FOOTBALL Qatar Favourites

P 6 | FOOTBALL P 28 | MOTORSPORT QATAr FAVOUrITES NASSEr IN DrIVEr’S SEAT Qatar start favourites against Bhutan Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah extends his lead in in their second-round tie of the 2018 the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies World Cup Asian Zone qualification. with a runner-up finish in Poland.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEmBEr 2, 2015 | Vol X | No.31 | QR 2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Follow us on

Kenya top the tally for the first time in the history of Athletics World GOLD Championships with seven gold, six silver and three bronze CLASS medals. PAGES 16-27

UK ...... £1 UAE ...... Dh 5 Europe ...... €2 Yemen...... 75 Riyals P 26 | ATHLETICS P 20 | POSTER Oman ...... 200 Baisas Sudan ...... 1 Pound Bahrain ...... 200 Fils KSA ...... 2 Riyals Egypt ...... LE 2 Jordan ...... 500 Fils The man of Lebanon ...... 3,000 Livre Iraq ...... $1 BEST OF Kuwait ...... 250 Fils Palestine ...... $1 EXCLUSIVE Morocco ...... Dh 6 Syria ...... LS 20 INTERVIEW Sebstance! BEIJING www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 3 EXCITEMENT NOW OPINION

» The writer can be contacted at: JUST A TOUCH AWAY Editor-in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi [email protected] Managing Editor Kumar Ravi Senior Editor/Writer Aswin Abraham Senior Sports Writer N Ganesh Sports Writers Sajith B Warrier Aju George Chris Mohammad Amin-ul Islam Sarath Pookkat Let’s hope Mutaz will bounce Photographers Mohan Vinod Divakaran Fadi Al Assaad Mohammed Dabboos back in time for Olympics A K BijuRaj Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko t WAS sheer bad luck that Qatari high jumper mutaz Javier Sotomayor. Gopakumar K Essa barshim missed out on a medal in a nail-biting Having consistently cleared over 2.35m during the Joice Michael Ifinal at the World Championships in beijing last past few years, his beijing result has obviously been Technical support Shaheen Mohammed Sunday. He was among the four who cleared 2.33m quite disappointing. Abdul Naser M on the first attempt, but was eliminated before the His coach and support staff need to scrutinise what sudden death jump-off as he had taken one chance went wrong and why he hasn’t been able to bring out more to clear the previous barrier. his best when it mattered the most. Was his training It’s a different story that none of the leading trio and competition schedule systematically planned so p.O. box: 24598, Doha, Qatar tel: +974 44138065, Fax: +974 44138597 succeeded at 2.36 and the bar was brought down to that he peaked at the right time? Or was he exhausted, www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 2.34, with eventual winner Derek Drouin of Canada competing in different meetings criss-crossing Editorial: tel: +974 44138522, Fax: +974 44138593 clearing it and the other two — China’s Zhang Guowei continents? Was there any sort of pressure on him? e-mail: [email protected] and Ukraine’s bohdan bondarenko — failing, yet Was there any distraction? Did any psychological factors Marketing & advertising: tel: +974 44138566 making it to the podium. adversely affect him? these’re some of the aspects that e-mail: [email protected] Distribution: tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 the stark reality is that mutaz had to return need to be studied and addressed. e-mail: [email protected] empty-handed despite having cleared the same height mutaz is undoubtedly a world-class athlete. I’m sure as that of the second and third-placed athletes, and by now he would’ve realised that it’s more difficult just one centimetre short of the winner. In the end, to stay on top than to get there. Let’s believe that his www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus he was left ruing his failure to clear 2.29 on his first beijing failure was just an aberration in an otherwise www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar attempt. illustrious career and that he would bounce back in mutaz means ‘pride’ in Arabic. Indeed, he’s the pride time for next year’s Olympics in rio de Janeiro. www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar and joy of our nation. He made all of us proud by winning a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics and becoming the world indoor champion last year Publishers: ASpIrE printing, publishing and Distribution with a jump of 2.41m. mutaz has an outdoor personal Printed at ASpIrE printing press best of 2.43, which is just 2cm short of one of the Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi longest-standing world records, set in 1993 by Cuban Editor-in-Chief

INSIDE P 10 | FOOTBALL P 28 | SWIMMING P 31 | TENNIS Palace Blues! Bright chance for Qatar Sharapova pulls out Crystal palace stun holders Qatar stays in race for hosting the russia’s maria Sharapova, who Chelsea as manager Jose FINA World Championships as has won five Grand Slam titles, mourinho suffers only his Argentina pulls out from the bid to pulls out of the ongoing US second English premier League organise the showcase event. Open due to a leg injury. defeat at Stamford bridge.

P 29 | HANDBALL P 30 | MOTORSPORT

Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. Super Globe time Reign of Rossi Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 Some of the world’s best players Italian great Valentino rossi wins e-mail: [email protected] will be seen in action at the a rain-hit british motoGp to take a Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 IHF Super Globe championship 12-point lead over Yamaha e-mail: [email protected] in Doha next week. team-mate Jorge Lorenzo of Spain. www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 3

OPINION

» The writer can be contacted at: Editor-in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi [email protected] Managing Editor Kumar Ravi Senior Editor/Writer Aswin Abraham Senior Sports Writer N Ganesh Sports Writers Sajith B Warrier Aju George Chris Mohammad Amin-ul Islam Sarath Pookkat Let’s hope Mutaz will bounce Photographers Mohan Vinod Divakaran Fadi Al Assaad Mohammed Dabboos back in time for Olympics A K BijuRaj Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko t WAS sheer bad luck that Qatari high jumper mutaz Javier Sotomayor. Gopakumar K Essa barshim missed out on a medal in a nail-biting Having consistently cleared over 2.35m during the Joice Michael Ifinal at the World Championships in beijing last past few years, his beijing result has obviously been Technical support Shaheen Mohammed Sunday. He was among the four who cleared 2.33m quite disappointing. Abdul Naser M on the first attempt, but was eliminated before the His coach and support staff need to scrutinise what sudden death jump-off as he had taken one chance went wrong and why he hasn’t been able to bring out more to clear the previous barrier. his best when it mattered the most. Was his training It’s a different story that none of the leading trio and competition schedule systematically planned so p.O. box: 24598, Doha, Qatar tel: +974 44138065, Fax: +974 44138597 succeeded at 2.36 and the bar was brought down to that he peaked at the right time? Or was he exhausted, www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 2.34, with eventual winner Derek Drouin of Canada competing in different meetings criss-crossing Editorial: tel: +974 44138522, Fax: +974 44138593 clearing it and the other two — China’s Zhang Guowei continents? Was there any sort of pressure on him? e-mail: [email protected] and Ukraine’s bohdan bondarenko — failing, yet Was there any distraction? Did any psychological factors Marketing & advertising: tel: +974 44138566 making it to the podium. adversely affect him? these’re some of the aspects that e-mail: [email protected] Distribution: tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 the stark reality is that mutaz had to return need to be studied and addressed. e-mail: [email protected] empty-handed despite having cleared the same height mutaz is undoubtedly a world-class athlete. I’m sure as that of the second and third-placed athletes, and by now he would’ve realised that it’s more difficult just one centimetre short of the winner. In the end, to stay on top than to get there. Let’s believe that his www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus he was left ruing his failure to clear 2.29 on his first beijing failure was just an aberration in an otherwise www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar attempt. illustrious career and that he would bounce back in mutaz means ‘pride’ in Arabic. Indeed, he’s the pride time for next year’s Olympics in rio de Janeiro. www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar and joy of our nation. He made all of us proud by winning a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics and becoming the world indoor champion last year Publishers: ASpIrE printing, publishing and Distribution with a jump of 2.41m. mutaz has an outdoor personal Printed at ASpIrE printing press best of 2.43, which is just 2cm short of one of the Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi longest-standing world records, set in 1993 by Cuban Editor-in-Chief

P 29 | HANDBALL P 30 | MOTORSPORT Super Globe time Reign of Rossi Some of the world’s best players Italian great Valentino rossi wins will be seen in action at the a rain-hit british motoGp to take a IHF Super Globe championship 12-point lead over Yamaha in Doha next week. team-mate Jorge Lorenzo of Spain. 4 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 5

PICK OF THE WEEK | FOOTBALL

TOP TRANSFERS

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

KEVIN DE ANTHONY NICOLAS VIRGIL ALEX SONG Surreal! BRUYNE MARTIAL OTAMENDI VAN DIJK barcelona (ESp) to EUROPEAN POWERHOUSES REAL Wolfsburg (GEr) to monaco (FrA) to Valencia (ESp) to Celtic (SCO) to West Ham United manchester City manchester United manchester City Southampton Loan MADRID AND MANCHESTER UNITED £58m £32m £11.5m TRADE BLAME AFTER DELAYED £36m PAPERWORK SPOILS THE SPANISH REST OF EUROPE TEAM’S PLAN TO SIGN KEEPER DAVID Berahino DE GEA, WRITES KIERAN CANNING. threatens to strike! UrOpEAN giants real madrid moment to try to finalise these two West bromwich Albion and manchester United were transfers,” the post read. striker Saido berahino has involved in a blame game A few hours later, United threatened to go on strike E JULIAN DRAXLER IVAN PERISIC JAVIER HERNANDEZ ADNAN JANUZAJ DANTE on tuesday after the Old trafford responded saying they had acted after the premier League club outfit’s goalkeeper David de Gea’s “appropriately and efficiently”. rebuffed two more bids from Schalke (GEr) to Wolfsburg (GEr) to manchester United manchester United bayern munich (GEr) Wolfsburg (GEr) Inter milan (ItA) (ENG) to bayer (ENG) to borussia to Wolfsburg (GEr) proposed move to the Spanish United said madrid had returned tottenham. Leverkusen (GEr) Dortmund (GEr) Undisclosed club broke down at the 11th hour. an incomplete version of a key berahino had hoped to be allowed to join tottenham on €35m €20m Loan madrid accused United of document, made “major” late transfer deadline day as the Anthony €13m sending the documents needed changes to documentation and north London club stepped Martial to complete the deal after the had sent the documents needed up their interest after two Spanish deadline had passed, but to cancel De Gea’s contract just five recently rejected offers. but the English club laid the blame at minutes before the deadline. Albion chairman Jeremy peace Wolves splash cash madrid’s door and said they were United claimed that they had snubbed their third and fourth EPL clubs go on “delighted” by the outcome. uploaded the transfer agreement attempts to sign the 22-year- old on tuesday. madrid seemed set to conclude on to the tmS before the deadline berahino, who scored 20 spending spree from De Bruyne sale the long-running transfer saga and said the deal fell through goals last season, was furious late last monday with a deal worth because madrid did not upload with the situation. HErE was the usual frenzy of last- ErmANY international Julian or suspension. He had struggled to between €30m and €40m, which documentation relating to De Gea “Sad how I can’t say exactly minute deals as the English premier Draxler left his home club find form in the 2014-15 season. involved Costa rica goalkeeper in time. how the club has treated me TLeague (EpL) brought the curtain down GSchalke 04 after 14 years to meanwhile, bayer Leverkusen Keylor Navas joining United. but I can officially say I will on another bumper European transfer window in join VfL Wolfsburg on a five-year bought mexico striker Javier but Spanish league sources never play Jeremy peace,” he which manchester City again flexed their financial contract in a record transfer for the Hernandez from manchester United tweeted. confirmed that the player had DE GEA HAS JUST ONE muscle as the continent’s top spenders. ruhr valley club. as they look to plug the gap left by not been registered and madrid YEAR LEFT ON HIS With Europe’s other major countries closing for the talented 21-year-old World South Korean Son Heung-min who admitted they had sent the CONTRACT AT OLD transfer business last monday, the English top flight Cup winner became Schalke’s joined tottenham Hotspur. While no required documentation to the TRAFFORD. hogged the limelight for an extra day, with City’s biggest transfer ever in a fee was disclosed, media reports put league after the window closed at rivals manchester United completing the biggest and deal worth €35m. it at €13m. midnight local time (2200 Gmt) most eyebrow-raising late deal. the midfielder, the 27-year-old, who joined last monday. “manchester United acts the capture of Anthony martial from monaco for who joined “manchester United “manchester United introduced appropriately and efficiently in its £36m, labelled a panic-buy by media, ensured EpL Schalke’s youth acts appropriately and into the transfer matching System transfer dealings,” United added. clubs racked up a record spend of more than £860m. team in 2001, WOLFSBURG ALSO SIGNED efficiently in its transfer (tmS) the details for the transfer “the club is delighted that its that comfortably surpassed last season’s made his debut BAYERN MUNICH’S dealings. the club is of David De Gea, not those for fan-favourite double player of record by more than £25m and reinforced the as a 17-year-old DEFENDER DANTE ON A delighted David de Gea Keylor Navas, at 00:00 Spanish the Year, David De Gea, remains a competition’s status as the leading league in ’11. He played THREE-YEAR DEAL. remains its player. time, sending simultaneously to manchester United player.” in terms of transfer spending in the in 119 bundesliga real madrid the signed transfer Despite madrid’s long-standing window. games, scoring 18 Manchester United contracts,” madrid said in their interest in De Gea, negotiations City, who have won their first four league goals. United in ’10 but spent last season website on tuesday. between the clubs for the games this season, led the way with an outlay of Wolfsburg, who on loan at real madrid, will remain “real madrid received the player did not begin until last £150m, including the £50m capture of midfielder sold Kevin De bruyne to with the German team until ’18. complete documentation at 00:02 monday. Kevin de bruyne from Wolfsburg, and forward manchester City for €75m Elsewhere, borussia Dortmund and tried to access the tmS, but De Gea has just one year left raheem Sterling from Liverpool. and Ivan perisic to Inter signed manchester United winger “real madrid received the this was already closed. on his contract at Old trafford, City also bought centre-back Nicolas Otamendi milan for €20m, also signed Adnan Januzaj on loan for a complete documentation “madrid, facing the possibility meaning he could join madrid for from Spain’s Valencia while Dutch defender who bayern munich’s central season. the 20-year-old belgian at 00:02 and tried to of a contentious situation in the free next year. was plying his trade with Scottish giants Celtic defender Dante on a international had reportedly been access the transfer transfer of the player, decided to the Spain international has agreed for a five-year contract with Southampton three-year deal. a target for tottenham, Olympique matching System, but this send the contracts to the Spanish not featured in any of United’s and barcelona midfielder Alex Song rejoined West the 31-year-old brazilian marseille and Valencia. was already closed. professional League, even knowing six games so far this season, with Ham United on a season-long loan. had asked for a transfer after However, Januzaj will not have the deadline had already passed. manager Louis van Gaal claiming Liverpool were not far behind in the spending struggling to get any playing the chance to play in the Champions Real Madrid In conclusion, real madrid did the 24-year-old had lost “focus” Saido stakes, splashing out almost £80m, mainly on time at bayern this season League this year as Dortmund could David de Gea everything necessary in every due to madrid’s interest. Berahino Christian benteke from Aston Villa. despite the absence of several only qualify for the Europa League central defenders through injury after a disappointing season. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 5

TOP TRANSFERS

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

KEVIN DE ANTHONY NICOLAS VIRGIL ALEX SONG BRUYNE MARTIAL OTAMENDI VAN DIJK barcelona (ESp) to Wolfsburg (GEr) to monaco (FrA) to Valencia (ESp) to Celtic (SCO) to West Ham United manchester City manchester United manchester City Southampton Loan £58m £36m £32m £11.5m

REST OF EUROPE Berahino threatens to strike! West bromwich Albion striker Saido berahino has threatened to go on strike JULIAN DRAXLER IVAN PERISIC JAVIER HERNANDEZ ADNAN JANUZAJ DANTE after the premier League club rebuffed two more bids from Schalke (GEr) to Wolfsburg (GEr) to manchester United manchester United bayern munich (GEr) tottenham. Wolfsburg (GEr) Inter milan (ItA) (ENG) to bayer (ENG) to borussia to Wolfsburg (GEr) Leverkusen (GEr) Dortmund (GEr) berahino had hoped to be Undisclosed allowed to join tottenham on €35m €20m Loan transfer deadline day as the Anthony €13m north London club stepped Martial up their interest after two recently rejected offers. but Albion chairman Jeremy peace Wolves splash cash snubbed their third and fourth EPL clubs go on attempts to sign the 22-year- old on tuesday. berahino, who scored 20 spending spree from De Bruyne sale goals last season, was furious with the situation. HErE was the usual frenzy of last- ErmANY international Julian or suspension. He had struggled to “Sad how I can’t say exactly minute deals as the English premier Draxler left his home club find form in the 2014-15 season. how the club has treated me TLeague (EpL) brought the curtain down GSchalke 04 after 14 years to meanwhile, bayer Leverkusen but I can officially say I will on another bumper European transfer window in join VfL Wolfsburg on a five-year bought mexico striker Javier never play Jeremy peace,” he which manchester City again flexed their financial contract in a record transfer for the Hernandez from manchester United tweeted. muscle as the continent’s top spenders. ruhr valley club. as they look to plug the gap left by With Europe’s other major countries closing for the talented 21-year-old World South Korean Son Heung-min who transfer business last monday, the English top flight Cup winner became Schalke’s joined tottenham Hotspur. While no hogged the limelight for an extra day, with City’s biggest transfer ever in a fee was disclosed, media reports put rivals manchester United completing the biggest and deal worth €35m. it at €13m. most eyebrow-raising late deal. the midfielder, the 27-year-old, who joined the capture of Anthony martial from monaco for who joined £36m, labelled a panic-buy by media, ensured EpL Schalke’s youth clubs racked up a record spend of more than £860m. team in 2001, WOLFSBURG ALSO SIGNED that comfortably surpassed last season’s made his debut BAYERN MUNICH’S record by more than £25m and reinforced the as a 17-year-old DEFENDER DANTE ON A competition’s status as the leading league in ’11. He played THREE-YEAR DEAL. in terms of transfer spending in the in 119 bundesliga window. games, scoring 18 City, who have won their first four league goals. United in ’10 but spent last season games this season, led the way with an outlay of Wolfsburg, who on loan at real madrid, will remain £150m, including the £50m capture of midfielder sold Kevin De bruyne to with the German team until ’18. Kevin de bruyne from Wolfsburg, and forward manchester City for €75m Elsewhere, borussia Dortmund raheem Sterling from Liverpool. and Ivan perisic to Inter signed manchester United winger City also bought centre-back Nicolas Otamendi milan for €20m, also signed Adnan Januzaj on loan for a from Spain’s Valencia while Dutch defender who bayern munich’s central season. the 20-year-old belgian was plying his trade with Scottish giants Celtic defender Dante on a international had reportedly been agreed for a five-year contract with Southampton three-year deal. a target for tottenham, Olympique and barcelona midfielder Alex Song rejoined West the 31-year-old brazilian marseille and Valencia. Ham United on a season-long loan. had asked for a transfer after However, Januzaj will not have Liverpool were not far behind in the spending struggling to get any playing the chance to play in the Champions Saido stakes, splashing out almost £80m, mainly on time at bayern this season League this year as Dortmund could Berahino Christian benteke from Aston Villa. despite the absence of several only qualify for the Europa League central defenders through injury after a disappointing season. 6 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 7

FOOTBALL | QATAR

TEAMS Qatari colts to take GROUP A GROUP B UAE Kuwait Khalifa Stadium to Saudi Arabia Qatar on Kuwait first bahrain Oman

AtAr will take on Kuwait in their first match of FIXTURES be ready next year the GCC Under-18 Championship on thursday. All matches at Al Gharafa Stadium. Oman are the other team in Group b. Thursday, UAE vs Saudi Arabia, 5.15pm. AtAr will complete work on “We’re very happy with the for Q September 3 Kuwait vs Qatar, 7.45pm. In the opening day’s other fixture, UAE will take on the first venue for the 2022 rapid progress of renovation battles Kuwait vs Oman, 5.15pm. Saturday, Saudi Arabia in Group A. bahrain complete the group. World Cup by next year, works at the site,” said project September 5 UAE vs bahrain, 7.45pm. Q Bracing ŢEl Jaish’s new the tournament is played on a league-cum- Qatar vs Oman, 5.15pm. Ţ officials announced on tuesday. manager mansoor Saleh Al Monday, players during knockout basis, with the final being scheduled for September 7 Saudi Arabia vs bahrain, their presentation the 40,000-seater Khalifa mohannadi. DANIEL CARRENO-COACHED QATAR EXPECT STRIKERS TO DELIVER AS THEY LOOK FOR A BIG VICTORY AGAINST September 12. 7.45pm. ceremony. International Stadium, one of the “We expect the stadium to MINNOWS BHUTAN IN THEIR WORLD CUP QUALIFIER, WRITES MOHAMMAD AMIN-UL ISLAM. eight venues, is scheduled to host be handed over by the main group stage, round-of-16 and contractor at the end of ’16,” he quarterfinal matches. said. For the first time, the the venue, located in the S QAtAr get ready to take (against LASK Linz, Olympiacos In the past few years, Qatar in the group stage. tournament will be played in west of Doha, was originally on minnows bhutan in their and a German side) and a brace in had some good strikers including Qatar’s failure at the continental the months of November and built in 1976 as a 20,000-seater A2018 World Cup Asian Zone their 4-0 win against Singapore last Sebastian Soria, who is now making event raised doubts about the team’s December. stadium. qualifier on thursday, coach Daniel week. a comeback under Carreno, but mental toughness against top teams. It will also be the venue for the Officials said the stadium would Carreno will draw confidence from Carreno would expect him to fire none could really rise to the occasion Carreno must find a solution to ’19 World Athletics Championships, include cooling technology on the fact that his forward line has against bhutan, who are 164th in in crucial international matches. overcome this drawback which had the first time that the event will be “the field of play, all seats and shrugged off its rustiness. the FIFA rankings. there has been a marked damaged Qatar’s chances in the held in the middle East. concourses”. Qatar had to toil hard for a 1-0 “Al Haidous is a talented player. improvement in their performance previous World Cup qualifiers. win against maldives in their He’s in good form and we hope he maldives and bhutan are the

opening Group C match in male in continues to score,” said Carreno. weakest teams in the group, and the I want to help Divakaran DSP/Vinod will be the capacity of June. All eight group winners and four QATAR NEED A BIG Uruguayan’s real test will be against Qatar progress. the the renovated Khalifa Hong Kong, with six points from best runners-up will advance to the VICTORY AGAINST the 79th-ranked China, whom they most important thing International Stadium two matches, are leading the group. ’19 Asian Cup finals and World Cup BHUTAN IN THURSDAY’S host on October 8. is for the players to Jaish coach Lamouchi upbeat 40,000 China and Qatar have three points qualification’s final round. HOME QUALIFIER. It is not just about one particular believe in themselves. each while maldives and bhutan Qatar need a big victory against player or the match against bhutan, It’s very important for L JAISH coach Sabri Lamouchi year,” he added. two-year deal from China’s have none. bhutan, considering that Hong Kong but a right combination. It may be this country to play in said he was looking forward Jaish did reasonably well last Guangzhou r & F, and 24-year- the absence of a top-quality and China had thrashed bhutan 7-0 in the recent friendlies. Carreno was difficult for Carreno, who joined only russia. We’ll do our Eto the new season, which season, managing to finish third old rashidov, who moved in striker has always been a problem and 6-0 respectively. happy to see his team go full throttle four months ago, to create a perfect best, but we mustn’t starts on September 11, with in the Qatar Stars League, and from bunyodkor after a six-year for Qatar, but Hassan Al Haidous’s “technically, we’re a good team,” against Singapore. squad in such a short period, but he take our opponents renewed hope. runners-up behind Lekhwiya in stint with the Uzbek side, should recent form suggests he can be said Carreno, who replaced Djamel but then last year too, Qatar had remains optimistic. lightly. Jaish unveiled their new the Qatar Cup and Al Sadd in the definitely strengthen the side. counted as a genuine goal threat — belmadi as national coach in may. won a lot of friendlies and also signings — Uzbek Sardor Emir’s Cup. “I’ve seen Jaish in the AFC the Al Sadd winger led the attack “the performance level of our triumphed at the Gulf Cup in riyadh KICK-OFF Daniel Carreno, rashidov, moroccan Abderrazak “the competition will be tough Champions League. they’re a with aplomb and scored in all three players and their intensity suggest under belmadi, only to stutter at the Thursday, Qatar vs bhutan Qatar coach. Hamdallah, as well as Qataris this time also and we should be good side and I’m looking forward pre-season friendlies in Europe we’re on the right path.” Asian Cup in Australia and bow out September 3 Al Sadd Stadium, 7pm. Othman Al Yahri and Khalifa mentally prepared. I’m hopeful to having a successful start in Abubaker — last week and we’ll do well with the addition of the league,” said rashidov, who Lamouchi exuded confidence that our new overseas players,” said will feature in Uzbekistan’s 2018 QATAR SQUAD his boys could win the title this club treasurer Khamis Al Kuwari. FIFA World Cup qualifiers against GOALKEEPERS DEFENDERS MIDFIELDERS FORWARDS time after coming close in the last twenty-two-year-old Yemen on thursday and the Amine Lecomte Dame traore Ali Asad mohd muntari few seasons. Hamdallah, who joined on a philippines on September 8. Ahmed Sufiyan Ahmed Yasser Karim boudiaf Hassan Al Haidous Saad Al Sheeb mohd mousa Ismail mohd Sebastian Soria “After our pre-season camp Khaled muftah boualem Khoukhi meshal Abdullah in Austria, the squad looks well Abdulkarim Hassan Hamad Ismail Abdulkadir Ilyas “We had finished as runners-up in the Qatar mohd Kassola Ahmed maksoud mohd Abdullah prepared,” said Lamouchi. Al mehdi Ali Abdulaziz Hatem “We had finished as runners-up Cup as well as Emir’s Cup last season. We majdi Siddiq in the Qatar Cup as well as Emir’s just want to overcome our title jinx and be Cup. We just want to overcome different from how we appeared last year. our title jinx and be different from how we appeared last Sabri Lamouchi, El Jaish coach. Qatar coach Daniel DSP/Fadi Al Assaad DSP/Fadi Soria Carreno included striker Sebastian Soria and midfielder back in boualem Khoukhi for the 2018 World Qatar team Cup qualifiers against bhutan and Hong Kong on September 3 and 8 respectively. Iran’s medio Shojaei Ahli’s Khamis signs El Jaish loan Sufiyan both Soria and Khoukhi had featured in last week’s friendly against Singapore. joins Al Gharafa for Umm Salal to Al Kharaitiyat Soria, who joined Al rayyan this season, had fallen out of favour with former Qatar coach Djamel belmadi last year and was L GHArAFA signed Iran’s attacking midfielder IDFIELDEr Mohammed Khamis joined L JAISH released Qatar international goalkeeper overlooked by him. Masoud Shojaei from Al Shahaniya. Umm Salal from Al Ahli on a three-year deal. Ahmed Sufiyanon loan to Al Kharaitiyat. though Soria was hugely favoured by A Shojaei, 31, had represented Iran in two World MKhamis was a consistent performer of Ahli in E “I thank both clubs’ officials for agreeing to my ex-Lekhwiya coach michael Laudrup Cups and three Asian Cups. the last two seasons and helped them transfer and Kharaitiyat’s management during their time at the club last season, With his inclusion, Gharafa, who finish fifth in the Qatar Stars League last for reposing their confidence in me,” the 32-year-old failed to win the şşQatar team finished seventh last season, time. said Sufiyan. confidence of belmadi, who left him out members train completed their foreign player “Ahli were keen to retain me, but I He added it would be a great of the Gulf Cup and Asian Cup squads. under Daniel “Soria can add experience to our Carreno. line-up. brazilian defender Anderson wanted a change,” said Khamis. opportunity to play under coach Amar attack,” said Carreno. martins, Congolese striker Alain Dioko “Umm Salal are a good side and they Osim. and tunisian forward Yasin Shikhawi are did well last year. I want to contribute to “I’m sure I’ll be able to perform well with him around,” the other three. the team’s success,” he added. he said. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 7

TEAMS Qatari colts to take GROUP A GROUP B UAE Kuwait Khalifa Stadium to Saudi Arabia Qatar on Kuwait first bahrain Oman

DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod will be the capacity of the renovated Khalifa Jaish coach Lamouchi upbeat 40,000 International Stadium L JAISH coach Sabri Lamouchi year,” he added. two-year deal from China’s said he was looking forward Jaish did reasonably well last Guangzhou r & F, and 24-year- Eto the new season, which season, managing to finish third old rashidov, who moved in starts on September 11, with in the Qatar Stars League, and from bunyodkor after a six-year renewed hope. runners-up behind Lekhwiya in stint with the Uzbek side, should Jaish unveiled their new the Qatar Cup and Al Sadd in the definitely strengthen the side. signings — Uzbek Sardor Emir’s Cup. “I’ve seen Jaish in the AFC rashidov, moroccan Abderrazak “the competition will be tough Champions League. they’re a Hamdallah, as well as Qataris this time also and we should be good side and I’m looking forward Othman Al Yahri and Khalifa mentally prepared. I’m hopeful to having a successful start in Abubaker — last week and we’ll do well with the addition of the league,” said rashidov, who Lamouchi exuded confidence that our new overseas players,” said will feature in Uzbekistan’s 2018 his boys could win the title this club treasurer Khamis Al Kuwari. FIFA World Cup qualifiers against time after coming close in the last twenty-two-year-old Yemen on thursday and the few seasons. Hamdallah, who joined on a philippines on September 8. “After our pre-season camp in Austria, the squad looks well prepared,” said Lamouchi. “We had finished as runners-up in the Qatar “We had finished as runners-up Cup as well as Emir’s Cup last season. We in the Qatar Cup as well as Emir’s just want to overcome our title jinx and be Cup. We just want to overcome different from how we appeared last year. our title jinx and be different from how we appeared last Sabri Lamouchi, El Jaish coach.

Iran’s medio Shojaei Ahli’s Khamis signs El Jaish loan Sufiyan joins Al Gharafa for Umm Salal to Al Kharaitiyat

L GHArAFA signed Iran’s attacking midfielder IDFIELDEr Mohammed Khamis joined L JAISH released Qatar international goalkeeper Masoud Shojaei from Al Shahaniya. Umm Salal from Al Ahli on a three-year deal. Ahmed Sufiyanon loan to Al Kharaitiyat. A Shojaei, 31, had represented Iran in two World MKhamis was a consistent performer of Ahli in E “I thank both clubs’ officials for agreeing to my Cups and three Asian Cups. the last two seasons and helped them transfer and Kharaitiyat’s management With his inclusion, Gharafa, who finish fifth in the Qatar Stars League last for reposing their confidence in me,” finished seventh last season, time. said Sufiyan. completed their foreign player “Ahli were keen to retain me, but I He added it would be a great line-up. brazilian defender Anderson wanted a change,” said Khamis. opportunity to play under coach Amar martins, Congolese striker Alain Dioko “Umm Salal are a good side and they Osim. and tunisian forward Yasin Shikhawi are did well last year. I want to contribute to “I’m sure I’ll be able to perform well with him around,” the other three. the team’s success,” he added. he said. 8 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 9 FOOTBALL | QATAR

SPECIAL AWARDS

bESt pLAYEr tOp SCOrEr bESt GOALKEEpEr Nawaf Mohammed Hashem Abdulatif Yousef Al Sheedi FAIr pLAY Al Iddrisu Qatar Oman Kuwait ‘Good platform Saudi Arabia for region’s youth teams’ Qatar Football Association (QFA) Vice-president Saud Abdulaziz Al Mohannadi said it was promoting youth football so it can have a solid bunch of players by 2022 when the country hosts the World Cup. “the GCC Under-17 Championship is an excellent platform for the region’s youth teams to develop the sport at the grass-roots level. It’s good to see some talented players from various teams. they’re an asset

DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod and can bolster their future ššQatari team members celebrate after finishing third. national squads,” Al mohannadi told Doha Stadium Plus. Qatar’s success at the AFC U-19 Championship in myanmar last October reflected the QFA’s excellent work. “We’re committed to promote talented players and thanks The is yet to support from the ASpIrE best to come! Academy, we’re moving in the right direction,” he said. mohammed Sajid found out the and they’re picking up the lessons. particularly the back line which Al mohannadi, who was elected as one of the Mohammad Amin-ul Islam target. Winning a trophy at this level looked patchy and inconsistent vice-presidents of the Asian

Qatar needed just four kicks definitely motivates a team, but it’s throughout the competition. Football Confederation last may, Divakaran DSP/Vinod ššOman team members exult after winning the title. as Ahmed Al Janhy, Abdulaziz Al not everything. However, he said his team was a also exuded confidence that tHIrD place in the GCC Kuwari, Saleh Halabi and Khaled In the first semifinal, Oman balanced one and would do much regional teams would do well ŢšOman’s thamer Under-17 Championship at Saleh all scored. raced to a 2-0 lead, with goals from better in the Asian qualifiers. on the international scene. Al Zoaby controls home was not an ideal Oman overcame Saudi Arabia mohammed Al Khumaisy (fourth “If you’re talking about our “that’s possible with better the ball as Saudi Arabia’s Hassan Al Yousef turns Oman’s hero A co-operation and planning. We result for Qatar, but coach Arno 5-3, also on the penalties after the minute) and motassim Al bikry four team effort, the boys showed it must have more co-ordination, Natour looks on. buitenweg defended the boys, who regulation time ended goalless, to minutes later. in all four matches. As I had said, exchange of expertise and we OALKEEpEr Yousef Al Sheedi happen,” said Oman coach Yacoub Al UAE’s performance left a lot to be beat Kuwait 5-3 on penalties in win the title. Earlier, Oman beat but Qatar came back strongly to these boys are being groomed for can help each other to develop turned out to be the hero for Sabahi. desired as the champions struggled play-off. Qatar 3-2 in the semifinal with a level the scores. the future national teams. they’ll the sport in the region. GOman at the Aspire Dome While the first half belonged barring their hard-fought 2-1 win Qatar scored in the 29th minute stoppage-time goal. Hashem found the back of the net make mistakes and without them “In West Asia, we’ll work last week, with some great saves in to Oman, the Saudis played with against the Saudis in their opening through Hashem Abdulatif, who Saudi Arabia thumped Kuwait 4-0 you don’t learn. the best is yet to together for the betterment regulation time and two crucial stops confidence in the second. but with group game. but the euphoria was found his fifth goal in the 10-day in the other last-four clash. come and I’m sure we’ll continue to of the game,” he added. in the tie-breaker to deny Saudi both teams lacking in finishing, the short-lived as they went down to tournament, following a good move “We were unlucky not to have THESE BOYS ARE BEING improve with time,” he added. Arabia their fifth title at the 12th GCC match meandered into shoot-out. Qatar 0-4 in their last match which initiated by mohammed Idriss from reached the final. It’s never nice to GROOMED FOR THE A lot more was expected from the Under-17 Championships. helped the home team qualify for the centre. play for third or fourth position, but FUTURE NATIONAL home team, who probably has the Oman, who won 5-3 on penalties the semifinal as the second-best side but Qatar’s mohammed Al Naimi the boys tried their best and came TEAMS. best set-up in terms of infrastructure. after the regulation time ended UAE’S PERFORMANCE in the three-team Group b. fouled Ahmed Abbas inside the thus far. I think they deserved this Expectations were high after the goalless, had finished runners-up LEFT A LOT TO BE DESIRED “Our main task was to retain the box and the resultant penalty was place and we got something from Qatar U-19 team’s success at the to the UAE in the last edition held in AS THE CHAMPIONS title which we couldn’t, but our converted by Khalid Al Shweeb the competition,” said buitenweg. in the 25th while Idriss equalised Asian Championship last year and bahrain, but this time, there was no STRUGGLED. long-term objective was to make in the 48th as the regulation time “At times, football is cruel and you in the 53rd from a corner, but the subsequent qualification for the FIFA stopping them. use of this competition to fine- ended 1-1. don’t get the result that you expect. visitors had the last laugh when U-20 World Cup in New Zealand in It was Oman’s second title after tune the team for the AFC Under-16 In the tie-breaker, goalkeeper Our boys did a tremendous job Yahya Al Hudaify dashed Qatar’s June. but they failed to fulfil their 2001. “We did our best, but couldn’t qualifiers,” said UAE coach Abdulla Al Haider Ali Ahmed turned out to against Oman after they were 0-2 hopes with a powerful header in promise. mohammed Al Qaidi, Yousef Al win,” said Saudi coach mohammed Shaheen. be Qatar’s hero, thwarting efforts down and that speaks a lot about injury time. malki, Sanad Al Araimi, Samar Al Al Abd Ali. from Jassim rashid and Ahmed their mental toughness. Asked if Qatar could advance RESULTS Zaibi and Yahya Al Hudaify all scored Qatar finished third, Kuwait fourth » The writer can be contacted at: Abbas as only Ahmed Al Janhy and “this is an age-group tournament from the AFC Under-16 qualifiers FINAL for Oman. For Saudi Arabia, Yasser and the UAE fifth. bahrain came last. [email protected] Oman bt Saudi Arabia 5-3 (September 14 to 20) to the finals 0-0 after regulation time, Oman win on Ibrahim, Ali Al Assaf and Walid Al next year in India, buitenweg said, penalties moussa found the target, but Yousef “We were unlucky not to have reached the “We’ve just completed an event and SEMIFINALS denied Abdulaziz Al Doehy and “Congratulations to our federation Oman bt Qatar 3-2 final. It’s never nice to play for third or fourth I think the boys didn’t do that bad in Saudi Arabia bt Kuwait 4-0 Abdulaziz Suleiman to dash their for the efforts it has made in building position, but the boys tried their best and the tournament where you had all THIRD-PLACE PLAY-OFF hopes . this squad, and thanks to our boys came thus far. I think they deserved this place the regional teams. We’re prepared Qatar bt Kuwait 5-3 “Congratulations to our federation and coaching staff for making it 1-1 after regulation time, Qatar win on and we got something from the competition. for the Asian competition as well.” penalties for the efforts it has made in building happen. buitenweg will have to put in a lot FIFTH-PLACE PLAY-OFF this squad, and thanks to our boys Arno Buitenweg, Qatar coach. of hard work to strengthen his team, UAE bt bahrain 2-1 and coaching staff for making it Yacoub Al Sabahi, Oman coach. 8 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 9 FOOTBALL | QATAR

SPECIAL AWARDS

Qatar needed just four kicks definitely motivates a team, but it’s throughout the competition. Football Confederation last may, Divakaran DSP/Vinod ššOman team members exult after winning the title. as Ahmed Al Janhy, Abdulaziz Al not everything. However, he said his team was a also exuded confidence that tHIrD place in the GCC Kuwari, Saleh Halabi and Khaled In the first semifinal, Oman balanced one and would do much regional teams would do well ŢšOman’s thamer Under-17 Championship at Saleh all scored. raced to a 2-0 lead, with goals from better in the Asian qualifiers. on the international scene. Al Zoaby controls home was not an ideal Oman overcame Saudi Arabia mohammed Al Khumaisy (fourth “If you’re talking about our “that’s possible with better the ball as Saudi Arabia’s Hassan Al Yousef turns Oman’s hero A co-operation and planning. We result for Qatar, but coach Arno 5-3, also on the penalties after the minute) and motassim Al bikry four team effort, the boys showed it must have more co-ordination, Natour looks on. buitenweg defended the boys, who regulation time ended goalless, to minutes later. in all four matches. As I had said, exchange of expertise and we OALKEEpEr Yousef Al Sheedi happen,” said Oman coach Yacoub Al UAE’s performance left a lot to be beat Kuwait 5-3 on penalties in win the title. Earlier, Oman beat but Qatar came back strongly to these boys are being groomed for can help each other to develop turned out to be the hero for Sabahi. desired as the champions struggled play-off. Qatar 3-2 in the semifinal with a level the scores. the future national teams. they’ll the sport in the region. GOman at the Aspire Dome While the first half belonged barring their hard-fought 2-1 win Qatar scored in the 29th minute stoppage-time goal. Hashem found the back of the net make mistakes and without them “In West Asia, we’ll work last week, with some great saves in to Oman, the Saudis played with against the Saudis in their opening through Hashem Abdulatif, who Saudi Arabia thumped Kuwait 4-0 you don’t learn. the best is yet to together for the betterment regulation time and two crucial stops confidence in the second. but with group game. but the euphoria was found his fifth goal in the 10-day in the other last-four clash. come and I’m sure we’ll continue to of the game,” he added. in the tie-breaker to deny Saudi both teams lacking in finishing, the short-lived as they went down to tournament, following a good move “We were unlucky not to have THESE BOYS ARE BEING improve with time,” he added. Arabia their fifth title at the 12th GCC match meandered into shoot-out. Qatar 0-4 in their last match which initiated by mohammed Idriss from reached the final. It’s never nice to GROOMED FOR THE A lot more was expected from the Under-17 Championships. helped the home team qualify for the centre. play for third or fourth position, but FUTURE NATIONAL home team, who probably has the Oman, who won 5-3 on penalties the semifinal as the second-best side but Qatar’s mohammed Al Naimi the boys tried their best and came TEAMS. best set-up in terms of infrastructure. after the regulation time ended UAE’S PERFORMANCE in the three-team Group b. fouled Ahmed Abbas inside the thus far. I think they deserved this Expectations were high after the goalless, had finished runners-up LEFT A LOT TO BE DESIRED “Our main task was to retain the box and the resultant penalty was place and we got something from Qatar U-19 team’s success at the to the UAE in the last edition held in AS THE CHAMPIONS title which we couldn’t, but our converted by Khalid Al Shweeb the competition,” said buitenweg. in the 25th while Idriss equalised Asian Championship last year and bahrain, but this time, there was no STRUGGLED. long-term objective was to make in the 48th as the regulation time “At times, football is cruel and you in the 53rd from a corner, but the subsequent qualification for the FIFA stopping them. use of this competition to fine- ended 1-1. don’t get the result that you expect. visitors had the last laugh when U-20 World Cup in New Zealand in It was Oman’s second title after tune the team for the AFC Under-16 In the tie-breaker, goalkeeper Our boys did a tremendous job Yahya Al Hudaify dashed Qatar’s June. but they failed to fulfil their 2001. “We did our best, but couldn’t qualifiers,” said UAE coach Abdulla Al Haider Ali Ahmed turned out to against Oman after they were 0-2 hopes with a powerful header in promise. mohammed Al Qaidi, Yousef Al win,” said Saudi coach mohammed Shaheen. be Qatar’s hero, thwarting efforts down and that speaks a lot about injury time. malki, Sanad Al Araimi, Samar Al Al Abd Ali. from Jassim rashid and Ahmed their mental toughness. Asked if Qatar could advance RESULTS Zaibi and Yahya Al Hudaify all scored Qatar finished third, Kuwait fourth » The writer can be contacted at: Abbas as only Ahmed Al Janhy and “this is an age-group tournament from the AFC Under-16 qualifiers FINAL for Oman. For Saudi Arabia, Yasser and the UAE fifth. bahrain came last. [email protected] Oman bt Saudi Arabia 5-3 (September 14 to 20) to the finals 0-0 after regulation time, Oman win on Ibrahim, Ali Al Assaf and Walid Al next year in India, buitenweg said, penalties moussa found the target, but Yousef “We were unlucky not to have reached the “We’ve just completed an event and SEMIFINALS denied Abdulaziz Al Doehy and “Congratulations to our federation Oman bt Qatar 3-2 final. It’s never nice to play for third or fourth I think the boys didn’t do that bad in Saudi Arabia bt Kuwait 4-0 Abdulaziz Suleiman to dash their for the efforts it has made in building position, but the boys tried their best and the tournament where you had all THIRD-PLACE PLAY-OFF hopes . this squad, and thanks to our boys came thus far. I think they deserved this place the regional teams. We’re prepared Qatar bt Kuwait 5-3 “Congratulations to our federation and coaching staff for making it 1-1 after regulation time, Qatar win on and we got something from the competition. for the Asian competition as well.” penalties for the efforts it has made in building happen. buitenweg will have to put in a lot FIFTH-PLACE PLAY-OFF this squad, and thanks to our boys Arno Buitenweg, Qatar coach. of hard work to strengthen his team, UAE bt bahrain 2-1 and coaching staff for making it Yacoub Al Sabahi, Oman coach. 10 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 11 FOOTBALL | INTERNATIONAL

şşDiafra Sakho scores West Ham’s third goal against Monk’s men keep Liverpool. making merry PALACE BLUES! Tom Hayward WANSEA City are becoming a force in the CRYSTAL PALACE STUN HOLDERS CHELSEA AS MANAGER JOSE MOURINHO SUFFERS ONLY HIS SECOND premier League after maintaining their ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE DEFEAT AT STAMFORD BRIDGE, WRITES STEVEN GRIFFITHS. Sunbeaten start with an impressive come-from-behind 2-1 victory over manchester United, manager Garry monk said. Last Sunday’s win was Swansea’s third in a row HELSEA manager Jose looked to have rescued a point for score more goals. against United and extended an excellent start to the mourinho suffered only his Chelsea when the on-loan monaco “It was not frustrating in the first season which began with an opening-day draw at Csecond premier League defeat striker headed in a pedro rodriguez half. You can’t expect to win the champions Chelsea. at Stamford bridge as Crystal palace cross for his first goal for the blues game inside 45 minutes against a “We’re a good team,” monk said. clinched a shock 2-1 win over the in the 79th. team who defends well. We made “We’re a force in this league and when we’re on it spluttering champions last week. However, parity was short-lived some changes and we created more and playing our best football we can be unbelievable. mourinho was taking charge of as defender Joel Ward headed chances and won the game,” he MANAGERS SPEAK “When we weren’t playing our best we can do the his 100th home fixture in England’s home from Sako’s cross in the 81st added. other side and that’s the key to being a good team. top flight, but palace ensured that to give second-placed palace their City had begun the season in Hammers end long “It’s three “It’s just the way we work and the stuff I try to put milestone will not be remembered first win at the bridge since 1982. ominous form with impressive points, but in place,” said monk, who has continued the club’s with any fondness by the wins over West bromwich Albion, it’s one recent tradition of possession-based, neat-passing portuguese coach as they inflicted Chelsea and Everton, scoring eight wait at Anfield of those football. his first league loss on home soil CHELSEA ARE ALREADY goals and conceding none. games Fundamental to the victory over United was their since Sunderland’s victory in April, LANGUISHING EIGHT but they struggled to break down After just three minutes, Skrtel’s ability to adapt. Pete Oliver that for 2014. POINTS BEHIND LEADERS a Watford side who had not tasted defensive header was inaccurate the club, for Swansea started the game playing 4-2-3-1 with It was the latest setback for MANCHESTER CITY. defeat in three matches following and not particularly powerful, the the supporters especially, limited success, but after Juan mata put United mourinho’s side, winners only their promotion to the top flight. centre-half clearing Dimitri payet’s it’s more than three ahead, they reverted to a diamond formation and once in their first four matches and After a frustrating first half ESt Ham handed centre directly to Aaron Cresswell, points. It’s the same story turned the game around with two quick goals already languishing eight points meanwhile, manchester City against a spirited Watford, Sterling Liverpool their first who intelligently picked out Lanzini through Andre Ayew and bafetimbi Gomis. as Arsenal — 52 years behind leaders manchester City, maintained their perfect start to ghosted into the box and converted defeat of the new for a routine finish on the edge of “We thought they were overloading us a bit W without winning at Anfield. who extended their 100 per cent the season with a 2-0 victory over bacary Sagna’s cross in the 47th to premier League season with a 3-0 the six-yard area. in the middle so we went to the diamond for 10 record in the top tier with a 2-0 win promoted Watford. open his account in sky blue. win last week that ended the east Worse was to follow, on 29 Especially at this kind of minutes in that second half,” monk said. “I think against Watford at Eastlands. raheem Sterling scored his first that lifted the tension which London club’s 52-year wait for minutes, after Lovren attempted stadium, and I think we that helped us get two quick goals and at the end Just seconds after clearing a goal for the club and Fernandinho had been building and City played success at Anfield. to shepherd the ball out of play did it with style, we didn’t we just made a couple of little changes and saw Gary Cahill header off the line, mali netted a superb second to lift City to with added freedom, doubling the Goals from manuel Lanzini and near the right-hand corner flag, nick it. It was a great the game out really well.” forward bakary Sako struck at the their fourth successive win. lead nine minutes later through mark Noble put Slaven bilic’s side performance in 90 per other end, sweeping high into the “raheem played very well, it was Fernandinho following a sublime firmly in control of a fixture in cent of the aspects of the LIVERPOOL’S SKRTEL net from Yannick bolasie’s cross to good for him to score,” said City one-two with David Silva. which they had not tasted victory modern game. AND LOVREN WERE give palace a 65th-minute lead. manager manuel pellegrini. “He since a 2-1 triumph in September Slaven Bilic, West Ham. Colombia’s radamel Falcao worked very hard and I’m sure he’ll 1963 before Diafra Sakho’s late RESPONSIBLE FOR TWO ššChelsea’s OF THE GOALS. radamel Falcao, MANAGERS SPEAK effort completed the rout. left, and Diego the dismissal of Liverpool “It’s going to be a really Costa look dejected midfielder philippe Coutinho early difficult league to get your after Crystal palace’s “We can frighten teams second goal. in the second half left the home but simply turned it over to Lanzini, home wins. but we’ve with our pace and we did side with a mountain to climb, who worked his way down the by- seven points out of 12... that from start to finish although Noble’s own sending off line and crossed for Noble to score the performance (against Chelsea). Our evened the teams up for the final after an attempted block disappointed, right from defenders had to defend 11 minutes. by Nathaniel Clyne. the off. Once we conceded really well and they did. the two first-half goals, created Liverpool had that early goal we just We’ve added new players inside the opening half hour, were responded to the couldn’t quite get back this season, but haven’t lost our spirit. a consequence of poor Liverpool opening goal with into the game... but our It was a really good performance, one defending, a trait which reds boss confidence, problems were self- of the best I’ve seen from one of my brendan rodgers seemed to have but lacked inflicted, we gave teams in terms of composure. corrected with his team having not the away poor goals and conceded in their opening three necessary Alan Pardew, Crystal palace. that was the biggest league games. poise and disappointment. ŠşSwansea’s Andre Central defenders martin cutting edge Ayew, left, duels with manchester Skrtel and Dejan Lovren shared once inside the Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool. United’s memphis “I’m not happy and for responsibility for the two goals. Hammers box. Depay for the ball. me a performance is a collective performance and obviously to HEADLINES QUOTE TWEET STAT GOAL MOMENT PLAYER perform collectively you need individual • Champions Chelsea “We parked the bus, “Sterling has scored his Crystal palace’s 2-1 Callum Wilson (for Ward’s winner (for Andre Ayew (Swansea crash to second but we didn’t put the first goal for manchester win at Stamford bournemouth against Crystal palace against City) performances. I can’t say defeat at home to handbrake on. It was City. bargain! bridge condemned Leicester City) Chelsea) Scored one goal, his I had 11 players performing together, palace simply great defending Former England Chelsea manager Jose After a hat-trick at two minutes after third of the campaign, two or three players weren’t good. I • man Utd lose 2-1 at when we didn’t have striker-turned-tV mourinho to only his West Ham in the radamel Falcao had and made another the ball. presenter Gary Lineker second home league previous week, Wilson equalised for Chelsea, for bafetimbi Gomis şChelsea’s Eden blame myself for not changing them Swansea, West Ham š West Ham United welcomes raheem defeat in 100 games opened the scoring Joel Ward dived in to as Swansea came Hazard finds himself and when I made the third change win 3-0 at Liverpool HIGHLIGHTS manager Slaven bilic Sterling’s first goal for with the club. against Leicester with head home bakary from behind to beat with nowhere to go • Leaders man City as he is challenged (substitution), I realised I needed a explains his team’s first City since his £49m an acrobatic overhead Sako’s cross and give manchester United by Crystal palace’s fourth. beat Watford for win at Anfield since move from Liverpool. kick in the 24th palace a famous win. 2-1. Joel Ward, left, and fourth straight win 1963. minute. Jason puncheon. Jose Mourinho, Chelsea. Reuters/Paul Hackett Reuters/Paul www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 11

şşDiafra Sakho scores West Ham’s third goal against Monk’s men keep Liverpool. making merry

Tom Hayward

WANSEA City are becoming a force in the premier League after maintaining their Sunbeaten start with an impressive come-from-behind 2-1 victory over manchester United, manager Garry monk said. Last Sunday’s win was Swansea’s third in a row against United and extended an excellent start to the season which began with an opening-day draw at champions Chelsea. “We’re a good team,” monk said. “We’re a force in this league and when we’re on it and playing our best football we can be unbelievable. MANAGERS SPEAK “When we weren’t playing our best we can do the other side and that’s the key to being a good team. Hammers end long “It’s three “It’s just the way we work and the stuff I try to put points, but in place,” said monk, who has continued the club’s it’s one recent tradition of possession-based, neat-passing wait at Anfield of those football. games Fundamental to the victory over United was their After just three minutes, Skrtel’s ability to adapt. Pete Oliver that for defensive header was inaccurate the club, for Swansea started the game playing 4-2-3-1 with and not particularly powerful, the the supporters especially, limited success, but after Juan mata put United centre-half clearing Dimitri payet’s it’s more than three ahead, they reverted to a diamond formation and ESt Ham handed centre directly to Aaron Cresswell, points. It’s the same story turned the game around with two quick goals Liverpool their first who intelligently picked out Lanzini through Andre Ayew and bafetimbi Gomis. as Arsenal — 52 years defeat of the new for a routine finish on the edge of “We thought they were overloading us a bit W without winning at Anfield. premier League season with a 3-0 the six-yard area. in the middle so we went to the diamond for 10 win last week that ended the east Worse was to follow, on 29 Especially at this kind of minutes in that second half,” monk said. “I think London club’s 52-year wait for minutes, after Lovren attempted stadium, and I think we that helped us get two quick goals and at the end success at Anfield. to shepherd the ball out of play did it with style, we didn’t we just made a couple of little changes and saw Goals from manuel Lanzini and near the right-hand corner flag, nick it. It was a great the game out really well.” mark Noble put Slaven bilic’s side performance in 90 per firmly in control of a fixture in cent of the aspects of the LIVERPOOL’S SKRTEL which they had not tasted victory modern game. AND LOVREN WERE since a 2-1 triumph in September Slaven Bilic, West Ham. 1963 before Diafra Sakho’s late RESPONSIBLE FOR TWO effort completed the rout. OF THE GOALS. the dismissal of Liverpool “It’s going to be a really midfielder philippe Coutinho early difficult league to get your in the second half left the home but simply turned it over to Lanzini, home wins. but we’ve side with a mountain to climb, who worked his way down the by- seven points out of 12... although Noble’s own sending off line and crossed for Noble to score the performance evened the teams up for the final after an attempted block disappointed, right from 11 minutes. by Nathaniel Clyne. the off. Once we conceded the two first-half goals, created Liverpool had that early goal we just inside the opening half hour, were responded to the couldn’t quite get back a consequence of poor Liverpool opening goal with into the game... but our defending, a trait which reds boss confidence, problems were self- brendan rodgers seemed to have but lacked inflicted, we gave corrected with his team having not the away poor goals and conceded in their opening three necessary that was the biggest league games. poise and disappointment. ŠşSwansea’s Andre Central defenders martin cutting edge Ayew, left, duels with manchester Skrtel and Dejan Lovren shared once inside the Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool. United’s memphis responsibility for the two goals. Hammers box. Depay for the ball.

HEADLINES QUOTE TWEET STAT GOAL MOMENT PLAYER • Champions Chelsea “We parked the bus, “Sterling has scored his Crystal palace’s 2-1 Callum Wilson (for Ward’s winner (for Andre Ayew (Swansea crash to second but we didn’t put the first goal for manchester win at Stamford bournemouth against Crystal palace against City) defeat at home to handbrake on. It was City. bargain! bridge condemned Leicester City) Chelsea) Scored one goal, his palace simply great defending Former England Chelsea manager Jose After a hat-trick at two minutes after third of the campaign, • man Utd lose 2-1 at when we didn’t have striker-turned-tV mourinho to only his West Ham in the radamel Falcao had and made another Swansea, West Ham the ball. presenter Gary Lineker second home league previous week, Wilson equalised for Chelsea, for bafetimbi Gomis win 3-0 at Liverpool West Ham United welcomes raheem defeat in 100 games opened the scoring Joel Ward dived in to as Swansea came HIGHLIGHTS manager Slaven bilic Sterling’s first goal for with the club. against Leicester with head home bakary from behind to beat • Leaders man City explains his team’s first City since his £49m an acrobatic overhead Sako’s cross and give manchester United beat Watford for win at Anfield since move from Liverpool. kick in the 24th palace a famous win. 2-1. fourth straight win 1963. minute. 12 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 13 FOOTBALL | INTERNATIONAL

Lionel messi was voted UEFA’s claimed it last year. RESULTS WEEKLY ROUND-UP Messi, Sasic best player in Europe for FFC Frankfurt’s Sasic, 27, was are voted 2014-15, with Germany’s Celia voted the best women’s player EPL Sasic winning the women’s ahead of France’s Amandine Southampton bt Norwich 3-0 UEFA’s best award. Henry and fellow German Swansea bt man United 2-1 the Argentinian, who won Dzsenifer marozsan. bournemouth drew Leicester 1-1 players the Champions League, La Liga Sasic, who retired last Aston Villa drew Sunderland 2-2 and Spanish Cup with barcelona, month, was the top scorer in Chelsea lost to Crystal palace 1-2 Real win big, claimed the award for the second the Champions League which Liverpool lost to West Ham 0-3 time ahead of Cristiano ronaldo Frankfurt won, the bundesliga man City bt Watford 2-0 and Luis Suarez. and at the Women’s World Cup Newcastle lost to Arsenal 0-1 messi also won the title in Canada where she won the Stoke City lost to West bromwich 0-1 in 2010-2011 while ronaldo Golden boot award. tottenham drew Everton 0-0 SPFL Barca struggle Celtic bt St Johnstone 3-1 Dundee drew Inverness 1-1 Hamilton bt Hearts 3-2 out-of-sorts Cristiano ronaldo, Roma beat Juventus SPECIAL COLUMN Iain Rogers motherwell bt Kilmarnock 1-0 sealed a resounding win with a partick thistle lost to Aberdeen 0-2 long-range effort a minute from In Italy, Juventus made the worst ross County bt Dundee United 2-1 time that cannoned in off a post. start of any Italian champions in LA LIGA EAL madrid got their season Earlier, thomas Vermaelen 74 years, slumping to a 2-1 loss at Is Chung actually as clean as he claims? Eibar bt Athletic bilbao 2-0 up and running when Gareth scored his first goal for barca in AS roma for their second straight Getafe lost to Granada 1-2 Rbale and James rodriguez their laboured win over malaga defeat. like everyone to believe? I had Eckert’s most telling reference to the Chamber of the FIFA Ethics Las palmas drew Levante 0-0 struck twice in a 5-0 drubbing at the Camp Nou, a second It is the first time Juve, who lost Andrew Warshaw revisited the 42-page summary Garcia report as far as Chung and Committee trusts the Investigatory Sevilla lost to Atl madrid 0-3 of real betis last week while La consecutive 1-0 victory for the only three league games last of michael Garcia’s notorious South Korea are concerned. Chamber will take appropriate Valencia drew Deportivo Coruna 1-1 Celta Vigo bt rayo Vallecano 3-0 Liga champions barcelona edged European champions after they season, have suffered such a poor 430-page dossier into the 2018 “While the fund has not been steps if it deems such measures barcelona bt malaga 1-0 malaga 1-0 to maintain their beat Athletic bilbao by the same start in the league. HAt’S good for the and ’22 World Cup bid process and mentioned in the official bid appropriate and feasible. real madrid bt real betis 5-0 perfect start. score in the previous week. New strikers Carlos bacca and Do you need De Gea goose, as the saying potential corruption at FIFA. documents submitted by Korea No one at FIFA is saying r Sociedad drew Sporting Gijon 0-0 New coach rafa benitez restored meanwhile, Atletico madrid’s Luiz Adriano bagged their maiden Wgoes, is good for the the summary, if you remember, ’22, the bid team highlighted the whether an investigation has or Villarreal bt Espanyol 3-1 rodriguez to the starting line- Serie A goals to give AC milan their gander. When former FIFA was compiled and made public proposal to contribute $777m to hasn’t been initiated as a result SERIE A up against last season’s second first points of the season with a when you’ve Navas? vice-president Chung mong-Joon several months ago by FIFA’s ethics football development during its of these remarks, verging on a roma bt Juventus 2-1 division winners after he was VERMAELEN SCORED HIS 2-1 home win over Empoli while entered the presidential race earlier judge Hans-Joachim Eckert and, as oral presentation of the bid the day recommendation. but what cannot Atlanta bt Frosinone 2-0 controversially left out in the 0-0 FIRST GOAL FOR BARCA striker mario balotelli, back on OStA rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas produced by casting aspertions on both on we know, effectively cleared russia before the December 2, ’10. FIFA be disputed is that Chung’s global Carpi lost to Inter milan 1-2 draw at another promoted side, IN THEIR LABOURED WIN loan at his old club from Liverpool, another excellent performance for real madrid his rival michel platini and the and Qatar of any malpractice. but ExCom vote. moreover, Dr Chung’s fund proposal, largely ignored Chievo Verona bt Lazio 4-0 Genoa bt Verona 2-0 Sporting Gijon, on the opening OVER MALAGA. spent the game on the bench. in last week’s 5-0 La Liga win at home to real outgoing Sepp blatter, he must’ve there is a direct reference to the close association with Korea’s bid, hitherto in western media coverage C Napoli bt Sampdoria 2-2 weekend. Chievo Verona are the early betis that may have left many fans of the world’s realised reaction to his comments South Korean bid that had nothing both in fact and in the perception of of the ’18 and ’22 issue, was — torino bt Fiorentina 3-1 the Colombian was in pacesetters after they hammered richest club wondering why they need David de Gea. would be swift. to do with any specific donations others, was beyond any doubt.” and maybe still is — the subject Udinese lost to palermo 0-1 scintillating form at the bernabeu Jackson martinez scored his first Lazio 4-0 to make it two wins out According to reports in Spanish and british media, mud-slinging works both ways of considerable interest to FIFA’s AC milan bt Empoli 2-1 and crossed for bale to head home goal for the club when he came off of two and seven goals scored. real are poised to pay manchester United €40m to and Chung needs all the help he Ethics Committee and went further bologna lost to Sassuolo 0-1 in only the second minute. the bench and curled in a superb buy Spain keeper De Gea, who has not played this can get, just as prince Ali bin Al CHUNG’S GLOBAL FUND PROPOSAL WAS THE SUBJECT OF than the odd donation to the odd BUNDESLIGA rodriguez smashed in a superb effort to seal a hard-fought 3-0 PSG maintain winning run season because of the transfer saga. Hussein did last time, if he’s to CONSIDERABLE INTEREST TO FIFA’S ETHICS COMMITTEE. country. b Dortmund bt Hertha berlin 3-1 free-kick before half-time and victory at Sevilla. In France, Edinson Cavani struck If the deal is confirmed, it will put Navas, who succeed in his unlikely comeback the bigger picture, of course, Werder bremen bt b m’gladbach 2-1 bale crossed for Karim benzema to twice as paris Saint-Germain beat joined real from Levante for a fee of around €10m bid next February. particularly concerns the twin Swiss and US Cologne bt Hamburg 2-1 Borussia lead table mainz bt Hanover 96 3-0 make it 3-0 two minutes into the monaco 3-0 to extend their perfect after a sparkling performance at last year’s World Cup since, also like prince Ali, he doesn’t made by Chung to any specific “In the light of this, the report probes that have cast a shadow bayern munich bt b Leverkusen 3-0 second half. In Germany, borussia Dortmund start to the Ligue 1 season to four finals, in a difficult position. have the backing of his own nations, but focussed on potentially concludes that the Global Football over the entire electoral process. FC Augsburg lost to FC Ingolstadt 0-1 playmaker rodriguez then fired eased past Hertha berlin 3-1 to go wins. Known as the “Falcon of Costa rica” for his agility, confederation. Not officially, at least. far more damaging activities which Fund letters created at least the Although FIFA’s members won’t SV Darmstadt 98 drew Hoffenheim 0-0 in an acrobatic overhead kick three top of the bundesliga with their Laurent blanc’s side, who have the 28-year-old was one of the star players in brazil Which made his recent verbal appeared to at least throw into appearance of a conflict or an offer vote on blatter’s successor until Vfb Stuttgart lost to E Frankfurt 1-4 minutes later as real put Seville- third consecutive victory. yet to concede a goal, lead Stade and his brilliant form helped the central American onslaught (unaccompanied by any question Chung’s conduct and of benefits to FIFA ExCom members February 26, candidates have VfL Wolfsburg bt Schalke 04 3-0 ŢŢreal madrid’s based betis to the sword. Shinji Kagawa helped set up de reims, who crushed FC Lorient James rodriguez, nation unexpectedly reach the last eight. manifesto) all the more surprising, which, because of all the paranoia in an effort to influence their votes.” to throw their hats in the ring LIGUE 1 betis had a chance to pull a two goals for Dortmund who have 4-1, by three points, while monaco, left, celebrates Against betis, he demonstrated that agility when unleashing as it did an angry about russia and Qatar at the time, According to the findings by October 26. It would be monaco lost to pSG 0-3 with Gareth bale goal back when raphael Varane nine points, as many as champions eliminated in the playoff round of he leaped to snatch the ball from the feet of forward response from blatter about the slipped through the net of media regarding the Korean bid, understandable if prospective G bordeaux bt Nantes 2-0 after scoring St Etienne bt bastia 2-1 conceded a penalty for a foul on bayern munich, but are top on the Champions League by Valencia against real betis. ruben Castro who seemed certain to score and later wisdom, or lack of it, of personal scrutiny. there’re certain indications of candidates were uncomfortable Angers SCO drew Nice 1-1 substitute Jorge molina, but Keylor goal difference. earlier this week, are saved a penalty from the same player with another attacks. Under the heading entitled potentially problematic conduct about committing themselves while Caen lost to Oly Lyon 0-4 Navas saved ruben Castro’s weak bayern’s own fine form saw 13th on five points. fine stop. Amid the tit-for-tat exchanges, “Findings regarding the Korea 2022 of specific individuals in the light the investigations develop. ES troyes drew montpellier 0-0 61st-minute effort. them beat bayer Leverkusen real’s new coach rafa benitez has repeatedly Chung’s remarks rekindled bid”, Eckert’s summary cites “several of relevant FIFA Ethics rules. the Chung feels he has little to fear. Lille bt GFC Ajaccio 1-0 bale, who overshadowed an 3-0 with two goals from declined to confirm or deny whether De Gea will be questions about so-called letters” sent by Chung “in late ’10” Chairman of the Adjudicatory Indeed, he recently supported the Stade rennes bt toulouse 3-1 thomas mueller on his 200th joining the club, where he is seen as a long-term “charitable donations” he made to (in other words around the time of idea of a full investigation. but as Stade de reims bt FC Lorient 4-1 bundesliga game. replacement for former captain Iker Casillas, who left pakistan and Haiti, payments he the World Cup vote) to FIFA ExCom we have seen with other figures of Guingamp bt Oly marseille 2-0 to join porto last month. insists were totally above board. He members about a proposal to supposedly high repute, it doesn’t BRAZILIAN C’SHIP Navas earned effusive praise from Emilio said, he had been donating money establish a “Global Football Fund”. necessarily pay to promote oneself, Atl paranaense bt Goias 3-0 Avai bt Internacional 3-0 butragueno, a former real striker who is now a club to good causes at home and abroad According to Eckert, Korea in the current climate, as a paragon Chapecoense lost to Corinthians 1-3 director. since the 1990s and made a point intended to raise $777m from ’11 of virtue and integrity. Skeletons Cruzeiro lost to Santos 0-1 “He was spectacular, he reacted like a cat,” said of accusing those who cited such to ’22 “to aid confederations and invariably emerge from cupboards. Fluminense lost to Atl mineiro 1-2 butragueno. donations as being part of a FIFA member associations to build new As for platini, he’s still seemingly Gremio drew Coritiba 0-0 ethics investigation as indulging in football infrastructure and renovate keeping his powder dry. His eagerly palmeiras bt Joinville 3-2 malicious point-scoring. existing facilities”. awaited first press conference since Sport lost to Flamengo 0-1 Sao paulo bt ponte preta 3-0 “recent media reports allege “the fund should also be announcing he’s also running for Vasco lost to Figueirense 0-1 FIFA has started an investigation used to support human resource FIFA election turned into a giant into its honorary vice-president development programmes for anti-climax last week when he ARGENTINIAN C’SHIP Independiente drew Estudiantes 1-1 Dr Chung mong-Joon’s ’10 training of coaches, administrators, refused to answer any questions Union (Santa Fe) lost to rosario Central 0-1 donations to disaster relief and players etc. the fund should about his candidacy, much to Arsenal bt tigre 2-0 “He (Navas) was spectacular, funds to Haiti and pakistan,” said be distributed to the respective the disappointment and Godoy Cruz lost to racing Club 0-1 he reacted like a cat. He Chung’s statement. “If these continents and be left to annoyance of scores river plate drew Huracan 1-1 participated a lot in the game, reports are true, we condemn this each confederation of journalists who San Lorenzo drew banfield 0-0 he influenced the result with as a cynical and unethical effort to administer had travelled Sarmiento lost to Atl rafaela 0-1 Newell’s Old boys lost to Colon 0-1 his brilliance and you’ve to by FIFA to misrepresent even for concrete to monaco Velez Sarsfield bt Defensa y justicia 2-1 emphasise that. charitable donations for political development specifically Aldosivi bt San martin (San Juan) 2-0 Emilio Butragueno, manipulation.” projects.” to hear his Gimnasia-La plata lost to boca Juniors 1-2 real madrid Strong words indeed, but is then Chung blueprint for Quilmes drew temperley 0-0 director. Chung actually as clean as he would comes Mong-Joon the future. Arg Juniors bt Crucero del Norte 4-0 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 13

Lionel messi was voted UEFA’s claimed it last year. RESULTS Messi, Sasic best player in Europe for FFC Frankfurt’s Sasic, 27, was are voted 2014-15, with Germany’s Celia voted the best women’s player EPL Sasic winning the women’s ahead of France’s Amandine Southampton bt Norwich 3-0 UEFA’s best award. Henry and fellow German Swansea bt man United 2-1 the Argentinian, who won Dzsenifer marozsan. bournemouth drew Leicester 1-1 players the Champions League, La Liga Sasic, who retired last Aston Villa drew Sunderland 2-2 and Spanish Cup with barcelona, month, was the top scorer in Chelsea lost to Crystal palace 1-2 claimed the award for the second the Champions League which Liverpool lost to West Ham 0-3 time ahead of Cristiano ronaldo Frankfurt won, the bundesliga man City bt Watford 2-0 and Luis Suarez. and at the Women’s World Cup Newcastle lost to Arsenal 0-1 messi also won the title in Canada where she won the Stoke City lost to West bromwich 0-1 in 2010-2011 while ronaldo Golden boot award. tottenham drew Everton 0-0 SPFL Celtic bt St Johnstone 3-1 Dundee drew Inverness 1-1 Hamilton bt Hearts 3-2 SPECIAL COLUMN motherwell bt Kilmarnock 1-0 partick thistle lost to Aberdeen 0-2 ross County bt Dundee United 2-1 LA LIGA Is Chung actually as clean as he claims? Eibar bt Athletic bilbao 2-0 Getafe lost to Granada 1-2 like everyone to believe? I had Eckert’s most telling reference to the Chamber of the FIFA Ethics Las palmas drew Levante 0-0 Andrew Warshaw revisited the 42-page summary Garcia report as far as Chung and Committee trusts the Investigatory Sevilla lost to Atl madrid 0-3 of michael Garcia’s notorious South Korea are concerned. Chamber will take appropriate Valencia drew Deportivo Coruna 1-1 Celta Vigo bt rayo Vallecano 3-0 430-page dossier into the 2018 “While the fund has not been steps if it deems such measures barcelona bt malaga 1-0 HAt’S good for the and ’22 World Cup bid process and mentioned in the official bid appropriate and feasible. real madrid bt real betis 5-0 goose, as the saying potential corruption at FIFA. documents submitted by Korea No one at FIFA is saying r Sociedad drew Sporting Gijon 0-0 Wgoes, is good for the the summary, if you remember, ’22, the bid team highlighted the whether an investigation has or Villarreal bt Espanyol 3-1 gander. When former FIFA was compiled and made public proposal to contribute $777m to hasn’t been initiated as a result SERIE A vice-president Chung mong-Joon several months ago by FIFA’s ethics football development during its of these remarks, verging on a roma bt Juventus 2-1 entered the presidential race earlier judge Hans-Joachim Eckert and, as oral presentation of the bid the day recommendation. but what cannot Atlanta bt Frosinone 2-0 by casting aspertions on both on we know, effectively cleared russia before the December 2, ’10. FIFA be disputed is that Chung’s global Carpi lost to Inter milan 1-2 his rival michel platini and the and Qatar of any malpractice. but ExCom vote. moreover, Dr Chung’s fund proposal, largely ignored Chievo Verona bt Lazio 4-0 Genoa bt Verona 2-0 outgoing Sepp blatter, he must’ve there is a direct reference to the close association with Korea’s bid, hitherto in western media coverage Napoli bt Sampdoria 2-2 realised reaction to his comments South Korean bid that had nothing both in fact and in the perception of of the ’18 and ’22 issue, was — torino bt Fiorentina 3-1 would be swift. to do with any specific donations others, was beyond any doubt.” and maybe still is — the subject Udinese lost to palermo 0-1 mud-slinging works both ways of considerable interest to FIFA’s AC milan bt Empoli 2-1 and Chung needs all the help he Ethics Committee and went further bologna lost to Sassuolo 0-1 can get, just as prince Ali bin Al CHUNG’S GLOBAL FUND PROPOSAL WAS THE SUBJECT OF than the odd donation to the odd BUNDESLIGA Hussein did last time, if he’s to CONSIDERABLE INTEREST TO FIFA’S ETHICS COMMITTEE. country. b Dortmund bt Hertha berlin 3-1 succeed in his unlikely comeback the bigger picture, of course, Werder bremen bt b m’gladbach 2-1 bid next February. particularly concerns the twin Swiss and US Cologne bt Hamburg 2-1 mainz bt Hanover 96 3-0 since, also like prince Ali, he doesn’t made by Chung to any specific “In the light of this, the report probes that have cast a shadow bayern munich bt b Leverkusen 3-0 have the backing of his own nations, but focussed on potentially concludes that the Global Football over the entire electoral process. FC Augsburg lost to FC Ingolstadt 0-1 confederation. Not officially, at least. far more damaging activities which Fund letters created at least the Although FIFA’s members won’t SV Darmstadt 98 drew Hoffenheim 0-0 Which made his recent verbal appeared to at least throw into appearance of a conflict or an offer vote on blatter’s successor until Vfb Stuttgart lost to E Frankfurt 1-4 onslaught (unaccompanied by any question Chung’s conduct and of benefits to FIFA ExCom members February 26, candidates have VfL Wolfsburg bt Schalke 04 3-0 manifesto) all the more surprising, which, because of all the paranoia in an effort to influence their votes.” to throw their hats in the ring LIGUE 1 unleashing as it did an angry about russia and Qatar at the time, According to the findings by October 26. It would be monaco lost to pSG 0-3 response from blatter about the slipped through the net of media regarding the Korean bid, understandable if prospective G bordeaux bt Nantes 2-0 St Etienne bt bastia 2-1 wisdom, or lack of it, of personal scrutiny. there’re certain indications of candidates were uncomfortable Angers SCO drew Nice 1-1 attacks. Under the heading entitled potentially problematic conduct about committing themselves while Caen lost to Oly Lyon 0-4 Amid the tit-for-tat exchanges, “Findings regarding the Korea 2022 of specific individuals in the light the investigations develop. ES troyes drew montpellier 0-0 Chung’s remarks rekindled bid”, Eckert’s summary cites “several of relevant FIFA Ethics rules. the Chung feels he has little to fear. Lille bt GFC Ajaccio 1-0 questions about so-called letters” sent by Chung “in late ’10” Chairman of the Adjudicatory Indeed, he recently supported the Stade rennes bt toulouse 3-1 “charitable donations” he made to (in other words around the time of idea of a full investigation. but as Stade de reims bt FC Lorient 4-1 pakistan and Haiti, payments he the World Cup vote) to FIFA ExCom we have seen with other figures of Guingamp bt Oly marseille 2-0 insists were totally above board. He members about a proposal to supposedly high repute, it doesn’t BRAZILIAN C’SHIP said, he had been donating money establish a “Global Football Fund”. necessarily pay to promote oneself, Atl paranaense bt Goias 3-0 Avai bt Internacional 3-0 to good causes at home and abroad According to Eckert, Korea in the current climate, as a paragon Chapecoense lost to Corinthians 1-3 since the 1990s and made a point intended to raise $777m from ’11 of virtue and integrity. Skeletons Cruzeiro lost to Santos 0-1 of accusing those who cited such to ’22 “to aid confederations and invariably emerge from cupboards. Fluminense lost to Atl mineiro 1-2 donations as being part of a FIFA member associations to build new As for platini, he’s still seemingly Gremio drew Coritiba 0-0 ethics investigation as indulging in football infrastructure and renovate keeping his powder dry. His eagerly palmeiras bt Joinville 3-2 malicious point-scoring. existing facilities”. awaited first press conference since Sport lost to Flamengo 0-1 Sao paulo bt ponte preta 3-0 “recent media reports allege “the fund should also be announcing he’s also running for Vasco lost to Figueirense 0-1 FIFA has started an investigation used to support human resource FIFA election turned into a giant into its honorary vice-president development programmes for anti-climax last week when he ARGENTINIAN C’SHIP Independiente drew Estudiantes 1-1 Dr Chung mong-Joon’s ’10 training of coaches, administrators, refused to answer any questions Union (Santa Fe) lost to rosario Central 0-1 donations to disaster relief and players etc. the fund should about his candidacy, much to Arsenal bt tigre 2-0 funds to Haiti and pakistan,” said be distributed to the respective the disappointment and Godoy Cruz lost to racing Club 0-1 Chung’s statement. “If these continents and be left to annoyance of scores river plate drew Huracan 1-1 reports are true, we condemn this each confederation of journalists who San Lorenzo drew banfield 0-0 as a cynical and unethical effort to administer had travelled Sarmiento lost to Atl rafaela 0-1 Newell’s Old boys lost to Colon 0-1 by FIFA to misrepresent even for concrete to monaco Velez Sarsfield bt Defensa y justicia 2-1 charitable donations for political development specifically Aldosivi bt San martin (San Juan) 2-0 manipulation.” projects.” to hear his Gimnasia-La plata lost to boca Juniors 1-2 Strong words indeed, but is then Chung blueprint for Quilmes drew temperley 0-0 Chung actually as clean as he would comes Mong-Joon the future. Arg Juniors bt Crucero del Norte 4-0 14 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 15 FOOTBALL | INTERNATIONAL

GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP A B C D

“there were some “It’s a group that’s not “It’s a very tough draw, “It could be worse... “In the Champions “It’s a very competitive “We’re aiming to “Historically in the teams to avoid in easy because we know but on the other hand and it could be better. League, there’re no group. benfica and get out of the group previous four years it’s the third and fourth that pSG are a great also great to play against So it’s always with a easy games or groups. Galatasaray are well although there’s no been difficult for us to get pot (apart from real team with great players manchester United and draw. We’ve to analyse there’re different known. At home they’re soft teams in there. out of the group because madrid from pot b), and they reinforce their to meet Louis van Gaal the other teams at this opponents and different very strong, so the group We’re Juventus we’ve had tough draws. then it could’ve been squad every season. and of course memphis moment because you matches. benfica will’ve is open and will give us a and must not fear It’s a little bit different even worse. We can there’s also Shakhtar Depay again. CSKA can look at the past, a say while respecting all lot of work. anything or anyone.” this time. We didn’t get HOW THEY REACTED HOW barcelona and we didn’t consider ourselves and and malmo, so it’s not moscow and Wolfsburg but the present is more opponents. We’re aware Clemente Villaverde, Atletico Beppe Marotta, Juventus real as the favourites. an easy group. are also strong sides. important. of our strengths. madrid executive. Chief Executive. get bayern munich. Laurent Blanc, pSG coach. Rafa Benitez, real madrid Phillip Cocu,, pSV Eindhoven Louis van Gaal, manchester Rui Vitoria, benfica coach. Brian Marwood, manchester coach. coach. United manager. City director of football services.

Malmo website excitement into a competition Brian Homewood that, recently in the group crashes after Ibra’s GROUP stages, has been short on return news romance and shock results. E HE Champions League Last season, all but five the website of malmo FF crashed group stages took on a less places in the round of 16 were following the news that Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who started his career “We’ve been drawn with “those are pretty much the predictable look after last taken before the final round of T with the Swedish champions, will good teams and the fans toughest opponents that week’s draw, helped by UEFA’s matches in the group stages. return to the city with paris Saint- will be excited about the you can get. decision to tweak the seeding In addition, 11 teams have Germain for the group stage of the matches. the teams are all Roberto Hilbert, bayer system. reached the round of 16 for Champions League. strong, especially roma, Leverkusen defender. Only Group A, where paris the last two seasons in a row. After beating Scottish champions Ajax, Celtic drawn Celtic to reach the group stage, malmo and it’ll be a great spectacle. Saint-Germain and real madrid this time, the thrills could start I think our squad is more should steam through, and Group in Group b featuring manchester pirlo and Arturo Vidal. were drawn into Group A with real madrid, Shaktar Donetsk and pSG. into same group competitive than ever . F, set to be dominated by bayern United, VfL Wolfsburg, CSKA City’s poor “there was a lot of pressure Josep Maria Bartomeu, barcelona munich and Arsenal, appeared to moscow and pSV. European record has on the website just after the OrmEr European champions Ajax Amsterdam president. be foregone conclusions after the pSV will want to show Dutch shown that premier draw was made,” malmo’s head and Celtic will meet in the Europa League after hour-long ceremony in monaco. club football is alive and kicking, League status and of communications peter Fbeing drawn together in the group stage. Other sections looked far more Wolfsburg were bundesliga riches do not guarantee Ahlander said, adding that Four-time European champions Ajax and difficult to call, particularly Group Champions League the club was delighted Celtic were placed in Group A alongside turkey’s D where anything could happen success. with the draw. Fenerbahce and Norwegian side molde. ONLY GROUPS A AND Ibrahimovic left GROUP between Juventus, manchester Europa League winners malmo in 2001 to join Anderlecht will meet tottenham Hotspur in a City, Sevilla and borussia F APPEARED TO BE Sevilla are seasoned Ajax, but despite a slew repeat of the 1984 final after they were drawn into moenchengladbach. FOREGONE CONCLUSIONS campaigners with a talented of league titles with Group J alongside monaco and Qarabag. F In the past years, UEFA had based AFTER THE DRAW. coach in Unai Emery and the likes of Juventus, Napoli were drawn with Club bruges, Legia its seeding system for the draw on outsiders moenchengladbach Inter milan, AC milan Warsaw and midtjylland in Group D while borussia “there’s only truth in “the draw started club coefficients, a complex ranking are capable of springing an and barcelona, the Dortmund must face pAOK, Krasnodar and Qabala in football, you’ve to focus on ominously when we were 33-year-old has never based on results in European runners-up last season and CSKA upset. Group C. won the Champions yourself. We want to make it picked in bayern’s group, competition. came through a dramatic play-off Holders barcelona should League. Liverpool were drawn against Swiss side Sion, who out of this group, and reach but overall I think we can this time, European football’s against Sporting Lisbon. cruise through Group E, they beat 6-3 at Anfield in ’96, Girondins bordeaux the knockout stages. We be relatively pleased with governing body brought in a While United should go through, but there is likely to be and rubin Kazan in Group b. need good form, we need how it turned out. bayern change, the top seeds were they will not want to depend on a fascinating battle for Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, last season’s runners-up, to be serious and humble. have knocked us out twice the champions of the eight getting a result in their final match second place between bayer will face Lazio, St Etienne and rosenborg in Group G. Arsenal and bayern are the so it’s about time we most successful nations in club at Wolfsburg. Leverkusen and AS roma. Fiorentina coach paulo Sousa faces a quick return favourites.” returned the favour — let’s competition. Atletico madrid should progress bAtE borisov of belarus are to FC basel, the team he led to the Swiss league title hope so anyway. real madrid, who lead the club from Group C, leaving Galatasaray unlikely to qualify, but could last season, after their were paired in Group I, which Matthias Sammer, bayern munich coefficients but were not La Liga and benfica to scrap for second throw a spanner in the works of selling their top players. Shakhtar Donetsk. also features Lech poznan and belenenses. Sporting Executive. David Miles, Arsenal secretary. winners last season, were one of place with Kazakh outsiders Astana Leverkusen and roma, having porto, however, are by no Zenit St petersburg, who as the eight second seeds while Dutch adding an exotic touch. beaten bayern munich and Athletic means certain to get the better of russian league champions avoided champions pSV Eindhoven, 37th there are no clear favourites in bilbao in recent years. Dynamo Kiev having recently sold the likes of barcelona and bayern, in the coefficients, were one of the Group D where Serie A champions Chelsea should dominate Group Alex Sandro, Danilo and Jackson drew Valencia, Olympique Lyon and eight top seeds. and last season’s runners-up G although porto are always martinez. Gent in Group H where two of the GROUP GROUP Whether by accident or design, Juventus could struggle after the dangerous opponents with a knack Last season, Kiev wrested the first three have a realistic chance of the draw could pump a little more departures of Carlos tevez, Andrea of replenishing the team after Ukrainian premier League title from advancing. H G

“We’re in a very even “I don’t think we can “porto are a club that does “It’s a tough, difficult GROUP A GROUP B GROUP C GROUP D GROUP A GROUP B GROUP C GROUP D GROUP E GROUP F group and we’ll do our complain. there’s no easy good deals in (the) transfer group. Chelsea are a great paris St-Germain pSV Eindhoven benfica Juventus Ajax Amsterdam rubin Kazan borussia Dortmund Napoli Villarreal Olympique marseille best to reach the next opponent for teams at this market. but they keep team, with players who’re real madrid manchester United Atletico madrid manchester City Celtic Liverpool pAOK Salonika Club bruges Viktoria plzen braga round. Every detail in stage in the Champions replacing them with good not accessible to most Shakhtar Donetsk CSKA moscow Galatasaray Sevilla Fenerbahce bordeaux Krasnodar Legia Warsaw rapid Vienna Liberec malmo VfL Wolfsburg Astana borussia moenchengladbach molde Sion Qabala midtjylland Dinamo minsk Groningen the preparation for this League. We’ve to respect our players and end up in the European teams, and competition will be very three opponents because Champions League every they’ve a coach who knows GROUP E GROUP F GROUP G GROUP H GROUP G GROUP H GROUP I GROUP J GROUP K GROUP L important. they’re all at the top level season. It’s not an easy draw our club and portuguese barcelona bayern munich Chelsea Zenit St petersburg Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk Sporting Lisbon basel tottenham Hotspur Schalke 04 Athletic bilbao in their leagues and we at all. football inside out. We’ll bayer Leverkusen Arsenal porto Valencia Lazio besiktas Fiorentina Anderlecht ApOEL Nicosia AZ Alkmaar Andre Villas-Boas, Zenit coach. AS roma Olympiakos piraeus Dynamo Kiev Olympique Lyon St Etienne Lokomotiv moscow Lech poznan monaco Sparta prague Augsburg shouldn’t take any of them Carlo Cudicini, Chelsea’s global have to have confidence in bAtE borisov Dinamo Zagreb maccabi tel Aviv Gent rosenborg Skenderbeu belenenses Qarabag Asteras partizan belgrade EUROPA LEAGUE EUROPA lightly. ambassador. our capacities.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE matches to be played on September 15-16, 29-30, October 20-21, November 3-4, 24-25 and the group phase will be played from September 17 to December 10, with the top two teams from each reaching the knockout rounds Lay Hoon Chan, Valencia president. Julen Lopetegui, FC porto coach. December 8-9. where they will be joined by eight sides eliminated from the Champions League. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 15

GROUP GROUP GROUP B C D

“It’s a very tough draw, “It could be worse... “In the Champions “It’s a very competitive “We’re aiming to “Historically in the but on the other hand and it could be better. League, there’re no group. benfica and get out of the group previous four years it’s also great to play against So it’s always with a easy games or groups. Galatasaray are well although there’s no been difficult for us to get manchester United and draw. We’ve to analyse there’re different known. At home they’re soft teams in there. out of the group because to meet Louis van Gaal the other teams at this opponents and different very strong, so the group We’re Juventus we’ve had tough draws. and of course memphis moment because you matches. benfica will’ve is open and will give us a and must not fear It’s a little bit different Depay again. CSKA can look at the past, a say while respecting all lot of work. anything or anyone.” this time. We didn’t get barcelona and we didn’t moscow and Wolfsburg but the present is more opponents. We’re aware Clemente Villaverde, Atletico Beppe Marotta, Juventus are also strong sides. important. of our strengths. madrid executive. Chief Executive. get bayern munich. Phillip Cocu, pSV Eindhoven Louis van Gaal, manchester Rui Vitoria, benfica coach. Brian Marwood, manchester coach. United manager. City director of football services.

Malmo website crashes after Ibra’s GROUP return news E the website of malmo FF crashed following the news that Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who started his career “We’ve been drawn with “those are pretty much the with the Swedish champions, will good teams and the fans toughest opponents that return to the city with paris Saint- will be excited about the you can get. Germain for the group stage of the matches. the teams are all Roberto Hilbert, bayer Champions League. strong, especially roma, Leverkusen defender. After beating Scottish champions Ajax, Celtic drawn Celtic to reach the group stage, malmo and it’ll be a great spectacle. were drawn into Group A with real I think our squad is more madrid, Shaktar Donetsk and pSG. into same group competitive than ever . “there was a lot of pressure Josep Maria Bartomeu, barcelona on the website just after the OrmEr European champions Ajax Amsterdam president. draw was made,” malmo’s head and Celtic will meet in the Europa League after of communications peter Fbeing drawn together in the group stage. Ahlander said, adding that Four-time European champions Ajax and the club was delighted Celtic were placed in Group A alongside turkey’s with the draw. Fenerbahce and Norwegian side molde. Ibrahimovic left GROUP malmo in 2001 to join Anderlecht will meet tottenham Hotspur in a Ajax, but despite a slew repeat of the 1984 final after they were drawn into of league titles with Group J alongside monaco and Qarabag. F the likes of Juventus, Napoli were drawn with Club bruges, Legia Inter milan, AC milan Warsaw and midtjylland in Group D while borussia “there’s only truth in “the draw started and barcelona, the Dortmund must face pAOK, Krasnodar and Qabala in football, you’ve to focus on ominously when we were 33-year-old has never Group C. won the Champions yourself. We want to make it picked in bayern’s group, League. Liverpool were drawn against Swiss side Sion, who out of this group, and reach but overall I think we can they beat 6-3 at Anfield in ’96, Girondins bordeaux the knockout stages. We be relatively pleased with and rubin Kazan in Group b. need good form, we need how it turned out. bayern Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, last season’s runners-up, to be serious and humble. have knocked us out twice will face Lazio, St Etienne and rosenborg in Group G. Arsenal and bayern are the so it’s about time we Fiorentina coach paulo Sousa faces a quick return favourites.” returned the favour — let’s to FC basel, the team he led to the Swiss league title hope so anyway. last season, after their were paired in Group I, which Matthias Sammer, bayern munich also features Lech poznan and belenenses. Sporting Executive. David Miles, Arsenal secretary.

GROUP GROUP H G

“We’re in a very even “I don’t think we can “porto are a club that does “It’s a tough, difficult group and we’ll do our complain. there’s no easy good deals in (the) transfer group. Chelsea are a great best to reach the next opponent for teams at this market. but they keep team, with players who’re round. Every detail in stage in the Champions replacing them with good not accessible to most the preparation for this League. We’ve to respect our players and end up in the European teams, and competition will be very three opponents because Champions League every they’ve a coach who knows important. they’re all at the top level season. It’s not an easy draw our club and portuguese at all. football inside out. We’ll Andre Villas-Boas, Zenit coach. in their leagues and we shouldn’t take any of them Carlo Cudicini, Chelsea’s global have to have confidence in lightly. ambassador. our capacities. Lay Hoon Chan, Valencia president. Julen Lopetegui, FC porto coach. 16 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 17

ATHLETICS

COVER STORY RISING POPULARITY 3,000 accredited mediapersons 80,000 twitter followers 2 million unique users visited the IAAF website Kenya 15 million watched the men’s 100m final on ššFrom left, Jamaica’s Elaine thompson, Veronica Campbell-brown, Shelly-Ann Fraser-pryce and Natasha 500,000 believe it! Julius Yego morrison display their 4x100m relay gold medals. followers on the IAAF’s Facebook page television MEDALS TALLY HE 15th edition ended with like Ethiopia, mounted pressure on coming days. 100m gold, adding to her triumphs championships (’12 Olympics, ’13 pawel Fajdek was victorious in the arguably the youngest winner, read as gold, silver and bronze. a colourful closing ceremony, them in a bid to usurp their throne. USA made a sluggish start to their in berlin (’09) and moscow (’13). and ’15 Worlds). Farah, put under men’s event. Discus thrower piotr 19-year-old Ghirmay Ghebreslassie. 1. Kenya 7 6 3 2. Jamaica 7 2 3 but happenings both on and Nicholas bett, who won 400m campaign. though medals came She then took a second gold medal pressure by a drug probe on his malachowski also added to his He was also Eritrea’s first-ever KENYA TOP THE STANDINGS FOR T 3. USA 6 6 6 off the field are likely to shape the hurdles, and javelin throw gold thick and fast towards the end, it by helping the women’s 4x100m American coach Alberto Salazar, had country’s gold count. medallist at the biennial event. He 4. Great britain 4 1 2 THE FIRST TIME IN THE HISTORY sport’s future. medallist Julius Yego, Kenya’s first- simply was not enough to stop relay team finish on top. a point to prove. And he did so in the competition will be is being touted as a runner for the 5. Ethiopia 3 3 2 OF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS WITH For the first time since the ever field event winner, are prime Kenya and Jamaica, who finished meanwhile, the women’s 200m glorious fashion. remembered for the way young future. 6. poland 3 1 4 IAAF introduced the World examples. second overall. witnessed the arrival of a new star the spectre of doping seems Chinese athletes stepped up their Qatari athletes, though they 7. Canada 2 3 3 SEVEN GOLD, SIX SILVER AND Championships in ’83, Kenya topped “I still don’t have a coach and I On the track, Jamaican Usain on the horizon — the Netherlands’ to have taken a toll on russian levels in front of home fans. Asian failed to win a medal, put up some 7. Germany 2 3 3 9. russia 2 1 1 the medal standings with seven train by myself. I learned to throw bolt once again proved to be the Dafne Schippers. She (21.63) pipped competitors. the country, whose 100m record holder Su bingtain first creditable performances. For THREE BRONZE MEDALS, WRITES 10. Cuba 2 1 0 AJU GEORGE CHRIS FROM BEIJING. gold, six silver and three bronze the spear by watching Youtube best performer. He answered his Jamaica’s Elaine thompson (21.66) athletes have frequently featured qualified for 100m final and later the first time, four out of seven 11. China 1 7 1 medals. Jamaica finished second videos. my success is a testament doubters, and American Justin to the post to deny them a clean on 20 and 50km race walk anchored his team to the 4x100m members made it to the finals of 12. the Netherlands 1 1 1 (seven, two, three) and USA third Gatlin, in the best possible way — sweep of sprint titles. podiums, were nowhere in the their respective events. Considering 13. South Africa 1 0 2 (six, six, six). winning the 100, 200 and 4x100m Schippers’s time was the third picture this time. their relatively young age, it seems 14. belarus 1 0 1 the African nation’s middle BOLT COMPLETED A relay gold medals. fastest ever while thompson’s In one of their weakest ever IN ONE OF THEIR to be a fair result. 15. Colombia 1 0 0 15. Czech republic 1 0 0 and long-distance supremacy, TRIPLE-TRIPLE OF SPRINT the showdown between the was the fifth. It was also the first shows, russia finished ninth WEAKEST-EVER SHOWS, Last but not the least, there have 15. Eritrea 1 0 0 coupled with their successes in new TITLES AT THE WORLD two runners had been hyped up instance since ’03 in paris that a (two gold, one silver, one bronze). RUSSIA FINISHED IN only been two cases of doping 15. Spain 1 0 0 disciplines, helped them achieve CHAMPIONSHIPS. as a battle between good and non-American or Jamaican had Female high jumper mariya NINTH PLACE. reported so far. While it is still too 15. Slovakia 1 0 0 the improbable success. evil, owing to Gatlin’s doping past. won the race. Kuchina and 110m hurdler Sergey early to read anything into it, the 20. Australia 0 2 0 Kenyan women were though bolt escaped a 100m upset Schippers, a former heptathlete Shubenkov provided the only silver organisers will be relieved the 20. Croatia 0 2 0 unstoppable in 3,000m that if you want something badly, by the skin of his teeth, it bolstered who only recently started lining. relay silver, behind Jamaica. number is so low. 22. bahamas 0 1 1 22. trinidad & tobago 0 1 1 steeplechase, with Hyvin Jepkemoi and are willing to work hard, then his confidence nevertheless. concentrating on sprints, had earlier Shubenkov, a happy-go-lucky Luck too seemed to favour them the last day of the championship 22. Ukraine 0 1 1 (9:19.11) easily winning gold. Vivian you’ll achieve it sooner or later,” said He easily won the 200 gold and finished a close second behind character, admitted he had been as USA, who had originally finished also witnessed the old guard giving 25. belgium 0 1 0 Cheruiyot took gold in 10,000 in Yego. then ensured his team topped the Fraser-pryce in the blue-riband affected by the recent controversies. second, were disqualified for faulty way to a new generation at the 25. brazil 0 1 0 31:41.31. Living and training at higher relay. He thus completed a triple- event. the 23-year-old sounded “I always try to stay away from exchange of baton. helm of the IAAF. Sebastian Coe 25. Egypt 0 1 0 Kenya, traditionally known as altitudes have always provided triple at World Championships, pleased. such topics, but sometimes, it isn’t the host nation also completed took over as the president from 25. Israel 0 1 0 a country that produces quality Kenyan runners with an edge over having done it at 2009 berlin and “I knew I could run fast, but easy. talks about doping in russia a one-two in women’s 20km walk, Lamine diack. 25. tajikistan 0 1 0 25. tunisia 0 1 0 middle and long distance runners, their rivals. ’13 moscow as well. In the process, even I’m surprised by how well I’ve have frequently been in the news and won silver medals in women’s London, Doha and Eugene will 31. France 0 0 2 has started to focus on other And now, having tasted success he became the most successful done. my heptathlon background and it affected my preparations a shot put, hammer throw and men’s host the biennial competition’s next 32. bosnia and Herzegovina 0 0 1 disciplines in recent times after in other events in beijing, it is athlete in the event’s 32-year has certainly helped me become a bit. but there’s nothing we can do high jump. three editions in ’17, ’19 and ’21. 32. bahrain 0 0 1 other African countries, only going to increase in the history with 11 gold medals. fast finisher. I’m confident I can go about it,” he said. men’s marathon threw up 32. Finland 0 0 1 In women’s sprint, Jamaican faster, provided I’m injury-free,” she polish throwers left an indelible » The writer can be contacted at: 32. Greece 0 0 1 32. Grenada 0 0 1 Shelly-Ann Fraser-pryce won said. mark, winning three gold medals. [email protected] 32. Japan 0 0 1 an unprecedented third briton mo Farah wrote his own Hammer thrower Anita Wlodarczyk 32. Kazakhstan 0 0 1 piece of history by becoming the twice bettered the championship 32. Latvia 0 0 1 first runner to complete a 5,000- record, in back-to-back attempts, 32. morocco 0 0 1 10,000 double at three major en route to women’s gold, while 32. portugal 0 0 1 32. Serbia 0 0 1 32. Uganda 0 0 1 FAST FACTS 1 5 12 17 91 world championship continental world leading national record records records marks of the year records 1,873 athletes from 207 countries competed Sergey Shubenkov Nicholas Bett Mo Farah www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 17

RISING POPULARITY 3,000 accredited mediapersons 80,000 twitter followers 2 million unique users visited the IAAF website

15 million watched the men’s 100m final on ššFrom left, Jamaica’s Elaine thompson, Veronica Campbell-brown, Shelly-Ann Fraser-pryce and Natasha 500,000 morrison display their 4x100m relay gold medals. followers on the IAAF’s Facebook page television MEDALS TALLY 100m gold, adding to her triumphs championships (’12 Olympics, ’13 pawel Fajdek was victorious in the arguably the youngest winner, read as gold, silver and bronze. in berlin (’09) and moscow (’13). and ’15 Worlds). Farah, put under men’s event. Discus thrower piotr 19-year-old Ghirmay Ghebreslassie. 1. Kenya 7 6 3 2. Jamaica 7 2 3 She then took a second gold medal pressure by a drug probe on his malachowski also added to his He was also Eritrea’s first-ever 3. USA 6 6 6 by helping the women’s 4x100m American coach Alberto Salazar, had country’s gold count. medallist at the biennial event. He 4. Great britain 4 1 2 relay team finish on top. a point to prove. And he did so in the competition will be is being touted as a runner for the 5. Ethiopia 3 3 2 meanwhile, the women’s 200m glorious fashion. remembered for the way young future. 6. poland 3 1 4 witnessed the arrival of a new star the spectre of doping seems Chinese athletes stepped up their Qatari athletes, though they 7. Canada 2 3 3 on the horizon — the Netherlands’ to have taken a toll on russian levels in front of home fans. Asian failed to win a medal, put up some 7. Germany 2 3 3 9. russia 2 1 1 Dafne Schippers. She (21.63) pipped competitors. the country, whose 100m record holder Su bingtain first creditable performances. For 10. Cuba 2 1 0 Jamaica’s Elaine thompson (21.66) athletes have frequently featured qualified for 100m final and later the first time, four out of seven 11. China 1 7 1 to the post to deny them a clean on 20 and 50km race walk anchored his team to the 4x100m members made it to the finals of 12. the Netherlands 1 1 1 sweep of sprint titles. podiums, were nowhere in the their respective events. Considering 13. South Africa 1 0 2 Schippers’s time was the third picture this time. their relatively young age, it seems 14. belarus 1 0 1 fastest ever while thompson’s In one of their weakest ever IN ONE OF THEIR to be a fair result. 15. Colombia 1 0 0 15. Czech republic 1 0 0 was the fifth. It was also the first shows, russia finished ninth WEAKEST-EVER SHOWS, Last but not the least, there have 15. Eritrea 1 0 0 instance since ’03 in paris that a (two gold, one silver, one bronze). RUSSIA FINISHED IN only been two cases of doping 15. Spain 1 0 0 non-American or Jamaican had Female high jumper mariya NINTH PLACE. reported so far. While it is still too 15. Slovakia 1 0 0 won the race. Kuchina and 110m hurdler Sergey early to read anything into it, the 20. Australia 0 2 0 Schippers, a former heptathlete Shubenkov provided the only silver organisers will be relieved the 20. Croatia 0 2 0 who only recently started lining. relay silver, behind Jamaica. number is so low. 22. bahamas 0 1 1 22. trinidad & tobago 0 1 1 concentrating on sprints, had earlier Shubenkov, a happy-go-lucky Luck too seemed to favour them the last day of the championship 22. Ukraine 0 1 1 finished a close second behind character, admitted he had been as USA, who had originally finished also witnessed the old guard giving 25. belgium 0 1 0 Fraser-pryce in the blue-riband affected by the recent controversies. second, were disqualified for faulty way to a new generation at the 25. brazil 0 1 0 event. the 23-year-old sounded “I always try to stay away from exchange of baton. helm of the IAAF. Sebastian Coe 25. Egypt 0 1 0 pleased. such topics, but sometimes, it isn’t the host nation also completed took over as the president from 25. Israel 0 1 0 “I knew I could run fast, but easy. talks about doping in russia a one-two in women’s 20km walk, Lamine diack. 25. tajikistan 0 1 0 25. tunisia 0 1 0 even I’m surprised by how well I’ve have frequently been in the news and won silver medals in women’s London, Doha and Eugene will 31. France 0 0 2 done. my heptathlon background and it affected my preparations a shot put, hammer throw and men’s host the biennial competition’s next 32. bosnia and Herzegovina 0 0 1 has certainly helped me become a bit. but there’s nothing we can do high jump. three editions in ’17, ’19 and ’21. 32. bahrain 0 0 1 fast finisher. I’m confident I can go about it,” he said. men’s marathon threw up 32. Finland 0 0 1 faster, provided I’m injury-free,” she polish throwers left an indelible » The writer can be contacted at: 32. Greece 0 0 1 32. Grenada 0 0 1 said. mark, winning three gold medals. [email protected] 32. Japan 0 0 1 briton mo Farah wrote his own Hammer thrower Anita Wlodarczyk 32. Kazakhstan 0 0 1 piece of history by becoming the twice bettered the championship 32. Latvia 0 0 1 first runner to complete a 5,000- record, in back-to-back attempts, 32. morocco 0 0 1 10,000 double at three major en route to women’s gold, while 32. portugal 0 0 1 32. Serbia 0 0 1 32. Uganda 0 0 1 FAST FACTS 1 5 12 17 91 world championship continental world leading national record records records marks of the year records 1,873 athletes from 207 countries competed Sergey Shubenkov 18 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 19

MIXEDATHLETICS ZONE | QATAR

and named him Lightning bolt. His bolt has publicly said that his as well. He owns his own line of He has not grown all that much since pet is at an animal orphanage in post-athletics dream is to play for clothing, in association with puma INTERVIEW his teenage years. A 15-year-old Nairobi, Kenya. English premier League football side and makes watches alongside bolt stood almost as tall as he manchester United. rio Ferdinand, Hublot. He has a range of RARELY-KNOWN does today — 6ft 5in. bolt competed in 200m at the who left the club in ’14, had even headphones under the name ‘Soul BOLT FACTS ’05 IAAF World Championships in promised to get him a trial with by Usain bolt’ and runs a chain bolt became the youngest- Helsinki, Finland, and finished last. them. bolt has repeatedly said he of restaurants in Kingston called ever gold medallist, the world was awestruck He pulled a muscle in the last 50m was quite serious with his ambition. ‘tracks & records.’ bolt also runs in 200m, at the ’02 when bolt broke his own which paved the way for a 1-2-3-4 a charity organisation named the IAAF World Junior I can go under 100m world record at finish for the USA (Justin Gatlin, Not many top sports stars can boast ‘Usain bolt Foundation.’ Championships in the 2008 beijing Olympic Wallace Spearmon, John Capel and of having a mobile game in their Kingston, Jamaica. He was Games, finishing the race in tyson Gay), the first time it has names. bolt, in early ’12, partnered During his early childhood, he only 15 years, 332 days 9.69sec. What made it even happened. a company called rockLive to make spent most of his time on the old. It took another eight more impressive was that a mobile gaming app centred on streets playing cricket and football, years for New Zealand shot he ran the entire race with It has been hypothetically proved him. Upon release, ‘bolt’ went with the former being his game of putter Jacko Gill (15 years, an untied shoelace. How that Usain bolt can outrun a straight to No.1 in Jamaica. Since choice. A passionate fast bowler, 213 days) to better that fast could he have run with fully-grown tyrannosaurus rex. then, he has tied up with several his run-ups prompted his cricket record. a fully fastened shoe? While the Jamaican’s top speed gaming companies over different coach to suggest him to switch has been clocked at 48.3kmph, a ventures. sports. bolt has spoken about his He has adopted one of the world’s t-rex is known to run only as fast admiration for former pakistani fast fastest animals as a pet. In ’09, he as 29kmph. bolt is an astute businessman bowler Waqar Younis. 19sec! paid $13,700 to adopt a cheetah cub Sebastian Coe’ as new IAAF chief... harder rules, fewer people will take a On Justin Gatlin... didn’t want to repeat that. together most of the season. It’s but I’ll be all right. Aju George Chris When it comes to politics, I try to chance. but I think you’ll always have I’ve no problem with him. He’s Year in, year out, when I win 100m, hard, but I’m learning. Earlier, when the cameraman said he was Justin stay away from it. but as long as Coe those one or two who feel they can just a competitor. I’ve said this over it’s for my coach and supporters. I get injured, I used to get back on sorry, as much as he could. I Gatlin is good for the sport and he’s going beat the system. and over, but when I face him, I’m When I win 200m, it’s for me. I’ve my feet easily. but now, the healing was just making sure he was OK Or the second time in eight to stand right by the athletes, I’m prepared to race against the best at put my heart into perfecting my process isn’t as fast or easy. because he got the worst of it. years, the imposing bird’s Nest happy with his election. Title of ‘saviour of athletics’... the moment. I love the competition. technique. the gold in beijing meant FStadium, situated in the heart I can’t do this by myself. It’s never I respect the way he aggressively a lot to me. Different training strategies... Missing spikes... Doping in track and field... of Chinese capital beijing, got a dash going to be about one single person. shows up at major competitions. As I’ve grown older, I’ve had to ЃЃAfter the race, as I jumped over Other side of Gatlin of strong Jamaican flavour. there has been a lot of doping in I just focus on what I need to do. Early celebrations in 200M... exercise my legs more to keep the fence, I gave my spikes to a Usain bolt returned to the site of the headlines over the last couple Fewer head-to-head meetings I celebrated early, while crossing the them strong. I’ve also had to rest guy to hold. While doing my tV mErICAN Justin Gatlin has eight years. He returned to active with Gatlin... his dream run in 2008 to once again of months. It’s really sad that’s line, because Gatlin had talked a lot a bit more after training sessions. interviews, I looked around and he BOLT’S INDIVIDUAL been a deeply polarising competition on August 3, ’10, with a thrill the world with a royal treble where the sport is right people say I’ve been ducking Gatlin about bringing something special into there’re also new diet restrictions. was gone. I saw him running away Afigure in world athletics, tour of Estonia and Finland. — 100, 200 and 4x100m relay gold now. Hopefully, the new this season. I was injured for most the 200m final. I wanted to show him there are all minor adjustments I’ve shouting… “Yay, Usain gave this to GOLD MEDALS never more so than in beijing. the stigma associated with

medals. the genial giant, who let his president can change a lot part of the year. When I’m not at my he should never speak about a 200m had to make to continue being a me…” So I just let it go. AUGUST 16, 2008 the 33-year-old came to China being branded a dope cheat made feet do the talking on the track, was of rules and make things best and Gatlin is, everyone knows race and me like that again. Everyone champion athlete. I don’t complain bEIJING OLYmpICS | 100m with a genuine chance of pulling his comeback tough and several Beijing diet... also at his witty best off it. easier for the sport to be what’s going to happen. It doesn’t knows how I love that event. I wasn’t about it because I know it’s 9.69 (WR) down Jamaican Usain bolt from Diamond League meetings imposed the latest example of his better. make any sense to face him then. I really focused on what my final time necessary. I want to be the best ever ЃЃIt’s different than in ’08. they the top. but his status as a two- a silent ban on him. He persevered, showmanship came when an erring but it’s going to won’t commit to a race knowing I’m would be. I knew I wasn’t in the best and I’m willing to sacrifice anything provided much better food this AUGUST 20, 2008 time dope offender led international making steady improvements. cameraman, on a Segway scooter, be hard to get rid of going to lose even before I start. First, shape for a world record. to reach that target. time. It was normal food this time, bEIJING OLYmpICS | 200m media to paint him as a villain. Gatlin’s superior runs, so late in knocked bolt to the ground while doping. If you make I should be in decent shape to give so there was no need for chicken 19.30 (WR) Despite that, Gatlin has always his career, made people suspect his recording his celebrations after the him a fight. If both of us are in good Breaking 200M world record... On Hans-Wilhelm nuggets. It’s not really been Chinese enjoyed strong support from team- doping past was still aiding him. Muller-Wohlfahrt... AUGUST 16, 2009 double. the crowd was stunned, but shape, then we’re certainly going to I believe I can break it again. the food. there have been noodles, but bErLIN WOrLDS | 100m mates, with the likes of David Oliver Coupled with bolt’s long competitive he simply did a back-roll and was on race each other in the future. If I’m fit, key is to stay injury-free for a full He’s a German doctor who I also also rice, chicken, beef and other defending him vehemently. absence due to injuries, there was his feet in no time. I’ll race. If I’m not, I won’t. consider my savior on track. I had stuff. 9.58 (WR) “He’s just doing his job. He’s back

Over the course of two weeks, the some problems with my tight AUGUST 20, 2009 running fast and I’m happy for him,” 6ft, 5in star spoke about a variety of Hardest race... THE 100M FINAL AT THE joints and he helped loosen them Facial hair... bErLIN WOrLDS | 200m said the 2013 world champion in THE STIGMA ASSOCIATED BEIJING WORLDS WAS issues pertaining to track and field. the 100m final in beijing was for me with the right treatment. ЃЃpeople ask me if I’m superstitious. 19.19 (WR) 110m hurdles. WITH BEING BRANDED A Here are some of them. definitely my toughest race. DEFINITELY MY Sometimes, when you grow older, I’ve noticed that every Olympic year, Some of Gatlin’s fellow-runners DOPE CHEAT MADE HIS While I was out for most TOUGHEST RACE. you realise you’re no longer wearing I’ve trimmed my hair, but during SEPTEMBER 3, 2011 believe none of this would have DAEGU WOrLDS | 200m COMEBACK TOUGH. of last season, Gatlin was the right kind of shoes. It was a World Championships, I get a beard been a problem had he not been posting really fast times. matter of identifying problems and and high hair. After a while, it has 19.40 (WL) doing so well.

He was in great shape season. If I can do that and reach rio fixing them. become a thing. AUGUST 5, 2012 “If he wasn’t doing good, nobody genuine concern about a Gatlin win. while I was recovering without any major troubles and I’ve LONDON OLYmpIC GAmES | 100m would bring it up. You do a million the british press had been more Atmosphere at Bird’s Nest... from injuries. I knew it fast opponents like Gatlin to push me 9.63 (OR) good things and one bad thing, and critical of him and that prompted wasn’t going to be easy. my hard, I know I can go under 19sec. It’s When I came out to run my 100m people focus on the bad thing,” said Gatlin’s manager renaldo Nehemiah coach always says that when one of my goals. I’ve got to do it next heats, some good memories AUGUST 9, 2012 Dutch sprinter Churandy martina. to hit out at their ‘biased’ reporting. Gatlin comes to a championship, season because it’s one of the last came flooding back. this was LONDON OLYmpIC GAmES | 200m It was not always this way. back but, having lost both sprints to he always shows up strong. So I chances I’ve got to do it. the place where everything 19.32 (WL) in ’04, when he won an Olympic bolt, the scrutiny seems to have knew I had to run my best to win. started. the Chinese 100m gold and completed a World softened a bit. While he faced On retirement... AUGUST 11, 2013 Eventually, that’s what I did. fans’ love for me hasn’t mOSCOW WOrLDS | 100m Championship 100-200m double in several questions about his past after After rio, as I said, my sponsors diminished. Helsinki, Finland, he had been hailed the 100m final, there was none at all Gold medal a confidence boost... want me to go one more year, but 9.77 as the next American superstar. after the 200 race. On Segway accident... Without a doubt, winning the 100m my coach said, ‘Listen to me, if you AUGUST 17, 2013 Forgotten was the fact that in bolt’s stance, of treating his rival gold helped improve my confidence. aren’t going to be serious about I didn’t hit the mOSCOW WOrLDS | ’01, the International Association as equal, may have had something Coming into beijing, I was worried going to the Worlds in London’, then cameraman, it was 200m of Athletics Federations (IAAF) had to do with it. the Jamaican had about my lack of race preparation. I shouldn’t do it. It’ll all depend on he who took me 19.66 (WL) found particles of amphetamine in acknowledged Gatlin as someone but the more I ran, the better I how my body feels after another out. there’s a rumour his body and banned him for two who brings the best out of him. the AUGUST 23, 2015 became. After the 200m semifinal, season. It’ll all boil down to how circulating that Justin bEIJING WOrLDS | 100m years. He proved it was present in a two also shared an easy relationship. I realised I was getting sharper. fit I’m. It’ll determine whether I Gatlin paid him off medicine he was taking for attention Now that the Worlds are over, I went into the final with a lot continue after the rio Games. (laughs). but I’m all right, 9.79 deficit disorder and got reinstated. normalcy is slowly returning to

of confidence. technically, I’m it’s all good. I probably AUGUST 27, 2015 In early ’06, he was tested positive track and field. but rest assured better in 200. I’ve lost over Older, more complete athlete... should get my legs insured bEIJING WOrLDS | 200m for testosterone. He served out that similar frenzy will once again the distance only once, I’m still the same person, just a bit now. What happened out there (WL) a four-year ban that had twice crop up in the run-up to the ’16 rio in beijing, and I older. It’s about trying to hold things was pretty scary. I got a few bruises, 19.55 been reduced from a lifetime and Olympics. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 19

and named him Lightning bolt. His bolt has publicly said that his as well. He owns his own line of pet is at an animal orphanage in post-athletics dream is to play for clothing, in association with puma Nairobi, Kenya. English premier League football side and makes watches alongside manchester United. rio Ferdinand, Hublot. He has a range of bolt competed in 200m at the who left the club in ’14, had even headphones under the name ‘Soul ’05 IAAF World Championships in promised to get him a trial with by Usain bolt’ and runs a chain Helsinki, Finland, and finished last. them. bolt has repeatedly said he of restaurants in Kingston called He pulled a muscle in the last 50m was quite serious with his ambition. ‘tracks & records.’ bolt also runs which paved the way for a 1-2-3-4 a charity organisation named the finish for the USA (Justin Gatlin, Not many top sports stars can boast ‘Usain bolt Foundation.’ Wallace Spearmon, John Capel and of having a mobile game in their tyson Gay), the first time it has names. bolt, in early ’12, partnered During his early childhood, he happened. a company called rockLive to make spent most of his time on the a mobile gaming app centred on streets playing cricket and football, It has been hypothetically proved him. Upon release, ‘bolt’ went with the former being his game of that Usain bolt can outrun a straight to No.1 in Jamaica. Since choice. A passionate fast bowler, fully-grown tyrannosaurus rex. then, he has tied up with several his run-ups prompted his cricket While the Jamaican’s top speed gaming companies over different coach to suggest him to switch has been clocked at 48.3kmph, a ventures. sports. bolt has spoken about his t-rex is known to run only as fast admiration for former pakistani fast as 29kmph. bolt is an astute businessman bowler Waqar Younis.

together most of the season. It’s but I’ll be all right. hard, but I’m learning. Earlier, when the cameraman said he was Justin I get injured, I used to get back on sorry, as much as he could. I Gatlin my feet easily. but now, the healing was just making sure he was OK process isn’t as fast or easy. because he got the worst of it.

Different training strategies... Missing spikes... As I’ve grown older, I’ve had to ЃЃAfter the race, as I jumped over Other side of Gatlin exercise my legs more to keep the fence, I gave my spikes to a them strong. I’ve also had to rest guy to hold. While doing my tV mErICAN Justin Gatlin has eight years. He returned to active a bit more after training sessions. interviews, I looked around and he BOLT’S INDIVIDUAL been a deeply polarising competition on August 3, ’10, with a there’re also new diet restrictions. was gone. I saw him running away Afigure in world athletics, tour of Estonia and Finland. there are all minor adjustments I’ve shouting… “Yay, Usain gave this to GOLD MEDALS never more so than in beijing. the stigma associated with had to make to continue being a me…” So I just let it go. AUGUST 16, 2008 the 33-year-old came to China being branded a dope cheat made champion athlete. I don’t complain bEIJING OLYmpICS | 100m with a genuine chance of pulling his comeback tough and several Beijing diet... about it because I know it’s 9.69 (WR) down Jamaican Usain bolt from Diamond League meetings imposed necessary. I want to be the best ever ЃЃIt’s different than in ’08. they the top. but his status as a two- a silent ban on him. He persevered, and I’m willing to sacrifice anything provided much better food this AUGUST 20, 2008 time dope offender led international making steady improvements. to reach that target. time. It was normal food this time, bEIJING OLYmpICS | 200m media to paint him as a villain. Gatlin’s superior runs, so late in so there was no need for chicken 19.30 (WR) Despite that, Gatlin has always his career, made people suspect his On Hans-Wilhelm nuggets. It’s not really been Chinese enjoyed strong support from team- doping past was still aiding him. Muller-Wohlfahrt... AUGUST 16, 2009 food. there have been noodles, but bErLIN WOrLDS | 100m mates, with the likes of David Oliver Coupled with bolt’s long competitive He’s a German doctor who I also also rice, chicken, beef and other defending him vehemently. absence due to injuries, there was consider my savior on track. I had stuff. 9.58 (WR) “He’s just doing his job. He’s back some problems with my tight AUGUST 20, 2009 running fast and I’m happy for him,” joints and he helped loosen them Facial hair... bErLIN WOrLDS | 200m said the 2013 world champion in THE STIGMA ASSOCIATED for me with the right treatment. ЃЃpeople ask me if I’m superstitious. 19.19 (WR) 110m hurdles. WITH BEING BRANDED A Sometimes, when you grow older, I’ve noticed that every Olympic year, Some of Gatlin’s fellow-runners DOPE CHEAT MADE HIS you realise you’re no longer wearing I’ve trimmed my hair, but during SEPTEMBER 3, 2011 believe none of this would have DAEGU WOrLDS | 200m COMEBACK TOUGH. the right kind of shoes. It was a World Championships, I get a beard been a problem had he not been matter of identifying problems and and high hair. After a while, it has 19.40 (WL) doing so well. fixing them. become a thing. AUGUST 5, 2012 “If he wasn’t doing good, nobody genuine concern about a Gatlin win. LONDON OLYmpIC GAmES | 100m would bring it up. You do a million the british press had been more Atmosphere at Bird’s Nest... 9.63 (OR) good things and one bad thing, and critical of him and that prompted When I came out to run my 100m people focus on the bad thing,” said Gatlin’s manager renaldo Nehemiah heats, some good memories AUGUST 9, 2012 Dutch sprinter Churandy martina. to hit out at their ‘biased’ reporting. came flooding back. this was LONDON OLYmpIC GAmES | 200m It was not always this way. back but, having lost both sprints to the place where everything 19.32 (WL) in ’04, when he won an Olympic bolt, the scrutiny seems to have started. the Chinese 100m gold and completed a World softened a bit. While he faced AUGUST 11, 2013 fans’ love for me hasn’t mOSCOW WOrLDS | 100m Championship 100-200m double in several questions about his past after diminished. Helsinki, Finland, he had been hailed the 100m final, there was none at all 9.77 as the next American superstar. after the 200 race. On Segway accident... AUGUST 17, 2013 Forgotten was the fact that in bolt’s stance, of treating his rival I didn’t hit the mOSCOW WOrLDS | ’01, the International Association as equal, may have had something cameraman, it was 200m of Athletics Federations (IAAF) had to do with it. the Jamaican had he who took me 19.66 (WL) found particles of amphetamine in acknowledged Gatlin as someone out. there’s a rumour his body and banned him for two who brings the best out of him. the AUGUST 23, 2015 circulating that Justin bEIJING WOrLDS | 100m years. He proved it was present in a two also shared an easy relationship. Gatlin paid him off medicine he was taking for attention Now that the Worlds are over, (laughs). but I’m all right, 9.79 deficit disorder and got reinstated. normalcy is slowly returning to it’s all good. I probably AUGUST 27, 2015 In early ’06, he was tested positive track and field. but rest assured should get my legs insured bEIJING WOrLDS | 200m for testosterone. He served out that similar frenzy will once again now. What happened out there (WL) a four-year ban that had twice crop up in the run-up to the ’16 rio was pretty scary. I got a few bruises, 19.55 been reduced from a lifetime and Olympics. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com and sniffed, “Justin too Gatlintalks much.” Ouch! his Press conference, shot him alookatGatlinbeside Bolt control scooter,lost ofhiselectric him sprawling. sending At Olympic championwas knocked over by acameraman who 11thworld title.giving himanastonishing before anchoringJamaicato goldinthe4x100Mrelay — two-time doping offender Gatlininthe100and200M, Justin gave by amorale crushing Bolt boost sport thecrisis-hit Olympics. treble atthe Bird’s where heshot to fame atthe2008 Nest, to yet another asthekingofsprintstormed golden in Beijing Was itever once again indoubt? The struck “LightningBolt” BOLT USAIN (JAM) The biggest scare Bolt sufferedThe scare Bolt biggest was whenthesix-time allegations ragedAs over widespread dopinginathletics, back andcheckit,” after Eaton said the400M. and achampionshiprecord 10.23in100M. in400M 45.00sec by adecathlonbest-ever in nosmallpart his previous to points helped eclipse by world six points, best man. a packed crowd rose to acclaim theAmericaniron inBeijing lapin 1,500Mas last championships withalung-bursting retainedEaton theonlyworld record histitleandset ofthe ASHTON EATON (USA) “I thoughttheclockwas off —they by shouldgo asecond The Olympicchampionfinishedwith a total of9,045 work very hard for it, Iknow I’m hardwork very for clean.” it, “I shehadnothing to hide, insisted snapping, Schippers Koch andDrechsler, were plagued by doping suspicions. have runthe200Mfaster, like of buttheircareers, those German Heike Drechsler in’86. by Koch Marita mark set in1979andmatched by fellow East Thompson to the200Mtitlein21.63,breaking theEuropean breakout championships. to capture 200Mgolddays after silver taking in100Ma The Dutchwoman smasheda36-year-old European record (NED) DAFNE SCHIPPERS Only Americans Marion Jones andFlorence Jones Only AmericansMarion Griffith-Joyner lungedforSchippers thelineto beat JamaicanElaine “Mobot” victory pose. “Mobot” victory having fun!’just Life’s short,” Farah, said famous for his time. “People askme‘Mo, ‘I’m andIsay whatyou doing?’ silence ashetalked aboutplaying with drones inhisspare final. 5,000M to pulloff thefeat after abruising10,000M surviving Salazar,Alberto in lapof52.6sec ran last aneye-popping disrupted by dopingallegations madeagainst hiscoach Worldconsecutive Championships andLondonOlympics. at titles ofdistance “triple-double” man to complete a first Farah roared in5,000and10,000Mto become the to victory MO FARAH (GBR) Farah’s post-race prompted comments awkward goofy The Farah, preparations Somali-born Beijing whose were the Beijing final could have the Beijing race. beenhislast although heconfessed goal ofnext year’s Rio Olympics, never runagain, itpretty muchendedmy life.” than my Olympicgold.In2013,when they told meIwould bronzebut bravely “This medalmeans more insisted, to me outto Russia’s lost function, Shubenkov Sergey inthefinal, transplant. in men’s days 110Mhurdles before just undergoing akidney Olympic championMerrittwon anemotional bronze medal (USA) MERRITT ARIES Merritt’s biggest challenge awaits and he has set himself a Merritt’s challengeawaits a himself andhehas set biggest The than20percent competing kidney atless American,

DAFNE SCHIPPERS (NED) MO FARAH (GBR) ARIES MERRITT (USA) The Dutchwoman smashed a 36-year-old European record Farah roared to victory in 5,000 and 10,000M to become the Olympic champion Merritt won an emotional bronze medal to capture 200M gold days after taking silver in 100M in a first man to complete a “triple-double” of distance titles at in men’s 110M hurdles just days before undergoing a kidney breakout championships. consecutive World Championships and London Olympics. transplant. Schippers lunged for the line to beat Jamaican Elaine The Somali-born Farah, whose Beijing preparations were The American, competing at less than 20 per cent kidney Thompson to the 200M title in 21.63, breaking the European disrupted by doping allegations made against his coach function, lost out to Russia’s Sergey Shubenkov in the final, mark set by Marita Koch in 1979 and matched by fellow East Alberto Salazar, ran an eye-popping last lap of 52.6sec in but bravely insisted, “This bronze medal means more to me German Heike Drechsler in ’86. 5,000M to pull off the feat after surviving a bruising 10,000M than my Olympic gold. In 2013, when they told me I would Only Americans Marion Jones and Florence Griffith-Joyner final. never run again, it pretty much ended my life.” have run the 200M faster, but their careers, like those of Farah’s goofy post-race comments prompted awkward Merritt’s biggest challenge awaits and he has set himself a Koch and Drechsler, were plagued by doping suspicions. silence as he talked about playing with drones in his spare goal of next year’s Rio Olympics, although he confessed Schippers insisted she had nothing to hide, snapping, “I time. “People ask me ‘Mo, what you doing?’ and I say ‘I’m the Beijing final could have been his last race. work very hard for it, I know I’m clean.” just having fun!’ Life’s short,” said Farah, famous for his “Mobot” victory pose. 22 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 23

ATHLETICS

Eaton strides like a colossus AKING the final bend and Canadian heptathlete brianne the world record. He then clocked running into a slight head theisen-Eaton, and mother roslyn, 13.69 in 110m hurdles, threw 43.34 Twind, American decathlon star for several minutes. Later, he in discus, cleared 5.20 in pole vault Felix takes the Ashton Eaton was not sure whether acknowledged the role they played. and heaved the javelin to 63.63m. he would script a new chapter at the “I couldn’t have reached anywhere What makes the achievement even 1,500m finish line. but when history without their help and support,” more remarkable is that Eaton has beckoned, he responded like a true Eaton said. not completed a full decathlon since warrior. Eaton became the first athlete, capturing the world title in moscow track by storm Needing to complete the race since Germany’s Jurgen Hingsen two years ago. that had also been the under 4min, 18.25sec to better his in the 1980s, to set two successive last time he ran a 1,500 race. own world record, Eaton managed world records in decathlon. He also He is only the second athlete, after FELIX’S to do it in 4:17.52. He thus the Czech republic’s roman Sebrle, registered an astounding 9,045 to have broken the 9,000 mark. At Strangely enough, her sports It was points, six more than his HE IS ONLY THE the post-race press conference, Eaton Aju George Chris journey began on a basketball court. perhaps the line of previous record which was SECOND ATHLETE paid rich tributes to Sebrle, who A Southern California native, she thought that prompted set during the US Olympic TO HAVE BROKEN THE inspired him to take up decathlon. transitioned into high school track her to skip attempting a 200- trials in June, 2012. 9,000 MARK. “When I was a teenager, I mErICAN Allyson Felix and field and blossomed. 400m double in beijing, where mission accomplished, he remember seeing a newspaper on was nicknamed ‘Chicken In 2003, while still a student at race timings came very close to one collapsed on the track, but still had my kitchen table one day. On the ALegs’ by her team-mates the University of Southern California, another. but the ’16 rio Olympics enough energy to raise his right became the first decathlete to set a front page, there was an article about for her long, lean limbs that she turned pro. there has been no could be a whole different ball game. fist to acknowledge the cheers of world record in the championship who could represent earth if ever helped her fly on the track. turning back since then. Currently, the schedule does not the crowd. history. there was an intergalactic Olympics. the magic in those legs was Felix’s family has stood by her work out to her advantage, After all, With difficulty, he stood Eaton led from the very start in there were pictures of several yet again on show last week, during every step of her journey. just an hour separates the 400m final @ WORLDS up, ignored calls from beijing after running 10.23sec in the athletes, in different disciplines. And when Felix won her ninth While her mother marlean leads the from the 200m first round. but with photographers to pose next opening 100m and maintained his in the centre of them all, there was overall and maiden 400m World cheerleading from the stands during International Olympic Committee to an electronic signboard grip with solid efforts of 7.88m in roman, the chosen one,” he said. Championships gold, at the bird’s major competitions, older brother president thomas bach announcing 2005 flashing his achievement long jump, 14.52 in shot put and a Canada’s Damian Warner took Nest Stadium in beijing. Wes acts as her manager. he was open to the idea of tweaking Helsinki and jogged to the spectators’ high jump best of 2.01. silver, posting a national record Gold | 200m the 29-year-old had chosen 400m In fact, one of the most poignant the athletics timetable, there remains stand. but it was his world decathlon best of 8,695 points and German rico Ashton over her pet event 200 as she wanted moments in Felix’s career happened hope. Eyes brimming with mark of 45sec, in 400m, which first Freimuth finished third with a Eaton to challenge herself over the longer during the 200m final at the Certainly, it is not without 2007 tears, he hugged his wife, raised the real prospect of breaking personal best of 8,561. Osaka distance. And she delivered on the ’13 moscow Worlds, where she precedent. At the ’96 Atlanta Games, Gold | 200m big stage. the commanding win, the competition schedule was altered Gold | 4x100m relay Not many are aware of world tV. It seemed like every movie Games in Hollywood in 2000. which came in a world leading time for michael Johnson as he went on Gold | 4x400m relay A martial record-breaking decathlete had someone doing martial I entered as a wild card, but of 49.26sec, has only helped add to FELIX’S FAMILY HAS to win 200 and 400m gold medals. arts fan! Ashton Eaton’s solid background arts in it. So I would go around fought my way to sixth place,” her legend. STOOD BY HER DURING “I would love to have the option. 2009 in another sport — taekwondo. punching and kicking trees. my he said. Shaunae miller of the bahamas EVERY STEP OF HER I definitely feel like I’ve put in my Berlin His love for it began at the age mom took me to taekwondo “I couldn’t take up taekwondo won silver in 49.67 while time to demand that. but again, it all Gold | 200m of seven and was nurtured by his class at school and I fell in love. I more seriously because my JOURNEY. Gold | 4x400m relay Jamaican Shericka Jackson took depends on the people in charge of mother roslyn. was just seven,” Eaton said. teacher at school went away. It bronze. scheduling. I understand there’re a lot “Growing up, I used to watch “I’m a second degree black wasn’t practical for me to move cartoons like power rangers and belt. my best competition to a different school just to With the win, Felix broke crumbled in a heap and lay on of things that go into that,” said Felix. 2011 Daegu teenage mutant Ninja turtles on memory was at the World learn it,” he said. clear of yesteryear stars Carl the track after injuring her right At 29, the American is not exactly Gold | 4x100m relay Lewis and michael Johnson as hamstring. Out of nowhere, Wes was young anymore. the arrival of Gold | 4x400m relay the most decorated American by her side cradling and carrying her newer kids on the scene, like the Silver | 400m Bronze | 200m gold medallist at the World out. Netherlands’ Dafne Schippers who Championships. She later recalled the moment to won 200m gold in beijing, should 2015 Mother of all comebacks! With 13 overall world the New York Times. give her a feeling of time running Beijing medals, including the “At the most devastating moment, out fast. Gold | 400m rItON Jessica Ennis-Hill, who “to be honest, me and my about my ability to be a successful silver medals in 4x100 it’s just nice to see a face you know Felix said she drew inspiration Silver | 4 x 100m relay had been away from the track coach never talked about winning multi-eventer. It pushed me to and 4x400m relay events, and someone who’s on your side. from close friend and American Silver | 4 x 400m relay Bfor 13 months to give birth, gold. I thought it was a little too believe in myself and show what she also overtook Lewis my mom said she looked over in the tennis icon Serena Williams, who completed a fairytale comeback by far out of reach. I wanted to win a I was capable of. It motivated me,” as the most successful stands and the next thing she knew won the Wimbledon title in July, winning heptathlon gold in beijing. medal, maybe a bronze. Gold was she said. American at the biennial he was gone. No one knew how he aged 33. the reigning Olympic and 2009 unbelievable,” said the 29-year-old. Almost 12 years later, she event. She is the first actually got down there, but there he “I was in England to watch Serena world champion topped the field When Ennis-Hill, who is just faced another kind of scrutiny, woman in history to was. but that’s Wes. Since we were play the final against Spain’s Garbine with a season’s best total of 6,669 5ft 5in tall, came fifth at the IAAF from nameless, faceless online win both 200 and little, he’s always taken care of me,” muguruza. She’s awesome and is points. commentators, when she 400m gold medals at she said. someone who does things others Her return was not easy at all. decided to return to active the Worlds. She rested for more than three say she can’t do. I want to have She fought niggling injuries, self- I’VE ALWAYS BEEN competition following Standing at 1.68m months, patiently rehabilitating her the same approach. As long as I’m doubts and unflattering opinion SMALL, ONE childbirth. tall and weighing leg. Upon return, she had a much passionate about running, am able by an unusually critical public. OF THE SMALLEST “In the world we live in now, 58kg, Felix’s body clearer idea about the limits of her to compete at top levels and have but once on the track, she OUT THERE. with social media in your face, may not be ideally endurance. fun, that’s what it’s all about for me,” just let her talent do the talking. you try not to read everything. built for being a “Earlier, I had the mentality of she said. She finished second in 100m (12.91), but still, you see comments. dominant sprinter. pushing through everything at all Only a fool would dare disbelieve high jump (1.86m), shot put (13.73) World Youth Championships in It might be a nobody on a but someone costs. but now I’m able to better her. and 200m (23.42) before becoming Sherbrooke, Canada, in ’03, many computer, but you read things has clearly understand the importance of an fourth in long jump (6.43). She coaches questioned her ability to that make you want to prove you forgotten to extra day of rest. It’s going to be more » The writer can be contacted at: ended up as fifth in javelin throw earn top wins. It only served to fuel can do it, to focus and come back Allyson mention beneficial to take an extra day off [email protected] (42.51), but stormed to first place in her ambitions. stronger,” she said. Felix it to her. than push hard,” she said. 800m (2:10.13). “I’ve always been small, one of Ennis-Hill has already made She admitted the title win was far the smallest out there. I faced a lot of the cut for the ’16 rio Olympic

REUTERS/David Gray from her mind coming to beijing. questions from coaches and athletes Games. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 23

ATHLETICS

Qatar’s Femi ends up seventh in 200M AtAr’S Femi Seun Ogunode run-up to the Worlds, I had overcame the heartbreak suffered a hamstring injury and Derek Qof narrowly missing hence couldn’t take part in many Drouin qualification for the 100m final by competitions. So it was indeed a finishing seventh in 200m. great feeling to qualify for the Mutaz the quadruple Asian Games 200m final. running against bolt gold medallist, who completed the and Gatlin was a dream come true Drouin inspiration, race in 20.27sec, thus became the for me,” Femi told Doha Stadium first Qatari to compete in a World Plus. the Derek style! Championships final Femi will next compete in 100m over the distance. Earlier, the at the brussels Diamond League on ANADA’S Derek Drouin won an unprecedented September 11. three-way jump-off to claim the high jump He will also feature in 100 and Logically, for a jumper who by just a centimetre. but this is Cgold at the bird’s Nest Stadium last week. RUNNING AGAINST BOLT 200m races at the CISm military Olympics. His personal best of effortlessly sailed over 2.41 in World Championships and there’re Seven jumpers were still in contention when the AND GATLIN WAS A World Games in mungyeong, Aju George Chris 2.43m is second only to Javier Eugene in may, his next target of no second chances. I’m still young. bar was raised to 2.33 after heights of 2.20, 2.25 and DREAM COME TRUE South Korea, from October 2 to 11. Sotomayor’s mark of 2.45m in 2.29 should have been a piece I’ll try to win in ’17, in London,” he 2.29. FOR ME. Qatar’s 800m runner musaab the all-time list. of cake. added. Drouin, a 2012 Olympic and ’13 World Abdulrahman balla, training IGH jumper mutaz Essa but all those came to but placed at the head of the A Qatari official, who did not Championships bronze medallist, home favourite under Somalia-born british coach barshim was considered as nought as mutaz found the jumping pack, he suffered wish to be named, felt heavy rains Zhang Guowei, Ukraine’s defending champion 24-year-old had posted a new Jama Aden, finished a creditable HQatar’s best bet for a medal going tough as he faced stiff a momentary lapse of that fell just hours before the bogdan bondarenko and Qatar’s mutaz Essa barshim national record of 20.05 in the sixth in the final. the 26-year- in beijing. competition and a hostile judgement and hit the bar. final had wreaked havoc with the all cleared the height on their first attempts. semifinal to progress as one of the old completed the race in 1min, He had the credentials to back crowd at the bird’s Nest that error decided his fate. jumper’s plans. However, when none of them was able to go over two fastest losers. 47.01sec. it up. the double Asian Games Stadium, to eventually finish mutaz then cleared 2.33 “He’s a great competitor in dry 2.36, mutaz, who needed two attempts to clear 2.29, but the pressure of competing meanwhile, 400m runner gold medallist, who is also the fourth on countback. on his first attempt, but conditions, but rain adversely was out on countback. against stalwarts like Jamaican Abdalelah Haroun and 1,500m reigning indoor world champion, He started confidently, crashed out at 2.36. three of affects his rhythm. Look at his the remaining jumpers were given a fourth, Usain bolt and American Justin competitor mohammed Al Garni had a silver at the 2013 moscow clearing 2.20 and 2.25 his rivals — Canadian Derek Diamond League performances sudden-death attempt at 2.36, but failed. the bar was Gatlin proved to be a bit too much failed to make it to China. Worlds and bronze at ’12 London on his first attempts. Drouin, China’s Zhang in Shanghai and Eugene. He then lowered to 2.34 and Drouin sailed over it on his for Femi. However, he was satisfied Despite being named in the Guowei and Ukraine’s won gold with 2.38 and 2.41m first try. Guowei and bondarenko shared silver after with his performance. side, the Qatari duo pulled out at bohdan bondarenko — also clearances respectively. but in failing to do so. Femi Seun “I couldn’t be any happier the last minute as they were still ŠŠQatar’s mutaz Essa barshim did exactly the same, but while London and Stockholm, where it Ogunode with my times in China. In the recovering from injuries. reacts after a failed they proceeded to a three-way rained heavily, he only managed attempt. jump-off, the Qatari lost out on to clear 2.28 and 2.29. Had it not rained in beijing, the results could’ve been so different,” said I REALLY WANTED TO WIN ‘Pressure major reason for decline of records’ the official. A MEDAL FOR QATAR, BUT but mutaz, on his part, refused IT SIMPLY WASN’T to blame the weather conditions. HEN curtains came down perform. I got straight out of college their time, runners waited for the methods have only served to make MEANT TO BE. “Yes, it rained. And yes, I’m on the event at the and represented my country. the race leader to make a move before athletes retreat further into their not usually at my best when Wbird’s Nest Stadium in relationships between runners were engaging in a mad scramble to the own shells. Unlike before, modern- that happens. However, that isn’t beijing last week, one sobering fact cordial and things weren’t as finish line. day athletics mantra seems to be countback. an excuse. the conditions were was the low number of world and cut-throat as it’s today,” the 81-year- middle and long distance races ‘quantity of wins over quality of If at all he was disappointed by exactly the same for every jumper. championship records — one and old told Doha Stadium Plus. have almost become a selfish timings.’ the outcome, he hid it perfectly my best attempt was simply not five respectively — set during the “track and field is no longer pursuit, with everyone trying to well. good enough. I’ll watch videos of nine-day competition. amateur. It’s a professional sport, protect their best interests » The writer can be contacted at: “At 2.29, I jumped a little from my jump and see where I erred,” While numbers have been with lots and lots of money in the end. [email protected] the back. I launched myself a bit he said. slightly better this year compared to involved. Athletes train for several “It’s a different kind earlier than I had intended to. I the 24-year-old, who has a moscow two seasons ago, where years to have a go at the World of pressure. races should’ve timed my jump a little huge following on social media, only three championship records Championships and Olympics glory. have become much more perfectly,” mutaz told Doha was apologetic to his fans. were set, the general trend has been For many of them, it’ll be a more tactical. It’s Stadium Plus. “I want to thank everyone for one of decline. TRACK AND FIELD IS NO make-or-break point in their careers. more mental, more “I really wanted to win a medal staying with me throughout the Daegu, in ’11, saw one world LONGER AMATEUR. IT’S “the realisation that one minor of a chess game. for Qatar, but it simply wasn’t journey. the wishes I got on record and three championship PROFESSIONAL, WITH error can send your preparations For those without meant to be. I definitely put social media were overwhelming. marks being born while berlin (’09) MORE MONEY INVOLVED. down the drain will always weigh on the ability for fast in the hard work, but some I apologise to my fans for letting bucked the trend with three world their minds. It prevents them from finishes, the things didn’t go well. If you them down. I promise to make up records and nine meeting marks. taking risks and pushing hard for only thing look at it, I missed a medal for it in the future,” he said. Despite obvious advancements in but why are modern-day athletes records. It’s an unfortunate reality of you can training methodologies, the number unable to take decent shots at our times,” he said. do is get in a good of new records has not increased setting new marks? American but it is not just about pressure position and hope it’s exponentially. If at all, things have Elliott Denman, who finished 11th on athletes alone. modern distance a fast-enough pace,” cooled down a lot on that front. in men’s 50km race walk at the running has constantly evolved as far said American 1,500m A few of the records, set several ’56 melbourne Olympics, felt the as tactics are concerned and they are runner Leo manzano, who decades ago when anti-doping rules pressure factor could be a major often not conducive for setting world qualified for the men’s final. were not as strictly enforced as it is reason. record times. Ironically, the evolution today, have stood the test of time. “When I was competing, our sport For example, in the men’s 800m, of tactics and And they seem unlikely to be broken was still an amateur one. there most first laps in beijing were a improvements anytime soon, if at all. wasn’t much pressure on us to lot slower than the second. biding in training www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 25

HEN curtains came down perform. I got straight out of college their time, runners waited for the methods have only served to make on the event at the and represented my country. the race leader to make a move before athletes retreat further into their Wbird’s Nest Stadium in relationships between runners were engaging in a mad scramble to the own shells. Unlike before, modern- beijing last week, one sobering fact cordial and things weren’t as finish line. day athletics mantra seems to be was the low number of world and cut-throat as it’s today,” the 81-year- middle and long distance races ‘quantity of wins over quality of championship records — one and old told Doha Stadium Plus. have almost become a selfish timings.’ five respectively — set during the “track and field is no longer pursuit, with everyone trying to nine-day competition. amateur. It’s a professional sport, protect their best interests » The writer can be contacted at: While numbers have been with lots and lots of money in the end. [email protected] slightly better this year compared to involved. Athletes train for several “It’s a different kind moscow two seasons ago, where years to have a go at the World of pressure. races only three championship records Championships and Olympics glory. have become much were set, the general trend has been For many of them, it’ll be a more tactical. It’s one of decline. TRACK AND FIELD IS NO make-or-break point in their careers. more mental, more Daegu, in ’11, saw one world LONGER AMATEUR. IT’S “the realisation that one minor of a chess game. record and three championship PROFESSIONAL, WITH error can send your preparations For those without marks being born while berlin (’09) MORE MONEY INVOLVED. down the drain will always weigh on the ability for fast bucked the trend with three world their minds. It prevents them from finishes, the records and nine meeting marks. taking risks and pushing hard for only thing Despite obvious advancements in but why are modern-day athletes records. It’s an unfortunate reality of you can training methodologies, the number unable to take decent shots at our times,” he said. do is get in a good of new records has not increased setting new marks? American but it is not just about pressure position and hope it’s exponentially. If at all, things have Elliott Denman, who finished 11th on athletes alone. modern distance a fast-enough pace,” cooled down a lot on that front. in men’s 50km race walk at the running has constantly evolved as far said American 1,500m A few of the records, set several ’56 melbourne Olympics, felt the as tactics are concerned and they are runner Leo manzano, who decades ago when anti-doping rules pressure factor could be a major often not conducive for setting world qualified for the men’s final. were not as strictly enforced as it is reason. record times. Ironically, the evolution today, have stood the test of time. “When I was competing, our sport For example, in the men’s 800m, of tactics and And they seem unlikely to be broken was still an amateur one. there most first laps in beijing were a improvements anytime soon, if at all. wasn’t much pressure on us to lot slower than the second. biding in training 26 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 27

ATHLETICS

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW MESSAGE ‘IAAF ready to begin an I’m very excited and proud to have been given an opportunity to lead our great sport exciting era of growth’ into the new era that lies ahead. I’m looking forward to working closely with my colleagues ENEGALESE Lamine Diack, new exciting era. on the International Association of Athletics ‘Farah’s progress whose tenure as the “As I hand over the baton to Federations (IAAF) Council, who accepted my Spresident of the International Seb, I’m pleased to deliver an recommendation to appoint Sergey Bubka as is spectacular’ Association of Athletics association with stable finances our senior vice-president. Federations (IAAF) ended and a sport which is ready Beijing has been a wonderful edition of the New athletics boss Sebastian last Sunday, said the to begin an exciting IAAF World Championships. The stadium has Coe believes fellow briton been full over nine days, morning and evening, Mo Farah deserves to be World Championships era of growth. I Sebstance! with an energetic and enthusiastic crowd regarded as one of the greatest in beijing was a would like to take ЃЂthe biggest challenge we face you know who the lead driver economic drivers for our sport in who’ve been enthralled by the world’s greatest athletes ever after his World wonderful one. this opportunity to Aju George Chris today is how to engage young or constructor is throughout the distinctive market places. athletes. Championships double. “the World thank the athletes, people in our sport, excite them season. Similarly, we’ve to be clear We’ve to be very Athletics has been at the centre of my Farah became the first man Championships was officials, media, and life since I was a young boy. Everything I’m enough to be a part of track and about our season. maybe World specific about regional to pull off a triple-double of nice. We’ve celebrated volunteers,” he said. today can be credited to my experiences distance titles at consecutive EbAStIAN Coe takes over as field. I want youngsters to fall in love Championships should be held as development. If an unforgettable nine “thanks to the and successes in this sport, and my mission world championships and the world athletics body’s chief with athletics for the same reasons a season’s closing event. people you’re looking at now is to enhance its ability to inspire London Olympics after winning days in the bird’s Nest IAAF staff, the Local Sat a time when the sport is I did many years ago. to do that, we should feel it as the year’s crowning growing the sport and entertain. Athletics is about sporting 5,000 and 10,000m gold in Stadium, and also on the roads,” Organising Committee, General looking at its own future with plenty can look at tweaking the format, moment. in the Gulf, the performance and success, but also about beijing over the past week. said Diack. Administration of Sport of China, of doubts, mainly due to doping calendar and presentation of our challenges are values which’ve the strongest ethical “It’s a wonderful debate to the 82-year-old said he was City of beijing, Chinese Athletics foundations. allegations. sport. ЂЂJamaican Usain Bolt and very different from be having and I’m delighted pleased to hand over the baton Association, IAAF partners and With the support of my Council the briton, who succeeded American Justin Gatlin are huge what we face in to be not too british at these to Sebastian Coe, with the Suppliers and National partners colleagues, I’m determined to ensure moments,” Coe said. Senegalese Lamine Diack at the Ђ Your manifesto talked about draws. Yet, they raced each other for South-East Asia. association stable on the financial and Suppliers. thank you beijing! Ђ that athletics remains at the heart of “mo is a wonderful, helm of the International Association making track and field a yearlong the first time this season is Beijing. We need to allow the Olympic Movement. We’ll continue wonderful athlete, his progress front and a sport ready to begin a thank you China!” he added. of Athletics Federations (IAAF) last affair. How challenging is it, Isn’t lack of head-to-head clashes the sport to grow to put the interest of athletics first through the ranks has been week, is widely considered as the affecting the sport’s visibility? in a way which best and retain the level of independence spectacular. right person to take the sport back to ЃЂYou’re right. I know what my kids suits local customs and necessary to help us do the right thing “If you look at the medals its glory days. WE NEED TO ALLOW THE would get up early in the morning for taste. for our sport. he has won in major Our approach will be a simple one: Coe, a two-time Olympic 1,500m SPORT TO GROW IN A WAY — to watch rafael Nadal play roger championships, you would be to ensure that the IAAF works in the hard-pressed to say he wasn’t champion, proved he was equally WHICH BEST SUITS LOCAL Federer or Lewis Hamilton race Nico Ђ World Anti-Doping Ђ service of the Member Federations the most successful distance adept in administration by heading CUSTOMS AND TASTE. rosberg. people want to see more Agency President Craig and athletes. runner, in terms of medals,” Doping issue the successful organisation of the match-ups between the best of their Reedie spoke about And I’m determined to get out he added. 2012 London Olympic Games. generation. but you can’t do it all the banning nations for of the starting blocks quickly, so we Coe knows the enormity of his considering different continents and time and risk frequent injuries for frequent doping offences. begin a detailed review of our existing raises its head again task on hand and is taking it as a climatic conditions? athletes. What’re your comments? management structures and use of resources to ensure that within the challenge. In an exclusive interview Ѓ Within our strength lies the maybe we should look at it in Ѓ Change is better when tHrILLING World Kenya finished top of the medals Ђ Ђ next 100 days, the IAAF Council can with Doha Stadium Plus, the challenge. the IAAF’s strength is terms of central contracts, where it happens from the inside. I approve new systems and teams Championships in beijing table, but they were also the only 58-year-old spoke about his plans, its 214 national federations, which athletes are contracted to take part don’t like the idea of a country or which’re necessary for delivering our Afailed to silence growing team to fail doping tests after two the need to engage youth and makes it a truly global sport. track in a certain number of competitions federation being told they aren’t a ambitious plans. We’re committed questions about doping, giving of their athletes were caught out importance of developing Asian and field events are being held each year. We’ll look into it. part of the family. It’s for the IAAF to ensuring good governance in the sport’s new boss Sebastian by pre-competition controls. athletics. throughout the year, be it indoors, family to figure out how we can everything that we do and, as a Coe much to ponder as he heads Joyce Zakary and Koki manunga, starting point, our legal team has outdoors, cross-country, road or ЂЂWhat’re your plans for help them. towards an Olympic year. who competed in 400 and 400m been asked to conduct an in-depth Ђ ЂYour election as the IAAF walk. developing athletics in Asia? by banning countries, the only review of the IAAF Constitution and While sprinter Usain bolt hurdles respectively, have accepted president has generated It’s important we create a ЃЂAsia has extraordinary potential, people you’ll penalise are the related governance. led a barrage of superstar provisional bans after ‘targeted tremendous goodwill in the sport’s narrative for our sport, but it needn’t but it’s also a huge clean athletes. It isn’t right to A new Member Federations performances at the tests’ done by the world body. fraternity. How do you hope to build revolve around just continent. We punish a majority of clean Relations team has also been bird’s Nest Stadium, on it? the Diamond should create athletes for the wrongs created to ensure they’re fully scepticism was ЃЂIt’s a great honour. Anybody who League and done by a few. I’ll use my engaged and involved in shaping also not hard to IT’S OSTENSIBLY A CLEAN has worked with me before knows I other one-day position to help such the future of the sport. find following SPORT, WE’VE OUR Work has also begun on a review build teams. this isn’t a journey I’m meets. It’s also nations put systems in and enhancement of our current allegations of CHALLENGES AND NO ONE going to make alone. there’re many about fitting place to protect clean IAAF Commissions and working widespread drug WOULD DENY THAT. in our sport who’ve great experience national and local athletes. groups to ensure that the IAAF abuse by elite athletes. serving in all continents. I intend to championships into Council gets the best possible advice britain’s Coe won a narrow vote sustain the momentum by roping the narrative. I think the and support moving forwards. to succeed 82-year-old Lamine bolt’s brilliant sprint treble them in and working together. time is right to create a more Finally, a working group has been Diack as International Association after overcoming injury came at set up to look into the possibility enveloping calendar. Fans should Sebastian of Athletics Federations president the expense of twice-banned of establishing a new over-arching Coe ЂЂHow important are the youth for know when the big moments are. integrity unit for athletics which would and improving the besmirched American Justin Gatlin — one of the future of track and field? For example, in Formula One, house an anti-doping operation image of athletics will be his top four former doping offenders in the with greater independence and have priority. 100m final. access to a newly-formed independent “We’re more than a discussion When the Netherlands’ Dafne Usain Bolt has done for athletics bolt’s retirement would tribunal to hear doping cases of about test tubes, blood and urine,” Schippers ran the fourth fastest Sport will what muhammad Ali did for boxing, leave a huge void for the international level athletes (and support said Coe. “It’s ostensibly a clean 200m in history, adding gold to but the sport will survive when crisis-hit sport as it continues to personnel). This will be done without survive sport, we’ve our challenges and no her 100m silver, she immediately the sprint king eventually retires, fight accusations of widespread impeding or in any way delaying after Bolt! according to new IAAF president doping, but Coe last Sunday investigations currently underway. one would deny that.” had to deny using chemical Sebastian Coe. expressed confidence in the next These’re exciting times for athletics and However, after thousands of enhancement. Jamaican superstar bolt, who generation of track and field athletes. I’m delighted to be in a position to help test results were leaked to media And briton mo Farah’s has captured a staggering 17 of the “I do sort of feel that I’m in sort of the sport break new barriers. before the championships, the unprecedented second straight last 18 sprint gold medals at the 1960s, 1970s time warp,” said Coe. issue of doping was never far away world distance double came Olympics and World Championships “It’s the kind of conversation that Sebastian Coe, President, since 2008, has suggested he could was probably taking place in boxing International Association of Athletics and many of the positive headlines against the backdrop of doping hang up his spikes after next year’s at that time as to what happens after Federations. were accompanied by darker allegations fired at his coach, rio Games. muhammad Ali retires.” questions. Alberto Salazar. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 27

MESSAGE ‘IAAF ready to begin an I’m very excited and proud to have been given an opportunity to lead our great sport exciting era of growth’ into the new era that lies ahead. I’m looking forward to working closely with my colleagues ENEGALESE Lamine Diack, new exciting era. on the International Association of Athletics ‘Farah’s progress whose tenure as the “As I hand over the baton to Federations (IAAF) Council, who accepted my Spresident of the International Seb, I’m pleased to deliver an recommendation to appoint Sergey Bubka as is spectacular’ Association of Athletics association with stable finances our senior vice-president. Federations (IAAF) ended and a sport which is ready Beijing has been a wonderful edition of the New athletics boss Sebastian last Sunday, said the to begin an exciting IAAF World Championships. The stadium has Coe believes fellow briton been full over nine days, morning and evening, Mo Farah deserves to be World Championships era of growth. I with an energetic and enthusiastic crowd regarded as one of the greatest in beijing was a would like to take who’ve been enthralled by the world’s greatest athletes ever after his World wonderful one. this opportunity to athletes. Championships double. “the World thank the athletes, Athletics has been at the centre of my Farah became the first man Championships was officials, media, and life since I was a young boy. Everything I’m to pull off a triple-double of nice. We’ve celebrated volunteers,” he said. today can be credited to my experiences distance titles at consecutive an unforgettable nine “thanks to the and successes in this sport, and my mission world championships and the now is to enhance its ability to inspire London Olympics after winning days in the bird’s Nest IAAF staff, the Local and entertain. Athletics is about sporting 5,000 and 10,000m gold in Stadium, and also on the roads,” Organising Committee, General performance and success, but also about beijing over the past week. said Diack. Administration of Sport of China, values which’ve the strongest ethical “It’s a wonderful debate to the 82-year-old said he was City of beijing, Chinese Athletics foundations. be having and I’m delighted pleased to hand over the baton Association, IAAF partners and With the support of my Council to be not too british at these to Sebastian Coe, with the Suppliers and National partners colleagues, I’m determined to ensure moments,” Coe said. association stable on the financial and Suppliers. thank you beijing! that athletics remains at the heart of “mo is a wonderful, the Olympic Movement. We’ll continue wonderful athlete, his progress front and a sport ready to begin a thank you China!” he added. to put the interest of athletics first through the ranks has been and retain the level of independence spectacular. necessary to help us do the right thing “If you look at the medals for our sport. he has won in major Our approach will be a simple one: championships, you would be to ensure that the IAAF works in the hard-pressed to say he wasn’t service of the Member Federations the most successful distance and athletes. runner, in terms of medals,” Doping issue And I’m determined to get out he added. of the starting blocks quickly, so we begin a detailed review of our existing raises its head again management structures and use of resources to ensure that within the tHrILLING World Kenya finished top of the medals next 100 days, the IAAF Council can approve new systems and teams Championships in beijing table, but they were also the only which’re necessary for delivering our Afailed to silence growing team to fail doping tests after two ambitious plans. We’re committed questions about doping, giving of their athletes were caught out to ensuring good governance in the sport’s new boss Sebastian by pre-competition controls. everything that we do and, as a Coe much to ponder as he heads Joyce Zakary and Koki manunga, starting point, our legal team has towards an Olympic year. who competed in 400 and 400m been asked to conduct an in-depth review of the IAAF Constitution and While sprinter Usain bolt hurdles respectively, have accepted related governance. led a barrage of superstar provisional bans after ‘targeted A new Member Federations performances at the tests’ done by the world body. Relations team has also been bird’s Nest Stadium, created to ensure they’re fully scepticism was engaged and involved in shaping also not hard to IT’S OSTENSIBLY A CLEAN the future of the sport. find following SPORT, WE’VE OUR Work has also begun on a review and enhancement of our current allegations of CHALLENGES AND NO ONE IAAF Commissions and working widespread drug WOULD DENY THAT. groups to ensure that the IAAF abuse by elite athletes. Council gets the best possible advice britain’s Coe won a narrow vote and support moving forwards. to succeed 82-year-old Lamine bolt’s brilliant sprint treble Finally, a working group has been Diack as International Association after overcoming injury came at set up to look into the possibility of Athletics Federations president the expense of twice-banned of establishing a new over-arching integrity unit for athletics which would and improving the besmirched American Justin Gatlin — one of house an anti-doping operation image of athletics will be his top four former doping offenders in the with greater independence and have priority. 100m final. access to a newly-formed independent “We’re more than a discussion When the Netherlands’ Dafne tribunal to hear doping cases of about test tubes, blood and urine,” Schippers ran the fourth fastest international level athletes (and support said Coe. “It’s ostensibly a clean 200m in history, adding gold to personnel). This will be done without sport, we’ve our challenges and no her 100m silver, she immediately impeding or in any way delaying investigations currently underway. one would deny that.” had to deny using chemical These’re exciting times for athletics and However, after thousands of enhancement. I’m delighted to be in a position to help test results were leaked to media And briton mo Farah’s the sport break new barriers. before the championships, the unprecedented second straight Sebastian Coe, President, issue of doping was never far away world distance double came International Association of Athletics and many of the positive headlines against the backdrop of doping Federations. were accompanied by darker allegations fired at his coach, questions. Alberto Salazar. 28 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 29

MIXED ZONE | QATAR

BOXING SWIMMING ֫ MOTORSPORT ֫ ֫ Qatar stay in race Qataris disappoint at Asian C’ships Nasser keeps lead for FINA Worlds rAN’S Amin Ghasemipour Qatar’s Abdulrahman Abdulla Al faced a similar fate against outpunched Qatar’s Hozam Hadi offered little resistance against turkmenistan’s Yakub meredov AtAr’S Nasser Saleh Al rGENtINA pulled out of the race to host the INabah in 69kg welterweight in 56kg bantamweight. meredov Attiyah extended his lead in 2021 and ’23 FINA World Championships last category to advance to the Asian dominated the opening round Qthe FIA World Cup for Aweek, leaving Qatar, China, turkey and Japan Championships quarterfinal in HOZAM HAD A GOOD with great combinations and even Cross-Country rallies with a as the confirmed bidders for the sport’s showcase bangkok, thailand, last week. START, BUT AMIN WAS though he reduced the intensity in second-place finish at the poland event. Hozam had a good start, but LETHAL IN HIS the second, some of his right jabs baja last week. the United Arab Emirates is reportedly looking to Amin was lethal in his counter- COUNTER-ATTACKS. proved too much for the Qatari. the mini All4 racing driver, join the race, if it gets necessary government backing attacks. the referee counted Hozam Qatar, China, India, Iran, who had triumphed in the before the official October 20 deadline. after the Iranian landed a series Kazakhstan, South Korea, previous round in Hungary, won Qatar Swimming Association president Khaleel Al Hozam of power-packed punches in the Kyrgyzstan’s Azamat Kanybek Uulu, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka and Nabah the prologue and last stage of the Jabir said he remained confident about the country’s second round. who won by technical Knockout. Uzbekistan are competing in the three-day event, but could not chances of organising either of the editions. In 75kg middleweight category, Othman Jumani Arbabi also event. stop local hero Krzysztof Holowczyc “We’ve submitted very strong bid files which meet HANDBALL from winning his second straight all of FINA’s requirements. We also enjoy full support ֫ from the country’s highest authorities. I’m confident we can win,” Al Jabir told Doha Stadium Plus. IT FEELS EVEN MORE “We aren’t looking at who’s in or out of the Sydney University first up for Sadd SATISFYING TO LEAD THE bidding race. We respect all our rivals equally and WORLD CUP AFTER are ready to compete with them for the prize,” said OmE of the very best players on Australia’s Sydney University he said. A HARD BATTLE. Al Jaber. from around the world will Handball Club. meanwhile, Sadd have budapest had originally been awarded the ’21 Sbe seen in action at the Qatar Handball Association chief intensified their preparations for World Championships, but a slot suddenly opened International Handball Federation’s Ahmed mohammed Abdulrab Al the annual event. they recently poland baja. up when the mexican city of Guadalajara withdrew Super Globe Championship in Doha Shaabi wished the teams good luck. competed in a friendly tournament Holowczyc, who finished third as the ’17 host, citing financial problems caused by from September 7 to 10. “this year, the IHF Super Globe in Dubai. Sadd’s tunisian coach in Dakar earlier this year, later falling oil prices. the tournament, to be held at mongi bannani said they would not announced his retirement from Hungary agreed to step in at short notice to host the Qatar Handball Association underestimate the rivals. Cross-Country rally after a challenger russia’s Vladimir Krzysztof, he drove really well. the biennial event in ’17, but a new candidate for ’21 Complex, will feature eight clubs in WE CAN’T AFFORD TO TAKE “We were runners-up last decade-long career. Vasilyev, who is also the defending I wish to take part in this rally was needed, with Gwangju, South Korea, already a direct elimination format. ANY TEAM LIGHTLY. MY season, but that’s already in the Waleed Overdrive racing team’s Dutch champion. next year too. It feels even more confirmed for ’19. European winners mKb-mVm BOYS WILL FIGHT FROM past. We won’t dwell on it. this Majed driver bernhard ten brinke, on a brazil’s reinaldo Varela is a satisfying to lead the World Cup FINA announced in June that it had received Veszprem from Hungary will THE VERY FIRST MINUTE. year, since the competition is in a toyota Hilux, prevented a mini distant third with 97. after a hard battle like we just had expressions of interest from as many as seven take on brazil’s pan-American knockout format, we can’t afford to CUE SPORTS clean sweep of the podium. “It wasn’t an easy rally, but in poland,” said Nasser. countries, including Australia and Germany, who champions Esporte Clube taubate take any team lightly. my boys will ֫ With two legs to go in the obviously we’re really happy. the penultimate round of the later withdrew. A final decision on the two host in the first game. is being held as a dress rehearsal fight from the very first minute,” he 10-round series, Nasser, with 201 Second place is very good in terms FIA World Cup for Cross-Country nations will be taken during the FINA Congress in Germany’s Fuchse berlin, granted for the ’16 Olympic Qualification said. points, extended his overall lead to of the FIA World Cup standings. rallies will be held in Libya from Dubai on November 8. a wild card, will then face off tournament in Doha from Sadd have strengthened Waleed leads 22 points over his championship I would like to congratulate October 3 to 5. against tunisia’s African champion November 14 to 23. Sadd finished the squad by recruiting three side Club Africain. reigning as Super Globe runners-up last key players from Qatar League Qatar’s charge champions FC barcelona will lock season and I’m hoping they can put champions Al Gharafa — Hani the middle East rally Local hero Feghali has won his maiden win in the event, horns with Egyptian wild cards up a strong performance this time Fakhrani, Ahmed Abdel Haq and HE qualifying round of the sixth World MERC to Championship will resume the rally a record 11 times, being held under the aegis of resume with after the summer break on including 10 times in a row, the Automobile and touring Al Ahly before hosts Al Sadd take as well. I wish all teams the best,” Fahad Al bishi. 9-ball pool Championship will begin at thursday. the 38th rally and is considered to be the Club of Lebanon. Tthe Al Arabi Sports Club Indoor Hall on Lebanon leg of Lebanon has a strong firm favourite. the rally of Lebanon has September 7. field that includes 11-time Defending champion mostly been won by local the $200,000 prize money tournament champion roger Feghali and Nicholas Ameona is a strong drivers. Of the 38 entries for will have 128 players competing for the most Qatari ace Nasser Saleh Al contender this time as well the latest edition, 31 are from prestigious prize in men’s pool arena. Attiyah. while Nasser will be eyeing the home country. the tournament proper gets under way on September 9. In the main draw, the players will be split into CRICKET 16 groups of eight playing a race-to-9 double ֫ elimination format. Four from each group will make it to the round of 64, which marks the start Doha to host Twenty20 Pakistan Super League of the single elimination phase. matches will then become race-to-11 and the final, which takes AKIStAN’S eagerly-awaited to postpone it twice over a lack from February 4 to 24 with a prize league was to give pakistani players and we expect some 25 place on September 18, will be a race-to-13 affair. twenty20 league, which was of response from sponsors and money of $1m and we’re getting players a chance to compete with to sign for the league and out the Netherlands’ Niels Feijen is the defending Ppostponed twice, will be held logistic problems. encouraging responses from and against top foreign players, of these 15 will be world-class champion of the World pool-billiard Association in Doha from February 4 to 24, the pCb was forced to shift the something which the national players,” Sethi said. (WpA)-sanctioned event. 2016. League to Doha after grounds in players do not get as international Four West Indians and two the Dutchman had defeated Austria’s Albin the event, to be known as the the UAE — where pakistan have PAKISTAN WAS A NO-GO cricket has been suspended in the players each from Sri Lanka, Oushcan 13-10 in the final at the Al Sadd Indoor pakistan Super League (pSL), will played most of their home cricket AREA FOR TEAMS SINCE country since ’09. bangladesh, Australia, New Hall last year en route to his maiden world title. feature around 25 foreign players since ’09 — were booked for a TERRORISTS’ ATTACKS ON pakistan was a no-go area for Zealand, England and South Africa Waleed majed had created history last year and will be held at the Asian town private league in January-February, SRI LANKAN TEAM BUS. teams since terrorists’ attacks on were among the targeted names, by becoming the first Qatari to reach the pre- Cricket Stadium in Doha’s Industrial ’16. the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore he said. quarterfinal. Waleed, who started off in the Area which will undergo some pCb’s former chairman Najam in march, ’09. Sethi added that no player from qualifiers last year, is competing in the main draw modifications. Sethi announced the pSL was sponsors and foreign players,” said this was partially overcome with India was on the pSL target list as this time around. the pakistan Cricket board getting encouraging responses Sethi, who is now chairman of the a short limited-over series against the board of Control for Cricket in the tournament has drawn participation from şşAl Sadd coach (pCb) had planned a Super from sponsors. pCb’s executive committee. Zimbabwe in may-June this year. India does not allow its players to mongi bannani 48 countries. twenty20 league in 2013, but had “the pSL will be held in Doha the idea behind staging the “We’re in talks with 40 foreign feature in a foreign league. instructs his players. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 29

BOXING ֫ Qataris disappoint at Asian C’ships

rAN’S Amin Ghasemipour Qatar’s Abdulrahman Abdulla Al faced a similar fate against outpunched Qatar’s Hozam Hadi offered little resistance against turkmenistan’s Yakub meredov INabah in 69kg welterweight in 56kg bantamweight. meredov category to advance to the Asian dominated the opening round Championships quarterfinal in HOZAM HAD A GOOD with great combinations and even bangkok, thailand, last week. START, BUT AMIN WAS though he reduced the intensity in Hozam had a good start, but LETHAL IN HIS the second, some of his right jabs Amin was lethal in his counter- COUNTER-ATTACKS. proved too much for the Qatari. attacks. the referee counted Hozam Qatar, China, India, Iran, after the Iranian landed a series Kazakhstan, South Korea, Hozam of power-packed punches in the Kyrgyzstan’s Azamat Kanybek Uulu, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka and Nabah second round. who won by technical Knockout. Uzbekistan are competing in the In 75kg middleweight category, Othman Jumani Arbabi also event. HANDBALL ֫ Sydney University first up for Sadd

OmE of the very best players on Australia’s Sydney University he said. from around the world will Handball Club. meanwhile, Sadd have Sbe seen in action at the Qatar Handball Association chief intensified their preparations for International Handball Federation’s Ahmed mohammed Abdulrab Al the annual event. they recently Super Globe Championship in Doha Shaabi wished the teams good luck. competed in a friendly tournament from September 7 to 10. “this year, the IHF Super Globe in Dubai. Sadd’s tunisian coach the tournament, to be held at mongi bannani said they would not the Qatar Handball Association underestimate the rivals. Complex, will feature eight clubs in WE CAN’T AFFORD TO TAKE “We were runners-up last a direct elimination format. ANY TEAM LIGHTLY. MY season, but that’s already in the Waleed European winners mKb-mVm BOYS WILL FIGHT FROM past. We won’t dwell on it. this Majed Veszprem from Hungary will THE VERY FIRST MINUTE. year, since the competition is in a take on brazil’s pan-American knockout format, we can’t afford to CUE SPORTS champions Esporte Clube taubate take any team lightly. my boys will ֫ in the first game. is being held as a dress rehearsal fight from the very first minute,” he Germany’s Fuchse berlin, granted for the ’16 Olympic Qualification said. a wild card, will then face off tournament in Doha from Sadd have strengthened Waleed leads against tunisia’s African champion November 14 to 23. Sadd finished the squad by recruiting three side Club Africain. reigning as Super Globe runners-up last key players from Qatar League Qatar’s charge champions FC barcelona will lock season and I’m hoping they can put champions Al Gharafa — Hani horns with Egyptian wild cards up a strong performance this time Fakhrani, Ahmed Abdel Haq and HE qualifying round of the sixth World Al Ahly before hosts Al Sadd take as well. I wish all teams the best,” Fahad Al bishi. 9-ball pool Championship will begin at Tthe Al Arabi Sports Club Indoor Hall on September 7. the $200,000 prize money tournament will have 128 players competing for the most prestigious prize in men’s pool arena. the tournament proper gets under way on September 9. In the main draw, the players will be split into 16 groups of eight playing a race-to-9 double elimination format. Four from each group will make it to the round of 64, which marks the start of the single elimination phase. matches will then become race-to-11 and the final, which takes place on September 18, will be a race-to-13 affair. the Netherlands’ Niels Feijen is the defending champion of the World pool-billiard Association (WpA)-sanctioned event. the Dutchman had defeated Austria’s Albin Oushcan 13-10 in the final at the Al Sadd Indoor Hall last year en route to his maiden world title. Waleed majed had created history last year by becoming the first Qatari to reach the pre- quarterfinal. Waleed, who started off in the qualifiers last year, is competing in the main draw this time around. the tournament has drawn participation from şşAl Sadd coach mongi bannani 48 countries. instructs his players. 30 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 31

MIXED ZONE | INTERNATIONAL

TENNIS MOTORSPORT ֫ ֫ Sharapova pulls out of US Open USSIAN Maria Sharapova, semifinal in July and withdrew from not enough time. to all my amazing Reign of Rossi! winner of five Grand hardcourt tournaments in toronto fans, I’ll be back in the Asian swing RSlam events, pulled out and Cincinnati in August, citing a in a few weeks and look forward tALIAN great Valentino rossi won “We can say that maybe now the “When I saw marc crash...I slowed of the ongoing US Open tennis right leg strain. to finishing the year healthy and ”. CRICKET championships due to a leg injury. “Unfortunately, I won’t be able strong a rain-hit british motoGp to take a championship will be difficult,” he down a little bit because I thought ֫ I12-point lead over Yamaha team- said. I had more advantage,” said rossi, Sharapova, 28, has not played to compete in the US Open,” she It marks the second time in three mate Jorge Lorenzo last Sunday as the start was delayed for 30 who finished 3sec ahead of petrucci. a match since losing to Serena tweeted. “I’ve done everything years that the 2006 champion has marc marquez’s hopes of retaining minutes when rain began to fall after “I hoped Danilo wouldn’t Aussies have great Williams in the Wimbledon possible to be ready, but it was just withdrawn from the year’s last the world title all but vanished. the race had originally been declared risk much because it’s his first Grand Slam event. pole-sitter marquez fell on the dry. that led to riders returning to the podium but anyway I had to chance: Warner 12th of 20 laps while running a pits for a change of tyres and setup. stay concentrated. At the end the close second, the Honda rider’s crash conditions were more difficult UStrALIA will not use Indian conditions SHARAPOVA HAS NOT leaving rossi clear to take his fourth because there was more water so I as an excuse if they fail to win the PLAYED SINCE LOSING TO SWIMMING win of the season and lead an all- ROSSI NOW HAS 236 didn’t want to make any mistake,” AWorld twenty20 next year, opening SERENA WILLIAMS IN THE ֫ Italian podium with pramac Ducati POINTS TO LORENZO’S said rossi. batsman David Warner said. WIMBLEDON SEMIFINAL. team’s Danilo petrucci, who started 224 WITH SIX RACES Australia have never won the tournament Minimum age 18th on the grid, and factory Ducati RESULTS despite being a power in tests and the one- REMAINING. 1. Valentino rossi (ItA) Yamaha 46:15.617 rider Andrea Dovizioso. 2. Danilo petrucci (ItA) Ducati at 3.010 day game, but will hope to break the drought Her absence has robbed the limit at Worlds? Spaniard Lorenzo, who had seized 3. Andrea Dovizioso (ItA) Ducati 4.117 in the march 11 to April 3 event. tournament of some star power and the lead from second on the grid but Lorenzo seized the lead at the 4. Jorge Lorenzo (ESp) Yamaha 5.726 Australia have traditionally struggled in a possible marquee showdown. HE 10-year-old bahraini girl who then faded, finished fourth. start, but rossi, winning for the first 5. Dani pedrosa (ESp) Honda 11.132 the subcontinent, where bone-dry pitches Sharapova, who has won each of competed at last month’s World rossi now has 236 points time at Silverstone, passed him on STANDINGS have shown up many of their batsmen’s the four Grand Slam tournaments 1. Valentino rossi (ItA) Yamaha 236 Championships in russia could end up to Lorenzo’s 224 with six races the second lap. vulnerability against quality spin bowling. during her career, was seeded T 2. Jorge Lorenzo (ItA) Yamaha 224 holding a record that will never be beaten if remaining. the pair had started the Only marquez was able to take the 3. marc marquez (ItA) Honda 159 “I think going to India, there’s no excuse for to meet top-seeded American swimming officials push ahead with plans to day level on points, but with Lorenzo fight to him until a front-end wobble 4. Andrea Iannone (ItA) Ducati 150 conditions,” Warner said. “All the players have world No.1 Serena Williams in the close the loophole that allowed her to race. ahead on race wins. threw the Spaniard into the gravel. 5. Andrea Dovizioso (ItA) Ducati 120 played there before in the Indian premier League. semifinal. Despite failing to reach the minimum marquez, now 77 points off the Whatever team is selected, that will be the right Williams, 33, is campaigning to ŢŢValentino rossi speeds past qualifying standards, Alzain Tareq became lead, conceded that his bid for a third marc marquez. team for those conditions and I really do think win a fourth US Open title in a row the youngest competitor ever to race at the successive title was this could be one of our best chances to win the that would give her a rare Grand championships when she participated in women’s effectively over. twenty20 World Cup. Slam sweep of the year’s four 50m freestyle and 50m butterfly heats at Kazan “We’ve probably played more in India than we majors. earlier last month. have at home in the twenty20 format,” he added. russian Daria Kasatkina replaced She was allowed to compete because of a Sharapova in the main draw. rule which permits each nation to have some India and South Africa have evoked the limited representation, but does not have any age Get ready memory of two iconic historical figures to restrictions. name future cricket series between the two Anderson eighth time lucky Hopelessly out of her depth, pint-sized Alzain for Gandhi- countries. finished 105th in freestyle and last in butterfly. Mandela Starting in November, the test series ECOND seed Kevin Anderson broken at 5-5. However, swimming’s world governing body FINA between the countries will be known as ‘the used his powerful serve meanwhile, defending champion is now considering adding a clause on minimum series! mahatma Gandhi-Nelson mandela Series’, an Sto end the unlikely run of petra Kvitova used a dominant ages at future world championships. announcement said last monday. qualifier pierre-Hugues Herbert serve to beat Lucie Safarova 6-7 “For the people of both our countries there’s “Now this story has come up, probably we’ll with a 6-4, 7-5 victory in the final (6-7), 6-2, 6-2 in their all-Czech no greater duty than to uphold the ideals of look at this at our next (FINA) meeting we’ve in “When I saw marc crash... both mahatma Gandhi and Nelson mandela,” of the Winston-Salem Open in final at theConnecticut Open last November in Dubai,” said FINA Executive Director I slowed down a little bit because Cricket South Africa Chief Executive Haroon North Carolina last week. week. Cornel marculescu. I thought I had more advantage. Lorgat said. One break in each set was Kvitova faced only one break Although Alzain was allowed to swim at the “As cricket loving people we must fight hard enough for Anderson to clinch the point and was never broken as she senior world championships, she is still too young Valentino Rossi to win on the field of play, but never forget to third Atp title of his career and end the second set, and saved four remained unbeaten in seven career to swim at the junior worlds because the minimum do battle in the spirit of these two great men,” a streak of losing seven straight break points. matches against her compatriot. he added. age for girls is 14. finals. Herbert, ranked 140th in the the second seed collected her world, was outclassed in the first 17th WtA title and her third in GOLF set but played much better in New Haven after victories in 2012 ֫ .CYCLING ONE BREAK IN EACH the second before his serve was and ’14 ֫ SET WAS ENOUGH FOR Yet another red-letter Day for Jason! ANDERSON TO CLINCH HIS Belgian Boeckmans THIRD CAREER TITLE. ED-HOt pGA Championship who posted a 66, while two-time year, particularly after masters and winner Jason Day of Australia masters winner bubba Watson (69) US Open winner Jordan Spieth in coma after crash Rromped to victory at the finished third, eight strokes off the relinquished the top ranking to the tall South African was barclays last Sunday, winning the pace. rory mcIlroy when he missed the ELGIAN Kris boeckmans is in an induced coma broken only once in the entire opening event of the lucrative barclays cut. after crashing on the eighth stage of the tour tournament. FedExCup Series by a whopping six meanwhile, Kris tamulis emerged Bof Spain, a 182.5-km ride from puebla de Don “I’ve been in a few finals and strokes. DAY REELED OFF EIGHT from obscurity for a surprise one- Fadrique to murcia, last week. come up short which is always World No.3 Day reeled off eight BIRDIES IN A BOGEY-FREE stroke victory at the Yokohama Tire “Kris boeckmans has a severe facial trauma with tough,” a relieved Anderson said. birdies in a bogey-free final round FINAL ROUND 62. LPGA Classic last Sunday. several fractures and will probably need surgery,” his “Each final is a different situation 62 for a 19-under-par 261 total at the 10-year LpGA veteran edged belgian team Lotto-Soudal said on their twitter feed. and for some reason it just hadn’t plainfield Country Club for his third fellow American Austin Ernst and “He has concussion, three broken ribs and bleeding in happened for me.” Jason Day victory in his last four starts. Day’s dominating victory lifted taiwan’s Yani tseng at the Senator his lung. He is now being kept in an induced coma for a Anderson was in danger of A distant second on 13-under the Australian into the reckoning Course at robert trent Jones Golf few days.” dropping his serve against Herbert Petra Kvitova was Sweden’s Henrik Stenson, for becoming top golfer of the trail in prattville, Alabama. only once, in the fourth game of www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 31

TENNIS ֫ Sharapova pulls out of US Open USSIAN Maria Sharapova, semifinal in July and withdrew from not enough time. to all my amazing winner of five Grand hardcourt tournaments in toronto fans, I’ll be back in the Asian swing RSlam events, pulled out and Cincinnati in August, citing a in a few weeks and look forward of the ongoing US Open tennis right leg strain. to finishing the year healthy and ”.CRICKET championships due to a leg injury. “Unfortunately, I won’t be able strong ֫ Sharapova, 28, has not played to compete in the US Open,” she It marks the second time in three a match since losing to Serena tweeted. “I’ve done everything years that the 2006 champion has Aussies have great Williams in the Wimbledon possible to be ready, but it was just withdrawn from the year’s last chance: Warner Grand Slam event.

UStrALIA will not use Indian conditions SHARAPOVA HAS NOT as an excuse if they fail to win the PLAYED SINCE LOSING TO AWorld twenty20 next year, opening SERENA WILLIAMS IN THE batsman David Warner said. WIMBLEDON SEMIFINAL. Australia have never won the tournament despite being a power in tests and the one- day game, but will hope to break the drought Her absence has robbed the in the march 11 to April 3 event. tournament of some star power and Australia have traditionally struggled in a possible marquee showdown. the subcontinent, where bone-dry pitches Sharapova, who has won each of have shown up many of their batsmen’s the four Grand Slam tournaments vulnerability against quality spin bowling. during her career, was seeded “I think going to India, there’s no excuse for to meet top-seeded American conditions,” Warner said. “All the players have world No.1 Serena Williams in the played there before in the Indian premier League. semifinal. Whatever team is selected, that will be the right Williams, 33, is campaigning to team for those conditions and I really do think win a fourth US Open title in a row this could be one of our best chances to win the that would give her a rare Grand twenty20 World Cup. Slam sweep of the year’s four “We’ve probably played more in India than we majors. have at home in the twenty20 format,” he added. russian Daria Kasatkina replaced Sharapova in the main draw.

India and South Africa have evoked the Get ready memory of two iconic historical figures to name future cricket series between the two Anderson eighth time lucky for Gandhi- countries. Mandela Starting in November, the test series ECOND seed Kevin Anderson broken at 5-5. between the countries will be known as ‘the used his powerful serve meanwhile, defending champion series! mahatma Gandhi-Nelson mandela Series’, an Sto end the unlikely run of petra Kvitova used a dominant announcement said last monday. qualifier pierre-Hugues Herbert serve to beat Lucie Safarova 6-7 “For the people of both our countries there’s with a 6-4, 7-5 victory in the final (6-7), 6-2, 6-2 in their all-Czech no greater duty than to uphold the ideals of both mahatma Gandhi and Nelson mandela,” of the Winston-Salem Open in final at theConnecticut Open last Cricket South Africa Chief Executive Haroon North Carolina last week. week. Lorgat said. One break in each set was Kvitova faced only one break “As cricket loving people we must fight hard enough for Anderson to clinch the point and was never broken as she to win on the field of play, but never forget to third Atp title of his career and end the second set, and saved four remained unbeaten in seven career do battle in the spirit of these two great men,” a streak of losing seven straight break points. matches against her compatriot. he added. finals. Herbert, ranked 140th in the the second seed collected her world, was outclassed in the first 17th WtA title and her third in set but played much better in New Haven after victories in 2012 .CYCLING ONE BREAK IN EACH the second before his serve was and ’14 ֫ SET WAS ENOUGH FOR ANDERSON TO CLINCH HIS Belgian Boeckmans THIRD CAREER TITLE. in coma after crash the tall South African was ELGIAN Kris boeckmans is in an induced coma broken only once in the entire after crashing on the eighth stage of the tour tournament. Bof Spain, a 182.5-km ride from puebla de Don “I’ve been in a few finals and Fadrique to murcia, last week. come up short which is always “Kris boeckmans has a severe facial trauma with tough,” a relieved Anderson said. several fractures and will probably need surgery,” his “Each final is a different situation belgian team Lotto-Soudal said on their twitter feed. and for some reason it just hadn’t “He has concussion, three broken ribs and bleeding in happened for me.” his lung. He is now being kept in an induced coma for a Anderson was in danger of few days.” dropping his serve against Herbert Petra Kvitova only once, in the fourth game of 32 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 33

PEOPLE SPORT THIS WEEK

Julio Cesar Baldivieso, 43, british motoGp riders Cal Crutchlow Swimming’s world midfielderThiago Alcantara was named the new coach of and bradley Smith have signed governing body FINA has extended his contract with QATAR bolivia as he takes over from new deals with the Honda and cleared Chinese Olympic German champions bayern WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 champion Sun Yang of any miguel Angel portugal, the Yamaha teams respectively munich by two years to 2019, SWIMMING CUE SPORTS wrongdoing following complaints national federation confirmed for the 2016 season ahead the club said last week. the GCC Aquatics Championship, 10am World 9-ball pool Championship, last week. Domestic clubs of their home Grand prix over his behaviour at the World versatile 24-year-old Spain onwards at Hamad Aquatic Complex 12noon onwards at Al Arabi Sports opposed the nomination of at Silverstone last week. Championships in russia. FINA international, who joined from (till Friday). Club (till September 18). miguel Angel portugal which Crutchlow, who finished third Executive Director Cornel marculescu barcelona in ’13, suffered a THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 FOOTBALL said the altercation that led to a was announced on August 15 in Argentina in April, extended severe knee injury that saw him FOOTBALL GCC Under-18 tournament, Qatar vs complaint against Sun was the result Oman, Al Gharafa Stadium, 5.15pm; following the resignation of his contract for two years with sidelined for much of last season 2018 World Cup qualifier, Qatar vs mauricio Soria. Italian-based LCr Honda team. of congestion in the warm-up pool. before coming back in April. Saudi Arabia vs bahrain, Al Gharafa bhutan, Al Sadd Stadium, 7pm. Stadium, 7.45pm. GCC Under-18 tournament, UAE vs Saudi Arabia, Al Gharafa Stadium, HANDBALL 5.15pm, Kuwait vs Qatar, Al Gharafa IHF Super Globe quarterfinals, belgian club Standard Liege mexico’s interim coach ricardo Audi have been fined brazilian Football League Stadium, 7.45pm. mKb-mVm Veszprem (HUN) vs Esporte Clube taubate (brA), 1pm; sacked coach Slavoljub Muslin Ferretti dropped malaga €200,000 and their motor champions Cruzeiro, who have SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Fuchse berlin (GEr) vs Club Africain after less than three months in goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa sports chief Wolfgang Ullrich been struggling this season, FOOTBALL (tUN), 3pm; FC barcelona (ESp) vs Al TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 the job. Standard are ninth in and brothers Giovani (LA Galaxy) has been banned from the sacked former national team coach GCC Under-18 tournament, Kuwait vs Ahly Sports Club (EGY), 5pm and Al HANDBALL belgian top division with just and Jonathan Dos Santos Dtm (German touring Cars) Vanderlei Luxemburgo. He goes Oman, Al Gharafa Stadium, 5.15pm; Sadd (QAt) vs Sydney Uni Handball IHF Super Globe semifinals, at Qatar two wins in five matches. they (Villarreal) for friendlies in garages until the end of with just under half the season UAE vs bahrain, Al Gharafa Stadium, Club (AUS), 8pm at Qatar Handball 7.45pm. Association Complex. Handball Association Complex. also failed to reach the group the United States next the season after he urged left to play, following a run of five phase of the Europa League month. the brazil-born his driver timo Scheider defeats and one draw in the last six after losing a play-off against coach, in charge until to cause a collision, the games. Luxemburgo is the second Norwegian side molde. mid-October, gave no German motor sports Cruzeiro coach to be fired this explanation for his federation court ruled season after marcelo Oliveira. INTERNATIONAL surprise decisions. last week. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 CYCLING MOTORSPORT Vuelta a Espana (till September 13). Italian F1 Grand prix, at monza. TENNIS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 Atp and WtA at US Open, New York FOOTBALL (till September 13). STAR OF THE WEEK EDINSON CAVANI MOVERS&SHAKERS Euro 2016 qualifiers (till tuesday). TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 FOOTBALL 2018 World Cup qualifiers, Asian Maradona, ex-wife may Zone. CRICKET England vs Australia, third ODI, at Old t tOOK him some time, but And he did not need to wait go to court over $6m trafford. when paris Saint-Germain’s long for his second. He showed a IEdinson Cavani found his range, predator’s instincts on 73 minutes N AttEmpt at mediation the public row has split the family. FOOTBALL he netted a second-half double as monaco’s backline stood off has failed between former maradona, 54, says the funds were Euro 2016 qualifiers (till Friday); ’18 World Cup qualifiers, Asian Zone. to help his team snatch a 3-0 Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who slipped Argentina football captain taken from several of his Argentinian A GOLF win at monaco that extended the the ball through for the Uruguayan Diego Maradona and his ex-wife and foreign bank accounts. Villafane EpGA at russian Open, moscow; champions’ perfect French League between two defenders for an Claudia Villafane, whom is the mother of his two USpGA at Norton (till Sunday). start last Sunday. easy finish. he blames for the daughters Dalma and FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 the win put pSG on a maximum Cavani said, “It was an important disappearance of $6m Gianinna. FOOTBALL 12 points from four games, three match for a lot of reasons. Notably from his fortune. Villafane, 53, launched 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers points clear of the pack. because it has been several years the case is now the divorce proceedings. (till Saturday). Uruguay striker Cavani was not since we won here. We dominated expected to go to court. She manages her ex- THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 in the best of form in the first and we were superior in the game. “the mediation husband’s assets so that ATHLETICS CRICKET half, missing a couple of chances. We’re very happy with this victory.” session is over,” Villafane’s she can keep the estate Diamond League, Zurich. England vs Australia, second ODI, at Lord’s. He sent a header over the bar A quick, strong, opportunistic lawyer Fernando burlando that goes to her daughters. CRICKET RUGBY and miscued a shot on the stroke and prolific forward with good said. “We’ll see what maradona and maradona receives funds tied England vs Australia, first ODI, at Southampton. World Cup warm-up fixtures. of half-time as pSG dominated technique, Cavani has been his counsel want to do. the case may to his activities as honorary sports possession, but failed to really described as a “modern striker”. go to court, here or in the United ambassador of Dubai and has unsettle a solid monaco defence. He is known for his ability to score States .” invested some money in the US. Cavani had the best chance of impressive goals, both in the air the opening period a couple of and with his feet, and for his minutes before the break but, tireless work-rate. He is also an Bell quits one-dayers picked out by maxwell’s inch- accurate set-piece taker. perfect pass, he swiped wildly at Cavani joined pSG on a five- NGLAND batsman Ian Bell “Deep down I probably knew I the ball, which hit his standing leg year contract, in July, 2013, for a is retiring from One-Day wasn’t ready to call time on my test before bobbling wide. fee reported to be around €64.5m, EInternationals to concentrate career,” said bell. Cavani eventually broke the making it the sixth largest transfer on prolonging his test career, the bell has scored 7,569 runs in 115 deadlock on 57 minutes with a in history. many top clubs have 33-year-old said last week. tests at an average of 43, bullet header into the top corner shown interest in signing him bell, who has scored an including 22 centuries. from blaise matuidi’s pin-point and the latest is Arsenal, who are England record 5,416 runs “I’ve a huge amount cross, leaving goalkeeper Danijel looking to add a top-class striker to in 161 one-dayers, was still to give in the test Subasic a helpless spectator. their line-up. left out of the squad for arena and still have so the five-match series many ambitions left against Australia starting to achieve, both from on thursday. a personal and a team He helped his team win perspective,” he said. this year’s Ashes, a record-equalling “I would love nothing more than fifth test series victory for him over to go to Australia in two years’ time the Australians, but averaged only and right the wrongs of our last 26.87 with the bat. Ashes tour there,” he added. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 33

SPORT THIS WEEK

midfielderThiago Alcantara has extended his contract with QATAR German champions bayern WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 munich by two years to 2019, SWIMMING CUE SPORTS the club said last week. the GCC Aquatics Championship, 10am World 9-ball pool Championship, versatile 24-year-old Spain onwards at Hamad Aquatic Complex 12noon onwards at Al Arabi Sports international, who joined from (till Friday). Club (till September 18). barcelona in ’13, suffered a THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 FOOTBALL severe knee injury that saw him FOOTBALL GCC Under-18 tournament, Qatar vs Oman, Al Gharafa Stadium, 5.15pm; sidelined for much of last season 2018 World Cup qualifier, Qatar vs before coming back in April. Saudi Arabia vs bahrain, Al Gharafa bhutan, Al Sadd Stadium, 7pm. Stadium, 7.45pm. GCC Under-18 tournament, UAE vs Saudi Arabia, Al Gharafa Stadium, HANDBALL 5.15pm, Kuwait vs Qatar, Al Gharafa IHF Super Globe quarterfinals, brazilian Football League Stadium, 7.45pm. mKb-mVm Veszprem (HUN) vs Esporte Clube taubate (brA), 1pm; champions Cruzeiro, who have SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Fuchse berlin (GEr) vs Club Africain been struggling this season, FOOTBALL (tUN), 3pm; FC barcelona (ESp) vs Al TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 sacked former national team coach GCC Under-18 tournament, Kuwait vs Ahly Sports Club (EGY), 5pm and Al HANDBALL Vanderlei Luxemburgo. He goes Oman, Al Gharafa Stadium, 5.15pm; Sadd (QAt) vs Sydney Uni Handball IHF Super Globe semifinals, at Qatar with just under half the season UAE vs bahrain, Al Gharafa Stadium, Club (AUS), 8pm at Qatar Handball 7.45pm. Association Complex. Handball Association Complex. left to play, following a run of five defeats and one draw in the last six games. Luxemburgo is the second Cruzeiro coach to be fired this season after marcelo Oliveira. INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 CYCLING MOTORSPORT Vuelta a Espana (till September 13). Italian F1 Grand prix, at monza. TENNIS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 Atp and WtA at US Open, New York FOOTBALL (till September 13). MOVERS&SHAKERS Euro 2016 qualifiers (till tuesday). TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 FOOTBALL 2018 World Cup qualifiers, Asian Maradona, ex-wife may Zone. CRICKET England vs Australia, third ODI, at Old go to court over $6m trafford.

N AttEmpt at mediation the public row has split the family. FOOTBALL has failed between former maradona, 54, says the funds were Euro 2016 qualifiers (till Friday); ’18 World Cup qualifiers, Asian Zone. Argentina football captain taken from several of his Argentinian A GOLF Diego Maradona and his ex-wife and foreign bank accounts. Villafane EpGA at russian Open, moscow; Claudia Villafane, whom is the mother of his two USpGA at Norton (till Sunday). he blames for the daughters Dalma and FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 disappearance of $6m Gianinna. FOOTBALL from his fortune. Villafane, 53, launched 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers the case is now the divorce proceedings. (till Saturday). expected to go to court. She manages her ex- THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 “the mediation husband’s assets so that ATHLETICS CRICKET session is over,” Villafane’s she can keep the estate Diamond League, Zurich. England vs Australia, second ODI, at Lord’s. lawyer Fernando burlando that goes to her daughters. CRICKET RUGBY said. “We’ll see what maradona and maradona receives funds tied England vs Australia, first ODI, at Southampton. World Cup warm-up fixtures. his counsel want to do. the case may to his activities as honorary sports go to court, here or in the United ambassador of Dubai and has States .” invested some money in the US. Bell quits one-dayers NGLAND batsman Ian Bell “Deep down I probably knew I is retiring from One-Day wasn’t ready to call time on my test EInternationals to concentrate career,” said bell. on prolonging his test career, the bell has scored 7,569 runs in 115 33-year-old said last week. tests at an average of 43, bell, who has scored an including 22 centuries. England record 5,416 runs “I’ve a huge amount in 161 one-dayers, was still to give in the test left out of the squad for arena and still have so the five-match series many ambitions left against Australia starting to achieve, both from on thursday. a personal and a team He helped his team win perspective,” he said. this year’s Ashes, a record-equalling “I would love nothing more than fifth test series victory for him over to go to Australia in two years’ time the Australians, but averaged only and right the wrongs of our last 26.87 with the bat. Ashes tour there,” he added. 34 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 35

MOSAIC

chance to win a range of prizes from shirt sponsorship at roma is reported LIFESTYLE Nissan supports official match balls, tickets and an to be worth €7m per season. FITNESS CAMEO Champs League opportunity to go to the final in milan Chinese look for on may 28, 2016. Liverpool drive on with Maxxis Nissan announced US Golf on the Ironman series English premier League football a new three-year tee with Lexus club Liverpool reported an agreement with the Turkish Airlines extension to its sponsorship deal UEFA Champions Japanese luxury car brand Lexus HINESE real estate and entertainment giant with maxxis tyre company until League. Nissan’s backs Schalke extended its sponsorship of the Dalian Wanda will buy the World triathlon at least the end of the 2016- Corporate Vice- United States Golf Association CCorporation (WtC) for $650m. 17 season. Liverpool’s Chief president, Head of turkey’s national (USGA) for events, including the the deal to buy the extreme endurance series Commercial Officer billy marketing and brand Strategy roel carrier turkish US Open. the brand has been the de Vries said, “Our aim from the start comes after Wanda bought a stake in Spanish Hogan said, “Our partnerships Airlines announced exclusive automotive partner of of the partnership was to give fans football club Atletico madrid and spent more than are really about working two sponsorship the USGA since 2007 and the new an engaging and exciting experience agreement sees this relationship €1bn on Swiss sports marketing group Infront. together effectively and deals with leading towards mutual goals – of the Champions League.” Nissan European football being extended until at least 2020. Wanda Chairman we’re now entering our third will also launch a ‘Goal of the Week’ clubs Schalke 04 of the German Wang Jianlin — a Pilatesto term with maxxis and they’re a competition, which will enable bundesliga and AS roma of Italian — Courtesy CSM Sport & Entertainment multi-billionaire and great example of the long-term fans to vote on their favourite goals Serie A. the deals will see both clubs www.csm.com one of China’s richest the relationships we like to develop.” from every match week for the using it as their airline partner. the @FastTrack_ME men — has built his firm into a property giant, but has been diversifying into sports and entertainment in recent years. LDEr women with lower hour-long pilates sessions twice a back pain at some point in their An aspirin a day Full Ironman races involve a 3.9km swim, back pain who add pilates week. lives and the risk increases with SPORTMART may keep colon followed by a 180km cycle race, and then a Oto their physical therapy After six weeks, the women who age. Symptoms can range from marathon. routine may see improvements in did pilates reported a reduced fear a dull, constant ache to a sudden cancer away Wanda hopes to increase the popularity of balance and reductions in fear of of falling while the other women sharp pain that makes it difficult to Get ready to race with triathlons in China, the company said in a statement falling that does not result from did not. pilates was also linked to move. taking one or two baby aspirins announcing the deal. other types of exercise, a Spanish greater improvements in balance Fear of falling is a major health a day for at least five years was WtC is headquartered in tampa, Florida, the US, study suggests. and reductions in back pain. problem among the elderly, tied to a lower risk of colorectal BMW Concept M4 GTS! cancer in a study from Denmark. and Wanda said it operated at least 250 events a pilates uses a series of controlled “pilates exercises focus not associated not only with actual Earlier studies had suggested year, describing it as “the world’s largest operator of movements to improve core only on physical, but also on risk of falling but also with less HE bmW m Division is with an emotionally powerful and that aspirin and non-steroidal Ironman events”. strength, posture and balance. psychological development, and physical activity, avoidance of daily presenting an initial preview exclusive driving experience. anti-inflammatory drugs the exercises concentrate on mind-body interaction is the main activities, and lower quality of life, Tof a high-performance model: “the bmW Concept m4 GtS (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen may strengthening muscles in the lower principal of the method,” lead Hita-Contreras and colleagues the bmW Concept m4 GtS. previews an emotionally powerful help protect against colorectal TECHNOLOGY and upper back, hips, buttocks and author Dr Fidel Hita-Contreras of noted in the journal Maturitas. the bmW Concept m4 GtS and exclusive special model cancer, but it was not clear how inner thighs. the University of Jaen continues the tradition of bmW m3 conceived with an eye for trailblazing much had to be taken, and for how long, to achieve those researchers followed about 100 in Spain said by special models, which is already technology and a keen focus on the benefits. Apple smartwatches women aged 65 and older, offering e-mail. illuminated by the bmW m3 race track,” said bmW m Division Now, using data on more than all of them physiotherapy twice millions Evolution (1988), bmW m3 Sport president Frank van meel. “Despite its 113,000 individuals, researchers close in on Fitbit a week with 40 minutes of nerve of people Evolution (’90), bmW m3 Gt (’95), outstanding track ability, it is still fully have been trying to sort out the stimulation and 20 minutes of worldwide bmW m3 CSL (’03), bmW m3 GtS road-legal. this is racing technology relationship between aspirin and ppLE shipped 3.6 million smartwatches in massage and stretching exercises. suffer from (’10) and bmW m3 Crt (’11). for the road in the truest sense.” NSAIDs, duration of treatment, the second quarter of 2015, just behind Half the women also received lower technology honed in race the bmW Concept m4 GtS and colorectal cancer rates. In general, the risk of Fitbit’s 4.4 million wearable fitness and competition, a hike in power, a features the innovative water A HEALTH developing colorectal cancer health trackers, American market research firm IDC commitment to lightweight design injection system that has already varies with age, race, ethnicity said. and limited production numbers provided a significant output and and lifestyle. more than 90 per the Apple Watch, which sports many have ensured these examples offer torque boost in the bmW m4 Don’t skip your pills cent of cases are diagnosed in health-related features and apps, is seen as the unbeatable performance coupled motoGp Safety Car. people older than 50, according biggest rival to Fitbit’s trackers. for blood pressure to the National Cancer Institute. Shipments of wearable devices more than tripled In the new study from Denmark, taking low-dose to 18.1 million units in the second quarter, IDC said. AtIENtS who frequently fail to take prescribed aspirin continuously for at least “It’s worth noting that Fitbit only sells basic blood pressure-lowering medications may be five years appeared to reduce wearables, a category that is expected to lose share Pmore likely to wind up hospitalised for heart the risk of colorectal cancer by 27 over the next few years, leaving Apple poised failure than people who only miss pills occasionally, per cent, and using non-aspirin to become the next market leader for all an Italian study suggests. NSAIDs for at least five years wearables,” the IDC report said. While plenty of previous experiments have proved appeared to reduce it by 30. Fitbit Inc’s stock market listing that daily medications to treat hypertension, or high On the other hand, merely having taken in June got a rousing blood pressure, can help minimise the risk of heart aspirin did not alter response from failure, less is known about real-world outcomes the colorectal cancer investors, with shares for people who do not always take their pills, the risk, researchers jumping as much researchers noted in the journal Hypertension. reported in Annals of as 60 per cent. they For the current study, researchers Internal Medicine. closed at $38.40 last followed almost 4,000 patients prescribed week, nearly double anti-hypertension pills in the Lombardy region their IpO price. of Italy in 2005. the patients were monitored for an average of six-and-a-half years. Compared with people who rarely took their prescribed daily drugs, patients who used the pills 26 per cent to 50 per cent of the time were 17 per cent less likely to be hospitalised for heart failure. the risk was 34 per cent or lower for individuals who took their medicine at least 75 per cent of the time. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 35

chance to win a range of prizes from shirt sponsorship at roma is reported Nissan supports official match balls, tickets and an to be worth €7m per season. CAMEO opportunity to go to the final in milan Champs League on may 28, 2016. Liverpool drive on with Maxxis Nissan announced US Golf on the English premier League football a new three-year tee with Lexus club Liverpool reported an agreement with the Turkish Airlines extension to its sponsorship deal UEFA Champions Japanese luxury car brand Lexus with maxxis tyre company until League. Nissan’s backs Schalke extended its sponsorship of the at least the end of the 2016- Corporate Vice- United States Golf Association 17 season. Liverpool’s Chief president, Head of turkey’s national (USGA) for events, including the Commercial Officer billy marketing and brand Strategy roel carrier turkish US Open. the brand has been the Hogan said, “Our partnerships de Vries said, “Our aim from the start Airlines announced exclusive automotive partner of are really about working of the partnership was to give fans two sponsorship the USGA since 2007 and the new together effectively and an engaging and exciting experience deals with leading agreement sees this relationship towards mutual goals – of the Champions League.” Nissan European football being extended until at least 2020. we’re now entering our third will also launch a ‘Goal of the Week’ clubs Schalke 04 of the German term with maxxis and they’re a competition, which will enable bundesliga and AS roma of Italian — Courtesy CSM Sport & Entertainment great example of the long-term fans to vote on their favourite goals Serie A. the deals will see both clubs www.csm.com relationships we like to develop.” from every match week for the using it as their airline partner. the @FastTrack_ME

An aspirin a day SPORTMART may keep colon Get ready to race with cancer away taking one or two baby aspirins a day for at least five years was tied to a lower risk of colorectal BMW Concept M4 GTS! cancer in a study from Denmark. Earlier studies had suggested HE bmW m Division is with an emotionally powerful and that aspirin and non-steroidal presenting an initial preview exclusive driving experience. anti-inflammatory drugs Tof a high-performance model: “the bmW Concept m4 GtS (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen may the bmW Concept m4 GtS. previews an emotionally powerful help protect against colorectal the bmW Concept m4 GtS and exclusive special model cancer, but it was not clear how continues the tradition of bmW m3 conceived with an eye for trailblazing much had to be taken, and for how long, to achieve those special models, which is already technology and a keen focus on the benefits. illuminated by the bmW m3 race track,” said bmW m Division Now, using data on more than Evolution (1988), bmW m3 Sport president Frank van meel. “Despite its 113,000 individuals, researchers Evolution (’90), bmW m3 Gt (’95), outstanding track ability, it is still fully have been trying to sort out the bmW m3 CSL (’03), bmW m3 GtS road-legal. this is racing technology relationship between aspirin and (’10) and bmW m3 Crt (’11). for the road in the truest sense.” NSAIDs, duration of treatment, technology honed in race the bmW Concept m4 GtS and colorectal cancer rates. In general, the risk of competition, a hike in power, a features the innovative water HEALTH developing colorectal cancer commitment to lightweight design injection system that has already varies with age, race, ethnicity and limited production numbers provided a significant output and and lifestyle. more than 90 per have ensured these examples offer torque boost in the bmW m4 Don’t skip your pills cent of cases are diagnosed in unbeatable performance coupled motoGp Safety Car. people older than 50, according to the National Cancer Institute. for blood pressure In the new study from Denmark, taking low-dose AtIENtS who frequently fail to take prescribed aspirin continuously for at least blood pressure-lowering medications may be five years appeared to reduce Pmore likely to wind up hospitalised for heart the risk of colorectal cancer by 27 failure than people who only miss pills occasionally, per cent, and using non-aspirin an Italian study suggests. NSAIDs for at least five years While plenty of previous experiments have proved appeared to reduce it by 30. that daily medications to treat hypertension, or high On the other hand, merely having taken blood pressure, can help minimise the risk of heart aspirin did not alter failure, less is known about real-world outcomes the colorectal cancer for people who do not always take their pills, the risk, researchers researchers noted in the journal Hypertension. reported in Annals of For the current study, researchers Internal Medicine. followed almost 4,000 patients prescribed anti-hypertension pills in the Lombardy region of Italy in 2005. the patients were monitored for an average of six-and-a-half years. Compared with people who rarely took their prescribed daily drugs, patients who used the pills 26 per cent to 50 per cent of the time were 17 per cent less likely to be hospitalised for heart failure. the risk was 34 per cent or lower for individuals who took their medicine at least 75 per cent of the time. 36 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 37

CLOSE-UP

ŠŠBig fight russia’s Yulia ryzhova, bottom, competes with South Korea’s Kim mi-ri during their Judo Worlds team bronze- medal bout in Astana, Kazakhstan. russia won 3-2 while Japan clinched the title.

şŠSanta’s cruise mexico’s Leo Santa Cruz, left, evades a punch from compatriot Abner mares during their WbC Diamond and WbA Featherweight bout in Los Angeles, the US. Santa Cruz won 117-111, 114-114,

117-111. Maximov AFP/Vasily

ŠŠPaire pressure! France’s benoit paire celebrates a point during his 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-4 win over Japan’s Kei Nishikori in the first round of the US Open tennis in New York. REUTERS/Jayne Kamin-Oncea REUTERS/Jayne REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte

ššJubilant ŢšHead to head! ŠšOne-on-one Indian cricketers celebrate their first test Norwich City’s Jonathan Howson, left, and hosts puerto rico’s renaldo balkman tries to score series win in Sri Lanka since 1993. they Southampton’s Oriol romeu involved in an past Argentina’s marcos Delia during their 2015 won the third match by 117 runs to seal aerial battle during their English premier League FIbA Americas Championship Olympic qualifier the issue 2-1. football match. Southampton won 3-0. in mexico City. Argentina won 91-86.

ŢŠStop me if you can! bordeaux-begles’ Julien rey is challenged by hosts Oyonnax’s Alaska taufa, top, during their French top 14 rugby Union match. Oyonnax won 37-19. REUTERS/Mike Segar REUTERS/Mike AFP/Alfredo Estrella AFP/Alfredo REUTERS/ Matthew Childs AFP/ Jeff Pachoud Jeff AFP/ www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 37

117-111. Maximov AFP/Vasily

ŢŠStop me if you can! bordeaux-begles’ Julien rey is challenged by hosts Oyonnax’s Alaska taufa, top, during their French top 14 rugby Union match. Oyonnax won 37-19. REUTERS/Mike Segar REUTERS/Mike AFP/Alfredo Estrella AFP/Alfredo AFP/ Jeff Pachoud Jeff AFP/ 38 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 39

9 2 5 2 3 1 6 It is your turn now. tell us about sports events in your neighbourhood, send us photographs too and get them published in DSp. MIND 5 2 4 SQUARE Our e-mail is [email protected] YOUR PAGE 9 4 6 2 8 9 3 4 5 8

P 9 | FOOTBALL P 26 | VOLLEYBALL ENtER tHE PASS MAStER! QAtAR’S SILVER LINING! 3 5 1 Al Sadd coach Housseine Amouta pin hopes Qatar’s Al Arabi put up an impressive on star recruit Xavi Hernandez as they look performance to finish as runners-up at to regain the Qatar Stars League title. the Asian Clubs Championship. 5SUDOKU-488 6 4 1 udoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9 2 5 1 2 8 WEDNESDAY, AuGuSt 26, 2015 | Vol X | No.30 | QR 2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Follow us on 9x9 grid with several given numbers. S the object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in 2 3 1 6 the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. 5 2 4 Solution-487

9 4 6 2 Jamaican superstar Usain Bolt beats dope-tainted American Justin Gatlin in 100M to save 6 1 7 9 2 3 5 4 8 his reputation as well as the sport itself. PAGES 18-25 9 8 5 7 4 6 2 3 1 8 9

UK ...... £1 UAE ...... Dh 5 Europe ...... €2 Yemen...... 75 Riyals P 16 | FOOTBALL P 20 | POSTER Oman ...... 200 Baisas Sudan ...... 1 Pound Bahrain ...... 200 Fils KSA ...... 2 Riyals Egypt ...... LE 2 Jordan ...... 500 Fils Reputation is Lebanon ...... 3,000 Livre Iraq ...... $1 SHELLY ANN Qatar win gold in freestyle relay Kuwait ...... 250 Fils Palestine ...... $1 SPECIAL 2 3 4 5 1 8 7 9 6 Morocco ...... Dh 6 Syria ...... LS 20 COLUMN beyond repair? FRASER-PRYCE 3 4 5 8 Qatar, comprising Omar Hisham, congratulated the swimmers. international events in Qatar at 8 4 3 2 5 7 1 6 9 Waleed Rafeeq Al Dalloul and brothers “I’m proud of the boys. They did a regular intervals. I welcome all 7 5 9 3 6 1 8 2 4 Yacoub and Noah Al Khulaifi, won the wonderful job and deserved the gold. swimmers to Doha and wish them the 3 5 1 Bolt’s win as impressive 4x200M freestyle relay gold at the We’ve a lot of youngsters who’re best,” he said. 1 6 2 8 9 4 3 7 5 25th GCC Swimming Championships coming up through the ranks. I hope The four-day event features more as his world record at the Hamad Aquatic Centre on more of them can win us medals,” than 250 swimmers from Qatar, Saudi 3 2 1 4 8 9 6 5 7 5 6 4 1 Usain bolt indeed saved athletics from an Tuesday. said Al Jabir. Arabia, Bahrain, Oman and the UAE. 4 7 6 1 3 5 9 8 2 They completed the race in 8min, Earlier, Qatar Olympic Committee However, it lost some of its sheen embarrassing situation (Doha Stadium Plus, August 9.15sec, ahead of Bahrain (8:12.93) Secretary General Dr Thani when Kuwait pulled out at the last 5 9 8 6 7 2 4 1 3 1 2 8 26). Even though he wasn’t in his best form coming and the UAE (8:21.97). Abdulrahman Al Kuwari declared the moment. into the World Championships in beijing, he made Qatar Swimming Association competition open. Mohammed Hassan sent the details sure Justin Gatlin, a two-time dope offender, wasn’t President Khaleel Al Jabir “We’re proud to host regional and and Vinod Divakaran the photographs. going to win it. the Jamaican showman’s 100m victory was just as impressive as his world-record effort of 9.58sec in berlin. As far as the sport is concerned, it was way important than his 2009 feat in the German capital. If TOP TWEETS he can stay injury-free, bolt will surely come up with something special at the rio Olympics. Gavin Roberts, Doha.

Real Madrid, one of the biggest football clubs in the world, Sangakkara will be missed ended up with egg on their faces after failing to complete Kumar Sangakkara’s retirement is a big loss not only for 6the transfer1 of goalkeeper7 9 David 2 de Gea 3on Tuesday.5 4 8 Sri Lanka, but cricket itself (Doha Stadium Plus, August That the Spaniard, with England’s Manchester United, 26). wanted to move to Santiago Bernabeu was not a secret 9and Real8 had shown5 an7 interest 4 in him for6 quite 2some 3 1 Sangakkara, one of the finest stroke makers of the time. However, as both clubs put off discussions until the game, has arguably been Sri Lanka’s best player. He, final few hours of the transfer window, things got hectic. along with mahela Jayawardene, formed the backbone 2In the end,3 the deal4 was5 scuppered 1 as the8 paperwork 7 did9 6 of the Lankan batting in both tests and limited-over not arrive at the Spanish league in time and the data matches. GCC mini volleyball was not entered into FIFA’s Transfer Matching System as He always played it passionately, but never once 8required. 4 While 3the two 2clubs have5 already7 started1 the 6 9 overstepped the mark. Adieu, champion! blame game, Twitter users too were active. Here are some festival a big hit Hari Kumar, Doha. 7of the reactions.5 9 3 6 1 8 2 4 The GCC Festival for Under-15 players, hosted by the Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) at its training hall last week, Federer back to his best proved a big hit. 1 6 2 8 9 4 3 7 5 Apart from the host nation, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Paul Hayward johnwalker1986 documents Dean B roger Federer was back to his brilliant best at the Saudi Arabia participated in the festival, aimed at creating an @_paulHayward If ever there is an example mU(12:01):Oh ok @ UcanttEACHitDb Cincinnati masters (Doha Stadium Plus, August interest for the sport among youngsters and create a talent the David de Gea of why we stop using Fax, real madrid Have had 2 26). Some of his shots, against Andy murray in the pool for the future. debacle comes down to it’s this... Haven’t you 3Kolton 2 Kubitz 1 4 8months 9 to sign6 De Gea5 . # 7 semifinal and Novak Djokovic in the final, were just out QVA General Secretary Mohammed Ali Al Mohannadi brinkmanship by real heard of Efax :-) @ _da_kube justsaying. honoured the players with mementoes and certificates. of the world. the way he attacked their second serves madrid. they could have #DavidDeGea #realmadrid 4t he De7 Gea transfer6 1 3 5 9 8 2 A Technical Committee meeting, held on the sidelines of the paid the fee days or weeks #manUtd. debacle between man U King was breathtaking. festival, reviewed the progress of the players who figured in ago. and real madrid is, as an @ Kamalrahmann Federer’s association with Stefan Edberg, who is his the event last year. Jake Humphrey 5Arsenal 9 supporter, 8 quite6 7t ransfer2 deadline4 day1 is 3 coach now, has done him a world of good. It seems he’s Mohammad Malas sent the details and photographs. Miguel Delaney @mrjakehumphrey amusing. # DeadlineDay. sick. Least unexpected only getting better with age. @miguelDelaney You wake to the news moves are everywhere. Steve Davis, Doha. “You should have been that the #DeGea deal Chris Henderson Still frustrated About ready for our greedy is OFF! paperwork not @ chrishendoo De Gea to real decision to try and stiff received on time. just read real madrid Could did not happen. you by leaving it as late as Who still uses Windows 95 get a transfer ban in 2016, mischievous lvg. Statement of intent possible.” anyway? meaning not again De Gea manchester City have made a big statement of intent brilliant haha. Stuart Muldrew with their stunning start to the English premier League Nick Miller Moe. @stuartmuldrew campaign (Doha Stadium Plus, August 26). @Nickmiller79 @NoLaughingmata ManUtd_Striker real madrid should have bit unfair that the transfer rm(11:50):we want De gea @ djmooN_ShinE got an astronomer to do they were as impressive against Everton in a 2-0 window only opened for mU(11:54):what? It’s going to be actual the De Gea paperwork. away victory as they were in their 3-0 mauling of real madrid yesterday, if rm(11:55):send the interesting to see how they are experts in Chelsea. Yaya toure, Sergio Aguero, David Silva and you ask me. documents De Gea will act in the # submitting stuff one Vincent Kompany all look in fine form. mU(11:57):what mUFC shirt for the next minute before the With their main rivals Chelsea and Arsenal John Walker @ rm(11:59):Send De gea’s 2/3months. deadline. struggling, City need to continue their impressive start. P K Sumesh, Doha. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 2, 2015 39

It is your turn now. tell us about sports events in your neighbourhood, send us photographs too and get them published in DSp. Our e-mail is [email protected] YOUR PAGE

Qatar win gold in freestyle relay Qatar, comprising Omar Hisham, congratulated the swimmers. international events in Qatar at Waleed Rafeeq Al Dalloul and brothers “I’m proud of the boys. They did a regular intervals. I welcome all Yacoub and Noah Al Khulaifi, won the wonderful job and deserved the gold. swimmers to Doha and wish them the 4x200M freestyle relay gold at the We’ve a lot of youngsters who’re best,” he said. 25th GCC Swimming Championships coming up through the ranks. I hope The four-day event features more at the Hamad Aquatic Centre on more of them can win us medals,” than 250 swimmers from Qatar, Saudi Tuesday. said Al Jabir. Arabia, Bahrain, Oman and the UAE. They completed the race in 8min, Earlier, Qatar Olympic Committee However, it lost some of its sheen 9.15sec, ahead of Bahrain (8:12.93) Secretary General Dr Thani when Kuwait pulled out at the last and the UAE (8:21.97). Abdulrahman Al Kuwari declared the moment. Qatar Swimming Association competition open. Mohammed Hassan sent the details President Khaleel Al Jabir “We’re proud to host regional and and Vinod Divakaran the photographs.

GCC mini volleyball festival a big hit The GCC Festival for Under-15 players, hosted by the Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) at its training hall last week, proved a big hit. Apart from the host nation, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Saudi Arabia participated in the festival, aimed at creating an interest for the sport among youngsters and create a talent pool for the future. QVA General Secretary Mohammed Ali Al Mohannadi honoured the players with mementoes and certificates. A Technical Committee meeting, held on the sidelines of the festival, reviewed the progress of the players who figured in the event last year. Mohammad Malas sent the details and photographs. NO ONE COVERS QATAR SPORTS BETTER

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