ireland had India in their innings and came that ought to have been a shopwindow rather than Dawson, a spinner. On an- rather than the blue-chip India against within a whisker of failing to make 91 to for these skills failed to provide one. other day, maybe when England play Pakistan, shows what a commercial win. It was a desperate match in which, It was frustrating for anyone who Sri Lanka, the venue will surely see the disaster it can be when India do not far from being enhanced and demon- believes that women’s cricket has a runs that the pitch merited. reach the later stages of a global com- strating women’s cricket at its best, huge part to play in the expansion of The World Twenty20 has found out petition: advertisers evaporated like the sluggish nature of the surface ham- the game and was articulated after the more than a few batsmen. Slow, turn- South Africa’s batsman Quinton de Kock is bowled during the World T20 cricket droplets on a hotplate. strung them. match by the India captain, Mithali ing pitches at some – not all – grounds tournament match between South Africa and West Indies in Nagpur yesterday. Do they produce such surfaces for The previous day, in Nagpur, Aus- Raj. “When you’re promoting women’s have fl ummoxed those who are used the Indian Premier League? It is hard tralia’s women, deemed the best side cricket around the globe,” she said, “it to hitting through the line secure in handed simplistic techniques exposed. that category) just because they off er to believe they would encourage low- in the world before the tournament, is imperative that you put up the best the knowledge that the ball will come It has brought criticism, of course, but help to the spinners. scoring, tight contests when sixes are found themselves four wickets down brand of it for the world to watch. And on to the bat nicely and deviate little. erroneously in my view, at least in part, It has brought out the best in captaincy sponsored: the more what they still in- for four runs in four hapless overs attract people that come to the stadi- Batsmen, after all, are the T20 cocks- about more of which in a moment. and selection, exemplifi ed by the manner sist on calling “maximums” rain down, against the New Zealand off spinner um. A wicket like this, where the ball is of-the-walk. But these muscular deni- But much as many would like to label in which New Zealand, twice, have de- the fi nancially merrier it is. Leigh Kasperek, a situation from which keeping low and turning square,makes zens with their fast hands and forgiving them, these have not been bad pitches fended low scores with astute use of their There are two competitions running they were unable to recover suffi ciently, the job of the players very diffi cult. To blades have fumbled and groped as the (those which are two-paced and give resources, including leaving out their two simultaneously at the moment, though, New Zealand making the target of 104 market women’s cricket ideally, it’s not ball has nipped this way and that, hard- dangerously erratic bounce come into most formidable pace bowlers, and Kane with the Women’s World T20 being with plenty in hand. a good situation.” It is hard not to agree. Gulf Times Saturday, March 26, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

FOCUS England vs Germany: Five Historic Clashes World champions Germany host England at Berlin’s Olym- pic Stadium in an international Germany, England friendly tonight (22:45 Qatar time). Here’s a look at fi ve histor- ic clashes between the rivals... July 30, 1966, World Cup final, Wembley stadium, London England 4 (Hurst 18, 101, 120; Peters to throw down Euro 78) West Germany 2 (Haller 12, Weber 89)—after extra-time wrote himself into football- ing folklore by becoming the only player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final as England lifted the Jules Rimet trophy in con- troversial fashion. After Germany had taken 2016 marker today an early lead through Helmut Haller, Hurst levelled with a header then Martin Peters put England 2-1 up 13 minutes from time. Germa- Security personnel will be on a high state of alert with a crowd of around 72,000 expected ny took the game to extra-time with a goal from just 15 seconds from for the high-profile match as two of the favourites for June’s European championships meet the end of 90 minutes. Hurst’s second goal in the 101st minute has been the subject of hot debate after it bounced on the line, but Germany national football team was given by the Soviet linesman. But Hurst players warm up ahead of a training put the game beyond Germany’s reach by session in Berlin on the eve of their scoring his third goal on 120 minutes as friendly against England. (AFP) BBC commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme uttered: “some people are on the pitch. They think it’s all over. It is now, it’s four!” June 14, 1970, World Cup quarter-final, Leon, Mexico West Germany 3 (Beckenbauer 68, Seller 82, Mueller 108) England 2 (Mullery 31, Peters 49)—after extra-time The Germans avenged their Wembley defeat by coming back from two goals down to reach the 1970 World Cup semi-finals where they lost to Italy. Missing goalkeeper , who was laid low by a stomach upset, England went 2-0 up just after the break thanks to goals from Alan Mullery and Martin Peters, be- fore disaster struck. Banks’s replacement Peter Bonetti allowed a shot to slip under his body, then levelled before Germany’s goal machine Gerd Mueller, who finished with 10 goals in six games, turned and fired in the winner. July 4, 1990, World Cup SF, Stadio delle Alpi, Turin, Italy West Germany 1 (Brehme 60) England (Lineker 80)—after extra-time. West Germany won 4-3 on penalties There were Tears in Turin as England crashed out in the penalty shoot-out and Paul Gascoigne was left sobbing after his yellow card in extra-time meant he would have missed the final. With an hour gone, Germany defender Andreas Brehme fired in a free-kick which took a deflection off Paul Parker and looped over England goalkeep- er Peter Shilton. England equalised when Gary Lineker capitalised on a mistake in the German defence to take the game to extra time and penalties. Both teams scored on their first three spot-kicks, but German goal- keeper Bodo Illgner saved Stuart Pearce’s shot before Chris Waddle fired over the bar to put Germany in the final they would AFP for Euro 2016 fi nals which starts on Delph (calf) are all out. many have played England with the “I see parallels between them and ultimately win against Argentina. Berlin June 10. Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge Germans having won 12, drawn six how we were in 2010. And head coach Joachim Loew and Arsenal midfi elder Danny Wel- and lost 15 times to the Three Lions. “They have brought in young play- September 1, 2001, World Cup showed his teeth on Tuesday by beck are back after injury. The last time the teams met, in ers, they are very good in defence, qualifier, Munich, Germany ermany host England at throwing Wolfsburg striker out Sturridge missed England’s en- November 2013 at Wembley, a Per concede few goals and have players Berlin’s imposing Olympic of the squad for the friendlies tire Euro 2016 qualifying campaign Mertesacker header sealed Germa- who are quick to counter. That’s how Germany 1 (Jancker 6) England 5 (Owen 12, Stadium tonight amidst against England, and then four days with hip, knee, foot and hamstring ny’s 1-0 win in London. we played in 2010.” 48, 66; Gerrard 45+3, Heskey 74) security concerns as both later against Italy, for off -fi eld indis- injuries while Welbeck was out for 10 Since then, England manager Roy England’s recent record includes Gteams look to throw down a marker cretions. months with a knee problem. Hodgson instilled a sense of realism a fl awless 10 wins from their Euro After Germany had again got the better of for Euro 2016. Both teams will experiment, espe- Sturridge faces competition to and is grooming a group of talented 2016 qualifi ers while Germany put in England on penalties in the semi-finals of The Brussels bomb attacks last cially England, who have several in- start up front from Leicester’s Jamie young players. a below-par campaign with defeats Euro ‘96, Michael Owen became the first Tuesday means security personnel juries, including captain and record Vardy or Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Germany have failed to shine since to Ireland and Poland as they won Englishman since Hurst to score a hat-trick will be on a high state of alert with goal-scorer Wayne Rooney, who is Kane and the Germans clearly re- winning the World Cup nearly two seven of their 10 qualifi ers, but also as the Germans were humbled in Munich a crowd of around 72,000 expected sidelined with a knee injury. spect their English rivals. years ago, but are eager to fi nd some won their group. on the path to the 2002 World Cup. Carsten for the high-profi le match as two of Goalkeeper Joe Hart, who is re- “I rate England as a good team, form and Loew says the English are Tottenham left-back Danny Rose Jancker gave Germany the lead after six the favourites for June’s European covering from a calf injury, has been with a view to the European cham- becoming a force to be reckoned with. and Leicester midfi elder Danny minutes, but it was all England as David included in the squad for the friend- pionships, especially when you look “England have improved in the Drinkwater could make their Eng- championships meet. Beckham’s free-kick was tapped home by Germany suff ered a blow on lies against Germany, then Holland at all the names they have,” said last two or three years and have un- land debuts in Berlin on the back Wednesday when Manchester Unit- next Tuesday at Wembley. Germany’s Toni Kroos. “The English dergone a clear change,” said Loew, of stellar seasons for their clubs. “I Owen on 12 minutes before Steven Gerrard ed midfi elder Bastian Schweinsteiger Luke Shaw (broken leg), Jack have a few ideas and they are quick whose youthful Germany team have been given a small chance here put England 2-1 up at the break. Owen tore the ligament in his right knee Wilshere (fractured shin), Alex Ox- up front.” trouced England 4-1 in the Round of to show what I am capable of and it is grabbed his second on 48 after a Beckham and faces a race against time to be fi t lade-Chamberlain (knee) and Fabian This will be the 33rd time Ger- 16 at the 2010 World Cup. up to me to take it,” said Drinkwater. cross and wrapped up his hat-trick after Gerrard won the ball and put in a pass which Owen floated over Germany goal- keeper Oliver Kahn on 66 minutes. Emile Germany’s Gomez to start against England, Goetze against Italy Heskey hit England’s fifth after a move started by Beckham and Paul Scholes on ario Gomez will start England friendly in Berlin’s which we can work on in our 74 minutes to gap a glorious night for the for Germany in at- sold-out Olympic stadium, fine-tuning for the Euro,” he Germany head coach English and Merseyside as all five goals Joachim Loew controls Mtack against England Loew added. said. were scored by Liverpool players. tonight while Mario Goetze Loew said he had a talk But Loew also said “the re- the ball during his team’s will be in the first XI three with Goetze about his future sult is not the most important training session in Berlin days later against Italy, Ger- as the attacking issue” as the team is to show yesterday. (AFP) June 27, 2010, World Cup many coach Joachim Loew has been rarely fielded at Bay- attractive football. Round of 16, Bloemfontein, SA revealed yesterday. ern Munich since his return Security will be tight at Gomez has had a good from injury. both games in the wake of Germany 4 (Klose 20, Podolski 32, Mueller season since a summer move Loew said “the transfer Tuesday’s terror attacks in 67, 70) England 1 (Upson 37) to Turkey’s Besiktas and re- issue was a key topic” as it Brussels, and Loew expressed A youthful Germany team won a classic turned into the Germany team remains unclear whether hope that neither game nor shoot-out in Bloemfontein in a match which for the last game in November Goetze will see more playing the Euro tournament will be a generated yet more goal-line controversy. in France which was over- time once Pep Guardiola de- target for extremists. Joachim Low’s side built a two-goal lead shadowed by the Paris terror parts Munich in summer and Loew spoke of a general attacks. “Yes he will start,” Carlo Ancelotti takes over. “potential danger situation” through early goals from Miroslav Klose and Loew said. “He has deserved it Goetze, 23, has a Bayern which goes beyond football Lukas Podolski. Matthew Upson reduced the in the training units.” contract until 2017 but there and expressed hope that Euro deficit before the break and 60 seconds later Gomez, with 21 goals in 61 has been speculation lately of organizers don’t have to make Frank Lampard was denied an equaliser for caps, is Germany’s only prop- a possible summer return to use of contingency plans England amidst more goal-line controversy. er forward after Wolfsburg’s Borussia Dortmund. which according to tourna- His shot from the edge of the box beat Max Kruse was dropped from Loew said earlier in the ment director Markus Kallen Manuel Neuer, struck the underside of the the squad for disciplinary week that Goetze will all but could include playing games crossbar and bounced down, clearly over reasons for several incidents certainly go to Euro 2016 in behind closed doors. the line, but Uruguay referee Jorge Larrionda off the pitch. France for which the upcom- “Nobody wishes to play in waved play on. Germany decided the fixture The 48-times capped World ing friendlies are important an empty stadium. That would in impressive style when Thomas Mueller Cup 2014 final hero Goetze tune-up games. be disastrous,” Loew said, finished off a break by Bastian Schweinsteiger will then definitely start in Mu- “I believe that the games adding: “Of course the safety on 67 minutes, then converted a chance created nich against Italy on Tuesday against England and Italy will of the people and the team is by Mesut Ozil three minutes later. but may also come on in the give us important insights at the centre.” Gulf Times 4 Saturday, March 26, 2016 FOOTBALL

WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS SPOTLIGHT Del Bosque leans towards De Gea Argentina exact instead of Casillas for Euro 2016 Spain manager Vicente vour of De Gea, and De Gea’s del Bosque has several performance last night will important questions to have confi rmed him in this revenge on Chile, answer ahead of June’s decision,” commented Ra- Euro 2016 finals, one dio Marca. of them being whether Casillas is likely to play to opt for veteran Iker tomorrow away to Romania Casillas or youngster in Cluj, which is clearly a David de Gea in goal less diffi cult and high-pro- fi le match. DPA Another player who will win for Colombia Madrid miss the Romania game is defender Sergio Ramos, Win was sweet for Argentina, who were beaten by Chile in last year’s Copa America final who limped out of the Italy here are more ques- clash with back pains. tions than answers Preferring De Gea, 25, for Spain manager to Casillas, 34, has been a Argentina striker Angel Vicente del Bosque diffi cult decision for Del aheadT of June’s Euro 2016 Bosque, because the veteran Di Maria celebrates after scoring against Chile in fi nals, when his team will is Spain’s highest-capped their World Cup qualier on be trying to become the fi rst player with 165 appearances. Thursday. (Reuters) country to win three con- He is also, along possibly secutive Euros. with Barcelona pair Andres Thursday’s 1-1 friendly Iniesta and Xavi, the most draw in Italy has surely popular player in Spain’s helped him to answer two of history, having captained those questions--who will La Roja to World Cup glory be in goal, and who will lead in 2010 and Euro success in the attack. 2008 and 2010. Aritz Aduriz, a 35-year- However, Casillas’ star old veteran winning only has been clearly on the his second cap, crowned a wane since he suff ered a hard-working display with serious hand injury in 2013, Spain’s equalising goal, 20 together with a feud with minutes from time. then Real Madrid coach Jose Del Bosque was full of Mourinho. He was sold by praise for the Athletic Bilbao Real to Porto in 2014 but has veteran, which suggests that looked old and shaky in the Aduriz is now well ahead of Portuguese league. the likes of Paco Alcacer, “Casillas is part of Span- Alvaro Morata, Roberto Sol- ish football history,” com- dado and Fernando Torres mented Madrid radio sta- in the pecking order. “He tion Cadena COPE. “But (Aduriz) worked really hard maybe it is now time for tonight and took his goal like the torch to be passed to the the true opportunist that he new generation. De Gea is is. We are all pleased that it in much better form, as he was he who got our goal,” showed against Italy.” Del Bosque said. With his habitual tact and Del Bosque also showed diplomacy, Del Bosque has that he is inclining towards De declined to state publicly Gea in goal instead of Casillas, which keeper is now his fi rst by fi elding the Manchester choice. “They are both ex- United keeper throughout the cellent goalkeepers,” he said most diffi cult tune-up match after the draw in Udine. “I before the fi nals. know I can rely on both of De Gea responded well them, I have complete con- to the challenge in Udine, fi dence in them both.” keeping Italy at bay with In general, Del Bosque several sharp saves - though was not pleased with there was nothing he could Thursday’s sluggish dis- do when Lorenzo Insigne play, saying: “Italy were the fi nally made it 1-0 to the better team for most of the hosts in the 67th minute. match, it has to be said. I “Del Bosque seems to hope that we are fresher and have fi nally decided in fa- brighter at the Euro fi nals.”

Spain manager Vicente del Bosque AFP ano, appeared to be all at sea in pass into the Chilean penalty area Colombia sink Bolivia 2018 World Cup fi nals in Russia. Santiago, Chile the opening 20 minutes as Chile and when Nicolas Otamendi’s The Colombians are now on swept forward relentlessly, creat- knock-down found Messi, the with injury-time strike seven points alongside Chile, ing chances at will. Barcelona star held off the atten- In La Paz, an injury-time goal Paraguay and Brazil, who all have rgentina avenged their The Chilean pressure got its tions of Chile defender Mauricio from Edwin Cardona saw Colom- matches on Thursday and Friday. Copa America defeat to reward after only 11 minutes, Gu- Isla to square for Mercado. bia snatch a dramatic 3-2 win over Colombia made a dream start Chile on Thursday, de- tierrez punishing non-existent The River Plate defender—last Bolivia on Thursday to breathe life after goals from Real Madrid star feating the South Ameri- Argentinian marking to meet a capped by former manager Di- into their 2018 World Cup qualify- James Rodriguez and AC Milan canA champions 2-1 to clinch a Gonzalo Jara corner with a power- ego Maradona six years ago—duly ing campaign. striker Carlos Bacca gave them a crucial victory in their 2018 World ful header to make it 1-0. hooked home a volley from close Star-studded Colombia 2-0 lead after 41 minutes. Cup qualifying campaign. Yet despite their shaky defence, range to make it 2-1. looked to have squandered a However Bolivia were thrown Goals from Paris Saint-Ger- Argentina were always able to of- Chile upped the tempo after straightforward victory after Bo- a lifeline when Brazilian referee main star Angel Di Maria and de- fer an attacking threat with a stel- the break and created the better livia fought back from 2-0 down Wilton Pereira Sampaio harshly fender Gabriel Mercado secured lar front three of Di Maria, Sergio chances as they chased an equal- to level at 2-2 heading into stop- adjudged that Jeison Murillo had a vital three points for Argentina Aguero and Lionel Messi, and on iser, with Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez page time at the Estadio Hern- handballed inside the area early in after Chile took the lead through 20 minutes were back on level causing nervous moments in the ando Siles. the second half. Felipe Gutierrez after only 11 min- terms. Argentina defence with a 52nd But just when the Bolivians Juan Carlos Arce duly stepped utes at the National Stadium. A superb through ball from minutE lob that drifted wide. were preparing to celebrate a well- up to blast the penalty into the top Victory was sweet for Argen- Everton defender Ramiro Funes Manchester United goalkeeper earned point, Colombia swept corner and Bolivia were back in tina, who were beaten on penalties Mori began the move which ended Sergio Romero was also regularly forward. the game. by Chile at the same venue in the in a goal when Di Maria exchanged pressed into action, notably on 60 Teenage winger Marlos Moreno It got better in the 62nd minute fi nal of last year’s Copa America. passes with Ever Banega and minutes when he parried away a broke down the left fl ank and when Alejandro Chumacero More importantly, the win got curled home a rare right-footed rasping shot from Chile’s Fabian picked out Mexico-based mid- lashed in the equaliser for 2-2. Argentina’s 2018 qualifi cation strike past Chile goalkeeper Clau- Orellana. fi elder Cardona, who rifl ed a low Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospi- bid fi rmly back on the road after dio Bravo. With 20 minutes to go Chile shot into the bottom right-hand na kept Colombia in the game with a shaky start last year which saw The goal settled Argentina who again threatened when Jean corner. a string of saves as Bolivia pressed them win only one of their open- dominated the rest of the half. Beausejour picked out Italy-based The victory was only Colombia’s for a winner. But with time run- ing four games. Five minutes after drawing level forward Mauricio Pinilla inside second in fi ve matches so far in ning down, Colombia counter- Argentina, missing defensive the visitors took the lead. the area only for the Atalanta South America’s marathon quali- attacked and Cardona provided midfi eld linchpin Javier Mascher- Di Maria lofted a speculative striker to hit the side netting. fying competition for places at the the fi nal twist.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN France frets over risk of Euro 2016 attacks AFP Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, is im- in to terrorism and cancel any event. worried and are considering cancelling the source. “Holding matches behind 2024 Olympics where Paris is a con- Paris possible to protect, French experts ac- But opposition conservative deputy them,” he said. closed doors or calling off fan-zones tender against Budapest, Los Angeles knowledged. and security specialist Eric Ciotti said The offi cial said there are not enough would not be the solution and gives a and Rome. “We are really freaking out over the the government had to look at the fan private security guards in France to po- terrible image of the event.” “The security is important for rench authorities have vowed Euro,” a member of the French anti- zones and decide “on a case-by-case” lice the zones “and anyway they can- Yves Trotignon, a former analyst France,” said Pascale Boniface, direc- maximum security for the Eu- terrorism services said on condition of basis whether to keep the zones. not stop much”. with the DGSE external intelligence tor of the Institute of International and ropean Championships that anonymity. The November 13 attacks on Paris in service, said the worst “nightmare” is Strategic Relations (IRIS) in Paris. “But start in June but top offi cials “I took part in a meeting with people Hundreds of thousands of which 130 people died, with gunmen that a big Brussels-style team of at- the truth is there is no zero risk. There Fand experts admit the country is de- from the organising committee. They setting off bombs outside a stadium or tackers is preparing for Euro 2016. is nothing easier than organising an at- supporters of the 24 nations fenceless to head off an Islamic State were considering a possible attack, taking part are expected in spraying cafe terraces with machine “They have all the time to prepare. tack. You protect 1,000 targets and it is attack. wondering whether matches could France for the tournament gun fi re, showed there are too many They know the dates, the venues. They the 1,001st which is targeted. Hundreds of thousands of sup- start the next day or the day after. I was that starts on June 10. But “soft targets” with vulnerable civilians. have time to check everything. It’s like “Driving past a group of pedestrians porters of the 24 nations taking part fuming. I got up and said: ‘How many militant attacks in Paris in The 81,000 capacity Stade de France attacking a bank. These people can to open fi re could be done by a lot of are expected in France for the tourna- deaths does it take to stop everything’.” November and Brussels this just outside Paris, which was targeted spend months studying the operation,” people,” said Boniface. ment that starts on June 10. But mili- The worst fears surround fan-zones, week have already cast a on November 13, will host the opening said Trotignon. The French government sought tant attacks in Paris in November and with giant screens and food and alco- shadow over the event match and fi nal of Euro 2016. The second threat is a lone attacker, again on Thursday to insist that eve- Brussels this week have already cast a hol, in the 10 host cities that could have One French police source acknowl- acting alone and almost impossible to rything is being done to protect the 24 shadow over the event. between 10,000 and 100,000 people in The anti-terrorism offi cial called the edged that it was “impossible” to stop catch in advance because there are no teams and their followers. “Security Euro 2016, which is guaranteed to them. zones a “nonsense”. attacks. “But you can’t stop such an telephone calls or emails, he added. will be a priority of the organisation of draw the global spotlight with play- Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve “How can you protect them? We event even if there is a high terrorist For France, Euro 2016 is important Euro 2016,” said Secretary of State for ers such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne said this week that France must not give know that several cities are seriously threat and an attack is possible,” said as it could infl uence the choice of the Sport, Thierry Braillard. Gulf Times Saturday, March 26, 2016 5 FOOTBALL

FOCUS Brussels, Cruyff death cast sombre mood over friendlies AFP World Cup, are grouped with England, London Russia and Slovakia in France. “Our lads showed pride, and with- out seven or eight who haven’t played ootball went back to busi- in the qualifying campaign it was about ness on Thursday but a series looking wider than that tonight,” said of Euro 2016 friendlies were Wales manager Chris Coleman. played out against a sombre Ukraine enjoyed a 1-0 win against backgroundF following the Brussels at- Cyprus in Odessa after Shakhtar tacks and the death of Dutch legend Donetsk midfi elder Taras Stepanenko . scored the only goal. In Prague, where the Czech Republic Ukraine are in the same group as hosted Scotland, there was a minute’s Germany, Poland and Northern Ireland silence to remember the 31 people at Euro 2016. Cenk Tosun scored both killed in Brussels and to honour Cruyff goals as Turkey beat Sweden 2-1 in An- who lost his battle with lung cancer at talya with defender Andreas Granqvist the age of 68 on Thursday. replying for the visitors eight minutes A minute’s silence was also observed from time. for the Brussels victims in Cardiff Sweden are in the same pool as Bel- where Wales faced Northern Ireland gium, Italy and the Republic of Ireland and in Udine where Italy met defend- in the fi nals in the summer. ing European champions Spain. They were without star striker Zla- Meanwhile, Cruyff was remembered tan Ibrahimovic who was rested by in Rotterdam where Feyenoord and coach Erik Hamren although he is ex- Sparta halted their friendly game for a Scotland goalkeeper Allan McGregor makes a save off a Czech Republic free-kick during their friendly match in Prague on Thursday. Scotland won 1-0.(AFP) pected to play against the Czech Re- minute’s applause in the 14th minute. public next Tuesday. Cruyff famously wore the number 14 old Athletic Bilbao striker Aritz Aduriz Anya. The Watford winger beat Tomas Scotland failed to qualify for the sparring contest in Cardiff . Iceland, who will feature in France for Ajax and the Dutch national team levelled when Gianluigi Buff on spilled Koubek in the Czech goal after being Euros and are building for their 2018 Craig Cathcart put the visitors ahead alongside Austria, Portugal and Hun- during his playing career. Juventus teammate Alvaro Morata’s put through by Ross McCormack. World Cup qualifi ers. “We are not a on the hour, but Church, who is on gary, slumped to a 2-1 defeat against Italy went looking for revenge for header. “I can promise one thing to all Just moments earlier, Czech striker great side but we can turn ourselves loan at Aberdeen from Milton Keynes Denmark who failed to make the fi nals their 4-0 defeat to Spain in the Euro Italians—we will be a real team. The Borek Dockal hit a free-kick against into a decent side by working hard,” Dons, won and scored a late spot-kick of a tournament they won in 1992. 2012 fi nal and were well set when players are proud to wear the shirt,” Allan McGregor’s crossbar. said Scotland boss Gordon Strachan. to stretch his side’s unbeaten series of Nicolai Jorgensen scored both of the Lorenzo Insigne ended David De Gea’s said Italy coach Antonio Conte. McGregor was called upon again in Substitute Simon Church scored matches against Northern Ireland to Danes goals at Herning in the 50th and six-game cleansheet run in the 67th In Prague, Scotland, playing in pink, the second half to keep out the Czechs an 89th-minute penalty as Wales eight games. 54th minutes. Midfi elder Arnor Ingvi minute. took the lead against the Czech Re- who face Spain, Turkey and Croatia in snatched a 1-1 friendly draw with Wales, who will be playing in a fi rst Traustason scored in the last minute But just three minutes later, 35-year- public after 10 minutes through Ikechi the Euro fi nals in France in June and July. Northern Ireland in a pre-Euro 2016 major tournament since the 1958 for Iceland.

FRIENDLY Football hype in Austria as Euro closes in Italy’s Insigne ends Austria face Albania and Turkey in tune-up games for Euro 2016 where they could be a factor aft er an impressive qualifying campaign

DPA De Gea’s unbeaten run Vienna he hype is immense as Austria face Albania and Turkey to get Tready for Euro 2016 where they want to go beyond the group stage. Apart from being directly entered as co-hosts of Euro 2008, the summer for Spain in 1-1 draw finals in France are their first big event since the 1998 World Cup which was also in France. Spain, who thrashed Italy 4-0 in the final of the 2012 Euro Championships, were on a 7-game Swiss coach Marcel Koller, in charge winning run that had seen Man United ’keeper De Gea keep a clean sheet in their last six outings since 2011, has lifted the team around Bayern Munich’s David Alaba from 70th place into the top 10 of the world rank- AFP ings for the first time. That was thanks Madrid to an impressive unbeaten qualifying campaign in which Austria won nine of their 10 games and drew the other. taly forward Lorenzo Insigne Now the expectations are high, and ended David De Gea’s six-game some 1,500 fans showed up early in unbeaten run in the Spain goal in the week when the team started train- a 1-1 friendly draw on Thursday Ithat gave Azzurri fans hope for this ing for tonight’s match against Euro summer’s Euro 2016 in France. newcomers Albania and the date with Spain, who thrashed Italy 4-0 Turkey three days later. “This has never in the fi nal of the 2012 European happened before. At least as long as I Championships, were on a seven- have been alive,” forward Marc Janko game winning run that had seen said about the big attention. Manchester United ‘keeper De Gea Austria’s football glory days are long keep a clean sheet in their last six gone, a third-place finish at the 1954 outings. World Cup and fourth in 1934. Even the But Vicente Del Bosque’s men famous 3-2 win over rivals Germany at were sorely lacking creativity and the 1978 World Cup is now almost four failed to produce a single shot on goal in the opening half of a game for the decades in the past. fi rst time since meeting Belarus in a Germany plays a major role in the World Cup qualifi er in 2013. recent success as 15 of Koller’s players Italy coach Antonio Conte had de- earn their money in the , led ployed a largely experimental 3-4-3 by the gifted Alaba who is a five-times but after some early teething prob- reigning Austrian Footballer of the Year lems the 46-year-old coach, who will and also became the first footballer in 16 quit after this summer’s showpiece in years to become Austrian Sportsman of France, must have been buoyed. the Year, an award mainly reserved for Insigne replaced Inter Milan strik- alpine skiers and ski-jumpers. er Eder shortly after the restart and Captain Christian Fuchs meanwhile is fi nished off a great move to toe poke past De Gea on 67 minutes, although riding high at surprise Premier League Italy’s joy was short-lived. leaders Leicester City while Janko Only three minutes later 35-year- earns his money at Swiss side Basel. old Athletic Bilbao striker Aduriz With the Austrian league far less slammed the ball into the roof competitive than others, there is a of the net from a yard out when general agreement it helps the team’s Gianluigi Buff on spilled Juventus cause that players are abroad. teammate Alvaro Morata’s header “We always had a good national team from a free kick. when we had good legionnaires. You Conte said: “I’m very satisfi ed must fight your way through more with the lads’ performance, espe- abroad, you need a diff erent appear- cially as we changed the tactical ance,” said Herbert Prohaska, a former formation. They put into practice a lot of the things we worked on in re- Italy forward Lorenzo Insigne scores international and coach of the 1998 side. cent days. I don’t want to talk about past Spain goalkeeper during their The Standard paper recently pointed objectives for the Euro 2016. All we friendly in Udine on Thursday. (AFP) out that Austria should make the want to do is give it everything we quarter-finals at Euro—after a group have, and above all not to leave the stage with Hungary, Iceland and Portu- pitch with any regrets.” if we know it won’t be easy.” Candreva’s high, defl ected cross for the start of the second half with their feet at the Friuli when he slid in gal, and a last 16 round—because they Italy midfi elder Emanuele Giac- It was a sluggish start at Udinese’s found Emanuele Giaccherini un- Mata and Ramos replaced by Koke to send Giaccherini’s cross past De are the sixth best team from Europe in cherini was one of several players to newly-refurbished Stadio Friuli but marked on the edge of the box. and Nacho respectively. Gea at his left post. the FIFA rankings. benefi t from Conte’s quest to inject Lazio winger Antonio Candreva was The Bologna man, given an ova- But Italy were soon in control. Juve’s defence was at fault when But Koller remained modest, saying youth and energy into his new-look particularly lively, keeping De Gea on tion for a solid night’s work when he Eder was bundled off the ball after Morata drifted in behind to get his only that “we want to survive the group side. After a solid performance he his toes early on when his cross came was replaced in the closing stages, a promising run through the mid- head to a free kick minutes later, and stage” as Euro 2016 is the first big admitted: “I’ve played against Spain off the post and then forcing the hit a crisp volley that looked to be dle but on the follow-up his inviting when Buff on couldn’t hold, Aduriz four times in the past fi ve years and, ‘keeper to parry his long-distance goalbound but it took a defl ection off cross had Spain in a panic as Marco was quick to the rebound. event for the majority of the players. to be honest, I’ve never seen them drive. Mata. Parolo powered in to header. Italy enjoyed the lion’s share of Prohaska however is still upbeat that playing like that.” Graziano Pelle was the centre- Spain threatened briefl y when Insigne took little time to make an chances in the closing period, when the team can deliver in France. Spain defender Cesar Azpilicueta, piece in Conte’s three-man attack Aduriz collected Eder’s mis-hit impact after he replaced Eder on 51 De Gea had to tip over a cheeky lob “Of course its the first big tourna- however, was quick to remind: but when the big Southampton backpass to set up Morata on the left minutes, fi nishing off a great move from Insigne and, with the added ment for most of the them, that is huge “These are our last two friendlies be- striker held off Gerard Pique to set but the move was fl agged off side, by Giaccherini to force De Gea into zip of Juventus striker Simone Zaza, pressure. But the players can deal with fore the Euro, and we want to prepare up Florenzi on the corner of the area, while at the other end Pelle control- action at his near post. From the cor- were unlucky not to snatch the win it. Many are fighting relegation in the as best as we can. the Roma right-back’s low cross was led well to set up Eder for a soft vol- ner, Leonardo Bonucci’s header from that would instil confi dence ahead Bundesliga, they are used to it. I am not “We’re the defending champions straight at the ‘keeper. ley that De Gea collected. the corner went just wide. of Tuesday’s away game with world concerned,” Prohaska said. and we want to defend our title, even Italy were into their stride and Del Bosque made two changes Minutes later, Insigne had fans on champions Germany. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, March 26, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT DIFFERENT STROKES Botham’s grandson gets Wales call England suddenly im Botham, the grandson but did play for England Under- of England cricket great 21s. Ian Botham, is set to make However, the 38-year-old Liam his representative inter- did surpass his father in one re- nationalJ debut—but in rugby un- spect by playing three sports pro- ion and for Wales. fessionally—rugby union, rugby The fl anker has been select- league and cricket, although his ed to play for Wales Under-18 stints in the latter two were rela- have talent to against Scotland Under-18 St tively short-lived. Helens ground in the south Away from cricket, Ian Botham Wales town of Swansea on Fri- made 11 appearances as a non- day. contract player for English lower It is a venue his famous grand- league football side Scunthorpe father knows well, the legendary United between 1979 and 1985. all-rounder having played coun- Although he has been picked ty cricket there for Somerset to represent Wales Under-18, Jim spare at the centre against Glamorgan. Botham is a pupil at the fee-pay- Jim Botham was born in Wales ing Sedbergh School in Cumbria, while his father Liam Botham a renowned English rugby union The form of , Henry Slade and Elliot Daly as well as the presence of was playing for the Cardiff rugby ‘nursery’. union team. Liam spent three Among Sedbergh’s list of famous give the England head coach some welcome selection dilemmas years with the Welsh capital side ‘old boys’ are former England cap- from 1997-2000. tain Will Carling and Will Green- Unlike his father, he never wood, a member of the England By Dean Ryan, The Guardian gained full international honours side that won the 2003 World Cup. London NEW SIGNING ess than a week after taking Eng- land to their fi rst grand slam in 13 years, Eddie Jones was telling any- one who would listen that he was Italy name Irishman Lalready thinking about making changes to his side. The head coach is looking at new faces for the upcoming Australia series and O’Shea as coach no one is safe, apparently, which is great news. Contrast this with the previous re- gime when no matter what went wrong, some players seemed guaranteed a place in the side based on past deeds. The Saracens v Exeter game on Satur- day off ers Jones an ideal opportunity to begin reviewing his options as it may well feature some of the leading contenders for what I see as the two England posi- tions most open to doubt: inside-centre and blindside fl anker. Two potential No12s in Henry Slade and Owen Farrell and two contenders for the No6 shirt in Dave Ewers and Maro Itoje – whose fu- ture could be at lock or fl anker – will be ready to state their cases. In his four years in charge Stuart Lan- caster never worked out exactly what to do at No12. He started off picking for his defensive qualities, be- taly have named former “I feel the end of this season fore going the other way and preferring Ireland fullback Conor is the right time for me to in Billy Twelvetrees and Kyle O’Shea as their new coach, take on a new challenge and Eastmond. Then from the 2015 Six Na- the Italian Rugby Federation I am honoured, humbled and tions he went back to the solid in Luther a Tuilagi-like line breaker, began to work I am not sure why Slade does not play good position to be in. I(FIR) said yesterday. excited that I will be working Burrell, Barritt and Sam Burgess. The de- well during the Six Nations and if Slade No12 or even No10 for his club, but it Jones has already said his players will The 46-year-old has signed with everyone in Italian Rugby cision to select Burgess, a barely convert- hits form, too, Jones has options to stick could well be a simple case of Rob Bax- need to play better in Australia, but they a four-year contract starting to ensure they can achieve on ed rugby league prop, in a position that with this strategy. This would in turn put ter managing some strong options in will also need to play diff erently. Chris in June to take charge of the the undoubted potential they even his club coach said he was not right Tuilagi in competition with Joseph for the the best way for his team. Looking to Robshaw has done a tremendous job of team who fi nished bottom of have as a rugby nation,” O’Shea for, came to be seen, perhaps harshly, to No13 shirt. And that is before we have even the longer term, Ben Te’o, who joins us replying to his critics since returning to this year’s Six Nations after said. defi ne Lancaster’s time in charge. mentioned Elliot Daly, who some feel is the at Worcester this summer but will not his natural habitat on the blindside and fi ve successive defeats under “I spent many years in the When Jones took over he said Manu best No13 we have. Farrell’s success at No12 be eligible for the Australia tour due to losing the captaincy, but he will need to Frenchman Jacques Brunel. 1990s playing against a great Tuilagi was a player worth waiting for has almost laid down a challenge to Tuilagi the overseas ruling, will soon be another adapt if he is to keep his place on the hard O’Shea will work alongside Italian side and I know there is but as a No12, a position in which the to up his game. England played with op- to consider in the centres. Whichever ground in Australia. Playing in the often former England utility back Mike the ability and will within this Leicester centre started twice for Lan- tions in the midfi eld and to be part of this at way you look at it, it is an abundance of heavy conditions of the Six Nations can Catt, who has been appointed current group of players and the caster, rather than a No13, where he No12 Tuilagi needs to improve his passing riches and has become a position of real make the game more sequence oriented Italy’s attack coach, and former FIR to ensure that the current started 13 times. Yet Jones did not even and his kicking. strength, rather than the perennial prob- but Jones will want a big, dynamic car- Irish Rugby Football Union team can become the best Italian bring him off the bench in the Six Na- While Slade and Farrell may be two lem it became under Lancaster thanks to rier in Australia who is able to make an technical director Stephen Aboud. team in its history.” tions clincher in Paris. Lancaster seemed leading contenders for the England No12 the reliance on an often absent Tuilagi. impact off the quicker ball they will need. “O’Shea is a young technician O’Shea will lead Italy on a tour always to be waiting for Tuilagi to be fi t, jersey, the oddity will be that neither is As well as Slade and Tuilagi threaten- This will bring the likes of Ewers and Itoje with a proven track record and of Argentina, the United States with Jonathan Joseph, and likely to be playing there at Allianz Park, ing the Six Nations-winning backs, Alex into contention, along with Mike Wil- strong managerial skills,” Italian and Canada in June. Burrell keeping his seat warm, but under with Farrell at fl y-half for Saracens and Goode is a very plausible, playmaking liams at Leicester. rugby chief executive Alfredo Italy joined the Six Nations Jones I would say he has a battle on to get Slade outside-centre for Exeter. One alternative to Mike Brown at full-back, With so many options, Jones has his Gavazzi said. Championship in 2000 but back in the team. player very likely to be wearing the No12 Johnny May was a starter on the wing work cut out in travelling the country O’Shea has been director of despite securing occasional The form of Slade over the next month on his back, though, will be Barritt, who before injury ruled him out of the Six Na- to see them play, but for once England’s rugby at English club Harlequins victories they have struggled to or so could well defi ne the England cen- is now long gone from the England squad, tions, and Dan Robson is certainly worth problems are more about an abundance for the last six years, leading the make a sustained impact in the tre pairing for Australia. Playing Farrell so we really will get the chance to see the a look at scrum-half. None of these of talent rather than a lack of it, some- London team to the Premiership northern hemisphere’s premier as a second receiver at No12, rather than old and the new. would weaken the side and that is a pretty thing we all should relish. title in 2012. international tournament.

BOTTOMLINE Barcelona were transformed by Johan Cruyff

As a player Cruyff led Barça to their fi rst league title in 14 years; as a manager he led them to their fi rst European Cup. But his not once but twice, and forever legacy goes beyond trophies, to philosophy and identity By Sid Lowe, The Guardian ‘If you have an idea, good: try it. And 22 unbeaten before losing twice after yff in the fl esh and they didn’t want their Barcelona if it goes wrong, don’t worry.’” He had the title had been clinched. It was, as it centre-back to ruin the spectacle.” practised what he preached. turned out, the only league title he won When Cruyff took over as manager in Cruyff , who was three times a Euro- as a player in Spain but if that is a sur- 1988, Barcelona were a club in debt and ohan Cruyff was not scared of pean champion, the best player on the prising limited return in terms of sil- in crisis. Results were bad, perform- anything,” Txiki Begiristain re- planet, the most talented representa- verware, the impact now looks almost ances were worse, the atmosphere ter- calls. The Dutchman’s players, tive of Dutch Total Football, could have limitless – particularly when Cruyff the rible and attendances down, while even on the other hand, were. At least signed for Real Madrid but he did not. player is recalled alongside Cruyff the the relationship between the president toJ begin with, before he took them be- In part because Ajax had sold him to manager. When he is just Cruyff . of the club Josep Lluís Núñez and the yond fear. “When there are doubts, Real Madrid. “That’s unethical. I said: He knew what he wanted; the style president of the nation they represent- people tend to seek safety in numbers, ‘I decide,’” he recalled. He threatened was defi ned, one he remained faithful ed, Jordi Pujol, had deteriorated. It did to go with the herd,” Begiristain, the to retire unless he was allowed to join to as a coach as well as a player. Rexach not work immediately but he recovered former Barcelona winger, says. “Not Barcelona, where he knew Vic Bucking- says the change in footballing terms the identity he had embodied as a play- Cruyff . His fi rst solution was always ham and Rinus Michels and to whom he when he came in 1973 was “radical, a er. He took risks, and rewards followed. to be more attacking, more expansive. had already given his word. He became revolution”. He explains: “Back then “It was a diff erent idea, another Three at the back and the centre-back is the most expensive player in the world football was: ‘Right, out we go: come way of looking at the game,” Michael Ronald Koeman? Instead of full-backs, but it was the best investment Barce- on lads, in hard’ and that was it. No one Laudrup remembers. “Cruyff is the midfi elders? Every time he sought a so- lona ever made. studied the opponents. It was fi ght, only coach who would say tactical lution, he attacked more. And when he The ban on foreign players fi nally run, jump. Then it was: ‘No, let’s play things you had never heard before and told us what he was doing, we thought: lifted, Cruyff eventually made his de- better football.’” you would think: ‘Oh, of course!’ It ‘Is he mad or what?’” but against Granada in October 1973. Cruyff was contagious, represent- might be logical but 90% of coaches How, then, did the coach persuade Barcelona were fourth from bottom, ing a radical shift at Barca, and not just wouldn’t say the same thing. Cruyff them? Begiristain laughs. “Because he This file photo shows Dutch football legend Johann Cruyff posing by photos of having won only two of their seven on the pitch. He defi ed convention, at marked us all. Barcelona teams before is Johan Cruyff !” himself during the opening of the ‘Johan Cruyff Exhibition’ in Amsterdam. league games, and were already out of every level; this was not only sport, it him were diff erent.” They were less And Johan Cruyff is everything. the UEFA Cup. One magazine cover was society. successful, for a start. There may be no man who has infl u- understand and embrace so well; came to philosophy and identity. Winning, showed the new signing in fl ares and a He was new, exciting, diff erent. The Under Cruyff , Barcelona won four enced modern football like Cruyff ; at to embody, in fact. sure; a way of winning too. striped jumper, huge shirt collar, jacket future Barcelona president Joan Laporta league titles in a row. They also won the Barcelona there certainly isn’t. There There is a Before Cruyff and an After Cruyff the player arrived in 1973; draped coolly over his shoulder. “Cru- was 11 and he wanted to be Cruyff , cut- European Cup at last, against Samp- he became the defender of a football- Cruyff . As a player he led them to their Cruyff the manager arrived in 1988. yff : the only hope to avoid the chaos,” ting his hair like the Dutchman and copy- doria at Wembley in May 1992. Cruyff ing faith, a deity, the man who revolu- fi rst league title in 14 years; as a man- Barcelona would never be the same the headline declared. They were right. ing his moves. There was something ir- later fell out with Rexach but that night tionised the club, not once but twice, ager he led them to their fi rst European again. Twice he left but he never really “We had gone 14 years without win- resistibly attractive about him: artistic, his former team-mate was his assist- and for ever; more important even Cup. The legacy is clear, profound and left. “Nothing in football would be pos- ning the league and culés had started to bohemian and a brilliant footballer. ant coach and best friend. Rexach says than Begiristain and his team-mates present. Before 1990 Barcelona had sible without the arrival and the un- despair,” his team-mate Charly Rexach Rexach says: “I remember going to winning the trophy was a “liberation”; could have imagined on his second won 10 league titles in their entire his- equalled charisma and talent of Johan recalls. “And then Cruyff arrived.” places like Santander, Burgos or Gra- their historic fatalism was fi nally de- coming. Cruyff gave Barcelona a new tory and no European Cups; since then Cruyff ,” Pep Guardiola says. “I’m never At the end of the season, Barcelona nada and sometimes even their own fans feated. “There were lots of people wait- identity and a new, sporting discourse they have won 13 leagues and fi ve Euro- afraid of making mistakes and I tried were champions for the fi rst time since would have a go at their players when ing for us to screw it up again,” adds that complimented and deepened the pean Cups. But it is not about the tro- to bring that idea to the pitch,” Cruyff 1960. They had not lost a match that they fouled us. For the fi rst time they had Rexach, “and the feeling was [that] an- socio-political situation he came to phies, or not only; it goes beyond that, said. “I told players not to be afraid: mattered with him in the side, going the chance to see a fi gure like Johan Cru- other life starts. “We were released.” Gulf Times Saturday, March 26, 2016 7 GOLF

SPOTLIGHT Spieth cruises, Day, McIlroy win at WGC Match Play World No. 1 Spieth needs only to halve his match against Justin Thomas to advance to the knockout round of 16

AFP Texas

orld number one Jordan Spieth cruised to his sec- ond WGC Match WPlay win of the week on Thurs- day, downing France’s Victor Dubuisson 5 and 4. As in his 3 and 2 triumph over Jamie Don- aldson at Austin Country Club India’s Anirban Lahiri on Wednesday, Spieth got off to plays his tee shot. (AFP) a quick start and never trailed. He went 3 up after birdies at the a day earlier, crushing his open- takes. I haven’t made too many third and fi fth, maintaining that ing drive 380 yards en route to bogeys. Today I was three birdies cushion until his lone setback an eagle at the fi rst hole against no bogeys for the fi rst nine holes, of the day, a double bogey at the Thongchai. He had fi ve birdies in in these conditions that’s very par-three 11th. his last seven holes to pull away. good.” It proved only a hiccup, as “Didn’t really know if I was As on the fi rst two days, Dubuisson failed to notch a sin- going to play today,” said Day, fi nal round-robin matches can gle birdie and lost the fi nal three who was careful to keep up his be halved. If two more players holes of the contest. “Been able stretching exercises throughout in a group share the lead, they to fl ight the ball nicely,” Spieth the round. “It was kind of up in will play a stroke-play, hole-by- said. “I had one bad swing on 11, the air ... A little pain but for the hole playoff to determine who but really played solid golf. Really most part pretty good.” advances. thought I’d be fi ve or six up at the McIlroy defeated Smylie Eighth-seeded Dustin John- turn, and Victor made a couple Kaufman 3 and 1 in a tight match son bounced back from an open- of long putts to tie the holes. But that saw each player twice hold ing day defeat to beat Thailand’s that’s what he does best. Very and lose a 1 up advantage over the Kiradech Aphibarnrat 5 and 4. pleased to get today done with.” fi rst 13 holes. McIlroy squared Johnson birdied two of the fi rst Spieth only needed to halve the match at the 13th and went four holes and led after every his match against Justin Tho- 2 up with pars at 14 and 15. After hole. “Today I drove it a little bit mas last night to advance to the they halved the 16th with pars, better,” Johnson said. knockout round of 16. World Kaufman was unable to get up “I holed a couple of putts, just number two Jason Day also needs and down at 17 and conceded. really had a lot of putts to win only to halve his fi nal round- “It was a little scary at the start holes whereas yesterday I had a robin match to advance after a of the match,” McIlroy said, add- lot of putts to tie.” 5 and 3 victory over Thailand’s ing that he expected “a little bit British Open champion Zach Thongchai Jaidee, while defend- more intensity” in the winner- Johnson notched a big win, ing champion and third seed take-all match against Na. downing former world number Rory McIlroy will duel Kevin Na Na opened his match against one Martin Kaymer of Germany to advance from their group af- Thorbjorn Olesen with three 8 and 6. “Today I got up early and ter both notched two wins in the birdies in his fi rst nine holes en just never let go,” said Johnson, fi rst two days. route to a 3 and 2 victory over who with his 4 and 3 victory over Day showed no sign of the the Dane. “I’ve been striking Marcus Fraser on Wednesday has back injury he suff ered in his 3 the ball very well,” Na said. “I played just 27 holes in his fi rst and 2 win over Graeme McDowell haven’t made too many mis- two matches. WGC MATCH PLAY SCORES – COLLATED (x-denotes seeding): Group 9: Patrick Reed (USA x9) bt Matthew Fitz- Group 1: Jordan Spieth (USA x1) bt Victor Dubuis- patrick (ENG) 4 and 3; Phil Mickelson (USA) bt Daniel son (FRA) 5 and 4; Jamie Donaldson (WAL) bt Justin Berger (USA) 1 up Thomas (USA) 2 up Group 10: Billy Horschel (USA) bt Danny Willett (ENG Group 2: Jason Day (AUS x2) bt Thongchai Jaidee x10) 3 and 2; Brooks Koepka (USA) bt Jaco Van Zyl (THA) 5 and 3; Paul Casey (ENG) v Graeme McDowell (RSA) 5 and 4 (NIR) halved Group 11: Branden Grace (RSA) bt David Lingmerth Group 3: Rory McIlroy (NIR x3) bt Smylie Kaufman (SWE) 4 and 3; Russell Knox (SCO) bt Chris Kirk (USA) (USA) 3 and 1; Kevin Na (USA) bt Thorbjorn Olesen 2 and 1 (DEN) 3 AND 2 Group 12: Hideki Matsuyama (JPN x12) bt Soren Group 4: Bubba Watson (USA x4) bt Emiliano Grillo Kjeldsen (DEN) 4 and 2; Rafa Cabrera Bello (ESP) bt (ARG) 2 up; JB Holmes (USA) v Patton Kizzire (USA) Kevin Kisner (USA) 4 and 3 halved Group 13: Ryan Moore (USA) bt Sergio Garcia (ESP Group 5: Rickie Fowler (USA x5) v Scott Piercy (USA) x13) 1 up; Lee Westwood (ENG) bt Marc Leishman halved; An Byeong-Hun (KOR) bt Jason Dufner (USA) (AUS) 1 up 2 up Group 14: Zach Johnson (USA x14) bt Martin Kaymer Group 6: Adam Scott (AUS x6) bt Chris Wood (ENG) 3 (GER) 8 and 6; Shane Lowry (IRL) v Marcus Fraser and 2; Bill Haas (USA) bt Thomas Pieters (BEL) 4 and 2 (AUS) halved Group 7: Justin Rose (ENG x7) v Anirban Lahiri (IND) Group 15: Brandt Snedeker (USA x15) v Danny Lee halved; Matt Kuchar (USA) v Fabian Gomez (ARG) (NZL) halved; Charl Schwartzel (RSA) bt Charley Hoff - halved man (USA) 3 and 2 Group 8: Dustin Johnson (USA x8) bt Kiradech Aphib- Group 16: Louis Oosthuizen (RSA x16) bt Bernd Wi- arnrat (THA) 5 and 4; Jimmy Walker (USA) bt Robert esberger (AUT) 2 and 1; Andy Sullivan (ENG) bt Matt World No. 1 Jordan Spieth of the United States hits his approach shot on the second hole during the second round of the World Golf Streb (USA) 4 and 3 Jones (AUS) 3 and 1 Championships-Match Play at the Austin Country Club in Austin, Texas on Thursday. (AFP)

FOCUS LPGA Campos grabs Puerto Rico lead Park among co-leaders,

AFP Grande, Puerto Rico Ko one back at Kia Classic Reuters ometown hero Rafael Campos fi red Carlsbad, southern California eight birdies in his eight-under par 64 on Thursday to seize a one-shot lead after the fi rst round of the US outh Korean Park In-bee PGAH Tour’s Puerto Rico Open. produced a bogey-free fi ve- Despite playing in tougher afternoon con- under 67 to join Ai Miyazato, ditions, Campos overtook early pace-setter Brittany Lang and Jodi Ewart George McNeil, the 2012 champion who had ShadoffS at the top of the Kia Clas- eight birdies and a bogey in a seven-under 65 sic leaderboard on Thursday, with that left him in solo second place. world number one Lydia Ko a shot Defending champion Alex Cejka of Ger- behind after a strong back nine. many was tied for third on 66 alongside Aus- Ko, who teed off at the 10th, tralian Aaron Baddeley and Americans Frank struggled on her front nine and Lickliter and Will MacKenzie. “The course made the turn at one-over, but she is playing tricky you’ve got to make good turned it around on with a sizzling shots,” Cejka said of the Coco Beach layout. inward half, picking up fi ve birdies “I made a lot of good putts today it gave me to post a four-under 68 in the fi rst a lot of chances. I’m very pleased with the round in Carlsbad, southern Cali- round today.” fornia. Cejka said arriving as defending champion Ko said the lush rough and fi rm, gave him a lift. “You come to the golf course fast greens had provided a stiff you have great memories,” he said. “There’s test.“I was striking the ball really something in the air.” Rafael Campos of Puerto Rico plays his third shot from the bunker on the 15th hole during the good but I just couldn’t get any putts Michelle Wei reacts to a Baddeley played his last four holes in four- first round of the Puerto Rico Open in Rio Grande. (AFP) rolling (early),” she told reporters. missed putt during the under, chipping in for eagle at the par-fi ve “But It was good to see a couple drop KIA Classic in Carlsbad, 15th and closing with birdies at 17 and 18. “I posite the World Golf Championships Match 65 - George McNeill on my back nine. California. (AFP) played really nice today,” said Baddeley. “I Play in Austin, Texas, where world number 66 - Alex Cejka (GER), Aaron Baddeley (AUS), “I was in the rough a few times. felt like I really only hit two poor shots. It’s one Jordan Spieth leads a fi eld of the world’s Frank Lickliter, Will MacKenzie The rough is lush. The club just not easy in this wind, you’ve got to be patient top golfers in search of a $1.62 million fi rst 67 - Billy Mayfair, Cameron Beckman, Mark Hub- turns over. If you’re getting a good and that’s what I was trying to do. To have a prize. bard, Michael Bradley, Kyle Reifers, Darron Stiles, lie you’re getting lucky. That’s why fast fi nish like that was pretty exciting.” LEADING FIRST-ROUND SCORES Adam Svensson (CAN) it’s important to hit it along the fair- The $3 million tournament is played op- 64 - Rafael Campos (PUR) 68 - Michael Thompson, Tim Herron ways.” Gulf Times 8 Saturday, March 26, 2016 SPORT

NFL MLB ROUND-UP Bush goes from Bears embracing No. 1 pick to prison and White’s eagerness back to baseball

Reuters then came Wednesday when Florida Bush reverted back to the past with the strong two-inning out- to prove himself ing. “It’s as good as stuff as we’ve att Bush was long seen in camp, not only on our ago designated as the side but both sides,” Texas man- biggest draft bust in ager Jeff Banister told reporters. After being drafted seventh overall, White’s rookie season vanished before it began the history of the San “I’m just telling you what I saw, MDiego Padres. The No. 1 overall a 97 mile per hour fastball at the pick in 2004 later bottomed out knees, both sides of the plate, a Bears wide receiver Kevin on a personal level as an incident plus breaking ball. He’s going to White warms up before a while driving under the infl u- make it hard to hit. It was fun to game against the 49ers. ence led to a 3 ½-year stint in a watch. He knows how far he’s Florida prison. come and how far he has to go.” Now age 30, Bush is in the mix to make the Texas Rang- TULOWITZKI HIT ers as a reliever. Bush’s come- BY A PITCH back attempt picked up steam Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Troy on Wednesday when he pitched Tulowitzki was hit by a pitch on two hitless innings against the his right hand but X-rays showed Chicago Cubs during a spring- no broken bones. Tulowitzki is training contest. day-to-day with a bone bruise, Bush had an opportunity to and could sit for a few days to make the Tampa Bay Rays roster recover. in 2012 when his longstanding Tulowitzki was hit near the issues with alcohol emerged. He knuckle by pitch thrown by Mets borrowed the truck of teammate starter Bartolo Colon. He walked Brandon Guyer and went on a toward fi rst base but left the fi eld drinking binge. He collided with with the training staff . a motorcyclist and nearly killed him and then left the scene. PADRES PARTS WAYS He later pled no contest to DUI WITH JANSSEN with serious bodily injury to a The San Diego Padres parted motorcyclist. The incident and ways with veteran reliever Ca- the ensuing prison sentence ap- sey Janssen. Janssen, 34, was in- peared to end Bush’s professional formed he wasn’t going to make baseball career. But when he was the Opening Day roster and he released from prison last Oct. 30, requested to be released. he could still throw 97 mph. Janssen was 2-5 with a 4.98 The Rangers investigated the ERA in 48 games for the Wash- situation and signed him in early ington Nationals last season. about everyone within the Bears organi- enthusiastic kid in the bunch, the caged How many route concepts will White be December. He spent eight seasons with the By Dan Wiederer zation is itching for that time to arrive. puppy let off his leash at the park. trusted with? Bush says he has been sober Toronto Blue Jays and recorded a Chicago Tribune After being drafted seventh overall last Yet that, in its own right, will challenge “He’s been in his book,” Fox said. “But since the accident in 2012. And career-best 34 saves in 2013. spring, White’s rookie season vanished the Bears coaches. They have to remind it’s like studying for a test where you before it began. A stress fracture in his White that he can’t rush his develop- haven’t taken the test yet. There’s no top yourself for a minute or three. left leg became problematic during or- ment. He can’t be so eager to prove him- way to measure (his progress) physically. Get over to YouTube. Fire up your ganized team activities and ultimately self that he skips steps on his climb. Mentally, you can give him that kind of choice of Kevin White highlight required surgery in August. Still, Pace and coach John Fox hardly test. But football’s not that. A lot of guys montages and remind yourself As demanding as White’s physical re- see that eagerness as a problem. can get it on a board or in a meeting room. ofS the kind of game-breaking talent the covery was, the mental strain of not being “It’s good to have a player that you have But when somebody’s out there slapping Bears’ young wide receiver has. able to contribute all season gnawed at to pull back more than you have to push,” them in the head, they forget it. It’s just Pay special attention to the one-hand- him. It still does. Pace said. diff erent. ed, fourth-quarter, go-ahead touchdown Yet now comes the next stage in the Added Fox: “There’s nothing wrong “That’s the part we haven’t seen with grab White plucked away from Baylor 23-year-old’s development. And with with being excited or being enthusiastic Kevin.” cornerback Xavien Howard. general manager Ryan Pace asserting at about moving forward. Actually, I’d pre- No one has. Not at this level. So as Or the quick-hit pass he caught against the NFL owners meetings this week that fer it that way. He’ll be fi ne. He’s an out- White’s eagerness spikes, so too does the Maryland that he promptly turbo-boost- White is “100 percent healthy,” it’ll be up standing guy.” outside curiosity. ed into a 44-yard score. Or any of the 16 to the Bears to use and harness the young Fox expects White’s NFL ascension to In January, White spoke openly about catches he racked up in a game against receiver’s overfl owing eagerness. come soon, albeit in increments. his trying fi rst season in the NFL. His Texas. From Pace’s vantage point, it’ll soon be Last season, even as he pushed through confi dence, he said, never waned. His Yes, these clips are ancient now by up to White to display “that mental con- his draining rehabilitation, White re- competitive drive remains as sharp. And football standards, dusty relics from fi dence to go full speed.” mained engaged mentally, attentive in without the opportunity to play in 2015, White’s breakout season at West Virginia “I think he’s there,” Pace said. “He’s meetings and invested in learning the White said he learned at least one impor- in 2014. And in the big picture, in a “What got the biggest smile on his face because playbook. tant thing about himself. have you done for me lately?” league like he’s eager to show everybody what he can Still, it will be interesting to see just “I love the game,” he said. “I want to the NFL, White remains stuck in the do. We’re fi red up about that.” how extensive his responsibilities in the be around it. I want to be a part of it.” “What have you done for me ever?” caste. When the Bears reconvene for their Bears off ense will be initially. How much That chance is coming. And the Bears are But make no mistake, his opportunity off season conditioning program next will new coordinator Dowell Loggains hopeful White’s NFL highlight reel will be to prove himself is coming soon. And just month, White will likely be the most feel comfortable moving White around? available soon. Matt Bush during his time with the Rays in 2012.

FOCUS New fl aws in NFL Cubs’ Bryant learning all the angles, concussion research New York: The National including an adjustment on his swing Football League’s research into the dangers of head injuries By Mark Gonzales believes he has made strides toward ac- undercounted diagnosed con- Chicago Tribune complishing that.“It felt very good after cussions, making them appear the fi rst couple of games,” Bryant said. less frequent than they actu- “Against the Reds (on Tuesday), I got a ally were, the New York Times ris Bryant believes he can hit good two-strike hit to right fi eld (for an reported on Thursday. more line-drive home runs this RBI single). That’s where I want to be.“If The newspaper, citing con- season with the fl attening of I take that approach with runners in fidential data that it obtained, his swing designed to cut down scoring position and shoot the ball that said an investigation showed Kon his high swing-and-miss rate. way, I’ll do it more often. It feels very the US professional football It might be risky, considering Bryant good right now.” league omitted more than 100 hit .275 with 26 home runs to earn 2015 Manager Joe Maddon likes what he diagnosed concussions from National League Rookie of the Year hon- has seen. “He has a better swing right studies the league commis- ours. But Bryant, 24, thinks he missed now, quite frankly,” Maddon said. sioned from its teams, includ- too many opportunities because of a Mike Bryant said his son is trying to ing severe injuries to stars like loop in his swing that produced many develop a fl atter swing similar to Gian- quarterbacks Steve Young and popups and a league-high 34.9 percent carlo Stanton of the Marlins, with whom Troy Aikman. swings and misses on pitches. Mallee has worked. The challenge for the The NFL called the news- “The home runs I hit are very, very 6-foot-5 Bryant will be to continue to paper story “sensationalized.” high, which is not a bad thing,” Bryant fl atten his fi nish despite his lanky frame. Concussions have become a said Thursday. “This is how it always “He’s trying to lower his hands a bit, focus of medical research and has been. But playing at Wrigley (Field) so he goes up to load instead of drop- controversy in sports because with the wind blowing in sometimes, it’s ping down to load,” Mike Bryant said. of growing evidence that important to get the launch angle down “He found a happy medium to fi nd the repeated head injuries raise to cut through the wind. It will produce launch. He tries to be consistent with the risk of long-term health more (home runs).” his fi nish and fi nish at the shoulder lev- problems. After last season, Bryant expressed a el. “He used to fi nish very high. He still “The Times published pages desire to his father Mike, a well-known does because he has long arms, torso, of innuendo and speculation hitting coach in Las Vegas, and Cubs everything. He has that length on the for a headline with no basis in hitting coach John Mallee to reduce the fi nish. We want him to have the length fact,” the NFL said in a state- loop at the end of his swing. on the fi nish instead of at the beginning. ment, adding the research Mallee, who works with Zepp, a hit- Bryant’s towering home run off three- the paper referred to never ting company that analyses swing an- time Cy Young Award winner Clayton claimed to include every con- gles and bat speed, evaluated the verti- Kershaw on a curve was one of many sig- cussion. cal nature of Bryant’s swing measured in nature moments of his 2015 season. But “The studies that are the degrees by the angle between his hands fl attening his swing may could result in focus of the Times’ story used and the barrel of the bat at impact. more homers. data collected between 1996- Bryant’s angle ranged from minus-30 “The launch angle in the minus-30-35 2001,” the NFL said. “They to minus-35, which illustrated the barrel range produces nice-looking home runs were necessarily preliminary was well below his hands at impact. that are very high,” Bryant said. “But and acknowledged that much The goal has been to raise the verti- to hit more, you have to stay in the mi- more research was needed.” cal angle to about minus-25, and Bryant nus-25-30 range.” Gulf Times Saturday, March 26, 2016 9 SPORT

NBA Spirited Brooklyn Nets blow past Cleveland Cavaliers Lopez scores 22 points, Larkin adds 16, and the Nets closed on a 14-0 run to beat Cavaliers 104-95

DPA Los Angeles Brooklyn Nets guard Shane Larkin (right) drives past Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James during the fourth quarter at he lowly Brooklyn Nets haven’t Barclays Center. (USA TODAY Sports) had much to cheer about, until coming away with their biggest win of the season, worthy of Tapplause from interim head coach Tony Brown. Brook Lopez scored 22 points, Shane Larkin added 16, and the Nets closed on a 14-0 run to blow past the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers 104-95 on Thursday. Earlier this week, Brown lit into his club for their lack of energy, espe- cially in closing out games. The Nets responded, showing spirit, hustle and fi ght to knock off the visiting Eastern Conference leaders. “We had a lot more fi ght than we showed in the last couple of games,” said Brown. “Our energy was up, our intensity was up, and we had a lot more bounce than we normally have. We played solid basketball that we haven’t played in the past.” Brooklyn (20-51) trailed 92-90 with 6:11 left before going on its decisive closing kick. Markel Brown started the surge with a dunk and 3-pointer to put the Nets ahead for good. Bojan Bogdanovic followed with a layup and a Thaddeus Young put-back of his own miss made it 99-92. A Lopez fl oater pushed it to nine with two minutes remaining, and the Nets pulled away for their signature win before a sellout crowd of 17,732 fans at Barclays Center. “We were locked in, everybody came in and did their job,” said Markel Brown, who added nine points off the bench. “We had great energy from the start and the way we moved the ball to- night we made each other look better.” James had 30 points through three quarters but went scoreless in the fi - nal frame missing both shots when the Cavs were outscored 24-12. “It’s not about LeBron, it’s about our team,” Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said. “We have to play hard for 48 minutes or things like this will continue to hap- pen.” Naturally, James was disappointed LA CLIPPERS 96, PORTLAND OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER 113, quarter. Trey Burke scored 17 points for Derrick Rose had a game-high 15 points but left in the third quarter with the loss but wants his teammates TRAIL BLAZERS 94 UTAH JAZZ 91 the Jazz (35-37), who dropped into tie 30 points for the Bulls (36-35), who with a bruised right leg, as the Pacers to focus on the big picture of winning J.J. Redick drilled the game-winning Kevin Durant had his 57th consecu- with idle Houston for the eighth and dropped one and a half games behind (38-23), moved a half-game ahead of an NBA Championship. “It’s not always jumper out of an inbounds pass, to tive game of 20 or more points, fi n- fi nal spot in the Western Conference idle Detroit for the eighth and fi nal Detroit for the seventh spot in the East about the wins and losses, it’s about the beat the buzzer, lifting the Clippers ishing with 20, nine assists and eight playoff race. playoff spot in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. process of continuing to take steps for- past the visiting Trail Blazers. Chris rebounds, as the Thunder rolled the with 11 to play. Alexis Ajinca scored 22 points ward,” he explained. Paul and reserve Jamal Crawford visiting Jazz for its sixth straight vic- NEW YORK KNICKS 106, to pace the Pelicans (26-45), who “The guys have to understand how scored 25 points apiece for the Clip- tory. CHICAGO BULLS 94 INDIANA PACERS 92, dressed just eight players before fall- important the moment is. We have an pers (44-37), who closed on a 14-5 run Dion Waiters scored 17 points En- Carmelo Anthony scored 26 points, NEW ORLEANS PELICANS 84 ing for the seventh time in the last opportunity to do something special. to stop a three-game slide. nis Kanter added 16 for Oklahoma City Latvian Kristaps Porzingis added 19 and Myles Turner had 24 points with a nine games. Tonight, we took a step backwards and Damian Lillard led Portland (37- (50-22), while Russell Westbrook ac- the Knicks (20-43) beat the visiting Bulls career-best 16 rebounds, leading the Earlier in the day, All-Star forward we can’t aff ord to do that this late in the 36) with 18 points on a frigid 4-of-16 cumulated 15, nine assists and seven for the second time in as many nights, for host Pacers past the injury-depleted Anthony Davis underwent left knee season.” shooting and C.J. McCollum added 17. rebounds before sitting out the fourth a sweep of the home-and-home series. Pelicans. Paul George fi nished with surgery.

NHL Panthers’ goaltender Luongo shuts down slumping Bruins

Reuters Nikolaj Ehlers cruised in front of him. Boston PREDATORS 3, CANUCKS 2 (SHOOTOUT) Rallying from a two-goal, third-period defi cit, oberto Luongo turned the tables on the Nashville Predators beat the Vancouver Ca- his nemesis in the Highlights National nucks 3-2 Thursday in a shootout. Hockey League on Thursday. Craig Smith scored the decisive goal in the The veteran goaltender, who lived fourth round of the shootout. Rthrough a nightmare for the Vancouver Canucks James Neal and Filip Forsberg scored for the in the 2011 Stanley Cup fi nals and came in 14- Predators in the third period, with Forsberg ty- 15-1 lifetime against Boston in the regular sea- ing the game at 13:08. son, made 34 saves and backstopped the Florida Panthers into fi rst place in the Atlantic Division FLYERS 4, AVALANCHE 2 with a 4-1 victory over the sliding Bruins. Radko Gudas and Claude Giroux scored 19 sec- Bruins dropped its fi fth straight game. After onds apart late in the third period and the Phila- going 0-4 and scoring fi ve goals on a four-game delphia Flyers beat the Colorado Avalanche 4-2 trip, the Bruins prepped for another four-game on Thursday in a battle of teams fi ghting for trip with another loss and have scored six goals playoff spots. during a losing streak that threatens their play- Pierre-Edouard Bellemare also scored for the off chances. Flyers, who kept pace with Detroit in the battle The Panthers, who snapped a 10-game TD for the second wild card in the Eastern Confer- garden losing streak, also broke a two-game skid ence. The Red Wings nearly blew a four-goal and a tie for fi rst place with the idle Tampa Bay lead against Montreal but held on to win 4-3 and Lightning atop the Atlantic. stay even in points with 85.

DEVILS 3, PENGUINS 0 COYOTES 3, STARS 1 Devils goalie Scott Wedgewood stopped 39 Roberto Luongo of the Florida Panthers Net presence is one of the many assets Arizona shots to shut out the NHL’s hottest team in only makes a save against the Boston Bruins Coyotes center Martin Hanzal brings to the ta- his second career game, Kyle Palmieri scored during the first period at TD Garden in ble. On Thursday against the Dallas Stars, that twice in the fi rst period and New Jersey beat the Boston, Massachusetts. (AFP) asset paid off in production. Pittsburgh Penguins 3-0 on Thursday night. Hanzal had a pair of goals, including his fi rst Wedgewood, who allowed only one goal in short-handed tally since Dec. 4, 2008, and goal- his fi rst two starts, halted two streaks: the Pen- MAPLE LEAFS 6, DUCKS 5 (OVERTIME) 4-3 win Thursday night at Joe Louis Arena. off spot in the Western Conference. tender Louis Domingue made 37 saves as the guins’ six-game winning streak and captain Nazem Kadri scored twice, including the over- Luke Glendening also scored and Anthony Coyotes defeated the Stars 3-1 at Gila River Are- Sidney Crosby’s 12-game scoring run. time winner, as the Toronto Maple Leafs edged Mantha got his fi rst career goal for Detroit. Mike JETS 4, KINGS 1 na to record their second win over the Central the Anaheim Ducks 6-5 at Air Canada Centre on Green had two assists and Petr Mrazek made 26 Defensemen Dustin Byfuglien and Paul Postma Division leaders in as many games this season. HURRICANES 3, BLUE JACKETS 2 Thursday. saves. scored less than three minutes apart on nearly The Carolina Hurricanes broke out of a two- After Toronto blew a 4-1 lead in a 9:23 span identical point shots early in the third period to OILERS 6, SHARKS 3 period malaise with a fl urry of goals early in the and fell behind by a goal, Connor Brown tied the WILD 6, FLAMES 2 power the Winnipeg Jets to an improbable 4-1 The San Jose Sharks were sitting pretty with third, jumping the Columbus Blue Jackets for a game 5-5 with his fi rst career NHL goal at 15:37 Zach Parise ended a monthlong slump with a victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday. a 2-0 lead after one period. Unfortunately for 3-2 win on Thursday in Nationwide Arena. of the third period. fi rst-period hat trick, and that was all the of- Only 15 seconds into the fi nal frame and the them, the Edmonton Oilers didn’t stop playing. Viktor Rask, Chris Terry and Elias Lindholm fense the Minnesota Wild needed Thursday. game tied 1-1, Byfuglien’s hard drive from just The Oilers stormed back with fi ve unan- scored for the Hurricanes, all in a 98-second RED WINGS 4 CANADIENS 3 Minnesota jumped out to an early lead and inside the blue line near the wall eluded goal- swered goals over the fi nal 40 minutes to beat span, with Lindholm’s goal giving Carolina a 3-1 Riley Sheahan scored two goals and the Detroit held off the Calgary Flames, winning 6-2 to gain tender Jonathan Quick, whose view of the shot the Sharks 6-3 in front of 16,570 fans at SAP lead only 2:30 into the period. Red Wings held off the Montreal Canadiens for a a critical two points in the race for the fi nal play- might have been blocked when right winger Center. Gulf Times 10 Saturday, March 26, 2016 TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT HURDLE Roland Garros hits fresh delay over Serena withstands greenhouses

AFP agreement of all offi cial bodies Paris consulted....the necessary mod- ernisation of the Roland Gar- ros stadium is slowed by legal he 400 million euro actions that delay the start of a fi ghtback to ($447m) expansion project reconciling the city, sport of Roland Garros, the and nature,” the FFT said in a famed home of the statement. TFrench Open, hit another snag They added: “The histori- Thursday when work on a new cal greenhouses will not be de- stadium was delayed in an ongo- stroyed but fully safeguarded ing row centred on a set of his- and the garden will be embel- toric greenhouses. lished by the new development.” advance at Miami A Paris tribunal ordered a sus- The FFT said that it is com- pension to the ongoing work tak- mitted to fi nancing 95 percent ing place in the Auteuil gardens of the cost of Roland Garros’s ‘She just started playing better, the kind of tennis she’s never played before. I made a which border the tennis complex expansion which is estimated at situated in the city’s leafy and between 350-400 million euro. few mistakes and then I had to pull myself back together. I’m back now and I’m going’ plush western 16th district. “The French Open generates The new-look Roland Garros 300 million euro each year in AFP has long been a bone of conten- economic benefi ts for Paris and Miami tion especially for the impact on for amateur tennis in France,” the the gardens which boast green- FFT added. houses dating back to the late Roland Garros was built in orld number one Serena 19th century. 1928 but has long struggled to Williams was forced to re- The French Tennis Federation cope with the huge crowds at- group but launched her bid (FFT) said they had been expect- tracted to the season’s second for a ninth Miami Open ing the latest suspension—or- Grand Slam staged at the end of Wcrown Thursday by defeating US compa- dered after protests from the May and start of June. triot Christina McHale 6-3, 5-7, 6-2. descendants of Jean-Camille A semi-sunken new court is Three-time defending champion Formige, the designer of the planned for the Auteuil gardens Williams had the match on her racquet greenhouses—and will appeal. while the showcase Philippe before having to withstand a fi ghtback “The FFT deeply regrets to Chatrier Court will be fi tted with from her 23-year-old rival and taking note that despite the unanimous a retractable roof. two hours and seven minutes to reach the third round. “She just started playing better, the STATUS QUO kind of tennis she’s never played before,” said Williams. “I made a few mistakes and then I had to pull myself back togeth- er. I feel like I was just playing, but it’s all Players fi ght to keep right. I’m back now and I’m going.” Top seed Williams, who watched tour- naments at the combined WTA and ATP Miami event hardcourt event as a child, will next face Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan, who ousted AFP Williams wrote. “The tourna- Australian Daria Gavrilova 7-5, 6-3. Miami ment has, in many ways, set Williams fi red 13 aces and 36 winners the standard for tennis events with 43 unforced errors while McHale around the world in a unique responded with seven aces and 26 win- oncerns that Miami time and place, and I hope we ners against 31 unforced errors. Asked might lose its ATP and can all work together to improve if she took McHale too lightly, Williams WTA tournament be- this home court.” replied, “I don’t underestimate anyone.” cause of a legal battle Williams, who is represented Williams, whose losses at the Austral- overC proposed venue renova- by the owners of the tourna- ian Open and Indian Wells were her fi rst tions has top players calling for ment, noted that in the recent since 2004, served for the match in the the event to stay put. controversy over equal pay for 10th game of the second set but netted a The tennis centre is located in men and women, Miami be- backhand to surrender a break. a public park and there is a court came the fi rst event outside the McHale held and won the fi rst three fi ght over what modernisation Grand Slams to feature men and points of the 12th game off Williams’ can be done to the facility, with women together when it began serve. The 34-year-old pulled back two a risk of the event moving once in 1985. “Perhaps even more sig- but swatted a forehand wide to force a the last eight years of its lease nifi cant, the Miami Open paid third set. “She defi nitely started fi ghting are up in 2024. equal prize money to men and back,” Williams said. “And she’s clearly Serena Williams of the United States celebrates a point against Christina McHale of the United States. World number one Serena women,” Williams said. capable of playing great tennis.” Williams took her support of Germany’s Angelique Ker- McHale denied Williams on three break It’s always a little bit tricky when it’s Key Results the cause to the New York Times ber, who beat Serena Williams points to hold the fi rst game of the fi nal someone you have never played before.” opinion page this week. in the Australian Open fi nal two set but Williams broke in the third and Kvitova next faces Russian 30th WOMEN, Second Round Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS x15) bt Ca- “When I think about the Mi- months ago for her fi rst Glam smashed a backhand service return winner seed Ekaterina Makarova, who ousted Petra Kvitova (CZE x8) bt Irina Falconi rina Witthoeft (GER) 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 ami Open having to leave a city I crown, does not want to see it to break again in the seventh game. Ukraine’s Lesia Tsurenko 3-6, 6-4, 6-3. (USA) 6-1, 6-4 Simona Halep (ROM x5) bt Daria Kasat- love because it isn’t able to make leave either. “It would be sad,” Williams had to fi ght off two break British wildcard Heather Watson oust- Ekaterina Makarova (RUS x30) bt Lesia kina (RUS) 6-3, 7-5 improvements that would ben- she said. “Miami is a special points in the fi nal game, saving one with ed US 20th seed Sloane Stephens 6-3, Tsurenko (UKR) 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 efi t the players and fans, it sad- tournament.” her 12th ace and the other with a service 6-0. She faces Belgium’s Yanina Wick- Ana Ivanovic (SRB x16) bt Tellana MEN, First Round dens me,” Williams wrote. Roger Federer has been com- winner, and she blasted her 13th ace on mayer in the third round. Pereira (BRA) 6-3, 6-0 Andreas Seppi (ITA) bt Donald Young British second seed Andy ing to Miami for 20 years to play match point to fi nally advance. Uzbek Denis Istomin rallied to beat Agnieszka Radwanska (POL x3) bt Alize (USA) 6-3, 6-1, Murray lives nearby and trains in tournaments. “I hope this After answering a few questions, Wil- Croatia’s Borna Coric 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 to Cornet (FRA) 6-0, 6-1 Denis Istomin (UZB) bt Borna Coric much of the year at the facility. tournament stays successful for liams told reporters, “I just really don’t book a Saturday matchup with British Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) bt Lucie Safa- (CRO) 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 “I would be gutted if it moved. years to come,” he said. “It has a want to be here. I feel like I’ve been do- second seed Andy Murray, who won their rova (CZE x11) 6-2, 6-3 Tatsuma Ito (JPN) bt Nicolas Mahut I love it here,” Murray said. “I nice vibe. It’s a beautiful place to ing press every day. That’s enough,” and only two matches back in 2013. Heather Watson (GBR) bt Sloane (FRA) 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 spent so much of my time work- play. I’ve been coming here since ended her session. Japanese sixth seed Kei Nishikori plays Stephens (USA x20) 6-3, 6-0 Santiago Giraldo (COL) bt Paul-Henri ing out of this place. It has so I was 14. I clearly want to see Two-time Wimbledon winner Petra his second-round match against French Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x23) bt Vania Mathieu (FRA) 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 much history. When a tourna- this tournament continue to be Kvitova reached the third round with a qualifi er Pierre-Hugues Herbert, who King (USA) 7-5, 6-2 Pierre-Hugues Herbert (FRA) bt Lukas ment moves from its original good, prestigious, all that.” 6-1, 6-4 victory over 83rd-ranked Amer- downed Czech Lukas Rosol 7-5, 6-4. Caroline Garcia (FRA) bt Andrea Petko- Rosol (CZE) 7-5, 6-4 place, it loses something. I really “I think they are trying to fi g- ican Irina Falconi. Japanese qualifi er Tatsuma Ito beat vic (GER x21) 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 7-6 (7/2) Damir Dzumhur (BIH) bt Leonardo enjoy it here.” ure it out as much as they can,” “I served pretty well,” the Czech eighth Nicolas Mahut 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 to book Serena Williams (USA x1) bt Christina Mayer (ARG) 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 “Leaving Miami would be a Federer said. seed said. “She played better in the sec- a second-round match with another McHale (USA) 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 blow to our sport, to the city “But it’s clearly a diffi cult sit- ond set and that’s what made it tougher. Frenchman, 16th seed Gael Monfi ls. of Miami and to me,” Serena uation,” he added.

BOTTOMLINE Federer calls for consistent global dope testing

AFP caught in the system that seems to be Federer comes clean on how he injured knee bathing twins Miami working.” Sharapova said she did not check Roger Federer, not known for serious to Switzerland, that an MRI revealed updated lists to see what changes were slip-ups in his flowing run to a record the extent of the injury and prompted oger Federer believes tennis made to the banned list for 2016. 17 grand slam singles titles, has come arthroscopic surgery on February 3. does not face a major doping “I know what I take,” Federer said. clean about the left knee injury that “I remember I turned, I felt my knee problem but voiced concern “You have got to be sure. That’s why I sidelined him for nearly two months. was funny, I turned back. That’s when here Thursday that drug test- quadruple check what I take. I don’t The Swiss maestro, who will resume I heard a click,” Federer said. ingR protocols are not being taken seri- want to take any chances whatsoever.” competition at the Miami Open on Fri- “I did feel that something was strange ously enough in certain parts of the Federer said he tends to give fellow day, revealed that he tore the menis- in my knee. Very simple movement, world. players the benefi t of the doubt, but is cus in his knee when he slipped while probably a movement I’ve done a mil- The record 17-time Grand Slam sin- sceptical when those who test positive running a bath for his twin daughters lion times in my life for sure. gles champion spoke out at the ATP plead ignorance or accident. in Melbourne, following his semi-final “When I got the news that I had and WTA Miami Open, where he ends “I’m naive maybe in the fact that I loss at the Australian Open. to have the operation I saw the an eight-week knee injury layoff Friday. believe athletes,” Federer said. “Clearly The 34-year-old Federer told report- pictures and talked to my doctor Third-ranked Federer believes there when they get caught, you turn. You ers he felt a “click” as he transferred and knew that it was the only way should be more consistency in the hunt are like, ‘I can’t believe they tried to do his weight to his left leg, but did not out of this one. In the hospital, when for dope cheats, saying he gets tested that, forgot about it,’ whatever.” realise the seriousness of the injury I was about to go into the operating more in his homeland than anywhere Federer said he would like to see more at the time. room, that’s when I got nervous and else. to combat dope cheats, including keep- It was only later, after returning home sad about it all.” “I’ve been in Dubai for 10 years now ing blood samples on players from eve- and been tested once. That’s not OK for ry event for 10 years so updated testing me,” the 34-year-old Swiss said. methods can be used to detect viola- “I’m all for equal prize money. When be aware,” he said. “This time I was on “I get tested more in Switzerland be- tions many years later. I was fi ghting for prize money increas- the other side of the world. For Paris, cause the guy from Switzerland lives in Roger Federer of Switzerland is watched by new coach Ivan Ljubicic. “You could be punished retroac- es, especially at the Slam level, I was al- we were in London and we had just my village. He comes to see me the day tively,” said Federer. “I’m a big believer ways very aware of the fact it would im- been in Paris. That was scary. Not that after my surgery. has in the past. We’re getting more pro- Open for meldonium, which was added in that.” pact the women’s game,” he said. “I’m this wasn’t. It sure makes you wonder “In certain countries, maybe the fessional. The program is getting bigger to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s ban happy tennis has produced some of the when you travel.” testing is not as serious as in Switzer- and stronger.” list on January 1. FEDERER BACKS EQUAL PAY greatest female athletes in the world.” One place Federer is excited to visit land. I would like to see that across the “It was very disappointing news to Controversial comments by top-ranked Federer also recalled the terrorist for the fi rst time is Rio de Janeiro for the board to be the same way and fair. STUNNED ABOUT SHARAPOVA say the least,” Federer said. Novak Djokovic and now-resigned In- attacks in Paris when speaking of the Olympics in August. “But I think tennis is doing more and Federer said he was shocked to learn “Clearly I was very surprised. I dian Wells tournament director Ray- recent ones in Belgium and the extra “Olympic Games is massively im- more. I really don’t think there is a ma- that Russian star Maria Sharapova, a thought she was going to announce mond Moore regarding women’s tennis stress they add for global-travelling portant for me,” Federer said. “I think jor problem. four-time Grand Slam singles cham- retirement or something. But it also and equal pay with the men were not athletes. it’s going to have a very special fl air, a “Tennis is doing a lot better than it pion, tested positive at the Australian shows the famous players can get echoed by Federer. “When you travel you always have to unique fl air.” Gulf Times Saturday, March 26, 2016 11 SPORT

ATHLETICS TABLE TENNIS Farah aware of his France’s Li upsets role amid scandals Japan’s Ito 'In all sports you are going to get a small minority of people doing things ITTF choose the right moment to Doha counter top spin.” The counter top spin play ex- which are not nice, but at the same time we can do what we do best' ecuted by Li Xue was crucial to elying on a stable de- the outcome of the contest; also fence but attacking it is a feature of her play which from the forehand with appears to have improved. a controlled forehand “In addition, Mima kept counterR top spin, Li Xue of France changing the length of her play; had negotiated the qualifi cation sometimes long sometimes stage of the Women’s Singles short, so I had to be prepared to event at the 2016 ITTF World keep moving”, concluded Li Xue. Tour Qatar Open in Doha. There was one more upset in Yesterday, one day after quali- the Women’s Singles event, but fi cation had been secured, those this time it was in Japan’s favour. skills were very much in evidence In a contest determined by the in the fi rst round of proceedings minimal two point margin in the as she caused an upset of note. deciding game, Yui Hamamoto Playing with determination, accounted for Germany’s Shan she overcame Japan’s Mima Ito, Xiaona, the No 11 seed (12-10, 10- the No 8 seed (10-12, 11-9, 9-11, 12, 5-11, 5-11, 11-9, 11-4, 11-9). 11-8, 11-5, 8-11, 11-8) to reserve There were no further sur- her place in the second round. prises as matters advanced in the “It was a very tough match, lower half of the draw in the fi rst it was a question of playing one round of the Women’s Singles point at a time and making sure event. that you were totally focused”, Notably China’s Ding Ning, said Li Xue. “It was a mental Japan’s Ai Fukuhara and Ger- match.” many’s Han Ying all enjoyed suc- Mentally Li Xue was strong cess. Ding Ning, the No 2 seed, and experience told. overcame the backspin skills of “Mima wanted to play fast and Yuka Ishigaki (11-4, 11-5, 11-2, try to win the points quickly; 11-6), Ai Fukuhara accounted for for me it was a case of making Singapore’s Zeng Jian (11-5, 11-6, changes so that she could not 11-7, 11-6); whilst Han Ying used fi nd a good rhythm to her play”, her defensive skills to good eff ect added Li Xue. “I had to be pa- to overcome Poland’s Kinga Ste- tient, keep defending and then fanska (11-8, 11-3, 11-9, 11-5).

AFP rivals, have all been given the equivalent minority of people doing things which are Half Marathon at home—as we’re not going London of a ‘yellow card’ by the IAAF and warned not nice, but at the same time we can do to get another Olympics in London!” they must improve their anti-doping pro- what we do best. Not for the fi rst time in his career, Farah grammes of face the same sanctions as Rus- “I want to show people what I can do. is set to have contend with group tactics ouble Olympic champion Mo sia. That’s all I can do, but I think we (athlet- by a posse of Kenyan runners on Saturday, Farah has said he is acutely con- Farah too found himself in an unwant- ics) are making a lot more eff ort to make the including defending World Half Marathon scious of his responsibilities to- ed spotlight last year after coach Alberto most of it.” Turning to his own form, Fa- champion Geoff rey Kamworor. wards athletics as the sport strug- Salazar was accused of doping off ences, rah said all had gone smoothly so far in the “When it’s a longer race and there are Dgles to shoulder the burden of numerous although there was no suggestion the Brit- build-up to the defence of both the 5,000 more people in the team then you can work doping scandals. ish runner had in fact taken performance- and 10,000 metres Olympic titles he won better,” said Farah. This year alone has seen Russia banned enhancing drugs. on home soil at London 2012. “So it works to their (the Kenyans’) ad- from all competition by the Internation- I’m defi nitely aware (of my position). I “Training has gone well, I’m pretty happy vantage—but I’m a lot more ahead than I al Association of Athletics’ Federations love my sport and I love what I do,” Farah how it’s gone,” he explained. “Rio is looking was last year,” added Farah, who fi nished (IAAF) following revelations of state-spon- said at an IAAF press conference in Cardiff good and, as long as I can stay injury-free, I second in the Great Edinburgh Cross Coun- sored doping—a suspension that threatens yesterday ahead of competing in the World should be good for Rio.” try in January. the country’s participation at this year’s Ol- Half Marathon Championships in the Farah added: “I’m really excited to be “I always set goals and targets and I want ympic Games in Rio. Welsh capital today. “We’ve got to show the competing here. It’s going to be a tough to get a good result. Meanwhile the likes of Belarus, Ukraine, sport in a good way and we are doing what race, but hopefully having the home crowd “It’s a chance to win another title and Ethiopia, Morocco and Kenya, home to we can. behind me will make a diff erence. come away with a win, but the target for all some of distance runner Farah’s greatest “In all sports you are going to get a small “It can’t be better than having a World of us this year is Rio.”

Russian Martynova to appeal against drugs ban

Reuters by the Russian Anti-Doping lessons. I do not know how this Moscow Agency (RUSADA) on July 27. got into her system,” Martynov In March, FINA decided that added. Martynova would serve a four- All-Russian Swimming Fed- SPOTLIGHT ussian medley and but- year ban for her doping off ences eration (ARSF) spokeswoman terfl y champion Yana but she has decided to appeal Margarita Balakireva was not Martynova will appeal against the ruling with a hearing immediately available for com- against a four-year ban pending. ment. Brazil ‘confi dent’ no imposedR by the International “Yana will definitely fight this dis- ARSF said last week that it had Swimming Federation (FINA) qualification and has travelled to received documents from FINA after she tested positive for os- Moscow to hear her case,” Mar- confirming that Yulia Efimova, corruption on tarine in an out-of-competition tynova’s father Valery Martynov four-times world champion and test. told the R-Sport news agency. bronze medallist at the 2012 The 28-year-old, who won the “Yana is in a very diff icult state of London Olympics, had been Olympics projects silver medal at the 2007 world mind. It is a shock for the whole temporarily suspended from championships and bronze at of our family. competition due to the pos- AFP struction fi rm, Odebrecht, has the 2008 European champion- “Even when she was a child and sibility of breaking anti-doping Rio de Janeiro now vowed to cooperate with in- ships, failed the doping test in had only started swimming, we regulations. vestigators, raising the possibil- July 2015, a few weeks before talked with her coach and said The 23-year-old breaststroke ity of a fl urry of new revelations. the world championships in her that she would never take any specialist faces a life ban after he organising commit- Odebrecht is one of the largest home city of Kazan. banned substances, otherwise she tested positive for meldo- tee for the Rio de Janeiro participants in the construction She was provisionally suspended she would instantly stop her nium. Olympics said Thursday projects for the Olympics, whose it is confi dent no Games total budget is around $9.5 bil- Tvenues were involved in a cor- lion. ruption scandal upending the Andrada said organizers were BOTTOMLINE country’s business and political preparing for possible “surpris- worlds. es” from the investigation, which “We remain confi dent that is dubbed “Operation Car Wash.” the Olympic constructions, the “The best approach for what Chinese anti-doping agency denies cover up sport constructions, are not (in- we see in Brazil is to follow up and volved),” spokesman Mario An- adapt to the news as it comes,” he drada told journalists. said in a conference call with for- Reuters been failed in October and the others at punishments in 20 days after the relevant the information so that it can determine Brazil has been rocked by alle- eign correspondents. Beijing the turn of the year, were suppressed “to association makes its respective punish- exactly what the appropriate steps are, it gations that construction com- “We cannot worry too much avoid a storm”. ments”, Zhao added. added. The Chinese Swimming Associa- panies colluded to overbill state about things, we have to keep Xinhua quoted the deputy director of The World Anti-Doping Agency tion announced previously that six Chi- oil giant Petrobras by billions of rowing in one direction.” hina’s Anti-Doping Agency says the Chinese anti-doping agency (CHI- (WADA) said on Thursday it was inves- nese swimmers had failed doping tests dollars, bribing corrupt execu- With just over four months there has been no “cover up” NADA), Zhao Jian, as saying there was no tigating allegations published by The during the 2015-16 season. It identifi ed tives and politicians to look the to go to the opening ceremony of positive doping tests by the “cover up” and that they were following Times that Chinese Swimming had cov- three of them as Chinese Navy’s Zhao other way. on August 5, Brazil’s attention is country’s swimmers and that regulations. ered up positive doping tests ahead of the Ying, Wang Lizhuo and Tianjin’s An Jia- The scandal inched uncom- largely fi xed on the never-end- theC results of its investigations will be re- The agency had yet to disclose athletes’ Olympic trials, which are due to be held bao, who tested positive for Clenbuterol fortably close to the Olympics on ing twists in the scandal, which leased in line with regulations, the offi cial information because of the time needed in April. WADA issued a statement soon in out-competition tests. Tuesday when investigators said is threatening President Dilma Xinhua news agency has reported. to test B samples and to conduct an in- afterwards, stating that “these are very The other three, who tested positive they had uncovered evidence of Rousseff ’s government. The article, published late on Thurs- vestigation and hearings, prior to which serious allegations concerning Chinese for the prohibited diuretic hydrochloro- bribes paid for two projects re- “Everybody in Brazil is con- day, comes after The Times newspaper the relevant information had to be pro- Swimming that warrant further exami- thiazide in out-competition tests in Jan- lated to the Games: upgrades to cerned. It’s one of the biggest reported claims by whistleblowers that tected, he said. nation.” uary and who have applied for hearings the Rio subway and port. crises we have faced, it’s huge,” fi ve positive tests, two believed to have CHINADA would “release results and The agency is now fully scrutinising since, were not named. The country’s largest con- said Andrada.

Saturday, March 26, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS WORLD CUP SERIES Swiss star Giulia vaults to gold a day aft er turning 22 On the final day of the event today, Steingruber will be in action in the Beam and Exercise finals

By Sahan Bidappa Doha

day after she turned 22, gave herself a birthday present as she clinched theA gold medal at the 9th World Cup Series here yesterday. The Swiss had a success- ful campaign in Doha last year, winning two gold and one silver medals. After yesterday’s per- formance at the Aspire Dome, Steingruber looks set to repeat the feat. On the fi nal day of the event, today, Steingruber will be in action in the Beam and Floor Exercise fi nals. In vault, European champion Steingruber jumped and land- ed to perfection to tally 14,712 points for a comfortable victory. Teja Belak of Slovenia was sec- ond with 14.337, while her com- patriot Tjasa Kysselef was third with 14,087 points. Sweden’s Jonna Adlerteg bagged the gold. Winners pose with Qatar Olympic Committee Secretary-General Dr Thani al-Kuwari and other off iicials at Adlerteg had topped the quali- Aspire Dome yesterday. fying sheets on the opening day and she continued to impress by fi nishing with 14,925 points. Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade (14,250) and Portugal’s Filipa Martins fi nished second and third re- spectively. Qatar’s Farah Tariq Mehmoud, who had received a wild card into the fi nal, fi nished ninth and last. The 18-year-old, to her credit, was not overawed by the vocif- erous support she got from the crowd. Farah began well, fl ip- ping nonchalantly over the bars Gymnasts in action in the World Challenge Cup yesterday. on few occasions, but faltered towards the end of her routine. fi nish ahead of Vahagn Davtyan the team event — on Floor and Men’s Rings She tallied 10.025 points but the of Armenia (15,800) and his on . 1. Eleftherios Petrounias experience will serve her good in compatriot Artur Tovmasyan At the qualifying, Ponor topped (Greece) 15,875 future. (15,7750 the sheets ahead of Steingruber 2. Vahagn Davtyan (Armenia) In the men’s competition, Today, on the fi nal day of the and their face-off in the nalfi should 15,800 points 2005 World Champion Diego competition, as many as six ti- make for interesting viewing. 3. Artur Tovmasyan (Arme- Hypolito clinched gold in the tles will be decided. All eyes Finals Results nia)15,775 Floor Exercise. The 29-year-old will be on three-time Olympic Men’s Floor: Women’s Vault Brazilian performed with preci- champion Catalina Ponor, who 1. Diego Hypolito (Brazil) 15, 175 1. Giulia Steingruber (Switzer- sion to score 15, 175 points, ahead be performing in the balance points land) 14,712 of Slovenia’s Rok Klavora, who Beam. The Romanian is making 2. Rok Klavora (Slovenia) 15,000 2. Teja Belak (Slovenia) 14.337 came second with 15,000 points. her comeback to international 3. Sam Oldham (Great Britain) 3. Tjasa Kysselef (Slovenia) Sam Oldham of Great Britain stiff competition from Robert who took silver and bronze re- the fi nal in 2014 too, got off to a competition in Doha this week. 14,925= 14,087 was third,.075 points behind Seligman of Croatia and defend- spectively. good start but slipped mid-way Ponor retired from gymnas- Men’s Pommel Horse Women’s Uneven Bars Klavora ing champion Oleg Stepko of Qatar’s Ahmed al-Dayani who through, falling off the appara- tics following the London Olym- 1. Harutyun Merdinyan (Arme- 1. Jonna Adlerteg (Sweden) Meanwhile, 2015 World Azerbaijan. had impressed on Thursday by tus . pics, where she bagged silver on nia) 15,675 14,925 Championship bronze medallist Merdinyan was just about qualifying for the fi nals, fi nished In the fi nal event of the night, Floor and bronze with the team. 2. Robert Seligman (Croatia) 2. Rebeca Andrade (Brazil) Harutyun Merdinyan of Armenia better in the night as he scored seventh out of eight competi- Greece’s Eleftherios Petrounias The 28-year-old was the most 15,300 14,250 won the Pommel Horse event. 15,675 points, ahead of Seligman tors. took the gold medal in the men’s decorated gymnast at the Athens 3. Oleg Stepko (Azerbaijan) 3. Filipa Martins (Portugal) The 31-year-old had to fi ght off (15,300) and Stepko (15,000), The Qatari, who had made it to Rings scored 15,875 points, to 2004 Olympics, winning gold in 15,000 13,625

DOHA TOUR EQUESTRIAN Saudi Khaled triumphs in CS14* event at Katara

By Sports Reporter Doha

audi Arabia’s Khaled Abdulrahman al-Mobty won the CSI4* event on the second day of the thirdS and fi nal leg of the QNB Doha Tour equestrian champi- onship yesterday. At a makeshift arena in Katara, al-Mobty riding his nine-year- old bay Zypern 4 emerged tri- umphant in the CSI4* Accumul- tor with joker, Art.269.5, 145cm event. The pair came home in 51.16 seconds to win QAR 37,500. Saudi’s Abdelkarim Abbar fi nished second in Ziezo, while Abdullah Mohd al-Marri of UAE came third with Sama Dubai FBH. In the CS2* Table (A) against the clock with jump off , Art. 238.2.2, 135cm, Sheikh Ali Ab- dulla al-Qassimi of UAE fi nished on top. Al-Qassimi paired with Saga De La Roque to time 35.34 seconds to come fi rst and take home a pursue of QAR 13,750. Spanish stunt rider Santi Serra and Kuwait’s Ghazi al-Jeraiwi his horses and dogs perform during (Prestigious) came second ahead the third and final leg of the QNB of Saudi’s Bader Mohammed al- movement and the harmony and Art.269.5, 145 CM QAR 22,500 Doha Tour equestrian champion- Fard (Cover Girl G). balance between man and ani- 1. Khaled Abdulrahman Almobty CS2* Table (A) against the clock ship at Katara yesterday. The highlight of the event so mal. (Saudi Arabia) Zypern 4. Time: with jump off , Art. 238.2.2, 135 far has been performance from Today, the QNB Doha Tour 51.16 secs. Prize money: QAR CM Spanish horseman Santi Serra series trophy will be awarded to 37,500 1. Sheikh Ali Abdulla al-Qassimi and his magnifi cent horses. The the overall champion, who has 2. Abdelkarim Abbar (Saudi (UAE) Saga De La Roque. Time: show called Sercam has been won the most points over the Arabia) Ziezo. 54.74 secs, QAR 35.34 secs. Prize money: QAR 3. Bader Mohammed Alfard Time, 60 cm 2. Khalifa Abdullah al-Khaldi wowing visitors. Sercam shows three legs. 30,000 13,750 (Saudi Arabia) Cover Girl G. 1. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Jassim (Qatar) Macando. 64.58 secs. involve ‘natural dressage’ and Results 3. Abdullah Mohd al-Marri (UAE) 2. Ghazi al-Jeraiwi (Kuwait) Pres- 36.54 secs, QAR 8,250 al-Thani (Qatar) Doddenhill 3. Sheikh Khalid Bin Ali al-Thani highlight the beauty of a horse’s CSI4* Accumultor with joker, Sama Dubai FBH. 50.43 secs, tigious. 35.51 secs, QAR 11,000 CSI2* - Pony class - Optimum Coral Lily. Time: 64.62 secs (Qatar) Top Madame 64.42 secs.