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Tuesday, February 14, 2017 Jumada I 17, 1438 AH Emery, PSG look GULF TIMES to get Barcelona at last SPORT Page 3 TENNIS / QATAR TOTAL OPEN FOOTBALL Record numbers Jankovic targets to compete in top-10 fi nish in 2017 2017 Workers Cup Serbian makes it to main draw with a win over Tsvetana Pironkova

Hassan al-Kuwari (left), executive director, Marketing and Communications at Qatar Stars League, and Fatma al-Nuaimi (right), director, Communications at Supreme Committee for & Legacy, address a press conference yesterday.

By Sports Reporter Doha

undreds of football-loving workers from across Qa- tar are set to compete in the Serbia’s Jelena Jankovic in action against Bulgaria’s Tsvetana Pironkova during their qualifying singles match at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex fi fth edition of Doha’s an- Hnual Workers Cup, the much antici- in Doha yesterday. (Below) Madison Brengle of USA too made it to the main draw. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil pated seven-week football tournament By Sahan Bidappa organised by the Qatar Stars League Doha (QSL) and sponsored by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC). This year’s tournament will see over aving plummeted to 50th in 600 players compete in 32 teams — an the world rankings, it almost increase on the 24 teams that battled feels unreal that Jelena Jank- it out for glory last year. Taleb Group, ovic was once ranked No.1. 2016’s surprise winners who won the HThe Serbian was a major force in trophy in their debut tournament, are 2008, when she reached the summit also re-entering the competition to de- of women’s tennis. Jankovic was once fend their title. touted as the challenger to Serena The tournament kicks-off at 6:45pm Williams; in fact she then led the ri- on Friday at Qatar Sports Club when valry with the American 3-2. Nakheel Landscapes will face off That year, Jankovic became the against Bin Omran Trading & Con- first player to top the world rankings tracting. Both companies have com- without reaching a Grand Slam final. peted in previous editions of the Cup. However, later that year, she made a The tournament’s showpiece fi nal maiden appearance in the US Open will be played on March 31. General ad- final, but went down against Wil- mission for every Workers Cup match is liams. free and everyone is welcome to attend migrant communities into one foot- At 22, the world was at her feet. But and cheer on the competing teams. balling community, demonstrating this in the next nine years, Jankovic’s for- The competing teams are made up sport’s power to bridge cultural diff er- tunes nosedived as she neither made of players from local and international ences and bring people together. it to another major fi nal, nor back to construction companies operating in “We are enormously grateful to the No.1. Qatar, many of whom are working on millions of people who have come to Last year was even more frustrat- the country’s largest infrastructure Qatar to help us prepare for the tour- ing for Jankovic, as she battled poor She wrapped up the first set in “It’s been a long time (2004) since ORDER OF PLAY projects as well as SC projects linked nament and meet the country’s de- form and two ruptures in her shoulder quick time, breaking three times I have played in the qualifi ers. I had CENTRE COURT (Starting at 2pm) to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. This year velopment objectives, as outlined in muscles. while Pironkova, with 13 unforced a tough last year with lot of injuries. Q-Jelena Jankovic (SRB) vs Anasta- will see 15 teams linked to the SC com- the Qatar National Vision 2030. This Now 31, the Serbian is keen to errors, struggled to find her range Now, I need to make a comeback and sia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) pete at the tournament. They consist of tournament forms just one part of the mount back in the circuit as she tar- and timing. get my ranking up,” she added. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) vs Kiki 11 former and current contractors en- SC’s efforts to ensure the 2022 FIFA gets a top-10 fi nish in 2017. But Pironkova broke fi rst in the sec- Three other qualifi ers were decided Bertens (NED) gaged in World Cup projects and four World Cup leaves a lasting legacy And she will be hoping her for- ond set to jump into a 4-1 lead, before yesterday, with Americans Christina 5-Garbine Muguruza (ESP) vs WC- teams engaged with the SC’s fl agship of enhanced health and well-being tune changes in Doha. Playing in the Jankovic regained her focus. The Serb McHale, Madison Brengle and Lauren Cagla Buyukakcay (TUR) CSR programme, Generation Amazing. for everyone contributing to Qatar’s qualifi ers for the fi rst time since 2004, got back on level terms and forced a Davis sealing their spots in the main 8-Barbora Strycova (CZE) vs WC- The Workers Cup has grown in size growth.” Jankovic sealed her place in the main tiebreak and looked to be fi rmly on draw. Fatma al-Nabhani (OMA) and stature in recent years, with over Hassan al-Kuwari, executive direc- draw of the Qatar Total Open, which course for the main draw. McHale beat Sweden’s Johanna Not before 8pm 11,000 fans packing the stands at the tor, Marketing and Communications of began yesterday. But she squandered two match Larsson 7-6, 6-4 in the fi nal round of Laura Siegemund (GER) vs Monica Al-Ahli Sports Club Stadium for the QSL, added: “Football is for everyone The Serbian rolled back years at points at 5-4, to lose the next four qualifying. In her opening round to- Puig (PUR) 2016 tournament fi nal. Last year, the and the Workers Cup is just one of the the Khalifa International Tennis and points and with it the set. day, the American will play sixth seed COURT 1 (Starting at 2pm) competition also earned the praise of ways we make sure that every member Squash Complex in chilly condi- Jankovic, however, come out on top Elena Vesnina of Russia, who is ranked Roberta Vinci (ITA) vs Q-Lauren FIFA president Gianni Infantino and of Qatar’s vibrant sporting commu- tions as she beat Bulgarian Tsvetana of a topsy-turvy fi nal set and notch a No. 15 in the world. Davis (USA) UN secretary general for Development nity has an opportunity to play foot- Pironkova 6-1, 6-7, 6-4 in a match seventh win over Pironkova. In her Brengle brushed aside Chinese Q-Madison Brengle (USA) vs Caro- and Peace, Wilfried Lemke, both of ball if they wish to, whether it’s to keep lasting over two and a half hours. fi rst round match today, Jankovic will Zheng Saisai 6-2, 6-1 to make it line Garcia (FRA) whom were impressed by the healthy healthy, meet new people or show off As rain threatened to interrupt the take on Russia’s Anastasia Pavly- into the main draw. She will take on Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) vs 7-Timea competition and camaraderie the their skills. proceedings and extreme wind made uchenkova, who has a 5-2 advantage Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia next. Bacsinszky (SUI) Workers Cup instils in participants. “The popularity of the tournament is it uncomfortable for the players and over the Serb, having also won their Davis had an easy passage as her COURT 2 (Starting at 2pm) Fatma al-Nuaimi, SC Communica- testament to the positive impact it has spectators alike, Jankovic held her last two matches. opponent Camila Giorgi of Italy was Irina-Camelia Begu (ROU) vs Daria tions director, said of this year’s edition on the local community and I’m proud nerve to get past a plucky Pironkova, “I am glad I was even able to play forced into retirement with the score Kasatkina (RUS) of the tournament: “The SC is proud to to be able to give back to the people who saved two match points in the in the qualifi ers because I was not at 7-5, 2-5. Davis is set to face veteran Q-Christina McHale (USA) vs be supporting the Workers Cup for a preparing this country for the future second set. even in the draw as I got a wild card. Roberta Vinci of Italy. 6-Elena Vesnina (RUS) fi fth year given the joy it brings to both in such an impactful way. The passion Jankovic came into the match I am thankful for that opportunity The top four seeds — Angelique Not before 5pm (TBA after suitable those who participate and their col- shown by the players and the fans in boasting an impressive 6-0 head-to- and luckily I was able to win the three Kerber, Karolina Pliskova, Dominika rest) leagues and friends who attend as fans. previous tournaments is great to see head record against Pironkova, and rounds and here I am in the main draw Cibulkova and Agnieszka Radwan- Katerina Bondarenko (UKR)/Elena We are confi dent the 2017 edition will and I’m looking forward to another fun she began the match in a dominating again,” said Jankovic, who lost in the ska — will not in been in action today, Vesnina (RUS) vs Gabriela Dabrowski be as eff ective as previous tournaments but competitive tournament over the fashion. second round in Doha last year. having received a fi rst round bye. (CAN)/Darija Jurak (CRO) have been in uniting Qatar’s diverse coming weeks.” Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, February 14, 2017 SPORT

TOP OF THE LINE FOCUS First modular seating section of Qatar Airways welcomes top Al Bayt Stadium set to be installed players as Qatar QNA al community.” Doha “This will ensure that Qatar is left with a stadium fi t for purpose beyond 2022, Total Open begins while simultaneously leaving behind a t was a key legacy component of Qa- signifi cant legacy for international foot- By Sports Reporter tar’s bid for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, ball development as well as creating a Doha and now the fi rst modular seating el- lively hub for the local community,” he ements are all set to be installed at Al concluded. IBayt Stadium — Al Khor City as the site Meanwhile, Eng. Mohemed Elamin atar Airways and Qatar continues to advance rapidly. Ahmed, who is Supreme Committee for Duty Free are welcom- The stands of Al Bayt Stadium — Al Delivery & Legacy (SC) Project Manager ing some of the best Khor City are now visible from afar reach- at Al Bayt Stadium — Al Khor City, ex- talent in women’s ten- ing a height of 39 metres from ground plained: “It is exciting for us to see this nisQ as the players arrived in Doha level. The modular construction of the major legacy component coming to life to compete in the Qatar Total proposed semi-fi nal host venue for the on the construction site at Al Khor.” Open 2017, which began yester- 2022 FIFA World Cup means that almost He continued: “We’ve now reached the day at the Khalifa International half of its seating can be removed and modular seats are designed in Germany styles will be a proud achievement for second tier of the stadium construction, Tennis and Squash Complex. given to football development projects and manufactured in Italy, while the ac- both Aspire Zone Foundation and the Su- which means that the modular steel ele- The tournament, which will around the world. tual seats are designed and manufactured preme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.” ments are being added to the top for the conclude on February 18, will Construction at the 60,000-seat sta- in Qatar. After the tournament, the stadi- He added: “Reducing the capacity of total height of the stadium to be reached. host more than 40 of the most dium, which is designed like a traditional um’s capacity will be reduced to approxi- the stadium will also benefi t the local After the tournament, the extra modular elite women’s tennis players with Arabian tent, is now in full swing with the mately 32,000 seats. community in Al Khor area. Not only will seats will be removed, reconfi gured and seven of the world’s top 10 play- commencement of installation of the fi rst Al Bayt Stadium Project Director — a new capacity of nearly 32,000 seats be donated to countries in need of sporting ers appearing in what has be- fi x of approximately 2,500 seats at the Aspire Zone Foundation, Dr Nasser al- more suitable for post-FIFA World Cup infrastructure in consultation with FIFA come one of Doha’s most popular north stand of the stadium. Hajeri, emphasised: “Spreading a love events, but it will create space for facili- and the continental football confedera- annual spectator events. The steel structure platforms for the of football and encouraging healthy life- ties that will attract visitors to this coast- tions.” Former world number one An- gelique Kerber, Agnieszka Rad- wanska, Dominika Cibulkova, SPOTLIGHT Karolina Pliskova, Garbine Mu- guruza, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Johanna Konta and defending champion Carla Suarez Navarro are all contending for the win- Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska ner’s trophy. arrives at Hamad International Playing for a prize pool of more Airport to participate in the 2017 than US $700,000, the athletes Qatar Total Open, which began will go head-to-head on Doha’s yesterday. Nearly 300 shooters hard courts in the 15th edition of the Qatar Total Open, which is a ecutive Akbar al-Baker said, “The key WTA Premier series tourna- Qatar Total Open tournament is a ment. highlight in the country’s thriv- Enthusiasts attending the ing international sports calendar tournament can compete in their and remains an event that both the very own virtual tennis match players and the fans look forward to gun for glory at when they visit the Qatar Airways to. Qatar Airways is honoured to pavilion located in the stadium’s support the 15th annual champi- action-packed public arena. Qa- onship this year, to play a role in ‘This event will help our shooters tar Duty Free will be welcoming bringing elite tennis to Doha for spectators to step into the spot- the enjoyment of both residents fine-tune (for) the World Cup in light and create memories inside and visitors, and to share in the its tennis inspired photo booth country’s ambition to foster global Qatar Open New Delhi later this month’ by capturing a Qatar Total Open and local communities through 2017 selfi e to share with friends. participation and investment in Qatar Duty Free’s booth also sport.” By Sports Reporter has an interactive game off ering Qatar Airways and Qatar Duty Doha winners the opportunity to be Free enjoy a strong partnership entered into a draw to win a Qa- with the Qatar Tennis Federa- tar Duty Free Millionaire Ticket tion, and remain committed to s many as 297 shooters from 32 and the chance to take home US developing Qatar as a world class countries will participate in the $1 million. destination for sport and enter- seventh edition of the Qatar Qatar Airways Group chief ex- tainment. Open, which will begin at the LosailA Shooting Range today. The local challenge, with Qatar fi elding 49 shooters, will be spearheaded by six- Estrella wins three in a row in Quito time Olympian Nasser bin Saleh al-Atti- yah, also the 2012 London Games bronze Dominica’s Victor Estrella, 36, won his third successive Quito medallist. ATP title on Sunday with a 6-7 (2), 7-5, 7-6 (6) victory over Russia too will fi eld 49 shooters, while 35-year-old Paolo Lorenzi of Italy. Estrella, ranked 156 in the Kazakhstan and Kuwait will fi eld 34 and world, needed more than two and a half hours to defeat world 32 shooters respectively. 46 Lorenzi. The Ecuador tournament has given Estrella all three The eight-day tournament, including of his career titles. “It’s a great achievement for me to win three Trap, Double Trap and Skeet events for titles here. The recipe for my success here will be revealed when senior and junior men and women, has a I retire. I’ll play in Quito every year until I retire,” said Estrella total prize money of $132,600. who saved a match point in the final set tiebreak. “Without any Though the cold and windy weather doubt, this final has been the toughest. Paolo doesn’t give away poses a big challenge, Qatar Shooting and anything because he is a great fighter.” Archery Association (QSAA) president Ali Mohamed al-Kuwari was optimistic about hosting yet another high quality event, featuring many world and Olympic Qatar Shooting and Archery Association president Ali Mohamed al-Kuwari (centre) speaks at a press conference along with QSAA TENNIS champion Skeet, Double Trap and Trap secretary-general Majid al-Naimi (second from left) and Qatar Open tournament director Antonella Bartolomei (second from right) shooters. at the Losail Shooting Range yesterday. During a press conference yesterday, al-Kuwari said, “Most of the shooters not only for the local but outside shooters al-Naimi said. “Just like the previous years, we’ve many Rotterdam can from Europe liked being in Doha during also,” added al-Kuwari. “This event will help our shooters fi ne- world and Olympic champions contesting the event because of the sunny and warm The QSAA head also added, “We’re all tune themselves further as many of them in the 2017 Qatar Open. Every year, not only weather. When they come from their set for the Qatar Open in Shotgun. Many would contest in the World Cup in New those who have already participated here cope without Nadal, countries, they have either too much shooters have already arrived and we ex- Delhi later this month. Our shooters are come back, new shooters also join them. snow or rain. So the warm weather had pect another year of high standard com- ready to challenge the big names here and This is something we’re really very proud been another factor which attracted such petition here.” I’m quite hopeful of getting good results of,” Bartolomei said. Wawrinka: Krajicek a large number of high-profi le shooters. QSAA secretary-general Majid al- this time.” The fi nals will start with the Women’s “But this time, the weather has sud- Naimi, who is also vice-chairman of the Tournament director Antonella Bar- Trap tomorrow, one day after the pre- denly changed. However, even if it re- organising committee, expected a good tolomei, while talking about the par- event training. On Thursday, the men’s AFP Goffi n at home in Sofi a. mains the same, it would not be a big result from the Qatari shooters. ticipants, said, “Over the years, this has Trap fi nal will be contested. The men’s Rotterdam, Netherlands “Zverev’s here. Dimitrov is problem for the competition. But if we “Recently, our shooters did well in the become a very popular event for all the Double Trap fi nal is scheduled for Satur- here and they both won titles,” have too much of wind, this can aff ect Arab championships in Kuwait. They won shooters. Since it is placed in the begin- day. Women’s Skeet fi nal will take place Krajicek told local media. “There the fl ight of the targets. I just hope there a big number of medals, which underlines ning of the shooting season, the world’s on February 20, while the men’s fi nal will otterdam World Ten- are a lot of good players, highly is not much change in the weather now, the preparations they had undertaken,” best like to come and shoot in Losail. be held a day later. nis boss Richard Kra- ranked, in our fi eld. We are all as- jicek said the entries of suming Zverev (now into the top weekend title-winners 20) will soon be in the top 10.” AlexanderR Zverev and Grigor Fourth-seeded Czech Tomas FED CUP Dimitrov would soften the box Berdych was the only seed on offi ce blow after Rafael Nadal and stage for Monday’s opening day, Stan Wawrinka withdrew due to with the number four facing Ro- injury. manian qualifi er Marius Copil. US beat Germany in tie marred by anthem gaff e The indoor showpiece was left “I’m trying to bring more con- to feature former US Open win- sistency to my serve and make AFP absolute eff rontery and insolence of the out for heat illness. ner Marin Cilic as top seed, with it more unpredictable,” Berdych Los Angeles very worst kind.” From there it was all Vandeweghe — the 2014 fi nalist at the Ahoy sta- said in the tournament run-up. Things would get no better for Germa- she won the next 10 games to win the dium starting his current cam- “That would be good for me — ny on the court in Maui, Hawaii. match 3-6, 6-4, 6-0 and put the United paign against quirky Frenchman not for the others. oCo Vandeweghe defeated An- Petkovic, a 12-time Fed Cup singles States into a semi-fi nal tie in April with Benoit Paire today. “I’m also trying to come to drea Petkovic Sunday to deliver winner, lost to Alison Riske 7-6 (10), 6-2 defending champions the Czech Repub- The seventh-ranked Cilic aims the net a bit more,” he said as he the killing blow in a nightmare in Saturday’s only completed match. lic, who beat Spain 3-2. to escape a run of bad luck which works under a coaching relation- Fed Cup tie for Germany that The US women took a 2-0 lead in the Petkovic, irked by an extended break handed him second-round de- ship from last season with 2001 hadC kicked off with a fi rst-day national best-of-fi ve tie when Julia Georges, who allotted to Vandeweghe at the end of the feats at his last three events in Wimbledon champion Goran anthem gaff e. was in tears after the anthem error, re- second set, couldn’t regain her focus. Chennai, the Australian Open Ivanisevic. Petkovic and her teammates were an- tired Sunday with a knee injury in a rain- She fi nished with 11 double faults, and Montpellier. In the fi rst round, Frenchman gered Saturday when an American soloist disrupted match with Vandeweghe lead- including two in the fi nal game of the Krajicek, the 1996 Wimbledon Pierre-Hugues Herbert booked sang an old version of the German an- ing 6-3, 3-1. match. She was then left to stand and winner, said that the presence of the fi rst of the second-round them that begins with a stanza consid- Georges was hurt slipping on a rain- watch as Vandeweghe celebrated with highly-rated German teenager spots, beating Spanish veteran ered overtly nationalist — “Deutschland, slicked baseline on the last point played her teammates before belatedly shaking Zverev and Bulgarian Dimitrov, Feliciano Lopez 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 Deutschland ueber alles” — a reference to Saturday. hands with her foe. who is 14-1 this season, was a (7/5). German supremacy. Petkovic was up again on Sunday with Even a meaningless doubles rubber stroke of fortune for his audi- The tournament also lost Singing that version is unwelcome in the tie on the line, taking on shock Aus- played after the tie was decided was a dis- ence. Spanish seventh seed Roberto Germany because of its strong links to the tralian Open semi-fi nalist Vandeweghe. aster for Germany, as Laura Siegemund Both of the young guns Bautista Agut, who was replaced Nazi era, with only the third stanza of the Petkovic broke Vandeweghe in three and Carina Witthoeft retired while trail- claimed titles at the weekend, by lucky loser Denis Istomin, the old anthem now used. of her fi rst four service games to take the ing Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Shelby with Zverev winning in Montpel- Uzbek who knocked Novak Djok- “I have never felt so disrespected in my fi rst set 6-3, and was up 4-2 in the second Rogers 4-1 because of Siegemund’s left lier over Richard Gasquet while ovic out in the Australian Open life,” Petkovic said Saturday. “It was an when the American took a medical time- arm injury. Dimitrov beat Belgian David second round. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 14, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PSG VS BARCELONA 10:45PM QATAR TIME WARNING ‘One mistake and you’re dead’ against Emery, PSG look Barca: PSG’s Lucas to get one over Barcelona at last ‘It is an important moment in the season because it is the Champions League which File picture of PSG’s Lucas Rodrigues Moura Da Silva in action. is a very clear objective for the club and it is against Barcelona’ AFP PSG have beaten Barcelona Paris in the recent past — Lucas was in the starting line-up for a 3-2 victory in the group stage in Sep- ucas Moura has been tember 2014. knocked out of the “I know you must not make Champions League by any mistakes against Barca. If Barcelona twice before you make one mistake against a Lwith Paris Saint-Germain, but team like that you are dead,” he the Brazilian insists the French added. club can come out on top in the “And we need to make the sides’ latest meeting. most of what chances we get, be- PSG host the Spanish cham- cause we will get some. We will pions in the fi rst leg of their need to produce an almost per- last-16 tie at the Parc des Princes fect match.” today knowing they must si- When the draw was made in lence Lionel Messi, Neymar and December, beating Barcelona co to maintain a realistic hope looked an impossible task for of reaching the quarter-fi nals PSG but they have improved ahead of next month’s return. considerably since the turn of Paris have reached the last the year. eight in each of the last four sea- Emery’s side have won 10 sons, losing to Barcelona there in and drawn one of their last 11 2013 and again in 2015. games, quite a turnaround from Getting to the same stage had a miserable run of results prior to been seen as a minimum objec- Christmas. tive this time around under new “I think the short break over coach Unai Emery, but now the the holidays did us good,” said Catalans stand in their way even Lucas, who used the break to get earlier than before. married in his native Brazil. “For me they are the best team “We could relax a bit, forget in the world, but nobody is in- about our problems and rest. We vincible,” Lucas, 24, told AFP in came back looking very strong. an exclusive interview. I think we can get to the end of “I think we are also very strong the season and win trophies. We — for four or fi ve years now we must not give up. It is to be ex- have been gaining respect on the pected that there might be a few European scene.” problems.”

BY ALL MEANS POSSIBLE Planes, trains and Paris Saint-Germain’s players attend a training session yesterday in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, west of Paris, on the eve of the club’s champions league match against FC Barcelona. cars for Napoli fans’ AFP Liga last season. goals in all competitions this season. a crushing 6-0 win at Alaves in Paris Paris, meanwhile, have been knocked “Every time we play Barcelona we at the weekend in which Luis Suarez out of the Champions League by Barce- go out believing we can win, but things scored twice. exodus to Madrid lona twice in recent campaigns, losing don’t always go the way we want them to That result means Luis Enrique’s side aris Saint-Germain host Bar- in the quarter-fi nals in 2013 and again in go. What is for sure is that we are working have now lost just once in 22 games al- AFP via ferry from Civitavecchia to celona in the fi rst leg of their 2015 to Lionel Messi, Neymar and co. hard and we are convinced we will have though it was overshadowed by an awful Milan Barcelona then on to Madrid via Champions League last-16 tie “For me this is a good opportunity,” our part to play,” said Cavani, who turns ankle injury suff ered by right-back Aleix train, yesterday. today with their Spanish coach Emery told reporters at the Parc des 30 on the day of the game. Vidal which rules him out for the rest of Seven other fans will embark PUnai Emery desperate to improve his aw- Princes yesterday. The French champions have beaten Bar- the season. esperate Napoli fans on a 40-hour round trip over ful personal record against the Catalans. “It is an important moment in the sea- celona in the recent past, claiming a 3-2 Javier Mascherano and Arda Turan have signed up as of- 4400 kilometres in a minibus. Emery was brought to the French capi- son because it is the Champions League win in the group stage in September 2014. are sidelined too, although one man who fi cial Real Madrid sup- But the statistics suggest dis- tal last year as the successor to Laurent which is a very clear objective for the club could feature is Rafi nha, who was named porters in a bid to at- appointment awaits. Blanc in order to help take PSG to the and it is against Barcelona. HOME ADVANTAGE in the squad but will need a mask to pro- Dtend a Champions League clash Napoli and Real have met only next level in Europe after four consecu- “We want to be playing against the They are also a formidable proposition tect a broken nose. that will see an estimated 10,000 once in the competition, in 1987 tive quarter-fi nal exits in the Champions best teams in Europe and the world. I at the Parc des Princes, having lost just Barcelona are still fi ghting on three Neapolitans descend on the when it was still the European League. carry the responsibility, but we need to once there in Europe in the last decade, fronts, keeping alive the prospect of an- Spanish capital tomorrow. Champions Clubs’ Cup. But fi nishing second in their group be- be positive, have confi dence in the team, albeit that was against Barcelona two other La Liga, Copa del Rey and Cham- Napoli, last season’s runners- After a 1-1 draw in Naples, Real hind Arsenal exposed PSG to a tougher and confi dence in our own ability.” years ago. pions League treble to match those up, are nine points behind Juven- won the second leg of their fi rst draw in the fi rst knockout round and now There is certainly a new-found confi - Emery will be unable to utilise veteran achieved in 2009 and 2015. tus in the title race but, round tie 2-0 to advance. they must beat the Spanish champions — dence at the Parc des Princes after a fi ne midfi elder Thiago Motta, the ex-Barce- “It’s not really something we talk with a league-topping 57 goals And the 11-times European the second leg will be at the Camp Nou start to 2017 which has seen them win 10 lona player, due to suspension. about amongst ourselves but all the play- in 24 games, are playing arguably champions are unbeaten in 11 next month — just to make it to the last and draw one of their last 11 games in all Meanwhile, one winger from Angel Di ers have it in mind,” the club’s former the best football in Italy. consecutive Champions League eight again. competitions. Maria, Lucas Moura and January sign- PSG defender Lucas Digne told AFP. The southerners’ fi rst appear- games. Emery, the former Sevilla boss, has They are fresh from a 3-0 victory at Bor- ing Julian Draxler will have to settle for a “As long as we are still in every com- ance in the last 16 of the compe- But Napoli midfi elder Jose come up against Barcelona 23 times in his deaux in Ligue 1 on Friday, in which Edin- place on the bench. petition, it is very important. This club is tition since losing to Chelsea in Callejon, along with teammate coaching career and won just once, in La son Cavani scored twice to take him to 33 Barcelona travel to France buoyed by born to win trophies.” 2012 has fans in a frenzy. Raul Albiol a former Real player And Naples’ mayor, Luigi De who came through the club’s Magistris, is whipping it up. youth system, says it’s time Na- BOTTOMLINE “I know the mayor of Madrid poli bared their teeth in Europe. well... but we have to give them “It will be special to return to a nasty surprise on Wednesday,” the Bernabeu, it’s my home and I De Magistris said in a video post will always show my gratitude to on YouTube. the fans,” Callejon told La Sexta. “Spain is a great country, but “We’re on the ascendancy, and Naples is better and we have to we have a lot of young players. Digne backs ‘MSN’ to outgun PSG go there looking to win.” We want to take a step up and be- Along with Juventus, Napoli come one of Europe’s big sides.” AFP on aggregate at the quarter-fi nal into the Champions League elite. are supported by fans through- An upset of Zinedine Zidane’s Barcelona stage two years ago. “The history of a club is very out the peninsula due to mass giants tomorrow would set Na- Luis Suarez and Neymar com- important. I think we have to migration from the south during poli up well for the second leg at bined for the goals in that tie, give them time to build. the post-war years to more in- the San Paolo, added Callejon: ucas Digne says Barce- but Lionel Messi remains the “The fact that they have dustrial parts of Italy. “The San Paolo is incredible, it’s lona’s deadly strike force senior partner in Barca’s fright- changed staff , they are in full And fans are going to extreme our twelfth man.” will again carry them ening ‘MSN’ front three. construction of a new project so measures to reach the Spanish But again, the odds are against past Paris Saint Germain “Leo is magic. He is the best we must give them time.” capital. Maurizio Sarri’s men, who have Lwhen the teams meet at the Parc player in the world,” added Digne’s decision to move to Allocated only 3,917 tickets for a far poorer record in European des Princes in the Champions Digne. “When you have the best the Camp Nou with his career the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, competition compared to a ‘Ga- League last-16 today. forwards in the world, it can al- trajectory on the rise was ques- an estimated six thousand more lacticos’ side starring Cristiano At just 23, left-back Digne has ways make a diff erence. tioned with Spanish interna- Napoli fans want a piece of the Ronaldo. already experienced the demands “The goal of football is to tional and Catalan native Jordi action. Napoli have won two and lost at the top level with PSG in his score goals, so if you have the Alba standing in his way of a They have chartered planes, four of their six away matches homeland and Roma in Italy, but best attack, for sure it helps.” regular starting place at left- taken indirect fl ights via Istan- against Spanish opponents in nothing comes close to the de- Despite an outlay totalling back. bul, Zurich and Brussels and Europe, and won none of their mands he faces day-to-day since hundreds of millions of euros, Yet, Barca boss Luis Enrique’s hired minibuses, according to last four against La Liga sides. joining Barcelona in July. PSG are yet to break the glass desire to rotate has meant he has widespread reports. In his time with Juventus, “When you are a competi- ceiling of the last eight in the already made 20 appearances Most will be without a ticket, former France international tor, you always want to win. This Barcelona forward Luis Suarez (L) celebrates with team-mates Champions League since owners this season. but gazzetta.it said: “Some have Zidane never lost in six meet- locker room was born for that, Lionel Messi (R) and Neymar. Qatar Sports Investments took “I’ve played a lot, I’ve played secured a ticket thanks to a Real ings with Napoli, scoring twice this club is made for that,” Digne control of the club six years ago. important matches. I’m at the Madrid-supporting friend or against the Azzurri. told AFP in an exclusive interview. add to the eight trophies he won last 16 clash on Tuesday just Domestic dominance wasn’t biggest club in the world at 23 season-ticket holder while oth- Madrid have won eight of their “Every year you have to win in just two years at PSG. one point off the top of La Liga enough to save Laurent Blanc years old,” he added. ers have spent a fortune for a 12 fi xtures since drawing with trophies and that’s how it is. However, much bigger chal- and already having booked their his job at the end of last season “A lot of people would like to place in the executive boxes. Dortmund on matchday six. That’s what we are playing for. lenges and prizes await with place in the fi nal of the Copa del as the owners tired of European be where I am today and I’m re- “But a lot more spent the 30 Since then, they lifted the “All players dream of winning Barca in search of a second treble Rey. failure with Sevilla’s three-time ally happy about that. euros it costs, payable via inter- FIFA Club World Cup and set a trophies, it is that adrenaline in three years. Digne was on the losing side winning Europa League coach “I said that it was a dream net, to become an offi cial Madrid Spanish record of 40 games un- that we seek.” Luis Enrique’s men travel to when Barca propelled them- Unai Emery put in place. to play for this club and that it supporter (Madridista) in a bid to beaten in all competitions which Digne already has the Spanish the French capital for the fi rst selves towards a fi fth European But Digne believes even more would be really great for me to their hands on a coveted ticket.” was ended by a 2-1 defeat at Se- Super Cup from this season to leg of their Champions League Cup by sweeping aside PSG 5-1 time is needed for PSG to break have an experience like this.” Some families are travelling villa last month. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, February 14, 2017 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE BENFICA VS DORTMUND 10:45PM QATAR TIME Dortmund to shut iconic ‘ yellow wall’ stand following hooligan attacks Borussia Dortmund will close entire south stand for the their iconic south stand for Wolfsburg match,” said Borus- this weekend’s home Bundes- sia in a statement. liga match, having yesterday “We are also currently prepar- accepted the German FA’s ing measures and sanctions Sketchy Dortmund sanctions after hooligans against the perpetrators as a attacked visiting fans a week consequence of the incidents ago. and will present the results in The south stand, known as the coming weeks.” the ‘Gelbe Wand’ (Yellow Wall), The heavy sanction has been holds 25,000 supporters at handed out after hooligans Borussia’s 80,000-capacity threw stones and bottles at Signal Iduna Park stadium and visiting RB Leipzig fans, in- keen for revival will be closed for Saturday’s cluding families with children, home league match against before a Bundesliga match on Wolfsburg. February 4. Dortmund had until noon Police made 28 arrests, four (1100 GMT) on Monday off icers were injured and 10 to accept the punishment Leipzig supporters were hos- handed out by the German pitalised for treatment due to Football Association (DFB) last the violence before kick-off . against Benfi ca Friday to close the stand and During the game, some 60 fine the club 100,000 euros banners bearing anti-RB Leipzig ($106,379). slogans, many of which were ‘In all honesty, we come into our own when it’s a 50-50 game. On Tuesday, we play “After weighing up the argu- off ensive, were held up by Dort- ments, Borussia Dortmund mund fans in the south stand. against a diff erent opponent with a diff erent way of playing’ has decided to accept the Dortmund bosses have DFB’s penalty and the drastic apologised to their RB Leipzig punishment of closing the counterparts.

Bayern must raise their game for Gunners, feels Robben Evergreen Arjen Robben says Bayern Munich must raise their game for tomorrow’s key Champions League clash against Arsenal with time run- ning out for him to again lift the European trophy. The 33-year-old scored Bayern’s winning goal in the 2013 final at Wembley to seal the 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund. He has a Bayern contract until June 2018, but time is running out for the injury-prone Dutch winger to get his hands on the es in 2-1 league wins at both Champions League trophy Freiburg and Werder Bremen, again. then a 1-1 home draw with “I am happy to play Bayern Schalke before needing two one more year,” he said in late goals to see off struggling January after signing a one- Ingolstadt. year extension. He netted 60 seconds after “The team is one of the best in Arturo Vidal’s 90th-minute the world.” goal to get Bayern out of jail After winning the English with a 2-0 win last Saturday and Spanish league titles at relegation-threatened Ingol- at Chelsea and Real Madrid stadt. respectively, Robben has been “If we want to win something with Bayern since 2009, lifting this season, we will have to the Bundesliga trophy on five play diff erently,” he said at occasions and the German Ingolstadt. Cup four times. “If we don’t play better against His best season with Bay- Arsenal, it will be very dif- ern was the golden 2012/13 ficult.” campaign. Robben told German maga- He was a key figure with zine Kicker that this is the 13 goals in 31 games when ‘week of truth’ for Bayern’s Bayern became the first Ger- European ambitions in 2016/17 File picture of Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in action during his team’s Bundesliga match against Darmstadt. man club to win the treble as they look to maintain their of European, domestic club record 15-match winning AFP their nine-match unbeaten run snapped, ferent opponent with a diff erent way of triumphed 2-1 over Sporting in Lisbon in and league titles and won the streak at home in the Champi- Lisbon albeit a series that included just three playing,” the Swiss international added. October. Bundesliga with a 19-point ons League. victories. Veteran Brazilian forward Jonas, who margin. Not since 2011, when they “We were simply a long way below our JONAS, JIMENEZ FIT AGAIN scored 32 times in Portugal last season, Robben scored in both the 4-0 bowed out to orussia Dortmund coach Tho- limit and we have to admit they (Darm- Greece striker Kostas Mitroglou scored will make his fi rst appearance in Europe home semi-final rout of Barce- after losing 3-2 at home in the mas Tuchel hopes the return of stadt) deserved to win.” twice as Benfi ca eased past Arouca 3-0 this season after missing the group stage lona and the 3-0 away victory second leg, has Bayern exited the Champions League will pro- Dortmund fi elded three teenagers at on Friday to remain one point clear of with an ankle injury. at the Camp Nou on golden at the last 16 stage of the vide the jolt his inconsistent side Darmstadt, with 18-year-old Dzenis Porto at the top of the Portuguese league. The 32-year-old has netted eight goals nights for the Bavarians. Champions League. needB ahead of today’s visit to Benfi ca in Burnic making his German league debut Today’s fi xture at the Estadio da Luz in all competitions since his return from Since then, Robben and Bay- “Normally, we are always the fi rst leg of their last-16 tie. in the absence of injured defensive duo will be the fi rst meeting between Benfi ca a four-month lay-off in mid-December. ern have endured semi-final present at this stage of the The Germans tormented opposing Marcel Schmelzer and Lukasz Piszczek. and Dortmund since the fi rst round of the Mexico international Raul Jimenez exits in Europe by Barcelona, competition, we have enough defences and fi nished above European But Tuchel predicted Tuesday’s clash 1963/64 European Cup, a tie the German made his fi rst appearance of the new Real Madrid and then Atletico experience to know what we champions Real Madrid in Group F after in Lisbon would elicit a strong response club won 6-2 on aggregate. year last weekend, coming off the bench Madrid in each of the last have to do,” said Robben. setting a new group-stage goals record, from his players, with Ousmane Dem- Benfi ca, European champions in 1961 against Arouca following injury, and three seasons under Pep After three consecutive semi- but they have failed to reproduce their bele, Andre Schuerrle and Shinji Kagawa and 1962, advanced with the fewest warned of the challenge facing the hosts. Guardiola. final exits, the Bavarian giants best form domestically. all in contention to return to the starting points (eight) of any team to this season’s “It is going to be diffi cult as any Cham- This season, under the are desperate to make this Dortmund, who won their lone Cham- line-up after coming off the bench at the knockout phase and are looking to reach pions League match. We have to be at our Catalan’s successor Carlo year’s final, in Cardiff on June pions League title in 1997, fell an alarm- weekend. the quarter-fi nals for the third time in six best,” said Jimenez, while Peru inter- Ancelotti, Bayern are currently 3, at the fourth attempt. ing 15 points behind Bundesliga leaders “In all honesty, we come into our own years. national Andre Carrillo was confi dent seven points clear at the top The Gunners and Bayern know Bayern Munich following Saturday’s when it’s a 50-50 game,” said Tuchel, his Dortmund’s record-breaking 21-goal Benfi ca’s home support would provide a of the Bundesliga. each well, with the Germans shock 2-1 loss at bottom side Darmstadt. thoughts echoed by goalkeeper Roman haul in the group stage was founded considerable boost to Rui Vitoria’s side. But Robben is concerned by having won five of their 10 “I never got the feeling we really got Buerki. largely on thumping 6-0 and 8-4 wins The second leg in Germany is sched- lacklustre recent performanc- meetings in Europe. going,” Tuchel said after Dortmund saw “On Tuesday, we play against a dif- over Poland’s Legia Warsaw, while they uled for March 8.

BOTTOMLINE Dominant Bayern set sights on nervy Arsenal

AFP “If Bayern Munich wins 10 or 15 2014/15 and last season as Guardiola left Bayern players. Berlin consecutive titles then it will become after losing in the Champions League Ancelotti is a more relaxed fi gure, a problem, but we are not there yet,” semi-fi nals for a third year in a row. trusting his star-studded line-up to Christian Seifert, director of the Ger- Manchester United coach Jose sort out their own problems on the ayern Munich turn their focus man Football League (DFL), recently Mourinho recently took a thinly-veiled pitch. on Arsenal and the Champions told reporters. swip at Guardiola, now at Manchester Bayern lacked urgency and creativ- League tomorrow having ef- It has been nearly fi ve years since City, by saying Bayern ‘bought’ titles ity in Saturday’s 2-0 win at strugglers fectively ended the title-race Bayern’s domination of German foot- in Germany before the seasons even Ingolstadt as Arturo Vidal netted in the inB the Bundesliga with a fi fth straight- ball was last questioned. kicked off . 90th minute before Arjen Robben add- crown now theirs to lose. Borussia Dortmund hammered them “In Germany, Bayern Munich start ed a second 60 seconds later. With a third of the German league 5-2 in the German Cup fi nal on May 12, winning the league in the summer. Eve- “It’s Bayern’s luck. Or the conviction season still to play, Bayern hold a com- 2012 — a week after Borussia were con- ry year they buy their rivals’ best player. that we’ll end up with goals at the end,” manding seven-point lead as all their fi rmed league champions with Bayern One year it’s (Robert) Lewandowski, said Philipp Lahm. main rivals lost at the weekend. eight points behind. the next year it is (Mario) Goetze. The But Ancelotti was clear when asked Their nearest challenger, RB Leipzig, next year it is (Mats) Hummels,” said what he needed to improve before Ar- kept Bayern off top spot for three weeks MOURINHO’S SWIPE Mourinho. senal. late last year after a fl ying start to their Since then, no German rival has got Next season, Germany internationals “From what I saw of the (Ingolstadt) fi rst Bundesliga season. close to the Bavarians. Niklas Suele and Sebastian Rudy will be game, nothing,” he said. But when the sides met in Munich In the 2012/13 season, with Jupp joining Bayern from Hoff enheim. “We did well. It will give us lots last December, Bayern fl oored Red Heynckes as coach, they became the But despite their lead, Bayern have of courage and self-confi dence for Bull-backed Leipzig with all goals fi rst German club to win the treble of looked less than impressive under Wednesday.” coming in a commanding fi rst-half dis- European, league and cup titles. Guardiola’s successor Carlo Ancelotti Bayern are on a record 15-match play in a 3-0 win. Bayern won the Bundesliga with a this season. winning streak at home in the Cham- Second-placed RB are seven points 25-point gap over nearest rival Dort- The Italian has yet to impose his pions League and have won fi ve of their short of Bayern, but in the chasing pack mund. mark on the squad he inherited with last 10 games against the Gunners. Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Dort- File picture of Bayern Munich’s coach Carlo Ancelotti. The domination continued in each of only a few changes in personnel. After three straight semi-fi nal exits, mund and Hoff enheim are at least 15 Pep Guardiola’s three years in charge, the Bavarian giants are desperate to points adrift of Munich. commented Munich-based newspaper chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. securing the 2013/14 title that March ‘BAYERN’S LUCK’ win the Champions League, but defeat On Saturday, their rivals’ defeats Sueddeutsche Zeitung. But their seemingly unstoppable with a record seven games left to even- Guardiola was often a frantic fi gure on to Arsenal — meaning their fi rst last 16 played into Bayern’s hands. “We are delighted, it was a great day path to a fi fth title in a row has turned tually fi nish with a 19-point gap. the sidelines, cajoling, urging, encour- exit since 2011 — would be a black mark “Curtains closed in the Bundesliga,” in the league for us,” beamed Bayern’s the Bundesliga into a one-horse race. The points diff erence was 10 in both aging and demanding eff ort from his against Ancelotti. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 14, 2017 5 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA CAUTIOUS Conte still wary of Chelsea’s pursuers Griezmann seals AFP Burnley

ntonio Conte believes any of six teams could still win the Premier League despite his Atletico fi ghtback, ChelseaA side moving 10 points clear at the summit after drawing 1-1 at Burnley. Chelsea negotiated a poten- tially diffi cult visit to Turf Moor on Sunday, where Burnley have the third-best home record in the division, behind only Chel- Sevilla stay third sea themselves and Tottenham Hotspur. But despite the solid result, ‘It was a thrilling and emotional game... The team was calm and understood there and commanding lead at the top Chelsea coach Antonio Conte. of the table over second-place was the chance to equalise and, after the equaliser, the crowd pushed us for the win’ Tottenham, Conte refused to take three points.” discuss his team’s increasingly strong chances of winning the ‘SUBLIME’ BRADY championship. Conte was also quizzed about “That’s normal. There are 13 comments made by former games before the end,” said the Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho Chelsea manager, whose side’s after his current club Manches- advantage will be cut to eight ter United beat Watford 24 hours points if Manchester City win at earlier. Bournemouth yesterday. The Portuguese manager “If someone thinks this league made a veiled reference to Chel- is fi nished, I can tell you now, no. sea’s style of play, labelling them “There are six teams for me “defensive”, but Conte laughed that can win the league and any- off the comments. thing can happen. We must con- “I don’t like to reply to the tinue to work in this way. other coaches,” Conte said. “I “I am happy for the commit- don’t like this. He is joking. I ment and the will to win. You can have experience to understand only take one point, but I am sure this.” of the commitment. Burnley manager Sean Dyche “We have to think only of our- was delighted with the attitude selves, not the other teams. It is his team showed, especially hav- important to play your game, to ing gone behind to such an early think about your game and then goal from a team who appear you think about the other re- destined for the title. sults.” “First of all, they are top-class, While Spurs are 10 points not just by the league table,” said back, there are four teams — Ar- Dyche. senal, Liverpool, City and Man- “Pockets of their play are ex- chester United — within two cellent and you can use it as a points of Mauricio Pochettino’s guideline to see we have moved side and ready to pounce if Chel- forward. sea falter. “The team looks more assured. Pedro shot Chelsea into an You are playing against the top early lead at Burnley, who were end of the market. The mental- looking for a sixth consecutive ity as well, we have plenty of that top-fl ight home league victory glue to hold a team together.” for the fi rst time in 56 years. Dyche paid tribute to Brady, But Robbie Brady, the club- who also scored against Conte record £13 million ($16.2 million, the last time he faced the Chelsea 15.3 million euros) January sign- manager, when he was playing ing from Norwich City, marked for Ireland against Conte’s Italy his home debut with a superb at last year’s European Champi- free-kick leveller mid-way onship in France. through the fi rst half. “It was a sublime free-kick Atletico Madrid’s French forward Antoine Griezmann celebrates after scoring a goal during the La Liga match against RC Celta de Vigo at the Vicente Calderon stadium. “I am disappointed because against a top-class goalkeeper, our mentality must be that we a giant of a man,” said Dyche in AFP Atletico’s top four hopes look set to Results A fi rst home league defeat of the sea- have to try always to win and we reference to Chelsea number one Madrid take a huge blow as they once again near- son spoiled Jese Rodriguez’s home debut did this today,” said Conte. Thibaut Courtois. ly paid for their profl igacy from the pen- Atletico Madrid 3 Celta Vigo 2 after signing for his home town club on “But sometimes you must “To fi nd that area of the goal alty spot. Las Palmas 0 Sevilla 1 loan from Paris Saint-Germain for the understand that there are tough was fantastic. To get put into that ntoine Griezmann sealed a An error from Atletico ‘keeper Miguel Leganes 0 Sporting Gijon 2 rest of the season. games and this was very tough, game was not easy for him. thrilling Atletico Madrid come- Angel Moya handed Gustavo Cabral an Villarreal 1 Malaga 1 Jese had the fi rst big chance just seven but I am pleased we tried to win. “He’s just signed for a new back from 2-1 down with four early opener for Celta. minutes in, but placed his weak shot too “I am disappointed for the re- club, he’s getting a feel for how minutes remaining to beat Celta Fernando Torres responded with a sen- close to Sergio Rico who made a comfort- sult, not for the commitment and the team works, but he held his VigoA 3-2 and move into fourth in La Liga. sational looping eff ort into the far corner. home by Griezmann for his 16th goal of able save. the will to win. I like to always to own in a really tough game.” Sevilla remain four points ahead of However, for the third straight game, the season. Las Palmas were made to rue a series Atletico in third as they moved with- Atletico failed to convert a spot-kick “We turned it round because we are a of missed chances just after the break as in three points of leaders Real Madrid when Torres smashed the bar midway team that gives our all in every moment Rico parried David Simon’s volley before thanks to substitute Joaquin Correa’s through the fi rst-half. and you saw that today,” Griezmann told Alen Hallilovic curled wide. Ibrahimovic coy on the Premier League, at least winner 10 minutes from time in a 1-0 win Celta also hit the post before the break BeIN Sports Spain. However, for all Las Palmas’ pretty Man United contract we can try and win two or at Las Palmas. through Jozabed in an entertaining end- Gameiro should even have added a football, they were caught out by one extension three trophies.” Real lead Barcelona by a point at the to-end encounter played in torrential fourth when he hit the underside of the bar simple long ball as Iborra fl icked on United host French side St top, but also have two games in hand over Madrid rain. from Carrasco’s cross in stoppage time. Rico’s goal kick and Correa raced through Manchester United striker Etienne in the first leg of their their title rivals. However, John Guidetti looked to have Victory takes Atletico a point clear of to fi nish. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has yet to round-of-32 Europa League “It was a thrilling and emotional game delivered the telling blow when he slotted Real Sociedad as all of the top fi ve in La Earlier, Sporting Gijon breathed life commit his future to the Pre- clash on Thursday. with a lot of errors, but with two teams home Daniel Wass’s cut-back 12 minutes Liga won this weekend. into their bid for survival with a 2-0 win mier despite the looking to win,” said Atletico boss Diego from time. In Las Palmas, the hosts were the bet- at Leganes to move to within two points Swede saying he has fulfilled Wenger urges Simeone. Yet, Atletico responded in style as ter side for the majority of the 90 min- of survival. the requirements needed to misfi ring Ozil to “The team was calm and understood Yannick Carrasco’s crashed home a vol- utes, but were caught out by a simple Villarreal’s Champions League hopes extend his contract. become more ruthless there was the chance to equalise and, af- ley from 25 yards to give the hosts hope. route one move as Correa latched onto faded, though, as they were held 1-1 at The 35-year-old has silenced ter the equaliser, the crowd pushed us on And just two minutes later Kevin Ga- Vicente Iborra’s fl ick on to slot home his home to Malaga to slip six points off the critics who suggested he may Mesut Ozil is in the midst of a for the winner.” meiro’s cushioned header was swept fi rst La Liga goal. top four. struggle to adapt to the pace confidence crisis, according and intensity of the English to Arsenal manager Arsene game, scoring 20 goals since Wenger, who also urged the SERIE A moving to Old Traff ord from misfiring German midfielder Paris St Germain on a free to be more ruthless in front transfer in July. of goal. Manager Jose Mourinho said Ozil has been under the spot- in November that United light following anonymous planned to exercise their op- performances in recent de- Lethal Higuain keeps Roma at bay tion to extend Ibrahimovic’s feats to Watford and Chelsea contract, which runs out at the and did little to deflect the end of the current campaign, criticism after missing a host AFP red for a second caution on 67 Results for a second season. of chances in Arsenal’s 2-0 Milan minutes, Higuain says it wasn’t “Something like that. I have to Premier League win over Hull as easy as it looked. Cagliari 0 Juventus 2 score 100 goals,” Ibrahimovic City. “It’s time for him (Ozil) “We did well, but it was a dif- Crotone 0 AS Roma 2 told British media when asked to score again. Maybe he will onzalo Higuain struck fi cult match because we just Inter Milan 2 Empoli 0 if he has triggered the exten- find confidence back as well, his 21st Serie A brace to couldn’t get into our stride at Palermo 1 Atalanta Bergamo 3 sion clause with goals and because he misses chances. go level top of the Se- the start,” Higuain told Premium Sampdoria 3 Bologna 1 appearances. He has chances and he misses rie A scoring charts in Sport. Sassuolo 1 Chievo 3 “The option is already fulfilled. the chances that don’t look Ga 2-0 win at Cagliari that edged “Once we broke the deadlock, Torino 5 3 But there’s nothing done yet. not feasible for him,” Wenger Juventus closer to a record sixth it started going a lot better, and From my side. We’ll wait and told British media. consecutive Sunday. even more so after their expul- see. Let’s see what happens.” The 28-year-old Ozil, who has Higuain’s 17th and 18th goals sion.” though it took Nainggolan’s fi ne Despite sitting sixth in the often divided opinion among of the league season means the It was the 24th time in Serie angled strike off Salah’s ball in league, 12 points behind lead- supporters since his club- Argentina striker is tied with Edin A that Higuain, who now has 21 the 40th minute to break the ers Chelsea after 25 games, record move from Real Madrid Dzeko, who missed a penalty then braces and three hat-tricks, had deadlock. Ibrahimovic believes Man- in 2013, has been on the made amends with Roma’s sec- scored multiple goals in a game The visitors doubled their lead chester United are well placed periphery of games in recent ond in a 2-0 win at Crotone, in the since arriving from Real Madrid shortly after the interval when to pick up silverware in other weeks and has not scored in race for the (top in 2013. Dzeko pounced on Salah’s cut- competitions. his last eight matches. scorer) award. Allegri told Sky Sport: “He’s back to seal the points. United face Southampton in “I felt he did not feel confident Juventus sit seven points an extraordinary player. He He admitted afterwards: the League Cup final on Feb. (against Hull),” Wenger added. ahead of Luciano Spalletti’s works hard for the team, and he’s “Next time I will be telling 26 and are still involved in “It’s always a problem because Roma, who left Francesco Totti got great fi tness. someone else to take the penalty, the Europa League and the you think he can deliver some- at home for a trip to Calabria “The others are making sacri- but it’s not a major problem. The FA Cup. thing special, but it’s true that where Mohamed Salah provided fi ces too. Dybala was great today important thing is we won to- “We have one (the Community technically he missed things assists for Radja Nainggolan and Juventus’ forward Gonzalo Higuain (R) scores during the Serie A and deserved to score.” day.” Shield) and we can get our that he is not used to.” Dzeko. match against Cagliari at Sant’Elia Stadium in Cagliari. Dzeko went from zero to hero Spalletti was all praise for second one (the League Cup),” Arsenal travel to face German Napoli, 2-0 winners at in Crotone. Salah on his full return from the the charismatic Swede added. champions Bayern Munich on Friday, sit third at nine points Juventus are not in action in to further underline their scu- After missing his second suc- Africa Cup of Nations, where “We are still in the Europa in the first leg of their last-16 off the pace days ahead of their Europe until they visit Porto on detto bid. cessive penalty this season, the inspirational Egyptian front League and FA Cup, so if we Champions League clash Champions League trip to Real February 22 and Massimiliano Despite Juve’s numerical ad- he made amends with an 18th man lost in the fi nal to Cam- don’t become champions in tomorrow. Madrid. Allegri’s men have capitalised vantage after Nicolo Barella saw league goal of the campaign al- eroon. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, February 14, 2017 SPORT

NBA FOCUS Miami Heat focused on Knicks stop the rot starting a new winning streak

By Shandel Richardson with win over Spurs Sun Sentinel

‘...trying to enjoy the game of basketball. Whatever happens outside the court does not concern me’ t least the Miami Heat are back in posts- eason contention. That is the attitude they are taking af- AFP ter their 13-game winning streak ended SaturdayA against the Philadelphia 76ers. With just New York two games left before the NBA All-Star break, the Heat know they have something to play for the re- he New York Knicks’s lat- mainder of the year other than the draft lottery. est tough week ended on a “That’s the main focus,” centre Hassan White- high note on Sunday as Car- side said. “I think that was the main thing. We just melo Anthony and company stacked games on top of each other, trying to get Tshocked the San Antonio Spurs 94- ourselves in a playoff position. That’s what it really 90 at Madison Square Garden. was.” A victory over the second-best A month ago, the Heat appeared in danger of team in the NBA was a welcome missing the playoff s for the second time in three change of fortune for the Knicks, seasons. At 11-30, they had the second-worst who are languishing well out of record in the Eastern Conference before beginning playoff contention in the Eastern the streak. Conference amid tensions between The stretch has provided hope for the second Anthony and club president Phil half of the year. The Heat are also expecting guard Jackson. Dion Waiters to return after missing three games A feud between owner James Do- with a sprained ankle and guard Josh Richardson lan and popular ex-Knick Charles (ankle) could be back in the lineup soon. Oakley also boiled over in ugly fash- “We were always thinking like that,” guard ion on Wednesday. Goran Dragic said. “Even when we had a losing Anthony said he was doing his record, we forget that most of those games were best to ignore the noise. close. We just didn’t know to close those games. “I’m out here playing basketball, Now, we know how to. We’ve got a lot of experi- trying to enjoy the game of basket- ence in those games. Now, the [injured] players are ball,” he said. “Whatever happens coming back.” outside the basketball court does For coach Erik Spoelstra, the recovery process not concern me.” began the moment after the Sixers loss. He was Instead, Anthony said, he and his already looking toward Monday’s game against teammates were focused on deliver- the Orlando Magic at AmericanAirlines Arena. ing the kind of consistent perform- The hope is to begin another streak as they chase ance they’ve had trouble sustaining a postseason spot. through four quarters this season. “It’s never been about the streak,” Spoelstra Anthony scored 25 points and said. “It’s not going to be about the streak now. We pulled down seven rebounds, Der- have an important game on Monday, a team that’s rick Rose added 18 and Kristaps right near us in the standings so we have to rest up Porzingis contributed 16 with seven and get back to our game. ... I know everybody is rebounds and four blocked shots to looking forward to getting back home and getting help the Knicks end a four-game ready to win an important game.” skid. New York came up big defen- sively, too, holding the Spurs to a Knee injury means no Love for season-low 36.3% shooting in the upset. Cavs on Valentine’s Day Kawhi Leonard paced the Spurs Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love under- with 36 points and LaMarcus went an MRI exam on his sore left knee Sunday Aldridge added 15, but veteran point and the reigning NBA champions said he will guard Tony Parker missed all three miss today’s game against Minnesota. of his fi eld goal attempts and fi n- Love, a four-time NBA All-Star, experienced pain ished with zero points and four as- in Saturday’s 125-109 home victory over Denver sists in 31 minutes on the fl oor. and was examined by James Rosneck on Sunday A jump shot from Leonard cut at the Cleveland Clinic. New York’s lead to 88-86 with 1:43 The 28-year-old frontline spark is expected to to play, but Anthony responded undergo additional treatment and be re-evaluat- with two straight baskets that re- ed over the next several days. built the Knicks’s lead to 92-86 with Love is averaging 20.0 points, 11.1 rebounds and 33 seconds remaining and the Spurs 1.9 assists for the Cavaliers, who have won five wouldn’t get the defi cit below four of their past six games and improved to 37-16, points the rest of the way. the best record in the Eastern Conference and Days after Dolan banned Oakley fourth-best in the league overall. from Madison Square Garden — Channing Frye is likely to replace Love in the where the fan favorite was arrested starting lineup for the Cavaliers, who could opt on Wednesday for resisting secu- to bench Love through the break for next Sun- rity personnel who tried to toss him day’s NBA All-Star Game. from the arena — support for Oakley Cleveland will visit Minnesota on Valentine’s Day was evident among fans, including and play host to Indiana on Wednesday but after fi lmmaker Spike Lee who sat court- that will not play again until February 23 when side in an Oakley jersey. New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony reacts after hitting a three-point basket during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square New York visits. Dolan sat Sunday next to Latrell Garden. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Love was named a reserve for the Eastern Sprewell, another ex-Knick with Conference in the annual All-Star matchup to be whom he’s feuded. Sprewell called 101. Caldwell-Pope made a 16-foot tributed 22 as the Minnesota Tim- ries against his former team. nicals, will be suspended another played at New Orleans. the Oakley incident “disappoint- jumper and followed it with a three- berwolves rolled past the injury- In Sacramento, DeMarcus Cous- game for an 18th tech. ing” in a courtside TV interview, pointer with 13.2 seconds left to give depleted Chicago Bulls 117-89 in ins scored 28 points, grabbed 14 Pelicans rookie Buddy Hield was saying it was time to “iron out” the the Pistons a one-point lead. Minneapolis. rebounds and handed out 17 assists ejected for the fi rst time in his NBA situation “and get past it.” Toronto’s DeMar DeRozan missed The Bulls were without starters in the Kings’s 105-99 win over the career after he was assessed a fl a- a fadeaway jumpshot as time ex- Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade as New Orleans Pelicans. grant foul for hitting Cousins in the Pistons fight back pired. well as backups Nikola Mirotic and Cousins was also whistled for his groin in the second quarter. In Toronto, Kentavious Caldwell- The Raptors, fourth in the Eastern Paul Zipser. 17th technical foul of the season, for Pope scored fi ve of his 21 points in Conference, lost for the 10th time in The Timberwolves, who had lost an elbow thrown in the fi rst quar- RESULTS the fi nal minute as the Detroit Pis- 14 games. fi ve of their previous six games, took ter that appeared to be inadvertent. Pistons 102 Raptors 101 tons erased a 16-point fourth-quar- Andrew Wiggins scored 27 points full advantage to give coach Tom Cousins, who has already served a Knicks 94 Spurs 90 ter defi cit to beat the Raptors 102- and Karl-Anthony Towns con- Thibodeau a sweep of the season se- one-game ban for amassing 16 tech- Kings 105 Pelicans 99

BASEBALL Timing’s right to bring Grace back to Cubs

By Mark Gonzales of Grace in an ambassador role cious. At the same time, he no- a panel discussion at the Cubs Ramirez, who twice tested posi- Chicago Tribune would fi t seamlessly. Grace, 52, tices how Diamondbacks legend Convention last month. tive for performance-enhancing a three-time All-Star and four- (and former Cubs player) Luis “If it’s a good fi t, it’s a good fi t. drugs, as a hitting consultant time Gold Glove fi rst baseman Gonzalez relishes his special Obviously, I played next to Mark two years ago and several pupils ne of Mark Grace’s during his 13 seasons with the assistant role from evaluating for (eight) years. He was fantas- praised the former slugger. most pleasant debates Cubs followed by three with the major-league players to greeting tic. It’s up to them to work some- Grace’s standing ovation dur- involved whether Ron Diamondbacks, is out of a gig. sponsors and fans. thing out if that’s something ing his fi rst at-bat at Wrigley Santo’s 1969 Cubs He has considerable broad- Grace also seemed curious as everyone wants to do.” Field as a visiting player in 2001 wereO better than Grace’s 1989 casting experience and is under to how smoothly Hall of Famer Grace can off er plenty to an reinforces that he left in good team that won the National consideration as a pre and post- and former Cubs teammate Ryne organization that has embraced standing with fans – includ- League East. game television commentator for Sandberg rejoined the organiza- several former players with ing many that might be curious “Santo would argue how much the Diamondbacks, who elected tion as a special assistant after shorter organization roots. A to know if the 1989 Cubs could better his team was,” Grace re- not to retain him as an assistant being bypassed for considera- lifetime .303 hitter, Grace’s habit have reached the World Series called last week. “I guess he had hitting coach after Torey Lovullo tion to replace Lou Piniella as of staying in the clubhouse to if the Giants’ Will Clark hadn’t a point because they had Hall of took over as manager. manager and spending 4 (sea- assess that night’s performance correctly read the lips of Greg Famers in Ernie (Banks), Fergie Grace emphasised that he sons in the Phillies organisation can rub off on players at the mi- Maddux before hitting a grand (Jenkins) and Billy (Williams). would be working for Fox Ari- as a minor-league and major- nor-league level. slam, and if Les Lancaster hadn’t “But I’d always tell him, ‘How zona if hired for Diamondbacks league manager. As a former assistant hitting forgotten the count before did you guys screw it up?’” telecasts, thus ruling out any Sandberg, 57, stressed how coach, Grace is wise enough not grooving a home run to Robby Just as a World Series title confl ict of interest if he works for important it was to stay in con- to step on the feet of the Cubs’ Thompson in Games 1 and 3 of cured more than a century of another organisation. tact with the organization and current instructors. Grace’s two the National League Champion- frustration, an offi cial return of “I’ve always kept plenty of appreciated that Cubs Chairman alcohol-related arrests can serve ship Series. Grace to the organisation would doors and phone lines open,” said Tom Ricketts gave his blessing to as a lesson to younger players as “With (Rick) Sutcliff e, Mad- strengthen the link between the Grace, who didn’t solicit the idea mondbacks’) fantasy camp. They The Cubs didn’t respond to an pursue managing opportunities Grace has stayed out of trouble dux and (Mike) Bielecki, I truly franchise’s best players of the of an offi cial return to the Cubs. also asked me to throw out the inquiry about Grace. with the Phillies with the option the last four seasons and remains believe we would have given 20th century and the current “I’ve been asked to attend the fi rst pitch before a playoff game, As the father of two teenage to rejoin the Cubs. in good standing with the Dia- Oakland a better test,” Grace cast. During this harmonious Cubs Convention, but it happens but it was on one day’s notice and boys in Paradise Valley, Ariz., “It takes two groups to get mondbacks organisation. said. Cubs fans would love to time for the Cubs, the return at the same time as (the Dia- I couldn’t get out in time.” Grace knows family time is pre- it done,” Sandberg said before Heck, the Cubs hired Manny hear that story in a large setting. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 14, 2017 7 SPORT

NHL SPOTLIGHT Rangers backup Raanta likely will be Wild score three back in net soon

By Steve Zipay fi rst in New York, he was 11- Newsday 6-2, with a 2.25 goals against average and a .919 save per- centage. Before this season, oaltender Antti Raan- Vigneault had said that ide- power-play goals in ta hasn’t started a ally, Raanta would have a larger game since December role, with Lundqvist playing 29 when the Rangers between 55 and 60 games to Gwon in Arizona. keep him fresh. Here are a few reasons why: So far, his numbers have A lower-body injury, All-Star been even better: In 15 starts, weekend and the NHL-man- Raanta is 10-3 with a 2.21 dated fi ve-day break, the birth goals-against-average and a victory over Detroit of his daughter and coach Alain .928 save percentage. Overall, Vigneault’s desire to have Hen- he has appeared in 19 games, rik Lundqvist fi nd a rhythm. four in relief of Lundqvist, who ‘I thought they made some fine darn plays on the power play and it’s hard to be down like that’ This is Raanta’s longest has won 11 of the last 17 games stretch of the season without and is 1-2-0 against the Blue a start, although he relieved Jackets this season. Lundqvist twice, on Jan. 14 in Raanta also has two shutouts Montreal and at home on Jan. (on December 9 in Chicago and 31 against the Blue Jackets. December 11 against the Devils) Given all that, it makes sense and became the fi rst Rangers that the Blueshirts’ very capa- goaltender to blank opponents ble backup gets the call against in two straight games since the Jackets at Nationwide Arena Mike Dunham in 2002-03. on Monday, although Vigneault The easy-going Finn will has not said so publicly. Throw certainly have his opportuni- in that Lundqvist has started ties down the stretch, with 17 straight games, including seven back-to-back sets re- an emotional 400th victory on maining, including fi ve in Saturday, and it appears that it’s March, a month during which Raanta’s time again. the Rangers (36-18-1) are on Vigneault, who understands the road for 10 games. Raanta’s value, said he was With 27 games remaining, making decisions on his start- Lundqvist has already made 40 ing netminder on a game-by- starts: He will likely start fewer game basis during the four- than 20 more, depending on game homestand sweep by the where the Rangers are slotted Rangers, who have won fi ve in the playoff race, but Raanta straight. Last year, Raanta’s will get his share.

Blackhawks hope momentum will be there aft er break The Blackhawks took a little something with them on their NHL- mandated break in the schedule: A five-game winning streak. They will have to wait until Saturday to determine if the momen- tum they gained from coming out on top in the final five games of a six-game trip will still be there when they return to action. “We’re going to try to use the break to our advantage,” defense- man Duncan Keith said. “Try to use it to rest up and feel as good as we can coming back and we’ll just try to carry on the momen- tum. It’s been a good stretch of games lately where we have all four lines and defensemen and goalies playing great. It’s some- thing that we know going forward we can keep in our heads.” Their 5-1 thrashing of the Oilers on Saturday night moved the Minnesota Wild defenseman Christian Folin (No 5) celebrates his goal with teammates during the third period against the Detroit Red Wings at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild de- Hawks within three points of the Wild for the top spots in the feated the Red Wings 6-3. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Central Division and Western Conference, though Minnesota had three games in hand. When the Hawks next take the ice to face By Michael Russo Nino Niederreiter and Parise – got away with cross-checking sists in the past 14 games, he was tiful breakaway goal on Jared the Oilers at the United Center, the Wild will have caught them Star Tribune (Minneapolis) for the second time this season. Red Wings skilled forward Gus- moved to the third line with Erik Coreau. But that much-needed with 58 games played. Christian Folin, in the lineup tav Nyquist. Upset, Nyquist got Haula and Niederreiter. Haula goal again became only a one- “Our guys have played a lot of hockey and the guys who went to because of Dumba’s injury, also up, turned and high-sticked moved from centre to left wing goal lead again for Minnesota just the All-Star Game didn’t get much of a break,” Hawks coach Joel n a game that Matt Dumba scored. Spurgeon in the face. and Niederreiter from left wing 1:25 later when Henrik Zetterberg Quenneville said. “Hopefully everybody gets away and comes missed with a lower-body Devan Dubnyk made 30 saves The Wild wanted a major to right wing. Coyle moved from bunted a rebound past Dubnyk. back refreshed and trying to recapture this feeling we have right injury and where Jared to improve to 24-3-2 in his past power play. Nyquist, who may fi rst-line right wing to centre The goalie had trouble swallow- now.” Chicago Tribune Spurgeon was pitch-forked 29 starts. The Wild jumped out be in trouble by the NHL, instead and Oominville was bumped up ing an odd Xavier Ouellet point Iin the face in retaliatory fashion to a 2-0 lead with power-play was assessed a double minor, to the top line. shot that skipped on the ice and and the Wild’s fi rst and third goals 2:46 apart by Granlund and which became a two-minute The line scramble began right turned on edge. lines were run through a Bingo Niederreiter. power play after Chris Stewart after the Wild couldn’t score Just 3:59 into the third, Pom- machine, the Wild got past the “We were in the box a little got dinged for roughing in re- their third power-play goal in inville, who has 17 points in the Detroit Red Wings 6-3 on Sun- bit too much today,” Red Wings taliation. On the ensuing power the fi rst 1:36 of the second peri- past 12 games, stole a pass from day afternoon. captain Henrik Zetterberg said. play, Koivu sent a goalmouth od, a goal that could have turned Coreau to set up Parise’s fi rst of The Wild picked up points “I thought they made some fi ne pass to Niederreiter for his a 2-0 lead into 3-0. The Red two games. The Red Wings once for the 29th time in the past 33 darn plays on the power play and team-leading 19th goal. Wings, who controlled the even- again took that 4-2 defi cit and games (26-4-3) and scored at it’s hard to be down like that.” Koivu now has 596 points for strength play for large chunks of made it a one-goal defi cit, but least fi ve goals for the 12th time Olofsson, playing the power his career. Nate Prosser, on the the middle frame, cut it to 2-1 on Folin and Parise converted by in the past 28 games. Zach Parise play because Spurgeon replaced power play to replace Spurgeon Anthony Mantha’s 13th goal. game’s end. scored two goals, Charlie Coyle the absent Dumba on the fi rst (who did return), picked up an He was left all alone in front had a goal and assist and Mikko unit, fed Koivu in the right circle. assist for his fi rst power-play after Olofsson inexplicably RESULTS Koivu, Jason Pominville and Koivu fi red a pass to the far post assist since 2013-14 and fi fth of strayed to the point. Bruins 4 Canadiens 0 Gustav Olofsson each had two for Granlund, and he scored his his career.In the second period, With the Wild looking in trou- Canucks 4 Sabres 2 assists, the fi rst two points of the 16th goal off his own rebound. coach Bruce Boudreau also fi d- ble, Coyle took a bouncing brea- Sharks 4 Devils 1 rookie defenseman’s NHL career. Granlund has a point in 14 of the dled with his fi rst and third lines. kout pass from Pominville, fl ew Wild 6 Red Wings 3 Chicago Blackhawks celebrate a goal against the Edmonton The Wild scored three power- past 16 games. With Eric Staal in a bigtime past a turned-like-a-pretzel Predators 5 Stars 3 Oilers at Rogers Place. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports play goals – Mikael Granlund, Just 72 seconds later, Spurgeon slump with a goal and four as- Nick Jensen and scored a beau- Islanders 5 Avalanche 1

SKIING Aerni edges Hirscher for combined gold

AFP dredths adrift. other impressive day of skiing “Pintu”, the winner of four St. Moritz, “I was really nervous in the for the host nation. World Cup combined crystal last 45 minutes waiting for eve- Hirscher, seeking a sixth con- globes, had 1.46sec to make up ryone to fi nish,” said Aerni, who secutive World Cup overall title, on Baumann, but botched his nheralded Swiss racer was only named to the combined fi nished the opening down- slalom, petulantly dubbing con- produced team late Sunday, beating out hill 2.30sec behind teammate ditions “a joke”, and eventually a remarkable slalom Niels Hintermann, winner of Romed Baumann’s winning time ended up 10th, 0.86sec off the run to edge defending last month’s Wengen combined. of 1min 39.25sec, but impor- pace to leave France still without Uchampion for “I could only watch and hope tantly 0.84sec off France’s Alexis a medal in St Moritz. an improbable gold in the men’s as the others came down. I knew Pinturault, the man seen as most Aerni’s gold, however, was alpine combined at the World my slalom run was good, but likely to snatch his world crown. Switzerland’s third of the world Ski Championships yesterday. with the combined you never “After two days lying in bed champs after Aerni, 23, had scraped into know what will happen. It was I’m impressed that I made the (women’s combined) and Beat the slalom after fi nishing 30th defi nitely a long wait until I real- podium in the combined. The Feuz (men’s downhill). in the opening downhill — six- ised I had the gold medal! silver medal is not too bad,” said He becomes the sixth Swiss hundredths of a second slower, “If I’d started 31st, I would Hirscher, who had been suff er- winner of the combined after equating to 1.68 metres, and he have had no chance.” Aerni was ing ‘fl u-like symptoms. (2007), Pirmin would have missed the cut alto- the least favoured of a Swiss “The downhill was a very big Zurbriggen (1985), Rudolf gether. But his barnstorming sla- quartet that also included Carlo challenge for slalom skiers, but Rominger (1936), lom down a rapidly deteriorating Janka and Justin Murisier, the it’s fun to do the jumps and to (1934) and (1932). course under a fi erce sun saw him latter seemingly best placed af- learn a bit about yourself. Flu-hit super-G silver med- clock a combined time of 2min ter the downhill at just 1.18sec. “I knew conditions would play allist , fl ying the 26.33sec, making up a defi cit of But Aerni, who has not even to our hand as the snow was al- fl ag for Norway in the absence 2.61sec on the downhill. made a podium in four seasons ready very soft for us. The slope through injury of Aksel Lund Aerni fi nished just 0.01sec on the World Cup circuit, ben- is south-facing and there’s pure Svindal — a two-time world ahead of Austrian Hirscher, who efi ted from being fi rst out of sunshine on these conditions combined winner in 2009 and was 28th after the downhill. the gate for a simply set slalom and it’s not easy.” 2011 - fi nished sixth in the The medal hunt of the host na- course with the snow melting Hirscher, whose victory in 2015 downhill but failed to start the tion, dealt an initial blow when under bright sun on the Suvretta mirrored that of Aerni’s in that he slalom. Jansrud’s teammate Ale- women’s standard bearer Lara slope. Murisier eventually fi n- too fi nished 30th in the downhill, ksander Aamodt Kilde fi nished Gut was ruled out with injury, ished sixth, one place ahead added: “It was just the same as in joint fourth with Italian Dominik continued as Mauro Caviezel of Janka as the Swiss quartet Vail/Beaver Creek. It was a good Paris, 0.34sec off a podium Luca Aerni of Switzerland celebrates winning the men’s alpine combined gold medal at the World Ski took bronze, a further fi ve-hun- packed into the top seven in an- decision to start fi rst!” place. Championships yesterday. (Reuters) Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, February 14, 2017 RUGBY

SIX NATIONS FOCUS Dagg re-signs to give All Blacks’ France’s Noves sees World Cup positives in disjointed plans a boost

Reuters Scotland victory Wellington srael Dagg has turned down lucrative off ers to play overseas and recommitted to New Zea- ‘We were very strong in contact, we were beaten in the rucks so we’ll learn our lessons’ land Rugby through to 2019 in a boost for All Blacks coach Steve Hansen’s World Cup plans. IThe classy outside back’s re-signing comes just days after Ben Smith’s contract extension and gives Hansen another option at fullback for the next World Cup in Japan. “There’s no doubt that there were some attrac- tive off ers to consider,” the 61-test Dagg said in a media release. “But at the end of the day I love my life here in New Zealand with my family, friends and team mates and I’m not ready to give that up. “I still feel blessed every time I pull on the jersey for the All Blacks, Crusaders or Magpies so I con- sider it an honour to be able to keep working hard to earn that right for the next three years,” added the 28-year-old. A World Cup winner with Graham Henry’s side in 2011, Dagg missed out on selection for the 2015 tournament in England after a horror run of inju- ries but clawed his way back into the side last year. Playing mostly on the wing, Dagg enjoyed a stel- lar season, scoring 10 tries from his 12 tests. “To have a player of Israel’s ability and versatil- ity re-sign is a major lift for all levels of New Zea- land Rugby,” said Hansen. “We appreciate the decision ‘Izzy’ and his wife Daisy have made and to be able to plan the future, knowing that we’ll have him involved makes life so much easier for us all, and we look forward to the challenges ahead.”

RFU warn sacked Sale wing Arscott over team leak Former Sale wing Tom Arscott has been given a written warning by the rugby Football Union for passing on inside information to his brother, Luke, before the Sharks’ Premiership match at Bristol. Tom Arscott was sacked by Sale last month af- ter allegedly leaking team plans to Luke, a Bristol player, when they met on New Year’s Eve – the day before Sale lost 24-23 at home to Bristol. (From L) France’s centre Remi Lamerat, scrum-half Baptiste Serin, centre Gael Fickou, prop Uini Atonio, full back Scott Spedding and flanker Louis Picamoles celebrate a try of France’s centre Neither Arscott brother played in the match. Gael Fickou during the Six Nations match against Scotland at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. (AFP) The RFU, English rugby’s national governing body, said on Monday the information fell “at the AFP held on well to the ball, there was rors, in particular due to ambitious didn’t have it. We’ll look at a couple fi rst choice Sexton’s injury absence lower end of the scale of seriousness”, but deemed Paris nothing. offl oads not coming off , but Noves of turnover balls that we didn’t play and the 25-year-old Ulster fl y- Tom Arscott’s behaviour “inappropriate”. “I hope this isn’t a backwards has no intention of altering their eff ectively, but credit to the French. half equalled a tournament record It was alleged that Tom Arscott’s conduct was step, and I’m not sure that winning expansive style of play. They played it well to the end. of nine successful conversions in in breach of RFU regulation 17 (anti-corruption uy Noves insisted France’s takes us backwards. “We don’t intend changing our “The rucks were hard work, our one match in the 63-10 victory in and betting), but offi cials said they found no evi- error-riddled Six Nations “And given everything we’ve artillery. Once again, I’d like to plan didn’t come off .” . dence of betting or fi xing, having interviewed 25 victory over Scotland was done in the last few matches, to point to the last quarter of an hour Scotland took away the losing “This window has allowed Paddy individuals following Sale’s letter of complaint on not a step backwards. suggest from one match that we’ve which this time favoured us. bonus point and will be relatively an opportunity to put his hand up January 17. GThe hosts claimed a 22-16 victo- gone backwards, that annoys me a “We were very strong in contact, pleased with their fi ve point haul and say ‘There shouldn’t be an au- “Tom Arscott discussed tactical information ry at the Stade de France on Sunday bit.” we were beaten in the rucks so we’ll from their opening two games. tomatic choice (at fl yhalf)’ and he’s with his brother Luke Arscott ahead of the match,” despite being outscored two tries Having succumbed in the fi nal learn our lessons ahead of the trip And Cotter said his team will use done a super job,” Schmidt told an RFU statement read. to one. 10 minutes a week earlier despite to Ireland. this experience to motivate them British media. “This information related to Sale using some But after narrow defeats against leading for much of their 19-16 “But it’s mostly the lack of con- ahead of their next clash against The 31-year-old Sexton, a key backs in their line-out on occasion and that an- the world’s top three sides in their defeat to England at Twickenham, tinuity in our play that dissatisfi ed Wales in two weeks’ time. fi gure in Ireland’s Six Nations other back would be defending in a diff erent posi- previous three matches, Noves said Noves was particularly pleased that me.” “There is frustration and we’ll championship triumphs of 2014 tion at times. that victory, despite a slightly dis- his side won this match in the run- If Noves was unhappy with his use that frustration to kick off next and 2015, is currently nursing a calf “The RFU has determined that this information, jointed performance, was a step in in. Tries from Stuart Hogg and Tim team’s rucking, frustrated Scotland week’s training,” said Cotter. problem but is expected to be fi t while at the lower end of the scale of seriousness, the right direction. Swinson either side of a score by coach Vern Cotter acknowledged for the side’s next fi xture against falls within the defi nition of inside information (as “We’ve been working on a rugby Gael Fickou had twice given Scot- that France were on top at the Schmidt delights at flyhalf France in Dublin on Feb. 25. per regulation 17.2). that suits our qualities for a year land the lead. scrum. And he said that was why selection dilemma for Ireland “Johnny has proven in the past “But in the absence of any evidence of betting or now,” said Noves, who took over Going into the fi nal 10 minutes his team failed to kick on from their Ireland fl yhalf Paddy Jackson’s that he can come straight back into fi xing, there had not been a breach of RFU regula- from Philippe Saint-Andre follow- the scores were level at 16-16 but good starts to either half. virtuoso display in Saturday’s Six the team (after an injury lay off ) and tion 17. ing the 2015 World Cup. Camille Lopez knocked over his “They obviously got the upper Nations win over Italy means John- hit the ground running,” Schmidt “However, the RFU has deemed that Tom Ar- “In fairness, the many mistakes fourth and fi fth penalties of the hand at scrum time, which gave ny Sexton has a battle on his hands added. scott’s behaviour was inappropriate and the player could have given that impression afternoon to earn France the vic- them fi eld position,” said the New to reclaim his starting place, head “So it would be good to have has received a written warning for his conduct and (that it was a step backwards), be- tory. Zealander. coach Joe Schmidt has said. them both in camp to square them he will be required to undertake a relevant World cause apart from the try where we France made a lot of handling er- “We needed fi eld position but Jackson has been impressive in off , and see how they’re travelling.” rugby education module.”

SPOTLIGHT Injuries no excuse for Scotland coach Cotter

AFP didn’t link well, we’ll have to “We only had three or four Paris look at it. We lost players but we balls maximum to play with. The regrouped pretty well.” match was broken up by lots of Scotland outscored France by turnovers. cotland coach Vern Cot- two tries from Stuart Hogg and “The breakdown was crucial ter refused to use inju- Tim Swinson to one from Gael because we gave away seven or ries as an excuse for his Fickou but couldn’t match their eight penalties. That showed team’s 22-16 defeat to opponents’ power at times and what we’ve got to work on before FranceS in the Six Nations. gave away a succession of penal- Ireland.” Scotland lost four players to ties. While France coach Guy injury during the course of the French kicker Camille Lopez Noves said the most important match at the Stade de France, scored 17 points with the boot thing was the victory following starting with captain and fi rst- while Finn Russell managed only three narrow defeats in a row choice kicker Greig Laidlaw with two penalties on his register. to , New Zealand and an ankle problem after just 25 “The game was stop-start at England, he admitted that he minutes. times, we couldn’t get a rhythm wasn’t happy with the perform- Three more players also hob- to our attack,” moaned Cotter. ance. bled off while centre Alex Dun- “Our fi rst try was well con- “Obviously in terms of the bar was forced off for vefi min- structed but at times we lost content we’re frustrated. Even utes after a knock to the head, shape. Credit to the French, though Scotland took their although he was able to con- they came at us, they were very chances with their qualities, tinue. physical. they really disrupted us in the “We train for these types of “The breakdown was a tough rucks,” said the former Toulouse scenarios. It’s not ideal but we aff air. To come away with one boss. certainly wouldn’t use it as an point is better than no points.” “We spilled quite a few balls excuse,” said New Zealander France captain Guilhem and were weak in the scoring Cotter, who preferred to focus Guirado felt his side would need zones. on his team’s at-times heroic to improve at the breakdown “Maybe the pressure of need- defending. ahead of their trip to Ireland in ing to get a result aff ected the “The players showed a lot of two weeks’ time. team but I’m delighted for them. courage not to take a try in the “It was a scrappy match, there “We lost in the fi nal 10 min- last 10 minutes on our line. We was a lot of disorganised play utes against England due to a defended well.” where we struggled,” said the lack of character, but today that He added: “Some of our play hooker. period was in our favour.” Scotland’s centre Huw Jones reacts after losing the Six Nations match against France at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. (AFP) Gulf Times Tuesday, February 14, 2017 9 SPORT

GOLF ATHLETICS Only one Russian Spieth rolls to athlete has returned medal four-stroke win to IOC: offi cial AFP sian Olympic Committee and the in- Moscow ternational one and the athletes. Last week Russian Olympic Com- mittee chief Alexander Zhukov said o far only one of the Russian that it “was continuing with its work” at Pebble Beach athletes stripped of Olympic to return the medals. medals for doping has given it “Although only few athletes have back to the International Ol- agreed to return medals, we are contin- It was Spieth’s first triumph since his Australian Open win last November ympicS Committee, a senior Moscow uing to work on this. We are contacting sports offi cial said yesterday. them via their sports federations,” he Runner Anton Kokorin, who won told TASS agency. bronze in Beijing in the men’s 4X400m Aleksandra Brilliantova, the ROC relay team, is the only athlete to have legal department chief, complained returned his Olympic medal, Yelena however that the ROC had no leverage Ikonnikova, the anti-doping co-or- to force the country’s athletes to return dinator of the athletics federation their Olympic medals. (RusAF), told AFP. “The ROC doesn’t have any estab- The IOC has ruled that all the ath- lished procedure for returning medals, letes who were stripped of their medals and this is a serious problem,” TASS over doping violations must give them agency quoted Brilliantova as saying. back. Media reports said that 13 Russian Ikonnikova confi rmed that Russia’s athletes who won medals at the 2008 athletics federation has received a list Beijing Games and eight who were of the athletes concerned and passed medal winners at London in 2012 have it on. tested positive for banned substances “We’ve distributed the list and the and have been ordered to return their IOC demand for the return of Olym- gongs to the IOC. pic medals to all the athletes and the Some of the doping violators have regional (athletics) federations con- already retired and are seeking to defy cerned,” she said. the order and hold onto their Olympic Ikonnikova added that RusAF has medals, causing additional friction be- served as a mediator between the Rus- tween the IOC and the ROC.

Runner Anton Kokorin, who won bronze in Beijing in the men’s 4X400m relay team, is the only athlete to have returned his Olympic medal. Jordan Spieth hits his tee shot on the 14th hole during the final round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in Pebble Beach, California, on Sunday. (AFP)

AFP tapping in and then made 14 pars be- son Day of Australia on 275 alongside 273 - Dustin Johnson (USA) 70-69-66- TRAGEDY San Francisco fore sinking a 30-foot birdie putt at Spain’s Jon Rahm and American Gary 68 the par-3 17th. Woodland. 274 - Brandt Snedeker (USA) 68-69- “I kept saying, ‘I don’t like playing 67-70 wo-time major champion Jor- boring golf,’” Spieth said. “But that’s KRAFT CLICKS 275 - Gary Woodland (USA) 70-73-67- Woman dies aft er Hong dan Spieth fi red a bogey-free what was needed today and that’s how Kraft fi red a 67 but never came nearer 65, Jason Day (AUS) 69-64-75-67, Jon two-under par 70 Sunday to we closed it out.” than three shots to Spieth in settling Rahm (ESP) 73-67-67-68 win the Pebble Beach National Spieth, who won the 2015 Masters for his best career PGA fi nish. 278 - Noh Seung-Yul (KOR) 68-71-69-70, TPro-Am and capture his ninth career and US Open, captured his fi rst title “This is great,” Kraft said. “My game Kong marathon collapse Rob Oppenheim (USA) 69-69-68-72 US PGA Tour title. of the year and became the fi rst player is really good. I haven’t been clicking 279 - Cameron Percy (AUS) 73-66-71- The 23-year-old American birdied 23-or-under to win by three or more all four rounds and everything clicked 69, Kevin Kisner (USA) 72-67-71-69, AFP Sunday’s marathon took place un- the second and second-to-last holes shots fi ve times. here. What a fabulous place to do it.” Nick Taylor (CAN) 70-70-68-71, Mac- der blue skies but pollution levels in the fi nal round at Pebble Beach Golf Only 14-time major winner Tiger Johnson fi red a 68 but wondered kenzie Hughes (CAN) 70-70-68-71 were deemed “unhealthy for sensitive Links, the only course used Sunday af- Woods has won nine PGA titles at a what might have been had he not 280 - Pat Perez (USA) 73-64-74-69, Will groups” with the Air Quality Index at ter three layouts were played over the younger age, about a month quicker taken a bogey at the par-5 sixth and MacKenzie (USA) 70-68-74-68, Kevin 52-year-old woman runner 126. tournament’s fi rst three rounds. than Spieth, who also became the sec- missed short birdie putts at the par-5 Streelman (USA) 74-70-67-69, Martin who took part in the Hong Of the runners who took part, 11 were Spieth fi nished on 19-under par ond-youngest Pebble Beach champion 14th and 18th holes. Flores (USA) 70-68-72-70, Shane Lowry Kong marathon died yester- taken to hospital on Sunday, including 268, having seized a six-stroke lead after compatriot John Cook in 1981. “I felt like I was playing really well,” (IRL) 70-68-72-70, Nick Watney (USA) day, a day after collapsing on the woman who died. after 54 holes with back-to-back 65s It was Spieth’s fi rst triumph since Johnson said. “I played well on the theA fi nish line of the 10-kilometre race. Two of them were also in a serious 70-71-69-70, Trey Mullinax (USA) 73-69- Friday and Saturday that allowed him winning the Australian Open last No- front. I just didn’t make any putts. 68-70, Scott Stallings (USA) 72-70-65- The amateur athlete had been in a condition, according to local media. to cruise to a four-stroke triumph over vember. Spieth lost in his fi rst four “I’m happy with the way I fi nished,” 73, Geoff Ogilvy (AUS) 71-70-66-73 critical condition after the event Sun- Authorities yesterday said six people fellow American Kelly Kraft. attempts to win when leading after Johnson added. “The game is start- 281 - Patrick Reed (USA) 71-66-74-70, day, which saw 74,000 competitors were still in hospital and all were stable. “It’s unbelievable. We had just a 54 holes but since then has won six ing to turn around. I’m just getting Steve Stricker (USA) 72-70-70-69, Ken pound the streets. Ethiopia’s Bizuneh Melaku Belachew fantastic weekend,” Spieth said. “I hit of seven such opportunities, faltering refreshed. I’m getting back into it. I Duke (USA) 73-70-69-69, Tony Finau Hospital authorities said yesterday smashed his personal best to win the 17 greens today. It was just kind of a only with an epic back-nine collapse think the game is in good shape for the (USA) 71-68-72-70, Matt Jones (AUS) the woman had died after she became main 42km race in a new course record dream round when you are leading by at last year’s Masters. rest of this year.” 72-67-71-71, Robert Garrigus (USA) unconscious and was taken into inten- of two hours, 10 minutes and 31 sec- a bunch. Finally got one to go in at 17.” Reigning US Open champion Dustin 69-71-70-71, Luke Donald (ENG) 75-69- sive care, but gave no further details. onds. In his 100th career PGA event, Spi- Johnson was third on 273 with fellow LEADING FINAL ROUND SCORES 65-72, JB Holmes (USA) 70-75-69-67, She had participated in the race with Ethiopia also claimed fi rst place in eth birdied the par-5 second hole after American Brandt Snedeker another 268 - Jordan Spieth (USA) 68-65-65-70 Jason Kokrak (USA) 77-68-69-67, Derek her husband, who accompanied her to the women’s race, with Gulume Tollesa reaching the green in two shots and shot back and world number one Ja- 272 - Kelly Kraft (USA) 69-70-66-67 Fathauer (USA) 70-64-73-74 hospital, local television reported. Chala crossing the line in 2:33:39.

SPOTLIGHT Red Bull to organise Qatar’s fi rst head-to-head T3 buggy race

By Sports Reporter and spectators a fun-fi lled event. venture, as it provides idyllic en- Doha Commenting on the event, vironment where the customised, QMMF executive director Sultan unique track can be set up for the al-Murraikhi said, “This is the fi rst competition. ed Bull is all set to organise race of its kind where drivers will Red Bull Qaher El T3ous is open the country’s fi rst head- be competing head-to-head on the to all motorsport amateurs residing to-head T3 Buggy Race on same track. The challenge is be- in Qatar. As part of the technical re- RMarch 3, 2017, at Sealine. tween racers and not against time. quirements, drivers will be required Red Bull Qaher El T3ous will see The crowned winner will merit the to wear safety gear including helmets motorsport amateurs and Qatar’s title based on his manoeuvring com- and closed shoes, and participate dune racers compete against each petences and not the strength of his with their own T3 buggies — stock other, off the beaten track, on diff er- buggy.” category. It is also mandatory that ent tricky terrains. He added, “Red Bull Qaher El all buggies be fi tted with functional The winner, who emerges as the T3ous is also innovative when it seat belts and fi xed battery; partici- local hero, will take home an envi- comes to the smart yet natural pating buggies will be scrutinised to able T3 buggy as the grand prize. All obstacles that participants have ensure safe and fair standards. the prizes, including for second and to face in a safe environment. The Registrations need to be done on- third place fi nishers, will be provid- public will be able to watch the full line at www.redbull.com/qaherel- ed by Speed Marine. race while staying in one place.” t3ous and while tickets will be avail- Supported and supervised by Qa- With an ever-rising interest in able at Virgin Megastore soon. tar Motor and Motorcycle Federation dune bashing, Qaher El T3ous will Red Bull Qaher El T3ous is being (QMMF), Qaher El T3ous – which off er an unusual experience, as par- held in partnership with Vodafone, means the conqueror of the dunes, ticipants will get to demonstrate Speed Marine, Woqod, Al Kass TV will off er a challenging yet safe plat- their buggy skills. and GoPro, while I Love Qatar will form, for desert racing enthusiasts, Sealine has been chosen as the lo- provide media support and Qatar while promising to off er competitors cation for the unusual desert-racing Living is the community partner. Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, February 14, 2017

FOCUS SCENE SETTER South Africa face up to their Eden T20 blitz puts Park demons Hong Kong on map Former British colony could now make itself a centre in East Asia for T20 cricket

AFP Hong Kong

burgeoning tourna- SA Test and T20 captain Faf du Plessis. ment and growing interest from abroad is turning Hong Kong Reuters hind us, but the emotions of the into one of Asia’s fastest-rising Wellington day will always be with us. cricketingA destinations — and could help “That’s not a bad thing. Al- the sport make inroads into mainland though we were on the wrong side China. outh Africa have arrived of winning the game, it was a great Hong Kong’s T20 Blitz is approach- in New Zealand full of game of cricket and something ing only its second edition but already confi dence after replacing that will always be with us.” it is attracting a number of well-known SAustralia at the top of the After the one-off T20 match, players, including Test captain one-day cricket rankings but the the teams play fi ve ODI’s before Misbah-ul-Haq and hard-hitting all- Proteas will have mixed feelings the opening match of the Test se- rounder Shahid Afridi. about their return to Eden Park ries in Dunedin next month. The densely populated city has also this week. The Proteas will look to stretch been proposed as a possible venue for The three-Test tour kicks off their golden summer into autumn, Australia’s successful Big Bash League, with a having swept both Australia and which boasts bumper crowds and TV rat- on Friday at the Auckland venue Sri Lanka 5-0 in one-day series ings. where South Africa lost the 2015 at home. South Africa also beat It is a surprising scenario for Hong World Cup semi-fi nal to the hosts Steve Smith’s Australia 2-1 away Kong, given that it has few cricket when Grant Elliott smashed a six in their Test series and returned grounds, only 795 registered senior male off paceman Dale Steyn on the home to sweep the Sri Lankans players and scant interest in the sport second-last ball. 3-0 but face a New Zealand team among its ethnic Chinese majority popu- South Africa had been fancied unbeaten at home this summer lation. to shed their reputation as World across all formats. Du Plessis said But the former British colony could Cup ‘chokers’ and reach a maiden the tour would be good prepara- now make itself a centre in East Asia for fi nal in the global showpiece and tion for the ICC Champions Tro- Twenty20 cricket, which has already the defeat left several players in phy in England and Wales in June, spawned the popular Big Bash, Indian tears. It was later described as a tournament the Proteas have Premier League and similar competitions shattered captain AB De Villiers’ underperformed in since winning elsewhere. “greatest disappointment”. the inaugural edition in 1998. Tim Cutler, Cricket Hong Kong’s Test and T20 captain Faf du “We are putting a huge amount 34-year-old CEO, takes inspiration from Plessis, who top-scored for his of emphasis on one-day cricket,” rugby’s Hong Kong Sevens, whose suc- team in the semi-fi nal with 82, added the 32-year-old. cess helped the sport return to the Olym- said yesterday he still carried scars “We haven’t performed the way pics last year. from the match. we’d like in ICC tournaments. “Look at the Hong Kong Sevens,” Cut- “It was a great game, but it’ll “The buildup we have is looking ler told AFP. be mixed feelings getting back good. “Hong Kong is not known for its sport- there,” Du Plessis told local media “New Zealand have a great en- ing prowess but it can run international in Auckland. ergy in their team and they are events. It’s an easy place to get things “Honestly, something like that very competitive, especially in the done. Outside, people are thinking, ‘How you always carry it with you. As a fi elding department, so you al- can we be part of that?’” team, we’ve defi nitely put it be- ways feel their presence.” Former Australia captain Michael Clarke came out of retirement to be the sole star player at last year’s inaugural SPOTLIGHT T20 Blitz, but he seems to have blazed a trail for Misbah, Afridi and others. The next edition from March 8-12 will also feature the West Indies’ two-time Qalandars record World Twenty20-winning captain Dar- ren Sammy, Sri Lanka legends Kumar Sangakkara and Tillakeratne Dilshan, lowest PSL score India’s Yusuf Pathan, England’s Tymal Mills and New Zealand batsman Jesse Agencies England’s one-day and Ryder. Dubai Twenty20 captain Eoin Morgan “To have that talent playing alongside led Peshawar to the target in 17 local players, you can’t buy that kind of This file photo taken on March 24, 2016 shows Pakistan’s captain Shahid Afridi during a training session at the Punjab overs with a patient 26-ball 23 experience,” said Cutler. Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali. A burgeoning Twenty20 tournament and growing interest from abroad is turning Hong atar owned Lahore while Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir “We’re the only associate (second- Kong into one of Asia’s fastest-rising cricketing destinations – and could help the sport make inroads into mainland China. Hong Qalandars recorded Shah took 4-7 as he threatened tier ICC member) to launch a franchise- Kong’s T20 Blitz is approaching only its second edition but already it is attracting a number of well-known players, including the lowest score of to engineer an unlikely win. based T20. There are lots of envious Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq and hard-hitting all-rounder Afridi. the Pakistan Super In the other match of the day, cricket federations around the world.” LeagueQ but still managed to Pakistan Twenty20 captain Sar- Despite their lack of resources, Hong mainland China, whose only cricket chief execu- Afridi, who next month will skipper stretch Peshawar Zalmi on Sun- fraz Ahmed led Quetta Gladia- Kong have cricketing pedigree, after ris- ground sits not far across the border in tive Syed Ashraful Haque has said global the Kowloon Cantons, one of fi ve teams day. tors to the top of the table after ing as high as 10th in the T20 rankings the sprawling city of Guangzhou. revenues for the sport could increase by at the T20 Blitz, said he was excited by It was a tricky day for the thumping Karachi Kings by sev- and beating in Chittagong at The ICC describes the Asian giant as a 30-40 % if China became an established the opportunity of bringing cricket to batsmen as Lahore Qaland- en . the 2014 World Twenty20. “strategic priority” and says it is working cricketing nation. new audiences. ars were bowled out for 59, but It was a second win in as many Last year, Hong Kong also agreed with with the China Cricket Association on Cutler said: “If China were to take “T20 is a good format for introducing Peshawar Zalmi also struggled games for Quetta as they top the China, South Korea and Japan to hold a ways to “achieve sustainable growth in up cricket, if it picked up by just one %, cricket to people who don’t know it,” he to make the winning target of table with four points. biennial East , with the fi rst edi- one of the most complex and competitive you’re talking about a potentially huge told AFP from Pakistan. 60, losing seven wickets in the Peshawar have two wins and tion played in November. sports markets in the world”. market. “People in such places don’t have time process. one loss while Islamabad United “It’s about carving a niche for us in China has 52 teams, according to the “The T20 gives us the potential of for a one-day international or a Test. As a Pakistan paceman Hasan Ali have two points (one win and East Asia,” Cutler said. Asian Cricket Council, and the ICC puts growing our audience in China and be- professional cricketer when someone ap- took three wickets while Eng- one loss) and Lahore two defeats The big prize for Hong Kong, and the current participation fi gures at 80,285, yond, expanding into China and acting as proaches you, you go there and you help land’s Chris Jordan claimed two. and a win. International Cricket Council, lies in including 36,000 women and girls. a go-between.” cricket in that place.”

SUPPORT BOTTOMLINE Coach Langer No surprises at ICC women’s backs Shaun Marsh to bat at six in India

Reuters rounder Hilton Cartwright during qualifying event series against South Africa and Melbourne Agencies and Pakistan crossed-over with two rested our new-ball bowler Shikha Pan- Captain grabbed five for Pakistan, with none of the three Dubai points each, while Ireland and Bangla- dey. Our spinners are doing well and it’s 14 with her off-spin and leg- able to cement their place. desh advanced without any points since a matter of Shikha getting a good partner spinner Nashra Sandhu grabbed three haun Marsh has valuable With rookie Matt Renshaw they beat sides that did not qualify. early on. But I think we have some back- for 13 but Pakistan itself was rattled by experience in the subcon- likely to be retained as opening ll six sides with One-Day Inter- In the Super Six stage, sides will play up players going into the Super Six stage, pace bowler Kiristie Gordon who twice tinent and should slot into batsman after impressing in his national status at the ICC Wom- qualifi ers from the other group, with the where we know we will be playing better came up with double-blows to slow the vacant number six spot four tests over the summer, Shaun en’s World Cup Qualifi er 2017 top four at the end of this stage qualifying teams.” down the chase. inS Australia’s batting order for the Marsh is in a battle with his broth- have retained their grade for the for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 as The script ran on similar lines for Gordon, who bowled 10 overs on upcoming tour of India, his state er and hard-hitting all-rounder Anext four-year cycle by qualifying for the well as the ICC Women’s Championship. South Africa, which bowled out Papua the trot, dismissed Nain Abidi (21) and coach Justin Langer has said. Glenn Maxwell for the middle or- Super Six stage here yesterday. The draw for the next round pits India New Guinea for 76 in 32.4 overs. Opener (zero) off successive Marsh has not played since der position. There were no surprises in store as In- and South Africa against each other on Brenda Tau top-scored for PNG with 30 deliveries when the score was 40 and breaking a fi nger as an opening “It depends on which balance dia, Sri Lanka and Ireland advanced from the opening day of the Super Six stage but pace bowler Shabnim Ismail, leg- then accounted for Nahida Khan (20) batsman in the fi rst Test against they go for, how Australia wants to Group A, while South Africa, Pakistan on 15 February, while India and Pakistan spinner Sune Luus and off -spinner Yolani and (zero) off consecutive South Africa in November but the line up,” Western Australia coach and Bangladesh made it from Group B are drawn to play on 19 February in what Fourie grabbed two wickets each. South balls to reduce Pakistan to 55 for four. 33-year-old was named in the 16- Langer told Australian Associated as the last round of preliminary league will be the two most high-profi le match- Africa openers Laura Wolvaardt (43 not Sana Mir said: “It’s always special to man squad for the four-Test series Press. matches were completed. es. Both these matches will be played at out) and Lara Goodall (28 ) saw be contributing to the team. These per- against India, which starts in Pune “If they go the traditional XI On the day of league matches, India de- broadcast venue P. Sara Stadium and the team through in 13.5 overs. formances are definitely going to help on Feb. 23. you’d pick Shaun because of his feated Zimbabwe by nine wickets, South will be among the matches to be live- South Africa captain Dane van us in the next round, but the perform- All-rounder Mitchell Marsh, record in not only the subconti- Africa thrashed Papua New Guinea by 10 streamed at icc-cricket.com Niekerk: “I thought we got better ances here have finished and now there Shaun’s younger brother, played nent but for Australia. wickets, Pakistan overpowered Scotland In the feature match yesterday, In- throughout the tournament. We said would be a new day and we have to per- at number six in the same match “He deserves to play, Shaun by six wickets and host Sri Lanka out- dia’s leg-spinner ripped we wanted to be clinical and we were, form again.” against the Proteas but was deserves to play in the test match. smarted Thailand by seven wickets. through the batting as Zimbabwe folded today. We won the game with 10 wick- In another match, Sri Lanka restrict- dropped for the second test in fa- Even before his injury, he deserved The teams to have qualifi ed carry up for a meagre 60 in 28.5 overs after ets, which is what you’d expect chasing ed Thailand to 122 for eight and got the vour of a specialist batsman and to play.” Shaun Marsh, who has an points gained against other sides that electing to bat. Opener Veda Krishna- low totals. required runs in 34.4 overs. then overlooked for the rest of the average of 40.15 from 19 tests in a have advanced from their group. murthy (29) and Mona Meshram (21 not That’s something we rectified. I can’t Nattaya Boochatham followed her home summer. career blighted by injury, has never This means that India and South Africa out) then made short work of the chase as fault our bowlers. Hopefully again we’re 44-run knock against Ireland with a The spot has become some- toured India with the test side but not only topped the standings but also India got to the target in only nine overs. just searching for that perfect game.” solid 50 even as Sripali Weerakkody, Es- thing of a headache for selectors, has scored two centuries in Sri have the cushion of four points as they India captain said: “Today Things were not as easy for Pakistan even hani Lokusuriyage and captain Inoka who churned through Callum Lanka, including his 130 in the won all their league matches. Sri Lanka we tried out some new combinations, though they dismissed Scotland for 91. Ranaweera fi nished with two wickets each. Ferguson, Nic Maddinson and all- third Test in Colombo in August. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 14, 2017 11 CRICKET

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT We need Test experience, says From ‘joker’ to Bangladesh captain

AFP “If you look at our bowling Hyderabad line-up, apart from Shakib (Al Hasan) there is hardly a player who has played more than 10-12 skipper as Root angladesh skipper Tests,” Rahim said, pointing to Mushfi qur Rahim said his side’s lack of experience. yesterday his side des- “It doesn’t matter how many perately needed more runs you score, but it’s important BTest experience to be competi- to restrict the opposition bat- tive against top teams after their ting.” 208-run thumping in their fi rst Rahim also lamented the ab- fi ve-day game on Indian soil. sence of a quality batsman like takes charge Chasing a daunting target of Virat Kohli, the Indian skipper 459, Bangladesh’s lower-order whose blazing 204 helped the put up some resistance but the home side amass a crushing 687- A particular concern regarding Root is that he is seen as something of a free spirit team was bowled out for 250 in 6 declared in the fi rst innings. an extended afternoon session Where Kohli averages above 50 on the fi nal day of the Test in Hy- in all the three formats, Bangla- derabad. desh boasts only Shakib Al Has- Mahmudullah (64) shrugged an, who averages above 40 in just off poor form to register his 13th Tests. Test 50 while young spinner Me- Rahim said a player like Kohli hedi Hasan made a gutsy 61-ball would have prevented Bangla- 23 to delay the inevitable against desh from needing to fi eld seven the world’s number one Test batsmen on the fi nal day. side. “Four (batsmen) would have Ninth-ranked Bangladesh been enough to draw a match, have won just three of their 44 but unfortunately we don’t have away Tests since gaining fi ve- a Virat Kohli in our team,” he day status in 2000, but Rahim said. believes the team is improving Rahim himself missed a with every passing year. stumping chance off Wriddhi- “The more Tests we play, the man Saha, who went on to score better we will become as a unit,” a century, inviting questions Rahim told reporters after their about whether he is juggling too loss. many responsibilities. “We have been playing a little The captain, wicketkeeper and better than in the last fi ve years, batsmen said he was determined so hopefully we will step up and to prove he could deliver in all the boys will improve with expe- three departments. rience.” “At the moment I am really Indian spinners Ravichan- enjoying what I am doing. The dran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja captaincy is not up to me, it’s the claimed four wickets each to see board’s decision. They can ana- off Bangladesh, who started the lyse the whole thing and come up day on 103 for three. with a decision,” he said.

File photo of Joe Root celebrating England winning the Ashes.

AFP Swann said even making Root vice- “There were two left-handers (Ku- rary leading batsmen Virat Kohli (India), London captain to Cook meant the 26-year-old mar Sangakkara and Steven Davies) at Steve Smith (Australia) and Kane Wil- was no longer “the cheeky, dynamic joie the crease, our main spinner Adil Rash- liamson (New Zealand) as a Test captain. de vivre-type player he was two or three id turns the ball into them, so let’s try Their example, particularly that of ill the responsibility of be- years ago.” something diff erent. Kohli, suggests far from reducing Root’s ing England’s Test captain But former Australia fast bowler Jason “He changed the fi eld, brought catch- eff ectiveness as a run-scorer, the cap- over-burden Joe Root or in- Gillespie, who observed Root’s devel- ers in, and lo and behold he picked up taincy could even see him up his impres- spire the Yorkshire batsman opment during fi ve years as Yorkshire both wickets inside four overs. sive Test average of 52.80. Wto even greater heights? coach, insisted those fears were ground- “That was the kind of captaincy move It might even be the spark that sees That was the question England fans less. that told me Joe won’t be a guy who lets the stylish Root, who has 11 hundreds were asking themselves after Root was “I understand the point he’s trying to the game meander. He will be a leader from 53 Tests, improve on a percentage appointed to succeed Alastair Cook as make,” Gillespie, who returned to Aus- who is always thinking two steps ahead.” conversion rate of fi fties into centuries Test skipper yesterday. tralia last year for family reasons, told Root played for the same Sheffi eld of 28.95 that is one of the few less than A particular concern regarding Root the Guardian. Collegiate club as Michael Vaughan, who stellar statistics of his England career to is that he is seen as something of a free “And no one wants Joe to lose his also had limited captaincy experience date. spirit — he gave a television interview swagger or that inherent cheekiness but before becoming a successful England Gillespie, speaking before Root’s ap- in a comedy ‘old man’ mask while do- this is a guy who is maturing all the time. skipper. pointment was confi rmed, said: “It re- ing an impression of former England fast He’s played 53 Tests, he’s 26 years old Yorkshire and England great Geoff rey minds me of the 1980s, where we had the bowler Bob Willis following England’s and he is ready to go,” added Gillespie. Boycott, who had a brief spell as Test four great all-rounders — Ian Botham, 2015 Ashes series win — and that these While Root has only led Yorkshire in skipper in 1978, said Ashes-winning Richard Hadlee, Kapil Dev and Imran qualities might be crushed by the duties three Championship matches, Gillespie captain Vaughan off ered an encouraging Khan — all competing on the world stage. imposed upon a Test skipper. said a brief stint as acting skipper against example for Root to follow. “This decade we’ve got four great Making a star player, a status Root has Surrey last year convinced him of his “When Michael was appointed Eng- batsmen in Joe Root, Steve Smith, Virat long had in the side, England captain did tactical acumen. land captain, he had not been captain of Kohli and Kane Williamson and with not result in happy spells in charge for “Our captain, Andrew Gale, went off Yorkshire.. yet he was brilliant because them now all leading their countries, the likes of Ian Botham, Andrew Flintoff for a few overs to see the physio, Joe took he was innovative,” Boycott wrote in the providing Root gets the job, to me it Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim celebrating after scoring or Kevin Pietersen. over and immediately brought himself Daily Telegraph. seems a similarly exciting time to be a a century against India on the fourth day of their one-off Test match Former England off -spinner Graeme on to bowl. Root has now joined fellow contempo- cricket fan.” at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad.

BOTTOMLINE ‘Do it your way’, Hussain tells new captain

AFP want him to continue scoring runs’,” h e As for the 26-year-old Root’s repu- cricket correspondent of The Times London added, with Root currently averaging tation as a ‘cheeky’ cricketer, Hussain newspaper, said. an impressive 52.80 in Tests. said: “Don’t be fooled by the boy- “There’s always a sense of uncer- “It generally follows a pattern where ish smile...he likes to joke around but tainty and unknowing, especially so asser Hussain urged Joe initially there’s a massive lift in per- there’s a very serious side to Joe Root as with Root because he’s pretty inexpe- Root to lead in his own way formance but for most England cap- we’ve seen in his cricket. He’s a steely rienced when it comes to leadership. and keep piling on the runs tains if there’s a dip in form of the team character.” “He’s got just four fi rst-class games after he was appointed as then the weight of responsibility and really and the odd session when Cook NEngland’s new Test captain yesterday. the pressure lands on your shoulders. left the fi eld. What we do know is he’s “It generally follows a pattern Yorkshire batsman Root, previously That can aff ect you and your form.” where initially there’s a massive a singular, driven individual, one of the England’s vice-captain, had long been Meanwhile Hussain said he expected lift in performance but for most best players in the world and highly re- the favourite to take over from Alastair England to play a more aggressive brand England captains if there’s a spected in the dressing room.” Cook, who resigned as Test skipper last of with Root at the helm dip in form of the team then the David Gower, another ex-Eng- week after a national record 59 matches than had been the case under Cook and weight of responsibility and the land captain turned Sky broadcaster, in charge. the opener’s immediate predecessor as pressure lands on your backed Root to follow the example of Hussain was England captain from skipper, Andrew Strauss. shoulders. That can aff ect you fellow contemporary star batsman Vi- 1999-2003 and, as Root will have to do, “As captain I think he’ll be diff erent and your form” rat Kohli. combined the duties of leadership with to Cook. More in the face of the oppo- “A lot of people are talking about being one of the side’s top-order bats- sition, more blatantly in charge of the Michael Atherton was a year young- Virat Kohli being given the job of India men. team. That’s Joe being Joe,” he said. er than Root when he became England captain, no mean job at all, and he has “Two bits of advice I’d give Joe are, “We’ve played under a couple of de- captain and warned the new skipper he responded brilliantly,” said Gower. one, do it your way because when fensive captains in Strauss and Cook. would now face demands unlike any- “Joe has the same capacity to be ex- it goes wrong it’ll be you taking the “Does he need to take it on in a more thing else he had previously experi- actly the same. He’s certainly a good blame and the second bit is look after aggressive way? He has aggressive enced in cricket. enough player, he doesn’t have to doubt your batting,” Hussain told Sky Sports. players in (Ben) Stokes, (Stuart) Broad “He’s no longer just Joe Root, he’s his ability, he just has to accept life will “That is the most important thing. I and (Jonny) Bairstow. He’s got to look Joe Root England captain, with that be a lot diff erent and time will be short,” think England cricket fans will be say- at the side and create a culture going comes all kinds of added responsibility added Gower, who fi rst became Eng- ing ‘yeah we love his captaincy but we forward.” he’s not had before,” Atherton, now the land captain back in 1982.

Tuesday, February 14, 2017 GULF TIMES CRICKET

HYDERABAD TEST SPOTLIGHT India ease past ‘Excited’ Root new Bangladesh in England warning to Aussies Test captain Ashwin, Jadeja bag four wickets each as hosts win Hyderabad Test by 208 runs

Root: new challenge

AFP Last week, Strauss made it clear London he wanted Eoin Morgan to remain as England’s one-day interna- tional and Twenty20 captain. oe Root said he felt “privi- Root has an impressive Test av- leged, humbled and very erage of nearly 53 in 53 matches. excited” after being given He scored the fi rst of his 11 Test the “huge honour” of being hundreds at Headingley, his York- namedJ England’s new Test cap- shire home ground, in May 2013 The Indian cricket team pose with their trophies after winning the one-off Test match against Bangladesh yesterday. tain. and currently has a total of 4,594 One of the worst kept secrets Test runs. Sunday, trapped Taskin Ahmed lbw to in English sport was fi nally made He has also become a mainstay AFP SCORECARD Hyderabad fi nish with fi gures of four for 73. public Monday when the England of the England side in all three There was some drama after the um- and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) international formats, prompting India 1st innings: 687-6 dec (V. Kohli Kamrul Islam Rabbi not out ...... 3 pire originally turned down his appeal but announced that Root had been concerns about his workload. ndia issued a battle cry to Australia 204, M. Vijay 108; T. Islam 3-156) Taijul Islam c Rahul b Jadeja ...... 6 had to change his mind after the decision made Test captain in succession to But Strauss was in no doubt yesterday after wrapping up a com- Bangladesh 1st innings: 388 (M. Taskin Ahmed lbw b Ashwin ...... 1 was reviewed by the Indian team. Alastair Cook. Root, whom he said had accepted prehensive 208-run victory over Rahim 127, Shakib Al Hasan 82; U. Yadav Extras: (b 4, lb 7, nb 3) ...... 14 Ashwin also dismissed fi rst innings The Yorkshire batsman, previ- “immediately” after he was asked Bangladesh with a devastating dis- 3-84) Total: (all out; 100.3 overs) ...... 250 centurion Mushfi qur Rahim (23) in the ously England’s vice-captain, had to be England captain last week, Iplay of spin bowling by Ravichandran India 2nd innings: Fall of wickets: morning session to scupper Bangladesh’s been the overwhelming favourite was the right man for the job. 159-4 dec (C. Pujara 1-11 (Iqbal), 2-71 (Sarkar), Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. 54 not not; Shakib Al Hasan 2-50) 3-75 (Haque), 4-106 (Shakib), 5-162 (Ra- only real hope of saving the match, while to take over from Cook, who re- “Joe has shown a number of ad- Chasing 459 for victory on the fi nal day Bangladesh 2nd innings: (target 459; him), 6-213 (Rahman), 7-225 (Mahmudul- Jadeja accounted for star batsman Shakib signed as Test skipper last week mirable qualities in his Test career of their fi rst Test on Indian soil, Bangla- overnight 103-3, Mahmudullah 9 not out, lah), 8-242 (Hasan), 9-249 (Taijul), 10-250 Al Hasan (22). after a national record 59 matches so far,” said Strauss. desh were bowled out for 250 in an ex- Shakib Al Hasan 21 not out) (Ahmed) Mahmudullah then put on fi ghting in charge. “Making his debut in 2012 at the tended afternoon session after stubborn Tamim Iqbal c Kohli b Ashwin ...... 3 Bowling: Kumar 8-4-15-0, Ashwin 30.3- partnerships with their captain Rahim “It is a huge honour to be given age of 21 and going on to estab- resistance from their lower order. c Rahane b Jadeja ...... 42 10-73-4, Sharma 13-3-40-2 (3nb), Yadav and Sabbir Rahman to resist the Indian the England Test captaincy,” the lish himself as one of the premier Ashwin and Jadeja shared eight sec- c Rahane b Ashwin ....27 12-2-33-0, Jadeja 37-15-78-4 attack on what still seemed to be a decent 26-year-old Root said in an ECB batsmen in all forms of the game ond innings wickets to help India extend Mahmudullah c Kumar b Sharma ...... 64 Toss: India batting track. statement. in such a short period of time their record unbeaten run to 19 Tests, Shakib Al Hasan c Pujara b Jadeja ...... 22 Result: India win by 208 runs India had bowled out Bangladesh for “I feel privileged, humbled and demonstrates his drive, determi- leaving them in prime form for a series Mushfiqur Rahim c Jadeja b Ashwin ....23 Umpires: Marais Erasmus (RSA) and 388 in their second innings and decided very excited,” added Root, who nation, cricketing intelligence and against arch rivals Australia later this Sabbir Rahman lbw b Sharma ...... 22 Joel Wilson (WIS) to build on their 299-run lead after not made his Test debut under Cook an ability to learn that will serve month. Mehedi Hasan c Saha b Jadeja ...... 23 TV umpire: Chris Gaff aney (NZL) enforcing the follow-on. and is now regarded as England’s him well in his new role. Ninth-ranked Bangladesh were al- leading batsman. “He is universally respected by Yesterday’s result had appeared ways left playing catch-up after the hosts Meanwhile the ECB said all- his team-mates, passionate about in little doubt aft er Bangladesh day for a four-Test series against Kohli’s making sure that he does “not get ahead posted a mammoth 687-6 declared in rounder Ben Stokes would suc- driving the Test team forward and had been set such a massive total top-ranked team. of myself” and said the team’s recent run their fi rst innings. ceed Root as vice-captain of the extremely excited about the pros- in their second innings and the Despite the comprehensive nature was about more than just his batting. Rahim said he was “really proud” of his Test side. pect of leading his country.” tourists began the fi nal day on 103-3 of the result, Bangladesh emerged with “I don’t think it’s because of me... We side and hoped that “we can learn from Cook, England’s all-time lead- As for appointing the some- some credit for taking the one-off con- are playing as a team and that’s been the this”. ing Test run-scorer, is set to con- times fi ery Stokes as vice-captain, Indian skipper Virat Kohli, man of the test into the afternoon of the fi nal day and diff erence in this side,” he said. “Our bowlers need to learn how to tinue his international career and Strauss said he had “real presence match for his 204 in the fi rst innings, Kohli said India would need to be more Yesterday’s result had appeared in lit- bowl in partnerships and that can create could play under Root during the and infl uence”, adding: “I have no paid tribute to Bangladesh for their fi ght- ruthless in future. tle doubt after Bangladesh had been set chances. But it gives us a lot of belief af- 2017/18 Ashes in Australia, as well doubts that the responsibility will ing performance but made clear that “Closing off games is very important. such a massive total in their second in- ter playing the number one Test side,” he as this year’s home series against also help Ben to continue his rapid thoughts had already turned to Australia. Especially in Test cricket you don’t want nings and the tourists began the fi nal day said. South Africa and the West Indies. rise as a world class all-rounder.” “Everyone’s minds and hearts are on to give oppositions any chance to get into on 103-3. Mahmudullah (64) shrugged The result meant India maintained Root will also be able to call Root became a father for the that series and we are keen to start the the game and that’s something we need to off poor form to register his 13th Test 50 their unbeaten record against the min- upon the experience of new-ball fi rst time last month but fl ew out fi rst Test,” said Kohli after seeing off keep repeating,” Kohli told reporters. while young spinner Mehedi Hasan made nows and now have seven wins and two duo James Anderson and Stuart days after the birth of his son Al- Bangladesh in Hyderabad. Kohli, second only to Australian skip- a gutsy 61-ball 23 to delay the inevitable draws in nine encounters. Broad, as well as coach Trevor fred to join England on their ODI “Everyone is raring to go... It’s a very per Steve Smith in the batting rankings, against the world’s number Test side. The Australia series begins on February Bayliss. tour of India. big series for us.” will go into the series in red-hot form af- But the match ended when Ashwin, 23, with the fi rst Test in Pune followed by “We have a very good group of He is due to travel again next Australia, currently number two in the ter hitting his fourth double century since who in his 45th Test had become the fast- matches in Bangalore, Ranchi and Dhar- players, and I’m looking forward week when England head to the Test rankings, landed in Mumbai yester- July. The Indian skipper said he had been est bowler to claim 250 Test wickets on amsala. to leading them out in the summer West Indies for a three-match — building on Alastair’s achieve- ODI series. ments and making the most of our BOTTOMLINE talents in the years ahead,” said Root. JOE ROOT FACT FILE “The senior guys in the chang- ing room play a very infl uential Name: Joseph Edward Root role — and while there’s a natu- Date of Birth: December ral progression for me, it’s a huge 30, 1990 support to know that they are Place of birth: Sheff ield, Pakistan vows strong stand in there to help and advise.” England Andrew Strauss, the ECB’s di- Role: Top-order batsman, rector of cricket, added: “Joe is occasional off -spinner the right man to be our next Test Domestic team: Yorkshire captain and I’m thrilled that he (2009-present) PSL corruption probe has accepted the role.” International team: Eng- Root, who has little in the land (2012- present) AFP The PCB will take a strong stand so that players no it’s an important event and any stigma... is disappoint- way of senior leadership experi- Test debut: December 13, Lahore longer think “they can do something and play after four ing,” he said. ence behind him, will have sev- 2012, against India or fi ve years, so that no one dares to do it again”, he told “More so because players are regularly given lectures eral months to prepare for his fi rst Test caps: 53 media in Dubai, where the Twenty20 tournament is be- on how to avoid corruption.” match as captain, with England’s Test runs: 4,594 akistani cricket offi cials said yesterday they ing held due to security fears in Pakistan. Khan said a tribunal would be formed to hear the PSL next Test not starting until July Test batting average: 52.80 would make an example of openers Sharjeel Pakistan came under severe criticism for allowing case, after which a disciplinary committee would be set 6, when they face South Africa at Test 100s/50s: 11/27 Khan and Khalid Latif if found guilty in a cor- Mohamed Amir to return to international cricket after up. Lord’s. Top score: 254 (against ruption probe that threatens to torpedo the Pa- he, along with Salman Butt and Mohamed Asif, were in- The PCB is also keeping the International Cricket England will be looking to Pakistan, 2016) Pkistan Super League (PSL). volved in a spot-fi xing scandal at the Lord’s Test against Council informed. bounce back after a diffi cult 2016 One-day debut: Jan 11, 2013, The pair, suspended after being accused of meeting a England in 2010. Three other players — Mohamed Irfan (Islamabad in Test cricket, with Cook resign- against India suspicious person linked to an international betting syn- All three players completed their five-year bans United), Zulfi qar Babar (Quetta Gladiators) and Shahzaib ing following a 4-0 series defeat in One-day caps: 80 dicate, could face up to a life ban from international and in September last year. Butt and Asif are also in line Hasan (Karachi Kings) were also investigated. India at the end of last year. One-day runs: 3,149 domestic cricket under corrup- for national selection. Shaharyar Khan also voiced “No action will be taken against Hasan and Babar as Prior to the South Africa series, One-day batting average: tion rules. frustration over the allegations, which Latif and they are clear. Irfan is still under investigation and may England’s programme will consist 46.30 PCB chief Shaharyar Khan said offi cials are seeking a “de- Sharjeel have denied, and the effect they have had be served a show cause notice,” said Khan. solely of limited overs fi xtures, One-day 100s/50s: 8/19 terrent” punishment if the Islamabad United players, who on the highly anticipated PSL, in only its second Both Latif and Sharjeel have denied any involvement. including June’s Champions Tro- Top score: 125 (against South have been sent home from the continuing PSL tournament year. “I have not done anything wrong and my Allah knows phy one-day tournament on home Africa, 2016) in the United Arab Emirates, are found guilty of spot-fi xing. “The whole nation takes a keen interest in the PSL, so that,” Latif told media in Karachi. soil.