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Monday, May 30, 2016 FORMULA 1 Sha’baan 23, 1437 AH Hamilton ends his GULF TIMES wait for victory with Monaco win SPORT Page 9 SPOTLIGHT Victorious Real team get heroes’ welcome in Madrid ‘How can I not love you,’ shout the crowd at the Plaza de Cibeles — a traditional meeting point for Real’s trophy celebrations

Real Madrid football club supporters celebrate as the team arrives on Plaza Cibeles in Madrid yesterday. Real Madrid’s Nacho kisses the trophy at Cibeles fountain yesterday.

AFP spot-kick in a 5-3 penalties victory by the two clubs crests and colours in “They (Atletico) deserved it. They Madrid over Atletico Madrid at Milan’s San a frenzied build-up to the fi nal, which almost played better. I am happy my Siro stadium. was expected to attract a worldwide team won, but it could have been any It is the second time in three years that audience of 180 million people in over of the two teams.” housands of Real Madrid fans Real have defeated Atletico in the fi nal. 200 countries. However, Gonzalez’s boyfriend Jaime chanted and waved supporter The players snapped photos of the de Francisco, an Atletico fan, couldn’t scarves under a rain of con- raucous crowd from a platform spe- ‘UNFORGETTABLE & GRUELLING’ hide his disappointment as once again Tfetti on Sunday in the Spanish cially erected at Cibeles, and team cap- Praise poured in for Real Madrid, in- the red and white half of Madrid was capital as the team returned home after tain Sergio Ramos waved the large sil- cluding from Spain’s acting Prime forced to life in Real’s shadow. an historic 11th European Cup win. ver trophy for the cheering supporters. Minister Mariano Rajoy. Just 500 metres (yards) away from An open top bus emblazoned with the At Real’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium “Epic fi nal in the League of Cham- wild scenes of celebration at Cibeles, word “Campeones” (Champions) car- around 50,000 supporters had fol- pions,” he tweeted.”Congratulations to the Neptuno fountain — where Atleti- ried the team, who showed off the trophy lowed the action from the tense fi nal all... for the 11th.” co fans go to celebrate their triumphs to fans who had spent hours awaiting on four giant television screens. Another public celebration with the — was empty. their heroes in the heart of the city. The Real Madrid players, who ar- team is planned for Sunday night in Spanish daily sports newspaper “How can I not love you!,” shouted rived home from Milan around 6:00am their stadium, which will follow a re- Marca captured the mood, describ- the ecstatic crowd at the Plaza de Ci- (0400 GMT), headed directly for Cibe- ception with city leaders. ing Real as “the king of Europe”, add- beles — a traditional meeting point for les where the fans had been celebrating “I am delighted. Two Champions ing that manager Zinedine Zidane had Real’s trophy celebrations. since midnight. League titles in three years, it is in- been “touched by a magic wand”. Three-time World Player of the Year The football-mad Spanish capital of credible,” said Monica Gonzalez, a “He was born to play for Real Ma- Cristiano Ronaldo struck the winning 3.2 million people had been dominated 25-year-old Real fan. drid... and to lead them.”

FOCUS Real cap rollercoaster season with 11th Euro crown

AFP formances left the club in disarray. to matching his stellar career that in- by their nearest and dearest rivals with Madrid Manchester United goalkeeper David cluded World Cup, Champions League goals bookended by Ramos and Ron- de Gea’s move to Madrid was botched and European Championships winner’s aldo. due to a paperwork delay and the club medals. Two years ago Atletico were sec- season that promised so little were thrown out the Copa del Rey for Victory in Milan ensured he became onds away from victory before Ramos’s when Zinedine Zidane took fi elding an ineligible player. the fi rst French coach to ever win the header took the game to extra-time charge of a beleaguered Real A 4-0 home defeat to bitter rivals competition and only the seventh man where Real ran riot with further goals AMadrid less than fi ve months Barcelona in November left fans calling to win the European Cup as both a play- from Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Ron- ago ended beyond even the richest club for the head of then coach Rafael Beni- er and a manager. aldo. in the world’s wildest dreams with an tez and president Florentino Perez. Moreover, he has now played a key This time Ramos’s early goal was 11th European Cup win in Milan. Benitez was the fall guy in early Janu- role in each of Real’s last three Cham- cancelled out by Atletico substitute Cristiano Ronaldo struck the win- ary to make way for Zidane to take his pions League triumphs as he scored a Yannick Carrasco 11 minutes from time. ning penalty in a shootout to cap a re- fi rst senior managerial role after just 18 sensational winning goal in the 2002 However, Real kept their cool from markable turnaround in Real’s fortunes months experience with Real’s youth fi nal and was assistant to Carlo Ance- the spot to score all fi ve penalties as as for the second time in three years team Real Madrid Castilla. lotti in 2014. Juanfran’s solitary miss for Atletico they edged a tense fi nal against local ri- Crucially, though, in contrast to the “I’m so proud to be part of this great teed up Ronaldo to lash home the de- vals Atletico Madrid. dictatorial Benitez, as a former legen- club. It’s the club of my life, the one cisive strike before tearing off his shirt Thousands of delirious Real fans dary player, Zidane instantly had the that made me who I am,” said Zidane. in celebration in another fl ashback to poured into the heart of Madrid city respect of Real’s star-studded squad. “I was given the chance to come to Lisbon two years ago. centre after the match and stayed till “Zizou is very humble but deter- this amazing club, and then to coach it. “What really hurts me is to see the well after sunrise on Sunday morning mined. His arrival was really important “I have a phenomenal team and great hurt of the people who’ve paid to come to welcome their heroes back from Italy for us because he has a great relation- players who are also talented, and it here,” said Atletico coach Diego Sime- around the Plaza de Cibeles fountain – ship with the players,” said Real captain was together we achieved what we did one, who admitted he will take time to a traditional meeting point for Real’s Sergio Ramos. tonight.” consider his future after four-and-a- triumphs. “With Rafael we had some good By contrast, Atletico were left with half glorious years. The contrast in emotions to the fi rst times, but when Zizou came the dress- a horrible sense of deja vu as they were “I feel a bit responsible that I wasn’t half of the season couldn’t be starker as Real Madrid football players arrive to celebrate the team’s win on Plaza Cibeles in ing room was more unifi ed.” once again denied a fi rst ever Euro- able to give them what they wanted. a series of off -fi eld gaff es and poor per- Madrid yesterday after their Champions League final triumph. Zidane has already gone a long way pean Cup in agonising circumstances That’s what really hurts.” Gulf Times 2 Monday, May 30, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FUTURE PERFECT Zidane assured place in Real hearts Ronaldo pride as if not a long future Real are crowned kings again

‘To be honest, I was confident I would score, I said to Zidane before the penalties, put me Real players celebrate with coach Zinedine Zidane after the win. the last one because I feel I’m going to score the winning goal, and this is what happened’ Reuters succeeding Benitez on Jan. 4, Milan including victories in the last 12 games, although the football his team played lacked the sparkle n leading Real Madrid to of Luis Enrique’s championship- their 11th European Cup less winning side. than fi ve months after inher- The most graceful of players, iting an unhappy team from Zidane has proved to be a great IRafael Benitez, Zinedine Zidane pragmatist as a coach, stressing on has cemented his heroic status at the eve of the fi nal that his team’s the Bernabeu and appears to have plan was to “run, run and run”. assured his immediate future. Although neither Zidane nor HAPPY ATMOSPHERE Real’s notoriously trigger happy With Cristiano Ronaldo clearly president Florentino Perez have not match fi t, Real’s win owed confi rmed whether the French more to the gutsy determination coach would be remain charge, of defensive midfi elder Casemiro there could be no political capital and man of the match Sergio Ra- gained from axing the coach now. mos than the fl air players Perez The Frenchman has en- loves to recruit. joyed special status since his Zidane never tires of stress- wondrous volley against Bay- ing the value of hard work and er Leverkusen won the 2002 his team selections reflect that, Champions League, although sidelining the likes of James he must know Saturday’s Rodriguez and Isco, players shootout victory over Atletico overflowing with talent but Madrid does not guarantee him reluctant to dig in and help the a long future at the club. team out defensively. He only needs to look at the Another key to Zidane’s ear- fate of the last two coaches to ly success with Real has been lead Real to European glory, Vi- to create a happy atmosphere cente del Bosque and Carlo An- among a squad that never bond- celotti, both sacked 12 months ed with predecessor Benitez. later, as a reminder of that. “There is a very good feeling The only Real coach to create between us and Zidane, he has any sort of dynasty was Miguel brought happiness, hope, humil- Munoz, like Zidane a European ity and hard work,” Ramos said. Cup winner as a Real midfi elder, Zidane added: “What I’ve who spent 14 years in charge, win- brought to Real is my positive at- ning Europe’s top prize in 1960 titude. I believe in hard work, we and 1966 and nine La Liga titles. already have a lot of quality in the Having conquered Europe team. But work is more impor- with Real as a player, coach and tant than quality.” assistant, Zidane’s next task is to Hard work may have delivered wrest the La Liga title back from Zidane Europe’s biggest prize in Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo gestures in celebration of the team’s win on Plaza Cibeles in Madrid yesterday. Barcelona, who fi nished a soli- his infancy as a coach, but he will tary point above his side. need to oversee a higher standard AFP “An unbelievable night, to win my bundled home a close-range opener after of real chances, the 31-year-old admitted Zidane picked up more points of football if he is to remain in Milan third Champions League on penalties just 15 minutes only for Yannick Carrasco his performance was far from perfect. than Barca and Atletico since charge long term. again, to be the top scorer in the compe- to force extra time when he came off the “It maybe wasn’t the best one, but who tition again, I’m so proud,” said the Por- bench to level for Atletico 11 minutes played unbelievable tonight? No one. It’s ristiano Ronaldo could not con- tuguese star, who won the trophy with from the end. tough. It’s the end of the season, you IN SUPPORT tain his pride after fi ring Real Manchester United in 2008 -- when he Real spurned chances to secure the don’t have power in your legs that you Madrid to their 11th Champions missed a penalty in the shoot-out -- and trophy in both periods of extra time, but have at the beginning of the season.” League success on Saturday with with Real in 2014 when Atletico crashed kept their composure throughout a tense Zidane becomes just the seventh foot- aC decisive, and pre-planned, penalty in a to a 4-1 extra-time defeat. penalty shoot-out that went their way baller to win the trophy as coach and play- Captain Ramos hails 5-3 shoot-out over Atletico Madrid. when Juanfran hit the post. er. In 2002, the Frenchman’s stunning vol- After two scoreless periods of extra WORKED HARD Ronaldo, he appeared to suggest, was ley was the match-winner in a 2-1 defeat of time following a 1-1 draw, the city rivals “We work hard during the season to win never likely to miss. “To be honest, I Bayer Leverkusen in Glasgow. team-maker Zidane were forced to spot-kicks. this amazing trophy, so I’m so proud of was confident I would score, I said to “I’m so proud to be part of this great And after Atletico defender Juan- my teammates, of the fans, families, of Zidane before the penalties, put me the club. It’s the club of my life, the one that fran’s penalty came off the post, Ronaldo the coach. last one because I feel I’m going to score made me who I am,” said Zidane. sparked wild celebrations at Milan’s San “It’s my second year I scored more the winning goal, and this is what hap- Ronaldo, meanwhile, says there’s Siro stadium after stepping up to confi - than 15 goals. The person with the season pened,” he said. plenty more to come. dently sweep his eff ort past Jan Oblak. scoring record in this competition is me, “I’m so proud to score the winning goal “I’m always there, in the top level. I With 16 goals in the competition, Ro- with 17 goals (in 2014). and to win the Champions League again.” still feel good, I still feel fresh, not tonight naldo has fi nished the top scorer for the “And this year 16; or 17 with the pen- Ronaldo capped the celebrations with though!” he said. second time after his 17-goal haul in 2014. alty. What more can I ask for ?” the trademark removal of his shirt, re- “I showed the team that I’m there. For Although he missed out on matching his Two years after reviving Real’s bid for vealing a still muscular and toned phy- the good moments and the bad. This is previous record, his pride was plain to see. a 10th title, Real captain Sergio Ramos sique, although after spurning a couple what makes me feel proud.”

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Real Madrid’s coach Zinedine Zidane celebrates at Cibeles square.

Simeone refuses to give up battle he has a great relationship with AFP Milan the players. We’ll be celebrating DPA Fernando Torres nearly won “We had to beat Barcelona, this with him!” said Ramos. Milan the tie in 90 minutes, but with Bayern Munich [to get here], Zidane was handed the head no more goals in extra-time, it to be losing 1-0, to miss a eal Madrid captain Ser- coach’s position when Rafael Ben- came down to penalties. penalty... quite frankly I gio Ramos paid trib- itez was sacked by Real in January. tletico Madrid came Juanfran’s miss, while Real love my players. It’s clear ute to coach Zinedine And Ramos suggested the within a whisker of converted all of their kicks, they’ve given everything Zidane’s inspirational Frenchman’s promotion was the becoming the 23rd proved decisive, and Atletico qualitiesR after the Spanish giants turning point of the season. they have. They always Aclub to be champi- became the only team to have give everything” were crowned kings of Europe “With Rafael we had some ons of Europe, but coach Diego lost three fi nals without having for the 11th time on Saturday. good times, but when Zizou Simeone was typically bullish lifted the coveted trophy. Simeone has led a remarkable Real claimed their second came the dressing room was after the agonising 5-3 penalty The fi rst defeat, back in 1974 turnaround at Atletico since Champions League trophy in more unifi ed,” added Ramos. shoot-out defeat - their sec- to Bayern Munich, was painful, taking over in late 2011 with the three years thanks to a 5-3 pen- “Zidane brought a positive at- ond final loss in three years to but the 4-1 extra-time collapse side fi ghting relegation. alty shoot-out victory over titude with him.” city rivals Real Madrid. to Real in 2014 in Lisbon seemed In addition to two Champi- Atletico Madrid at Milan’s San It is the third time Zidane has “I think the team that wins the hardest blow possible - at ons League fi nals, which even in Siro after the match had fi nished got his hands on the Champions is always the best team,” Sime- least until now. losing he said was “a marvellous 1-1 after extra-time. League trophy. one told his post-match press But Simeone was not about to achievement,” he has won the Ramos has been one of the The former France and Real conference.”And Real Madrid beg for sympathy. “I feel proud Europa League in 2012 and the stars of Real’s latest two tri- Madrid forward’s superb match- was better because they won.” of my players, they’ve made an 2014 Spanish title. umphs, having scored a late winning volley secured the title He was matter-of-fact about enormous eff ort in a very diffi - Naturally there is specula- equaliser that pushed the 2014 for Real in 2002 when they beat losing in the penalty shoot-out: cult fi nal for us,” he said. tion about his future, but it was fi nal into extra-time before hit- Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 in Glasgow. “We had the chance but didn’t “We had to beat Barcelona, not something he was willing to ting the opener after just 15 min- Having been the assistant to manage to become champions. Atletico Madrid’s Argentinian coach Diego Simeone gestures during Bayern Munich [to get here], to consider. utes only for Yannick Carrasco to Carlo Ancelotti when the Ital- We have to continue working, and the Champions League final match. be losing 1-0, to miss a penalty... And there was no time for pull Atletico level with 11 min- ian steered Real to the 10th — ‘La that’s what we’ll start doing now.” quite frankly I love my players. comparisons of the pain infl ict- utes remaining in normal time. Decima’ — title in Lisbon two In truth, the fi nal was not a “We started badly, but then onds of the restart, missed by An- It’s clear they’ve given every- ed in the fi nal defeats, despite But for the man-of-the-match, years ago, Zidane now gets a taste classic in terms of quality, but we had something more from the toine Griezmann, and a string of thing they have. They always the journalists’ prompting. Zidane’s cool-headedness and of the trophy for a third time after the narrative proved to be grip- 25th [minute],” Simeone said. chances went begging before sub- give everything. I have a group of “I don’t know which one hurts leadership skills have helped joining an elite few who have lifted ping nonetheless. Atletico had something more stitute Yannick Carrasco levelled players that are very strong. the most,” he said.”What hurts tighten relations in a Real dressing the trophy as a player and a coach. Atletico, the organised, disci- only because what they had of- late on – and became an Internet “I said on the fi eld ‘don’t cry’ me is seeing people who paid room that, earlier this season, was Ramos added: “It’s an amaz- plined, defensive machine, sim- fered previously was nothing. sensation by kissing his girlfriend because they’ve made a tremen- their ticket to travel and so on, not quite as cohesive. ing feeling to win the Champions ply did not turn up early on and But in the second half a spark in the stands as he celebrated. dous eff ort. Football is destiny, and I feel a bit responsible for “Zizou (Zidane) is very humble League again after 2014. It’s un- had to fi ght back having trailed fi red almost immediately. More serious matters re- and today destiny was not on this. I wasn’t able to give them but determined. His arrival was forgettable, and will have a spe- to Sergio Ramos’ opener. A penalty was won within sec- sumed almost instantly as our side.” what they wanted.” really important for us because cial place in my heart.” Gulf Times Monday, May 30, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT IN SHORT Star striker Ibrahimovic to sit out Slovenia friendly

Star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic Ibrahimovic said last week he will sit out Sweden’s friendly knew where he would be play- Messi due to go on against Slovenia in order to ing football next season, but rest a sore calf, coach Erik kept mum on the details. Hamren said yesterday. “Yes, I have made my choice,” “We’ll save it until the Wales Ibrahimovic told a press match” on June 5, Hamren conference at a training camp told Swedish news agency near Stockholm for the Swed- TT ahead of today’s match ish national team ahead of against Slovenia in Malmo. Euro 2016. trial in Spain for tax “It’s the calf he’s had problems He said he had decided “long with toward the end at PSG,” ago” but dodged all questions he said. about whether that team was All eyes have been on the Manchester United. 34-year-old striker lately pend- However, when asked a direct ing an announcement on the question about whether next step in his career. he has received an off er Having left Paris Saint-Ger- from United, Ibrahimovic’s fraud allegations main at the end of this season, hesitancy in answering spoke he has refused to comment volumes. on speculation he is set to join He drummed his fingers on Messi and his father are accused of using fake companies to avoid paying taxes on Manchester United, where the table, smiled and eventu- Jose Mourinho was on Friday ally replied: “Let’s see what 4.16 million euros of Messi’s income earned through the sale of his image rights named the new manager. happens.”

Leicester to sign German World Cup ‘keeper Zieler English champions Leicester club, before 96 were relegated City are set to strengthen having finished last in Ger- their squad for next season many’s top flight. by signing World Cup winner Zieler has made five appear- goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler ances for Germany and was from relegated Hanover 96, part of the squad which won the German club announced the 2014 World Cup, but did yesterday. not play a single minute in The 27-year-old ‘keeper Brazil. is set to travel to England He has not been selected for today to complete the next month’s European cham- medical with his transfer pionships in France, but is set to cost a reported 3.5 million to challenge Danish goal- euros ($3.9m) after he acti- keeper Kasper Schmeichel for vated a release clause in his Leicester’s Number One shirt Hanover contract. next season. Cologne-born Zieler will be “We always knew that with his returning to England having exceptional quality, Ron would spent two years as a trainee at continue playing in the first Manchester United, plus a loan division,” said Hanover’s man- spell at Northampton Town. aging director Martin Bader. He joined Hanover in 2010 “Should the contract negotia- and made 185 league appear- tions go well for him, we wish ances, and was captain of the him all the best for the future.”

Bayern will fight to keep Real-target Lewandowski Real Madrid have held talks free transfer from Dortmund with Poland’s star striker Rob- The Champions League, or Eu- ert Lewandowski, his agent ropean Cup, which Real won has confirmed, while Bayern for the 11th time in Saturday’s Munich insist they will pay final, is the only domestic title whatever it takes to keep him. to have eluded Lewandowski “Real Madrid approached us at Dortmund and Bayern. a few weeks ago, we have “I’ve been in Germany for six listened to everything and years, have won everything informed Bayern that we have here. Sometimes you have to This file photo shows Barcelona football star Lionel Messi arriving to the courthouse in the coastal town of Gava near Barcelona. held talks,” Lewandowski’s consider whether it makes agent Cezary Kucharski told sense to try something new,” AFP companies in Belize and Uruguay to avoid in September 2013 when he was ques- international media who received a vast the latest edition of German said Lewandowski recently. Barcelona paying taxes on 4.16 million euros ($4.7 tioned by a judge investigating the case at trove of data and documents leaked from Magazine Der Spiegel. But Bayern’s chairman Karl- million) of Messi’s income earned through a court in Gavia, a town on the outskirts a law fi rm based in Panama. According to reports in Heinz Rummenigge has said the sale of his image rights from 2007-09. of Barcelona where the footballer lives. The two men opened a company in the German media, Real is the Bavarian giants have ‘no rgentina star Lionel Messi, one They have been charged with three The player’s father agreed. “He has Panama in June 2013, just after the al- prepared to pay the Poland pain barrier’ when it comes of the world’s highest-paid counts of tax fraud. nothing to do (with these issues), he only legations of tax fraud broke, to continue striker 25 million euros to what they will pay to keep athletes, goes on trial in Barce- Spanish prosecutors are seeking a jail plays football,” Jorge Horacio Messi said. to hide income earned from image rights ($27.78m) per season. their hot-shot in Munich. lona tomorrow for allegedly de- sentence of 22-and-a-half months for from Spanish tax authorities, Spanish Lewandowski finished as the “One thing I know for sure: fraudingA Spain of over four million euros Messi and his father if they are found NAMED IN ‘PANAMA PAPERS’ news site El Espanol reported. Bundesliga’s top scorer, when Robert Lewandowski will in unpaid taxes. guilty, plus fi nes equivalent to the State prosecutors initially asked that the The Messi family acknowledged the ex- he became the first foreigner play in the upcoming season After winning a league and Cup dou- amount that was allegedly defrauded. case against Messi be dropped, arguing the istence of the company but they said it was to score 30 league goals at Bayern Munich. There is ble with Barcelona, the fi ve-time World But any such sentence would likely be player only followed the instructions of his “totally inactive” and never had any funds. plus nine in the Champions no need to think anything Player of the Year and his father will con- suspended as it is common in Spain for father who he “trusted fully and blindly”. The scandal appears not to have dent- League, in a tally of 42 in all else,” Rummenigge is quoted front in court the accusations that have fi rst off ences carrying a sentence of less But the judge in charge of the case in ed the popularity of the footballer whom competitions. in Monday’s edition of maga- dogged him since June 2013. than two years. October 2015 rejected the request, argu- Forbes magazine says was the world’s It was the first time a player zine Kicker. The trial will run until June 2 — the Under Spanish law, a defendant is not ing in his ruling that “there are rational fourth highest paid athlete last year with has scored 30 goals in a single “The decision has been made: day when Messi is due to testify along obliged to attend the full trial if prosecu- signs that the criminality was committed earnings of $74 million. German league season in we won’t let Robert Lewand- with his father. tors seek a jail sentence of less than two by both accused parties”. Both Barcelona and the Argentine nearly 40 years. owski go, regardless of what The court appearance comes just days years, which means Messi may only show The income related to Messi’s image Football Association have supported the The 27-year-old has been on off er lands on the table. before he joins his Argentina teammates for up on June 2 for his testimony. rights that was allegedly hidden includes player, who is loudly cheered whenever Real’s radar since he scored “There is no pain-barrier (to the Copa America in the United States. The football star and his defence team endorsement deals with Banco Sabadell, he appears on the pitch at the Spanish four goals against the Spanish what Bayern will pay) when it Argentina take on defending champi- have argued that the player’s father han- Danone, Adidas, Pepsi-Cola, Procter & club’s Camp Nou stadium. giants in the 2013 Champions comes to Robert.” ons Chile in their fi rst game of the tour- dled his fi nances without reporting to Gamble and the Kuwait Food Company. Barcelona managers have even insinu- League semi-final for previous Lewandowski has so far nament in California on June 6. him, and that the striker was not aware of Questions over the player’s fi nances ated that there is a conspiracy to tar the club Borussia Dortmund. avoided joining Bayern stars Messi and his father, Jorge Horacio any wrongdoing. increased after Messi and his father were image of their star player, who has been The Poland hot-shot has a Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muel- Messi, are accused of using a chain of fake “My dad handled the cash,” Messi said among those named in April in reports by key to the club’s success in recent years. contract in Munich until 2019, ler, Jerome Boateng, David but has made it clear he is Alaba and Javier Martinez weighing up his options at who have all extended their BOTTOMLINE German champions Bayern, Munich contracts until 2021. who he joined in 2014 on a Now to see what happens.

Benzema, Ben Arfa omission a Bruce eyes EPL survival blueprint missed chance for France: Cantona The omission of Karim “Firstly I think that from a Benzema and Hatem Ben sporting point of view it’s a AFP hell’s chance of staying up a because ultimately we failed. Arfa from the France squad mistake and then, this Euro- London few years ago, but it can be Thankfully the owner didn’t for next month’s European pean Championships, which done,” Bruce said. want me to go,” Bruce said. Championships is a missed moreover is in France, is an “We know we have to be at “I had a long hard think about it opportunity to unite the coun- extraordinary opportunity teve Bruce believes Hull our maximum and invest well. to see if I could repair the damage. try in the face of extremism to send a clear message to can copy the blueprint That’s the hardest part for a club “I dedicate this to the chair- and division, according to ex- the extremists, whoever they of the Premier League’s like Hull. man. He couldn’t make it today international Eric Cantona. might be. Soverachievers as they “Even when you’ve got money and his ill health concerns us all, Cantona stirred up a hor- “I’m neither linked to any party look to survive in the top-fl ight. you have to spend it wisely and get so for him I’m very pleased.” net’s nest last week when he nor the puppet of any ideol- Bruce’s side secured an im- the right player. We’ll do our best. Bruce is the fi rst manager in claimed that France coach ogy,” he added.”I’m atheist. I am mediate return to the big time “If we do things properly we the Premier League era to master- Didier Deschamps was guilty and always will be a free man. following last year’s relegation can improve the club no end. mind four promotions to the top- of racial discrimination in “For those who’d like to make thanks to Mohamed Diame’s If somebody had said Leicester fl ight – two with Hull and two his selection, comments that believe that I’m spouting anti- sublime strike in the Champion- would be champions we’d have with Birmingham – but he con- French football chief Noel Le white racism, my response is ship play-off fi nal against Shef- said they were nuts, so it proves ceded he was unsure at the start of Graet on Saturday dubbed as one of contempt.” fi eld Wednesday. anything can happen. the season if Hull were capable of “stupid” and “pathetic”. Cantona told British daily The Senegal midfi elder Diame’s “Bournemouth and Wat- recovering from relegation. “In this time of trouble and Guardian on Thursday that long-range eff ort in the 72nd ford stayed up this season and “There’s an uncertainty when division, I would have liked all Deschamps had snubbed Ben- minute was enough to give Hull Swansea have done it for seven you get relegated. We didn’t sign of the France that I love and zema and Ben Arfa because of a 1-0 win at Wembley on Satur- or eight years. We have to try to a player until the end of July and dream of be represented in their “north African origins”. day and Hull boss Bruce can now replicate that.” people lost their jobs,” he said. this France team. Deschamps’ lawyer said Friday turn his attention to planning “We had to sell several of our Football for me is a fantastic that the France coach would their attempt to avoid the drop MASTERMIND best young players to make up way of integration and should be suing Cantona for slander next term. Bruce revealed he had offered the £25 million deficit from serve to unify and unite,” Can- over his comments. It will help that Hull’s bank to resign after Hull’s relegation relegation. It’s never easy but tona said in a column published Cantona, who won 45 caps for balance will be boosted by the but was persuaded to stay by thankfully we had enough in the in Le Journal du Dimanche. France, has in the past been £110 million (145 million euros, File picture of Hull City’s English manager Steve Bruce (R). the club’s Egyptian owner As- squad to get us back up there. “We missed this chance by very critical of his former $161 million) windfall they will sem Allam. “The last four times I’ve been not selecting Benzema and teammate Deschamps, who earn due to the Premier League’s sential, but Bruce will also study Bournemouth, who have all sur- Allam is ailing in hospital and in the Championship I’ve man- Ben Arfa, two of the best in 1996 he branded a “vulgar new television contracts. shock champions Leicester and vived against the odds. Bruce dedicated the promo- aged to get out of it. I’m delight- French players. water carrier”. Spending that cash wisely is es- the likes of Swansea, Watford and “Nobody gave us a cat in tion to him. “I did off er to resign ed but it’s not all about me.” Gulf Times 4 Monday, May 30, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Pilley springs biggest surprise at World Series AFP the best of three games and not fi ve— “Feeling pleased is an understate- Dubai and that Elshorbagy was impatient and ment, considering I just scraped in to inconsistent after playing more matches get here,” Pilley admitted, before sug- this year than any other leading player. gesting that losing in the group stages ameron Pilley, a 33-year-old Nevertheless he is rightly pleased to Gregory Gaultier, the world cham- Australian, who has never that he has been superbly accurate, pion from France—his opponent again been ranked in the world’s top particularly with wall-clinging drives in the fi nal—had actually been helpful. 10, made himself one of the during the sparring which goes on “I was thumped by Greg and I think sport’sC most surprising success stories down the backhand side, and that has that did me good, because since then I even before contesting Saturday’s fi nal taken his chances calmly and well. have been seeing the ball well I think of the PSA World Series fi nals. “I feel like I have been playing the that sharpened me up and gave me a Previously best known for striking best of my career,” he acknowledged. wake up call,” he said. the ball at a world record 175 miles an “Physically I am feeling really good. “I had been on a high after beating hour, and with a relatively modest 13 Mentally I am still keen. I made a cou- (Omar) Mosaad (the World Open run- tour titles, the ultra-tall Pilley added ple of changes last year, a couple of ner-up from Egypt), and that brought to his startling appearance in the tour’s technical things, and freshened up my me back down. I made a conscious ef- fl agship event showdown by the man- training methods, and that gave me a fort to cut out the unforced errors, and ner in which he reached it. wake-up call too, because I had been I did it well. I’ve been feeling really It involved a semi-fi nal win over having average results. Since then I good on that court. It’s nice to play on. Mohamed Elshorbagy, the runaway have been pleased with my form.” My length has been tight and I have hit world number one from Egypt, after It has been good enough to accumu- the back corners.” getting past two other top-10 players late just enough World Series points to All this has enabled Pilley to con- during the group stages, and managing squeeze into last place among the eight template the task of trying to emulate it all by not really thinking about it. qualifi ers while remaining still outside the last Australian to win the World “In the past I have made mistakes by the top 10 in the world rankings. Few Series fi nals, Anthony Ricketts 10 years focussing too much on the outcome of expected him then to go on to qualify ago in London. “I watched Ricketts win matches, on the end result rather than from his group. and it was amazing,” he said. how to get there. So I make a conscious It is reasonable to suggest therefore So did he dream of achieving the eff ort not to think about the goals at that by reaching Saturday’s fi nal Pilley has same thing? “Er, well no,” Pilley ad- all,” he explained matter-of-factly. “So caused the biggest surprise since another mitted with a half-grin. “Because you think about what I can control. That’s Australian, Paul Price, and a Welshman, have to get into the top eight even to my game and how to get better.” David Evans, neither top level players, play in it, and I had never done that. So Pilley will know that his wins have contested a British Open fi nal more than WELL PLAYED MATE: Gregory Gaultier (left) of France hugs Cameron Pilley of Australia after beating him in the title clash I actually never dreamed about doing been achieved with shortened scoring— a decade and a half ago, in the year 2000. of the PSA World Series Finals squash tournament in Dubai on Saturday. The Frenchman won 11-4, 11-5, 8-11, 11-6. (AFP) well in this tournament at all.”

SQUASH Poles stage thrilling rally to stun France, Iran shock Canada in Rio Olympics Gaultier halts Aussie volleyball qualifi ers AFP Tokyo

orld champions Poland produced a superb Wcomeback to beat France Pilley’s stirring run by three sets to two and strike a psychological blow at the Rio Olympic qualifying tournament in ‘There’s no stress on me now I have done what I always really wanted to do. And physically Tokyo yesterday. I feel great again. That nightmare is over. I’m enjoying what I do. I have no stress any more’ Dawid Konarski came off the bench to score 19 points as the Poles, who had been on the ropes AFP and staring at a blowout defeat, Dubai fought off two match points in the third to win a cliff -hanger 22-25, 13-25, 31-29, 25-17, 15-12. orld champion Gregory “It was a beautiful victory Gaultier beat Australia’s surprise fi nalist Cameron for us,” Poland’s French coach Pilley to regain the title Stephane Antiga told reporters Wat the PSA World Series fi nals after a after the world’s second-ranked seven-year interval. side made it two wins out of two The Frenchman’s 11-4, 11-5, 8-11, in Japan. “We never gave up. I’m 11-6 win over the Australian on Sat- lucky to have a lot of high-level urday night was proof that his six- substitutes who can come in and month “nightmare” was over follow- turn the game,” he added. ing a serious ankle injury. Polish captain Michal Kubiak add- However, after quelling a fi ghtback ed: “I’m happy we came through. by a very celebrated underdog, Gault- We lost that second set pretty bad. ier has proved he can at last pursue his ambition to challenge Mohamed El The new guys came onto the floor Shorbagy for the world number one in the third set and took us home to spot again. a very important win.” The Egyptian was the man whom European champions France Pilley remarkably beat to reach the fi - were left stunned after appearing nal, despite never having qualifi ed for to have battered the Polish into sub- this season-end showdown before, or mission with a lightning early surge even having reached the world’s top 10. sparked by some acrobatic play That looks a possibility for him now, from wing spiker Earvin Ngapeth. especially on the evidence of the third “We started well but we lost game, in which Pilley found ways to concentration in the third and stop Gaultier from scoring so heavily couldn’t cope with them,” said in the top left corner and prolonged the rallies enough to bring more physical French coach Laurent Tillie. qualities into the equation. “The last five minutes of the “If I had sunk my teeth into this third set was decisive,” he added. match like that a little earlier, I could “All credit to Poland—they are a have done more,” Pilley reckoned. strong team that plays beautiful “But I can’t be unhappy with what’s volleyball.” happened. It’s been the best week of France shot to prominence my career and I believe the best can Gregory Gaultier of France and Laura Massaro of Great Britian pose with their trophies after winning the men’s and in recent years after failing to still be ahead of me.” women’s finals of the PSA World Series Finals squash tournament in Dubai on Saturday; (Right) Gaultier celebrates his qualify for the 2012 London Olym- Both men are 33. Gaultier looks more title triumph with his son; (Below) Acton from the women’s final between Massaro and Raneem el-Welily of Egypt. (AFP) pics, after also missing out on than good enough to be at the top for a Beijing four years earlier. while yet, and as motivated as ever. “There’s no stress on me now I have Packed with explosive athleti- done what I always really wanted to cism, the French whitewashed do,” he said, referring to his World Slovenia 3-0 to win the European Open triumph in Seattle in November, title last year. when at 32 he became the oldest man Poland, who won Olympic gold to win that title for the fi rst time. in 1976, finished fifth at Athens “And physically I feel great again. 2004, Beijing 2008 and again at That nightmare is over. I’m enjoying London 2012. what I do. I have no stress any more, The world number two side and when you have no stress you play suff ered a heart-breaking loss to well,” he added. Italy on the final day of volley- Despite that, Gaultier half-joked that he had been forced to “warm up ball's World Cup last September about ten times” because the wom- and also failed to qualify for Rio en’s fi nal had lasted so long, more through the European qualifica- than an hour. tion tournament. It was also a fi ne contest, with Laura In other matches, Asian Games Massaro, the top seed from England, champions Iran also hit back from just squeezing away from trouble in two sets down to beat Canada a very tight fourth game, to win 9-11, 27-29, 19-25, 25-20, 25-21, 16-14 11-6, 5-11, 12-10, 11-5 against Raneem thanks to 26 points from Milad El Welily, who last year was the fi rst Ebadipour. Egyptian woman in any sport to be- Australia posted their first win, come a world number one. beating Venezuela by three sets Had she played those two ral- those pressured moments. then it’s the end of the season, with a a fund equal to the men’s. lies at 10-10 a little more accurately, “I was stupid,” she castigated her- big prize at the end of it... so just go for With the mix also con- to one, while hosts Japan were she would have won her biggest title self afterwards, without precisely it,” she said. “It was the right approach taining Nour El Sherbini, the beaten in straight sets by Asian yet, and might have created a plat- elaborating why, though “rushing” because I was as relaxed as I have ever world champion, and a still rivals China, going down 25-20, form from which to launch herself to was a self-criticism she later made. been for that game, and I think I hit my very competitive Nicol David, 25-22, 25-23. number one again. Massaro’s strengths were focus, ac- targets and made the right choices.” the most successful woman in Eight teams are contesting four But her wonderfully gifted strokes, curacy, and good tactical combinations. It earned her $42,000 (37,800 euros), the history of the professional Olympics slots at the Tokyo tour- though more consistent than they “At the beginning of the fi fth game I the biggest prize in the history of the game, the women’s tour has nament, which runs until June 5. used to be, did not deliver the goods in told myself that it’s one more game, and women’s game, which in this event has never looked better. Gulf Times Monday, May 30, 2016 5 GOLF

ROUND-UP FOCUS Changes to come at home of European Wood edges out Tour’s biggest event

Reuters confi dent our players want to Virginia Water, England play here, our players have said that to me. Everything that we do we do with a ‘players fi rst’ he bulldozers will ar- philosophy.” rive at Wentworth Pelley also hinted that the Karlberg for title next month as organ- prize fund of fi ve million euros isers begin their bid to ($5.56 million), lower than the Trestore the BMW PGA Cham- purse of $6.7 million available This was Wood’s third win on the European Tour, after victories in Qatar in 2013 and pionship venue to its former at the middle-ranking US Tour glory, European Tour supremo event being held in Texas this Austria in 2015, and puts him in contention for a spot in Darren Clarke’s European Keith Pelley said yesterday. week, was another issue with The iconic layout on the some of his members. Ryder Cup team for the match against the United States at Hazeltine in September outskirts of London was origi- “On the US Tour they are nally designed by Harry Colt in playing for $6.5 to $7.5 million 1926 but has undergone a com- every week and for our young plete facelift from four-times players that is a great op- major champion Ernie Els in portunity to make signifi cant the last decade. The changes dollars,” he said. “So if we can have not met with unanimous combine the fact of playing on approval and top players such some great golf courses with as Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia, increased prize funds, and give Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson, our golfers great experiences, Ian Poulter and Padraig Har- I’m confi dent our players will rington chose to give the tour’s want to play here.” fl agship event a miss this year The course has had two re- for a variety of reasons. designs in recent years but still “There are a number of does not suit some players and players that aren’t here be- the poor state of the greens has cause they don’t want to play been a constant bugbear but this golf course,” Pelley told they are being dug up in time reporters. “I’m confi dent... for next year’s tournament. that what (owners) Reignwood Pelley added: “This will be have planned will bring this the last year of these greens. I back to the Harry Colt de- know they are going to put in sign and the Harry Colt magic a SubAir system, so the greens that once made this the place will change dramatically. I’ve where players want to play.” heard all the comments last “The bulldozers are starting year about the greens when I to come in, I think it’s a week, came here and I’ve read about so this is something that is of them for a number of years.” the highest priority for them,” The Tour have also clashed added tour chief executive with residents of Wentworth Pelley without elaborating on who want more compensa- the planned alterations. tion for the tournament being Among the sweeping staged here but Pelley said: changes made by South Af- “We need to come to an agree- rican Els, who has a house on ment with the Wentworth the estate, was a revamp of the Residents Association, with par-fi ve 18th hole. the Roads Committee and the Pelley said the intention Wentworth Club. now was to create “a world- “We’ve had a trying three class golf course”. or four months but it speaks “Wentworth, as you know, is volumes of the quality of the England’s Chris Wood majestic and has an aura about residents on this property for celebrates his PGA it that is simply astounding,” the way that they have actu- Championship win he added. “We have every in- ally taken and embraced it over yesterday. (AFP) tention to be at Wentworth for the last 72 hours, and that is a a long period of time,” said the testament to all of them. I’m Canadian who took over from confi dent that we can come to AFP before dropping three more on the 10th and hit an errant tee shot in the left rough at the Closing eagle keeps Ariya ahead George O’Grady last year. “I’m that resolution.” Wentworth, United Kingdom 11th to fi nish in a tie for 15th. par-four 18th and made bogey for a fi ve- South Korea’s YE Yang, who was out in under-par 65 at Colonial Country Club in hailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn eagled the the penultimate group, faded with a second Fort Worth. He posted a 12-under 198 total T18th hole and clung to a one-stroke lead ngland’s Chris Wood came from successive 75 to fi nish 12th, while English- for a one-shot lead over fellow Americans over Americans Jessica Korda and Chris- three shots back to win the Euro- man Tyrell Hatton, who was in the fi nal Ryan Palmer (66) and Webb Simpson (67). tina Kim after Saturday’s third round of the pean PGA Championship at Went- group, signed for a 75 and seventh spot. Spieth hopes to win for the eighth time LPGA Volvik Championship. worth yesterday. The 28-year-old Karlberg, who was eight shots of the on the PGA Tour, fi rst time in his home Ariya, trying to win her third consecu- shotE a fi nal round 69 to give him a nine- pace after 54 holes, went to the turn in 30, state of Texas and fi rst time since his back- tive event, struggled to a one-over-par 73 under-par total of 279 and a one-shot fi ve under par, with his round being kick- nine collapse at the Masters last month. but her fi nal shot lofted her to the lead at win over Sweden’s Rikard Karlberg, who started by a hole-in-one at the 154-yard, “I feel really good about my game, all parts 10-under 206 at windy Ann Arbor, Michi- stormed through the pack with a 65. par-three second, as he fi red a closing sev- of it,” Spieth told reporters. “I’m going to gan. “To me it was very hard today because Masters champion Danny Willett was en-under-par 65 to fi nish on eight under. need to stick to the basics, especially my pos- (it was) very windy and the greens very, third after a 71 and two Frenchmen, Julien The Swede had bogeyed the fi rst but ture, and be really disciplined with my set- very fi rm,” Ariya said. Quesne and Romain Wattel, joined South when his nine-iron found the cup it up and alignment and then make confi dent The 20-year-old from Bangkok became Africa’s Thomas Aiken in a tie for fourth. sparked a run of four birdies in seven holes swings, knowing we’ve hit good shots all the fi rst Thai player to win an LPGA title This was Wood’s third win on the Euro- before the turn and a two at the 10th, fol- week. Hopefully, the putter stays hot as well.” by taking the Yokohama Tire Classic in pean Tour, after victories in Qatar in 2013 lowed by a birdie at the par-fi ve 12th, be- In his six-birdie round, Spieth hit only Alabama earlier this month and added the and Austria in 2015, and puts him in conten- fore the birdies dried up. four fairways but scrambled with a solid Kingsmill Championship last week. A vic- tion for a spot in Darren Clarke’s European Karlberg looked to be a couple of shots short game, including a chip-in birdie from tory this week would make Ariya the fi rst Ryder Cup team for the match against the light but Wood’s near-collapse gave him 30 feet at the 11th. LPGA player to win three events in a row United States at Hazeltine in September. hope until the Englishman held his nerve at Palmer, a three-time winner on the PGA since South Korean Park In-Bee in 2013. His score was built on the front nine the last. Luke Donald, winner in 2011 and Tour, most recently in 2010, birdied four Korda, the 23-year-old daughter of which he covered in a tournament record- 2012, faded after his opening 68 with a last of the fi nal 10 holes to close in on Spieth. former ATP standout Petr Korda, fi red a 70 equalling 29 shots and at one point he led round 71 leaving him one under, level with Palmer is a Colonial member and a good while Kim shot 72, each making a birdie at by four shots. But he wobbled on the back Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell. friend of Spieth’s. The two often play prac- the par-5 18th to fi nish on 207. Norway’s Su- nine, making bogeys at the 10th, 14th, 16th Defending champion Byeong-Hun An tice rounds together and will be paired in zann Pettersen and South Korean Kim Hyo- and the par-fi ve 17th when he took four to fi nished in a tie for 33rd place on level par. the fi nal round. Joo shared fourth on 209 with Spain’s Belen get on the green, and came back in 40. “It will be a fun dynamic,” Spieth said. Mozo, American Marina Alex and South That cut his advantage to one over Karl- “It will be cool because as a member he’ll Korean Ryu So-Yeon another stroke adrift. berg but he made a solid par fi ve at the last Spieth leads by one stroke have a ton of support and we’ve had tons of Ariya, who opened with two bogey-free and landed the biggest title of his career ordan Spieth charged into the lead de- support all week.” rounds, led by two shots when the day be- The iconic layout on the outskirts of London was originally de- when he holed from three feet. Jspite a stumble at the fi nal hole of the Americans Harris English (64), Kyle gan but stumbled early with bogeys at the signed by Harry Colt in 1926 but has undergone a complete facelift Overnight leader Scott Hend of Australia third round at the Colonial tournament in Reifers (67) and Martin Piller (68) were tied par-3 third and par-5 fourth, another to from four-times major champion Ernie Els in the last decade. The had a nightmare start, going out in 41 shots, Texas on Saturday. The world number two for fourth, two shots behind Spieth. close the front nine and a bogey at 13. changes have not met with unanimous approval from the players.

BOTTOMLINE McIlroy & Willett’s Rio fears highlight fl awed process

By Ewan Murray in London standards of acceptability. Golf can further and has refused to participate. of a clutch of players for whom the be held next year. should be in the Olympic equation also The Guardian no longer behave in blissful isolation, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel commercial crossover between Olym- The recurring, glaring factor in the applies. Athletes who have pushed for as pressed home by the R&A last week and Vijay Singh have followed suit. The pic demands and his own, lucrative comments from McIlroy and Willett four years, or more, for a shot at gold when it made a fi rm and instant stance stated reasons? A mix between sched- contracts would be another legitimate was that they appeared genuinely un- don’t compare to those featuring in ma- Top golfers say they are un- on Muirfi eld at the Open. ule and the Zika virus. cause for annoyance. sure about the scale of the Zika prob- jor championships or Ryder Cups with sure of the scale of the Zika And yet, golf and the Olympics have Earlier this week, matters threatened His fears were soon echoed by the lem and dangers therein. Somewhere, far more regularity. Which group would existed in an almost constant alliance to take an even more negative turn when Masters champion, Danny Willett, who somehow, the communication process take the greater risk? Which would feel virus threat, and that shows of disharmony. The venue in Brazil Rory McIlroy admitted to concern over too conceded he also has a decision to between Games organisers and ath- less inclined to fl irt with illness? communication between was subject to legal wrangling and de- the Zika virus threat to Rio. McIlroy’s make on the grounds of health alone. letes has broken down. The IGF’s stated position is thus: Games organisers and lays which had the renowned course demeanour seemed more telling than Pieced together, there is no chance With that in mind, it is little wonder “The IGF recently issued a constitu- athletes has broken down designer Gil Hanse visibly exasper- his words; this looks a genuine dilemma McIlroy and Willett are the only ones attention is drawn towards Amir At- ent letter regarding the Zika virus and ated. The choice of format, a simple for the four-times major winner. Alarm harbouring such thoughts. And pieced taran’s report insisting the Olympics continues to monitor the situation hose of us who harbour scepti- four-day strokeplay competition as bells should be blaring at the IOC; McIl- together, should they believe non-par- should simply not proceed because of through regular communication with cism about golf’s inclusion in per every other standard week on Tour, roy is the individual who ideally links ticipation the safest option, Olympic the spread of the Zika virus. Within the IOC and Rio 2016, who in turn are the Olympics have been pro- was castigated. golf and athleticism, who endorses this men’s golf will quickly regress into the that article, one sentence leaps out: that keeping advised by the World Health vided with decent arguments That element was slightly unfair; is a sport and not a game. realms of farce. which asks “but for the Games, would Organisation, on the steps and meas- Tto the contrary. Peter Dawson, the president of the In- Any notion that McIlroy is seeking It is at best unfortunate and at worst anyone recommend sending an extra ures being planned. If Olympic involvement tightens up ternational Golf Federation and a key a soft option here would be fl awed; scandalous that sportsmen fi nd them- half a million visitors to Brazil right We are also working with the Na- drugs testing procedures within golf, proponent of this Olympic return, al- not only did he face a nationality de- selves in this position, where the health now?” The answer barely needs stating. tional Olympic Committees of the for example, that would be an undeni- ways stated earning Games status was bate head-on by declaring for Ireland’s of themselves and their families is a se- The level of tournament-ready countries where our athletes are from able positive. Evidence from tennis, pivotal, with scope to alter the format team at an early juncture but very re- rious concern before an Olympic trip. courses elsewhere, even within close to assist in the education and ongoing when there were early doubts, suggests for future years. Providing an immedi- cently spoke about his fear that the Ol- They will also be perfectly aware of reach of Brazil, means the Olympics information about the virus that is be- golf can become more global in terms of ately diff erent, or contrived, competi- ympic narrative could be damaged by the burden of expectation, where the could move this sport with minimal ing developed.” participation when on the Games stage. tion style could have been troublesome. scenarios such as Scott’s. pressure to play and thereby off er golf disruption. Other than to reputation, Admirable words, but the testimo- It also seems reasonable to link the Mumbles of discontent from play- Far from being seen as a summer its best Olympic return weighs heavily. that is, not least among other competi- nies of McIlroy and Willett highlight altered approach to membership pol- ers were apparent from the moment in nuisance, the Olympics had evidently As things stand, golf is scheduled to be tors who could rightly bemoan prefer- a fl awed process. There can only be so icy by Augusta National and the Royal 2009 when a decision was made over grown on McIlroy to the point where in the Olympics only in 2016 and 2020. ential treatment. long for which confusion and concern & Ancient to a realisation of fresh inclusion. Adam Scott took that a step he was a keen advocate. McIlroy is one The vote on whether to extend this is to The very debate as to whether golf is allowed to reign. Gulf Times 6 Monday, May 30, 2016 SPORT

RUGBY Euro-Asia alliance on track, says Pelley

Reuters Virginia Water, England

he European Tour’s planned alliance with its Asian Five-try England Tequivalent is likely to be rubber-stamped in time for next season, chief executive Keith Pel- ley said yesterday. The two circuits, who first collaborated for a co-sanctioned event 17 years ago, announced in August “an innovative joint vision for the future of professional golf” without going into details. overwhelm Wales Talks on the expected union ap- peared to be in trouble in December ‘We didn’t get the best of starts but it was great to see everyone dig in. We had a bit of when Asian Tour chief executive Mike Kerr resigned for unspecified control in the second half. Myself and all the squad wanted to put in a good performance’ reasons following player concerns about limited opportunities on the combined circuit. Pelley, however, now says the two organisations are close to finalising an agreement that will lead to more tournaments being held in Asia. “What has transpired with the Asian Tour over the last number of weeks has been incredibly posi- tive,” the Canadian told Reuters in an interview held during the final round of the BMW PGA Champion- ship at Wentworth. “It has taken time because they have gone through a complete board change. “The original Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that we ne- gotiated in November was put on pause until they had a new board in place and they knew what they were doing with their organisa- tional structure.” “We met in Malaysia at the EurA- sia Cup with their new board, we then met in India with members of their board and Tournament Committee and they responded about a month ago to our MOU in terms of what they thought would work for their Asian Tour players,” added Pelley. “We’ve evaluated that... and we’re now entering into very seri- ous discussions. Hopefully they will be positive and we will have something new announced very shortly in terms of a strategic alli- ance,” he added. Pelley, who took over as Euro- pean Tour chief executive from George O’Grady last year, said the joint agreement would work well for both sides. Asked if the new alliance would be finalised in time England wing Marland Yarde (right) goes over to for the start of next season, the score a try during the international rugby union Canadian replied: “I think so. I’m match between England and Wales at Twickenham confident now that discussions are Stadium in west London yesterday. (AFP) heading in the right direction... discussions have heated up and I’m confident we’ll come to a Reuters tralia but the lock had every right to experienced side against a similarly forced by a knock-on by Dan Cole. ence, while the Western Stormers resolution. The goal is... we would London hold his head up this time after deliv- familiar Welsh XV. Yarde scored the fi fth on his fi rst ap- hold down the remaining automatic add resources there and work with ering a timely reminder to second-row Wales got off to a fl ier when prop pearance for almost two years to un- fi nals berth in Africa 1. them to create more tournaments regulars Maro Itoje and George Kruis. Rob Evans forced his way through derline England’s eventual dominance. The Lions won a Super Rugby match in Asia in the coming years.” ngland overcame a shaky start “We didn’t get the best of starts but some sleeping defenders after seven Wales failed to add to the score- in the Pretoria fortress of neighbours Last year’s Asian Tour featured and some horribly wayward it was great to see everyone dig in,” he minutes with Dan Biggar converting board after Biggar’s 27th-minute pen- Northern Bulls for the fi rst time with only 12 stand-alone events with goalkicking by fl yhalf George said. “We had a bit of control in the and adding a penalty soon after to alty and will need to deliver a much a seven-try 56-20 triumph to jump to many more co-sanctioned with Ford to run in fi ve tries in a 27- second half. Myself and all the squad make it 10-0. more sustained assault if they are to a seven-point lead in Africa 2 heading larger circuits such as the Euro- 13E victory over Wales at Twickenham wanted to put in a good performance.” England hit back through centre have the slightest chance of claiming into the June Test recess. pean, US PGA and Japan Tours yesterday to send them on a three-Test It was not exactly the confi dence- Burrell, desperate to make an impact a fi rst victory over the All Blacks in The Johannesburg-based team's who all boast fuller schedules and tour of Australia in confi dent mood. building send-off Wales would have after being dumped from the World more than 50 years and fi rst-ever in destruction of the Bulls completed bigger prize money. After trailing 10-0 early on, Eng- wanted for the toughest challenge in Cup squad last year, with winger New Zealand. a clean sweep this season over other Pelley, who often espouses his land fought back and eventually the sport—a three-Test away series Watson then showing great determi- leading South African sides, hav- tour’s ‘players first’ philosophy, surged clear with tries for Luther Bur- against world champions New Zealand. nation and awareness to get through ing beaten the Stormers at home and added that his members were firmly rell, Anthony Watson, Ben Youngs, “We brought a tempo and intensity two tackles then touch down with an Lions, Crusaders press Coastal Sharks away. onside in the move to join forces with Jack Cliff ord and Marland Yarde. in the fi rst half that we didn’t bring overhead backwards stretch for his Super title claims Winger Nemani Nadolo celebrated Asia. “This alliance would only be It was a satisfying victory for Eng- in the Six Nations,” said Welsh cen- 11th try in his last 13 internationals. his return to the Crusaders with a cru- formalised and created if there were land, beaten by the Welsh in the World tre Jamie Roberts. “But the 12-point Trailing 13-10 at the break, England The Golden Lions won a vital away cial try as they regained control of the significant benefits to the players Cup in September but who hit back with swing at the start of the second half took control within seven minutes game to take charge of their South New Zealand conference with a 26-21 in terms of playing opportunities,” a Six Nations win en route to a grand killed us really and I think they de- of the restart as scrumhalf Youngs Africa conference as the Canterbury victory over the Auckland Blues. he said. “The players are supportive slam, but a day to forget for Ford who served their victory.” showed all his sharpness to cut Crusaders edged clear in the New With the competition taking a break based on the fact they’ll have ad- missed six of his seven shots at goal. England were without any of the through two defenders straight from Zealand league with three rounds left for the international season, the seven- ditional playing opportunities. We’ve Last time Joe Launchbury was voted players involved in Saturday’s Pre- a lineout before number eight Clif- in Super Rugby yesterday. time champion Crusaders moved to 45 already talked to the players and man of the match at Twickenham it miership fi nal when Saracens beat ford put in a remarkable turn of speed Two-time winners ACT Brumbies points, three more than the Waikato have already received the blessing of was, laughably, after England had been Exeter but, apart from back row debu- to score from 50 metres despite Welsh hold a slight advantage over the NSW Chiefs, who were whipped 45-25 by their Tournament Committee.” bundled out of the World Cup by Aus- tant Teimana Harrison, still fi elded an complaints that the turnover had been Waratahs in the Australian confer- the Waratahs in Sydney.

FOCUS Burns becomes three-weight world champion AFP London Thailand grapples with fi rst big bout hailand hosted its first major O’Farrell, who recently joined Dej’s ritain’s Ricky Burns became a three-weight mixed martial arts event in gym in Singapore. “There’s no hid- world champion by stopping Italian Michele Di TBangkok on Saturday, as cage ing in the cage, make no mistake Rocco in the eighth round to claim the WBA super- fighting makes inroads in a country about that.” lightweight belt in Glasgow on Saturday night. fiercely proud of its homegrown The growing international clout BThe 33-year-old previously held the WBO versions of Muay Thai boxing tradition. of MMA is off ering a greater lure to the super-featherweight and lightweight world titles. But the near-capacity crowd Muay Thai fighters—and that has In an all-action performance, Burns fl oored 34-year- was left disappointed as Thai-born ruff led the feathers of traditionalists old Di Rocco in the eighth round, and although the Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke, in Thailand who fear the all-action Italian rose to his feet, referee Terry O’Connor waved off lost out to the Japanese straw- sport may one day eclipse the king- the contest. weight challenger Yoshitaka Naito. dom’s venerated boxing style. Burns becomes the fi rst ever Scot to win world titles at Some Thai fighters are turning In recent decades MMA has three diff erent weights. from traditional Muay Thai to gone from a niche sideshow to a Di Rocco was down in the third round and given a MMA, a transition smoothed by multi-billion dollar industry and standing eight count having already had a time-out for the Thai sport’s versatile elbow, one of the world’s fastest grow- a low blow earlier in the round. Burns’s aggression was punch and kick techniques. ing sports—with Asia no excep- paying dividends against an opponent who appeared The glitzy event, under the tion—and many cage fighters are somewhat taken aback. banner of the ONE Championship trained in Muay Thai. Di Rocco started to pick things up from the sixth round which is pushing cage fighting The Sports Authority of Thai- but he was in trouble several times in the eighth before across Asia, was held despite op- land wants cage fighting banned he was knocked down by a right hand. That proved the position from Muay Thai purists in the kingdom, saying it threatens end for Di Rocco but a new beginning for Burns, who had who fear the new, big-spending Thai culture and is overly violent— lost three of his previous six bouts. sport could chip away at the something which has raised wry Burns beat Puerto Rican Roman Martinez to win the domestic martial art. smiles among fight promoters super-featherweight title in 2010, defending it three “I’m buzzing... watching MMA in who say Muay Thai is hardly for times. He won the lightweight title in 2011, beating Aus- Thailand. I’m sad for the Thais but the faint-hearted. But Thailand’s tralia’s Michael Katsidis but after successfully defending it’s a great game... It’s just so raw, sports and tourism ministry al- it four times, he was well beaten on points by American so real,” said a spectator, Charles lowed the fight to go ahead. Terrence Crawford in 2014. Gulf Times Monday, May 30, 2016 7 SPORT

ATHLETICS Gatlin beats Powell, Harrison shines at Prefontaine Classic ‘When you go out there and just execute and don’t worry about a time that is when the fast times come’

AFP Eugene, United States

ustin Gatlin led wire-to-wire to capture the 100m at the Prefon- taine Classic as Kendra Harrison delivered the biggest surprise withJ the fastest women’s 100m hur- dles in 28 years. Gatlin said he was pleased with his winning performance but saved his biggest praise for US Olympic team- mate Harrison, who fi nished just shy of the long-standing world record of 12.21 as she stormed to victory in 12.24. “She stole my shine,” Gatlin said. “It is an amazing feat.” The controversial Gatlin blasted to victory in the 100m, leading from start to fi nish with the fastest time of the year. Gatlin, the 2004 Olympic champion who was banned for dop- ing between 2006 and 2010, clocked a wind-assisted 9.88 seconds at Eu- gene’s Hayward Field. The world number one showed he is rounding into form ahead of the Rio Olympics, taking the tape ahead of Jamaican Asafa Powell and American Tyson Gay. Former world record holder Powell fi nished second in a time of 9.94sec while defending Prefontaine champion Gay crossed in 9.98sec. The race was run with a strong tail-wind of 2.6 m/s. “I felt like I had a pretty strong start, Justin Gatlin of the United States wins the 100m dash at commanded the race to the halfway Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. (Getty Images/AFP) point and just held onto my form,” said Gatlin. “I felt a couple of guys come on quee showdown as the two battled strong at the end but I just stayed fo- stride for stride in the men’s 400m. cussed on my last 20 metres and I came The 23-year-old James fl ashed across out with the victory.” the fi nish line in 44.22 while Merritt The 34-year-old Gatlin, who has clocked a 44.39. been suspended twice for doping in his American Micheal Tinsley easily career, got off to a slow start in 2016 took down reigning Olympic cham- but is now picking up steam with the pion Nicholas Bett of Kenya to win the Summer Olympics just two months men’s 400m hurdles in a time of 48.74. away. The American is coming off his Kerron Clement was second in 48.87 fastest season ever in 2015 but suff ered while Bett fi nished dead last in 51.33. his only loss in the 100m on the biggest Christian Taylor led an American stage as he failed to win gold at the Bei- sweep in the triple jump fi nishing with jing Worlds in August. a jump of 17.76. Will Claye fi nished a Gatlin is now a six-time winner at distant second with a leap of 17.56. the Prefontaine, including fi ve 100m On the women’s side, Bahrain’s Ruth wins. Jebet held off Hyvin Kiyeng of Kenya to win the 3,000m steeplechase. Jebet Unstoppable Harrison clocked a 8:59.97 to become just the Harrison has been unstoppable this second woman in history to go under year as she is the Olympic favourite in nine minutes. Kiyeng also fi nished just an event that is being dominated by off the nine minute mark as she crossed Americans who took the top fi ve spots the line in 9:00.01. on Saturday. English Gardner, of the US, won the “I didn’t feel that fast but I felt really women’s 100m with a time of 10.81 to smooth,” Harrison said. “When you go beat runner-up and US compatriot out there and just execute and don’t Tianna Bartoletta who clocked a 10.94. worry about a time that is when the Gardner was pleased with her time fast times come.” and said she was in the right frame of Bulgaria’s Yordanka Donkova holds mind to do well. the two fastest times in history, in- “This is fantastic,” she said. “I sat cluding the world record of 12.21 which down and got myself together and got she set in August 1988. She ran a 12.24 out there and ran my race.” Tori Bowie the same year. ran her fi rst career race under 22 sec- The Prefontaine Classic is the onds to win the 200m in a time of 21.99 fourth stop on the 14-meet Diamond seconds. League series that culminates with Bowie, who had a strong but le- the Brussels meet in September. Rio gal tailwind, fi nished ahead of Neth- gold medal threat Kirani James edged erlands Dafne Schippers (22.11) and American LaShawn Merritt in a mar- Elaine Thompson of Jamaica 22.16. Kendra Harrison of the United States reacts after winning the 100m hurdles race at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. (Getty Images/AFP)

FOCUS ‘Delusional’ to think London Games dirtiest ever: Coe

AFP Angeles, where he competed and ment in their career, it does not London won 1,500 metres gold, technol- mean they can lie easily in their ogy was “prehistoric” and says beds until excitable grandchil- many athletes would pick and dren pore over Olympic med- ondon Olympics chief base their schedules on the ath- als in their dotage. They will Sebastian Coe said it letics circuit “in large part on the be caught. They will then have would be “delusional” to avoidance of testing”. the discomfort of explaining to think the 2012 Games in those grandchildren why they Lthe British capital may have been no longer possess those med- The high percentage of the dirtiest in history in the wake apparent doping off ences als. More is being done to catch of more positive drugs tests. sparked suggestions on cheats than ever before. “We will A total of 23 positive results Friday that London was not stop collecting data, sharing came from 265 retested samples, rife with cheating, but Coe information, building profi les, the International Olympic Com- denies that is the case developing testing techniques mittee said, on top of over 30 or calling out and prosecuting previous failed tests from com- The IOC has said its reanalysis cheats in our eff orts to protect petitors who had been caught ei- programme is ongoing, with the and promote clean sport. The ther during the Games or since. possibility of more results in the Rio 2016 Games will be cleaner The high percentage of ap- weeks to come. Coe wrote in his for it. That should be the story.” parent doping off ences sparked newspaper column: “It would The new fi ndings cover fi ve suggestions on Friday that Lon- be delusional to say the Lon- diff erent sports and six interna- don was rife with cheating, but don Games was ‘in the words tional federations, and were all Coe denies that is the case. of many yesterday’ dirtier than based on intelligence-gathering Coe, now the president of Games before.” that began in August 2015. Rus- world athletics’ governing body He added: “The message from sia has said eight of its athletes the IAAF, served as the Lon- Friday was not only, or even ac- are among the 23 to have tested don 2012 organising committee tually, about interpreting trends. positive on reanalysis. All ath- chairman. The former middle- The big message was for athletes letes found to have infringed the distance track star claims in the to recognise that just because anti-doping rules will be banned Sunday Telegraph that at the they may be ahead of the testing from competing at the Rio Ol- time of the 1984 Olympics in Los technology at a particular mo- ympics this summer. Gulf Times 8 Monday, May 30, 2016 SPORT

NBA NHL Crosby-led Penguins face San Jose Sharks Golden Warriors for Stanley Cup

AFP early but after Mike Johnston New York was fi red and Mike Sullivan replaced him as coach last De- cember, Pittsburgh produced idney Crosby opens the best record in the NHL af- shock Thunder to his bid to match Ca- ter January 1. nadian countryman “They defi nitely changed Mario Lemieux as a some things when they two-timeS Stanley Cup winner brought the new coach in and when the Pittsburgh Penguins got that ball rolling in the right begin the National Hockey direction,” said Sharks coach League Finals today against Peter DeBoer. “They were the visiting San Jose. best team in the league in the force game seven Crosby scored the gold second half of the year. medal-winning over-time “We know how tough an goal for Canada in the 2010 opponent this is. They have ‘We were down almost the whole game. We never gave up and our resiliency got us through’ Vancouver Winter Olympic fi - two of the best players in the nal after leading Pittsburgh to world (in Crosby and Malkin). the 2009 NHL crown, but the They are a deep team. It’s a AFP Penguins have not been back great challenge. Our guys are Washington to the best-of-seven champi- excited.” onship series until now. Kessel, with playoff team “We know the biggest chal- highs of nine goals and nine as- lay Thompson and lenge is ahead of us, but we’ve sists, has sparked the Penguins Stephen Curry saved got a great opportunity,” Cros- in the post-season alongside the season for defend- by said. “It wasn’t easy getting linemates Carl Hagelin and ing NBA champion to this point. It would be great Nick Bonino. KGolden State, sparking a stun- to fi nish it off the right way.” Backstopping the Pen- ning fourth-quarter rally to beat Pittsburgh ousted Tampa guins’ playoff run has been host Oklahoma City Thunder Bay in the Eastern Conference goaltender Matt Murray, who 108-101 and avoid playoff elimi- fi nal while the Sharks elimi- turned 22 earlier this month. nation. nated St. Louis in the West Injured veteran Marc-Andre Thompson scored a career to reach the Stanley Cup Fi- Fleury has stayed benched playoff high 41 points, includ- nals for the fi rst time in their since getting healthy by Mur- ing an NBA one-game playoff quarter-century history. “It’s a ray, whose 11 wins in 15 playoff record 11 3-pointers in 18 at- great test for us,” Sharks centre games are more than his 9 wins tempts, and NBA Most Valuable Joe Thornton said. “They are in 13 regular-season contests. Player Curry added 29 points, 10 a great team with some great “I know there are a lot of rebounds and nine assists as the players. We’ve got to be ready stories that surround this Warriors levelled the best-of- come Monday night.” group, but the greatest story seven Western Conference fi nal Crosby, the 28-year-old of all is the group itself,” Sulli- at three wins each. Penguins captain and 2005 van said. “When you’re part of “I’m so proud of everybody,” NHL Draft top pick, played something that’s bigger than Thompson said. “We were down briefl y as a rookie with Lem- yourself it’s a special feeling almost the whole game. We nev- ieux, the Hall of Fame center and I know these guys have it er gave up and our resiliency got known as “Super Mario” who right now.” us through. We kept our compo- led the Penguins to Stanley The Sharks’ breakthrough sure. We knew if we didn’t get it Cups in 1991 and 1992. Le- has given Patrick Marleau, done we were going home.” mieux later became the team whose entire 18-season career The winner of Monday’s game owner and had “Sid the Kid” has been spent in San Jose, seven at Oakland will advance to living in his home during his and Thornton, who like Mar- the NBA Finals, facing the LeB- rookie season. leau has more than 1,500 NHL ron James-led Cleveland Cava- Crosby led the Penguins games, their fi rst trip to the liers when the best-of-seven with 36 goals this season while Cup fi nals. championship series opens Russian center Evgeni Malkin “You don’t make it this far Thursday. But after squander- added 27 and Phil Kessel had all the time obviously,” Mar- ing a 3-1 series lead by botching 26. leau said. “Just trying to seize a golden chance to advance at The Penguins struggled the moment.” home, the Thunder must win on a court where the Warriors lost only twice all season. “We can’t hang our heads. We have another game to play,” Thunder guard Russell West- brook said. “Win or go home. Simple as that.” Stephen Curry (No 30) of the Golden State Warriors passes the ball against Serge Ibaka (No 9) of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the game six of the Western Conference Finals NBA playoff s at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, (Getty Images/AFP) Among their greatest wins Trailing 89-81 with nine min- period after a brief pep talk from volved in those key plays. “This game was probably the same eff ort, we’ll be fine.” utes remaining, the Warriors Curry before the last quarter be- “We just didn’t help each oth- hardest game of our lives,” Curry Thompson’s amazing 3-point closed with a 27-12 run – 19-5 gan. er enough in those situations,” said. “We felt like we had con- shooting in the fi nal minutes over the fi nal seven minutes and “Steph told me, ‘This is your Donovan said. “They made big trol of the game. We just needed stole the show, shocking even 12-2 in the last three – in a thrill- time. Show what you can do out plays coming down the stretch a stop or two. They got some backcourt partner Curry, who er Thompson and Curry ranked there,’” Thompson said. “I tried and we got a little stagnant.” garbage, the ball bouncing their this year set an NBA record for among their greatest wins. to take that to heart.” The Warriors got more in- way. We felt like we could turn 3-pointers in a season. “It has to be because of the Thunder star Kevin Durant tense. the game around, and we did. “It was unbelievable,” Curry situation,” Thompson said. made four turnovers in the last “We had so much more grit, “We’ve got to keep it going at said. “We needed every single “Everybody probably counted us 99 seconds and Westbrook lost the toughness that was lacking home. We’ve got a great oppor- one of them. out. It was great fun to play with two more in the dramatic fi nal in (lost games) three and four,” tunity.” “All Klay needs is a sliver of that fi re, that emotion.” moments. Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. The Warriors, who produced daylight. The shots he made “This was a huge win for us,” “They got their hands on “Game fi ve helped us regain our the best regular season mark were huge. I’m sure there’s more Curry said. “Doesn’t win us a some balls, but for the most part confi dence. We knew we could in NBA history at 73-9 in this in the chamber for game seven. ring – we don’t want to pop the we tried to make the right plays, come in here and play a much campaign, kept defensive poise We need that punch.” champagne or anything. It ranks make the right decisions, espe- better game.” down the stretch. Kerr has learned to live with right up there for sure because cially down the stretch,” West- Curry’s 3-pointer with 2:47 “That has been our calling the long-range heroics of we’re still alive.” brook said. remaining tied the game at 99- card, made us a championship- Thompson and Curry. Thompson scored the fi rst 99 and Thompson made the last caliber team,” Curry said. “Down “They walk that fi ne line be- nine points of the fourth quarter Thunder ‘stagnant’ late of his 3-pointers with 95 sec- the stretch we stayed disci- tween lethal and crazy,” Warriors for Golden State and added two Thunder coach Billy Donovan onds remaining to put the War- plined. coach Steve Kerr said. “We have more clutch 3-pointers in the wanted to see more players in- riors ahead to stay at 104-101. “Game seven, if we give that to live with that.”

MLB Beltran picks up milestone hit, leaves game injured

By Erik Boland In his second at-bat, Beltran in the majors in that span – be- Newsday hit a solo home run in the fourth came the 99th player and fourth inning. It was his 12th of the sea- Puerto Rican to reach 2,500 son and the 2,500th hit of his areer hits. arlos Beltran called the career. It was part of an eventful “Congratulations to him. As injury “nothing major,” day for the outfi elder, who mis- I’ve said, I believe he’s a Hall of but Joe Girardi wasn’t played a looping two-out single Famer,” Girardi said. ready to guarantee a re- by Brad Miller in the second in- “He’s meant a lot to this team turnC to the lineup Sunday. ning into a triple. and to this organization and to Girardi replaced the 39-year- Two pitches later, Evan Longo- the game of baseball. And he’s old right fi elder in the bottom of ria’s two-run homer made it 5-0. meant so much to the game of the sixth inning of Saturday’s 9-5 Beltran wasn’t celebrating hit baseball because of his willing- loss to the Rays, saying the area No. 2,500, though he acknowl- ness to give back to communities in the shoulder below his right edged the achievement. and to young players and what he scapula “knotted up.” “It means a lot, it’s a great ac- does in Puerto Rico.” “We’ll see where he’s at,” Gir- complishment,” said Beltran, ardi said of Beltran’s availability who joined Alex Rodriguez, RESULTS for Sunday, a day the manager Barry Bonds and Willie Mays as Toronto 10 Boston 9 originally had planned to use him the only players in baseball his- Kansas City 8 White Sox 7 as the designated hitter after two tory with 2,500 hits, 400 hom- Chicago Cubs 4 Philadelphia 1 straight days in the fi eld. Beltran ers, 300 stolen bases and 1,000 Oakland 12 Detroit 3 said he felt the discomfort before walks. “But right now we’re try- Cleveland 11 Baltimore 4 his third at-bat, which occurred ing to win ballgames. That’s the Cincinnati 7 Milwaukee 6 in the sixth inning. main focus. I thank God that He’s Atlanta 7 Miami 2 “It was tight but nothing ma- allowed me to play this game for Tampa Bay 9 NY Yankees 5 jor,” he said. “I’m going to come a long time and I have been able San Francisco 10 Colorado 5 in (Sunday), and if it feels sore, to accomplish some good things, LA Dodgers 9 NY Mets 1 New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rod- I’ll continue to get treatment but it would have been greater if Texas 5 Pittsburgh 2 riguez (R) is congratulated by right fi elder Carlos and then I’ll be ready go... One of we won this one.” St. Louis 9 Washington 4 Beltran at home plate aft er he hit a 2-run home those things when you play base- Beltran, who has hit eight Houston 4 LA Angels 2 run against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana ball, things like that are going to homers in 69 at-bats in his last Minnesota 6 Seattle 5 Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports happen.” 19 games since May 9 – the most Arizona 8 San Diego 7 Gulf Times Monday, May 30, 2016 9 SPORT

FORMULA ONE Hamilton ends his wait for win aft er Ricciardo pit stop bungle ‘A big thank you to the team. I’m kind of lost for words. I prayed for a day like this and it came through so I feel blessed’

AFP tyres, at that stage, before another VSC Monaco period when, after Magnussen hit the barriers at Mirabeau, Max Verstappen crashed heavily at Massenet. orld champion Lewis On resumption, Ricciardo attacked, Hamilton ended his six- and failed to pass Hamilton, who months wait for a win ‘closed the door’ at Tabac. His hand yesterday when he se- gestures - and some profanities - con- Wcured an unexpected and skilful vic- fi rmed his frustration and anger. tory for Mercedes in an incident-fi lled A stewards inquiry resulted in ‘no Monaco Grand Prix. further action’ as the pair diced for the Taking full advantage of a bungled lead before another VSC pause when pit stop for his nearest rival, Australian the squabbling Saubers, ignoring team Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull, Hamil- orders, collided at Rascasse. Having led ton drove supremely in mixed condi- only one lap this year, prior to the Mo- tions to seize his fi rst triumph in nine naco race, Hamilton revelled in dem- races since clinching his third title at onstrating his mastery at the front, the 2015 United States Grand Prix last defending his position with aplomb to October. Ricciardo’s frustration. Ricciardo, who started from his Result maiden pole position, led until he pit- Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Mercedes ted for slick tyres – that were not ready 1:59:29.133 for him – after 32 laps and fi nally came Daniel Ricciardo (Australia) Red Bull- home second, 7.2 seconds behind the TAG Heuer +00:07.252 three-time champion. Sergio Perez (Mexico) Force India “It was Hamilton’s second win on 00:13.825 the famous Mediterranean street cir- Sebastian Vettel (Germany) Ferrari cuit, his fi rst this season and the 44th 00:15.846 of his career. It also repeated his 2008 Fernando Alonso (Spain) McLaren triumph when he started third and won 01:25.076 in wet conditions. Nico Huelkenberg (Germany) Force Mexican Sergio Perez fi nished third, India 01:32.999 6.5 seconds behind a disconsolate Ric- Nico Rosberg (Germany) Mercedes ciardo, but ahead of four-time cham- 01:33.290 pion Sebastian Vettel of Germany (Fer- Carlos Sainz Jr (Spain) Toro Rosso- rari) and two-time champion Fernando Ferrari 1 lap Alonso of Spain, who fi nished a superb Jenson Button (Britain) McLaren fi fth for McLaren on the 50th anniver- 1 lap sary of their Formula One debut race Felipe Massa (Brazil) Williams 1 lap in 1966. Hamilton’s win kept alive his Valtteri Bottas (Finland) Williams 1 lap title defence and, with Rosberg off the Esteban Gutierrez (Mexico) Haas 1 lap podium, trimmed the leader’s advan- Romain Grosjean (France) Haas 2 laps tage to 24 points, less than a single vic- Pascal Wehrlein (Germany) Manor 2 tory, in the title race. laps “Thank God that today went as I’d Rio Haryanto (Indonesia) Manor 4 hoped,” said Hamilton, who sopped to laps r. give Justin Bieber a swig of his cham- Marcus Ericsson (Sweden) Sauber - pagne in the podium celebrations. Ferrari 26 laps r. “A big thank you to the team. I’m Felipe Nasr (Brazil) Sauber-Ferrari kind of lost for words. I prayed for a Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium after winning Monaco Grand Prix yesterday. (Reuters) 29 laps r. day like this and it came through so I Max Verstappen (Netherlands) Red feel blessed. That was the longest run wet tyres. This negated any advantage slid into the barriers at Ste Devote. A man, who won in the Monegasque rain ton resisted Ricciardo’s attacks as the Bull-TAG Heuer 44 laps r. after I stopped for those tyres.” that Ricciardo could have gained by Red Virtual Safety Car (VSC) was deployed in 2008, had 13 seconds to make up. circuit dried and he extended his lead Kevin Magnussen (Denmark) Renault A furious Ricciardo struggled to Bull’s choice of ‘super-soft’ tyres for until lap 11 when racing resumed and After 20 laps, Ricciardo was 12.8 over Rosberg in third. Hamilton fi nally 45 laps r. control his feelings and his language. fi nal qualifying on Saturday. Finally, on Kimi Raikkonen promptly crashed his seconds ahead. Rosberg pitted for ‘in- pitted after 31 laps for a set of ‘ultra- Daniil Kvyat (Russia) Toro Rosso-Ferra- “I don’t even want to comment on lap seven, the Safety Car came in and Ferrari at Loews, almost collecting Ro- termediates’ and dropped to fi fth. softs’, followed by Rosberg and Vettel, ri 58 laps r. the race,” he said. “Two weekends in a the contest began in earnest. main Grosjean with him. Ricciardo pitted – in 3.6 seconds – the Ferrari man advancing by emerg- Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) Ferrari row now, I’ve been screwed. It sucks. It Almost immediately, Kevin Mag- On lap 16, Hamilton fi nally passed after 23 laps, handing the lead to Ham- ing fi rst. Ricciardo stayed out for a lap 67 laps r. hurts.” nussen pitted for intermediate tyres Rosberg on the run uphill from Ste ilton who unexpectedly stayed out. before following suit to fi nd his crew Jolyon Palmer (Britain) Renault On a grim afternoon of torrential rain and his Renault team-mate Briton Devote - the German appearing to This meant the defending champion running around for a set of ‘super soft’ 72 laps in the Principality, the race started – Jolyon Palmer wrecked the front of his succumb to team orders – and swiftly was the only driver in the top 12 on wet tyres. As he rejoined, Hamilton swept (rank: r = retired, nc = not classified) for the fi rst time – behind a Safety Car car on his way down the straight as he began his pursuit of Ricciardo. The pair tyres as the sun broke through. into the lead. The Australian was more Fastest Lap: Lewis Hamilton,1:17.939, with the entire fi eld running on full- lost grip on a pedestrian crossing and traded fastest laps, but the English- Planning a switch to slicks, Hamil- confi dent than Hamilton on his slick lap 71.

CYCLING Nibali clinches dramatic 99th Giro d’Italia

AFP Nibali, known as ‘Lo Squalo’ (The Shark), Turin seized on the setback and rose up from the Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali celebrates with the depths to grab the race by the scruff of the trophy on the podium aft er winning the neck. 99th Giro d’Italia, Tour of Italy, aft er the 21th stana’s Vincenzo Nibali secured his With an overnight defi cit of nearly fi ve min- stage from Cuneo to Turin yesterday. (AFP) second Giro d’Italia triumph yesterday utes, Nibali raced to the stage win in Risoul, after topping a dramatic 99th edition where he won a stage on his way to Tour de that saw key rival Steven Kruijswijk France glory in 2014, to leave Kruijswijk blood- agonisinglyA crash during the fi nal stages. ied, battered and virtually out of contention at Germany’s Nikias Arndt, of the Giant team, over 20secs behind him. celebrated winning the fi nal stage into Turin It left Chaves with the pink jersey, but Ni- although it came only after Giacomo Nizzolo, bali was only 44sec behind and put his team of the Trek team, was stripped of the victory to work on the fi nal day in the mountains on by race judges who ruled the Italian had ham- Saturday. pered other riders by deviating from his sprint He fi nished sixth on the fi nal stage in the line. mountains, but far enough ahead of a tiring Nibali, who won the race for the fi rst time in Chaves to seize the race lead, and the pink jer- 2013, becomes the 69th Italian in 99 editions to sey, on Saturday night. win the race for the pink jersey and celebrated Yesterday’s fi nal stage – a 134 km ride from by riding into Turin on a metallic-pink bike sur- Cuneo – was set aside for a sprint fi nish on the rounded by his Astana teammates. damp roads of Turin. But, in keeping with the “It’s an amazing feeling to ride into Turin drama of the past few days, it fi nished in con- with all my teammaes like this,” said Nibali. troversy. In his desperation for a maiden Giro “It’s really indescribable.” stage win, Nizzolo deviated from his line as he Nibali fi nished the race with a 52sec lead on began his fi nal dash on a damp, uphill section Colombian Esteban Chaves (Orica), with Span- of road leading to the fi nish. His questionable ish veteran Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) com- manoeuvre – sprinters are supposed to keep pleting the podium at 1min 17sec behind on his their line – ended the hopes of Sacha Modolo maiden participation at 36 years old. as the Lampre rider fought to get up inside the “It’s a great race, and the public were bril- barriers, and his angry hand gesture was testa- liant,” said Valverde, who won the Tour of ment to his frustration. Spain in 2009 but failed several times to win Final classification the Tour de France. 1. Vincenzo Nibali (Italy/Astana) 86:32:49” “To fi nish on the podium for my fi rst par- 2. Esteban Chaves (Colombia/ Orica) +52” ticipation is a huge honour for me.” 3. Alejandro Valverde (Spain/ Movistar) +1:17” Kruijswijk, for whom this edition is likely 4. Steven Kruijswijk (Netherlands/LottoNL) to be unforgettable, fi nished in fourth place +1:50” overall and has plenty of reason for regret. He 5. Rafal Majka (Poland/Tinkoff ) +4:37” Protest as Tour of Belgium riders demand better safety held a huge lead of 4min 43sec on Nibali going 6. Bob Jungels (Luxembourg/ Etixx-Quick- Tour of Belgium riders staged a races,” read a statement from the Saturday. His team have since quit races” and that they would “be look- into the fi nal mountain stages on Friday and Step) +8:31” protest ahead of the fourth stage riders’ association (CPA). “CPA the race. In March, Belgian rider ing very closely at what happened... Saturday and was on course to make history by 7. Rigoberto Uran (Colombia/ Cannondale) yesterday, asking for better safety and AIGCP (group of professional Antoine Demoitie died after being to determine whether those rules becoming the fi rst Dutchman to win the race’s +11:47” conditions after Belgian Stig Br- teams) demand that new meas- hit by a motorbike during the were respected.” fabled pink jersey. 8. Andrey Amador (Costa Rica/Movistar) oeckx went into a coma following a ures... are implemented faster.” Gent-Wevelgem one-day race. The Leading German rider Tony Martin But when the Lotto team leader crashed +13:21” crash caused by motorbikes. Broeckx, who competes for the International Cycling Union (UCI) said: “What we need now is a round into a snowbank on the descent of the Col 9. Darwin Atapuma (Colombia/BMC Racing) “The riders started the stage after Lotto-Soudal outfit, is in a coma ruling body said it had “recently in- table with UCI, race organisers and d’Agnello – whose summit sits on the French/ +14:09” a few minutes’ delay to show their after two race motorbikes caused troduced strict new rules governing riders to force changes and decide Italian border – on Friday, it was enough to 10. Kanstantsin Siutsou (Belarus/Dimension pre-occupation over safety in an accident on the third stage on the conduct of motorcycle riders in one safety standard for every race.” awaken Nibali from his slumber. Data) +16:20” Gulf Times 10 Monday, May 30, 2016 TENNIS

CHANGE DIARY Djoko admits McEnroe’s vision it’s a strange can help Raonic to French Open DPA Djokovic called playing on clay Paris without nine-time winner Nadal in the mix as “sad”. “But we keep on going. I’m ovak Djokovic admits still in and I’m just hoping it’s there is a strange aura going to go well for me.” see the light on grass enveloping this year’s French Open, with his UNCLE TONI CALLS NADAL Nrivals Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal PULLOUT BAD LUCK ‘I was sort of just looking for another set of eyes to be a bit more eff icient on grass’ and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga already Nadal’s French Open wrist injury out of the competition injured as withdrawal was bad luck of the the second week begins. worst sort, according to uncle Meanwhile, the top-seeded and coach Toni Nadal. Serb continues unhindered so After making a run back up the far in his quest for a fi rst-ever rankings with clay titles this sea- trophy at Roland Garros after son in Monte Carlo and Barce- reaching the fourth round. lona, the number fi ve was forced “It’s defi nitely not very com- to quit in Paris last week with a mon to have Federer and Nadal left wrist problem, cutting short not in the second week of the his quest for a record tenth title grand slam and top players get- at Roland Garros. ting injured,” the number one Nadal is now making every ef- said. “It’s not something you like fort to be ready for the start of to see as a spectator and tennis Wimbledon in a month. fan - the top players are very im- “It’s part of the sport. But this portant for the tournament.” setback has come at the worst The Serb has so far managed moment,” Toni Nadal told Sport to keep a clean slate as the inju- 360. “It’s a pity because Rafael ries and bad luck mounts around was starting to get back to a good him. level, feeling competitive. “This (injuries) happens, this “This is the most important is sport. Sometimes the intensity tournament of the year for us. of and the quantity of matches Now, the most important thing is gets you in that position to, un- for him to recuperate completely fortunately as Nadal did, to for- and when he’s back, we can get to feit from the tournament. where we are right now.” “I don’t know the nature of his As bad as the wrist problem (Nadal’s wrist) injury, but it was might be, Nadal has beaten worse sad seeing him, you know in his physical worries in his career. press conference... you could feel particularly with his knee. his pain, defi nitely. He played “We’re gonna work hard to be terrifi c the opening couple of ready for Wimbledon,” Rafael rounds here. Then something Nadal said. happened. “I need a couple of weeks with “If he retired from the tourna- the immobilisation. Then we’re ment, then something really is gonna do the treatment, and we serious; he’s one of the greatest hope the treatment works well. competitors that the game has We expect to recover quick, to be ever known.” ready for Wimbledon.”

Former US tennis player John McEnroe (second from left) attends the men’s fourth round French Open match between Canada’s Milos Raonic (below) and Spain’s Albert Ramos-Vinolas at Roland Garros in Paris yesterday. (AFP)

Reuters needs work if he is to seriously threaten Paris players such as Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray at the grasscourt grand slam. “I’m sure he’ll have some advice to ow that his claycourt season is give, and some quality advice to give,” the over, Canadian Milos Raonic 25-year-old said. is re-adjusting his sights on “I think if you see great volleyers vol- Nto Wimbledon’s lawns with ley, most of the time volleys are pretty grasscourt great John McEnroe providing easy and it’s because of positioning.” “another set of eyes”. Raonic is nothing if not thorough in his American McEnroe, who won three of approach to his profession - hence the his seven grand slam titles at Wimbledon, expansion of his coaching team. announced on Friday that he was joining “At the end of the day, every coach I the Raonic camp during the grasscourt have is to some extent an adviser,” he said. swing. “I’m the CEO of the Milos Raonic Tennis. Raonic said it was a ‘great honour’ to That’s it. I take everybody’s consultations have McEnroe in his corner and explained very personally. I know everybody I have how the collaboration would work after a around me wants to help me to the full- disappointing fourth-round loss to un- est. seeded Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas “I’m going to try to do everything I can at Roland Garros yesterday. to sort of maximise giving myself the op- “I was sort of just looking for another portunity to achieve my goals.” set of eyes to be a bit more effi cient on work and really put some attention to that McEnroe, Wimbledon champion in McEnroe’s know-how of grasscourt grass,” Raonic, who is coached by Ric- and just fi nd that groove, that effi ciency.” 1981, 1983 and 1984, was one of the tennis will be invaluable but Raonic said cardo Piatti and also has former French Raonic reached the Wimbledon semi- game’s most instinctive volleyers, gliding the 57-year-old American had much Open champion Carlos Moya as part of fi nals two years ago, losing to Roger Fed- stealthily towards the net to catch oppo- more to off er. his team, told a news conference. erer and, with a powerful serve and dam- nents off guard. “It’s not a focus for just Wimbledon. France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (left) shakes hands with Serbia’s Novak “There is going to be the three weeks aging forehand, he will arrive in London While Raonic has made strides in im- It’s John coming along to help me im- Djokovic after their training session in Paris on Saturday. Tsonga leading to Wimbledon that we are going to this year as a player to watch. proving his forecourt play, he knows it still prove in general,” he said. retired from his third round match against Ernests Gulbis. (AFP)

SPOTLIGHT Delgado open to coaching Murray on full-time basis

By Kevin Mitchell fill those shoes? “If he asked me to do in the fourth round yesterday, and it is four-time Wimbledon semi-fi nalist. The Guardian it, I would be more than willing – of a considerable one, as the American He turned professional at 18 and re- course I would. It’s not something has been hitting the ball with serious tired at 37 after playing in his 23rd con- I’ve talked that much to him about. intent all week. He overtook Ivo Kar- secutive Wimbledon tournament, jun- amie Delgado is so deeply sewn It’s his decision at the end of the lovic at the top of the tournament aces ior and senior. It is as if he has always into the fabric of British tennis day. But, yes, if he was to say: ‘Jamie board on 92 after sticking 34 past the been there, not a star but a reliable and he can remember playing a teen- do you want to do it full on?’ yes of Russian Teymuraz Gabashvili on Friday steady presence. aged Andy Murray in Scotland. course I would. and, although he has reached only one If Murray were to abandon thoughts JNow, at 39, he would gladly take on “Amelie obviously did it for however major quarter-fi nal, he is talking up his of reuniting with Lendl, Delgado might the full-time job of guiding the rest of long it was and I just joined as a trial at chances. be perfectly placed to replace Maures- the Scot’s sometimes turbulent, never the end of Australia. The only time I Delgado, an astute doubles player in mo – especially if the world No2 were dull career – if he were asked to do so. saw her was in Miami. The only work his day and renowned as a solid strat- to go all the way here. “I have always had a good relation- I’ve done with him really has been on egist, had feared Murray might strug- Isner thinks Murray got “just what ship with him,” Delgado said during a my own since Australia. It’s just been gle against Radek Stepanek in the fi rst the doctor ordered” in his match rain-break at Roland Garros on Satur- one week when she was around and I round, as he did, and he is wary of Isner against Karlovic after two draining day afternoon. “I can’t remember [ex- was around. I got on really well with too. He predicted there was even better fi ve-setters. actly] when I fi rst saw him. He was 15 Amelie and it was great. But, in terms of tennis to come from Murray at 29. “Yes, “He’s so unbelievably fi t, and then he or 16 years old. I really liked the way he my professional job, it’s not really been there are improvements [to be made] didn’t have such a physical match [on played then and I always looked out for any diff erent.” in his game, for sure. We are trying to Friday]. Playing Ivo, the points were a his results since then.” What did he make of Murray’s recent work on those. lot shorter and it went three sets. He’s Murray still kids him about their only statements that he would take Lendl “I don’t see him as a player who has going to be 100% on Sunday. I an- competitive match, though. “Yeah, I back if the terms were mutually agree- got everything and there’s nothing to ticipate myself being 100%, as well. I lost,” Delgado says. “He’s always go- able? “If he believes that there is some- do. There are things in his game that would imagine he’s defi nitely feeling ing on about that. I told him it was the one who can help him, then I will sup- could be better and he’s trying to be the more confi dent now; he played a great worst result of my playing career. It was port him. If he thinks he really needs it, best as well – trying to beat [Novak] match.” a Futures in Scotland.” if someone came in, I would work with Djokovic more often is one thing obvi- As for his own win over Gabash- Murray famously paved the way in that person. Even if someone came in, ously.” vili, which included the obligatory Is- coaching philosophy by first employ- I would probably be doing most of the Delgado, born in Birmingham, ner tie-break, the Marathon Man said, ing a former great in Ivan Lendl and job anyway.” brought up in Tenerife and the UK, “Wasn’t too long [three hours seven then a former women’s No 1 in Ame- Their immediate task was to negoti- was a school friend of Tim Henman minutes]. Obviously I have been out Andy Murray (left) celebrates his Italian Open victory with Jamie Delgado in Rome lie Mauresmo. Would Delgado like to ate the 6ft 10in challenge of John Isner but never shared the limelight with the there a lot longer than fi ve sets.” earlier this month. (Twitter/DelgadoJamie) Gulf Times Monday, May 30, 2016 11 SPORT

TENNIS / FRENCH OPEN FOCUS Muguruza Murray, Wawrinka faces Rogers in last eight

AFP just the ninth woman outside of edge closer to the top 100 to make the last eight Paris in Paris since 1983. It will be her fi rst appearance arbine Muguruza of in a Grand Slam quarter-fi nal. Spain blazed into the “It’s incredible and I’m really French Open quarter- happy that it didn’t start rain- fi nals for the third ing,” said Rogers who broke down semi-fi nal duel Gstraight year on yesterday, de- in tears after the match and had feating former champion Svet- to borrow a handkerchief from lana Kuznetsova 6-3, 6-4. television interviewer Marion ‘It was far from easy with tough conditions, but I am happy to have come through’ The 22-year-old Venezuelan- Bartoli, the former Wimbledon born fourth seed will next play champion. “I always dreamed AFP world number 108 Shelby Rogers of this when I was a little girl Paris of the United States who defeat- in Charleston but never really Hingis-Mirza ed Irina-Camelia Begu of Roma- thought I would reach the quar- nia by the same score 6-3, 6-4. ter-fi nals in Paris.” orld number two Andy lose chance to “At the end it is always very Rogers has now beaten three Murray and defending tough. She is a player with a lot seeds in her run at Roland Garros champion Stan Wawrinka complete of experience and I just had to be having seen off 17th seed Karo- Wedged closer to a French there,” said Muguruza of her win lina Pliskova in the fi rst round Open semi-fi nal duel when they reached ‘Santina Slam’ over Kuznetsova. and 10th seed Petra Kvitova in the last-eight yesterday. “Quarter-fi nals is a great run the last 32. Murray made the quarter-fi nals for the Reuters and I am looking forward to im- sixth time with a 7-6 (9), 6-4, 6-3 win Paris proving my result here.” FORMER RUNNER-UPS over John Isner of the United States. Muguruza is seen as one of the In yesterday’s other fourth round The 29-year-old, a three-time semi- new stars of the women’s game ties, sixth seed Simona Halep of fi nalist, will face Richard Gasquet, the artina Hingis and Sania after a breakthrough season in Romania takes on 32-year-old last French player standing, in the last- Mirza lost their cool as 2015 when she was runner-up to Australian Samantha Stosur in a eight. Gasquet reached the French Open Mtheir hopes of holding all Serena Williams at Wimbledon clash of two former runners-up quarter-fi nals for the fi rst time with a four grand slam titles were dashed and made the semis at the WTA Stosur lost to Francesca Schi- 6-4, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 win over fi fth seed Kei following a 6-3 6-2 defeat by Czech Finals. avone in the 2010 fi nal and Ha- Nishikori of Japan. duo Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina But in 30-year-old Kuznetso- lep lost to Maria Sharapova two Wawrinka, the third seed, saw off Ser- Siniakova in the third round of the va she was up against one of the years ago. bia’s Viktor Troicki 7-6 (5), 6-7 (7), 6-3, French Open yesterday. wiliest and experienced players They have played each other 6-2 for his 11th straight win in the year’s The Indo-Swiss team dubbed “San- on the women’s circuit with two seven times with Halep 4-3 ahead second Grand Slam. tina” were hoping to win four majors Grand Slam titles to her name — having won their last four encoun- He will next face a Spanish left-hander in a row after following up last year’s the 2004 US Open and the 2009 ters, the last of which was a 6-2, who isn’t named. Rafael Nadal after un- Wimbledon and US Open triumphs French Open. 6-0 pounding in the Madrid Open heralded Albert Ramos-Vinolas reached with victory in January’s Australian Both players had early break semi-fi nals earlier this month. his fi rst Grand Slam last-eight with a 6-2, Open. points on a sparsely-fi lled Polish second seed Agnieszka 6-4, 6-4 defeat of Canadian eighth seed But the top seeds appeared all at sea Philippe Chatrier centre court in Radwanska, meanwhile, takes on Milos Raonic. on a gloomy day at Roland Garros a match of high quality. 2010 Wimbledon semi-fi nalist Murray will be playing in his 20th and their bid to complete the ‘San- And it was the Spaniard who Tsvetana Pironkova, the world quarter-fi nal at the last 21 majors af- tina Slam’ ended after the Czechs struck fi rst in the eighth game number 102 from Bulgaria. ter braving an Isner storm in the fi rst set blasted a service return winner to powering in a fi ne backhand re- Radwanska has a 9-2 career where he faced down three set points in break Hingis in the final game. turn past the Russian to move 5-3 stranglehold on the 28-year- the tie-breaker. Hingis and Mirza were left fuming at up. old who has reached the fourth “It was a very important tie-break to the umpire after a call went against She then served out comfort- round in Paris for the fi rst time. win. I got lucky on his fi rst set point when them as they trailed 4-1 in the second ably for the set in 46 minutes. But Pironkova has already I guessed right on a short forehand,” said set. Mirza tossed the ball in anger but Muguruza kept up the pressure knocked out two seeds on her the Scot. the duo failed to win the argument, and broke Kuznetsova’s serve way to the last-16 — Sara Errani Isner was bidding to become the fi rst or the match, leaving Krejcikova and twice at the start of the second and Sloane Stephens. American man in the last-eight in Paris Siniakova to celebrate a memorable set, although she dropped her Radwanska, a Wimbledon fi - since Andre Agassi in 2003. victory. own in between. nalist in 2012, is seeking to reach Having not allowed Murray a single It proved to be a bad day for the The Russian pulled back to the last eight at Roland Garros break point, the 31-year-old squandered big names in doubles as Venus and level at 4-4, but it was Muguruza for just the second time. the three set points before the British star Serena Williams, who were the last who rose to the occasion taking The biggest win of her career pounced to pocket the opener. women’s team to hold all four majors the next two games and clinching came in Singapore late last year Rain forced the pair off Suzanne Len- in 2010, also perished in the third the win on her fi fth match point. when she won the season-end- glen court for an hour with Murray 2-1 round, beaten 6-3 6-3 by the Dutch- Semi-fi nal opponent Rogers is ing WTA Finals. ahead in the second set before Isner was Swedish pairing of Kiki Bertens and broken for the fi rst time in the 10th game. Johanna Larsson. Murray broke for 3-1 in the third be- fore Isner clung on saving two more break points in the sixth game. But the world number two wrapped up victory — and his sixth win in six clashes with the big American — with his ninth ace of the tie. Isner, meanwhile, was undone by Mur- ray’s superior returning which contrib- uted to his 57 unforced errors. Wawrinka continued his dominance Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland in action against Serbia’s Viktor Troicki during their over Troicki with a fi fth win in fi ve meet- French Open match at Roland Garros in Paris yesterday. (Reuters) Results ings as the Serb’s challenge fi zzled out following a right thigh injury at 4-1 down country’s ninth best player, ensured a left- he won just two games. MEN (ROUND 4): Albert Ramos- in the third set. hander from Spain would be in the last- “Wawrinka is the titleholder. He’s Vinolas (ESP) bt 8-Milos Raonic “It was far from easy with tough con- eight after the injury-enforced withdrawal hugely powerful. Last week I played him, (CAN) 6-2, 6-4, 6-4; 3-Stan Wawrinka ditions — heavy and cold, but I am happy of nine-time champion Nadal. and he won very easily,” said Ramos- (SUI) bt 22-Viktor Troicki (SRB) 7-6 to have come through it,” 31-year-old “I had lost four times in a row here so Vinolas whose only other previous win (5), 6-7 (7), 6-3, 6-2; 2-Andy Murray Wawrinka said. “It was a big battle, but I I am very happy,” said the shock winner over a top 10 player was against Roger Fe- (GBR) bt 15-John Isner (USA) 7-6 (9), was able to stay calm and win this match.” who had also won just four matches in his derer in Shanghai in 2015. 6-4, 6-3; 9-Richard Gasquet (FRA) bt Ramos-Vinolas, 28, had never got be- entire career at the majors before coming “He didn’t leave any opportunity for 5-Kei Nishikori (JPN) 6-4, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 yond the second round of any major before to Paris. me to play my tennis. But this is another this Roland Garros and had failed to win a “I played a great match. I think the tournament.” WOMEN (ROUND 4): 4-Garbine Mu- match at the tournament since 2011. cloudy conditions helped me as they Raonic had been bothered by a left hip guruza (ESP) bt 13-Svetlana Kuznet- made the court slower.” injury in the last round and the 25-year- sova (RUS) 6-3, 6-4; Shelby Rogers Spain’s Garbine Muguruza returns the ball to Svetlana Kuznetsova CLOUDY CONDITIONS He trails Wawrinka 6-0 in career meet- old was obviously under-powered on (USA) bt 25-Irina Begu (ROM) 6-3, 6-4 of Russia during their women’s fourth round French Open match at But the world number 55, who is only his ings including last week in Geneva where Court Suzanne Lenglen. Roland Garros in Paris yesterday. (AFP)

BOTTOMLINE Qatar vs Albania friendly ADLQ symposium, WADA meeting in Doha this week By Sports Reporter Doha

nti-Doping Lab Qa- tar (ADLQ) will be organising its sixth an- Anual symposium under the patronage of Qatar Olympic Committee president HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani at Doha Marriott Hotel from May 31-June 1. The symposium will be held right after WADA 13th Asia/ Oceania Intergovernmental challenges they face. crease in interest and popularity Ministerial Meeting on Anti- The two-day symposium, from around the world. Doping in Sport. The meeting which has been titled Anti-Dop- WADA director general Davis will take place today at the same ing in Humans and Animals: Par- Howman is among the many venue and will be attended by allels and Divergences, will have guests expected to participate in senior WADA officials and a participation of many experts the symposium, in addition to number of ministers of Sport from the fi eld of anti-doping and scientists and doctors from both and Youth from 34 countries veterinary medicine. Qatar and abroad. of the region. The meeting dis- The annual symposium will ADLQ is one of the few labora- Action from the friendly match between Qatar (in white) and Albania (in black and grey) in Hartberg, Austria, yesterday. Albania won cusses the countries’ efforts discuss many topics related to tories that will be analysing dop- the match 3-1. Abdelkarim Hassan gave David Carreno’s side a 1-0 lead in the first minute itself, but the Albanians had Arlind Ajeti, Ermir and strategies in fighting dop- the theme, especially camel and ing samples from animals as well Lenjani and Armando Sadiku to thank for their win. PICTURE: Fadi al-Assaad ing in sport in addition to the horse-racing, which has seen in- in the near future.

Monday, May 30, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS ENG VS SL, DAY 3, 2ND TEST Mathews leads Warner’s Hyderabad Sri Lanka’s fi ght edge out Bangalore for self-respect by 8 runs for IPL title Half-centuries by Gayle and Kohli in vain as Bangalore fall short of 209-run target

Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews (right) in action against England on Day Three of the second Test in Chester-le-Street yesterday. (Reuters)

AFP Chester-le-Street, United Kingdom

ri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews led from the front in the second Test at the Riverside yesterday asS his side avoided the embar- rassment of another defeat by England inside three days. But despite Mathews’s 80 as Sri Lanka followed on, England were eyeing a series-clinching win. At the close of the third day, Sri Lanka were 309 for fi ve — still 88 runs behind England’s fi rst innings 498 for nine declared, which featured Moeen Ali’s Test- best 155 not out. Mathews’s fourth-wicket second-innings stand of 82 — Sri Lanka’s fi rst fi fty partnership of the series — with opener Kaushal Silva (60) kept England at bay for much of yesterday’s play. James Anderson celebrates the Dinesh Chandimal (54 not out) wicket of Sri Lanka’s Angelo and Milinda Siriwardana (35 not Mathews yesterday. (Reuters) out) built on that platform with an unbroken partnership of 87 keeper Jonny Bairstow to miss that took Sri Lanka to stumps. the stumping chance. Sunrisers Hyderabad captain David Warner (centre) celebrates his team’s victory in the Indian Premier League final against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Bangalore yesterday. (AFP) If nothing else, Sri Lanka had Mathews went on to complete at least stopped the rot after be- a 63-ball fi fty, featuring 30 runs AFP low Aussie Cutting fi nished it off with an Veteran India batsman Yuvraj Singh Gayle, who smoked four fours and eight coming the fi rst side since New in boundaries. Bangalore unbeaten 39 off 15 deliveries. took over from where Warner left, sixes during his 38-ball stay at the crease. Zealand in England back in 1958 Finn ended an entertaining The left-handed Warner (69), who ac- smacking 38 runs off 23 balls to keep the Kohli (54), who registered 973 runs this to be bowled out for under 120 in stand, however, when his bounc- cumulated 848 runs in 17 matches, gave momentum going. season including four centuries and sev- three successive Test innings fol- er surprised Silva, whose skyed kipper David Warner’s sparkling the team a rollicking 63-run start with The Bangalore bowlers kept coming en fi fties, was the next to go, hitting fi ve lowing their 101 fi rst time around pull into Bairstow’s gloves ended half century helped Sunrisers Hy- opener Shikhar Dhawan (28). back to get wickets in between but could fours and two sixes in his 35-ball knock. in this match. nearly four hours of resistance. derabad survive a punishing blitz Warner smashed the ball to all parts never arrest the fl ow of runs. Star batsman AB de Villiers soon fol- Sri Lanka totalled just 91 and The umpires checked for a by Chris Gayle to edge out Royal of the ground and took a special liking to The last fi ve overs saw the back of four lowed Kohli into the dug-out, giving the 119 during a crushing innings possible no-ball, but Finn had ChallengersS Bangalore by eight runs in Shane Watson whose opening over — the Hyderabad batsmen, but Cutting’s late Hyderabad bowlers a chance to get back and 88-run defeat in the fi rst of narrowly avoided over-stepping the Indian Premier League fi nal yester- fi fth of the innings — cost 18 runs. blitz allowed the side to bag 68 runs from into the game. this three-Test series at Headin- and Sri Lanka were 182 for four. day. Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who the fi nal 30 deliveries. Cutting (2-35) seized the moment to gley last week. Mathews made his Test-best Defending 208 to claim their maiden remained the team’s top wicket taker of clean up Lokesh Rahul for 11 and with Yesterday’s second innings score of 160 against England in a IPL title, Hyderabad restricted Virat the season with 21, got the fi rst break- GAYLE FORCE Shane Watson gone for the same score off saw the talented Kusal Mendis series-clinching win at Headin- Kohli’s Bangalore to 200 for seven at the through in Dhawan who mistimed a slog Chasing a record total in the fi nal, Gayle Mustafi zur Rahman, RCB started to lose make a brisk 26 before he was gley in 2014. M Chinnaswamy stadium with Gayle’s sweep to deep square leg. struck from the start, raining sixes with their way into the chase. caught behind off a James Ander- But he fell short of three fi g- 38-ball 76 in vain. Warner, whose 38-ball knock was laced medium-pacers Barinder Sran and Cut- In the end Sachin Baby tried his best to son delivery that nipped away. ures yesterday when Anderson, With 18 runs required off the fi nal over, with eight fours and three sixes, kept up ting taking a severe beating. match up the ever increasing asking rate Lahiru Thirimanne made 13 be- as he’s done so often in becoming pace spearhead Bhuvneshwar Kumar — the run rate, forcing Kohli to juggle with The burly Jamaican stole the spotlight with his 10-ball 18 not out, but RCB had fore off -spinner Ali bowled him England’s all-time leading Test the leading wicket taker of the season his bowling options. away from fellow opener and season’s top to stay content with their third runners with a classic delivery that turned wicket-taker, produced a fi ne with 23 scalps — gave away just nine as England medium-pacer Chris Jordan run getter Kohli to notch up his second up fi nish in the cash-rich league. past the left-hander’s outside leg-cutter that squared Mathews the Hyderabad players celebrated amid (3-45) replaced left-arm spinner Iqbal fi fty of this edition in just 25 balls. edge as he pushed forward. up and took the outside edge, fi reworks. Abdullah in the 10th over to send Aus- The duo, who stitched a 114-run part- BRIEF SCORES: Sunrisers Hyderabad Silva’s leg-glance off fast with Bairstow holding a tum- Electing to bat fi rst, Hyderabad rode tralia’s Moises Henriques trudging back nership, took away 21 runs from a Moises 208 for 7 in 20 overs (David Warner bowler Steven Finn, his sixth bling catch. on entertaining knocks from Australia’s to the dug out. Henriques’ over as Bangalore brought up 69; Chris Jordan 3-45, Sreenath Aravind boundary, saw him to a 111-ball Sri Lanka were now 222 for Warner and Ben Cutting to post a mam- Aravind got the prized scalp of Warner, their hundred in just nine overs to enthral (2-30) beat Royal Challengers Banga- fi fty. fi ve, with more than 19 overs left moth 208 for seven in 20 overs. who threw away his wicket while try- the raucous crowd. lore 200 for 7 in 20 overs (Chris Gayle before stumps. If Warner laid a solid foundation with ing to slash at a widish delivery and got Cutting gave Hyderabad their fi rst 76, Virat Kohli 54; Ben Cuttin 2-35) by FINN STRIKES But with the ground now his ninth fi fty of this IPL season then fel- caught at short third man. breakthrough to send back the dangerous eight runs Mathews then clipped Stuart bathed in sunshine, conditions Broad through mid-wicket for for batting had improved greatly. four and cut him to the point England had four overs with BOTTOMLINE rope, before his slogged six off Ali the new ball prior to the close, Aspire Academy and brought up Sri Lanka’s 150. but Chandimal responded by Ali beat the advancing Math- cover-driving Broad for his fi fth Hanzab joins CSI advisory committee QFF sign agreement ews, then on 36, only for wicket- four to complete a 95-ball fi fty. The Aspire Academy signed a coop- Scorecard QNA eration agreement with the Qatar Rome Fencing Federation (QFF) yesterday aimed at spreading interest in the England 1st Inns 498-9 dec Bowling: Anderson 12.3-2-36-3; game in Qatar and bringing up a new Sri Lanka 1st Inns (o/n: 91-8) Broad 13-2-40-4 (1nb); Woakes nternational Centre for Sport Se- generation of global players who D. Karunaratne b Anderson 9 7-4-9-3; Finn 7-3-15-0; Ali 4-4- curity (ICSS) president Mohamed will be able to compete across all the K. Silva c Bairstow b Broad 13 0-0 Hanzab was selected as a mem- GCC, Arab and Asian competitions K. Mendis c Anderson b Woakes ber to a new advisory committee ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. 35 Sri Lanka 2nd Innings (f/o) Iformed by the Italian Sports Center The agreement was signed by Aspire D. Chandimal c Cook b Anderson D. Karunaratne c Root b Woakes (CSI) to formulate and follow up the Academy director general Ivan Bravo 4 26 implementation of international ini- and QFF president Saleh al-Hamidi. A. Mathews c Bairstow b Woakes K. Silva c Bairstow b Finn 60 tiatives in the fi eld of sports and com- Under the agreement, the Aspire 3K. Mendis c Bairstow b Anderson munity. Academy will prepare and develop L. Thirimanne c Compton b 26 The selection of Hanzab came during players at both academic and techni- Anderson 19 L. Thirimanne b Ali 13 an expanded meeting held at the Italian cal levels within the National Fencing M. Siriwardana c Bairstow b A. Mathews c Bairstow b Ander- National Olympic Committee (Coni) in Programme, which is divided into Woakes 0 son 80 Rome. three stages: exploring Qatari talent, R. Herath c Anderson b Broad 12 D. Chandimal not out 54 The CSI advisory committee for sponsoring them and supporting S. Eranga c Root b Broad 2 M. Siriwardana not out 35 international initiatives includes 17 players during the competitions to S. Lakmal c Bairstow b Broad 0 Extras (lb9, w1, nb5) 15 prominent Italian personalities in the which they said will boost the CSI initi- lems, and making sports a means to achieve global levels. For its part, N. Pradeep not out 2 Total (5 wkts, 84 overs) 309 fi elds of sports, politics, culture and atives that aim at using sport as a means change the world and create a better QFF will be responsible for organis- Extras (lb1, nb1) 2 FoW: 1-38 (Karunaratne), 2-79 media, among them: Italian National to help people in need. The fi rst initia- future. ing players’ participation in all local, Total (all out, 43.3 overs) 101 (Mendis), 3-100 (Thirimanne), Olympic Committee president Giovan- tive will be the organisation of an inter- Hanzab expressed his pride to be regional and global events. FoW: 1-10 (Karunaratne), 2-44 4-182 (Silva), 5-222 (Mathews) ni Malago, European Parliament mem- national campaign for the volunteers selected as a member of the advisory Aspire Academy was founded in (Silva), 3-53 (Chandimal), 4-58 Bowling: Anderson 16-3-40-2; ber Silvia Costa, and Italian business during the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in committee which includes prominent 2004 with a goal to find and develop (Mathews), 5-67 (Mendis), 6-67 Broad 17-5-47-0 (2nb); Woakes tycoon and FC Internazionale Milano collaboration with the ‘Save the Dream’ fi gures from all areas of the Italian soci- the best young male Qatari athletes, (Siriwardana), 7-88 (Herath), 15-7-51-1 (1w); Finn 16-0-55-1 honorary president Massimo Moratti. programme. ety and works for a noble humanitarian whilst also providing them with high 8-90 (Eranga), 9-93 (Lakmal), (1nb); Ali 17-2-94-1 (2nb); Vince Italian newspapers highlighted the Hanzab is known for his call for uni- goals through sport under the umbrella quality secondary school education. 10-101 (Thirimanne) 1-1-0-0; Root 2-0-13-0 formation of the advisory committee, fying global eff orts to address prob- of the Italian Sports Council.