FOOTBALL | Page 2 TTENNISENNIS | Page 8 Xavi shines Czechs and To Advertise here as Al Sadd Spain tied as Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 close gap Pliskova and on Lekhwiya Muguruza win

Sunday, February 12, 2017 ATHLETICS Jumada 1 15, 1438 AH Bolt fi res GULF TIMES ‘All Stars’ to Nitro series win SPORT Page 9 TENNIS/ QATAR TOTAL OPEM Radwanska gets tough draw, may face Wozniacki in second round Radwanska and Wozniacki have faced each other 15 times, with the Dane triumphant on nine occasions

By Sahan Bidappa Doha

gnieszka Radwanska had a wry smile on her face when her possible second round Aopponent at the Qatar To- tal Open was revealed yesterday. The fourth seed from Poland will have a Monday off when the tournament be- gins at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, as she has been given a bye in the fi rst round. But on Tuesday, she is all set to run in to close friend and former World No.1 Caroline Wozniacki in the second round. Of course, Denmark’s Wozni- acki has to fi rst win her opening round match against Kiki Bertens of the She blew away the fi eld to win in Netherlands, with not much separating Brisbane in January without losing a set the two in the rankings. Wozniacki has and came within a few games of book- slipped to World No.18, while Bertens ing her spot in yet another major semi- is 24th, but the Dane is fancied to get fi nal at the Australian Open. With the through. form that she is in, Pliskova will fancy Over the last few years, Radwanska her chances in Doha. and Wozniacki’s close friendship has Meanwhile, third seed Cibulkova will gone through many testing times. The face Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Rus- duo has faced each other 15 times, with sia or a qualifi er in the second round. Wozniacki coming out triumphant on The Slovak could face former World nine occasions. No. 4 Samantha Stosur of Australia or However, Radwanska has had the Tennis players and off icials at the Qatar Total Open draw yesterday. At right, Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark. eighth seed Barbora Strykova of Czech better of her buddy in the last two Republic in the quarters. matches and will be hoping, if she has to be in much better form than she has amends in Doha this week. “I think Meanwhile, Germany’s Kerber, who beat Kerber to win gold at the Rio Ol- The reigning WTA Finals champion to face Wozniacki again, she can make shown so far, to test the likes of No.1 every tournament is diff erent, the con- lost her World No. 1 ranking to Ser- ympics last year. And Kerber will be has had an unprecedented success last it a hat-trick of wins. seed Angelique Kerber, second seed ditions are diff erent. We all know what ena Williams when the American won hoping for a revenge for the heartbreak year. Now at a career-high ranking of “It’s really tough draw for me,” said Karolina Pliskova and Dominika Ci- happened at the Australian Open. So the Australian Open last month, will she suff ered last August. No.5, Cibulkova is one of the favourites Radwanska after the draw ceremony bulkova, who is seeded third. there is no point in looking backwards,” await the winner of the match between In the bottom-half of the draw, in a star-studded fi eld in Doha. yesterday. “Probably I will face Caro- Radwanska began 2017 looking for said Radwanska. Camelia-Irina Begu of Romania or Pliskova of Czech Republic will face ei- Her best result in Qatar came in her line in the second round and I am ex- answers, switching racquets with the “I think it’s too early to talk about Daria Kasatkina of Russia, in the sec- ther Carloine Garcia or a qualifi er in the fi rst visit in 2008, when she reached the pecting a tough one. But will see how hope of adding a more powerful di- 2017. I reached the WTA fi nal in Syd- ond round. second round. The second seed is most quarter-fi nals before being beaten in it goes.” mension to her off -court game. The ney, which was good. Obviously it was Interestingly, if Kerber comes likely to face fi fth seed Garbine Mugu- three sets by Radwanska. The tourna- Last year in Doha, Radwanska made it Pole reached the semis and the fi nal in disappointing when you lose in the fi rst through as expected she could face Ol- ruza of Spain in the quarters. ment has already seen withdrawals from to the semi-fi nals before being knocked Shenzhen and Sydney respectively, but week at the Grand Slam. I am just look- ympic champion Monica Puig in the Pliskova has been on the ascendancy Suarez Navarro, the 2016 champion, and out by eventual winner Carla Suarez was knocked out in the second round at ing forward to do well in Doha and in Quarter-fi nals. Puig, who will take on since last summer. The 24-year-old’s World No.8 Svetlana Kuznetsova, due Navarro, who has withdrawn from this the Australian Open, falling to Mirjana Dubai next week, playing more match- Laura Siegemund of Germany in her start to the year has been near-perfect to injuries. But with fi ve of the top-10 year’s tournament due to injury. Lucic-Baroni. es and getting more points. Play some opening match in Doha, shocked the as she has lost just one match under in attendance, Qatar Open will have no But this year, Radwanska will have The 27-year-old is looking to make good tennis as well,” she said. tennis world when the Puerto Rican new coach David Kotyza. dearth of star quality.

FOOTBALL/EPL Mane sparks Reds as Arsenal, Man Utd rise

AFP with Senegal and he gave a dazzling dis- Watford, Anthony Martial marking his RESULTS/STANDINGS London play of his qualities with two goals in the return to the starting XI by scoring and fi rst 18 minutes at Anfi eld. setting up the opener for Juan Mata. Arsenal ...... 2 Hull City ...... 0 For the fi rst goal, in the 16th minute, Jose Mourinho’s side have now gone Manchester United ....2 Watford ...... 0 he jet-heeled Sadio Mane he raced onto Georginio Wijnaldum’s 16 league games unbeaten and while they Middlesbrough ...... 0 Everton ...... 0 scored a quick-fi re brace as pass before lifting a shot past Hugo remain sixth, they are just a point below Stoke City ...... 1 Crystal Palace ...... 0 Liverpool revitalised their Pre- Lloris. Two minutes later he made it 2-0 both Liverpool and City. Sunderland ...... 0 Southampton ...... 4 Tmier League campaign with Liverpool’s Senegalese with his 11th goal of the season, sparking “Martial deserves the chance,” Mour- West Ham United ...... 2 West Brom ...... 2 an impressive 2-0 win over Tottenham midfielder Sadio Mane a raid on the Spurs box by robbing Eric inho told the BBC. “He has worked hard- Liverpool ...... 2 Tottenham Hotspur 0 Hotspur at Anfi eld yesterday. celebrates after scoring Dier and then slamming in after Lloris er than ever in the last two weeks in the Today’s matches Senegalese fl ier Mane netted twice against Tottenham Hotspur had saved from Adam Lallana and Rob- way I like: silence, but hard.” Burnley Chelsea 1330 GMT in three fi rst-half minutes as Jurgen at Anfield yesterday. erto Firmino. At the Emirates Stadium, He added: “In the fi rst half the football Swansea City Leicester City 1600 GMT Klopp’s team claimed a fi rst league win Sanchez brought the under-fi re Wenger was fabulous. When I got the job, they of 2017 at the sixth attempt and ended some breathing space as Arsenal over- were saying at Manchester United you P W D L F A Pts Spurs’ nine-game unbeaten run. came third-bottom Hull. need to play football in a certain way and 1 Chelsea 24 19 2 3 51 17 59 Liverpool moved back into the top The Chilean forward contentiously I agree.” Seventh-place Everton squan- 2 Tottenham Hotspur 25 14 8 3 46 18 50 four, above Manchester City, who visit scored with his hand in the 34th minute dered a chance to close on the teams 3 Arsenal 25 15 5 5 54 28 50 Bournemouth on Monday, and Man- and netted a stoppage-time penalty after above them after being held to a 0-0 4 Liverpool 25 14 7 4 54 30 49 chester United, who briefl y climbed Sam Clucas had been sent off for hand- draw at sixth-bottom Middlesbrough. 5 Manchester City 24 15 4 5 49 29 49 above them after beating Watford 2-0. ball to take his tally for the campaign to Sunderland remain bottom of the 6 Manchester United25 13 9 3 38 21 48 Tottenham remain second, but they 17 goals. table after Southampton’s new Ital- 7 Everton 25 11 8 6 40 27 41 are now level on points with Arsenal af- It got Arsenal back to winning ways ian striker Manolo Gabbiadini scored a 8 West Bromwich 25 10 7 8 34 31 37 ter Alexis Sanchez scored twice to earn following successive defeats by Watford slick brace in a 4-0 win at the Stadium 9 Stoke City 25 8 8 9 30 36 32 Arsene Wenger’s side a much-needed and Chelsea and left them in third place, of Light. 10 West Ham Utd 25 9 5 11 34 43 32 2-0 victory over Hull City. nine points behind Chelsea. Jason Denayer also put through his 11 Southampton 25 8 6 11 28 31 30 Spurs’ setback means Chelsea can Wenger dismissed a claim by former own goal before Shane Long completed 12 Watford 25 8 6 11 29 42 30 move 12 points clear at the summit if Arsenal striker Ian Wright that he had the scoring in added time. 13 Burnley 24 9 2 13 26 35 29 they win at Burnley on Sunday. admitted his time at the club was coming Second-bottom Crystal Palace were 14 Bournemouth 24 7 5 12 35 47 26 While the title seems destined for to an end. “I didn’t give any indication also beaten, Joe Allen scoring in the sec- 15 Middlesbrough 25 4 10 11 19 27 22 Stamford Bridge, the battle for positions about my future,” Wenger told reporters. ond half to give Stoke City a 1-0 win that 16 Leicester City 24 5 6 13 24 41 21 below Chelsea could not be more tight, “You know I appreciate very much saw Mark Hughes’s team climb to ninth. 17 Swansea City 24 6 3 15 29 54 21 with two points separating Spurs in sec- that you want me to rest, absolutely. But Gareth McAuley was credited with a 18 Hull City 25 5 5 15 22 49 20 ond and United in sixth. I am not ready for that yet.” stoppage-time equaliser for West Brom- 19 Crystal Palace 25 5 4 16 32 46 19 Liverpool badly missed Mane during United closed to within a point of the wich Albion in a 2-2 draw at West Ham 20 Sunderland 25 5 4 16 24 46 19 his time at the Africa Cup of Nations Champions League places by beating United. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, February 12, 2017 FOOTBALL

QATAR STARS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Wenger may quit, says Gunners Al Sadd too strong great Wright for Wakrah, Jaish woe for Shahania Al Sadd now trail leaders Lekhwiya by just three points as QSL heads towards its climax

By Sports Reporter Doha Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger watching the match against Hull from the stands yesterday as he continues to serve a touchline ban.

panish legend Xavi netted a brace AFP But Arsenal sit fourth in the Pre- as Al Sadd beat Al Wakrah 3-1 to London mier League table and host Hull on close the gap on leaders Lekhwiya Saturday looking to avoid a third in the Qatar Stars League yester- successive defeat. day.S rsenal legend Ian Wright Wenger took a swipe at Arsenal’s Xavi opened the scoring in the 51st believes Arsene Wenger disgruntled fans this week when he minute by getting on the end of a cutback will quit the Premier suggested they should follow the pass and he guided the ball into the net. League club at the end of example set by supporters of north Just fi ve minutes later, Al Wakrah’s Mo- theA season. London rivals Tottenham, who re- roccan midfi elder Mouhcine Moutouali Wenger is out of contract in the mained loyal after their failed title scored from the penalty spot to bring his summer and the Gunners boss has bid last season. side level. yet to agree a new deal amid grow- It remains to be seen if Wright’s Xavi then added a second goal for Al ing anger among Arsenal fans at claim that Wenger may be in the Sadd as he tapped the ball into the goal the team’s failure to mount a strong fi nal months of his reign proves from close range after some superb pass- title challenge. accurate, but, asked about the ing play. The 74th minute strike gave Arsenal are trailing 12 points changes he has seen in the French- Jesualdo Ferreira’s men the lead once behind leaders Chelsea follow- man, the former England star said: again. ing a damaging 3-1 defeat at their “On diff erent things we were talk- Then in the 81st minute, Khalfan Ibra- London rivals last weekend. It is ing about, (he looked) full of life, him added a third to settle the tie taking 13 years since Wenger last led Ar- you can see he’s switched on — the game well out of reach of Al Wakrah. senal to the English title and some just a wonderful, articulate man, a Abdelkarim Hassan dribbled the ball supporters believe it is time for lovely guy. along the line and played a cross to Kha- him to go. Wright, who played “You just feel, you know when lfan who headed it home from a short dis- under Wenger from 1996 to 1998, someone... he looks winded. He tance. had dinner with the 67-year-old looks like someone’s just whopped The three points raise Al Sadd’s tally on Thursday and revealed the end him in the stomach. He’s lost all to 47 points and they are now just three could be in sight after 21 years with his wind. I feel someone’s going to points behind leaders Lekhwiya. Al Wak- the north Londoners. ask me, ‘Do you think he’ll go at rah are stuck at thirteen points and re- “I was with the boss last night, the end of the season?’. I would say, main at the foot of the QSL standings. and if I’m going to be totally hon- ‘Just judging now... I think he will’.” Earlier, relegation-threatened Al Sha- est, I get the impression that that’s Wright, Arsenal’s record goal- hania were left second from bottom yes- it,” Wright told BBC Radio 5 live on scorer until he was surpassed by terday after going down 2-1 to El Jaish. Friday. Thierry Henry, believes the play- Igor Štimac’s Al Shahania came into the “I was with him for a few hours. ers have let Wenger down in recent game having drawn four of their last fi ve He didn’t say to me, ‘I’m leaving at campaigns. QSL games and fresh from a well-de- the end of the season’, but I get the “When he came into our dress- served point against title chasing Al Sadd. impression, looking at him, that ing room in ‘96 it was refreshing El Jaish, on the other hand, were desper- that’s it. to have that kind of management ate for a morale boosting win after only “He actually mentioned when style — he wasn’t shouting, he one win in 2017 and elimination from the we were talking that he’s coming wasn’t screaming,” Wright said. AFC Champions League mid-week. to the end. I’ve never heard him say “We were a dressing room that It was cautious football from both that.” was self-motivating, with a man- teams for the fi rst 30 minutes of the game, Wenger has won three Premier ager that we’d realised treated you with neither side willing to commit play- League titles and six FA Cup since like adults in the work you’re trying ers and push too deep into the opposing arriving at Arsenal in 1996. to do.” half. With 35 minutes on the clock, the game began to open up and both teams started pushing for a goal before half time. PREVIEW Al Shahania looked content to play counterattacking, long-ball football which nearly paid dividends on the 37th minute when Fahad Khalfan got behind Conte warns Jaish’s back four and found himself one- on-one with Jaish’s goalkeeper Saoud al-Khater, forcing a fi ne save when he Chelsea not to rest struck the ball on his right from about ten yards out. Just fi ve minutes later, Jaish were gift- Al Sadd captain Xavi being congratulated by his teammates after he scored against Al Wakrah yesterday. At bottom, a slice of the on their laurels ed the lead after some sloppy defending action between El Jaish and Al Shahania. from Al Shahania. After a low hard cross AFP not underestimate the size of his was driven across the box, and Uzbek in- down inside the box. The Brazilian Burnley, United Kingdom side’s task this weekend. ternational Sardor Rashidov poked the stepped up to take the spot kick on the Conte said David Luiz is fi t de- ball into the open goal from just three 64th minute but produced an eff ort on spite a minor knee problem and yards out to give his team the lead. his right which was easily saved. helsea may now be nine he will need the Brazil defender Jaish came out looking the brighter Five minutes later, Al Shahania got points clear at the top of at his best to subdue the Burnley team in the second half and should have one back when a long goal-kick bounced the Premier League but forward line. made it 2-0 after just two minutes of over Jaish’s back four and Jean Mangoua Antonio Conte is expe- “He is available,” said Conte. play when their Brazilian danger man, squared it to Fahad Khalfan to evade the riencedC enough to know the title “He’s playing with this little pain Romarinho, found himself on the end of goalkeeper’s advances. Khalfan volleyed race is far from over. in his knee. But he is a warrior. a pin point cross from Rashidov just fi ve it into an open goal from 20 yards out on Conte’s side make the trip He is playing very well. I hope to yards from goal. the 69th minute to make it 2-1. to Burnley today in high spirits continue in this way. He shows Romarinho, however, misjudged the Al Shahania were given a chance to level thanks to their 3-1 victory over me great attitude and great well cross and missed the ball with an at- it at 2-2 on the 71st minute when the ref- title rivals Arsenal last weekend. despite a little pain.” tempted header. eree deemed Jaish’s goalkeeper brought The Blues have won 16 of their Burnley manager Sean Dyche Jaish maintained the pressure and down Yousef Ballan in the box. Khalfan last 18 league matches and are says his players can learn from made it 2-0 on the 62nd minute when stepped up to try and make it 2-2 from the odds-on favourites to be crowned Chelsea’s ability to exploit the Rashidov bagged his second of the game spot but was denied by the woodwork, champions. fl exible 3-4-3 system that Conte with a lightning bolt of a free-kick from keeper Khalifa al-Dosari with no chance. minutes later when Romarinho was despite sending the goalkeeper the wrong But Conte is not getting carried has introduced with such success 25 yards out that left Al Shahania’s goal- Jaish should have sealed all three points awarded a penalty after being brought way. away because the Chelsea man- at Stamford Bridge this season. ager is well aware any slip could Dyche, who has varied his own allow one of the chasing pack to formation this season, said: “The REPORT close the gap. change seems to have worked “Until the end of the season well for them and it looks like you have to live with this pres- they’ve got that feeling where sure,” Conte said. “If the oppo- everyone knows their job. nent win they close the gap. If “Everyone knows the expecta- they don’t win you have the op- tion of their role. They can keep portunity to take more points. the ball when they need to, and Gabbiadini rocks Sunderland But we have the experience to live they can defend. There’s a good AFP some team bonding next week, threatened again when he beat doubting the quality of his sec- with this situation. mixture there I think. Sunderland but the fl ight across the Atlantic Sunderland’s off side trap and ond as he took Dusan Tadic’s “It is important to live with “I don’t get the feeling the promises to be a gloomy one. crossed for Cedric Soares on the pass and executed a sharp turn yourself. We are top of the table manager is looking at any one Moyes’ men are rooted to the edge of the area but the full-back that left John O’Shea and Lamine and can count only on our game. particular style. He’s saying ‘we outhampton striker bottom of the table after seeing fi red wide. Kone fl at-footed before slotting Good news from other teams and need to be a team that can operate Manolo Gabbiadini pun- their two-game unbeaten run It was a warning Sunderland past Mannone. we will be happy. in diff erent ways’ and I quite like ished struggling Sunder- ended and they sit two points failed to heed and they were pun- Moyes sent on Steven Pienaar Honestly, I think there are six that, that’s how I want my team land with a double strike from safety with 13 games left to ished as Gabbiadini opened the and Fabio Borini, but the changes teams very strong and can fi ght to operate.” Sthat inspired his side’s 4-0 vic- avoid relegation. scoring in the 30th minute. made little diff erence and Gab- to win the title. Also Manchester Dyche has strengthened his tory at the Stadium of Light yes- Buoyed by their 4-0 win at Ryan Bertrand whipped in a biadini was only denied a hat- United. “They have a great squad squad since a 3-0 defeat at Chel- terday. fellow strugglers Crystal Palace teasing cross from the left and as trick by Mannone, who held the and a lot of players they trust to sea in August, notably adding Gabbiadini was on target twice last weekend, Moyes’ team were Gabbiadini and Sunderland de- striker’s close-range eff ort in the win the title. This is the truth and winger Robbie Brady from Nor- before half-time to maintain his hoping to climb out of the relega- fender Lamine Kone challenged second half. we must know this. If we think we wich for a club record £13mn impressive form since his £14mn tion zone. But they had won two for the ball, it defl ected past Vito By the time Didier Ndong had have nine points and we are close ($16mn) on transfer deadline ($17mn, 16mn euros) move from consecutive games only once this Mannone at the near post. Sunderland’s fi rst shot on target to the title it is a great mistake. day, but he will be without mid- Napoli in January. season and they struggled to fi nd After keeping clean sheets in in the 67th minute, it was already “There are 14 games to play. fi elder Jeff Hendrick, who begins Jason Denayer’s own goal and Southampton’s Manolo Gabbiadini any rhythm on a freezing, rain- their previous two games, Sun- apparent there would be no way There are fi ve teams, six with a three-match suspension. a Shane Long strike ensured celebrates scoring their second lashed afternoon on Wearside. derland were being torn apart by back for the hosts. Chelsea who can fi ght until the “They played miles better than Southampton cruised to only goal against Sunderland. Foreshadowing the danger to Gabbiadini’s clever movement Their misery was complete end to win the title. It is impor- us on the day. We’ve morphed their second win in their last come for Sunderland, Gabbiadini and he doubled Southampton’s when Denayer turned Long’s tant not to make a big mistake in into a stronger unit now, with a eight league games, ending a run League Cup fi nal. Sunderland had an early sight of goal as the lead on the stroke of half-time. cross into his own net in the 89th this race.” bit more experience and knowl- of three successive defeats since manager David Moyes plans to Italian shot wide from the edge If Gabbiadini’s fi rst goal was minute before the Saints forward Burnley have seven straight edge of what the Premier League they booked their place in the take his squad to New York for of the penalty area. Gabbiadini slightly fortunate, there was no struck himself moments later. wins at Turf Moor and Conte will is about,” Dyche said. Gulf Times Sunday, February 12, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA One seriously injured in Alaves-Barca fan clashes One fan was seriously injured “The club strongly rejects any in violent clashes ahead of the violent conduct and hopes La Liga fixture between Alaves that the authorities will be and Barcelona in the northern able to identify those respon- city of Vitoria, Spanish police sible for these acts as soon as confirmed yesterday. possible.” A group of between 40 and 50 Videos released in the Spanish Barca’s MSN smash hooded fans clashed before media showed fans throwing kick-off , although the police chairs and wielding metal added no arrests have been bars. made. “Deportivo Alaves profoundly The injured supporter has condemns the violent acts been taken to hospital suff er- that took place this morning ing from head injuries. February 11, in the university Both sides released state- zone between supposed fans Alaves for a six ments condemning the of Alaves and FC Barcelona,” violence. Alaves said in their statement. ‘I go away with very good feelings from the football perspective, for the result and the “FC Barcelona regrets and “The club will put itself at the condemns the incidents that disposition of the authorities way we achieved it. But I am upset by Aleix’s injury, the way it came about...’ occurred this afternoon in and, if it is confirmed that the city of Vitoria, before the those implicated are season match against Deportivo ticket holders, Deportivo Alaves,” read Barcelona’s Alaves will consider the neces- statement. sary sanctions to take.” FA council member slammed over ‘ethnic minority’ comments Anti-racism campaigners what they had to say. Kick It Out will complain to “As far as ethnic minorities are the Football Association after concerned, we have problems, one of its council members we’ve got to think ‘who are made controversial comments the ethnic minorities?’. At the about the involvement of moment, we’ve got a Buddhist “ethnic minorities” in reform and a Muslim on the council. of the English game’s govern- Now who else do we put on ing body. the council, a Jew?” Ray Kiddell, an FA council Kick It Out and the Football member for 37 years, said on Supporters Federation put out BBC Radio 5 Live on Friday: a joint statement condemning “When I first went on the remarks from Kiddell. council I was 43 and I thought it read: “Kick It Out and the ‘look at all these old, grey- FSF are dismayed by com- haired men’. ments made by Ray Kiddell, “I soon learned that some member of the FA council, on these men had a lot to off er the issues of reform within the and it still paid you to listen to national game.

MOVING AHEAD St Petersburg 2018 World Cup stadium passes fi rst test

AFP are Sochi, Kazan and Moscow. Saint Petersburg The construction of the arena, which will also serve as a home ground for Zenit St Petersburg, t Petersburg’s purpose- began in 2007 and was fi nished built 2018 World Cup in December though the proc- stadium passed its fi rst ess has been hit by spiralling bills public test yesterday after and missed deadlines. aS decade in construction. “First of all I came here to see Barcelona’s Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league match against Deportivo Alaves at the Mendizorroza stadium in Vitoria. The futuristic spaceship- on what such a huge ammount of shaped 68,000-seater is to host money had been spent on,” Ro- AFP condemning the violence. once more with six changes from Tues- loose ball off Suarez’s head and the ball seven World Cup games includ- man Ignatiev, 27, told AFP. Madrid And in another blow to the Catalans, day’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid that rebounded for Neymar to tap into an ing a semi-fi nal and the third- Last year FIFA inspectors dis- Aleix Vidal was stretchered off with a secured their place in a fourth consecu- empty net. place play-off . covered serious problems with horrible looking ankle injury just three tive Cup fi nal. The champions hit top form after the A crowd of 10,000 volunteers the venue’s retractable pitch as ionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Ney- minutes from time. However, despite a trip to Paris Saint- break with four further goals in eight came to witness the testing of its they found it unstable and un- mar were all on target as Barcelo- “I go away with very good feelings Germain upcoming on Tuesday, Messi, minutes. audio and fl oodlight systems and suitable for playing. na went top of La Liga for the fi rst from the football perspective, for the Suarez and Neymar were all included and Messi drilled his 34th goal of the sea- to watch a motor show. But the constructors said they time since October with a 6-0 result and the way we achieved it,” said ran riot. son low past Pacheco just before the hour “It’s a great event,” the will solve the problem complete- Lthrashing of Alaves yesterday. Barca boss Luis Enrique. The visitors had goalkeeper Marc-An- mark. 20-year-old Dima Petrenko told ly within the next few weeks. In a dress rehearsal of the Copa del “But I am upset by Aleix’s injury, the dre ter Stegen to thank for not going be- The Argentine was then played in by AFP. “We’ve worked out the meth- Rey fi nal, Alaves paid for their semi-fi nal way it came about and what it means for hind early on with a brilliant one-on-one Suarez, but the last touch came off Alaves “And it’s very interesting to od of increasing the rigidity of exertions against Celta Vigo in midweek him.” save from Theo Hernandez. defender Alexis to make it 4-0. see the new arena with my own the construction,” construction as Barca moved two points ahead of Real Vidal had only recently established There was no doubt over the outcome Ivan Rakitic blasted home the fi fth from eyes.” company chief engineer Petr Madrid. himself back in the team after being side- once Barca went in front thanks to a fi ne Suarez’s cut-back before the Uruguayan The St Petersburg ground will Maksakov told AFP. Barca’s success was overshadowed, lined by Enrique for the majority of the team move fi nished off by Suarez from rounded off the rout himself after Pacheco also be hosting four Confedera- “For the moment we’ve com- though, by violent clashes between fans season. close range eight minutes before half- had parried Neymar’s initial eff ort. tions Cup matches, which starts pleted around 86 percent of outside the ground before kick-off which “It is something serious, but we have time. Yet, Barca’s fi ne day was spoiled late in June including the fi nal. these works. We need just 15-20 left one supporter in hospital with seri- to wait until the doctors see it and can A goalkeeping error from Fernando on when Vidal’s right ankle gave way un- The other Confed Cup venues more days to fi nish it.” ous head injuries. say,” added Enrique. Pachecho allowed Barca to double their der an innocuous looking challenge from Both sides later released statements On the fi eld, Enrique rotated his squad lead three minutes later as he punched a Hernandez. SOUTH AFRICA SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Irate fans halt game Rangers turmoil as manager as Pirates suff er 80-year low

AFP A doctor at the military hos- Pretoria pital in Uige, speaking on condi- Warburton denies quit claim tion of anonymity, said Saturday AFP “Rangers has accepted the that the death toll had risen from Glasgow resignations of manager lay was halted for an the offi cial fi gure of 17 to 22. Mark Warburton, assistant hour yesterday in a There were no further goals in manager David Weir and South African league Pretoria when play resumed and ark Warburton’s the Club’s head of recruit- match after Orlando the defeat was the heaviest suf- future as Rangers PiratesP supporters invaded the fered by Soweto-based Pirates in ment Frank McParland,” manager was thrown a statement on the club’s pitch when the team fell 6-0 their 80-year history. into turmoil on Fri- website read behind against Mamelodi Sun- It was the second time this Mday after he denied the Scottish downs. season that Pirates have con- Premiership club’s claim that he “The board is very appreciative As frustrated fans wearing Pi- ceded six goals in a league match, had resigned. of the good work previously done rates’ colours raced on to the Lof- losing 6-1 to SuperSport United Warburton had been under by the management team but be- tus Versfeld stadium fi eld in Pre- last November. pressure amid growing unrest lieves it had no alternative. Our toria after 82 minutes, the players Turkish coach Muhsin Er- at Rangers’ failure to mount a club must come fi rst and absolute and match offi cials darted un- tugral quit immediately after strong challenge for the title and commitment is essential.” harmed to the dressing rooms. that thrashing to be replaced on it appeared his two-year reign Former Brentford boss War- Several spectators were in- a caretaker basis by long-time was over when the Glasgow gi- burton led Rangers to promotion jured and taken to hospital as club employee Peruvian Augusto ants announced his resignation. from the Scottish second tier rival supporters clashed before Palacios. “Rangers has accepted the last season. But Rangers have police restored order. Although virtually all Pirates’ resignations of manager Mark been less dominant on their re- The invasion came after Percy supporters had left the stadium Warburton, assistant manager File picture of Rangers manager Mark Warburton. turn to the top-fl ight and they Tau scored the sixth and fi nal when play resumed, Palacios did David Weir and the Club’s head trail leaders Celtic by 27 points goal for CAF Champions League not return to the touchline, stay- of recruitment Frank McPar- burton denied he had handed in Yet Rangers, who briefl y took Scotland. We are clearly short of after winning just one of their title-holders Sundowns in a ing in the changeroom. land,” a statement on the club’s his resignation and the 54-year- their statement down before where we expected to be at this last fi ve league matches. mid-season South African Pre- Percy Tau and Thapelo More- website read. old Englishman was reported to putting it back on the website, time,” the statement read. A recent 2-1 home defeat miership match. na scored two goals each and “At a meeting with the man- be consulting his legal team. were adamant Warburton and “A further board meeting was against Celtic and a 4-1 thrash- The most serious football Themba Zwane and Brazilian agement team’s representative Warburton told BBC Scotland his team wanted to leave, and in held this afternoon to discuss ing at Hearts had put Warbur- crowd trouble in South Africa Ricardo Nascimento one apiece earlier this week the Club were he was unaware of the state- any case had fallen short of the this and it was decided not to ton’s job security under the this season came a day after at for defending champions Sun- advised that Mr Warburton, Mr ment, which came just hours club’s expectations. agree to this additional request spotlight ahead of Sunday’s least 17 people died in an Ango- downs, who led 2-0 at half-time. Weir and Mr McParland wished after he had taken training with “It is important that Rang- but to hold with the original Scottish Cup fi fth round clash lan stadium stampede. Victory lifted Sundowns to to resign their positions and leave the Rangers squad. ers has a football management agreement. with Morton. Angolan police said hundreds fi fth, three points behind leaders the Club on condition that Rang- He had also given a ringing team that wants to be at the club “Mr Warburton, Mr Weir, and Rangers said under-20s coach of fans tried to enter an already and fellow Pretoria club Super- ers agreed to waive its rights to endorsement to McParland ear- and that the board believes can Mr McParland have therefore Graeme Murty would pick the full stadium in northern town Sport United with four matches substantial compensation.” lier on Friday following specula- take the club forward to meet been notifi ed in writing that team for the Morton fi xture, but Uige, triggering a crush that led in hand, while former African But less than an hour after that tion the head of recruitment was our stated ambition to return their notices of termination have Warburton’s insistence that he some people to fall and be tram- champions Pirates remained revelation, it emerged that War- poised to quit. to being the number one club in been accepted. hasn’t quit could change that. pled to death. 10th. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, February 12, 2017 FOOTBALL

BUNDESLIGA INTENT Coach Allegri wants another 400 games Last-gasp Robben, with Juventus Vidal put Bayern seven points clear

Vidal scored in the 90th minute and Robben in the 91st for a crucial win. Bayern’s Juventus’ Italian coach Massimiliano Allegri. cause was helped as main rivals Leipzig, Eintracht and Dortmund all ended up losing AFP “I hope to take charge of Rome another 300 or 400 games AFP as Juventus coach. I’m Berlin happy here and if uventus coach Massimil- something is not going iano Allegri has brushed well then the club will be rturo Vidal and Arjen Robben aside rumours of a move to the fi rst to hear about it” netted last minute goals in Bayern England’s Premier League Munich’s 2-0 win at Ingolstadt byJ saying he hopes to be at the something that I never said, yesterday to open a seven-point helm of the Serie A champions or confi rm something which leadA as their main Bundesliga rivals all lost. for “another 300 or 400” games. doesn’t exist? Bayern, who host Arsenal on Wednes- Allegri, who led Juventus to “I’m fi ne here, I’ve still got a day in the Champions League last 16 the Champions League fi nal in year and a half left on my con- fi rst leg, broke the deadlock when Vidal his fi rst season in charge in 2015 tract and when the time comes ghosted in behind the Ingolstadt defence and a defeat to Barcelona, has I will sit down with the club to and put his side ahead on 90 minutes. been linked with a move to Ar- speak about the future and put Robben netted just 60 seconds later to senal amid reports suggesting together a schedule. seal victory in the Bavaria derby. Arsene Wenger could step down “I hope to take charge of It was a deserved win for Bayern after as coach of the Gunners. another 300 or 400 games Robert Lewandowski hit the crossbar late The rumour mill was set as Juventus coach. I’m happy on and had a fi rst-half eff ort cleared off spinning further when reports here and, as I’ve always said, the line. Bayern’s cause was helped as claimed offi cials from Juventus if something is not going well main rivals RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frank- had met with Napoli coach Mau- then the club will be the first to furt and Borussia Dortmund all lost. rizio Sarri. hear about it.” Second-placed Leipzig were beaten for Asked specifi cally about re- Juventus are bidding for a the second week in a row in crashing 3-0 ports claiming he had been con- record sixth consecutive Serie at home to Hamburg, who escaped the tacted by interested clubs in the A title, the fi rst three of which bottom three. Premier League, Allegri said in came under the helm of Chelsea RB were two goals down after 24 min- midweek: “I’m not confi rming manager Antonio Conte, and a utes in a nightmare fi rst-half as they and I’m not denying.” third consecutive league and Cup conceded two headers from almost iden- Yesterday Allegri said he in- double. tical situations. tends to honour his current deal, Allegri’s men sit top of Serie A Centre-back Kyriakos Papadopoulos which expires in 18 months, and with a six-point lead on Napoli leapt highest to put them Hamburg ahead he left room for an extension and a seven-point lead on Roma on 18 minutes. when he said: “How can I deny before facing Cagliari today. The second goal followed six minutes later, again from a Nicolai Mueller cor- ner, when Brazil midfi elder Walace was SERIE A unmarked in the middle. Leipzig coach Ralph Hasenhuettl re- sponded by substituting overwhelmed centre-back Dayot Upamecano, who Mertens inspires made his starting debut, for forward Yus- suf Poulsen after half an hour. But Poulsen lasted barely ten minutes Napoli to Genoa win before going off injured to be replaced by Davie Selke just before the break. Hamburg grabbed a late third when replacement Aaron Hunt scored with his fi rst touch. Third-placed Frankfurt lost 3-0 at Bayer Leverkusen as Javier ‘Chichari- to’ Hernandez scored two superb goals to take the pressure off coach Roger Schmidt following back-to-back defeats. Chicharito volleyed home a cross on fi ve minutes, then doubled the tally on 63 minutes. Kevin Kampel’s long pass was volleyed on the wing by Karim Bellarabi Bayern Munich’s Dutch midfielder Arjen Robben reacts after his goal against FC Ingolstadt 04 yesterday. and Chicharito slammed home the cross with his fi rst touch on 63 minutes before Kevin Volland netted Leverkusen’s third. starting line-up alongside US interna- Guerreiro levelled with a bullet shot just Fourth-placed Dortmund crashed 2-1 tional midfi elder Christian Pulisic, while before the half-time break. Results at Darmstadt, who remain bottom and attacking midfi elder Emre Mor is only 19. But Darmstadt sealed the win when seven points from safety. It backfi red as Darmstadt went ahead Antonio-Mirko Colak got in behind the Bayer Leverkusen 3 Eintracht Frank- Thomas Tuchel named three teenag- on 21 minutes when US international defence and slotted his shot Dortmund furt 0; Ingolstadt 0 Bayern Munich 2; ers in Dortmund’s starting line-up before striker Terrence Boyd, on loan from Leip- goalkeeper Roman Burki’s legs. Napoli’s Belgian forward Dries Mertens (L) fights for the ball with Werder Bremen 0 Bor. 1; Moencheng- Tuesday’s Champions League last 16, zig, was unmarked. Borussia Moechengladbach climbed Genoa’s Argentinian defender Santiago Gentiletti. ladbach Darmstadt 2 Borussia Dort- fi rst-leg, match at Benfi ca. Dortmund’s Germany winger Marco to ninth as Thorgan Hazard, brother of mund 1; Leipzig 0 SV Hamburg 3 Dzenis Burnic made his debut in de- Reus hit the crossbar from a free-kick Chelsea star Eden, scored in their 1-0 win AFP international duty last October. fence, the second 18-year-old in the on 32 minutes before midfi elder Raphael at Werder Bremen. Milan But with Belgian midfi elder Mertens in fi ne form, and the trip to Real Madrid in midweek LIGUE 1 oland striker Arkaduisz in mind, Sarri’s decision to keep Milik made his return the Pole on the bench proved from a lengthy injury correct. Play-off but watched from Having hit three hat-tricks the bench as a Dries Mertens- in less than 12 weeks to take inspired Napoli kept the Serie A his league tally to 16 goals in 24 title race ticking over with a 2-0 games – only one fewer than Cavani, Di Maria help PSG win win over Genoa on Friday. league leader Edin Dzeko of AFP deaux defender Cavani was on Piotr Zielinski and Emanuele Roma – Mertens turned provider Bordeaux hand to work his magic and take Giaccherini struck in the sec- for the night. his Ligue 1 haul to a personal best ond half as Maurizio Sarri’s men He started up front alongside ever 24 goals from only 25 games. leapfrogged Roma into second Lorenzo Insigne and Giaccherini, dinson Cavani and Angel With PSG bossing the en- place to sit six points behind who was handed his fi rst Napoli Di Maria stole the show counter Di Maria deservedly leaders Juventus. start amid the enforced absence in Paris Saint Germain’s doubled their advantage as half- Roma, now in third and a point of Jose Callejon due to suspen- E3-0 win at Bordeaux on time approached. behind Napoli, will move back up sion and capitalised to hit his Friday in an ideal warm-up for His cheeky chip over Bor- to second with a win at strug- maiden league goal for Napoli. next week’s Champions League deaux keeper Cedric Carrasso gling Crotone while Juventus can But it took until the second clash with Barcelona. came after a neat link-up from further underline their bid for half, after Faouzi Ghoulam, Ka- PSG joined Monaco, who face Lucas and Verratti with the Ital- a record sixth consecutive title lidou Koulibaly and Marek Ham- Metz on Saturday, on 55 points ian midfi elder delivering the as- with a win at Cagliari in Sunday’s sik had come close, for Napoli at the top of Ligue 1 but remain sist to Di Maria. late game. to break down a resolute Genoa second on goal diff erence. The sound of the referee’s Napoli’s 18th consecutive win side. Marco Verratti was back for whistle for the restart had barely in all competitions kept morale A mazy run from Mertens PSG after sitting out their last disappeared when Cavani picked high ahead of their Champions helped break the deadlock, the four games with a calf injury. up a cross from the left from Di League trip to Real Madrid in attempted clearance from his He joined his fellow Italian Maria to strike the ball with his midweek. attempt falling for Zielinski to Thiago Motta – suspended for fi rst touch past Carrasso. “We were all focused on Genoa smash past Eugenio Lamanna the Barcelona game – and Adr- That took the red-hot Uru- tonight, not Real,” Giaccherini and into the bottom corner min- ien Rabiot in midfi eld. guayan’s scoring percentage to told Sky Sport. utes after the restart. PSG coach Unai Emery also one goal a game. “We knew it would be hard be- Mertens came close to adding welcomed back fi rst choice With his encouraging return cause Genoa play a tight marking a second when he nutmegged keeper Kevin Trapp with the ahead of the Champions League game. Personally, I work hard Lucas Orban to test Lamanna, German enjoying a generally clash Verratti came off after an every day to be ready when the Amadou Diawara fi ring the fol- hassle free return to work. Paris Saint-Germain’s Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani celebrates after scoring against Bordeaux. hour with Di Maria quickly fol- coach calls. And when the coach low-up wide. Thiago Silva was given the lowing. calls, you have to step up to the But the Belgian’s masterpiece night off to freshen up for the knocked out of the French Cup It was a clean match and good Cavani’s neatly executed one- Emery introduced Hatem Ben plate.” on the night was his assist for Valentine’s Day Champions quarter-fi nals were fi lled by Pres- preparation for Tuesday.” touch volley put PSG into a sixth Arfa for Cavani for the closing 20 Milik, bought from Ajax to Giaccherini. League last 16 fi rst leg date with nel Kimpembe. “It was important As in that 4-1 defeat last minute lead after Vokasin Jo- minutes. replace Gonzalo Higuain when He hooked a long ball and Barcelona at the Parc des Princes to win because there’s another month that propelled PSG into vanovic’s failed attempt to head PSG headed back to the French he left Napoli for Juventus last fl icked it around Nicolas Burdis- on Tuesday. goal to achieve,” said Trapp. a fourth straight Cup fi nal it Marquinhos’ cross from the capital after a good evening’s work summer, has only recently re- so before rolling across for Giac- The captain’s shoes in central “We have put a little more was Cavani and Di Maria who right out of danger. but aware that a far stiff er test turned from a cruciate knee liga- cherini to tap into an empty net. defence against the side PSG had pressure on the other teams. starred. Unfortunately for the Bor- awaits them in 96 hours’ time. ment injury suff ered while on Gulf Times Sunday, February 12, 2017 5 GOLF

SPOTLIGHT MAYBANK CHAMPIONSHIP Willett in pole position to end Spieth holds win drought clubhouse lead at Pebble Beach Spieth was among 81 players who had to return to the course on Friday to complete round one, and he parred his last two holes at Monterey Peninsula Country Club for a 68

Reuters Los Angeles

AFP Open where he came joint sixth. ordan Spieth delivered a putting masterclass Kuala Lumpur This year, the world number 15 on the way to setting the clubhouse lead in missed the cut at the Abu Dhabi the weather-hit Pebble Beach National Pro- Championship, before fi nish- Am on Friday before second-round play was anny Willett stayed ing tied-54 at the Dubai Desert suspendedJ due to thick fog on the Monterey Penin- on course to end Classic, in which he triumphed sula in California. a 10-month title in 2016. The world number six fi red a seven-under-par 65 drought, knocking American Lipsky stays in close at Spyglass Hill, one of three venues being used for homeD a 67 to take a three-shot contention after he turned in a this week’s PGA Tour event, to post a 10-under to- lead over David Lipsky at the 68, courtesy of fi ve birdies, three tal of 133 before play was halted with only 33 players Maybank Championship Malay- of which came on the par-5 holes. back in the clubhouse. sia in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. “I drove it well and scrambled Derek Fathauer was also at 10 under but had one Englishman Willett, 29, al- well and I’m pretty happy with hole to play at Pebble Beach while Australian world most struck an eagle on the fi nal what I shot. Just keep doing what number one Jason Day was at nine-under with six hole for a better advantage but I’m doing. I’m playing pretty holes remaining at Spyglass Hill. his six birdies give him an upper well and giving myself opportu- “I have been striking it well,” Spieth told report- hand heading into the fi nal round nities. I’ll need to take advantage ers after ending his round at the par-four ninth with today. of the par fi ves,” said Lipsky. his eighth birdie of the day. “I’ve been trying to do a “I’m not sure what will win it “My last birdie before 18 was lot of work with the putter and we’ve got some pure to be honest, depends on if we on 10 so I’m happy to have made greens out here at Spy. pitch up and it’s fl at calm. I think that. Danny (Willett) and I are “I started to roll some putts in, starting on our there’s a few guys that can go low friends and it’ll be neat out there third hole of the day, number 12. So I got into a nice if it’s windy like this,” said Wil- competing.” rhythm, the hole started to look big towards the end lett. Frenchman Alexander Levy and I’m very glad to fi nish with a nice three.” “One or two under par is a also sits within touching dis- good knock out there so I think tance of Willett four shots back. ‘I’ve been trying to do a lot of work it all depends on the weather to- Austrian Bernd Wiesberger, with the putter and we’ve got morrow.” who went on a 11-birdie binge on some pure greens out here at Spy’ Ever since he triumphed at the Friday, faltered with a one-over- US Masters in April 2016, Willett par 73 to lie fi ve strokes behind Organisers were trying to get the tournament has only managed three top-10 with a chasing pack that includes back on track after the opening round, which was fi nishes, with the last one com- former US Open runner-up Gre- suspended on Thursday because of heavy rain, was ing at December’s Hong Kong gory Havret. fi nally completed mid-morning on Friday. However, fog then delayed the scheduled start of round two before later forcing play to be suspended for the day at 4:21pm. SELECTED SCORES The second round is scheduled to resume at 7:30am on Saturday, with sunny weather forecast 200 - Danny Willett (ENG) 68, Johannes Veerman (USA) for the rest of the weekend. 66-67-67 73-68-67, Thongchai Jaidee Spieth was among 81 players who had to return 203 - David Lipsky (USA) 68- (THA) 71-68-69, Gaganjeet to the course on Friday to complete round one, and 67-68 Bhullar (IND) 66-72-70, he parred his last two holes at Monterey Peninsula 204 - Alexander Levy (FRA) 209 - Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) Country Club for a 68 to sit one stroke off the lead. 69-68-67 72-68-69, Phachara Khong- He then headed out to Spyglass Hill where he 205 - Gregory Havret (FRA) watmai (THA) 65-75-69, Paul moved to the top of the leaderboard by shooting a 69-70-66, Panuphol Pittayarat Peterson (USA) 71-70-68, Pablo sparkling 65 that included a 12-foot birdie putt at (THA) 70-69-66, K.T. Kim (KOR) Larrazabal (ESP) 72-67-70, Lee the par-four second and a 25-footer at the par-four 68-68-69, Mike Lorenzo-Vera Westwood (ENG) 73-66-70, Shiv fourth. (FRA) 70-65-70, Bernd Wies- Kapur (IND) 70-67-72, Haydn “Conditions were all so totally diff erent...maybe berger (AUT)69-63-73 Porteous (RSA) 70-72-67 because we got so much rain during the round yes- 206 - Fabrizio Zanotti (PAR) 210 - Renato Paratore (ITA) 69- terday,” double major champion Spieth said of the 70-69-67, Anirban Lahiri (IND) 71-70, Rashid Khan (IND) 72-68- switch from Monterey Peninsula Country Club to 69-68-69 70, Ben Leong (MAS) 70-71-69, Spyglass Hill. 207 - Shubhankar Sharma (IND) Marc Warren (SCO) 63-75-72, “So much could happen with three courses. The Jordan Spieth lines up a putt on the 13th hole during Round Two of the 68-68-71 Sam Brazel (AUS) 66-71-73, fi rst two rounds, it’s been easy. Tomorrow might feel AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at Spyglass Hill Golf Course on Friday. 208 - Haotong Li (CHN) 71-69- Marcel Siem (GER) 66-71-73 a little diff erent.”

BOTTOMLINE Leadbetter runs rule over Trump and Abe

Reuters Orlando Donald Trump is quite a good player, according to esteemed swing coach David Leadbetter (R). resident Donald Trump will play a round of golf with Japanese Prime Min- ister Shinzo Abe in Florida, a leisurely match-up that should prove to be “a Pvery good game” based on their respective golf- ing skills, says esteemed swing coach David Leadbetter. The two world leaders are expected to play at Trump International Golf Club near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago retreat in Palm Beach today where they will be staying for the weekend along with their wives. Trump, who is the more athletic and experi- enced golfer of the two, has said that the experi- ence should be “a great thing...you get to know somebody better on a golf course than you will over lunch.” Leadbetter, who has worked with some of the best players in golf over the past 30 years, seriously and, according to a frequent playing assessed the strengths and weaknesses in both partner back in Japan, he usually shoots be- Trump’s and Abe’s swings for Reuters after re- tween 90 and 100 over 18 holes. viewing video footage at his academy headquar- “He sets up very comfortably over the ters at Champions Gate in Orlando, Florida. ball, looks like he has a good grip,” Leadbet- As he ran the rule over Trump’s set-up, Lead- ter said of Abe’s swing. “He has a little bit better said: “He addresses the ball very nicely. of a sway off the ball, a lot of leg movement His feet, his knees, his hips, his shoulders...all there, I’d like to see not quite as much knee pretty square so it looks very good at address. movement. “He takes the club a little bit back on the in- “He has a good upper body turn, maybe a side, under the plane as we call it...it reminds touch fl at but not bad. The big thing I think that me a little bit of the old Raymond Floyd swing. Prime Minister Abe could work on is getting His swing comes a little bit over the top but he through the ball... then makes a great move down with his lower you can see how he hangs back on his right body...a very athletic move. Trump, aged 70, has an offi cial handicap of ter, who has worked with former world number sion through the ball. I really like it. He has a foot. “Now President Trump is a fi ne golfer, he’s 2.8 and says that he has won 18 club champion- ones Nick Faldo, Nick Price and Ernie Els, and very powerful swing and there’s not much to go “If he gets through the ball a little bit better, a good athlete who’s played a lot of basketball. ships over the years. both Michelle Wie and Lydia Ko when they were wrong with that swing. I’m sure he would fi nd he would get a bit more He’s won a number of club championships... “He probably doesn’t practice as much now, teen prodigies. “Maybe you’d like to see the club more up on distance. But overall not a bad swing. he’s a very, very good player who loves to play given the job that he is in, but he gets the club on “Then as he swings through, you see his lower the backswing but overall he does a really good He is probably somebody who plays infre- the game.” a beautiful plane coming down,” said Leadbet- body really unwinding, a really good exten- job.” The 62-year-old Abe takes the game very quently.” Gulf Times 6 Sunday, February 12, 2017 SPORT

NBA FOCUS Lakers legend Magic ready Green’s unprecedented to call the shots for club

AFP triple-double lift s Los Angeles etired Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson, hired by the NBA club as an ad- viser to co-owner and president Jeanie Buss, is ready to “call the shots” for the team. RThe 57-year-old former guard won fi ve NBA titles in his 13 seasons with the Lakers in a career cut short Warriors over Grizzlies by his being diagnosed with HIV in 1991. He played in the 1992 NBA All-Star Game and briefl y again for the Lakers in 1996 before fi nally calling it quits. ‘A lot of guys on this team can score. We don’t need me to score. Some games I’ll score, some I won’t’ The Lakers announced last week that Johnson would assist Buss “on all business and basketball matters, collaborating with coaches, evaluating AFP and mentoring players, assessing future franchise Los Angeles needs and helping ownership to determine the best path for growth and success.” But Johnson told USA Today he hopes his role will efensive-minded Dray- be the man in charge as he tries to rebuild a club that mond Green delivered an has missed the playoff s the past three seasons after unprecedented triple- winning an NBA crown as recently as 2010. double Friday as the Gold- “Working to call the shots, because it only works enD State Warriors turned the tables that way,” Johnson told the newspaper. on a Memphis Grizzlies team that “Right now I’m advising. I get that. But at the had beaten them twice this season. end of the day, then we all got to come together and Green had 12 rebounds, 10 assists somebody’s got to say, ‘I’m making the fi nal call,’ and 10 steals for the fi rst triple- all right? And who’s that going to be? So, we’ll see double in NBA history that didn’t what happens.” include double-digit points. The Lakers were off to an 18-37 start this season Green scored only four, but with after posting their three worst seasons since moving teammate Klay Thompson scor- from Minneapolis in 1960 — 27-55 in 2013-14, 21-61 ing 36, Kevin Durant adding 24 and the following season and 17-65 in the 2015-16 cam- Stephen Curry contributing 18, paign. But the Lakers have also won 16 NBA crowns, Green knew he could contribute one shy of the record 17 taken by the Boston Celtics. elsewhere in the 122-107 triumph. Johnson’s growing role could herald the depar- “I’ve always said that’s what I ture of co-owner Jim Buss, Jeanie’s brother and the have to do on this team — I have to Lakers executive vice president of basketball op- bring it on the defensive end,” said erations. Jim Buss had said he would resign if the Green, who also blocked fi ve shots. Lakers weren’t a contender by the end of the sea- “A lot of guys on this team can score. son — when Johnson says his role will be defi ned. We don’t need me to score. Some “Look, Jim knows where we are, Jeanie knows games I’ll score, some games I won’t where we are, as a franchise, and so some decisions — I can always defend.” have to be made,” Johnson said. “I may only be in Green’s 10 steals were a record for this role for a short term. I may be here for a long the Warriors, who had fallen 110-89 time. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.” to Memphis in December and three weeks later squandered a 24-point ‘It’s going to take time’ lead to fall 128-119 to the Grizzlies in Johnson, who was inducted into the Basketball overtime. Hall of Fame in 2002, resigned as an honorary vice The Grizzlies were the fi rst team president of the Lakers last June. He had previ- to beat the Warriors twice in a sea- ously owned shared in the team, selling them in son since the San Antonio Spurs in 2011. Johnson, whose jersey number 32 has been 2014-15, but they barely got a look- retired by the Lakers, is also a part-owner of Major in this time. League Baseball’s Los Angeles Dodgers. He expects Golden State never trailed, pull- rebuilding the Lakers into a contender will take pa- ing away in a third quarter that saw tience and dedication as well as talent. Grizzlies coach David Fizdale eject- “It’s going to take time and we know that,” John- ed after receiving two quick techni- son said. “I’m not going to fool nobody and I don’t cal fouls. want the fan base to think, ‘Oh, I’m back, so it’s go- The Warriors led 98-77 going into ing to turn around tomorrow.’ It doesn’t work like the fourth quarter and extended that. You have to make some good decisions, you their lead to as many as 26 points in have to make sure we use the money wisely when the fi nal frame. we have it for free agents and then we’re going to The Warriors improved their draft well.” league-leading record to 45-8. Next Johnson said he has spoken by phone with fi rst- up is what promises to be an emo- year Lakers coach Luke Walton and they will meet tional clash with the Thunder on when the club returns from its current road trip. Saturday in Durant’s fi rst return to “If I was trying to make decisions on the team Oklahoma City since departing for and not consult with him, it would never work,” the Warriors as a free agent prior to Johnson said. “It’s all about coming together and this season. “It’s a bizarre event,” working together, all of us.” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green dribbles in the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports “You can only imagine the emotions he’s going through.” It’s the third-longest streak in bench for us with the energy, the 55.6% of their shots in the fourth and subsequent putback. the history of the Florida franchise. toughness and we play him literally quarter, they committed seven Miami took their fi rst lead since Heat drop Nets to stretch The Heat haven’t lost since January one through fi ve defensively but of- turnovers — including three in the fi rst quarter when Johnson win streak to 13 13, and the 13 wins they have put up fensively you see his versatility. He’s three straight possessions during a sank two free throws, and the Nets The Miami Heat rallied for a 108- in less than a month are more than in the best shape of his career. He’s 44-second stretch. wouldn’t lead again. 99 victory over the Brooklyn Nets the 11 they earned in the fi rst three just been absolutely pure about con- For the second straight time in on Friday to stretch their NBA win- months of the season. tributing to a team.” Brooklyn the Heat overcame a dou- RESULTS ning streak to 13 games — the long- Reserve James Johnson scored Goran Dragic added 21 points for ble-digit defi cit. Heat 108 Nets 99 est in the league this season. a season-high 26 points, coming the Heat, who outscored the Nets A fortnight after they rallied from Warriors 122 Grizzlies 107 The Heat, edging ever closer to within one point of his career high, 50-30 over the fi nal 19:24. 18 down, Miami battled back te- Nuggets 131 Knicks 123 a playoff spot, have now gone one as the Heat notched their third win Brook Lopez scored 30 points and naciously from an 11-point third- Spurs 103 Pistons 92 better than the league-leading over the Nets in the streak. added eight rebounds for the Nets, quarter defi cit on Friday. Pelicans 122 Timberwolves 106 Golden State Warriors, whose 12- “He’s been making great contri- who were doomed by 22 turnovers The Heat tied the game at 72-72 Wizards 112 Pacers 107 game winning streak from Novem- butions all year long,” Miami coach and endured their 12th successive with a minute remaining in the third Lakers 122 Bucks 114 ber 4-28 had been the longest of the Erik Spoelstra said of Johnson. defeat. when Tyler Johnson beat Justin Suns 115 Bulls 97 The Los Angeles Lakers have announced that season. “He fi lls in so many gaps off the Although Brooklyn connected on Hamilton for an off ensive rebound Kings 108 Hawks 107 Magic Johnson has rejoined the organisation to assist team executive Jeanie Buss.

SPOTLIGHT New York Knicks lose again amid Oakley drama

AFP was probably the last straw,” Dolan president Phil Jackson already taking New York said. Oakley, 53, took a swipe at Gar- a toll. den security personnel seeking to The Knicks fell to 22-33 with a 131- remove him from his seat and was ar- 123 home loss to the Denver Nuggets ew York Knicks owner James rested and charged with misdemean- on Friday night — a game where New Dolan said Friday he had our assault and criminal trespass. York fans off ered sporadic chants in banned former star Charles The Knicks say Oakley was abusive, support of Oakley along with boos for Oakley from the NBA team’s calling his claim that he was told to the current crop of Knicks. Nstoried Madison Square Garden arena leave the arena for no apparent reason New York coach Jeff Hornacek was after the fan favourite’s arrest there on “pure fi ction.” just as unimpressed with the defen- Wednesday. “I understand that he was a big star, sive eff ort of his starters. The fracas in the stands early dur- but that doesn’t excuse people from “They couldn’t guard anybody,” ing the Knicks’s loss to the Los Ange- that type of behaviour,” Dolan said. Hornacek said. “It’s as simple as that. les Clippers was the latest eruption But the sight of Oakley, a popular They should be embarrassed at the of the long-simmering feud between fi gure on the Knicks when they were way they couldn’t guard anybody.” Dolan and Oakley, who has been criti- perennial playoff contenders from Anthony did what he could to fi re cal of the owner’s stewardship of the 1988-98, being herded out of the the Knicks in the fourth quarter, scor- club. stands and handcuff ed provoked a ing 21 of his 33 points in the last pe- “Oakley will never be allowed to backlash from other former and cur- riod. enter MSG again,” Dolan told ESPN rent players. But it wasn’t enough against a Den- radio, although he later clarifi ed that Respected NBA veteran Dwyane ver team led by Serbian center Nikola it was “not necessarily a lifetime ban.” Wade and Clippers star Chris Paul Jokic’s career-high 40 points. Dolan, the executive chairman of were among those taking the Knicks It was a fourth straight defeat for a the Madison Square Garden company, to task via social media over the Knicks team that hasn’t put together also said that he had sacked the are- treatment meted out to Oakley. More back-to-back wins since December. na’s security chief, Frank Benedetto. melodrama was just what the reeling “There’s kind of this cloud over us “That was just a situation where Knicks didn’t need with tension be- right now,” Anthony said. “We have to Isaiah Whitehead (No 15) of the Brooklyn Nets rebounds against Justin Holiday of the New York Knicks during their game at the the person didn’t work out and this tween star Carmelo Anthony and club fi gure out a way to get out of it.” Barclays Center in New York City. (AFP) Gulf Times Sunday, February 12, 2017 7 SPORT

NHL SKIING Vonn v Stuhec in Gut’s shadow Low-scoring game AFP world downhill champion and St. Moritz, Switzerland joint Olympic champion with the also-retired Swiss racer Dominique Gisin, has proved indsey Vonn’s long- her form on the mountain hyped downhill duel by topping the two downhill against Lara Gut for training runs on the Engiadina the title of this sea- course. goes Wild’s way in Lson’s speed queen was slated Stuhec, second after the to be one of the highlights of combined downhill, made a the world championships in St dreadful error in the slalom, Moritz. sliding out after just three But today’s head-to-head gates, but vowing afterwards ran aground after Gut was ruled to “stay focused on the main out for the season after suff er- event”. ing a bad knee injury in training “Downhill trainings were 2-1 shootout victory for the slalom section of Fri- defi nitely better concerning day’s alpine combined event. how I felt on the skis. I know Gut’s injury was a cruel blow what to work on for Sunday!” ‘It was a really tough game. It was a lot of fun, and we’re always very happy to get the win’ for the Swiss team, for whom the 26-year-old said. the 25-year-old has become a “And hopefully today’s standard bearer, especially in downhill goes all the way from By Kent Youngblood the women’s speed events. the top.” Star Tribune (Minneapolis) “Wishing @Laragut a speedy Also in the running for a recovery. I feel your pain. Heal podium placing will be Ital- up,” tweeted Vonn, the Ameri- ian Sofi a Goggia, a remarkable his was a tighter game can herself coming back from a nine-time World Cup podium than the Wild have broken right humerus that has fi nisher this season, surprise played much this sea- left her such limited grip in her super-G gold medallist Nicole son. Low-scoring, de- hand that she has it bound by Schmidhofer of Austria and Tspite chances. Tightly-checked. tape onto her pole. Liechtenstein’s Tina Weirath- Ebbs and fl ow in a game that fea- Despite Gut’s agony, there er, who has 11 downhill podium tured just two goals through 60 was some compensation for fi nishes on the World Cup cir- minutes of regulation time, then Switzerland in the shape of cuit. 5 minutes of 3-on-3 overtime. Wendy Holdener who led home Joining Gut on the side- But in the shootout the Wild a memorable Swiss 1-2 in Fri- lines, however, will be Austria’s found a way to win again. day’s combined. Anna Veith who is making her Mikko Koivu went to his trusty Vonn fi nished fi fth in the comeback from a serious knee backhand to score the only goal combined and although she injury but has decided to step of the shootout, sending the insisted she had “no regrets” aside. Wild to a 2-1 victory over the about her day’s racing, she la- “Decision made: no downhill Lightning at Xcel Energy Center mented the fact organisers had for me at these world champs,” Friday night. shortened the opening down- said Veith, who won the overall Wild goaltender Devan Dub- hill in a bid to beat changeable World Cup titles in 2014 and nyk turned away Brandon Point, weather. 2015 under her maiden name Jonathan Drouin and Nikita “Hopefully it’ll be the Fenniger. Kucherov in the shootout to earn full course on Sunday,” said “I just want to make sure the victory, pushing the Wild to Vonn, adding that her com- that my teammates who have 15-8-6 in one-goal games this bined downhill — sixth best so much more downhill days season. of the runners — had not been than me can fi ght for the med- “It was a really tough game perfect. als, as they are out of reach for tonight,” Nino Niederreiter said. “I had a little bit too much air me. Jumps are right now too “It was a playoff -like atmos- in the middle and I pushed a lit- much for my knee. I will con- phere out there. It was a lot of tle bit wide before the traverse centrate on Thursday’s giant fun, and we’re always very happy and lost some speed there for slalom and go for training in to get the win.” sure, got into the slower snow,” the next few days.” Neither team scored in the the 32-year-old said. fi rst 20 minutes. But it was not “I’ll be looking at the video for lack of opportunity - espe- but I know there’s quite a bit of cially for the Wild. time to be had. I’ll be ready for The Lightning got two quick Sunday.” chances in the game’s open- In the absence of Gut, ing moments, the best coming Vonn’s principal rival for gold on Erik Condra’s defl ection that could well be Slovenia’s Ilka was turned away by Dubnyk, Stuhec, who leads the World who made 26 saves on the night. Cup downhill standings and For much of the rest of the pe- has won fi ve races this season riod the best chances were at the including three downhills and other end of the rink. a super-G. With 33 minutes gone Light- ning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy Minnesota Wild players celebrate a shootout win against Tampa Bay Lightning. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Stuhec in Maze’s boots gave up a big rebound in the slot Stuhec, taking up the man- that Jason Pominville got to, the puck from the top of the zone play after Pominville was whis- eral good chances, starting with and Marian Hossa also scored to tle from her now retired coun- but couldn’t bury. Less than a to Mikael Granlund in the right tled for high-sticking. But a Parise’s shot off from the slot on lead the Chicago Blackhawks to trywoman Tina Maze — 2015 Lindsey Vonn. minute later Zach Parise sent a circle, who one-timed a slapshot great hustle play by Parise ne- the rush with 4:15 left. a 5-2 victory over the Winnipeg pass to the goalmouth that was on net. gated that power play when With under 2 minutes left in Jets on Friday night at the MTS defl ected by Erik Haula, but Va- Vasilevskiy made the save, but Parise drew a holding penalty regulation, Granlund and Ryan Centre. Men’s downhill rescheduled for today silevskiy made the save. Perhaps the big rebound went up the slot with less than a minute left in Suter came down on 2-on-1, but Corey Crawford earned the the best chance was Jared Spur- to Nino Niederreiter, who back- the period. Granlund was stopped from the win in goal as the Hawks ran Poor visibility forced the can- group of competitors waited geon’s tip that went wide of a handed the puck through Vasi- After Jason Zucker whiff ed right circle. Granlund then had their winning streak to four cellation of the blue riband in the starting hut and thou- nearly-open net. levskiy’s legs at 14:31. But less on a rebound with an open net a shot with 10 seconds left, but games and salvaged a win in men’s downhill at the Alpine sands of ski fans thronged the The game remained score- than 3 minutes later the game yawning in front of him early in couldn’t get a good shot off af- the regular-season series after Skiing world championships finish area, before eventually less through much of a tightly- was tied again. the third period, the Lightning ter pouncing on a rebound. As dropping the fi rst four games yesterday. calling off the race at around checked second period, though The Lightning had control of picked up the pace and domi- overtime expired Granlund was between the teams. Low clouds descended over 1315 GMT. the Wild had a couple very good the puck in the Minnesota end nated play for much of the rest of denied again on the backhand. Bryan Little and Adam Lowry the 2,774m course shortly be- Organisers later said the race opportunities early with chances when Jason Garrison shot from the period. But Dubnyk was up scored for the Jets but it wasn’t fore the scheduled 1100 GMT would now take place after by Pominville and Parise in the above the left circle. Brayden to the task. Blackhawks roll to 5-2 enough as Connor Hellebuyck start and despite sun shining today’s women’s downhill at fi rst 2 minutes. Point, just to Dubnyk’s left, put Finally, after the crowd had victory over Jets suff ered the loss in goal. elsewhere on the surrounding 1230GMT. Canada’s Erik Guay But the Wild fi nally broke a bad-angle defl ection through grown quieter and quieter with Artemi Panarin had a goal and peaks, they would not dis- will be among the favourites through on the power play. Dubnyk’s legs at 17:16. each Tampa opportunity, the two assists, Patrick Kane and RESULTS perse. Race organisers made after winning the super-G With Brian Boyle off for trip- Just over a minute later the Wild woke up for the fi nal 5 min- Artem Anisimov each had a goal Wild 2 Lightning 1 (shootout) several inspections as the first earlier this week. ping Spurgeon, Pominville sent Lightning went on the power utes of the third, getting sev- and an assist and Duncan Keith Blackhawks 5 Jets 2

PORSCHE GT3 CUP CHALLENGE MIDDLE EAST Qatar-based Frijns fi nishes 3rd, Eastwood wins opener

Agencies um fi nish, Charlie Frijns said, “It was German Triller took a spin in the fi nal Abu Dhabi a tough fi rst lap, but also a tough race lap to gift Saudi Alesayi seventh. With overall. Cullen and Eastwood were 16 seconds separating Triller and the quicker in their starts and maintained rest of the race, he recovered in time to orthern Ireland newcomer a strong gap throughout the race. I’ll be lose only one place and take eighth. Charlie Eastwood joined the on new tyres in Race 2 and will work to Congestion in the middle of the race, grid for race one of the fourth secure quicker lap times and better re- forced UAE-driver Mardini off the track round at the Porsche GT3 Cup sults. in lap seven. Mardini moved with pas- NChallenge Middle East, surprising driv- “It’s challenging because we’re aim- sion at the start, but felt his small mis- ers to take fi rst place on the podium. ing to close the gaps instead of having take cost him his momentum, Lap eight A Porsche Carrera Cup GB scholar, them grow, the competition is quite also saw Isa S al-Khalifah and Christof- Eastwood fl ew into Abu Dhabi and onto tough so we just need to push harder. We fer Bergstorm return to the pits, where the grid as a guest driver, taking pole defi nitely have homework to do.” they remained for the race following a position in qualifying by clocking a furi- Just shy of a podium spot, Pereira collision. Round 4 racing continues this ous 2:13.611. showed his assertive side once more and weekend and fans can experience the Sharing the front row with title hope- pushed his way down the inside of Oli- live action for Race 2 at 3.15pm at Yas ful Charlie Frijns and seeing current phant and al-Zubair at the start, mak- Marina Circuit. championship leader Ryan Cullen start ing his way from sixth to fourth. He also Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle from the third row due to a qualifying maintained his position until the cheq- East represents the most professional penalty, Eastwood seemed in his ele- uered fl ag by building an impressive 4.8 series of its kind in the region and off ers ment on the Formula 1 track confi gura- seconds on the rest of the grid. a proven pathway to world-class inter- tion. Al-Zubair, Oliphant, Triller and Ale- national motorsport. Qatari resident Charlie Frijns lost his sayi had their own race behind the lead- Season eight features an international second place position on the opening ers. Omani rookie al-Zubair dropped grid of 16 drivers representing 12 diff er- turn of the race to championship leader two places during the lightening start, ent nationalities covering every level of Cullen. With guest driver Eastwood ending in sixth where a patience Oli- competition from professionals, ama- pulling away strongly at the front of the phant challenged on lap 10 for the fi fth teurs and rookie drivers. pack, Frijns continued to try and close place fi nish. International drivers hail from Ire- the gap between himself and Cullen. With only six-tenths of a second land, Norway, Germany, Luxenberg, Neither Frijns nor Cullen had the op- separating him and Oliphant, al-Zubair Sweden and Turkey with the best local portunity to gain another position be- showed fi ght until the end and took fi rst drivers representing the United Arab Qatar-based driver Charlie Frijns (R) celebrates on the podium after finishing third in race one of round four of Porsche fore the chequered fl ag. place podiums in both Silver and Rookie Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East in Abu Dhabi.Northern Ireland’s Charlie Eastwood (C) won the race ahead of current Talking after his third place podi- categories. Saudi Arabia. leader Ryan Cullen. Gulf Times 8 Sunday, February 12, 2017 SPORT

TENNIS/ FED CUP SPOTLIGHT It will be my last season Czechs and Spain tied as with Rafa on the Tour, says Pliskova, Muguruza win uncle Toni AFP ‘My serve was ridiculous today, which played a big role because I was under pressure much of the time’ Rome afael Nadal’s coach and uncle Toni FP Nadal has said he will no longer ac- Prague company the tennis great on tour, complaining that he is being shut out ofR decision-making. eigning champions the “From next year I will no longer follow Ra- Czech Republic were tied fael on the circuit and I will focus exclusively 1-1 with Spain in their on our (tennis) academy,” he was quoted as fi rst-round Fed Cup tie as saying on the Italian website tennisitaliano.it number-oneR players Karolina Plisk- Nadal’s spokesman Benito Perez told AFP ova and Garbine Muguruza won their the decision was unexpected. opening rubbers yesterday. “These words took us somewhat by sur- World number seven Muguruza, prise. If he said that, then it means just that. I the French Open champion, beat will speak to Rafa about it in the coming days. I 17th-ranked Barbora Strycova 6-0, don’t think we will be immediately communi- 3-6, 6-1 in the eastern Czech steel cating on this subject,” he said. hub of Ostrava to put Spain ahead. Coach Nadal said there was no rift with the Third-ranked Pliskova then lev- former world number one and multiple grand elled the tie after seeing off world slam champion. number 70 Lara Arruabarrena 6-4, “Relations with my nephew are still excel- 7-5. lent. During all these years, we have never been The Czechs are seeking their through a crisis,” he said. fourth straight Fed Cup title after “Until he was 17 years old, it was me who de- winning fi ve of the last six editions cided everything. Then Carlos Costa arrived as of the team competition. Spain last manager. Then his father became closer, each won the trophy in 1998. having his opinions. In the opening rubber on the “And the truth is that every year I had less hardcourt of the Ostravar Arena, the decision-making, until the day when I will de- 23-year-old Muguruza took the fi rst cide on nothing.” set to love as Strycova struggled with Spain’s Carlos Moya joined the Nadal coach- her fi rst serve and piled up errors. ing team at the end of last year. The 30-year-old Czech recovered off ering more courage and some fi ne Zhanat survives knockdowns off ensive tennis in set two, break- ing Muguruza’s serve twice for a 6-3 to dethrone Warren win. But her composure crumbled Kazakhstan’s Zhanat Zhakiyanov survived in the third set as Muguruza put her two first-round knockdowns to upset under heavy pressure to cruise to a Rau’shee Warren by split decision on Friday convincing 6-1 victory. and claim the World Boxing Association “My serve was ridiculous today, bantamweight world title. which played a big role because I was On the same card in Toledo, Ohio, unbeaten under pressure much of the time,” Robert Easter retained his International Strycova told the public Czech TV. Boxing Federation lightweight title with a In a clash of two 24-year-olds, unanimous decision over Puerto Rico’s Luis Pliskova took the fi rst set on a single Cruz. break before breaking Arruabarrena Warren, making his first defense of the title again early into the second set. he claimed with a majority decision win over The Spaniard fought back and Juan Carlos Payano, looked headed for a even earned a set point on a 5-4 lead short night when he put the challenger down as Pliskova lost her concentration for Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic returns the ball to Lara Arruabarrena of Spain Garbine Muguruza of Spain returns a ball to Barbora Strycova of Czech twice in the first three minutes. a while, but that turned out to be a during their Federation Fed Cup match in Ostrava yesterday. (AFP) Republic during their Fed Cup match in Ostrava yesterday. (AFP) But Zhakiyanov, trained by Britain’s former wake-up call for the Czech 2016 US two-division world champion Ricky Hatton, Open fi nalist who earned another steadied and gradually seized control of the break to win. Bertens puts Netherlands back on track bout. “I made an awful lot of mistakes, He hurt Warren with a pair of right hands that’s what the entire match was Minsk: Kiki Bertens rallied from a set down set down to beat Dutchwoman Michaella in the third round and Warren was on the about, either I slammed it in or I to beat Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, draw- Krajicek 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. canvas moments later, although referee Gary made a mistake,” said Pliskova. ing the Dutch squad level at 1-1 in their Fed “I was a bit nervous at the match start, Rosato ruled he’d been pushed rather than “I knew we were 1-0 down but that Cup World Group encounter here while Michaella played really well” Sas- knocked down. doesn’t have an impact on me on the yesterday. novich said. For the rest of the fight Zhakiyanov attacked court, I simply tried to win the point.” Bertens, who is 24th in the WTA rankings, “Luckily, later I managed to find my rhythm relentlessly, his punishing body blows In today’s reverse singles, Pliskova won 3-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 in her first ever meet- and perform my normal tennis. I was very particularly eff ective against the American will face Muguruza and Strycova is ing with the Belarussian 18-year-old in 2 pleased to win the first point for my team.” southpaw. then due to take on Arruabarrena. hours 22 minutes. Krajicek broke twice in the opening set for a While one judge saw it 115-111 for Warren, Czechs Lucie Safarova and Kat- Racking up a catalogue of unforced errors one-set lead in 43 minutes, while Sasnovich Zhakiyanov got the nod from the other two erina Siniakova were drawn for the to allow the teenager to take the first set in broke back once. The second set was a by scores of 116-110 and 115-111. potentially decisive doubles rubber 26 minutes, the Dutch ace looked rusty. mirror reflection of the first as Sasnovich Zhakiyanov, 33, was fighting for the first time against Sara Sorribes Tormo and The rivals traded breaks twice in the levelled at 1-1 after one hour 24 minutes on since a split decision victory over Yonfrez Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, but second set which was decided in a tiebreak. court. In the deciding set Sasnovich broke Parejo in Monte Carlo in November of 2015. the line-up is most likely to change. Bertens, who was more accurate, pulled the twice again to chalk up Belarus team’s first He improved to 27-1 with 18 knockouts while The Czechs miss 12th-ranked scores level at one set all after one hour 42 point. “I’m pleased with my performance in Warren fell to 14-2. two-time Wimbledon champion minutes. In the deciding set Bertens broke the first two sets,” Krajicek said. Easter, a Toledo native, knocked down Petra Kvitova over a hand injury early for a comfortable 3-1 lead, which she “I had chances to win today but failed to Cruz three times — in the 10th, 11th and 12th she suff ered when fi ghting a knife- kept confidently through to win the set take these occasions. Hopefully, I managed rounds — en route to victory. wielding burglar last December. and the match. Earlier yesterday Aliaksan- to tire Aliaksandra enough to make my Dutch Kiki Bertens reacts after defeating Belarus’ Aryna He won by scores of 119-106, 118-107 and Spain have lost world number dra Sasnovich, ranked 128th, put Belarus teammate Bertens tomorrow’s objective to Sabalenka in the Fed Cup World Group first round match in 117-108 to improve to 19-0 with 14 knockouts, 14 Carla Suarez Navarro to a right into the lead as she battled back from a win a bit easier.” Minsk yesterday. (AFP) while Cruz fell to 22-5 with one drawn. shoulder injury.

MOTORSPORT Valverde claims fifth Murcia win

Madrid: Spanish veteran Alejandro Val- verde (Movistar) stormed to his fifth win in Wary Neuville heads for triumph the one-day Tour of Murcia yesterday. On home soil, the 36-year-old broke clear AFP — was cancelled with safety in mind. with 60 kilometres of the 182.7km stage to Torsby, Sweden At Monte Carlo, a fan died following win in 4hrs 03mins 08secs. an accident involving Hyundai’s New Valverde, who also won in Murcia in 2004, Zealand driver Hayden Paddon. 2007, 2008 and 2014, will go head-to-head hierry Neuville was just “It’s never good news to have a stage with Alberto Contador at the Ruta del Sol 60km from a Rally Sweden cancelled, but I understand,” said in Andalusia later this week. triumph yesterday but re- Ogier. Colombian Jhonatan Restrepo (Katusha) mained wary after throwing Tanak won three stages in the was 2mins 10secs back in second with Taway victory from a similar com- morning before Neuville claimed two Austria’s Patrick Konrad (Bora-Hansgrohe) manding position at the Monte Carlo in the afternoon. It was a day to forget third. Valverde escaped more than 60 season-opener last month. for British driver Kris Meeke who was kilometers from the finish and resisted his The Belgian Hyundai driver built up sitting fi fth overall before he lost con- pursuers to the line. Colombian Jhonatan a commanding 43.3sec lead over Fin- trol of his Citroen and ended up in the Restrepo (Katusha-Alpecin) took second land’s Jari-Matti Latvala in a Toyota trees. He lost more than eight minutes (+2:10) directly in front of the Austrian ahead of Sunday’s fi nal day on the ice- as a result. Patrick Konrad (Bora-Hansgrohe). hardened Swedish tracks. “It really was hard, mainly because of However, Neuville won’t get carried Standings those strong headwinds in the later part away having also led in Monte Carlo 1. Thierry Neuville-Nicolas Gilsoul of the race down to Murcia,” said Valverde on the Saturday night only for a costly (BEL/Hyundai i20) 2h02:41.2, 2. Jari- after the race. “I had planned to jump from error caused him to hand victory to Matti Latvala-Miikka Anttila (FIN/ the bottom of the Collado Bermejo, and world champion Sebastien Ogier in- Toyota Yaris) at 43.3, 3. Ott Tänak-Rai- I had my team-mates pushing hard from stead. go Molder (EST/Ford Fiesta RS) 47.6, the Aledo part of the climb, but I was really “I tried to control, but I didn’t get 4. Sebastien Ogier-Julien Ingrassia hoping for someone to come from behind too much pleasure. It’s very delicate as (FRA/Ford Fiesta RS) 1:00.5, 5. Dani and take some turns with me. we all know what happened in Monte Sordo-Marc Marti (ESP/Hyundai i20) “In the end, I saw I was alone and I told to Carlo,” said Neuville who will be seek- 2:23.7, 6. Craig Breen-Scott Martin myself: ‘I keep going on the descent, and ing a fourth career win today. (IRL-GBR/Citroën C3) 2:46.3, 7. Elfyn should they catch me, maybe I can go for “Anything can still happen so we re- Evans-Daniel Barritt (GBR/Ford Fiesta it in the sprint, and shouldn’t they, I win’ – ally have to be careful.” RS) 4:23.9, 8. Hayden Paddon-John and I made it to the finish. I just had to give Estonia’a Ott Tanak and M-Sport/ Kennard (NZL/Hyundai i20) 5:42.6, it a try, even it it was so far away from the Ford teammate Ogier were third 9. Stéphane Lefebvre-Gabin Moreau finish and it was a long shot, but that was and fourth respectively Saturday at (FRA/Citroën DS3) 6:20.5, 10. Pontus the only point where I could win solo from. 47.6sec and 1 minute 5sec off the lead. Tidemand-Jonas Andersson (SWE/ I took that chance, and I succeeded.” One of yesterday’s stages — the 12th Skoda Fabia) 7:15.5. Gulf Times Sunday, February 12, 2017 9 SPORT

ATHLETICS Bolt fi res his ‘All-Stars’ team to Nitro Series win ‘It was brilliant, it was exciting. Tonight came down to the last event and I think everyone in the track and field world really enjoyed this. I knew that this is what track and field needed. I’m just happy the event came together the way that it did. We know we have improvements to do... We’re going to keep trying to improve it along the way’

Reuters establish a lead of over 10 metres mid- Melbourne race, before easing up in the closing stages. “This is the fi rst time I’ve ever been fi t in February,” Bolt said. sain Bolt fi red his team of in- “I’m happy I got to run an individ- ternational ‘All Stars’ to vic- ual event, I felt good, and I have to try tory in the inaugural Nitro to stay injury free. I’ve got a couple of Athletics Series in Melbourne months to go (until the World Champi- yesterday,U capping the glitzy event with onships) and I should be fi ne.” a dominant win in the 4x100m relay to The 30-year-old Jamaican star pip hosts Australia in the fi nal standings. clocked a time of 15.28 seconds, less Running the second leg of the relay, than a second slower than the world the eight-times Olympic gold medal record of 14.35 he set over the distance winner took the baton from fellow Ja- in Manchester in 2009. His world maican sprinter Asafa Powell before record for 200m, also set in 2009 in Jeneba Tarmoh and Natasha Morrison Berlin, is 19.19 seconds. powered to the fi nish in front of a sell- New Zealand’s Joseph Miller fi nished out crowd at Lakeside Stadium. strongly in 15.44 seconds with Confi - Having run in only the relays in the dence Lawson of England third in 15.69. opening two instalments of the three- Some 45 minutes later, Bolt again ran night series, Bolt also took his fi rst in- the second leg of the mixed 4x100m re- dividual run of the year, burning away lay, helping his ‘All Stars’ take out the from a modest fi eld for an easy win in fi nal event of the night, as they had at the 150m sprint ahead of New Zealand- the previous two Nitro meets last Sat- er Joseph Millar. urday and Thursday. The ‘All-Stars’ fi nished the team- Bolt took the baton from fellow Ja- based meeting with 3,040 points, edg- maican Asafa Powell and stretched the ing Australia by 77 points, with Bolt lead before handing over to American playing a key role as both his team’s Jeneba Tarmoh. linchpin and the event’s ‘chief enter- Another Jamaican, Natasha Morri- tainment offi cer’. son, ran the fi nal leg to secure victory But the fi nal score was less important for Bolt’s ‘All Stars’ and take them to than the crowds and television fi gures the top of the points table on the night for an event that promised to “revolu- to claim the fi rst Nitro trophy ahead of tionise” athletics by borrowing heavily Australia. from the formula of sport and entertain- Bolt said he wanted to run as often as ment that has underpinned Twenty20 he could now. “I’m going to try to do as cricket’s considerable success. many meets as possible as long as I stay “It was brilliant, it was exciting. To- fi t, just to let everyone see me because it’s night came down to the last event and my last season,” the Jamaican icon said. I think everyone in the track and fi eld But he admitted the experimental world really enjoyed this,” Bolt, who format involving traditional and modi- was paid a seven-fi gure sum to run in fi ed events, including mixed gender re- Melbourne and was given a stake in the lays and an elimination mile, designed Series, told reporters. to provide non-stop action over a two- “I knew that this is what track and hour period, might still need tweaking. fi eld needed. I’m just happy the event “We know we have improvements to came together the way that it did. We do we will defi nitely fi nd diff erent events know we have improvements to do... and we got to keep trying to improve it We’re going to keep trying to improve it Usain Bolt and his All Stars celebrate after winning the inaugural Nitro Athletics meet in Melbourne yesterday. All Stars pipped hosts Australia in the final standings. (AFP) along the way,” Bolt said. “It’s less stress along the way,” he added. but a lot of fun and that’s what we need With a sprinkling of big interna- “I thought it was a terrifi c start,” said Thursday’s second instalment when lays, there was inevitably confusion at ish distance running great Coe. “The in the track world. It’s defi nitely going to tional names and a number of athletes Coe, who attended the latter two nights the meeting referee botched the score times among some athletes and fans. big challenge is to make sure that when help athletics overall.” well off peak fi tness, the entertainment of the Series. “It’s an obvious thing to in the fi nal relay and awarded the night Bolt, who is contracted to bring his we don’t have Usain out there, that the Twelve events were contested on outweighed the quality of the sport but say but unless we innovate we are going to Australia rather than the ‘All-Stars’, ‘All-Stars’ to Australia for the next two world recognises that the sport is full of each of the three nights, with points the parochial crowd warmly embraced to become less and less relevant and we leaving an incredulous Bolt crying foul. years, said he hoped to make the event extraordinary talent.” awarded for each placing, from 100 the team rivalries and the novel pro- can’t aff ord to do that.” The error was corrected, putting the international and attract overseas in- After restricting himself to a leg of points to the winning team down to 40 gramme of events. The three nights of the Series drew ‘All-Stars’ rightly on top, but not before vestors. But with his retirement after the mixed 4x100m relay on each of the for the sixth-place fi nisher. IAAF president Sebastian Coe, bat- over 23,000 spectators, nearly double the live broadcast was fi nished and much the World Championships in London, fi rst two nights at Melbourne’s packed In a bid to sell the action-packed tling to lift the sport’s profi le outside of the total attendance for the entire pro- of the crowd had fi led out of the stadium. his absence from the track will be a big Lakeside Stadium, the world’s fastest Nitro concept globally, Bolt fronted the Olympics and repair its reputation gramme of athletics events across Aus- With ‘power play’ events awarding test for the Series’ ambitions. man contested the 150m, winning con- the ‘All Stars’—including athletes from after a series of major doping and cor- tralia last year. It was not without its double points to winners and an unor- “In my lifetime, I’ve not seen anyone vincingly. Jamaica, the US and Kenya—against ruption scandals in recent years, was teething problems though. thodox programme of mile eliminations, grab the sporting landscape, probably Bolt was clearly fastest out of the teams representing Australia, England, impressed. Organisers were red-faced during mixed distance medleys and 300m re- not since Muhammad Ali,” said Brit- blocks and around the bend to quickly New Zealand, Japan and China.

BOTTOMLINE Russian athletes to compete at World U-18 meet in Kenya Iraq’s ‘cycling girls’ ride for freedom under the IAAF fl ag AFP country started posting pictures of Baghdad themselves on bicycles and dozens have AFP joined group bike rides in the streets of Nairobi Baghdad, which are closed off to traffi c er name is Marina Jaber but by police who escort the cyclists. to many she is “the girl on the “It’s not illegal for a woman to cy- ussian athletes will be allowed to com- bike”, a young Baghdad artist cle in Iraq but because of the war we pete in the World Under-18 Champion- inspiring Iraqi women to ex- Iraqis stopped doing a lot of things Rships in Kenya under a neutral banner, Hercise their rights one pedal at a time. we used to do... we are too busy with the organisers said yesterday. In Iraq’s conservative society, the death,” Jaber said. It will be the first time that Russia will be rep- young woman cuts an unusual fi gure Jumana Mumtaz, a broadcast jour- resented in an international championships af- when she rides her red bicycle in the nalist from the northern Iraqi city of ter the country was suspended last September streets of the capital, her long black Mosul, posted a picture of herself on a by the International Association of Athletics hair swaying in the wind. bicycle from the edge of the battlefi eld in Federations (IAAF) over doping violations. What started off as an art project December to support Jaber’s initiative. “Russian athletes will be eligible to became a social media meme and “It was a way of challenging ISIS compete in Nairobi as ‘individuals’ under then a civil society movement. A and extremist thought,” she said, re- a neutral banner (presumably under the group of women now gathers regu- ferring to the Islamic State jihadist IAAF),” the U-18 championships organising larly to cycle in Baghdad and break group which still controls half of her committee (LOC) chief executive off icer, new ground. Or is it old ground? city despite a three-month-old gov- Mwangi Muthee, said. “My mother and my grandmother ernment off ensive. The Russian entry should serve as a used to ride bicycles. It used to be “Also, a lot of people in Iraq, not consolation for the championship organis- normal,” Jaber says. just ISIS, think women shouldn’t be ers following the withdrawal of several top She said she questioned why she able to do what they want and think nations including Australia, Britain, Canada, had felt so proud when she rode a bike our behaviour is shameful... Marina New Zealand and Switzerland due to security during a visit to London last year. Iraqi cyclist Marina Jaber (centre) and others cycle through the streets of Baghdad during an event. (AFP) got many very aggressive comments concerns in the east African nation. “It’s only a bike. It’s a simple thing. and so did I,” Mumtaz said. Muthee, who was a member of the Kenyan It should be normal,” the 25-year-old on Iraqi social media last year. tribal or religious restrictions. ing pantaloons. Most of those comments came delegation that travelled to Monaco last said. “Does society just not allow us “With that old man, I found my Hashtags started spreading on the More than a century later, the from men but they are also welcome week to brief the IAAF, said security had to do certain things or does it start answer. For more than fi ve minutes, internet and Jaber was overwhelmed symbol is still potent in the Middle when Jaber’s group organises a ride. been steeped up in the Kenyan capital of not accepting those certain things I was riding next to him and he kept by the response she got. East, as exemplifi ed in the 2012 Saudi “It’s liberating for a man too. Eve- Nairobi where the championships will be because we stopped doing them? looking at me. He didn’t seem to like “I received a lot of messages... fi lm Wadjda about an 11-year-old girl ryone looks so happy, the city even held from July 12-16. That was an important question that it,” Jaber said. mostly from young girls. Maybe they from Riyadh who defi es society and looks more beautiful like this. It feels “The LOC tabled a letter to the IAAF Coun- had been on my mind for a long time.” “Then he stopped looking and needed somebody to stand up for her mother’s disallowance by buying like the normal life we want,” said cil from the Kenyan government confirm- To fi nd the answer, Jaber started went about his business. All the peo- their rights,” she said. the green bike of her dreams with the Mustafa Ahmed, a young army of- ing its absolute commitment to ensuring cycling in her neighbourhood and ple in the area got used to it, they Her red bicycle became the centre- prize money from winning a Qur’anic fi cer, at a recent rally. security to all the participants, off icials and made that a project for a contempo- stopped looking at me... I under- piece of her installation at an exhibit recitation contest. “There were some negative re- spectators before, during, and after the rary arts institute called Tarkib — an stood then that I am society. If I want in Baghdad last year and Jaber’s action Jaber’s story also echoes that of actions at fi rst but the comment I championships,” he said. Arabic word which can mean instal- something, I should start doing it.” joined a long global history of cycling Bushra al-Fusail, a photographer hear the most now is ‘Aah, this is the Kenya had hoped to lure athletes from lation and assemblage. Jaber instantly became an inspi- as a symbol of women’s emancipation. from Yemen who started her coun- Baghdad we know’,” said Jaber, who 155 countries to the biennial championships A picture Jaber posted of herself ration for many girls and women In England, suff ragette Alice try’s fi rst female cycling group in 2015 has received several off ers to help which will be the last world under-18 as the cycling alongside an old man riding across the country yearning to lead Hawkins once famously rode down to affi rm women’s rights and protest distribute free bikes to Iraqi women. IAAF plans to introduce a diff erent competi- his own bicycle and staring at her in their lives the way they choose and the streets of Leicester to promote against the war. “Now I want to support girls to stop tion structure. reproving disbelief made the rounds not bow to more or less recent social, women’s rights—scandalously wear- In Iraq, women from across the being scared. We can change reality.” ulf Times 10 Sunday, February 12, 2017 RUGBY

SPOTLIGHT PREVIEW France feel pressure Daly helps England from resurgent Scots fi ght back to defeat

Wales in thriller French coach Guy Noves (C) talks to his players. AFP “We’re quite impressed with Paris the progress they’ve made. As a Elliot Daly’s dramatic try four minutes from time saw Grand Slam champions England fan of good rugby, you can only acknowledge that they’ve made come from behind to beat Wales 21-16 in a Six Nations international in Cardiff entre Remi Lamerat ad- some great improvements.” mitted France are feel- Whereas in many previous ing the pressure ahead years a clash against visiting of today’s Six Nations Scots would have been consid- Cclash against Scotland in Paris. ered a home banker — France Although widely considered to were on a 10-match winning be improving under Guy Noves, streak against Scotland until last who took over the France reins year’s 29-18 Six Nations reverse from Philippe Saint-Andre fol- at Murrayfi eld — now there is a lowing the 2015 World Cup de- very real feeling that Vern Cot- bacle, ‘Les Bleus’ are still fi nding ter’s team is capable of leaving victories hard to come by. the Stade de France with a full They won only two matches in compliment of points. last year’s Six Nations before, in “A second defeat, at home November, losing by two points against Scotland, would deny to Australia and by fi ve against us (the possibility of getting a New Zealand. good) result in this tournament, Last weekend’s 19-16 reverse so there’s maybe a bit more pres- against England took Noves’s sure than normal, although once record to seven defeats from 11 again that’s not a bad thing,” internationals. added Lamerat. Meanwhile Scotland — with seven wins from their last 11 — ‘MASSIVE STRIDES’ have been getting steadily better According to Scotland captain since losing every match of the Greig Laidlaw, it is a tough men- 2015 Six Nations, culminating tal edge that has been added to with their shock 27-22 success the team and is making the dif- against Ireland last week. ference. “We’re all unanimous in say- “Where I feel the team has ing that Scotland play an attrac- made massive strides is be- tive game that is also eff ective ing able to dig ourselves out of a given that they beat Ireland and hole,” said the Glasgow scrum- have started to have lots of good half. results in this competition,” said “After allowing Ireland to Clermont centre Lamerat. come back at us, we managed to “For us in the backs, when we get fi eld positions and eventually have a three-quarter line (oppo- see out the win, so it’s pleasing site) as talented and spectacular, to know we can perform in these it’s a great challenge. situations.

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE England players celebrate after England’s wing Elliot Daly (R) scored their second try during the Six Nations international rugby union match against Wales yesterday.

AFP beat Alex Cuthbert for pace for a stun- Hughes and blindside fl anker Maro Itoje, in sight of England’s line. Scotland are a team Cardiff , United Kingdom ning try. best known as a lock. On the stroke of half-time though, Signifi cantly, Farrell added the awk- Jones dropped Wood to the bench for England’s defence cracked. ward conversion and that meant Wales a fi xture where the coach won the right From a close-range scrum, scrum-half for all terrain, says lliot Daly’s dramatic try four had to score a try just to equalise. to have the stadium’s retractable roof re- Rhys Webb found Liam Williams with minutes from time saw Grand But England’s defence held fi rm. main open. the wing making the most of centre Scott Slam champions England come An early penalty apiece from Halfpen- Prior to yesterday’s match, Hughes, Williams’s ‘decoy run’. coach Cotter from behind to beat Wales 21-16 ny and Farrell left the score tied at 3-3. Cliff ord and Itoje had a mere four Test Coach Eddie Jones decided to send on inE a Six Nations international in Cardiff But England, after Daly missed a long- back-row starts between them, whereas some of his ‘fi nishers’, so important in yesterday. range penalty, scored the fi rst try of the the Wales loose forward trio of Ross Mo- England’s opening 19-16 win at home to Wales were 16-11 in front with nine match through scrum-half Ben Youngs. riarty, Sam Warburton and Justin Tipuric France, earlier than usual, with captain minutes left but an Owen Farrell penalty However, sustained Welsh pressure previously had a combined 130 appear- Dylan Hartley replaced by reserve hooker reduced their lead before left wing Daly was eventually rewarded on the stroke of ances to their credit. Jamie George just seven minutes into the went in at the corner for a converted try half-time when wing Liam Williams ran That diff erence in experienced told second half. that extended England’s national record a sharp line from behind a scrum for a try early on as two promising England moves Wales coach Rob Howley responded winning streak to 16 victories. Halfpenny converted. ended with Wales forcing ruck turnovers. by changing both his props and bringing A fast-paced fi rst half of few set-piec- Wales saw right wing George North England, however, kept Wales pinned powerful No 8 Taulupe Faletau, out in- es ended with Wales fi ve points in front pull out an hour before kick-off after he in their own 22 as the visitors retained jured since Christmas Eve, off the bench. at 13-8. failed a fi tness test on a leg injury, with possession. Another penalty exchange left Wales 16- Leigh Halfpenny’s boot appeared to his place taken by Cuthbert. It seemed they might succumb to 11 in front heading into the fi nal quarter. have secured victory for Wales but Eng- But fl y-half Dan Biggar, who came off ‘white-line’ fever until, after several Somehow England’s forwards found the land rallied to ensure their Australian at half-time in Wales’s opening 33-7 win darts by the pack, the ball was spun left energy to lay siege to the Welsh line only coach Eddie Jones retained his perfect away to Italy, was passed fi t. and Youngs crossed for a try that Farrell for Youngs’s pass off a ruck to be picked off record as Red Rose boss. Wales kicked off with a huge advantage could not convert. by Biggar, who cleared the danger with a Scotland’s national Rugby Union coach Vern Cotter. The decisive passage of play saw Wales in back-row experience. Wales gradually came back, although 70-metre interception break. force a turnover near their own try-line England’s loose forward trio com- their cause was not helped by captain But England edged closer when another AFP and enthralling aff air, with two only for centre Jonathan Davies’s aimless prised Jack Cliff ord, fi t after a chest in- Alun Wyn Jones declining two kickable Farrell penalty let them just two points be- Paris teams backing themselves to beat kick to be run back in style by Daly, who jury and in for Tom Wood, No 8 Nathan penalties, with the lock also knocking-on hind at 14-16 before Daly had the fi nal say. each other on merit. But O’Halloran says France cotland may be getting a will not be quite as cavalier as BOTTOMLINE reputation for being an they were last year, when they expansive running outfi t went to Murrayfi eld and lost 29- but assistant coach Jason 18, during coach Guy Noves’s O’HalloranS believes they can still fi rst Six Nations in charge. mix it in the mud. “What he (Noves) has done In days gone by, Scotland were since coming into the fold is known for their dour kicking- pretty impressive. I think they Nine-try Ireland in record win based brand of rugby that could were a little bit reckless with AFP far better discipline, Conor later when Keith Earls was given prove eff ective on cold, wet and their offl oading last year but I Rome O’Shea’s men were dominated acres of space on the right fl ank. windy nights at Murrayfi eld in assume he’s tightened up on that for long periods and, worryingly, The fi rst of Jackson’s conver- November. and they’re much more accurate saw their defence collapse in a sions gave Ireland a 7-0 lead on They had toppled Australia in that department. hat-trick of tries for completely one-sided second 14 minutes. in 2009 and South Africa a year “I thought their performance CJ Stander and Craig half. Italy reduced arrears quickly later in such conditions. against the All Blacks in the au- Gilroy, and nine con- O’Shea, who played 35 times thanks to Carlo Canna’s pen- But the Scotland of New tumn was outstanding and they versions from fl y-half for Ireland as a full-back, had alty but Italy’s defence caved in Zealander Vern Cotter is one were very unfortunate not to win PaddyA Jackson, relaunched Ire- asked for discipline to improve when Stander collected Zebo’s that excites and throws the ball that game — Beauden Barrett land’s Six Nations title hopes after shipping 15 penalties to skip pass to touch down past the around with confi dence and ex- goes 95 metres off an intercept yesterday with a record 63-10 Wales. left corner fl ag. pectation. and I think that was a massive win over Italy in Rome. But in doing so, Italy’s game Jackson’s conversion bob- Yet O’Halloran, a former All turning point (France lost 24- Ireland, the 2015 champions, elsewhere suff ered. bled over for a 14-3 lead, “one of Black international, believes 19). arrived in the Eternal City look- “In the fi rst 20 minutes we took the ugliest I’ve ever seen”, said they proved last week they can “I think they dominated that ing to make amends for a 27- a battering,” said O’Shea. “We Schmidt, who said it resembled still toil when necessary. game through much of it, so 22 defeat at Murrayfi eld when talked about Ireland’s ability to “a wounded duck”. “I like to think we can play in they’re a very dangerous team.” Scotland scored three tries in the hold the ball through the phases, Handling errors and a tight both conditions. The way we As for the spectacle, opening half hour. and the fi rst 20 minutes took a Irish defence intent on making muscled up, up front against Ire- O’Halloran is confi dent both And Joe Schmidt’s men left physical and mental toll on us. amends for their poor start to land last week, suggests we could teams will put on a show, aided the “Colosseum” of the Stadio “We played against a team that, Scotland ended Italian hopes of play quite alright in these type of by South African referee Jaco Olimpico with no doubts as to in every department, is better a quick fi ghtback, and their de- conditions where it’s wet and Peyper. their tournament credentials. than us. It was a tough day. fence suff ered, too. slippery. It puts a premium on “I heard the forecast (for Sun- Depite their loss to Scotland, “But we will never hang our Fast Irish hands moved the ball security and making those day) is very good so we’re looking New Zealander Schmidt was bu- heads. We have to get ready in ball out to the right channel, hard yards around the fringe and forward to it. oyed by a win that sets the Irish Ireland’s Craig Gilroy scores a try during his team’s Six Nations one week’s time and be focused where Earls was allowed to run being really physical in defence,” “Both teams showed some up well for France next week: Championship match against Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. for England at Twickenham.” over unhindered, Jackson con- said O’Halloran. good attacking intent last week “We didn’t release the pressure After seeing winger Angelo verting for a 21-3 lead. “I’d like to think we’ve got an so I’m expecting an open game valve.” Italy away from home. was sidelined by a stomach bug. Esposito’s timely interven- Italy bounced back thanks all-court game and can play in with a lot of advantage played by Ireland’s previous highest “I thought we were a lot more “We defi nitely held on to the tion knock the ball from Simon to a penalty try, awarded after any conditions.” the referee — he likes to play that score against Italy was a 60-13 clinical than usual,” said Ireland ball better through the phases.” Zebo’s hands as he was about to Ireland collapsed the line-out There are high hopes that to- way, so I’m expecting long pas- win at Lansdowne Road in 2000. No 8 Jamie Heaslip, standing in Although Italy made amends touch down on 11 minutes, Ire- drive, losing Donnacha Ryan to a day’s Six Nations clash at the Sta- sages of play and opportunities This was their highest against as captain after hooker Rory Best for a 33-7 defeat to Wales with land had their opener a minute yellow card in the process. de de France will be a high-octane for both teams.” Gulf Times Sunday, February 12, 2017 11 CRICKET

FOCUS Ahlawat’s 72-ball 300 makes him global sensation The 21-year-old, a farmer’s son from a rural district north of Delhi, is coolly facing his sudden stardom in the way he faces bowlers

By Michael Safi in Delhi coverage,” he says. “It feels great, all the wat moved to the city chasing bigger theguardian.com news channels have come to the ground opportunities. to interview me.” “My father told me it was better I go The softly-spoken batsman and and join a club in Delhi, that I won’t be is world-fi rst 300-run knock wicketkeeper says his secret is quickly able get anywhere in cricket from Pani- in a Twenty20 match at a sub- fi nding his fl ow. “I wasn’t nervous,” pat,” he says. urban Delhi cricket ground has he says, entering the fi nal over on 266 Alongside his studies at Delhi Uni- become a global sensation, but runs, seeing a triple century in sight. “I versity, he joined one of the city’s most HMohit Ahlawat is still a little bemused was just cool,” he adds with a laugh. “I esteemed cricket clubs, the LB Shastri by the attention. It isn’t the fi rst record- thought I could do it. I told myself: just Cricket Academy. There he was coached breaking score the 21-year-old has post- try to hit it on time. I try to enjoy my by Sanjay Bhardwaj, who also oversaw ed in the game’s shortest form. batting, try not to think too much.” the international career of former In- “In the last tournament I played in The scorecard tells the tale of that fi - dian opener Gautam Gambhir. the Delhi district league I scored 224 nal over: 4, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6. The ground in Bhardwaj told Indian media he was de- not out,” he says. In another recent East Delhi is particularly small, but this lighted by Ahlawat’s achievement. “He tournament, in Ghaziabad, he posted a time his total was enough to put Ahla- hasn’t had anything easy in life. He is a casual 139. wat on the radar of the Delhi Daredev- farmer’s son and has had to struggle to fol- The fi rst of those easily eclipses the ils, the Indian Premier League side that low his dream of playing cricket,” he said. current professional record of 175 not called him up for a trial after news of the “I am very happy that the Daredevils took out, scored by the West Indies’ Chris knock spread. note of his knock and called him for trial.” Gayle in an Indian Premier League Should he be selected in upcoming Ahlawat is facing his sudden surge match in Bangalore in 2013. player auctions, Ahlawat will be playing of fame the same way he does bowlers: Hitting mammoth scores—last Tues- on pitches and in front of crowds a uni- coolly, focusing on one ball at a time. day, 300 runs off just 72 balls, including verse away from the patches of grass in “I haven’t really thought about the fu- an astonishing 39 sixes—has become rou- Panipat where, growing up, he and his ture,” he says. “Last year I was dropped tine for the student from Panipat, a rural friends would play cricket each Sunday. cricket kit, so I started playing with that.” says, but his big-swinging style also know how to hit the ball in the right from the Delhi team for the Ranji Tro- district of Haryana state about 85km (53 “It wasn’t a cricket ground,” he says. People in the town noticed his talent. needed tempering before he could face way. I’d get out a lot,” he says. phy after only three matches. I was miles) north of Indian capital Delhi. “But every Sunday the kids used to call “Everyone used to say I was quite a good better quality bowlers. Like so many young Indians in the lacking confi dence. Maybe now they’ll “I didn’t think I’d get so much media me to play, and my father bought me a player, that I played a bit diff erently,” he “When I was a kid, I didn’t really rapidly urbanising country, at 17, Ahla- take me back?” SPOTLIGHT Roy stars in Qalandars’ Cook plays a straight six-wicket victory over Islamabad

Agencies bat till the very end but Dubai

atar-owned Lahore Qalandars beat Islamabad United by six wickets in Qthe Pakistan Super League yester- day to bounce back from Friday’s opening game defeat to Quetta Gladiators. Pietersen regrets linger Chasing Islamabad’s 158-7, Qalandars reached the target with 10 balls to spare, with Sunil Narine hitting the winning ‘I do wish it was done diff erently. Obviously I was part of the team that made that decision. And boundary on a Rumman Raees delivery. The Qalandars had raced to the 100- the decision was what we thought was the best for English cricket. But the fallout was not very run mark in the 12th over thanks to New Zealander Brendon McCullum’s 25-run good. It was not great to see and be part of it when it was all over the front and back pages’ blast off just 10 balls at the start, and the other opener Jason Roy and Umer Akmal’s sensible batting after McCullum’s By Andy Bull departure. The Guardian The duo kept rotating the strike while hitting boundaries whenever possible. Akmal departed after a breezy 26-ball his time there were no tears or tan- 35, when, trying to pull Shane Watson, trums, spats, scandals, angry words scooped the ball straight to the deep mid- or apologies. Alastair Cook, already wicket fielder. unique among England captains in that But Roy held fort and guided Qalandars The has led in more Tests, and scored more runs, to victory in the company of Narine. The than any of the 78 other men who have done the England opener stayed unbeaten on 60 job, achieved another rare feat. He orchestrated off 51 balls, while West Indian Narine hit a a graceful resignation, on his own terms, in his quickfire 26 off 12 balls. own time, and without controversy. Earlier, Islamabad managed to post At Lord’s last Tuesday, Cook gave his fi nal a competitive 158 mainly due to the press conference in the post, in a small, stuff y eff orts of Misbah-ul-Haq (61*), who kept room high up in the Tavern Stand, the ground- going despite wickets falling at regular staff working away in the background to get intervals. Islamabad had got off to a brisk everything ready for the new season. start, putting up 50 runs on the board in Quitting, Cook said, was a tough decision, six quick overs. “because it is such an amazing job to do”, and Islamabad made three changes to their at the same time an easy one, because he was squad after two of their players were sus- sure he was ready. “I’ve been to the well a cou- pended and sent packing while one was ple of times as England captain and I couldn’t being investigated amidst a spot-fixing go again.” scandal that rocked the league on the So Cook faced the usual questions, the ones second day of play. always asked on these occasions, about the They substituted Rumman Raees for highs and lows, what he would do next and Mohamed Irfan, Asif Ali for Sharjeel Khan, whether he had any regrets. The fi rst time he and Shadab Khan for Imad Butt. tried to answer this last one he patted it back In Friday’s late match, England limited with a fl at bat, which is after all the method he overs captain Eoin Morgan’s brutal knock uses for most of the awkward deliveries he faces. helped Peshawar Zalmi beat Karachi “I have been fairly true to myself along the Kings by seven wickets. Morgan made 80 way. I have made every decision, whether it be off 57 balls and remained unbeaten at the having a third or fourth slip or picking a certain crease, as Zalmi chased down a modest player, thinking that it was the right thing to do target of 119 with seven wickets and nine at the time,” he said. “Hindsight is a wonderful balls to spare. thing. The easiest thing is to sit miles away and captain. So, no, I don’t have regrets. I gave it my best shot. We won some good games and we lost Brief scores some games as well.” Islamabad United 158/7 in 20 overs (D But then Cook thought again and, a little Smith 31, S Billings 37, Misbah-ul-Haq 61*; later on, he said there was at least one thing he G Elliott 4/23) lost to Lahore Qalandars wished could have been done diff erently. And 160/4 in 18.2 overs (J Roy 60*, B McCul- that was the way in which he and the England lum 25, Umar Akmal 35, S Narine 26*) and Wales Cricket Board handled the sacking of by six wickets. Kevin Pietersen in 2014. Karachi Kings 118/7 in 20 overs (Shoaib “I do wish it was done diff erently,” he said. Malik 44, R Bopara 33, K Pollard 27*; “Obviously I was part of the team that made Mohamed Hafeez 2/7, Wahab Riaz 2/23) that decision. And the decision was what we lost to Peshawar Zalmi 119-3 in 18.3 thought was the best for English cricket. But the overs (E Morgan 80*) by seven wickets. fallout was not very good for English cricket. “It was not great to see and be part of it when it was all over the front and back pages and so- cial media like it was. The responsibility as a captain and a player is to get cricket in the pa- pers and in the public for the right reasons but for that six months it kind of wasn’t.” long as I did. That was certainly the toughest He made 95 and, more importantly, was given cent predecessors, Nasser Hussain and Michael To be clear, Cook was not suggesting he felt moment off the field.” one standing ovation when he walked out to bat Vaughan, broke down in tears during their fi nal it was the wrong decision but that he regretted Even now, three years later, the abuse Cook and another when he walked off again. “That was press conferences, having been driven into de- the way it was done and the damage it did to the took still seems to weigh heavily on him. Asked a special moment for me that kept me in the job. pression during their fi nal few months in the job. team, to English cricket and, though he did not for his favourite moments, he mentioned the It showed that the general cricket public actually Two more, Andrew Flintoff and Pietersen, left put it this way, to his own career. Cook copped Ashes series in 2013 and especially 2015, “when wanted me to carry on and that was very special.” the team in a wreck behind them. And another, more than his fair share of the criticism over it. no one gave us a chance”, but then settled on the Hard as the job has been, Cook said he did not Andrew Strauss, had his retirement overshad- “There were certain times in 2014 when it did third Test against India at the Rose Bowl in 2014. feel relief at giving it up but disappointment and owed by the row with his star batsman. Cook, Islamabad United captain Misbah-ul-Haq feel as if I was the only one who made that de- England had been thrashed at Lord’s the pre- sadness that he was done, along with a little ex- so often accused of leaving his declarations too waged a lone battle for his side with an cision,” he said. “I did bear the brunt of it and vious week and Cook had not scored a century citement about starting out on the new phase of late, seems to have timed this one just right. unbeaten 61 (36 balls, 3x4, 5x6) but it went my wife saw a lot of it. And without her and her in his previous 27 Test innings. “Things were as his career as a batsman. It was as unfussy as his batting and as honest in vain as Qalandars won by six wickets. family and my family I would not have lasted as tough as it got for me.” There are worse ways to go. Two of his re- as the man. Sunday, February 12, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

ONE-OFF TEST Mohamed Irfan too under radar in Pak Super League Rahim, Shakib keep spot-fi xing probe Bangladesh afl oat Fighting knocks from Shakib Al Hasan (82), Mushfiqur Rahim (81*) and Mehedi Hasan (51*) help Bangladesh reach 322-6 at close of third day's play in response to India's mammoth 687-6 decl.

AFP Dubai

akistan cricket off icials said yesterday that fast bowler PMohamed Irfan was one of three more players under investigation after Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif were provisionally banned in a widening spot-fixing scandal. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said Irfan and two others had been questioned following the decision to suspend Khan and Latif and boot them out of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). “The PCB’s anti-corruption unit is continuing with inquiries to root out corrupt practices and to safeguard and protect the integrity of the PSL,” said a PCB release. “As a part of the investigations Irfan was also questioned. He does not face any immediate suspension. PCB’s ACU has also questioned Shahzaib Hasan and Zulfiqar Babar.” Irfan, at 7f 1in (2m16) the tallest inter- national cricketer ever, has played four Tests, 60 one-day internationals and 20 Twenty20 matches since making his debut in 2010. He was part of Pakistan’s one-day squad on last month’s tour of Australia but returned home after the death of his mother. PSL chairman Najam Sethi said the probe will continue. “All three players will continue to play while the ACU will remain vigilant and continue to protect the PSL from the menace of corrup- tion,” said Sethi. Islamabad United left out Irfan from their team for yesterday’s match Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim (right) against Lahore Qalandars. and Shakib Al Hasan's fighting knocks Hasan, who featured in Pakistan’s helped them reach a respectable 322-6 at World Twenty20 winning team in 2009, stumps on the third day of the one-off Test plays for Karachi Kings while Babar against India in Hyderabad yesterday. (AFP) represents Quetta Gladiators. Babar has played 15 Tests, five one-day and seven Twenty20 internationals. AFP good for batting. 14 boundaries, but admitted to having faced a play in India,” added the former India batsman. On Friday, the PCB provisionally sus- Hyderabad Rahim took a nasty blow on his fi nger from testing spell from Indian seamer Umesh Yadav, The hosts had put themselves in a command- pended Sharjeel and Latif under its anti- pacer Ishant Sharma in the fi nal over of the day, who claimed two wickets. ing position after Kohli smashed 204, steer- corruption code and dumped the pair out only to hit the bowler for a boundary off the very “Well obviously he was bowling really well, ing the team to a record total of 687-6 declared of the Pakistan Super League, just one kipper Mushfi qur Rahim and Mehedi next delivery. probably the best spell I faced in my career the against Bangladesh. India have won six and day after the Twenty20 event started. Hasan made gritty half-centuries as “When the situation is tough he likes to stand way he was moving the ball both ways it was tre- drawn two matches against Bangladesh, who “Sharjeel and Latif have been sus- Bangladesh pushed hard to prevent a fol- up and do the hard work for the team and that mendous, all credit goes to him,” Shakib said of gained Test status only in 2000. pended and the rigorous and wide-rang- low-on against a dominant India on the character obviously helped him playing for so his Indian Premier League (IPL) teammate Yadav. ing investigation by the PCB supported thirdS day of their one-off Test yesterday. long and doing well for Bangladesh,” Shakib said Shakib eventually ran out of steam, losing his Scoreboard by the International Cricket Council will Rahim (81 batting) shared a 107-run fi fth- of his captain. wicket to India’s premier spinner Ravichandran India (1st innings) 687-6 decl. continue as part of collective eff orts to wicket stand with Shakib Al Hasan (82) before Rahim found a perfect partner in Hasan to Ashwin after mistiming a drive to mid-on. Bangladesh (1st innings; overnight 41-1) protect the integrity of the sport,” the putting on an unbeaten partnership with young stage a fi ghtback after the visitors were left reel- Earlier, starting the day on 41 for one, the T Iqbal (run out) ...... 24 board said in a statement. Hasan to frustrate the hosts. Hasan was batting ing at 235 for six in the afternoon session. visitors made their way to 125-4 at lunch with S Sarkar c Saha b Yadav ...... 15 No further details were released but on 51. The visitors were 322 for six at stumps, Hasan, who claimed two wickets in the Indian Indian pacers compounding Bangladesh’s woes M Haque lbw Yadav ...... 12 the pair were thought to be linked to needing another 166 runs to avoid the follow-on innings with his off -spin, showed great batting in their fi rst-ever Test on Indian soil. Mahmudullah lbw Sharma ...... 28 spot-fixing, an illegal betting practice against the world’s number one Test side. temperament to register his maiden Test fi fty in India’s batting coach Sanjay Bangar praised Shakib Al Hasan c Yadav b Ashwin ...... 82 rife in Pakistan cricket in recent years. “We will want them (Rahim and Hasan) to just his fi fth outing. skipper Virat Kohli’s fi ve-bowler theory that ac- M Rahim (batting) ...... 81 The PSL said that the investigation play the fi rst session and maybe we can score The 19-year-old all-rounder, who made his cording to him helped India succeed in recent S Rahman lbw Jadeja ...... 16 centred on “an international syndicate 100-120 runs that can take us close to the fol- Test debut against England in Chittagong last times. “I think our bowling has been doing really M Hasan (batting) ...... 51 which is believed to be attempting to low-on saving, which is our fi rst target as of year, has struck 10 boundaries during his 103- well...It also leads to number of victories you got Extras (lb-13) ...... 13 corrupt the PSL”. now,” Shakib told reporters. “Obviously India is ball knock so far. because of the fi ve bowler combination. Virat Total (6 wickets, 104 overs) ...... 322 Sharjeel played in the opening match in front foot... at this moment we are still a long Rahim’s crucial stand with Shakib, who reg- backs (harps) quite a lot on that,” Bangar said. Fall of wickets: 1-38 (Sarkar), 2-44 (Iqbal), 3-64 of the 2017 PSL on Thursday for Islama- way from the match.” istered his 21st Test half-century, helped Bang- “It’s very important that the bowling unit is (Haque), 4-109 (Mahmudullah), 5-216 (Shakib), bad United, scoring just one run off four Wicketkeeper-batsman Rahim, who took 35 ladesh recover against a formidable bowling developed in such a fashion that even when India 6-235 (Rahman) balls against Peshawar Zalmi. Latif was balls to move from 46 to 50, tackled the Indian attack. The left-handed Shakib played some at- tours overseas, spinners will have to play a partic- Bowling: Kumar 17-6-46-0, Sharma 16-5-54-1, not part of the starting team. bowlers with patience on a pitch that still looked tacking cricket during a brisk knock laced with ular role, and role reverses for seamers when they Ashwin 24-6-77-1, Yadav 18-3-72-2, Jadeja 29-8-60-1 EMIR’S SWORD ENDURANCE RIDE

HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad al-Thani presented the trophies and sword at the prize giving ceremony of the Emir’s Sword Endurance Ride yesterday. Also present was Qatar Equestrian Federation president Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah. PIC: Abduljaleel KP