CRICKET | Page 5 PARALYMPICS | Page 7 Pink ball Russian ban makes To Advertise here upheld, Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 fi rst-class Moscow debut in India cries foul

Wednesday, August 24, 2016 TENNIS Dhul Qa’da 21, 1437 AH Serena, Kerber GULF TIMES qualify for Tour fi nals in Singapore SPORT Page 4 AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE / PREVIEW LEKHWIYA STADIUM, 7PM El Jaish raring to go as Al Nasr tussle looms large ‘Nobody could have imagined El Jaish would be in this position. Of course it won’t be an easy game, but we have been training in the United Arab Emirates for three weeks and we are happy to play this game’

knockout phase for only the second time by winning Group D, while also claiming an impressive double over another Emirati side in inaugural win- ners Al Ain. The Qatar Stars League side then continued their impressive run in eliminating Lekhwiya as both Brazilian Romarinho and Moroccan Abderraz- zaq took their respective tournament tallies to four goals.

KEITA FOCUS Lamouchi will now look to Mali inter- national Keita to help El Jaish reverse a trend of two successive home wins in the continental competition. “Before we talk about Seydou Keita, I want to remind you that he is here because Hamedallah is injured,” added Lamouchi. “I want to wish him well and we are waiting for him to return. “It will be Seydou’s fi rst offi cial game. We need his experience for to- morrow and in the Qatar Star League. Of course he’s a big name and hope- fully he will do well.” Captain Mohammad Abdurahman, meanwhile, is looking for his team to maintain their form as El Jaish aim to become the fi rst Qatari side to reach the last four since Al Sadd in 2011. “It’s a great opportunity to do well at Asian level. We will try hard to please El Jaish coach Sabri Lamouchi (L) and Al Nasr coach Ivan Giovanovits during the pre-match press conference yesterday ahead of their AFC Champions League quarterfinal tie. PICTURES: Anas Khalid our fans.”

AFC enced former Barcelona midfi elder Doha Seydou Keita, the Frenchman will be AFC Champions League Record A star for his national team as well nique and is a danger from set-pieces. unable to call on the injured four-goal Appearances: 26 Goals: 4 as his club side, with the FIFA 2018 hitman Hamedallah Abderrazzaq. World Cup Qualifiers due to kick-off in THE ONES TO WATCH oach Sabri Lamouchi insists “Nobody could have imagined El Uzbekistan forward Sardor Rashidov September Rashidov could well be in With Morocco striker Abderrazzaq El Jaish are well prepared for Jaish would be in this position,” said has enjoyed his best AFC Champions for busy few months ahead. Hamedallah suff ering a knee injury, the AFC Champions League Lamouchi. League campaign to date, justifying the onus may well be on Brazilian quarter-fi nal fi rst leg against “Of course it won’t be an easy game, his move from Bunyodkor to Qatari IMPORTANCE TO TEAM forward Romarinho to provide the theC United Arab Emirates’ Al Nasr at but we have been training in the United side El Jaish last year. A goalscorer, as well as a creator, goals and his brace in the Round of Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium today. Arab Emirates for three weeks and we Now in his sixth continental campaign, Rashidov netted nine times in 23 16 against Lekhwiya suggests he can The Qatari side are making their fi rst are happy to play this game. despite only recently turning 25, Rashidov scored the only goal in the appearances in the 2015-16 domestic bear that mantle. ever appearance in the last eight of the “I feel the pressure for all the games, Rashidov has never made it further Group Stage win against Nasaf whilst campaign for El Jaish as they finished In midfield, El Jaish have both Qatari continental competition, after seeing but we always play to win and the play- than the last 16 and so will be doubly- also firing home in the Round of 16 runners-up to Al Rayyan. youth and experience in 2014 AFC off countrymen Lekhwiya 6-4 on ag- ers know that. We have the determina- determined to keep El Jaish’s Asian second leg meeting with Lekhwiya Direct on the ball, and boasting height, U-19 Championship MVP Ahmed gregate in the last 16. tion; I prefer to play the fi rst leg away, adventure alive during the quarter- as El Jaish defeated their Qatar Stars strength and pace, the left-footed Moein and striker Magid Mohamed And while Lamouchi has added to but we are ready for this.” final stage and beyond. League rival 6-4 on aggregate. Rashidov also possesses good tech- who has over 75 international caps. his squad by bringing in the experi- El Jaish had earlier qualifi ed for the Rashidov Sardor player: Key El Jaish

AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE Qatar Airways makes foray into AFL with a three-year sponsorship deal with Sydney Swans

Agencies tive Offi cer, Akbar al-Baker said: “Qa- said, “Qatar Airways is a global brand “Qatar Airways has long sup- Sydney tar Airways has long supported some of and leader in international air travel, so ported some of the best sports the best sports clubs and events in the we’re delighted to have them join the clubs and events in the world. world. We strongly believe in connect- Sydney Swans as our Offi cial Interna- We strongly believe in connect- atar Airways has marked its ing with our global travellers through tional Airline Partner. ing with our global travellers fi rst foray into the Australian their passion for sport, and have been “Both organisations share a common through their passion for sport, Football League (AFL) with looking for the right partner for Qatar goal in that we are passionate about de- and have been looking for the a three-year sponsorship of Airways in Australia’s sports arena. livering premium experiences and strive right partner for Qatar Airways in theQ Sydney Swans, signing with the “Since we fi rst started serving Aus- for excellence in everything we do. This Australia’s sports arena” team until the end of the 2019 season. tralia in 2009, Qatar Airways has re- is a signifi cant partnership for our foot- The multiple-award winning carrier ceived tremendous support from the ball club and, as the airline’s own brand day experience at the Sydney Cricket was named Offi cial International Air- Australian community. This partner- message suggests, we’re excited to be go- Ground in the seasons to come. line Partner earlier today at the iconic ship with Sydney Swans, one of the ing places together. We look forward to The Sydney Swans sponsorship Sydney Cricket Ground, home of the country’s best-supported and most welcoming Qatar Airways to our Sydney marks a new milestone for Qatar Air- Sydney Swans. Offi cials in attendance elite sporting teams, is a refl ection of Swans family and working with them in ways in Australia. The airline has dou- included: Qatar Airways Country Man- our ongoing commitment to Austral- the years to come.” bled its footprint in Australia in 2016, ager for Australasia, Adam Radwanski, ia. We look forward to sharing in our As part of the sponsorship deal, Qatar with Sydney and Adelaide joining its Sydney Swans Chairman Andrew Prid- travellers’ love for football, supporting Airways will receive prominent brand- global network in March and May re- ham, Chief Executive and Managing their commitment to the Sydney Swans ing at the Sydney Swans’ home games spectively, joining Perth and Melbourne Director Andrew Ireland; Coach John and in building an even stronger brand and training ground, and will engage on the Qatar Airways map. Australian Longmire, Co-captain Kieren Jack and connection with our Australian market the players in exclusive marketing and travellers can now go more places with members of the Sydney Swans team. through this multi-year partnership.” promotional activities. Supporters can Qatar Airways than with any other air- Qatar Airways Group Chief Execu- Sydney Swans chairman Pridham also look forward to an enhanced match line serving Australia today. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, August 24, 2016 FOOTBALL

PREVIEW REINFORCEMENTS Guardiola confi rms Bravo on his way to Reborn Sterling replace Hart leads Man City’s C’League charge

‘Obviously he’s been criticised a lot in the last year, but the way he’s responding is Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola during training. great. He’s a great player. These things happen. Footballers have ups and downs’ AFP football,” said Guardiola who was Manchester photographed talking to Hart dur- ing training ahead of City’s Cham- pions League qualifying tie with ep Guardiola insisted Steaua Bucharest today. yesterday that he will “So I can’t deny what every- continue working with body knows. Barcelona, seven to Joe Hart at Manchester 10 days ago, were the fi rst ones PCity, even as Barcelona goal- to announce contact with Man- keeper Claudio Bravo fl ew in to chester City. But I’m sorry guys, replace the unwanted England until the deal is complete or not international. complete (I can’t speak), but at Hart has been the most high- the moment the player (Bravo) profi le victim of Guardiola’s new is not our player,” Guardiola also reign as manager of the Premier told reporters. League club, with the City boss “Until August 31, all the play- publicly announcing his prefer- ers here are my players, and I will ence for a goalkeeper who can play work with them like there is no better with the ball at his feet. end, so after that we can speak Willy Caballero replaced Hart about everything. for City’s fi rst three competitive “The situation with Joe, I games, all victories, that Spanish spoke about in the last two press manager Guardiola has overseen. conferences. I am not able to Bravo fl ew in to Manches- speak about negotiations.” ter from Barcelona yesterday to Meanwhile, Guardiola has complete his reported £17 million backed forward Raheem Sterling transfer from the Spanish club, a to cope with the abuse he is receiv- move that will see Hart, England’s ing from opposition supporters undisputed fi rst-choice goal- after he was roundly booed in the keeper during this year’s European weekend victory at Stoke. Championships, relegated to third “The fans may boo because choice at the Eastlands. they know how good he is,” said Hart’s plight has been com- the manager. “He has shown us, pounded because potential moves he has shown me, that in this to Everton and Sevilla appear to team he is mentally strong and have fallen through, at least in part can focus on his job from the be- due to his high salary which makes ginning of the game. even a loan move prohibitive for “He will make good things hap- many potential suitors. pen for us and for the England “I have an excellent relationship national team, I’m pretty sure of with Joe. We are clear — him with that,” the former Barcelona and me, I with him. We spoke about Bayern Munich boss added.

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling (centre) along with teammates during a training session ahead of their Champions League clash against Steaua Bucharest.

AFP Euros. These things happen. Footballers Fixtures seen whether outcast goalkeeper Joe Hart London have ups and downs. will be granted a fi rst start of the cam- Hulkless, goalless “Hopefully he can continue this for us (1845 GMT; aggregate scores in paign. now, because he is very dangerous.” brackets) Today’s other games are all more fi nely s Pep Guardiola’s Manchester Sterling set the tone for City in last APOEL v Copenhagen (0-1), Red poised, with Dutch giants Ajax level at Shanghai SIPG held City advance upon the Champi- week’s fi rst leg in Bucharest, winning Bull Salzburg v Dinamo Zagreb (1-1), 1-1 with Rostov ahead of the second leg ons League group phase, previ- an early penalty (which Sergio Aguero Manchester City v Steaua Bucharest in Russia. ously maligned winger Raheem squandered) and laying on goals for David (5-0), Rostov v Ajax (1-1), Borussia The heavyweight tie between Roma by Jeonbuk SterlingA appears to have been reborn. Silva and Aguero, who scored a hat-trick. and Porto, which concludes in the Italian Moenchengladbach v Young Boys Sterling, 21, joined City from Liverpool He won a penalty as City beat Sunder- (3-1) capital on Tuesday, is also delicately bal- in a fractious 44 million pounds ($57.8 land 2-1 on the Premier League season’s anced at 1-1. million, 51.1 million euros) move last year, opening day and impressed again in last Monaco, quarter-fi nalists in 2015, car- but fl attered to deceive and ultimately Saturday’s 4-1 win at Stoke City, unself- terrifi c talent.” ry a 2-1 lead into their home game with lost his place in the starting XI. ishly setting up a late goal for Nolito. Villarreal. He was also derided for some insipid Sterling’s return to form has not es- DUNDALK STILL DREAMING Dundalk’s hopes of becoming the fi rst England displays at Euro 2016, but he is caped the attention of new England City have won all three of their competi- Irish team to reach the group stage appear thriving under Guardiola and inspired City manager Sam Allardyce. tive games to date under Guardiola, but slim as they travel to Legia Warsaw need- to a 5-0 win at Steaua Bucharest in their “People say in football that when you he warned after the Stoke win: “There is ing to overturn a 2-0 fi rst-leg defi cit. Champions League play-off round rstfi leg. have the dip, it’s how well do you over- time to get better.” “Going away 1-0 would be better for us “Obviously he’s been criticised a lot in come it?” said Allardyce. With the tie against Steaua eff ectively than 2-0, but we’re still in the tie,” said the last year, but the way he’s responding “When you do overcome it, you end up over, tonight’s game at the Etihad Sta- Dundalk defender Andy Boyle. “Going is great,” said teammate Kevin De Bru- being a much better player and generally dium gives Guardiola an opportunity to over there, we don’t think the tie is over.” yne ahead of today’s return leg against your career lasts a lot longer after getting hone his tactical innovations, such as his Like City, Celtic appear all but home Steaua. through that period. use of full-backs in central midfi eld roles. and hosed after crushing Israeli repre- “He’s a great player. I don’t care what “So if he’s through that period and his He may also hand playing time to some sentatives Hapoel Beer-Sheva 5-2 in the people say about him after last year or the talent begins to blossom again... He’s a of his fringe players, but it remains to be home leg of their tie. Wu Lei (R) of China’s Shanghai SIPG fights for the ball with Lee Jae Sung of South Korea’s Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors yesterday.

Qatar national team defeat Qatar Stars League side Al Gharafa 3-1 in friendly AFP usually-animated Eriksson urged Shanghai his charges on from the touchline. His exhortations almost paid off when Wu Lei went close with njured Brazilian forward a backwards header from inside Hulk sat out again as his the box two minutes from time. Shanghai SIPG side drew “I think it was an acceptable 0-0 at home to Jeonbuk outcome,” said Eriksson. “They IHyundai Motors in the Asian had some chances, we had some Champions League quarter-fi nal chances, so it was even. fi rst leg yesterday. “A clean sheet at home is very The Shanghai side’s coach important. The tie is still open Sven-Goran Eriksson had hoped and there are still possibilities for at the weekend that Hulk might us to reach the semi-fi nal.” be fi t to make his comeback in the Champions League clash. AL AIN, LOKOMOTIV DRAW But Hulk’s name was absent Former champions Al Ain from the teamsheet yesterday and Uzbekistan’s Lokomotiv along with that of another key Tashkent will go head-to-head Rodrigo Tabata scored the opener player, Argentine playmaker once again in three weeks’ time Dario Conca, who could be out in the 2016 AFC Champions for the season, the club said, af- League with nothing between ter sustaining a knee injury in a them after a scoreless draw in domestic match on Friday. the fi rst leg of their quarter-fi nal Despite their missing stars, clash at Hazza bin Zayed Stadi- SIPG started brightly and had um yesterday. the better of their South Korean Neither side was able to eke opponents in a match played in out an advantage in stifl ing con- humid 30 Celsius temperatures ditions in the oasis town in the at Shanghai Stadium. United Arab Emirates’ desert The fi rst decent chance did not meaning the return in Tashkent fall until the 25th minute when a on September 13 will determine long ball was expertly-control- who advances to the semi-fi nals. led by Chinese international for- Now to see what happens in Qatar coach ward Wu Lei whose square pass the return legs. Jose Daniel into the box fell just short of his Carreno Qatar defeated Qatar Stars League club Al Gharafa 3-1 in a friendly match yesterday. This match was part of the preparation strike partner Elkeson. RESULTS: for the third round of the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign, which begins on September 1 when Qatar face Iran. SIPG enjoyed a spell of heavy Shanghai SIPG 0-0 Jeonbuk FC pressure towards the end as an un- Al Ain 0-0 Lokomotiv Tashkent Gulf Times Wednesday, August 24, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT New Italy coach Ventura wants to freshen up squad New Italy coach Giampiero to be encouraged. As soon as Ventura said yesterday that he a youngster plays badly here wanted to build on the foun- he’s massacred.” dations laid by his predeces- Conte left to take charge of sor Antonio Conte by adding English Premier League side Allardyce ponders more youth to the squad. Chelsea after the Euros, and An ageing Italy outfit im- the 68-year-old Ventura will pressed in Euro 2016, where lead the national team for the they chalked up excellent wins first time next week. over Belgium and Spain, only “We will continue the work to be beaten in the quarter- that Conte started,” added finals by Germany after a Ventura. marathon penalty shoot-out. “I’m sure we can carry on play- England recall for Eight of the players who started ing good football. We are not the match against Germany last starting from scratch like Conte month are now aged 29 or over, had to do when he took over.” with 38-year-old goalkeeper “I can really focus 80 percent Gianluigi Buff on indicating he on the details and the other is likely to retire after the 2018 20 percent is all I need to look World Cup. at the general organisation of “In two years we would like to the team. That’s what gives Chelsea’s Terry have a group of players aged me hope for the future.” 21 to 23,” former Torino coach “I need time but that’s the only Ventura said ahead of Italy’s thing that I’m lacking. We only ‘Maybe if I get the opportunity, I might have to give him a ring. But until I come to that friendly against France in Bari have a couple of days to pre- on September 1. pare each match, but I have a selection or that process, we’ll wait and see’ “We have a lot of young talent. solid group of players who are They need to play and develop all available to me.” Now to AFP in their clubs. They also need see what happens next. Burton-on-Trent, United Kingdom Leganes defeat Celta Vigo to claim

ew England manager Sam Al- historic first La Liga victory lardyce will consider ending Victor Diaz scored the only Barcelona visit next month. former captain John Terry’s goal as Leganes defeated Meanwhile, Las Palmas four-year international exile, Celta Vigo 1-0 on Monday in stunned Valencia 4-2 at the Nhe revealed on Monday. the club’s first ever game in Mestalla with Croatian striker Terry, 35, retired from England duty in the Spanish top flight. Marko Livaja netting a brace in September 2012 after the Football Asso- Diaz steered in from a corner the final game of the opening ciation charged him with racially abus- on 75 minutes to hand round of matches in Spain. ing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Leganes victory on their Santi Mina headed Valencia Ferdinand. He was later fi ned and given a La Liga debut, having won into a sixth-minute lead, four-game ban. promotion to the top tier by but Livaja equalised before Roy Hodgson, Allardyce’s predecessor, finishing runners-up in Spain’s Jonathan Viera converted said in March that England had still not second division last season. a penalty and Kevin-Prince successfully replaced the Chelsea cen- Leganes, who were founded in Boateng stretched the visitors’ tre-back and Allardyce has not ruled out 1928, will host Atletico Madrid advantage on his Las Palmas handing him a recall. at their modest 8,000-seater debut. Asked if Terry might be in line for an stadium on the outskirts Mina struck again to make it England return, Allardyce said: “Maybe of the Spanish capital in 3-2 after just 34 minutes but so. I think it depends on what John said.” their first home game next Livaja rounded out a famous “Maybe if I get the opportunity, I weekend before champions victory late on. might have to give him a ring. But until I come to that selection or that process, Bayern boost security, ban bottles, we’ll wait and see.” “I don’t know what the political side of large bags that might mean, if there is a political side. Bundesliga giants Bayern Mu- uids can no longer be brought I’ll have to have that conversation if I feel nich have tightened security in,” said Bayern in a statement that John Terry may be a possibility.” measures at their stadium, with new coach Carlo Ancelotti Terry, capped 78 times, signed a one- banning spectators from set to take charge of his first year Chelsea contract extension in May carrying big bags and bottles, Bundesliga game. and has played in their two games to date ahead of Friday’s home match The German national team under new manager Antonio Conte. — the first of the new German was particularly shaken by the Allardyce, 61, was appointed England league season. November 13 attacks in Paris, manager in July after Hodgson stepped File picture of Sam Allardyce during his days with Sunderland. (Below) File picture of Chelsea’s John Terry. Germany’s league champions as they were playing at the down following England’s humiliating have stepped up measures Stade de France in Paris when elimination by Iceland at Euro 2016. the manager of Manchester United tell- for the 2016/17 season as suicide bombers sought to get He begins his tenure with a 2018 World ing him where he wants him to play, with they prepare to host Werder into the stadium. Cup qualifying match against Slovakia in Zlatan (Ibrahimovic),” Allardyce said. Bremen, with a sell-out crowd A few days after the Paris Trnava on September 4 and will name his Rooney’s United team-mate Marcus of around 70,000 expected attacks that left 130 people fi rst squad on Sunday. Rashford has disappeared from view at Munich’s Allianz Arena in a dead, a friendly between Allardyce, known as ‘Big Sam’, con- under Mourinho, having broken into high-profile match. Germany and the Netherlands fi rmed goalkeeper Joe Hart will be se- England’s Euro squad after his stunning “Handbags and backpacks larg- in Hanover was scrapped at lected, despite having lost his place at emergence last season. er than the A4 format, and all the last minute over a terror Manchester City under new manager Pep Allardyce said the 18-year-old might bottles, thermos flasks and liq- threat. Guardiola. be best served by dropping into England’s But Allardyce warned it is “critical” for Under-21 squad in order to build up play- Kagawa sparks Dortmund romp in Hart to secure regular fi rst-team football ing time. if he is to remain England’s fi rst-choice Asked to explain England’s recurrent German Cup goalkeeper. “If it goes for a longer period failings at major tournaments, Allardyce Japan midfielder Shinji Ka- the winning goal for Hamburg of time, then I think it’s diffi cult to select said the collective problem was “psycho- gawa scored twice as Borussia as they laboured to a 1-0 win them,” Allardyce told reporters at the St logical”. Dortmund eased into the at third-tier Zwickau. George’s Park national football centre in But he vowed to eschew a softly-softly second round of the German Werder Bremen and newly- Burton, central England. approach and said the way to get more Cup with a 3-0 victory away to promoted RB Leipzig were the Guardiola has expressed reservations from the country’s under-performing fourth-division Eintract Trier only two Bundesliga casual- about Hart’s passing ability and Al- players was to challenge them. on Monday. ties from the opening round, lardyce said he would speak to the City “I might be slightly more demanding Kagawa struck with just eight with defending champions manager about the matter. as a manager,” he said. minutes gone before adding a Bayern Munich cruising to a celona as an example. the issue, but would not make an an- “My idea of coaching and man-man- second on the half hour, with 5-0 demolition of Carl Zeiss ROONEY ROLE “Potential is something that’s going nouncement until next week. aging the players is: yes, we get on well, close-season signing Andre Jena courtesy of a Robert Another England player now under to be great in the future,” Allardyce said Rooney, 30, played in midfi eld for Eng- we communicate well together, but at Schuerrle netting his first goal Lewandowski hat-trick. Guardiola’s orders is centre-back John of Stones, 22. “I want it right now and I land at Euro 2016, but has been operating the end of the day, to try and push them since arriving from Wolfsburg The draw for the next round Stones, who recently joined City from think he’s got a great chance of becoming in a number 10 role at Manchester United a little farther than they’ve already been on the stroke of half-time. will be made on Friday follow- Everton. ‘right now’.” since the appointment of Jose Mourinho pushed.” Croatia midfielder Alen ing the opening game of the Allardyce expressed hope that Guar- Allardyce must also decide whether to as manager. “For me, they get everything they Halilovic, who joined from Bundesliga season between diola will improve Stones’s defending, persist with Wayne Rooney as captain. “I think his best position is where need. But when you get everything you Barcelona last month, grabbed Bayern and Werder. citing his work with Gerard Pique at Bar- He said he had made up his mind on he’s being played now because that’s need, it means you can demand more.”

BOTTOMLINE Fabregas, Conte a marriage of convenience?

The Guardian role. “Why not?” he had suggested that against West Ham and Watford felt Fàbregas may have heard talk of in- London Monday night when asked if he could almost inevitable, with Conte clearly terest from Juventus earlier in the sum- play the quarter-back position, in front unconvinced this was a player with the mer but it soon fi zzled out to nothing. of the rearguard, where Pirlo had been legs to thrive in the four-man midfi eld At this stage of his career, and with last ne week and two nerve-jan- imperious for Juventus. “I love com- ahead of Kanté. Back in Chelsea’s title- season’s toils still fresh in the memory, gling successes into Antonio ing deep for the ball. I love long-range winning season, Fàbregas’s fi rst at the is he really likely to be the subject of Conte’s career as a Premier passes and connecting with people at club, he had fl ourished to the tune of concrete off ers from other elite clubs? League manager the Italian the front.” three goals and 18 assists while benefi t- Chelsea, for their part, are running willO recognise better now the value of one The problem is, of course, that the ing from Nemanja Matic’s gargantuan out of time to make an eye-catching of those he inherited. Cesc Fàbregas has frenetic English game rarely lends it- performances at his side. signing to bolster their midfi eld, and become a recurring theme in the Italian’s self to such composed conjuring from That combination had felt thrilling cannot even off er the carrot of Eu- post-match media briefi ngs, whether deep. Chelsea’s midfi eld sitter of choice but with the Serb diminished these days ropean football to those players they he has been explaining the playmaker’s is N’Golo Kanté, a player whose idea of the former Arsenal player had become do covet. Rather, they must tap into omission from the side, praising his pro- relaxation would be to crank up the in- peripheral. Then came a stodgy display the talent provided by the World Cup fessionalism in striving for a recall or cline on a treadmill. Conte’s nominated at Vicarage Road, a need to unlock an winner. It is in his understanding with hailing his impact from the bench. “We defensive shield is charged as much with increasingly cluttered defence and a Costa where Fàbregas is key. The pair all know Cesc is a great player with a great intercepting and closing down as distrib- chance to prove his pedigree. Despera- are close friends off the pitch and enjoy technique,” he had said after the victory uting. The Spaniard prefers a more sedate tion has driven Conte’s switch to two an almost telepathic relationship on it at Watford on Saturday, “always with involvement, picking his passes and mo- up front in his league games to date with the striker apparently convinced a good pass or assist.” The interception ments to infl uence the contest. but Fàbregas remains the only player in he will contribute between fi ve and 10 and fi rst-time delivery, scything between Kanté will not be displaced any time the setup who guarantees a supply line more goals per season if the Spaniard is backtracking centre-halves for Diego File picture of Chelsea coach Antonio Conte. soon, with Fàbregas’s dismissal against through massed ranks of opponents, as integrated into the team. Costa to score Chelsea’s late winner, had Liverpool in the team’s fi rst friendly Watford were duly reminded. The assist on Saturday could have proved as much. he might not be the all-action mid- tive or sly in the challenge. Oscar, for all of their pre-season tour of the United It may be that this is his role from now been plucked from late 2014 when Yet there have been times this sum- fi elder who would fi t the manager’s that his end product so often falls fl at, States, for an ugly foul on Ragnar Kla- on. When rivals seek to stifl e, on trots Chelsea were all-conquering, justify- mer when those qualities actually ap- favoured profi le. The 29-year-old does off ers greater energy. van at the Rose Bowl, distinctly un- Fàbregas to pick them apart while Kanté ing the joyous ovation the substitute peared dispensable. Fàbregas has been not charge around the pitch, closing Perhaps scarred by his experiences timely. If he was looking to convince tears around tirelessly. Eden Hazard went had been granted from the travelling wondering where he might fi t in since down opponents or working feverishly back at Camp Nou when he had slipped Conte he should be integral, his chance public in his praise for a player who seems support in the Vicarage Road end up his mid-April, when he was a studio guest to reclaim possession. His own game is out of Barcelona’s mouthwatering was gone. to sniff out space to exploit. Yet the sense introduction. on Sky’s Premier League coverage as not about blistering pace off the mark midfi eld with his style apparently lack- A little over three weeks and fi ve persists this is very much a marriage of The midfielder does not quite fit the top fl ight digested the news that or any great mobility when working ing the required intensity, Fàbregas fi rst-team games later he has still to convenience, with manager and play- into this side as snugly as he once did, Conte was bound for south-west Lon- defensively, but relies instead on more appeared to be pinning his hopes on play a full 90 minutes. His omission maker left with little option but to make but Conte should still be grateful to don after Euro 2016. He had said then subtle contributions, whether inven- Conte handing him the Andrea Pirlo from the starting lineup for the fi xtures the situation work. have him. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, August 24, 2016 SPORT

GOLF Battle on for fi nal spots on Ryder Cup teams Reuters Snedeker, Zach Johnson, Patrick Reed, players with Ryder Cup experience. ifi ers. “I am absolutely delighted with the New York Bubba Watson, Olympic bronze medal- Clarke indicated that his frequent nine players who have qualifi ed,” Clarke list Matt Kuchar and Rickie Fowler. Ryder Cup playing partner Lee West- said. “They off er not only a fantastic US captain Davis Love III will add wood, who narrowly missed qualifying, blend of youth and experience but also ith the Ryder Cup just over four other players as captain’s picks to a was a likely pick when he is expected to some exciting partnership possibilities.” a month away, the teams team who have lost the last three match name his selections, also on Aug 30. “In the experienced corner we have are shaping up, with this play competitions to Europe. “He’s been my partner in many, two men who have lit up the world of week’s Barclays tourna- Europe have already assembled their many Ryder Cups,” Clarke said at Bal- golf in recent weeks, Open champion Wment at Bethpage determining the fi rst nine in a group featuring Rory tusrol. “I know what Lee Westwood Henrik Stenson and Olympic cham- last three automatic spots on a United McIlroy, British Open winner Hen- brings to the table, and I know what he pion Justin Rose, joined by Sergio Gar- States team desperate to end Europe’s rik Stenson, Olympic champion Justin brings to the back room, and there’s not cia and Rory McIlroy who, aside from recent domination. Rose and cup veteran Sergio Garcia, many guys you’d prefer to go shoulder being two of the most dynamic Ryder US Open champion Dustin Johnson, plus fi ve rookies including Masters to shoulder with.” Cup performers of recent years, are also Jordan Spieth, Phil Mickelson, PGA winner Danny Willett. Another strong candidate for winners this year... Sergio in the US and Championship winner Jimmy Walker Joining Willett on the Europe side are Clarke’s consideration is likely to be Rory in Europe,” said Clarke. and Ryder rookie Brooks Koepka are set fellow British fi rst-timers Chris Wood, Germany’s Martin Kaymer, twice a “In the rookies’ corner it is very for the trip to Hazeltine outside Minne- Andy Sullivan and Matthew Fitzpatrick, major winner, who made the clinching rare you begin any such list with the apolis for the biennial matches starting and Spain’s Rafael Cabrera-Bello. putt in the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah, reigning Masters champion but we are on Sept 30. Europe captain Darren Clarke has along with in-form Thomas Pieters of fortunate to do just that with Danny Eight players automatically qual- three wild-card choices to announce Belgium and Scotsman Russell Knox. Willett while Rafa Cabrera Bello, Matt ify from the US points list, creating a on Aug 30 and said at last month’s PGA Europe captain Clarke hailed his “fantastic blend of Fitzpatrick, Andy Sullivan and Chris scramble for the last three on off er from Championship he would probably seek Darren Clarke youth and experience” following the Wood bring a mixture of consistency candidates such as (number six) Brandt to balance his rookie contingent with confi rmation of his nine automatic qual- and success.”

SPOTLIGHT Serena, Kerber qualify for season-ending Make some noise... WTA Tour fi nals Del Potro is back to his bloodcurdling best AFP Argentina’s Olympic silver medallist found the resolve to return after two seasons out injured London and is about to unleash his macho guttural barks on the US Open, beginning this Monday erena Williams (top) and SAngelique Kerber (below), battling it out for the world By Jacob Steinberg in New York number one ranking, are the first The Guardian two women to qualify for the season-ending WTA Tour Finals in Singapore, the WTA said on atch enough men’s tennis Monday. and eventually you will be World number one Williams, able to identify a top player who leads Kerber by 190 ranking simply from their grunts. points, has won the title five WRoger Federer is excluded from this dis- times but missed last year’s event cussion, of course, as he is far too refi ned through injury. to make any noise during a rally. Kerber, who won her first But the rest of the ‘Big Four’ are al- grand slam title at the Austral- ways at it. Rafa Nadal has his relentless ian Open in January and who droning urghs, Novak Djokovic clearly reached the final at Wimbledon, took inspiration from Street Fighter for will be making her fourth appear- his chilling two-part raa-urgh bellow, ance in the October 23-30 event, which really should be accompanied by reserved for the top eight-ranked him pulling nunchucks out of his shorts, players of the year. while Andy Murray mixes it up by punc- “I’m very proud and excited to tuating his imitation of Mini-Me in qualify for the BNP Paribas WTA a vent with the startled wail of a man Finals in Singapore,” said Ameri- whose best mate has bantered him off by can Williams, who will try to break sliding an ice cube down his back. the Open-era record of 22 grand They all have their merits. Yet none slam singles titles she shares of those eff orts can match the blood- with Steff i Graf by winning the US curdling, guttural snort from Juan Open which starts next week. Martín del Potro whenever he unleash- Fresh off her runner-up finish es one of the trademark bone-crunching at the Western & Southern forehands that almost knocked Mur- Open in Cincinnati, Kerber has ray off his feet in last Sunday’s Olympic secured her fourth appearance tennis fi nal, a snort so dismissive that it at the WTA Finals. Her first two could earn him the role of most terrify- appearances at the event were ingly muscle-bound henchman in the in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2012 and next James Bond fi lm. With his mighty 2013—highlighted by her win over 6ft 6in frame, the hulking Argentinian then-No. 4 Agnieszka Radwan- would look and sound the part. ska—followed by last year’s show- He might be a gentle giant off court, a ing in Singapore, where she beat character who loves to engage the crowd eventual runner-up Petra Kvitova by wincing in mock agony after draining in the round-robin stage. rallies, but that wrecking ball of a fore- This year Kerber will be bidding hand is the main reason his emphatic re- to advance to the semifinals for turn has been greeted with such warmth. the first time, after being only one Tennis has not been short of historic set away from doing so in 2015. moments this year. Djokovic completed Twenty-eight-year-old Kerber the career slam when he fi nally won the has enjoyed her best season yet, French Open in May; Murray became a compiling a 47-14 record, and double Olympic champion a month af- reaching a career-high ranking of ter winning his second Wimbledon; and “It is one of the most important Serena Williams equalled Steffi Graf’s events of the year and we all record of 22 grand slam titles when she fight to qualify in the top eight,” triumphed in SW19. Germany’s Kerber said in a Trophies are not the only way to statement released by the WTA. measure success, however, and a player “I have great memories from my who dredges up the necessary resolve other experiences at the tourna- to make it back on court after losing al- ment and I hope to play some most two seasons to injury deserves the great matches and win the title.” utmost respect. That wretched injury to Del Potro’s left wrist almost robbed us of one of sport’s most ominous sounds. The vis- ceral thrill of his forehand, one of the most potent shots in the game when it is struck at full power, would not be quite the same without those complementary 2015, collecting a paltry $23,475 in prize Yet Del Potro fought back to win in all that his conditioning will be tested Beating Murray over fi ve sets in the fi - no-nonsense macho barks. money and falling to 1,045th in the rank- four sets and, although he ran out of by two weeks of fi ve-setters in the US nal was too much of a physical challenge, Close your eyes and he could be wield- ings, he made a tentative return on the steam against Lucas Pouille in the third Open, which starts this Monday (Au- especially on a hard court that was so ing a giant hammer instead of a tennis clay earlier this year but decided not to round, here was a reminder why he was gust 29). Djokovic is fl oundering, Fed- slow it was likened to clay, but Del Potro’s racket or punching slabs of meat in a appear in the French Open. seen as the fi fth Beatle of tennis be- erer is injured and Nadal is no longer the threat cannot be overlooked on the faster freezer. It is the sound of a man rowing His appearance at Wimbledon was fore injury struck him down. After all, remorseless force of old. surfaces at Flushing Meadows. a Viking boat through a sea of custard on his fi rst at a grand slam in two and a Wawrinka was 28 when he made his Del Potro did not fully trust his wrist There were no ranking points on off er his own. A growl that could crack open a half years but few people expected breakthrough in Australia. Del Potro when he faced Wawrinka, struggling to in Rio, only national pride and sporting walnut or turn a lion’s mane white. him to win his second-round match was 20 when he became the fi rst player hit through his two-handed backhand, greatness, so Del Potro’s silver medal did Isn’t it great to have Del Potro back? against Stan Wawrinka, the world No. 4. to beat Nadal and Federer in the same often relying on tame slices. In Rio, nothing for his ranking, meaning that There were times when he almost gave Wawrinka had stepped into the void cre- grand slam, beating the latter in an un- however, he looked more confi dent on the world No. 141 needed a wild card to up during his rehabilitation from wrist ated by Del Potro’s injury, challenging forgettable US Open fi nal in 2009. that side – one two-handed backhand gain entry to the US Open. surgery. There were false starts, regular the dominance of the Big Four by win- Seven years on from that scintillat- down the line against Murray was ex- Someone is going to be in for a nasty setbacks, a nagging fear that he would ning the Australian Open in 2014 and ing fi ve-set win, a revitalised Del Potro ceptional – and victories against Djok- shock in the fi rst round. The rest of us have to accept the inevitable and call the French Open last year, and the Swiss heads to New York as a strong contender ovic in the fi rst round and Nadal in the will be listening intently. Get ready for it quits. Having played four matches in was dominant in the fi rst set. to win his second grand slam title, for semi-fi nal were proof of his rising level. Delpo to make some noise. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 24, 2016 5 CRICKET

FALSE START DAMP SQUIB Trinidad board launches probe Floodlight failure aft er Test washout AFP fi cials of QPCC, who celebrat- Port of Spain ed the 125th anniversary of the club’s founding over the Test match weekend, are concerned he Trinidad and Toba- that the farcical abandonment mars pink ball go Cricket Board have could jeopardise the venue launched an investi- hosting major international gation after the fourth matches in the future Tand fi nal Test between the Pakistan are scheduled to West Indies and India lasted tour the Caribbean in 2017. just 22 overs due to a water- The shambolic fi nale will be logged outfi eld. of major concern to the WICB, No play was possible at the given that the agreement of debut for India Queen’s Park Oval on Mon- the Indians to play four Tests day’s scheduled last day of the in the Caribbean was seen as a ‘I think it is pretty exciting and something to look forward to. The NZ-Australia Test was exciting. match, the fourth consecu- major diplomatic triumph af- tive day on which there was no ter the abandonment of a tour The ball was swinging a bit much. It will be challenging if it swings a lot, playing under lights’ play because of saturated areas of India by the West Indies in around the playing square. October 2014. India subse- The farcical abandonment quently dropped their multi- AFP came despite long periods of million dollar compensation New Delhi India Green captain sunshine and desperate eff orts claim against the WICB after Suresh Raina (right) and of groundstaff to make the the tour was cut short amid a wicketkeeper Parthiv surface playable with shovels, players’ pay dispute. ndia’s experiment with the pink ball in Patel have a look at the pitchforks and leaf blowers. West Indies and India will the Duleep Trophy domestic champi- pink ball during the With the match abandoned play two Twenty20 Interna- onship met with major embarrassment flood-lit Duleep Trophy as a draw, India won the series tionals in Lauderhill, Florida, after fl oodlight failure interrupted play match against India Red 2-0, the fi rst time they have on August 27 and 28 as both Ifor over an hour in the day-night match won more than one Test in a teams seek to tap into the huge yesterday. (AFP) yesterday. series in the Caribbean. expatriate Indian population in The Duleep Trophy, a four-day triangu- However the Indians surren- the United States. lar competition which traditionally heralds dered the position of number The abandonment and lack of the start of the Indian cricket season, is one Test team in the ICC rank- modern equipment at the ground seen as a possible precursor to day-night ings to Pakistan as they had have been panned by critics and Tests in cricket’s biggest market. needed to complete a 3-0 series former cricketers as the Test for- But the fi rst match on the outskirts of triumph to stay top. India had mat struggles to attract specta- the capital New Delhi witnessed three been number one for less than a tors in the Caribbean. of the six light towers go out twice in the week after displacing Australia Former West Indies cap- post-dinner session, forcing the players to at the top on August 17. tain Viv Richards was among leave the fi eld. “As hosts, the Trinidad those critical of the organisers. The fi rst interruption happened just af- and Tobago Cricket Board and “Folks here have some ques- ter the dinner interval when play was de- QPCC (Queen’s Park Cricket tions to answer,” the batting layed by 17 minutes due to insuffi cient light Club) regret that limited play great said on television com- while the second break stretched to about was possible in the fourth Test mentary. “Not having a Super 50 minutes. match between WI and India at Sopper (mechanical mop) is The organisers refused to answer any the Queen’s Park Oval,” Trini- unacceptable.” queries after the fi asco as play carried on dad and Tobago Cricket Board The ground might also face well past 9pm, the original time for end president Azim Bassarath said action from the governing ICC of play. in a statement. if Sri Lankan match referee “There was some problem in the main “We have jointly launched Ranjan Madugalle submits an electrical circuit of the fl oodlights, which an investigation to determine adverse report against the ven- was tripping,” a ground offi cial said on what occurred with a view to ue. According to ICC regula- condition of anonymity. remedying the situation so that tions, the governing body will Earlier the players taking part in yes- this does not occur in the fu- make the match referee’s report terday’s match, between teams that have ture,” the statement continued. public if he has rated it ‘poor’. been rebranded India Red and India Green, “Once this has been done it “It is not for the BCCI to were excited at the prospect of the longest will be presented to the WICB comment or look into matters format of the game also being played after (West Indies Cricket Board).” of foreign cricket boards or their dark in India. who is trying to force his way back into the jeev Tyagi, one of the ground’s administra- The Australia-New Zealand match is the Bassarath gave no indication facilities,” Indian cricket board “I think it is pretty exciting and some- Indian team, was similarly enthusiastic. tors, told AFP before the fl oodlight failure. only Test so far to have been played under of a time-frame for the conclu- (BCCI) secretary Ajay Shirke thing to look forward to,” said veteran all- “The Duleep Trophy has not been played India had been expected to stage their lights. But Pakistan are also set to stage sion of the investigation. It is said. “If at all, it is a matter for rounder Yuvraj Singh, who has enjoyed with the pink ball before and it’s a good fi rst day-night Test during a tour by New day/night contests against Australia and understood that prominent of- ICC to look into if it so desires.” great success for the national team under challenge. All the boys are keen (to per- Zealand starting next month. But the plans the West Indies in the Gulf later this year. lights in ODI and T20 cricket. form) and this is a good platform ahead of were shelved to give more time for trials of India, who have just been toppled by Pa- “The New Zealand-Australia Test match the season,” said Raina. the pink Kookaburra ball. kistan at the top of the rankings, are about SA-NZ/ 1ST TEST (fi rst day-night Test played in Adelaide last Singh’s team won the toss and chose Designers say the pink ball is far more to embark on an extensive round of Test year) I saw was pretty exciting. The ball was to bat fi rst in the afternoon in front of a visible under lights than the red ball that match cricket by hosting series against swinging a bit too much. cheering crowd who had fi led in to watch a has traditionally been used in Tests. New Zealand, England, Bangladesh and “It will be challenging if it swings a lot, piece of cricketing history. The white ball used in limited-overs Australia. No play again as wet playing under lights,” added Singh, who is “It’s a novel idea. Local people are eager cricket is not viable for Tests as it clashes While India’s ODI and T20 matches are captaining India Red. to watch the pink ball game under lights. with the players’ white clothing and sight usually played in front of packed houses, Suresh Raina, the captain of India Green We are just hoping that all goes well,” Ra- screens as well as being less durable. Tests are only rarely sold out. outfi eld forces draw

Reuters that it was too hard when they 1ST ODI/ ENGLAND vs PAKISTAN Durban played a one-day Internation- al at the venue last year. The work was completed on July 1 he fi rst Test between but recent fl ooding and a lack South Africa and New of sunshine has not helped Zealand ended in a damp the grass to properly recover, draw yesterday with- leaving it soft underfoot and Azhar hopes Pakistan will take outT a ball bowled over the fi nal patchy. The latest rains have three-and-a-half days due to a exacerbated the situation. sodden outfi eld at Kingsmead. The timing of the work is Only 100 overs were pos- now under question as a simi- sible in the match with New lar process in Pretoria, where Test form into ODIs against Eng Zealand frozen on 15 for two the second and fi nal Test is to AFP “If we do that and bring our plans in, we wickets in their fi rst innings start on Saturday, was com- London can defi nitely challenge England.” for 11 sessions after the players pleted in April. Meanwhile, England could play three left the fi eld prior to lunch on “We were dying to get out spinners in the game, their one-day cap- the second day never to return. there,” added Du Plessis. “New akistan one-day captain Azhar Ali tain Eoin Morgan said. The tourists were replying Zealand were in a spot of bother wants to see the team take the form A fi xture guaranteed to make history, to South Africa’s fi rst innings on a wicket which was giving a that had made them the world’s because the third umpire will call front total of 263 all out on a diffi cult lot of assistance.” Despite that number one-ranked Test side into foot no-balls, will take another interesting batting surface in what was the Du Plessis said that he respect- Ptheir one-day series against England. twist if England fi eld Liam Dawson along- fi rst winter Test to be played in ed the decision of the umpires. Azhar was a member of the Paki- side Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid. Durban. “The message was clear from the stan team that secured an impressive 2-2 The Hampshire left-arm spinner is hop- South African captain Faf umpires that the players’ safety draw in a recent four-Test series against ing to play on his home ground, particular- du Plessis backed the decision was their main concern. It’s dis- England and is now looking for his side to ly in dry conditions in the day-night game to call off play. “There were a appointing that a Test series be- hit similar heights in a fi ve-match one-day at the Ageas Bowl. few areas that were muddy and comes a one-off . Test cricket is international series starting in Southamp- “Having Liam Dawson brings the option loose underfoot, so the um- about longer, stronger, who can ton today. of playing three spinners and that is some- pires were worried that if you do it for the longest time.” Pakistan, following their results in thing we might have to take into considera- had to make a sudden move- But he said there were several England, and India’s rain-aff ected fourth tion as we look ahead to the winter tours of ment or sprint, you could get positives for South Africa going Test draw with the West Indies in Port- Bangladesh and India,” said Morgan. badly injured,” he told report- into Centurion for the decider. of-Spain, are now number one in the Test “It will be a very tough series against ers. “We respect the decision. “Winning the toss on a greenish rankings for the fi rst time in history. Pakistan especially as the recent warm From a captain’s point of view, wicket, our opening pair had a By contrast, they are just ninth in the weather means conditions may suit them if one of your fast bowlers runs real solid partnership against ODI standings and in danger of missing more than they suit us initially. It is a good around the boundary and gets a quality seam attack. Looking out on automatic qualifi cation for the 2019 test leading into the winter.” injured, you’d be pretty upset.” back we had a good score in the World Cup in England. England go into the game full of con- New Zealand coach Mike conditions although it was dis- But Azhar is confi dent the team’s white- fi dence after their series victory over Sri Hesson also felt it was the appointing that we didn’t score ball fortunes can be turned around follow- Pakistan one-day skipper Azhar Ali prepares to bat during his team’s nets session on the Lanka earlier this season. right decision. “It’s very clear 300 or 350,” he said. “We got ing what was, to many observers, their sur- eve of the first ODI against England, to be played at Southampton today. (Reuters) All-rounder Stokes and his Durham that both teams were very keen ourselves into positions where prise eff ort in winning two Tests in English teammate Wood are back from calf and to play, but we also respect we just needed one guy to bat a conditions. England’s one-day cricket has been on matches, so here also we believe we can do ankle injuries respectively although the that umpires are in charge of bit longer.” “Confi dence is very high and belief is an upward curve since their embarrassing it,” Azhar Ali added. former will play as a batsman only for the ground, weather and light,” he Du Plessis said opening there, obviously coming from the Test se- fi rst-round exit at last year’s World Cup After the Test series, Pakistan thrashed fi rst two games. said. “Even from the time we bowlers Dale Steyn and Ver- ries, we had a very good couple of months and Azhar is among those who’ve been Ireland by 255 runs in an ODI at Malahide Pakistan, who this week rose to number arrived at this venue, we knew non Philander, both returning here,” Azhar told reporters at Southamp- impressed by how Eoin Morgan’s side have on Thursday — Saturday’s second fi xture one in the test rankings after their 2-2 that the outfi eld was in a poor after injuries, had been out- ton. “We take that confi dence into the one- bounced back in the 50-over format. in a two-match series was washed out — draw with England, look to improve a state and obviously it couldn’t standing in the six overs each day internationals as well. “The way England started playing after but they are now set to face the fi t-again dismal recent record against opponents handle the rain.” which they had bowled. “The “Being number one is a massive boost the World Cup, they played a lot of attack- Durham duo of fast bowler Mark Wood and who have beaten them in eight of their last The debacle will now place guys were relentless. They hit and a proud moment for Pakistan cricket ing, fearless cricket and they’ve been per- all-rounder Ben Stokes, although the lat- nine games. the spotlight on Cricket South excellent areas and didn’t give and the whole nation is very happy about forming very well,” he said. ter will be deployed as a batsman only at “We have very good potential in one- Africa’s decision to play the the New Zealand batsmen any it, and as players the team is really happy “We know that and we have to be aggres- Southampton. day cricket also, we’ve certainly got belief,” game at Kingsmead, with no free runs.” about it. sive against them as well. “Wood is defi nitely a very good bowler said Azhar Ali who has replaced Test cap- play possible for three days “It’s defi nitely a good thing for us. Our “We are all very confi dent. No one rated and Stokes a very good all-round player, tain Misbah-ul-Haq as skipper. despite no rain. Brief scores one-day ranking is not great right now but us very highly — a few people said we would and a good batsman too,” Azhar said. “It’s really important going into any se- Work was done to improve South Africa (1st innings) 263 we will take the opportunity and the way be competitive but there were doubts if we “Every player they have could be a ries, you need to have belief and trust in the outfi eld — removing sand (H Amla 53; N Wagner 3/47, T the team is performing, hopefully we can could win the Test matches here. match-winner for them, so we have to fo- the ability of the players. If we bring our A and grass and relaying it — Boult 3/52) vs New Zealand convert it into ODIs as well.” “But the boys really believed in the Test cus on each and every player. game we defi nitely will compete.” after both teams complained (1st innings) 15-2 (Steyn 2/3) Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, August 24, 2016 SPORT

CRICKET CYCLING / VUELTA A ESPANA Pakistan celebrate ‘incredible journey’ to No.1 France’s Calmejane

AFP “People may say that its easier to get claims fourth stage Karachi there than to remain there so we need to keep that momentum, and improve in AFP one-dayers.” San Andres de Teixido, Spain ricket-obsessed Pakistanis were Under Younis, Pakistan plummeted to yesterday celebrating their na- number nine in one-day international tional team’s “incredible jour- rankings — a slump which they need to renchman Lilian ney” to the top of the Test rank- address in the fi ve-match series against Calmejane claimed his ingsC after a turbulent seven years in which England starting on Wednesday. fi rst ever professional they were forced to play home matches on Younis, who coached Pakistan in two stage win by breaking neutral venues. stints from 2010-11 and 2014-16, was also Fclear on a steep category two Pakistan supplanted arch-rivals India delighted said it was a “proud moment”. climb at the end the fourth stage to become the world’s number one Test “The hard work has paid off ... We as a of the Vuelta a Espana yesterday. side on Monday, after India’s fi nal Test nation are all proud of this achievement.” Calmejane fi nished the against the West Indies ended in a rain- Misbah, who has led the side in 46 163.5km ride from Betanzos to hit draw at Port of Spain. Tests since the spot-fi xing scandal while San Andres de Teixido in a time It capped a remarkable rise under cap- keeping the off -fi eld image clean, echoed of 4hr 05min 19sec, ahead of Co- tain Misbah-ul-Haq’s leadership for a the comments. lombia’s Darwin Atapuma who team which was nearly thrown out of the “It’s the greatest moment of my ca- takes over the overall lead of the international arena over a spot-fi xing reer,” he told AFP, thanking “everyone race, with American Benjamin scandal on their tour of England in 2010. involved in the game”. King third. Pakistan have also been forced to play Fans on the street are also savouring Atapuma leads by 29 seconds their home matches in the United Arab the occasion. from Alejandro Valverde with Emirates since an armed attack on the Sri Pakistan’s Azhar Ali shares a joke with a member of the coaching staff during a nets “We cannot bring international cricket Tour de France champion Chris Lankan team bus in 2009, a signifi cant session in Southampton, England, yesterday. (Reuters) (to the country) but we have brought the Froome four seconds further disadvantage. number one rankings,” said Abdul Qayyum. back in third. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chair- great achievement goes not only to this top of them all will be the players who have “This has proved that we deserve cricket All the favourites for the over- than suffi cient lead to ensure man Shaharyar Khan branded the rise team but to all the players, coaches and worked hard and been outstanding,” said on our home grounds.” all title, including Valverde, they wouldn’t be caught, a se- “historic”. support staff members who have repre- Arthur, who coached Pakistan to a 2-2 draw The ICC will present a special trophy Froome, Nairo Quintana and Al- ries of attacks splintered the lead “The ascension to the top of the ICC sented Pakistan in recent years.” in the four-Test series against England. to Pakistan in honour of the achievement berto Contador, fi nished togeth- group on the climb up Mirador Test rankings culminates an incredible New coach Mickey Arthur stressed “I am just the lucky coach who has next month. er, two minutes and six seconds Vixia de Herbeira. journey for Pakistan cricket,” he said. that the work was just beginning. been with the team now but others have If Pakistan remain number one until the back on the day after an early However, it was Calmejane’s “This is a historic moment in our rich “It’s a fantastic achievement and a lot of done wonderfully well,” he added, sin- April 1, 2017 cut-off date, they will also re- breakaway was never caught by attack that stuck as he moved Test cricket history and the credit for this people deserve the credit for that, but the gling out his predecessor Waqar Younis. ceive a much-needed $1mn prize money. the peloton. into the lead with nine kilome- “This jersey is a dream I still tres left and stayed clear to the haven’t taken in, but it’s been a fi nish. AFTERMATH dream come true,” BMC Racing’s He told Eurosport: “It’s a very Qatar to Atapuma said. great feeling. To win a stage so “I came hoping to do well and early in the Vuelta is just awe- participate I have to thank my team-mates some. for working for me. I wanted to “Today in my head was just in GCC win a stage but there are still the breakaway and to have no re- Aquatics days ahead and we hope to have grets. I saw (Thomas) De Gendt the jersey for as long as possible, was very strong in the group so I Sponsors leave C’ships as well as looking for a stage win attacked. When I was alone, fi rst that I hope will come soon, above in the race, I gave everything and QNA all putting on a good show. it is wonderful. The goal was to Doha “No doubt Samu [Samuel win a stage, so now everything Sanchez] is the team leader, but from here is a bonus.” today they gave me freedom and Atapuma moved into the lead Lochte aft er Rio he Qatari swim- we were alert to the breakaway after fi nishing second on the day, ming team will and completed our goal.” as overnight leader Ruben Fern- Tparticipate in the Calmejane and Atapuma were andez failed to keep up with the GCC Aquatics Cham- in a group of 21 riders that broke race favourites in the peloton. pionships that will be clear of the peloton after the fi rst After two days of tough climbs, held in Dammam, Saudi of two category three climbs in today’s fi fth stage from Viveiro to Arabia, today. the fi rst half of the stage. Lugo off ers fl atter terrain with incident, apology The squad includes Having accumulated a more just one category three ascent. Abdulrahman Khalid Reuters Lochte’s fee to Save The Chil- al-Kuwari, Nouh Rio de Janeiro dren, a global charity partner Abdulaziz al-Khelaifi, RUGBY of Speedo. Yaqoub Abdulaziz al- Lochte said in an e-mail that Khelaifi, Abdullah Mo- S Olympic swimmer he respected Speedo’s decision. hamed Abu Ghazalah, Ryan Lochte lost all “I was immature and I made Abdulrahman Hesham All Blacks expect four of his major spon- a stupid mistake. I’m human. I Mohamed, Abdulaziz sors on Monday, in- made a mistake and I defi nitely Hassan al-Obaidli, Ucluding Speedo USA and Ralph learned from this,” Lochte said Mosalam Abdullah greater intensity from Lauren Corp, following his in an interview on the Today Nabit, Feras bin Morad apology for an “exaggerated” show. al-Saadi, Hassan Ab- story about being robbed at “They (the people of Rio) put dulrahman al-Ebeidan, wounded Wallabies gunpoint at the Rio Games. on a great Games... And my im- Yousef Hisham Moham- Lochte’s version of the in- mature, intoxicated behaviour ed, Abdulrahim Hus- cident embarrassed the host tarnished that a little,” Lochte sain Saoud Mohamed city, angered local offi cials and said. Abu Ajwa, Mohamed further revelations about it — Ralph Lauren had taken down Mahmoud Mohamed, casting doubt on Lochte’s story references to the gold medal- Mohamed Fahad Has- — dominated news coverage of list from its website last week, san, Noradin Khadash, South America’s fi rst Olympics. and on Monday it said it would Yousef Abdulaziz The US Olympic Committee not renew the Olympic-specifi c al-Khelaifi, Abdulrah- issued an apology on Thursday, deal, which featured Lochte and man Mohamed al-Dalil, and Lochte, a 12-time Olympic other Olympic athletes wearing Abdulaziz Abdullah Bu medallist, made his own apol- Ralph Lauren-branded Olympic Hendi, Karim Salama ogy on Saturday in an interview merchandise. Saleh, Omar Ashraf with Brazil’s largest broadcaster, In this still image taken from a video, Olympic gold medallist swim- “We are transitioning out all Abuela, Tamim Ahmad Globo TV. mer Ryan Lochte of the US gives an interview to Globo TV at their Olympic visual as the games al-Safar, Abdullah Nabil “I wasn’t lying to a certain studios in New York City. (Reuters) ended yesterday, and we are al-Khaldi, Ali Abdul- extent,” he said. “I over-exag- moving into our fall fashion lah al-Naimi, Hussain gerated what was happening to Hair removal company Syn- ment, which had been made for message,” Macy’s spokeswoman Tariq Nassar, Tamim me.” eron Candela also ended its part- the Rio 2016 Olympic games. Holly Thomas said in an e-mail. Mohamed al-Hamaida, Within hours of the Games nership with Lochte, four months Sponsorship and endorse- Lochte, 32, won one gold Abdulrahman Ali coming to a close on Sunday after naming him its global brand ment deals typically include medal at the Rio Olympics. He al-Khanji and Nasser In this August 20, 2016, picture, Australia coach Michael Cheika (right) night, swimwear maker Speedo ambassador for one of its prod- “morals clauses” that allow was the breakout star of the Yasser Hassan. gives instructions to players prior to their game against New Zealand USA issued a statement saying it ucts. sponsors to terminate deals 2012 London Olympics, landing The Qatari water polo in Sydney. Australia lost that match 8-42. (AFP) would drop Lochte as one of its Japanese mattress maker Air- early if they feel the athlete has a short-lived reality TV series team too arrived in endorsers, while luxury retailer weave, which last week had said behaved poorly in public. called What Would Ryan Lochte Dammam on Saturday Reuters any hope of winning back the Ralph Lauren said it would not it would stand by Lochte, on Nottingham, UK-based Do? and appearing, as himself, to participate in the Wellington Bledisloe Cup for the fi rst time be renewing its contract with Monday said it had decided it Speedo’s US unit said on Mon- on top shows such as 30 Rock event. since 2003. the swimmer. would not renew the endorse- day it would donate $50,000 of and 90210. Criticised in the past for fol- ew Zealand opened lowing up brilliant performances their Rugby Cham- with mediocre ones, Kaino be- A LOOK BACK pionship campaign lieves the All Blacks have plenty with a thumping win of motivation to put in a per- Nover Australia last week but the formance at Wellington to match world champions are bracing last week’s brilliance in Sydney. for a tough encounter against a “It is all about attitude and Schumi always remained humble: FIA boss Todt wounded Wallabies side deter- mindset,” he said. “We have got mined to salvage their pride on the mindset that we haven’t DPA logical that Michael was particularly bril- racing in Formula One. Although it was Saturday. done anything, that we haven’t Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium liant there. impossible back then to say he would The All Blacks romped to a achieved anything. He also regarded it as a special event. It become the most successful driver in 42-8 victory in Sydney to quash “And how we will feel on Sat- was there that he made his Formula One the history of this sport, it was a safe bet any notion of a tricky transitional urday if we lost at home to Aus- ean Todt, a former Ferrari team debut, took his fi rst Formula One win in that he would go on to be a major player. period following the retirement tralia. For us, it is back to square boss and the current president of 1992 and where he secured his seventh of several New Zealand greats, one. We haven’t got the cup.” the governing FIA, knows Michael and fi nal world championship title in Q: What made Michael so special on with this weekend’s encounter Wallabies coach Michael Schumacher better than most. In 2004. He also celebrated his 300th Grand and off the track? in Wellington seen as another big Cheika faces perhaps “the big- theJ week which marks the 25th anniver- Prix start there in 2012. Spa provided the Michael was always exceptionally pro- test for Steve Hansen’s develop- gest challenge” of his career on sary of the German’s fi rst Formula One backdrop for fi ve wins, some emotional fessional on track. Despite the fact that ing side. Saturday. Last weekend’s loss race, Todt looks back on his friend’s ca- moments, a few disappointments, but fame and success came to him early in “We just need to put ourselves was Cheika’s fourth consecutive reer. above all it was here that Michael enjoyed life, he always remained humble. I re- in their shoes and think about home defeat. doing what he did best — driving a racing member he was always scared of failing, what we would be doing and “Probably the biggest. It’s a Q: What do you remember from Au- car — in the ideal place to do it. which gave him that extra boost which the edge and intensity we would big stage and it’s a big challenge gust 25, 1991? made all the diff erence. He had the innate have at training,” All Blacks loose for us,” Cheika told the Austral- Todt: At the time, I was working as Q: You saw him racing in the sports quality of being a leader and knew how to forward Jerome Kaino told New ian Associated Press yesterday Director of Peugeot Sport, competing in car championship before he started pull along with him the teams with which Zealand media yesterday. when asked about his assess- the World Sports Car Championship, so I Formula One — did you expect him he worked. “They have had a lot of injuries ment of the task ahead. don’t have any specifi c memories linked to become the most successful driver Away from the track there are many but even when you look at the “The criticism from the per- to that particular Belgian Grand Prix. It ever? things that make Michael special, as a guys who didn’t play, they have formance (last weekend) is very wouldn’t be until almost two years later, the world of motor sport. Even as a kid, I Todt: When I was at Peugeot, Michael man, as a husband, as a father. It’s diffi - got a lot of class there. Whoever warranted, no doubt about that, on July 1 1993, at Magny-Cours, when I would dream of those incredible corners was driving the Mercedes-powered Sau- cult to come up with a list of points, just they put in there is going to have and when there’s a lot of that took up my role as Team Principal of Scu- such as Eau Rouge and Stavelot, the lat- ber and he was defi nitely the strongest as it’s diffi cult to list all the great moments a lot of determination to better talk in your head you start to get deria Ferrari that I came across Michael as ter no longer part of the track, which back of our rivals. I recall that the fi rst time I we shared at and away from the track, as their performance,” he added. weighed down by it. one of our rivals on a Formula One track. then was twice the length it is now. Then spoke to him was in Japan, in October well as the diffi cult times that we tackled “I know if that was us, we “(The players) are feeling pret- there’s the completely unpredictable 1991, when we were both at an airport af- together, which served to bring us even would be doing everything pos- ty terrible about it, so we’ve got Q: What else do you associate with weather: it could be raining at one point ter the race at Autopolis, which Michael closer to one another. The tragedy that sible to play a lot better and get to get them back up into a situa- Michael and Spa? on the track, while the sun shines on an- had won, partnered with Wendlinger. I struck on December 29, 2013 changed his a win and that is what we are ex- tion where that’s driving them to Todt: The Spa-Francorchamps cir- other. Spa is a circuit where a driver’s tal- congratulated him, as he had driven really life and that of his extraordinary family, to pecting.” do something better this week- cuit has legendary and historic status in ent can really make a diff erence and so it’s well. At the time, he had already started which I always feel especially close. Australia must win to retain end.” Gulf Times Wednesday, August 24, 2016 7 SPORT

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Brazil didn’t Russia’s Paralympics mess up Games, ban upheld; Moscow nor did it make CAS says Russia in its appeal “did not file most of them any evidence contradicting the facts on Reuters crime. which the IPC decision was based” Rio de Janeiro Locals’ angry reaction to US cries foul swimmer Ryan Lochte, who made up a story about being AFP s the Olympic hoard- robbed at gunpoint, was partly Geneva ings are taken down in due to the knowledge their na- Rio de Janeiro and the tion was being tarnished inter- Carnival atmosphere nationally. ban on Russian athletes com- subsides,A there is relief that “The country put its image at peting in the Rio Paralympics cash-strapped Brazil avoided risk in bidding for the Games and was upheld yesterday, trig- making a mess of the Games but the risk did not work out because gering anger in Moscow after also a nagging suspicion it did it became brutally obvious Brazil theA country lost an appeal against their not make the most of them ei- has not resolved its problems,” exclusion over a vast, state-run doping ther. said Christopher Gaff ney, an programme. Brazil overcame fears over Olympic expert and geographer The Court of Arbitration for Sport the Zika virus, a painful reces- at the University of Zurich who (CAS) dismissed an appeal fi led by the sion that left government coff ers lived in Rio until last year. Russian Paralympic Committee, which bare, and the suspension of its sought to overturn the August 7 ban by president just three months be- ‘LEGACY’ MELTING AWAY the International Paralympic Committee fore the opening ceremony of the The spirit of discontent among (IPC). fi rst Games in South America. some residents was represent- Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Two years ago, a senior mem- ed by an ice sculpture on Rio’s Medvedev denounced the doping charges ber of the International Olympic seafront boulevard spelling out as a ‘thick and very nasty cocktail’ and Committee (IOC) warned that “legado” — “legacy” in Portu- said the Paralympic ban constituted a Brazil’s preparations were the guese. In the heat of the tropical ‘cynical’ attempt by rivals to remove worst he had ever seen. sun, it quickly melted away. strong competitors from the Games. Yet a last-minute scramble Rio’s outspoken mayor, Edu- The IPC took the tough action after the meant that venues and a new ardo Paes, accepts that, while release of a bombshell report commis- metro line to the Olympic Park progress was made, the Games sioned by the World Anti-Doping Agency were ready in time. Security fell far short of their original (WADA), detailing drug-cheating direct- fears, which prompted the de- target in terms of tackling envi- ed by government offi cials and aff ecting ployment of 85,000 police and ronmental issues like water pol- dozens of sports. security for the Games, were lution. Roughly half the city’s Citing evidence compiled by WADA In this March 16, 2014, picture, performers carry the Russian flag during the closing ceremony of the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games also proved wrong — there was sewage still fl ows untreated into lead investigator Richard McLaren, the in Sochi, Russia. (Reuters) no major attacks of the kind seen Guanabara bay. IPC argued that Russia’s disabled athletes recently in Europe. A Reuters study showed that had failed to comply with global anti- zero-tolerance on doping,” he said. touched by the pervasive cheating in the That included 19-year-old backstroke Yet in terms of the long-term pledges on reducing air pollution doping codes. The Paralympics ban was the latest country. swimmer Alexander Makarov, who suf- benefi ts to residents and the im- were also missed. The Lausanne-based CAS said Russia blow to Russian sport, which has been Craven said previously that Russia’s fers from arthrogryposis, a congenital age of Rio to the outside world, Campaigners railed against in its appeal “did not fi le any evidence condemned by a mountain of doping al- “thirst for glory at all costs has severely condition that limits the limbs’ move- the Games could have been so the relocation of tens of thou- contradicting the facts on which the IPC legations in recent months. damaged the integrity and image of all ments. much more. sands of people to build infra- decision was based.” The country narrowly escaped an out- sport”. He told AFP last week that he was try- “If we’re content to call the structure for the Games. In a statement, the court “confi rmed” right International Olympic Committee “Their medals over morals attitude ing “not to think” about being barred absence of catastrophe an Olym- The decision to focus new Russia’s ban from the Rio Paralympics, ban from the just-concluded Rio Games, disgusts me.” from Rio, as he churned through 50 laps pic success, then I suppose it was transportation routes on the which run from September 7 to 18. but still saw dozens of its athletes barred, Dmitry Svishchev, who heads the lower during a morning training session outside a success but if that is the case wealthier Western districts, including almost the entire track and fi eld house of Russian parliament’s sports and Moscow. we are setting the bar too low,” where the Olympic Park was TRADITIONAL ENEMY team. physical culture committee, told AFP: “I However, former Russian Paralympian said Jules Boykoff , a professor at built, meant they would do little Medvedev, however, said on Facebook in Russia continues to deny the fi ndings really don’t like this decision. Mikhail Terentyev, a federal lawmaker Pacifi c University in Oregon and to curb the long daily commutes Russian the decision showed “a number of the McLaren report, including the in- “I think that it is baseless and cruel. and member of the Russian Paralympic author of a book on the political of the poor from Rio’s sprawling of states and their political and sports volvement of the sports ministry and the The athletes against whom this decision Committee’s executive board, told R- history of the Games. northern slums. establishments were looking for a tradi- Russian secret service in doping fraud at was taken did not deserve this.” Sport: tional enemy and found it once again.” the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. The Paralympics, held every four years “The IPC’s decision is tragedy for the However IPC president Philip Craven for athletes with disabilities, has taken 267 athletes who had already made the said the decision “underlines our strong ‘DISGUSTING ATTITUDE’ place in various forms since 1948 but has team and went through a crucible and belief that doping has absolutely no place Russian Paralympic Committee president grown in importance over the past 20 many anti-doping tests.” in Paralympic sport.” Vladimir Lukin had sought to portray his years. Nearly 4,300 athletes from 164 coun- The ruling was applauded by the presi- athletes as independent from the Mos- An estimated 250 Russian competitors tries took part in the 2012 London Para- dent of Germany’s National Paralympic cow government. had been slated to take part in Rio and lympic Games. Committee, Friedhelm Julius Beucher. But the IPC said it did not believe that many had continued training ahead of the The 2016 Rio Paralympics will see ath- “The judgement is a sign of consistent disabled Olympic hopefuls were un- CAS decision. letes compete in 23 disciplines over 11 days.

CELEBRATIONS India runner slams offi cials for Triumphant Brits return lack of water

AFP home in gold-nosed plane New Delhi AFP London ndia ordered an inquiry yesterday after an athlete said national off icials failed to give Brazilian judoka Rafaela Silva (centre) waves as she parades with her Iher water during the Olympic marathon gold medal at Cidade de Deus favela, where she was born, after the reat Britain’s triumphant Ol- leading her to collapse, heaping further em- 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Monday. (AFP) ympic team returned home barrassment following a poor showing in Rio. from the Rio Games in a Runner OP Jaisha, 33, told media she col- “From the point of view of the The sight of the Maracana gold-nosed plane yesterday, lapsed after the women’s marathon because lives of ordinary people in Rio, it stadium brightly illuminated Gas offi cials trumpeted their success as was not a successful Games. It was for the closing ceremony while Indian off icials failed to provide refreshments the “best sporting achievement” in at designated country stations during the a massively missed opportunity.” a power cut plunged neigh- the country’s history. race. In 2009, when a triumphant bouring streets into darkness Some 320 athletes and support “I could have died there... Only once in 8 Brazil won the right to host the epitomised the lopsided ben- staff travelled back from Brazil in kilometres did we get water (from the Rio Games by a landslide at an IOC efits of the games. Local media the British Airways Boeing 747 with organisers) which did not help at all,” Press meeting in Copenhagen, a tearful has reported that electricity “victoRIOus” emblazoned on the Trust of India quoted her as saying. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Sil- tariffs will need to be raised to side, and the airline ordered an extra “All the countries had their stalls at every va said it would seal Brazil’s entry cover the cost of lighting the 77 bottles of champagne for the 11- 2km but our country’s stall was empty,” she into the club of “fi rst-class” na- Games. hour fl ight. said. tions. One major uncertainty for Team GB’s Olympic medal haul was The allegations prompted the sports minister “The world has recognised Brazilians is the size of the fi nal its biggest for more than a century, Members of the British Olympic team pose with their medals after returning to announce an investigation. “Sports minister that the time has come for Bra- bill for the Games, in the midst of with a total of 67, including 27 gold, from the Rio Games on a gold-tipped Boeing 747 at Heathrow airport in Lon- constitutes two-member committee to inquire zil!” Lula said, predicting the the country’s deepest economic putting Britain behind only the United don yesterday. (AFP) into the allegations of marathon runner OP Games would showcase the na- recession since the 1930s. States in the overall standings in Rio. Jaisha,” a statement issued by Sports Minister tion’s improved governance and The government has already “I think it is the best sporting time at least,” added Grainger, whose ra Trott triumph in the velodrome. Vijay Goel’s off ice said. booming economic growth. said it will need to put in more achievement by any team in British career fi ve medals make her Britain’s Kenny matched British cycling A string of below-par performances saw Seven years later, the Games public money to balance the sporting history,” said British chef most decorated female Olympian. great Chris Hoy’s tally of six golds India win just two medals — a silver and a arrived at just the wrong mo- books, yet it is resisting calls to de mission Mark England, fl anked by Some of the medallists’ families with three wins in Rio, while Trott bronze — at the Rio Games, fewer than the six ment for Brazil. Its economy has make the Games’ accounts pub- team members, at a press conference were present to watch them land, won two of her own to take her total clinched during their best-ever performance been ravaged by a commodities lic. Many observers expect the at London’s Heathrow Airport. along with Hugh Robertson, Brit- to four. in London in 2012. collapse while a sweeping cor- offi cial $12 bn price tag to be ex- Adam Peaty, who started the Brit- ain’s sports minister at the time of Both Kenny and Trott returned Jaisha’s allegations were yet another blow for ruption scandal has ensnared the ceeded. ish gold rush by smashing his own the 2012 Games in London. ahead of the bulk of the British Indian off icials at Rio Games who — including construction companies build- For many in Brazil, the Games world record to win the 100 metres squad, with Kenny telling the BBC the sports minister Goel — have been widely ing infrastructure for the Games will be remembered as a success breaststroke swimming title added: ‘SURPASSED EXPECTATIONS’ yesterday: “It’s strange, it’s a new panned by local media for their behaviour. and swept Lula’s leftist Workers for one moment — when foot- “It’s great to be back on British soil Britain’s performance in Rio was the experience because I’m not used to The Rio organising committee slammed Party from power. baller Neymar clinched the gold again and I can’t wait to inspire the best by any country that had hosted being in the public eye as such. the minister’s entourage as “aggressive and The run-up to the Games, an medal with the fi nal penalty of next generation of British athletes.” the immediate preceding Olympics “We’ve not bought a single drink rude,” and warned him for repeatedly trying unrivalled moment to showcase the match against Germany. and Robertson, now a vice-president since we got home, so people are re- to get unaccredited people into the Olympic Brazil’s most picturesque city, Yet residents like Luciana ‘UNITE THE COUNTRY’ of the British Olympic Association ally nice! The support is incredible venues. was dominated instead by head- Cabral, a 25-year-old adver- Meanwhile rower Katherine Grainger (BOA) said the knock-on eff ect from and we all really appreciate it.” The Indian Express newspaper accused Goel lines over the impeachment of tising student, said the Games said she was glad the team had been a London had played a part. Several British competitors defend- of spending his time in Rio taking selfies with Lula’s successor, Dilma Rousseff , appeared to have done little to source of joy for the country after a “One of the objectives was to leave ed titles won in London, notably track “exhausted Indian athletes”. the spread of Zika, and resurgent improve the everyday life of or- year of political upheaval. a legacy for UK athletes for genera- star Mo Farah who again took gold in Indian athletes complain of substandard train- crime levels in the city’s slums dinary people in Rio. “The lovely thing is that after tions to come,” he told AFP. both the 5,000 metres and 10,000 ing facilities and a lack of government invest- due to rising unemployment and “On top of that, we still don’t London 2012 we thought it could not “Rio has surpassed all our expec- metres, with Nicola Adams and taek- ment in sport in the country of 1.25bn. under-funded police. know what the real cost of the in- be replicated, that feeling of unit- tations,” added Robertson, who fl ew wondo’s Jade Jones also repeating Jaisha finished 89th in the women’s mara- The enduring images of the frastructure will be, so we have to ing a nation, but the reaction here at back from Brazil last Friday. their victories of four years ago. thon with a time of 2 hours 47 minutes and Games will be not just the great wait and see,” she said in down- Heathrow is just a small taste of what “This plan wasn’t drawn up on the Double gold medal-winning gym- 19 seconds. sporting achievements — from town Rio, on a street left deserted is to come,” she said. back of a fag (cigarette) packet, al- nast Max Whitlock and Adams were India sent a 118-strong athlete contingent to US swimmer Michael Phelps’ by a city holiday on Monday. “It’s felt like it’s been a tough year though that isn’t perhaps the most fi rst off the plane, posing and waving Rio, its largest ever for an Olympic Games, 28th Olympic medal to Usain “I don’t want to say the whole for the country and the good thing apposite analogy to use for sports.” for photographers, before the rest of and the sports ministry had set a target of 10 Bolt’s historic sprint ‘triple tri- thing was a failure but there were about sport is that it unites the coun- Cycling saw Britain’s “golden cou- the team followed to further cheers medals. ple’ — but also the organiza- a lot of things that weren’t done try with some good news, for a short ple” of Jason Kenny and fi ancee Lau- and applause from airport staff . tional problems, empty seats and well.”

Wednesday, August 24, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

TOP OF THE LINE QMMF driver al-Hamad takes podium on Zolder debut

By Sports Reporter start the race from the front row. With of the overall podium until in the fi nal of the entire race and I am really happy Doha Longin starting the race they were six hours, a fi re started in the car caus- and relieved to reach a podium in such quick to take an early lead in the fi rst ing a lengthy pit stop to fi x the wiring, diffi cult conditions,” al-Hamad said af- lap, until only a few hours later the car dropping the team again back down the ter the race. fter completing a grueling suff ered transmission and engine is- grid again into 23rd position. He added: “The team worked ex- 24h of Zolder, Qatar Mo- sues just as heavy rain started to fall on As the team worked tirelessly to tremely well under such pressure and it’s tor & Motorcycle Federation the Zolder circuit. mend the car, time was ticking by as due to the mechanics and team working (QMMF)-backed driver Amro Having to pit so early on in the race for they waited to know if they would be so hard that we even reached the podium al-HamadA and his Bas Koeten Racing repairs dropped the car down the grid able to start the car again and fi nish the at all, everyone did a great professional team were denied the results they had to 30th position and into the night al- remainder of the race. job and I am proud we got a reward of 3rd hoped. The team, although fast, suf- Hamad and his co-drivers had to double “It was a roller-coaster of emotions in our class for our eff orts.” fered technical issues and fought hard their stints at three hours each to make for us and a very tough race. After such Proudly carrying the QMMF banner, for a podium place and fi nished third in any advance up the leaderboard. Just as a positive start everything was going to Amro commented, “I am very proud the prototype class. the rain began to fall again in the early plan. The car was perfect all through- to have the support from my Federa- Al-Hamad joined co-drivers Tho- morning the team pulled together and out Practice and Qualifying but just tion. Without them I would not be here mas Piessens, Stienes Longin and Sven managed to climb back up to 4th posi- didn’t want to play the game during the to raise the Qatar fl ag on the podium. I van Laere in this historic long distance tion overall which was a great result after race. The rain didn’t help and the car cannot thank QMMF president Mr Ab- race. Starting very well in practice and a night of pressure and suspense. being a prototype was not the ideal car dul-Rahman al-Mannai enough for the qualifying, the team went on in the The team at this point dared to dream for those weather conditions, but hav- encouragement and support; it means Qatar’s Amro al-Hamad (second from right) with his Bas Koeten Racing co-drivers Superpole to take a P2 grid position to that they could almost be within reach ing said that we did get the fastest lap the world to me.” on the grid at 24hr of Zolder.

FIA WORLD CUP FOR CROSS-COUNTRY RALLIES FOCUS SC’s booth at Bayt Al-Attiyah eyes title Qatar concludes successful run at with Baja Poland win Rio Olympics Win in Round 7 will ensure Qatari retains title; Overdrive has five entries

Agencies Szczecin, Poland

verdrive Racing’s season of FIA World Cup for Cross-Country rallying continues when it en- ters fi ve Toyota Hiluxes in this weekend’sO Columna Medica Baja Poland, round seven of the nine-event series, in Szczecin in northwestern Poland. FIA World Cup leader Nasser Saleh al- Attiyah returns from his sixth Olympic outing in Rio to try and secure a fi fth suc- cessive rally victory since joining Over- drive Racing before the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge in April. The Qatari again teams up with French navigator Matthieu Baumel and arrives in Szczecin with a massive 88-point lead in the title race. Victory in Poland would give the Qatari a total of 210 points and make it mathematically impossible for him to be caught with two events remain- ing in Morocco and Portugal. The Polish duo of Marek Dabrowski and Jacek Czachor return to cross-coun- try action in the second Team Orlen car and aims to improve on the driver’s sixth position in the championship stand- s the curtains came Barshim. ings. The duo fi nished fi fth on their home down on the 2016 Rio He said: “This victory is a re- event last year in a Toyota Hilux. Olympics, the doors of sult of the QOC’s eff orts and its Frenchman Ronan Chabot and his nav- Bayt Qatar, Qatar Ol- investment in sportspeople as igator Gilles Pillot crew the third car and ympicA Committee’s hospitality well as the Qatari government’s the Dane Jes Munk and Polish co-driver house at the Games, also closed ongoing support for the sports Rafal Marton return to action with Over- after welcoming more than sector. drive Racing for the fi rst time since visa 16,000 visitors through its doors. “Bayt Qatar has produced ex- issues forced them to withdraw prema- Those who visited Bayt Qatar cellent results and made people turely from the recent Silk Way Rally in Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah will be bidding for a fifth successive FIA World Cup victory in Poland. also had the opportunity to learn happy. It has been a great mo- Asia to occupy the fourth Toyota. Chabot about preparations for the 2022 tivator for Qataris to redouble and Pillot enjoyed a successful Dakar “This is another important event for neering checks and administration in Szc- then be repeated at 12.30hrs and 13.20hrs, FIFA World Cup at the Supreme their eff orts and achieve even outing with the team in January. Overdrive Racing and a superb opportu- zecin tomorrow before crews are permitted before the ceremonial fi nish in the Szc- Committee for Delivery & Lega- more in international sport, both Al-Attiyah’s brother Khalifa drives the nity for Nasser and Matthieu to secure the to carry out a shakedown test at the nearby zecin Rally Park from 14.30pm. In a total cy’s (SC) booth – and many illus- by winning more medals and by fi fth car with backing from the Qatar Mo- title for the team and for our other driv- military range on Friday morning. route of 787.68km, teams will tackle a to- trious names did just that. hosting sporting events.” tor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF). ers to continue their experience with the After the ceremonial start in Szczecin at tal of 472.30 competitive kilometres. The highlight was a visit from Referring to the high number Although a relative newcomer to the dis- Toyota Hilux,” said Overdrive Racing’s 17.00hrs on Friday evening, teams will then Qatar’s Olympic silver medalist of visitors received at the SC’s cipline of off -road rallying, Khalifa has CEO Jean-Marc Fortin. tackle the opening 6.9km super special FIA WORLD CUP FOR CROSS-COUNTRY Mutaz Barshim, who was given a booth, al-Thawadi added: “This considerable experience of FIA Middle Columna Medica Rally Poland is being stage in the militarised area from 18.00hrs. RALLIES STANDINGS hero’s welcome. is natural because of the Brazil- East special stage rallying and teams up organised by Foundation Baja Poland and Saturday’s action comprises two selec- 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT) 180 pts He was joined by Brazilian foot- ian people’s passion and love with Belgian co-driver Stéphane Prevot. takes place in the Szczecin, Dobra, and tive sections of 175km apiece in the mili- 2. Yazeed al-Rajhi (SAU) 92 pts ball legends Ronaldo and Cafu, as for football, with many interna- The duo fi nished July’s Baja Spain Aragon Zachodniopomorskie areas and across tarised area around Drawsko Pomorskie 3. Mikko Hirvonen (FIN) 78 pts well as Evaristo de Macedo, the tional football stars hailing from together in 13th position, but retired from the military zone in Drawsko Pomorskie. from 08.20hrs and 13.40hrs. 4. Vladimir Vasilyev (RUS) 74 pts former Brazil international who Brazil. the recent Hungarian Baja. The host city of Szczecin is the seventh Sunday’s action consists of two repeat 5. Bryce Menzies (USA) 55 pts coached Qatar to second place at “The high turnout has en- Overdrive Racing has also supplied largest in the country and the capital of runs through a pair of shorter special 6. Marek Dabrowski (POL) 40 pts the 1981 FIFA Under-20 World couraged the SC to participate in a sixth car for the Polish duo of Marcin the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. stages of 39.50km and 18.20km in length. 7. Yuriy Sazonov (KAZ) 34 pts Youth Championship. more sporting events around the Maluszynski and Julita Maluszynska. The Northeast Marina will host scruti- These Dobra and Lubieszyhn specials will 8. Maris Neiksans (LVA) 30 pts Regardless of the star names, world, in order to show the true every guest learned about Qa- face of Qatar and let people eve- tar’s own preparations to wel- rywhere know about the coun- come the world in 2022, high- try’s preparations for the 2022 lighting Al Rayyan Stadium and World Cup and what has been Qatar U-17 team in training the most important SC legacy achieved in this regard so far.” projects including Challenge 22 In addition to the public, other and Generation Amazing. former football stars and coaches SC secretary general Hassan such as Brazil World Cup win- al-Thawadi expressed his hap- ning captain Dunga (1994) and piness at the success of the SC’s former Brazil international De- participation in Bayt Qatar in Rio nilson, World Cup winning de- de Janeiro. fender Lucio (2002), UEFA Euro Al-Thawadi congratulated 2000 winner David Trezeguet of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al- France and former Real Madrid Thani, Qatar Olympic Commit- midfi elder Christian Karembeu tee president and the head of the visited the booth. Qatari delegation to the 2016 Rio Qatar’s Olympic team also Olympics, for this achievement, stopped by, including Nasser as well as to the Qatar Athlet- al-Attiyah, a bronze medallist in ics Federation (QAF) and Mutaz London 2012. (SC.qa)

Qatar U-17 national team players take part in a training session in Mexico ahead of the start of their international season. PICTURE: Fadi al-Assaad