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Wednesday, February 3, 2016 FOOTBALL Rabia II 24, 1437 AH Under-fi re Neville GULF TIMES faces daunting Cup SF against Barca SPORT Page 6

SHOOTING Qatar’s Rashid and Vitaliy qualify for Olympics

By Sports Reporter However, since bin Futtais had already Doha earned his spot during last year’s World Cup, Habib grabbed the fi rst of the four Olympic quota slots up for grabs in this wo shooters from Qatar have qual- event. ifi ed for the Rio de Janeiro Olym- Two more shooters from the United pics later this year bringing much Arab Emirates battled for the second quota cheer to the country that was reel- for Rio 2016 where Saeed al-Maktoum beat ingT from the disappointment of its football his teammate Mohamed Ahmad 15-14. team narrowly missing the cut. The third and the fourth Olympic quota Yesterday, Rashid Saleh Hamad and Vi- places thus went to Qatar’s Hamad and In- taliy Dovgun clinched quota berths at the dependent Shooting Participant Abdullah Asian Olympic Qualifying Tournament al-Rashidi. in New Delhi. Incidentally, the event in Dovgun, meanwhile, fi nished fi fth in the Indian capital off ered the last chance the Rifl e 50m 3 Positions with a total of for shooters from Asian countries to book 416.9 to grab a quota place. The competi- their tickets to Brazil. tion was won by South Korea’s Kim Jong- Rashid fi nished fi fth in the skeet compe- hyun, while Yuri Yurkov of Kazakhstan tition, but still clinched the berth because and Toshikazu Yamashita of Japan fi nished he had achieved the minimum qualifi ca- second and third respectively. tion score. He hit 14 out of 16 targets in the The Qatar shooting and Archery Federa- competition, which was won by two-time tion expressed its happiness at the shoot- ISSF World Cup medallist Saif Bin Futtais ers’ achievement. of the UAE. “We congratulate them on their success In the gold medal shoot-off after both and hope they will do well at the Olym- had tied with 16 in regulation, bin Futtais pics,” the federation said. bested Independent Shooting Participant Qatar’s handball team have already Saud Habib 13-12. qualifi ed for the Olympics. Rashid Saleh Hamad (left) and Vitaliy Dovgun clinched quota berths.

QATAR INTERNATIONAL RALLY It’ll be a tough MERC season: QMMF prez ‘Chances of a Qatari driver to win this rally are great’

By Sports Reporter Jordanian champion Hossam Salem Doha and his co-driver Nancy al-Majali will also make a return to MERC with par- ticipation in Group N. atar Motor and Motorcycle Talking on behalf of the team, who Federation president Nass- were absent from the series owing to er Khalifa al-Attiyah lack of fi nancial support, al-Majali (pictured) has said that the said, “ We have come here not only to newQ season of the Middle East Rally compete but to win.” Championship (MERC) will be one of Salem added, “I hope to add Qa- the toughest so far with participants tar International Rally to my career. coming not only from the Arab region I would like to thank QMMF offi cials but Europe and Turkey as well. for their hospitality since we arrived Talking ahead of the 34th edition of at Qatar. A positive result for me in the Qatar International Rally, which Qatar Rally would be beginning of a will run this weekend, al-Attiyah said, road map for me and my wife-cum- “We are so excited about the open- co-driver Nancy for the remaining ing of the 2016 MERC season with the have a number of QMMF drivers in rounds of the championship. I am Qatar International Rally. Once again order to encourage the Qatari talents quite optimistic about achieving a we welcome all the participants in this in the Group N, including Abdullah good result in the event.” round. This season is expected to be al-Kuwari, Khalifa bin Saleh al-Atti- On the home front, Misfer Rally an exceptional one with participants yah and Rashid al-Naimi. I think the champion Abdullah al-Kuwari said from Europe besides the Arab region chances of a Qatari driver to win this that he is physically and mentally fi t and Turkey as well. The competition rally are great due to their knowledge and hopes to return with a good re- is going to be very hard this season. of the Qatari landscape. sult. “I am happy about participat- Best of luck to all.” “We have also scheduled a super ing in Qatar International Rally once He added that the organising com- special stage at Doha Corniche, which more and would like to thank QMMF mittee behind the season-opener is the closest the audience can get to president Nasser al-Attiyah for his were ready for the event. “We have the action because it’ll be within the confi dence and trust. I have prom- been ready for this event for a long boundaries of the city. We are happy ised him to do my best. I am fi t and time now. The working committee to provide such an opportunity to can score a good result in spite of the and the members of the board have see the champions closely. Moreo- presence of many champions in the been working well for this event. I ver, such action would also encourage line-up. I know the Qatar geography would also like to appreciate the role tourism in Qatar.” well and I have a specifi c strategy for played by the Clerk of the Course The Qatar rally will witness Leba- all the stages,” al-Kuwari said. Marwan Musabeh.” nese participation after a long ab- He added: “Qatar Rally sees some “Qatar International Rally is con- sence with Radoulf Asmar participat- really good organisation and hos- sidered to be one of the most impor- ing in a Mitsubishi Evo 9. Asmar will pitality, besides the organisers are tant rallies in the region. We are al- team up with co-driver Joseph Mattar. focussed on safety aspects with the ways focussed on performance of the The team is expected to continue in presence of safety facilities and cam- organisation and to off er maximum the remaining MERC rounds too. eras for monitoring.” rest to our guests and participants, “I would like to thank QMMF, FIA-MENA co-ordinator Emad besides following safety procedures headed by Mr Nasser al-Attiyah, for Lahoud will arrive in Doha today to as per the standards of FIA is our top all the facilities provided. It’s the fi rst monitor the Qatar International Rally. priority time for me to participate in a desert He will be in charge of all technical Talking about the competition in rally. It’s something totally new for me and administrative issues. As a FIA the season-opener, he said, “There and would also give me a special expe- offi cial, he will also monitor safety are Nasser bin Saleh, Abdulaziz al- rience ahead of the coming rounds,” procedures, in addition to the envi- Kuwari, Khalid al-Suwaidi, and we Asmar said. ronmental aspects and the logistics. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, February 3, 2016 CRICKET

PREVIEW Spot-fixers Butt, Asif could play in Caribbean league Spot-fixing convicts Salman Asif was also keen to feature Butt and Mohammad Asif in the league. yesterday said they could “The league will give me a feature in the fourth edition of better opportunity to improve the Caribbean my rhythm with world class Kiwis and Aussies in July. players in the teams,” said Asif. This would be the first interna- The Caribbean league was tional outing for the two play- initiated in 2013 on the pattern ers after they were relieved of of lucrative Twenty20 league their five-year spot fixing ban in India. in September last year. While Amir returned to inter- They along with young pace- national cricket in Pakistan’s man Mohammad Amir were Twenty20 and one-day series at loggerheads charged of taking illegal money in New Zealand last month, in return for arranging deliber- Butt and Asif were left to ate no-balls during the Lord’s play national one-day cup at Test against England in 2010. All domestic level. three were also jailed in UK. Butt scored 536 runs in the However, Butt said he now seven one-day cup matches has permission from Pakistan which ended last week, with a Cricket Board (PCB) to play in hundred and four half centu- over wicket the Caribbean League. ries while Asif managed seven “When our bans were lifted wickets in as many games. in September last year, the However, neither Butt nor Asif ‘Brendon has been a terrific player and leader for a long time. No doubt they’ll want PCB had cleared us to play in were included in the Pakistan any league around the world, Super League (PSL) due to to send him off in the best way possible. It’s up to us to make that not happen’ so I am eligible to play in the start in Dubai from Thursday. Caribbean league which will Amir, whose ban was relaxed give me a good opportunity in April last year on the re- to regain my place in the na- quest of the PCB, will feature tional team,” Butt told AFP. in the PSL.

REACTION Windies bowler Paul ‘Mankads’ batsman , stirs up debate

IANS “This is not a good look. Chittagong Absolutely disgraceful behaviour,” Fleming tweeted

est Indies Under-19 footage and correctly ruled that bowler Keemo Paul Ngarava was just out of his ground ‘Mankaded’ last when the bails were removed. Zimbabwe batsman The decision handed the West WRichard Ngarava in the fi nal over Indies a two-run win and a spot to help his side progress to the in the quarter-fi nals, while it also quarter-fi nals of the ongoing ended Zimbabwe’s tournament. World Cup here yesterday. Zimbabwe captain Brandon The word ‘Mankad’ came Mavuta was very upset after the from an incident that happened match but refused to comment during India’s tour of Australia on the incident.“We got so close, on December 13, 1947, in the sec- no comment about it. I don’t have ond Test at Sydney. India’s Vi- anything to say right now. No noo Mankad ran out Bill Brown comment,” Mavuta said. when, in the act of delivering the West Indies captain Shimron ball, he held on to it and removed Hetmyer said he was comfort- the bails with Brown well out of able with his decision to not his crease. withdraw the appeal. “I would Since this incident, a bats- say yes, cricket is a game of un- man dismissed in this fashion certainties. We’ve seen it hap- is (informally) said to have been pen in cricket before. It’s not a File picture of Brendon McCullum of New Zealand smiling during the third ODI between New Zealand and Pakistan at Eden Park in Auckland. Mankaded. big deal for us,” Hetmyer said. Zimbabwe needed three runs Australia coach Darren Le- AFP tional cricket at the end of the Australia “There’s potential that we will look to games and he does need a hit going into to win with just one wicket re- hmann, New Zealand legend Auckland series and Smith is determined to give include (Sodhi) in the side if we think the what is a big Test series for us, and he’s maining when fast bowler Paul Stephen Fleming and other him a fi ery send off . wicket is going to hold up.” extremely well. He’s unlucky to began the fi nal over of what was former and current players came “Brendon has been a terrifi c player and The Australians do not have pleasant miss out.” a thrilling match. out with heavy criticism as they ew Zealand and Australia were leader for a long time. No doubt they’ll memories of the last time they faced Mc- Promising leg-spinner Adam Zampa has As Paul approached the wick- tweeted about the incident. poles apart on their reading of want to send him off in the best way pos- Cullum at Eden Park when the New Zea- also been left out of the side while Mitchell et to bowl the fi rst ball of the “Unbelievable. ,” Le- the Eden Park wicket ahead of sible. It’s up to us to make that not hap- land skipper belted a 24-ball half century Marsh and all-rounder Glen Maxwell pro- over, non-striker Ngarava began hmann tweeted yesterday. today’s opening one-day in- pen,” Smith said. to lead his side to a one-wicket win in a vide additional bowling options. to slowly walk out of his crease “This is not a good look. Ab- Nternational in Auckland with Australia “For us it’s about making sure we’re World Cup pool game. in quest for a quick single. solutely disgraceful behaviour,” backing pace and New Zealand spin. playing the same way we have been— Both sides go into the series on a win- TEAMS But instead of starting his de- Fleming tweeted. New Zealand rushed leg-spinner Ish good, hard aggressive cricket.” ning run in one-dayers, with New Zea- New Zealand (from) - Brendon McCul- livery stride as he ran past the Former Australia cricketer Shodhi into their squad Tuesday, while McCullum, however, said Sodhi was land having completed series victories lum, Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Doug wicket, Paul quickly removed Tom Moody said, “Saddened to Australia’s line-up showed a preference added to the New Zealand squad as the over Pakistan (2-0) and Sri Lanka (3-1) Bracewell, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, the bails with the ball in his right see that winning comes down to for fi ring an aggressive barrage at Bren- match is being played on the same wicket while Australia dominated India (4-1). Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, hand and appealed for a run out. this!” don McCullum. where Kane Williamson was beaten by the Australia have opted for Shaun Marsh Henry Nicholls, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell The umpires conferred and England batsman Eoin Mor- A four-pronged pace armoury com- spin of Pakistan’s Azhar Ali last Sunday. to open with David Warner ahead of the Santner, Ish Sodhi, Kane Williamson asked the West Indies if they gan said, “Disgraceful behaviour prising Josh Hazlewood, John Hastings, “The wicket the other day was a little in-form Usman Khawaja. Australia - Steve Smith (capt), David wanted to withdraw the appeal, in the U19CWC. WI’s should be Kane Richardson and James Faulkner bit slow and we’re going to play on the “Shaun has been in the squad and Warner, Shaun Marsh, George Bailey, which they declined to do, so the embarrassed!!” will be deployed, Australia skipper Steve same pitch,” McCullum said. “Not many played well in Australia and he deserves Glen Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew offi cials referred the decision to “Can’t believe what I’ve just Smith said. get past Kane so the wicket obviously had the fi rst opportunity,” Smith said. Wade, James Faulkner, John Hastings, the third umpire. seen! Embarrassing!” England McCullum is retiring from interna- a little more turn than we expected. “He (Khawaja) will play one of the Kane Richardson, Josh Hazlewood The TV offi cial reviewed the batsman Jos Buttler said.

U19 WORLD CUP Windies reach quarters with controversial win

Agencies is legal. We left it to the last man and Scores & Fixtures Chittagong we should not have done that. It was a hard lesson and they have learnt it the Group A: Bangladesh beat Namibia Wesley Madhevere 2-48) hard way.” by eight wickets in Cox’s Bazar Zimbabwe 224 all out, 49 overs he West Indies took the last Namibia 65 all out, 32.5 overs (Niko (Shaun Snyder 52, Adam Keefe 43, quarter-fi nal spot in the ICC BANGLADESH DEMOLISH NAMIBIA Davin 19; Ariful Islam 2-9, Saleh Jeremy Ives 37, Wesley Madhevere 21; U19 Cricket World Cup Bang- Meanwhile, Bangladesh topped Group A Ahmed 2-10, Mehidy Hasan 2-12) Alzaari Joseph 4-30) ladesh 2016 with a thrilling, with an eight-wicket demolition of sec- Bangladesh 66-2, 16 overs (Joyraz Tbut controversial, two-run win over ond-placed Namibia, ending the match Sheik 34 not out, Fritz Coetzee 2-20) Today’s match: Zimbabwe yesterday that gave it second in Cox’s Bazar in one session itself. Group B - Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Mirpur place in Group C behind England. Namibia was dismissed for 65 in 32.5 Group A: South Africa beat Scotland Zimbabwe, chasing the West Indies’ overs after being sent into bat by Bang- by 10 wickets in Cox’s Bazar Quarter-finals (Super League) 226 for nine, began the last over need- ladesh with Saleh Ahmed, skipper Me- Scotland 127 all out, 45.4 overs (Har- 5 Feb - Bangladesh v Nepal, Mirpur ing just three runs to win with one hidy Hasan and Ariful Islam claiming ris McCreath 29 not out; Dayyaan 6 Feb - India v Namibia, Fatullah wicket in hand amid mounting tension two wickets each. Galiem 2-16, Wiaan Mulder 2-16, Sean 7 Feb - England v Pakistan-Sri Lanka in Chittagong. Bangladesh lost Pinak Ghosh in the Whitehead 2-16, Tony de Zorzi 2-20) loser, Mirpur But, West Indies seamer Keemo Paul fi rst over, but an unbeaten 34 from Joy- South Africa 129-0, 29 overs (Kyle 8 Feb – West Indies v Pakistan-Sri whipped off the bails before sending raz Sheik steered the host to an easy Verreynne 64 not out, Liam Smith 64 Lanka winner, Fatullah down the fi rst ball, catching non-strik- victory in the 16th over. not out) er Richard Ngarava out of his crease. France’s Tony Gallopin sprints to win the eleventh stage of the Tour de France Bangladesh ended the league with Quarter-finals (Plate Ch’ship): The decision was referred to the TV between Besancon and Oyonnax, eastern France. three successive wins and will now Group C: West Indies beat Zimbabwe 4 Feb - South Africa v Ireland; New umpire who declared Ngarava run-out. play surprise qualifi er Nepal in the fi rst by two runs in Chittagong Zealand v Scotland The last-wicket incident proved an nings, turned his team’s hero with the tainly not something we had envisaged. quarter-fi nal on 5 February, while an- West Indies 226-9, 50 overs (Shamar 5 Feb - Afghanistan v Fiji; Canada v anti-climax to what had been an ab- ball by dismissing both batsmen to fi n- “I can imagine what they (Zimbabwe other qualifi er Namibia, which knocked Springer 61, Rugare Magarira 3-28, Zimbabwe sorbing do-or-die contest between ish with two for 16 in four overs. team) must be going through now. I feel out defending champion South Africa, two valiant teams attempting to nail a The West Indies will take on the win- sorry for them because they got them- will take on India on Saturday. quarter-fi nal berth. ner of today’s last league match between selves into winning positions and then Saleh said the comfortable victory had ance and a total of 65 was always going Electing to fi eld, South Africa bowled Zimbabwe, in its run-chase, was re- Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the fourth we pulled it back. I share their disap- made him and the rest of the team hun- to be too little to defend,” he said. “We out Scotland for 127 with Dayyaan duced to 147 for six following a four- quarter-fi nal, while Zimbabwe will play pointment. gry for more. “We not only want to defeat should have added at least 100 more Galiem, Wiaan Mulder, Sean Whitehead wicket haul by fast bowler Alzaari Canada in the Plate Championships Zimbabwe coach Stephen Mangongo Nepal in the quarter-fi nal, but also win runs to make it competitive. and de Zorzi taking two wickets each. Joseph, before Adam Keefe (43) and quarter-fi nal in Cox’s Bazar. said he was happy with the way his side the semi-fi nal and the fi nal. We want to The South Africans raced to vic- Wesley Madhevere (21) led a remark- West Indies coach Graeme West ad- had fought in the match. “I am disap- be the world champion,” he said. SOUTH AFRICA GET FIRST WIN tory in 29 overs without losing a wicket able fi ghtback by adding 62 runs for the mitted it was a tight match: “It got very pointed with the way the game ended. I Namibia captain Zane Green rued his South Africa fi nished third in the group as openers Kyle Verreynne and Liam seventh wicket. tight and we knew that this was a game have debriefed the boys in the dressing team’s bad batting but vowed to put up after a 10-wicket rout of Scotland in Smith returned unbeaten with identi- Shamar Springer, who had top- that was always going down to the wire. A room and they were all crying. We have a better show against India. Cox’s Bazar, the fi rst win in the tourna- cal scores of 64 not out and in the same scored with 61 in the West Indies in- bit of nip and tuck. It (the fi nish) was cer- explained that technically the run-out “It was not our best batting perform- ment for skipper Tony de Zorzi’s men. number of deliveries (87). Gulf Times Wednesday, February 3, 2016 3 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT PREDICTION Lara warns of Windies threat but Ford faces ‘huge’ says India have edge

IANS fi nal of the 2012 Twenty20 World Dubai Cup two years ago in at the R. Premadasa Stadium. The squad will be led again atting legend Brian Lara by all-rounder Darren Sammy task of rebuilding has tipped India to win and includes the likes of global the Twenty20 World superstar Chris Gayle, Kieron Cup but says the West Pollard and Andre Russell - all BIndies can be a threat if they can familiar faces in the major T20 avoid the inconsistency that has leagues across the world. plagued them in the past. Lara believes once the side can While the West Indies will gel and play consistent cricket, be packed with all their inter- they would be genuine contend- Sri Lanka cricket national stars after selecting a ers at the March 8 to April 3 tour- strong squad last week, Lara said nament. “Chris Gayle, Darren India would enter the tourna- Bravo or , all these ‘I am aware what a huge challenge it is. I think Sri Lanka cricket finds itself in the very ment with the edge because of guys when they come together, home advantage, reports CMC. there’s a certain chemistry. I can early stages of a very important rebuilding stage. A lot of hard work needs to be done’ “I think India will win in home tell they want to be together and conditions,” the former Test cap- pull together,” the 46-year-old tain said following an outing at pointed out. the Abu Dhabi Invitational golf “But on occasions, we know pro-am here on Monday. the West Indies can be very in- “Their players know the consistent. We can still have the pitches and they’re playing good best players and be out in the fi rst cricket against the best teams in round. You never know with the the world at present in that ver- West Indies.” sion of the game. I would defi - The West Indies have been nitely give them top billing.” drawn in Group 1 alongside Eng- “But I must talk about the land, South Africa and Sri Lanka, West Indies. I hope they can pick along with a yet-to-be-deter- the best possible team because if mined qualifi er. they do, every other nation will They will undergo a prepa- be worried,” he added. ration camp in Dubai later this The West Indies have se- month before fl ying to Kolkata lected the core of the side which for the two offi cial warm-ups stunned hosts Sri Lanka in the against Australia and India.

Raina to captain Rajkot IPL team, Hodge named as coach India limited-overs specialist announcing the team would Suresh Raina is to captain the be called the Gujarat Lions. new “His extensive experience (IPL) franchise in Rajkot, the combined with his great team announced yesterday, leadership skills will help us while confirming Austral- in putting together a winning ian Brad Hodge as the side’s strategy for the team.” coach. Having played for three IPL Pune and Rajkot were un- teams, Hodge is familiar with veiled as the new teams in the the popular tournament. lucrative Twenty20 competi- Back home, the 41-year-old tion in December, replacing captained Adelaide Strikers Chennai and Rajasthan, who in this year’s Big Bash League were handed two-year suspen- (BBL), while also taking on an sions for their involvement in assistant coaching role. an illegal betting scandal. “We finalised Brad Hodge as “Suresh Raina is a remarkable the team coach on the basis of File picture of Sri Lanka player with an impeccable his successful contribution to coach Graham Ford (L) record in all formats of the the Australian national team with Angelo Mathews. game,” franchise owner Kes- and his excellent stint in the hav Bansal said in a statement, IPL,” Bansal said.

AFP Ford, who has been handed a 45-month took a hit last year with series defeats “I learnt when I was here previously Colombo contract. against the visiting Indian and Pakistan that there is an abundance of The 55-year-old, who quit last week sides. talent... But it is about identifying MOTOGP as coach of English county side Surrey, is The islanders then travelled to New those who have got the mental ew Sri Lanka coach Graham taking the reins at one of the most trou- Zealand where they were outplayed in all toughness to go on to become Ford acknowledged yesterday bled periods for Sri Lankan cricket since forms of the game in a tour soured by al- consistent match winners...” he faced a huge rebuilding task it was awarded Test match status in 1981. legations of drinking parties and squab- Petrucci fastest on after a string of retirements as Batting stars Mahela Jayawardene and bling. Ford’s fi rst assignment will be in India Nhe began his second stint in charge of the Kumar Sangakkara both retired from in- Sri Lanka are now down to seventh next week when Sri Lanka play the fi rst islanders. ternational cricket last year and other place in the Test rankings although they of three T20s designed as a warm-up for crash-fi lled Day 2 of The South African said he was honoured match-winners such as spinner Ran- do remain third in the table for the best their defence of the world title. to return to Sri Lanka, whom he previously gana Herath and the opener Tillakaratne international Twenty20 teams, partly Sumathipala confi rmed that wick- coached from 2012 to 2014, but urged fans Dilshan are expected to follow suit later due to their triumph in the last World etkeeper-batsman Dinesh Chandimal Sepang testing to be patient after a recent slump saw the this year. T20 trophy in 2014. would skipper the side in India as regu- side tumble down the Test rankings. “I don’t want to discuss individual lar T20 captain Lasith Malinga recovers “For a coach, it is really a special group players in public,” said Ford when asked WORLD CUP 2019 TARGET from an injury. Malinga is expected to of lads to work with,” Ford told reporters, who could fi ll the vacuum. Thilanga Sumathipala, president of the return in time for the Asia Cup starting in a day after taking up his post. “I certainly learnt when I was here pre- national cricket board, said Sri Lanka Bangladesh at the end of the month, Su- “At the same time, I am very aware viously that there is an abundance of tal- should benefi t from Ford’s spells with mathipala added. what a huge challenge it is. I think Sri ent, a lot of wonderfully talented young Surrey and with Kent a decade ago in the Ford, who is also a former coach of Lanka cricket fi nds itself in the very players within the systems in Sri Lanka. build-up to the 2019 ODI World Cup in South Africa, ended his fi rst spell in Sri early stages of a very important rebuild- “But it is about identifying those who England. Lanka in 2014 when his two-year con- ing stage. A lot of hard work needs to be have got the mental toughness to go on to “Graham knows English conditions tract expired. done. become successful players and consist- very well and he will be able to prepare He replaces Jerome Jayaratne, who had “Everyone, the players, the selectors ent match winners at international level.” our team to win the next World Cup in been interim coach since Marvan Atap- and the board must have patience,” added Sri Lanka’s formidable home record Britain,” Sumathipala said. attu quit last August.

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Ducati team test rider Casey Stoner of Australia.

AFP rear tyre exploded and hurled Sepang him off his Ducati bike in a spec- Maldonado hoping for 2017 return tacular high-speed crash. The Frenchman was travelling Reuters ing oil prices and economic “I don’t see any concrete talian Danilo Petrucci at around 290 kilometres per London crisis in Venezuela, which is in opportunity for Formula One topped the timesheets yes- hour (180 mph) along the Sepang recession and where annual in- this year,” the Frenchman terday in an incident-packed circuit’s main straightaway at fl ation has risen to almost 150 told Reuters. “We will try to second day of pre-season the time. He credited his protec- enezuelan driver Pas- percent. IMotoGP testing at Malaysia’s tive gear for his escape. bounce back in 2017” tor Maldonado has “I don’t want to go into the Sepang circuit featuring a dra- Hector Barbera of Spain on a not given up on For- details of the contract,” said also manager to the late Marus- matic high speed tyre blow-out Ducati fi nished third, 0.292 sec- mula One and hopes Todt “The agreement was ter- sia driver Jules Bianchi and rep- involving Frenchman Loris Baz. onds behind Petrucci. Honda’s Vto be back next year after being minated in a friendly manner resents Brazilian Felipe Massa In track temperatures of al- double MotoGP world champion dropped by the Renault-owned with Renault so no hard feelings. at Williams, said Manor were most 50 degrees Celsius (122 F), Marc Marquez was fourth-fast- Lotus team, his manager Nicolas They behaved very fairly.” a better fi t for a young driver Petrucci on a Ducati was among est, 0.748 seconds off the pace. Todt said yesterday. Denmark’s Kevin Magnussen starting out than a 30-year-old the few riders who improved British rider Cal Crutchlow on “I don’t see any concrete op- is set to replace Maldonado, with race winner like Maldonado. their times by adapting well to a Honda was fi fth, with a time of portunity for Formula One this the team expected to be renamed Manor, who need their drivers the sizzling weather and new 2mins 0.899 seconds. Valentino year,” the Frenchman told Reu- as Renault following the French to bring substantial sponsorship Michelin tyres. Rossi, the charismatic 36-year- ters. “We will try to bounce back carmaker’s takeover of the Lo- to make up the team budget, The 25-year-old Italian old Italian rider, fi nished the ses- in 2017.” tus team in December, alongside have been linked to Indonesian clocked 2min 00.095sec, 0.060 sion in sixth position, 0.926 sec- The Frenchman, son of Inter- British rookie Jolyon Palmer. rookie Rio Haryanto who is try- seconds faster than Spaniard onds behind Ducati’s Petrucci. national Automobile Federation The team are due to hold a ing to raise $16 million to secure Jorge Lorenzo who dominated Retired double world cham- (FIA) president and former Fer- news conference in Paris on the seat. Monday’s practice on his Yama- pion Casey Stoner, back on track rari team principal Jean Todt, Wednesday to announce their Mercedes’s German reserve ha. testing for Ducati, was ninth said the decision to replace Mal- line-up, managerial structure driver Pascal Wehrlein is anoth- Lorenzo, the 2015 MotoGP fastest, 1.008 seconds behind donado had come late in the day File picture of Venezuelan F1 driver Pastor Maldonado of Lotus F1 and future plans. er leading candidate now that world champion who is chasing a Petrucci. but the split was amicable. Team talking to reporters during the Grand Prix in Shanghai. Manor, Formula One’s small- the champions are providing fourth championship title, fell at This is the fi rst time since 2012 Maldonado announced on est team who competed as Ma- Manor with engines. Turn 5 while Honda’s Dani Ped- the Australian is riding alongside Monday, in a statement posted a grand prix, with Williams in Venezuelan state oil company russia last year and fi nished last “Manor are not really an op- rosa crashed at the same place in the MotoGP race riders. on Twitter, that he would not 2012, the driver did not say what PDVSA that has paid tens of mil- overall with no points, are the tion,” said Todt. “After fi ve years the fi nal 30 minutes of testing. On Monday Lorenzo clocked be on the starting grid when he planned to do or give any rea- lions of dollars in sponsorship, only ones yet to contract any at Williams and Lotus...with all Neither rider was injured. 2min 0.684sec, just over one the season starts in Australia on son for his absence. had missed scheduled payments drivers for 2016 but Todt ruled due respect to Manor, it makes Baz, who celebrated his 23rd second faster than Rossi. March 20. Media reports indicated, to the team. out Maldonado going there. no sense for Pastor.” Now to see birthday on Monday, earlier es- The three-day testing at The only Venezuelan to win however, that his backers, the PDVSA has been hit by plung- The Frenchman, who was what happens next. caped serious injury when his Sepang ends today. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, February 3, 2016 FOOTBALL

Italy to back Infantino in FIFA wants two-year ban Messi won’t play at Rio, Three resignations at Hosts France to prepare for FIFA presidential election for South Korean player says Argentina coach Chinese side Evergrande Euro 2016 in Biarritz

The Italian football federation (FIGC) said yester- FIFA has appealed for a ban on South Korean Lionel Messi will not play at the Rio de Janeiro Ol- The chairman and two other top executives Hosts France will break with tradition and prepare day it will support Gianni Infantino in his bid for player, Kang Soo-il, to be increased to two years, ympics in August because he will need some rest of China’s most successful football club, Asian for their Euro 2016 campaign in the upmarket the presidency of the world governing body FIFA. the second increase after he was banned for 15 after the Centennial Copa America set for June, champions Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao, have south-western French resort of Biarritz, the head “I know Infantino well. He is competent and reli- games then six months for failing a doping test Argentina coach Gerardo Martino said yesterday. resigned, the club said yesterday. Chairman Ke of the Aquitaine Football League said yesterday. able,” FIGC president Carlo Tavecchio said. “I am last year. Kang apologised to fans and blamed a Martino told local radio La Red that the June 3-26 Peng, deputy general manager Mai Jianle and ‘Les Bleus’ have often warmed up for major certain that he is the right man to warrant FIFA moustache-growing cream after he failed a test Copa in the United States is more important than board member Zhang Hongping all stepped tournaments in the Alpine ski resort of Tignes but the necessary solidity and independence.” Infanti- for the anabolic steroid methyltestosterone on the Olympics, and that he also needs Messi fresh down for “personal reasons”, a club statement France coach Didier Deschamps, who hails from no, 45, is a Swiss attorney with Italian origins from June 11. He was with the South Korean national for the World Cup 2018 qualifying campaign, with said. Evergrande, managed on the pitch by nearby Bayonne, preferred the home comforts the south-west region of Calabria. He has been at team at the time and was pulled from the squad six games set between September 1 and Novem- former Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, won their of his native Basque coast. The training camp will European body UEFA for the past 15 years, and its immediately. The Korea Football Association (KFA) ber 15. In addition, the 28-year-old Messi also has fifth consecutive domestic title in October and take place from May 17-21. “Aguilera is firstly a fully general secretary since 2009. Infantino is one of imposed a six-month ban on Aug 12 but the Court many matches in all competitions for European their second AFC Champions League in three secured site and closed off , Didier Deschamps in- five candidates to succeed Joseph Blatter at the of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said yesterday that champions and Spanish league leaders Barce- years the following month. The off icial Xinhua sisted on it,” said Jean-Michel Larqué, president of February 26 FIFA elections. The other candidates FIFA had appealed for more. “In its appeal to the lona. The Rio Olympics start on August 5. Messi news agency quoted a source close to the club the Aquitaine Football League. “This is a stadium are AFC president Sheikh Salman Bin Ebrahim CAS, FIFA seeks to increase the player’s suspen- won the gold with Argentina at the 2008 Games as saying operations were not aff ected. The Asian that has a certain capacity, the technical services al-Khalifah of Bahrain, Frenchman Jerome Cham- sion to two years,” the CAS said. Two years is con- in Beijing and could have been picked for Rio as champions raised $132 million from new investors of the municipality of Biarritz who promised to pagne, Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan and sidered the standard sanction for unintentional one of three older players eligible to join what is in a deal that valued it at $2.4 billion—within strik- do everything so that the Aguilera Stadium, the South African Tokyo Sexwale. doping under FIFA’s anti-doping regulations. an under-23 event. ing distance of Manchester United. home of rugby, can accommodate footballers.”

SPOTLIGHT Ivory Coast, Mali renew old rivalry in African Nations Tasci in surprise move Ch’ship semi-fi nals AFP Rwanda

frican champions Ivory Coast will attempt to keep their Amomentum going when they to Munich; Hamburg face arch-rivals Mali in the African Nations Championship semi-final in Rwanda tomorrow. The Elephants, who have twice failed to go beyond the group stage in the biennial championship, con- firmed their place with a stunning miss out on Sanogo 3-0 extra-time win over another West African side Cameroon in the quarter-finals. The victory, which came hot on Bayern Munich bolster their defence on the last day of the winter transfer window by the heels of their 4-1 demolition of Gabon in the group phase, proved taking on former Germany player Serdar Tasci. And even though electronic transmission the Ivorian dominant form under new coach Michel Dussuyer, who has has replaced fax machines, the deadline can still be missed, as SV Hamburg find out been full of praise for the team’s grit and performance. “The Ivory Coast are gaining DPA “The club does not necessarily momentum,” the Frenchman said Berlin see Tasci as an adequate replace- ment for Boateng or Martinez but after the match against Cameroon. as a player who can play in Mu- “We still need to fight to push back hampions Bayern Mu- nich’s defence in a regular Bun- our limits.” nich found an almost desliga match,” the paper said. Mali also showed they were no forgotten former Ger- “The club protects itself against pushovers in their 2-1 comeback win many player to bolster losing further players... Tasci will over pre-tournament favourites and theirC defence while SV Hamburg also allow players returning (from missed out on a new player by a injury) a slow way back.” former title holders, Tunisia, to reach few minutes at the end of the win- The Tasci deal followed a their first-ever CHAN semi-finals. ter transfer window even though trend as loans made up around The Eagles are expected to rely fax machines are no longer used. one third of the transfer window on their forwards Mamadou Sissoko Hamburg sports director Pe- moves and amounted to around and Aly Malle, who was a member of ter Knaebel said the club did not 8 of some 48 million euros (52.1 the youth team that finished runner- reveice the necessary documents million dollars) spent by 16 of the up to at the FIFA U-17 World from Swiss club Berne over a 18 clubs—with Borussia Dort- Cup Chile 2015 last November. move of defensive midfi elder mund and Bayer Leverkusen The match at Kigali’s Stade Sekou Sanogo until a few min- signing no new players. Income Regional Nyamirambo will mark utes after Monday’s 6 pm (1700 was at around 27.5 million euros. GMT) German deadline. Like in England, clubs in the the 33rd meeting in international “I want to make it clear that lower half of the table during the football between the two teams. contract documents are no long- winter break were more active Cameroon drew 1-1 with Mali in the er faxed,” Knaebel told the club than those in the top half. group phase of the 2015 African Cup website. “(But) Unfortunately Among late moves, third bot- of Nations in Equatorial Guinea. the required documents were tom Werder Bremen acquired Guinea and the Democratic Repub- sent too late. This is very annoy- Serbia under-21 midfi elder Mi- lic of Congo, who face off in the first ing. I feel sorry for the player.” los Veljkovic from Tottenham semi-final at the Amahoro national Serdar Tasci was meanwhile Hotspur, the fi fth signing by stadium on Wednesday, prevailed delighted to have been chosen by Werder following Laszlo Klein- on penalties and extra-time respec- Pep Guardiola’s Munich to end heisler (Videoton), Papy Djilo- their injury problems, after club bodji (Chelsea), Gerhard Trem- tively, to qualify to the last four. offi cials initially said they would mel (Swansea City) and Sambou The Syli Nationale, making their not make a last-gasp move in the Yatabare (Olympiakos). debut in the competition, dominated wake of injuries to Jerome Boat- Hanover even added half a former African Cup of Nations cham- eng and Javi Martinez. dozen new players, including pions Zambia, before winning 5-4 in “I’m feeling very good and I’m Japan’s Hotaru Yamaguchi (Ce- the penalty shoot-out after regula- really looking forward to the new rezo Osaka) and forwards Adam tion and extra time. challenge. I hope I can be of as- Szalai (Hoff enheim) and Hugo After saving two penalties, Guinea sistance to the team,” Tasci told Almeida (Anzhi) but they have goalkeeper Abdul Aziz Keita scored Munich’s website after complet- nonetheless dropped to last with the decisive spot kick, to send his ing a loan move from Spartak two defeats since the restart. team into the semi-final. Moscow until the end of the sea- The most expensive signing son, with an option to make the this winter has been winger Jo- DRCongo, boasting an array of move permanent. nas Hofman, who moved from players from the country’s two domi- Tasci won 14 caps between Borussia Dortmund to Borussia nant clubs—TP Mazembe and AS Vita 2008 and 2010 and the 2007 Moenchengladbach for some 7.5 Club—will be without their inspira- Bundesliga title with VfB Stutt- million euros. The biggest sale tional forward Heritier Luvumbu. gart, and sports director Matthias was Wolfsburg defender Timm The AS Vita club star picked up a Sammer said that “thanks to his Klose to Premier League side serious knee injury in the 2-1 extra- quality and experience, he’s in a Norwich City for 12 million euros. time winner over hosts Rwanda in position to help us at once.” And while missing out on Sa- The most expensive signing the quarter-final. The 28-year-old is far from nogo, struggling Hamburg still got this winter has been winger The Florent Ibenge-coached side a big-name signing for treble- Switzerland striker Josip Drmic Jonas Hofman, who moved seeking Munich but Tuesday’s from Borussia Moenchengladbach from Borussia Dortmund to have been tight from the frontline Sueddeutsche Zeitung said the for the rest of the season and Swed- Borussia Moenchengladbach with Luvumbu, Guy Bolingi and Me- deal nonetheless makes sense ish international Nabil Bahoui on a for some 7.5 million euros shack Elia playing the instrumental ahead of the crucial months of free transfer after he last played at roles in their campaign. the season. Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli. Celtic want to avenge Hampden hurt against Aberdeen AFP dismissal in the 13th minute do,” the Scottish winger said. Roberts joined the Hoops “We all have belief in our- Pittodrie helped County to come from “That is gone now and we on an 18-month loan deal from selves that we can win games,” behind to book their place in move on. There is still a lot to Manchester City while Turkish McInnes said. the League Cup final for the play for and there is no bigger striker Kazim-Richards has “We feel that if we can keep eltic winger Gary first time. game to play straight after this signed a two-and-a-half year that competitive edge to our Mackay-Steven says Ronny Deila’s side have little than tomorrow against Aber- deal from Dutch side Fey- game and bring enough strong the Hoops will be out time to dwell on the defeat deen. We are looking to bounce enoord. performances individually then to avenge their Hamp- before they face nearest rivals back in that. Aberdeen go into the match we are always capable of going Cden hurt when they take on Aberdeen as the Glasgow gi- “Well I think all the boys, on the back of a 10-game un- on the type of run we are on at Aberdeen in a top of the table ants aim to move nine points me included, we cannot play a beaten league run stretching the minute. clash at Pittodrie today. clear at the top of the Scottish game quickly enough after a back to October 31 when they “At the start of the season The Parkhead club’s hopes of Premiership. defeat like this. lost 3-1 to Celtic at Parkhead. we put together a strong run a domestic treble were ended And Mackay-Steven says “Wednesday cannot come Manager Derek McInnes, by winning the first eight on Sunday when they suff ered a the Celtic players will be on a quickly enough and we will be whose side were runners-up league games. A lot of teams shock 3-1 defeat to Ross County mission to help fire the Hoops a looking to right that wrong.” last year with a record points in the league can go on decent in their step closer to their fifth league Two players who could be in total, has already witnessed his runs but not many can do it clash at Hampden. title in a row. line to make their debut at the side defeat the champions 2-1 twice like we have. We are Mackay-Steven had managed “It’s not nice. We had an eye home of the Dons are transfer at Pittodrie back in September hopeful we can continue the to put his side ahead after just on wanting to win a treble but deadline day signings Patrick Rob- and has faith that the Dons can current run as long as pos- 25 seconds but Efe Ambrose’s it’s such a difficult thing to erts and Colin Kazim-Richards. produce a repeat performance. sible.” Gulf Times Wednesday, February 3, 2016 5 FOOTBALL

TRANSFER WINDOW REVIEW Premier League clubs can now aff ord to speculate While a heft y amount was global football corporation, and they over extending his stay with Bayern as too soft a touch, so settled for Marko tinued the relentless concentration of stuck well below Watford, Bourne- spent, much of it was from clubs pursued him also because they believe Munich, the blue-chip giants of Ger- Grujic at just £5.1m. overseas players in a league now suck- mouth, Swansea, Norwich and the desperate to avoid dropping his presence adds more lustre, and man and European football, extends Across a sodden Stanley Park, Ever- ing in Europe’s playing and managerial rest, yet who signed nobody at all. out of the top fl ight before next therefore commercial appeal, to the the Premier League marquee over ton enlivened the fi nal day with a talent at the expense of the thousands While other clubs, now including season’s TV rights windfall Premier League’s “brand”. football’s global audience. £13.5m spicing up of their striking op- of British players invited into their Everton, opt to entertain the US specula- There is a confi dence abroad now Albeit with less galáctico stardust, tions, signing the Senegalese Oumar academies from infancy. tors attracted by the money in the “EPL” By David Conn in London that with £8bn expected for the Sky the January transfers refl ect this fi - Niasse from Lokomotiv Moscow, while The accountants at Deloitte tell us Villa’s own American, Randy Lerner, has theguardian.com and BT domestic and global televi- nancial power, which is still based minding the pennies by selling Steven that the £175m spent in total by Pre- long grown disillusioned, having spent sion rights deals for 2016-19, all-star principally on British supporters pay- Naismith to Norwich. mier League clubs—making a record too much money for too little result. names are being inexorably drawn ing expensively for subscriptions to That latter signing, and almost all for overall spending in a season of over Lerner’s recent appointment of a lo- he January transfer window is here, with the exception of the Spanish television corporations who know that the other sizeable deals in this transfer £1bn—included £110m, the highest cal chairman, Steve Hollis, was accom- a month for tweaks, bargains, TV rights-hogging duopoly of Barça only exclusive, live Premier League window, were paid for by clubs seeking January amount ever spent, on players panied by a realistic admission that his panic buys or a bit of what and Real Madrid. content secures their profi ts. No other to ensure they avoid being relegated from overseas. own involvement in Birmingham, from a top club might fancy, and The German Bundesliga was un- illustration is really needed than Stoke and falling off next season’s gravy train. Newcastle United were the stand- across the Atlantic, will be remote. Twhile this time in 2016 the number of til only recently feeling hearty about City, now consolidating their Premier Such clubs always fi nd themselves out exception to this continental shift, Villa look resigned to relegation now, deals was restrained, the total spent, its alternative football model to the League presence, spending £18.2m on on the wrong end of a seller’s market, expressing faith in English profession- so are unwilling to go down carrying £175m, is historically hefty, and anoth- oligarch, sheikh and US private equity Giannelli Imbula from Porto. and the £8.5m paid for Naismith, and als by paying Swansea City £12m for costs from futile January acquisitions. er signal of Premier League fi nancial rent-seeking consumption of the Pre- City, Manchester United and Chel- the same fi gure for Timm Klose from Jonjo Shelvey and Tottenham Hot- Villa and United, fl oundering under dominance. mier League, with supporter-owned sea decided not to knee-jerk into any Wolfsburg, plus Matt Jarvis and Ivo Pin- spur the same large fee for Andros the Glazers who have drained £700m Clearly the most booming state- clubs and full, bouncing stadiums hurried signings, although Leicester to for £2.5m and £2.2m respectively, and Townsend, an England international out of Old Traff ord due to the original ment of that supremacy, the move hosting fans with cheap tickets in mas- City quietly improved their squad and Patrick Bamford on loan, add up to an squeezed out by Mauricio Pochettino. debt-loading acquisition which Ed whose signifi cance dwarfs any of the sive standing areas. hopes of maintaining their remark- expensive eff ort at keeping Carrow Road This fi ts a general pattern, that Brit- Woodward, now the executive vice- player imports, was Manchester City But the coming Premier League able momentum with two additions a Premier League venue next season. ish managers, like Newcastle’s Steve chairman, orchestrated as their bank- unveiling Pep Guardiola as their next deals have already dealt body blows, costing £8m. Arsenal made a selective Watford demonstrated that the mul- McClaren, tend to see and trust in Brit- er, are embodying the fl ipside of the manager, sealing the latest spectacular with City’s plucking of Kevin De Bru- move, for just the midfi elder Mohamed ti-club owning Italian Pozzo family ish players more than overseas manag- American dream. building phase of the £1.2bn Abu Dhabi yne for £51m in the summer and a per- Elneny, paying what is now petty cash view their available resources as vastly ers are generally inclined to. Meanwhile City, where Mansour has football project. sonal pay package described by Wolfs- at the Emirates, £7.4m. greater than the suburban confi nes of The exception to the struggling invested the Abu Dhabi oil wealth lav- Guardiola became City’s target when burg’s general manager Klaus Allofs as Liverpool would have augmented Vicarage Road might indicate, and they clubs who splashed out to avoid rel- ishly to construct a global enterprise fi t Sheikh Mansour’s executives adopted “astonishing” particularly wounding. Jürgen Klopp’s attack with Alex Teix- splashed out on fi ve top-fl ight sign- egation was Aston Villa, another fallen for Pep, and the Premier League itself, Barcelona as a model for their planned Guardiola opting for Manchester City eira but were not willing to be treated ings, all overseas players. That con- historic giant of English football, now go marching on.

SPOTLIGHT Neymar in court to testify in Barca transfer fraud case

AFP Guardiola swoop key Madrid arcelona star Neymar arrived at Spain’s National Court yesterday to Bgive evidence in the murky case of the deal which brought the Brazilian to the Catalan giants from Santos in 2013. Sporting jeans and sunglasses, Neymar to Manchester City’s was accompanied by his father who has also been called to give evidence to a judge over a complaint of fraud and corruption by Brazilian investment fund DIS, which held 40 percent of the footballer’s sporting rights when he played at Santos. DIS has claimed it was cheated of its real share of the benefits of the 23-year-old’s multi- global domination bid million-euro transfer because part of the fee was concealed by Barcelona and Santos. Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu and his predecessor Sandro ‘There is one thing you can be sure of, he wants to dominate and people associate his Rosell were also called to give evidence on Monday, but they refused to testify, insisting teams with the amount of goals that he scores. He always wants to be on the front foot, instead on the version of events they had given for a previous hearing. having the ball, possession, as we know, and he wants to dominate, so well done, City’ The transfer deal was originally valued at 57.1 million euros ($62.2 million) by Barca, 40 million of which was paid to the N&N company owned by the player’s father with Santos receiving just 17.1 million. However, Spanish judicial authorities have estimated the number of simultane- ous deals in the transfer amounted to at least 83.3 million. A representative of Brazilian club Santos said they felt cheated by Neymar and his father after details of the football star’s transfer to Barcelona emerged. Appearing before the judge, Fatima Cristina Bonassa, representing the club where the player started his career, said the Brazilian striker was an adult at the time of transfer and knew what he was signing. Bonassa was heard for five hours by Judge José de la Mata over alleged irregu- larities in Neymar’s transfer. Bonassa point- ed out that Brazilian law allows players to choose their transfer club, and that Neymar had insisted on going to the Spanish side. It was only after learning the amount that the OVER TO YOU: Outgoing Man City club had actually paid for the striker that manager Manuel Pellegrini (left) Santos understood his insistence of signing with his successor Pep Guardiola for the Catalan giants, she claimed. Meanwhile, Barcelona coach Luis Enrique insisted that Neymar’s judicial woes were having a limited impact on his performance. “From zero to one million, it eff ects him at 0.000001%. There is no comment to make, it has nothing to do with football, this is an issue that will be resolved as it should be,” he said.

Agencies think he wants to win everything in said Juventus midfi elder Paul Pogba will eventually help elevate them to est talent ever seen in the Premier London England, that is clear.” is on City’s radar. the level of Manchester United, Real League but those players, and the One of Guardiola’s former players “If you’re a City fan right now, you Madrid and Barcelona, not only be- rest of the current City squad, lack said the Spaniard could bring Euro- can dream about having some great cause of his own profi le and standing the commercial clout and presence anchester City stole the pean success to City. “If they don’t players,” Henry said. “Not only be- in the sports world but because of carried by a Messi, Cristiano Ron- show on the fi nal day of win the Champions League this year, cause it’s a great club and you have the quality of player he will be able aldo or Neymar. the transfer period and it I think in the three years they will the resources, but Pep Guardiola will to attract to Eastlands, armed with A deal late last year saw Chinese wasn’t for signing a player. be very close to winning it,” Thierry be the guy to attract any player in the the bottomless wealth of their Abu consortium CMC invest £265 mil- MCity announced on Monday that Henry told Sky Sports. world.” Dhabi royal family ownership. lion for a stake in City, leading to Pep Guardiola would take over as “There is one thing you can be Guardiola’s hiring was even hu- A mooted attempt to sign Bar- reports the club will tour China later manager next season, replacing sure of, he wants to dominate and morously felt on the other side of celona’s star striker Messi has long this year, where Guardiola may be Manuel Pellegrini. Guardiola had people associate his teams with the Manchester. since been back page gossip but now, unveiled for the fi rst time. been linked with a move to the Pre- amount of goals that he scores. He “Pep signing for City has really with the world’s wealthiest club In such relatively ‘new’ football mier League since announcing in always wants to be on the front foot, messed up my day,” former Man- having signed, arguably, the world’s markets, Guardiola will carry far December he would leave Bayern having the ball, possession, as we chester United captain Rio Ferdi- best manager, such a move no longer more impact than his predecessor Munich in the summer. know, and he wants to dominate, so nand said on Twitter. “His records at sounds quite so fanciful. Pellegrini and the level of high-class Earlier this month he had said that well done, Manchester City.” Barca and Bayern are unreal.” It is precisely that kind of sign- superstar City could now attract will his next job would be in England and The appointment fi red up the ru- It’s a development the club’s bil- ing City will be hoping to pull off this lift the club even higher in terms of City granted his wish with a three- mour mill in the English press and, lionaire owners hope will transform year, in an attempt to improve on their their global presence. year contract. not surprisingly, many involved his world football on and off the field. displays in Europe which have so far This was the vision City had in “He is one of the best managers former players. On it, the respected 44-year-old seen them fail to progress beyond the 2012 when they fi rst approached in the world, no doubt about this,” The Guardian reported Guardiola will be handed the simple target last 16 of the Champions League. Guardiola before being rebuff ed and Liverpool’s Juergen Klopp, who also will be given 150 million pounds ($216 of winning the Champions League But, of more far-reaching impor- turning to Pellegrini as a distant sec- made the move from Germany to million) to strengthen the squad and within the three-year contract he tance, the arrival of a global football- ond choice a year later. England, said. the Sun said City have interest in has agreed, and which will pay him ing icon like Messi would help City in City’s Spanish executives Ferran “He had two big, big clubs where Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Bay- a reported 20 million euros ($21 mil- their aim to become the most famous Soriano and Txiki Begiristain con- he has worked at and now he will do ern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski. lion) a season. and successful football club on the tinued to drive the courtship, with his job at Manchester City. The Daily Express also linked Messi’s Off the fi eld, and into the realm planet, instead of just the wealthiest. Guardiola’s move eventually devel- Barcelona striker Neymar arrives at Spain’s “Pep won everything in Spain, teammate Neymar with a move to the of football fi nance and commer- Signings such as David Silva and oping into the worst-kept secret in national court in Madrid yesterday. (AFP) nearly everything in Germany, so I Etihad Stadium, while the Daily Mail cialisation, City believe Guardiola Sergio Aguero rank among the great- the industry. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, February 3, 2016 FOOTBALL

FOCUS Under-fi re Neville faces daunting Barca Cup SF

AFP that hasn’t lost in 26 matches in all loan deals from Real Madrid and but in any moment it can slip away Valencia competitions. Atletico Madrid respectively until so we have to keep going.” However, Neville insists he is the end of the season. The other semi-fi nal sees Sevilla embracing the challenge of return- Cheryshev’s inclusion in the Real entertain Celta Vigo in their fi rst- uropean champions Barce- ing to the scene of one of his great- team for their Cup opener at Cadiz leg tomorrow. lona continue their quest est triumphs where as a player he saw them thrown out the compe- After a diffi cult start to the cam- for a second consecutive won the Champions League with tition as he was suspended for an paign, Sevilla have won 11 consecu- treble when Gary Nev- Manchester United back in 1999. accumulation of yellow cards last tive games in all competitions at illeE’s off -form Valencia visit the “I can’t wait for Wednesday season. home. Celta caused the shock of Camp Nou in the fi rst leg of their night, and I think the players will be However, he is free to feature at the quarter-fi nals by knocking out Copa del Rey semi-fi nal tonight. the same. These are the moments the Camp Nou. “Barcelona are a Atletico Madrid and will be boosted Valencia’s run to the last four of you live for as a coach and a player,” great opponent, but Valencia also by the return of Spanish interna- the Cup has been the only positive he said. can also do some damage,” said the tional Nolito. of a diffi cult start for the England One of Neville’s boldest moves Russian international. The former Barcelona forward coach in his fi rst managerial role. has been to name top scorer Paco Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has played since December due to a A fi rst defeat at home in La Alcacer captain in place of Dani a fully-fi t squad to choose from hamstring injury and was strongly Liga since November 2014, 1-0 Parejo and he is hopeful the Span- and is likely to rotate after his side linked with a return to Barca, but against Sporting Gijon on Sunday, ish international will be fi t to fea- showed growing signs of fatigue the move was scuppered by the stretched Neville’s winless streak ture after two weeks out with an from their demanding January tight fi nancial restrictions on Barca in to eight games and left ankle injury. “By tomorrow we’ll schedule in edging past nine-man to comply with fi nancial fair play. Valencia just fi ve points above the have a full complement of players, Atletico Madrid 2-1 on Saturday. “We always knew Nolito’s inten- relegation zone. Paco is looking good and is back “It suits us to have four days rest tion was to stay here,” said Celta Neville’s men face the most running again.” before hosting Valencia,” said de- captain Hugo Mallo. daunting task possible if they are The visitors could also hand de- fender Javier Mascherano. “We are waiting for him with to reach the fi nal for the fi rst time buts to Denis Cheryshev and Guil- “We have managed to keep win- open arms because he is a player since 2008 against a Barca side herme Siqueira after they sealed ning and we’re in an ideal situation, that can decide games.” Cahill ready to continue at Chelsea after Allegri wants more ‘positive’ talks with Hiddink nsettled Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has held “positive” talks with interim Umanager Guus Hiddink about his as Juve target record future and said he is keen to stay at the club. A source close to the player had said last week that the 30-year-old centre-back ‘Our 12 consecutive wins are a signal to the rest of the league that we are back in contention’ feared he might miss out on this year’s Eu- ropean Championship if he was not playing more regularly. The England vice-captain has played more than 170 games for Chelsea but has made only 12 league appearances this season as Kurt Zouma and John Terry have become preferred starters. The frustration was such that the player, who signed a new four-year contract in December, felt he might have to leave. “I did have a good chat with him, he was very approachable and it was beneficial, very positive. Obviously I want to be at the club. I signed a four-year contract a couple of months ago so that shows I want to be here,” Cahill told the club’s website (www. chelseafc.com). “But ultimately, I feel like I need to play football matches. I’ve always been that way; it’s always been in my make-up to play a high percentage of games. I realise sometimes things go well, sometimes they don’t, but it’s very important for me to play football matches,” he added. Cahill had said earlier he could follow Ter- ry out of Stamford Bridge if he doesn’t force his way back into the starting line-up on a regular basis. Terry surprisingly revealed on Sunday that he is set to leave Chelsea at the end of the season after being told by the club’s hierarchy that he won’t be off ered a new deal when his current contract expires. Ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash at Watford, a Blues spokesman claimed club captain Terry could still be asked to stay de- pending on the plans of the eventual succes- sor to interim manager Hiddink. But Terry, 35, seems convinced his 18-year association with the Blues is coming to an end and worryingly for Chelsea’s long-term planning. Cahill, a Champions League and Premier League winner with Chelsea since arriving from Bolton in 2012, fears his sudden exile will damage his chances of featuring at Euro 2016 and could force him to take the unwanted step of considering joining a club who can satisfy his desire for first-team action. “I did have a good chat with him, he was very approachable and it was beneficial, very positive,” Cahill said of his meeting with Hiddink. “It’s a positive thing; you get people criticising players who are happy to sit on the bench and pick up their money but that’s certainly not me. I want to be out there and be a big part of things if I possibly can.” Terry’s revelation that he is on the way out could be a boost to Cahill’s hopes of forcing his way back into the line-up in the long-term. But for now the 30-year-old, who is reportedly a target for Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, will have to wait anxiously to see if he retains his place for the trip to Vicarage Road after starting alongside Terry in Sunday’s 5-1 FA Cup fourth-round win at AFP But Allegri expects more from the “Morata had been scoring in train- winning 20 in a row if it doesn’t win Maurizio Sarri, but the tracksuit- Milton Keynes Dons. Rome likes of Paul Pogba, Alvaro Morata ing already over the past couple of you the title.” wearing, chain-smoking 57-year- Unbeaten in eight games in all competi- and Paulo Dybala—who are integral weeks and when that happens, it’s Yet Juve’s chances of a record- old has called for caution. tions since Hiddink replaced the sacked Jose to the Turin giants’ chances of suc- always likely that you’ll fi nd the net equalling fi fth straight scudetto “We’re playing well and we’re in Mourinho, Cahill says the troubled champi- uventus coach Massimiliano cess this season. in matches as well.” were boosted by results elsewhere good condition, but I’m not certain ons are slowly returning to peak form. Allegri believes his impres- And the 48-year-old Italian has And despite Dybala being voted at the weekend. As Napoli and Juve we can keep this up all the way till the “Obviously the first half of the season was sive crop of young stars can brushed aside the importance of the club’s MVP for the month of Jan- triumphed, Fiorentina’s scoreless end of the season.” a disaster but we look like we’re heading in achieve even more as they record-setting feats under his tenure. uary, when he hit four of his 12 league stalemate at Genoa left them eight Mancini, meanwhile, will watch the right direction at this moment in time,” targetJ a club record of 13 successive “I think we can make improve- goals so far, the Argentinian is con- points off the pace while Inter’s 3-0 from the stands when Inter host he said. “When you get results and don’t league wins with the visit of Genoa ments both collectively and individ- stantly reminded that he is not the derby reverse at AC Milan left Rob- Chievo looking for their fi rst win in lose games it breeds confidence and eve- tonight. ually,” said Allegri, highlighting one fi nished article. erto Mancini’s title challengers nine fi ve games after he received a one- rything kind of comes back. I wouldn’t say The four-time consecutive cham- of several misses by Pogba before the “He has been doing well, but he points in arrears. game ban and a fi ne of 5,000 euros we’re totally there yet but we’re definitely pions have put their miserable start Frenchman found the net in the 67th still has plenty of room for improve- Napoli travel to Lazio looking for for slandering the referee at Sun- going in the right direction.” to the season behind them and closed minute in Verona. ment,” said Allegri. their seventh win on the trot and day’s San Siro clash. However, Chelsea’s renaissance is likely to to within two points of leaders Na- “Pogba’s fi nal eff ort on goal is a Allegri’s stance is seen as an eff ort with Argentinian striker Gonzalo receive a stern test from a Watford side who, poli following a 4-0 rout of Chievo in case in point, when he struck the to spur the trio onto greater things, Higuain in the hunt for a 23rd Serie A Fixtures (Qatar time) having already frustrated the Blues in a 2-2 Verona on Sunday. crossbar by hitting the ball too hard. and recent evidence suggests they goal in as many games this term. Frosinone v Bologna (20:30) draw on Boxing Day, would love to secure After being ruled out of title con- Instead, he might have opted to place have been paying attention. Higuain hit his 22nd league goal in Empoli v Udinese (22:45) their first win over the west Londoners since tention at the start of the season, Al- his shot to better eff ect.” A 13th consecutive win on a 5-1 thumping of Empoli on Sunday Fiorentina v Carpi (22:45) September 1999. legri was only too happy to announce Allegri had kinder words for Mor- Wednesday would allow Allegri to to equal the 22-goal tally that earned Verona v Atalanta (22:45) Quique Sanchez Flores’s team are four the Old Lady is back with a bang. ata, who hit a brace at Chievo to take overtake the club record of 12 set by Mauro Icardi (Inter) and Luca Toni Inter Milan v Chievo (22:45) points above Chelsea in their first season “Our 12 consecutive wins are a his goals tally to the week to four af- former coach Antonio Conte in the (Verona) a share of the top scorer’s Juventus v Genoa (22:45) back in the top-flight and the Spanish coach signal to the rest of the league that ter netting twice in a 3-0 rout of In- 2013-2014 season. ‘Capocannoniere’ trophy. Lazio v Napoli (22:45) puts that success down to his players’ will- we are back in contention for the ti- ter Milan in the fi rst leg of their Ital- But Allegri added: “To me, records Napoli hammered Lazio 5-0 in Palermo v AC Milan (22:45) ingness to take responsibility. tle,” Allegri said on Sunday. ian Cup semi-fi nal. don’t matter. What’s the point of only their fourth game under coach Sampdoria v Torino (22:45) Gulf Times Wednesday, February 3, 2016 7 SPORT

NBA STAR Serb rookie Jokic shines as Nuggets Cavaliers rally to stop Raptors’ streak defeat Pacers in overtime thriller ‘It’s only one of 82, but we knew what we came here to do, and that was to take care Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) attempts a dunk during the of business. We knew it would be a hard fought game and we were locked in’ second half at AT&T Center.

Reuters DPA young bigs, they’re all talent- Indianapolis Los Angeles ed,” he said. “I don’t know their names but I know Nikola Jovic and I wouldn’t trade him for the here’s a specifi c reason why ikola Jokic of the Den- world. Cleveland’s LeBron James, Kyrie ver Nuggets had the “He’s a special young man, a Irving and Kevin Love are re- game of his NBA life special talent and he’s only going ferred to as “The Big Three.” and as a result the To- to get better.” TBig-time situations call for big-time Nronto Raptors’ winning streak is Will Barton poured in 16 of his results, and in the Cavaliers’ 111-106 history. 20 points in the fourth quarter, overtime victory against Indiana on The Serbian rookie centre had and fellow reserve Randy Foye Monday night, James, Irving and Love career-highs of 27 points and added 16 for Denver (19-30) who were the big diff erence-makers. 14 rebounds, and the Nuggets completed a 2-0 season series Cleveland (35-12), which extended its snapped the Raptors’ franchise- sweep over second best team in winning streak to fi ve, outscored the Pac- best 11-game winning streak 112- the East. ers 15-10 in overtime with Irving scoring 93 on Monday. “Our bench was terrifi c,” eight, James adding four and Love sink- “My teammates, they give me Malone said. “Will and Randy ing a 3-pointer. the ball,” said the 20-year-old were great off the bench.” Irving fi nished with a game-best 25 who entered the contest aver- The Nuggets led by 11 at half- points, three rebounds and seven assists. aging just 9.2 points and 5.7 re- time behind Jokic’s 15 points and James added 24 points, 12 rebounds and bounds per game. carried an 80-65 cushion into six assists, and Love added 19 points, Denver coach Michael Malone the fourth frame before pushing eight rebounds, two assists, two steals gushed over Jokic’s outstanding it to as many as 27 en route to the and two blocks. The trio fi nished 26 of 57 eff ort. stunner. from the fi eld. “What a performance by DeMar DeRozan tossed in 24 “It’s only one of 82, but we knew what Nikola,” he said. “Every time I points but fellow All-Star Kyle we came here to do, and that was to take think he’s reached the ceiling on Lowry fi nished with just 10 on care of business,” Irving said. “We knew his rookie season he fi nds a way 3-of-12 shooting for the Raptors it would be a hard fought game in this to keep impressing me. I hope he (32-16), who suff ered their first arena, and we were locked in. They made keeps on doing that. He’s a hell of loss since January 4 at Cleveland. a run in the third quarter, but we came talent and I’m happy he’s part of “You can describe it any way back in the fourth quarter and overtime.” our organization. you want to,” a ticked Toronto James gave the Cavaliers the lead for While rookie big men like New coach Dwane Casey said. “That good with 1:37 remaining in the extra pe- York’s Kristaps Porzingis, Min- was a stinker. That was one of our riod, and two Irving free throws pushed nesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns worst performances of the year. the Cleveland lead to 107-104 with 43.2 and Philadelphia’s Jahlil Okafor “We played like we were play- seconds to go. grab the headlines, Malone likes ing in mud. You can blame it on Irving and James each sank two free the upside of his big man. the altitude, whatever it was. We throws during the fi nal 13.7 seconds as “You can talk about all of those stunk.” Cleveland improved to 25-2 when scoring 100 points or more and 25-3 when lead- ing at halftime. ANALYSIS “It was a great win for us, considering we haven’t won here in six years,” Cleve- Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) shoots the ball in front of Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33). land coach Tyronn Lue said. “I just told the guys that we can’t resort back to bad Guard J.R. Smith added 19 points for the when Ellis and Paul George were a com- Inconsistent Bulls habits when things get tough. We have to Cavaliers. Forward Myles Turner and guard Results bined 8 of 33 from the fi eld, including 2 of continue to play the same way we have Monta Ellis each added 14 points for Indi- Atlanta 112 Dallas 97 13 from 3-point range. been playing.” ana, and Turner also had 10 rebounds. “We are an improving, evolving bas- San Antonio 107 Orlando 92 having trouble Love said the Cavaliers were fortunate. The Pacers had an opportunity to win Brooklyn 100 Detroit 105 ketball team,” Vogel said. “We have great “We were able to force overtime, and in regulation, but Ellis missed a 17-foot Sacramento 111 Milwaukee 104 promise. Our two best scorers had off then we hit some big shots when we jumper with one second on the clock shooting nights, and we had a chance to Denver 112 Toronto 93 sticking to the plan needed to,” Love said. after the potential game-winning play Utah 105 Chicago 96 (OT) win this one. Still, it’s very frustrating to Guard George Hill led the Pacers (25- broke down when Turner forgot to set a New Orleans 95 Memphis 110 fall short.” 23) with 23, and center Jordan Hill added pick for Ellis coming out of a timeout. Oklahoma City 114 Washington 98 George was not happy after making 17 as Indiana lost for the seventh time in “I kind of forgot the play,” a disap- Indiana 106 Cleveland 111 (OT) only 3 of 15 fi eld-goal attempts and scor- its last 10 games. pointed Turner said. “It’s tough to get ing only 11, well under his 23.5-point av- It was Cleveland’s fi rst victory in over losses like this one.” erage. Bankers Life Fieldhouse after 10 consec- George Hill’s 3-pointer with 53.7 sec- Indiana coach Frank Vogel is encour- “This was a very winnable game, and utive losses in the venue. The Cavs had onds remaining pushed the Pacers into a aged after this loss, in part because the we let it get away,” George said. “In sev- not won in Bankers Life Fieldhouse since 96-94 lead, but Irving’s jumper with 44 Pacers had a chance to beat the best team eral late-game situations, we just were Jan. 29, 2010. seconds left tied it at 96. in the Eastern Conference on a night not on the same page.”

BOTTOMLINE

Newton vs. Manning: Who is File picture of Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul Pierce (C) battles for the loose ball with Chicago Bulls forward ETwaun Moore (R) and guard Derrick Rose (L) during the third quarter at Staples Center.

MCT did do that against the Lakers. the endorsement MVP? We’ve done it on multiple oc- Salt Lake City By Rick Rothacker, MCT about $10 million, the magazine terback has a stronger showing casions this year, and we’ve had Charlotte, USA estimates. with younger consumers, said slippage in certain games. It’s got All of their endorsement dol- Peter Laatz, an executive vice pattern has reared its to be something where the guys lars, of course, come on top of president at Repucom. head too often in this can look each other in the face year ago, Dannon what their teams pay them. In “Cam is just talking to a whole most puzzling of Bulls and hold each other responsible signed up a new pitch- June, Newton signed a fi ve-year, diff erent group of people,” Laatz seasons. and accountable when they’re man for its Oikos brand $103.8 million contract exten- said. ACoaches establish a game plan. not doing it on the fl oor and be Greek yogurt: Caro- sion that includes $60 million in Their recent commercials The game plan is disseminated able to take that.” linaA Panthers quarterback Cam guaranteed money. display their contrasting styles. and drilled, either at a morn- Players have cited a lack of Newton. Talk about good tim- During his breakout season, In a Nationwide spot, Manning ing shootaround or, in the case of communication for defensive is- ing. Newton has soared in public bemoans a bad golf shot while Monday, a morning meeting and sues. But the Bulls also have had Since then, Newton has led his awareness and other benchmarks, wearing preppy shorts. In an ad fi lm session. Fred Hoiberg then several impressive victories over team to a 17-1 record and is likely according to an international in- for headphones maker Beats by praises the players’ attentiveness top-tier teams. to win the NFL’s Most Valuable dex called CelebrityDBI. Through Dre, an iron-pumping Newton and absorption of said game plan. This inconsistency can be at- Player award. And Sunday, mil- consumer surveys, the measure takes on critics, saying: “Too And then, at least in some of tributed somewhat to Mike Dun- lions will be watching worldwide produced by research fi rm Repu- bad they don’t make Band-Aids the many head-scratching loss- leavy not yet playing this season as the rising star leads his team com collects data on more than for feelings.” es, players stray from it. and losing another key rotation against the Denver Broncos in 6,000 athletes, models, actors, Newton is strong as an en- After Sunday’s loss to the piece in Joakim Noah. But with Super Bowl 50. musicians, fi ctional characters dorser already, but he has upside Clippers in Los Angeles, Pau a veteran core of Gasol, Butler “We’re always hopeful the and others worldwide. as Manning and Brady near the Gasol and Jimmy Butler said the and Derrick Rose, it’s still mostly choices we make will turn out Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton addresses the media. In September, about 39 per- end of their careers, said Dav- Bulls lack discipline. Given that maddening. as the best possible scenario,” cent of US consumers polled id Carter, a principal with the Hoiberg is a fi rst-year NBA coach “You talk about veterans, but Dannon spokesman Michael Newton has everything a Bowl opponent, Broncos quar- were “aware” of Newton by Sports Business Group, a con- and the Bulls are a veteran team, we’ve also got a lot of new play- Neuwirth said. “And this was company wants in an NFL pitch- terback Peyton Manning, a leg- name or face, according to Re- sulting fi rm. Manning, in partic- whose fault is that? ers who are playing in rotations absolutely the best possible sce- man, said Chicago-based sports end on the fi eld and an endorser pucom. As of this month, that ular, could retire after the Super “It’s on everybody,” Hoiberg for the fi rst time in their careers. nario.” business consultant Marc Ganis. so deft he can get you humming fi gure was up to 54 percent, Bowl or play only one more year. said. “We watch a lot of fi lm go- So you’ve got that mix,” Hoiberg After this year’s performance, He plays the premier position an insurance company’s jingle. eighth among all NFL players. “In post-retirement they will ing into these games. Each coach said. “Just when you think you’re more companies will be looking of quarterback, is good looking, With an endorsement list He is third in the “trendsetter” both continue to do well, but is responsible for a scouting re- hitting stride, you have a setback to join Dannon in Newton’s en- has a trend-setting sense of style that includes Nationwide, Papa category. Newton will have greater control port. You spend a lot of time and with somebody going out of the dorsement portfolio, adding to and even a catchy fi rst name. John’s pizza, Nike and Buick au- In comparison, Manning of the proverbial stage,” Carter eff ort putting the game plan to- lineup. Then you have to insert names such as Under Armour, “He’s the future face of the tomobiles, Manning, 39, racked has 85 percent awareness, be- said. “If he can continue to per- gether, and it’s very important somebody else that you hope Gatorade, Beats by Dre and Belk. National Football League,” Ganis up the most off -fi eld earnings of hind only New England Patriots form well, and do so with cha- to do the things that you put fi lls the shoes. We’ve had some Newton, experts say, is emerging said. any NFL player last year, bring- quarterback Tom Brady. risma while avoiding issues off together to give yourself the best of that. as one of the most marketable But before he can become the ing in about $12 million, ac- Manning has Newton beat in the fi eld, his long-term poten- chance to win that game. “Is that an excuse? No. You stars in the NFL — and sports in league’s biggest star, Newton, cording to Forbes magazine. But terms of general market aware- tial as an endorser is extremely “We didn’t do that the other have to do your job to the best of general. 26, will have to surpass his Super Newton is close on his heels with ness, but the Panthers quar- strong.” night against the Clippers. We your abilities.” Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, February 3, 2016 SPORT

BASKETBALL FOCUS Costs could slow Eugene 2021 Big victory for stadium renovation

Reuters ed prior to the state high school Eugene meet in May 2017, then resume in August 2017 with completion in October 2017. Rayyan; Al Shamal onstruction costs may “If anything were to change, push the renovation of that timeline would just move a the stadium in Eugene, year,” Weinhold said. “Instead of Oregon that is to host starting in August 2016, it would theC 2021 World Championships start in August 2017.” Lananna beyond a projected 2017 comple- said, “We still have plenty of tion date, organizers say. time to get the facility ready.” A decision will be made in the He said he still expected some edge out Qatar SC coming months on a timetable portion of the renovation would for the $50-60 million privately start in 2016. funded Hayward Field project, Economics will be the decid- Davon top-scored for Rayyan with 25, 18 of which came from the three-point mark TrackTown USA President Vin ing factor, Weinhold said. “We Lananna and Paul Weinhold, are dealing with donor dollars president and CEO of the Uni- here, so we are going to do it in versity of Oregon Foundation, the most effi cient way possible told Reuters. with the most cost eff ective way “The feedback we are getting as well,” he said. right now is because of some The University of Oregon major projects around the state, Foundation is managing the and certainly on campus, there project, which will bring the is a real tight supply of available athletics world championships sub-contractors. It is not true to the United States for the fi rst infl ation but they are very busy time. so they charge more,” Weinhold Oregon-based Nike has prom- said in a telephone interview. ised $13.5 million for the project, “So we would have to evalu- half of it contingent on match- ate what it would cost to do the ing funds being raised. Weinhold project a year later.” said he was confi dent all funding Controversy surrounds the goals would be met. Eugene championships, which Early discussion about seeking were awarded without any $15 million in state capital con- competition. Sebastian Coe, struction bonds was not a seri- president of the International ous consideration, he said. Association of Athletics Fed- “The idea surfaced frankly out erations (IAAF), cut his ties of Salem (the state capital) that with Nike after claims he faced Salem and our legislature might a conflict of interest due to the be able to provide some support sportswear giant’s connection for Hayward,” Weinhold said. to Eugene. “Just as the idea came from Organizers had hoped to start Salem, the idea that it wasn’t go- modernization and expansion ing to work came from Salem, so of Hayward Field from 10,000 we took cues from the political to 30,000 seats in August. Work powers that this was not going would substantially be complet- to fl y.” Super models, super heroes add up to super strange Al Rayyan’s Quintin Immanuel goes for a dunk against Al Khor at the Al Gharafa Indoor hall. At right, QSC’s Anthony White attempts to score. Media Day By Sports Reporter period to post 30 points which brought Ngombo scored 17 and 13, respectively. kept their noses ahead after every quarter. Doha some respectability to their score. Ronald Rembert suff ered the disap- For Al Shamal, Kamal Hachad poured However, the fact that Al Rayyan had pointment of ending up on the losing side in 29 points while Abdulqadir Kosar and led by 26 points before the fi nal quarter despite scoring a game-high 28 for Al Mohamed Adam scored 12 each. l Rayyan continued their relent- began stood them in good stead as they Khor. He also had four assists to his credit. Consteveous Jeff erson top-scored for less march towards another pos- still managed to close out the game by a Charles Abouo also played a stellar role for Qatar Sports Club with 20 points while sible title after demolishing Al whopping 22-point margin. Al Khor with 22 points, albeit in vain. Anthony White had 19 and Abdulla Khor 97-75 in the Qatar Basket- Dominic Davon top-scored for Al Rayy- In the second match of the day, Al Ahmed 11. Aball League yesterday. an with 25 points – 18 of which came from Shamal edged out Qatar Sports Club Today, Al Ahli play neighbours Al Arabi Al Khor trailed 45-71 at the end of the the three-point mark – while Quintin Im- 59-56 with the match recording 14 lead at 5.30pm, while Al Sadd play Al Gharafa third quarter but caught fi re in the fi nal manuel had 20. Salem Abdulla and Alban changes, although it was the winners who at 7.30.

BOTTOMLINE

Pia Wurtzbach, the 2015 Miss Universe, poses for a photo with Carolina Panthers free safety Dean Marlowe (29) during Super Bowl 50 Opening Night media day at SAP Center on Monday.

Mum’s journey from jail to and race suit - moonlighting as Reuters San Jose sports reporters. “It’s the 50th Super Bowl, so I thought I would show Ameri- edia Day was cans our favourite sport,” said Super Bowl delights Thomas transformed into Phillip Hajszan, holding skis Opening Night in one hand and a microphone AFP cially like it’ll be right now for the Super for Super Bowl 50 in other. “It’s about bringing Bowl. I think she’ll be fi ne, but it’ll be a butM the switch to prime time Austria to the Super Bowl. Denver little diff erent.” did nothing to change the “Other years I have come as Thomas, 28, admitted he is still pinch- zany tone on Monday as su- Mozart, Arnold Schwarzeneg- hen Katina Stuckey Smith ing himself that his mother, who was per models and super heroes ger and once I wore lederho- settles into her seat at the arrested when he was 11, is now a free mingled with giants of sports sen.” Broncos quarterback billion-dollar Levi’s Stadium woman. journalism. Peyton Manning, taking part to watch her son Demary- “It means a lot. It’s her second time The Denver Broncos and in his fourth Media Day, looked Wius Thomas play for the Denver Broncos coming to see me play. It kind of means Carolina Panthers, who clash out on hundreds of report- in Super Bowl 50 on Sunday she will be the world,” he said. on Sunday for the National ers and faced the predictable making up for lost time. “Loss of words because I never thought Football League champion- questions about his playing Two years ago, when Thomas scored I’d be in this situation where my mom ship, kicked off Super Bowl future and another from a a touchdown for the Broncos in Super would be able to come out and see me week taking turns diving into Mexican puppet about his fa- Bowl XLVIII despite playing almost the play. Now that she can, she’s just as ex- the anything-goes media vourite food and answered entire game with a separated shoulder, cited.” mosh pit to face questions both both with equal amounts of his mother was languishing in a federal Smith’s words of encouragement from serious and utterly bizarre. good nature. prison cell in Florida. prison after Thomas’s ill-fated Super Originally designed as a The NFL Network gave the Smith, 42, has missed almost the en- Bowl debut two years ago—when the mid-day opportunity for re- evening the full prime time tirety of her son’s football career. In 1999 Broncos were demolished 43-8 by the porters to fi ll their notebooks, treatment. she was jailed with Thomas’s grandmoth- rampant Seattle Seahawks—were crucial Media Day has morphed into There were glitzy intro- er for running a crack-cocaine operation in helping him bounce back. a prime-time, money making ductions, plenty of thumping from the family home and sentenced to 24 “After the last Super Bowl, she just said spectacle. music and thousands of media years in prison. ‘Keep your head up. Everything’s going Cross-dressers and orange members with Japan, Britain, She rejected a plea deal which would to be okay. You’re going to get another leprechauns stand shoulder- Mexico, Germany, Austria, have seen her given a lesser sentence if chance. Next time, you just take advan- to-shoulder with Hall of Fame Slovenia and other countries she testifi ed against her mother, who postseason win over the Pittsburgh Steel- to the Super Bowl, play in the NFL coming tage of it and get the win,’” he revealed. broadcasters and bestselling represented, all happily play- eventually received two life terms. ers—leaving Mile High Stadium in Denver out of a small town, she’ll be very proud,” One of the fi rst things Thomas did after authors shouting out ques- ing the part of extras, provid- In fact had it not been for President clutching a game ball that Peyton Man- Thomas told reporters at a media event his mother’s release was purchase her a tions watched by thousands of ing the necessary backdrop to Barack Obama, there is a good chance ning had given to Thomas specifi cally to here. new home. fans who paid $27 to take in the the NFL showcase. Smith may never have seen her son play. give to her. The star wide receiver admitted he was “I let her pick her own house in a spectacle. The NFL has made no no- Smith was released last year after being Sunday’s Super Bowl extravaganza nervous about how his mother would neighborhood right now to get used to it,” At a time when journal- ticeable eff ort to clamp down named among 46 people serving prison against the Carolina Panthers will be only cope with the occasion after so many Thomas said. ism jobs are being lost, some on the irreverent vibe and time for drug off enses whose sentences the second time Smith has seen Thomas years in relative isolation. “I don’t know if she really wants to be were fi nding work on the fl oor seems content for one day at were deemed unduly harsh by the Obama play in person. “She’s probably nervous right now. It’s around a lot of land with nobody around. of the SAP Center as puppets, least to let non-traditional administration. “She’ll be here, she’ll basically be her second time fl ying and then just being Being gone that long and then just coming clowns and an Austria ski racer media have a piece of the Super Smith saw her son play live for the proud because of all the ups and downs around all the people,” Thomas said. “She into a lot of land, I think it’s kind of creepy - complete with skis, helmet Bowl pie. fi rst time last month during the Broncos we went through and still be able to come hasn’t been around a lot of people, espe- for some people.” Gulf Times Wednesday, February 3, 2016 9 SPORT

RUGBY TENNIS Nadal gets wildcard invite to defend ‘Be Tarzan’, Jones Buenos Aires title

AFP “I asked for this wild card af- Buenos Aires ter the bad result in Melbourne and I hope that Buenos Aires will once again be the start of a good afael Nadal has had run for me. I will try my best to tells England his request for a wild- make sure it is.” card invitation to next Nadal strengthens the line- week’s Argentina Open up in Argentina which already acceptedR as the Spaniard rejigs features world number fi ve his schedule after his shock Aus- David Ferrer, France’s Jo-Wil- tralian Open exit. fried Tsonga the number nine The world number fi ve lost in and 12th ranked American John the fi rst round of a Grand Slam Isner. skipper Hartley for just the second time in his After last week’s loss Nadal’s career to fellow Spaniard Fern- coach and uncle Toni Nadal ando Verdasco in Melbourne. raised the possibility that the 14- ‘He’s got to go out there and play with his heart’ After his unexpectedly early time Grand Slam champion may departure the 29-year-old trav- seek a new or expanded coaching elled to Mallorca to start train- team in a bid to arrest his slide in ing for what could be a make or form. Eddie Jones (L) watches on as England captain Dylan Hartley (R) break year on clay, starting now “I understand that in sport re- takes part in a training session at Twickenham. with the defence of his title in sults come fi rst and if you have Buenos Aires. to make a change, you have to “I want to thank the organisers do it,” Toni Nadal told Spanish of the Argentina Open for giving radio station Cadena Cope last me this wild card to play in Bue- Wednesday. nos Aires,” he told the ATP web- “To lose so early in Australia site from Mallorca on Monday. is one of the biggest disappoint- “The times that I’ve played in ments we have had because in Argentina have been special and the last four months we had been full of good memories because playing well. the people are some of the best “I hope it is only a blip and we in the world. move forward.”

AFP “He was very polite and re- of his home country in the 2003 team and yourself.” message through his agent the London spectful. He didn’t have to do World Cup fi nal defeat to Eng- England have not won the other day to say he is available that, but it’s a good sign. I’ve land, subsequently took over Grand Slam since 2003 and at any stage though obviously CYCLING seen that with the team. He gets from Stuart Lancaster. former fl y-half Wilkinson, who he is pretty hectic at the mo- ngland head coach Ed- around, talks to people, encour- Wilkinson, who kicked the Jones has drafted in as an occa- ment,” Jones’ successor Robbie die Jones wants newly ages people to get involved. winning drop goal in that fi nal sional kicking coach, says that Fleck told a news conference on appointed captain Dy- “That’s what a leader is 13 years ago, thinks that Eng- any team just hoping to win the Tuesday. Cavendish defends lan Hartley to “be Tar- about—getting the best out of land and France, who have Guy Six Nations must start quickly. “He said when he left here zan”E when he leads the team out the people around you. It’s not Noves as a new coach, need to “Scotland will be full of con- that the option was there and in the Six Nations, he told BBC being at the front of the bus, show patience. fi dence after a great World Cup he has backed up on his word. I Dubai crown radio yesterday. beating your chest and saying, “It is such a tough balance to and Wales will carry a lot of mo- am really grateful for that. I cer- “On the fi eld, he’s got to be ‘Do as I do.’ strike because both these na- mentum from a courageous ef- tainly will send him some foot- Tarzan,” Jones told BBC Radio “It’s about engaging people, tions have been used to strong fort too,” Wilkinson added. age and give him an update of with new team 5 Live. “He’s got to go out there fi nding out what qualities they international teams and both “It will be very exciting to where we are.” and play with his heart. If he have and fi nding out they can quite rightly expect good re- see what France, Ireland, Italy England meet Scotland in AFP does that then the players will improve the team environment, sults,” Wilkinson told ITV tele- and England bring to the tour- their Six Nations opener in Ed- Dubai follow him.” and I’ve been pleased how Dy- vision. “High-level rugby teams nament. “We will get a great inburgh on Saturday. Hartley’s chequered discipli- lan has done that.” with lasting quality are built picture of how these guys plan Former Japan coach Jones’ nary record made him a conten- from the bottom up, however, to carry on after a diffi cult time stay in Cape Town was brief but efending Dubai Tour tious choice as the successor England and Jones need and this cannot be done in a few and an idea of the future iden- Fleck said he made a big impres- champion Mark Cav- to Chris Robshaw, but having time, insists Wilkinson weeks and a harsh conversation tities of these teams. “Whoever sion and the team would adopt endish goes into the spent 10 days observing him in England legend Jonny or two. gels together fastest will prove some of his ideas this season. 2016 edition, which training, Jones is happy with his Wilkinson has warned fans not “The fi rst run out is often the most dangerous.” “The brilliant thing when startsD today, looking for his fi rst decision. to expect an immediate upturn not the most challenging be- Eddie was here was that we had win since joining South African “What I like about Dylan is in fortunes under new head cause the excitement, energy Jones off ers to help old all this knowledge and ways team Dimension Data. he’s got a bit of ‘blokieness’ coach Eddie Jones. and desire to prove yourself can Stormers team we wanted to play but he just The Briton won the overall ti- about him. He’s a real bloke, he Australian Jones, who led Ja- combine to make something ex- New England coach Eddie simplifi ed things,” said former tle last year while still with Etixx talks to people,” said the Aus- pan to an unprecedented three traordinary. Jones has off ered to help out his South Africa centre Fleck who Quick-Step thanks to victories tralian, whose side open their pool stage victories in the recent “It is the rest of the tourna- old club, the Stormers, just days has taken charge of a Super on the fi rst and fourth stages. campaign against Scotland at World Cup, will take charge of ment and beyond where good from the start of the Six Nations Rugby team for the fi rst time. Cavendish left Quick-Step Murrayfi eld on Saturday. his fi rst match on Saturday as coaching, man management Championship. “At the end of the day his big at the end of last season to join “The fi rst time I met him, England get their Six Nations and preparation will be tested. The Australian, who left message was the fundamentals the fi rst African cycling team to we came to the kitchen here (at campaign underway against “Both of these teams will for England in November af- of rugby have not changed over take part in the Tour de France, England’s Pennyhill Park train- Scotland at Murrayfi eld. come out fi ring, it is a case of ter spending only a few weeks the years, it’s just having the MTN-Qhubeka, who have since ing base) and had breakfast and England became the fi rst 100 per cent or not at all at this at the helm with the Storm- confi dence to go forward and do been renamed Dimension Data. are under the microscope this he was speaking to the people World Cup hosts to fail to reach level which means committing ers, has made himself available it.” The Stormers get their Su- The 30-year-old, who has week though. who were serving behind the the knock-out stages last au- fully to every decision and ulti- to the Super Rugby side on an per Rugby campaign underway won 44 stages on Grand Tours, Swiss veteran Fabian Cancel- counter. tumn and Jones, who was coach mately trusting your plan, your informal basis. “He sent me a against the Bulls on February 27. is looking forward to getting four lara, German time-trial special- days on the road under his belt ist Tony Martin, former world ahead of a busy season. road race champion Philippe SIX NATIONS “I’ve raced in the Dubai Tour Gilbert of Belgium and 2012 Tour the last two years and I’ve en- de France champion Bradley joyed it, especially with winning Wiggins will all be taking part. it overall last year. I’ve come It is a rare road outing for back with not much road racing 35-year-old Briton Wiggins as under my belt, but I know from he will focus on the track this the track that my sprint is good,” year ahead of the Rio de Janeiro Ireland back Fitzgerald ruled out Cavendish said. Games, and the four-time Ol- “I’m here racing for Dimen- ympic gold medallist was quick AFP team manager Mick Kearney. sion Data with a very strong team to temper expectations. Dublin “He is expected to be out of action on the road. I just like it here in “Don’t expect too much from for six to eight weeks and at this stage the UAE - people are great and me! Unlike everyone else, I’m no replacement has been called in. the race has everything I like. not hoping to achieve anything ersatile Ireland back Luke “He was just doing a tackling drill at “My daughter wants to be here this week,” said Wiggins. Fitzgerald has been ruled the Aviva on Friday, his foot got caught too, she likes the towers!” “The Dubai Tour is one of the out of the Six Nations with a in the grass. This is the third time the Du- four road races I’ll be doing this knee ligament injury. “It was fairly innocuous but very bai Tour has been held, and it year.” VThe Leinster three-quarter sus- unfortunate and he’s very unlucky to will have by far its most impres- With bonus seconds on off er tained the injury during Ireland’s be out of the Six Nations.” sive start-list so far. for stage victories, Manxman training session at the Aviva Stadium Ireland are already without Ulster Cavendish will have to battle Cavendish will still fancy his on Friday, and could be out of action wing Tommy Bowe, still a long-term with the likes of German Mar- chances of holding onto the blue for two months. casualty with knee trouble. cel Kittel and Italians Elia Vivi- jersey that goes to the winner of The 28-year-old impressed off the Head coach Joe Schmidt can still call ani, Andrea Guardini and Sacha the General Classifi cation. bench in Ireland’s 43-20 World Cup on Andrew Trimble, Dave Kearney and Modolo if he is to get off the quarter-fi nal defeat to Argentina, and Keith Earls for the wing, with Simon mark for the season. The route: would have been hoping to force his Zebo able to feature out wide or at full- “I’ve already experienced a TODAY (stage 1): Dubai Marine way into boss Joe Schmidt’s starting back. happy time at training camps Club to Fujairah, 179 kilometres line-up. Ireland kick off their Six Nations and during the whole prepara- Thursday (stage 2): Dubai to Now though the 34-cap fl yer will be campaign at home against Wales on tion for the new year. Here at Palm Jumeirah, 183 km unable to help Ireland in their quest Sunday, before travelling to France the the Dubai Tour, I want to show Friday (stage 3): Dubai to Hatta to retain the Six Nations trophy for an following weekend. my motivation, and get the con- Dam, 172 km unprecedented third year in succes- The Irish are then away to England fi rmation that the pre-season Saturday (stage 4): Dubai to sion. on February 27 before rounding off work pays off ,” said Kittel, who Business Bay, 137 km “Luke Fitzgerald has been ruled out the tournament with two home games has taken Cavendish’s place as Previous champions: of the Six Nations with a medial liga- against Italy and Scotland on March 12 Quick-Step’s main sprinter. 2014: Taylor Phinney (USA) ment injury to his knee,” said Ireland’s and 19 respectively. It is not only the sprinters who 2015: Martk Cavendish (GBR) Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, February 3, 2016 GOLF

DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC FARMERS INSURANCE OPEN Snedeker wins McIlroy inspired without hitting shot on Monday

Reuters He fi nished one stroke ahead of Los Angeles South Korean KJ Choi who missed a long birdie putt at the last that by ‘unreal’ Djoko would have forced a playoff . merican Brandt Walker tied for fourth, three Snedeker (pictured) shots back. ‘His performance in the Australian Open was unreal. Novak is just on another level’ won the weather-hit After a nervy, sleepless night, Farmers Insurance Open Snedeker passed time on the withoutA hitting a shot on Monday practice putting green in case he AFP Dubai as his closest pursuers succumbed was needed for a playoff , watch- to brutal conditions in southern ing bits of the action on a televi- California. sion monitor. our-time Major winner Rory Snedeker carded a brilliant “I can’t tell you how excited McIlroy can’t beat Novak Djoko- three-under-par 69 on Sunday, I am to be the champion again vic at his own game but he can completing his round shortly and how unbelievable the last 48 share Olympic gold medal victory before play was halted due to hours have been,” Snedeker, 35, honoursF with the Serbian ace later this unplayable conditions at Torrey told the Golf Channel. year in Rio de Janiero. Pines outside San Diego. “Everything worked out per- This would be McIlroy’s Brazil dream He was one stroke behind on- fectly for me. You cannot make when golf returns to the Summer Olym- course leader Jimmy Walker at the up the extreme events that had pics in August. time and thought it most unlikely to happen for me to have this McIlroy was fi rstly in awe watching TV his score would hold up for victory. chance. They all fell in line for coverage last week of Djokovic’s clinical But Snedeker caught a lucky me perfectly. I hate watching this four sets Australian Open semi-fi nal de- break when the winds that buff et- stuff because I am in no control. feat of Roger Federer and he gleaned fur- ed the fi eld on Sunday continued “I would not have guessed it ther inspiration from the Serbian’s three- to whip across the course on Mon- this morning when I woke up. I set demolition of Andy Murray to win an day, causing havoc among those would have thought best-case 11th Grand Slam title. who had to complete the round. scenario was a playoff .” It was the 28-year old Djokovic’s sixth Walker, who had eight holes Snedeker’s victory came after Australian Open title and his fi fth in the left, was among those who he made the cut with nothing to past six years as he closes in on Federer’s struggled when play resumed at spare on Friday, the fi rst time a all-time best of 17 Grand Slam titles. 11am local time. player has gone on to win from McIlroy still has some catching-up The event was completed in such a position since 2010. to do having won four Majors, but he is a surreal atmosphere as players Half of his PGA Tour victories looking forward to completing his own picked their way between gum have come in California, two at golfi ng career Grand Slam in April’s Mas- trees felled by the winds, and Torrey Pines and two at Pebble ters at Augusta National. competed in funereal silence Beach, and he has now won seven McIlroy said he had been introduced due to the absence of specta- times since the start of the 2011 to Djokovic when dating former fi ancée tors who were barred from the season, a number bettered only Caroline Wozniacki. course due to the dangerous by Rory McIlroy (10) and Tiger “I know Novak well and living in Mo- conditions. Woods (eight). naco, as he does, I got to know him when Nobody could match the score “I wish we could play all year I found myself also spending a bit of time posted by Snedeker who fi nished out here on the West Coast be- there,” said McIlroy. at six-under 282 for his eighth cause I play fantastic and love “But then his performance in the Aus- career victory on the PGA Tour. being out here,” he said. tralian Open was unreal, unreal. “For the fi rst two sets in the semi against Federer, I’ve never seen tennis like it and it was just incredible. “Novak is just on another level at the moment and from where he was when he won his fi rst ‘Slam’ in 2008 to where he is now, is just amazing. “So I fi nd watching the tennis he played in Australia very inspirational given the dedication he’s shown to his game along with his work ethic. “And it would be nice in going to Rio for the Olympic Games to hopefully come away what he more than likely should earn, and that’s a gold medal.”

FOND MEMORIES Talking ahead of tomorrow’s tee-off at Emirates Course, McIlroy said that he hopes to win a gold in the upcoming Olympics. McIlroy spent Tuesday on the Emirates FOCUS Club practice range and putting green in 2006 as an amateur and then, after but without taking to the course ahead of completing his first round, being hand- McIlroy up to second behind Spieth in rankings tomorrow’s defence of his Dubai Desert ed a long-lens camera by one of the ac- Classic title. credited photographers to walk inside Jordan Spieth’s runner-up finish at the win the Qatar Masters and is now clos- Japan Tour keen to He spent last week at the nearby Els the ropes following then world number Singapore Open keeps him clear at the ing in on the world’s top ten. Club working on his game following a one Tiger Woods, who competed in the top of the world rankings as Rory McIl- His stunning final round of 69 was over third place fi nish in the Abu Dhabi HSBC afternoon. roy retook second spot from Jason Day. nine strokes better than the field aver- spread wings without Championship before posting a 71 last McIlroy captured a maiden pro ca- Australian Day missed his first cut in age, and he waited on Monday to see Sunday to fi nish T4th in the Abu Dhabi reer title winning the 2009 Dubai Desert eight months at Torrey Pines, while Jimmy Walker and KJ Choi fail to force Invitational. Classic and sealed success again a year Northern Ireland’s McIlroy did not play a play-off in another delayed event. structural change “The time I spent this past week at the ago. after finishing in a tie for third at Abu Off icial World rankings (top ten) Els Club was good but then I also took “I have so many fond memories as I Dhabi two weeks ago. 1. Jordan Spieth (USA) 12.12pts a few days off to chill a little bit, as the basically commenced my career here, I Spieth opted to travel to Singapore as 2. Rory McIlroy (NIR) 10.32 Reuters in the continent by setting up weather wasn’t great but overall my game got my fi rst pro victory here and now I’m part of a hectic early-season schedule, 3. Jason Day (AUS) 10.21 Singapore the 12-tournament PGA Tour of feels good,” he said. back this year as the defending champi- and the American lost out by one shot 4. Rickie Fowler (USA) 7.74 China in 2014. “But after contesting the Abu Dhabi on, so a lot of good stuff has happened to to South Korean Younghan Song after a 5. Bubba Watson (USA) 7.49 HSBC Championship I did need to work me here,” he said. Monday finish to the final round. 6. Henrik Stenson (SWE) 7.41 he Japan Golf Tour Or- FIRST MAJOR on certain aspects of my game and I’ve “The good thing also is I have won out Branden Grace showed once again that 7. Justin Rose (ENG) 6.44 ganisation (JGTO) are “As you know, the domestic Ja- managed to get them sorted out. at Jumeirah Resort twice before in the DP when in contention he is a very tough 8. Dustin Johnson (USA) 5.69 keen to increase their pan tournaments start in April. McIlroy will tee-up Thursday with World Tour championship and it would man to beat. The South African took 9. Patrick Reed (USA) 5 involvement in co-sanc- During the winter, its too cold very fond memories of the Emirates be nice this week to win back-to-back Ttioned events abroad but remain to have a tournament in Japan. It advantage of a Paul Lawrie collapse to 10. Jim Furyk (USA) 4.99 Course having first contested the event out here in Dubai.” opposed to any radical changes to snowed in Tokyo last week, so it Asia’s organisational structure, a would be nice to have co-sanc- senior director told Reuters. tioned events during that time,” BOTTOMLINE The JGTO, along with the he said. well-established China Golf As- “Then the players can prepare sociation, Korean Tour and Aus- for April start. There is still room tralian PGA have seen the golf since there is a gap after next market in the region muddied week.” New boys Fitzpatrick, DeChambeau aiming high by a turf war between the Asian The Singapore Open and the Tour and OneAsia circuits over Myanmar Open, which starts on AFP playing the Masters this year, then beat recent years. Thursday, are two of four events Dubai a quality fi eld that included McIlroy in The Asian Tour resumed the JGTO co-organise with the a one-day Pro-Am event in Abu Dhabi, merger talks with the European Asian Tour, with the Panasonic where he shot the best round of the day - Tour last month but JGTO of- Open and Asia Pacifi c Diamond aving acquired a taste for rep- a seven-under par 65 - at Yas Links. fi cial Kenji Tanaka said China, Cup taking place in Japan later in resenting Europe in a team DeChambeau, who played the two Australia, Korea, Japan and oth- the year. tournament, Matthew Fitz- Desert Swing European Tour events in ers were better off running their After next week’s Myanmar patrick has made qualifying for Abu Dhabi and Doha, felt he was tiring a own circuits rather than signing event, the JGTO takes a two- Hthe Ryder Cup later in the year a big goal bit after spending fi ve weeks on the road, up to a single overlord. month break before the To- of his. but he was looking forward to another ex- “It’s necessary to have indi- ken Homemate Cup tees off in The 21-year-old Englishman was the citing week in his journey. vidual country tours because Nagoya on April 17. toast of the European Tour last year when “The past two weeks, it’s been fun. I if there is only one tour, only a Tanaka said increasing tour- he won the British Masters in his debut have learned a lot. Messed up a couple limited number of players can nament numbers overseas would season and fi nished 12th in the Race to times but that’s how it goes as an intern, play that tour,” he told Reu- also help Japanese male play- Dubai with nine other top-10 fi nishes. so it’s fun,” said DeChambeau, who likes ters through a translator at last ers improve their chances of On the eve of the Dubai Desert Clas- to call himself a golf scientist. week’s Singapore Open. winning a fi rst major, saying he sic this week, Fitzpatrick, who has risen to “It’s great confi dence, no doubt, to “Right now, we are a member wanted more to follow Hideki 44th in the world rankings, said represent- shoot low numbers like that, and I know of the (International Golf) Fed- Matsuyama and Ryo Ishikawa’s ing the European team in the EurAsia Cup American amateur champion Bryson DeChambeau recently participated in I can do it. It’s just a matter of staying in eration... we are very much sat- example of playing around the under captain Darren Clarke has made him Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at Doha Golf Club. the moment and staying in your rhythm isfi ed with that situation. Also world. hungry for more such experiences. and getting your job done. we have lots of historical tour- “This will be an advantage for “Yeah, defi nitely. It’s made me defi - ity that I’m trying to take personally into defending champion Rory McIlroy, and “Unfortunately I have not been in the naments in Japan, some are 40 our players to experience other nitely want to get there in September. The each week. world number six and 2007 champion best frame of mind, and I am working on years old.” countries and other golf courses team atmosphere was great. Everyone “I don’t write anything down (his goals Henrik Stenson. that, fi guring out how to deal with some The JGTO is the largest circuit and communicate with other play- was sort of having a good laugh and just for the season). I think for me personally, diff erent things. It’s been a long journey, I in the continent with 25 events ers so they improve technique,” enjoying themselves,” said Fitzpatrick, they change all the time with the position GOLF SCIENTIST can tell you that, and I’m defi nitely sens- for the 2016 season, off ering a he said as he watched South Ko- who is currently third in the European that I’m in. Also in the mix is American amateur ing when I’m breaking down. wealthier prize pool and more rean Song Young-han pip world Points List for the Ryder Cup. “I’m hovering around the top-50 right champion Bryson DeChambeau, who “If I can get that past me and work on tournaments than the Asian or number one Jordan Spieth to the “I think that was the big thing that now, so it’s trying to get higher than that. stole the limelight on the opening day focusing on the next shot in hand, I think OneAsia Tours. Singapore title on Monday. Darren tried to promote, as well, is that “Obviously, everyone is trying to win of Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship I can do pretty well.” Tanaka said his body would “Foreign golf courses are dif- you just want to go out there and enjoy every tournament they play. So, that’s my by taking the lead with a superb eff ort of The Dubai Desert Classic, which forms like to expand to 30 events with ferent. It is easy to travel inside yourself and normally when that hap- goal as well.” eight-under par 64. the third leg of the European Tour’s Desert the help of the European and Japan but for the young players pens, you play your best golf. The Dubai Desert Classic has attracted The 22-year-old DeChambeau, who Swing, was fi rst played in 1989 and is the Asian Tours as well as the US going outside to learn something “I think that’s the sort of mental- such star names as world number two and is planning to turn professional after oldest championship in the Middle East. PGA Tour, who made a big drive diff erent benefi ts them.” Gulf Times Wednesday, February 3, 2016 11 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Olympic organisers say Zika problem to decline in time Off icials say the Games will run without problem because by the start of the Olympics, the main mosquito season is over

AFP Rio de Janerio

io Olympics organisers said yesterday they are concerned by the outbreak of the Zika virus in Brazil, but confi dent the problem will have cleared up in timeR for the Games. More than 1.5 million Brazilians are estimated to have been infected by the mosquito-trans- mitted Zika virus over the last few months. Most suff er few symptoms, but the virus is believed to be linked to birth defects in babies born to wom- en who were pregnant when they were infected. Despite international alarm, Rio will be able to run the Games without problem because by their start on August 5, the main mosquito sea- son is over, offi cials told a press conference. “In August, the number of mosquitos falls dramati- cally and the number of Zika cases will mirror this fall,” said Joao Grangeiro, head of medical services for the Rio 2016 organizing committee. Brazil has warned pregnant women not to travel to the country, echoing previous warnings by the United States and other countries. How- ever, Rio 2016 spokesman Mario Andrada said, “We are sure we will win this battle and it will not aff ect the Games.” Grangeiro said that precautions would still be taken and that athletes and tourists should wear “appropriate clothing,” close windows and use repellent. The most important measure, he said, was to continue ongoing work to rid the city of mosquito breeding sites—often just pools of stagnant water—“and to maintain permanent vigilance on possible areas where they could start.” The main birth defect blamed on Zika is microcephaly, in which the child is born with a small head. On Monday, the World Health Organization declared an international emergency over the Zika virus. International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said the WHO’s dec- laration raises more awareness and provides “more resources to fi ght the virus.” Olympic Committee offi cials “are in close contact” with the WHO and Olympic commit- tees “around the world,” said Bach, speaking in Kobe Bryant (right) of the Los Angeles Lakers greets Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee during the first half of the basketball game against Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center Los Angeles. “There is no travel ban,” he said. in Los Angeles, California. Bach wrapped up his tour of the four bid cities for the 2024 Olympic Games with a visit to southern California where he met Monday with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. (AFP) The Games “will also take place in winter time in Brazil and this is not the preferred breeding cephaly, of which 270 have been confi rmed, up slowly to the recent Ebola outbreak, which killed has reported more than 20,000 Zika infections, cases since the outbreak began on December 16. time for mosquitoes.” from 147 in 2014. The WHO said that French more than 11,000 people in West Africa since including 2,100 in pregnant women, warned Zika cases have tripled in the past three days, These factors “make us very confi dent that Polynesia had also seen a spike in microcephaly late 2013. Ebola was declared a global health it had seen an “explosion” of Guillain-Barre according to government fi gures. Jitters over the at the time of the Olympic Games there will be cases during a Zika outbreak there two years ago. emergency in August 2014 and continues to syndrome cases, and was expecting more. “We virus have spread to Europe and North Ameri- good conditions for athletes and spectators.” The outbreak has sown panic in the Ameri- carry that label. WHO chief Margaret Chan said are currently talking about a rate of 2.3 cases ca, where dozens of cases have been identifi ed Zika was fi rst detected in Uganda in 1947, but cas, where the WHO says it is “spreading explo- a meeting of health experts who make up the of Guillain-Barre for every 1,000 patients with among returning travelers. it was considered a relatively mild disease un- sively” and predicts up to four million Zika cases agency’s emergency committee had agreed “a Zika. That is quite a lot,” Health Minister Ale- The WHO stressed the need up work to im- til the current outbreak was declared in Latin this year alone. Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, causal relationship between the Zika infection jandro Gaviria said on Colombian radio. prove diagnostics and develop a vaccine for America last year. Brazil was the fi rst country to Jamaica and Puerto Rico have warned women during pregnancy and microcephaly is strongly Since Colombia is forecasting about 657,000 Zika. There is currently no specifi c treatment for sound the alarm on the apparent link with birth not to get pregnant, while the US Centers for suspected, though not scientifi cally proven.” cases of Zika during the epidemic, it expects the virus, which causes fl u-like symptoms and a defects, after health authorities noticed a surge Disease Control and Prevention has advised “The clusters of microcephaly and other neu- over 1,500 cases of Guillain-Barre, he said. Pan- rash. Zika is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti in babies born with microcephaly. expectant mothers against traveling to aff ected rological complications constitute an extraor- ama, meanwhile, said it had registered 50 Zika mosquito, which also spreads dengue fever, and It has since become the worst aff ected coun- countries. The WHO is under pressure to move dinary event and a public health threat to other cases. Honduras declared a state of emergency which is found everywhere in the Americas ex- try, with some 4,000 suspected cases of micro- swiftly against Zika after admitting it responded parts of the world,” she said. Colombia, which on Monday after offi cials reported 3,649 Zika cept Canada and Chile.

LOCAL BASKETBALL FOCUS Ambassadors take part in Nissan top Alfardan ICSS’ Save the Dream backs Embassies in crucial game Futsal matches learning mobility project Doha: As the tournament nears its Doha: Nissan continued to siz- Fernandez in the crucial last two final stage, the eighth week of the zle as it overcame a spirited Al- minutes which proved to be cost- By Sports Reporter Aspire Embassies Futsal tournament fardan BMW, 68-59, which was ly for their defeat. Doha came to a close with a number of sparked by the rally of the tri- Mendoza topscored for Nissan strong performances by the partici- umvirate of its top players in the with 21 points, complemented by pating teams. crucial two minutes as they took team-mates Allan Mallari with he International Centre for Algeria secured a 7-5 victory advantage of the series of turn- 14 points, Esmael with 11 points Sport Security (ICSS) through against France in a strong match overs on the other side. and Bazan with 10 points. its Save the Dream initiative has that saw the ambassadors of both Nissan’s win gave them a clean In other games, AAB Toyota joined forces with academic in- countries take part. Ethiopia then won 5-0 record in the standing as the easily trounced Mannai Corpo- Tstitutes and sports organisations in nine its game against Saudi Arabia 8-5, and elimination round nears its end ration 64-43. The win put Toyota European countries to help deliver an then Kenya and Spain drew against in the Inter-Card Division of the still in contention with two wins EU-funded learning mobility scheme one another. Men’s Basketball Cup organised and two losses record going into aimed at educating athletes from the Following these games, Jordan by the Pinoy Basketball of Qatar. the quarter-fi nals. Porshe out- Mediterranean Basin in the lead up to retains its position at the top of Group The trio of Benzon Mendoza, classed KIA Motors, 46-34. the 2017 Mediterranean Games in Tar- A with 18 points, followed by the UAE Bong Esmael and Thirdie Bazan The PIBAQ’s 19th Season is ragona, Spain. with 15 points and Somalia with 12 starred for for Nissan. presented by Alicafe with the The Training Programme in Sports points. In Group B, Syria retains its But what really caused a heart- support of Philippine Embas- Events Management (TASEM) project first-position place with 15 points, fol- breaker for Alfardan were the two sy to Qatar, Qatar Basketball will develop innovative pathways for lowed by Ethiopia and Tunisia with 12 missed shots, a two-point and Federation and sponsored by athletes and open up new ways to com- and 9 points respectively. another three point shot, com- Ooredoo and Diana Jewellery & bine their sport career with educational The embassies taking part in the mitted by Jan Lareza and Aries Watches. opportunities in order to increase their Aspire Embassies Futsal Tournament future employability. wider Mediterranean region by allow- programme providing them with state include India, Saudi Arabia, the Save the Dream will develop educa- ing athletes and coaches, who might not of the art training and a valuable experi- United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, tional content and material for use by otherwise have the opportunity, to fur- ence abroad that will allow them to ac- Jordan, Syria, France, Portugal, the scheme on values and ethics in sport ther their education and create a mean- quire new skills and competences (e.g. Sri Lanka, Somalia, Russia, Spain, and will promote the participation of ingful pathway from the playing fi eld to language, social and civic skills, inter- Mexico, the United States, Algeria, athletes from Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, a future career in sports event manage- cultural understanding) relevant to the Tunisia, Ethiopia and Kenya. Libya, Morocco, Syria and Tunisia in the ment.” labour market but also for social inclu- seminars and activities of the project. Massimiliano Montanari, Save the sion and active citizenship. Funded by the Erasmus+ Sport pro- Dream Executive Director said: “We are The other partners of the TASEM gramme and coordinated by the Na- delighted to be involved in this worthy project are: Municipality of Tarragona tional Institute of Physical Education of initiative that takes athlete welfare se- (Organiser of 2017 Mediterranean Games Catalonia (INEFC) in Spain, the initia- riously by developing for the fi rst time – Spain), National Olympic Committee tive will see the design and implementa- learning mobility tools in the region and of Portugal (Portugal), Italian National tion of a tailor-made academic curricu- position the Mediterranean Basin as a Olympic Committee (Italy), University lum targeting athletes and coaches from laboratory to promote the social legacy of Poitiers (France), Spanish Badminton the Mediterranean basin using the op- of sports events. We look forward to Federation (Spain), Badminton Associa- portunities off ered by learning mobility. working with the European Commission tion of Serbia (Serbia), Malta Triathlon Starting with the 2017 Mediterranean and our partners in the project to make Association (Malta), Cyprus Badminton Games this new educational programme it a success in the lead up to Tarragona Federation (Cyprus), University of Fog- will provide them with sustainable edu- 2017 and to become a model for future gia (Italy), Spanish Triathlon Federation cational and training opportunities in events to follow.” (Spain), University of Lleida (Spain), the fi eld of sport management. Athletes and coaches from countries Hellenic Triathlon Federation (Greece), Mohammed Hanzab, ICSS President of the Mediterranean Basin, including Mediterranean Triathlon Federation said: “The TASEM programme will fulfi l Northern Africa and the Middle East, (Greece). The programme will run from A mad scramble for the ball between Nissan and Alfardan players. an important role within Europe and the will have the opportunity to follow the January 2016 until December 2017. Wednesday, February 3, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

CYCLING Wild clinches opening stage of the Ladies Tour of Qatar 'I’m really thrilled with the win. Maybe it looked easy but it wasn’t. My heart rate was over 200 bpm in the sprint'

By Yash Mudgal Copenhagen. “But hopefully it will be better in Doha the next couple of days,” the 25-year-old Austral- ian said. A clear and sunny morning welcomed the rid- irsten Wild rekindled the memories of ers to the start line, which began with a surprising her dominance at the Ladies Tour of Qa- absence of strong winds for the 97km stage. The tar by winning the fi rst stage of the sixth riders tackled the initial loop of 80km, of desert edition of the tour, which began yester- roads that will feature on the Worlds course in Kday at Qatar University in Doha. October, and then raced one lap of the 15km fi n- After skipping the last edition, the four-time ishing circuit on the Pearl Qatar, before coming winner Wild fi nished ahead of Annalisa Cucinotta back off the course for the fi nal 7-kilometre run- of ALE and Lizzie Williams of OGE in the bunched in to the fi nish. sprint at the wide approach, to the fi nish on top on The pace picked up on the approach to the the circuit of the 2016 World Road Race Champi- opening intermediate sprint at Rawdat al-Ajouz onships for her 10th stage win out of possible 18. and a crash in the peloton would briefl y break up She has failed only once to win a stage when she the race. Wild won the sprint, ahead of Hosking fi nished 19th on the opening stage in 2010. and Marta Tagliaferro of Alé-Cipollini and the The Dutch sprinter of the Hitec Products, win- Dutchwoman was happy for the peloton to re- ner of the 2009, 2010, 2013 and 2014 editions, group shortly afterwards, given that a number of grabbed the overall leader’s Golden Jersey as well her Hitec Products teammates had been held up as the points’ standings silver jersey with the win. in the incident. Arianna Fidanza of Italy captured the white jersey The second intermediate sprint, on the very for the best young rider. fi nish line of October’s Worlds, was keenly con- “I’m really thrilled with the win,” Wild, who tested, however, with Chantal Blaak of Boels skipped the last edition of the tour as her was fo- Dolmans defeated Hosking and Tagliaferro in the cus was on world track event, said after the great hunt for bonus seconds. ORICA-AIS Sports di- start to the race. rector Martin Barras was happy with the result “Maybe it looked easy but it wasn’t. My heart and the encouraging signs from the team. rate was over 200 bpm in the sprint. The credit for “The race went reasonably well from our point the victory also goes to my teammates, who made of view, not having a designated sprinter in the it easy for me,” the 33-year-old rider said. team meant it was great to see Lizzie Williams Wild, who is chasing her fi fth fourth overall ti- stepping up to the mark to take third place in the tle, leads Cucinotta by seven seconds on general sprint,” Barras said. classifi cation while Williams and Wiggle High5 “We have been working hard on our lead-out rider Chloe Hosking trail her by nine seconds. train within the team and knew this race would Talking about her title chances in Doha, Wild provide a good test to see where we stand as a said, “I look at it day by day. I’m happy with this sprinting team. With this in mind the signs are re- stage and what happens in the next days, I will ally encouraging, setting the team up with a good see. The fi nish is far off and there are still three foundation for the rest of the tour.” stages to go.” Talking about the course, Wild said, “It’s a dif- Hosking, who fi nished second overall twice as fi cult course, I think. There are a lot of corners well as a third at Tour in the past three years, is at and if you’re not in front, it’s really hard to get in fourth place after the stage. “It was really chaotic. a good position again. It will be a race where you I’d used a lot of energy in that second intermedi- need to stay on the front all the time, and you’ll ate sprint and that was only nine kilometers from need your whole team on the front.” the fi nish,” said Hosking, who fi nished sixth in her Today’s 120km long second stage will be from Kirsten Wild of The Netherlands celebrates as she crosses the finish line to win the first stage of the sixth edition of the Ladies Tour of Qatar. only World Championships appearance in 2011 in Sheikh Faisal Museum to Al Khor Corniche. RESULTS

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION YOUTH CLASSIFICATION 1. Kirsten Wild (Ned) Hitec Products 2:18:51 1. Arianna Fidanza (Ita) Italy 2. Annalisa Cucinotta (Ita) Ale’ Cipollini 0:00:07 2. Demi De Jong (Ned) Boels Dolmans 3. Lizzie Williams (Aus) Orica-GreenEdge 0:00:09 3. Anouska Koster (Ned) Raboliv Team 4. Chloe Hosking (Aus) Wiggle High5 0:00:09 4. Claudia Cretti (Ita) Italy 5. Chantal Blaak (Ned) Boels Dolmans 0:00:10 5. Floortje Mackaij (Ned) Team Liv-Plantur 6. Marta Tagliaferro (Ita) Ale’ Cipollini 0:00:11 6. Maria Vittoria Sperotto (Ita) Italy 7. Shelley Olds (USA) Cylance Pro Cycling 0:00:13 7. Jeanne Korevaar (Ned) Raboliv 8. Susanna Zorzi (Ita) Italy 0:00:13 8. Lauretta Hanson (Aus) Australia 9. Monique Van De Ree (Ned) Lares-Waowdeals 9. Eugénie Duval (Fra) France 10. Barbara Guarischi (Ita) Canyon SRAM Racing 10. Wan Tong Wang (Chn) China-Chongming POINTS CLASSIFICATION TEAM CLASSIFICATION 1. Kirsten Wild (Ned) Hitec Products 18 pts 1. Orica-AIS 6:57:12 2. Annalisa Cucinotta (Ita) Ale’ Cipollini 12 2. Boels Dolmans Cycling Team 3. Chantal Blaak (Ned) Boels Dolmans 10 3. Italy 4. Lizzie Williams (Aus) Orica-GreenEdge 9 4. Ale Cipollini 5. Shelley Olds (USA) Cylance Pro Cycling 6 5. Canyon-SRAM Racing 6. Susanna Zorzi (Ita) Italy 5 6. Wiggle-High5 7. Chloe Hosking (Aus) Wiggle High 5 7. France 8. Monique Van De Ree (Ned) Lares-Waowdeals 4 8. RaboLiv Women’s Cycling Team 9. Barbara Guarischi (Ita) Canyon SRAM Racing 3 9. Hitech Products 10. Marta Tagliaferro (Ita) Ale’ Cipollini 2 10. Liv-Plantur The Netherlands' ambassador to Qatar, Yvette Burghgraef - van Eechoud (centre) talks to Sheikh Khalid bin Ali al-Thani (right), president of the Qatar Cycling Federation during the Ladies Tour of Qatar in Doha yesterday. PICTURES: Jayaram

FOCUS QFA and Qatar Shell to celebrate National Sport Day with Koora Time ‘Run to Win’ competition

By Sports Reporter Doha

atar Football Association (QFA) and Qatar Shell will celebrate this year’s National Sport Day with a Koora Time ‘RunQ the Distance’ football competi- tion. The event will be held from 9 am to 5 pm at the Aspire Zone, Pitch 7 on Tuesday February 9th and is open to the general public. No pre-registration is required. Featuring over 1,000 young play- wellbeing of Qatar’s youth through ers in a ‘Winner Stays On’ format, the football. The community-inspired match is not about who scores the most initiative supports the Social and Hu- goals, but who takes the most steps and man Development pillar of the Qatar burns the most calories. Every player’s National Vision 2030 and the National movement will be tracked using sports Development Strategy by engaging technology by STATS SportVU, the young people in Qatar at every stage of Offi cial Player Tracking Partner of As- their lives. pire and the NBA. The technology will Koora Time was recently recognised The event will be held from 9 am to 5 pm gauge which team takes the most steps for its positive contribution to Qatari at the Aspire Zone, Pitch 7 on Tuesday and burns most calories. society as the ‘Best Corporate Social February 9th and is open to the general Koora Time’s National Sport Day Responsibility (CSR) Impact Initiative’ public. No pre-registration is required. activities will also feature a compre- at the CSR Awards Qatar 2015. This hensive fan zone area, off ering numer- award adds to KOORA TIME’s many ous fun activities with something for accolades which include recognition everyone, including Bubble Ball, open at the Sport Industry Awards 2014 rated in 2012 by HH The Emir Sheikh Koora Time is designed to improve the part of the fi ve-year campaign, QFA tar National Vision 2030 and the Na- play football, Speed Shot, Shoot To for ‘Best Youth Development Initia- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to promote health and wellbeing of Qatar’s youth and Qatar Shell will jointly organise tional Development Strategy (NDS) Score, and Aerobics. tive’, the AFC Dream of Asia Award in the importance of sport and physi- through football. This initiative aims and launch a series of youth engage- through engaging the young people in The ‘Run the Distance’ football the area of social responsibility and cal activity in leading a healthy and to facilitate access to more football in ment programmes using football as the Qatar at every stage of their lives with competition is part of Koora Time, the Dar Al Sharq CSR Award for ‘Best active lifestyle. A fi ve-year sustain- a non-competitive environment, sup- platform. diff erent programmes that are tailored a fi ve-year sustainable initiative de- Sports Initiative’. able initiative between Qatar Football porting an active and healthy lifestyle Koora Time supports the Social and to three age groups 7 to 12 years, 13 to 17 signed to improve the health and National Sport Day was inaugu- Association (QFA) and Qatar Shell, amongst the young people in Qatar. As Human Development pillar of the Qa- years and 18-24 years.