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Thursday, February 23, 2017 CRICKET Jumada I 26, 1438 AH Smith rejects GULF TIMES forecast of Aussie whitewash by India SPORT Page 11
HORSE RACING Top fi eld testimony to Emir Sword meet’s rising stature ‘Aidan O’Brien is one of the best trainers in the world and he will have a horse in Qatar for the first time’
File picture of champion trainer Aidan O’Brien. At right, QREC chief Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi and Al Emadi Enterprises CEO Mohamed Abdulkarim al-Emadi at yesterday’s press conference.
By Mikhil Bhat Irish trainer O’Brien only cemented his Also making the trip will be two-time QREC, and also for them having a pres- For his part, al-Emadi said, “QREC “The level of horse racing is defi nitely Doha stature as a dominant force when he end- Kentucky Derby winner Doug O’Neill, ence here,” al-Kaabi said. have been successful at what they do and going up in Qatar and I defi nitely want ed 2016 with a record prize money haul who will bring along Royal Albert Hall, With Qatar’s big presence in Europe that success also refl ects on us. We feel to see it go higher. I think the trainers too of 8.1mn pounds, with Found leading a and Sir Michael Stoute, who will fi eld with the Qatar Goodwood Festival and this is part of our support for the coun- are motivated to showcase their horses in he participation of interna- 1-2-3 sweep at the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Arab Spring in HH The Emir’s Trophy the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, is try. The government has been doing a a big meeting like this. We will see in the tional trainers, including Aidan Triomphe and Highland Reel taking the (Gr1). this step towards entry into the United lot for us, His Highness The Emir Sheikh next two days how good the horses really O’Brien, in the HH The Emir’s Breeders’ Cup Turf. In a fi rst, Breeders’ Cup will have a pres- States? “It is expansion for us into Amer- Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has done are.” Sword Festival this weekend is a O’Brien has entered Group 2 winner ence at the three-day racing festival at the ica but it is more of a media expansion a lot. His Highness will be here and we The racing festival will conclude with Ttestament of the meeting’s growing pro- Cougar Mountain for tomorrow’s Irish QREC. As part of a partnership forged in than racing,” al-Kaabi clarifi ed. would be proud to be a part of such a suc- Emir’s Sword race, with all eyes on Al fi le in the racing world, according to the Thoroughbred Marketing Cup (Gr2). January this year, the two racing brands “As QREC we are focused on being cessful event.” Shaqab Racing’s Al Mourtajez, who chief of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian The three-time winner will be helmed by will exchange presenting sponsor titles at an individual hub of racing with its own He added: “We plan to extend our would have Julien Auge for company. Club. trainer’s son Donnacha. their respective championship races. interest. At the same time, we like to ex- partnership beyond next year.” The Thomas Fourcy-trained colt will This would be the second time that “Aidan O’Brien is one of the best train- While Breeders’ Cup is the presenting pand internationally. So I don’t want to The 1850m race for four-year-old be going for the Triple Crown, which has Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi’s administra- ers in the world and he will have a horse in sponsor for the Dukhan Sprint, which think about where we stand regionally. Purebred Arabians is open to local indi- a USD 1mn bonus for the winner, having tion will be at the helm of the aff airs Qatar for the fi rst time and he has entered will be held on the third and fi nal day of We are the best at what we do.” vidual Qatari owners. won the fi rst two legs – Qatar Interna- when Qatar’s biggest horse racing festival a good horse,” al-Kaabi told Gulf Times. the festival on Saturday, QREC will be The QREC GM was talking on the side- Emir’s Silver Sword has been won by tional Stakes (Gr1 PA) at Qatar Good- gets underway today, with million dollar “A lot of international trainers want to the sponsor of the Juvenile Turf Sprint lines of a press conference with Al Emadi Jassim Ghazali’s wards for the last three wood Festival and Qatar Arabian World Group 1 races for Thoroughbreds (HH come and race in Doha. There are lots of Stakes on November 4. Enterprises CEO Mohamed Abdulkarim years, with Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari’s Cup during the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Tri- The Emir’s Trophy) and Purebred Ara- international runners coming in for the “Breeders’ Cup is a partnership to al-Emadi; Al Hazm is the sponsor of HH Spaghetti the latest victor. omphe weekend. bians (HH The Emir’s Sword) headlining meeting – from the UK, France, Germa- exchange races between Qatar and the The Emir’s Silver Sword. “We are very happy to see a lot of run- “Al Mourtajez does have a good the event. ny, the USA. This is encouraging.” USA. I think having them here with the “He (al-Emadi) has been with us for ners (from Qatar) and I think it is great for chance. But the fi eld is large, 16 horses, Interest shown by some of the best “We are slowly progressing towards Dukhan Sprint is very important for us eight years and I think we have one more everyone to see good runners, and even and anybody can win. You never know on trainers in the world has only made al- creating a greater international profi le for because of their big profi le in America. I year with him. We are hoping that we can up against international competition,” that day,” al-Kaabi signed off with a hint Kaabi a happy man. the race meeting.” think it will give a big image boost for us, extend this association,” al-Kaabi said. al-Kaabi said. of caution.
THE DRAW Champs The Blue Eye, Gazwan to start wide
By Mikhil Bhat Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Mourtajez will ago, then no one will catch him. I know Doha get a crack at the Triple Crown, start- Gazwan is very good, but Al Mourtajez ing from Gate 10. The Thomas Fourcy- is Al Mourtajez. Last year was a prob- trained horse had won this race in 2015 lem for him, but it’s a race,” De Mieulle ast year’s champions in the two before fi nishing third last year. said. million dollar races will start “I thought last year the fi rst half of Last year’s HH The Emir’s Silver out wide with both The Blue the race was very interesting. It was Sword winner, Spaghetti (Gate 6), will Eye and Gazwan drawing stall very public. But whatever happened, be stepping up for the big one for train- 15L for HH The Emir’s Trophy (Gr1) and Al Mourtajez got out of his rhythm, er Jassim Ghazali. HH The Emir’s Sword (Gr1 PA) respec- he was out of his comfort zone,” Harry The Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari- tively. Herbert, racing advisor to HE Sheikh owned colt has four top-three fi nishes This is in contrast to last year when Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani said yester- since last year’s meeting, and will be both these horses had the inside line, day. joined by Tefkir (Gate 12). starting from Gate 1. “This year, Julian is not short of Talking about The Blue Eye, his The job for both these horses and pacemakers, so I guess we will have to horse in HH The Emir’s Trophy for also some of the other Qatar-based sit more patiently and see what hap- Thoroughbreds, Ghazali said, “There horses has become that much more pens. Hopefully we get the horse in a is pressure. There are some really good diffi cult with a strong international good rhythm. We saw in Goodwood, horses that have come from outside, lineup in this edition. he got into a beautiful rhythm, and also from Europe, the US. Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club general manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi with “This year’s edition is very strong, at the Arc meeting. He is a very special “However, the reason I am looking a group of Qatari riders who will participate in the Qatari Apprentice perhaps the strongest Emir’s Sword Trainer Jassim Ghazali speaks to horse and to be in this position for a forward to this race is because we can Thoroughbred Handicap race on Friday. PICTURE: Juhaim edition for a few years to be honest,” presenter Gina Harding during the shot at the Triple Crown is great. If he see the level of horses in Qatar against Gazwan’s trainer Julian Smart said at draw ceremony for HH The Emir’s can pull it off it will be headline news, international opposition. If a Qatar good, I think,” De Mieulle said about Mountain) and Ningara (Mohammed the draw. Sword (Gr1 PA) race at the St Regis very special.” horse wins, that showcases the level of the Thoroughbred race. Jassim Ghazali) will begin from the HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa Hotel yesterday. Other Al Shaqab horses in the race, our horses in the face of a strong oppo- Asked for his preference among his outer stalls, 11-14 respectively, while al-Thani-owned horse has won three all Fourcy wards, are Laft Nethar, who sition. That is big. two horses, he said, “For me it is Mig- Al Jeryan Stud’s Dubawi Flame has the out of four starts since last year’s win, ring to his use of pacemakers to mark has the inside line, and Metrag (Gate 9). “The Blue Eye is ready for the race war, he a very good horse.” outermost start at stall 16 alongside including the Sword Trial earlier this Al Mourtajez in the race. Alban de Mieulle too spoke highly of and we will give our best to keep the Qatar Derby winner Noor Al Hawa The Blue Eye. month. “But that’s racing and we could use Al Mourtajez. The Frenchman has Tayf Cup in Qatar.” has a favourable draw from stall 4, The race meeting’s fi rst every US “He is in good form. He had a little them again. But let’s see what hap- (Gate 8) and Sehab (Gate 5) in the fray Smart’s hopes lie on Fundamental alongside Ibrahim al-Malki-schooled entry, Royal Albert Hall, trained by bit of a problem in the summer but he is pens.” for Umm Qarn. (Gate 1), Migwar (Gate 2) and Duke of fi lly Mango Tango. two-time Kentucky Derby winner good now. It was a little disappointing Smart has also entered Ba’sil (Gate 13) “Olivier Peslier knows his job really Dundee (Gate 3). Qatar runners Vitally Important Doug O’Neill, drew stall 7, while Sir last year when after the race we were and Ebraz (Gate 4) in the race, with the well. Tayf is very good. But if Al Mour- “The Blue Eye is in good form but (Majed Seifeddine), Fort Moville Michael Stoute’s Arab Spring will accused of tactics,” Smart said refer- former expected to be the pacemaker. tajez does it how he did it two years you never know. The track will be very (Ahmed Kobeissi), Ponfeigh (Deborah start from 10. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, February 23, 2017 FOOTBALL
SPOTLIGHT PROMISE Coach Guardiola Aguero stars as vows more of same Man City sink
Monaco in thriller Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. AFP Aguero has only returned to Manchester the starting XI because of an Having lost his place in the team to Gabriel Jesus, only to regain it after the Brazilian injury to Gabriel Jesus, but he played down suggestions his broke his foot, it was a triumph for Aguero, who departed to a standing ovation ep Guardiola pledged relationship with Guardiola is that Manchester City frosty. will continue to fi ght fi re with fi re when they DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD Ptake a 5-3 lead to Monaco in their “The truth is we get on very Champions League last 16 tie. well,” said the Argentine striker. City procured a two-goal ad- “What he wants, above every- vantage after a remarkable fi rst- thing, from all the players is that leg match at the Etihad Stadium we push a little more. He’s always on Tuesday in which they fought asking me for more, more, more. back from 2-1 and 3-2 down to “Obviously it’s a sacrifi ce I put themselves in the driving have to make, that we all have to seat. make, and fortunately tonight it Monaco’s goals exposed se- worked and we’ll see if it keeps rious failings in the City rear- working in the next game.” guard, but although Guardiola Monaco coach Leonardo acknowledged his side must Jardim said his team had paid for tighten up at the back, he said “defensive errors”, but said the they would go to Stade Louis II “key moment” had been Falcao’s intending to attack. failure to convert his penalty ear- “They will attack more and ly in the second half. more and we have to defend bet- The visitors were 2-1 up when ter. But we will have our chanc- Otamendi was penalised for go- es,” said the City manager. ing through the back of Falcao, “We are going to fl y to Monaco but the Colombian dallied over to score as many goals as possi- his spot-kick and then saw a ble. We are not going to defend tame shot parried by Caballero. that result. French striker Mbappe, 18, “We now know each other bet- vindicated Jardim’s decision ter. We will adjust some things, to hand him a fi rst tournament they will adjust some things, but start by calmly netting Monaco’s we have to score goals. second goal after Otamendi had “If we don’t score a goal in been caught out by Fabinho’s Monaco, we will be eliminated.” free-kick. Raheem Sterling gave City a Jardim hailed the teenager’s 26th-minute lead following a display, but said Monaco’s de- brilliant run from Leroy Sane, fensive shortcomings showed the but a loose kick by home goal- club’s commitment to develop- keeper Willy Caballero enabled ing young players was a double- Monaco to level through Rad- edged sword. amel Falcao’s header. “I used Kylian up front to- A dawdling Nicolas Otamendi day because we know City well. was at fault for Monaco’s second We know there’s lots of space in goal, scored by Kylian Mbappe, behind,” Jardim told his post- Manchester City’s Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero (L) celebrates scoring their second goal with teammate Leroy Sane (R) during their Champions League Round of 16 tie. and then conceded a penalty, match press conference. only for Caballero to save Fal- “I thought he played a great AFP abetted by Falcao’s failure to convert a But within six minutes Monaco were ied himself before fi nishing coolly. cao’s eff ort. match. The little guy is 18 years Manchester penalty early in the second period. level as Guardiola’s goalkeeping prob- It might easily have been 3-1 by the in- Sergio Aguero and Falcao old. And that’s part of our project Having recently lost his place in the lems came back to bite him. terval, with Mbappe and Falcao both go- swapped goals, the former ben- as well. team to Gabriel Jesus, only to regain it ing close either side of the former’s goal. efi ting from a huge error by Mo- “The defensive errors are ergio Aguero starred as Man- after the Brazilian broke his foot, it was ERRATIC CABALLERO Monaco looked poised to extend their naco goalkeeper Danijel Subasic, also a question of age, maturity. chester City beat Monaco 5-3 in a personal triumph for Aguero, who de- He had restored Caballero to his line-up, lead fi ve minutes into the second half when the latter scoring with a sublime Kylian is 18. Lots of the players a breathless and dizzyingly end- parted to a standing ovation. having fi elded Claudio Bravo in the FA Otamendi was penalised for fouling Falcao, chip, before City found an extra are 20, 21, 22.” to-end Champions League last Mbappe took Valere Germain’s place Cup at Huddersfi eld Town on Saturday, but the Colombian’s weak spot-kick was gear. Monaco’s performance con- 16S fi rst-leg encounter at a rocking Etihad alongside Falcao in Monaco’s starting XI but the Argentine’s wayward kicking comfortably saved by Caballero. Aguero volleyed in David Sil- fi rmed their status as Europe’s Stadium on Tuesday. and the 18-year-old in the fl ourescent gave City jitters all evening. City levelled eight minutes later cour- va’s corner to make it 3-3 in the most prolifi c attacking team and Raheem Sterling put City ahead, only orange boots immediately caught the eye. It was his loose, lofted clearance that tesy of a howler from Subasic, who al- 71st minute and further goals gave Jardim hope they can turn for Kylian Mbappe to level and Radamel He looked to run at City’s defence at eve- gifted possession to Fabinho prior to lowed Aguero’s shot to go right through from John Stones and Sane car- the tie around in three weeks’ Falcao to score twice — the second goal a ry opportunity, at one point leaving Nico- Monaco’s leveller, the Brazilian playing a him at his near post after a storming run ried Guardiola’s men to a breath- time. magnifi cent chip — as Leonardo Jardim’s las Otamendi for dead twice in fi ve seconds one-two with Bernardo Silva and cross- down the right from Sterling. less victory. “I think playing here in Eng- side moved into a 3-2 lead. before setting up Benjamin Mendy, who ing for Falcao to net with a fl ying header. But the momentum swang back Mo- Aguero was booked for diving land, scoring three goals at City, But City struck three times in the last was thwarted by Willy Caballero. Moments later came a contentious naco’s way just three minutes later when after fl inging himself over a chal- putting on a great show, is also an 19 minutes, through Aguero’s second Kamil Glik’s evening got off to a bad moment as Aguero nudged the ball past Falcao shrugged off Stones and then loft- lenge by Subasic in the fi rst half, important moment,” he said. goal, John Stones and Leroy Sane, to put start when he was booked for taking out Danijel Subasic and went to ground, only ed an exquisite right-foot chip over Ca- but Guardiola refused to discuss “I congratulate the team. Pep Guardiola’s men in charge ahead of Sane, ruling him out of the return leg, but to be booked for diving. ballero from just 15 yards. the incident, barking: “Next There are 90 minutes left at the return leg on March 15. he came close to putting Monaco ahead On the touchline, Guardiola reacted After Sterling had seen a penalty ap- question!” home. Nothing is fi nished.” For a long time it looked likely to be a with a header from a corner. furiously, angrily gesticulating at fourth peal turned away following a robust scarring night for City, who reached the It was City, though, who went in front offi cial Teodoro Sobrino, but there was challenge by Benjamin Mendy, Aguero semi-fi nals last season, as a succession of in the 26th minute. worse to come. levelled again, volleying in smartly from OBSERVATION calamitous defensive errors allowed Mo- Sane lit the fuse, dancing away from City had all the time in the world to Silva’s right-wing corner. The momen- naco to take control. three players on the City left and exchang- organise themselves when Monaco won tum was City’s and after Stones had put But Aguero’s doggedness allowed them ing passes with David Silva before crossing a free-kick on halfway, but Fabinho was them ahead in the 77th minute, Aguero set to haul themselves back into the game, for Sterling to slide home from close range. still allowed to fi nd Mbappe, who stead- up Sane for the fi nal goal. City must tighten
BOTTOMLINE up, admits Sterling Falcao penalty miss leaves Monaco with plenty of regrets AFP returning to Monaco it was the “We are going to try to win at Manchester second straight Champions home. It is still open, we haven’t League penalty miss. lost yet. We missed a penalty and It was a “disappointment”, let in a goal that was not good, penalty miss by Rad- was his only comment after. the confi dence went down,” amel Falcao left Mo- Other Monaco players were added the Italian veteran. naco with plenty of more open about the crushing “It really hurts to let in fi ve Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling reacts after scoring. Champions League blow. goals.” regretsA after they let a 2-1 lead at “After the fi rst half, we could Jardim said the last 16 game stemmed from errors — by Willy AFP Manchester City turn into a dev- not believe there would be a two was one of the “most incredible” Manchester Caballero, Nicolas Otamendi and astating 5-3 defeat, according to goal losing diff erence at the end,” seen in the Champions League Stones — and while he was thrilled coach Leonardo Jardim. said striker Valère Germain. this year. to see his team prevail, Sterling Some of the Ligue 1 leaders “There are regrets as well be- “Everyone was happy to see aheem Sterling con- knew they had been fortunate. said they had gifted the game to cause we let two goals in from these two teams. There was a lot ceded Manchester City “It’s always diffi cult to go City and despite his two goals, free kicks,” he added. “There of quality attacking. Eight goals. must improve defen- down, but the boys did really Falcao’s stuttering runup before are a lot of regrets. If Falcao had But there were a few defensive sively after they edged well,” he told BT Sport. his penalty miss was singled out scored...” errors too.” MonacoR 5-3 in the madcap fi rst “We played our football and as the turning point. But Germain insisted that Pep The Monaco coach, who has leg of their Champions League stuck to our game and it worked “The key moment of the Guardiola’s City side could nev- already been linked to a Premier last-16 tie on Tuesday. out in the end. At the end of the match was when we failed to go er have been under-estimated. League future, said it was still City took a 26th-minute lead day, we need to tighten up at the 3-1 up,” said Jardim of the error. “They are used to playing the possible to come back and still through Sterling, found them- back as well. “Then they came back to 2-2.” Monaco’s Colombian forward Radamel Falcao reacts during the Champions League, they were had good words for Falcao de- selves 2-1 and then 3-2 down, “It was good to be a part of. It City defender Bacary Sagna Champions League match against Manchester City. semi-fi nalists last year.” spite the miss. but rallied to win thanks to late was end-to-end stuff and Mo- also said Falcao’s 50th minute “We played a good match, but “He is a great attacker. It goals from Sergio Aguero, who naco gave us a tough game and miss had inspired his side.”I turning point of the match — it For Falcao, who had disap- we gave away presents and let in didn’t work for him in England scored twice, John Stones and pushed us all the way. We got the think the penalty helped a lot,” gave us a boost again and I think pointing spells with Chelsea fi ve goals,” said defender Andrea but he showed in this game that Leroy Sane. win and that’s the most impor- Sagna told BeIn Sports. “It’s a it was a blow to them too.” and Manchester United before Raggi. he is a great scorer.” All three of Monaco’s goals tant thing today.” Gulf Times Thursday, February 23, 2017 3 FOOTBALL
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOR THE FUTURE Liverpool announce plans to leave Griezmann among Melwood for Kirkby
Reuters Liverpool
nglish Premier League goals as Atletico side Liverpool announced plans yesterday that will see the fi rst team leave theirE long-time training base in Melwood and move to a redevel- oped site in Kirkby, where their youth academy is located. Melwood, the training ground limited in space and is unable to gain upper hand of some of the biggest names in accommodate our longer-term English football since the late ambitions, which is why we are 1950s, including Kenny Dalglish, exploring options on the Acad- ‘It was a brilliant game for us, and the result could have been even better’ Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler, John emy site.” Barnes and Steven Gerrard, has Liverpool plan spend 50 mil- also been earmarked for rede- lion pound ($60 million) on the velopment. Redeveloping Mel- combined training centre, rede- wood, elevated to Liverpool’s veloping the existing facilities at fi rst-team training centre under the academy and converting the former manager Bill Shankly in main pitch into an indoor one. 1959, could provide about 160 The club said that a public houses in West Derby, Liverpool consultation would be held on said on its website (www.liver- March 8 for residents and busi- poolfc.com). nesses to discuss the proposed Shankly transformed Mel- plans in more detail. wood into a top-class training Liverpool intend to purchase facility, but incumbent Jurgen land adjacent to the academy Klopp has been a keen advocate site and close part of Moss Lane of using a larger facility to ac- between Simonswood Lane and commodate the fi rst team and Arbour Lane to allow the pro- the academy. posal to go ahead. “We recognise that Melwood The club did not off er any has played a signifi cant role in the timeline for the building work, club’s success and forms an im- but the Liverpool Echo newspa- portant part of our history,” Liver- per reported that it would begin pool’s chief operating offi cer Andy in early 2018 and be completed Hughes said on the website. by the summer of 2019 if the “However, the Melwood site is project was given approval.
Too many foreigners tered in recent weeks as they managing Premier have dropped to fifth, 11 points League teams: Giggs behind leaders Chelsea with 13 games remaining. There are too many foreign “But re-finding our form managers in the Premier against Tottenham and the League and little opportunity way we did it, we thought for local talents, according to ‘we’re back now and we’ve got former Manchester United to maintain this’. We have to winger and assistant manager play the match against Leices- Ryan Giggs. ter with the same attitude,” Giggs, who was the caretaker Mane said. boss for four games at United “We had a good time (in Spain) in 2014, was linked with a but we also worked very hard, return to management at we trained together well and Swansea City before American we also had a friendly game Bob Bradley’s appointment in amongst ourselves. The October and was considered weather wasn’t brilliant but a Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann celebrates after scoring during the Champions League round of 16 first-leg match against Bayer 04 Leverkusen in Leverkusen. again before Englishman bit better than here.” Paul Clement took charge in AFP result could have been even better,” said Kevin Kampl forced an excellent save tled Gameiro to the ground, the French- January. Thailand to bar Leverkusen Atletico coach Diego Simeone. “We were from Miguel Angel Moya from long range. man calmly stroking the ball down the “I don’t think there’s enough ‘ultras’ from World almost perfect in the fi rst half.” Only a fi ne stop by Leno at the other middle from the spot to make it 3-1. (British managers) at the mo- Cup matches The home side put in a brave perform- end prevented Griezmann from scoring Leverkusen refused to give up and an ment,” Giggs told the BBC. ntoine Griezmann was among ance and came close to equalising in the again but Leverkusen quickly pulled a own goal gifted them another route back “I think it is (important Brit- Thai football authorities said the scorers for Atletico Madrid last 10 minutes, but Torres’s late goal goal back at the start of the second half. into the game on 66 minutes. ish coaches get a chance). Tuesday they would cancel as they weathered a late storm sealed a deserved victory for the visitors Benjamin Henrichs found space on Fresh off the bench, Joel Pohjanpalo There’s a lot of top quality the tickets of around 800 ‘ul- against Bayer Leverkusen on ahead of the return in Spain next month. the right and delivered a low cross which delivered a fi ne cross which ricocheted foreign coaches in the Premier tras’ for three World Cup quali- TuesdayA to claim a 4-2 victory in the fi rst Leverkusen started brightly, while Bellarabi turned into the far corner. off Savic and into the Atletico net. League, but there’s also a lot fiers after flares were set off at leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. Atletico looked to hit them on the break. At 3-2, the hosts looked invigorated, of quality British coaches and a December international. Saul Niguez and Griezmann put the In the 17th minute, the away side JOB WELL DONE and Javier Hernandez nearly equalised managers out there.” The Football Association Spanish side two goals up at the in- pounced. “We found it diffi cult to get into the game with 10 minutes to go, his shot cleared Seven of the 20 Premier of Thailand (FAT) was fined terval, but Leverkusen pulled one back Cutting in from the right, Saul Niguez in the fi rst half, and Atletico did their job just in front of the line by Filipe Luis. League clubs have British $30,000 over the incident, through Karim Bellarabi at the start of curled a fi ne shot into the far corner from very well,” Bellarabi told Sky after the “We showed passion and readiness to managers, but the current top- which saw plumes of smoke the second half. the edge of the penalty area. game. fi ght,” Leverkusen coach Roger Schmidt seven sides are all managed blanket crowds at Bangkok’s A Kevin Gameiro penalty then restored Atletico then grasped the game by the It was no less than the Leverkusen for- told Sky. “We had a very good 15 minutes by foreigners, with Welshman Rajamangala stadium after Atletico’s two-goal advantage just before scruff of the neck and in the 25th minute a wards deserved, but their defence con- towards the end, where the whole sta- Tony Pulis’ West Bromwich Al- the War Elephants triumphed the hour mark, and while a Stefan Savic mistake by Aleksandar Dragovic allowed tinued to struggle. dium got behind us.” bion the highest-placed team over Indonesia in the regional own goal gave Leverkusen hope again, Gameiro to run at goal before squaring Gameiro fi rst hit the bar before ex- But substitute Torres secured the win with a British manager. Suzuki Cup final. Fernando Torres came off the bench to the ball to Griezmann, who rifl ed a shot tending Atletico’s lead from the penalty late on, heading the ball in at the near “If you don’t get the chance, The flares came from a make it 4-2 late on. past Bernd Leno. spot just before the hour mark. post to make it 4-2 with just four minutes you don’t get the chance to stadium section occupied by “It was a brilliant game for us, and the To their credit, Leverkusen rallied and Dragovic was at fault again as he wres- to play. prove what you can do and Thailand’s ‘ultras’ or hardcore see what you can do with a fans. Thai police arrested a talented team,” Giggs added. man for selling flares and BOTTOMLINE “As I say, there are quality football off icials warned that foreign coaches as well. I just the penalty would be much think on the balance, there’s harsher if it were to happen too many foreigners at the again in a World Cup qualifier. moment and British coaches In an eff ort to head-off rowdy probably just don’t get the behaviour at their three re- chances.” maining home World Cup Mourinho gives no guarantees qualifiers, the FAT will cancel Liverpool gained from approximately 800 tickets mid-season camp in from the ultras’ stronghold in Spain, says Mane the Bangkok stadium. “These hardcore fans caused on Rooney’s Man United future Liverpool will reap the trouble last time so we want AFP told reporters at Saint-Etienne’s “I want to win the fi nal on benefits of their mid-season this zone to be occupied by Saint-Étienne, France Stade Geoff roy-Guichard. Sunday — Sunday at 7pm. I want training camp in Spain when students,” FAT spokesman “He is injured, I cannot do mir- to win against Bournemouth in they travel to relegation- Patit Suphaphongs told AFP, acles at that level,” said the boss. the Premier League. That is the threatened Premier League saying that the ticket-holders anchester Unit- “Rooney is injured, he (has way I think all the time and dur- champions Leicester City on would be reimbursed. ed manager Jose been) injured for two or three ing my career.” Monday, forward Sadio Mane Thailand are due to play Saudi Mourinho was coy weeks. Another player who didn’t said. Arabia, Iraq and the UAE in Mon questions over “When you don’t have a player, make the match-day squad is With the Merseyside club final qualifying for the 2018 Wayne Rooney’s future at the you have others. The team is in England international full-back devoid of any domestic cup World Cup. club as he confi rmed the striker a good moment. In the past few Luke Shaw, who has been out of or European commitments, Thai domestic football often was still not fi t enough to return months we’ve lost only one game favour with Mourinho. Juergen Klopp’s charges took has problems with hooli- for their Europa League clash and it was one we could lose as it After battling back from last advantage of their fortnight ganism and violence after with Saint-Etienne. was a two-legged match.” season’s double leg fracture, break and went for a four- matches. There have been rumours that Shaw has found games hard to night camp in La Manga in a Last September Thai police Rooney, who is no longer an in- ‘SHAW MUST WAIT’ come by since Mourinho suc- bid to rediscover their best resorted to tear gas to break tegral part of the United side un- The Europa League has taken on ceeded Louis van Gaal, playing form. up a brawl that saw fans of der Mourinho, could eventually added importance for United, only once since November. “It was just like one (a pre- two rival Bangkok clubs throw leave for the mega-rich Chinese who are battling on four fronts, And Mourinho gave little in- season)... The last few weeks rocks, bottles and at least Super League. as it off ers a qualifi cation place dication the 21-year-old is likely have been quite diff icult for one petrol bomb outside the “You have to ask him,” said to next season’s Champions to earn a starting place any time obvious reasons, but we didn’t stadium during a game. Mourinho on Tuesday when League for the winners. soon. stop working during that pe- Authorities around the world asked if there was any chance the With United in a tight bat- “Luke has to wait for his riod and that was important,” have also been trying to curb 31-year-old could follow in the tle for a top-four fi nish in the chance, he has to work better Mane told the club website the rising use of flares, fire- footsteps of the likes of former File picture of Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho. Premier League — there will and better, knowing that I give (www.liverpoolfc.com).Liv- works and smoke bombs by United team-mate Carlos Tevez likely be three places up for nothing for free. erpool’s league victory over abandoning matches, fining and move there before the transfer Mourinho, though, insisted he League Cup fi nal against South- grabs between fi ve teams be- “When I give something for Tottenham Hotspur on Feb. teams and deducting points. window closes next week. wants Rooney to stay, saying: “I ampton, Mourinho was non- hind runaway leaders Chelsea the players it is expensive for 11 marked their first league In December 2016, league “Of course I can’t guarantee would never push, or try to push, committal. — Mourinho said he wouldn’t be me, it is not cheap. They have win of the year and was also matches in both Belgium and (he will be here). I can’t guaran- a legend of this club to another “I don’t know. This morning prioritising competitions. to work really hard every day, just their second victory in 11 France were called off after tee that I’m here next week, how destiny.” was the fi rst time he trained and “I don’t want to win Europa they have to play well, so he has games. fans fired fireworks and flares can I guarantee that a player is Asked if he would be fi t for didn’t even train 100 percent with League or Premier League, I to wait and in this moment he is Liverpool’s title bid has fal- at each other. here next season?” Sunday’s English Football the group,” the Portuguese boss want to win tomorrow,” he said. behind the others.” Gulf Times 4 Thursday, February 23, 2017 FOOTBALL
QATAR STARS LEAGUE ADVICE Talented Balotelli needs attitude Title-hopefuls change: Italy coach
AFP “There’s no disputing his Milan talent, but the rest... the facts suggest that Balotelli needs to make changes. It would ontroversial striker be a pity not to have him Lekhwiya take on Mario Balotelli has available. We’ll see” shown few signs of wanting to fi ght his way “There’s no disputing his tal- backC into the national side, Italy ent, but the rest... the facts sug- coach Gian Piero Ventura warned gest that Balotelli needs to make yesterday. changes. It would be a pity not to Balotelli last played for Italy have him available. We’ll see.” at their ill-fated 2014 World Cup Meanwhile, the Italy career Sailiya in key tie campaign, but his international of former Southampton striker and club career have been in a Graziano Pelle, who now plays at tailspin since then. Chinese Super League side Shan- ‘It’s a crucial game in the race for the title we have to win. I hope that we will be able After a lightning start with dong Luneng, appears to be over. French fi rst division side Nice Pelle played a key role for Italy to continue the good form shown against Al Jazira when we take on Al Sailiya’ this season however, the burly on their way to the quarter-fi nals target-man appeared to have of Euro 2016 under former coach By Sports Reporter stopped the rot with goals and Antonio Conte, scoring against Doha assists coming thick and fast. Belgium then Spain before miss- It prompted Ventura to off er ing a penalty in a quarter-fi nal Balotelli a way back last month, shoot-out defeat to Germany. ekhwiya aim to go full throttle the coach pledging a face-to- He was initially sidelined from against Al Sailiya today as the face meeting to “discuss” behav- the squad for refusing to shake Qatar Stars League heads towards ioural problems. But that pros- Ventura’s hand after being sub- a thrilling fi nish with just fi ve pect now looks slim. stituted in a 2018 World Cup Lrounds remaining. The former Inter Milan, AC qualifying draw (1-1) with Spain. Djamel Belmadi’s side were in a comfort- Milan, Manchester City and Ventura added: “Pelle had his able position a few weeks ago when they Liverpool striker was issued his opportunities. The door is open topped the table by six points, but a defeat third red card of the season last to everyone, but we are currently and two draws allowed Al Sadd to leapfrog weekend, for dissent, in a 1-0 undergoing a process of rejuve- them on goal diff erence to inject some thrill win at Lorient. nation.” and suspense into the tournament. “We have to meet face-to- Italy sit second in their World Coming from a 3-0 thrashing of UAE’s face, but up until now I haven’t Cup qualifying group on the Al Jazira in their fi rst group match in the seen positive signs,” Ventura same points as Spain, and resume Asian Champions League, Lekhwiya are told media at Italy’s Coverciano their bid for the 2018 competi- exuding confi dence, but Belmadi is well training base near Florence. tion against Albania next month. aware that an adverse result at this stage of the tournament could prove fatal in their quest for a fi fth QSL title. “It’s an important game for my side Smog may force U-17 dong ($7,000) were handed which we cannot aff ord to lose,” he said World Cup out of Delhi out over the protest, which at his pre-match press conference. the federation slammed as “It’s a crucial game in the race for the FIFA could pull Under-17 World “disrespectful” to the referee title we have to win. We have a short turn Cup matches out of New Delhi and damaging to the “prestige around in games from the Champions because of concerns over air and honour of the Vietnam League and I hope that tomorrow we will quality in the world’s most Football Federation”.The be able to continue our good form against polluted capital city, the tour- V-league is Vietnam’s leading Al Jazira when we take on Al Sailiya.” nament director said. professional competition Belmadi ended the press conference Javier Ceppi said that air but has endured a series of revealing that his side will be boosted by a quality in Delhi was a “serious alleged corruption and match- few returning players who were sidelined concern”, particularly after the fixing scandals over the years. through injury. Diwali festival which this year Footballers and fans are also “We have some players coming back, falls in October — the month notorious for their extreme especially Chico Flores, which will be a the tournament will be held. reactions to disputed referee- boost for us. We will try and fi nd the right “The match schedule is not ing decisions. balance in this game with my squad, the finalised yet. One of the Sunday’s protest came after a important point is that we win and keep Lekhwiya coach Djamel Belmadi (left) and Sailiya coach Sami Trabelsi during the pre-match press conferences. PICS: Jayaram reasons for that is the pollu- penalty was awarded against the pressure up on Al Sadd who at the tion. And pollution in Delhi is Long An for a soft-looking foul moment are ahead of us.” a serious concern,” the FIFA on an opposition striker with Meanwhile Al Sailiya’s Tunisian coach Confident Umm Salal take on relegation-threatened Muaither off icial told the Indian Express the game poised at 2-2 and Sami Trabelsi is plotting an upset after daily, in comments published minutes to play. his team beat Al Ahli last. Umm Salal take on Muaither today, results. “We have progressed in the last and are very compact across the pitch yesterday. It was the third disputed ref- “We won in a good way against Al Ahli, looking for a repeat of their stunning 3-1 four games in my opinion. When we and that is what we have been concen- “You cannot reduce pollution ereeing decision of the game and showed plenty of heart. I think the win over Lekhwiya last time out. Orange beat Lekhwiya people started to notice trating on this week in training.” from one day to the next, to which led to goals for Ho Chi players played well and with great mo- Fortress boss Mahmoud Jaber spoke to how well we have done, but I know “After three minutes the game against the amount that would need Minh City. tivation. My players gave everything in the local media ahead of the tie at Qatar personally my side have played well. Al Rayyan was done because we con- to be reduced for hosting that match I am proud of them. We now SC stadium. Muaither are a dangerous side, they ceded two goals. I am looking now for a games,” Ceppi added. Africa wants 10 World need to continue that good vein of form Jaber said that Umm Salal’s game have played well against teams around reaction from my players when we take FIFA announced in 2013 that Cup places: offi cial against Lekhwiya,” said Trablesi. will be a real challenge. “The match them in the league. They are scoring in on Umm Salal” he added. India would be the host nation “Lekhwiya have plenty of good, techni- tomorrow will be diff icult as Muaither most of their games so we have to be Muaither will be boosted by the return for the U-17 World Cup, to be Africa wants 10 places in the cal players and a good striker in Yusef El are fighting for survival in the league careful when we play them on Thursday of defender Bruno Aguiar. “This match held in six cities across the 48-nation World Cup from Arabi. However they have problems in de- and the pressure is on us to match the evening.” will see the return of Bruno Aguiar from country including Delhi. 2026, FIFA president Gianni fence. The team is not equal in that sense. performance that we had against Le- Things are not looking good for Muaith- suspension, this is good news for my Last year saw record pollu- Infantino was told in Johan- We are trying to exploit these weaknesses khwiya. We have to be at full concentra- er, who are currently in thirteenth place side. Bruno is our professional, he is tion levels in Delhi around nesburg yesterday. going into the game,” he added. tion for this game.” in the QSL standings. strong technically and in the air and we Diwali, the Hindu festival of The Swiss-Italian was at- Trabelsi ended his press conference “We are six points away from relegation, French coach Philipe Birol gave his will be relying on him to improve the lights, during which tens of tending a two-day meeting stressing that he was not giving much and we are still in danger of getting thoughts on the game to the press side against Umm Salal.” thousands of revellers let off of African national football importance to Lekhwiya’s shock 3-1 de- pulled into the battle. Our aim is to win ahead of the tie. firecrackers. association presidents behind feat to Umm Salal earlier. this game in order to pull away from The Frenchman praised his opponents. Fixtures The problem is exacerbated closed doors. “Lekhwiya have a big squad and I think this area and be sure to enjoy the final “Umm Salal did a good job in defeating by the burning of crop stubble “All associations back an ex- they went into the game in a relaxed way games of the season” added the Umm Lekhwiya, which was a big surprise. Al Sailiya vs Lekhwiya 4:50pm after the harvest in neighbour- panded World Cup and Africa against Umm Salal. I am not taking their Salal head coach. They have key players in attack, such as Umm Salal vs Muaither 7:00pm ing agricultural areas at the hopes for 10 places,” said defeat at face value, we will not meet this Jaber spoke highly of his team’s recent Yannick Sagbo. Umm Salal defend well same time of year. South African FA president Lekhwiya side on Thursday.” In 2016 schools in the Indian Danny Jordaan, according to a capital were forced to shut as Johannesburg radio station. authorities ordered a series of The expansion of the World AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE emergency measures to try to Cup, passed by the FIFA Coun- ease the crisis, including a tem- cil last month, comes into ef- porary ban on construction. fect for the 2026 tournament. A 2014 World Health Organiza- The Infantino proposal will tion survey of more than 1,600 feature 16 first-round groups cities ranked Delhi as the most from which winners and polluted. runners-up qualify for the Evergrande smash seven goals knockout phase. Vietnamese players Africa has had five places banned over ‘manne- since the 1998 World Cup quin’ protest in France without making a significant impact on the four- past history-makers Eastern A Vietnamese goalkeeper has yearly tournament. AFP Wang Shangyuan prodded home fi nal, when they were the last been banned for two years No African country has gone Guangzhou from a corner after Paulinho’s Japanese club to lift the trophy. for leading an extraordinary further than the quarter-finals header. Tall striker Shun Nagasawa mannequin-style protest when and the 2014 World Cup was Alan missed a penalty but it put the J-League outfi t ahead his team stood still and let in the first in which two teams wo-time winners mattered little as his fellow Bra- with a powerful header, before three late goals to complain from the continent reached Guangzhou Evergrande zilian Goulart fed Liao Lisheng Yasuyuki Konno rammed home about a disputed penalty. the knockout stage. ruthlessly dispatched to make it 3-0 on 33 minutes, a rebound in fi rst-half stoppage Long An goalkeeper Nguyen Infantino used the summit to nine-man Eastern 7-0 just before Wong Chi-chung re- time to put Gamba in command. Minh Nhut and Huynh Quang explain his expanded World Tyesterday in a brutal introduc- ceived his second yellow card. Gamba rounded off the scor- Thanh both received two-year Cup from the current 32, and tion to the AFC Champions Goalkeeper Yapp Hung-fai ing when Reds defender Dylan playing bans, while the team’s to spell out new development League for the Hong Kong min- prevented further damage but McGowan defl ected Yasuhito coach and chairman were projects. nows and their female coach. nine-man Eastern slipped to Endo’s free kick into his own net barred for three years, the “The gathering was a worth- Chan Yuen-ting, nicknamed 4-0 down two minutes after the with nine minutes left. Vietnam Football Federation while exercise,” said one “Beef Ball”, became the fi rst break when Liao nodded his sec- said on its website. national football association woman to coach a professional ond from close range. RESULTS In footage which has gone vi- president, who spoke to AFP men’s team in continental com- Alan made up for a string of GROUP G ral, Nguyen Minh Nhut turned on condition of anonymity. petition but otherwise it was a misses when he smashed Ev- Kawasaki Frontale (JPN) 1 his back to let in the penalty, “It was good talking directly night to forget for the trailblaz- ergrande’s fi fth on 65 minutes, (Kobayashi 11) Suwon Samsung which was given in the dying to the FIFA president about ing 28-year-old. before Paulinho got on the Bluewings (KOR) 1 (Taniguchi moments with the scores at matters that concern us in It meant the big-spending scoresheet and Wang grabbed 23) 2-2, and then somersaulted running our organisations.” Chinese teams have all opened his second late on. Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) 7 over the ball to concede again Infantino, who did not speak with a win, after Ramires’s Also in Group G, Kawasaki (Goulart 4-pen, Wang Shangyuan from the restart. to the media while in Johan- 90th-minute strike gave Jiangsu Wang Shangyuan (C) of Guangzhou Evergrande celebrates during Frontale were held 1-1 at home 22, 84, Liao Lisheng 33, 47, Alan With Long An’s players stand- nesburg, flies to Harare today Suning a 1-0 victory over Jeju their AFC Champions League match against Eastern FC. by South Korea’s Suwon Sam- 65, Paulinho 82) Eastern (HKG) 0 ing still and refusing to tackle for the birthday party of United and Shanghai SIPG beat sung Bluewings when Shogo their opponents, in a football Zimbabwe FA president Philip FC Seoul by the same scoreline start to Group G as they over- his spot-kick in a moment that Taniguchi’s own goal cancelled Group H version of the online “Manne- Chiyangwa. on Tuesday. shadowed Chan’s historic eff ectively killed the game as a out Yu Kobayashi’s 11th-minute Adelaide United (AUS) 0 Gamba quin Challenge” craze, Ho Chi Tomorrow, the FIFA president Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Ever- achievement. contest after just four minutes. opener. Osaka (JPN) 3 (Nagasawa 21, Minh walked in another late visits Uganda and is expected grande, who have won the last After Wong Tsz-ho was sent Evergrande laid siege to the In Group H, Japan’s Gamba Konno 45+1, McGowan 81-og) goal to win the match 5-2. to meet President Yoweri six Chinese Super League titles, off for handling on the line, visitors’ defence and they went Osaka outclassed Adelaide Unit- Jeju United (KOR) 0 Jiangsu Fines totalling 160 million Museveni. couldn’t have made a stronger Ricardo Goulart drilled home 2-0 up on 22 minutes when ed 3-0 in a rerun of the 2008 Suning (CHN) 1 (Ramires 90) Gulf Times Thursday, February 23, 2017 5 RUGBY
FOCUS Wales look North in bid to conquer Scotland Reuters Luke (Charteris) on to the bench,” by former Wales wing Shane Williams. London Howley said in a Welsh Rugby Union The experienced Faletau was again statement. among the replacements, with his Bath “In terms of intensity and perform- teammate Luke Charteris taking over eturning winger George ance, we stepped up a level against Eng- as second-row cover from Newport North is the only change to land and we need to take the positives Gwent Dragons lock Cory Hill after re- the Wales starting line-up as from that performance and take it into covering from a fractured hand. they seek to get back to win- 80 minutes against Scotland at Mur- Moriarty was one of Wales’s out- ningR ways in the Six Nations against rayfi eld. We know what we are capable standing performers against England Scotland at Murrayfi eld on Saturday. of and we want to deliver that on Sat- and Howley also faced fl ak for taking North missed the last-gasp 21-16 de- urday alongside the result, which inter- him off as early as the 53rd minute. Knee feat at home to England on February 11 national rugby is all about.” injuries have seen Faletau make just a but has recovered from a dead leg and Wales opened their Six Nations cam- couple of 80-minute appearances for will replace Alex Cuthbert in a back three paign with a comprehensive 33-7 victo- Bath this season. that also includes winger Liam Williams ry in Italy before suff ering the agonising Scotland, beaten 22-16 by France last and full-back Leigh Halfpenny. home defeat to England. time out, are due to name their side today. There was some debate around the There was less than an hour before Both Wales and Scotland remain in expected make-up of the pack, espe- kick-off at the Principality Stadium when title contention after one win from two cially the back-row, with the return to Northampton powerhouse wing North, matches so far this Six Nations, with full fi tness of Taulupe Faletau. with 28 tries in 66 Tests to his credit, the Welsh beating Italy 33-7 in Rome However, caretaker coach Rob How- failed a fi tness test on a leg injury suff ered fi rst time up and the Scots launch- ley has stuck with the loose forward trio in Wales’s tournament opener against ing their campaign with a 27-22 win at of Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric and Italy and was replaced by Cuthbert. home to Ireland. Ross Moriarty, who have impressed in England came from behind to win Wales, however, have dominated this the competition so far, leaving Faletau to when, with just four minutes left, Elliot fi xture in recent years and will head to take his place on the bench once more. Daly scored a dramatic try in the corner Edinburgh seeking a 10th consecutive There is also one change among the after opposing wing Cuthbert missed a win over Scotland. replacements as lock Luke Charteris tackle. They have not lost to Scotland since a comes in for Cory Hill. Coach Rob Howley’s decision to select 21-9 defeat in 2007, a match where all of “We have been able to select from Cardiff fl yer Cuthbert, now no longer the Scots’ points came courtesy of seven a position of strength which is a huge even in the match day 23 for this week- Chris Paterson penalties, with Wales’s positive and it is good to welcome end’s visit to Murrayfi eld, against Eng- winning streak also featuring four suc- George back into the starting XV and land was slammed as a “blind hope” call cessive victories at Murrayfi eld. SPOTLIGHT New super-sized rugby has much Off -form Italy turn to tackle in 2017 AFP problems are tackled. “Long- Sydney term if the foundations are laid we may be able to expand the game in a way that’s more new Super Rugby sensible from a travel, player season kicks off this workload, cost and time zone week with bosses point of view, but that’s going to fl y-half Allan pledging to tackle its to take some time,” Tew said. Aunwieldy conference structure, NZR’s main problem is the exhausting travel schedules guaranteed home advantage and lopsided contests. for the four conference winners There will be a first fixture after New Zealand teams occu- in Samoa in June, meaning pied four of the top five places the 2017 Super Rugby season on the overall standings in 2016. will now straddle 17 time NZR are pushing instead for for England clash zones and four continents. a straight top-eight play-off The competition will retain system which Tew argues the much-criticised four would produce a fairer ‘We have to change, but changes are for future. One of the big things is to stop feeling conference format, while outcome. But the proposal is tweaking kick-off times to being opposed by Australia sorry for ourselves, stop feeling sorry about where we are and focus on performance’ trial Thursday night matches and South Africa. and increase the number of afternoon games. “Our biggest “Our biggest challenge is obviously the geographical challenge is expanse we’ve got to cover,” obviously the said Andy Marinos, the chief executive of Super Rugby’s geographical governing body SANZAAR, expanse we’ve while promising that team schedules would be managed got to cover. better this year. We’ve had some “We’ve had some key learn- key learnings ings out of 2016 that we can im- plement into 2017 around how out of 2016 that we manage the players during we can imple- the week and how we work the travel schedule,” he said. ment into 2017 The far-flung tournament around how has its critics, notably Eng- we manage the land’s former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones, who bluntly players during observed last season: “Some the week and of the games put me to sleep.” With six franchises in how we work the South Africa and five each in travel schedule.” Australia and New Zealand, plus Japan’s Sunwolves, “I’m stubborn and we’ll keep and Argentina’s Jaguares, plugging away because we organisers are wrestling with think it makes much more the conflicting interests of the sense,” Tew said. “It makes it a five competing nations. lot easier for the fans. They can Each Super Rugby team almost disregard the complica- plays 15 matches and has two tions of the conferences and byes in the 17-round regular just look at the log and say ‘is season. The competition final is my team in the top eight’.” on August 5 with a short mid- Australia are not happy season break in June and July. with the reduced number The teething problems of of money-spinning local last year’s expansion to 18 derbies. The Waratahs will teams have forced a rethink only play their century-long with the heads of Australian, rivals Queensland once this New Zealand, South Afri- season and there is a solitary can and Argentinian rugby Waratahs-Brumbies match. convening in early March to Super Rugby will further ex- finalise competition changes pand its boundaries when the for 2018 after an urgent stra- Auckland Blues playing the tegic review was announced Queensland Reds in Samoa in by Marinos last month. June while the Waikato Chiefs Agencies the starting line-up in place of Angelo Es- player. But Italy have never beaten England November test series. South Africa, with just three will take their game with the Rome posito and Michele Campagnaro at centre in 22 previous encounters and Allan says But despite glimpses of promise in their titles in the 21 seasons of Canterbury Crusaders to Fiji. for Tommaso Benvenuti. there is only one team in the world better opening two games at the Stadio Olimpi- Super Rugby, are mostly con- With 15 players of Samoan There is also one change in the pack as than Eddie Jones’s men. co, the Azzurri are staring at a likely 12th cerned about their arduous heritage in Blues squad, taly have drafted fl y-half Tommaso South African-born Braam Steyn replaces “England are one of the best teams in the wooden spoon in 18 editions following de- travel schedules. American Samoa-born Allan into their starting line-up as Maxime Mbanda in the number six jersey, world, second only to the All Blacks,” said feats by Wales (33-7) and Ireland, who reg- Oregan Hoskins, who re- Jerome Kaino said they were one of four changes for their Six Na- with the latter dropping to the bench. Allan. “They are a very clinical side that istered their highest ever Six Nations away signed as president of SA Rug- looking forward to it. “The tions clash at Twickenham on Sunday “We have had to change, but the changes makes few mistakes. It’s a big challenge for win over Italy in a nine-try romp nearly a by last August, stated South possibility of having a fixture Iwhen they hope to end a 22-game losing are for the future,” O’Shea told reporters us. We will have to avoid the same mistakes fortnight ago. Africa would be better off align- in the islands every year is re- streak against England. yesterday when naming his team. we made against Ireland. We want to give a Against England, Italy are likely to be ing to European leagues rather ally special for us, but also for Hopes for this season had been high af- “One of the big things is to stop feeling good account of ourselves at Twickenham given little respite. Allan is hoping the im- than with SANZAAR, which Samoa, Fiji, whatever nation it ter Italy’s historic win over South Africa’s sorry for ourselves in games. To stop feeling and remain competitive for 80 minutes.” provements brought to his game by former would mean few time diff er- is because they off er so much Springboks in November, but coach Conor sorry for ourselves about where we are and Elsewhere, fl anker Abraham Steyn re- England fl y-half Mike Catt, an Italy assist- ences for their matches. to our game here in New Zea- O’Shea has so far failed to recreate that focus on performance.” places Maxime Mbanda in the back row ant coach, come to the fore. Alternatives to the confus- land and it’s important that magic formula, with heavy Six Nations Allan said Italy are bracing themselves while Giulio Bisegni comes off the bench “For Mike it will be a big challenge, but ing four-conference competi- we give back,” Kaino said. home defeats to Wales and Ireland. for the “big challenge” following consecu- to start in place of Angelo Esposito on the also exciting for him down to walk on to the tion could include a return The new season kicks off Italy will meet an England team un- tive defeats to Wales and Ireland. wing. Exeter Chiefs’ Michele Campagnaro pitch in front of his audience, albeit as an to 15 teams, with Australia with the Melbourne Rebels beaten in 15 matches and O’Shea said they Allan is a former Scotland youth player — a late replacement against both Wales opponent,” added Allan. “It’s great work- dropping one team and South playing Auckland at home have worked on areas where “we felt gave whose Scottish father and Italian mother and Ireland — will start at centre in place of ing with him. He’s a great coach who works Africa cutting two. today, while the Wellington momentum to Ireland” since their defeat, both played rugby in Italy. Tommaso Benvenuti. hard both on the skills of the team as with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) Hurricanes open their title de- adding that Italy’s players had “a big re- The signifi cance of playing a key role for Italy began this year’s tournament with us on an individual level at the end of train- chief executive Steve Tew fence against the Sunwolves sponsibility” for the England game. the Azzurri at the home of English rugby is renewed hope and confi dence following a ing, focusing on the small details that can has called for patience as the in Tokyo on Saturday. O’Shea named wing Giulio Bisegni in not lost on the 23-year-old Vicenza-born historic 20-18 win over South Africa in the make a diff erence.” Gulf Times 6 Thursday, February 23, 2017 SPORT
NBA FOCUS Lakers name Magic Johnson president of DeMarcus Cousins basketball operations
Reuters New York
agic Johnson was named the president of basketball could be a D-mare operations for the struggling Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday as one of the NBA’s most storied franchises undergoes a major shakeup to the their front offi ce. MIn addition to promoting Johnson, a Hall of Famer who won fi ve NBA titles with Los Angeles in the 1980s, Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss fi red longtime general manager Mitch Kupchak and her brother, Jim, from his role as vice president of basketball operations. in New Orleans “I took these actions today to achieve one goal: Everyone as- sociated with the Lakers will now be pulling in the same direc- tion, the direction established by Earvin and myself,” said Jeanie ‘It didn’t seem real. I still don’t think it’s really hit me yet. That’s how it goes’ Buss. “We are determined to get back to competing to win NBA championships again.” Kupchak was in his 30th season working in the team’s front of- fi ce while Jim Buss, son of former Lakers owner Jerry Buss, joined the team in 1998. The Lakers, who last week were ranked second in Forbes’ list of most valuable NBA teams at $3bn, are in the midst of one of the worst on-court stretches in their history. Earlier this month the Lakers hired Johnson to advise owner- ship on basketball and business in a role the team said would in- clude collaborating with coaches, mentoring players and assess- ing future franchise needs. He called his newest role a “dream come true” and pledged to work tirelessly to get the team back to the top of the NBA. “Since 1979, I’ve been a part of the Laker Nation and I’m pas- sionate about this organisation,” said Johnson. “I will do every- thing I can to build a winning culture on and off the court.” Johnson, 57, who ended his 12-year career with the Lakers in 1991 after he was diagnosed with HIV, was a minority owner of the team for several years after his retirement and built a business that owns movie theaters, health clubs and other properties. Johnson, who staged a brief NBA comeback in 1996, was the face of a group that bought Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Dodgers for $2bn in 2012. That group also bought Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC and WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks. Los Angeles have not made the postseason since losing in the fi rst round of the 2013 NBA playoff s and, with a 19-39 record that has them sitting second-last in the Western Conference, are headed to a fourth consecutive losing campaign.
By David Whitley Quarter. There’s just one hitch: ture,” Sacramento general man- ing their industries in technical dered over, gave Van Gundy a Orlando Sentinel All the projections assume ager Vlade Divac said in a state- fouls. Cousins so often acts like a hug and said all was fi ne with his Cousins will stop acting like ment, “and character matters.” 12-year-old we assume he is. coach. Cousins. In other words, Cousins’ The calendar says he’s 26. His trademark grin vanished eMarcus Cousins has History shows that’s not the character poisoned the Kings’ When you’re in your seventh as he tried to weasel out a believ- been traded to New kind of thing you’d want to bet culture. You could easily argue season, you are who you are. able explanation. The truth was Orleans, and it’s being $209 on, much less $209 mn. that Sacramento’s culture poi- That truism is often lost on he wanted out, and he eventually called the biggest rip- That’s the corner the hapless soned Cousins. franchises who think the only got his wish. offD since the Dutch bought Man- Kings painted themselves into if Everything the Kings touch thing Alfred E. Player needs is a When the trade happened, hattan Island from the Lenape they wanted to re-sign Cousins. turns to chicken feed, so they new start. Especially if Alfred is everybody thought the Lakers fi - tribe for $24 worth of beads and Instead of tying that cash to a could have had St. Peter at center a center. nally had their next great center. the rights to Carmelo Anthony. ticking bomb, they bailed out of and he would have been reduced It can happen. Robert Par- All Howard needed was to grow Cousins talked to Sacra- their DeMarcusmare. to acting like Alfred E. Neuman. rish fl ourished after he left up a tad and championships mento media before leaving for Hmm, that doesn’t work quite But Neuman never led the NBA Golden State for Boston. But for would follow. New Orleans and said he was like “Dwightmare,” does it? in profane rants, moodiness, in- every Parrish, there are a hand- Ask Kobe Bryant how that “shocked” by the trade. Let’s just call them D-mares, subordination and coach-kill- ful of Andrew Bynums whose worked out. Then Howard was “It seemed like I was going to twin basketball traumas that ing. Cousins went through six heads will never be screwed on off to Houston. Ask James Hard- wake up from a dream. It didn’t held Sacramento and Orlando coaches in seven seasons, which straight. en how that worked out. seem real. It was shocking, but hostage. The similarities should is as much an indictment of Which brings us back to our Dwight will always be Dwight. I’ve had time to kind of think be mixed into the celebratory the Kings as their All-Star old friend Dwight Howard. He That doesn’t mean DeMarcus about it a little bit,” Cousins said drinks currently being hoisted whiner. was also 26 when he was fi rst will always be DeMarcus, but Tuesday. on Bourbon Street. Let’s just say the D-mare in traded. He wasn’t a hothead like there is a reason half the league “I still don’t think it’s really hit Like Dwight Howard in 2012, Sacramento was a group eff ort Cousins, but his self-absorbed wouldn’t touch him and Sacra- me yet. That’s how it goes.” Cousins is considered the plan- and both sides could use a huge immaturity fl ared in other ways. mento ended up with $24 worth Everybody who’s anybody et’s fi nest center. Like Howard, dose of professionalism. New Who could forget Stan Van of NBA beads. agrees Sacramento got fl eeced. the only NBA employer he’s ever Orleans’ worry is the calendar. Gundy telling the media after a Character matters. And if They envision Cousins and An- known gave him a lukewarm job A lot of people start their ca- shootaround that Howard had Cousins doesn’t develop some, thony Davis shifting the NBA’s reference. reers as knuckleheads, but they asked for him to be fi red? Then New Orleans just traded for its balance of power to the French “Winning begins with cul- get older, wiser and stop lead- an unsuspecting Howard wan- very own D-mare. Magic Johnson.
SPOTLIGHT Heat still with plenty to overcome in playoff race
By Ira Winderman vancing to the postseason, com- Cavaliers and two apiece against proach, with the recent trade of Sun Sentinel pared to the 74-percent chance of the Raptors and Wizards. Serge Ibaka. the Detroit Pistons, 72.5-percent According to Playoff status. During All-Star weekend, chance of the Chicago Bulls and com, the Heat face the third- Cavaliers forward LeBron James rik Spoelstra made the 67.5-percent chance of the Indi- most-diffi cult remaining sched- warned not to sleep on the East. concession in advance of ana Pacers to round out those fi - ule of the seven teams vying for “My assessment of the East is his team’s eight-day All- nal three playoff berths. The Heat the fi nal three playoff berths in the East is playing great ball,” he EStar break. had been up to a 29.7-percent the East, easier than only the said. “I mean, excluding us and “Everybody is aware,” he said chance according to ESPN before Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks, but you got Boston, you’ve got Wash- of the standings and the East- the recent losses to the Philadel- tougher than the Bulls, New York ington, who has hit a hot streak ern Conference playoff race that phia 76ers and Orlando Magic. Knicks, Charlotte Hornets and and they’ve been playing great resumes Friday for the Miami “There’s no easy way with this Pistons. ball, not only at home but on the Heat. basketball team,” Spoelstra said. What Spoelstra said the Heat road. Boston has been consistent “We earned the right to at least Playoff status.com also have in their favor is an urgen- all year. You’ve got Atlanta who be in the discussion right now.” paints a sobering picture, utiliz- cy that has defi ned their past has been playing really good ball. And they are, after a 13-game ing its schedule-strength com- month. You’ve got some other teams that winning streak left his team as putation to place the Heat with a “When you win,” he said, “you are like – Miami who hit a hot winner of 14 of 16 going into the one-percent chance for the No. 5 can start to get soft in the mind.” streak, too, and they’re trying to break. As the Cleveland Cava- seed, 4% for No. 6, 8% for No. 7, Instead, the Heat are expect- make a push into the playoff s.” liers, Boston Celtics, Washington 13% for No. 8... and a 74-percent ed to be stronger in body, with Now the question is which Wizards, Toronto Raptors and chance of missing the playoff s. guard Josh Richardson likely to teams step forward over these Atlanta Hawks have distanced So if you go by logic, the Heat return in Friday’s resumption of fi nal two months of the regular themselves at the top of the will not make the playoff s. But the schedule against the Atlanta season, perhaps attempting to East standings, the next seven what exactly has been logical Hawks at Philips Arena. emulate the Heat’s recent suc- teams remain bunched within six about a season that saw the Heat Though it is possible the East cess. games of the No. 6 seed, with the fall to 11-30 at midseason and playoff race could be further “The way the East has been,” top eight teams advancing to the then emerge as the league’s hot- expanded, it appears the 76ers Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek said, postseason. test team since? again are looking more toward “Miami wins 12 or 13 in a row, so And yet the metrics remain When it comes to the remain- the future, with their protective our thoughts are, ‘Why can’t we daunting for the Heat at 25-32. ing schedule, the Heat have 11 approaches with the injuries of suddenly roll off seven or eight in According to ESPN’s Basket- games against teams above.500 Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, a row?’ You win seven or eight in a ball Power Index, the Heat have and 14 against teams below. But while the Magic also appear to row all of a sudden you climb that only a 19.3-percent chance of ad- those 11 feature three against the be taking a future-thinking ap- ladder pretty fast in the East.” Miami Heat coach Erik Jon Spoelstra. Thursday, February 23, 2017 7 SPORT
NHL FOCUS Rangers fall to Price, Canadiens in shootout Penguins hang on By Steve Zipay the Bruins. Newsday “Obviously, (Price) showed in overtime that he’s never out of it,” said Rangers’ Rick acked by some spec- Nash, who had tied the game tacular saves from at 2, splitting the defense on a Carey Price, it took breakaway and beating Price 65 minutes and fi ve high-glove side at 9:26 of the in 3-1 victory over Brounds of a shootout for Mon- second period. The goal gave treal to edge the Rangers at Nash three in the last four Madison Square Garden on games against Montreal. Tuesday night. Nash had almost tied it at Price, who made three saves 3:21. He sped up ice from the in the fi nal minute of overtime, red line and tried to deke Price with his second on J.T. Miller on a breakaway. But a patient in the last moment on a 2 on 1, Price slid right and got his right Carolina Hurricanes also stopped Miller in the fi fth pad on Nash’s forehander. round of the shootout before “You always want to get two winger Paul Byron netted the points, but it was good hockey,” ‘We got into some penalty trouble and took a lot from our momentum’ winner, and the Canadiens said Rangers’ Derek Stepan, snapped the Blueshirts’ fi ve- who hit the crossbar on his game home winning streak, shootout attempt. “Overtime By Dave Molinari 3-2. was entertaining, back and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette With one second left on the forth action. You’re going to clock in overtime, Price dove see a lot more of those games headlong to his left to stone down the stretch.” here was nothing easy Miller trying to fi nish a 2 on-1 Here’s how the duel in the about the Penguins’ 3-1 with Kevin Hayes. Miller just shootout played out: Af- victory Tuesday night bent at the waist, his stick held ter Mats Zuccarello scored in against Carolina at PNC low. the fi rst round of the shoot- TArena. At the end of the game, even out, Lundqvist denied Brian Mostly because they spent Henrik Lundqvist commended Flynn, and Price stopped much of the fi rst two periods Price, who made 28 saves. Mika Zibanejad, but Alex- causing problems for them- “I just said (to him) it was a ander Radulov’s backhander selves. They went in front late nice save,” Lundqvist recalled. eluded Lundqvist. Stepan rang in the second period on a Sidney “You have to appreciate goal- the crossbar and Lundqvist Crosby goal, however, and hung tending when it’s that good. ... snagged Max Pacioretty’s on for a victory that raised their I’m pretty disappointed right wrister. Price stuff ed Jimmy record to 37-14-8. now, but I appreciate the eff ort Vesey’s bid, and Lundqvist “They’re always able to get us here from everyone.” turned away Alex Galchenyuk a goal when we need it,” winning The Rangers, who will visit to end the fourth round. goalie Matt Murray said. Toronto on Thursday, moved to Andrew Shaw on a wrapa- They are in second place in 38-19-2 (78 points), and tight- round, and Oscar Lindberg, on the Metropolitan Division, three ened their grip on a wild-card a redirection in front, had the points behind Washington. spot with 22 games to play in score knotted after the fi rst The Penguins played most of the regular season. period. The second didn’t start the game without defenseman “I think it was a pretty good well for the Blueshirts. Nick Trevor Daley, who did not take a eff ort,” Rangers defenseman Holden was whistled for inter- shift after logging about 8 { min- Dan Girardi said. “Obviously ference at 1:34. Eight seconds utes of ice time during the fi rst the huge save by Price saved later, Shea Weber wound up period. the game for them. We liked from the left point and blasted There was no immediate ex- the way we played, we would the puck through Lundqvist, planation for his absence. have liked to get two, but we’re who didn’t get it all. The Penguins already were happy to get the point.” “There are a couple guys in missing defensemen Justin So the Canadiens (32-20-8, the league when they shoot, Schultz (concussion) and Olli 72 points), trying to hold onto it’s like you have to make two Maatta (hand), who were in- fi rst place in the Atlantic Divi- saves,” Lundqvist said. “It’s jured Wednesday. They began sion, ended a three-game los- like a drill and keeps going the game without center Nick ing streak and racked up their through your arm.” Bonino, who was ill. His spot in fi rst victory under head coach In the end it was Price, with the lineup went to Carter Claude Julien, who was hired arms and glove and pads and Rowney, who had been scratched a week ago after being fi red by stick, who made the diff erence. the previous two games. “We got into some penalty trouble and took a lot from our momentum and getting the start we wanted,” Crosby said. “It took us a while, but we fi nally got a lead.” Scott Wilson, who hadn’t scored a goal in his previous 19 games, staked the Penguins to a 1-0 lead at 2:15 of the opening period, when he defl ected a Pat- ric Hornqvist shot past Carolina goalie Cam Ward for his sixth of the season. Hornqvist got the Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby (No 87) scores a second period goal past Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward at PNC Arena. only assist. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Wilson’s goal marked the eighth time in their past nine front of the net with nine sec- ued to carry the play for most Malkin provided a badly needed delphia in an outdoors “Stadium road games that the Penguins onds remaining on the second. of the second, but the Penguins insurance goal at 9:41of the Series” game at Heinz Field. opened the scoring. The goal was made possi- got the only goal during those 20 third, beating Ward from in front But although they dominated ble when Penguins center Matt minutes. Crosby scored it - his of the net after taking a feed from RESULTS the early minutes of play, that Cullen, who was on the right league-leading 33rd - during Carl Hagelin, who was behind Blackhawks 5 Wild 3 changed after Evgeni Malkin side, fl ipped a pass toward the a fi ve-on-three power play at the goal line. Maple Leafs 5 Jets 4 (OT) logged a pair of minors 21 sec- slot. Carolina intercepted it, 16:21, when he set up at the right The goal was Malkin’s 25th. Islanders 3 Red Wings 1 onds apart. His teammates killed and a second or so later, Skin- side of the crease and tipped a The Penguins, who are 25-0 Canadiens 3 Rangers 2 (SO) the fi rst, but Jeff Skinner pulled ner made it 1-1. The Hurricanes Phil Kessel shot past Ward. when leading after two periods, Senators 2 Devils 1 Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens looks behind the net the Hurricanes even when he fi nished the period with a 14-7 Kris Letang received the sec- will not play again until Saturday Kings 2 Avalanche 1 during the game against the New York Rangers at Madison beat goalie Matt Murray from in edge in shots. Carolina contin- ond assist, his 298th in the NHL. night, when they will face Phila- Flames 6 Predators 5 (OT) Square Garden in New York City. (Getty Images/AFP)
BASEBALL Marlins will miss Fernandez even more this year
By Bob Brookover Marlins were back at work for the game.” day and it gets to be this ho-hum The Philadelphia Inquirer start of another spring training last Fernandez had become so good type feeling and you just can’t forget week and several of them, includ- on the mound and so much fun off how special it is to be able to have ing manager Don Mattingly, admit- the mound at such a young age. Last the opportunity to play. It is a game.” ot enough time has passed ted that the memory of Fernandez’s May, the cameras caught him swip- The hard truth for the Marlins for the Miami Marlins to death is still fresh. ing the keys from the Phllie Pha- is that it is going to be even more fully grieve the most dev- “Diff erent things bring memories natic’s ATV. After borrowing some diffi cult to replace Fernandez the astating moment of the back,” Mattingly said. handcuff s from a Philadelphia police pitcher. His stuff was electric and as N2016 baseball season. “During a meeting [last week], offi cer, the Phanatic asked Fernan- a native Cuban who only reached the In fact, no amount of time can somebody said something and it re- dez to put his hands behind his back United States after three failed at- erase the searing pain that engulfed minded me of Jose.” and the superstar pitcher did not re- tempts at defecting, he was the most the entire franchise, the city of Mi- For pitcher Tom Koehler, there sist arrest. embraced player on a team that has ami, the country of Cuba and all of was a recent night out at dinner with It was fun and it was funny. always struggled to attract fans. baseball last September 25. his wife, Ashley. The Marlins are surely going to In four seasons, he had won the So many awoke that Sunday “It was to a restaurant that we miss that and so much more. National League rookie of the year morning to the news that 24-year- knew he went to a lot in spring train- “He was one of the biggest per- award, twice been to the All-Star old Jose Fernandez was dead. Fern- ing,” Koehler said. “I got emotional sonalities, if not the biggest per- Game and twice fi nished in the top andez had been killed, along with that day because the last time we sonality, in this clubhouse,” Miami seven in the Cy Young Award voting. two of his friends, in a gruesome had been there, I saw him pulling up reliever David Phelps said. “The His best days were in front of him early-morning crash when his boat on his boat. There are just always lit- energy in the room was always up and then, in an instant, he was gone. - the Kaught Looking - fl ipped after tle reminders here and there.” when he was in it. That’s one thing The Marlins appeared to be a team hitting a cluster of rocks that jutted That’s just one of the things the we’re trying to focus on this season. on the rise for much of last season. into the sea. Marlins will constantly have to deal We want to play the game the way They entered August nine games The Marlins’ game against the At- with this season and to that point, that he would by always loving it.” over.500 and only four games out of lanta Braves was canceled and tear- Mattingly has encouraged his play- That was the message Mattingly fi rst place. They still fi gure to have a ful tributes to Fernandez took place ers to embrace and remember Fern- sent his players when they reported formidable lineup, but it will be dif- in the ensuing days. The most mov- andez’s enormous personality, for this diffi cult fi rst spring training fi cult for them to improve without ing among them was a home run by which was visible to those who did without Fernandez. their ace. Dee Gordon to lead off the Marlins’ not even know him. “The thing that stood out about An autopsy report released in late fi rst game after Fernandez’s death. “When he would go to do his [pre- Jose to me was that little kid in him,” September revealed that Fernandez Gordon cried all the way around the game] bullpen in Philly, he would Mattingly said. “That is something had traces of cocaine and high levels bases and only the most hardened of walk by you with such energy and a we all have when we start playing. of alcohol in his body when the ac- humans did not weep along with him. smile,” Phillies pitching coach Bob We just have a joy for the game and cident occurred. You can condemn It is not yet the fi ve-month anni- McClure said. “He’d always say it’s just fun and sometimes you lose him if you like. The bottom line is versary of the greatest tragedy in the hello. I truly think baseball is going that as a professional. It gets to be this: It made the entire incident franchise’s 24-year history, but the to miss that pure adulation of the business and you’re playing every even more tragic. Gulf Times 8 Thursday, February 23, 2017 SPORT
TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Del Potro gets 2017 campaign off on Kerber moves closer winning note
AFP seed Ivo Karlovic followed Miami shortly thereafter, falling 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/3) to 69th-ranked American Donald Young de- to top ranking ormer US Open champ spite 19 aces from the world Juan Martin Del Po- number 20 Croatian. tro got his season off Raonic, who had beaten to another success- Smyczek in the fi rst round fulF start at the Delray Beach of the 2015 US Open in their Open, winning in straight sets only prior meeting, booked a and overcoming an opening set second-round matchup with tumble in the process. 49th-ranked Croatian Borna comeback in Dubai Del Potro wasn’t at his best, Coric, who eliminated Co- especially on his backhand. lombia’s Santiago Giraldo 6-2, But he used his powerful serve 6-3. ‘I was trying to play my game. I’m really happy about how I played today’ and blasted enough forehand winners to beat the South Af- ‘Best shape’ rican 6-4, 6-4. “Overall I have to be happy,” Del Potro, who also started Raonic said. “I haven’t played his ATP Tour season last year much tennis over the last few at the Delray Beach event, weeks, and I really put in as hammered fi ve aces and won much work as I could over the 84% of his fi rst serve points last week to get into my best in the fi rst round battle be- shape here, and now I’m here. tween two former tournament “I’ve won my fi rst match and winners. In another marquee I hope I can continue. I feel matchup Tuesday, Canadian good.” top seed Milos Raonic blasted World number four Raonic 10 aces in downing US qualifi er is seeking a ninth career ATP Tim Smyczek 6-1, 6-4 to reach crown. He has won at least the second round. one title in each of the past Del Potro reached the semi- six years and last year reached fi nals of this event last year his fi rst Grand Slam fi nal, los- before going on to win 32 ing to Britain’s Andy Murray matches and being named the at Wimbledon. Darcis, ranked Tour’s comeback player of the 57th, faced only one break year for the second time. The point over the fi nal two sets 28-year-old Argentinian, who in fi ghting back to bounce won the 2009 US Open title, Tomic in 90 minutes, booking has endured three left wrist a second-round match against and one right wrist surgeries in streaking Georgian Nikoloz his career. Basilashvili, who lost Sunday’s On Tuesday, Del Potro ATP Memphis Open fi nal to looked tentative at times but American Ryan Harrison. he was also able to gener- US third seed Jack Sock ate enough pace on the ball fi red eight aces in downing to thwart Anderson’s serve Moldova’s Radu Albot 6-4, and volley attack. He fought 7-6 (7/2). Sock, ranked 21st, through four double faults and next plays Spain’s Guillermo a grazed right knee he suff ered Garcia-Lopez, who dispatched in a fall in the fi rst set. Del Po- Germany’s Dustin Brown 6-3, tro won the Delray Beach title 6-3. Both Del Potro and Haas in 2011 and Anderson took the both launched comeback bids 2012 crown. Australian sixth Tuesday with Haas losing 6-7 seed Bernard Tomic became (4/7), 7-6 (10/8), 6-2 to the the fi rst seed ousted at the red-hot Basilashvili. Haas un- hard court event, with Belgian derwent right foot surgery last qualifi er Steve Darcis rallying April and had not played since to deliver a 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 de- October 2015 until retiring feat to the world number 31. from a fi rst-round Australian And 37-year-old second Open match last month. Angelique Kerber in action against Monica Puig at the Dubai Tennis Championships yesterday. Garcia, Thurman seek stardom in unifi cation fi ght AFP revenge against Puerto Rican The German will next line up admitted. Top seed Nishikori suff ers Dubai Puig, who beat the 29-year-old against Ana Konjuh, who elimi- “I didn’t do my best, but then shock first-round loss in Rio Unbeaten rival world welterweight title-holders Keith Thurman for the Rio Olympic gold medal nated eighth seed Elena Vesnina I’m really happy that I won. Top seed Kei Nishikori and Danny Garcia each vowed to grab the global spotlight that in August. 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4). “This shows I can go through crashed out of the Rio de Janeiro once shined on Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao by win- ngelique Kerber domi- Kerber improved to 3-1 in the some tough matches even not Open on Tuesday after suff er- ning their unification showdown next week in New York. nated Monica Puig series with her comfortable win Elina Svitolina outlasted playing well and then try to fi nd ing a 6-4 6-3 fi rst-round loss to The March 4 matchup of US fighters at Brooklyn’s Barclays 6-2, 6-3 in barely an over the number 42 seed at the Christina McHale 4-6, 6-4, my game, At the end of third set, I Brazil’s Thomaz Bellucci. Center will be only the third unification bout between unbeaten hour at the Dubai Ten- Aviation club. 6-3 in a match which went found it. It’s positive that I fought The Japanese world number welterweight champions, the first since Oscar de la Hoya faced nisA Championships yesterday to “I was trying to play my game. to the end and didn’t give up.” fi ve, who was stunned by un- for almost two and a half Felix Trinidad in 1999. move a step closer to returning to I’m really happy about how I hours Elsewhere in the third round, seeded Ukrainian Alexandr “The winner of this fight is the man at 147 (pounds, 66.7kg) and the number one ranking. played today,” Kerber said. American Lauren Davis beat Dolgopolov in the Argentina whoever has been the man at 147 lately with Floyd Mayweather The top-seeded German who “I was really trying to stay fo- Seventh seed Elina Svitolina Ekaterina Makarova 4-6, 6-1, Open fi nal two days ago, was and Manny Pacquiao, has been the face of boxing,” Thurman held the top WTA spot in 2016 cused on every single point and outlasted Christina McHale 4-6, 6-3, China’s Wang Qiang defeat- broken in the fi rst game en said. before Serena Williams took it trying to move well, bringing a 6-4, 6-3 in a match which ed Kristina Mladenovic 6-1, 6-4 route to losing the match in 79 “The winner of this fight is going to get a little of that spotlight back in September, could regain lot of balls back. went for almost two and a half a day after the Frenchwoman minutes. priority. They are going to step up in the world of boxing. the number one ranking were she “I was just thinking about my hours. had stunned second seed Karo- Bellucci meets compatriot The spotlight is going to be on them a little more. I’m looking to win the Gulf event on game, about my rhythm, and not “I was fi ghting myself today, lina Pliskova while Anastasija Thiago Monteiro, who beat Por- forward to making history at 147 and holding down this weight Saturday. thinking too much about my op- I was not there for important Sevastova defeated Peng Shuai tugal’s Gastao Eliasa 2-6 7-6(4) class for a few more years.” Kerber’s victory also provided ponent tonight.” points,” the Ukrainian winner 6-4, 6-3. 6-4, in the next round.
BOXING Fireworks expected in Alvarez-Chavez brawl
Reuters boiled up, more personal.” New York Chavez, 31, has chided the ‘It’s a joke for boxing if that happens’ 26-year-old Alvarez for ducking dangerous potential opponents, A possible bout between Floyd Mayweather and mixed exican pride will be and theorized that his red- martial arts champion Conor McGregor is getting lots of at stake when two- headed compatriot off ered him buzz but two fighters that are getting in the ring said the time world cham- the bout because of his relative crossover tilt would be a black eye on boxing. pion Canelo Alva- inactivity since breaking a hand. Irishman McGregor has been challenging Mayweather Mrez battles former middleweight “I was surprised but I think to a fight for months but the two have yet to reach terms champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. he took this fi ght because of my while both have been doing their part to drum up inter- in Las Vegas on Cinco de Mayo inactivity,” said Chavez, who at est with plenty of back and forth in the media. weekend. 6-foot-1 (1.85 metres) is four “It’s a joke for boxing if that happens,” two-time world Alvarez brings a 48-1-1 record inches (10 centimetres) taller champion Canelo Alvarez, who fights fellow Mexican with 34 knockouts into the May and accustomed to boxing as a Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in Las Vegas in May, told Reuters 6 clash while Chavez, son of the super middleweight. on Tuesday. legendary Mexican champion, is “I broke my hand and only had Mayweather, who retired in 2015 after compiling a 50-2-1 with 32 wins within the like fi ve fi ghts from 2012 to 2017. perfect 49-0 record, has said he would require a distance. He thinks I’m not in my prime.” guaranteed $100 mn to make the fight with McGregor “When you have two Mexi- Chavez has struggled in the happen. cans in the ring, it’s going to be past making weight when he has “It is a businessman fight,” Chavez said during yester- an all-out war,” former cham- dropped down in class, but has day’s promotion stop in New York for the Cinco de Mayo pion and Golden Boy Promo- strong incentive for this fi ght. weekend bout with Alvarez on May 6. tions chief Oscar De La Hoya Under the contract, it will cost “I like to fight a serious fight.” told reporters before Tuesday’s him $1mn of his purse for every Famed boxing trainer Freddie Roach believes the much- Times Square stop on the bout’s pound he is over the 164-1/2 hyped Mayweather-McGregor showdown will happen publicity tour. pound limit. and that he may get involved himself. “That’s what boxing needs, is Alvarez, whose only loss came Roach, who prepared Manny Pacquiao for the “Fight of some wars.” to boxer extraordinaire Floyd the Century” against Mayweather, said in an appearance The showdown at T-Mobile Mayweather, said fans preferred on The MMA Hour show on Monday that the 12-time Arena, which will be fought at a the kind of action that will be on boxing champion visited his Wild Card gym and told him catch-weight of 164-1/2 pounds, off er against Chavez. that he will fight McGregor. also holds the promise of fi re- “It’s always better to have this “According to Mayweather, yes. He told me he would works in the ring because of the type of opponent, that’s going fight him. Everything is pointing in that direction right history between the boxers. to be right there,” he said. “Not now,” said Roach, who added that he would consider “He said many things over the only for me, but for the fans in training McGregor if asked. years, criticised my career, al- order to give them a fi ght, a fi ght “I think Mayweather is the favorite, yes, but I wouldn’t ways putting doubts on my per- where there will be a lot of con- count anyone out. Because (McGregor) throws, he son and it adds up,” Alvarez said. tact, that’s not a fi ghter that I Mexico’s boxers Canelo Alvarez (L) and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr (2nd R) pose with their team members during a news throws hard and he’s not afraid to throw.” “That’s what makes this fi ght have to follow and chase.” conference ahead of WBC brawl in Las Vegas, in Mexico City, Mexico. (Reuters) Gulf Times Thursday, February 23, 2017 9 SPORT
GYMNASTICS Raisman targets on Tokyo during ‘crazy’ downtime
Reuters fi rst gymnastics event since Rio as an around and fl oor exercise at Rio, has vestigation,” said Raisman. “So I can’t Melbourne ambassador rather than a competitor kept in regular touch with her team- comment because we have to respect this week at the Melbourne stop of the mates. She joined Biles recently for their investigation.” individual apparatus World Cup series. a photo shoot for Sports Illustrated At the age of 22, Raisman had to defy merican gymnast Aly “It would be ridiculous if I were to magazine’s swimwear edition and also doubters who said she was too old to Raisman has been caught up try to compete now,” Raisman said yes- competed in the popular ‘Dancing with compete at Rio and she wept freely with in a whirlwind since helping terday after a bit of sightseeing in the the Stars’ television show. the emotional release of qualifying at the United States to its gold- sports-mad city. “I’ve been working “It’s actually been pretty crazy, I’ve national trials in San Jose last year. enA haul in Rio and the triple Olympic out, staying healthy but I’m not even only been home maybe one month in She is likely to be put through the champion is waiting for her world to close to being in the shape of compet- the past eight or nine,” said Raisman, emotional wringer again when she stop spinning before setting her sights ing. It wouldn’t feel weird because who won her fi rst Olympic team gold as launches her bid for Tokyo but the on the 2020 Tokyo Games. there’s muscle memory but my body a member of the United States’ ‘Fierce American draws inspiration from the Raisman, who captained the ‘Final would hurt because I haven’t been do- Five’ at London where she also took likes of Romanian Catalina Ponor, who Five’ US women to the most dominant ing any pounding since Rio, basically.” the fl oor exercise title. “But it’s been won three golds at the 2004 Athens Olympic victory in the team event six Life has never been better for a US Ol- incredible. I’ve had so many amazing Games and competed as a 28-year-old months ago, will be 26 when she bids ympic gymnast. The Final Five’s success- opportunities. In 2012 I got to do a lot at Rio. for her third Olympics, hoping to defy ful defence of the Olympic team title and of fun stuff but it’s really surpassed my Oksana Chusovitina, who won a gymnastics’ stereotype as a sport built Simone Biles’s four gold medals at Rio expectations this time.” team gold with the former Soviet Un- for petite teenagers. opened the insular world of international Although the ‘Final Five’ have bathed in ion’s ‘Unifi ed Team’ at the 1992 Barce- The Boston-born Raisman is in no gymnastics to mainstream America. acclaim, USA Gymnastics has been rocked lona Games, represented Uzbekistan at great hurry to plunge back into com- Raisman, Biles, Gabby Douglas, by allegations from former athletes of Rio at the age of 41 and has competed petition, however, knowing a year off to Laurie Hernandez and Madison Kocian sexual abuse by coaches and a long-serv- in seven Olympics with three diff erent freshen up could be her best chance of have all enjoyed a prolonged victory lap, ing team doctor in media reports last year, national delegations. building motivation for another tilt at touring dozens of cities and making prompting the governing body to review “It’s just amazing how incred- surviving the cut-throat competition red carpet appearances at Hollywood its sexual misconduct policy. ible (Chusovitina) is,” said Raisman. “I to make the US team. awards nights. “It’s obviously terrible and it should think everyone is still in awe of her, of To that end, she will appear at her Raisman, second to Biles in the all- never have happened, but there is an in- what she is still doing in gymnastics.”
FORMULA ONE Hackett to seek treatment abroad aft er family bust-up
AFP Olympic gold medallist last Sydney Wednesday without charge just hours after his family had him arrested following a bout Mallya’s Force India ustralian Olympic of heavy drinking which led to swimming great Grant “uncontrollable rage”. AHackett says he will seek Hackett came out of six years treatment overseas for mental of troubled retirement in 2014 health problems after what he in a bid to make the Rio Games. called “the toughest week of my But he narrowly missed out on life”. a berth and after the Olympic The 36-year-old, who went trials in Adelaide last April, hit targets top-3 fi nish into hiding after his brief arrest the headlines again with a pub- last week following a family lic meltdown on a plane. bust-up, released a statement Hackett was accused of ‘I’ve always said ‘under promise and over deliver’. As much as people may say there thanking “mum and dad for drunkenly squeezing the nip- helping me through the tough- ple of a fellow business-class is this huge barrier to breaking into the top three, I see no reason why we can not’ est week of my life”. passenger in an embarrassing “I know I have some mental incident which prompted him to health issues and I am seeking vow to quit drinking. Reuters of the teams above them and also some of help here in Australia and I will He retired after the 2008 Silverstone those below, such as McLaren. be also going overseas,” he said Beijing Olympics, having won the Renault Sport F1 managing director Cyril in the statement yesterday. 1500m freestyle at both the 2000 Abiteboul told reporters at the launch of his In 2014, he checked into a Sydney and 2004 Athens Games. orce India set their sights on break- team’s car on Tuesday, when he set a target US rehabilitation clinic to treat He also claimed four world titles ing into Formula One’s top three at of fi fth overall, that he doubted Force India an addiction to sleeping pills. in the 30-length event. the launch of their new car yester- had the resources to compete at the very top. Hackett’s father Neville had But Hackett quickly ran into day and hit back at suggestions that “I think this season will be an arms race, reported the former 1,500m problems with a messy divorce theyF lack the budget to match the manu- and I really feel for the teams who are un- world record-holder missing, and allegations he smashed up facturers in a spending ‘arms race’. der-resourced,” the Frenchman had said. sparking fears for his safety. his Melbourne home in 2011. “If we did not dream big, we would not “I believe that most of the car build budget The retired swimmer posted have fi nished fourth in the world champion- of a Force India will be gone by now, just to a picture on social media show- ship last year,” said co-owner and principal cope with the new regulations.” ing himself with a black eye, Vijay Mallya, the embattled former billion- Mallya laughed at the suggestion during and accused his brother Craig aire whose extradition is sought by India. a stage presentation. “Good luck to him. of beating him up. But Hackett “We will always dream big,” added the He might have to eat his words. It’s not the said in the statement he had liquor tycoon who was charged in absentia amount of arms you have, it’s the quality of resolved those diff erences. “My last month by India’s Central Bureau of In- your weaponry,” said the Indian. brother and I have reconnected vestigation with conspiracy and fraud over Mallya said the team planned to de- and love each other very much a loan to his defunct Kingfi sher Airlines. He velop the new Mercedes-powered VJM10 — our family has always been has dismissed the charges against him. “We throughout the season. Force India have our priority,” he said. have never had conversations, even in pri- Mexican Sergio Perez and French newcom- Police released the double vate, that we cannot break into the top three. er Esteban Ocon as drivers this season. That is certainly going to be our objective. “I’ve always said ‘under promise and We are going to give it our best shot.” over deliver’,” said Mallya of his approach FOCUS Force India enjoyed their best ever sea- to Formula One. “And I’m going to stick to son last year, fi nishing behind Mercedes, that philosophy. As much as people may say Red Bull and Ferrari. Force India’s annual there is this huge barrier to breaking into the budget is estimated at less than half that top three, I see no reason why we can’t.” Budapest’s 2024 New start for the only Nico on 2017 F1 grid ‘dream dissolves’ AFP/Reuters there’s no point in continuing... Budapest We will ridicule ourselves with Reuters reporters, referring to compatriot Jenson months of political mudslinging Renault drivers London Button’s 2009 world championship suc- until the referendum, and won’t Nico Hulkenberg cess with rank outsiders Brawn GP. udapest’s mayor is due stand a chance,” he said. (left) and Jolyon Former champions Renault finished to hold talks with Hun- Budapest has been vying ormula One’s ‘other German Nico’ Palmer. (AFP) ninth overall last season, with Palmer garian Prime Minister with powerhouses Paris and Los is now the only one racing this securing one point from his 21 races. The BViktor Orban to discuss Angeles for the right to host the Fseason, following the sudden retire- new cars are expected to lap significantly ending the city’s embattled bid to summer Games, after Hamburg ment of world champion Nico Rosberg, faster on fatter tyres, and Renault are con- host the Olympic Games in 2024 — following a referendum — and and Nico Hulkenberg is fired up for a new fident that their power unit has also made amid waning public support. Rome dropped out, both citing start with Renault. big gains on last year. The initiative, championed fi nancial concerns. The 29-year-old Hulkenberg has joined With more staff on board and greater by the sports-mad Orban, was Orban has backed the bid, from Force India, who punched above resources, they are targeting fifth place dealt a possibly fatal blow last launched in 2015, as a reward their weight last season to finish a best- overall and maybe even a podium if week after a petition garnered for his country’s rich Olympic ever fourth and comfortably ahead of circumstances play until their hands. enough signatures to force a ref- record: only nine countries have ninth-placed Renault, and has no doubt But any talk of dethroning champions erendum on the bid. won more medals in the history he made the right career move. Mercedes would be dismissed as the Mayor Istvan Tarlos was set of the Games. But critics have “I’m finding it very exciting, and good ramblings of a madman. to meet the right-wing premier slammed the cost involved in so far,” the Le Mans 24 Hours winner said With every rule change there is, however, to discuss ending Budapest’s hosting the event and said tax- at the launch of the team’s new RS17 car the chance of a team discovering some- candidacy given the lack of “na- payers should decide how their in central London. thing truly innovative that gives them an tional unity” regarding the mat- money is being spent. Hulkenberg has yet to stand on the immediate advantage, just as Brawn did ter, according to a statement by Bid supporters however in- Formula One podium, after 115 grand with their 2009 aerodynamic trickery. the municipal council. sisted that Budapest, which un- prix starts, but Renault are targeting “It is a completely blank set of regula- A decision could be expected like Paris or Los Angeles has nev- fifth place overall with the possibility — if tions. We have no idea what anyone else within days. “There’s no point in er hosted the Games, was more all the stars are aligned in a season of is doing, they don’t know what we are dragging things out,” Tarlos told suited than its rivals to the Inter- change — of a rostrum finish. doing,” said Palmer. “We will hit the track council members during a meet- national Olympic Committee’s The longer-term target, for a team that in Barcelona (at the first pre-season test ing yesterday morning. The may- low-cost Agenda 2020 strategy. won titles with Spaniard Fernando Alonso next week) and see some sort of form or had previously said he would The IOC is set to decide be- in 2005 and 2006 before pulling out in guide, I guess. But compared to the last not “ignore the will of the people” tween the candidate cities on 2010 and then returning as full construc- few years it is a real chance for someone in light of the referendum push. September 13 in the Peruvian tors last year, is to be challenging for the to upset the form book. Early on I think Over a quarter million signa- capital Lima. title again by 2020. there will be a chance if someone really tures of Budapesters were col- According to a survey pub- Hulkenberg was wary of raising hopes “Hopefully all this pays dividends later in gets the race right to make a big jump.” lected within a month by a group lished yesterday by pollster Me- too high, at least until the car has run for the year but for sure this is still a build-up Palmer adds weight For once, he could enjoy the ‘full works’ of young activists, aided by sev- dian, half of Hungarians would the first time in testing in Spain next week. year, getting to grips with everything,” he to his second season at Christmas dinner. “For years I’ve been eral political parties critical of the like Budapest to withdraw the “I think everybody’s very optimistic and said. “Being in a new team, it always takes trying to lean down and save weight and strongman Orban. Recent polls bid, with only a third supporting excited about the year ahead but you also some time to acclimatise but so far I feel al- olyon Palmer needs no reality check now I’ve got to try to bulk up for once... have also shown clear majorities it nationally. In Budapest, 56% have to be realistic and I think the team ready pretty integrated, I have to say. They Jahead of his second Formula One it’s going to be very physical and hope- in favour of withdrawing the bid. of voters were against the bid. still has a lot of catching up to do,” he said. gave me a good, nice, warm welcome.” season, but the Renault driver might be fully it pays off . There’s going to be a lot of “I am sorry to see a dream Attempting to shore up back- “I’m not a new Nico, (I’m) the same but defi- Renault Sport F1 managing director wondering about some of his friends. drivers with some stiff necks,” he said. dissolve,” said Zsolt Borkai, the ing for the bid, its chairman nitely very motivated and keen and eager.” Cyril Abiteboul made the team’s expecta- The 26-year-old Briton indicated at the The Briton, who stills lives in London chief of the Hungarian Olym- Balazs Furjes told the council: The German, who joins Briton Jolyon tions clear, saying: “You can see that he launch of his team’s 2017 car on Tuesday rather than sunnier climes, said he felt more pic Committee, at yesterday’s “Our phones are ringing off the Palmer in the line-up, said he had already will be a leader of this team. Not just of that their imaginations had been running relaxed, more confident and knew what council meeting. hook. IOC members from Asia seen a big diff erence in approach be- the race team, between himself and Jo, wild over the winter break ahead of a to expect. “The way Formula One works I The chairman of Budapest’s to Africa to Australia are call- tween Force India and Renault, with the but he will be a leader for everyone and a season with big rule changes. have understood a lot more over the last 12 bid, Balazs Furjes, pushed for a ing us daily to tell us, ‘guys, stop latter enjoying far greater resources and clear ambassador for Renault. We are all “Some of my mates have been saying months. As a team we should be a lot more quick decision. “If those who fooling around, do not quit...’ investing heavily. looking forward to seeing him in action.” ‘Imagine if you can do a Brawn’,” he told competitive so it is an exciting time.” have turned their back on us (But) unless we restore unity still refuse to support us now, right away we stand no chance.” Gulf Times 10 Thursday, February 23, 2017 SPORT
SECOND ODI England’s Sidebottom to retire aft er 2017 season London: Former England Record Taylor ton leads paceman Ryan Sidebottom is to retire from professional cricket at the end of the 2017 county season, he announced yesterday. The 39-year-old’s 20-year New Zealand to victory career has spanned three dec- ades and saw him help England win the 2010 World Twenty20 Result snaps a 12-match ODI winning streak for South Africa and levels the series — still the only occasion where England have lifted a major International Cricket Council Ross Taylor completed his ton in dramatic fashion limited-overs trophy. with a boundary off the last ball of the innings, Yorkshire left-arm quick claiming a New Zealand record of 17 ODI centuries, Sidebottom plans to focus England Test debut against during the second ODI against South Africa at the on cricket academies he has Pakistan in 2001 and took 79 Hagley Park Oval in Christchurch yesterday. (AFP) established in Leeds and York wickets in 22 matches at an once he is retired. Sidebottom average of 28.24. He also ap- said yesterday that announcing peared in 25 one-day inter- his retirement to his Yorkshire nationals and finished with a team-mates had proved more bowling average of 19.00 from diff icult than he expected. 18 international T20 matches. “I set myself to speak to the His career has seen Sidebot- boys (on Tuesday). I had my tom take over 1,000 wickets speech ready — it totally went in all competitions and he also out of the window and I just been one of the most success- started welling up and blubber- ful players in the recent history ing my eyes out,” Sidebottom of England’s first-class County said. “I totally forgot what I Championship with five titles was going to say so all these to his credit after wins with young lads were standing there Yorkshire in 2001, 2014 and thinking, ‘What’s this old bloke 2015 and Nottinghamshire in doing?’” 2005 and 2010. He added: “It’s very poign- Yorkshire director of cricket ant. I’ve had lots of lovely mes- Martyn Moxon praised Sidebot- sages this morning wishing me tom’s longevity in the game. all the best. You think you can “He’s been a fantastic serv- carry on forever, but I think it’s ant to Yorkshire, Notts and Eng- the right time, to finish at the land over the years — 20 years end of my 20-year career. as a fast bowler is a remarkable I feel very honoured and achievement,” said Moxon, privileged.” himself a former Yorkshire and Sidebottom made his England batsman.
CRICKET ROUND-UP Zimbabwe win to keep series alive
AFP he said. Taylor, who also became only the Africa needed 15 off six balls but it proved 8-0-49-1 (2w), Pretorius 10-0-40-2 (1w), Harare: Tarisai Musakanda hit SINUS OP RULES HAMEED Christchurch, New Zealand fourth New Zealander to score 6,000 ODI too much for Andile Phehlukwayo (29) Tahir 10-0-61-1 (2w), Phehlukwayo 9-0-62-0, 60 as Zimbabwe kept their fi ve- OUT OF MCC MATCH runs, received solid support from captain who could manage only two boundaries Duminy 3-0-17-0 match ODI series alive with a England opener Haseeb Hameed Kane Williamson and all-rounder Jimmy off the fi nal two deliveries. three-run win over Afghanistan has withdrawn from Marylebone record-breaking century from Neesham. Neesham scored an unbeaten South Africa captain de Villiers blamed South Africa innings in Harare on Tuesday. Cricket Club’s XI for the Cham- Ross Taylor steered New Zea- 71, while Williamson notched 69 — a re- “sloppy” batting for the defeat. “We’ve H. Amla lbw Southee 10 Bowlers Tendai Chatara, Sean pion County match against Mid- land to a gripping six-run win turn to form for a batting line-up which got a few things to work on,” he said. Q. de Kock c Neesham b Boult 57 Williams and Chris Mpofu all dlesex next month to have sinus over South Africa in the second has been over-reliant on tail-end contri- “There were quite a few soft dismissals, F. du Plessis b de Grandhomme 11 took three wickets as Zimbabwe surgery, it was announced yes- one-dayA international in Christchurch butions recently. including mine, and not enough good bowled out the tourists for 126 terday. Hameed, 20, has been JP Duminy st Latham b Santner 34 on yesterday. Taylor scored an unbeaten However, there were also concerns for partnerships. The partnerships that we AB de Villiers c Latham b Boult 45 runs off 29.3 overs having scored replaced by Yorkshire’s Alex Lees 102 as New Zealand batted fi rst and set a New Zealand, with opener Tom Latham did get going we couldn’t extend, you D. Miller c Latham b Miller 28 129 from 32.4 overs. Afghanistan, in the MCC squad for the day/ target of 290, with South Africa coming and Neil Broom only scoring two runs have to do that if you want to win games D. Pretorius b Boult 50 who lead the series 2-1, collapsed night match in Abu Dhabi from close thanks to a late 26-ball half-centu- apiece. Latham, in particular, will face of cricket.” The third one-dayer will be C. Morris run out Brownlie 7 from 107-4, losing six wickets for March 26-29. Lancashire rising ry from Dwaine Pretorius. intense pressure to keep his place after played in Wellington on Saturday. W. Parnell lbw Santner 0 19 runs in less than six overs. star Hameed’s brief career has The result snaps a 12-match ODI win- ducks in his previous two ODIs. A. Phehlukwayo not out 29 Asghar Stanikzai top-scored been marked by injury problems. ning streak for South Africa and levels Several South African batsmen — in- SCOREBOARD I. Tahir not out 0 for the tourists with 31 while After impressing as a 19-year- the fi ve-match series in New Zealand at cluding Quinton de Kock (57) and AB de New Zealand innings Extras (lb5, w7) 1 2 Gulbadin Naib took 4-27. The old on England’s tour of India 1-1.Taylor completed his ton in dramatic Villiers (45) — made good starts but were D. Brownlie lbw Pretorius 34 Total (9 wickets, 50 overs) 283 fourth ODI is on Friday with the late last year, Hameed missed fashion with a boundary off the last ball unable to go on and anchor the innings. T. Latham c Phehlukwayo b Parnell 2 Fall of wickets: 1-22 (Amla), 2-51 (du Ples- last one on Sunday, both at the the fi nal two Tests of a 4-0 series of the innings, claiming a New Zealand The tourists looked to have no chance at K. Williamson c Phehlukwayo b Tahir 69 sis), 3-108 (Duminy), 4-124 (de Kock), 5-192 Harare Sports Club. defeat after suff ering a broken record of 17 ODI centuries. 214 for eight but Pretorius gave the Black R. Taylor not out 102 (Miller), 6-199 (de Villiers), 7-214 (Morris), Brief Scores: fi nger while batting. He had re- The 32-year-old, who had shared the Caps some nervous moments, helped by N. Broom c Duminy b Pretorius 2 8-214 (Parnell), 9-275 (Pretorius) Zimbabwe 129 all out in 32.4 overs cently been working his way back record of 16 with Nathan Astle, has been misfi elds and poor bowling at the death. J. Neesham not out 71 Bowling: Southee 10-0-60-1 (1w), Boult (Tarisai Musakanda 60, Malcolm to fi tness with the second-string in a rich vein of form since returning from He was dropped on 15 and made the Extras (lb2, w7) 9 10-0-63-3 (3w), Neesham 3-0-20-0 (1w), de Waller 36 not out, Gulbadin Naib England Lions in Sri Lanka. eye surgery in early January. “Nath was most of the reprieve, smashing two sixes Total (4 wickets, 50 overs) 289 Grandhomme 4-1-10-1, Williamson 3-0-16-0, 4-27) bt Afghanistan 126 all out in England Under-19s captain one of my idols growing up so it’s a lit- and four fours to keep the result in the Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Latham), 2-53 (Brown- Sodhi 10-0-63-1 (2w), Santner 10-0-46-2 29.3 overs (Asghar Stanikzai 31, Matt Fisher, also in MCC’s origi- tle bit embarrassing from that point of balance.When he was fi nally bowled by lie), 3-157 (Williamson), 4-166 (Broom) Result: New Zealand won by six runs Samiullah Shenwari 29, Sean Wil- nal team, has pulled out because view but records are there to be broken,” Trent Boult with one over to go South Bowling: Morris 10-0-58-0 (2w), Parnell Five match series tied at 1-1 liams 3-15) by 3 runs of a groin problem.
FOCUS SPOTLIGHT CHI Al Shaqab Al Hamra clinch Ibn Ajayan T20 title announces St Regis Doha as exclusive hospitality partner
l Shaqab has announced four international annual eques- The St. Regis Doha as trian competitions worldwide its hospitality partner that showcases three or more for the prestigious in- equestrian disciplines in one ternationalA equestrian competi- event. tion, CHI Al Shaqab, which will The competition will see top- take place at its state-of the-art ranking local, regional and inter- facility from March 2nd to 4th. national riders compete in Show The St. Regis Doha will off er a Jumping CSI 3-star and 5-star, special hotel package for CHI Al Dressage CDI 5-star, and Para- Shaqab 2017 starting from QR Dressage CPEDI 3-star . 2,150 per night including a luxu- Tareq Derbas, General Manag- ry stay in a Superior Room, daily er of St. Regis Doha said; “We are breakfast at Vine. extremely delighted to partner Guests will also enjoy ex- with CHI Al Shaqab this year. “ clusive access to the three-day “This signifi cant collabora- event in the VIP tent, on the tion recognises the brand’s il- Al Hamra Cricket Club players celebrate after winning the Ibn Ajayan T20 Cricket Tournament. RIGHT: The Gladiators finished runner-up. fi rst fl oor balcony as well as VIP lustrious heritage, as well as the transfers to Al Shaqab. passion for its guests: speed, By Sports Reporter the last few years, with the game widely from Yasir that The Gladiators managed of three months, with matches being held “It is our honour to have The sport, family, fun and more. Doha followed by the expats. to post a respectable score of 97 for 8 in on Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays. St Regis on board for the fi fth Jumping, dressage and para- The Gladiators won the toss and de- the allotted 20 overs. The teams were divided into four groups, edition of CHI Al Shaqab,” said dressage is undoubtedly a thrill- cided to bat fi rst, hoping to put the score- In reply, Al Hamra lost their fi rst wicket with two teams from each pool qualifying Omar al-Mannai, Event Director, ing combination of courage, l Hamra Cricket Club emerged board pressure on their opponents. How- cheaply. But opener Khaleel laid a solid for the quarter-fi nals. CHI Al Shaqab. speed and history. as the champions of the Ibn ever, they lost their fi rst wicket with just foundation for his team, scoring 26 runs BRIEF SCORES “Visitors and participants will “Visitors will enjoy the tra- Ajayan T20 Cricket Tourna- one run on the board, when Ajmal was off just 16 balls. The Gladiators 97/8 in 20 overs (Yasir 34, be in excellent hands staying at ditions and elegance that sur- ment. In the fi nal, Al Hamra de- bowled by Kiramath, who took two wick- Later, Anushka (27 off 27) and Kiram- Israr 17, Waqas 13 not out; Musawar 4 for 11, The St. Regis Doha, one of Doha’s rounds this historic sport, as well featedA The Gladiators by four wickets in a ets and conceded just nine runs in his ath (18 off 9) scored at a brisk pace to lead Kiramath 2 for 9, Naseeb 1 for 23, Samad 1 fi nest hotels. We look forward to as the sheer skill and athleticism thrilling match played at the Asian Town four overs. But Israr, who made a run-a- Al Hamra to the Ibn Ajayan T20 title in for 22) lost to Al Hamra Cricket Club 98/6 welcoming the public to one of of the riders whilst also being International Cricket Stadium. ball 17, and Waqas (13) staged a recovery just 15 overs. For the vanquished, Shafi k in 15 overs (Khaleel 26, Anushka 27 not out, the most prestigious events on able to enjoy the signature fea- Organised by the Ibn Ajayan Projects, before Kiramath struck again to dismiss picked up 3 wickets for 18, while Yasir Samad 13, Kiramath 18 not out; Shafik 3 for the international equestrian cal- tures of The St. Regis Doha,” he one of the leading facility management Israr. Al Hamra introduced Musawar into claimed 2 for 12. 18, Yasir 2 for 12) by 4 wickets. endar. The annual event serves to added companies in Qatar, and QPLAYS, the the attack and he struck at regular inter- The winning team received the Ibn Man of the match in the final: Musawar (Al celebrate the rich Arabian equine This year’s event holds special event was managed by Qbiz Events. The vals as The Gladiators failed to get any Ajayan Trophy along with a cash prize Hamra) heritage and promote Qatar as an signifi cance for Al Shaqab, as it popular Ibn Ajayan tournament is held momentum. Musawar, who was adjudged of QR15,000, while the runner-up took Man of the Series: Waqas (The Gladiators) international sporting destina- marks the 25th anniversary of the every year. Ibn Ajayan Projects have been as Man of the Final, took four wickers for home QR10,000 along with a trophy. Best bowler in the tournament: Kiramat Ul- tion,” he added. establishment of the equestrian promoting and popularising cricket in 11 runs in his four overs. A total of 16 teams took part in the lah Khan (Al Hamra) CHI Al Shaqab is one of only excellence centre. Qatar, organising many tournaments over It was thanks to an unbeaten 31-ball 34 tournament and was held over a period Best batsman: Talha Shah (Kansai Paints) Gulf Times Thursday, February 23, 2017 11 CRICKET
FIRST TEST SPOTLIGHT Kohli issues Smith rejects India Starc warning to India’s batsmen
Reuters sults are evident.” whitewash forecast Australia, ranked second in the Pune, India world, have lost their last nine Tests in Asia and opted to pack Captain says Australia will not dwell too much on their most recent performances ustralia paceman their squad with four specialist Mitchell Starc has spin bowlers to bog down an In- AFP raised his game to the dian side unbeaten in their last Pune, India next level and India’s 19 Tests. Kohli said he was not batsmenA need to be wary of his surprised that the opposition ability to trouble them with re- were not leaning on their tradi- teve Smith dismissed predictions verse swing, home captain Virat tional strength of attacking with yesterday that Australia face an- Kohli said on the eve of the fi rst fast bowlers. “Coming to India, other series whitewash against Test beginning today. playing in summers. Wickets India but admitted they had to The 27-year-old left-arm are meant to be dry and they are showS more fi ght to have any chance of paceman was the leading wick- meant to turn,” Kohli said. “You stopping the world’s number one Test et-taker (24) for the side on the will have a stronger spin bowling team. Former Indian skipper Sourav turning pitches in Sri Lanka last attack then getting six, seven fast Ganguly and veteran spinner Harbhajan year, a series in which Australia bowlers. That is a pretty natural Singh have both forecast a clean sweep were blanked 3-0. Starc and selection.” for the hosts when the arch rivals begin Kohli have played together for the Earlier this month, the their four-Test series today in Pune. Bangalore franchise in the Indian 28-year-old Kohli became the India, who are on a record-breaking Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 fi rst cricketer to hit a double 19-match unbeaten run, toppled Austral- tournament and the paceman century in four consecutive Test ia from the top of the Test rankings back will be key to Australia’s hopes of series and his team posted 600- in August when Smith’s side were beaten success in their four-test series plus totals in three consecutive 3-0 in Sri Lanka. against the world’s top-ranked Tests, another fi rst. Kohli is sec- That was the third time in a row that team. “He is a world class bowler ond in Test rankings behind Aus- the Australians had lost all of their Tests we all know that. He has been tralia counterpart Steve Smith in away series against teams from the hampered by injuries quite often, and lauded his opposite number sub-continent, a sequence which began but the way he has evolved as a for developing himself into a with a 4-0 reverse in India in 2013. But bowler, it’s been outstanding,” top-class batsman. speaking to reporters on the eve of the Kohli told reporters yesterday. Captaincy had brought out fi rst Test, Australia skipper Smith said “He has learned the art of re- the best in both of them as bats- the tourists knew they were in for a dif- verse swing and bowling with men, Kohli said. “He has been fi cult series but rejected the idea that an- the old ball as well. It’s amaz- performing consistently with the other whitewash was on the cards. ing to see the way he has devel- bat and as captain as well,” Kohli “I don’t believe that’s the case. I’m oped his skills. That’s something said. “The captain’s responsibil- confi dent in the squad we’ve got here to that every cricketer in the world ity has urged him to focus a bit compete against India,” he said. “India would admire. Like you admire more in certain situations and have played some very good cricket off world class batsmen, you ad- push that bit extra for his team, late, particularly at home, so we’re under mire world class bowlers as well and that has shown in his per- no illusions there, it’s going to be tough. and you respect their skills and formances. He is the number But we’ve got the squad here that can Mitchell is one of them. one test player in the world and compete in these conditions.” “He has really taken his game there’s a reason for that. I have Smith said Australia were determined to the next level and that’s why seen him in the academy when he not to dwell too much on their most re- he is counted among the top was never a dominant batsman. cent performances on the sub-continent bowlers in world cricket and de- It’s a remarkable achievement for but admitted that a repeat would spell serves to be there because he has someone starting his career as a disaster. “Obviously some of the away worked really hard and the re- leg spinner.” performances of late haven’t been up to standard from my point of view and the Australian cricket team’s point of view,” he said. “We want to change the way we play away from home. We want to be more adaptable to conditions and show some fi ght. For me it’s starting things fresh. We have come here with a positive mindset. The more we think about the last time we came here or Sri Lanka, we start to lose.” One of the main sub-plots of the series will be the battle between Smith and his opposite number Virat Kohli who are re- spectively ranked number one and two in the Test batting rankings. Both men have continued to score heavily since being made skipper and Kohli — who has scored four double centuries since July — heaped Australia’s captain Steve Smith speaks to team coach Darren Lehmann during a net session ahead of the first Test against hosts praise on Smith. India at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, India, yesterday. (Reuters) “Captain’s responsibility has helped him to focus a bit more in certain situ- way he has evolved as a bowler, it’s been both sides understood that anything that chandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant ations and push that much extra for his outstanding,” said Kohli. “He has learn’t was said in the heat of battle should not Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, team,” said Kohli. “That has shown in his the art of reverse swing and bowling with be taken personally. Karun Nair, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, performances. He is the number one Test the old ball as well. It’s amazing to see, “See, I am really good friends with Abhinav Mukund, Hardik Pandya player in the world and there’s a reason the way he has developed his skills.” them but I know where to draw the line Coach: Anil Kumble for that.” Although Smith has encouraged his of friendship as well,” said Kohli. After Australia: Steve Smith (C), David Warner, Kohli also had warm words for the players to get in the face of the hosts, his the match in Pune, the two sides are also Matt Renshaw, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Australian paceman Mitchell Starc who is vice captain David Warner has warned due to play Tests in Bangalore, Ranchi and Marsh, Peter Handscomb, Mitchell Marsh, seen as the tourists’ main bowling threat that such tactics might end up only spur- Dharamsala. Glenn Maxwell, Matt Wade, Mitchell Starc, despite India’s reputation for having ring on Kohli. SQUADS Josh Hazlewood, Jackson Bird, Nathan Lyon, spin-friendly pitches. “He is a world class The Indian skipper said his naturally India: Virat Kohli (C), Murali Vijay, Lokesh Stephen O’Keefe, Ashton Agar, Mitchell bowler, we all know that. He has been competitive nature would take over when Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Swepson India captain Virat Kohli (right) smiles during a training session at the hampered by injuries quite often, but the he was on the pitch and that players on Wriddhiman Saha (wicketkeeper), Ravi- Coach: Darren Lehmann Maharashtra Cricket Association stadium in Pune yesterday. (AFP)
T2O SERIES Zampa spins Aussies to win to avoid Sri Lankan sweep AFP do. The guys did a good job,” skipper Extras (lb2, w5, nb1) 8 Adelaide Upul Tharanga said. “The innings Asela Total (6 wickets, 20 overs) 187 Gunaratne played in the second game in Did not bat: P. Cummins, J. Richardson, A. Geelong was amazing.” Zampa eg-spinner Adam Zampa James Faulkner also took three wick- Fall of wickets: 1-79 (Finch), 2-128 (Dunk), claimed three wickets to bowl ets with his clever changes of pace to 3-179 (Head), 4-180 (Klinger), 5-182 Australia to victory and avoid maintain Australia’s advantage. (Turner), 6-184 (Faulkner) a Twenty20 series wipeout It was Sri Lanka’s fi rst defeat in six Bowling: Malinga 4-0-35-2 (1nb, 1w), Lagainst Sri Lanka in Adelaide yesterday. T20 internationals in Australia. Skip- Kulasekara 4-0-40-0 (1w), Sanjaya 3-0- Man-of-the-match Zampa, who was per Finch was dropped by Munaweera 34-0 (1w), Prasanna 3-0-25-1, Siriwardana left out of the previous match as the before he had scored on the fi fth ball of 1-0-12-0, Gunaratne 1-0-12-0 (1w), Shanaka Sri Lankan’s won to clinch the three- the Australian innings and went on to 4-0-27-2 match series, captured three for 25 at cash in with 53 off 32 balls with three a crucial stage as Australia went on to sixes and fi ve fours. SRI LANKA INNINGS win by 41 runs. Klinger proved the mainstay of the D. Munaweera c Turner b Head 37 “It is always nice to bowl the mid- innings with 62 from 43 deliveries with U. Tharanga c Richardson b Faulkner 14 dle overs and it is very easy when you six fours and a six. The opening pair K. Mendis c Cummins b Richardson 14 have a start like that,” Zampa said. “Sri put on 79 runs for the fi rst wicket. Ben A. Gunaratne lbw b Zampa 4 Lanka have very fearless players, some- Dunk (28 from 21 balls) and Travis Head M. Siriwardana c & b Faulkner 35 times it can be tough to bowl at them.” (30 from 16) contributed useful knocks C. Kapugedera b Zampa 7 Openers Aaron Finch and Michael to get to 179 for two before a late fl urry M. Shanaka lbw b Zampa 0 Klinger hit half-centuries as the Aus- of wickets cost Australia a chance to S. Prasanna c Richardson b Faulkner 12 tralians, with their leading stars in In- top a 200 total. N. Kulasekara not out 8 dia for this week’s Test series, set Sri Sri Lanka claimed four wickets for L. Malinga run out (Finch) 1 Lanka 188 runs to win. eight off the fi nal 11 deliveries with La- S. Sanjaya run out (Dunk) 5 But the Sri Lankans could not repro- sith Malinga taking two for 35 and Cha- Extras (lb2, w7) 9 duce another of their blazing late in- mara Kapugedera taking three catches Total (all out, 18 overs) 146 nings comebacks where they won the in the deep. Fall of wickets: 1-41 (Tharanga), 2-68 fi rst two T20 games off the last ball. (Mendis), 3-69 (Munaweera), 4-76 (Gu- “I thought we played some fantastic SCORECARD naratne), 5-91 (Kapugedera), 6-91 (Shana- cricket tonight. A complete perform- AUSTRALIA INNINGS ka), 7-120 (Prasanna), 8-138 (Siriwardana), ance like this makes the last match even Sri Lankan players celebrate after clinching the T20 series over Australia after the third match in Adelaide yesterday. (Reuters) A. Finch c Siriwardana b Prasanna 53 9-140 (Malinga), 10-146 (Sanjaya) more heart-breaking for us,” skipper M. Klinger run out (Shanaka) 62 Bowling: Turner 2-0-15-0 (1w), Richardson Finch said. Sri Lanka’s chase was given early Zampa claimed the vital wicket of Gunaratne slammed a pulse-racing B. Dunk c Prasanna b Shanaka 28 3-0-38-1 (2w), Cummins 3-0-20-0 (2w), “When you have Klinger at the impetus by Dilshan Munaweera, who man of the series Asela Gunaratne, leg 84 to power Sri Lanka to a last-ball vic- T. Head c Kapugedera b Malinga 30 Faulkner 3-0-20-3 (1w), Henriques 1-0-10-0, other end, he lets you play your shots. smacked 37 from 25 balls, but from before wicket for four in the 10th over tory against Australia on Sunday after M. Henriques not out 2 Zampa 4-0-25-3, Head 2-0-16-1 (1w) We have been guilty of not converting 41 without loss in the fourth over the and the tourists were unable to arouse clubbing 52 off 37 balls in the opening A. Turner c Kapugedera b Malinga 1 Result: Australia won by 41 runs starts. Today we had two fi fties and tourists lost traction and slid to 76 for another of their sensational fi nishes to win in Melbourne. “Beating Australia J. Faulkner c Kapugedera b Shanaka 2 Series: Sri Lanka 2-1 Dunk and Head chipping in.” four in the 10th over. beat Australia’s total. in home conditions is a tough thing to T. Paine not out 1 Toss: Sri Lanka
Thursday, February 23, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT
SPOTLIGHT Emir’s Sword International Showjumping from today The hugely popular event will be held over three days for the second year in succession at the QEF’s outdoor arena
By Sports Reporter Doha
op international riders will be in action at this year’s HH The Emir’s Sword In- ternational Showjumping champion- ship, which will be held from today at Tthe Qatar Equestrian Federation’s (QEF) out- door arena. The fi ve-star event will commence today with four competitions – the fi rst event starting at 10pm, organisers said yesterday. The Vet check was conducted for horses participat- ing yesterday. The hugely popular event will be run over three days for the second year in succession. Last year, the event was upgraded to the CSI5* tier level, with premier international rider par- ticipating. Qatar team, comprising, Sheikh Ali bin Kha- lid al-Thani, Bassem Hassan Mohammed, Ali Yousef al-Rumaihi and Faleh Suwead al-Ajami will be in action during the three-day champi- onship. They fi nished sixth at the Rio Olympics last year and will have no short of support from the vociferous local crowd. Sheikh Ali and Bassem have also been in good form this year, with both qualifying for the Showjumping World Cup Finals to be held in the United States next month end. The duo had secured fi rst and third place respectively at Arab League qualifying rounds recently. This is the fi rst time Qatar will be represented Qatar Equestrian Federation president Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah (right) and Mohammed by two riders at the World Cup Finals, which is A vet check was conducted for the horses participating in the HH The Emir’s Sword Abdulkarim al-Emadi, CEO of the Al Emadi Enterprises, at a sponsorship signing ceremony. another achievement for Qatar in equestrian. International Showjumping Championship, to be held at the Qatar Equestrian Federation QEF President Hamad bin Abdulrahman al- from today. The main event will be on Saturday. PICTURES: Garsi Lotfi m/min | 24,600 EUR | LR (Group D) 238.2.1 | Max. 155 cm | 1 Horse per athlete | 350 m/ Attiyah said: “We have achieved our target. For 7:30 pm: CSI5* Table A against the clock with Jump min | 91,900 EUR | LR (Group B) the fi rst time Qatar will have two riders in the | Max. 130 cm | 1 Horse per athlete | 350 m/min | TOMORROW Off . FEI Art. 238.2.2 | Max. 155 cm | 1 Horse per ath- 2 pm: CSI5* GRAND PRIX | Two Rounds with Jump fi nals, which is a proud moment for us.” 9,000 EUR 1 pm: CSI2* Accumulator with Joker FEI Art. 269 lete | 350 m/min | 61,800 EUR | LR (Group C) Off FEI Art. 273.3.4.1 & 273.4.4 + 273.2.2 + Annex VIII SCHEDULE 4 pm: CSI5*Two Phases FEI Art. 274.5.3 | Max. 145 cm | Max. 120 cm | 1 Horse per athlete | 350 m/min | art.6 | Max. 160 cm | 1 Horse per athlete | 375 m/min | TODAY | 1 Horse per athlete | 350 m/min | 24,600 EUR | LR 10,000 EUR ON SATURDAY 153,700 EUR | LR (Group A) 10:30 am: CSI2* Two Phases FEI Art. 274.5.3 | Max. (Group D) 3:30 pm: CSI2* Two Phases FEI Art. 274.5.3 | Max. 130 10 am: CSI2* Table A, Against the clock FEI Art. 4 pm: National Future Riders Competition 120 cm | 1 Horse per athlete | 350 m/min | 8,000 6 pm: CSI5* Table A, Against the clock FEI Art. cm | 1 Horse per athlete | 350 m/min | 11,000 EUR 238.2.1 | Max. 135 cm | 1 Horse per athlete | 350 m/ 6 pm: GRAND PRIX - Table A against the clock with EUR 238.2.1 | Max. 150 cm | 1 Horse per athlete | 350 m/ 5:30 pm: CSI5* Speed & Handiness FEI Art. 263 – min | 12,000 EUR Jump Off . FEI Art. 238.2.2 | Max. 145 cm | 1 Horse per 1 pm: CSI2* Table A, Against the clock FEI Art. 238.2.1 min | 61,800 EUR | LR (Group C) Table C 239 | Max. 145 cm | 1 Horse per athlete | 350 12:30 am: CSI5* Table A, Against the clock FEI Art. athlete | 375 m/min | 24,600 EUR | LR
FOCUS ITTF WORLD TOUR QATAR OPEN Brazilian athletes hail ‘Shine’ training Surprise names camp as best experience of their lives excel in qualifi ers ITTF at No.28 (9-11, 11-6, 11-8, 2-11, By Sports Reporter Doha 14-12, 14-12), whilst Anton Käll- Doha berg overcame Russia’s Alex- ander Shibaev (11-5, 11-13, 11-9, s matters commenced 11-3, 11-7). Presently Anton Käll- he athletes participating in the in the qualifi cation berg is listed at No.87 in the glo- Qatar Olympic Committee’s tournament in the bal order, Alexander Shibaev is (QOC) ‘Shine’ project have spo- Men’s Singles event at at No.35. Likewise, Jiang Tianyi ken about their experience of theA Seamaster 2017 ITTF World who appears at No.76, accounted Ttravelling to Qatar to train at the Aspire Tour Qatar Open in Doha, sur- for Sweden’s Pär Gerell, listed at Academy and the impact that this will prise names secured top spot in No.37 (11-8, 9-11, 11-6, 4-11, 11- have on their future careers. the group stage. 2); Noshad Alamiyan at No.81 The young Brazilians from disadvan- Chinese Taipei’s Liao Cheng- defeated Germany’s Benedek taged backgrounds are spending the week Ting, Sweden’s Anton Källberg Duda standing at No.44 (11-3, 11- receiving specialised coaching and sport and Hong Kong’s Jiang Tianyi 5, 11-9, 8-11, 11-5). science testing to support their jour- excelled expectations, as did Meanwhile, Kim Minseok, neys to becoming Brazil’s future athlet- Iran’s Noshad Alamiyan and currently with no World ranking, ics stars. For many of the athletes, it is Korea’s Kim Minseok. All con- overcame Singapore’s Gao Ning, the fi rst time that they have left Brazil cluded their group stage matches ranked No.50 (11-9, 10-12, 11-8, and training at Qatar’s state-of-the-art unbeaten. 11-8, 11-4). facilities with the Aspire Academy’s ath- However, the player to reap the “I knew him; I knew he was letics specialists, is providing a once-in- greatest benefi t was Spain’s Al- very powerful. I saw him last year a-lifetime opportunity. varo Robles; listed at No.102 on at the Austrian Open, so I knew Speaking from the training camp, the current Men’s World Rank- his style. I think also the fact 20-year-old sprinter, Rayneson Pereira ings, he accounted for Sweden’s that I am also left handed made Silva, said: “This is one of the biggest Kristian Karlsson, named at it more diffi cult for him to create and best experiences in my life because No.22; the Spaniard emerged angles. I was able to anticipate, I’m studying sport science in addition to successful by the very narrowest he kept playing across the di- being an athlete. So being here and see- of margins (11-7, 11-13, 13-15, 11- agonal. Recently at training I’ve ing the facilities is a very good experience 5, 15-13, 4-11, 11-9). been focusing on my forehand, I with great learnings.” The pertinent factor is that think my forehand top spin has 400m specialist Paola Moreira Rosa, Alvaro Robles was in the group improved; it is more consistent,” 22, added: “Training here is very benefi - No.4. Players fi nishing in fi rst Noshad Alamiyan after beating cial for my athletics career – not just be- places in the top four groups ad- Benedek Duda. cause of these great facilities but also be- vanced directly to the main draw; Surprise fi rst places and as the cause I get to see other athletes train and for all others, those in groups group stage came to a conclu- meet diff erent coaches which will help listed No.5 to No.28, a prelimi- sion, more names joined the list. me learn many things.” nary round awaits for the group Japan’s Masaki Yoshida, Travelling to a new country and a new winners. Frenchman Tristan Flore, the part of the world is providing the op- In a similar vein, listed at Czech Republic’s Tomas Konec- portunity for the athletes to experience a No.107 on the Men’s World ny and Germany’s Steff en Men- completely diff erent culture and benefi t Rankings, Liao Cheng-Ting beat gel all fi nished in fi rst positions from the training camp in more ways than Shine athletes during training session at Aspire Academy in Doha. Croatia’s Andrej Gacina, named contrary to expectations. just sport, with cultural visits around Qatar also featuring as part of their pro- them what they would experience when Speaking about the experience, Arnal- what that will take: ‘the Shine athletes gramme. they visited Qatar. do said: “This is the best thing that these are very talented but they must work hard Commenting on the diff erence in cul- “It is wonderful to see them here in athletes have ever experienced and they to win medals. They have to believe in tures, Paola said, “Qatar is so diff erent Doha enjoying our facilities, culture, and are very thankful for it. The athletes have themselves and work towards qualifying from Brazil, even the way people greet passion for sport fi rst-hand and to watch a lot to gain from training at Aspire Acad- for the Olympics before thinking about each other but I like it”, with Rayneson how our Shine project has come to life. I emy, from the facilities and the expertise. winning medals.” adding, “I expected people to be more hope to welcome many of them back here We’ll take the methodology that we learn With the Doha 2019 World Champi- reserved but everyone has been very again for the World Championships in here and apply it to our trainings in Bra- onships in Athletics just two years away, friendly. What I like the most about Qatar 2019!” zil. The facilities here are really amazing. many of the athletes could be returning to is that everyone speaks about their cul- The Shine project is the QOC’s Rio Unfortunately we don’t have the same Qatar to represent their countries on the ture and they’re very proud of it.” 2016 legacy project and was established infrastructure in Brazil so we’ll utilise our world’s biggest stage. Commenting on the Shine project, to leave a meaningful impact on the lives experience and take our learnings back to For Paola, this experience has given her Secretary General of the QOC, Dr Thani of Brazil’s talented young athletes. The Brazil”. even greater drive to achieve her dreams: Abdulrahman al-Kuwari, said: “Through project is a partnership between the QOC, The Shine participants are some of “I have to train harder and focus more be- Shine, we were determined to spread the Aspire Academy, Qatar Athletics Federa- Brazil’s most promising young athletes cause I really want to be back here for the Olympic spirit and give these young Bra- tion, Rio de Janeiro Athletics Federation and qualifi ed for the Shine training camp 2019 World Championships.” zilian athletes a sporting, educational and Futuro Olimpico, an NGO founded by at an athletics competition held in Rio The Shine training camp will continue and cultural experience that will have a Brazilian Olympic bronze medallist, Ar- de Janeiro last May featuring almost 200 until Saturday, February 25th and the deep impact on their future lives. The last naldo de Oliveira – who has attended the athletes from across the region. highlights and progress from the trip are time I saw them was when we welcomed training camp with the athletes and plans Many of them have their sights fi rmly being documented on the QOC’s social them to Bayt Qatar, our hospitality house to apply his own learnings to his coaching set on future Olympic Games and World media channels under the hashtag Slovakia’s Barbora Balazova in action during the women’s singles at the Rio 2016 Olympics, and showed when he returns to Brazil. Championships but Arnaldo explains #YallaQatar. qualification at the ITTF World Tour Qatar Open in Doha.