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Monday, January 18, 2016 Rabia II 8, 1437 AH Maxwell blasts GULF TIMES to series win over India SPORT Page 6 PREVIEW/ VS JORDAN: 7.30PM AL SADD STADIUM Qatar take on Syria with eye on quarter-fi nal spot ‘It’s hard to play three games in seven days, but it’s the same for everyone and we have to adapt and get to the next game’

AFC Qatar coach Felix Sanchez watches his team train on the eve of their match against Syria.

oach Felix Sanchez is hoping Qatar can maintain their en- ergy and focus when they take on Syria in their crucial last GroupC A game in the AFC U23 Cham- pionship today. Although the hosts have shown tremendous form and resolve to beat China and Iran, they still need a point against to ensure their progress to the quarter-fi nals and keep alive their dream of qualifying for the . “We know that the time between games is very short and our main tar- get is to recover the players to have them available for the next game,” said Qatar coach Sanchez. “It’s hard to play three games in seven days, but it’s the same for every- one and we have to adapt and get to the next game in the best condition.” And Qatar are hoping to have the backing of another signifi cant crowd when they take on Muhannad al-Fakeer’s Syria after seeing more than 11,000 turn out for their win over Iran at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Friday. “To have a lot of people in the sta- dium is a good help for the players,” from their opening defeat by Iran, al- win as we must win against Qatar. “Both matches have been the same added Sanchez. “It’s a good environ- though Al Fakeer’s side would need “We played badly in the fi rst match as we have scored and then the op- ment, and although they were focused China to beat Iran. and we needed a shock to play good ponent has come back into the game,” on the game, they enjoyed the people Victory over Qatar and an Iran win and we saw that some players did not said Fu, who will be without goalkeep- supporting us.” against China would leave all three play well with the other players. er Du Jia and midfi elder Xu Xin due to Qatar have been led from the front teams level on points and the teams “We have seven players who play suspension. by captain and Al Sadd star Abdelka- advancing to the quarter-finals outside of Syria and they came to us “We have talked about this and it is rim Hassan who scored two goals dur- would be determined by the head- very late, so the harmony between maybe down to our lack of experience ing the team’s opening win over China to-head records between the three the players was not good in the fi rst and we need to improve that. and was also on target against Iran. teams. match. I tried to play other players “We have told the players that they “Our job is not fi nished as we must “I believe every match has a plan who can play well with my team, but might need to go through these expe- still draw or beat Syria,” Hassan said. and we must plan for the next match every match also must have a forma- riences as they grow up and become an “We have been playing well as a team very well,” said al-Fakeer. tion.” adult player, but we have confi dence and we hope to carry that confi dence “We must analyse Qatar and I will China coach Fu Bo, meanwhile, has for the last match.” into our match against Syria and also watch the fi rst match they played vowed his team will not be an easy Iran currently occupy second place progress even with a win over China games, but they’re not a bad team. further in the tournament,” he added. against China and I will also see Qatar’s prospect for Iran despite back-to- due to a superior head-to-head record should Syria defeat Qatar. They were playing with one man down A point could also be enough for game with Iran and we will see how we back 3-1 defeats at the hands of Qatar over Syria, although Mohammad “I think China is a good team,” said against Syria, but nothing is done for Syria to qualify after bouncing back can play against Qatar and how we can and Syria. Khakpour’s side are not guaranteed Iran coach Khakpour. “They lost two us.

MISSED CHANCE UAE have to wait aft er 0-0 draw with Jordan

AFC ‘This match was very side creating much in the fi nal third of Doha Action from the tough. Both teams went the fi eld before Yousif Saeed sent his Jordan-UAE match into it with a huge spirit to win, low, curling free kick wide of the Jor- yesterday. PICTURE: taking into consideration the danian in the 50th minute. he United Arab Emirates Noushad Thekkayil situation that both of us won our Jordan fi nally eked out their fi rst missed out on the chance to previous match’ goal scoring opportunity of the game secure a place in the quarter- just after the hour mark when Ehsan fi nals of the AFC U23 Champi- tactical.“For us it was a positive re- Haddad’s attempt from a tight angle onshipT after being held to a 0-0 draw sult as it brings us one step closer to was only good enough to fi nd the side by Jordan at the Suhaim bin Hamad the qualifi cation. Everything is in our netting. Stadium yesterday. hands and in the next game we have to In the 67th minute, though, UAE Victory would have taken the Emi- win in order to qualify.” goalkeeper Mohammed Busanda was ratis into the next round following on The Emirates started brightly with on hand to rescue his side, diving to his from Australia’s 2-0 win over Vietnam Mohamed Al Akberi seeing his ef- right to push away Baha Faisal’s goal- earlier in the day, but with the points fort cleared by Jordanian goalkeeper bound shot as the Jordanians threat- shared both the UAE and Jordan go Noureddin Bani Atteyah in the fi fth ened on the break. into the fi nal round of matches with minute while Sultan Saif should have Substitute Ahmed Al Hashmi threat- their hopes of playing in the knockout done better four minutes later when he ened for the Emirates 16 minutes from rounds intact. was put in on goal thanks to Al Akberi’s time when he surged through midfi eld “This match was very tough. Both perfectly fl ighted centre, only to miss- before fi ring off an eff ort that was just teams went into it with a huge spirit hit his attempt. off target, but as time ran out neither to win, taking into consideration the As the teams settled down, though, side was capable of breaking the dead- situation that both of us won our pre- the game developed into a midfi eld lock, denying the UAE the chance to vious match,” said UAE assistant coach tussle with neither team managing to guarantee their progress to the quar- Noureddine Abidi. assert control until Abdullah Ali pulled ter-fi nals. “It meant a diff erent calculation and the trigger on a well-struck eff ort from “The match was very tactical. Both strategy. We started strong and we had the edge of the Jordanian area, teams were very cautious, they didn’t two good chances in the fi rst half and only to see the ball go just wide of At- look to win or lose,” said Jordan coach if we had scored we would have been teyah’s left post. Jamal Ahmad. “We were very cautious in a good situation, but apart from The second half picked up where the and looking at the strength of the op- these two chances the game was very opening period left off , with neither position. Gulf Times 2 Monday, January 18, 2016 AFC U23 C’SHIP, DOHA

SNAPSHOTS

HOW THE ACTION UNFOLDED... Australia striker Jamie Maclaren had a bit of a tussle with Vietnam goalkeeper Phi Minh Long during their AFC U23 Championship Group D match yesterday. Our photographer Mamdouh captured a great sequence of pictures as the two players came together.

UP, UP AND AWAY: Qatar U23 team during a practice session yesterday. PICTURES: Othman Iraqi, Mamdouh & Noushad Thekkayil.

LETTING IT SLIDE: Vietnam’s Do Duy Manh (R) tries hard to stop HERE’S THE PLAN: Syria players listen to their coach during a training session Australia’s Mustafa Amini during their match yesterday. yesterday. Syria take on hosts Qatar today with still a chance to qualify for the quarters.

ALL OR NOTHING: United Arab Emirates striker Mohamed al-Akberi (front) leaps for a header during the match against Jordan yesterday.

EYES ON THE BALL: UAE striker Waleed Ambar (L) in IN SUPPORT: A large number of fans had turned up yesterday to cheer up their teams. action during the match yesterday. Gulf Times Monday, January 18, 2016 3 AFC U23 C’SHIP, DOHA

SPOTLIGHT Goalscoring Yuya Kubo focused on the bigger picture Australia pick up for their fi rst points with JAPAN STRIKER Yuya Kubo (pic- tured), who scored twice in Satur- day’s 4-0 win over Thailand in their AFC U23 Championship Group B encounter, has played down his vir- tuoso performance, saying that the 2-0 win over Vietnam team’s victory is far more important to him. Japan, who have been to every ‘It was a very positive game for us. I knew going into the game we had to rebound following the defeat Olympics since 1996 and fi nished fourth at the 2012 London Games, by the UAE three days ago and I was really confident we would bounce back and that is what they did’ moved closer to the 2016 edition Rio by becoming the fi rst team to qualify for the knockout stage of the Doha tournament. Kubo, who plays for Swiss Super League side BSC Young Boys, came on in the 71st minute to add more bite to the Japanese attack and notched his fi rst goal four minutes later. The 22-year-old beat the off side trap and lifted the ball over goal- keeper Somporn Yos for his team’s third goal, before winning and con- verting a penalty in the 84th minute. “My team has to win and that’s the most important thing,” said Kubo, who sealed Japan’s berth at the AFC U23 Championship with a 1-0 win over last May. “It’s important for my career. I’m happy and proud to represent Japan at the international level. I want to give my best and win the trophy,” he added.

Khamdamov strike fastest yet as Uzbek sets the U23 standard

Australian players celebrate after scoring a goal against Vietnam at the Al Arabi stadium yesterday. Australia won the match 2-0 with goals from James Donachie and Jamie Maclaren. PICTURES: Mamdouh

AFC confi dent we would bounce back and Standings - Group D save from Maclaren soon after as only “It was a very tough game. We Doha that is what they did and we controlled an outstretched leg denied the striker knew it would be a tough game DOSTONBEK Khamdamov (pic- the game for long periods of the game. Teams P W D L GD PTS as the Brisbane Roar forward connect- as they are well coached and tured) etched himself in to the AFC We got a little sloppy in the second UAE 1 1 0 0 1 3 ed with a pull back from team-mate well organised and they have U23 Championship record books on entre-back James Donachie half, but their goalkeeper made some JORDAN 1 1 0 0 2 3 Brandon Borrello, who shot wide just made big improvements in the Saturday when he scored the fastest and striker Jamie Maclaren fi ne saves and we potentially could AUSTRALIA 2 1 0 1 1 3 before half-time. last few years. They have lots of goal in the two editions of the fi nals of scored in either half as Aus- have had more goals, but I am still very VIETNAM 2 0 0 2 -4 0 And the Vietnam goalkeeper con- 1995 born players that suggests the tournament. tralia picked up their fi rst satisfi ed to win 2-0,” said Australia tinued to be required at the start of the they are investing in youth” The 2015 AFC Youth Player of the pointsC of the AFC U23 Championship coach Vidmar. second half as the custodian snuff ed Year netted after only 11.47 seconds of with a 2-0 win over a hard-working “It was a very tough game. We knew a quickfi re second, but fortunately for out a chance for Maclaren just two dipping free-kick over the crossbar. his side’s Group C clash with Iraq, and Vietnam yesterday at Grand Hamad it would be a tough game as they are Vietnam, goalkeeper Phi Minh Long minutes after the restart from Bor- “In the fi rst game we were not ag- although Uzbekistan went on to lose Stadium. well coached and well organised and was able to apply a crucial touch as rello’s through ball before pushing gressive enough in the loss against the tense encounter 3-2, Khamdam- Donachie opened the scoring in- they have made big improvements in Duy Khanh’s near post header looked away a fl icked header from the striker Jordan. It was the fi rst experience for ov’s strike will be remembered as one side the fi rst two minutes as Aurelio the last few years. They have lots of on course for the back of the net. a minute later, with Donachie unable some of the players and they were a of the quickest in AFC history. Vidmar’s side looked to bounce back 1995 born players that suggests they But despite the early setback, Vi- to capitalise on the rebound. little nervous, but we spoke about this As rapid as the Uzbek’s eff ort was, from Thursday’s 1-0 opening day de- are investing in youth.” etnam remained in the contest with But Maclaren fi nally found a way today and we played more aggres- it was still not as quick as Sebas- feat by the United Arab Emirates after Looking to make a belated start to Ngyuen Cong Phuong providing a past Minh Long on the hour mark as sively and we were much better than tian Soria’s strike for Lekhwiya in an the Olyroos conceded a last-gasp own their campaign following their heart- constant threat going forward, leading the striker netted from the edge of the in the fi rst game. We lost two goals AFC Champions League encounter goal. breaking defeat by the UAE at the same to recalled Australia midfi elder Mus- six yard area from Hoole’s pass after from crosses and we know Australia against Pakhtakor when the Qatari And with Maclaren adding a second venue earlier in the week, Australia tafa Amini picking up an 11th minute Vietnam had failed to clear the ball out are much taller than us,” said Vietnam star opened the scoring after only 9.34 on the hour mark despite a determined made the ideal start as Donachie was yellow card for upending the striker. of their penalty area after Amini had coach Miura. seconds of the game in Tashkent. display from Toshiya Miura’s Viet- on hand to fi re into the net via the un- Australia, though, came close to a been denied by the goalkeeper. “We have lost two games and it is Making up the top three Asian nam, Australia head into Wednesday’s derside of the crossbar from the edge second 15 minutes before half-time That fi nally put daylight between now quite difficult to go to the quar- Football Confederation quick-fi re meeting with Jordan fi rmly in the of the six yard area after Vietnam de- as the Olyroos quickly worked the ball the sides, although Vietnam contin- ter-finals, but this is the first expe- goals is Ali Mabkhout who bagged an qualifi cation picture in Group D. fender Dao Duy Khanh had struggled across to Andrew Hoole, but after the ued to push for a goal that their display rience in the final round of Olympic AFC Asian Cup record when he scored “It was a very positive game for us. to deal with Alex Gersbach’s corner midfi elder cut back inside the penalty deserved and Miura’s side were only qualifying and most of these players after only 14 seconds of the Group C I knew going into the game we had to after just two minutes. area, Vietnam goalkeeper Minh Long denied an 85th minute consolation as are under 20 years old and I hope for encounter with Bahrain during the rebound following the defeat by the And another Gersbach delivery two stood up well at his near post. Australia goalkeeper Jack Duncan ac- the future these young players get January 2015 continental gathering in UAE three days ago and I was really minutes later almost handed Australia Minh Long was then fortunate to robatically turned Pham Manh Hung’s good experience.” Australia.

BOTTOMLINE Tareq and Iraq have title ambitions on mind

idfi elder Humam Tareq, they should not be targeting a repeat of “It was a team eff ort and we who struck a late win- their success in 2013. showed great spirit. We’re very ner in Iraq’s thrilling 3-2 “It was an important win and - thank happy to have collected six comeback victory over Uz- God - I contributed to it with a late points from two games and Mbekistan in the AFC U23 Championship goal,” he said. progressed to the last eight of this on Saturday, has declared that his side “Uzbekistan are a strong team at any fantastic tournament . We hope is confi dent of defending their title. level, in any competition and their early to continue in the same way and It was the Uzbeks who drew fi rst goal put us under a bit of pressure, but retain the title we had won in blood in the Group C clash when AFC we fought our way back. Oman,” said Tareq Youth Player of the Year Dostonbek “It was a team eff ort and we showed Khamdamov underlined his growing great spirit. We’re very happy to have towards, Tareq insists they will not be credentials by netting the fastest goal in collected six points from two games getting ahead of themselves. the tournament’s history, opening the and progressed to the last eight of this “Everybody is appreciating Iraq’s scoring just 11.47 seconds after kickoff . fantastic tournament - It’s now be- good work so far and it’s nice to hear Goals from Amjad Attwan Kadhim tween us and Korea Republic to decide that,” added the fl eet-footed attacker. and Mahdi Kamil did overturn the defi - the group winners. “But we need to stay focused and keep cit for the Iraqis before the break, but “We hope to continue in the same way winning. it looked as though Timur Khakimov and retain the title we had won in Oman.” “It’s not so important who your op- had earned Uzbekistan a point when he Tareq, at the age of 16, became the ponents are in the quarter-fi nal be- headed home an equaliser in the 79th youngest player to ever represent the cause all teams are strong at this level. minute. senior Iraq national team in December “Yet, a win against Korea Republic Nonetheless, just two minutes later, 2012 and shot to prominence the fol- will make our players more confi dent Tareq popped up to score the decider lowing month at the Gulf Cup of Na- and it’ll help us sustain our momentum and seal his team’s progress to the tions in Bahrain. going into the tough knockout stage.” quarter-fi nals along with Korea Repub- The now 19-year-old was once again Despite his tender years, Tareq al- lic, with Monday’s tie between the two the toast of the fans as they rushed to ready has plenty of international ex- sides set to decide the group winners. take selfi es with him and chanted his perience to his name having appeared Widely regarded as one of the most- name at the fi nal whistle at the Suhaim as last year’s AFC Asian Cup, as well as talented Iraqi players of his generation, bin Hamad Stadium. being a part of the sides that reached Tareq was proud of the spirit his team- Although the defending champions the semi-fi nals of the 2013 FIFA U20 mates displayed and sees no reason why Iraq midfielder Humam Tareq (left) in action during the match against Uzbekistan which his team won 3-2. now have a quarter-fi nal tie to work World Cup and 2014 Asian Games. Gulf Times 4 Monday, January 18, 2016 FOOTBALL

ITALIAN CUP Small-town rivals Spezia, Alessandria in big clash A David versus David tie pits Spezia Gianni Rivera, who was 15 on his de- phy in 1973, while Spezia lifted it in against Alessandria in the Italian but in the Serie A with the squad of 2005 and 2012. Cup as the two lower-division his native town, then proceeding to a Spezia, a seaside club in the north- Dybala’s brace keeps Juve sides battle to meet Serie A club AC stellar career with on the 1960s ern Liguria region who eliminated Milan in the tournament’s and 1970s. Roma on penalties, host the game at on pace with leaders Napoli semi-finals “It is a great pleasure to see Alessan- the Alberto Picco stadium. dria at high levels after so much time,” They were held to a scoreless home Rome: Serie A champions Juventus On Saturday, Gonzalo Higuain took DPA Rivera said after the team beat Genoa draw to Bari Friday and lie in 12th po- won 4-0 at 10-man Udinese yesterday his tally to 20 goals in as many Serie A Rome 2-1 in December. Now let’s hope they sition, 19 points from leaders Cagliari. with a brace by Paulo Dybala plus Sami games this season as Napoli went four do well in the league. And see them “We must respect Alessandria. On Khedira and Alex Sandro eff orts to stay points clear after their thrilling 3-1 win back in the Serie A would be the maxi- Monday it will be a big game to make within two points of leaders Napoli. over Sassuolo, who, until Saturday’s taste of top-fl ight football is mum. I have not yet seen them on the history for both sides and it will be a The Naples side beat Sassuolo 3-1 on clash, had gone unbeaten against five at stake for lower-division pitch; I hope to do it soon.” great battle,” said Spezia coach Do- Saturday for a tally of 44 points from of this season’s title challengers—wins sides Spezia and Alessandria I Grigi—the Greys, from the colour menico Di Carlo, who in late November 20 games, while Inter Milan were held over Napoli, Juventus and Inter and when they meet in the quar- of their jersey—crashed 3-0 at Fe- replaced Croat Nenad Bjelica, 14 games 1-1 at Atalanta to stay third on 40. draws against Roma and Fiorentina. ter-fiA nals of the Italian Cup today. ralpiSalo Friday, but stayed top on goal into the season. Dybala drilled in a free-kick in the Napoli’s 13th win of the campaign Spezia, who are playing a fourth suc- diff erence ahead of Cittadella in the “The motivation for the quarter- 15th minute and nodded for Khedira’s leaves them top on 44 points with a four- cessive season in Serie B, hope to im- third-tier Lega Pro league. fi nal that awaits us are infi nite. easy header before converting from point cushion on Inter, who scraped a 1-1 prove from quarter-fi nals appearances “It is a strong feeling, but we must “We will need to have courage and the spot after Danilo was dismissed draw away to Atalanta to drop points for in 1937 and 1941, when they played in keep our feet on the ground,” president determination to win this game, with- on 25 minutes over a last-man foul on the second consecutive match. the same division, and go on to tackle Luca Di Masi said. out losing our balance on the pitch and Mario Mandzukic. Results AC Milan in a two-leg semi-fi nal. “We beat Serie A sides like Palermo displaying the will to get into a semi- Defender Alex Sandro found his first Lega Pro club Alessandria played (3-2) and Genoa, but our real goal re- fi nal that all our fans are dreaming in the 41st minute with a swerving shot Genoa ...... 4 Palermo ...... 0 one fi nal of the tournament in 1936, mains the league.” about,” Di Carlo added. to wrap up Juve’s 10th straight win. Bologna ...... 2 Lazio ...... 2 crashing 5-1 to Torino. I Grigi, however, are also still en- The fi rst quarter-fi nal saw Milan Young Argentine Dybala has scored Carpi ...... 2 Sampdoria ...... 1 Napoli are the only club from the Se- gaged in the Coppa Italia Lega Pro, advance from a 2-1 defeat of Carpi on 11 goals, nine fewer than Napoli compa- ChievoVerona ...... 1 Empoli ...... 1 rie B to have won the cup in 1962. with a last-16 game to Cremonese on Wednesday. Napoli will meet Inter Mi- triot Gonzalo Higuain, who also got a Roma ...... 1 Hellas Verona...1 A victory from Alessandria Mon- January 28. lan tomorrow while Lazio take on Ju- brace Saturday for a 20-goal tally. Udinese ...... 0 Juventus ...... 4 Napoli's Gonzalo Higuain celebrates at the day would please their former ace The Piedmontese club won the tro- ventus on Wednesday. end of the match against Sassuolo. (AFP)

LA LIGA Sheikh Salman dismisses rival Ali’s backroom Ronaldo, Benzema star deal allegation in Real’s Sporting rout; Valencia stay winless heikh Salman bin Ebrahim ‘It’s hard to explain what happened in the first half, it was a very disappointing performance. In football al-Khalifah has dismissed Saccusations of underhand you have to win and enjoy yourself and we didn’t show any of that. We have to correct this immediately’ electioneering levelled at him by one of his FIFA presidential rivals as “entirely inaccurate”. Jordanian Prince Ali bin al-Hussein on Saturday accused the Bahraini head of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) of “a breach of electoral rules” and demanded an investigation. Prince Ali was upset at news of a deal between the AFC and the powerful Confederation of African Football (CAF) to organise tournaments and programmes for technical development. The Prince inferred that the agreement signed in Kigali on Friday suggested Sheikh Salman was trying to secure backing from CAF for the February 26 vote to become the new presi- dent of FIFA. The choice of the 54-strong CAF could be crucial in the elec- tion to succeed suspended FIFA boss Sepp Blatter in Zurich next month. The African confederation enjoys the biggest membership ahead of UEFA (53), Asia (46), Concacaf (35), Oceania (11) and South America (10). “I have always promoted cross-regional understanding,” Prince Ali said. “However the timing of this memorandum of understanding between the AFC and the CAF looks like a blatant attempt to engineer a bloc vote.” Hitting back, Sheikh Salman Real Madrid's Cristiano strongly refuted any notion of a Ronaldo celebrates after backroom deal with Africa. scoring his second goal against Sporting Gijon “I am astonished about my yesterday. (Reuters) friend’s comments, which are wholly dismissed and entirely inaccurate”, the Bahraini said yesterday. In a statement he was at pains to point out that the AFC and CAF had begun talking about joining forces in May 2015, five months before he threw his hat into the FIFA election ring. Up against Prince Ali and Sheikh Salman in next month’s election are UEFA secretary general Gianni Infantino, South DPA injury in his right calf and Benzema Paco Alcacer to salvage a point from a 2016-17 and are eight points adrift ropa League and the King’s Cup. Madrid soon followed him with a sprained game that had gone sour on them. of the European places with just over They play Las Palmas home and African business tycoon Tokyo right ankle. These injuries took away “This is what football is like. I don’t half the season played. away in the quarter-fi nals of the Span- Sexwale and former FIFA off icial Real’s rhythm and Gijon—who are have a magic wand,” Neville said, after “It’s hard to explain what happened ish Cup this month and the fi rst leg of Jerome Champagne of France. inedine Zidane’s Real Madrid second bottom—scored a consolation his troubled team were booed off by in the fi rst half, it was a very disap- their Europa League tie against Rapid Suspended UEFA chief and cruised up to second in the goal through Isma Lopez. the long-suff ering fans in Mestalla. pointing performance,” Neville told a Vienna is at the Mestalla on Feb. 18. former France international Spanish Liga yesterday with a Real are now just one point below Neville is still without a win in six news conference after Valencia twice Neville, whose contract runs until player Michel Platini has pulled bittersweet 5-1 home slaugh- leaders Atletico Madrid, who were to Spanish top fl ight games in charge had to come from behind to rescue a the end of the season, said there were out of the race. Zter of lowly Sporting Gijon. visit Las Palmas. since taking over from the sacked point at the Mestalla. two positives from yesterday’s set- Platini and outgoing FIFA Los Merengues turned on the style One point below Real, with two Nuno Espirito Santo last month and “In football you have to win and back, which prompted whistling from in a one-sided fi rst half, with two games in hand, are a Barcelona side Valencia are stuck down in 10th place enjoy yourself and we didn’t show any disgruntled home fans. president Sepp Blatter were sus- goals apiece from Cristiano Ronaldo that will host Athletic Bilbao. after four draws and two defeats dur- of that,” added the 40-year-old. “We “Our response in the second half pended for eight years by FIFA’s and Karim Benzema after Gareth Bale Earlier yesterday, Gary Neville’s ing the former Manchester United and have to correct this immediately.” and the fact that the players showed ethics committee last month had given them an early lead. It was poor start at Valencia continued with England defender’s tenure. Valencia, who last won La Liga in a will to fi ght,” he said. “I have con- over a $2 million payment made the much-vaunted ‘BBC’ strike force a disappointing 2-2 draw at home to The ambitious Singapore-owned 2004 under Rafa Benitez, are strug- fi dence in the work that we are un- to Platini in 2011 for work carried at their lethal best. lowly Rayo Vallecano. Los Ches need- club are in danger of missing out on a gling in their domestic league but still dertaking and I agree that the results out between 1999 and 2002. However, Bale limped off with an ed a late equalizer from striker berth in continental competition for have a chance of silverware in the Eu- aren’t what we had hoped for.” Gulf Times Monday, December 18, 2015 5 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE Ranieri sets Leicester City 79-point target for season

eicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has set his sur- prise Premier League leaders the target of reaching 79 Lpoints this season, having spent most of the campaign Arsenal back on top, saying their goal was merely to avoid relegation. Leicester’s unlikely surge to the summit has forced the Ital- ian coach to revise expectations, having previously stuck to his mantra of needing 40 points to secure survival. The Midlands club, who avoided relegation by six points last season before stunning everyone with their brilliant form in the first half of the current campaign, passed the 40-point milestone at the start of January. Rooney helps Man After a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa on Saturday put them a point clear of Arsenal at the top of the table, Ranieri said the target for the remainder of the campaign, was to improve on the 39 points they took in the first 19 games of the season. “Our next target is 40 more points from the second half. I know it is very diff icult and ambitious but why not?,” the former Chelsea coach told the BBC. The Premier League has only been won with 79 points or Utd down Liverpool fewer on three occasions, but no team has finished outside the top four with that total. Manchester United won the title in 1997 with 75 points and ‘It’s a derby and you have one job—to win it. United would have to say they were again in 1999 with 79 points, while Arsenal won it in 1998 with 78 points. not so good, but they won so they’re happy. We played better, but we feel frustrated’ Saturday’s draw at bottom club Villa was tinged with disap- pointment for Ranieri. His side took the lead through Shinji Okazaki but Riyad Mahrez missed a penalty and they were AFP then pegged back when Rudy Gestede netted for the hosts in London PREMIERSHIP TABLE the 76th minute. “We had the match in our hands but that is football... a point is OK,” the Italian said. Team P W D L Pts rsenal returned to the top of the Arsenal 22 13 5 4 44 Premier League but their Britan- Leicester 22 12 8 2 44 nia Stadium hoodoo was extend- Man City 22 13 4 5 43 ed with a goalless draw against Tottenham 22 10 9 3 39 Zidane’s sons sidelined StokeA City yesterday. Man Utd 22 10 7 5 37 A point was enough to take Arsene West Ham 22 9 8 5 35 amid FIFA ban confusion Wenger’s side clear of Leicester City on Stoke City 22 9 6 7 33 goal diff erence but it was another after- Crystal Palace 22 9 4 9 31 one of Real Madrid had been among 39 players noon of frustration in the Potteries for the Liverpool 22 8 7 7 31 coach Zinedine Zidane’s FIFA had investigated. veteran French manager. Southampton 22 8 6 8 30 Nfour sons started for “It seems absurd because His side have now failed to win at Everton 22 6 11 5 29 their respective sides with the they have lived their whole Stoke’s home ground in six attempts—a Watford 21 8 5 8 29 club’s academy this weekend lives here in Madrid with family sequence that dates back to a 3-1 success West Brom 22 7 6 9 27 amid confusion over their sta- and it will be fixed,” Zidane said in February 2010. Chelsea 22 6 7 9 25 tus after FIFA handed the club on Saturday, ahead of his sec- That victory became infamous for the Bournemouth 22 6 6 10 24 a one-year transfer ban. ond game in charge of Madrid sickening broken leg suff ered by Gunners Norwich 22 6 5 11 23 Real, and local rivals Atletico against Sporting Gijon which midfi elder Aaron Ramsey, who was again Newcastle 22 5 6 11 21 Madrid, were slapped with the Real won 5-1. singled out for some unsavoury abuse by Swansea 21 4 7 10 19 sanction of not being able to Elyaz, 10, Theo, 13 and Luca, Stoke fans during his 250th Arsenal ap- Sunderland 22 5 3 14 18 register new players for the 12 17, were all left out, whilst Enzo, pearance. Aston Villa 22 2 6 14 12 months between July 2016 and 20, was only introduced as The bad blood from the injury and Ram- 2017 for alleged irregularities in a substitute for Real Madrid sey’s refusal to accept Ryan Shawcross’s the signing of foreign nationals Castilla—the side Zidane had apology for the challenge that caused it the fans and for the table as our competi- under the age of 18. coached for 18 months before remains for Stoke fans, who taunted Ram- tors also lose points,” said Van Gaal. “It is a The club admitted on Thurs- taking over the senior side sey throughout yesterday with boos and a big step in a good direction and I am very day that two of Zidane’s sons earlier this month. chant about the damage caused to his leg. happy. “In the second half we played much Arsenal could not silence the home better and kept the ball better and created crowd as Stoke held their own, with both chances, and Wayne Rooney makes the Potters goalkeeper Jack Butland and Ar- fantastic goal again.” LIGUE 1 senal counterpart Petr Cech in good form. Victory took United to within two points After a scrappy opening littered with of the Champions League berths and al- fouls and poor passes, it was Stoke who lowed them to reclaim fi fth place from carved out the fi rst chance through Marko West Ham United, leaving Liverpool six Victory for Marseille, Arnautovic. The Austrian wandered in off points back in ninth place, their top-four the left fl ank to collect possession in a cen- hopes fading. tral area 30 yards from goal, but his ambi- “It’s a derby and you have one job—to back at 2nd tious eff ort fl ew high into the Arsenal fans win it,” said a disappointed Klopp. behind Cech’s goal. “United would have to say they were not AFP ing Steve Mandanda to a The game fi nally came to a semblance of so good, but they won so they’re happy. We free-kick, but Bouna Sarr vol- life in the 20th minute when Glen Johnson played better, but we feel frustrated.” leyed home Alaixys Romao’s and Jonathan Walters found space on the They may be England’s two most deco- inviting cross on 83 minutes Stoke right to pick out Joselu on the edge rated clubs, but Liverpool and United are arseille snapped a to clinch a fi fth win in six away of the area. His deft fl ick teed up Ibrahim not this season’s leading contenders and a four-match winless games for OM. Afellay, whose long-range eff ort fl ew a Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney celebrates after scoring against Liverpool in their scrappy, shapeless fi rst half refl ected both run in Ligue 1 with The victory pushed Mar- yard wide of the target. Anfield derby yesterday. United won 1-0. (Action Images via Reuters) clubs’ recent diffi culties. a 3-1 victory over seille up to seventh, fi ve points Arsenal immediately broke and created Both teams had drawn 3-3 on their pre- CaenM yesterday, while Monaco adrift of third-place Angers, an opening of their own thanks to a fi ne from Giroud, who had been left unmarked Liverpool felled by vious outings—Liverpool at home to Arse- reclaimed second place after with Caen staying in sixth. pass by Joel Campbell and an equally clev- to meet Ramsey’s corner. nal, United at Newcastle United—but there winning 2-0 away to Lorient. Earlier, Monaco moved back er run by Olivier Giroud. The Frenchman Then Stoke were denied as the tempo of Rooney sucker-punch was to be no frenzied attacking to warm the Marseille arrived at the Sta- ahead of Angers after also found himself one on one with Butland but the game was raised a notch. Arnautovic 43,865 shivering souls at Anfi eld. de Michel d’Ornano unbeaten stretching their unbeaten run the England international spread himself advanced and fed Joselu, whose shot was Earlier, Manchester United captain What quality football there was came in seven league matches, al- in the league to eight games. well to make an important stop. clawed away superbly by Cech. The former Wayne Rooney pounced to score a 78th- chiefl y from Liverpool and, in particular, though they had drawn their Thomas Lemar gave Mo- The game remained disjointed but, Chelsea star then reacted well to scramble minute winner as his side stunned eternal Roberto Firmino, preferred once again to last four outings, and grabbed naco a 53rd-minute lead in when Stoke failed to clear their lines in the Bojan’s follow-up around the post. rivals Liverpool with a smash-and-grab Christian Benteke as the nominal frontman. a 12th-minute lead when goal- Brittany before Joao Moutinho 28th minute, Ramsey had a goal-bound Arsenal needed Cech again in the 66th 1-0 victory at a freezing Anfi eld. He was involved in two early chances, fi rst line technology was used to curled home an exquisite free- shot defl ected wide for a corner which was minute as he turned a shot from Joselu Presiding over his fi rst game against drilling narrowly wide after Jordan Hender- adjudge Michy Batshuayi’s kick to leave Leonardo Jardim’s dealt with easily by the Potters. around the post. The game became scrap- United, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp son, freed by Lucas Leiva, had seen a header shot to have crossed the line men 21 points behind runaway Ten minutes before half-time Arsenal py once more but it was Arsenal who made watched his team dominate, but Rooney palmed away by the outrushing David de after coming back off the post. leaders Paris Saint-Germain. failed to deal with Erik Pieters’s dangerous most of the running in the closing stages punished their profl igacy with his fi fth Gea and then releasing James Milner to slice Batshuayi should have add- PSG recorded their ninth cross but Joselu headed straight at Cech. and Campbell tried his luck from a tight goal in four games, a close range snapshot wide with a fi ne, half-volleyed pass. ed a second with the goal at consecutive win in all com- The Gunners then handed cheap pos- angle with fi ve minutes remaining. after Marouane Fellaini had hit the bar. It was from a Firmino fl ick, meanwhile, his mercy a few minutes later, petitions and extended their session to Stoke, for whom Bojan fi red just But his eff ort fl ew well wide to sum up It was United’s only shot on target, but it that Henderson fl ashed a shot across goal but the Belgian atoned for that club record unbeaten league wide. Just over a minute into the second an error-strewn contest. was enough to give visiting manager Louis and wide after a neat move involving Adam miss by setting up Georges- run to 30 matches dating back half, Butland denied Arsenal what looked And in the dying moments Stoke had van Gaal his fourth win over Liverpool in Lallana. The Brazilian looked poised to put Kevin Nkoudou to steer in to last March as Zlatan Ibra- like a certain goal. further chances when Ramsey cleared off four games and a fi rst away victory since Liverpool ahead six minutes before half- Marseille’s second on the hour. himovic’s 73rd-minute strike The goalkeeper reacted superbly to dive the line in a goalmouth scramble before the 2-1 success at Watford on November 21. time, but as he cocked his right foot to shoot, Ronny Rodelin pulled one was enough for them to see off low to his left and turn away a free header Cech blocked a follow-up from Joselu. “When you beat Liverpool, it is good for Anthony Martial nipped in to intervene. back for the hosts after beat- Toulouse 1-0 on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT Chelsea await Costa news aft er Everton draw AFP something has to be done, yes or no, we whole ground should see the time left London don’t go public before we do something. on a big clock. It’s not wise to talk. We are not in nego- “But a player two yards off side in the tiations with whoever, at this moment.” box? That’s unacceptable. It’s a decision helsea face an anxious wait The draw means Chelsea remain that should have been given off side. It after striker Diego Costa was closer to the relegation places than the doesn’t come down to the interpreta- hospitalised during a crazy 3-3 European slots and Hiddink conceded tion of the referee. It’s a heartbreaking draw with Everton that saw that hopes of a top-four fi nish are di- moment for us. The referee wasn’t up to JohnC Terry score for both sides at Stam- minishing quickly. the level today.” ford Bridge. “The aim and ambitions we had for Improbably, it was the second time The Spain forward had already hob- fourth place, we had to make three this season that Everton have conceded bled off with a shin injury, having earlier points in each of these two home in the 98th minute of a match to draw scored, when Terry found the net in the games,” said Hiddink, whose side had 3-3, the same scenario having unfolded 98th minute from an off side position. drawn 2-2 at home to West Bromwich at Bournemouth in November. Chelsea interim manager Guus Hid- Albion in their previous match. Everton also scored in stoppage time dink admitted he was crossing his fi n- “We didn’t do so, so it’s diffi cult. themselves on that occasion. gers that Costa was not seriously in- We’re using our decreasing number of Martinez denied that his side had an jured, but made it clear that he was in games. It will be even more diffi cult.” Achilles heel, however. “That one (at no hurry to sign another striker this A dull fi rst half was followed by a Bournemouth) was part of football,” month in case of a lengthy lay-off . frantic fi nal 45 minutes that saw Terry he said. “They scored a legal goal down “He’s in the hospital and they will put through his own goal and Kevin Mi- there. I accept that. Today (Saturday) have a scan,” Hiddink said. “We don’t rallas fi re Everton 2-0 ahead. was unacceptable. It’s two yards off side.” know the result yet and I hope it’s not Fortune favoured Chelsea when Hiddink admitted that Martinez had bad. It’s on his shin. He was in a lot of Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard came been correct to complain about the off - pain, that’s true. out but missed the ball to allow Costa a CHELSEA STRIKER DIEGO COSTA RECEIVES TREATMENT DURING SATURDAY’S 3-3 DRAW WITH EVERTON. (REUTERS) side call. “I can say now he is quite right,” “We can move in the transfer market tap-in and again when Cesc Fabregas’s said the Dutchman. “Sometimes it goes if we want to, but at the moment we are shot was defl ected past the American to his 700th Chelsea game—had the last cials make public the amount of min- celebrations after their third goal may in our favour during the season. Other doing nothing. We hope Diego comes make it 2-2. word with a deft fl ick after 97 minutes utes they add on after seven were sig- also have been a factor. times it’s damaging. But why should I out the hospital in good health and we Everton thought that they had won it and 53 seconds of action. nalled by the fourth offi cial. “The fourth offi cial made it clear it deny it? I have seen it. Oscar touched the go on as we are doing. when Ramiro Funes Mori hooked home Furious Everton manager Roberto It was mainly the result of an injury was time, before the ball was played ball and, half a yard, John was off side, “I always had my attitude that when in stoppage time, but Terry—playing Martinez demanded that match offi - to Bryan Oviedo, although Everton’s into the box,” he said. “Maybe the even though he made a beautiful goal.” Gulf Times 6 Monday, January 18, 2016 CRICKET

TWENTY20 Record stand by Guptill, Williamson sinks Pak

AFP innings, Umar Akmal and Malik added A Shehzad c Williamson b Anderson..9 Hamilton Umar Akmal of Pakistan (C) celebrates his backbone with a 63-run partnership Sohaib Maqsood c Santner b Elliott ..18 half-century during the second off 34 balls to get the tourists up to Shoaib Malik b McClenaghan ...... 39 match against New Zealand at Seddon 168-7. Umar Akmal not out ...... 56 world-record T20 partner- Park in Hamilton yesterday. (AFP) Akmal was unbeaten on 56 off 27 de- Shahid Afridi c Williamson by Milne ... 7 ship by Martin Guptill and liveries at the close while Malik made Imad Wasim c Milne b McClenaghan .8 Kane Williamson gave New 39 off 30. Sarfraz Ahmed run out (Milne) ...... 1 Zealand a comprehensive New Zealand, with an eye on the Wahab Riaz not out ...... 0 10-wicketA win in the second Twenty20 World Twenty20 in India in March, Extras (b1, lb3, w7) ...... 11 against Pakistan in Hamilton yester- experimented with left-arm spinner Total (7 wickets; 20 overs) ...... 168 day. Mitchell Santner opening the bowling. Fall of wickets: 1-29 (Shehzad), 2-34 Set a target of 169, Guptill fi nished New-ball spearheads Trent Boult and (Hafeez), 3-67 (Maqsood), 4-130 (Ma- the match with a boundary to take the Matt Henry sat out the match. lik), 5-137 (Afridi), 6-161 (Wasim), 7-163 New Zealand total to 171 with 14 balls It was a switch which suited Paki- (Sarfraz) remaining and all wickets intact. stan opener , who Bowling: Santner 3-0-29-1 (w2), His stand with Williamson eclipsed took 10 off the fi rst over with a six and Anderson 4-0-26-1 (w3), Milne 4-0-37-1 the previous best Twenty20 partner- a four. (w1), McClenaghan 4-0-23-2 (w1), Astle ship of 170 set by South Africans Grae- But when Santner was removed from 1-0-13-0, Elliott 4-0-36-1 me Smith and Loots Bosman against the attack, Corey Anderson and Adam NEW ZEALAND England in 2009. Milne put the brakes on the scoring be- M. Guptill not out ...... 87 New Zealand’s dominance in Ham- fore the Akmal-Malik onslaught. K. Williamson not out ...... 72 ilton, after Pakistan won the fi rst game While Pakistan only scored 60 runs Extras (lb6, w6) ...... 12 in Auckland on Friday, means the in the fi rst 10 overs, they added 108 in Total: (no wickets; 17.4 overs) ...... 171 three-match series will be decided in Williamson faced 48 balls for his 72, passed the same 60 mark in the sev- While Pakistan tried desperately for the second half of the innings. Mitchell Bowling: Umar Gul 2-0-18-0 (w1), Wellington next Friday. which included 11 fours. enth over and were 82-0 after 10 overs. a wicket, the one chance they were of- McClenaghan had the best fi gures for Mohamed Amir 3-0-34-0, Imad Wasim Guptill, who uncharacteristically Pakistan won the toss and elected Williamson and Guptill both fered went to ground when Shoaib Ma- New Zealand with two for 23. 4-0-32-0, Shahid Afridi 4-0-38-0, Wa- trailed Williamson for much of the to bat fi rst but there was no urgency brought up their half-centuries in the lik dropped a straightforward caught- hab Riaz 3-0-30-0 (w1), Shoaib Malik match, fi nished with a fl ourish to be 87 about their run-gathering. 13th over when they took 15 off Mo- and-bowled chance from Williamson SCOREBOARD 1.4-0-13-0 not out from 58 balls with nine fours Halfway through their innings Pa- hammad Amir, whose three overs cost on 61. PAKISTAN Result: New Zealand won by 10 and four sixes. kistan were 60-2, while New Zealand 34 runs. After the slow start to the Pakistan Hafeez c Astle b Santner ...... 19 wickets

MELBOURNE ODI FOCUS Sabbir seals emphatic Bangladesh victory Maxwell powers AFP

abbir Rahman starred with both bat and ball yesterday as Bangla- desh crushed Zimba- Australia to victory bweS by 42 runs in the second to take a 2-0 lead in the four- ‘I feel like I’ve been making big strides over the last few months’ match series. Soumya, who faced 33 balls Sabbir made an unbeaten and hit four fours and three 43 and then took 3-11 to help sixes, wasted a chance of get- AFP Bangladesh restrict Zimbabwe ting his maiden fi fty when he Melbourne Australia’s Glenn Maxwell acknowledges the crowd aft er to 125-8 at after the off ered a catch to Malcolm being dismissed for 96 against India at the Melbourne home side posted a command- Waller at long on off Graeme Cricket Ground yesterday. (Reuters) ing 167-3. Cremer. lenn Maxwell blasted Aiming to bounce back from Mahmudullah followed with 96 from just 83 deliver- Friday’s four-wicket loss in just one run but Mushfi qur ies to lead Australia to a the opening match, Zimbabwe Rahim revived the innings thrilling three-wicket began positively with a 50-run with 24 off 20 balls before re- Gwin over India in the third one- partnership between stand-in tiring with a hamstring injury. day international yesterday and captain Hamilton Masakadza Mortaza hailed the open- a series victory. and . ers for giving his team a good After Australian captain Steve Bangladesh skipper start. Smith won the toss at the Mel- Mashrafe Mortaza, the third “It is very important for the bourne Cricket Ground and sent change bowler, broke the stand openers to go good, and Sabbir India in to bat, the visitors made when he bowled Sibanda for Rahman is scoring for the team 295 for six from their 50 overs 21. Masakadza was dropped at number three,” he told re- thanks largely to a superb 117 twice, both on 24 in the same porters. “Unlucky that Mush- from Virat Kohli. over off Mortaza, but Sabbir fi q got injured, but Shakib fi n- The Indians were well in con- ensured the mistakes were not ished it well.” tention for their fi rst win of the costly by removing the bats- Masakadza, who led Zim- series when they had Australia in man for 30. babwe after the visitors rested trouble at 215 for six. But Max- Zimbabwe collapsed after their regular captain Elton well, who was out just one run Al-Amin Hossain dismissed Chigumbura, was disappoint- short of victory, combined with , the only other ed with his team’s batting. James Faulkner to guide Aus- batsman to off er some resist- “I guess the bowlers did tralia home. ance with 29 off 21 balls. quite well to restrict Bangla- “The wicket was quite slow Earlier, Soumya Sarkar desh,” he said. so I had to try and hit the ball in also made 43 as Bangladesh “I think 167 was chaseable, front of square,” Maxwell said. dominated from the start after but we didn’t do enough in “I tried to hit them as clean Mortaza had won the toss and the powerplay and then overs as I could over cover and luckily elected to bat fi rst. six-10 were (disappointing) as enough they came off the mid- was un- well.” dle. beaten on 27 alongside Sab- Zimbabwe made three “I feel like I’ve been mak- bir, who faced 30 balls and changes from the opening ing big strides over the last few hit three sixes at the packed match as Neville Madziva, months,” he added. Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium. Muzarabani and Richmond “The way I’m hitting the ball (23) and Sou- Mutumbami came in for and approaching the game is dif- mya put on 45 for the fi rst Chigumbura, Sikandar Raza ferent to what I’ve been doing wicket before Taurai Muzara- and Luke Jongwe. over the last few years.” bani made the breakthrough Bangladesh have made three The win gives Australia an for Zimbabwe. changes to the squad for the unassailable three-nil lead in Tamim went for a slog sweep next two matches, which will the best-of-fi ve series, but the and was caught at fi ne leg after be held at the same venue on match was much more of a con- facing just 17 balls. January 20 and 22. test than the fi rst two encounters in Perth and Brisbane. SCOREBOARD Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said poor fi elding BANGLADESH had again cost his side. Tamim Iqbal c Vitori b Muzarabani ...... 23 “It’s tough to take,” he admit- Soumya Sarkar c Waller b Cremer ...... 43 ted. “We didn’t fi eld well to- Sabbir Rahman not out ...... 43 night. There were at least three Mahmudullah c Mutumbami b W. Masakadza ...... 1 boundaries we should have eas- Mushfiqur Rahim retired hurt ...... 24 ily stopped.” Shakib Al Hasan not out ...... 27 Australia successfully chased he had Smith caught at slip by Extras (b2,lb1, w3) ...... 6 down 309 and 308 in the open- Ajinkya Rahane. Jadeja man- SCOREBOARD Total (for three wickets) ...... 167 ing two matches. On a lifeless aged to extract some turn from INDIA A. Finch c Dhoni b Yadav...... 21 Fall of wickets: 1-45 (Tamim), 2-75 (Soumya), 3-76 (Mahmudul- MCG wicket, 295 did not look the otherwise placid wicket and R. Sharma c Wade b Richardson ...... 6 S. Smith c Rahane b Jadeja ...... 41 lah) substantial enough to chal- struck again when he got a ball to S. Dhawan b Hastings ...... 68 G. Bailey st Dhoni b Jadeja ...... 23 Bowling: Vitori 4-0-29-0, Madziva 3-0-30-0, Muzarabani 4-0- lenge the strong Australian bat- spin past the edge of George Bai- V. Kohli c Bailey b Hastings ...... 117 G. Maxwell c Dhawan b Yadav...... 96 35-1 (w2), W. Masakadza 4-0-32-1, Cremer 4-0-29-1 (w1), Williams ting line-up. “The batsmen are ley’s bat. Dhoni whipped off the A. Rahane c Maxwell b Hastings ...... 50 M. Marsh run out ...... 17 1-0-9-0 working hard but we’re always bails to leave the Australians on M.S. Dhoni c Maxwell b Hastings ...... 23 M. Wade c S. Dhawan b I. Sharma ...... 6 ZIMBABWE talking about 10-15 extra runs,” 150 for three. G. Singh b Faulkner ...... 8 J. Faulkner not out ...... 21 V. Sibanda b Mortaza ...... 21 Dhoni said. Shaun Marsh then edged a R. Jadeja not out ...... 6 J. Hastings not out ...... 0 H. Masakadza c Mahmudullah b Sabbir...... 30 “This was a slightly diff erent ball to Dhoni off Ishant Sharma R. Dhawan not out ...... 3 Extras (lb3 w5 nb1) ...... 9 R. Mutumbami c Soumya b Sabbir ...... 7 wicket but there was not much and when Mitchell Marsh (17) Extras (lb5 w9) ...... 14 Total (7 wickets: 48.5 overs) 296 S. Williams lbw b Shuvagata ...... 7 the batsmen could have done — and Matthew Wade (6) both fell Total (6 wickets, 50 overs) ...... 295 Fall of wickets: 1-48 (Finch), 2-112 (Smith), 3-150 M. Waller c Soumya b Al-Amin ...... 29 295 was a good total.” cheaply, India were right back in Fall of wickets: 1-15 (R. Sharma), 2-134 (S. Dhawan) (Bailey), 4-167 (S. Marsh), 5-204 (M. Marsh), 6-215 P. Moor b Mustafizur ...... 9 Australian openers Shaun the game. 3-243 (Rahane), 4-265 (Kohli), 5-274 (Singh), 6-288 (Wade), 7-295 (Maxwell) N. Madziva b Mustafizur ...... 0 Marsh and Aaron Finch attacked However, Maxwell stayed in (Dhoni) Bowling: Yadav 9.5-0-68-2 (1w 1nb), Sran 8-0-63-0 G. Cremer c & b Sabbir ...... 8 from the outset and cruised in control and gradually lifted the Bowling: Richardson 10-0-48-1 (2w), Hastings (2w), I. Sharma 10-0-53-2 (1w), R. Dhawan 6-0-33-0, W. Masakadza not out ...... 6 the fi rst few overs, punishing scoring with a mixture of auda- 10-0-58-4 (1w), Faulkner 10-0-63-1 (3w), Boland Singh 5-0-27-0, Jadeja 10-0-49-2 (1w) Extras (lb5, w2, nb1) ...... 8 some wayward Indian bowling. cious boundaries and quick run- 9-0-63-0 (1w), Maxwell 9-0-46-0, Marsh 2-0-12-0 Result: Australia won by three wickets Total (for eight wickets) ...... 125 Australia raced to 48 before ning. AUSTRALIA Player of the match: Glenn Maxwell (AUS) Fall of wickets: 1-50 (Sibanda), 2-55 (H. Masakadza), 3-65 (Wil- Finch edged Umesh Yadav to Earlier, Kohli was in mag- S. Marsh c Dhoni b I. Sharma ...... 62 Series: Australia lead 3-0 liams), 4-68 ( Mutumbami), 5-105 ( Waller), 6-108( Madziva), wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh nifi cent touch as he smashed 7-109 (Moor), 8-125 (Cremer) Dhoni for a quickfi re 21. his runs off just 117 balls, hitting Bowling: Shuvagata 3-0-18-1, Shakib 4-0-26-0, Al-Amin 3-0-21-1, Marsh (62) and Steve Smith seven fours and two towering Kohli became the fastest man to fewer than South Africa’s AB de Sharma edged Kane Richardson Mustafizur 3.5-0-19-2 (w1), Mortaza 4-0-25-1 (nb1), Sabbir 2.1-0- (41) continued the assault, but sixes to the delight of the huge reach 7,000 runs in one-day in- Villiers. The 27-year-old from to wicketkeeper Matthew Wade 11-3 (w1) left arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja contingent of Indian support- ternationals, taking 161 innings Delhi came in with India on 15 for for six. Kohli played superbly to Result: Bangladesh won by 42 runs, lead 4-match series 2-0. got the vital breakthrough when ers at the MCG. In the process to reach the milestone—four one after in-form opener Rohit notch up his 24th ODI century. Gulf Times Monday, January 18, 2016 7 SPORT

NBA BASEBALL Re-signing Davis a positive step, but Warriors dealt 4th Orioles still have work to do

By Peter Schmuck they were last season and won’t The Baltimore Sun be unless they can fi nd a way to defeat by Pistons upgrade the starting rotation. That will be no small task, t’s a tricky business try- and not just because they’ve ‘They were coming after us tonight and we weren’t ready to fight back’ ing to fi gure out the greater already spent a ton of money meaning of something like on Davis, O’Day, Matt Wieters the $161 million contract the and Trumbo. The list of qual- IOrioles just agreed to with slug- ity starting pitchers available in Agencies Auburn Hills, Michigan ging fi rst baseman Chris Davis. the free-agent market was never Buck Showalter attempted very long and the remainders to do so Saturday morning, ty- with one month left until spring etroit celebrated ing the deal to the importance training are _ with a couple of former Pistons great of stability and continuity in a exceptions _ unimpressive. Ben Wallace on Satur- successful sports franchise. No Duquette opened the off sea- day with a win over the doubt, others will wonder if this son with the rotation as one of NBA’sD current best, handing the signals a new commitment by his top priorities. But the Ori- Golden State Warriors just their Peter Angelos to put the team oles were never going to be in fourth defeat of the season. in position to fi nally reach the on megabucks superstars David The Pistons beat the Warriors World Series under his owner- Price and Zack Greinke, and the 113-95, Golden State’s second ship. pitching search quickly got side- defeat in three games and a per- The Orioles had already tracked while the team waited to fect ending for Detroit fans to a shown signs of both over the see where Davis would end up. night that saw their club retire past several years, starting with Now, there’s the very real four-time defensive player of the big commitment to Adam possibility that the Orioles will the year Wallace’s number three Jones and, more recently, by have to go into spring training jersey in their Palace at Auburn giving Darren O’Day a record hoping for an across-the-board Hills arena at halftime. contract for a setup reliever and improvement in the perform- Pistons point guard Reggie tendering the $150 million off er ance of the four starters that will Jackson and Kentavious Cald- to Davis that fi nally got bumped return from last year. Even in well-Pope had 20 points apiece up Friday night. that event, they need one more and Detroit led by double digits No one can say the Orioles starter from a shallow pool that throughout the second half. haven’t been willing to pay top includes prospects Mike Wright Jackson added eight assists dollar for top-quality players and Tyler Wilson, and maybe and Caldwell-Pope had fi ve re- because they have done that Brian Matusz. bounds and three steals. Center several times during the Show- Don’t go to sleep on Du- Andre Drummond produced his alter/Dan Duquette era. But it quette’s ability to pull off a late league-leading 34th double- took a deal like this to prove that trade for a signifi cant pitcher. He double with 14 points and 21 the front offi ce and ownership certainly has done that before. rebounds, unfazed by the trash- learned a big lesson from some But the Orioles might have to talking of Warriors power for- of the damaging decisions that settle for becoming a team that ward Draymond Green. undermined the 2015 season. scores enough runs to gloss over “It’s like playing your best Give Angelos credit. He de- its pitching defi ciencies during friend,” Drummond said of cided he wanted Davis back and the regular season and try to fi x Green’s jawing. “You can talk if made that happen. Though it the rotation at the midseason you want, it doesn’t mean you could be as simple as the owner trade deadline. mean it. You’re just trying to deciding to go above and beyond If that’s the case, the reported get the best of him. I intimidate for a popular player and per- off er to Cuban slugger Yoenis people by the way I play. sonal favorite, the Orioles need Cespedes might not have been “I don’t need to talk.” it to be more than that if they are just a negotiating ploy aimed at Warriors point guard Stephen going to rise up from last year’s hastening a deal with Davis. The Curry, the reigning NBA Most .500 record and regain the high Orioles probably aren’t interest- Valuable Player and the league’s ground in the American League ed in giving him a fi ve-year deal leading scorer, delivered on cue East. now that Davis is in the fold, but with 38 points, fi ve assists and Keeping Davis certainly is a there has been some speculation seven rebounds. But the rest huge step in that direction, es- that Cespedes might be willing of the Warriors off ered little Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (R) drives to the basket against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson during the second pecially combined with the ac- to sign a short-term deal and support. Shooting guard Klay quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons won 113-95. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports quisition of big-swinging Mark wait for a better chance to ex- Thompson scored 24 points, but Trumbo. The Orioles now have ploit the free-agent market. Green was held to fi ve -- 10 be- Finals rematch with the Cleve- the Clippers, who were again Gobert totalled 18 points, 18 re- fi ve regulars who have hit 30 or That would give the Orioles an low his average. State did chip land Cavaliers coming up today. RESULTS missing center DeAndre Jordan bounds and fi ve blocks as the host more home runs in a season at amazingly explosive lineup and, away at the Pistons’ 19-point LA Clippers 103 Sacramento ..110 as he recovers from pneumonia Jazz ended a two-game slide. The least once in their careers, and perhaps, give the starting rota- lead in the third quarter. 76ers grab rare win Washington .117 Boston ...... 119 and forward Blake Griffi n, who Lakers have lost six of seven. they already were a long-ball tion some room to breathe. Curry, who scored 16 points In Philadelphia, rookie center Atlanta ...... 114 Brooklyn ...... 86 is still nursing a torn quadriceps Boston Celtics 119, Wash- force to be reckoned with before It would not exactly be Plan in the period, drained two Jahlil Okafor scored 17 of his 25 Detroit ...... 113 Golden State 95 tendon. The Clippers hadn’t ington Wizards 117: Jae Crow- the Seattle Mariners needed to A, but the prospects for a return three-pointers to pull his team points in the fi rst quarter and Philadelphia 114 Portland ...... 89 lost since falling 100-99 to der’s layup with 3.9 seconds left unload Trumbo’s salary. to strong playoff contention in within 12. Another Curry three- the 76ers rode a fast start to a Utah ...... 109 LA Lakers ...... 82 Oklahoma City on December 21. gave the visiting Celtics their They are not, however, a 2016 are a lot brighter than they pointer made it 83-73 later in 114-89 victory over the Port- Memphis ...... 103 New York ...... 95 Elsewhere: third straight win. John Wall measurably better team than were two days ago. the frame. But Detroit opened land Trail Blazers—the most Charlotte ...... 92 Milwaukee ....105 Sacramento Kings 110, Los had 36 points, 13 assists, seven the fourth quarter with a 9-0 lopsided of the 76ers’ lowly fi ve Angeles Clippers 103: DeMar- rebounds and seven steals for scoring run to seize control. wins this season. cus Cousins had 19 points and 13 the Wizards, who had won four “No matter where we go, Okafor connected on 12 of 16 your teammates on the bench rebounds to lead a balanced at- in a row. teams are going to give us their from the fi eld and pulled down and they’re telling you to keep tack for the visiting Kings, who Atlanta Hawks 114, Brook- best shot,” Warriors interim 10 rebounds for the Sixers, the killing it, as they call it,” Oka- ended the Clippers’ 10-game lyn Nets 86: Paul Millsap coach Luke Walton said. “It was worst team in the league. for said. “They just continue winning streak. J.J. Redick scored scored 21 points to lead six play- a big night with the crowd, it was Prior to Saturday, Philadel- to motivate me, give me confi - 22 points for . ers in double fi gures as the host a sellout, retiring Ben Wallace’s phia’s biggest win was 103-91 dence, and it’s a lot of fun.” Memphis Grizzlies 103, Hawks ended a two-game skid. jersey. “They were coming after victory over the similarly sorry In Los Angeles, the Sacra- New York Knicks 95: Spanish The Nets dropped to 1-3 un- us tonight and we weren’t ready Los Angeles Lakers on Decem- mento Kings snapped the Clip- star Marc Gasol scored 37 points der interim coach Tony Brown. to fi ght back,” Walton added. “In ber 1. Forward Richaun Hol- pers 10-game winning streak for the host Grizzlies, who have Milwaukee Bucks 105, Charlotte this league if you’re not ready to mes scored 17 points and guard with a 110-103 triumph. won four of fi ve. Latvian rookie Hornets 92: Khris Middleton fi ght back, you’re going to get Ish Smith and forward Robert DeMarcus Cousins scored Kristaps Porzingis scored 17 scored 24 points for the visit- blown out.” The Warriors are Covington had 16 apiece for the 19 points with 13 rebounds and points for the Knicks. ing Bucks, who have won two in 37-4 at the midway point of the 76ers, who shot 55.3 percent. six assists for the Kings. J.J. Utah Jazz 109, Los Ange- a row and handed the Hornets regular season with a tough NBA “It feels good when you see Redick scored 22 points to lead les Lakers 82: France’s Rudy their ninth loss in 10 games.

NHL Sharks edge Dallas Stars 4-3 in

By Curtis Pashelka RESULTS Central Division by nine points for the first time since he suf- San Jose Mercury News Jan. 1 but were in second, trailing fered an upper body injury in Edmonton ...... 2 Calgary ...... 1 (SO) Chicago by two points, entering San Jose’s game against De- San Jose ...... 4 Dallas ...... 3 (OT) the game. troit on January 7. Zubrus, who omas Hertl scored 1:12 Nashville ...... 3 Minnesota ...... 0 The Stars opened the scor- was placed on injured reserve into overtime as the San Boston ...... 3 Toronto ...... 2 ing with 8:45 left in a frenetic Wednesday, remains day-to- Jose Sharks beat the Dal- Buff alo...... 4 Washington ...... 1 fi rst period, as Mattias Janmark day with no timetable to par- las Stars 4-3 on Saturday Columbus ...... 2 Colorado ...... 1 skated around the Sharks’ net ticipate in a full practice, ac- Tnight for their fi fth straight win. and sent the puck toward the cording to DeBoer. St. Louis ...... 4 Montréal ..3 (OT) Hertl scored on a low wrist Los Angeles ....3 Ottawa ...... 5 far boards. Three Sharks players _Sharks television broadcast- shot between the legs of Dallas Philadelphia ....2 NY Rangers 3 (SO) watched Janmark, who picked er Randy Hahn called his 1,500th goalie and former Shark Antti Arizona ...... 0 New Jersey ...... 2 up the puck and passed to an game Saturday night. Hahn be- Niemi as San Jose won its third open Ales Hemsky in front of the gan doing play-by-play on se- straight at SAP Center. net. Hemsky then beat Jones for lected Sharks television broad- The Sharks got their fi rst three Sharks goalie Martin Jones to tie his fourth of the season and a 1-0 casts for two seasons starting in goals Saturday night from some the score. It was Spezza’s 15th of Dallas lead. The Sharks outshot 1991, then began to call Sharks unusual sources, as Marc-Ed- the season. The Sharks scored the Stars 14-13 in the fi rst period games full time in 1993. ouard Vlasic had his fi rst career two goals in the fi rst 11:07 of the and drew iron twice, including Barracuda coach two-goal game, and Chris Tier- second period to take a 2-1 lead. on a shot attempt by Brenden remains one victory behind Fred ney scored on the power play in At even strength, Vlasic skated Dillon late in the period that got “Bun” Cook for the AHL record the second period. into the slot, took a pass from through traffi c and past Niemi for career coaching wins as the The Stars trailed 2-1 but had Joe Thornton and beat Niemi but hit the cross bar.It was Nie- Iowa Wild beat San Jose 2-1 in the fi rst 11 shots of the third, in- between the legs to tie the game mi’s fi rst time back at SAP Cent- overtime on Saturday night in cluding a Tyler Seguin goal_his 3:54 into the second. er as a member of the visiting Des Moines. 25th of the season --just 33 sec- Then on the tail end of a team since the 2010 Gustav Olofsson scored for onds into the period to tie the Sharks power play, Tommy Win- playoff s, when he backstopped the Wild 11:14 into overtime to game. Vlasic got that goal back gels put a shot on net that Niemi the Chicago Blackhawks to a 4-0 defeat the Barracuda, which is as his slap shot on a Sharks pow- kicked out. But Tierney col- sweep of the Sharks. now 7-0-2 in its last nine games. er play got past a screened Niemi lected the rebound and scored Niemi, who was in net for the Sommer has 635 career wins in for a 3-2 San Jose lead. his second in three games to give Stars’ 5-3 win over San Jose on 1,379 games and has another Dallas responded just 12 sec- the Sharks the lead. The Stars Oct. 31 in Dallas, is 5-0 all-time chance to tie the record of 636 onds later, 8:03 into the third came into Saturday just 1-4-1 in against the Sharks, including on Monday at 1:15 p.m. when the period, as a Jason Spezza snap 2016, scoring two or fewer goals playoffs.Dainius Zubrus skated Barracuda hosts the Bakersfi eld The San Jose Sharks’ Tomas Hertl brings the puck around the net against the Dallas Stars in the first shot from over 40 feet away beat fi ve times. They were leading the with the Sharks on Saturday Condors at SAP Center. period at SAP Arena in San Jose, California. PICTURE: Bay Area News Group/TNS Gulf Times 8 Monday, January 18, 2016 NFL

SPOTLIGHT Brady leads Patriots to fi ft h straight AFC title game Patriots will play either Denver or Pittsburgh next week, Chiefs’ QB Smith throws career-high 50 passes in loss

Reuters his third touchdown pass of the Foxborough game, a fi ve-yard “shovel pass” up the middle to Larry Fitzgerald a minute into extra time. om Brady and the de- A scrambling Palmer earlier fending Super Bowl eluded Green Bay defenders to champion New England fi nd an unguarded Fitzgerald on Patriots snapped the a 75-yard pass play that set up TKansas City Chiefs’ 11-game the winning score, but only after winning streak with a 27-20 vic- the Packers forced overtime with tory on Saturday to reach the two of the most amazing plays AFC championship for a fi fth ever made. consecutive season. Trailing 20-13 in the dying The Patriots, who had a fi rst- seconds of the fourth quarter, round bye, looked to be back at the Packers needed 20 yards full strength and nothing like the merely to keep the ball on a team that lost four of six games fourth-down play when Aar- heading into the playoff s as they on Rodgers hurled a long pass pulled ahead early and never downfi eld and unlikely hero Jeff looked back. Janis caught it for a 60-yard Brady tossed two touchdowns gain to sustain Green Bay’s slim and rushed for another, Rob hopes. Janis, who had only four Gronkowski caught a pair of TDs career catches before Saturday, to erase any injury concerns and then followed with another mi- receiver Julian Edelman ended a raculous grab for an equaliser two-month absence from a bro- touchdown. ken foot to put New England at Rodgers launched a desperate full strength. pass into the end zone at double- “It’s pretty special to be covered Janis, who leaped into back in the AFC Championship the air and pulled down the ball game,” said Brady, who extend- for a stunning TD with no time ed his National Football League left on the clock. record for playoff wins to 22. Kicker Mason Crosby fol- “Whoever we play is going to be lowed with an extra point to level a great team. We’re going to need the score at 20-20. to be sharper.” Overtime produced drama The Chiefs, coming off last even before it started as the fi rst week’s 30-0 rout of Houston attempted coin fl ip failed, forc- in the wild-card round of the ing a repeat that ended up giv- playoff s, entered the game as ing Arizona the ball and setting the hottest team in the NFL but up their response to Rodgers’ trailed this one the entire way. miracle. After pulling to within seven Palmer completed 25-of-41 points with 73 seconds to play passes for 349 yards, includ- in regulation, the Chiefs tried an ing an 8-yard touchdown pass onside kick but Gronkowski re- to Michael Floyd to open the covered the ball. scoring and a 9-yard TD toss to The Patriots then caught a Floyd with 3:44 remaining in the break two plays later when an fourth quarter to give Arizona a unwise Brady pass defl ected off 17-13 lead. the hands of Chiefs linebacker Rodgers, who went 24-for-44 Tamba Hali’s hands and straight for 261 yards that included an to Edelman who picked up the earlier 8-yard touchdown throw fi rst down to seal the win. to Janis, failed on a fourth-down Brady fi nished with 302 pass- pass and the Packers surren- ing yards and kept alive the dered the ball deep in their terri- Patriots’ bid to become the tory, setting up a Cardinals’ fi eld fi rst back-to-back Super Bowl New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady dives for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette goal that produced a 20-13 lead champions since they did it in Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports and set the stage for the closing 2003-04. spectacle. New England will play the start with an 80-yard scoring was held out of two practices 246 yards and one score. Cardinals oust Packers after of yesterday’s Carolina-Seattle winner of Sunday’s game be- drive to open the game and seem in the week leading up to the “This gives us a great exam- exchange of amazing plays game on January 24 in the Na- RESULTS tween the Denver Broncos and to have restored the confi dence game due to a right knee injury ple of where we need to be,” In one of the most dramatic tional Conference fi nal to deter- American Conference Pittsburgh Steelers to deter- that looked lost after they ended and back injury, told reporters. said Chiefs coach Andy Reid. fi nishes in NFL playoff history, mine a berth in Super Bowl 50 At Foxborough mine which team represents the the regular season poorly and “Overall we did what we had to “This is a great experience for us the Arizona Cardinals outlasted next month. New England 27 Kansas City 20 American Football Conference encountered health concerns. do to get the ‘W’.” and that’s how we’ll take it. I’m the Green Bay Packers 26-20 in A back-and-forth thriller fea- National Conference in the Feb. 7 Super Bowl in San “It’s great to have everyone Kansas City quarterback Alex proud of my guys, they battled overtime Saturday to advance in turing one astonishing play after At Phoenix Francisco. back. The chemistry was click- Smith attempted a career-high like crazy and came up a little the post-season. another at the fi nish was not de- Arizona 26 Green Bay 20 The Patriots made a rousing ing tonight,” Gronkowski, who 50 passes but fi nished with just short.” Arizona will face the winner cided until Carson Palmer threw (overtime)

FOCUS Players, teams more cautious about brain injuries

By Adam Smeltz sit out the AFC divisional round the disease has catapulted to na- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette game Sunday against the Den- tional notoriety, in part through ver Broncos. He failed an NFL the 2015 fi lm “Concussion.” concussion protocol that play- The ailment appears tied to ate Steelers center Mike ers must complete before they the accumulation of a protein Webster had been past- return to play, according to the known as tau, with symptoms ing his teeth with Su- team. including memory loss, confu- per Glue when he died. A shoulder-to-helmet blow sion and aggressive tendencies LFormer right guard Terry Long from Cincinnati Bengals line- that may turn up years after re- drank a fatal dose of antifreeze. backer Vontaze Burfi ct delivered peated head trauma. Researchers Justin Strzelczyk, once an of- the injury and resulted in a pen- are beginning to explore exactly fensive lineman, plowed into a alty, a play that may have gone how the disease unfolds - and tanker truck in a fatal crash. unfl agged before the NFL tight- how to prevent it. Such tragic ends have become ened safety practices over the “No one wants anyone in- real-life warnings for a new gen- past few years. The sight rattled jured. Whether (NFL offi cials) eration of professional players, former Steelers cornerback Bry- are being adequately conserva- many of whom are more will- ant McFadden, who called it “a tive or not remains to be de- ing to confess their concussion scary hit.” termined,” said Clayton Wiley, symptoms and spend days re- “If this happened years ago, the neuropathology director at covering on the bench, NFL vet- I think there would be a higher UPMC. erans and observers said Friday. chance he would have played Some players credited the NFL More than 80 former NFL play- this weekend,” McFadden said for casting a brighter light on ers have tested positive for CTE, of Brown, citing what he called head trauma, which Bailes said the degenerative brain disease more lax standards in the past. became a bigger concern after linked to repetitive head trauma. NFL offi cials introduced the congressional hearings in 2009. “I think the culture has concussion protocol in 2007 The same year, Hines Ward changed. I think the mindset is and updates the guide each year, criticized Ben Roethlisberger that they don’t want to take un- league spokesman Greg Aiello for reporting concussion-like necessary chances, for the most said via email. It standardizes symptoms. It’s hard to imagine part, with brain injury,” said the treatment process across the something like that happening former Steelers team physician 32 NFL teams, mandating that today, said Steelers receiver Dar- Julian Bailes. The decision to concussed players must over- rius Heyward-Bey. sideline All-Pro receiver Anto- come their symptoms, pass a Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict (right) lowers his shoulder to strike Steelers receiver Antonio Brown in the head late in the “Everybody handles a concus- nio Brown, perhaps the Steelers’ cognitive test and make a gradual teams’ wild-card playoff game on January 9 in Cincinnati. sion diff erently because we’re all most dynamic off ensive player, return to their exercise routines, diff erent individuals. I might for a playoff game, Bailes con- among other requirements. cussion can bear worse injuries fi eld a little bit early, it usually willing to gloss over symptoms, statistics weren’t immediately have headaches. You might be tinued, is “a good, modern ex- The process reduces the if a player hasn’t recovered from will bite you a little bit later,” said a pattern that makes it easier for available this week. sensitive to light. There is no way ample” of fundamental shifts odds that a player with linger- his fi rst. Symptoms may include Heyer, who doubles as team in- doctors to collect accurate infor- It’s also unknown whether the to tell,” said Heyward-Bey, who inside the league. ing symptoms will return to the confusion, dizziness, nausea and ternist for the Carolina Panthers. mation. He and Bailes said they extra recovery time may reduce a was concussed in 2012. The Steelers announced Fri- fi eld too soon, said Robert Heyer, fatigue. “We really want people He said players in the past dec- suspect concussed players are player’s risk for CTE, or chronic “For someone outside of you day that Brown, the team’s MVP president of the NFL Physicians to be well. If you try to cut the ade have become more attuned taking longer breaks since the traumatic encephalopathy. Dis- to tell you how you should feel _ who was concussed Jan. 9, will Society. He said a second con- corner and get them back on the to their concussions and less protocol took eff ect, although covered in Pittsburgh in 2002, that’s ridiculous,” he said. Gulf Times Monday, January 18, 2016 9 SPORT

ATHLETICS FOCUS Coe says trust may take more than four Felix can go for years to return

Reuters report found that the IAAF’s sys- London tems were not chronically bro- ken and that offi cials were not “asleep on the job”. ebastian Coe, the head of He said he understood that Rio double aft er athletics’ crisis-hit gov- people would be sceptical that erning body, says trust in the IAAF’s council, of which he the sport may not return had been a member since 2003, untilS “way beyond” his Afour- did not know about doping cov- year term as president of the er-ups, and added that his own IAAF. focus had been “limited” due to An independent commis- his other commitments. sion of the World Anti-Doping “For 10 or 11 years, I was ex- schedule change Agency (WADA) said in the sec- tremely busy in bidding or deliv- ond part of a damning report on ering a London Games,” he said. Thursday that “corruption was “I didn’t have the advantage of ‘The schedule change was the firt step. The next step is to make the US Olympic team’ embedded” at the International having a single focus on athlet- Association of Athletics Federa- ics... tions. “With all due respect, when The report, whose fi rst part corrupt behaviour takes place it’s was published in November, rare for that to be shared with co said Coe’s predecessor, Lamine workers.” Diack, ran a clique that covered Russia were banned from the up organised doping and black- sport indefi nitely following the mailed athletes while senior of- fi rst part of the WADA report, fi cials looked the other way. which found a “deeply rooted “Trust is not going to come culture of cheating” in Russian over night, it is not as if you make athletics. fi ve changes and trust will follow Coe said he had become in two weeks’ time,” Coe, who aware that Russia was an “es- came out from the report rela- calating problem” prior to the tively unscathed, told the BBC on WADA report and added that Sunday. they would only return to inter- “It may be the case that trust national competition “when we does not return until way beyond think they are in a position to my term in offi ce.” deliver safe and secure systems The WADA report’s co-author to their athletes and not a mo- said he thought Coe ment before”. was the best man to reform the When asked if they would re- sport. turn in time for the Rio Olympics The Briton, a double Olympic in August, he said: “We’re not 1500 metres champion who was saying that—let’s see where we elected president in August, said get to before we put an artifi cial he took some comfort that the time limit on it.”

SWIMMING Phelps fourth in 200m freestyle

AFP Among other fi nals on Satur- Los Angeles day, the second day of the three- day meeting, freestyle phenom- enon Katie Ledecky clocked a rench Olympian Jeremy personal best of 1:54.43 to win Stravius won the men’s the 200m freestyle—improving 200m freestyle at the Pro on the 1:55.16 she swam to win DOUBLE DELIGHT: File picture of Allyson Felix, who will target the 200-400 double at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro later this year. Swim meeting in Austin, the world title at Kazan, Russia Texas,F on Saturday as Olympic last year. Reuters der the original schedule. Kersee had pushed hard for the change, ti-doping and corruption charges. superstar Michael Phelps settled Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom, who Los Angeles “I am excited,” Felix’s coach Bob Kersee frequently saying that 200-400 metres The women’s 200m competition was for fourth. had the fastest time in the world told Reuters. “She has wanted to do this runners should be given the same chance already shaping up to be one of the high- Stravius clocked 1min last year in the event but didn’t double and the schedule change gives her that 100-200m sprinters have in the Ol- lights of the Rio Olympics with Felix, 47.56sec, leading all the way race it at worlds, settled for sil- merican sprinter Allyson Felix a better opportunity to win more medals ympics. Dutch world champion Dafne Schippers to fi nish ahead of American ver in 1:56.14, with former world will get a rare chance to win gold for the United States.” He had already said Felix would run and Jamaican Olympic silver medallist Townley Haas (1:48.35) and fel- champion Missy Franklin third in in both the 200 and 400 metres both the 200 and 400 at the U.S. Olym- Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce expected in the low Frenchman Jordan Pothain 1:57.49. US veteran Ryan Lochte after the global athletics gov- The women’s 200m competition pic trials so she would be ready in case fi eld. Now Felix’s bid for the double will (1:48.62). romped to victory in the men’s erningA body changed the Rio Olympics the change came through. add more excitement. Phelps, whose 22 Olympic 400m individual medley with a was already shaping up to be competition schedule. one of the highlights of the Rio USA Track & Field had made the re- The change moves the fi rst round of medals include a staggering 18 time of 4:12.66. “I am excited for the opportunity to at- Olympics with Felix, Dutch world quest in December and on Saturday said the women’s 200m from the evening of gold, was third at the halfway Chase Kalisz was second in tempt this incredibly diffi cult feat,” Felix champion Dafne Schippers and the change will help elevate the visibility Aug. 15 to the morning. mark, but couldn’t mount a late 4:14.64 and Josh Prenot third in said on her Twitter account. “The sched- Jamaican Olympic silver medallist of the sport as a whole on the Olympic Her fi rst 200m race is now set for 9:30 challenge and fi nished off the 4:15.07 in a US sweep. ule was just the fi rst step. The next step is Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce expected stage. AM in Rio with the 400m fi nal remain- podium in an event that featured The women’s 400m medley to make the US Olympic team.” in the fi eld. Now Felix’s bid for the International Olympic Committee ing at 10:45 PM, according to the IAAF among his eight gold medals at title went to Hungary’s Katinka The change, made by the International double will add more excitement (IOC) President Thomas Bach was not website. the 2008 Games. Hosszu, who cruised to victory Association of Athletics Federations immediately available for comment but Felix, 30, has tried the 200-400m While the 200 free is no longer in 4:36.27 after being shut out of (IAAF) and accepted by the IOC and Rio Felix had sought the change in hopes appeared to favour the change when double once on the global scene, fi nish- a major focus for Phelps, he has the medals in the 100m free and organisers, gives Felix more time between of becoming only the third woman to win asked at last year’s world championships. ing second in the 400m and third in the been on the US 4x200m free re- 400m free on Friday. her opening round of the 200 metres and both events in the same Olympics. “The Olympic programme has been 200m at the 2011 world championships. lay team at the last three Olym- Hosszu also captured silver fi nal of the 400 metres, making the dou- American Valerie Brisco-Hooks defi ned in principle,” Bach said at the She wanted to attempt the double at pics. in the 200m backstroke, won ble plausible, the IAAF said on Saturday. claimed the honour at the 1984 Los An- time, “but if we have a special case where the 2015 worlds but ultimately decided The 30-year-old, who is out of by American Maya DiRado in The Olympic 200 metres gold medal- geles Games and France’s Marie-Jose we could help an athlete we should still the schedule would be too diffi cult. Felix retirement and aiming to add to 2:08.19. list and world 400 metres champion will Perec won both at the 1996 Atlanta Ol- be ready to discuss it.” went on to win the 400m while Schippers his medal tally at the Rio Games, Hosszu clocked 2:08.63 and now have more than 13 hours between ympics, joining men’s Atlanta double The news also was a bright spot for the claimed the 200m in the fourth fastest fi nished in 1:48.87, his fastest- world record-holder Franklin races instead the 75 minutes allowed un- winner Michael Johnson. IAAF, which has been beset by recent an- time ever. ever in the month of January. was third in 2:09.21.

SKIING Norway’s Kristoff ersen claims World Cup treble

DPA sen and Jansrud have given Norway 12 Wengen, World Cup wins in 19 races this season, with victories in the last four races in- cluding Kristoff ersen’s Adelboden sla- enrik Kristoff ersen captured lom win last week. Hirscher has fi ve of the men’s slalom yesterday to the remaining victories. complete a hat-trick of World “It is incredible. Me in Adelboden, Cup victories for Norway at then Kjetil, Aksel and me again today - HWengen. that’s amazing,” Kristoff ersen said. After Norwegian victories Friday “We have a lot of fun in the whole and Saturday in the combination and team, the mood is very good. That I am downhill, 21-year-old Kristoff ersen fast everywhere is really good for me. raced to a fourth slalom win in fi ve races Where it’s steep I know I can be fast. after leading from the fi rst run. When its fl at I am not so sure.” Kristoff ersen attacked in the bottom Kristoff ersen has opened a clear lead half of the run to post a combined time in the slalom standings, advancing to of 1 minute 37.85 seconds, 0.30 seconds 480 points, 140 ahead of Hiurscher, up on Italy’s Giuliano Razzoli with fel- with Germany’s Felix Neureuther, who low Italian Stefano Gross third. fi nished fi fth, on 197 points. Defending World Cup champion But he said the season was still long Marcel Hirscher was out of the points and the slalom World Cup was still after failing to fi nish the second run. wide open. It leaves Norway’s Aksel Lund Svin- “We have had only fi ve (slalom) races dal top of the overall standings after so far. There are another fi ve to come - his downhill victory on the Lauberhorn that’s a lot of skiing,” he said. Saturday. In his third World Cup year, Kristof- Svindal has 816 points, Hirscher is on fersen now has eight World Cup victo- 801, Kristoff ersen on 671 and Norway’s ries, all in the slalom. Kjetil Jansrud - the combined winner The men’s World Cup now moves Friday - on 533. Henrik Kristoff ersen of Norway is flanked by Italy’s 2nd placed Giuliano Razzoli (L) and 3rd placed compatriot Stefano Gross after their Alpine Skiing World Cup slalom in to Kitzbuehel, Austria on Friday with Between them, Svindal, Kristoff er- Wengen, Switzerland, yetserday. super-g and combined events. Gulf Times 10 Monday, January 18, 2016 GOLF

EMPHATIC TRIUMPH Clarke leads Europe to lopsided EurAsia win Reuters Victor Dubuisson, Kristoff er Broberg McGinley (Seve Trophy 2009, 2011) of Sweden, Dane Soren Kjeldsen and and Colin Montgomerie (Seve Trophy England’s Matthew Fitzpatrick all se- 2002, 2003, 2005, Royal Trophy 2010) curing points for Europe, who won the in having led a team to victory ahead of urope’s Ryder Cup captain biennial tournament for the fi rst time captaining in the Ryder Cup. Darren Clarke secured an en- after the inaugural edition ended in a “There are a lot of things I have couraging fi rst triumph as draw two years ago. learnt this week—time being one of skipper as his side romped to a Westwood said the winning experi- them that I didn’t have an awful lot of,” blowoutE 18 ½ - 5 ½ victory over hosts ence would stand a number of players said Clarke. “But this week belongs to Asia in the EurAsia Cup yesterday. in good stead ahead of the Ryder Cup. the players as they have just done fan- Englishman Danny Willett secured “There’s young lads on this team tastic. The quality of golf they have the trophy after beating ’s and ones that are going to be playing in played has been impressive.” An Byeong-hun 3&1 in the singles, the Ryder Cup obviously later on in the Right from the outset each of giving Europe an unassailable 13-3 lead year,” the Englishman said. Clarke’s dozen players have been even though there were eight matches “This is going to be a great experi- praiseworthy of his captaincy includ- still to fi nish at the Glenmarie Golf ence for them, just feeding them into ing his two picks in Westwood and Club in Kuala Lumpur. team golf gradually. And I’m sure they Poulter. Clarke indicated earlier in the Clarke’s men continued the push for will benefi t from this week. Nothing week the veteran English pair will be points as they racked up a huge win- but positives to come out.” a part of his Hazeltine Ryder Cup side ning margin with an outclassed Asia whether competing or as one of fi ve recording only 2 ½ points out of a pos- non-playing vice-captains. sible 12 on Sunday. I still have much to “I have enjoyed this week immensely “The team have played fantastic this learn, says Clarke and it’s been a wonderful learning ex- week,” said Clarke, who will lead Eu- perience,” said Clarke. rope’s bid for a fourth consecutive Ry- Victorious EurAsia Cup captain “As everyone knows I have been der Cup triumph over the United States Clarke admitted he still had much to around the game for a long time and starting in September at Hazeltine. learn ahead of leading Europe in Sep- done most things in the game. “There have been a lot of positives tember’s Ryder Cup against the US. “But this week has been diff erent this week. I’ve learnt a few things, and Team Europe captain Darren Clarke (centre) stands with his teammates after winning the 2016 EurAsia Cup yesterday. (AFP) Clarke's 12-man team was never with the guys seemingly keen to listen hopefully I’ll do a better job come Sep- headed over the three days leading by to what I have had to say and if my lit- tember. But if the players don’t play mercy in the singles as they continued other point after overcoming Thai- secure the trophy on the 17th. three points after Friday’s opening tle part in this week has helped them and don’t perform, you can be the best to pummel Jeev Milkha Singh’s strug- land’s Thongchai Jaidee by the same India’s Anirban Lahiri beat Ireland’s fourballs, six points after the second along then well be it. captain in the world and you’re not go- gling side. margin before Lee Westwood, a long- Shane Lowry 2&1, Kim Kyung-tae took day foursomes before winning nine of “We will now go back after this week ing to win,” he added. Captain’s pick Ian Poulter, who has time friend of Clarke’s and another out Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger 3&2 and the singles and sharing one in an 18.5- and sit down with the European Tour Europe began the day with a 9-3 lead played in four winning Ryder Cup sides, captain’s pick, then made it 12-3 after another South Korean Wang Jeung-hun 5.5 points triumph. It was Clarke’s fi rst what I did well as a captain and what I after taking 4 ½ points in both Friday’s kicked off Sunday’s march to the title by crushing Nicholas Fung 7&6. halved with Ross Fisher but it was oth- taste of team leadership victory. could have done better, and then work on fourball and Saturday’s foursome ses- beating Malaysia’s Danny Chia 4&3. That paved the way for Willett, the erwise all blue on the leaderboard. The Northern Irishman joins recent those areas so that we can get the whole sions, and the 12-man team showed no Andy Sullivan swiftly added an- European team’s top ranked player, to England’s Chris Wood, Frenchman European Ryder Cup captains Paul package even better come September.”

SONY OPEN Former Thai tennis star Paradorn cut from Asian Tour Qualifying School Snedeker in a tie for ormer Thai tennis star Paradorn Srichaphan failed to break into pro- Ffessional golf this week after he was cut from the Asian Tour Qualifying School (Q-School) following the second round. Paradorn, 36, a former top-10 tennis play- er who also had a stint as a Buddhist monk, was playing Q-School for the first time after lead with Blair aft er earlier bids to launch his golf career fell flat. Paradorn needed to finish in the top 40 this week in Hua Hin to gain his Asian Tour card, which would have given him access to the region’s biggest professional golf circuit. But he quickly found himself trailing, shooting a one-over-par 72 in the first round, followed by a dismal 10-over-par 81 in the putter lets him down second that ended his hopes as he finished tied 220th of 242 players with only the top 110 making it through to the final two rounds. ‘Disappointing that I parred them both from the middle of the fairway and I had a couple Paradorn was forced to retire from tennis in 2010 after injuring his wrist while racing of really good looks for birdie that I didn’t make. Hopefully those putts will go in tomorrow’ motorbikes, finishing a career that took him to ninth in the world. He also tried to make the cut as a golfer Reuters in 2013, but flopped after being handed Hawaii Brandt Snedeker and invitational appearances on Southeast Asia’s his caddie Scott Vail ASEAN PGA Tour. wait on the sixth hole Other tennis players have tried their hand randt Snedeker missed birdie putts during the third round at golf, including Ivan Lendl, the eight-time from 12 feet on the last two holes and of the Sony Open. (AFP) Grand Slam winner and former coach of had to settle for a share of the lead Andy Murray, who has competed in a hand- with fellow American Zac Blair after ful of professional events. theB third round of the Sony Open in Honolulu, Earlier this week, Paradorn hinted that he Hawaii on Saturday. would keep trying to get into the profes- Widely known as one of the best putters in sional ranks regardless of what happened at the game, Snedeker fi nished up with a fl aw- Q-School. “I think golf is a game that you can less four-under-par 66 on a calm afternoon really play for a long time. It’s very challeng- at Waialae Country Club to post a 16-under ing. You can still win even when you’re over total of 194 in pursuit of his eighth PGA Tour 40 years old,” he said, according to quotes victory. provided by tour organisers. A stroke in front of the chasing pack over- “I love sports and I want to prolong my night, Snedeker was delighted to keep bogeys sporting career. That was why I decided to off his card but was frustrated that he failed to switch to golf,” he added. birdie either of the two par-fi ves—the ninth Those who made the grade in Hua Hin and 18th—when in good position off the tee. were led by 22-year-old South Korean tour- “Disappointing that I parred them both nament winner Chang Yi-Keun, who posted from the middle of the fairway and I had a cou- a final round four-under 67 for a 13-under- ple of really good looks for birdie that I didn’t par four-round total of 271. make,” the 35-year-old told Golf Channel. American Dodge Kemmer was one shot “Hopefully those putts will go in tomorrow behind in second while Raphael De Sousa of and it should be a lot of fun,” he added. Switzerland took third on 273. The unheralded Blair, still seeking his fi rst win on the US circuit, fi red a bogey- free 64 to end the day level with Snedeker, though he squandered a golden opportunity to birdie the last when he missed a putt from just three feet. Compatriot Kevin Kisner, who for most of the day duelled with Snedeker and Blair for the lead, was alone in third place at 15-under after carding a 66. “I just pulled it, nothing more to it,” Blair, 25, said of his missed putt on the 18th green. Asked if he would adjust his strategy for Sunday’s fi nal round, Blair replied: “If I just go out and kind of go with the same game plan, try and hit a lot of fairways, hit the greens and roll in a few putts, I should do good.” Porteous seals win in Jo'burg South African Haydn Porteous held his nerve for a bogey-free round of 69 to claim a maiden Eu- ropean Tour victory at the Joburg Open yester- day. Joint overnight leader Porteous made just fi ve bogeys all week and hit every green in regu- lation during his fi nal round, while the chasing pack behind him struggled for the same consist- ency. The 21-year-old fi nished the tournament on 18-under-par, two shots ahead of compatriot Zandersaf Lombard (71). A further shot back was group of four play- ers, all of who looked as though they may steal the limelight on Sunday before fading—Swede Bjorn Akesson (68), England’s Anthony Wall (72), Daniel Im (70) from the US and home hope Justin Walters (69). The three top-ranked play- ers have also earned their place at he 145th Brit- ish Open at Royal Troon in July. Gulf Times Monday, January 18, 2016 11 TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT Djokovic backs Murray’s decision over baby dash Five-time Australian Open was still kind of in a dilemma champion Novak Djokovic whether my wife would go Sunday backed Andy Murray’s into labour or not. I was actu- plan to quit the tournament ally in China. I didn’t know if his wife goes into labour, actually whether it was going Williams has Graf saying he would do the same to happen or not. I was ready thing himself. to pack my bags and go,” he World number two Murray said. has made it clear he will not “Again, it’s a very sensitive hesitate to pull out and dash subject to talk about. It’s very home to be with wife Kim individual. You got to respect Sears for the birth of their first the decision of an individual, child, even if it meant robbing especially of somebody who is record in sights at the event of its men’s final. in his position. Djokovic, who is seeded to “Of course, he’s one of the meet the Scot in the Janu- favourites to win this trophy. ary 31 decider if all goes to He’s been playing really well schedule, said it was a very last season. But yet again, he personal decision and one he understands that there are supported. some other priorities in life. “Considering his situation, of “I’m glad he’s thinking that Aussie Open course I support and I agree way. I wish his wife and him all with his decision. I would do the best.” the same,” said Djokovic, who Two-time Grand Slam-winner ‘I didn’t have the match play that I’ve wanted to have. But after playing for so many became a father himself for Murray has reached four of the first time 15 months ago. the last six finals at Melbourne years, I should be able to focus on that and the fact that I have played a lot of matches’ “I understand the position that Park, although he is yet to lift he’s in.” the trophy. AFP Djokovic’s wife Jelena gave If he were to pull out of the Melbourne birth to their first child, Stefan, final, the title would go to his in 2014. opponent and the Austral- He was in China ahead of the ian Open would miss its erena Williams begins her quest birth and was ready to pack showpiece moment usually to equal Steffi Graf’s Open-era up and leave if necessary. watched by millions of view- record of 22 Grand Slam titles “I was not in the Grand Slam. I ers around the world. battling fi tness concerns and withS a host of players desperate to de- throne the defending champion. Tomic defends controversial Following a dominant 2015, the world decision to pull out of Sydney number one is gunning for a seventh Australian crown adamant that she is Australia’s top player Bernard disappointing the way that over the knee problems that hindered her Tomic Sunday defended his you guys (the media) sort of during the latter half of the year and dur- controversial pull-out from the went about it. ing her Melbourne Park build-up. Sydney International, insisting “It’s unfortunate it had to be She insisted on Saturday she was “120, he was sick and wasn’t just like this. I said the honest 130 percent right” as she prepares for a saving himself for the Austral- truth. That’s the most impor- tricky fi rst-round encounter with Italian ian Open. tant thing, that I was sick. I’m Camila Giorgi, the highest ranked non- Tomic, whose 2015 season happy you guys can finally seeded player in the women’s draw. was marred by on- and understand.” “I’ve had a really good preparation. I off -court controversies, was Tomic is no stranger to mean, I didn’t have the match play that trailing Russian Teymuraz controversy. During the past I’ve wanted to have,” said the 34-year- Gabashvili 6-3, 3-0 when he year he clashed with Tennis old American. withdrew on Friday. Australia and was suspended “But after playing for so many years on He was heard talking with the for a Davis Cup tie. He was tour, I should be able to, you know, focus umpire about the draw he had also arrested over a raucous on that and the fact that I have played a just received for the Australian penthouse party in Miami. lot of matches. So that’s what I’m trying Open, and how he had little However, Tomic is also seeded to focus on now.” to gain from playing on in for the first time at Melbourne Her three Grand Slam titles last year Sydney, sparking criticism. Park, at 16, and he gets his in Australia and at Roland Garros and Tomic, in good form this year, Australian Open underway Wimbledon took her within one of Graf’s insisted he was not well and against Uzbek Denis Istomin long-time record of 22 and put her three his pull-out had nothing to on Tuesday. clear of both Chris Evert and Martina do with saving himself for “With this position now being Navratilova. Melbourne Park—and he also seeded, it gives you that op- Melbourne Park has been a happy hit out at the media’s coverage portunity of avoiding seeds. hunting ground. She claimed her fi rst of the story. It’s a good feeling,” he said, Australian Open title way back in 2003, “You know, other players did adding that he was now feel- beating elder sister Venus in the fi nal, pull out that week, who were ing “almost 100 percent”. and reached her sixth last year when she also ill. Unfortunately with “Definitely something I de- toppled arch-rival Maria Sharapova. me, given my bad reputation served over the last year with Williams is in a tough half of the draw in the past, things have hap- my results on tour in 2015. with Russia’s Sharapova, seeded fi ve, po- pened,” he said. “I think I’m very confident the tentially awaiting her in the quarters. US Serena Williams reacts during a news conference at Melbourne Park, Australia. “I think it always gets a little way I’m playing the last 10 Sharapova, 28, is also lacking match too big. You know, just being days. I’m very excited for the practice after a left forearm problem injury affecting their build-up. She said the Frenchman had so far “I think to win a Grand Slam,” she sick, (it’s) maybe a little bit start of this Australian Open.” forced her out of the Brisbane Interna- Aggressive baseliner Halep, who won not imparted any specifi c tips on what it said, when asked her what her tional, but she too said all is now well. titles in Shenzhen, Dubai and Indian would take to land a maiden Grand Slam focus was. “I don’t know if it’s going “Yes, I might be rusty, make a few more Wells last year, is looking for her fi rst on the Melbourne Park hardcourts. to happen this year, but this is my unforced errors than I would like, but I’m Grand Slam crown. “There is no recipe. I mean, I come biggest goal” FOCUS ready to go,” said the 28-year-old, who is “I think to win a Grand Slam,” she said, here as prepared as possible,” she said. attempting to win her fi rst title at Mel- when asked her what her focus was. “I Azarenka, now fully fi t after two trou- her former glories in Melbourne. bourne Park since 2008. don’t know if it’s going to happen this bled seasons, is one of the form players, “I feel good, I’m feeling excited. I had She opens her tournament against year, but this is my biggest goal.” having beaten Germany’s Angelique Ker- a pretty good week of practice here,” she With Hewitt retiring, Japan’s Nao Hibino, with temperatures Spain’s Muguruza, who had a water- ber to claim the Brisbane crown. said ahead of her fi rst-round encounter forecast to hit a sizzling 37 Celsius (98.6 shed 2015 and made the Wimbledon fi nal, It was the resurgent Belarusian’s fi rst with Belgian Alison Van Uytvanck. Fahrenheit). is also targeting her major breakthrough. piece of WTA silverware in two-and- Among other players, the world num- Australia looks to Snapping at the heels of the two The 22-year-old is now under the a-half years and sent her soaring up the bers four, six and seven—Agnieszka Rad- veterans are world number two Si- guidance of coach Sam Sumyk, who world rankings to 16, a timely confi dence wanska, Petra Kvitova and Angelique mona Halep and third ranked Garbine helped Victoria Azarenka to the top of the boost. Kerber—have also been struggling with new generation Muguruza, who have also had less women’s game and successive Australian She said she was excited to be injury- either injury or illness in the lead-up to than ideal preparations with illness or Open titles in 2012 and 2013. free and in with a chance of recapturing the opening Grand Slam of the year. Reuters Melbourne BOTTOMLINE ith the retiring Lleyton Hewitt set for a bitter-sweet farewell from the WAustralian Open, the burden Fans and rivals keen for Hewitt of home expectations will land heavily on the shoulders of tal- ented but tempestuous duo Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic. Australia’s yearning for a farewell to play out well home men’s champion runs deep after 40 years of frustration but AFP beginning it was more crazy “I always admired his work the pair will be under the mi- Melbourne than now.” ethic, his on-court fi ght- croscope for their behaviour as Rising home star Bernard ing spirit, even though it much as their tennis. Tomic said all of Australia would annoyed me sometimes Both have spoken of their love leyton Hewitt embarks be cheering on Hewitt in the fi rst because in the beginning it for home crowds but that love on his emotional farewell of hopefully many matches at was more crazy than now” has, at times, not entirely been Australia’s Nick Kyrgios. tournament with rivals this year’s Australian Open. reciprocated. and fans hoping for a “We all want Lleyton to win. “Yeah, it’s awkward, but in Australia’s number one Tomic, over a decade. Ldeep run at the Australian Open It’s going to be an amazing another way it’s fun to go out seeded 17th at Melbourne Park, Former US Open champion in his 20th and fi nal attempt match,” Tomic said. there with ‘Ducks’. I’ve been was jeered by the centre court Sam Stosur is the lone local seed starting tomorrow. “Then again, James is also helping him the last few years. crowd when he retired hurt early in the women’s draw at a tourna- The Aussie warhorse, re- Australian. It’s a bit strange. But He’s been part of the Davis Cup in his opening match of the 2014 ment where she has often battled nowned for his all-or-nothing I think James is also looking at squad on a number of occasions. tournament against Rafa Nadal. crippling nerves. fighting spirit, is pitted against this, if he can win this match, He’s a great kid. The mercurial Kyrgios lit up last With two-times grand slam young compatriot James Duck- he knocks off Lleyton in his last “I’ll just try to go out there year’s tournament with a dizzying champion Hewitt bowing out, worth in a likely night match match in his career, it’s also a big and put on a good show.” run to the quarter-fi nals but was Kyrgios was feeling renewed on Rod Laver Arena with the opportunity for him. Duckworth is one of Hewitt’s lashed in mainstream and social pressure to perform on the big- threat that every match could “I’m excited. I’m going to be proteges in Australia’s Davis media for yelling expletives and gest stage but also spoke of a be his last. watching it. All of Australia is Cup squad, of which the veteran smashing racquets. greater level of comfort with it. Adding poignancy to his last going to be watching it. It’s going player is now captain. He remains under huge scruti- “I feel as if I’m more relaxed hurrah is that the 34-year-old to be a very, very exciting match Duckworth, 23, fi nds himself ny and a suspended ban from the this year,” he said. has not won his home Grand to watch.” in an invidious situation being ATP after a lewd remark aimed at “Coming around, I’ve got a lot Slam in two decades, although For his part Hewitt, a former in a position of possibly ending Stan Wawrinka during a match more confi dence in my game. I he came close, losing the 2005 world number one and two-time Hewitt’s career and playing the last year. feel a lot more comfortable play- fi nal to Russian Marat Safi n. Grand Slam-winner, said he spoiler. The 20-year-old has steered ing in front of the crowd this Record Grand Slam champion would be in a unique situation “It’s not something that I’d like clear of controversy leading up to year. I’m defi nitely playing a lot Roger Federer said he has always playing an Australian for only to do. But sort of been put in this this year’s tournament but Tom- better. admired Hewitt’s work ethic and the second time at his home position now,” Duckworth said. ic has been under fi re for retiring “The crowd defi nitely expects fi ghting spirit. Grand Slam in two decades. “Yeah, I guess if I win, I’ll midway through his quarter- any Aussie to play their best ten- “We always got along well. Australia’s Lleyton Hewitt waves during Kids Tennis Day at “It is a unique situation. It’s apologise to him. But, yeah, I’m fi nal match at the Sydney Inter- nis here. That’s fair enough. It was sometimes feisty on the Melbourne Park, Australia. something that I haven’t had to going to have to sort of put that national, citing sickness. “I think every Aussie should court, but it was always respect- deal with, playing another Aus- out of my mind and go out there With Kyrgios seeded 29th, step up here and try their abso- ful,” said fellow 34-year-old Fe- “I always admired his work spirit, even though it annoyed sie on Rod Laver Arena,” Hewitt and try to play my game, give it Australia have two seeds in the lute hardest to bring the best out derer. ethic, his on-court fi ghting me sometimes because in the said. my best shot.” men’s draw for the fi rst time in of themselves.”

Monday, January 18, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

QATAR BASKETBALL LEAGUE FOOTBALL Lekhwiya to take on Al Sadd in Sheikh Soyebo, Davon Jassim Cup excel as Al Arabi, Rayyan post wins

Al Sadd will be aiming to defend their title this Thursday. By Sports Reporter Doha By Sports Reporter Commissioner, will be held on Doha Wednesday at QFA’s headquar- ters at Al Bidda Tower and will be arcellius Soyebo had 29 points, eight assists and attended by Al Sadd and Lekhwi- fi ve steals as Al Arabi posted an 84-78 victory ekhwiya will take on Al ya offi cials and match organizers. over Al Khor in the Qatar Basketball League last Sadd in the Sheikh Jassim The meeting will discuss all or- evening. Cup at the Al Ahli Sta- ganisational matters related to NAl Khor got off to a fast start and led 13-8 after the fi rst dium on Thursday. The the match. fi ve minutes, but Al Arabi came back strongly and took Lmatch will begin at 6pm. It is worth mentioning that control of the match thereafter to complete the job with The Sheikh Jassim Cup is an the Sheikh Jassim Cup is one of some degree of comfort. annual men’s Cup competition the key events in Qatari football Edward O’Brien also excelled for Al Arabi with 29 in Qatar held between the winner calendar and acts as the season points but none of the other players could get into the of the Qatar Stars League and the opener but was postponed this double digits. Emir Cup of the prior season. year due to the busy football cal- After overtaking Al Khor and leading 25-20 after the Al Sadd claimed the title last endar. fi rst quarter, Al Arabi raised their game in the second season when they played against The fi rst Sheikh Jassim Cup period for a 40-27 lead to build the foundations for their Lekhwiya at Abdullah bin Kha- was held in 1977 and was also win. In what proved to be a decisive last fi ve-minute pe- lifa Stadium (Lekhwiya Stadium) won by Al Sadd. Al Sadd won riod in the second quarter, Al Khor could only manage and won 3-2. the coveted trophy on 13 occa- one point. The champion of this year’s sions. Al Arabi’s superior bench strength also had a hand in even will receive trophy and gold Prior to 2014, all 18 fi rst and their victory, with their substitutes scoring nine points, medals while the runner up will second division clubs competed while Al Khor’s score in that department was zero. receive silver medals. Both teams in the tournament under a for- Al Khor made a last-ditch eff ort in the fi nal quarter will also receive cash prizes. mat in which the teams were di- when they scored 26 points but by then it was too late for The technical meeting of the vided into four groups with the them. match, which will be headed winners from each group quali- For Al Khor, Ronald Rembert scored a match-high 33 by Ali al-Naimi, QFA Match fying for the semi-fi nals. points, with 18 of them coming from the three-point mark. Charles Abouo also excelled for the losers with 24 Al Rayyan’s Dominic Davon points. shoots to score against Al FOCUS In another match, Al Rayyan overcame a fi rst quarter Wakrah yesterday. defi cit to defeat Al Wakrah 95-84, with Dominic Davon excelling with 23 points and 12 assists. Al Wakrah thought they had things under control Alfardan continue when they posted a 27-15 lead in the fi rst 10 minutes, but Al Rayyan wore them down to sneak a 44-42 advantage in the second quarter. winning streak From thereon Al Rayyan continued to build on their advantage to win by nine points in the end. By Sports Reporter Alban Ngombo with 21 points, including 12 from the Doha three-point mark, also made a signifi cant contribution for the winners, with Quintin Immanuel and Salem Ab- dulla chipping in with 16 and 14 respectively. lfardan BMW con- For Al Wakrah, Adamu Saaka top-scored with 28, tinued their winning while Harold Boney Watson and Emir Mujkic scored 18 ways by routing KIA and 17, respectively. Motors, 61-45, in theA Inter-Car Division of the 19th Pinoy Basketball of Qatar (PIBAQ) tournament over the weekend at Al Gharafa Train- ing Gym. Alfardan started to pull away with a double-digit edge with six minutes left in the second quarter and even widened it to as high as 18 points in the last part of the third quarter. KIA inched closer by nine points at 8:39 in the last quarter but that’s only how close they Juanito Rosario of Alfardan could get as the winning team BMW attempts to score against fought back and never looked KIA Motors. back until the fi nal buzzer. Julius Umali scored 15 points KIA side with 12 points and 10 for Alfardan, while Juanito Ro- boards. sario and Jan Lareza had 16 and In other games, Mannai 14 points, respectively. Automobiles trounced Mer- Al Arabi’s Narcellius Soyebo attempts to drive past Al It was only Rickson Rance cedes Benz, 61-52 while Nissan Khor players during their QBL match yesterday. who played effi ciently for the downed AAB Toyota, 70-54.

BOTTOMLINE Kelly Holmes is Doha Dash Ambassador

By Sports Reporter not only a great workout, but is also a Doha lot of fun.” Hassan al-Emadi, General Manager Qatar, Dolphin Energy, added: “We he organisers of the Dolphin are absolutely delighted at the return Energy Doha Dash 2016 an- of Dame Holmes as an ambassador for nounced yesterday the return this year’s Dolphin Energy Doha Dash. of Double Olympic gold med- She is a great role model for young Tallist Dame Kelly Holmes as the event’s sportspeople around the world and it ambassador for the second year run- is absolutely wonderful to welcome ning. Dame Holmes will continue sup- her in Doha once again to participate in porting the popular community event the 2016 edition of Doha Dash, which and will participate in the 2016 event we hope will attract thousands of run- which takes place on February 9 at ners, friends and families wanting to Losail International Circuit in Doha. enjoy fun time exercising together.” Dame Holmes, who is widely rec- Supporting the vision behind the ognised as one of the most accom- National Sports Day, The Dolphin plished British athletes, is best known Energy Doha Dash 2016, which has for winning gold for the 800 and 1500 established itself as one of the most metres events at the 2004 Summer popular community events in the Qa- Olympics in Athens. She set British tari Capital, is held annually at the Lo- records in numerous events and still sail International Circuit. It has a race holds the UK national records for the for everyone; a 5km run for those aged 800, 1000, and 1500 metres distances. 12 and over (registration fee 100QAR), Though she retired from competi- a 3km run (50QAR) for participants tion in 2005, Dame Holmes still enjoys over 8, a 1km run for children and a running and is a strong advocate for 1km ladies walk, both of which are leading a healthy and active lifestyle. free of charge. The newest addition, In 2015, Dame Holmes became Doha a 10km run for those aged 15 and over Dash’s fi rst international ambassador (150QAR), is set to attract seasoned and she completed the 5k race during Kelly Holmes (L) with Doha Dash participants last year. runners from across the city. last year’s event. Participants can visit www.doha- Dame Kelly Holmes said: “I am Doha Dash 2016 Ambassador. It is such to come out to Losail International such events that encourage you to lead grounds and abilities. Even if you are dash.com to fi nd out more about the thrilled to be returning for a second a widely popular community event Circuit on February 9th and join in the a healthy and active lifestyle, which new to running, don’t be afraid to take event. Registration for the Doha Dash year as the offi cial Dolphin Energy and I encourage the Doha Community exciting races. It is crucial to support are accessible to people from all back- on this exciting challenge; running is 2016 is also open on the website.