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Friday, March 17, 2017 FOOTBALL Jumada II 18, 1438 AH Smith hits GULF TIMES ton as India struggle in Ranchi SPORT Page 6

TENNIS Kyrgios stuns Djokovic again, Federer aces Nadal Kyrgios, 21, couldn’t match the 25 aces he rained on Djokovic in a shock win in Acapulco this month.

AFP It was the fi rst time since Roger Federer of Switzerland Indian Wells their fi rst meeting in 2004 that celebrates after his straight Federer and Nadal had met before sets victory over Rafael Nadal the quarter-fi nals of a tournament of Spain in their fourth round ick Kyrgios overpowered Novak match at the BNP Paribas Djokovic for the second time in der pressure,” he said. “That’s my game style. Open at Indian Wells Tennis as many weeks to book an Indian If I miss, I miss, but I know I went down play- Garden in Indian Wells, NWells quarter-fi nal against Roger ing my game.” California. Federer, who swatted aside old foe Rafael Kyrgios, already the youngest player to Nadal. record victories over Djokovic, Federer, Nad- Kyrgios put on another stellar serving dis- al, Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka, now play in a 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) triumph that ended gets another crack at Federer, who needed three-time defending champion Djokovic’s just 68 minutes to dispatch Nadal. 19-match winning streak in the fi rst Masters Federer broke Nadal to open the match, tournament of the year. and seized a second break and 4-1 with a blis- Federer, who added another chapter to a tering backhand service return winner. storied rivalry with Nadal with an epic Aus- A forehand volley sealed the set, and an- tralian Open triumph in January, dismantled other forehand winner put Federer up a break the Spaniard 6-2, 6-3. at 2-1 in the second. It was the fi rst time since their fi rst meet- Federer was fi rmly in control as Nadal ing in 2004 that Federer and Nadal had met served to save the match at 5-3. An unlucky before the quarter-fi nals of a tournament. An netcord bounce, when Nadal’s forehand oddity of the rankings had them and Djokovic clipped the net and rolled back, gave Federer — with 44 Grand Slam titles among the three a double match point, and with a backhand of them — all grouped in the same quarter of return down the line the 36th meeting be- the draw. tween the two was his. Djokovic was the fi rst to fall, in the face of The win marks the fi rst time in the rivalry relentless aggression from world number 16 that Federer has strung together three wins Kyrgios. over Nadal. “The run was amazing,” said Djokovic, “In Australia was a very close match,” who also won in Indian Wells in 2008 and Nadal said. “I had good chances to win. To- 2011 before going on his roll from 2014-2016. day, not. Today he played better than me. “I am very proud of it. It had to end at some These kind of matches, when you’re not stage. Unfortunately, it was today.” playing your match, it’s impossible to win.” Kyrgios, 21, couldn’t match the 25 aces he World number three Stan Wawrinka, the rained on Djokovic in a shock win in Acapul- highest-ranked player remaining after the Nick Kyrgios of Australia shakes hands with Novak Djokovic co this month. But 14 aces were plenty as he departures of Djokovic and world number after his win in Indian Wells. At bottom, Rafael Nadal reacts kept Djokovic off -balance with a welter of one Andy Murray, laboured past lucky loser during his match against Roger Federer. 100mph-plus serves. Yoshihito Nishioka 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) to “That felt good to kind of prove it wasn’t a reach the quarters. one-off thing,” Kyrgios said. “It felt good to Nishioka, ranked 70th in the world, twice back it up again.” served for the match in the third set but was A break in the fi rst game of the match was broken both times before Wawrinka subdued enough to give Kyrgios the opening set. him in the tiebreaker. Djokovic saved two break points late in the “I’m really happy to get through for sure,” second set as they battled to the tiebreaker said Wawrinka. “You have to be a little bit which Kyrgios dominated, sealing the win, lucky when he served twice for the match.” fi ttingly, with a fi nal monster serve. Wawrinka will face eighth-seeded Domin- “It’s a gamble,” Djokovic said of trying to ic Thiem for a place in the semi-fi nals. The anticipate Kyrgios’s fi rst serve. “His second Austrian beat France’s Gael Monfi ls 6-3, 6-2. serve, if you think you’re going to have a look Fourth-seeded Kei Nishikori of Japan qui- at it, you don’t, because he goes for it as well.” etly reached the last eight with a 6-2, 6-4 Kyrgios said that aggressive second serve victory over American Donald Young. is a cornerstone of his game. He’ll face American Jack Sock, who beat “It’s a high percentage for me to go big un- Tunisia’s Malek Jaziri 4-6, 7-6 (7/1), 7-5.

BOTTOMLINE Ahmad ousts Hayatou as Africa football boss

AFP CAF to avoid the involvement of poli- “It’s a new dawn, all should be happy. On the eve of the vote, it was an- Addis Ababa tics in the organisation.” “We’re Africans and Africans never nounced that Hayatou and CAF secre- Cameroonian Hayatou headed CAF forget their elders. An elder has been tary-general Hicham El-Amrani could since 1988 and is a senior vice president defeated today, but he’s still an elder. face criminal charges in Egypt over adagascan Ahmad Ah- of FIFA. He was credited with increas- “The world has moved on, we really deals secured for African football mar- mad was elected presi- ing the number of African teams at the need energy. And the truth is Issa Hay- keting and media rights between 2008 dent of the Confedera- World Cup and bringing in extra fi - atou is almost 70. There’s only so much and 2028. Mtion of African Football nance for the continent’s competitions. really that he can do. Ahmad has also been implicated in yesterday, ousting veteran leader Issa “His excellency Issa Hayatou has “The world, technologically and in the 2022 World Cup bribe-taking. The Hayatou after 29 years in offi ce to ush- done a lot for African football (but) it is terms of the way you see things, has Sunday Times said he received between er in a “new dawn” for the sport on the time for him to step back,” said George changed. Speaking with Ahmad, I $30,000 and $100,000 for his vote. The continent. Afriyie, vice president of the Ghana found that he understood those things.” Madagascar soccer chief has called the Ahmad, head of Madagascar’s foot- Football Association. Hayatou’s reign at the head of CAF allegations unfounded. ball federation, won the election in the Hayatou was led from the audito- was often controversial. Before the vote Hayatou called for Ethiopian capital by 34 votes to Haya- rium by aides who brushed off requests He was accused by Britain’s The Sun- delegates to vote for “unity”. tou’s 20, offi cial results showed. for comment from journalists while day Times of receiving $1.5mn to vote Laying out some of the priorities for Delegates cheered and pumped their Ahmad was picked up and carried by for Qatar when it was awarded the 2022 CAF in the future, he mentioned lobby- fi sts in the plenary hall after the an- cheering supporters. World Cup seven years ago. ing for 10 places for African nations in nouncement of the result which her- “Africa has made an emphatic deci- In 2011, Hayatou was reprimanded by the enlarged World Cup fi eld. alded the departure of the last of the old sion that we are ready for change,” said the International Olympic Committee He also called for the African Nations generation of leaders in world football. Liberian Football Association President over money he received from the scan- Cup to be maintained at the beginning Ahmad, a 57-year-old father of two, His rare and determined bid for mean that you can do it,” Ahmad told Musa Bility. dal-tainted sports marketing company of the year, when the climate is cooler, had a discreet playing and coach- “change” at the head of the CAF this reporters after the vote. “If I can’t do it, Seyi Akinwunmi, vice president of the ISL in 1995. amid calls for it to be rescheduled to ac- ing career before he took the reins of year took many by surprise, and the in- I never stand.” Nigeria Football Federation, called Hay- He has always insisted the money commodate European clubs who don’t the Madagascar football federation in cumbent was seen as the favourite. He earlier said his programme was atou a “colossus who has bestrode Afri- went to CAF and has always strongly want to lose their African players dur- 2003. “When you try to do something, you the “reform of the administration of can football for decades” before adding: denied any wrongdoing. ing their season. Gulf Times 2 Friday, March 17, 2017 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE IN BRIEF Leicester boss defends Bakayoko helps Monaco Vardy over cheat claim Leicester manager Craig Shakespeare has rubbished Samir Nasri’s claim that Jamie Vardy cheated to get him sent off deliver City knockout blow during the English champions’ dramatic Champions League win over Sevilla. 'We played an exceptional second half, but the first one we forgot to be there' Referee Daniele Orsato gave Nasri a second yellow card after AFP he and England striker Vardy Monaco butted heads on Tuesday, and Leicester went on to secure a 2-0 victory and a place in the iemoue Bakayoko’s superb header fi red quarter-fi nals. On-loan Man- Monaco into the Champions League quar- chester City midfi elder Nasri ter-fi nals as Wednesday night’s 3-1 victory felt Vardy conned the offi cial by condemned Pep Guardiola’s Manchester making too much of the clash to TCity to a painful exit on away goals. get the Frenchman sent off : “For Trailing 5-3 from the fi rst leg in England, teen- me he’s a cheat because if he was age starlet Kylian Mbappe put Monaco ahead on a foreign player you, the English the night after just eight minutes at the Stade Louis press, would be saying he’s a II and Brazilian midfi elder Fabinho converted the cheat. They were winning 2-0, home side’s second just before the half hour. play the game like a man.” Leroy Sane’s 71st-minute goal handed City a But Shakespeare responded 6-5 advantage on aggregate, but Bakayoko turned with a strong defence of Vardy. home Thomas Lemar’s free-kick 13 minutes from “Jamie’s not a cheat and never time as Monaco claimed a famous win. Monaco go has been, never will be. I think through to today’s draw for the last eight in Nyon Jamie responded well to the carrying French hopes following Paris Saint-Ger- comment and we have to put it main’s shock elimination, while Guardiola suff ered to bed,” he said. “The game has his earliest Champions League exit as a manager. gone, the referee made his deci- “We played an exceptional second half, but the sion and we have to move on.” fi rst one we forgot to be there,” Guardiola said. “In the second half we were much, much better BERLUSCONI CONSIDERS but it was not enough. It happens and we’ll learn, MILAN OPTIONS AMID we have a team with not a lot of experience in this TAKEOVER TROUBLE competition.” Silvio Berlusconi would retain Monaco hero Bakayoko will miss the fi rst leg of ownership of AC Milan if the the quarter-fi nal through suspension but was de- Chinese consortium currently lighted to advance. “It’s an immense joy to score struggling to purchase the Serie in the Champions League. I didn’t expect this,” he A giants fails to complete the said. “Over two games we deserved to qualify. Now deal, his son Pier Silvio said. we want to keep going.” “If the Chinese walk away, it The French league leaders suff ered a blow before wouldn’t be very pleasing to my kick-off as Radamel Falcao, who scored twice in father because selling the club the fi rst leg, failed to recover from a hip injury in is a very emotional experience time and was replaced by the versatile Valere Ger- for him,” Pier Silvio Berlusconi, main. Jemerson returned in place of the suspended a vice-president of AC Milan, Kamil Glik in defence, while Guardiola, who took said. Sino-Europe Sports (SES), charge of his 100th game in Europe, made two led by mystery fi gure Yonghong changes with Gael Clichy and Aleksandar Kolarov Li, was scheduled yesterday to given the nod ahead of Nicolas Otamendi and Yaya make a third down payment of Toure. Coach Leonardo Jardim had challenged 100mn euros as part of a deal Monaco to draw inspiration from the side which that values AC Milan at 740mn dumped out Real en route to the 2004 fi nal, euros. Despite already making recovering from a 4-2 defeat in the fi rst leg of that Monaco’s midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko (right) celebrates with teammate Kylian Mbappe Lottin after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League two separate down payments of year’s quarter-fi nals before knocking the Spanish round of 16 match against Manchester City at the Stade Louis II in Monaco on Wednesday night. (AFP) 100mn euros totalling 200mn, giants out on away goals. there was growing speculation And the hosts were inspired by 18-year-old Lemar fed the ball into the overlapping run of City fi nally broke through with 19 minutes left. LEADING SCORERS the takeover of one of Italy’s Mbappe, who has emerged as one of Europe’s most Benjamin Mendy, a reported target of City’s this Sterling broke in from the right and his low shot 11: Messi (Barcelona) most successful and emblematic promising talents amid Monaco’s thrilling pur- summer, and the left-back picked out Fabinho to was palmed away by Subasic, but Sane reacted 8: Cavani (Paris SG) clubs could collapse. suit of the French title this season. Willy Cabal- side-foot beyond Caballero. Mbappe’s electrify- quickest to thump the rebound into the roof of the 7: Aubameyang (Dortmund), Lewandowski (Bayern Silvio Berlusconi has already lero stood tall to repel Mbappe’s crisp early strike ing pace posed a constant threat for City, but the net and change the complexion of the tie. Munich) given SES several extensions and as he knifed through the City defence, but the Ar- side gradually began to pose Mo- However that merely drew an immediate re- 5: Agüero (Man City), Benzema (Real Madrid), Mertens reports from New York said key gentine goalkeeper was helpless as the teenager naco problems as well although Raheem Sterling’s sponse from Monaco as Lemar whipped in a dev- (Napoli) backer, Haixia Capital Manage- poked home Bernardo Silva’s driven low cross just hesitancy allowed the hosts to clear as the England ilish free-kick that Bakayoko expertly planted into 4: André Silva (Porto), Di María (Paris SG), Falcao ment Co, has been forced to pull a minute later. winger looked to tee up Sergio Aguero. the far corner to consign Guardiola to a fi rst-ever (Monaco), Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Mahrez out amid a Chinese government City recovered from twice falling behind in the The Argentine striker then skied over from close last 16 European exit. (Leicester), Neymar (Barcelona), Özil (Arsenal), Turan clampdown on investments fi rst leg, but the opening goal emboldened Monaco range after Sane skipped past Andrea Raggi down (Barcelona), Walcott (Arsenal) made outside the country. as Germain unleashed a searing strike from dis- the the left-hand fl ank, before Danijel Subasic QUALIFIED TEAMS FOR THE QUARTER-FINALS 3: Aboubakar (Besiktas), Álvaro Morata (Real Madrid), Berlusconi has overseen the tance that zipped not too far over. thrust himself superbly in the way after Aguero Barcelona (ESP), Real Madrid (ESP), Atletico Madrid Dembele (Celtic), Higuain (Juventus), Kimmich (Bayern most successful period in the Guardiola had emphasised the best form of de- was picked out by David Silva inside the area. (ESP), Bayern Munich (GER), Borussia Dortmund (GER), Munich), Lucas (Arsenal), Milik (Napoli), Müller (Bayern club’s history, Milan winning fence would be attack for City, yet the visitors Sane broke in behind the Monaco backline once Leicester City (ENG), Juventus (ITA), Monaco (FRA) Munich), Poloz (Rostov), Quaresma (Besiktas), Reus eight Serie A and fi ve Champi- struggled to settle and Monaco grabbed their sec- more but steered his eff ort the wrong side of the Note: Quarter-final draw takes place on today 2pm (Dortmund), Robben (Bayern Munich), Salvio (Benfica), ons League titles since he took ond goal in not dissimilar fashion on 29 minutes. near post with Subasic charging off his line, but Qatar time Sanchez (Arsenal), Suárez (Barcelona) over as president in 1986.

SPOTLIGHT SORIA EXTENDS Oblak stars in stalemate as Atletico progress AL RAYYAN STAY

AFP Madrid

tletico Madrid booked their place in the Champions League quarter-fi nals for a fourth con- secutive season but had goal- keeperA Jan Oblak to thank for avoid- ing defeat in a 0-0 draw with Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday. Oblak produced a remarkable triple save midway through the second half as Atletico held on to their 4-2 fi rst-leg advantage to take their place in Friday’s draw for the last eight. “It is not easy to be in the quarter-fi nals four years in a row,” Oblak said. “I hope Atletico will continue like this, keep growing like in the last few years and I am sure we can achieve great things.” On a night of few Atletico chances, the home fans didn’t even get to cheer the re- turn of hero Fernando Torres. Two weeks on from being knocked unconscious in a Doha: Current Qatar Star Rayyan to their first QSL falcon sickening head clash Atletico boss Diego League champions Al Rayyan shield in twenty one years. Simeone left Torres on the bench for the have confirmed that striker full 90 minutes. SEBASTIAN SORIA has signed PLAYERS MEDIA WORKSHOP “There is always a feeling of enthusi- a new two-year contract exten- HOSTED BY QSL asm, passion, the Champions League is sion with the club. The Qatar Stars League yes- always special,” said Simeone, who has The Lions revealed the news terday conducted a workshop led Atletico to the fi nal in two of the past via their off icial club website. highlighting the media duties three seasons. “Evidently, this is a very Soria’s current deal was set to that QSL players have to un- important step for the club.” Atletico Madrid’s goalkeeper Jan Oblak stops a ball during the Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen in Madrid.(AFP) expire at the end of the season, dertake. The event was held in New Leverkusen boss Tayfun Korkut however, now the Qatari inter- the presence of QSL CEO Hani was taking charge of his fi rst Champions “I haven’t seen anything like (the triple cross from Volland denied Javier Hernan- Leverkusen’s hopes of a comeback. national attacker has extended Taleb Ballan, and Mohammed League game after Roger Schmidt was save).I’ve watched it again and it isn’t just dez what should have been a tap-in at the Brandt pounced on a slack pass from his stay with the club till the Ahmed al-Abdullah, Director of sacked when Leverkusen’s fi rst-leg de- him. There were many defenders throw- start of the second half after great work Jose Maria Gimenez and after he was de- summer of 2019. The contract Sports aff airs for the QSL. feat was followed by a 6-2 thrashing at ing themselves to block the shot. You see from Julian Brandt. nied one-on-one with Oblak, the Slov- extension was signed last night, The event, which also saw Borussia Dortmund. Korkut summoned how this team defends their goal.” At the other end, Atletico went close enian twice pulled himself off the ground in the presence of Al Rayyan sides from the Qatar Gas a much-improved performance from the Leverkusen had the chance to bring the twice in quick succession once more as to save Volland’s follow-up eff orts. club off icials. League take part, had two Germans as they forced Atletico onto the tie back to life after just four minutes but Correa danced inside two Leverkusen Oblak’s work for the night wasn’t done The news of Soria’s contact key speakers who delivered back foot for long spells. Kevin Volland pulled his shot across Ob- challenges before stabbing just wide. An- as he still had to make saves from long- extension will be a major boost lectures on the importance of However, the damage had already lak and beyond the far post. Atletico took toine Griezmann was then inches away range eff orts by Leon Bailey, and for Al Rayyan. who consider media duties to the players. been done as the hosts registered their until seven minutes before the break to from his 22nd goal of the season with a Kevin Kampl to prevent Atletico slumping the veteran striker central to The event started with a 17th clean sheet in their last 21 Cham- threaten but then forced Bernd Leno into measured chip over Leno that fl oated just to just a second Champions League home the clubs recent success. The brief overview of the exact pions League home games. “I congratu- two fi ne saves in 60 seconds. wide. defeat under Simeone. But the hosts held 33-year old striker moved to the roles and responsibilities of the late Atletico Madrid and especially their Firstly, Angel Correa was denied before The highlight of the match came 21 on to extend Spanish clubs’ winning run club during the 2015/2016 sea- players with the media during ‘keeper Oblak for a wonderful perform- Koke’s low driven shot was turned behind minutes from time when Oblak pulled over German sides in European competi- son from Lekhwiya, aiding Al match day. ance,” said Korkut. by the German international. Only a poor off an incredible triple save to end tion to 11 ties. Gulf Times Friday, March 17, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Arsenal’s Wenger slams talk of Bellerin, Primorac exits Wenger is yet to decide on whether to sign a new two-year deal, with his current contract set to expire this season

AFP season. We want to play in the Champi- London ons League next season. Success is ba- sically to take the maximum out of the potential of the team. Where is that? rsene Wenger has rubbished We will see.” reports that Arsenal assistant Wenger refused to set a target for this manager Boro Primorac and season and hit out at critics, saying they Gunners defender Hector Bel- are unlikely ever to be satisfi ed with an- lerinA want to leave the troubled Premier ything the north London club achieves. League club. It was claimed this week “Nothing is good enough anymore. You that Primorac was set to leave Wenger try to do as well as you can,” the French- and take up a managerial post in Tur- man said. Injured duo Kieran Gibbs and key, but the Arsenal manager was quick Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are doubts to shoot down that idea with a refer- for match against eighth-placed West ence to US President Donald Trump. Bromwich Albion but midfi elder Mo- “That’s a complete invention,” he hamed Elneny has recovered from an told reporters. “It’s good today. You say ankle problem in time for the clash at anything and everybody takes it with- the Hawthorns. out checking any information. Every- Meanwhile, Wenger said that while body just takes and takes it and makes the introduction of technology and a subject. It’s not serious. Fake news.” other rule changes may benefi t the Spanish right-back Bellerin has been sport in certain cases there is a real linked with a move to Barcelona hav- danger that football could become a ing enjoyed a good season in the Pre- “stop-and-go game”. mier League. But Wenger said there The International Football Associa- was no foundation to suggestions the tion Board have recommended trial- 21-year-old was set for an exit. Asked ing video replays next season and have about whether he was aware of inter- considered introducing sin-bins for est in Bellerin from the Catalan giants, yellow card off ences as well as chang- Wenger replied: “No. He just extend- ing the format of the penalty shootout. ed his contract. It’s an unbelievable Goal-line technology was intro- amount of years to go. I believe again duced in the Premier League in the it’s very diffi cult to take these things 2013-14 season and teams are now al- seriously.” lowed to fi eld a fourth substitute in ex- Wenger has yet to decide on whether tra time in the latter stages of this year’s to sign a new two-year deal at the Emir- FA Cup. “We have to take care that the ates Stadium, with his current contract game remains fl uent and dynamic, and set to expire at the end of the season. Hector Bellerin (right) has been linked with a move to Barcelona but Arsene Wenger said there was no foundation to suggestions the right-back was set for an exit. that there are not too many stoppages Fans have protested against Wenger’s in the game, especially if we go to video reign before the last two Arsenal home A 5-0 victory over Lincoln to reach Bromwich Albion. “I have nothing to Wenger now faces a fi ght to maintain Wenger would not quantify what would (replays) as well,” Wenger said. games as a string of poor results has the FA Cup semi-fi nals has not eased say about that anymore,” he said. “Eve- his record of always fi nishing in the top be seen as a successful end to the cur- “We have spoken many times about seen the club drop off the pace in the the pressure on Wenger, but he would ry press conference is about that and four in each of the 20 full seasons he has rent campaign. this in managers’ meetings. There are Premier League title race and lose 10-2 not be drawn on his decision when we have talked enough about that. I’ve been at the helm. A Champions League “Success, it’s not down to me to pros and cons, but you do not want to on aggregate to Bayern Munich in the asked about it during his press confer- talked enough about that.” position is usually seen as the minimal judge that,” he added. “Our job is to do interrupt the game too much if you Champions League. ence ahead of tomorrow’s trip to West Arsenal sit fi fth in the table and requirement for Arsenal’s directors but as well as we can until the end of the make more substitutions.”

WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS FOCUS Evergreen Defoe earns England recall Everton aren’t AFP game since he was appointed manager matching my Burton-on-Trent, United Kingdom Sunderland striker on a permanent basis. He had previously Jermain Defoe won taken charge of four games as a care- the last of his 55 caps taker manager following the dismissal of ambitions: Lukaku eteran Sunderland striker Jer- in November 2013. Sam Allardyce, who was brought down main Defoe earned a fi rst Eng- by a newspaper sting. England then host AFP players we want the fans talk- land call-up in four years yes- Lithuania at Wembley on March 26 as London ing about us instead of us talking terday for the forthcoming they look to cement their place at the top about them.” Vfriendly against Germany and World Cup of UEFA World Cup qualifying Group F. Everton splashed out on Mor- qualifi er against Lithuania. Defoe, 34, omelu Lukaku claims gan Schneiderlin and Yannick has been drafted in after captain Wayne ENGLAND SQUAD his desire to play in the Bolasie earlier this season, but Rooney, Tottenham Hotspur striker Har- Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Southampton), Champions League Lukaku believes there needs to ry Kane and Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge Joe Hart (Torino/ITA, on loan from Manches- and Everton’s fail- be a bigger infl ux of top players. were ruled out by injury. ureR to attract top-class players “Instead of living in the past, you ter City), Tom Heaton (Burnley) He won the last of his 55 caps in No- Defenders: Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), has convinced him not to sign a have to think ahead,” he added. vember 2013, but has continued to score Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne new contract with the Premier “How this club has to grow, regularly for Sunderland, netting 14 (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), League club. how this club has to improve, times in the Premier League this season. Michael Keane (Burnley), Luke Shaw (Man- Lukaku, who is the joint top- which player does it want to bring “I didn’t want to just look at his age and chester United), Chris Smalling (Manchester scorer in the Premier League in so you can challenge for the big think he’s fi nished with England,” Eng- United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle with 19 goals, has told Everton trophies. Then like sometimes I land manager said at der-21 level. “We are defi nitely nodding Leicester City midfi elder Danny Drink- Walker (Tottenham Hotspur) he will not sign a new deal which will speak to the St George’s Park football centre. towards the future with some of the deci- water also missed out through injury. Midfielders: Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), would have made him the club’s who was at (Manchester) City “I think you get young players with a sions we are making,” Southgate said. Explaining the omission of Rooney, who Michail Antonio (West Ham United), Ross fi rst £100,000-plus-a-week when it all happened. He said, point to prove and older players with a There was also a surprise return for is carrying a knee injury, Southgate said: Barkley (Everton), Eric Dier (Tottenham player. Everton are still hoping ‘Rom, one summer I just came in point to prove. Year after year he’s phe- West Bromwich Albion midfi elder Jake “I’ve talked with Wayne. I think there’s a Hotspur), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), Jesse to convince their star to agree an and boom, boom, boom, boom nomenal, but this year in particular, in a Livermore, who won his sole England cap chance he’s fi t for the weekend (for Man- Lingard (Manchester United), Jake Liver- extended deal, but the 23-year- Robinho from there, that guy team that aren’t creating as many chanc- in 2012. chester United). more (West Bromwich Albion), Alex Oxlade- old Belgian striker appears de- came in, this guy came in, this es as other teams, his strike rate is out- Manchester United trio Phil Jones, “But also the injury coupled with the Chamberlain (Arsenal), Nathan Redmond termined to force a transfer to a guy came in. They had league ti- standing.” Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford earned fact he’s not really had a lot of game-time (Southampton), Raheem Sterling (Manches- bigger club. tles, FA Cup, League Cups. That Southgate’s 26-man squad included recalls, but there was no place in the recently has sort of determined my deci- ter City), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton) “To do that, you need the plat- is what we want as players.” fi rst call-ups for Southampton pair Nath- squad for Arsenal forward Theo Walcott. sion on that one.” Forwards: Jermain Defoe (Sunderland), form to show yourself,” he said, Everton manager Ronald Koe- an Redmond and James Ward-Prowse, Tottenham left-back Danny Rose, Liv- England tackle Germany in Dort- Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Jamie when asked about his desire to man conceded he was unhappy both of whom played under him at un- erpool skipper Jordan Henderson and mund on Wednesday in Southgate’s fi rst Vardy (Leicester City) be ranked along with the world’s with Lukaku’s comments, but he best forward. “Then you are has no intention of dropping his talking about Champions League star as punishment. “Of course I SACKED and whatever types of games. I am not happy about that inter- don’t want to go into details on view. If Everton is not a club with that but you just follow the path a lot of ambition I would not be that is in front of you. manager,” Koeman said. “But as a team you want to be “He is training how he needs Struggling Middlesbrough axe Karanka the best. I want my team to be the to train, his behaviour — except best. The big aim in football is to some quotes in this interview AFP the very best for the future.” in what amounted to a shoot-out for a win as many titles as you can, so — is what I like from the player London The 43-year-old Spaniard had watched top-fl ight place. Despite going unbeaten we need to try more, give a bit and there is no reason to put him Middlesbrough score only two goals in in their fi rst three matches this season, more. Everton as a football club out of the team. The team needs their last eight league matches and his Middlesbrough were unable to steer clear has a great history. But the future Rom and Rom needs the team to itor Karanka was sacked as Mid- team found themselves three points from of the relegation dogfi ght. has to be written. You get me? score goals. But I am not so afraid dlesbrough manager yesterday safety with just 11 games remaining. The fi nal months of Karanka’s reign Because we always talk about the about his situation because the as the Premier League strug- Faced with the prospect of relega- were marred by disharmony as he ques- teams of the 80s and 70s and if player has more than two years glers made a last-ditch bid to tion just one year after Karanka led them tioned his players’ hunger for success and you look it was great. But we as on his contract.” avoidA relegation. Karanka paid the price to promotion from the Championship, criticised the board’s failure to sign his for Middlesbrough’s slump into the rel- Middlesbrough owner Steve Gibson de- targets in the January transfer window. egation zone after a miserable run of 10 cided to act in a desperate attempt to When attempts to land Robert Sn- league games without a win. avoid a fi nancially-damaging drop into odgrass and Bojan Krkic were unsuccess- “Both parties have agreed that it is in the second tier. Karanka was handed the ful, Karanka began to turn his frustration the best interests of the club to make this reins at Middlesbrough in November 2013 on the players he was left with. Former change,” a statement on Middlesbrough’s after working as Jose Mourinho’s assist- England winger Stewart Downing and website read. Karanka’s assistant Steve ant at Real Madrid. young striker were re- Agnew steps up to take control of fi rst- He was Middlesbrough’s fi rst non- ported to have fallen out with Karanka team aff airs ahead of Sunday’s league British manager and took them to the after being dropped from the matchday clash against Manchester United. A tame Championship play-off fi nal in the 2014- squad, with the Spaniard pointedly 2-0 FA Cup quarter-fi nal loss at home Manager Aitor Karanka paid the price for 15 season before a Wembley defeat against claiming he needed “18 fi ghters”. to Manchester City last weekend proved Middlesbrough’s slump into the Norwich. Less than 12 months later, Ka- Aside from Agnew, Steve McClaren, Karanka’s last match in charge of Mid- relegation zone after a miserable run of ranka appeared set to quit Middlesbrough recently sacked by Derby, former Eng- dlesbrough, who are currently second 10 league games without a win. after missing a match at Charlton follow- land coach Roy Hodgson, former United bottom of the Premier League table. ing a reported row with his players. States manager Jurgen Klinsmann and “I’d like to thank Middlesbrough for a the fans for their support,” Karanka said. But he was persuaded to return and led ex-Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew are wonderful opportunity and the players, “This club will always hold a special Middlesbrough into the Premier League among the leading candidates to replace staff and all the people at the club who I place for me and I wish everyone con- on the fi nal day of last season following a Karanka on a permanent basis, according have worked with. I’d also like to thank nected with Middlesbrough Football Club 1-1 draw with promotion rivals Brighton to bookmakers. Everton’s Romelu Lukaku has refused to sign a new contract. Gulf Times 4 Friday, March 17, 2017 SPORT

NBA Celtics beat Timberwolves for 11th straight time at home Horford just missed his second career triple-double, with 20 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Thomas scored 27

Reuters points. Anthony Davis recorded 27 points and Boston eight rebounds for the Pelicans. PACERS 98, HORNETS 77 he Boston Celtics continued their mas- Paul George scored a season-high 39 points, in- tery of the Timberwolves, overcoming a cluding 27 during the second half, as Indiana 10-point fi rst-half defi cit and cruising pulled away from Charlotte. George made 15-of- to a 117-104 victory over Minnesota on 21 fi eld goal attempts, including 6-of-10 from TWednesday night at the National Basketball As- three-point range. sociation. Monta Ellis added 16 points for the Pacers, who Boston, which defeated Minnesota at TD Gar- shot 53.4% and outrebounded the Hornets 39-27. den for the 11th straight time, used a 21-6 run Jeff Teague had 11 assists. Frank Kaminsky led bridging the halves and rode a great all-around Charlotte with 20 points, Marco Belinelli added game by Al Horford and a typical Isaiah Thomas 11 and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist scored 10. Kemba performance to its 10th win in 11 games. Walker was limited to seven points on 3-of-11 Horford just missed his second career triple- shooting. The Hornets shot only 40%. double (for the second time this month), with 20 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Thomas GRIZZLIES 98, BULLS 91 scored 27 points and Avery Bradley added 18 for Mike Conley and Marc Gasol scored 27 points the Celtics. Ricky Rubio led the Timberwolves apiece, and Memphis pulled away from Chicago. with 23 points and seven assists. Andrew Wiggins Tony Allen added 10 points and six rebounds as and Shabazz Muhammad each scored 21 points the Grizzlies earned their second consecutive and Karl-Anthony Towns posted 17 points and 14 victory. Memphis fi nished the game on a 15-8 run. rebounds for Minnesota. Rajon Rondo led the Bulls with 17 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Jimmy Butler and Nikola TRAIL BLAZERS 110, SPURS 106 Mirotic each contributed 14 points for Chicago. Damian Lillard scored 36 points, including four free throws in the fi nal 5.2 seconds, as Portland KINGS 107, SUNS 101 stunned San Antonio. CJ McCollum added 26 Rookie Skal Labissiere scored a career-high points for the Trail Blazers. 32 points, including Sacramento’s fi rst 16 of Nurkic had 16 points and nine rebounds, Noah the fourth quarter, as the Kings won back-to- Vonieh scored 12 points and Allen Crabbe hit for back games for the fi rst time since winning four 10. Kawhi Leonard led the Spurs with 34 points straight Feb. 8-14. while adding nine rebounds and six assists. Labissiere, whose career high had been 15 LaMarcus Aldridge, who missed the previous two points, scored 21 in the fi nal period. He added 11 games because of a minor heart arrhythmia, had rebounds for his fi rst NBA double-double. Willie 19 points for San Antonio. Cauley-Stein had 14 points, 11 rebounds, fi ve as- sists, four steals and four blocks for Sacramento. ROCKETS 139, LAKERS 100 TJ Warren had 24 points and nine rebounds, and Lou Williams scored 30 points off the bench Devin Booker added 19 points for Phoenix, which against his former team and James Harden re- Boston Celtics’ Avery Bradley (right) attempts to block Minnesota Timberwolves’ Ricky Rubio during the NBA match in Boston. (USA TODAY Sports) was without Eric Bledsoe (rest). The Suns also corded his 17th triple-double of the season as lost Derrick Jones Jr. to a right hip contusion (X- Houston cruised past Los Angeles. Williams, opened the fourth quarter with a 24-7 run en JAZZ 97, PISTONS 83 rebounds and Tobias Harris chipped in 12 points. rays negative) and Leandro Barbosa to illness. acquired at the trade deadline, hit his fi rst seven route to victory over Washington. Dirk Nowitzki Gordon Hayward piled up 25 points, eight re- shots and fi nished 11-of-17 over 26 minutes. had 10 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter for bounds and six assists and Utah began a four- HEAT 120, PELICANS 112 BUCKS 97, CLIPPERS 96 Harden delivered an uneven performance, the Mavericks, who swept the season series. game road trip with a convincing victory. George Goran Dragic came back from an eye injury to Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo posting 18 points, 12 rebounds, 13 assists and nine Dallas had lost two in a row, including 100-78 Hill supplied 17 points for the Jazz, who have won score 33 points as Miami defeated New Orleans. scored 16 points apiece, and Milwaukee ended an turnovers. Julius Randle paired a career-high 32 at the Toronto Raptors on Monday. Seth Curry six of their last seven games. Dragic missed Sunday’s loss at Indiana after he eight-game losing streak at Staples Center. Greg points on 13-of-17 shooting, with eight rebounds, added 19 points for the Mavericks. Rudy Gobert added 12 points and nine re- got elbowed in the right eye by Toronto Raptors Monroe and Matthew Dellavedova chipped in 12 for the Lakers. Rookie Brandon Ingram and Jordan John Wall had 26 points and 11 assists for the bounds and tied a career high with fi ve assists, guard Cory Joseph in Miami’s previous game. points each and Malcolm Brogdon and Mirza Tel- Clarkson chipped in 18 points apiece. Wizards, but he limped off the court with 1:26 while Joe Johnson and Joe Ingles also tossed in 12 His right eye was swollen shut on Sunday, but he etovic both scored 11. remaining in the fi rst half. Wall sprained his left points apiece. Ish Smith’s 16 points led Detroit, made a quick recovery. DeAndre Jordan led the Clippers with 22 points MAVERICKS 112, WIZARDS 107 foot, but returned to fi nish off his 44th double- which was coming off a 32-point loss at Cleveland Hassan Whiteside had 20 points and 17 re- and 17 rebounds. Blake Griffi n fi nished with 18 Harrison Barnes scored 22 points and Dallas double of the season. on Tuesday. Aron Baynes posted 12 points and 12 bounds while reserve Wayne Ellington added 19 points, while J.J. Redick scored 16.

TOP-RANKED KO SEEKS MORE NHL MAGIC AT FOUNDERS CUP Bruins end Flames’ winning streak Reuters Los Angeles: A runner-up finish in last year’s Boston LPGA Founders Cup sparked a back-to-back title run by top-ranked LYDIA KO, who returns this week hoping for more in the season’s first US he Boston Bruins extended their event. The 19-year-old South Korean-born New winning streak to four games in a Zealand star has not won since last July, working row with a 5-2 victory in Calgary, on swing changes and even a new putting grip as while making sure the Flames didn’t Tset a franchise record for consecutive wins she tries to remain world number one. Ko arrived at Wildfire Golf Club in Phoenix, at the NHL on Wednesday. Arizona, after top-10 showings in Thailand and David Pastrnak had two goals, including Singapore in her past two LPGA events. “Definitely one into an empty net with 2.1 seconds re- nice to see some good results the last couple maining, for the Bruins. weeks in Asia,” Ko said. Brad Marchand, David Backes and Matt “I hit the ball pretty well in Australia. I really Belesky also scored for Boston. Alex Chiasson couldn’t score and I couldn’t make the putts. It and Dougie Hamilton scored for the Flames, was nice to see a few drop the last couple weeks. who tied a franchise record with their 10th To see those kind of good results with all the straight victory on Monday when they beat changes that have happened gives me a little bit the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3 in a shootout. of confidence going into this stretch of events.” Boston Bruins’ Brad Marchand (left) scores past Calgary Flames goalie Chad Johnson It’s a run where she shined last year, going from FLYERS 4, PENGUINS 0 (right) during the NHL game in Calgary, Canada. (USA TODAY Sports) second at Phoenix to winning the Kia Classic, a Wayne Simmonds and Sean Couturier each title she defends next week, and her second major inched closer their career highs in goals and The Penguins’ loss was their fi rst in regula- DUCKS 2, BLUES 1 crown at the ANA Inspiration, a crown she tries to goaltender Steve Mason stopped 23 shots to tion since March 1, snapping a 5-0-1 stretch. Rickard Rakell and Ryan Getzlaf scored goals repeat in two weeks at Rancho Mirage, California. record his third shutout of the season to lead to give Anaheim a win over St. Louis at the “It’s always nice to be back to a place where Philadelphia over Pittsburgh at the Wells Far- AVALANCHE 3, RED WINGS 1 Honda Center. you’ve played well,” Ko said. “I love the west coast. go Center. JT Compher and Carl Soderberg scored goals Goaltender Jonathan Bernier stopped No matter how well I play, I just enjoy these three Claude Giroux and Dale Weise also scored 1:55 apart early in the third period, and Colo- 26 shots for his fourth successive win as stretch of events.” for the Flyers, who snapped a three-game rado beat Detroit. Matt Duchene also scored the Ducks used their fourth victory in fi ve It comes as Ko is finding success after changing losing streak and moved within four points of and Calvin Pickard had 27 saves for the Ava- games to take over second place in the Pacifi c caddies, coaches and equipment providers. She is the Toronto Maple Leafs and fi ve points of the lanche. Andreas Athanasiou had a goal and Division by two points over the Calgary working on a new swing that goes to the core of Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Islanders Jimmy Howard stopped 28 shots in his second Flames on Wednesday. her patterns. “Transition-wise has actually been in their pursuit of the second wild-card spot start back from the injured list for the Red Ivan Barbashev scored for the Blues, who very easy and pretty smooth,” Ko said. “I guess in the Eastern Conference standings. Wings, who lost two straight. received 20 saves from goalie Jake Allen. the hard part is because I have my old habits and things that I’ve always done since I was like five. Those things will always creep in here and there.” GOLF Ko also decided it was time to adjust her putting grip this year to a more conventional one. “I came back from the off -season and said, ‘Man, the left-hand low felt a little diff erent.’ It felt a little uncomfortable,” she said. Muirfi eld ‘obscene’ for taking so “Even short putts for the conventional grip and the numbers were just as good or even better. That was one of the reasons I changed.” Ko has been atop the rankings for 73 consecutive weeks, long to allow women: McIlroy which builds expectations she hopes to fulfil. “There are expectations — because you’re the AFP “In this day and age, where you’ve got there were 123 members of The Honourable number one ranked players you should play well Miami women that are the leaders of certain indus- Company of Edinburgh Golfers who voted every day, should be in contention every week,” tries and women that are heads of state, and against the idea. “It’s horrendous,” McIlroy she said. not to be able to join a golf course? It’s ob- said. “I don’t get it. So we’ll go back there for “I would love that and I’m working towards be- ory McIlroy ripped Muirfi eld for scene. Like, it’s ridiculous.” the Open Championship at some point, and ing more consistent week in and week out.” needing two votes and more than Muirfi eld had been removed from the Brit- I won’t be having many cups of tea with the As Ko looked forward to seeing some of the two centuries to admit women ish Open rotation when a fi rst vote on allow- members afterwards.” original LPGA founding golfers this week, she ing player, he was so approachable.” members, saying yesterday that it ing women as members failed a year ago. The McIlroy, a four-time major champion, wasR “obscene” that the Scottish club waited new vote received 80% approval. missed the cut when the Open was last staged pondered men’s legend Arnold Palmer, whom Ko remarked on how men’s players this week she met at last year’s Masters. “He was a people’s at Bay Hill for the Arnold Palmer Invitational wore so long. “So they sort of saw sense,” the Irishman at Muirfi eld in 2013. man. No matter his good day or bad days, he was Palmer’s trademark umbrella logo this week. “I Muirfi eld voted Tuesday to allow women and world number three McIlroy said. “And The 27-year-old lacks only the Masters to always there to support the fans that came out, think that’s great,” Ko said. “I saw that legends members for the fi rst time in its storied his- yeah, we’ll go back and we’ll play the Open complete a career Grand Slam, something he the volunteers, his fellow players. That was what never die and I think that’s exactly the case for Mr. tory, and while it was enough to have the club Championship because they will let women could achieve by capturing the green jacket made him, him,” Ko said. Palmer. He will always be with us even though he’s returned to the rotation of potential British members in, but every time I go to Muirfi eld next month at Augusta National, which itself “Even though he was such an incredible, amaz- not here anymore.” Open venues, it came too late to avoid McIl- now I won’t have a great taste in my mouth.” only admitted its fi rst female members in Au- roy’s ire. Despite the approval of women members gust 2012. Gulf Times Friday, March 17, 2017 5 SPORT

RUGBY SPOTLIGHT Noves recalls Vahaamahina ‘England must beware for Wales, mum on merger

AFP party poopers Ireland’ Paris rance coach Guy Noves refused to be dragged into the -Stade Francais merger row Thursday ‘...we know how much the Irish dislike the English and how much they like spoiling the party’ as he brought Sebastien Vahaamahina back into the second row in one change for Les Bleus’ fi nal Six Na- tionsF match this season, against Wales tomorrow. The was thrown into disarray this week after the presidents of the two Paris-based Top 14 clubs announced a merger, which has to be ratifi ed by the LNR, the body gov- erning professional rugby in France. Stade Francais players promptly voted overwhelmingly for strike action and will not train for or play in Saturday’s Top 14 clash against Castres. When asked what eff ect the bombshell news had had on France squad players , , (Racing 92), , Jonathan Danty and Djibril Camara (Stade Francais), Noves replied that he didn’t want to “reply to this question”. “I’ve obviously spoken to my coaching staff about it be- cause we talk about everything that’s going on, but honestly, I don’t want to add pollution to this game (against Wales),” the former long-time Toulouse coach said. After the merger proposal was unveiled on Monday, Ca- mara and Danty left the France team’s training base south of Paris without asking Noves’ permission to meet up with Stade teammates. Neither player made Noves’ squad for the Wales game. South African-born Racing fl anker Le Roux also misses the cut, while Slimani starts at tighthead prop and fellow front-rowers Chat and Ben Arous are named on the bench.

Noves plumps for consistency Vahaamahina missed Les Bleus’ previous outing, a 40-18 victory over Italy in Rome last weekend, with a back injury. His return sees Julien Le Devedec drop to the bench in place of Paul Jedrasiak, with backrower and hooker Chat also handed spots among the replacements at the expense of Le Roux and the injured Christopher Tolo- fua respectively. Vahaamahina will be partnered by in the boilerhouse, with skipper- ing the side from hooker alongside Slimani and Cyril Baille. Fabien Sanconnie wins his second cap at blindside, Kevin Gourdon lining up on the open and at No 8. Baptiste Serin and Camille Lopez start their fi fth straight game together at half-back — the fi rst time that has hap- pened for France since 2010, Francois Trinh-Duc off ering an option from the bench. keeps his place at full-back at the expense of South African-born , Fijian wingers and completing the back three, while Remi Lamerat and Gael Fickou are named in midfi eld. “We cannot ask to work consistently and end up chop- ping and changing at any moment,” said Noves of his set- tled team. “It’s not a reward to fi nish the Six Nations with the same team but a duty. “The players who have given their best in recent weeks, not talking of those injured and return- England’s Jonathan Joseph (L) practices a tackle during a team training session at Pennyhill Park in Bagshot, west of London. England are set to play Ireland in their final 6 Nations rugby ing players, very much deserve to represent France.” union match in Dublin on Saturday. (AFP) Continuity was key, Noves said, adding: “We feel that, watching the players go about their daily work in training, AFP base, have often been labelled ar- takes greater emotional output,” can happen. We know how much “When I said ‘most teams’ certain situations are increasingly better understood.” Bagshot, United Kingdom rogant by their opponents. the former Australia and Japan the Irish dislike the English and we are not ‘most teams’,” he ex- Ten players will have started the fi ve matches, something But Jones, an Australian, has coach added. how much they like spoiling the plained. “We are a diff erent team, not lost on fl y-half Lopez. spoken of how he fi nds English “It is like climbing up a moun- party.” we’ve showed that, and we are ngland coach Eddie Jones people in general and his players in tain: every time you go to another ready to take it to another level on warned his men that Ire- particular “polite” and “reserved”, level of the mountain it becomes Praise for predecessor Saturday.” UFC boss White says won’t block land would relish wreck- with the prospect of success not more unstable. The ground be- Ireland’s title hopes came to an Jones paid tribute to England Mayweather-McGregor fi ght ing their history bid in always sitting comfortably on comes more unstable, your ears end last week following their 22-9 predecessor Stuart Lancaster for DublinE on Saturday and chal- their shoulders. hurt, your nose hurts. defeat by Wales in Cardiff . laying the foundations of their UFC President Dana White will not stand in lightweight cham- lenged his side to keep “climbing Having said after the Scotland “It is exactly the same when you It was Ireland, however, who success. Jones, yet to lose a match pion Conor McGregor’s way if the Irishman agrees terms to a the ladder of success”. match that England had an oppor- are climbing the ladder of suc- ended world champions New Zea- as England coach, took over after much-hyped crossover bout with boxer Floyd Mayweather. Victory for England, already tunity to achieve “greatness” by cess - everything becomes a bit land’s 18-match winning streak Lancaster was sacked following a Mayweather, a former five-division boxing champion who crowned Six Nations champions winning at Dublin’s Lansdowne harder.” with a dramatic 40-29 success in 2015 World Cup where successive retired undefeated at 49-0 in 2015, has said he was coming after a 61-21 Calcutta Cup thrash- Road, Jones believes his side are Many an England team has seen Chicago in November and Jones Twickenham defeats by Wales and out of retirement to take on mixed martial arts fighter Mc- ing of Scotland at Twickenham coming to terms with what they dreams of glory turn to dust in said: “Any team that beats the All Australia meant tournament hosts Gregor, who has been challenging the American for months. last week, would see them set a could achieve this weekend. Dublin. Jones’s side contains sev- Blacks are a very good team. England failed to reach the knock- “It doesn’t make a lot of sense for my business, but I would new record of 19 consecutive Test “I think the team has embraced eral survivors from the 2011 team, “Most teams in the Six Nations out stages. never keep Conor from making that kind of money,” White wins by a leading Rugby union it,” said Jones at England’s train- including current captain Dylan have one big performance, so we However, several members of said in a video interview posted on entertainment news web- nation. It would also mean they ing base in Bagshot, southwest Hartley, that went to Lansdowne are anticipating them to be at their the current team were given their site TMZ. “He obviously has a lot of opportunities right now. become the fi rst side in the Six of London, after naming his side Road on the verge of a Grand Slam best on Saturday.” Test debuts by Lancaster, and Tony Ferguson is out there, the Floyd Mayweather thing is Nations era to complete back-to- Thursday to play Ireland. only to be beaten 24-8. But Jones insisted England’s Jones said: “He was the guy that out there, we’ll see how this thing plays out.” Mayweather has back Grand Slams. “To go from where we go to “We’ve certainly had guys who “big performance” had not come brought this team through, went asked for a guaranteed $100 mn to make the fight happen, England, in part because of the greatness takes another step of were involved talk about it,” said and gone with their seven-try rout through some hard yards with with $15 mn going to McGregor, while White has talked of $25 wealth of their governing Rugby endeavour. It takes greater focus, Jones. of Scotland that featured a hat- them, most of the players are still mn to each plus pay-per-view money. Football Union and large player it takes greater persistence, it “We know the pitfalls of what trick for centre Jonathan Joseph. the same.”

FOCUS AmCham Qatar Annual Golf Tournament held

By Sports Reporter the second runner-up position with Doha a score of 61.5. For exemplary skills showcase during the tournament, Ali Mohamed won the longest drive com- he American Chamber of petition and Jordan Taylor took home Commerce in Qatar (Am- the ‘Closest to the Pin’ award. Cham Qatar) hosted its 7th All attendees were also able to take Annual Golf Tournament at part in a draw for door prizes, ranging Tthe Doha Golf Club over the week- from dinners for two, brunch vouchers end. Platinum sponsor Qatar Airways, and spa services, with the main prize Gold Sponsors FedEx and Jaidah, and of two Business Class tickets to any- Silver Sponsor Squire PattonBoggs, where in the US generously provided along with AmCham Qatar members, by Qatar Airways. representatives from Qatar’s business Rober Hager, chairman, AmCham community and the 36 members of the Qatar said: “Every year we look for- US military personnel took part in the ward to the Annual American Cham- tournament. ber of Commerce Golf Day as an With 60 competitors playing 18 opportunity to support and show ap- holes of Texas Scramble and compet- preciation for our troops. We want ing for a range of skills-based prizes, to thank our new sponsors and loyal such as the longest drive and closest supporters who make this event better shot to the pinhole, the 7th Annual year after year. Congratulations to all Golf Tournament was a true celebra- the winners.” tion for the American business com- AmCham Qatar has a full calendar munity in Qatar. of events planned for 2017, including The highly talented team of Erick the next edition of the popular Dis- Moss, Raza Mekhary and Vinoth Ir- tinguished Speaker Series this time jay won the tournament with a score hosting Jahon Burhanov, Head of Pro- of 56.0; the fi rst runners-up were Ali fessional and Business Services at the Mohamed, Mike Jackson and Sharon Qatar Financial Centre Authority, who Hollingsworth with a score of 61.4; will be introducing and discussing the and Sherry Arshad, Brandan Turner, services off ered at the Authority to Peter Dunn and Kunle Abidakun took clients. Gulf Times 6 Friday, March 17, 2017 CRICKET

REPORT FOCUS Nicholls answers critics with rescue Smith and Maxwell ton for N. Zealand

AFP Wellington

enry Nicholls an- drive Australia swered his critics with a maiden cen- tury to rescue New ZealandH on a torrid fi rst day for batsmen in the second Test against South Africa yesterday. New Zealand, on the back of Nicholls’ 118, recovered from in Ranchi Test 21 for three to be all out for 268 in Wellington. South Af- rica lost two wickets for 12 runs Australian captain Smith passes 5,000 Test runs; Kohli injury not serious and moved on to 24 for two at stumps. The pressure was on New Zealand’s Henry Nicholls Nicholls when he went to the celebrates his century against Reuters middle with New Zealand three South Africa yesterday. (AFP) Ranchi down and with his Test average of 30.12 from 18 innings putting SCOREBOARD his position as a number fi ve ustralia captain Steve batsman under scrutiny. New Zealand 1st innings Smith struck a cultured “I was just trying to look to J. Raval c Amla b Maharaj 36 unbeaten century to be positive and really decisive T. Latham c Elgar b Morkel 8 steer Australia to 299 and that’s something that held K. Williamson lbw Rabada 2 forA four wickets in the third Test me in good stead,” he said. N. Broom c de Kock b against India yesterday, signal- “I took a bit of confi dence Rabada 0 ling he has put the review contro- even from the fi rst Test in H. Nicholls b Duminy 118 versy at Bengaluru behind him. Dunedin. I wasn’t out there J. Neesham st de Kock b Smith’s 117 not out is only very long (12 off 26) but I felt Maharaj 15 the second century in the spin- very good out there and it was B. Watling c de Kock b dominated series — following nice to continue that. Duminy 34 his 109 in the fi rst Test in Pune “There’s always going to be C. de Grandhomme c Amla — as the 27-year-old joined speculation about your spot, b Duminy 4 the 5,000-run club in his 53rd but I just tried to stay really T. Southee c Philander b Test. clear in my mind and I’ve had Morkel 27 Team mate Glenn Maxwell great support (from the team) J. Patel not out 17 celebrated his return to Test who kept reinforcing for me to N. Wagner lbw Duminy 2 cricket with a career-best 82 not go out there and play my game.” Extras: (lb4, w1) 5 out, his burgeoning partnership JP Duminy, a batsman part- Total: (all out; 79.3 overs) with Smith already worth 159 time spinner who proved 268 runs on the opening day of the South Africa’s most eff ective Fall of wickets: 1-11 contest. bowler with four for 47, said (Latham), 2-13 (Williamson), Home captain Virat Kohli in- Nicholls showed how to han- 3-21 (Broom), 4-73 (Raval), jured his shoulder while diving dle the Basin Reserve condi- 5-101 (Neesham), 6-217 (Ni- to save a boundary in the 40th tions. With Keshav Maharaj cholls), 7-221 (de Grandhom- over and missed the rest of the striking twice, the South Af- me), 8-222 (Watling), (9-266 day’s play. rican spin pair took six wickets Southee), 10-268 (Wagner) While India’s fi elding coach between them in conditions Bowling: Morkel 18-3-82-2, Ramakrishnan Sridhar had said that favoured seam and swing Philander 15-7-29-0, Rabada Kohli would undergo scans, the bowling. 19-6-59-2 (1w), Duminy 11.3- Board of Control for Cricket in On a day in which 12 wickets 2-47-4, Maharaj 16-4-47-2 India (BCCI) later confi rmed fell, Nicholls played an innings South Africa first innings there were no “serious concerns”. of confi dent drives and cuts S. Cook c Neesham b “The BCCI Medical Team against the quicks and sure Southee 3 confi rms that Indian Captain Mr. footwork against spin. D. Elgar c Neesham b de Virat Kohli is presently undergo- In one notable over from Grandhomme 9 ing treatment to recuperate from Rabada, a central fi gure in the K. Rabada not out 8 a strain in his right shoulder,” the top order collapse, Nicholls H. Amla not out 0 BCCI said in a statement. smacked three fours. Extras: (b4) 4 “He will continue to receive The second took him past Total (two wickets; seven treatment, which will assist him his previous best 98 and to his overs) 24 to participate in the rest of the breakthrough century, while Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Cook), match,” the statement added. the next four lifted his part- 2-12 (Elgar) Smith won an important toss Australia’s captain Steve Smith raises his bat after scoring a century during the first day of the third Test against India in Ranchi. (AFP) nership with BJ Watling to 103 Bowling: Southee 4-1-18-1, and had little hesitation in bat- to better one of the longest- de Grandhomme 3-1-2-1 ting fi rst, something of a ritual having played and survived an nists of the review controversy batting which makes him a limit- opener Murali Vijay, who missed standing New Zealand cricket on India’s low-bounce tracks, identical shot on the previous in Bengaluru, joined forces for a ed-overs asset, Maxwell showed the tempestuous Bengaluru test records. The previous best and Matt Renshaw led their delivery. half-century stand. tremendous self-restraint, tak- with a shoulder injury. sixth-wicket stand by New batting anchor was bowled brisk scoring with a boundary Renshaw’s fl uent 44 included Handscomb had advised ing 57 deliveries to hit his fi rst Zealand against South Africa by Duminy. It triggered a binge. seven elegant boundaries. Smith to gesture towards the boundary. There were glimpses Scoreboard of 100 was set 85 years ago by brief collapse in which three With an extremely fast out- “I thought we all got starts dressing room in Bengaluru for of his natural aggression as well, Australia 1st innings Ted Badcock and Giff Vivian. wickets fell for fi ve before fi eld at the Jharkhand State but just didn’t get on with it and advice on whether to review a as when he hit Jadeja for the M. Renshaw c Kohli b Yadav 44 When South African captain Tim Southee and Jeetan Patel Cricket Association (JSCA) Sta- make a big score like Steve did. leg-before-wicket decision, fi rst of his two sixes to bring D. Warner c & b Jadeja 19 Faf du Plessis won the toss, lashed out with a whirlwind dium hosting its fi rst Test match, He showed us how to go today,” a move that drew explosive r up his maiden test half-century. S. Smith not out 117 there were early rewards for 44 off as many balls. Morkel Renshaw’s fi rst 24 runs all came Renshaw said, admiring how his sponse from Kohli resulting in Maxwell surpassed in his very S. Marsh c Pujara b Ashwin 2 the fast bowlers. After Morne ended Southee’s brief cameo via boundaries as the tourists captain managed to return his considerable acrimony in the fi rst innings of the series the 48 P. Handscomb lbw b Yadav 19 Morkel dismissed Tom Latham of 27 off 30 deliveries while cruised to the 50-run mark in the focus to the game after the re- middle of the four-test series. runs that Mitchell Marsh had to- G. Maxwell not out 82 for eight, and Kagiso Rabada Patel was left not out 17 off 14. 10th over. view row. Yadav trapped Handscomb talled in his four during the fi rst Extras (b4, lb11, nb1) 16 captured the key wicket of South Africa in reply lost Left-arm spinner Ravindra “He’s handled the whole situ- (19) lbw with an inswinging two tests and the all-rounder is Total (4 wickets, 90 overs) 299 Kane Williamson for two and both openers. First Test cen- Jadeja got the breakthrough in ation really well and just showed yorker but Smith found an able not done yet. Fall of wickets: 1-50 (Warner), four balls later had debutant turion Dean Elgar went for his fi rst over when David Warner that we’re here for a cricket partner in Maxwell, who es- Australia also brought in pace- 2-80 (Renshaw), 3-89 (Marsh), Neil Broom for a duck. nine and out-of-form Stephen slapped a juicy full toss back to series and showed how to do it chewed his natural aggression, man Pat Cummins, who is play- 4-140 (Handscomb) Maharaj removed Jeet Ravel Cook was dismissed for three, the bowler to depart for 19. today.” and played judiciously to justify ing his second test after more Bowling: Sharma 15-2-46-0 (36) and Jimmy Neesham (15) to trail by 244 at the close of Renshaw looked good for his Australia were reeling at 89 his selection, replacing the in- than fi ve years in the wilderness, (1nb), Yadav 19-3-63-2, Ashwin either side of the lunch break. play. Nightwatchman Kagiso third fi fty in the series before for three when Smith and Pe- jured Mitchell Marsh. to replace the injured Mitch- 23-2-78-1, Jadeja 30-0-80-1, Vijay Watling joined Nicholls to Rabada was on eight with edging Umesh Yadav to slip, ter Handscomb (19), protago- Known for his destructive ell Starc. India welcomed back 3-0-17-0. add 116 before New Zealand’s Hashim Amla yet to score.

SPOTLIGHT Sri Lanka rattle Bangladesh with late strikes

AFP Soumya made his third fi fty in batted four sessions — I’ve never SCOREBOARD Colombo the series in as many innings, batted four sessions in my Test and Tamim made 49 before be- career,” Chandimal said after the Sri Lanka 1st innings (over- 10-338 (Lakmal) ing trapped lbw by Sri Lankan day’s play. “We were in a tough night 238-7) Bowling: Mustafizur 21-6-50-2 ri Lanka took a fl urry of skipper Rangana Herath. spot with three wickets down for D. Karunaratne c Mehedi b (w5), Roy 17.3-2-53-2 (nb2, w1), late wickets to put the Sandakan then trapped Imrul 30-odd. I had a responsibility at Mustafizur 7 Mehedi 21-2-90-3, Taijul 17-2-40- brakes on Bangladesh at Kayes plumb in front to dismiss the time to think about how I can Tharanga c Soumya b Mehedi 11 1, Shakib 33-4-80-2, Mosaddek the second Test in Co- him for 34 and then successfully take the team beyond 250.” K. Mendis st Mushfiqur b 4-0-11-0 lomboS yesterday after the tour- reviewed a not out decision to Bangladesh were hoping to Mehedi 5 Bangladesh 1st innings ists made a promising start to remove nightwatchman Taijul wrap up the innings quickly once D. Chandimal c Mosaddek b Tamim Iqbal lbw b Herath 49 their fi rst innings with a 95-run Islam off the next ball. Shakib removed Herath for 25 Mehedi 138 Soumya Sarkar b Sandakan 61 partnership. Suranga Lakmal delivered a in the ninth over of the morn- A. Gunaratne lbw b Roy 13 Imrul Kayes lbw b Sandakan 34 Soumya Sarkar top-scored for further blow to the visiting side ing session after the Sri Lankan D. de Silva b Taijul 34 Sabbir Rahman c de Silva b Bangladesh with 61 while shar- when he removed Sabbir Rah- skipper added just seven runs to N. Dickwella b Shakib 34 Lakmal 42 ing a solid opening stand with man after he had scored 42, his overnight score. D. Perera c Soumya b Mustafi- Taijul Islam lbw b Sandakan 0 Tamim Iqbal which gave the vis- playing the lead role in a 62-run Soumya managed to grasp zur 9 Shakib Al Hasan not out 18 itors the upper hand on day two partnership with Imrul for the the catch after several fumbled R. Herath c Soumya b Shakib 25 Mushfiqur Rahim not out 2 before their innings unravelled third wicket. attempts but Chandimal and S. Lakmal c Soumya b Roy 35 Extras (b4, lb4) 8 late in the afternoon. After Herath earned Sri Sri Lanka’s Dinesh Chandimal celebrates after scoring a century dur- Lakmal then continued to frus- L Sandakan not out 5 Total (five wickets; 60 overs) Left-arm spinner Lakshan Lanka’s fi rst breakthrough, ing the second day of the second and final Test against Bangladesh trate Bangladesh as they put on a Extras (n1, lb13, w6, nb 2) 22 214 Sandakan claimed two wickets Sandakan then bowled Soumya at the P. Sara Oval Cricket Stadium in Colombo. (AFP) 55-run partnership for the ninth Total (all out, 113.3 overs) 338 Fall of wickets: 1-95 (Tamim), in two balls in the fi nal hour as before fi nishing the day with wicket. Off -spinner Mehedi Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Karu- 2-130 (Soumya), 3-192 (Imrul), Sri Lanka reduced Bangladesh to 3-65. “Honestly I am out of unbeaten 18 alongside skip- contained more than its share of fi nally dismissed Chandimal, naratne), 2-24 (Mendis), 3-35 4-192 (Taijul), 5-198 (Sabbir). 214-5 at the close after the latest ideas, the same thing happened per Mushfi qur Rahim, who was good fortune. who now has four Test centuries (Tharanga), 4-70 (Gunaratne), Bowling: Lakmal 11-2-32-1, Per- in a string of collapses by Test every time,” said Bangladesh’s on two at the close. The hosts After surviving two TV re- against Bangladesh in six Tests, 5-136 (de Silva), 6-180 (Dick- era 19-5-50-0, Herath 12-1-34-1, cricket’s newest team. batting coach Thilan Sama- earlier added exactly 100 runs views on the fi rst day, he was as debutant Mosaddek Hossain wella), 7-195 (Perera), 8-250 Gunaratne 4-0-25-0, Sandakan It means the hosts still lead raweera. to their overnight 238-7 before again given out caught behind off took the catch at midwicket. (Herath), 9-305 (Chandimal), 14-1-65-3. Bangladesh by 124 runs after “When we start to collapse we they were all out on the stroke of Mustafi zur Rahman’s bowling Chandimal, who struck only making 338 in their fi rst innings, cannot control it. Tomorrow is lunch break. but the decision was overturned four boundaries on the open- thanks largely to a fi ghting cen- a new day, hopefully we can get Chandimal, who was un- when replays showed the ball ing day while helping his side his innings. Lakmal swung his a catch to Soumya at third man tury by Dinesh Chandimal. close to Sri Lanka’s score.” beaten on 86 overnight, made had not touched his bat. “I rate recover from 70-4, batted ag- bat to add 35 runs to Sri Lan- off pace bowler Subashis Roy Bangladesh thought they were Shakib Al Hasan lived dan- 138, his eighth in Test cricket, off this is as my number one century gressively on the second day to ka’s total before he became the Mehedi fi nished with 3-90 for in a comfortable position after gerously to see out the day with 300 balls after an innings which in Test cricket so far because I hit 10 fours and a six overall in last man to be dismissed with Bangladesh. Gulf Times Friday, March 17, 2017 7 SPORT

TENNIS FORMULA ONE Ferrari’s Italian stallion has a Pliskova sees off spring in its step

Reuters last year, their second such London blank in three years, while Mercedes won 19 of 21 and took both titles for the third season he Italian stallion has in succession. Muguruza to reach a spring in its step as The days when the red Fer- Ferrari, Formula One’s raris, who have competed in oldest and most suc- every world championship Tcessful team, start a new sea- since the outset in 1950, were son with fresh hope of return- dominant with seven-times ing to the top in the carmaker’s world champion Michael 70th anniversary year. Schumacher are long gone. A decade on from their But the 2017 rule changes, Indian Wells semis last driver’s title, courtesy of with fatter tyres and faster Kimi Raikkonen in 2007, Fer- cars, could signal a new awak- rari emerged from eight days of ening for four times world ‘I had some good rallies, but didn’t serve well in important moments’ testing in Spain with the fast- champion Sebastian Vettel and est lap times coupled with im- veteran “Iceman” Raikkonen pressive reliability. in what looks likely to be his Their SF70H car, its name a last campaign. nod to Enzo Ferrari’s fi rst crea- The handling is better, the tion in 1947, has been scruti- power unit delivering and the nised by anxious rivals up and team more settled after a dif- down the pitlane. fi cult 2016 during which prin- With media activities pared cipal Maurizio Arrivabene back, and the car presented played down reports of a “cli- online without fanfare, the mate of fear” at the factory. “scuderia” have adopted a low “I think we are better pre- profi le leading up to the Aus- pared than last year,” said Vet- tralian opener in Melbourne on tel, who joined in 2015 hop- March 26. ing to emulate boyhood hero They have fl attered to de- Schumacher. “I think overall ceive before of course, the the team is in better shape. prancing horse looking good “What happened in the in testing but heavy-hoofed background (last year) was re- once the racing starts. But this ally, really important to make time the suspicion is that Fer- a step forward, and hopefully rari have yet to reveal their true we’ve done that.” performance and are ready to Raikkonen lapped faster take on dominant Mercedes. than anyone ever before in “I think Ferrari are bluffi ng Barcelona, with a best time of and that they are a lot quicker one minute 18.634 seconds. than they are showing,” Brit- With the team’s track suc- ain’s triple world champion cess a key driver of the Ferrari Lewis Hamilton told reporters brand, and president Sergio last week, even as the Italians Marchionne always looking for went fastest. “They are very a return on the money, Vettel close, if not faster,” added the was careful to keep bubbling Mercedes driver. Red Bull’s expectations grounded. Australian Daniel Ricciardo “If we can be fi ghting for the agreed. podium in Melbourne, it would “Ferrari looks strong,” he be great,” he said. “If you win said. “At the moment they look three world championships like they are pretty close to in a row as a team, then it’s Mercedes’s pace if not on it...” clear who is the favourite, rule Ferrari failed to win a race changes or not.”

Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic celebrates a point against Garbine Muguruza of Spain (R) in their quarter-final match of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California. (Getty Images/AFP)

AFP said. “It was a good player, so the tiebreak.” come out on top in the pair’s year but lost in the second round, Indian Wells, United States level ultimately goes a little bit The Czech, who is the high- two meetings in the past three is after a fi rst Indian Wells title. more up. est-ranked player in the draw months. The 36-year-old American, “Defi nitely from the baseline thanks to the injury withdrawal Kuznetsova, 31, is a two-time who saved three match points in hird-seeded Czech I think was fi ne. But the way I of Serena Williams and the Grand Slam champion who last her opening victory over former Karolina Pliskova turned was fi nishing those sets, I’m not fourth-round exit of Angelique year returned to the top 10 for world number one Jelena Janko- back a late charge by happy with that,” added Plisko- Kerber, is in the semi-fi nals for the fi rst time since 2010. vic, says she’s enjoying tennis French Open champion va, who admitted that failing to the second straight year after She reached back-to-back more than ever. TGarbine Muguruza to reach the convert match points when she falling last season to eventual Indian Wells fi nals in 2007 and “I feel like I’m the most joyful Indian Wells WTA semi-fi nals had them preyed on her a bit in champion Victoria Azarenka. 2008, but has never lifted the now, honestly,” said Williams, with a 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/5) victory. the second-set tiebreaker. She’s aiming to add a third trophy. who made a scintillating run to Trailing 5-2 in the second set, “I had some good rallies on title of 2017 to those she has al- The remaining women’s the Australian Open fi nal where Spain’s seventh-seeded Mugu- my hand and on my racquet, but ready won in Brisbane and Doha. semi-fi nalists will be decided she fell to her sister Serena. ruza battled back, saving two didn’t serve well in important In the semis she’ll face on Thursday, when seven-time “I’ve clearly loved the game. match points as they went to a moments. So everything was eighth-seeded Russian Svetlana Grand Slam champion Venus You have to, to play this long, second tiebreaker. through the rally, which is always Kuznetsova, who defeated com- Williams takes on Russian Elena to deal with the pressure and to It was to no avail, however, as tough for me,” said Pliskova, who patriot Anastasia Pavlyuchenk- Vesnina and 2011 Indian Wells put in the amount of work that it Pliskova notched her sixth win in leads the WTA Tour in aces and ova 6-1, 6-4. champion Caroline Wozniacki takes,” she said. seven meetings with Muguruza. relies heavily on her big serve. Kuznetsova needed just 63 faces France’s Kristina Mlad- “But I defi nitely feel like I’m “Defi nitely the best match for “So I’m happy that I stayed minutes to power past her 19th- enovic. Williams, who ended a peaking in terms of the love Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel is pushed to the garage during a test me in this tournament,” Pliskova there and closed it in the second seeded countrywoman, who had 15-year boycott of the event last level.” session at Barcelona-Catalunya racetrack in Spain. (Reuters)

SPOTLIGHT Bottas steps calmly into the Mercedes hot seat

Reuters is there to score points and back “I would tell him don’t expect Verstappen to push Ricciardo to the max London up the team’s bid for a fourth an easy ride, that’s for sure,” straight constructors’ title. Rosberg, who raced against It takes some eff ort to wipe the smile off Daniel Ric- was best of the rest behind the Mercedes drivers in The Briton has won 53 grands Hamilton from karts to Formula ciardo’s face but Red Bull team mate Max Verstap- 2016 but faces a bigger challenge this time. altteri Bottas is learn- prix, more than any driver apart one, said when asked what ad- pen will be hoping the breezy Australian has less to His “shoey” celebration, drinking champagne from ing fast but Lewis from seven-times world cham- vice he would give Bottas. grin about this season. his sweaty shoe on the podium and urging others Hamilton’s new Mer- pion Michael Schumacher. On Former racer Martin Brundle The battle between two of Formula One’s most to partake, has become a post-race hit. cedes teammate will his day, as previous team mates said Hamilton would not un- popular drivers will be a leading storyline of the Ricciardo, who can count on strong home support Vonly really fi nd out what he is up will attest, he can be simply un- derestimate his new team mate, new-look championship starting in Melbourne next for the opener, was the only driver other than the against when the Formula One beatable. who is undeniably quick, but week as they fight to be team top dog. Mercedes pairing to qualify on pole position last season starts in Australia next was bound to feel good with the Even if Red Bull currently appear to be behind Fer- year. week. HARD-WORKING situation. rari and Mercedes on pace, both can expect to be The Red Bull pair were also the only non-Mercedes The 27-year-old Finn, who Hamilton is also no stranger to “Lewis must think ‘I’m in the jostling for podium places. drivers to win last year, but Verstappen’s arrival has stepped into the hot seat va- working relationship than I ever the psychological trickery, me- best team, probably in the best Verstappen, the youngest driver and race winner in on the top step was more sensational – coming in cated by retired world champion had with any team mate I had dia manipulation and sheer sin- car and my team mate has got all the sport’s history, goes into his last teenage year his debut race for the team in Spain in May after Nico Rosberg, has yet to put a before,” said Hamilton, who has gle-mindedness that come with the learning to do of what it’s like with a burgeoning reputation as a fan favourite switching from Toro Rosso. foot wrong. previously paired with champi- being a world champion. to be under pressure’,” the Sky and with more records for the taking. As the season progressed, “Mad Max” added con- He did more laps (628, equal ons Fernando Alonso and Jenson Bottas, described by Mercedes TV presenter told reporters. A demon overtaker, compared to the late Ayrton sistency to the mix. Verstappen was only once out to 2,923km) than anyone else Button as well as Rosberg and team boss Toto Wolff as “mod- Brundle recalled how that had Senna after lighting up last year’s wet Brazilian of the top four in the last six races, but lost out 10-7 in pre-season testing and drew Finland’s Heikki Kovalainen. est, humble and hard-working” felt in 1992 when he went from Grand Prix, the 19-year-old is widely regarded as a to Ricciardo in their 17 as team mates. early compliments from Hamil- “He wants to do the best thing when he joined from Williams in unsung Brabham to Benetton, a champion in waiting. The Dutchman was only 8-7 behind on podium ton, the man who drove Rosberg that he can in his fi rst year with January, has yet to win a race. team expected to be on the po- “There is a buzz around him that is growing and finishes, however. to the brink both mentally and the team — and with me being But if the Finn, who has said dium. growing,” team principal Christian Horner said dur- “There was nothing between them over the second physically last year. here for quite a while now, I want he is “not here to be in second “You can be in a midfi eld car ing pre-season testing in Barcelona. part of the year,” Horner told inews.co.uk. “There are no games, there to deliver and make sure that I place”, proves as much of a rival and have three weekends on the “You saw the people that turned out to see him at “What’s going to be fascinating for us to see is is complete transparency. I like give as much information so that for Hamilton as Rosberg then missing list and nobody notices. Spa last year....there is a national following behind how Max, being so young, continues to evolve and that,” the triple world champion, he will learn.” things could get very tasty in- You have one bad session when him. improve. who had already called Bottas Both drivers have equal status deed and the smiles will surely you are in a championship posi- “But beyond that there is this raw talent. His po- “Can Daniel go with him? Is there more left in the a “nice guy”, told the formula1. but Hamilton, winner of 10 of fade. tion and everybody notices. And tential is enormous and that is what is so exciting tank? Was that the top rung last year? You suspect com website this month when the 21 races in 2016 including the The championship is a long Valtteri has not had that kind of about him. He is so grounded.” they both have more evolution and it will be inter- discussing the former Williams last four, is the championship fa- haul, but a Bottas victory in pressure yet,” he said. Ricciardo, the “Honey Badger” whose easy charm esting to see the battle between the two of them driver. vourite. Australia would certainly liven “If I was Lewis. I’d be thinking belies a ferocious determination and will to win, this year.” “I feel we already have a better From his perspective, Bottas things up. ‘I’ve got this one covered.”

Friday, March 17, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Itorio bounces back to win Abdulaziz al-Fuhaid Cup The three-length win over Roman Legend, trained by Ghazali’s father, Jassim, who finished the day with four second places, was the colt’s second this season

By Our Correspondent Doha

ohamed Jassim Ghazali’s ward Itorio bounced back from a forgettable perform- Mance on his last outing three weeks ago with a win in the Late Ab- dulaziz al-Fuhaid Cup under Pierantonio Convertino’s ride on Wednesday. The three-length win over Roman Legend, trained by Ghazali’s father, Jas- sim, who fi nished the day with four sec- ond places, was the colt’s second this season. The fi nish was also Roman Leg- end’s fourth straight top three perform- ance. Eduardo Pedroza rode Ibrahim al- Malki schooled Jumaira Tower to a third place fi nish.

THOROUGHBRED CLASSIFIED STAKES Qatari jockey Faleh Bughanaim emerged a winner for the third time in the evening when he guided Markstein to a dominant win in the 1800m run on dirt. The win was also trainer Deborah Mountain’s second of the evening for owner Hassan Ali Abdulmalik. Mark- stein’s performance was a huge improve- ment from the 5yo’s fi rst run this season a month ago when he fi nished eighth. Hadi al-Ramzani’s Goldenfi eld and Moham- eed Jassim Ghazali schooled Bnedel fi n- occasions this season. The Ali Yousef ished second and third respectively. al-Kubaisi owned 4-year-old fi nished two-and-a half-lengths ahead of Jassim TOP: Qatar Racing and Equestrian THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP Mohamed Ghazali schooled Midaawi, Club general manager Nasser Sherida (CLASS 2) ridden by Harry Bentley in the colours of al-Kaabi with the guests for The Late Mohamed al-Ramzani’s Karraar Sheail bin Khalifa al-Kuwari, while Mo- Abdulaziz Al Fuhaid Cup at the QREC seemed like in a diff erent league from the hamed Riyaz trained Firsts First was third on Wednesday. BOTTOM: Jockey Pier fi eld when the 6-year-old was ridden to under Jean Baptiste Hamel. Convertino rides Itorio to victory in an imposing seven length victory under The Late Abdulaziz Al Fuhaid Cup. Alberto Sanna in the nine furlong run. PUREBRED ARABIAN PICTURES: Juhaim The win was the gelding’s fi rst in Qatar, MAIDEN PLATE having fi nished in the top four thrice this Faleh Bughanaim guided Al Shaqab season coming into Wednesday’s race. Racing’s Ghobat Bahar to an impressive Jassim Mohamed Ghazali’s duo General- three-length victory on the fi lly’s debut ship and Upholland were left fi ghting for in Qatar for trainer Hussein Aashoor. The the other two places on the podium with race for the ladies was run over 1700m Generalship edging ahead by a neck. and saw Ghobat Bahar fi nish ahead of Julian Smart trained Lawa’has, who fi n- LOCAL PUREBRED ished second for the third time in the last ARABIAN HANDICAP fi ve races, including in the Oaks in De- Despite a heavy workload this season, cember 2016. Ridden by Richard Mul- Afreetah trained by Ibrahim al-Malki len, Lawa’Has was another three lengths for Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim ahead of Alberto Sanna’s ride, Raqyah, at al-Thani, registered her fourth victory the post. this season. The 1700m run saw Eduardo Pedroza helm the 5yo to victory for the THOROUGHBRED MAIDEN second time, with the grey fi lly fi nish- PLATE (CLASS 6) ing a little under a length ahead of Jas- On his 10th attempt, Deborah Moun- sim Mohamed Ghazali’s Fawwad, ridden tain’s ward Technicolour shed his maid- by Almotasem al-Balushi, while Pierre en status in the seven race card’s open- Deymonaz schooled Namroud complet- ing run. The 4-year-old had hit the top ed the podium. fi ve on three previous occasions, but on Wednesday, Marco Monteriso, riding in THOROUGHBRED the colours of Hassan Ali Abdulmalik, MAIDEN PLATE produced a confi dent ride, with Tech- Faleh Bughanaim helmed a winner for nicolour fi nishing half a length ahead the second time on Wednesday evening of Ibrahim al-Malki’s Habob, ridden by when Hadi al-Ramzani trained geld- Saleem Golam, while another al-Malki ing Poet’s Song shed his maiden status charge, Moueen, completed the top three after coming close on three previous under Eduardo Pedroza’s ride.

CYCLING UAE continue to excel in Doha GCC event

By Sports Reporter completed the 80.5km race in 2:07.09s brother Badr Mirza, while Abdullah Ab- Doha to beat Suwaidaan by three seconds at dulkareem also of UAE topped the junior the Losail circuit. Abdulkareem came individual time trial with a time of 31:43 third and Qatar’s Farhan alFarzai fi n- seconds. amad Abdullah al-Mahri ished fi fth. On the fi rst day of the championship, beat compatriots Rashid In the cadet class, Abdurrahman al- UAE team comprising Badr Neerzra Abdullah Suwaidaan and Sultan of Saudi Arabia clocked 1:18.14s al-Hamadi, Muhamed Hasan al-Mar- HAbdullah Abdulkareem in a to win the gold, while Bahrain’s Jassim wi, Jabir al -Mansuri and Ahmed al- one-two-three fi nish for Team UAE in Mohamed Hussain and Ali Nasir Ahmed Mansuri won the 46km Elite class team the junior class yesterday to extend the came second and third respectively. time trial title. UAE junior and cadets Emirates’ dominance in the 19th GCC On Wednesday, UAE riding giant also won their team time trial races. Road Cycling Championship. Yousif Mirza won the Elite Individual The championship ends today with Al-Mahri, who led from start to fi nish, Time Trial beating compatriot and 138kms Elite class road race.