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Home , Anwar Ali (cricketer), Asad Shafiq, Bilawal Bhatti, Mohammad Irfan, Sohail Tanvir, Zulfiqar Babar

SPORT SATURDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2017 21 'Cultural' change needed in Russia to lift ban: Coe

Melbourne that there is a recognition (in Russia) of Reuters a need for change, particularly with tra- ditional coaching methods. ussia still needs to demonstrate a "But we need to make sure that is "cultural shift" in its commitment consistent with what is also being said R to clean sport if its track and field and expressed publicly. "Some progress athletes hope to compete under the had been made... but there are still some nation's flag again, IAAF President areas where we want to see more Rick Lamb hits his tee shot Sebastian Coe said yesterday. progress. on the 17th hole during Russia's athletics federation (RUSAF) "I don't think (the decision) came as Round One of the AT&T has been banned since November 2015 a huge surprise to RUSAF. And of course Pebble Beach Pro-Am at after an independent World Anti-Dop- WADA has still to look at RUSAF as Spyglass Hill Golf Course on ing Agency (WADA) probe exposed being code-compliant. Thursday in Pebble Beach, state-sponsored doping on a massive "There needs to be some cultural California. Lamb ended as scale. shift as well... but we're moving in the one of the joint leaders An IAAF task force confirmed this right direction." after weather-hit first day. week that the ban will remain in place Coe said the IAAF was considering until at least November, meaning Rus- allowing Russian athletes to compete sian athletes will not compete at the as neutrals at the global showpiece but world championships in London in cast serious doubt on the ability of August, having already been excluded RUSAF to rejoin world athletics this from last year's Rio Olympics. year. The working party's head, Rune "This year? Probably not, but we Anderson, said Russia's efforts to build may still see individual Russian athletes Day behind early leaders a credible anti-doping regime still faced in the world championships in London various headwinds, including problems in a neutral capacity," he added. enforcing provisional doping bans, lim- "There's no guarantee. They have ited drug testing at national level and applied and we need to look at all of "troubling incidents" when testing was those in a case by case study by our own at Pebble Beach Pro-Am taking place. board and let's see where we get to." Although "confident" that RUSAF Russia's credibility in the fight was a very different federation since against drug cheats suffered another New York Unheralded golfers lead cially where you are playing. the ban was enforced, Coe said the IAAF blow in December with the release of Reuters "If you were playing at Spy today, commission was not satisfied that the second report by Canadian profes- Top Aussie golfer grounds it definitely helped a little bit, espe- enough checks and balances were in sor Richard McLaren, which said ason Day ground out a two- out a two-under-par 69 to cially with some of the cover in the place. Moscow had "hijacked international under-par 69 to sit two strokes sit two strokes off the lead trees, but you've just got to take what "We work very well with the new sport" over a five-year period. off the lead on Thursday when in the weather-hit opening you can get and try and win the tour- president of RUSAF (Dmitri Shlya- The report found more than 1,000 the opening round of the round nament at the end of the week," he khtin)," the Briton told reporters in Russian competitors in 30 sports were Jweather-hit Pebble Beach said. Melbourne. involved in an "institutional conspir- National Pro-Am was suspended for Given the weather conditions, "And the view of the commission is acy" to cover up positive tests. Unheralded Americans the day with only half the field back Day was thrilled with his opening Rick Lamb and Joel in the clubhouse. round. Australian Day had to contend Dahmen, and South Korean "I feel pretty good with how with driving wind and rain over his Noh Seung-yul, share top things are going, coming out today last four holes before organisers spot on the leaderboard and shooting a couple under par," halted play at 1:34 pm PST (2134 GMT) said the 29-year-old, a 10-times win- due to unplayable conditions on the ner on the PGA Tour. Monterey Peninsula in California. a field of 156 had completed their "The hardest part about today One hour later, play was aban- rounds and organisers hope to get the was actually committing to the shot doned for the day with unheralded tournament back on track on Friday, more so than anything because you Americans Rick Lamb and Joel Dah- though weather forecasts predict a had a lot of side winds. I'm looking men, and South Korean Noh 50 percent of rain at Pebble Beach forward to Spyglass tomorrow." Seung-yul, sharing top spot on the on Friday morning. Among the other high-profile leaderboard after opening with four- "We only played four holes in the names competing this week, world under 68s. rain," Day told Golf Channel after number six Jordan Spieth was three All three had started out on the mixing four birdies with two bogeys under after 16 holes at Monterey Spyglass Hill layout, one of three ven- at Monterey Peninsula Country Club. Peninsula while four-times cham- ues being used for this week's PGA "It's hit and miss ... sometimes you pion Phil Mickelson was one under Tour event. Seventy-four players in can get lucky with the draw, espe- after 17 on the same layout.

Wiesberger Bernd Wiesberger of Austria waits for his turn during the second round Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a play grabs lead of the 2017 Maybank against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter of their NBA game Malaysia Championship at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City on Thursday. after birdie golf tournament at Saujana Golf and Country blitz in KL Club in Kuala Lumpur Thunder topple Cavs; yesterday. Kuala Lumpur Celtics and Mavs rally Reuters

ernd Wiesberger reeled off Los Angeles NBA RESULTS Only Robertson, with 41 in nine birdies in a row in a AFP Boston 120 Portland 111 1961-62, and Wilt Cham- Bsuperb second round of 63 Dallas 112 Utah 105 berlain, with 31 in 1967-68, to grab a one-shot lead over he relentless Russell Oklahoma City 118 Cleveland 109 have posted more in a

Masters champion Danny Wil- Westbrook produced Houston 107 Charlotte 95 campaign. lett at the Maybank This 26th triple-dou- Philadelphia 112 Orlando 111 In Dallas, the Maver- Championship in Kuala Lumpur ble of the season Thursday icks rallied from a 21-point yesterday. to lead the Oklahoma City third-quarter deficit to The 31-year-old lit up the Thunder to a 118-109 tri- with 4:59 to play. Irving stun the Utah Jazz 112-105 Saujana Golf and Country Club umph over the NBA answered with a driving in overtime. with the birdie blitz from the champion Cleveland layup, but after a West- Dirk Nowitzki's jump seventh to 15th holes to go Cavaliers. brook jump shot, Thunder shot with three seconds 12-under after 36 to boost his Westbrook poured in reserve Jerami Grant remaining sent the game prospects of a fourth European 29 points with 11 assists blocked a shot at the other into the extra session. Tour title. and 12 rebounds. Victor end. Westbrook sank Harrison Barnes Wiesberger is the first player Oladipo added 23 points another jumper to stretch scored eight of his 31 in European Tour history to card and about a 20-footer on 11. Scores and seven rebounds and Oklahoma City's lead to points in overtime as the nine straight birdies in a round "Apart from that I just hit them pretty close center Steven Adams of 107-101 with 3:42 remain- Mavs withstood 36 points but with preferred lies in place, and felt like I had a good idea of what the ball was 132- Bernd Wiesberger (AUT)69-63 New Zealand added 21 ing. James missed a from Utah's Gordon Hay- when players are allowed to going to do on the green today again which was 133- Danny Willett (ENG) 66-67 points and 13 rebounds for fadeaway jumper before ward and snapped the improve the ball's lie without nice," added the Austrian, who began the day six Oklahoma City, who Westbrook fed Adams for Jazz's four-game winning 135- David Lipsky (USA) 68-67, Mike penalty on certain parts of the shots off lead. improved to 31-23. an easy basket. After streak. course, the Austrian will not Englishman Willett hit six birdies and a bogey Lorenzo-Vera (FRA) 70-65 Kyrie Irving led the another block, Westbrook Boston guard Isaiah make the record books. in his 67 to sit at 11-under, two shots clear of 136- Shubhankar Sharma (IND) 68- Cavs with 28 points. LeB- had the ball again, dishing Thomas scored 15 of his 34 "I hit really good shots and I Frenchman Mike Lorenzo-Vera and American 68, K.T. Kim (KOR) 68-68 ron James chipped in 18 to to Oladipo for a layup that points in the fourth quar- just felt calm out there," he said David Lipsky. 137- Marcel Siem (GER) 66-71, Sam go with seven assists but gave Westbrook his 10th ter as the Celtics erased a after returning a card that Lorenzo-Vera sank six birdies and an eagle in Brazel (AUS) 66-71, Shiv Kapur (IND) was held scoreless in the assist and clinched his 17-point deficit to beat the included 11 birdies and two his 65, while Lipsky was bogey-free in his card of 70-67, Anirban Lahiri (IND) 69-68, fourth quarter. triple-double. Trail Blazers 120-111 in bogeys. 67. Irving's layup tied it at Westbrook matched Portland. Matteo Manassero (ITA) 71-66, Alex- "It felt kind of natural, I hit Marc Warren of Scotland surrendered his over- 99-99 with less than six the third-highest total for Seven Celtics scored in pretty good shots and really only night lead with a three-over-par round of 75, ander Levy (FRA) 69-68, James Mor- minutes remaining, but triple-doubles in a season. double figures as the team holed two long ones which were following three bogeys and a triple bogey on his rison (ENG)70-67 two Westbrook baskets put Oscar Robertson collected won for the eighth time in the last birdie of the nine on 15 last six holes. Oklahoma City up 103-99 26 in 1960-61 and 1963-64. nine games. 22 SPORT SATURDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2017 suspends Sharjeel and Latif in corruption probe

Dubai investigation by the PCB sup- Pakistan team which toured "It would not be appropriate to Khan said players should know 2000. Malik was punished for AFP ported by the International Australia and featured in a Test comment on the specifics of the the pitfalls of corruption. offering Australian trio Shane Council will continue as and all five one-day internation- case, however this investigation "Under no circumstances Warne, Tim May and Mark he part of collective efforts to pro- als. He has totalled 25 one-day is a clear demonstration of our will the PCB condone actions of Waugh a bribe to underperform yesterday provisionally tect the integrity of the sport," internationals and 15 determination to drive corrup- a few individuals to bring dis- during their visit to Pakistan in Tsuspended Sharjeel Khan the board said in a statement. . tion out of our sport. repute to the game of cricket or 1995. and under its Anti- No further details were Latif, 31, was part of Paki- "We will not tolerate any taint the image of Pakistan," he In 2010 then Test Corruption Code and dumped released but the pair were stan's World squad form of corrupt activity and as said. Pakistan cricket has been , the pair out of the Pakistan thought to be linked to spot-fix- in India last year and has played this investigation proceeds we rocked by fixing scandals over and Mohammad Asif were Super League. ing, an illegal betting practice five one-day internationals and will not hesitate to take further the past several years. banned for five years for spot- "Sharjeel and Latif have rife in Pakistan cricket in recent 13 Twenty20s. decisive action as Former captain Salim Malik fixing while leg-spinner Danish been suspended and the rigor- years. Najam Sethi, chairman of appropriate." and Ataur Rehman were banned Kaneria was banned for life in ous and wide-ranging Sharjeel, 27, was part of the the said: PCB chairman Shaharyar for life after an investigation in a spot-fixing case in 2012.

India's captain plays ACC U-19: QCA to hold trials a shot during the first day of the Test against Bangladesh at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket for Qatar team selection Stadium in Hyderabad on Thursday. The Peninsula undergo an intensive training camp after the selection, he he Asian Cricket Council added. (ACC) has extended an Ahmad, while laying down Tinvitation to Qatar to con- the selection conditions, said test in the upcoming U-19 the players, who are born on Cricket Tournament to be held and after September 1, 1998, in Kuwait. will only be eligible for the According to the Qatar trials. Cricket Association (QCA), Also they should be either Operations Manager, Manzoor born in Qatar or resident of Ahmad, the tournament is Qatar for a minimum four years scheduled in the second week where only 2 players can qual- of October this year. ify to participate as per ICC Ahmad said that the QCA rules. The remaining players was planning to send a strong should have resident of 7 years national team to the ACC cham- in Doha. The trials camp will be pionship for which it will hold held at West Bay Cricket ground a selection trials to pick a bunch on February 25 2017, at 2 pm of talented players. Interested players can reg- The selected players, who ister themselves for the trials, will have a glorious opportu- sending emails at: cricqatar@ nity to represent Qatar in the gmail.com or qatarca@hotmail. international event, will com Kohli's double ton tightens SCOREBOARD : : b Narine ...... 29 JJ Roy b Zulfiqar Babar ...... 27 c M Rizwan b .....5 BB McCullum* c Perera b Zulfiqar Babar ...... 20 KP Pietersen b ...... 3 Fakhar Zaman run out (A Shafiq/S Ahmed) .....11 RR Rossouw c b M Irfan ...... 60 Umar Akmal c Perera b ...... 0 screws on Bangladesh Sarfraz Ahmed b Narine ...... 1 Mohammad Rizwan† lbw b Hasan Khan ...... 5 Mohammad Nawaz (3) run out () .....1 GD Elliott b Mohammad Nawaz ...... 26 Hyderabad a call and was saved," said Saha. NLTC Perera c b Yasir Shah ...... 12 Sohail Tanvir b Mohammad Nawaz ...... 5 SCOREBOARD Hasan Khan c Roy b Sohail Tanvir ...... 16 SP Narine lbw b Mills ...... 26 AFP The 28-year-old skipper was India (I innings): 2, 24-4-104-0, T Islam 47-6-156-3, S Anwar Ali () ...... 3 Bilawal Bhatti run out (Perera) ...... 1 L Rahul b Ahmed ...... 2 Rahman 3-0-10-0, Mahmudullah 5-0-16-0 eventually trapped lbw off Tai- TS Mills lbw b Mohammad Irfan ...... 0 Yasir Shah c & b Hasan Khan ...... 1 nother Virat Kohli M Vijay b Taijul ...... 108 Did not bat: B Kumar, U Yadav, I Sharma jul Islam, who ended with three Extras (LB 2, W 4) ...... 6 Mohammad Irfan (4) (not out) ...... 3 double pow- C Pujara c Rahim b Hasan ...... 83 Bangladesh (I innings): , early in the final ses- Total (9 wkts; 20 overs) ...... 136 Extras (LB 2, W 1) ...... 3 ered India to a V Kohli lbw b Taijul ...... 204 T Iqbal () ...... 24 sion which then saw the Indian Did not bat: Zulfiqar Babar Total (all out; 18.4 overs) ...... 128 record total against A Rahane Hasan b Taijul ...... 82 S Sarkar c Saha b Yadav ...... 15 middle order plunder runs. Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-22, 3-51, 4-54, 5-56, 6-83, Fall of wickets: 1-34, 2-49, 3-50, 4-60, 5-68, 6-77, Bangladesh in the W Saha (not out) ...... 106 M Haque (batting) ...... 1 Saha (106) shared an 7-128, 8-133, 9-136 7-117, 8-124, 9-124, 10-128 : Sohail Tanvir 4 0 24 2; Mohammad Irfan Bowling: Zulfiqar Babar 4 -0-31-2; TS Mills 4-0-31-1 one-offA Test in Hyderabad yes- R Ashwin c Sarkar b Hasan ...... 34 Extras (LB1) ...... 1 unbeaten 118-run seventh- R Jadeja (not out) ...... 60 Total (1 wkt; 14 overs) ...... 41 (4) 4 0 26 3 (1w); SP Narine 4 0 16 2 (1w); Bila- (1w); Anwar Ali 1-0-8-1; Mohammad Nawaz (3) 4-0-

terday – but only after he had to Extras (LB5, W1, NB2) ...... 8 Fall of : 1-38 wicket stand with Ravindra wal Bhatti 2 0 17 0 (1w); Yasir Shah 4 0 32 1 19-2; Hasan Khan 2.4-0-10-2; NLTC Perera 3-0-27-0 be persuaded to challenge his Total (6 Wkts) ...... 687 Bowling: Kumar 5-2-7-0, Sharma 5-0-30-0, Ashwin Jadeja (60) as they made hay (1w); GD Elliott 2 0 19 0 Player-of-the-match - Hasan Khan (Quetta Gladiators) dismissal. Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-180, 3-234, 4-456, 5-495, 6-569 2-1-1-0, Yadav 2-1-2-1 against a tiring bowling line-up

In reply, Bangladesh were 41 Bowling: T Ahmed 25-2-127-1 (1nd, 1w), K.I Rabbi Still to bat: Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan, M Rahim during what is Bangladesh's for one at stumps on day two 19-1-100-0 (1nb), S Sarkar 1-0-4-0, M Hasan 42-0-165- (capt), S Rahman, M Hasan, T Islam, T Ahmed, K.I Rabbi first-ever Test on Indian soil. after losing opener Soumya Wicketkeeper-batsman Quetta pip Lahore to start Sarkar for 15 in one of the final last over of the day. Dravid, who had scored double Saha scored his second Test cen- overs of the day as their bruis- Tamim Iqbal (24) and tons in three consecutive series. tury to entertain a raucous home ing introduction into Mominul Haque (one) were at Kohli also scored double crowd, including seven fours and PSL campaign with a win in India continued. the crease, with the visitors still centuries in his three most two sixes, helping India main- Skipper Kohli became the trailing India by 646 runs. recent series against West Indies, tain an impressive run rate of Dubai Mohammad Irfan junior got first batsman to score double The headlines belonged to New Zealand and England. over four. Agencies three wickets for 26 runs while centuries in four consecutive the Indian batsmen whose big He needed a stroke of luck Jadeja also raced to his fifth Sohail Tanvir and series as he reached 204, the knocks were centred around though to reach his landmark Test fifty as he celebrated the uetta Gladiators claimed took two wickets each. standout performance in India's Kohli's heroics at Hyderabad's after successfully reviewing a mark with his customary sword their first win of the sec- The Lahore Qalandars, in 687-6 declared which featured Uppal Stadium, which witnessed confident lbw shout on 180 from dance. Qond Pakistan Super reply, were bowled out for 128 three centuries. its highest-ever Test score on a Bangladesh spinner Mehedi Earlier, Kohli's 222-run League (PSL) season by over- runs in 18.4 overs. The hosts became the first day bursting with records. Hasan which was initially given fourth-wicket partnership with coming Lahore Qalandars by For Gladiators, Zulfiqar international team to record "Virat backs everybody. He out. Ajinkya Rahane (82) set the hosts 8 runs at Dubai International Babar got two wickets for 31 three successive scores of more encourages us to play our natu- Saha revealed that Kohli was on course as they broke their Cricket Stadium yesterday.. runs and Hassan Khan also got than 600 after posting totals of ral game. He always gives us ready to walk and had to be per- previous highest score against Gladiators, the last edition's two wickets for 10 runs. 631 in and 759-5 in confidence and it's a big plus for suaded to review the decision Bangladesh of 610, set in Dhaka runners-up had set 136 runs Meanwhile, defending Chennai against England last the team," said centurion Saha, which was overturned by the in 2007. target for Qalandars with Rilee champions year. who was involved in a 39-run third umpire as TV replays Murali Vijay (108) and Rossouw scoring a 60-run defeated by Bangladesh's misery was partnership with his skipper. showed the ball was sliding Cheteshwar Pujara (83) were knock from 47 deliveries. seven wickets on D/L method compounded when Sarkar was Kohli, whose 246-ball knock down the leg side. "Virat thought other notable contributors for His innings included three in the opening PSL game on caught by Indian wicketkeeper was laced with 24 boundaries, that he was out but I told him the world's number one Test fours and two sixes. Asad Shafiq Thursday night. Bradd Haddin Wriddhiman Saha off the bowl- surpassed legends including that you have probably stretched team, who have never lost to the made 29 off 28 deliveries. (73) and Dwayne Smith (55) ing of Umesh Yadav in the third Donald Bradman and Rahul your front foot more...So he took minnows in eight outings. For Lahore, PSL debutant crafted the victory. Strycova, Muguruza to open Fed Cup tie

Prague against 70th-ranked Lara Strycova is then due to take on AFP Arruabarrena. Arruabarrena. Pliskova and Strycova led the Czechs Lucie Safarova and Kate- arbora Strycova takes on Gar- Czechs to their third Fed Cup title in rina Siniakova were drawn for the bine Muguruza in today's a row -- and fifth in six years -- last doubles rubber against Sara Sorribes Bopening rubber of the first- November when the team beat France Tormo and Maria Jose Martinez round Fed Cup tie as the defending in Strasbourg 3-2. Sanchez. champions host Spain. Spain have won five titles so far, The Czechs miss 12th-ranked World number 17 Strycova will the last one in 1998. two-time Wimbledon champion Petra face 7th-ranked Muguruza as the "I think we should succeed if the Kvitova, who is recovering from a Czechs start their quest for a fourth girls play their standard game," Czech hand injury she suffered when fight- straight title in the eastern Czech steel captain Petr Pala said after the draw. ing a knife-wielding burglar last hub of Ostrava. In tomorrow's reverse singles, December. Spain miss world number Third-ranked Karolina Pliskova Pliskova will face Muguruza in a clash 14 Carla Suarez Navarro over a right Garbine Muguruza Barbora Strycova of the Czech Republic will then play of the number-one players and shoulder injury. SATURDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2017 SPORT 23 Mourinho Barca eye return to the top confident about Ibra Madrid LIGUE 1 come on Wednesday. Full-backs AFP Fixures (GMT) Marcelo and Dani Carvajal have Today returned to training along with stay arcelona have the Real Betis vs Valencia (1200), Alaves vs Barcelo- Luka Modric, James Rodriguez chance to go top of La na (1515), Athletic Bilbao vs Deportivo la Coruna and Pepe leaving Gareth Bale as Liga for the first time (1730), Osasuna vs Real Madrid (1945) Madrid's only injury absentee. Manchester since October in a Tomorrow Toni Kroos will be missing, AFP Copa del Rey final Villarreal vs Malaga (1100), Leganes vs Sporting though, through suspension. Gijon (1515), Las Palmas vs Sevilla (1730), Atleti- Bdress rehearsal when they visit co Madrid vs Celta Vigo (1945) Despite languishing eight anchester United Alaves today. Monday points adrift of safety at the bot- manager Jose Mour-

Alaves edged out Celta Vigo Eibar vs Granada (1945) tom of the table, Osasuna have inho expects Zlatan M on Wednesday to reach the final shown signs of improvement Ibrahimovic to remain at Old for the first time, whilst nine- since Petar Vasiljevic took Trafford next season despite man Barca had to survive a fielder Ivan Rakitic. charge in January. speculation linking the Swed- second leg onslaught from "They are very important Osasuna have taken the lead ish striker with one last Atletico Madrid in midweek to players and (having been out) in each of their last three games big-money transfer, he said make a fourth straight final. they can give even more of what and captain Oier Sanjurjo yesterday. However, Barca's quest for they bring to the team now." believes they are on the verge Ibrahimovic, 35, has been a second treble in three seasons However, Enrique has fol- of turning their season around. a revelation in his first sea- faces more severe tests this lowed a strict rotation policy "We are strong. We have son in England, scoring 20 week as a visit to Mendizorroza throughout a demanding fixture begun to show that we are com- goals, and is expected to trig- is followed by a Valentine's Day schedule in January and Febru- peting," he said. ger the option of extending trip to Paris Saint-Germain on ary so the likes of Gerard Pique, "What we want is for all that his contract by a year. Tuesday in the Champions Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto to come together for once and Napoli and clubs in China League. could be rested. be rewarded in a win." and the United States have The champions trail Real Madrid are in action for the Third-placed Sevilla need to been linked with the former Madrid by a point, who also first time in two weeks when spoil Jese Rodriguez's home Paris Saint-Germain striker have two games in hand, but, they face rock bottom Osasuna, debut for Las Palmas on Sunday in recent days, but Mourinho with Madrid not in action until who are still without a home win after joining his home town club is confident he will remain in later on Saturday at Osasuna, all season. on loan from PSG if they are to United red next season. victory will take Barca top for a The European champions' remain on Barca and Madrid's "I'm totally convinced he few hours at least for the first clash at Celta Vigo last weekend coattails in the title race. is going to stay," Mourinho time since October 22. was called off by wind damage Atletico hold the upper hand told reporters at United's Barca boss Luis Enrique has caused to Celta's Balaidos in the battle for the fourth training base west of almost a fully-fit squad to stadium. Champions League spot, but six Manchester. choose from as Sergio Busquets Zinedine Zidane's men now sides are separated by just seven "He came with the inten- and Andres Iniesta made their face having to play half their points. tion to stay two years, but in return from injury as second- league season in just over three Two of them go head-to- the minds of everyone the half substitutes in midweek, months. head as Espanyol host Real first year is going better than whilst Neymar returns from However, the break has Sociedad, who can leapfrog every expectation. Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti vies with Atletico Madrid's suspension. allowed Zidane to recover a Atletico with a win. "He knows we are going "We are delighted that Bus- series of important players from Atletico aren't in action till forward Kevin Gameiro during the Spanish Copa del Rey semi- to try again to improve next quets and Iniesta have injury with the visit of Napoli in tomorrow when they host Celta final second leg match at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona season and try to share with recovered," said Barca mid- the Champions League also to Vigo at the Vicente Calderon. on Thursday. him in a fantastic way prob- ably the last year of his career at the highest level, so I'm convinced that he's staying. "He's adapted to the club, to the situation. I don't see any Arsenal, Liverpool search for lost flow problem with his family. I gave him the possibility of a day off to go to Sweden. He London ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE Spurs went through a slump doesn't want (it). So I'm totally AFP of their own in October and convinced he is going to stay." Fixtures November, winning just once in The United manager also rsenal manager Arsene Today 10 outings in all competitions, joked about executive vice- Arsenal vs Hull (1230 GMT), Wenger and Liverpool Liverpool vs Tottenham (1730 GMT), but have won 11 of their 14 chairman Ed Woodward's use Acounterpart Jurgen Klopp Middlesbrough vs Everton, matches since. of the word "churn" during a have their backs to the wall as Manchester United vs Watford, Stoke vs Spurs manager Mauricio conference call with inves- their teams go in search of Crystal Palace, Sunderland vs Southamp- Pochettino, like Klopp, favours a tors to discuss the club's latest restorative victories in the Pre- ton, West Ham vs West Brom high-energy, high-pressing style financial results on mier League this weekend. of football and he has backed the Thursday. Arsenal have fallen 12 points Tomorrow German to come through his Woodward said he was Burnley v sChelsea (1330 GMT), Swansea off the pace after successive vs Leicester (1600 GMT) team's current slump. expecting to see less "churn" losses against Watford and lead- "I cannot speak for another -- turnover of first-team

ers Chelsea, while Liverpool are Monday (2000 GMT): coach, but Klopp with his expe- players -- in the close season a point further back following a Bournemouth vs Manchester City rience, he is clever like other and Mourinho was in com- dismal sequence of five league managers to provide good bal- plete agreement with the games without victory. ance," Pochettino said. approach outlined by his Klopp's men entertain sec- but we have to show that against "If you win, you are a gen- superior. ond-place Tottenham Hotspur other teams we're playing ius; if you don't win, you are "First of all, yesterday I at Anfield on Saturday and against." criticised. You need to be natu- had to ask a friend about Dutch midfielder Georginio Liverpool, who have ral, spontaneous and believe in 'churn' because I had no idea. Wijnaldum is hopeful they will dropped out of the top four, lost the way you play, use your It's a new word for my vocab- rise to the occasion. 2-0 at third-bottom Hull City methods. It's an easy answer: ulary," Mourinho smiled. "To be fair, in the big games last weekend, following previ- only work in the way you "You have to learn every it's been the best kind of foot- ous losses against Bournemouth, believe you can achieve big time you can and I thank Ed ball we've played this season, so Burnley and Swansea City. things." for that word because I didn't I think it's easier for everyone But they have a strong Arsenal's title hopes have an idea. to perform in those kind of record against other sides in the appeared to be ended for "He's completely right. Of games," he told the Liverpool top six, having taken 13 points another season by last week- course we speak about it. Of website. from a possible 21 in matches end's 3-1 defeat at Chelsea, course we speak about what "Sometimes you're in a flow against the other teams in the which left Wenger's side below next and we know that we and sometimes not. We're in a Champions League mix. Spurs and Manchester City in have a squad that like every situation where we're not in a Following a disappointing fourth place. Amid mounting squad needs changes. flow, but we must have confi- 0-0 draw at strugglers Sunder- dissent within Arsenal's fanbase, "But we know also that dence and faith we can change land, Tottenham reasserted their Wenger has urged everyone our squad has potential, our Liverpool's Ben Woodburn celebrates scoring their second goal it. title credentials with a narrow associated with the club to rally squad has good players, against Leeds United during their League Cup match at Anfield, "We showed it against Chel- 1-0 home win over Middles- behind his team ahead of today's many of them in the best in this file picture of December 2016. sea (in a 1-1 draw last month), brough last weekend. home game against Hull. age." Pirelli end tyre test a day early after Vettel crash

Milan available. Reports in Italy said been due to carry out Friday's Haas into the wall on his way to sportscar maker McLaren Bull. Red Bull use engines pro- Reuters Vettel had suffered some bruis- session in the SF15-T car. the starting grid. Automotive. vided by Renault with Tag Heuer ing but was otherwise unhurt. The spokesman said the lost Pre-season testing for all 10 McLaren are the second- branding. irelli had to cut short a For- The two-day test of the new day would be made up at some Formula One teams gets under most successful team in Formula The factory Renault team mula One wet tyre test at wider tyres had been scheduled point in the future. way in Barcelona at the end of One history but have not won the announced last month that BP PFerrari's Fiorano track in for just one car, with Red Bull Formula One is introducing February with the champion- constructors' title since 1998 and and Castrol were replacing Italy yesterday after four times and champions Mercedes also bigger front and rear tyres this ship starting in Australia on have struggled to be competitive French oil company Total as their world champion Sebastian Vet- due to be involved in future season but there has been con- March 26. in their latest partnership with official fuel and lubricant sup- tel crashed into barriers the day weeks. cern for some time about how Meanwhile, BP and its Cas- Honda. plier this season. Former world before. The teams are testing for long it takes drivers to warm up trol brand will supply the The team last won a race in champions Red Bull were also A Pirelli spokesman said the Pirelli with modified 2015 cars the Pirelli wet weather tyres. McLaren Formula One team with 2012. The announcement had previously fuelled by Total. modified 2015 Ferrari had been to ensure they do not gain any The problems were high- fuel and lubricants this season in been expected and continues a Champions Mercedes, whose badly damaged in the crash on competitive advantage for the lighted at last season's drenched addition to rivals Renault. shake-up that started in Decem- engines power three of the 10 the artificially-soaked circuit season ahead. and chaotic Brazilian Grand Prix Honda-powered McLaren ber when ExxonMobil ended its teams, are partnered with Pet- outside Maranello and spare Ferrari's Italian reserve in November, with Frenchman said in a statement on Friday that 21-year partnership with ronas while Ferrari have been parts were not immediately driver Antonio Giovinazzi had Romain Grosjean spinning his BP will also supply products for McLaren and switched to Red with Shell for decades. SPORT Saturday 11 February 2017

PAGE | 21 PAGE | 23 Day behind early La Liga: Barcelona leaders at Pebble eye return Beach Pro-Am to the top UEFA to ask for 16 places at expanded 2026 World Cup

Berlin Thirteen European teams and members of the UEFA Reuters qualified for the last World Executive Committee, with the Cup in Brazil in 2014, which possibility to serve for a max- urope wants 16 places at was won by Germany. imum of three four-year the expanded 48-team FIFA is expected to con- terms." E2026 World Cup finals, firm the quotas for each Other changes include Aleksander Ceferin, the pres- continental governing body at granting two member posi- ident of the continent's soccer meetings in Bahrain in May. tions on its Executive organisation UEFA, said on Meanwhile, future UEFA Committee to representatives Thursday. presidents will be limited to a of the European Club Associ- Action from the Qatar Stars League (QSL) match between Al Khor and Muaither at Al Khor The game's governing maximum of three terms and ation (ECA). Stadium yesterday. body, FIFA, decided last a total of 12 years in the job, Candidates for election on month to add 16 teams at the the European soccer body said the committee must also hold finals with a first round of 16 after its executive committee an active office in their respec- groups of three. The top two approved a set of governance tive national association. QSL: Muaither bounce in each group would qualify reforms. "I am very pleased that the for the knockout stage. Past presidents of the executive committee gave a "...we think, to ask for 16 organisation had no such unanimous backing to reforms slots at least (for European restrictions, with former chief I consider essential for the teams), plus another condition Lennart Johansson in charge strengthening of UEFA," back to take a point that each European team is in for a full 17 years. Ceferin said. a different group," Ceferin told Ceferin, who replaced dis- "I am convinced that our a news conference after graced Frenchman Michel member associations will also The Peninsula Day of draws to make it 1-1. The first half was UEFA's executive committee Platini in September, has endorse these good govern- uneventful with only one shot meeting in Nyon, pledged to reform the ance proposals to create a uaither came back from Ahmed Yasin scores on target which came from Al Switzerland. organisation. stronger and more transpar- two goals down to claim a brace in the second Ahli’s Ferydoon in the sixth "Then if it's true that we UEFA said part of the ent governing body for the Ma hard-fought point half to give Muaither minute. Umm Salal were play- are so good, that the quality is reforms approved by the exec- good of European football." against Al Khor, while Umm a point against Al ing with a defensive approach on our side, then I think that utive committee was the The reforms will now need Salal and Al Ahli shared the Khor. Umm Salal and as their opponents enjoyed the all 16 (European teams) can "introduction of term limits for to be ratified at a UEFA con- spoils in an one-all draw in the Al Ahli share spoils. majority of the possession in the qualify in the second round..." the UEFA President gress on April 5 in Finland. Round 20 matches of the Qatar first half. Stars League yesterday. The game picked up pace in At Al Khor Stadium, The Yasin struck again to make it 2-2 the second period as both sides home team took the lead at the and set up an interesting final managed to score a goal each fag end of the first half. 15 minutes of the game. inside the first ten minutes of the Moroccan striker,Mouhcine Yasin managed to beat the restart. Both teams showed Iajour found the back of the net offside trap and latch onto a long attacking intent and it was an in the 41st minute to give The ball from the halfway line to give end to end second half with Knights the important lead going himself a one-on-one chance many shots on goal forcing the into half time. against Al Khor’s goalkeeper keepers into action. Muaither came out looking which he easily converted in the In the fifty-third minute, more energised in the second 75th minute. Yannick Sagbo got his name on Action from the Qatar half, desperate to get back into Both teams pressed until the the scoresheet. Ferydoon Stars League (QSL) match the game, but found themselves final whistle in the hunt for the chested a cross down at the edge between Al Ahli and Umm 2-0 down after Al Khor found full three points but neither side of the box and let lose a power- Salal at Qatar SC Stadium the back of the net again in the was able to find the back of the ful low shot which rippled the yesterday. 53rd minute thanks to Babou net again and it finished at 2-2. back of the net to make it 1-1. Sidiki. The point each does little for The match ended with both Despite going two down, their respective relegation teams taking home a point. The Muaither didn’t let their heads struggles and they both main- result leaves Al Ahli in the sixth drop and they continued to fight tain their league positions spot with 24 points while Umm their way back into the game. heading into Round 21. Salal are eighth with 23. In the 70th minute, they In the other match at Qatar Elsewhere at Al Sadd Sta- gave themselves a lifeline when SC Stadium, two second-half dium, the match between Iraqi winger, Ahmed Yasin, goals, one from each side, saw Lekhwiya and Al Rayyan also made it 2-1 after finding himself the game end in a one-all draw. ended in a draw. A goal from in acres of space and able to Umm Salal’s Yannick Sagbo Youssef Al Arabi in the 77th connect with a cross and con- opened the scoring with a spec- minute gave Lekhwiya the lead vert an easy header to give the tacular free kick while against, while Sergio Garcia Stallions hope. brigadiers striker Ali Ferydoon found the equaliser for Al Then just minutes later, retaliated with a goal of his own Rayyan in the 82nd minute. Russia's Savinova loses London gold for doping

Lausanne -- including for the 2012 London She also said her husband, championships and a gold medal and the 2012 Olympics and AFP Games and the 2011 world cham- Russian 1,500m runner Aleksey from the 2010 European stands to get more honours if the pionships in Daegu. Farsonov, had "very good con- championships. golds are reallocated. he international sports tri- Her coach, Vladimir Kazarin, tacts to the doping control Kazarin, who has been sus- Another Russian finalist from bunal yesterday stripped told TASS news agency that laboratory" in Moscow. pended over his involvement in the 2012 final, Yelena Arzhak- TRussian runner Mariya Savinova was "emotionally WADA has since said the doping, said: "Naturally, we're ova, has already been banned Savinova-Farnosova (pictured) depressed" and would probably Moscow laboratory played a cen- emotionally depressed. All these and Ekaterina Poistogova, who of the London Olympics 800 not appeal. Savinova, now 31, tral role in Russia's (investigations) continued for took the bronze medal, is under metres gold medal and banned has not raced since 2013 and was "state-sponsored" doping. It's more than two years and we're investigation for doping. her until 2019 for doping. one of five Russian athletes oxandrolone. The German doc- former director has also become all tired of it. The CAS acted as the main The latest blow to Russia's named in a World Anti-Doping umentary led to the WADA a whistleblower and said hun- "I think now it's useless to go tribunal in the case as the Rus- sporting image should give South Agency report which called for inquiry and to the International dreds of failed doping tests were to the civil court. If CAS decided sian athletics federation is African Caster Semenya the 2012 a life-time ban against her. Association of Athletics Federa- covered up. (to ban Savinova) nothing can be suspended by the world body Olympic title to add to the one She was also seen in a 2014 tions suspending Russia from A four-year ban against done," he told Russia's Tass news because of the doping contro- she claimed in Rio last year. German television documentary international competition. Savinova was backdated to start agency. versy. Russia has denied any The Court of Arbitration for on Russia's doping, apparently In the film, Savinova said she on August 24, 2015. CAS said all The IAAF said it would no official involvement in the scan- Sport said there was "clear evi- admitting to taking banned had no choice but to take banned prizes won between July 26, comment on the case as Savinova dal. The IAAF has said Russia will dence" that Savinova was substances. drugs. 2010 and August 19, 2013, are still has 45 days to decide not be allowed to compete at the involved in doping from before Russian doping whistle- "That is our system and in forfeited. whether to make an appeal. world championships in London the European Championship in blower Yulia Stepanova secretly Russia that only works with That will include the Olym- South Africa's running sen- this year because there are still Barcelona in 2010 until the 2013 filmed Savinova appearing to pharma (doping)," she said on the pic and world titles a silver sation Semenya was second at major problems in its anti-dop- world championships in Moscow admit taking the banned steroid recording. medal from the Moscow world the 2011 world championships ing system.