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Thursday, December 29, 2016 FOOTBALL Rabia I 30, 1438 AH Klopp eyes ‘special’ GULF TIMES City clash aft er Liverpool sink Stoke SPORT Page 3

CHESS Ivanchuk, Muzychuk crowned World Rapid champions Ivanchuk scores 11 points, the same as Grischuk and Carlsen, but a superior tie-break score gives him the title

Vassily Ivanchuk (left) and Anna Muzychuk made it a Ukrainian double by winning the men’s and women’s title respectively at the Fide World Rapid Championship at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena, yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil

By Yash Mudgal who started the championship with a Doha lucky draw against India’s Surya Shek- har Ganguly. He also lost in the second game to Levan Pantsulaia of Georgia t was double delight for Ukraine as and in 11th to day one leader Anton Ko- Vassily Ivanchuk and Anna Muzy- robov of Ukraine. chuk clinched the men’s and wom- Commenting on his overall game, en’s Fide World Rapid Champion- Carslen admitted he wasn’t playing Iship, respectively yesterday. ‘nearly well enough.’ “There’s some- At the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah thing that’s not functioning. I’m lack- Arena, the 47-year old Ivanchuk scored ing a good feeling. If you are losing 11 points from 15 rounds, the same as three games, you can’t expect anyone to Alexander Grischuk of Russia and the win the title,” he said. Ivanchuk termed reigning champion and top seed Mag- his win against Carlsen in round seven nus Carlsen of Norway, but a superior as a very tough one. tie-break score gave him the title. “I was lucky to win against Carlsen. “I am happy. I am very happy, but He is a very accurate player, you need a I was very lucky in this tournament,” brilliant game to beat him,” the Ukrain- Ivanchuk said. “It was a very tough ian said. This is Ivanchuk’s second championship as all the players were world title after his triumph blitz in top class and to win against them is very 2007. tough,” the former world No 2 added. India’s Vidit Gujrathi, who was seed- Ivanchuk, who had emerged as the ed 51st, did exceedingly well to take the sole leader after the end of round 10 on eighth spot, scoring 9.5 points, while the penultimate day, played superbly former champion and seventh seed on the fi nal day to emerge champion. Viswanathan Anand had to settle for World champ Carlsen, who was fa- the 14th place, with nine points. vourite to defend his title after his re- Carlsen is fancied to win back the cent world title triumph against Rus- blitz title, which will be played from sian Sergey Karjakin in New York, was day, from Gristsjuk. The Russian won not at his best yesterday and lauded the that title from Carlsen in 2015, after the eff orts of Ivanchuk. Norwegian had become the only person “I can only congratulate Ivanchuk. If ever to hold all three titles at once. there’s anyone I want to be successful, In the women’s, Muzychuk played Defending champion and top seed Magnus Carlsen of Norway after his final round. RIGHT: Women players ponder their next move at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena. it’s him. He has been class player for the consistently to win her second world last 30 years,” the Norwegian superstar title in style earlier in the day. The to the next two days.” slowed down a bit by playing out two rounds of blitz chess will be played to- 11/15; 4-7. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (Aze), said. On the second day, Carlsen edged 26-year-old fi nished with nine points The former world No.2, who ear- draws in rounds fi ve and six. But after day and tomorrow, in which players will Yu Yangyi (Chn), Ian Nepomniachtchi (Rus) closer with a victory in the eighth game at the end of 12 rounds to emerge as lier used to play for Slovenia, is also the two victories in rounds seven and eight only have three minutes per game plus and David Anton Guijarro (Spa) 10; 8-11. over Dimitry Jakovenko and then de- clear winner. current world blitz title holder and will against Dzagnidze and Kashlinskaya, two seconds extra per player per move. Vidit Gujrathi (Ind), Levon Aronian (Arm), feated Grisjtjuk, the current world Muzychuk superiority was never in defend her title in Qatar, when the two- she fi nished the day in fi rst place with The total prize money for the Open Leinier Domínguez (Cub) and Nguyen champion in blitz chess. However, he doubt from day one in Doha. She fi n- day championship begins today. seven points. tournament is $400,000 with $40,000 Ngoc Truong Son (Vie) 9.5. ended the day with a draw against Lev- ished on top on the day one and also on Russian Alexandra Kosteniuk fi n- Kosteniuk and Katerina Lagno of for the winner of each championship Women: 1. Anna Muzychuk (Ukr) 9.5/12; on Aronian. the day two, and capped her consistent ished second, while Nana Dzagnidze of Ukraine played out a draw in the eighth and $80,000 in Women Champion- 2. Alexander Kosteniuk (Rus) 8.5; 3. “I should have stood fi ne, but I run on the fi nal day by bagging the title. Georgia took the third place. The rapid round and shared the second place ships with $10,000 for the winner of Nana Dzanigdze (Geo) 8; 4-6. Sarasadat messed things up. Carlsen said. “I don’t “It was a tiring championship, and I category was contested over 12 rounds together with Iranian player Sarasa- each championship. Khademalsharieh (Ira), Ju Wenjun (Chn) think it was ever any crisis … my basic am happy to win the title,” Muzychuk for the women`s section, with a single dat Khademalsharieh. India’s Koneru and Zhansaya Abdumalik (Kaz) 7.5; 7-11. Ka- game was correct, but my play wasn’t said. “I have to prepare for the next two game for each round, the Swiss event. Humpy took the 10th place, while Dro- FINAL STANDINGS teryna Lagno (Rus), Antaoneta Stefanova good enough. I can’t aff ord to give days for the blitz event, and hopefully I On day two, Muzychuk, who was navalli Harika fi nished 16th. Men: 1-3. Vassily Ivanchuk (Ukr), Alexander (Bul), Dinara Saduakassova (Kaz), Koneru away so many points,” said Carlsen, will win that too. I am looking forward a runaway leader after fi ve rounds, After the rapid chess segment the 21 Grischuk (Rus) and Magnus Carlsen (Nor) Humpy (Ind) and Zhao Xue (Chn) 7. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, December 29, 2016 SPORT

EQUESTRIAN BASKETBALL Davon shines Al Rayyan Show as El Jaish thrash Al Khor Jumping from today By Sports Reporter Macklin (16) ensured a big lead Doha for El Jaish as the Al Khor defence began to falter time and again. Organisers have announced prizes for fans who turn up for the event As a result, El Jaish managed a ames Davon scored a whopping 29 points in the third game-high 35 points as El quarter, while restricting their Jaish romped to a 92-70 rivals to just 16. win over Al Khor in the That gave El Jaish a massive QatarJ Men’s League yesterday. 71-51 advantage going into the In a match that started on fi nal 10 minutes, a position from an even note but concluded in where they were not going to let one-sided fashion, Davon was matters slip, eventually outscor- undoubtedly the star as he con- ing their rivals by 22 points. stantly proved to be a pain for the Davon played for nearly 35 Al Khor defence. minutes and struck four times El Jaish led by just one point from the three-point mark. El (9-8) in the fi rst fi ve minutes, Jaish also excelled with second and by the time the fi rst quarter chance points, scoring 14 of them ended they were ahead 22-16, by while Al Khor had just fi ve. After no means an imposing advantage the fi rst fi ve minutes of the fi nal in a basketball game. quarter, El Jaish held a massive But although Al Khor just 86-56 lead before they eased up about stayed within touching a bit to allow Al Khor get some- distance, trailing by just seven what close. points at the half-way mark (42- Rickey Young was the top 35), the contest took a dramatic scorer for Al Khor with 25 points, turn in the third quarter. while Alen Hadzibegovic and Davon, with support from Gary Layton had 16 and 15, re- Hani Abil Mona (17) and Leon spectively.

Vet check is conducted for the horses participating in the Al Rayyan International Show Jumping Championship, which will be held from today at the Qatar Equestrian Federation main arena. PICTURES: Lotfi Garsi

By Sports Reporter QEF’s Main Arena. Kids Zones have also been set up in- Doha side the compound. We saw amazing crowds last week and we expect a similar turnout later this week,” al-Enizi said yesterday. “From our side, the arrangements have n what is a treat to show jumping connoisseurs, the been fi nalised and all the riders are already in town. Show Al Rayyan International Show Jumping Champion- jumping has mass following in Qatar. This event will go ship will be held from today, the second of its kind in a long way in continuing with that tradition,” he added a week organised by the Qatar Equestrian Federation Some of the top riders, including Qatar’s Olympic I(QEF). Games squad – Ali Yousef al-Rumaihi, Khalid al-Emadi, The championship will be held from 1pm at QEF’s Ali bin Khalid al-Thani and Bassem Hassan Mohammed main arena. The Al Rayyan event, like the Qatar Inter- – will be in action for three days. national Show Jumping Championship, which was held The Qatar International Show Jumping Champion- last week, will be a 4-star event. The three-day FEI ap- ship was contested last week with the fi nal Grand Prix proved event features a Grand Prix Class of 160cm high class won by Derin Demirsoy of Turkey and his 12-year- fences within the Arab League qualifi cations of riders old stallion Harry K. and horses for the 2017 World Cup Finals. There are 9 The 22-year-old Turkish rider is one of the riders who events in total of which three will be contested today, is expected to challenge for the main event on Saturday. while three each will be held tomorrow and Saturday, “I will enjoy the victory now. My horses will have a cou- respectively. ple of easy days. Its whole new week, so will start from Competition 9 will be an FEI World Cup Open class zero. Today’s win will be diffi cult to replicate again but I event and will be open to top 30 riders from the Com- will do my best,” Demirsoy had said after his victory last petition 6. The prize money on off er for the champi- off er prizes to fans who turn up for the event, the organ- week. onship’s feature event is QR650,000. The tournament isers said. Mohammed Morshed al-Enizi, the Director of Saudi Arabia’s Ramzy Hamad al-Duhami, is in red- carries a total pursue of QR1.34mn. The Vet check was Public Relations at QEF, said fans can expect ‘spectacu- hot form and he will be a contender too. The Saudi rider conducted for horses yesterday. lar surprises’ when attend the event. enjoyed a great event last week as he won two events and El Jaish’s James Davon (centre) scores during the match against Al The Al Rayyan Show Jumping Championship will also “We have arranged for special fan zones around the fi nished second to Demirsoy in the feature event. Khor in the Qatar Men’s League yesterday. PICTURE: (Anas khalid)

Qatar’s Mousa and Mubarak SPOTLIGHT Shanan win doubles title at Gulf Tennis Cup TriClub Doha & Tasama launch Triathlon event Doha: Qatar’s Mousa and as a big motivation for the By Sports Reporter Mubarak Shanan claimed the players of the Qatari national Doha doubles title at the 2016 Gulf teams and their technical and Tennis Cup held in Al Fujairah, administrative staff s to accom- UAE. In the final, the Qatari duo plish more achievements in the riClub Doha in partnership the defeated Kuwait’s Abdullah upcoming events,” al-Khelaifi Qatar Cycling Federation and lo- Yaqoub and Abdulhameed said. cal sports marketing and man- Mahboub 6-7(3), 7-6(9), 10-2. agement agency, Tasama, an- Tnounced a new Triathlon event that will In the semifinals, Mousa and AL-KUWARI ELECTED Mubarak Shanan had overpow- QSAA CHAIRMAN take place on 20th January 2017 at the ered Omar Khalid Al Awadhi The general assembly of the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Park. and Fahad Abbas Janahi of Qatar Shooting & Archery The event known as, 2017 Doha Tria- United Arab Emirates 2-0. The Association (QSAA) elected Ali thlon, will be run over two distances, delegation of the Qatari men’s Mohammed al-Kuwari as the the full Olympic distance; a 1500m swim team was chaired by Ibrahim chairman for the next term, followed by a 40km bike, fi nishing with al-Khelaifi, Deputy Head of Fed- which will end in 2020. a 10km run and a half distance Sprint eration’s Teams Committee and It also elected Majid Ahmed event. The Doha Triathlon is open to all, included the coaches Younes al-Nuaimi as the QSAA Secre- both men and women. al-Aynoui and Gonzalo Lorenzo tary General and Hussein Saleh Registrations for the event opened yes- in addition to the players Jabor al-Sada as Assistant Secretary terday at www.A1Registration.net and al-Motawa, Mousa Shanan, General. Abdullah Ali al-Mutawa race organisers expect the race will sell Mubarak Shanan and Abdullah al-Hammadi and Abdulrahman out very quickly as it will be the fi rst time Shanan. Abdullah al-Maliki were named a triathlon of this scale has taken place Earlier last week, the Qatari as the members. inside the iconic MIA park. teams participated in the GCC The general assembly was at- Sheikh Khalid bin Ali al-Thani, Presi- Tennis Championship for Men tended by the representative of dent of the Qatar Cycling Federation, and Juniors U-18 and U-14. Qa- the Qatari Olympic Committee, which governs triathlon in Qatar, said: tar U-18 claimed the gold medal Issa Ali Ghanem and Moham- “Triathlon is a sport that’s growing very while men’s and Qatar U-14 med Ahmed Taher, the QSAA quickly both in Qatar and across the re- The triathlon event will take place on 20th January 2017 at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Park. team took the silver medals in Executive Director on behalf of gion. In Qatar we are blessed with per- their respective categories. the general secretary. fect conditions and venues for the sport. to racing in the grounds of MIA Park. It’s important and iconic landmarks. It has which is working with TriClub Doha on Khalid al-Khelaifi, board The new board granted the None better than Museum of Islamic Art an amazing venue with spectacular views quickly become a destination for tour- the event said, “Sport continues to be a member of the Qatari Tennis, honorary chairman post to HE Park.” of the West Bay skyline and the Museum ists and residents alike. The park comes growing sector across Qatar and we’ve Squash and Badminton Federa- Mohammed bin Ali al-Ghanim He continued: “TriClub Doha has done and so it’s sure to be a sell-out,” said the alive every weekend and we’re delighted established Tasama, as a local special- tion congratulated the players al-Maadheed for his outstand- an excellent job in promoting and grow- Club President. to welcome triathlon to our growing list ist agency with international expertise, and the members of delegation, ing eff orts during the previous ing the sport in Qatar and so I’m de- “We’ve been talking to the MIA for of community and international events.” to help stimulate this growth. We’re fo- who made their nation proud three terms during which the lighted that we’re able to continue this some time and held a junior test event “The triathlon team have ambitious cused on the development of both local after winning the doubles title. QSAA under his chairmanship development with a fi rst class Olympic last year, so we know the venue well. It’s plans for the future and we hope the event athletes and events and so we’re really “This achievement will serve won numerous medals and distance and Sprint event right in the really well suited to triathlon and we can’t will grow in the years ahead and continue excited about the growth of triathlon in made a number of achieve- heart of Doha. The Doha Triathlon will wait to race around the park and along to welcome international visitors to Doha Qatar. We’re sure this will be the start of In the fi nal, the Qatari ments for the Qatari sports, allow athletes to swim in the azure waters the Corniche, it’s the venue in Doha and and the MIA.” a very bight future for the event and tria- duo defeated Kuwait’s most notably the Olympic of Doha Bay before taking on the bike ride will showcase our sport as its very best. “Events of this type are vital to drive thlon in Qatar” Abdullah Yaqoub and medal at the 2012 London along the stunning Doha Corniche and Triathlon has been growing very quickly the development of Doha as a tour- The Doha Triathon will take place in Abdulhameed Mahboub Olympics. then fi nally completing a challenging tri- in Qatar and across the region, so it’s time ist destination, which in turn will boost MIA Park, with the cycle course running 6-7(3), 7-6(9), 10-2. During the general assem- athlon with a run in the pristine grounds that we stage a big event in an iconic ven- tourism across the city and all its attrac- along Doha’s famous Corniche, on the In the semis, they had bly, the board reviewed most of MIA Park.” ue – Doha Traithlon is the event. ” tions. As the most visited venue in Doha, morning of Friday 20th January, 2017. overpowered Omar important successes achieved Hatem El Safty, President of TriClub Daniel Brown, Acting Director at The we’re pleased to host the Doha Triathon Registration is now open at www.A1Reg- Khalid Al Awadhi and by Qatar, and discussed upcom- Doha, is predicting a sell-out for the Museum of Islamic Art who welcomes and wish the event success next year and istration.net. Places are strictly limited Fahad Abbas Janahi of ing tournaments and budget event. “We are delighted to be announc- the use of the park for high profi le events years to come,” he added. for the inaugural event and therefore race United Arab Emirates for 2017. ing this event today and I know triath- such as Doha Triathlon said, “The Mu- Marouf Mahmoud, Founder of lo- organisers are urging competitors to book letes all over Qatar are looking forward seum of Islamic Art is one of Qatar’s most cal sports marketing agency, Tasama, their places early. Gulf Times Thursday, December 29, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT DELIGHT Ronaldo, Santos honoured at Globe Klopp eyes special Soccer Awards

AFP said in a short video message. Dubai “The people still doubt about me, about Real Madrid, about national team, and you have the eal Madrid star Cris- proof. We win everything, so City clash aft er tiano Ronaldo and amazing year, I’m so happy.” Portugal’s Euro The 62-year-old Santos was 2016-winning coach named best manager after mas- FernandoR Santos scooped the terminding Portugal’s success in top prizes at the seventh edi- France, while Champions League tion of the Globe Soccer Awards winners Real Madrid took home in Dubai on Tuesday. the prize for club of the year. Ronaldo claimed the best Paris Saint-Germain coach Reds sink Stoke player award after helping his Unai Emery, under pressure at country land their fi rst ma- the Parc des Princes following a jor title at this year’s European mediocre fi rst half of the season, ‘I’m not sure whether he watched a lot of games in the last few weeks in other Championship and fi ring Real to also received an award having led a record 11th European Cup tri- Sevilla to a third straight Europa stadiums. That’s the first sign it’s a special game and we’re already looking forward to it’ umph. League crown before leaving for “Probably (this) was my best France. year so far,” Ronaldo, who earlier Former Cameroon striker this month won the Ballon d’Or Samuel Eto’o was lauded for his for the fourth time in his career, career achievements.

Koeman tells Everton to keep guard up at struggling Hull Everton manager Ronald Koe- he added. “They lost away at man has warned his players West Ham 1-0 but Hull was the against complacency ahead better team. of their visit to basement “That means don’t focus on side Hull City in the Premier position in the table. It’s a League on Friday. tough one, it’s a diff icult one, Everton, who beat champions and we need to be at our Leicester City 2-0 on Monday best.” to climb to seventh in the Goalkeeper Maarten Stekelen- table, take on a Hull side that burg will miss the game as he has gone seven league games continues his recovery from without a win, but Koeman the leg injury he suff ered in said his team would be taking the Merseyside derby defeat nothing for granted in an by Liverpool on Dec. unpredictable competition. 19, with midfielder James Mc- “That’s the most dangerous Carthy also ruled out. (thing) you can do in football,” Everton have not won con- the manager told a news con- secutive league games since ference on Wednesday. September and Koeman said “The Premier League is unpre- his team were still a work in dictable. Maybe expect a win progress, but he would not and it will be totally diff erent. be drawn on his targets in the I don’t look at the position in January transfer window. the table.” “Of course we are working,” Hull held out for 70 minutes the Dutchman added. “We against third-placed Manches- have certain interest in some ter City before being beaten players. But that’s what we 3-0 at home on Dec. need to keep inside.” 26 and Koeman said the resil- The manager did, however, ience they had shown in that confirm Everton’s interest in match proved that Everton highly rated Charlton Athletic would have to be at their best winger Ademola Lookman, to get a result. but would not off er any details “I watched Hull play City and on when the deal might be after 70 minutes it was 0-0,” completed. Liverpool’s Senegalese midfielder Sadio Mane (2L) celebrates with teammates after his team’s third goal against Stoke City’ during their English Premier League match. Simeone to stay at Atletico next AFP cial game and we are already looking for- could spring a surprise after Jonathan Wal- ment” to shower praise on individuals. season, says club chief Liverpool ward to it,” Klopp said. ters put them in front in the 12th minute. “I don’t think they need it. In this mo- The German — a direct rival of Guar- Lallana equalised and Firmino’s fi ne ment they are all happy about the team Argentine coach Diego Sime- delighted,” he added during diola’s when the pair were in charge of strike just before half-time made it 2-1 performance, the result, about the goals one will remain at Atletico an interview with private iverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich before Liverpool ran away with the game we scored,” he said. Madrid next season, the club’s television La Sexta. looking forward to pitting his wits respectively — admitted that it can be in the second period. “If we speak about one player we speak chief executive off icer Miguel “We continue to grow, both against Pep Guardiola again after diffi cult to go to see opposition teams in The Brazilian’s goal, his sixth of the always about the past but I already think Angel Gil Marin said Tuesday. him and the club, and what seeing the Reds fi ght back to beat action these days because the Premier season, came three days after he was ar- about the next game and hopefully we Simeone, 46, signed a contract would be most intelligent LStoke City 4-1 in the Premier League on League’s superstar managers risk spend- rested and charged for drink driving in can do better.” extension in 2015 that origi- for both parts would be to Tuesday. ing more time signing autographs than the centre of Liverpool, and Klopp said Stoke boss Mark Hughes has still never nally tied him to the club until continue.” The Reds moved back above Manches- actually watching games. there had been no prospect of the player won at Anfi eld as a manager and he was June 2020, an unusually long Simeone, a former Atletico ter City into second place in the table, “I respect them a lot also but I have not being dropped. left to rue defensive errors that contrib- deal by Spanish standards. midfielder, has led the club to and to within six points of leaders Chel- been at their stadium this season. Maybe “No because he was the best man in uted to his team’s downfall. But in September he reduced a host of trophies since be- sea, after claiming their third consecu- he just wants to watch good football,” he training so there was no chance to leave “We deservedly took the lead. The the deal to 2018 after talks coming coach in 2011, includ- tive win and maintaining their unbeaten joked. him out. No chance. He was outstand- disappointment is that we allowed them with Atletico, sparking specu- ing the domestic title in 2014 record at Anfi eld this season. “It’s a diffi cult game for both teams but ing,” he said. back into the game just before half-time. lation that he may leave. and two Champions League The win, secured thanks to goals by exciting and the best thing is it’s at An- We went in 2-1 down feeling a little bit Asked about Simeone’s future, finals, in 2014 and 2016. Adam Lallana, Roberto Firmino, Daniel fi eld. They are an outstanding side and ‘WE CAN DO BETTER’ hard done by,” said Hughes. Gil Marin said he will stay at But the club’s form has stut- Sturridge and a Giannelli Imbula own we are not too bad.” There were important contributions “We made a couple of individual errors Atletico “this season and the tered this season and Atletico goal, set Liverpool up nicely for their Liverpool have won eight and drawn two from Sadio Mane, who forced Imbula again for the next two goals and it was next for sure.” find themselves in sixth in La New Year’s Eve home clash with City, of 10 games at Anfi eld this season and have into turning the ball into his own net, very diffi cult to come back from that. Be- “He has been with us for Liga with 28 points. Atletico are whose manager was in the Anfi eld crowd not been beaten in front of their own fans in and Sturridge, who came off the bench cause of individual and collective errors five years and it would be not in league action again until doing a spot of scouting. 23 games going back to January. and seconds later had his fi rst goal of the we have been beaten by four goals which reasonable if he stayed with January 7 as La Liga takes a “I’m not sure whether he watched a lot City can therefore expect to face a season. is a little bit unfair on us,” added Hughes, us many more because we are winter break over the new year. of games in the last few weeks in other daunting task but Stoke — the last visiting Captain Jordan Henderson was also ex- whose side are without a win in four and stadiums. That is the fi rst sign it is a spe- team to win at Anfi eld — looked like they cellent, but Klopp said it was “not the mo- go to Chelsea next.

CHANCE BOTTOMLINE Giggs in frame for Swansea sack manager Bradley Swansea job: reports AFP Bradley told US broadcaster have nothing but praise for Bob. AFP Giggs was interviewed Swansea NBC Sports. He is a good man; a good person London twice prior to Bradley’s “But I believe in myself and who gave everything to the job. being picked as Francesco I believe in going for it. That’s His work-rate is phenomenal Guidolin’s successor. remier League strug- what I’ve always told my players. and we wish him well for the fu- anchester United glers Swansea City dis- “Football can be cruel and ture.” great Ryan Giggs is Swansea’s home game with missed coach Bob Bra- to have a chance you have to be First-team coaches Paul Wil- one of the names be- Bournemouth on Saturday. dley on Tuesday after strong. liams and Alan Curtis will take ing considered for The most decorated footballer Pjust 11 games in charge, the club “I wish Swansea the best and over from Bradley on an interim Mthe managerial vacancy at Swan- in British history, Giggs briefl y announced. look forward to my next chal- basis as the club searches for a sea City, according to British took charge at United following American Bradley replaced lenge.” new manager. media reports yesterday. David Moyes’s dismissal as man- Francesco Guidolin in October The 58-year-old Bradley took Bradley, who managed the US Swansea, second from bot- ager in April 2014. but the Swans have won just training on Tuesday but was national team at the 2010 World tom in the Premier League, are He had previously worked twice following his appointment subsequently relieved of his du- Cup, became the fi rst American looking for a new manager af- under Moyes and was Louis van and lie second from bottom in ties, less than three months after boss in England’s top fl ight af- ter American Bob Bradley was Gaal’s assistant from 2014 to the table. taking over. ter he was appointed in place of sacked just 11 games into his ten- 2016, but left United when Jose “Swansea City can confi rm Guidolin, an Italian. ure on Tuesday. Mourinho was appointed man- that the club has parted compa- NOT WORKING OUT Bradley was also Egypt coach Welshman Giggs, 43, was in- ager last July. ny with manager Bob Bradley,” “We are sorry to lose Bob after before stints in Norway and terviewed twice prior to Bradley’s Reports at the time said Giggs the Welsh side said in a state- such a short period of time,” said France with Stabaek and Le Ha- appointment as the successor to had paid the price for an under- ment. Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins. vre. He left the latter to take the Francesco Guidolin in October. whelming interview when he His departure comes a day “Unfortunately things haven’t top job at Swansea having nar- Other men in the frame are fi rst went for the Swansea job. after Swansea were thumped worked out as planned and we rowly missed out on promotion said to include Swansea native “I met with them a couple of 4-1 at home by West Ham, the felt we had to make the change to the French top division last Chris Coleman, who led Wales to times, but in the end there was club’s seventh defeat in Brad- with half the Premier League season. the semi-fi nals at Euro 2016, and just mixed messages from the ley’s short-lived tenure. season remaining. Swansea’s next match is Gary Rowett, who was recently football side and the ownership “I knew exactly what I was “With the club going through against Bournemouth at the sacked by second-tier Birming- side of the club,” Giggs told ITV getting into when I came to such a tough time, we have to try Liberty Stadium on Saturday. ham City. after missing out to Bradley. Swansea and realised the hard- and fi nd the answers to get our- The Swans are four points First-team coaches Alan Cur- “I just felt their ambitions est part was always going to be selves out of trouble.” from safety and above last-place tis and Paul Williams have been did not really match mine, so it getting points in the short run,” File picture of then Swansea City manager Bob Bradley. Jenkins added: “Personally, I Hull only on goal diff erence. placed in temporary charge for didn’t quite work out.” Gulf Times 4 Thursday, December 29, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT DENIAL Russia blasts NYT report on doping FIFA boss says ‘conspiracy’

AFP have denied any involvement by Moscow the state or state institutions or services or agencies in the possi- ble use of doping by sportsmen,” ussia yesterday blasted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry federations back a report in The New York Peskov told journalists. Times that offi cials have Racknowledged a mas- ‘SHOCKED BY REVELATIONS’ sive sports doping conspiracy, The accusations by Mclaren in reiterating claims there was no his last report were another body government involvement. blow to Russian sport, which was The New York Times reported still trying to shrug off the dam- Tuesday that the acting direc- age from his initial fi ndings and expanded WC tor general of Russia’s scandal- the exclusion of its track and fi eld mired national anti-doping athletes from international com- agency had “for the fi rst time” petition. We have to be more inclusive: Infantino said at a sports conference in Dubai, adding conceded offi cials conducted the The aff air reverberated programme to cheat. through the 2016 Rio Olympics that a 48-team tournament was the most financially appealing “It was an institutional con- and has continued to be felt as spiracy,” Anna Antseliovich, was winter sports events such as next reported as telling the US news- year’s bobsleigh and skeleton paper in an article datelined from world championships and biath- Moscow. lon and speed skating World Cup Antseliovich and others in- stops have been withdrawn from terviewed continued to reject the country. the characterisation of the McLaren, a Canadian lawyer, doping scheme as “state-spon- issued his fi rst report in July, sored,” telling the Times that detailing an elaborate scheme top government officials were to manipulate drug tests at the not involved. 2014 Sochi Games and saying it But Moscow later slammed the involved the Russian sports min- article, with anti-doping agency istry and FSB security service. RUSADA insisting that Antselio- “Ms. Antseliovich, who has vich’s words were “distorted and not been directly implicated in taken out of context”. the investigations, said she was The New York Times reporter shocked by the revelations,” the “took these words out of context, Times wrote.”She and others creating the impression that RU- emphasized that the govern- SADA’s leadership had admitted ment’s top offi cials were not in- to an institutional system of a volved.” doping cover-up in Russia,” the And Vitaly Smirnov, the agency said in a statement. 81-year-old veteran sports of- “We want to underline that fi cial drafted this year by Rus- RUSADA does not and cannot sian president Vladimir Putin to have the authority to admit or oversee reforms, was less than deny such facts,” it said. conciliatory in his comments to Investigator Richard McLaren the newspaper. said in a new report for the World “From my point of view, as a Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) former minister of sport, presi- this month that more than dent of Olympic committee - 1,000 Russian athletes in some we made a lot of mistakes,” the 30 sports took part in a plan for Times quoted Smirnov as saying. Moscow sports ministry offi cials But he also referred to the to use banned drugs at the 2014 revelations of therapeutic use Sochi Winter Olympics, the 2012 exemptions (TUE) that allowed London Summer Games and some high profi le Western ath- other global events. letes in an array of sports to use Russia has admitted that it had banned drugs — which came out a problem with doping but in- via documents hacked by the sists that there is no proof there “Fancy Bear” group. was a state-orchestrated pro- Smirnov indicated he believed gramme to cheat, a dogged denial the documents showed Western that critics say means Moscow competitors received favourable FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, talks during the Dubai international Sports conference at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai yesterday. will never tackle the issue. treatment from global anti-dop- The Kremlin repeated earlier ing authorities. Agencies the winning team still playing seven games made until the 2026 World Cup, which is “This is something that needs to be rejections of allegations of state “Russia never had the oppor- Dubai in 32 days as they do in the current 32-team yet to be awarded. discussed. When discussed with the as- involvement in doping, while tunities that were given to other World Cup, the FIFA boss argued. The last time the number of teams sociations in the summits they were also casting doubt on the latest countries,” he told the newspaper. A total of 80 games would be played competing in the World Cup increased overwhelmingly in favour, but more dis- report in The New York Times. “The general feeling in Russia is ootball federations are “over- compared with the current 64 games. was in 1998 when it went from 24 to 32. cussions will have to take place,” he said. “From the very beginning we that we didn’t have a chance.” whelmingly in favour” of ex- When he was elected in February, In- The FIFA Council, made of up mem- Infantino’s proposal for a 48-team panding the existing 32-nation fantino had promised to expand the tour- bers of the global federations, is to dis- World Cup in 2026, featuring 16 groups World Cup, FIFA President Gi- nament from the 32 teams to 40. cuss the expansion in January. of three, will be submitted to the FIFA SKIING anniF Infantino said yesterday. CONCACAF President Victor Mon- Infantino also said he was hopeful video Council next month. The global football federation boss wants tagliani told Reuters he supported the technology would be introduced in time for A 40-team World Cup is also on the to increase the number of teams playing in expansion plans but said he would like the 2018 World Cup in Russia following the table. the World Cup fi nal tournament to 48, ar- to see the proportional number of places use of the video assistant referee system at Infantino said that expansion means Shiff rin doubles up guing that it can be done in the same time awarded to each federation to remain the the Club World Cup in Japan. “inclusion” in the “biggest social and frame as the current tournament. same as today. The tests in Japan were in “the right sporting event.” “We have to be more inclusive,” Infan- CONCACAF governs football in North direction,” he said. “Even though there He said failure to qualify for the fi nals at Semmering tino said at a sports conference in Dubai, and Central America and the Caribbean. is still a bit of fi ne tuning to be made, the strongly aff ects nations, with coaches adding that a 48-team tournament was On Tuesday, Italian and Portuguese tests have been very, very positive.” being sacked and clubs and players criti- the most fi nancially appealing. football federation presidents Carlo cised. Infantino is proposing a 48-team for- Tavecchio and Fernando Gomes said at ‘NOT A DICTATOR’ If they qualify “the whole country lives mat with an initial round of 16 groups of the conference they were in favour of the Infantino also said that he will not be a and breathes football. Everyone gets in- three teams. proposal. “dictator” in discussions over his pro- terested,” he added. The top two teams of each group would “We support the idea in order to in- posal to expand the World Cup fi nals The European Club Association, the qualify for a round of 32 knockout stage, crease the number of the teams pending from 32 to 48 teams. powerful body representing Europe’s top then round of 16, quarter fi nals, semi- of course the conditions and the formula “I strongly believe in that, but obvi- clubs, told Infantino earlier this month fi nals and fi nal. for the competitions,” Gomes said. ously I’m not a dictator,” Infantino told that it opposes a bigger World Cup, say- There would be little to no impact on Any changes to the structure of the the closing session of the Dubai Interna- ing leading players were already under players under the proposed format with World Cup, however, are unlikely to be tional Sports Conference. too much strain.

Mourinho urges coaches he had. because Chelsea are very good discussions together and he Tevez burgled while he Martial to follow “The diff erence between this year.” explained to me why I hadn’t was tying the knot Mkhitaryan lead the demands of the Premier City travel to take on second- played too much,” Giroud told in Uruguay League and the Ukrainian placed Liverpool on Saturday. British media. Jose Mourinho has urged league, or even Bundesliga: Four-times African player of the The 30-year-old, who has Thieves robbed the Buenos Anthony Martial to follow mid- complete diff erent philosophy Year Toure said he was looking handed his first Premier League Aires home of Argentine striker (L-R) Second-placed Tessa Worley of France, winner Mikaela Shiff rin fielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s of play. And he worked a lot forward to a frenzied atmos- start of the season on Monday, Carlos Tevez while the Boca of the US and third-placed Viktoria Rebensburg of Germany celebrate example and force his way into without playing, but he worked phere at Anfield. gave a timely reminder of his Juniors star was in Uruguay after the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Women’s Giant Slalom. Manchester United’s starting a lot to try to reach the level.” “For me it’s almost a ‘final’ of goal-scoring prowess. celebrating his wedding, police line up. the Premier League because I “But football is an everlasting sources revealed on Tuesday. Agencies Before Semmering, Shiff rin’s Martial has found himself Toure excited to rejoin think it’s going to be a similar new beginning, as I used to say, The value of the stolen items Semmering, Austria only previous giant slalom suc- on the fringes of Mourinho’s City’s title challenge kind of football,” the 33-year- and you always have to keep fo- has yet to be disclosed, as the cess had come at another Austri- first-team plans, having made old Ivorian added. cused and wait for your time,” former Manchester City and an ski resort at Solden in October four of his 11 Premier League Yaya Toure has said the excite- “I think for the fans it’s going to he added. Manchester United forward had merican slalom queen 2014. appearances from the bench ment of being part of Manches- be fantastic.” “Hopefully things will change still to file an off icial complaint. Mikaela Shiff rin won The Olympic champion will be this season, but the manager ter City’s assault on the Premier for me but as long as the team Tevez married the mother yesterday’s World Cup favourite to complete a superb said he had no plans to sell the League title has made him feel Patient Giroud hopes is getting better I am happy.” of his three children, Vanesa giant slalom at Sem- week in today’s slalom, also at meringA to follow up her success Semmering. 21-year-old French striker. like a child again. goal can lead to fi rst Defender Laurent Koscielny Mansilla, last Thursday in front “Anthony is very, very young — Toure has been in fine form team return heaped praise on Giroud and of more than 200 guests at a in the same discipline at the people forget — and last season since returning to Pep Guar- advised players vying to break ceremony on the banks of the Austrian resort the day before. MEN’S DOWNHILL CALLED OFF Manchester United played diola’s side after a row between Olivier Giroud is hoping for a into Wenger’s starting line-up to Rio de la Plata. And as on Tuesday it was The men’s alpine skiing World completely diff erently. He was the manager and his agent and run of starts for Arsenal after adopt his compatriot’s attitude. But he discovered the break-in again France’s Tessa Worley who Cup downhill was called off yes- basically playing up front,” scored three goals in seven the French striker scored the “We are not 11 or 18 players, we on Sunday when he returned chased the 21-year-old home in terday because of strong winds. Mourinho told British media. Premier League appearances, late winner in Monday’s 1-0 win are 25 players. All the players to his house in the aff luent San poor visibility. Organizers cancelled the race “The team had lots of passive including the opener in Mon- over West Bromwich Albion at who play for Arsenal have a big Isidro neighbourhood on the Shiff rin claimed her 25th after fi rst postponing the start ball possession, just waiting to day’s 3-0 win at Hull City. the Emirates Stadium. part to play during the season outskirts of the Argentine capital. World Cup triumph but only her and shortening the course. put it into space for Anthony to “I look like a kid, just enjoying Giroud has scored six goals in because of injuries and suspen- The thieves purportedly gained third in giant slalom by clocking Race director Markus Waldner go and score a goal. This sea- playing football and helping my 16 appearances but has become sions,” Koscielny told the club’s access to his home through a a time of 2min 09.40sec with said the downhill would not be son is more diff icult. He needs a team mates and the fans,” the a regular fixture on the Arsenal website (www.arsenal.com). building site on an adjoining Worley. rescheduled because there was little bit of time to improve.” midfielder told British media. bench this season, with manager “Everyone needs to be ready property. 15s adrift and Germany’s no more room in the race calen- “Every player is diff erent. I had “It’s very important to me. Arsene Wenger opting to deploy to fight for this club. Olivier The 32-year-old is expected to Viktoria Rebensburg in third at. dar. this season a situation that was I’m used to winning Premier winger Alexis Sanchez as the started and he tried to give his finalize a transfer to Chinese 18. It leaves six more men’s down- more diff icult than Anthony — Leagues, and I think it’s second focal point of attack. best on the pitch. It was so im- Super League side Shanghai Worley did enough to retain hills for the season, with the next Mkhitaryan,” Mourinho added. two times, and I want to win “It is all about keeping the focus portant because last week we Shenhua this week, reportedly her position at the top of the the Lauberhorn classic in Wen- “Mkhitaryan was completely another. high. Always keep working hard lost two games in seven days set to pocket 40 million euros a World Cup giant slalom stand- gen, Switzerland on January 14. open and understood the dif- “I know it’s going to be tough at training. I was speaking with and we wanted to get back to season — 20 times what he cur- ings with Shiff rin cementing her An alpine combined, with su- ference between me and other but we have to keep going the boss, we had a couple of winning three points.” rently earns at Boca Juniors. leading position in the race for per-g and slalom, is scheduled the Crystal Globe. Thursday at Santa Caterina. Gulf Times Thursday, December 29, 2016 5 SPORT

NBA FOCUS Riled Rockets bury Westbrook’s triple-double Mavs in ill-tempered fuels Thunder

AFP Texas showdown Los Angeles ‘That other team was trippin’ tonight, just disrespectful, unprofessional’ ussell Westbrook’s 52nd ca- reer triple-double powered AFP the Oklahoma City Thunder Los Angeles to a 106-94 NBA victory over theR Heat in Miami on Tuesday. Westbrook scored 29 points, pulled allas Mavericks centre An- down 17 rebounds and handed out 11 drew Bogut didn’t see what assists, securing a triple-double with the fuss was about, but his 6:40 to play in the third period. Dhard foul on Houston star It was his 15th triple-double of the James Harden helped send the Rockets season and his sixth of the campaign to into orbit on Tuesday. be achieved through only three quarters. Australia’s Bogut was called for a Going into Tuesday’s four games, the Flagrant One foul in the second quar- rest of the league had 18 triple-doubles ter when he set a jarring screen on this season. Harden. When he pulled down a rebound in The Rockets were on an 11-0 scoring the third quarter to reach double-digits run at the time and Harden’s ensuing in three statistical categories, he joined two free throws and a three-pointer Oscar Robertson as the only players to stretched it to 16-0. record 30 triple-doubles in a calendar “I don’t know what they was on to- year — that total stretching back to the night,” Harden said after the Rockets latter part of last season. triumphed 123-107 in an ill-tempered Robertson remains the only player clash in Dallas that featured a total of to average a triple-double over a com- eight technical fouls, two Flagrant One plete season, which he did in the 1961- fouls and the ejection of the Rockets’ 62 campaign. Trevor Ariza. Along with Westbrook’s dominance, tage in fast-break points and out-re- “That other team was trippin’ to- Oklahoma City out-scored the Heat bounded the Heat 46-32. night, just disrespectful, unprofes- 58-32 in the paint. Thunder center The Heat, playing without injured sional — players and coaches,” Harden Enes Kanter of Turkey scored 19 points Goran Dragic, Josh McRoberts and said. and big man Steven Adams of New Dion Waiters, were led by Josh Rich- “I don’t know what was their prob- Zealand added 15. ardson, who matched his career high of lem, but I think that got us going. The Thunder also had 16-4 advan- 22 points. “They wanted to throw a little cheap shot and just woke us up a little bit, and it was over from there.” Bogut, back after missing 11 games with a bone bruise on his right knee, Durant slams NBA for ‘throwing said he didn’t think he committed a refs under the bus’ fl agrant foul. “If you watch the replay, yeah, Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant said in an interview on Tues- (Harden) made no eff ort to run around Durant wants the National Basketball day after the NBA said he was fouled. my screen,” Bogut said. Association to become less transpar- “We lost that game. I think it’s (bull) “So obviously I turned to protect ent, at least when it comes to its the NBA threw the refs under the bus myself and hit him and he went face- review of referee decisions. like that. fi rst into my shoulder. Yeah, it was a Durant made his comments after “To say I got fouled, just move on. Refs hard screen and I set hard screens. the league concluded he was on don’t deserve that. They’re trying their “But to get a fl agrant for it is kind of the wrong end of a non-call during hardest to get the plays right. head-scratching when I felt like (Mavs the Warriors’ blockbuster Christmas “After the game, like it matters. The guard) Justin Anderson had his wrist in Day showdown with the Cleveland game’s over. We’re moving on.” a ju-jitsu hold four plays later, and that Cavaliers. Durant added that the next time the was brushed off like a regular foul.” On the game’s final play, with the Warriors play the Cavaliers he does Bogut then took a none-too-veiled Warriors down by one point, Durant not want referees tensing up over shot at the league offi ce and its ci-offi stumbled when Cleveland’s Richard concerns they will be exposed for ating centre in New Jersey. Jeff erson trod on his foot. their mistakes. “You admire the eff ort the league’s The referees did not call a foul, and He said the job was diff icult enough putting in Secaucus with that beauti- a stumbling Durant was unable to at the best of times for referees, who ful facility where they watch replays James Harden (right) of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket against Andrew Bogut #6 of the Dallas Mavericks in the get a decent shot away before the do not have the luxury of slow- and watch TV and have leather chairs first half of their NBA game in Dallas, Texas, on Tuesday. (AFP) buzzer, allowing the Cavs to escape motion replays. and all that kind of stuff ,” Bogut said. with the win. The NBA report on Sunday’s game “But you scratch your head at a lot of “Obviously it’s a competition,” An- tween the third and fourth quarters, four times.... We have to be better The NBA policy, known as the ‘Last also said that Cleveland’s LeBron these things and it becomes very, very derson said. “You have guys battling was still angry with Mavericks center than that. There was opportunity for Two Minute Report’, is to publicly James should have been received a frustrating.” each other, you get hit and you feel like Salah Mejri after the game, although us to channel it into basketball, and we review every play in the final two technical foul for hanging on the rim Bogut said the fouls had nothing to you have to retaliate sometimes. But a hallway showdown between the two didn’t do that.” minutes of close games. of the basket after a dunk. do with the fact that the Mavericks we held our heads, we got the win, and was averted. That is of scant consolation to the In 2008, referee Tim Donaghy was “got absolutely killed” by the Rockets, that’s all that matters.” “I don’t know what that was. It RESULTS losing team, but it at least makes for sentenced to 15 months in prison who have won 13 of their last 15. But the animosity didn’t end at the wasn’t even basketball,” Dallas guard Utah 102 LA Lakers 100 transparency in an era where there after admitting to betting on games Harden scored 34 points with 11 as- fi nal buzzer. Wesley Matthews said of explosive Houston 123 Dallas 107 are concerns over corruption. he off iciated and passing on inside sists for Houston, who got 22 points Houston’s Ariza, ejected after re- emotions on display. “Tempers — two Boston 113 Memphis 103 “The refs didn’t lose us that game,” information to bookies. from Ryan Anderson. ceiving a second technical foul be- in-state teams that play each other Oklahoma City 106 Miami 94

NHL Coach, players not thrilled despite record 13th win

By Aaron Portzline Foligno’s 11th goal of the season kept The Columbus Dispatch, Ohio (TNS) the streak alive. A slick pass from Al- exander Wennberg on the doorstep al- lowed Foligno to spin and jam the puck s Blue Jackets coach John Tor- home after his fi rst attempt was stuff ed torella stepped to the podium by Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask. late Tuesday night, he fi red “The way it started, we were like an opening salvo before the ‘Here we go again!’” Foligno said. “And questionsA even started fl ying. maybe that was the problem. That’s a “This is going to be pretty short, I’ll really good team over there, and they tell you that right now,” Tortorella said. remain patient. The Blue Jackets had just won their “It’s a good lesson for us. We could 13th consecutive game, blowing a 3-0 make every excuse, but it wasn’t good lead against the Boston Bruins before enough and we know it.” rescuing it with a late power-play goal True to his word, Tortorella’s post- to win 4-3 before a standing-room- game briefi ng was, well, brief: 91 sec- only crowd of 19,005 in Nationwide onds. He wasn’t angry, he just wanted Arena. to move on already. But nobody was all that pleased. “We will put (the points) in the bank,” “That wasn’t very pretty,” left wing Tortorella said. “It was a slop-fest. Matt Calvert said. “I lit a match to the tape already. It’s “I’m sure we’re going to address done. It’s burned. Seriously, we’re not some things in practice today,” left even going to look at it.” wing Scott Hartnell said. The Blue Jackets will go for win No. “It was pretty sloppy for the most 14 in a row today in Winnipeg. part,” defenseman Seth Jones said. “We “It’s fun,” Hartnell said. “But the didn’t play the best hockey game, but mental aspect of it around our dressing we found a way to win it.” room ... we’re not on Cloud 9, we’re not Calvert, Hartnell and Jones each celebrating, we’re not on the way to the scored a goal, but it was Nick Foligno’s playoff s.” jam-job goal from the doorstep at 10:46 of the third period that pushed the Blue RESULTS Jackets to victory. San Jose 3 Anaheim 2 (OT) The Jackets were outshot 40-22 by Calgary 6 Colorado 3 the Bruins, and they leaned hard again Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Matt Calvert (foreground) celebrates with teammates on the bench after scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins in the first period of Dallas 3 Arizona 2 on goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who their NHL game in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday. (USA TODAY Sports) Winnipeg 3 Chicago 1 fi nished with 37 saves. Minnesota 3 Nashville 2 (OT) Only fi ve times in the NHL’s 99-year But this was perhaps the Blue Jack- the Bruins by hounding the puck. For the fi nal 10 minutes of the fi rst turnovers and pucks that weren’t bur- Buff alo 4 Detroit 3 history have teams had winning streaks ets’ most peculiar win since the streak “We came out pretty hot, but then we period and throughout the second, the ied deep enough, creating most of their Pittsburgh 5 New Jersey 2 of longer than 13 games. The NHL began on November 29. stepped back,” Jones said. “We stopped Bruins outshot the Blue Jackets 26-8 opportunities in transition. David Kre- NY Islanders 4 Washington 3 record is 17 straight wins by Pittsburgh They raced to a 3-0 lead only 9:39 playing a simple game and it gave them and scrapped their way back into it. jci’s goal at 18:26 of the second tied the NY Rangers 4 Ottawa 3 in 1993. into the game, simply overwhelming momentum.” Mostly, they feasted on Blue Jackets score at 3. Columbus 4 Boston 3 Gulf Times 6 Thursday, December 29, 2016 SPORT

ADIEU NFL Britain’s greatest Raiders prep for playoff s cyclist Bradley without injured Carr

AFP Wiggins retires Los Angeles

‘I have been lucky enough to live a dream and fulfil my childhood aspiration of he Oakland Raiders will be counting on backup quarter- making a living and a career out of the sport I fell in love with at the age of 12’ back Matt McGloin in their fi rst NFL playoff run since 2002T as Derek Carr recovers from a broken leg that required surgery on Tuesday. “Surgery couldn’t have gone better!” Carr tweeted on Tuesday afternoon. “Received great news! Already started the recovery process! Thank you for all of your prayers as I heal up! The Raiders had already secured a “You’re talking about a team facing post-season berth when Carr broke his elimination. We knew they were going right fi bula after he was sacked Sat- to give everything they had to close the urday in a win over the Indianapolis game any way they could.” Colts. And even though they are playoff - The team has off ered only sketchy bound, the Raiders have business to updates of Carr’s condition. But the in- take care of as the regular season winds jury expected to sideline Carr through- down. out the playoff s is a blow. They face the Denver Broncos on “We’ll rally around the next guy as Sunday and, with a win, have a chance best we can,” Raiders coach Jack Del to capture the AFC West division title Rio said. “That’s what you do. It will be and a fi rst-round bye. With a defeat, incumbent upon the off ensive line and they could fall as low as the fi fth seed. backs to do more, the special teams to “I’m ready to go,” McGloin said of do more. the challenge of stepping in for Carr. “I “As a team, pick it up and do more to feel great. I know this team, these guys fi ll in. Obviously, that’s a big setback.” around me, this staff and this organiza- However, Del Rio told reporters on tion will do a great job of helping me Monday that he didn’t regret leaving out, embracing me and making sure we Carr in the contest against the Colts, keep moving in the right direction.” even with his team holding a com- McGloin, who completed a 19-yard manding 33-14 lead. pass to Amari Cooper to seal Satur- “We felt we had to keep the pedal day’s win, appeared in seven games down on that opponent and that quar- and started six times as a rookie for the terback (Andrew Luck) in that game,” Raiders in 2013, and has since served as Del Rio said. Carr’s backup.

CHANGE Bills fi re Ryan, name Lynn interim head coach

AFP “I’ve met my idols and ridden with and riding a pushbike for a living,” Wiggins Queen Elizabeth II — making him Sir Reuters London alongside the best for 20 years. I have added. “2012 blew my mind and was a Bradley — in 2013. New York worked with the world’s best coaches gas. Cycling has given me everything He bowed out at the Six Day of Gh- and managers, who I will always be and I couldn’t have done it without the ent, city of his birth, last month, hav- radley Wiggins announced grateful to for their support.” support of my wonderful wife Cath ing taken his tally of Olympic gold he Buff alo Bills announced on his retirement from profes- Wiggins, nicknamed ‘Wiggo’, is and our amazing kids. medals to fi ve with victory in the team Tuesday that coach Rex Ryan sional cycling yesterday, Britain’s most decorated Olympian “2016 is the end of the road for this pursuit at the Rio de Janeiro Games. and assistant head coach Rob bringing the curtain down on and the only cyclist to have won world chapter, onwards and upwards, ‘feet But the fi nal months of his career Ryan, his twin brother, have aB career that saw him become one of and Olympic gold medals on both on the ground, head in the clouds’ kids have been overshadowed by whis- Tbeen fi red. Britain’s greatest sportsmen. track and road. His other achieve- from Kilburn don’t win Olympic Golds pers about shady practices during his Off ensive coordinator Anthony The 36-year-old became Britain’s ments include the world track hour and Tour de Frances’! They do now.” time with Team Sky, which coincided Lynn, who replaced Greg Roman in fi rst Tour de France winner in 2012 and record, set in June 2015, and wearing Wiggins’s statement was accompa- with the most successful period of his Week 3, will take over as the interim bows out with eight Olympic medals, the leader’s jersey in each of the three nied by a photograph of his medals and career. coach of the Bills (7-8), the National including fi ve golds, and seven world Grand Tour. He also jointly holds the former team jerseys. It was revealed in September that Football League team said. titles, across track and road cycling, to world record in the team pursuit. Born in Ghent, Belgium to an Aus- he obtained therapeutic use exemp- Buff alo wraps up this campaign on his name. His fi nest hour came in 2012, when tralian cyclist father, Gary, and a Brit- tions for the banned substance tri- Sunday with a road game against Rex “I have been lucky enough to live a he followed up Tour de France success ish mother, Linda, Wiggins was raised amcinolone shortly before the 2011 Ryan’s former club, the New York Jets dream and fulfi l my childhood aspira- by winning time-trial gold at the 2012 in Kilburn, northwest London and and 2012 Tours de France and the 2013 (4-11). tion of making a living and a career out Olympics in his home city of London. would become an icon of British sport. Giro d’Italia. He has denied wrongdo- “I spoke with Rex earlier today and of the sport I fell in love with at the age “What will stick with me forever is His ‘mod’ sideburns and irreverent ing and there is no suggestion he has we mutually agreed that the time to of 12,” Wiggins said in a statement on the support and love from the public public pronouncements made him a broken any rules, but UK Anti-Doping part ways is now. These decisions are but the Bills have seen that ranking the Facebook page of his Wiggins team. though thick and thin, all as a result of beloved fi gure and he was knighted by is investigating. never easy,” Bills owner Terry Pegula plummet to 19th this season. said in a statement Tuesday. Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi “I want to take this opportunity to rushed for 206 yards on Saturday after BOTTOMLINE thank Rex for all his eff orts and wish putting up 214 yards against the Bills him all the best moving forward.” earlier this season. Two weeks ago, The Bills have dropped six of their Pittsburgh’s Le’Veon Bell ran for 236 last nine games and have been elimi- yards against Buff alo. Those are the Schroeder targets 2017 EuroBasket with Germany nated from playoff contention for the three highest rushing games in the NFL 17th straight season. this season. A 34-31 overtime loss to the Miami The son of late NFL coach Buddy DPA “I worked very hard for it, I fought Dolphins on Saturday offi cially ex- Ryan, Rex Ryan owns a 61-66 overall Miami for my family, and I sweat for it every tended the longest active postseason mark in eight years as a head coach, day. Now it’s paying off ,” he said. drought in North American sports. including four consecutive non-win- Some people may be envious but Rex Ryan posted a 15-16 mark in his ning seasons before being fi red by the erman basketballer Den- Schroeder says, “It’s always the same. two seasons as Buff alo’s head coach Jets following the 2014 campaign after nis Schroeder hopes to be Back then they always said that I and had three seasons remaining on the reaching the playoff s his fi rst two years back playing for the national won’t be able to do it. Now, with the fi ve-year contract he signed with the in New York. team for the 2017 European new contract they say it’s too much Bills. Lynn, 48, had served as a running GChampionship after a break from in- money.” The 54-year-old Ryan, a former de- backs coach since 2003 prior to being ternational play to focus on his new He insists he is just concentrating fensive coordinator with the Baltimore elevated to off ensive coordinator after role at the Atlanta Hawks. “on working, for me and my family” Ravens, inherited Buff alo’s fourth- the Bills limped out to an 0-2 start this “Yes, I’m going to play for the na- and says that “everything else, I don’t ranked defense upon joining the team, season. tional team this summer for sure. I bother with.” would always play for the team as long Success can also be measured in as I am healthy and well prepared,” he other things, and for Braunschweig- told DPA in an interview in Miami. born Schroeder it’s family that comes Schroeder’s NBA career is on an up- fi rst. He is managed by his brother, Right-hander Nova inks ward curve after being promoted in and was pleased to welcome his family the summer to Atlanta’s starting line- over to support him over the Christ- three-year deal with Pirates up by coach Mike Budenholzer. To fo- mas period. cus on his club he decided to skip the “For my family, I want to build a The Pittsburgh Pirates have only one walk in his first five starts. EuroBasket qualifi ers. house. I’m dreaming about having bolstered their 2017 prospects by Nova, 29, bolstered a Pittsburgh Schroeder, 23, the son of a German eight rooms, so that everyone has their signing starting pitcher Ivan Nova starting rotation headed by ace father and a Gambian mother, has ben- own private room to relax,” he said. to a new three-year deal, the Major right-hander Gerrit Cole. efi ted from the faith put in him by coach Schoeder lost his father when he League Baseball team announced on “Ivan pitched well with us the final Budenholzer and the hard work he has was 16 but now having joined Dirk Tuesday. two months of the season and we himself put in on improving his game. Nowitzki and Detlef Schrempf as Terms of the deal were not an- look forward to him being a key part “I learned that the team is more im- Schroeder’s (left) NBA career is on an upward curve after being promoted in the leading Germans to make their mark nounced, but media reports put the of our rotation as we work to return portant than everything else. I think summer to Atlanta’s starting line-up by coach Mike Budenholzer. (TNS) in the NBA, he is sure his dad would be contract at $26 mn. to the postseason,” general manager that’s the most important thing,” he proud of his achievements. Free agent Nova ended the 2016 Neal Huntington said in a news said. “I often stay longer after practice to What I love about my coach is that he “I know, he has a smile on his face. season in stellar fashion after being release. “But my goal is to become one of the get some shots up. I go back to the gym is never satisfi ed.” Now, he knows that that I can take care acquired from the New York Yankees The Pirates are in the National best point guards in the NBA. In three in the evening to shoot more,” he said. Schroeder has been rewarded with a of my family,” he said. in August. League Central with the World Series years, I want to be an all-star.” “Nevertheless, the coach says that deal worth around 60 mn dollars over “That’s what he told me to do before In 11 starts with Pittsburgh, the right- champion Chicago Cubs and the per- Schroeder says he has been practis- I have to work more. He always wants four years. The fi gures caused raised he died. It is the best feeling, I have hander from the Dominican Republic ennially powerful St. Louis Cardinals. ing his shot play a lot with the Hawks more. My motivation is to show him eyebrows in Germany, but Schroeder never experienced anything like that went 5-2 with a 3.06 ERA. He gave up Pittsburgh went 78-83 in 2016. team coaches. that I can work and achieve even more. says he is proud of the contract. before.” Gulf Times Thursday, December 29, 2016 7 CRICKET

MELBOURNE TEST Warner, Khawaja lead Aussie charge aft er Azhar double ton ‘I came with lots of hope that I could deliver here for my team and I’m very ecstatic about it, and I hope it can help my team get a result in the game. I think as the game goes on reverse swing will come into play. The game is very open after the way the Australians came out. We need to come back in the morning and get some wickets and take it from there’

Reuters Melbourne

rampaging David Warner smashed a run-a-ball century to fi re Australia to 278 for two — off just 58 overs at a rate of 4.8 runs an over — and wrest back theA momentum from Pakistan after Azhar Ali’s unbeaten double hundred buoyed the touring side on day three of the second Test yesterday. Warner’s exhilarating 144 anchored a 198- run partnership with Usman Khawaja at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, as Australia slashed the defi cit to 165 runs after Pakistan’s fi rst in- nings declaration of 443-9 after lunch. Khawaja was unbeaten on 95 at stumps, with captain Steve Smith on 10 not out and Australia holding genuine hope of forcing a result despite the rain interruptions that blighted the opening two days. Warner’s furious counter-attack sapped the morale from the tourists, who had also glimpsed a chance of a series-levelling victory follow- ing gritty opener Azhar’s brilliant knock of 205. More galling for Pakistan was that Warner was reprieved on 81 when he was bowled by a no ball from Wahab Riaz. “We’re in a good position now, our aim was to take the scoreboard out of the equation and just bat,” said Warner after a hot and sunny af- ternoon of work. “We can’t control the weather but we just want to bat as big as we can.” Paceman Wahab had a dreadfully wayward day, sending down 10 no-balls, including a hat- trick of overstepped marks in the over of Warn- er’s non-dismissal. It was a golden day, however, for opposing openers Warner and Azhar and both raced by a number of milestones. Azhar’s double hundred was the highest in- David Warner’s exhilarating 144 nings by a Pakistan player in Australia and only was his first Test hundred at the three runs shy of Viv Richards’ 1984 record for MCG and his 17th overall. (AFP) touring batsmen at the MCG. He also became Azhar Ali’s 205 was the highest by a his nation’s fi rst to surpass 200 twice in a calen- Pakistan player in Australia. He also dar year, having scored an unbeaten 302 against became his nation’s first to surpass West Indies in Dubai in October. 200 twice in a calendar year, having For Warner, his 17th century was his fi rst at scored an unbeaten 302 against West the MCG, completing a sweep of tons at Aus- Indies in Dubai in October. (AFP) tralia’s six state venues while ending a rare slump in form with the red ball. The pugnacious left-hander also galloped past 5,000 Test runs, of rain delays and a quality bowling attack. glove and he was given out on review to a legside Test century in his 56th Test and third against Misbah-ul-Haq c Maddinson b Bird ...... 11 joining the likes of Don Bradman, Ricky Ponting Having spent more than nine-and-a-half catch behind. Warner’s innings contained 17 Australia, swelling his aggregate for the calendar A Shafiq c Smith b Bird ...... 50 and the Chappell brothers. hours at the crease, clattering 20 boundaries, fours and a six and his 198-run stand with Kha- year to 1,155 runs at 64.16. S Ahmed c Renshaw b Hazlewood ...... 10 He reached his hundred with a streaky inside Azhar tucked away two runs off paceman Mitch- waja came off just 214 balls. In October Azhar joined a select club of bats- M Amir c Wade b Starc ...... 29 edge that raced to the fi ne leg boundary and did ell Starc to bring up the 200 and gave a running Azhar earlier overtook the previous highest men with an unbeaten 302 against the West In- S Khan (run out) ...... 65 his customary leap and fi st-pump in the air as jump for joy before ripping off his helmet. Pakistan Test score in Australia — Majid Khan’s dies in Dubai and became the fi rst batsman in W Riaz c&b Hazlewood ...... 1 the crowd of 25,393 roared. “It certainly is a big achievement,” 31-year- 158 posted in Melbourne 44 years ago. day-night Test cricket to achieve a triple cen- Extras (b4, lb9, w5, nb1) ...... 19 After hammering another six fours, Warn- old Azhar, who was given a standing ovation by “I came with lots of hope that I could deliver tury. It was also the fourth triple hundred by a Total (9 wickets decl, 126.3 overs) ...... 443 er feathered an edge off Wahab, confi rmed as the crowd, told reporters. “It’s a big, big tour for here for my team and I’m very ecstatic about it, Pakistani batsman. Fall of wickets: 1-18 (Aslam), 2-60 (Azam), 3-111 caught behind by the third umpire after captain our team. So I was very focused and really want- and I hope it can help my team get a result in the Amir was out in the fi rst session, caught (Y Khan), 4-125 (Misbah-ul-Haq), 5-240 (Shafiq), Misbah-ul-Haq asked for a review. ed to get there.” game,” Azhar said. “I think as the game goes on down leg-side by wicketkeeper Matthew Wade 6-268 (Ahmed), 7-317 (Amir), 8-435 (S Khan), It was a far better review than the fi rst de- Warner plundered his maiden century in a reverse swing will come into play. The game is off Mitchell Starc for 29 off 27 balls. Sohail Khan 9-443 (Riaz) manded by Mohamed Amir in the opening overs Boxing Day Test at the MCG and his 17th Test very open after the way the Australians came slammed four sixes off spinner Nathan Lyon to Bowling: Starc 31-6-125-1 (1w), Hazlewood 32.3-11- when Warner was on two. Warner played and hundred overall. “It was sort of my bogey venue. out. We need to come back in the morning and reach his best Test score before he was run out 50-3, Bird 34-5-113-3 (1nb), Lyon 23-1-115-1, Smith missed an Amir delivery but the paceman ca- Taking momentum from the one-day hundred I get some wickets and take it from there.” when called for a quick single by Azhar. 3-0-9-0, Maddinson 3-0-18-0 joled his captain into seeking a caught behind scored here, to hit my fi rst Test one took a weight Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq called a halt upon With the dismissal of Riaz, Hazlewood Australia (1st innings) decision and the TV footage showed plenty of off my shoulders,” Warner said. “We’ve got to the dismissal of Riaz, leaving Azhar uncon- claimed his 100th Test wicket in 25 Tests at an M Renshaw b Y Shah ...... 10 daylight between bat and ball. assess conditions tomorrow, we’ve got a lot of quered off 364 balls in almost 10 hours at the average of 25.79. D Warner c Sarfraz b Riaz ...... 144 Warner’s eventual dismissal did little to halt time left so we have to make the most of it.” crease spread over three days. Azhar batted on U Khawaja (batting) ...... 95 Australia’s charge, however, with Khawaja rac- The left-handed opener survived a big mo- after going to lunch on 196 but partner Sohail Scoreboard S Smith (batting) ...... 10 ing into the 90s and combining with captain ment on 81 when he was bowled by Riaz with a Khan was run out on his lunch score of 65 off 65 Pakistan (1st innings, 310-6 overnight) Extras (b1, lb8, nb10) ...... 19 Smith in an unbroken 34-run stand. Warner searing 150kph inswinger after tea, but it was balls. The pair plastered the Australian attack in S Aslam c Smith b Lyon ...... 9 Total (2 wickets, 58 overs) ...... 278 and Khawaja’s assault threatened to overshadow called a no-ball for over-stepping. Riaz fi nally a stand of 118 as the tourists set up a declaration, A Ali (not out) ...... 205 Fall of wickets: 1-46 (Renshaw), 2-244 (Warner) Azhar’s epic 364-ball knock, a triumph of pa- got Warner 63 runs later when Hot Spot and Re- which came after Riaz skied Hazlewood and was B Azam c Smith b Hazlewood ...... 23 Bowling: Amir 14-2-44-0, S Khan 12-4-40-0, Y Shah tience and determination in the face of a string al-Time Snickometer found a faint brush on his caught and bowled for one. It was Azhar’s 12th Y Khan b Bird ...... 21 16-0-97-1, Riaz 14-2-77-1 (10nb) Azhar 2-0-11-0

FIRST TEST/ SOUTH AFRICA vs SRI LANKA Bangladesh ’keeper Mushfi qur out of ODI Cook ton puts South Africa in charge series against Kiwis AFP Reuters off Suranga Lakmal in the fi rst suc- D Chandimal lbw Philander ...... 28 Wellington Port Elizabeth cess for the visitors on a track that D de Silva c De Kock b Philander .. 43 was supposed to favour the seamers. R Herath lbw Maharaj ...... 24 Amla, who has struggled with D Chameera c Amla b Abbott ...... 19 hamstring injury will keep Bangladesh wicket- pener Stephen Cook form in recent months, showed S Lakmal c Abbott b Philander ...... 4 keeper Mushfiqur Rahim out of the remaining scored a career-high cen- aggressive intent when he came to N Pradeep (not out) ...... 8 A two one-day internationals against New Zealand tury to help South Africa the crease but was trapped lbw by Extras (lb4, nb3, w5) ...... 12 and possibly the first Test, coach Chandika Hathurus- build a massive 432-run Nuwan Pradeep with the last ball Total (all out, 64.5 overs) ...... 205 ingha said yesterday. “We are looking at two weeks, leadO over Sri Lanka despite rain de- before tea, the 10,000th leg before Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Karunaratne), anything before is a bonus,” he said on the eve of the lays on the third day of the fi rst Test decision in Test history. 2-19 (Perera), 3-22 (Mendis), 4-61 second ODI in Nelson. at St George’s Park yesterday. South JP Duminy and Temba Bavuma (Silva), 5-94 (Mathews), 6-121 (Chan- The 29-year-old Mushfiqur was one of Bangladesh’s Africa were 351 for fi ve at the close were the other batsmen out with dimal), 7-157 (Herath), 8-181 (De Silva), better performers in the first ODI in Christchurch on and in a commanding position to captain Faf du Plessis (41) and 9-185 (Lakmal) Monday until he suff ered the injury when on 42 and seal victory. Quinton de Kock (42) unbeaten at Bowling: Philander 20-7-45-5 (2nb), was forced to retire hurt. New Zealand won the match The hosts, with two days left, are the end of the day’s play. Abbott 21.5-4-63-3, Rabada 13-3-63-1 by 77 runs. “He’s been one of the form batters as well likely to put the touring side back It was not a day to remember for (1nb, 1w), Maharaj 10-3-30-1 as the wicketkeeper for a long time, across all three into bat early today, leaving plenty Sri Lanka as earlier Vernon Philan- South Africa (2nd innings) formats, so it’s a blow but that’s part and parcel of the of time to claim the 10 wickets der completed a fi ve-wicket haul, tury in only seven Tests, survived De Silva had batted impressively S Cook c Chandimal b Chameera ..117 game,” Hathurusingha said. they need to go ahead in the three- taking two wickets in the opening a chance to gully off Lakmal when to make 43 on Tuesday but Philander D Elgar c Mathews b Lakmal ...... 52 There are two ODIs and three Twenty20 matches to be match series. over of the day to help dismiss the he was on 62, but played with more made the ball deviate just enough to H Amla lbw Pradeep ...... 48 played before the first Test starts in Wellington on Janu- Cook reached his century off 152 touring side for 205, leaving them freedom than in previous appear- catch the edge as De Silva played back JP Duminy c Mathews b De Silva .. 25 ary 12. Nurul Hasan will take the gloves for his ODI debut balls and went on to score 117 before 81 runs adrift of South Africa’s fi rst ances. He reached his fi fty off 81 defensively. Lakmal hit a boundary F du Plessis (batting) ...... 41 today at Saxton Field in Nelson where Bangladesh hold being caught behind, trying to tick- innings score. balls and his hundred off 152 deliv- but then chipped the fi nal ball of the T Bavuma c Mendis b De Silva ...... 8 the record for the highest score at the ground with 322-4 le a ball down to third man but only An unusual lightning storm eries with ten fours. over to Kyle Abbott at mid-on. Q de Kock (batting) ...... 42 against Scotland during the 2015 World Cup. getting a faint edge to Dushmantha forced the players off after 90 min- Earlier, Philander took fi ve for Scoreboard Extras (b5, lb1, nb9, w3) ...... 18 Hathurusingha said it is a statistic that gives his Chameera’s delivery. utes of play in the morning and 45, as the visitors lost their last Total (5 wickets, 80 overs) ...... 351 side hope. “History says we have played well here. It’s He shared a 116-run opening lunch was taken early. The after- three wickets for 24 runs. He struck South Africa (1st innings) 286 Fall of wickets: 1-116 (Elgar), 2-221 a good thing and it’s not a long way back, with most partnership with Dean Elgar, who noon session was also interrupted twice in the fi rst over of the day Sri Lanka (1st innings, overnight 181-7) (Amla), 3-244 (Cook), 4-267 (Duminy), of the players involved in that game, so it’s a good scored 52, and another 105-run by rain, but the game was then after Sri Lanka resumed at 181 for D Karunaratne b Abbott ...... 5 5-277 (Bavuma) memory for them,” he said. “That kind of thing helps. stand with Hashim Amla, who was played out in bright sunshine and seven. His fi rst ball was a perfect K Silva lbw Philander ...... 16 Bowling: Lakmal 15-2-57-1, Pradeep Even in the last game, getting 270, although we lost a out for 48 off 53 balls. the weather is not expected to be a out-swinger which Dhananya de K Perera c De Kock b Philander ..... 7 14-0-65-1 (4nb, 1w), Mathews 4-0-10-0, couple of early wickets, has given us confidence going Elgar top-edged an attempted factor for the remainder of the Test. Silva edged to wicketkeeper Quin- K Mendis c De Kock b Abbott ...... 0 Chameera 11-0-63-1 (1nb, 2w), Herath in to the next game.” pull shot and was caught at mid-on Cook, who made his third cen- ton de Kock. A Mathews c Elgar b Rabada ...... 39 23-1-76-0, De Silva 13-0-74-2 Thursday, December 29, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING De Vries guides Ateej to thrilling Pure Arabians Derby triumph THE WIN WAS THE THIRD ON THE DAY FOR ADRIE DE VRIES, HAVING EARLIER RIDDEN A MAIDEN WINNER IN THE FIRST RACE OF THE DAY, AND THEN GUIDING MUZHELAH TO VICTORY IN THE OAKS FOR LOCAL THOROUGHBREDS

Qatar Equestrian Federation president Hamad Abdulrahman al-Attiyah, Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club general manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi and other off icials with winners of Qatar Derby for Purebred Arabians after Ateej won the mile-long race. PICTURES: Juhaim

By Sports Reporter Doha

phenomenal run from the back of the pack ensured Thomas Fourcy-saddled Ateej won the Qatar Derby for Pure- bred Arabians in a thrilling fi nish at the QatarA Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday. Starting off Gate 3, Qatar debutant Ateej, owned by Dr Fahad bin Abdullah al-Attiyah & Son, settled away from the lead under Adrie de Vries, with Umm Qarn’s Samaa setting the pace and Brama De Pompadour not too far behind. As the action heated up coming off the fi- nal bend, Ateej and Derby Trial winner Shabih Alreeh picked up pace on the outside. A fur- long away from the post, the mile-long race for three-year-olds turned into a thriller with Julian Smart’s Ebraz and another Fourcy charge Zikreet neck and neck. Ateej joined the duel and eventually edged ahead slightly to win the top prize in the USD 100,000 run. The win was third on the day for De Vries, having earlier ridden a maiden winner in the Pakistan's Ambassador to Qatar, Shahzad Ahmad, presents the trophy to Mango Tango owner Abdulatif fi rst race of the day, and then guiding Muzhelah Hussain al-Emadi (left) after the filly won the Qatar Oaks for Thoroughbreds at the QREC yesterday. Adrie de Vries rides Ateej to victory in the Qatar Derby for Purebred Arabians at the QREC yesterday. to victory in the Oaks for Local Thoroughbreds. Two more debutantes also won big on the run in style, never relinquishing his lead, once In the fi rst race of the day, Hussein Aashoor- day. The owner-trainer-jockey trio of Abdulatif Gaetan Faucon got his ride moving from Gate 5. saddled El Nahab shed her maiden status by Hussain al-Emadi, Ibrahim al-Malki and Edu- Coming off the fi nal bend, for a brief mo- winning the Lijmiliya Purebred Arabian Maiden ardo Pedroza registered wins with Mango Tango ment, Al Jeryan Stud’s AJS Gannas, who had Cup for fi llies and mares. Ridden by De Vries, the winning the Group 3 Qatar Oaks and Pazeer tak- been tracking the leader under Gerald Avranche, grey daughter of Amer fi nished a length ahead of ing the Al Rayyan Stakes for Class 1 two-year- and Al Malhouf, ridden by Harry Bentley, did Umm Qarn’s Rahibah. old Thoroughbreds. look threatening, but Farooq held on well for his The penultimate race of the day, for Class 1 maiden win. RESULTS three-year-old Thoroughbred fi llies, saw Man- Tahri Baha fi nished third behind AJS Gannas Race 1: 1. El Nahab (Adrie de Vries), 2. Rahibah go Tango fi nish a dominating four lengths ahead for trainer Mohamed Hussain. (Jean Baptiste Hamel), 3. Raqyah (Gerald of her rivals to register a winning debut in Qatar. Al Wasmiyah Farm’s Muzhelah led from start Avranche), 4. Teejann (JP Guillambert). Won by: The bay fi lly had shown promise in Group to fi nish to win the Qatar Oaks for Local Thor- 1, 1 3/4, Nk. Owner: Rashid Fahad Omair al-Jaber 2 races in France this year, and was good for a oughbreds three-year-old fi llies. al-Nuaimi. Trainer: Hussein Aashoor. victory ahead of Stefano Ibido-saddled Croara, Under De Vries, Wasim Mohamed-saddled Race 2: 1. My Sharona (Harry Bentley), 2. Bronze while Umm Qarn’s Matara completed the top fi lly took the lead coming off the gates, and man- Maquette (Tadgh O’Shea), 3. Lady Chantilly three. After winning two of his fi ve starts in aged to hold on right till the end as a pursuit by (Richard Mullen), 4. Rasheeda (Darren Williams). France this year, Pazeer also registered a win on favourite Shawk, guided by Darren Williams, Won by: 1, Nk, Nk. Owner: Injaaz Stud. Trainer: his Qatar debut. was a tad bit late and ran out of the course in the Jassim Ghazali. Pazeer, having stayed away from the lead, for mile-long run. Race 3: 1. Muzhelah (Adrie de Vries), 2. Shawk the bulk of the race, found traffi c coming on to Saleem Golam guided Sobheya to the third (Darren Williams), 3. Sobheya (Saleem Golam), 4. the fi nal stretch before Pedroza made good use spot for Mohamed Khalid al-Hamed. Razinah (Harry Bentley). Won by: Nk, 5, 4. Owner: of a gap 300m from the end. The Sawda Natheel Stakes for Thoroughbreds Al Wasmiyah Farm. Trainer: Wasim Mohamed. As early leader Masham Star was over- fi llies and mares rated 110 and below was ex- Race 4: 1. Farooq (Gaetan Faucon), 2. AJS Gan- whelmed by the rivals, and Perfect Storm took pected to see some strong runs by Injaaz Stud’s nas (Gerald Avranche), 3. Tahri Baha (Darren an inside line under Saleem Golam, Pazeer’s My Sharona and Hamad Adel al-Muslimani’s Williams), 4. Tasslam (Stephan Ladjadj). Won by: turn of foot meant that he had moved into the Bronze Maquette, and the two half-sisters did 2, 2, 3/4. Owner: Umm Qarn. Trainer: Alban de lead a hundred metres from the post and won not disappoint. Mieulle. a little under a length ahead of Norwegian- Jassim Ghazali-trained My Sharona, coming Race 5: 1. Pazeer (Eduardo Pedroza), 2. Trouble trained Trouble Of Course and Perfect Storm. off a victory on dirt last week, edged out Bronze Of Course (Per-Anders Graberg), 3. Perfect Storm A little girl gets her face painted during the races at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday. Two straight second-place fi nishes coming Maquette, a Conditions winner earlier this (Saleem Golam), 4. Catch A Wave (Alan Munro). into this race meant all the eyes were on Umm month, by a length under the ride of Bentley. Won by: 3/4, Dh, 1 1/4. Owner: Abdulatif Hussain Peslier), 4. Flying Empress (Harry Bentley). Won Mullen), 3. Zikreet (Julien Auge), 4. Shabih Alreeh Qarn’s Farooq in the Qatar Derby for three- Hussain-trained Bronze Maquette, helmed by al-Emadi. Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki. by: 4, 3, 2 1/2. Owner: Abdulatif Hussain al-Emadi. (Alberto Sanna). Won by: Nk, 1/2, 3/4. Owner: Dr year-old Local Purebred Arabians. Tadgh O’Shea, fi nished narrowly ahead of Rich- Race 6: 1. Mango Tango (Eduardo Pedroza), Trainer: Eduardo Pedroza. Fahad bin Abdullah al-Attiyah & Son. Trainer: Alban de Mieulle’s charge won the mile-long ard Mullen-ridden Lady Chantilly. 2. Croara (Alberto Sanna), 3. Matara (Olivier Race 7: 1. Ateej (Adrie de Vries), 2. Ebraz (Richard Thomas Fourcy. Tour of Qatar, Ladies Tour of Qatar cancelled

he 2017 Tour of Qatar The cancellation of the 2017 attracting sponsor financial sup- and the Ladies Tour race leaves a gap in the men’s port,” a statement said on the of Qatar have been race calendar between the Dubai UCI website said. Tcancelled due to lack of Tour (January 31 to February 4) The Tour of Qatar is the long- funding, world cycling’s ruling and the Tour of Oman (February est standing of the races in the body (UCI) has announced. 14 to 17). The men’s race also Middle East and is organised Despite lack of crowds and often served as a decent warm- in conjunction with Tour de minimal scenery on the route, up to the Belgian Classics for the France organiser ASO. It began the crosswinds of the Qatari big one-day riders, and they will in 2002 with Thorsten Wilhelms desert often provided some ex- now have to look elsewhere for winning the inaugural edition. citing racing and gave sprinters some pre-Classics racing in 2017. Other champions include Tom a chance to perfect their form Read more at http://www. Boonen, Mark Cavendish and ahead of the Classics. cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/ Niki Terpstra. The men’s Tour of Qatar had racing/tour-qatar-cancelled- The Ladies Tour of Qatar was only recently been promoted to due-lack-funding-uci-confirms- inaugurated seven years after WorldTour level for the 2017 sea- 305178#K6TkaGLO482kJkaF.99 the men’s event with Kirsten son, along with nine other races. “The Union Cycliste Interna- Wild taking home the title ahead The cancellation is a blow to tionale (UCI) has today received of Giorgia Bronzini. The Dutch the UCI’s development into the notice of the cancellation of both woman won three further titles Middle East and comes just over the Tour of Qatar and Ladies but it was Trixi Worrack who two months after Qatar held the Tour of Qatar. It is understood would win this year’s final event. World Championships. the decision follows diff iculty (cyclingnews.com)