FOOTBALL | Page 2 GGAMESAMES | Page 9 Cavani strike Four cities To Advertise here helps PSG take open campaign Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 2-1 lead against to host 2024 Chelsea Olympics

Thursday, February 18, 2016 TENNIS Jumada I 9, 1437 AH Ivanovic sends GULF TIMES defending champion Halep packing SPORT Page 6

SHOOTING Confi dent Rashid looks forward to second Games ‘There are many who never realise their dream of competing in the Olympics. Here, I’m ready for my second outing’

By Yash Mudgal Doha Record number of entries for Qatar Open Shotgun atari shooter Rashid Saleh Hamad has set his sights By Sports Reporter are senior as well as junior shooters, fi rmly on an Olympic medal Doha who will gain some valuable expe- in his second chance. rience, besides getting a chance to Q“Yes, I am ready for Rio and hope parade their talent. to fi nish on the podium,” a confi dent he Sixth Qatar Open Shot- “We’ve also gained two Olympic Rashid told Gulf Times during a prac- gun Championship, which quota places through Rashid Saleh tice session yesterday at the Lusail begins at the Losail Shoot- Hamad (Skeet) and Vitaly Dov- Shooting Range, the venue of the Qatar ing Range today, will pro- gun (50m Rifl e 3 Positions). We’re Open Shotgun Championship, which videT a platform for preparations in preparing our shooters in the best starts today. the lead up to the 2016 Rio Olympic possible ways. This is an ideal op- “I am happy to earn Olympic quota. Games. portunity for us to test our skeet There are many who could never realise Qatar Shooting and Archery As- shooters before we fi nalise who will their dream of competing in the Olym- sociation secretary general Abdulla go to represent Qatar in the Rio Ol- pics. And here, I’m ready for my second Ali al-Mutawa al-Hammadi, while ympics.” outing,” the 28-year-old shooter said. addressing a press conference yes- Hammadi said: “The deadline for Rashid had a disappointing Olym- terday, expressed his delight at the submitting the names for the Olym- pic debut at the 2008 Beijing Games, high number of shooters present pics is April 1. After the Qatar Open, where he failed to advance past the during this year’s edition. our shooters will go to Cyprus for qualifying stage. “We’re really very pleased to an- the . That is the cut off Though he failed to make it to the nounce that we’ve got a record meet for us and then we’ll fi nalise London squad four years later, he kept number of entries for the 2016 edi- the name for the skeet event.” performing consistently well on the tion of the Qatar Open in Shotgun. The ISSF World Cup for Shotgun domestic circuit with his ambition and As many as 280 shooters in various is scheduled in Nicosia from March desire strong as ever. categories of the senior and junior, 17. Besides, Rashid Salah, 2012 Lon- His persistence was recently reward- men and women sections have con- don Olympics bronze medallist ed in New Delhi, where the Asian quali- fi rmed their participation,” he said. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah is also fan- fying event for Rio de Janeiro Olympics He said the Olympic hopefuls will cying his chances to go for his sixth was held. get another chance in the champi- Olympics despite failing to make it Rashid shot 122 of the 125 targets Qatari shooter Rashid Saleh Hamad during a practice session yesterday; (below) coach Ahmed al-Kuwari. onship to fi ne tune their skills be- count at the fi nal Asian qualifying in qualifiers. In the semi-finals, he fore the Rio Games. event held in India recently. scaled 14 of the 16 targets and though there are many world champions and “Rashid is our top shooter. I tried “The presence of such a large UAE shooter Saif bin Fetais said he could not make it to the medal Olympic champions taking part. But some mind games with him which paid number of shooters makes us feel the championship is an important stage, the fifth place was just enough a win here will boost my confidence off . Handling the psychological aspect very proud of our event. This year, one before the Olympics. “The Qa- for him to earn a ticket as gold med- further,” he said. of the training was the turning point. I as you know, we’ve the Olympic tar event will help us to fi ne tune our allist Saif bin Futtais of the UAE had Rashid, who took a two-year study tried to do the same things which I have Games in Rio in August. The com- skills before the Olympics,” Saif said. already booked the Rio ticket during break from shooting, gave credit of his been doing with other shooters and the petition in each event is going to be British team coach Kevin Gill, last year’s World Cup. recent success to his coach Ahmed al- rest is history as they say, he got the quite high. Not only former world who was also present on the occa- Rashid wants to prove that he earned Kuwari. Rashid has been training with quota,” al-Kuwari said. and Olympic champions are present sion said: “We have fi fteen shooters the quota on merit and not because of al-Kuwari for the last six months. “Before leaving for India I saw the here, there’re 34 shooters who have in our team for the championship Saif’s early qualifi cation in New Delhi. “Earlier, I was training with a Rus- quota in his eyes. I am glad and thrilled won the Olympic quota places for and hope to exchange some experi- “Many people think that I’m lucky sian coach, but now I am training with that he got it, I am satisfi ed with the their respective countries,” he said. ences during the tournament.” to get the Rio berth. But nobody knows Ahmed al-Kuwari and I must say I have progress he has made so far but more Talking about growth of the tour- Competitions will be held in how much eff ort has gone in to reach improved a lot under his guidance,” hard work needs to be done. nament, he said: “Over the years, skeet, trap and double trap events. this far. The competition was quite Rashid said. “We are five months away from we’ve been developing the sport and The championship will end on Feb- hard. You can see how close the scores Al-Kuwari was all praise for his pu- the Rio Games and I am hopeful that range. The shooters love coming ruary 25. were in the qualifi ers and semi-fi nals,” pil. he will improve and we will be able and contesting here and there can’t Hammadi added that they have he said. “I am happy with his performance in to achieve something big there. I am be more clear proof of this than also received an invitation to par- Qatar Open is the fi rst competi- Cyprus World Cup. But before that India as we bagged the important quota trying to read the mind of Rashid at a the presence of such big number of ticipate in the 6th Children of Asia tion for Rashid after earning the quota Qatar Open is an important event for place. We worked really hard before qual- deeper level so that I can change him shooters from 37 nations.” International Sports Games, which place. me. This is my range and I think the ifying championship. I am with a shooter accordingly.” On Qatari shooters, he said, will be held in Yakutsk, Russia, from “I am preparing for next month’s competition will be very strong, as who is at the top of his game right now. “We’re fi elding 55 shooters. There July 6-9, 2016.

British team coach Kevin Gill, Qatar Shooting and Archery Association (QSAA) board member Fatima Salem al-Jassiman, QSAA secretary general Abdulla Ali al-Mutawa al-Hammadi and UAE shooter Saif bin Fetais at a press conference ahead of Qatar Open Shotgun Championship at Lusail Shooting Ranger yesterday. PICTURE: Mamdouh Gulf Times 2 Thursday, February 18, 2016 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOCUS I owed my team an equaliser against Cavani strike helps PSG, says Mikel PSG take 2-1 lead against Chelsea ‘He’s a boy who scores goals—we doubt his goal-scoring talents often and then he pops up and shows he can put the ball in the net at any time John Obi Mikel (2nd R) celebrates with team mates after scoring the first goal for Chelsea against PSG during their Champions League tie.

The Guardian “It was my foul, I got booked, Paris and then the defl ection … so it was three things. But we came back strong and I got ikel John Obi has the equaliser back, which admitted he owed was great. his team-mates the equalising goal can do it. We can get a very good Magainst Paris Saint-Germain result at home which can see us at Parc des Princes, a reward to through. The second leg is go- which Chelsea will cling in the ing to be massive and hopefully return leg next month, having this away goal is going to be de- been culpable in the buildup to cisive. If we get a 1-0 win, we’re the hosts’ opener on Tuesday. through. We have to believe we Mikel scored only his sixth can do it and believe in what goal in 358 Chelsea appear- we’re doing with Guus.” ances against the French, net- Mikel has arguably become a ting from close range after PSG cult fi gure at Chelsea in recent failed to clear Willian’s cor- times, his decade at the club ner in first half stoppage time, having taken in spells under with the visitors eventually eight diff erent permanent or in- succumbing 2-1 against much- terim managers. fancied opposition. “I’ve seen them all,” he said. His role in the opener, when “Guus has come in again and his foul on Lucas Moura had settled things down. Players feel earned the hosts a free-kick free to play and free to take re- from which Zlatan Ibrahimov- sponsibility and thrive on that, ic’s shot flicked from the Ni- but he’s done it in a very relaxed gerian’s heel and in, had drawn way, which is sometimes what stinging criticism, most nota- players need. Now we’re picking bly from Rio Ferdinand in his up results in the league. role as a pundit for BT. “It feels great to be back in the The former England side. Sometimes it is disappoint- had questioned why Mikel had ing not to be part of the team, jumped and turned his back not to play, but I’ve always been in the defensive wall. “In the professional. I never speak out, changing rooms I’m sure they’re I never get upset, I carry on do- saying: ‘What are you doing?’” ing my job, coming to training said Ferdinand. “If you’re not every day to train with the guys going to have the balls to stand who are playing. This is football. Paris Saint-Germain’s Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani celebrates scoring during the Champions League round of 16 first leg football match against Chelsea FC in Paris. there then don’t be in the wall. In one second it changes. I’ve al- He’ll look back on this and be ways believed in myself and kept AFP in the net at any time,” said Blanc. Results two-leg game and scoring away is always embarrassed. You’ve got to stay doing what I was doing and Guus Paris “He has gone through a very diffi cult important,” said Hiddink, who came to strong, stay front on and want to came in and has given me the op- time but I hope the fact he got the goal Last 16, first leg Paris with a reorganised defence in the take the ball in the face.” portunity. Hopefully that will will be good for him and the team.” At Paris absence of injured captain John Terry. continue. This is my tenth season aris Saint-Germain coach Laurent It looked like Chelsea would head back Paris SG (FRA) 2 (Ibrahimovic 39, Cav- “We emphasised the importance of REGULAR UNDER HIDDINK … there’ll be a testimonial soon.” Blanc heaped praise on Edinson across the Channel the happier after Zla- ani 78) Chelsea (ENG) 1 (Mikel 45+1) defensive organisation but we were dan- Mikel, who has become a regu- The Nigeria international and Cavani after the Uruguayan played tan Ibrahimovic’s free-kick opener was gerous too. Losing 2-1, of course we’re lar in the side under Guus Hid- his club-mates will reconvene the role of super-sub to give his cancelled out by the rarest of goals—a At Lisbon still in the race. dink over the last two months, at Cobham this week to begin Pside a 2-1 win against Chelsea in their poacher’s fi nish by John Obi Mikel right “We could have been a little bit more admitted: “I had to get one for preparations for Sunday’s FA Benfica (POR) 1 (Jonas 90+1) Zenit St. Champions League last 16, fi rst leg. on the stroke of half-time. Petersburg (RUS) 0 lethal in the four or fi ve counters we the team. The fi rst goal was a big Cup fi fth round tie against Man- Cavani replaced Lucas in the 74th Several fi ne saves by Courtois in the made but it is diffi cult to play them. I am defl ection from me, and from the chester City, with all aware that minute of Tuesday’s game at the Parc second half thwarted PSG for long spells never happy with a loss but it’s not a dra- foul that I committed. I had to the competition represents the des Princes and four minutes later beat until Cavani’s winner, and now Chelsea way we want to play. matic loss.” make the foul because Lucas was champions’ most obvious route Thibaut Courtois with a fi rst-time fi nish will need to score at Stamford Bridge in “It is not a very big advantage but in The veteran Dutchman, who admitted going deeper and deeper towards to silverware this term. City are from an Angel Di Maria assist to ensure the return on March 9 if they are to stand terms of the football we played it’s very Terry was a doubt for this weekend’s FA the box and I knew I had to make expected to juggle their options the French champions will take a lead to a chance of going through. satisfying.” Cup fi fth-round tie against a challenge, either to get the ball given their own Champions London for the second leg next month. However, away goals have decided PSG kept up their impressive record City, said it was still impossible to name or foul him. Then the defl ection League tie against Dynamo Kiev It was just his second goal of 2016 after the meetings of these clubs in the last this season, which now reads just one a favourite to go through to the last eight. was a big one. next week. a diffi cult spell which has seen the player two seasons, with Chelsea advancing in defeat in 40 matches in all competi- “I think it’s 50-50 still. Our opponents “It was my foul, I got booked, “You never know what team signed for a French record transfer fee of the 2014 quarter-fi nals and Paris going tions, with that loss coming away to are a very strong team and that’s why I and then the defl ection … so it they’ll put out,” added Mikel. 64 million euros ($71 million; £50 mil- through in the last 16 a year ago despite Real Madrid. think our performance was very good. was three things. But we came “I’m sure they want to win the FA lion) from Napoli lose his place as a regu- being held 1-1 at home in the fi rst leg. In contrast, this was a fi rst defeat for “Everyone could see this PSG likes to back strong and I got the equal- Cup as much as we do. We want lar starter. “The big regret for me is that we lost Chelsea in 13 matches since the sacking play football. They are very smart and iser back, which was great. to win every game. We want to “Whoever got the second goal I would the goal just before half-time,” said of Jose Mourinho in December, but their you must be very alert. “We’re very disappointed los- win every cup. Sunday is going have been happy and I am happy for Edi. Blanc. interim coach Guus Hiddink remains up- “If you have seen the second goal—this ing the goal at the end [to Edin- to be massive. We can’t win the He’s a boy who scores goals—we doubt “Maybe we need to ask UEFA if it’s fair beat about their chances in the return. was a typical example of how we prepared son Cavani]. We deserved more. league. So the FA Cup and the his goal-scoring talents often and then that away goals count double, but tonight “Of course a defeat is never a good or them but you cannot do everything well. Hopefully the away goal keeps us Champions League are the ones he pops up and shows he can put the ball we can be happy because we played the nice feeling but you have to consider it’s a They have a nose for creating danger.” alive in the tie, and we believe we and we have to keep going.”

BOTTOMLINE Mercurial Di María fi res PSG’s grand ambitions

Dominic Fifield, The Guardian pean Cup. It is as if they need that even der prior to Christmas. Edinson Cavani which edged his side Paris to convince France they boast the pedi- In midfi eld there is snarl and ener- back in front. Di María will be as potent gree once enjoyed by Saint-Etienne or gy, Blaise Matuidi and Marco Verratti, a threat in next month’s return, and a Marseille on the global stage. Nights the 23-year-old Italian now secured fi gure who will want to remind English t was actually Guus Hiddink who like these reinforce the belief that their to terms until 2020, a busy and clever football of his capabilities. had best summed up the pressure ambition is not folly. combination buzzing around Thiago Yet, for all that Courtois’ heroics on the Parisians. “A big club has The manner in which Blanc’s team Motta’s steadying infl uence. Then there kept Chelsea afl oat, there were also re- to win a Champions League,” he tore into Chelsea refl ected an expecta- is Ángel di María. The recruitment of minders this competition can drive to Ihad off ered on the eve of this tie, his tion to progress. Two years ago they had the Argentinian, despite that rather in- distraction those who consider them- soundbite lost amid a rather rambling been squeezed out by these opponents congruous year of feeling awkward and selves contenders. If PSG were the more assessment of the contest ahead even if on away goals, succumbing almost na- unloved at Manchester United, was a imposing team, the visitors retained the his words still struck a chord with the ively in the second leg in London. Last key step in the Qatari strategy: a player capabilities to knock them from their locals. It is on occasions such as these year they were already more streetwise, whose willingness to come to Paris with perch. Kevin Trapp had already saved when Paris Saint-Germain’s progress returning the compliment with a blend his best years still potentially ahead of astoundingly from Diego Costa when can properly be gauged, and when cre- of resilience and brilliance at Stamford him had changed a mindset. “With Di Mikel John Obi forced Chelsea level. dence is given to their reputation as one Bridge. This time around they had hoped María’s arrival we moved from ‘PSG Indeed, there were too many fl ashes of of Europe’s rising powerhouses. This to stampede a team languishing 12th in can’t win the Champions League’ to indecision across a backline not used might have been a night of frustration. the , their intent demon- ‘With him PSG can win it’,” said Blanc. to being tested and, where Oscar could It ended as one of elation. strated by Lucas Moura’s dispossession The 28-year-old, true to recent re- not capitalise, those mouth-watering Life in has become a mis- of Cesc Fàbregas within 40 seconds. surgent form, was more recognisable attacking talents at Real Madrid, Bay- match for PSG. ’s team There is class in PSG’s attacking as the creator-in-chief voted man of ern Munich or Barcelona might have sweep all before them every week, their ranks. Lucas was a livewire, all swerv- the match as Real Madrid claimed La made hay. dominance utterly uncompetitive to PSG forward Angel Di Maria (L) in action during the match against Chelsea. ing skill and searing pace from fl ank to Decima back in 2014, his feet a blur as Therein lay the warning, not least the tune of 35 unbeaten league matches centre, and the Brazilian would eventu- he made space and spread panic. There ahead of the rematch in London. It took and a fourth successive title sure to be Maxwell and Thiago Silva a breather, grudgingly acknowledged, judgement ally eke out the free-kick from which had been one exquisite pass slid for Lu- Roman Abramovich nine years to realise secured before March is out. Their goal and second-placed Monaco still failed is only passed on the mark this club Ibrahimovic opened the scoring. The cas to collect beyond Gary Cahill, with his dream in Munich and the small band diff erence already stands at plus 51 for to trim the champions’ 24-point ad- makes on Europe. The millions poured Swede is their talisman, a player of César Azpilicueta forced to muster a re- of travelling fans here had delighted for all that Lille halted a run of 16 succes- vantage at the top of the table. into PSG by Qatar Sports Investments proper presence, even if that defl ected covery. When he drifted infi eld to infl u- a while in a taunted chorus of “Cham- sive victories with a goalless draw on It has all become rather mundane, have purchased a team of stellar talents reward was only his eighth goal in 37 ence, the overworked Thibaut Courtois pions of Europe, you’ll never sing that.” Saturday. Even then the hosts had giv- the monopoly of domestic silverware but, aside from building a brand, their Champions League knockout ties. With was forced to tip over swerving shots Paris, for all their progress, may have to en Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Motta, now taken for granted. So, as Blanc be- target has always been that fi rst Euro- 38 in 79 group games, he tends to plun- from distance. It would be his assist for remain patient a while longer. Gulf Times Thursday, February 18, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

EUROPA LEAGUE: PREVIEW CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Last-gasp Jonas goal gives Benfi ca victory Liverpool’s Klopp AFP Lisbon

n-form striker Jonas headed a dramatic injury-time win- ner for Benfi ca as the Portu- guese champions beat 10- facing familiar foe Iman Zenit St Petersburg 1-0 in the fi rst leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday. Zenit midfi elder Axel Witsel twice went close for the visitors in the second half, while Ben- fi ca’s Nico Gaitan was denied by a fi ne stop from Yuri Lodygin be- Benfica forward Jonas Oliveira in Augsburg fore Jonas nodded in late on after celebrates after scoring. Domenico Criscito was sent off for the visitors. Benfi ca defenders ruled out of Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp’s return to his native Germany to take on Zenit coach Andre Villas-Boas the return leg on March 9 due to selected three former Benfi ca suspension. Augsburg is one of the most intriguing of 15 Europa League ties tonight players—Witsel, Ezequiel Garay Julio Cesar palmed away a and Javi Garcia—as the Russian stinging Witsel strike shortly champions played their fi rst com- after half-time, with the Bel- petitive match since December 9. gium international then heading Meanwhile, Benfi ca boss Rui straight at the Benfi ca goalkeeper Vitoria stuck with the same side from the resulting throw-in. that lost 2-1 to bitter rivals Porto Zenit midfi elder Garcia will on Friday, a defeat that snapped also miss next month’s second the hosts’ 11-game winning leg in Russia after he too was streak. booked, and the visitors were in- Jonas, who has scored 23 goals debted to Lodygin on 69 minutes in 22 league games for Benfi ca as he produced an excellent save this season, went close midway to deny Gaitan from close range. through the fi rst half as his long- However, Zenit were forced range drive fl icked Nicolas Lom- to see out the fi nal few minutes baerts and skipped just wide of a man down after Criscito was Lodygin’s far post. shown a second yellow card, and Hulk then hammered a free- they paid dearly when Gaitan’s kick wide at the other end after free-kick was headed home by Jardel joined Andre Almeida in Jonas in the fi rst minute of stop- the referee’s book, with both page time.

REACTION FIFA sanctions Beckenbauer over WC bidding probe

AFP Zurich

IFA’s ethics committee yesterday sanctioned Ger- man football legend Franz Beckenbauer (right) with aF warning and a light fi ne for fail- File picture of Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp instructing his players during the English Premier League match against Aston Villa. ing to co-operate with a probe into the bidding for the 2018 and 2022 DPA fi nished fi fth last term to qualify for Eu- Key Fixtures (Qatar time) “It’s a big game for them and World Cups. ed for 90 days for his alleged re- Berlin rope’s second-tier club competition. It something like an historical game The investigation into the de- luctance to cooperate with the will be the fi rst meeting between the two At 9pm for them against Liverpool. This cisions to award the two tourna- Garcia probe, but that suspen- sides. Midtjylland vs Man United will be a big, big challenge for us” ments to Russia (2018) and Qatar sion was lifted after two weeks. iverpool manager Juergen Klopp “We know it is a team which is very Dortmund vs Porto (2022) culminated in the now In October, FIFA judges will look to get the better of a fa- hard-working, very compact in defence Fiorentina vs Tottenham his team-mates not to take anything for famous 2014 report authored by opened an investigation target- miliar Bundesliga foe when the and quick in attacking the opponent with Villarreal vs Napoli granted. former US prosecutor Michael ing Beckenbauer, a former FIFA English Premier League side trav- a clear idea,” Krawietz said on Liverpool’s “They will be very aggressive as they Garcia, which FIFA has so far not executive committee member, Lel to Augsburg for today’s Europa League website on Tuesday. want to win and show that they are a released, citing procedural rea- but did not disclose the nature of At 11:05pm last 32, fi rst leg. “You can take the [previous] results FC Augsburg vs Liverpool good team,” Fellaini told United’s website sons. the probe. The match at the Augsburg Arena - and say ‘it will be easy’ but I can promise Shakhtar vs Schalke 04 on Monday. Beckenbauer “failed to coop- The German national led his one of the most intriguing of 15 games it won’t be easy,” he added. Napoli are looking to bounce back after erate” with the investigation, country’s successful bid for the on Thursday including holders Sevilla at “It’s a big game for them and some- they surrendered top spot in Serie A to “despite repeated requests for 2006 World Cup, which has home to Molde, Manchester United at thing like an historical game for them land defender who has made a stuttering Juventus thanks to Saturday’s 1-0 reverse his assistance,” an ethics com- been engulfed by claims that a Midtjylland and Fiorentina at home to against Liverpool. This will be a big, big start to his fi rst top-fl ight coaching job. to the champions in Turin. mittee statement said. $7.2 million payment to FIFA Tottenham Hotspur - is Klopp’s fi rst back challenge for us.” “Beating Espanyol was important for “We are trying to forget [the defeat] as The information sought from was used to purchase the votes of in his native Germany since he took over Sevilla start their bid for a third con- us,” club captain Dani Parejo said. “Now we soon as possible and we are lucky to be play- Beckenbauer included “requests four members of FIFA’s executive at Anfi eld in October. secutive Europa League triumph when want to carry these positive sensations into ing in Spain Thursday so we are quickly back to provide information during an committee in 2000 -- days be- Klopp came up against Augsburg 10 they entertain Norwegian minnows Mol- Thursday’s clash against Rapid.” onto the pitch,” coach Maurizio Sarri said. in-person interview and in re- fore Germany’s bid was narrowly times as coach of Mainz and Borussia de, while their La Liga rivals Villarreal United manager Louis van Gaal has left Thursday’s other matches include sponse to written questions pre- approved. Dortmund, winning only two, drawing host Napoli and Gary Neville’s Valencia captain Wayne Rooney out of his squad Dortmund at home to Porto, Bayer sented in both English and Ger- The ethics committee, how- three and losing fi ve, and his assistant are at home to Rapid Vienna. for the game at Midtjylland and includ- Leverkusen at Sporting Lisbon, Schalke man,” the statement added. ever, said its investigation of Peter Krawietz cautioned against under- Valencia’s 2-1 comeback victory at ed youngsters Will Keane, Regan Poole, at Shakhtar Donetsk and Galatasaray at FIFA judges issued a warn- Beckenbauer “did not look into estimating the Bavarian club. home to Espanyol in La Liga on Saturday Joe Riley and James Weir, who are yet to home to Lazio. ing to Beckenbauer and fi ned the matters related to the award- Augsburg are struggling in 14th in eased some of the pressure on Neville, make their senior debuts. Athletic Bilbao, the 2012 runners-up, him 7,000 Swiss francs ($7,000, ing of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany’s top fl ight this season but the former Manchester United and Eng- Midfi elder Marouane Fellaini warned play at Olympique Marseille. 6,350 euros). to Germany.” Beckenbauer, 70, served on the The statement from the tribu- panel that chose the tournament nal noted that Beckenbauer has BOTTOMLINE hosts. “subsequently demonstrated a In June 2014, he was suspend- willingness to cooperate.”

Man United fans plan Europa League I rarely spoke to Giggs, Ferdinand ticket price protest Manchester United fans are than Southampton fans?” planning to protest against Last week, Liverpool’s owners being asked to pay 71 pounds abandoned plans to raise the and Scholes at United : Ronaldo ($102) per ticket for their price of the most expensive Europa League away match match-day ticket to 77 pounds The Guardian Ronaldo is among the Spanish “But when we were on the against Danish champions next season after support- Rome league’s top scorers with 21 goals, pitch together there was Midtjylland today, British ers staged a walkout protest and has scored 11 in the group total understanding. I don’t media reported. during a home game against phase of the Champions League need to go out for dinner Southampton fans paid 22 Sunderland. ristiano Ronaldo has – but he has been criticised for his with Benzema or Bale. pounds for tickets when their Duncan Drasco, chief execu- rejected suggestions inability to score away from home What counts is what team travelled to Midtjylland tive of the Independent Man- that a lack of team spirit since November. happens on the pitch” in the playoff round in August chester United Supporters’ has contributed to Real and United supporters will Trust, described Midtjylland’s Madrid’sC slow start in La Liga – SCORING MACHINE? got up and walked out display banners to indicate stand on pricing as a real slap saying he took a similarly distant “I’m used to it,” he said. “It’s Ferdinand later laughed off their dissatisfaction. in the face. approach to squad friendships at like when you always give kids Ronaldo’s comments on BT One United fan, Thomas Kear- “Clubs need to accept they are Manchester United. everything and then when you Sport, saying: “He’s gone off me! ney, plans to unfurl a banner not selling tickets in a normal Speaking before Madrid’s take something away they start He used to live next door to me. at the stadium with the words competitive market as fan Champions League fi rst-leg to cry. I’ve made the press and Unbelievable! I actually used to ‘WELCOME TO SCAMDINAVIA’ loyalty means each club is an match at Roma, Ronaldo was fans so used to me always scor- take the mick out of him in the on it. eff ective monopoly so they asked if his cool relationships ing a lot of goals that as soon as I changing rooms, I think he’s got “Seventy-one pounds to watch shouldn’t be applying normal with Karim Benzema and Gareth let up for a second, well the jour- the hump. He used to come in in a Europa League match is supply and demand econom- Bale had played a part in their nalists don’t cry but they begin tight jeans and we used to mur- extortionate,” Andy Mitten, ics,” he added. apparent lack of on-pitch chem- writing all sorts of stuff . der him. He didn’t get it.” editor of the United We Stand Midtjylland director Cliff istry this season. “Let’s just say that I would be Ferdinand said Ronaldo’s spiky fanzine, said. Crown, however, defended “When I was at Manchester happy to continue with this not- press conference performance “The combined cost of all the price. “We are only a small winning the Champions League, Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo (R) and coach so-perfect form until the end of “just shows the emotion he’s got three tickets for Manchester club in small region of Den- with some players like [Ryan] attend a news conference prior to their Champions League match. the season … If you can name in him, and the desire to win … United’s Champions League mark and this is our cup final Giggs, [Rio] Ferdinand and one player who has scored more At the moment everyone’s talk- away games was only 75 so we have to make the most [Paul] Scholes our discussions “But when we were on the go out for dinner with Benzema away goals than me since I ar- ing about Barcelona and he’s not pounds. Do they think United of our opportunity,” he told were limited to ‘Good morning’ pitch together there was total or Bale. What counts is what rived in Spain tell me who? No. happy with that. And that’s his fans are three times wealthier Talksport yesterday. and ‘Good night.’ understanding. I don’t need to happens on the pitch.” There’s nobody.” Ronaldo then competitive streak coming out.” Gulf Times 4 Thursday, February 18, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT IN SHORT Man United striker Rooney set for Bayern’s Guardiola two months out, claim reports short at the back as

Manchester United captain They have 12 rounds of Wayne Rooney (top) is set to Premier League fixtures left be sidelined for two months in which to overhaul fourth- Juventus loom with a knee ligament injury, placed local rivals Manchester according to British media City, who have already an- reports yesterday. nounced that Bayern Munich While Lewandowski towers above his rivals, injuries meant that against Augsburg Earlier, the club confirmed boss Pep Guardiola will be Rooney, 30, would miss their their new manager next Bayern fielded a back four with an average height of under five foot nine inches Europa League game at FC season. Midtjylland today. Defeat in Denmark would England striker Rooney was merely add to the pressure not in manager Louis van on van Gaal, who has said Gaal’s 18-man squad which winning the Europa League travelled to Denmark yester- now off ers United their best day for the first leg of their chance of qualifying for the last-32 tie. Champions League. “Wayne Rooney is a notable Meanwhile there is ongoing absentee from the flight and speculation that former Chel- the manager is expected to sea manager Jose Mourinho is confirm why his captain has set to replace Dutch boss van not made the trip during his Gaal at Old Traff ord come the pre-match press conference at end of the current campaign. 1700 GMT,” said a statement England also have two on United’s website. friendly internationals against Afterwards several British na- Germany and the Netherlands tional newspapers said Rooney next month ahead of their would be out of action for two participation at the Euro 2016 months with a knee injury. finals in France. If Rooney’s absence is as Roy Hodgson, the England lengthy as has been suggest- manager, said on Saturday ed, it will be a setback for both that his skipper Rooney— United and England. England’s leading all-time United’s 2-1 loss to Sunderland goalscorer—will be a “player last weekend left them fifth we need to depend upon” at in England’s top flight and six the Euros. points off the top-four spot— Rooney is United’s top scorer the club’s “minimum require- this season with 14 goals in all ment” in the under-pressure competitions and has found van Gaal’s words—that would the back of the net three secure entry into next sea- times in four appearances for son’s Champions League. England this term.

Butt looking to produce more one-club players at Man Utd Manchester United are look- 79 trophies. ing to produce more one-club “You don’t just come here to players like Ryan Giggs, Paul play 10 games and move on to Scholes and Gary Neville, another club. We want them Nicky Butt said after taking (academy players) to be here over as head of the club’s for many years,” Butt, who academy. was also part of the class of (L-R) Bayern Munich’s Spanish headcoach Pep Guardiola jokes with Douglas Costa and striker Robert Lewandowski after the Bundesliga match against Augsburg. Giggs, Scholes and Neville ‘92, told the club’s website were part of the famous class (www.manutd.com). AFP sidelined long-term by knee and groin fun through two giants of the game. “Every team in the world is stronger of ‘92, which formed the core “We want another Ryan Giggs, Bayern injuries. Lewandowski has 21 goals in 20 league in the header than we are. It’s not of the treble-winning side Gary Neville or Paul Scholes, Boateng has said he is on target to meet games with 31 in all competitions, while an ideal situation,” complained of the 1998-99 season, and these one-club guys who his goal of returning to training in April, Thomas Mueller has also hit 15 league Guardiola ahead of next Tuesday’s would go on to spend their play here for many years and ep Guardiola acknowledges Bay- “but I won’t set a date to put myself un- goals in a total from 22. Champions League clash in Turin entire careers at the club, contribute to the club. That’s ern Munich has a height problem der pressure”, while Badstuber is now out But Bayern’s bosses are concerned winning a combined total of what our aim is.” ahead of their key Champions of hospital after surgery, but is not ex- about the height of Juve’s key forwards rent back four are all fl eet-footed and League clash at Juventus as an pected to play again this season. Mario Mandzukic (1.87m), Alvaro Morata have their team-mates’ trust. Pinjury crisis has left them short at the “It’s a big shock for me, but I can (1.90m) and Paulo Dybala (1.77m), espe- Mueller needs no convincing. Argentina striker Lavezzi moves to back—literally. promise everyone I will return,” said Bad- cially from corners and set piece situa- “They are all strong in the tackle, dedi- Chinese club Hebei While striker Robert Lewandowski stuber after suff ering his fourth serious tions. cated, fast and have everything you need, is head and shoulders above his rivals, injury since December 2012. “Then we’ll just have to stop them maybe except the size of a classic central Paris Saint-Germain striker Lavezzi, who played for Argen- scoring twice in Sunday’s 3-1 win at is returning from injury, jumping higher,” joked Bayern’s director defender,” added the Germany forward. Ezequiel Lavezzi has become tina in the 2014 World Cup Augsburg, injuries meant Bayern fi elded while loan signing Serdar Tasci is lacking of sport Matthias Sammer. Bayern host mid-table Darmstadt on the latest major signing by a final, had joined PSG in 2012 a back four with an average height of un- conditioning after joining from Spartak “They’ll have to make their presence Saturday, then Juventus on Tuesday, be- Chinese Super League side. from Napoli for a reported 31 der fi ve foot nine inches (1.75m). Moscow and was concussed in his fi rst felt for crosses, but Philipp, Joshua or fore two key away German league match- The 30-year-old Argentina million dollars. “Every team in the world is stronger in training session. Juan are all incredibly savvy.” es as they look to protect their eight- striker has agreed a two-year Spending in China has the header than we are. It’s not an ideal Without a single fi t centre-back, Bayern are desperate to celebrate point lead at Wolfsburg, on February 27, deal with Hebei China Fortune, increased after last year’s situation,” complained Guardiola ahead Guardiola used Juan Bernat (1.72m) and Guardiola’s departure for Manchester and second-placed Borussia Dortmund the club announced yesterday signing of a lucrative televi- of next Tuesday’s Champions League Philipp Lahm (1.70m) as wing-backs City with silverware after exiting the on March 5. on the microblogging web- sion deal worth 1.25 billion clash in Turin. against Augsburg with left-back David Champions League at the semi-fi nals “We need to show plenty of spirit,” sites Weixin and Weibo. dollars with broadcasters Ti’ao Guardiola has been stripped of centre- Alaba (1.80m) and defensive midfi elder stage for the last two seasons under the said Sammer. We have to be able to prove French media reports put the Dongli. backs after Holger Badstuber fractured Joshua Kimmich (1.74m) paired up at Spaniard’s steerage. we can live with playing there (at Wolfs- estimated transfer fee at 30 Other recent arrivals have an ankle in training last Saturday, while centre-back. But their injury situation could be a burg and Dortmund). million dollars. included Brazil international Javi Martinez and Jerome Boateng are In attack, Bayern are scoring goals for blessing in disguise as Guardiola’s cur- “I’m sure the team will manage it.” Lavezzi will join Ivory Coast Alex Teixeira (to Jiangsu international , Cam- Suning), Colombia striker eroon midfielder Stephane Jackson Martinez (Guangzhou BOTTOMLINE Mbia and France Under-21 Evergrand), Brazil midfielder international Gael Kakuta at Ramires (Jiangsu Suning), Hebei. Senegal striker Demba Ba Gervinho arrived from Roma (Shanghai Shenhua) and and Mbia from Trabzonspor Colombia midfielder Freddy in January, while France Guarin (Shanghai Shenuan). Under-21 international Kakuta The transfer period ends on UEFA charge Lokomotiv’s joined from Sevilla this month. February 26.

Lack of transfer activity has helped Tarasov over Putin t-shirt show Arsenal, says Monreal AFP both for the club and for himself,” “There’s nothing so terrible Arsenal’s lack of transfer mum of three players. The Istanbul the club said in a statement. about what I did and people with business in recent years has team is practically the same “Tarasov will be punished ac- sense, I believe, understand this helped the squad function as a group so that is very impor- cording to the conditions stipu- clearly. Probably after the next unit because the atmosphere tant,” Monreal told the club’s EFA yesterday charged lated in his contract.” match you will see me wearing in the dressing-room has not website (www.arsenal.com). Lokomotiv Moscow The player himself, however, another t-shirt with Putin’s im- been disrupted by too many “It is very important the atmos- midfi elder Dmitry appeared unrepentant over the age and a diff erent slogan.” changes, left back Nacho phere in the dressing room. It Tarasov with improper furore caused by the t-shirt, The words on the t-shirt Monreal has said. is mandatory to have a really Uconduct after he stripped off to insisting he backed Russian shown in Istanbul were a refer- The addition of Egyptian mid- good relationship with your reveal a t-shirt supporting Rus- strongman Putin but did not ence to the euphemism for the fielder Mohamed Elneny last team-mates, we are like a unit.” sian President Vladimir Putin in want to upset anyone. Russian soldiers who carried out month meant Arsenal have The North London club’s Pre- a politically charged gesture af- “He’s my president, I respect the annexation of Crimea from signed 13 players who have mier League title credentials ter a match in Turkey. him and decided to show that Ukraine in 2014. They are known gone on to be involved in the were questioned when man- Tarasov revealed the t-shirt of I’m with him everywhere,” the as “polite people”. first-team set-up since 2013. ager Arsene Wenger failed to Putin wearing a Navy cap above R-Sport agency quoted Tarasov Relations between Russia and During this period Arsenal bring in a striker during the the words “the most polite pres- as saying. Turkey have been in tatters since have won back-to-back FA close season, but they are ident” in Russian after his team’s The player, who will miss the Ankara shot down one of Mos- Cups, and qualified for the third in the table, two points 2-0 Europa League loss against second leg of the last-32 tie with cow’s fi ghter jets on the border Champions League twice, behind leaders Leicester City. Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Tues- Fenerbahce in Moscow after be- with Syria in November, spark- while clubs like Liverpool Arsenal will hope to carry the day, as Moscow and Ankara are ing cautioned in the match in Is- ing a bitter war of words be- and Manchester United, who momentum from Sunday’s locked in a fi erce dispute fol- Lokomotiv Moscow’s Dmitri Tarasov (L) during the UEFA Europa tanbul, defi antly vowed to wear tween Putin and his counterpart have brought in more players last-gasp 2-1 league win over lowing the downing of a Russian League tie against Fenerbahce in Istanbul. another t-shirt with Putin’s im- Recep Tayyip Erdogan. but not collected any major Claudio Ranieri’s men when fi ghter jet last year. age for his next appearance on Tarasov’s t-shirt incident silverware. they host second-tier Hull City European football’s govern- rule forbidding players to dis- actions and insisted they would the football pitch. sparked anger in the Turkish “In the last few years we have in the FA Cup on Saturday and ing body said that it would hold play any “political, religious, punish the player. “I didn’t mean to abuse any- press. “A Putin provocation from played with the same play- Champions League holders a hearing into the incident on personal slogans, statements”. “The footballer did not let any- body or provoke,” Tarasov said in a Russian footballer,” fumed the ers. Every summer, we have Barcelona in the round of 16 March 17, with Tarasov facing a Lokomotiv also sought to dis- body in on his plans. His initiative an interview with the Lifenews pro-government Yeni Safak dai- signed one, two or a maxi- on Feb. 23. potentially lengthy ban under a tance themselves from Tarasov’s was inappropriate and harmful TV channel. ly yesterday. Gulf Times Thursday, February 18, 2016 5 GOLF

NORTHERN TRUST OPEN MAYBANK CHAMPIONSHIP MALAYSIA Soaring Willett Spieth admires keen to maintain momentum drive of tennis icons AFP alin, you don’t tend to feel the Kuala Lumpur little niggles and the aches and pains that can build up. So it was nice to have last week off to re- ngland’s Danny Willett cover and recharge the batteries,” seeks further fuel for his he said. rapid rise in world golf The $3 million tournament at Federer, Djokovic at this week’s inaugural the Royal Selangor Golf Club, co- MaybankE Championship Ma- sanctioned by the European and laysia, where he heads a fi eld Asian Tours who are in ongoing '...driving it or striking an iron shot, that’s improved when the pressure is on' including past Major champions talks over a proposed merger into Louis Oosthuizen and Martin a mega-tour, is the successor to Kaymer. the longtime Malaysian Open, Willett arrives in Kuala which has been discontinued due Lumpur on a tide of momentum to a sponsorship shift. following a win two weeks ago in Both Oosthuizen, now the the Dubai Desert Classic and a world number 21, and Kaymer, handful of other top-10 fi nishes who is ranked 36, will be trying in recent months. to bounce back after missing the The 28-year-old has soared cut in windy conditions in Dubai. from 47th a year ago to world “I struggled with my ball fl ight number 13 and is the highest- (in Dubai) and when it’s windy ranked player in a Malaysian fi eld that’s the last thing you want that also features top-50 players to happen,” said Oosthuizen, of Thongchai Jaidee and Kiradech South Africa. Aphibarnrat of Thailand, and The early-year appearance in Englishmen Chris Wood and Malaysia typically off ers a spe- Matthew Fitzpatrick. cial challenge for Western golf- Willett showed his cham- ers due to the humid conditions pionship mettle by clinching a and jet lag, and Oosthuizen said one-shot victory in Dubai with Tuesday he was “struggling to a tricky 15-foot putt on the fi nal stay awake”. hole. But he added that it may be It was his fourth career win “a good omen”, noting that he and lifted him from 19th in the ended up winning the Malaysian world rankings to within striking Open in 2012 after rushing in fol- distance of the top 10. lowing a playoff at the US Mas- Willett admitted he is still ac- ters against eventual champion climating to his new status and Bubba Watson. that “expectations are obviously Willett, Germany’s Kaymer, high after how well I’ve been and others from Europe also are playing recently.” keen to burnish their Ryder Cup “Winning does take a lot out credentials in the presence of of you, physically and mentally,” European captain Darren Clarke he said. of Northern Ireland, who also But he added that a week off will be competing in Malaysia. at home in England had left him The $3 million Maybank refreshed. Championship Malaysia has a winner’s purse of $500,000 and ‘RUNNING ON ADRENALINE’ is co-sanctioned by the Asian “When you’re running on adren- Tour and European Tour.

SPOTLIGHT Breakthrough at Riviera made Hahn’s World number one Jordan Spieth will chase a second victory of 2016 when he tees off today in the Northern Trust Open.(USA TODAY Sports ) career worthwhile AFP Spieth said the enduring hunger and of like a deep breath out. fi nal Sunday, eventually having to settle Pacific Palisades, California consistency of Federer, Djokovic and “These guys were just starting their for a share of fourth. other leading lights of men’s tennis was breath. It’s pretty cool. Since then Spieth has registered six Reuters an inspiration as he plots his own career “Federer just handles himself with victories and fi rmly established himself Pacific Palisades, California orld number one Jordan Spi- path. complete class. He always has. Every- at the head of an exciting new generation eth says he wants to emulate “It’s really amazing how anywhere one I’ve come in contact with is a fan of of golfers at the top of the game. the relentless drive of ten- from two to fi ve tennis players at a time watching him,” Spieth said of Federer, the Spieth attributed his success to a gen- ormer shoe salesman nis icons Roger Federer and can just completely carry the sport,” Spi- winner of 17 Grand Slam titles in a career eral improvement in consistency and ex- James Hahn (pictured) WNovak Djokovic as he aims to cement his eth said. spanning nearly two decades. perience of delivering the goods in pres- knows as well as anyone place at the pinnacle of world golf this “It’s bizarre. It seems like you’ve got “Djokovic with his fi re and just ab- sure situations. how diffi cult is to win on year. three of the top four ranked, always, in solute crazy athletic display he’s been “I think it’s all gotten a bit more con- Fthe PGA Tour, and will always be After a dominant 2015 which saw him the semi-fi nal matches. showing over the last decade, really,” he sistent,” he said. thankful that his hard work fi nal- seal back-to-back Major victories at the “You can certainly take a lot from added. “I think my confi dence in my entire ly paid off at last year’s Northern Masters and US Open, before a fourth- watching those guys and understanding Spieth is relishing the opportunity game, when pressure comes on, I can now Trust Open. placed fi nish at the British Open and a sec- that even when they were number one, of playing at Riviera this week, a course really relate and look back to a lot of key Aged 33, the American jour- ond at the PGA Championship, Spieth has it seemed like that almost fuelled them he has played nearly 30 times over the moments where I’ve hit shots in the past neyman clinched his maiden already won his fi rst tournament this year. to want to work even harder, which you course of fi ve tournaments in the past, when the pressure has been on where I PGA Tour title in a three-way The 22-year-old Texan will be chasing don’t necessarily see everywhere across including a college championship game. felt like I did what I wanted to do. playoff with compatriot Dustin a second victory of 2016 when he tees off the board in life,” Spieth added. “It’s one of my favorites in the entire “That in its own is kind of priceless ex- Johnson and England’s Paul Ca- today in the Northern Trust Open at the world. I was out yesterday and it’s just in perience that I can then get up and do it sey and now, 12 months later, he Riviera Country Club in the wealthy Los FEDERER CLASS spectacular shape,” he said. again ... whether it’s driving it or striking is excited to be back at Riviera Angeles enclave of Pacifi c Palisades. “I mean, a lot of times you get to the top Last year Spieth narrowly missed out an iron shot, that’s defi nitely improved Country Club as the defending Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, of where you want to be and it’s just kind on forcing his way into a playoff on the when the pressure is on.” champion. “Getting the fi rst victory on Tour really solidifi ed that what BOTTOMLINE I’m doing is the right thing at this point in my life,” Hahn told re- porters at Riviera Country Club on Tuesday while preparing for Ko targets fi rst of fi ve title defences in Australia Thursday’s opening round. “All the sacrifi ces that I’ve AFP In just her third season on the LPGA made, all the time, the sweat and Adelaide Tour, she has already rewritten the spending time away from family, record books with 11 wins, becoming the fi nancial investments that the youngest player in history to reach I’ve made, makes it all worth it in op-ranked New Zealand teen 10 career titles, including her first ma- the end. Lydia Ko (pictured) makes jor at the Evian Championships last “Because until you actually the fi rst of fi ve title defences on year. win, there’s a sense of not know- the LPGA Tour this week at the The exuberant Jang, whose cel- ing if you will win or will ever win TAustralian Open after a huge 2015, with ebration in Miami went viral when she in your career. We’ve seen a lot of in-form South Korean Jang Ha-Na a key spectacularly twirled her putter like a PGA Tour players have success- ment, the trophy. threat. samurai sword, is keen for back-to-back ful careers and never win.” “Those are the things that we Ko, who became the youngest-ever victories. Born in South Korea but edu- have worked so hard for. Wheth- world number one—male or female— “I like fi rm greens, fi rm fairways, cated in the United States, Hahn er or not I win another one, that’s aged 17 last year, heads into the tourna- strong winds, so there’s no problem this won last year’s Northern Trust something that no one will ever ment after winning the earthquake-hit week,” she said. Open on the third extra hole, hit- take away from me.” New Zealand Open last week. “The Australian Open is a really big ting his tee shot to 24 feet and Hahn, who has previously Her class, which has repeatedly shone tournament, like the US Open and the sinking the birdie putt before worked as an assistant account through, was again on display at her Korean Open because they are national Johnson missed his attempt from executive with an advertis- home event but her composure crum- championships.” 12 feet. ing company and also as a shoe bled when lifting the trophy as she burst Park In-Bee and Stacy Lewis, the two Casey had been eliminated on salesman, celebrated two life- into tears while thanking her supporters players behind Ko on the world rankings, the previous hole. changing moments a year ago. in New Zealand. are not teeing off this week, but Austral- “This is I think the most bru- Not only did he clinch his fi rst She plans to put the emotions aside ians Karrie Webb, who won the event in tal sport where you can be a re- PGA Tour win at Riviera, but he in Adelaide when she tees off on Thurs- 2014, and the talented Minjee Lee could ally successful golfer, and live and his wife welcomed their fi rst day against a fi eld that features Jang, who LPGA outing of the year after opting out need to play solid golf myself. It’s a pret- pose a threat. comfortably, fl y private and have child a week later. captured her fi rst LPGA title at the Coates of the season-opening Bahamas Clas- ty tough course, the greens are fi rm, the “Every tournament... I always want to a nice house, nice car, and never “We had a daughter, so I think Championship in Miami this month. sic, and knows she will have to be in good bunkers are in the most perfect places. be in contention,” said Lee, 19. win,” said Hahn, who has spent that is the biggest change that “I’m hoping it just all goes upwards,” touch on the Grange Golf Club course to It’s going to be challenging.” “I have got high expectations on my- most of his golf career compet- I’ve had in my life - not getting Ko said of what she hopes to achieve in win the US$1.3 million Australian Open Samurai sword - self to play well, especially at home, ing on the satellite tours. any sleep, for sure, changing 2016, adding that her rise to stardom had once again. Ko won in Australia last year by two because I know these conditions pretty “Winning is very special. I’ll more diapers,” Hahn smiled. come “much faster than I ever expected”. “The scores are getting lower every strokes, holding off a challenge from well.” be sitting in my bed late at night “Now, I’m just not having as “It’s been really exciting. I’ve just got time and the girls are playing great golf,” South Korea’s Amy Yang down the fi nal Brooke Henderson, Chella Choi and and that’s something that no one much ‘me time’ and dedicating to have fun out there.” she said. stretch, kick-starting a season that ended Kris Tamulis—all LPGA Tour winners can ever touch, the feelings that I more to our family time. That’s Ko came joint-third in Miami, her fi rst “I know to compete with the leaders I with her being crowned player of the year. last year—should also be in contention. have of winning this golf tourna- become a big priority in my life.” Gulf Times 6 Thursday, February 18, 2016 SPORT

DUBAI CHAMPIONSHIPS FOCUS Thailand player Ivanovic sends Nalamphun banned for betting

AFP Tennis Federation (ITF) an- London nounced that two umpires had been banned for corruption and defending champ four more were currently sus- nranked Thai player pended while under investiga- Jatuporn Nalamphun tion. has been banned for 18 Kirill Parfenov of Kazakhstan months and fi ned after was banned for life in February beingU found guilty of off ences 2015 for contacting another of- under the Tennis Anti-Corrup- fi cial in a bid to “manipulate the tion Program, the London-based scoring of matches”, the ITF said Halep packing Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU) said in a joint statement with the TIU. yesterday. Tennis was also hit by allega- Nalamphun, 22, admitted to tions over elite-level match- Garcia advances to her first quarter-final with a win over Suarez Navarro three off ences of betting on ten- fi xing made by the BBC and Buz- nis matches between July and zFeed shortly before the start of November 2014 and was found the Australian Open last month. guilty of a further off ence of fail- After those allegations became ing to co-operate with the TIU public, tennis authorities an- investigation. nounced an independent review Nalamphun has never held a into their fi ght against corruption. ranking and his £3,400 (4,366 In a joint statement, the ATP, euros, $5,000) fi ne is consider- the WTA, the ITF and heads of ably greater than his reported all four Grand Slam tournaments career earnings of £476. said the review was aimed at The initial ban imposed on further strengthening the integ- Nalamphun was six months but rity of the game, while calling for independent anti-corruption governments worldwide to make hearing offi cer Ian Mill, a senior fi xing a criminal off ence. English lawyer, extended the ban The priority of the review, after fi nding the player guilty of headed by Adam Lewis - a lead- a further charge of failing to co- ing expert on sports law who operate with the TIU. works out of the same London In a TIU statement, Mill said chambers as Mill - is to look at that “the full and timely co- the structure of the TIU, includ- operation by participants in TIU ing how to make it more trans- investigations is of paramount parent and better resourced. eff orts being made by the TIU to It is expected that the review eliminate corruption in profes- will take at least 12 months, with sional tennis.” the publication of an interim re- Last week the International port during that time.

ROUNDUP Del Potro wins on return in Florida

AFP Second seed Bernard Tomic of Delray Beach, Florida Australia also bit the dust, beaten in straight sets 7-6 (3), 6-1 by un- heralded American Rajeev Ram to uan Martin del Potro the delight of the home fans. made a winning return to tennis on Tuesday after BELLUCCI LOSES IN RIO OPEN Serbia’s Ana Ivanovic serves to Simona Halep of Romania during their Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships match yesterday. (AFP) a 11-month injury layoff , FIRST ROUND rompingJ past America’s Denis Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci Agencies Garcia, 22 and world ranked 38th, Kudla in straight sets in the fi rst squandered a lead to lose to Dubai needed to play out the fi nal handful of round of the Delray Beach Open. Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov points after returning to the court in the The injury-plagued 27-year- in the fi rst round of the ATP Rio evening following a rare rainstorm in the old Argentine faced an uncertain Open. na Ivanovic produced another desert emirate which fl ooded the court in future after missing most of the In a rain interrupted game on terrifi c performance at the Du- a city so dry there is hardly a need for mu- last year with a wrist problem Tuesday, Bellucci, ranked 32nd in bai Duty Free Tennis Champi- nicipal drainage. which required two separate the world, won the fi rst set 7-6, onships to knock out top seed The 11th-ranked Spaniard Suarez Nav- bouts of surgery. before his European opponent andA defending champion Simona Halep. arro won the fi rst set against Garcia in 44 But del Potro, aiming to resur- turned it around 7-5, 6-2, reports In the previous round, Ivanovic minutes but found herself level-pegging rect a burgeoning career which in- Xinhua. dropped a solitary game, and she was at one set each as Garcia converted on a cluded a 2009 US Open champi- The third set was particularly every bit as impressive against Halep, third set point in the second. onship victory, showed no signs of disappointing for the Brazilian booking her place in the quarterfi nals The weather hit with the Frenchwom- ring rust as he overwhelmed Kudla who, after opening with a two- with a 7-6(2), 6-2 win. an leading 5-3 in the third, sending play- in just over an hour. game advantage, lost six games “Honestly, I’m delighted,” Ivanovic Caroline Garcia ers quickly off court. Tuesday’s win carried an echo in a row for a premature exit. said. “It was a great battle in the fi rst set, “I was calm when we returned to the of a previous comeback for del Meanwhile, defending cham- and she’s such a great player and I really ened, netting a couple of routine ground- ner over Julia Goerges earlier in the day, court, but as I served for it my hand was Potro, who won the Delray Beach pion David Ferrer got off to a had to raise my game, which I think I did. strokes to surrender her advantage. awaits in the quarterfi nals, and Ivanovic shaking,” the winner said. “But this is a crown in 2011 also after returning winning start by defeating Chil- It was not easy but I’m really thrilled to be With her tail now up, Ivanovic pro- expects another testing outing. part of my game we have worked a lot from a wrist injury. ean Nicolas Jarry. The Spaniard through.” duced some sparkling tennis to take the “She beat Julia, who is playing great, so on. Del Potro, who climbed to will meet compatriot Albert Ra- Heavy rain meant the players did not tie-break before racing through the sec- it’s going to be a tough match,” Ivanovic “It is always diffi cult to re-start, this number four in the world rank- mos-Vinolas in the last 16. get on court until after 8pm. When they ond set. added. “We’ve played a few times before, rain was quite unexpected. I just played ings in 2010, is currently at There were two surprises in did fi nally emerge, another interruption “I was a little but anxious because it was but I’m not really thinking about that at aggressive and fought to the end. I stayed 1,042nd in the world. the fi rst round, with the Ameri- was soon forthcoming, as the ball kids stop and go. I think we both wanted to con- the moment.” positive through the match.” In other matches on Tuesday, can pair of John Isner and Jack hastily tried to towel down the still-damp tinue playing but it was a little bit slippery. I Caroline Garcia of France waited out a rain Australian Open quarter-fi nalist Sua- top seed Kevin Anderson of South Sock falling at the fi rst hurdle. baseline. needed to stay calm and I’m glad I managed interruption of three and a half hours before rez Navarro had played quarter-fi nals at Africa tumbled out to Austin Kra- Italian Fabio Fognini comfort- On the resumption, Halep started to do that,” Ivanovic added when quizzed advancing to her fi rst quarter-fi nal at the the Aviation club for the last two years jicek of the United States. Ander- ably saw off Brit Aljaz Bedene brightest, opening up a 5-3 lead. How- about the second interruption. Dubai Tennis Championships with a 4-6, but could not reach a third as she faced son abandoned after losing the to make it through to the next ever, with the set at her mercy she tight- Barbora Strycova, a 2-6, 6-3, 6-1 win- 6-4, 6-3 win over Carla Suarez Navarro. Garcia for the fi rst time. fi rst set on a tie-break 7/3. round.

BOTTOMLINE Seoul prosecutors raid national No plans to retest Sochi Olympics samples: IBU swimming federation Reuters pics we are not responsible for it (re- Then we will make an application to the Berlin testing),” Besseberg told Reuters in a IOC. I will, at least, support it.” South Korean prosecutors telephone interview from Oslo. Doping is in the spotlight follow- have raided the head- “During the Olympics, testing is done ing the allegations concerning Russia quarters of the country’s he International Biathlon Un- under the supervision of the WADA and and the IAAF world athletics governing national swimming federa- ion (IBU) has not requested the the International Olympic Committee.” body. tion (KSF) amid suspicions retesting of samples from the The IOC is in charge of testing a few This led to Russia’s Anti-Doping of misappropriation of 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics in weeks ahead of the Olympics and until Agency (RUSADA) being banned in No- government funds, Yonhap Tthe wake of a scandal that led to a ban the end of the competitions. vember and the Moscow testing lab los- News agency reported on Russia’s anti-doping authority, the International and national federa- ing its certifi cation. yesterday. governing body said on Wednesday. tions and anti-doping authorities are Biathlon, a gruelling combination of The South Korean agency IBU chief Anders Besseberg was responsible for testing outside Olympic long-distance skiing and rifl e shooting, quoted prosecutors as say- speaking a day after his vice president, periods. has not been spared with several Rus- ing arrests had been made James Carrabre, had said the IBU would Any retesting of samples of past sian athletes, including former world and computer hard drives start retesting given recent information Games is done by the IOC, which freez- champion Ekaterina Iourieva, banned and documents on sports on systematic use of banned substances es them for eight years and retests using for doping in recent months. industry projects had been and tampering of athletes’ samples in new methods or looks for substances Two more athletes have so far tested confiscated. Russia. that were not known at the time of the positive in competitions this year, with The raid comes after the Since a World Anti-Doping Agency competition. Besseberg confi dent the IBU’s system is country’s sports ministry (WADA) report late last year detailing successful at rooting out cheats. announced last week it systematic and state-sponsored dop- NOT DISCUSSED “We are testing day and night. It is no was cutting off funding to ing in Russia, the Moscow lab has lost “We can ask the IOC that they retest secret that the majority (of biathletes several federations amid its certifi cation while Russian track and and we can ask WADA. But this is- caught doping) is from East European concerns about corruption. fi eld athletes have been banned from In this December 21, 2013, picture, a torchbearer rides a horse in Ufa, about 1,200 sue has not been discussed at the IBU,” countries, not only Russia,” he said. A KSF off icial confirmed competing. kms east of Moscow. Since a WADA report late last year detailing systematic doping Besseberg said. “We are on high alert. We are storing to Reuters by telephone Concerns about the Sochi 2014 in Russia, the Moscow lab has lost its certification while Russian track and field “(Carrabre) has not been in con- samples as well. I have full confi dence in that prosecutors had taken Games testing laboratory have also been athletes have been banned from competing. tact with me. If he wants to bring it to our experts,” Besseberg said. “They are evidence from the head- raised, with WADA saying in its report the (IBU) Executive Board on March 7 really clever people and I am very proud quarters but was unable to that the lab had been infi ltrated by se- phere of “intimidation”. do this (retest samples from Sochi) but and wants that we should ask the IOC we have been able to capture so many comment further. curity services and imposed an atmos- “He (Carrabre) said he would like to you know that if it is about the Olym- to retest, the EB will say ok, I am sure. cheaters.” Gulf Times Thursday, February 18, 2016 7 SPORT

BOXING RUGBY Wales admit to Biggar concerns Retiring Manny against France

AFP players in the game today. London “You’ve just got to get on with it, front up and what will be will be. ales have admit- “Dan is a tough old nut and leaves door open ted to concerns let’s hope he keeps playing around fragile fl y- well. half Dan Biggar “But, in terms of sides tar- Wahead of their next Six Nations geting him, that’s a positive on clash with France at Cardiff ’s our part because it shows how Principality Stadium. well he’s actually playing.” Biggar was forced off in the early stages of Wales’ 16-16 Trinh-Duc back in to Money rematch draw with Ireland in Dublin 10 France squad days ago and was again target- Flyhalf Francois Trinh-Duc ed during last weekend’s 27-23 has been recalled to the France ‘Even if I don’t have a fight and I am not in training, I always exercise every day’ win over Scotland. squad to face Wales in the Six France have used the tactic Nations after recovering from of targeting the fl y-half in their injury, the French federation two Six Nations clashes so far (FFR) said yesterday. and Ireland No.10 Jonathan The Montpellier player, who Sexton had to go off with a was omitted from last year’s ‘whiplash injury’ towards the World Cup squad by Philippe end of his team’s 10-9 defeat Saint-Andre, is new manager in Paris on Saturday. Guy Noves’s favourite fl yhalf. And Wales kicking coach He missed the fi rst two Six Neil Jenkins believes Biggar, Nations games due to a shin his country’s star player of the injury. moment, may also come in for Trinh-Duc will be in com- some rough treatment in 10 petition with Jules Plisson for days time. a place in the starting lineup “It’s part and parcel of against Wales on February 26. the game,” said Jenkins, the After being knocked out by former Wales and British and New Zealand with a record de- Irish Lions outside-half. feat in the World Cup quarter- “Players as good as Johnny fi nals, France started their Six and Dan have to realise they Nations campaign with nar- are in the fi ring line. row home wins over (23- “It’s hard to protect these 21) and Ireland (10-9).

Henshaw opts for Leinster aft er Connacht Ireland international centre Robbie Henshaw will leave Con- nacht at the end of the season to join Leinster after signing a national contract with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU). That move meant he had the pick of Ireland”s four Celtic League provinces. And despite Connacht impressive form this season which sees them currently sitting second in the table, one place above Lein- ster, Henshaw has opted for the traditional powerhouses. “I am disappointed for Connacht that Robbie has decided to leave but pleased for Irish rugby that he has committed to a further three years,” said IRFU performance director David Nucifora. “I know that the decision Robbie has taken to move from Con- nacht is not one he has taken lightly.” Connacht have long been the poor relations of Irish rugby as the only one of the four prov- Philippine boxing icon Manny Pacquiao (C) jogging with fellow boxers and his pet dog ‘Pacman’ during a training session at a sports complex in General Santos on the southern inces never to have won the European Cup. They were also the Philippine island of Mindanao in preparation for his bout with Timothy Bradley in the US in April. (AFP) only side to fail to reach this year’s competition but are well on course to make it to next year’s premier European competition. AFP to me. You never know.” Pacquiao made indicated he wasn’t sure his retirement that sees Senator Pacquiao (fi ght again). “I would like to thank Connacht Rugby, the IRFU and Leinster Manila the comments when asked if a chance would be permanent, twice using the Because he likes that, he loves stuff like for allowing me time to consider my future,” said Henshaw, 22, to avenge his crushing loss to American term: “You never know”. that,” Roach said. Pacquiao is on track in a statement on the off icial (IRFU) website. “This has been a nemesis Mayweather last year would lure to win one of 12 Senate seats in the elec- long and diff icult process and while I am sorry to be leaving Con- hilippine boxing great Manny him out of retirement. ‘Please forgive me’ tions, according to recent surveys, with nacht I look forward to the next chapter of my rugby career at Pacquiao has opened the door to That fi ght shattered boxing revenue He also insisted he remained as physi- his sporting heroics largely responsible Leinster.” a lucrative rematch with Floyd records, generating 4.5mn pay-per-view cally capable in the ring as a decade ago. for his political popularity. Mayweather, telling AFP he still purchases and $600 million in gross rev- “I don’t feel diff erent compared (with) However, success is not guaranteed. Evans season at risk after leg injury Pintends to retire after his next fi ght but enue. It capped a phenomenal rise for Pac- when I was 27, 25,” Pacquiao said. “I am Pacquiao has been heavily criticised by New Zealand international fly-half Nick Evans could miss the that a comeback is possible. quiao, whose journey from street kid to still the same because I discipline myself. some in the Philippines for a dismal at- rest of the season due to damage to the bone in his right leg, his The 37-year-old announced in January mega-rich is a source of hope and inspira- Even if I don’t have a fi ght and I am not in tendance record as a congressman that Harlequins head coach Conor O’Shea revealed. that his upcoming bout against American tion for tens of millions of poor Filipinos. training, I always exercise every day.” they argue highlights a lack of politi- The 35-year-old former All Black could miss three months of the Timothy Bradley would be his last so he Until this week, Pacquiao had insisted re- Pacquiao aggravated a shoulder injury cal conviction. Pacquiao, an evangelical season if an operation is needed to repair the leg injury suff ered could concentrate on Filipino politics. peatedly that he was very happy to be giving in the Mayweather bout and underwent Protestant, also apologised via social me- in Saturday’s 28-6 English Premiership defeat at Gloucester. However, following a high-energy up the sport to pursue politics and his goal surgery fi ve days later. He said Tuesday dia on Tuesday after saying on the cam- “He’s seeing a specialist and he’ll be out for a minimum of six training session in his hometown of Gen- of fi ghting poverty in the Philippines. his shoulder had recovered and he was in paign trail that homosexuals were “worse to seven weeks,” said O’Shea. “He’s pulled a bit of bone off the eral Santos, Pacquiao said he was loving Pacquiao, a two-term congressman, is “100 percent” condition to take on Bra- than animals”. leg, it’s just whether, with the damage he’s done, it will need to the sport as much as ever and he could not looking to win a Senate seat in May elec- dley. After overseeing training on Mon- “It’s common sense. Do you see animals be looked at for an operation. “If anything happens it would be rule out fi ghting again. “It’s hard to say tions, and the offi cial campaign is already day, long-time American mentor Freddie mating with the same sex? Animals are around 12 weeks. “You see it happen a lot unfortunately. We just right now,” Pacquiao, who has won world underway. Pacquiao spoke at length on Roach also said he suspected Pacquiao better because they can distinguish male wish him luck.” If that proves to be the case, he would miss the titles in an unprecedented eight weight Tuesday about his political aspirations— would be tempted back into the ring if he from female,” Pacquiao told television rest of the regular season and face a race against time to be fit divisions, told AFP in an interview when including the prospect of becoming presi- beats Bradley. “I’ll go along with him right station TV5. After a barrage of criticism, for either the European Challenge Cup final on May 13 or the Pre- asked about retirement. dent. And he repeated that, at this point, now because he is running for senator,” Pacquiao asked for forgiveness. “I’m sorry miership play-off s starting on May 20, should Quins reach either. “I made my decision already that af- his intention was to retire from boxing Roach told AFP, when asked if he believed for comparing homosexuals to animals. They sit fifth in the Premiership table and face a European Chal- ter this fi ght I (will) retire. But I am not after fi ghting Bradley for the third time Pacquiao genuinely intended to retire. Please forgive me for those I’ve hurt,” Pac- lenge Cup quarter-final against London Irish on Saturday, April 9. saying that, you know, boxing is closed in Las Vegas on April 9. But Pacquiao also “But there’s always that side of me quiao said in a video post on Instagram.

FOCUS Cheika confi dent Pocock can be kept in Australia

AFP Reuters on Wednesday there was no further Sydney news on the contract negotiations but that Pocock was not a man motivated by money. DAVID POCOCK Cheika, who said he had been “really upset” allabies coach Michael Cheika when Queensland Reds openside fl anker Liam is confi dent Australia can put Gill decided to move to France at the end of the together a package attractive season, said he was happy with how the ARU’s enough to keep fl anker David negotiations with Pocock had proceeded. WPocock playing his rugby Down Under in the “He’s obviously going to get massive off ers long term, even if Europe will always be able overseas because clubs are loaded and he’s one to off er more money. of the best players in the world and if you put Pocock was one of the top performers at last two and two together, you’re going to get that year’s and reports in British result,” he added. media on Tuesday said English club Wasps “I’ve been really happy that Brian Levine, were planning to off er him a deal worth more his manager, and David, have been straight than 1.4 million pounds ($2 million) a season. up with us from day one and that’s given us “We’re always going to be outgunned by the a nice target for us to achieve to put a pack- money over there, we know that,” Cheika told age together to get him to continue playing his reporters yesterday. rugby here. “We have to present a combination of fi - “He’s a smart guy and he’ll make the right nances ... as well as what it’s going to be like choice.” playing here in Australia and how you’re going Cheika, who led the Wallabies to the World to grow as a player and a person. Cup fi nal in his fi rst year in charge, said talks “We present all those things correctly to had been held over extending his own con- him, or to any player for that matter, and I be- tract, which runs to the end of 2017, but it was lieve that they would stay.” not an issue at the front of his mind. The 27-year-old openside is considering “I know that even if I don’t sign a contract taking a year out of the game to study after and I do well, I’ll hopefully be off ered another his contract with the Australian Rugby Union one,” he said. (ARU) and ACT Brumbies expires at the end of “And if I don’t and I’ve got a contract, what the year. am I going to do? Fight to stay in it? Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham told “It’s just paperwork at the end of the day.” Gulf Times 8 Thursday, February 18, 2016 SPORT

NHL BASEBALL Spring in the air as MLB pitchers and Kings let it slip away catchers report

Reuters 8-1 choices to win the cham- Miami pionship by online betting site Bovada. The Los Angeles Dodgers and he thaw from winter’s Washington Nationals follow at against Capitals teeth-chattering cold 10-1, with the National League’s is underway, perhaps leading teams all priced ahead of most noticeably for ea- the top American League choic- ‘They kind of have their season almost wrapped up and we’re clawing here’ Tger Chicago Cubs fans with this es. week’s heartwarming arrival of The Boston Red Sox, AL East pitchers and catchers at Major cellar dwellers in 2015, signed By Lisa Dillman League Baseball (MLB) spring free agent starter David Price, Los Angeles Times training camps. who last year helped Toronto As Arizona Diamondback reach the postseason for the fi rst players report yesterday to Salt time since 1993, and added clos- his was about as close to River Fields at Talking Stick, a er Craig Kimbrel to rate a 12-1 a playoff -type game as half-hour drive from downtown choice with the Blue Jays. you’ll see on a Tuesday Phoenix, the long-suff ering To off set the loss of Price, night in February. Cubs are the unaccustomed, Toronto expect young starter TWhich is why Los Ange- heavy 4-1 favourites to win the Marcus Stroman to return from les Kings defenseman Drew 2016 World Series. injury to pick up the slack and Doughty, who seems incapa- Hope springs eternal with the strong-armed young Aaron ble of hiding his emotions, put beginning of spring training in Sanchez might join him in the it all out there after the Kings Arizona and Florida, with all rotation. lost, having given up the go- teams gearing up to start all level Reigning MLB champions the ahead goal to the league-lead- when Major League Baseball’s Kansas City Royals did not make ing Washington Capitals with 2 marathon 162-game season major additions but re-signed minutes 2 seconds remaining in opens in April. free agent outfi elder Alex Gor- regulation. For the Cubs and their fans, it don and brought in starter Ian Forward Justin Williams, the seems like an eternity since they Kennedy to compensate for the former King, set up that game- ruled the baseball world hav- loss of Johnny Cueto, who signed winning goal, and the Capitals ing not won a World Series since a free agent deal with the Giants. went on to prevail, 3-1. 1908. Kansas City were rated 16-1 Doughty said he was not a With a roster full of young choice to repeat, followed by the “happy man” after the latest talent including sluggers An- up-and-coming Houston Astros Kings loss, their second in a thony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and at 18-1 while the Yankees were a span of three days. Kyle Schwarber, and a pitching joint sixth pick at 22-1. “I think we wasted our goals staff topped by Cy Young winner Among teams making off - in the Boston game,” Doughty Jake Arrieta, the Cubs reached season splashes were the Dia- said. the NL Championship Series last mondbacks, who bolstered their The Kings scored nine goals year after posting the third best rotation by signing free agent against the Bruins a week ago, record in the majors. Zack Greinke away from the Los and since then, they’ve almost Determined to snap the long- Angeles Dodgers and trading for been rationing goals, scoring est championship drought in Shelby Miller. sparingly. They’ve scored twice North American professional Two other AL Central clubs in their last two games, both sports, Cubs general manager made bold moves in hopes of losses. Theo Epstein kept busy in the challenging the Royals. They are 2-3 with two games off season, signing outfi elder Ja- The Cubs’ crosstown neigh- remaining on a seven-game trip son Heyward and starter John bours the White Sox beefed up as they’ve watched their once Lackey from division-rival St. their infi eld by dealing for sec- double-digit lead in the Pacifi c Louis and adding super-utility ond baseman Brett Lawrie and Division quickly shrink. San player Ben Zobrist. slugging third baseman Todd Jose, which won Tuesday, pulled Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick makes a save Following the Cubs in pre- Frazier, while Detroit added within four points of the Kings on Washington Capitals right wing TJ Oshie (C) in the season odds were the 2015 NL starting pitcher Jordan Zimmer- and the second-place Ducks third period at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 3-1. champion New York Mets and mann and outfi elder Justin Up- pulled to within three points by PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports San Francisco Giants, both rated ton over the winter. beating Edmonton. “We’re in a situation where we need to fi nd points,” forward a pass from Marcus Johansson, the net,” Williams said. “I tried a reunion tour for the Kings. Dustin Brown said. who was trying to set up Alex RESULTS to get it over there as quick as Left wing Milan Lucic returned Ex-NBA player’s life ban reduced Kings defenseman Jake Muz- Ovechkin. Philadelphia 6 New Jersey 3 possible and give him an empty to Boston for the fi rst time Ex-NBA player Ivan Johnson has had his lifetime ban in the Philip- zin echoed Doughty’s sentiment “They’re looking for Washington 3 Los Angeles 1 net because he gave me one ear- since the Bruins traded him pines’ professional league for a foul-mouthed outburst at an off icial about maybe using up all the Ovechkin every single second Carolina 2 Winnipeg 1 lier that I couldn’t convert on.” to Los Angeles. The Kings not reduced to one year after he made a personal apology, the league goals in Boston, and agreed that of that power play,” Doughty Boston 2 Columbus 1 (OT) Quick, who made his fi rst ap- only faced Williams but played said yesterday. Ex-Atlanta Hawk Johnson was banished mid-game the game against Washington said. “I just tried to bait him Ottawa 2 Buff alo 1 (SO) pearance since getting injured against another former team- on Saturday after he used “the f-word” in an argument with Philip- had a playoff -like feel. into making that pass, making San Jose 4 Tampa Bay 2 in Boston, was on his game and mate, Capitals center Mike Ri- pine Basketball Association (PBA) commissioner Chito Narvasa. “That’s the way we looked at him think he had it and took it St. Louis 2 Dallas 1 (OT) looked sharp. Grubauer faced chards. But after a meeting with the player, who plays with the Talk ‘N Text it,” he said. “They kind of have away right after I saw he kind of Anaheim 5 Edmonton 3 40 shots and the Kings were “It was weird looking over Tropang Texters team, Narvasa reduced the ban to one season, their season almost wrapped up looked there. outshooting the Capitals, 25- in warmups and seeing them,” league spokesman Willie Marcial told AFP. “He apologised, he ex- and we’re clawing here.” “I was happy I made that play 11, midway through the second Doughty said. “Rick always plained to us... he is really diff erent on the court. He wanted to show The Kings held a 1-0 lead un- and happy we scored on it but play. Jason Chimera scored an period. stretches in the same spot. He he is really a good man,” Marcial said of the meeting, where he said til the fi nal minute of the second we didn’t win. So I’m not a hap- empty-netter with nine sec- Said Sutter: “The goal- used to stretch right beside me. Johnson brought along his wife and two children. period. Center Anze Kopitar py man after that game.” onds left.Coach Darryl Sutter ies made some big saves. We I looked over and smiled at him. “I really love my fans in the Philippines,” Marcial quoted Johnson, scored a short-handed goal at Andre Burakovsky’s redirec- registered a challenge on the couldn’t get that second one. It’s weird playing against them. 31, as saying. The PBA also reduced Johnson’s 250,000-peso fine 16:43 of the fi rst period, con- tion past goalie Jonathan Quick Kuznetsov goal. But the league’s But we had lots of good oppor- We understand they’re not a ($5,600) to 150,000 pesos, Marcial added. verting a rebound of his shot tied it, 1-1, with 48.1 seconds situation room ruled that there tunities. The last fi ve minutes part of our team anymore. We’ll The 6ft 8in (2.03 metre) power forward, has had a chequered career, on a sharp angle to get the puck remaining in the second pe- was no goaltender interference you were just trusting the guys always have those memories having been suspended for one game earlier this month for fighting past goalie Philipp Grubauer. riod. With 2:02 remaining in with Quick before the puck that you have on the ice and we with them and we’ll never for- with players of an opposing team. He was also banned for life by the But the catalyst on the scor- the third, Williams found Evg- crossed the line and the original probably got caught with some get. Korean Basketball League in 2010 for making an obscene gesture at ing play was Doughty, who eny Kuznetsov alone for the call stood. inexperience on the back end on “Now they’re on the opposite a referee. And during an abbreviated 2011-2013 NBA career, he was broke up a two-on-one break go-ahead goal, making it 2-1 “It’s tough to miss him when that last goal.” side. Next time we play them, fined for various altercations with fans and off icials. at the other end by cutting off as Quick lost his stick on the he’s standing right in front of This has been something of we’ve got to beat them.”

NBA Chris Bosh will recover, but can the Heat?

By Dave Hyde the latest and best example. pending on what happens with Sun Sentinel CHRIS BOSH Four years ago, Manning was Bosh. Does he want to go out everything Bosh is today: Rich, as the centrepiece of a sinking a champion, nearing the end of a team, like Kobe Bryant with the our fi rst thoughts, nat- career and recovering from a se- Lakers? urally, go to Chris Bosh rious health issue - in Manning’s The basketball shame is that and his family. He’s a case a spinal fusion that deliv- Riley seemed on the verge of husband and father be- ered the added risk of paralysis. something fascinating again. foreY being public property. He’s Manning even left his forever The rumours were the Heat one of the genuine good guys, Indianapolis team for Denver. might trade Dragic and White- too, again mired in health con- He kept playing anyway. He has side to Houston and receive Al cerns due to as he deals with a since played in two Super Bowls, Horford in return from Atlanta. blood clot for the second con- including the most recent one, Bosh. Wade. Horford. That secutive year. which should allow him to retire would have been an interesting By all early indications, Bosh a happily-ever-after champion. team come the playoff s. will recover fi ne. The Heat Does Bosh want any of that? Now the Heat are better off won’t. They can’t. And this is Who knows? But sports are full fi nishing among the worst 10 where your second thoughts of such driven athletes. Just on teams again and receiving the go, naturally, because the Heat the Heat, Alonzo Mourning keep draft pick they otherwise lose to might have just lost the centre- going after a kidney transplant Philadelphia. Get another young piece of their franchise again. and won a championship, too. player. Hope it works out like it Depending on how the medi- So this is Bosh’s decision to did with Winslow. cal questions settle, Bosh’s make with all the advice of his It tells how transitory sports situation either causes serious wife and doctors. No one would are that, with Chris Andersen problems for the Heat or earth- argue otherwise, including the traded Tuesday and Bosh facing shaking ones. Heat, whose season just broke the possibility of missing sig- Can he return this year? Will apart like Humpty Dumpty. nifi cant time, only two players he play next year? Without Bosh, all this talk would remain from the Heat’s If he does return, could a about a big trade before Thurs- 2014 championship team (Wade blood clot, too? If he doesn’t day’s deadline is meaningless. and Udonis Haslem). return, since his salary can’t be Without Bosh, they’re not a The question now becomes replaced until after next season, playoff team. Without Bosh, whether Bosh is gone for good does an ageing Dwyane Wade re- they might as well play Hassan from basketball. turn? And, if Wade and Bosh go, Whiteside, sculpt a better role If so, that’s not a tragedy. will an ageing Pat Riley stay for retire. Two years, two serious causes of age or talent. yond the lottery and will grow What’s left to prove? for Goran Dragic and accelerate He’s had a great career and has a another rebuild? blood clots? Why taunt fate? Bosh has achieved everything richer with three years left on Maybe Bosh comes to this Justise Winslow even more. full life to enjoy. He’ll be fi ne, if Do you see how, as these dom- Saying goodbye to a career might possible, too. He has personal a $118 million guaranteed con- conclusion and retires. But They’re the future now. Not that’s the case. It’s the Heat who inoes fall, the sky does for Heat be sad, but it’s survivable. Ath- glory with 11 All-Star appear- tract. He’s 32 next month, too, you’ve seen plenty of athletes Wade. He’s 34, now loses an- won’t recover easily. Buckle your fans, too? letes do it all the time against ances and team glory with two meaning most of his career is who refuse to retire when given other year, and possibly loses seat belts, Heat fans. This could Some will say Bosh should their will due to the natural championships. He’s rich be- behind him anyhow. this option. Peyton Manning is next season with the Heat de- get ugly. Gulf Times Thursday, February 18, 2016 9 SPORT

FORMULA ONE Sahara’s Force India stake looks a hard sell Reuters chise,” Gallagher said. A Sahara spokesman said in an emailed it might bring more funding, is of major stone. “Not because they want to, but cording to informed sources. London/Mumbai Others said it would be easier to dis- statement that there were “no talks with interest to fans. because commercially they probably Sahara needs to pay back 360 billion pose of the stake if the whole team—run anybody at the moment” about selling Force India, the fi rst and only Indian- think it would be the right thing to do.” rupees ($5.3 billion), raised from mil- by beer baron Vijay Mallya who also owns the Formula One team stake. registered team, have a loyal follow- Mallya’s Force India holding forms lions of small investors through the sale ndia’s embattled Sahara conglomer- 42.5 percent—were up for sale because a ing—particularly in Mexico thanks to part of a package held as collateral by of bonds ruled by the Supreme Court to ate said it wants to sell its 42.5 per- buyer would want outright control. Formula One has only 11 teams Mexican driver Sergio Perez. British-based drinks giant Diageo to be illegal, before Roy can be released. cent stake in the Force India Formula With Formula One far less popular and any change of ownership, Mallya, who brought Sahara into the underpin a $135 million loan to Watson It also needs to show it has a plan to One team to help release its founder than in India, and Mallya un- particularly if it might bring British-based team after buying it in Ltd, one of his affi liated companies, raise the money, giving the group time SubrataI Roy from jail, but some motor der pressure from lenders to meet loan 2007, turned 60 in December and recent- Diageo said in an earnings press release to seal deals and avert any court-im- more funding, is of major racing insiders are sceptical about how repayment obligations linked to his interest to fans. Force India, the ly told India’s Economic Times newspaper last month. posed seizure and auctions. easy it will be to fi nd a buyer. grounded Kingfi sher Airlines, the stake fi rst and only Indian-registered it was “time to slow down, semi-retire The package also includes shares in The Indian Supreme Court on Febru- Sahara, which paid $100 million for on its own could be a hard sell. team, have a loyal following— and enjoy life”. He was not immediately United Breweries Ltd , a unit of Mallya’s ary 2 asked markets regulator SEBI to the shareholding in 2011, sought the In- Lenders who are owed more than particularly in Mexico thanks available for comment on Sahara’s re- UB Group and India’s largest brewer. state within two weeks whether it has dian Supreme Court’s permission this $1 billion by Kingfi sher have started to Mexican driver Sergio Perez quest and his own F1 intentions. Diageo acquired a stake in Mallya’s any opposition to Sahara’s proposal. month to dispose of Force India and putting up for sale some of the carrier’s Bernie Ecclestone, the 85-year-old United Spirits company in 2012 and The case will next be heard in New other assets to raise a combined 53 bil- assets. Kingfi sher has not fl own since Force India’s Chief Operating Of- Formula One supremo who has known later gained management control. Delhi on March 29. lion Indian rupees ($778.38 million) 2012 due to a lack of cash. fi cer Otmar Szafnauer, asked whether Mallya for decades, said he was “quite Dutch entrepreneur Michiel Mol Force India’s 2015 budget, according However, former Jordan, Jaguar and “Unless you are just doing it for Mallya’s permission was needed for any sure the last thing Vijay wants to do is owns the remaining 15 percent of the to fi gures published by Britain’s Aut- Red Bull marketing executive Mark sponsorship, I imagine you would potential sale by his co-owners, said to quit”. That said, he added, every team Force India team, which fi nished a best- osport magazine, was about 110 million Gallagher feels such a sale would not want control. And generally sponsors he did not know the details of Sahara’s has its price. ever fi fth last year. pounds ($159.59 million). Cash fl ow has be easy. “I don’t think anybody will pay don’t want to be shareholders,” Finbarr shareholder agreements. “There’s a lot of teams that if some- The team can expect about $75 mil- been a problem in the past and the team 100 million pounds, euros or dollars O’Connell, administrator for the failed Formula One has only 11 teams and body comes along with the right lion in annual prize money and revenue were granted an advance on this sea- for 42.5 percent of a mid-level F1 fran- Caterham team, said. any change of ownership, particularly if cheque, they would sell,” said Eccle- payments for the next three years, ac- son’s championship money.

ONE PRIZE, FOUR CONTENDERS FOCUS ‘The Strength of a Dream’ can deliver Four cities open Olympics to Paris AFP “We know that the road will Paris be long and that it’s a very high level competition. We will have to be the best and we will have he Paris bid team com- to be supported and support campaign to host peting to win the right each other,” she said. to host the 2024 Olym- With the deadline set for pics unveiled its slogan Wednesday midnight for de- T‘The Strength of a Dream”, and livery of the fi rst stage of the rolled out a series of proposed 2024 Olympic Games bid, Paris world renowned Olympic sites handed in its proposals on 80 yesterday. USB keys at Lausanne. At an offi cial ceremony at Paris suff ered a traumatic 2024 Olympics the city’s brand new Philhar- loss to London for the 2012 monie centre, built by the cel- Games and insists this time its ebrated architect Jean Nouvel, Olympic project will be turned ‘Los Angeles, Rome, Budapest and Paris are all submitting projects fully in line with the team’s co-president and towards their youth and sub- triple Olympic kayak cham- urbs where the local Paris gov- Olympic Agenda 2020. It is impressive to see how they have incorporated the Olympic pion Tony Estanguet insisted ernment is planning to extend Paris was already well equiped. its Grand Paris urban regenera- project into the long-term development plans of their city, region and country’ “Around 95 per cent of the tion project. sites already exist. The Paris The Philharmonie is situ- project is completely under ated at the Saint Denis site near control,” said the 37-year-old the Stade de France national triple world champion. stadium where the Paris bid “We will keep the costs un- will set out a massive refur- der control. And we are lucky bishment akin to what hap- to have so many extraordinary pened to London’s East End for sites and beautiful monuments the 2012 Games. to fall back on,” he added. A week after unveiling its logo Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo representing the Eiff el Tower, warned that although the bid Paris also unveiled its slogan— was a good one, the process ‘La force d’un reve’—with Los was a competition and by no Angeles having earlier revealed means a foregone conclusion. its ‘Follow the Sun’ slogan.

SPOTLIGHT Rome bid proposes to use historic sites at 2024 Olympics

Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, Rome’s bid chairman, speaks during the city’s bid to host the 2024 Olympics. (AFP)

DPA four buzzwords: “sport, ethics, Off icials and athletes pose on stage at the end of the off icial presentation of Paris as candidate for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, in Paris yesterday. Among those Rome competition, passion”. present at the ceremony were former sprinter Stephane Diagana, French National Olympic and Sports Commitee president Denis Masseglia, former slalom canoeist A proposed budget for the and member of the French Olympic committee Tony Estanguet, and Guy Drut, former sprinter and member of the French Olympic committee. (AFP) Rome games, billed as “low ome has unveiled a cost”, foresees spending 2.1 bil- AFP region and country. Center, the LA Coliseum, the Rose Bowl was the case with Hamburg. package worth 5.3 lion euros for permanent struc- London “Coming from diff erent starting points, and university stadiums will be used, with Rome bid president Luca Di Mon- billion euros (5.9 bil- tures and 3.2 billion euros on for all four there is a clear focus on sustain- athletes to be housed on the UCLA campus. tezemolo presided over a ceremony which lion dollars) backing temporary facilities, running able development, legacy and in particular The logo and slogan were unveiled at was broadcast on state-owned television upR its bid for the 2024 summer costs and management. andidature fi les from Paris, Rome, how the facilities are going to be used after a ceremony in downtown Los Angeles RAI. With the Colosseum as their emblem Olympic Games that includes Organizers said only 30 per Los Angeles and Budapest to host the Olympic Games.” against a backdrop of mountains and the and the city’s major tourist attractions as plans to use historic sites such cent of facilities need to be built the 2024 Olympic Games were all The candidate fi les under the new pro- Pacifi c Ocean as the city sweltered in unu- venues, the Italian capital will build on its as the Colosseum and the Cir- from scratch and they expected delivered on schedule, the Inter- cedure are delivered in three phases and sually hot weather. strengths and existing infrastructure. cus Maximus. to recoup 3.2 billion euros from nationalC Olympic Committee (IOC) con- the IOC will confi rm (or not) the cities “Everyday people follow the sun to Paris bid committee president Bernard Italian Olympic Committee ticket sales, merchandising, fi rmed yesterday. passing their criteria at that stage. our city in pursuit of their dreams, spur- Lapasset confi rmed a budget of 3.2 billion president Giovanni Malago said IOC subsidies and sponsors. The new Candidature Process encour- Yesterday’s fi rst instalment deals with ring unprecedented creativity, innovation euros for infrastructure, with existing sta- the cycling, marathon, beach They predicted the creation ages the cities to present projects which global vision, Games concept and strategy. and progress,” LA 2024 chairman Casey diums, arenas and internationally recog- volleyball and archery compe- of 177,000 jobs over the 2017- match their sports, economic, social and These will now be studied by IOC working Wasserman said. nised landmarks all on the bill. titions would be staged at An- 2023 period. environmental long-term regional plan- groups who will deliver reports by June. “We’re inviting the world to Follow the At an offi cial ceremony at the city’s cient Roman sites such as the Rome last hosted the sum- ning needs. Phase two propositions dealing with gov- Sun to California in 2024, to join us in LA new Philharmonie centre built by the cel- avenue leading up to the Colos- mer Olympics in 1960 and bid This is part of the ‘Olympic 2020 Agen- ernance, legal matters and venue funding for an Olympic and Paralympic Games ebrated architect Jean Nouvel, the team’s seum, the Imperial Fora and the backers hope to recreate some da’ which also insists on the use of exist- are due by October 7. that signal the dawn of a new era for the co-president and triple Olympic kayak Circus Maximus. of the magic from that “Dolce ing facilities and provides fl exibility for The fi nal dossiers on Games , Olympic Movement.” champion Tony Estanguet insisted that Football matches would be Vita” era. the venues to meet local sustainability and experience and venue legacy are not due Los Angeles is chasing a third Olympics Paris was already well equipped. played in 10 stadiums around But there is also widespread legacy needs. until February 3, 2017. after successfully hosting the Games in Paris would use its world famous tour- the country, and Cagliari, in scepticism over the risk of cor- A delighted IOC President Thomas Los Angeles bid chiefs decided not to 1932 and 1984. No American city has host- ist sites such as the Seine river for swim- Sardinia, would host sailing ruption and overspending—a Bach, confi rming the four candidates, was hold a launch ceremony and instead kicked ed the Olympics since the much-maligned ming, the Eiff el Tower for the start and end events, Malago said, adding recurring problem with public clearly impressed with a fi rst look at the off their campaign by unveiling an offi cial Atlanta Games in 1996. to certain races, the Gustave Eiff el-built that Italian fi lm composer En- works in Italy. bids and said he was looking forward to a logo of an angel basking in rays of Califor- The Hungarian capital city Budapest Grand Palais exhibition centre for fenc- nio Morricone would compose A campaign, backed by fascinating competition. nian sunshine, as the city bids to stage the has announced a modest budget of 2.4 bil- ing, and the Champs Elysees to stage the a Rome 2024 hymn. smaller left-wing and anti-es- “Los Angeles, Rome, Budapest and Par- Olympics for a third time after 1932 and lion euros ($2.7 billion) to build their entire cycling road race, among many other top- “We want to have the biggest tablishment parties, has called is are all submitting projects fully in line 1984. infrastructure. level sites. “With all these sites we believe sporting party ever organized,” for a referendum on Rome’s bid. with Olympic Agenda 2020,” he said. The logo is accompanied by an offi cial No launch ceremony will take place the Olympic Games would be just incred- organizing committee chair- Last year the German city of “It is impressive to see how they have slogan, urging people to ‘Follow the Sun’ there after opponents, fearing spiralling ible,” Estanguet said. man Luca Cordero di Mon- Hamburg withdrew from the incorporated the Olympic project into the by supporting the Los Angeles bid. costs and risks of corruption, tried to force The vote for the host city will take place tezemolo said at a launch event 2024 race after residents voted long-term development plans of their city, Existing venues such as the Staples a citizen referendum to block the bid, as on September 13, 2017 in Lima. alongside Malago. He listed against staging the Games. Gulf Times 10 Thursday, February 18, 2016 SPORT

FOCUS Qatar Volleyball League Al-Kuwari, al-Hamad and Coe open Asian athletics meeting ‘Champion athletes like Mutaz Barshim are already helping young athletes across our country to see that with hard work, anything is possible’

An Al Arabi player (in white) smashes during the Qatar Volleyball League game against Qatar Sports Club at Al Arabi Indoor Hall here yesterday. Arabi won the match 3-0 (25-16, 27-25, 25-20). PICTURES: Jayaram

(From left) Asian Athletics Association and Qatar Athletics Federation president Major General Dahlan al-Hamad, Qatar Olympic Committee secretary general Dr Thani Abdulrahman al-Kuwari and IAAF president Sebastian Coe at the 84th AAA Council Meeting at Doha’s Wyndham Grand Regency Hotel yesterday. PICTURES: Jayaram

By Sports Reporter and inspire new athletes. We hope that Doha hosting the 2019 IAAF Worlds in Doha will take this to another level. It will be a Action from the other match of the day between Al Gharafa (in very proud moment in Qatar’s history to yellow) and Police (in blue). Police won 3-0 (25-23, 25-21, 25-19). nternational Association of Athletics host athletics’ fl agship event for the fi rst Federations (IAAF) president Sebas- time in the Middle East,” he added. tian Coe, Qatar Olympic Committee Dr Thani continued by saying he (QOC) secretary general Dr Thani hopes that hosting the Doha 2019 World COMMUNITY IAbdulrahman al-Kuwari and Asian Ath- Championships will leave a lasting legacy letics Association (AAA) president Ma- across the Middle East. jor General Dahlan al-Hamad formally “It is our aim to use the event to cap- opened the AAA Council Meeting at the ture the attention of the whole region Aspire Tennis Cup Wyndham Grand Regency yesterday. - connecting more young people to ath- The two-day meeting, held in the letics at a grassroots level, empowering lead-up to the 7th Asian Indoor Athletics more young females to realise their po- to be held in March Championships at the Aspire Academy, tential and creating more sporting heroes is expected to make several key decisions in the years to come. Champion athletes pertaining to the future of the sport in the like Mutaz Barshim are already helping By Sports Reporter sports tournament that contrib- continent. young athletes across our country to see Doha utes to Aspire Zone Foundation’s Coe, addressing the council, gave Doha that with hard work, anything is possi- ongoing promotion of a sports his vote of confi dence in delivering a The indoor athletics track at Aspire Dome gets ready for the 7th Asian Indoor Athletics ble,” said the top offi cial. culture within the local com- memorable indoor competition. Championships - Qatar 2016. The event will run from tomorrow. Al-Hamad, who also heads the Qatar spire Zone Foundation munity and eff orts to encourage “I’m pleased to be here on this very aus- Athletics Federation, said he was pleased (AZF) is to launch a people to adopt healthy and ac- picious occasion. It’s no happy accident mond League series. I wish everyone the ing everyone back to the venue that six with how the Asian Indoors was shaping new community sports tive lifestyles. We hope through that Doha is once again organising a conti- best for the challenges ahead,” he said. years ago hosted the IAAF World Indoor up. “We have always worked hard to bring event to add to its year- this tournament to engage the nental event. A lot of thought and eff ort has Dr al-Kuwari, in his opening remarks, Championships,” he said. the best competitions to Qatar. This year, longA programme of activities. local tennis community and to gone into its organisation and I appreciate welcomed the elite Asian athletes back to “Qatar is fully committed to develop- we have a record number of countries The Aspire Tennis Cup 2016 is a benefi t them by giving them ac- the Qatar Athletics Federation for it. the country. ing athletics at every level. Hosting events and athletes taking part. We’re proud community tennis tournament cess to our world-class facilities “In just a few months, the internation- “It’s an honour for Doha to be hosting like this, as well as our annual Diamond to welcome them to Qatar for a second that will take place in March and venues, and dedicated staff . al athletics family will be back in the city another prestigious athletics champion- League meeting, help us to showcase the time. I hope they’ll all do well and set new 2016 at the Aspire Zone tennis We encourage all tennis-enthu- for the formal launch of the 2016 Dia- ships. We’re looking forward to welcom- very best of the sport to new audiences benchmarks for our sport,” he said. courts by the Ladies’ Club. siasts to register for the tourna- The tournament is open to ment, and wish the best of luck male tennis players, aged 18 years to all participants.” and over. It will take place on two AZF organises a number of consecutive weekends in March community events and activities 2016 Doha Boxing Open Championships 2016, including the weekend of throughout the year. By provid- March 11-12 and March 18-19. ing community members with Matches will be played between access to its state-of-the-art 4:00PM and 8:00PM dur- venues and facilities, Aspire ing each competition day. The Zone Foundation looks to pro- competition will be split into vide them with the opportu- two main categories including nity to practice their favourite 12 teams of doubles for contest- sport and physical activities. It ants aged 18-39 years old, and 12 is through programmes and ac- teams of singles for contestants tivities such as these that Aspire aged 40 years old and above. Zone has become the preferred Registration for the tourna- sports destination for the entire ment is available at www.lifei- community. naspire.qa, and costs 100 Qatari All sports enthusiasts and Riyals. There are a total of 36 members of the community in- places available to compete in terested in learning about Aspire the tournament. Zone’s ongoing sports activi- Commenting on the tourna- ties can fi nd full details through ment, AZF Events manager Ab- the “Life in Aspire” mobile app, dullah al-Khater said, “We are www.aspirezone.qa – or any of delighted to host the Aspire Ten- the Aspire Zone Foundation’s nis Cup. It is a new community various social media channels. Four Arab teams qualify for embassies futsal semis

Four Arab teams – Somalia, Syria, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates – have secured their places in the semi-finals of the Aspire Embassies Futsal Tournament. The Jordanian team’s semi-finals qualification resulted from an easy 6-0 win against Portugal. The Somalian Embassy team landed a comprehensive victory against Ethiopia, winning 18-1 and with it a spot in the next round of the tournament. In a match between Syria and Algeria, the Syrian team managed to outclass Algeria with a 5-0 win, booking their spot in semi- finals. And in the fourth quarter-final, UAE beat Tunisia 5-2. The semi-finals of the tournament will take place on February 24 with strong competition expected between the qualifying teams for a spot in the final match that is scheduled for Saturday, February 27. Jordan and Somalia will face each other in the first match, while Syria and the United Arab Emirates will battle it out Qatar Boxing Federation president Yousuf Ali al-Kazim with some of the winners on the podium at the Doha Boxing Open Championships in Katara. PICTURES: Mamdouh in the second. Gulf Times Thursday, February 18, 2016 11 CRICKET

PAKISTAN SUPER LEAGUE The predicament of being Ajinkya Rahane

Reuters Islamabad knock New Delhi ith a “no-vacancy” sign plastered on India’s top order and his utility in the middle ques- Wtioned by his own captain, India’s Ajinkya Rahane (pictured below) suddenly finds his consistency with the bat means very little. The 27-year-old Mumbai batsman has forced his way into the final 15 for next month’s World Lahore out, Karachi on home soil but is unlikely to play a major role in the hosts’ bid for a second 20-over World title under Ma- hendra Singh Dhoni. The left-right combination of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma have locked up the opening slots, fol- lowed by batting mainstay Virat Kohli and limited-overs specialist Suresh Raina. An industrious accumulator in a line-up teeming with sneak into playoff s swashbuckling power-hitters, Rahane can only hope for a middle order slot but Dhoni, forthright as ever, has virtually dismissed the possibility. Akmal’s unbeaten 49-ball 72 goes in vain as Haddin and Misbah help Islamabad Dhoni insists Rahane, as evident from his consistent performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twen- beat Lahore by 5 , and join Quetta, Peshawar and Karachi in knockout round ty20 competition, is at his best as an opener and lacks the muscle power to excel as a lower-order slogger. “When both the openers perform well, it makes life By Anil John in 18.3 overs. Had it not been for the 41-year- slightly diff icult for the skipper,” the India captain told Dubai old Hodge’s eff ort, Karachi would have eas- reporters on Tuesday. “Rahane, at the end of the day, is ily throttled Peshawar on a slow pitch where a fantastic player but you also have to consider the fact batting was diffi cult. that in Twenty20, he is somebody who has done really or most of the night, dark clouds Umar Akmal’s Hodge came in at a time when Karachi, well when he is opening the batting. If you look at the hung low over the Dubai Interna- unbeaten 72 helped after posting a barely competent 152, had team we have got for the Twenty20 World Cup, you find tional Cricket Stadium, threatening Lahore Qalandars the already-qualifi ed Peshawar in all sorts of it diff icult to find a place for him.” to explode into torrential rain at any reach 150-5, but it was trouble at 25 for 2 in 4.4 overs with openers An automatic selection in the Test team, Rahane has moment.F Thunder rolled across the skies Mohamed Hafeez (4) and Dawid Malan (8) not enough in the end. a strike rate of 114 in T20 Internationals and is among and the accompanying lightning caused (PCB) back in the pavilion. the rare batsmen who can score freely and still not of- some concern. But this was cricket, not golf, Peshawar looked like succumbing to the fend the purists with his shot-making. and the game had to go on. pressure when they lost Shahid Afridi and Almost an anachronism in an exuberant group that Eventually, it did rain though, but that Kamran Akmal also in quick succession and wears its heart on its sleeve, the soft-spoken Rahane came in the form of sixes and fours from the although Jim Allenby gave the Peshawar in- notched up six half-centuries in his last 10 one-day inter- seasoned bat of Australian Brad Hodge. nings some impetus by scoring 31 off 29 balls national knocks, floating from one to seventh position The right-hander, whose calculated as- coming in at number three, the required run in the batting order. saults on bowlers in Twenty20 matches is rate had climbed to over 10 an over. With India deciding to preserve Kohli for bigger the stuff of legend, did the Lahore Qalandars But as is his style, Hodge took time to set- things, Rahane batted at number three in this month’s a huge favour by blasting an unbeaten 85 off tle down. The Australian, whose exploits in home T20 series against Sri Lanka and will almost 45 balls to help Peshawar Zalmi overcome a the Indian Premier League and other Twen- invariably make way when the Test skipper returns for poor start and beat the Karachi Kings by fi ve ty20 tournaments from similar situations the upcoming Asia Cup. This is despite Rahane finishing wickets. have made him a dreaded batsman in this last year’s IPL as the second highest run-scorer, behind Unfortunately for the Qatar-owned Qa- format, turned the tide decisively in Pesha- only Australia opener David Warner. landars, they were not able to capitalize on war’s favour in the 16th over bowled by Usa- Dhoni rates Rahane among the top three Indian bats- the opportunity as they crashed to a fi ve- ma Mir when he hit three consecutive sixes. men in IPL but is against tinkering with a well-settled loss to Islamabad United and missed Karachi star Ravi Bopara, who had taken batting line-up for the March-April tournament. the ticket to the playoff s. six wickets against Lahore earlier in the The math was simple: for Lahore to qual- tournament, was brought in as a bowler by ify, Karachi had to lose and they had to win. skipper Shoaib Malik only in the 18th over, However, both lost yesterday and Karachi something that mystifi ed the bowler. took the fourth and fi nal playoff spot be- “I was fi t. I don’t know, I can’t explain,” cause they had beaten the Qalandars in both said Bopara of Malik’s decision not to intro- their league games. duce him earlier. The Qalandars, who were asked to bat Clearly distraught after the loss, he even fi rst by Islamabad captain Misbah-ul-Haq, said Karachi did not deserve to go through made the worst possible start with pacers to the playoff s. Mohamed Irfan and Azar Mahmood remov- “Not happy with it. We have played poor- ing openers Azhar Ali and Cameron Delport ly. I don’t think we deserve to go through to for one each. the playoff with the way we have played, if They were soon 3 down for six runs after I’m being brutally honest,” said Bopara. Mohamed Rizwan was claimed in the third That said, even Bopara would be relishing over by the giant left-arm speedster Irfan the opportunity of fi guring in the playoff s, for nought. thanks to Lahore’s loss four hours later. If Lahore reached 150 for 5 in the end, it was largely due to Umar Akmal who slammed a crackerjack 72 off 49 balls Brief scores and his 97-run stand for the fourth wicket Karachi Kings 152/7 in 20 overs [L Simmons with Shoaib Maqsood who hit 57 off 44 balls 49 (37b, 4x6, 6x2), R Bopara 23 (22b, 4x2] lost with fi ve fours and two sixes. to Peshawar Zalmi 158/5 in 18.3 overs [J Al- Lahore were keen to stay in the hunt and lenby 31 (29b, 4x4), B Hodge 85 not out (45b, built their score without taking unnecessary 4x6, 6x6; Bilawal Bhatti 2/36] by five wickets risks—indeed they didn’t have many options Lahore Qalandars 150/5 in 20 overs [Sohaib because they had lost three of their top bats- Maqsood 57 (44b, 4x5, 6x2), Umar Akmal 72 men with just six runs on the board. not out (49b, 4x5, 6x3); Mohamed Irfan 3/22] In fi ve overs yesterday, Lahore could only lost to Islamabad United 151/5 in 19 overs manage 38 for 3. Contrast this with their [B Haddin 54 (42b, 4x5, 6x2), Khalid Latif 25 score against Peshawar on Tuesday when (24b, 4x2), Misbah-ul-Haq 38 not out (19b, Chris Gayle gave them a blazing start help- 4x7); Zia-ul-Haq 2/38] by five wickets BRIEF TAKES ing them to 75 in as many overs, and the con- debated but the fact remained that the Qa- fours, three of which came off consecutive trast is obvious. tar-owned outfi t were unlucky throughout balls in the 15th over bowled by Zia-ul-Haq. Playoff schedule Gayle, however, didn’t play against Islam- the event, being unable to stamp their au- That onslaught came in handy because New Zealand’s Bracewell abad yesterday because of his chronic back thority in crucial situations. that helped Islamabad over the line as the February 19: First qualifying final: ruled out of second Test problem and the fact that he didn’t want to Islamabad, who had already qualifi ed for match was poised somewhat delicately at Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators strain it especially with the Twenty20 World the playoff s along with Quetta and Pesha- that point of time with the Lahore bowlers February 20: Second qualifying final: New Zealand seamer Doug Bracewell has been ruled Cup and the Indian Premier League round war, aced the run chase with Brad Haddin threatening to gain control. Islamabad United vs Karachi Kings out of this week’s second Test against Australia with a the corner. hitting a brilliant 54 off 42 deliveries with Earlier, in the fi rst match of the day, Kara- February 21: Third qualifying final shoulder injury but will not be replaced in the squad, Whether that had an impact on the Qa- fi ve fours and two sixes and skipper Misbah chi made 152 for 7 aided by Lendl Simmons’ (Playoff two winner vs playoff one loser) New Zealand Cricket said yesterday. Bracewell had a landars’ fortunes is something that can be remaining not out on 38 off 19 balls with six 49, but Hodge’s blitz saw them over the line February 24: Final scan after experiencing discomfort in his right shoulder in the wake of Australia’s innings and 52-run victory in the series opener in Wellington. Matt Henry and Neil BOTTOMLINE Wagner are both already with the squad and one of them will deputise for Bracewell as the third seamer in Christchurch, where the second Test begins on Saturday. “Doug has been a consistent performer for us this summer and put a lot of work into his game, so Edwards still standard-bearer for England to miss out on the final Test against Australia is very disappointing for him and us,” coach Mike Hesson Tash Farrant, who was of going to World Cups and I’m throughout the Ashes she experienced said. Bracewell took 2-127 in 33 overs in the first Test not born when Edwards loving it,” he said. “the hardest six weeks of my cricket- and it was his delivery that should have dismissed was fi rst playing Connor interviewed and ap- ing life but it makes you stronger. I’m Adam Voges for seven before the Australian went on to internationally, is the only pointed Robinson at a time when completely energised now. score 239. The delivery was ruled a no-ball by umpire new face in England’s the England team was at a low ebb. “I did well out in Australia [in Richard Illingworth despite television pictures show- World T20 squad but Mark In terms of profi le, the Ashes sum- the women’s Big Bash], which was ing Bracewell’s foot was clearly behind the line of the mer of 2015 was very positive but refreshing for me. Now I’m 100% crease. The hosts are already without batsman Ross Robinson, the recently England’s women lost and they are committed. The passion is still Taylor (side strain) and left-arm bowler Mitchell Santner appointed coach, has not used to doing that very often. there. One bad series doesn’t make (heel), who both failed to recover from injuries that brought a fresh outlook “The disappointment of the Ash- you a bad captain or a bad player.” ruled them out of the first Test. es led to change and a whole new There are good reasons for Ed- By Vic Marks in Paarl coaching team” explained Connor. wards to stay in the game. Beyond The Guardian “The way Mark wants them to play the World Cup there is the excit- McKenzie joins South is to be adventurous and aggressive. ing domestic development of the And they have to learn how to handle Women’s Super League. Africa as batting coach harlotte Edwards was a new type of pressure. The spotlight Connor outlined the T20 com- South Africa have appointed former player Neil McKen- playing cricket for Eng- is on them as never before and the petition which will contain six zie as batting coach until the end of next month’s World land before the side’s lat- players are still adjusting to that.” sides, with striking, alliterative, Twenty20 in India. McKenzie, 40, retired as a player last est recruit, Tash Farrant, Both Robinson and Connor are names to be announced on March month and has been roped in to help South African bat- wasC born. Here is an anomaly that matches against South Africa to- can do. The room to grow is huge.” clear that Edwards is still the right 1, the nearest English cricket has ting line-up that has looked fragile recently. He will work may well occur again as Edwards day, having just won the 50 over se- The prospect of doing this job person to lead the team. come to a franchise system. with the team in home Twenty20 series against England has no immediate plans of calling ries 2-1. Farrant, 19 years of age and grew upon Robinson gradually. “You discard experience at your “In a way we will be like pio- and Australia, as well as the World Twenty20 that starts it a day as England captain, after 10 a teammate of Edwards at Kent, has Clearly he was getting restless at peril,” said Robinson. It is the coach’s neers,” said Connor, a better choice on March 8. “It’s been something that we have been years at the helm. been included for the fi rst time. Hove. He applied for the England call but Connor is happy to add: “She of word than “guinea pigs”. trying to do for a long time,” South Africa head coach Moreover her bosses, which are Otherwise there are no fresh men’s job twice. “I was told I was still connects with the younger play- Each side will contain three Russell Domingo told reporters yesterday. “We have ex- the new coach, Mark Robinson, once names—the captain remains the ‘close’ when Peter Moores got the ers and probably now gains the most overseas players—and all the best plored a few options and finally one guy has committed of Sussex CCC, and Clare Connor, same and there is optimism that job. But the second time around I satisfaction from seeing them de- are willing to come—as well as to us, we are ecstatic that Neil will be joining us. He will the head of women’s cricket at the ’s back injury will heard nothing.” Not being required velop. She is a treasure and a legend three or four England players. work with us until the end of the World Cup. Things will ECB, are convinced that Edwards have recovered in time for the for interview Robinson thought he and the best person to lead the side.” Connor is hopeful that Sky will be assessed from there, it’s the end of the cricket season, remains the woman for the job. World Cup. There are, however, new might have to go abroad to gain any All things being equal it sounds broadcast the games. The intention and we will look at things going forward.” McKenzie England announced their World brooms in the coaching department. international experience. as if she might continue well be- is to increase the profi le of women’s played 58 Tests and 64 one-day internationals for South T20 squad at Paarl yesterday be- Another former Sussex (and Sur- “Then this post grabbed me. And yond the World T20 in India. cricket further as well as bridging Africa, as well as 155 domestic Twenty20 games. South fore a vigorous training session in rey) cricketer, Ian Salisbury, has joined my daughter, Sarah, [who plays The most important person in this the gap between county and inter- Africa take on England in the first Twenty20 of their two- the heat of a baked countryside. Robinson, who says his chief goal is to cricket for Sussex] was nagging me discussion is, of course, Edwards national cricket. The indefatigable match series in Cape Town tomorrow. They play the fi rst of three T20 “increase their awareness of what they to go for it. Now I have the prospect herself. She admits that last summer Edwards will want to be there.

Thursday, February 18, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

ASIAN INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS/ ONE DAY TO GO Hammer-throw legend Murofushi expects Doha to deliver the best ever Asian Indoors By Sports Reporter ever witnessed. I spoke to several ath- in place, I’m confi dent we can do much well at the Rio Olympics this year,” said Doha letes, from diff erent countries, and they better in the coming days. I truly believe Murofushi. all sounded excited and ready for ac- our sport’s future lies in Asia. We’ll do Looking back at history, Murofushi tion. I’m confi dent that come Friday, everything possible to realise the true is the lone Asian hammer-thrower to apan’s Koji Murofushi (pic) is we’ll witness some extraordinary per- potential,” he said. have won an Olympic medal. undoubtedly the best male ham- formances under the Aspire Academy The hammer-thrower, who won 20 While some argue that physical in- mer-thrower the continent has dome,” he said, during an informal chat Japanese national titles without a break feriority has cost Asian men success at ever produced. yesterday. between 1995 and 2015, credited his top events, Murofushi did not sound JThe 41-year-old, who won two Ol- The Shizuoka native sounded happy success to coaching by his father Shig- convinced. ympic medals—gold in Athens (2004) with his new job profi le and promised to enobu, a champion thrower himself. “If a thrower has a good coach, then and bronze in London (2012)—remains approach it the same way he did in ma- In fact, Shigenobu held the Japanese physique ceases to become a deciding the only Asian athlete to have achieved jor competitions. national record for 23 years until Koji factor in how good they ultimately be- the feat. “I would like to thank AAA President bettered it. Sure enough, he was a tad come. I don’t think Asian athletes are The gentle giant, who stands tall at Dahlan al-Hamad for setting up an emotional while speaking about the inferior. 187cm (6ft 2in), is currently on a new Athletes Commission for the fi rst time. long journey. “For example, during my peak com- mission—as Chairman of the Asian It’s an important step forward. It’ll help “Thanks to my father, I was lucky petitive years, the heaviest I had be- Athletics Association’s (AAA) Athletes raise athletes’ voice to the highest levels enough to be introduced to the sport at come was 97kg. In comparison, almost Commission. during decision-making processes. I a fairly young age. To be successful, you all my opponents weighed between 100 Saudi Arabia’s Hadi Soaan Somay- promise to do my best to serve the ath- should have a good coach who can teach and 120kg. For me, the key was to max- li, India’s PT Usha, China’s Wang Yu letes’ best interests,” he said. you about the philosophy of life and imise my abilities,” he said. and Kazakhstan’s Nikita Filippov are But the 2011 IAAF World Champion- sport. My father guided me and I was “Sport isn’t just about power. What’s the commission’s other members. All ships gold medallist also acknowledged able to manage my personal life well. He power? It’s speed multiplied by force. of them are in Doha to attend the 7th that it would not be an easy task. was the reason for my long reign in the If you’re very strong, you lose speed. Asian Indoor Championships, begin- “The biggest challenge we face is the sport. I can’t thank him enough,” he said. If you’ve too much speed, you lose ning at the Aspire Dome tomorrow. enormity of our continent. It is vast “Hammer throw has undergone strength. Murofushi, relaxing after a particu- and houses so many diff erent, unique massive changes and has improved “Look at a car. When you shift from larly busy day fi lled with back-to-back cultures. The sheer number of athletes a lot from the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s. I low gear to top gear, you don’t need as meetings, said he expected an exciting in Asia makes development work very consider Dilshod Nazarov, who’s also much power to operate because you’re weekend of competitions in Doha. hard. president of the Athletics Federation moving really fast. Similarly, you’ve got “I’m thrilled because this is the larg- “But having said that, Asia has great of the Republic of Tajikistan, as my to identify your strengths and use your est turnout an Asian indoor meet has potential. With better training facilities successor. I’m counting on him to do potential wisely,” he signed off .

QATAR STARS LEAGUE Clash of the titans as Lekhwiya take on Jaish ‘A strong confrontation awaits us against El Jaish. The time gap between the previous game and this one is very short. However we have worked hard to prepare the team. What is important for us IS to put the previous games behind us’

By Sports Reporter Doha El Jaish coach Lekhwiya coach Sabri Lamouchi Djamel Belmadi

ekhwiya are expecting a tough match against El Jaish today in round 19 of the (QSL), assistant coach Bruno Olivei- ra said during their pre-match press confer- Lence yesterday. “A strong confrontation awaits us against El Jaish. The time gap between the previous game and this one is very short, which didn’t let us to do much,” said Oliveira. “However we have worked hard to prepare the team. What is important for us is to put the previ- ous games behind us,” he added. Lekhwiya are also looking to win this match and take second place from Jaish in the QSL standings. “This match is between the second and third place teams and hence it is very crucial for both sides. El Jaish is ahead of us by only two points and if we would like to reduce the points diff erence we have to win and overcome El Jaish,” said Oliveira. About the status of Congolese striker Alain Di- oko who moved recently to Lekhwiya, Oliveira said: “Dioko has his own special style and we are trying to assist him to be eff ective.” Commenting on the return of Muntari and his readiness, Oliveira said: “Muntari is already includ- ed in the AFC Champions League registration list. So yes, he will take part in the coming clash.” Lekhwiya also have the AFC Champions League match against Iran’s Zob-Ahan on February 23 and are looking at this match to gain some momentum. “Indeed such results leave an impact on future games. When you win, the players are motivated for more but when you lose, this may aff ect nega- tively on the team. It is our role as coaching staff to help the players and enhance the understanding that they should take it step by step and match by match,” said Oliveira. Alain Dioko who has recently moved to Lekhwi- ya from Al Ahli is expecting his team to produce a strong reaction to their recent back to back losses and get back to winning ways. “We have lost two matches against Al Sailiya and Kharaitiyat not taking bottom-placed Mesaimeer lightly Al Arabi. Now we have a strong test especially ahead of our ACL match. We will enter this match with By Sports Reporter “We can’t be compared to El Jaish, Lekhwi- strength in order to win and gain the three points Doha ya or Al Rayyan. Every season we keep on which is the most important thing.” struggling to avoid the relegation zone but let’s admit that the league schedule doesn’t Jaish want to stay second: Lamouchi l Kharaitiyat will be looking to get help us at all. We have lost to the big teams, Meanwhile, Jaish head coach Sabri Lamouchi points from their clash against Me- but we will prevail against the other team conceded that Al Rayyan were running away with Asaimeer when the two sides clash today with similar circumstances,” he said. the title and that his team is looking to stay put in in the first match of the Qatar Stars League. Mesaimeer coach Rodion Gacanin said the second spot. “Previously the fi erce competition Al Kharaitiyat head coach Amar Osim said that it was now up to his players to give it was between Al Sadd, Lekhwiya and El Jaish and his side won’t take Mesaimeer lightly. their all and prove that they are worthy of now we have Al Rayyan. I truly like this team and “We remember Mesaimeer well espe- staying in the QSL. the head coach. I don’t only congratulate Al Rayy- cially from the first leg match which we lost, “Definitely we are looking forward to an but I would like to congratulate the Qatar Stars although we have won other stronger teams. repeat our victory over Kharaitiyat. If we League on having such great team,” said Lamouchi. We felt very disappointed after that defeat played against them five days ago, thing “Logically it is diffi cult to think about the top of but we have learnt our lesson and won’t would be much better, as the players are the league table as we are now focusing on the sec- commit the same mistake again,” Osim said. mentally suff ering now from the previous ond position with other teams that are looking to “Now our team is under lots of pressure two rounds. We have to focus on all our overcome teams such as Lekhwiya, Al Arabi and Al while Mesaimeer doesn’t have pressure at remaining game and will see what will hap- Sadd,” he added. all because they are almost relegated to the pen,” Gacanin said. Jaish goalkeeper Khalifah Abu Bakr said that his second division. We have to improve our Commenting on the lack of goals in recent side was ready to face the defending champions Le- standing in the league table to stay in the matches, he said: “Indeed we didn’t score khwiya. “The match is considered very crucial for safe zone,” Osim added. any goals but we do perform well and create us and we are playing against one of the best teams Kharaitiyat has had a bad run of results goal-scoring opportunities. in the recent fi ve years, which should be respected. but Coach Osim said that the losses came “We lack the final touch or in fact a quali- We have trained and prepared well for this game.” against teams much bigger than theirs. fied striker to translate such opportunities Today’s Fixtures “Regarding the team tactics, we have suf- into goals. It is hard to speak now on the fered three consecutive defeats which will calculations of our survival and it is better to Al Kharaitiyat vs Mesaimeer (4:45pm) Al Kharaitiyat coach Amar Osim naturally aff ect negatively on the team. focus on Kharaitiyat game.” Mesaimeer coach Rodion Gacanin Lekhwiya vs El Jaish (7:15pm )