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Friday, January 15, 2016 TENNIS Rabia II 5, 1437 AH Azarenka back in GULF TIMES Open frame aft er two troubled years SPORT Page 10 AFC U-23 CHAMPIONSHIP Qatar face Iran in bid for second successive victory ‘We all knew after the first game we would not have qualified or be out, but we were aware we needed three points’

AFC Doha Today’s matches

GROUP A li Asad is pushing for a place 4:30 pm: China vs Syria at Abdullah in the Qatar side as the AFC Bin Khalifa Stadium U-23 Championship hosts 7:30 pm: Iran vs Qatar at Jassim Bin prepare to take on fellow Hamad Stadium Aopening day winners Iran in Group A today. China had stunned hosts Qatar we both lost our fi rst match, we must in Tuesday’s tournament opener after try our best.” taking a half-time lead at Abdullah Bin Syria coach Muhannad al-Fakeer Khalifa Stadium. was left frustrated by his side’s per- But after Asad was introduced at formance in their loss against Iran and half-time, Abdelkarim scored he vowed his team will fi ght until they twice while substitute Ahmed Alaa no longer have a chance to progress. sealed the 3-1 win in the fi nal 10 min- “We must solve the problems of our utes for Felix Sanchez’s side. “We all team, especially in the defensive line, knew after the fi rst game we would not at full back,” he said. “But I think we have qualifi ed or be out, but we were have something to do. We will never aware we needed three points to have a give up. We have to look forward. We better chance to go through,” said Qa- have two matches left against China tar coach Sanchez. “We did the work and Qatar and we have to do something and have the three points and now we in these games. But the conditions and have a game against Iran which will the situation are not in our hands.” also be very tough against another team with a new profi le and strengths. I hope in the second game we are going to grow and do better.” Iran also made the ideal start to the tournament with a 2-0 win over Syria on Tuesday as striker Arsalan Motah- hari opened the scoring before creat- ing the chance for team-mate Mehrdad Qatar players take part in a training session Mohammadi to seal the three points. ahead of their Group A game against Iran. “Arsalan is a great player, he’s a young man who gives his 110% to the team, he always tries his best,” said Iran coach Mohammad Khakpour. “He had a great performance against Syria and you will hear more about him in the future. We are going to have two more tough games, especially against Qatar. But every game for us is a fi nal and we are looking at each game individually.” Meanwhile, China will be without Xu Xin for today’s meeting with Syria after the midfi elder was sent-off in the closing stages of Tuesday’s defeat by Qatar as both sides seek a win to give their hopes of a place in the knockout phase a boost. ‘We will look at the video of the Iran and Syria game and we will look at some technical things,” said Fu. “For the line-up for the next match, we will keep it according to the Iran and Syria match video and adjust it accordingly. “Now the situation is very hard for us and we have to win our next two games to make it from the group. Our next match is against Syria, and after Qatar’s coach Felix Sanchez

AUSTRALIA’S GALLIFUOCO OWN GOAL HANDS UAE VICTORY

Doha: Giancarlo Gallifuoco scored two chances at the end of the first sistant referee’s flag cut short any an 85th minute own goal as the half as only a late covering chal- celebrations. United Arab Emirates snatched a lenge from halted coach Aurelio Vidmar 1-0 win over Australia in Group D of a promising run from Abdalla was first to look to the substitutes the AFC U-23 Championship yester- Ghanim before Sultan Saif warmed bench with Mustafa Amini replac- day at the Grand Hamad Stadium the gloves of Australia goalkeeper ing Steven Ugarkovic in midfield in in Doha. Following a contest of few Jack Duncan with a shot from just the 64th minute before attacking chances, Gallifuoco inadvertently outside the penalty area five min- duo Ambar and Ahmed Al Hashmi Australia’s Jamie diverted the ball into his own net utes before half-time. were introduced by UAE counter- Maclaren (right) while under pressure from Abdalla The contest was far more open part Abdullah Misfir. and Ahmed Husain Ghanim after Australia had failed to at the start of the second half, and And it was Ambar who almost al-Hashmi of UAE fully clear a corner. after the UAE wasted several prom- broke the deadlock with 15 minutes vie for the ball. And after Jordan earlier recorded ising build-ups, Australia should remaining as Australia goalkeeper a 3-1 win over Vietnam, the UAE have opened the scoring two Duncan was at full stretch to push find themselves at the top of Group minutes before the hour mark only a swerving 25 yard strike from the D ahead of Sunday’s meeting be- for Connor Pain to scuff his eff ort substitute around the post. tween the pair, while Australia face across the face of goal from inside But Duncan was beaten with Vietnam. the area. five minutes remaining when, after Australia edged possession in the The UAE did manage to force Australia struggled to fully clear final third at the start of a scrappy the ball across the line as Australia a corner, Gallifuoco’s attempted contest, but the Olyroos struggled goalkeeper Duncan fumbled a clearance from inside his own six for quality at the crucial moment. header from Yousif Saeed, but yard area gave the Olyroos custo- And it was the UAE who enjoyed thankfully for the Olyroos, the as- dian little chance. Gulf Times 2 Friday, January 15, 2016 AFC U-23

SPOTLIGHT Faisal brace helps Jordan beat Vietnam in opener ‘All opening matches are going to be tough, especially when you play against an unknown team’

Vietnam’s Le Thanh Binh’s free kick is blocked by Jordan’s goalkeeper Yazeed Moien Hasan Abulaila during the AFC U-23 championship at the Qatar Sports Club yesterday. PICTURES: Nousahd Thekkayil

AFC “It took us a while to score, but in the Midway through the second half, Doha second half we were better although we though, Jordan added a second when had some mistakes in the defence but we Maanasrah was given the time and space will work on those to make sure we don’t on the Jordanian left to pick his spot, the ordan kicked off their AFC U23 have them in the next games.” full back shooting from range and scor- Championship campaign with a Neither side impressed in the open- ing via the underside of the crossbar. comfortable 3-1 win over Viet- ing 30 minutes and it was not until nine Four minutes later the points were nam at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadi- minutes before the break that the Jorda- guaranteed for the Jordanians when umJ yesterday, with Baha Faisal claiming nians fashioned out the fi rst real opening Hisam tried his luck from long range. a brace as Jamal Ahmad’s side cruised to of the game when Ehsan Haddad crossed The shot beat Minh Long before can- victory. from the left, only for Faisal to miscue noning back off the cross bar, only for Faisal opened the scoring six min- his header well wide of the target. Faisal to react quickest, netting with a utes from the end of a fi rst half in which Three minutes later, however, Jordan fi ne diving header. the Vietnamese frustrated their op- took the lead as Ahmad Hisam’s pass Duy Manh’s side-foot volley from Jordan players celebrate ponents before a long range strike from split the Vietnamese defence, leav- eight yards out in the 86th minute put after scoring a goal Omar Maanasrah and a diving header ing Faisal with the task of rounding the the Vietnamese on the score sheet, but against Vietnam. from Faisal secured all three points for goalkeeper and slotting the ball into the it was nothing but a consolation as Jor- the west Asians before Do Duy Manh unguarded net. dan ran out emphatic winners. “Jordan claimed a late consolation. Vietnam almost responded with just were stronger than us, as we see with “All opening matches are going to be two minutes remaining in the open- the result,” said Vietnam coach Toshiya tough, especially when you play against ing period when Nguyen Cong Phuong Miura. “They were very strong in duels an unknown team,” said Ahmad. “Viet- headed Nguyen Huu Dung’s cross over and they have very good strikers. nam are a good team because they are the bar. “We had some diffi culties. We kept among the 16 teams who have qualifi ed With the lead secured, Jordan stepped good discipline and did a good defend- for this tournament and it took some up a gear in the second half. Mahmoud ing job until it was 0-1, but in second time to know how they play and to con- al-Mardi twice went close to adding to half we took risks and then they scored trol the game and to know their positives his side’s tally, only to see goalkeeper Phi second and third goal and the game was and negatives. Minh Long deny him on both occasions. decided.”

ROUND-UP Khamdamov receives AFC Iran forward Motahhari fully Youth Player of the Year Award Doha: Uzbekistan’s Dostonbek Khamdamov ‘’That Dostonbek Khamdamov was chosen was presented with the AFC Youth Player of the for this award demonstrates the high level of his focused on title challenge Year Award on Wednesday after his nation’s AFC performances in what was an exceptional 2015. U23 Championship match with Korea Republic I am sure that we will see much more of him on AFC in Doha. the Asian and world stage in years to come.” Doha Iran forward Khamdamov was named the AFC Youth Player The 19-year-old midfielder scored a goal in his Arsalan Motahhari of the Year 2015 (Men) following his outstanding country’s group stage outing against Honduras exploits for Uzbekistan during FIFA U-20 World at New Zealand 2015 before Uzbekistan alented forward Arsalan Motahhari, Cup New Zealand 2015. advanced to the Round of 16 where the who sent a strong warning to rivals Saoud al-Mohannadi, AFC Vice President and Bunyodkor man impressed by scoring a brace - when he scored one and set up an- Chairman of the AFC Competitions Committee, including a second-half stoppage-time goal - as other as Iran kicked off their AFC presented the award to Khamdamov at the post- they beat Austria 2-0 in Whangarei to take his U23T Championship Group A campaign on match press conference following Uzbekistan’s side through to the quarter-finals. Tuesday with a 2-0 win over Syria, has de- 2-1 defeat to the Koreans. He said: “Asian football Khamdamov finished the tournament as the clared that winning the continental title is is blessed with some outstanding young talent third leading scorer with three goals to his name, his team’s absolute priority. who have proved themselves on the world an achievement he shared with Germany’s Motahhari bagged a superb solo eff ort in stage. Niklas Stark. the second half before setting up Mehrdad Mohammadi for the second as Moham- mad Khakpour’s side made the perfect start to their attempt to qualify for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. With host nation Qatar to come today, Motahhari has declared that the Iranians are fully focused on the task in hand, despite the signifi cant lure of a ticket to Brazil. “I always prefer think about my team. I face off at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. “It’s vital that we sustain the momentum. think more about the game on hand. Each “I saw Qatar so I know how they play and We want all nine points from the three group game is a fi nal for me.” I know they are looking for counter attack,” games,” said the Naft Tehran star who bagged Khakpour told www.the-afc.com at a train- the MVP award at last November’s West IRAN COACH KHAKPOUR WARY ing session yesterday. Asian Football Federation U-23 Champion- OF QATAR COUNTERATTACKS “We have to be careful about that and we ship in Qatar. Mohammad Khakpour has said his team have to add some speed to our game too.” “We’re fully focused on our next game needs to be wary of Qatar’s threat on the The 46-year-old former international was against Qatar. They’re another tough op- counterattack when Iran take on AFC U23 satisfi ed with his team’s performance in their ponent and they’re playing at home, which Championship hosts today in the second opening win as the Iran defeated Syria 2-0 for would give them the edge. We want to win round of Group A matches. a second time in Doha following their win by the trophy. We’re not here to qualify for the Iran kicked-off their campaign with a 2-0 an identical scoreline in the fi nal of the inau- Rio Olympic Games alone.” win over Syria in the competition while Qatar gural WAFF (West Asian Football Federation) Motahhari, the Iran Pro League’s best came from a goal down to defeat China 3-1. U-23 Championship, which was also held at young player last season, was, however, And having seen the AFC U23 Champion- the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium. quick to praise the part his teammates played ship hosts come from a goal down to defeat “The start was very important, especially in their success against Syria. “I was happy to the East Asians, after a double from skipper when you have young kids playing. They are score the championship’s opening goal, but it Abdulkarim Hassan and an Ahmed Al Aeldin nervous and they are stressful. You could see was possible only because of the good sup- strike cancelled out Liao Lisheng’s opener, in fi rst half both teams were stressed but in port of my team-mates. Of course, I was in Khakpour has an clearer picture of how he the second half we played much better we the right place at the right time. will plan his strategy when Iran and Qatar had control of the game.” Gulf Times Friday, January 15, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT CAUSE AND EFFECT Five consequences of Real Madrid, Real Madrid and Atletico transfer bans ere are the potential consequences for both sides at being un- able to strengthen their squadsH for 12 months once the Atletico hit by one transfer window closes at the end of the month:

NO GALACTICO FOR ZIDANE The news is a huge blow to Real just over a week after they hired French legend Zinedine Zidane as coach. Zidane won’t have the luxury of- year transfer bans fered to other Madrid bosses of a superstar signing, like he was when signing for the club for a world ‘Fortunately, we have a good and big squad with young players that can overcome record fee in 2001, despite reported interest in the likes of Paul Pogba these two windows without signings’ and Robert Lewandowski. someone to replicate the success Diego Simeone has produced in RONALDO, BALE SET TO STAY turning the club’s fortunes around Fortunately for Zidane, he al- in the past four years. ready has one of the biggest and Simeone is contracted to Atleti- best squads in world football at co until 2020, but has been touted his disposal in no desperate need as a potential suitor for Manches- of renewal. Indeed, the news ter United and Chelsea. The idea is could come as just as big a blow for the Argentine to lead Los Roji- to the likes of Manchester United blancos into their new stadium in and Paris Saint-Germain, whose 2017, but the ban may accelerate hopes of landing Madrid stars Ga- his desire for a change of scen- reth Bale and ery, especially if Atletico manage (top right) this summer appear to land or their fi rst ever to have ended with Real highly Champions League this season. unlikely to sell their best players whilst unable to sign suitable re- ADVANTAGE BARCELONA placements. Barcelona are the perfect example for their rivals in the capital to fol- GRIEZMANN UNTOUCHABLE low, having delivered fi ve trophies AT ATLETICO in 2015 in a year they were banned News of Atletico’s plans to off er from registering new players. Bar- a bumper new deal to top scorer ca got ahead of the game in signing Antoine Griezmann had already the likes of Luis Suarez and Ivan circulated in Thursday morning’s Rakitic in the summer of 2014 be- papers before the news from FIFA fore their ban came into force. arrived. A new contract would That option is open to both also include a bump in his buyout Madrid clubs, who have the rest clause, warding off potential suit- of the January window to add to ors for the Frenchman until after their squads, but it is much harder the sanction has been served. to fi nd quality recruits midway through the season. SIMEONE’S FUTURE IN THE AIR With the ban minimising their Atletico have done remarkably competition in the transfer market well to replace a host of star play- and on the fi eld, the coast is clear ers that have left the Vicente Cal- for , Suarez, deron in recent years. It would and company to continue to reign be much tougher, though, to fi nd in .

German FA eager to test video technology in File pictures of Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane (left) and Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone. The German Football Associa- registered clubs. tion (DFB), the world’s biggest “We have a great interest to be AFP tain players in competitions,” said a FIFA them to a treble of La Liga, Champions lotti and Rafael Benitez in the past seven soccer federation, want to in the front row when this pilot Madrid statement. League and Copa del Rey, a route poten- months, as well as being thrown out of be at the forefront of testing project begins,” Fandel told Atletico announced they will appeal, tially open to both clubs depending on the Copa del Rey for fi elding an ineligible video replay technology if soc- the DFB website (www.dfb.de). whilst Real made no immediate com- how quickly CAS could hear any poten- player. cer’s rule makers give the go “That is why we are eagerly panish giants Real Madrid suff ered ment. tial appeal. The signing of Manchester United ahead in March. awaiting the final decision. another institutional embarrass- “We will appeal, we think we are right Real and Atletico were “issued with a goalkeeper David de Gea was also frus- The International Football “As early as November last ment yesterday as they and rivals and I think this is unjust,” said Atletico reprimand and given 90 days in which to trated at the last minute in August as the Association Board (IFAB) have year the (DFB) referee com- Atletico Madrid were banned by president Enrique Cerezo. regularise the situation of all minor play- clubs failed to register the required pa- recommended trialling video mission sent as letter to FIFA from buying players for one year over “Not being able to sign is a problem ers concerned,” FIFA said. They can still perwork in time. replays next season to help saying very clearly that Ger- their dealing in under-age players. because the seasons are very long and you sell players during the transfer ban. The sanction could also be bad news referees with questionable men referees not only want to The ban will start from the July trans- always need players. Fortunately, we have FIFA said the alarm was raised over the for the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and goals, penalties, red cards and be part of possible tests but fer window this year and fi nish with the a good and big squad with young players two clubs by FIFA’s Transfer Matching Manchester United, who had targeted cases of mistaken identity. want to play a leading role.” January transfer market in 2017 mean- that can overcome these two windows System and its disciplinary committee Madrid stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Ga- DFB referees chief Herbert IFAB approved the use of goal- ing newly appointed Real coach Zinedine without signings.” completed the inquiry. reth Bale with Real highly unlikely to Fandel said the trials could in- line technology in 2012 and Zidane will be unable to strengthen his European champions Barcelona have Under international football rules, dispose of their best players without the clude matches in the top two since then there have been squad this summer. just completed a one year ban for similar players under 18 cannot be transferred chance to sign suitable replacements. Bundesliga divisions. Germany an increasing number of calls Atletico were also fi ned 900,000 Swiss reasons. to another country, except in limited cir- La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid’s usu- are world champions and the from players and managers to francs (820,000 euros) and Real 360,000 Barca were initially banned in April cumstances. All transfers need the ap- ally hectic transfer policy will also be put DFB boast seven million mem- use video technology in other (330,000 euros). However, both clubs are 2014, but managed to delay the sanction proval of a special FIFA committee. on hold. bers and more than 25,000 aspects of the game. still allowed to sign players until the end taking eff ect until the transfer windows Madrid admitted in January that they However, Diego Simeone’s men look of the month. in January and the summer of 2015 by had supplied FIFA with the details of well-placed to cope with the ban having “The two clubs were found to have launching an ultimately unsuccessful 51 players as part of their investigation, invested heavily in young talent over the knocked out, PSG march on violated several provisions concern- appeal to the Court of Arbitration for which they claimed were exempt from past year. Marseille’s mediocre season ties after extra time ended ing the international transfer and fi rst Sport (CAS). the regulations for various reasons. Indeed, Atletico have already made took a new hit Wednesday goalless, with Lille keeper registration of minor players as well as By delaying the ban, Barca managed The news is the latest off -fi eld blow two additions to their squad in January in when the ailing side Vincent Enyeama stopping other relevant provisions with regard to to sign the likes of Luis Suarez and Ivan for Real having sacked two Champions Argentine international midfi elders Ma- were knocked out of the two spot-kicks. the registration and participation of cer- Rakitic in the summer of 2014 to propel League winning coaches in Carlo Ance- tias Kranevitter and Augusto Fernandez. French League Cup, while Holders Paris Saint Germain their arch rivals Paris Saint also progressed with goals in Germain progressed to the either half from Adrien Rabiot BOTTOMLINE semi-finals. and Lucas, who was brilliantly Toulouse put paid to Mar- set up by Angel Di Maria, who seille’s hopes with a 2-1 extra came off the bench to provide time quarter-final away win the runaway Ligue 1 leaders at the Velodrome, their goals with the goal that clinched a coming from Ben Yedder and 2-1 home win over Lyon and Danish international Martin keep them on target for a third Barca cruise into Cup quarters Braithwaite. successive title. “It’s a disappointment that’s “Di Maria made the diff erence, AFP “When one side plays to an venge as he stood up well to turn for sure,” said Marseille man- “He showed what he’s capable Barcelona elevated level it eventually wears Caicedo’s chipped eff ort over ager Michel. of,” said PSG coach Laurent them down.” moments later. “We’ve got 11 players injured Blanc. Suarez was banned for con- With the tie clearly headed in at the moment but I don’t Completing the last four line- arcelona ended a fronting Espanyol players in the Barca’s favour, the second-half want to use that as an excuse.” up are Bordeaux, 2-0 winners three-game series of tunnel after last week’s fi rst-leg was largely a non-event, but the Toulouse were joined in the over Lorient on Tuesday. bad-tempered derbies in which the visitors had two European champions did add a semi-finals by Lille, who saw Semi-finals (26-27 January) against Espanyol on top men sent-off . second two minutes from time off Guingamp 4-2 on penal- PSG v Toulouse byB sealing their place in the Copa Enrique also handed Neymar, when Aleix Vidal squared for El del Rey quarter-fi nals 6-1 on ag- Pique, Sergio Busquets and An- Haddadi to tap home. gregate courtesy of a 2-0 win at dres Iniesta a rest, but Messi Last season’s fi nalists Ath- Espanyol face sanctions for their Cornella-El Prat on Wednesday. captained the side just two days letic Bilbao completed a 4-2 ag- anti-Barca banners Fresh from picking up his after regaining his title of World gregate victory over Villarreal record fi fth Ballon d’Or, Lionel Player of the Year. thanks to Inaki Williams’s neat La Liga side Espanyol face “The banners and chants we Messi was once again Barca’s in- Francesco Bardi produced turn and fi nish to claim a 1-0 win sanctions from Spain’s saw last night at Cornella are spiration as he brilliantly picked a brilliant save to prevent the on the night at El Madrigal. anti-violence commission for unnacceptable and will be out to open Argentine opening the scoring Celta Vigo shrugged off their off ensive chants and banners studied by the anti-violence the scoring before the youngster with a fi erce volley on 11 min- poor La Liga form of late to end aimed at Barcelona players in commission,” president of the tapped home his second of the utes. Cadiz’s Cup reprieve after they the side’s Copa del Rey meet- Spanish sports council, Miguel night late on. Barcelona’s Munir el Haddadi celebrates a goal against Espanyol. However, the Espanyol ‘keep- advanced to the last-16 due to ing on Wednesday. Cardenal, said on Thursday. There was less aggression on er was left helpless when El Real Madrid’s expulsion from The final of a series of three Espanyol are already facing the fi eld than in the previous their place in the last eight to “Today everything was a lot Haddadi galloped onto Messi’s the competition for fi elding an bad-tempered Catalan derbies possible sanctions after the two meetings between the sides join Sevilla and Mirandes, who calmer, partly because of the inch-perfect through ball to ineligible player. in 12 days saw the Espanyol Spanish league reported racist in the past 10 days, however Es- qualifi ed on Tuesday, for Fri- result,” said Barca boss Luis En- round Bardi before slotting into John Guidetti’s third goal fans target Colombian popstar chanting aimed at Brazilian panyol could be punished for day’s quarter-fi nal draw. rique. an empty net. of the tie and Dejan Drazic’s Shakira—the partner of Barca star Neymar in the first of the off ensive banners towards Co- La Liga leaders Atletico Ma- “The only game that got out of Alvaro Gonzalez unceremo- late strike sealed a 2-0 win to defender Gerard Pique—Lionel recent clashes between the lombian popstar Shakira - the drid host Rayo Vallecano on hand was the fi rst, but I am not niously chopped down Messi progress 5-0 on aggregate. Messi and Luis Suarez. sides on January 2. partner of Barca defender Ger- Thursday tied at 1-1, whilst Gary the one to analyse it. The second and Felipe Caicedo charged into And Las Palmas edged a goal- Barca won the game 2-0 to Possible sanctions vary from ard Pique - and Luis Suarez. Neville’s Valencia have one foot had what a derby should have Marc-Andre ter Stegen as the fest against Eibar 6-4 on aggre- progress to the quarter-finals a fine to part or full closure of Athletic Bilbao, Celta Vigo in the quarters as they lead Gra- and in the third it was harder for game threatened to boil over. gate thanks to their second 3-2 6-1 on aggregate. their Cornella-El Prat stadium. and Las Palmas also booked nada 4-0. them to press us. Yet, Ter Stegen had his re- win of the tie. Gulf Times 4 Friday, January 15, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Leicester are real Wenger vexed as deal: Pochettino Arsenal squander title momentum Leicester City players celebrate after scoring against Tottenham ‘The frustration comes from the fact that at 3-2 we had three situations when we Hotspur at the White Hart Lane. could have made it 4-2 and made a bad decision’ AFP tive results, I try to explain that London we are very young and need to AFP learn.” London His team dominated posses- ottenham Hotspur man- sion and created most of the ager Mauricio Pochetti- chances, but the visitors always rsene Wenger couldn’t conceal no believes that his side’s looked dangerous with their his frustration after Arsenal’s defeat by Leicester City counter-attacking style and dramatic 3-3 draw at Liverpool Tproves that ’s Pochettino hinted at a naivety saw the Gunners waste an op- men deserve to fi nish in the top among his squad. portunityA to consolidate their position at four of the . the top of the Premier League. Spurs could have moved to ‘CRAZY, CRAZY LEAGUE’ But Wenger claimed Wednesday’s within a point of Leicester had “We can play really well and be- thrilling contest at Anfi eld underlined his they clinched victory at White lieve in your philosophy, and team’s title credentials as he challenged Hart Lane on Wednesday, but need to accept that another team his players to use their disappointment instead they sit seven points be- can play in a diff erent way,” he as a motivation for a fi rst English crown hind their visitors after falling to said. in 12 years. Robert Huth’s late header. “We need to be stronger. We After chief rivals Manchester City Leicester’s 1-0 victory moved were missing something at set- were held at home to Everton, the Arse- them level on points with lead- pieces and we had chances to nal manager saw Joe Allen’s last-minute ers Arsenal at the summit of the score.” equaliser cost his team two points to leave division, as they ended their run Spurs remain fourth after the them ahead of second placed Leicester of three games without a goal or defeat, a point clear of fi fth- only on goal diff erence. a win. place West Ham United. “I am frustrated by the result and not The prospect of Champions Ranieri still refuses to accept disappointed by the performance, even League football remains a strong that this result provided evi- if we started a bit apprehensively,” said possibility for both clubs, with dence that his team can win the Wenger. Pochettino striving to put Spurs division. “The frustration comes from the fact back among ’s elite for the “Tottenham in my opinion are that at 3-2 we had three situations when fi rst time in six years. one of the best teams in the divi- we could have made it 4-2 and made a But it is Leicester who are sion and have some great play- bad decision. best-placed to achieve that and ers,” said the Leicester manager. “That was a frustration for me but that the Spurs manager believes they “It’s only January, it’s not May. can happen in England but overall a game will fi nish in the top four, less It’s good, but we must continue between two teams who gave absolutely than a year after their dramatic to work hard and keep our feet on everything. Look at the results tonight it escape from relegation last sea- the ground. This is a crazy, crazy showed everywhere is even. son. league this year. “I feel they need to transform that “I think they deserve it,” “A lot of people say, ‘What frustration into more motivation for the said Pochettino when asked if happened with Leicester, what next game because there are more posi- he though Ranieri’s side could can they do?’ The answer is I tives than negatives tonight. maintain their form. don’t know. It’s my fi rst season “What happened tonight strength- “Full credit to them. I’m very with them, but we are very solid.” ened my belief we can have a big part to disappointed, but I think they Asked what he said to people play in this league.” deserve to fi nish in the place that who claimed Leicester could win they are. the title, the Italian replied: “I NEW SIGNING FOR ARSENAL Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud looks dejected after the game against Liverpool on Wednesday. “Leicester play their way, laugh!” Wenger hopes he can bolster his team but they deserve full credit for He added: “We now focus on before the weekend visit to Stoke, tradi- 90th minute to earn Liverpool a point. “I feel they need to transform that he said. We had nothing, but I had noth- the way that they believe on the our match on Saturday. Aston tionally a tough fi xture for his team, with The game also featured a verbal ex- frustration into more motivation ing with Sam Allardyce. I had nothing pitch. It’s unbelievable.” Villa won their match (against the injured Alexis Sanchez and new sign- change between Wenger and Liverpool for the next game because there with Arsene Wenger. Pochettino thinks that the Crystal Palace) and they don’t ing Mohamed Elneny both potentially in boss Jurgen Klopp on the touchline, al- are more positives than negatives “I said what I said, obviously it was too inexperience of his own squad want to be relegated and they contention. though both made light of the incident tonight. What happened tonight much and he told the ref and after fi ve is hindering their consistency will fi ght.” “I am a bit cautious now,” said Wenger after the game. strengthened my belief we can minutes he came and spoke.” in key matches, with Dele Alli, Jamie Vardy returned from mi- of Sanchez and his hamstring injury. “I told him to just calm down or I will have a big part to play in this The German was far happier and more Christian Eriksen, Harry Kane nor groin surgery in the victory, “There is an opportunity he will be send you to stands,” joked Wenger. league” forthcoming when discussing the form and Erik Lamela all vital to the but was substituted for the fi nal involved in the squad on Sunday. Friday “I don’t know really why. At Liverpool of Brazilian Firmino, however, after he team’s potency, but under 24 20 minutes. and Saturday will be two important days. it is very tight, you are very close to each recently involved in a war of words with scored his fi rst home goals for the club. years of age. Ranieri believes it bodes well “Elneny has joined us and we will see if other. Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce. “I could talk about this for half an “I think it’s diffi cult to explain that his side can win games he can qualify for Sunday.” “He had a little problem with the “I told Arsene why I was a little bit hour,” he said. “He doesn’t know how to supporters that they should without the England striker, who Liverpool twice led with goals through fourth offi cial, he can explain better than emotional,” said Klopp. “Like we say in good he is. If you are good, you have to take this defeat in a positive has scored 15 Premier League Roberto Firmino only for Aaron Ramsey I. It was all right. There was no bad feel- Germany, I was on the tree. It was a clear show it. way,” added Pochettino, after goals this season. and Olivier Giroud to cancel them out on ing.” throw-in for us in a good moment, a good “All of them were really good, perfect his team’s fi ve-match unbeaten “Vardy and (Riyad) Mahrez are each occasion. Klopp has made a habit of asserting phase. goals, the fi rst goal was really good, the sec- league run came to an end. very important for us and if we The impressive Giroud gave Arsenal a his larger than life personality on pro- “The fourth offi cial, I asked what he ond spectacular, brilliant. He had a really “We need to learn a lot. We are can score without Mahrez and second half lead but Allen netted in the ceedings in the Premier League and was was doing. I said what I said, he said what good game, but he was not the only one.” very young. When we get posi- Vardy then that’s good,” he said.

BOTTOMLINE ACTION FIFA fi nes Hong Coach Pellegrini fumes aft er Kong over booing City draw blank against Everton fans in China match IFA has fi ned Hong Kong supporters of its team,” the AFP “We did enough to win the “Not long ago we were on the after fans jeered the Chi- statement said, adding that any Manchester game, especially in the second receiving end of a really poor nese national anthem future infringements “will lead half. It was complete dominance decision right at the end in the during a crunch World to harsher sanctions”. by us, of possession, of shots, of last minute against Stoke (a 4-3 CupF qualifi er last year, the city’s The fi ne is double the amount anuel Pellegrini saves from their goalkeeper, so home defeat),” said Martinez. football authorities said yester- of a previous fi ne issued in Octo- (right) rued a late I think we did enough to merit “It was the wrong decision at day, the second penalty in four ber when the HKFA was charged penalty call after winning the game. that time. What you want as a months for such an off ence. 5,000 Swiss francs after fans a 0-0 draw with “I am happy about the per- manager is a referee that is 100 Hong Kong fans jeered and again jeered the Chinese national MEverton saw Manchester City formance, although I am dis- percent when he gives that sort turned their backs during the anthem and threw a drink at a spurn a chance to close on Pre- appointed with the result. But of decision. “March of the Volunteers” an- rival player during a September mier League leaders Arsenal and nothing is fi nished yet. “I am pleased that as a referee them, which the semi-autono- match. Leicester City. “We are not thinking about sometimes you get emotional, mous territory shares with Chi- The joint 2018 World Cup and Raheem Sterling went down that (Arsenal and Leicester re- you go with the crowd and you na, at a match between the city’s 2019 Asian Cup qualifi ers fol- under a challenge from John sults). Of course it’s better to go with some of an action and side and the Chinese national lows the “Umbrella Movement” Stones in the last minute of keep the same amount of points you give a decision that is not team last November that ended pro-democracy protests in 2014, Wednesday’s game at the Etihad between us and Arsenal. the right one. in a goalless draw. which gripped the city and un- Stadium, but referee Roger East “We still have to play them “I don’t think the referee could They also held up white signs derlined discontent with Bei- ignored City’s appeals and the here at home, but the most im- have done it any better. If you’re saying “boo” in English at the jing’s rule. game ended goalless. portant thing is for us to con- not certain, you don’t want to city’s Mong Kok Stadium, which Fans’ anger against China was “I don’t think I need to give tinue this level of performance.” gamble with a decision that could segregated fans from both teams also stoked in June of last year my thoughts about that action,” Everton manager Roberto have been so damaging from our using separate entrances and when a promotional poster used said City manager Pellegrini. Martinez felt that the referee point of view. I just felt Roger even diff erent toilets in a bid to by the China Football Associa- “The whole stadium could see it made the right decision in not made the right call there.” head off any potential trouble. tion described the city’s team as was a penalty. three points behind both Leices- you drop two points here and awarding a penalty and praised Martinez added: “It’s over a “The Hong Kong Football As- “black skinned, white skinned “It was so clear, so near for the ter, who won 1-0 at Tottenham other teams around us win away, his side’s resilience in keeping year since City failed to scored sociation has been fi ned 10,000 and yellow skinned,” which referee, and both legs of Raheem Hotspur, and Arsenal, who drew it’s not a good game for us,” add- City at bay. at home and we take that as an Swiss francs ($9,911) regarding Hong Kong supporters criticised were taken and it was a clear foul 3-3 at Liverpool. ed Pellegrini. Mid-table Everton have won incredible satisfaction of how the incident of the booing of the as racist. from Stones. But if the referee City were unable to make “But we have another 17 just once in their last eight well we defended. To have that national anthem by the Hong China’s perennially undera- doesn’t whistle for it, we can’t almost constant second-half games and the important thing league games, but know a repeat resilience and defensive ability Kong fans,” said a statement chieving national team sacked its say anything about that.” pressure count as they drew at is to continue in the way we are. of this result in a fortnight’s time we had was very pleasing. published on the Association’s national coach Alain Perrin last City’s failure to score at home home for the fi rst time this sea- “Normally we score. It’s really will take them to the fi nal of the “Of course it can give you website Thursday, citing a FIFA Friday after a disappointing run in the league for the fi rst time son. unbelievable, with the amount League Cup at Wembley after confi dence, but I can guarantee notifi cation. of results left their World Cup since losing 2-0 to Arsenal on “For diff erent reasons we of saves and shots we had in the they beat City 2-1 in the fi rst leg it will be a totally diff erent game “The HKFA is liable for the qualifying campaign hanging by January 18 last year left them couldn’t score and of course if second half, not to score. of their semi-fi nal a week ago. next time.” improper conduct among the a thread. Gulf Times Friday, January 15, 2016 5 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT SERIE A Keen battle as Juve, Hiddink happy to Napoli aim for title work with feisty striker Costa Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri. DPA top after 10 games. Rome Since a 1-0 loss at Sassuolo in ‘We can always repair the tunnel! He is an emotional guy and I like it very much. If late October, Juve seem to have rediscovered the ruthlessness of you have to push the players it is diff icult to survive in the Premier League’ aurizio Sarri, the the recent seasons. coach of Serie A “I always said that Juve were leaders Napoli, has the great favourites,” Sarri said often said that Ju- this week. “Even when they were Mventus are the favourites to win in 12th position. I was the only the title, and a key player from truly consistent one.” the reigning champions returned In-form Sassuolo are Napoli’s the compliment ahead of this guests Saturday, when the lead- week’s matches. ers look to avenge a 2-1 defeat in The Bianconeri won 2-1 at the league opener and again rely Sampdoria last weekend to fi nish on the impressive form of Hi- the fi rst half of the season with a guain, who has netted 18 goals ninth successive win to sit sec- so far. ond, two points from the top. The small-town club Sassuolo As he relished the positive run, are enjoying their best season Juve defender Leonardo Bonucci since arriving in the top fl ight looked stated Napoli were the in 2013. They drew 2-2 at Roma, biggest rivals for the scudetto. held Fiorentina 1-1 and last “I’d pick Napoli due to their weekend won 1-0 at . convincing displays to date and They sit sixth on 31 points with a the fact that they have a champi- game in hand. on among their ranks in (Gonza- Inter, who slipped from fi rst to lo) Higuain,” the Italian interna- third behind Juve on goal diff er- tional, who helped Juve win their ence last time, open the weekend last four straight titles, said. Saturday at Atalanta, ahead of Bonucci, however, also looked Torino v Frosinone and the late at other competitive teams with- game in Naples. in three points of the top with 19 Fourth-place Fiorentina games remaining. slipped 3-1 at home to Lazio last “But the table suggests that weekend and close the schedule there are four sides challenging late at AC Milan, who are trail for honours and everything will in eighth position and 12 points probably be decided in the fi nal from the top. few matches of the season,” he The Florence side, on 38 added. points, are one behind Juve and “We’re aware that the second Inter, while fi fth-place Roma part of the campaign will be wide (34) are likely to welcome back open and therefore very diffi - former coach Luciano Spalletti cult.” on their bench after the dismissal On Sunday, Juve visit Udinese, this week of . who beat them 1-0 in Turin in the The Rome Giallorossi welcome league’s opening game to start a bottom side Verona after getting negative run that left the Bian- a just single win from the last coneri 11 points adrift from the seven outings.

File picture of Chelsea manager during his team’s match against West Bromwich Albion in the Barclays Premier League at Stamford Bridge. WORRY AFP being booked for a nasty challenge on equalising for Albion. “The home crowd always like to win London Craig Gardner early in the second half. McClean’s goal came four minutes but I think it was a very entertaining And the Dutchman believes the for- from time and brought the visitors a de- game, high intensity, high speed and high ward’s approach helps make him a more served point. And Hiddink admitted that tempo. So it was an entertaining game. Liverpool next test uus Hiddink insists he would dangerous player. the draw dealt a severe blow to Chelsea’s “But we wanted to win. It would have rather have players with Diego “Did he cross the line? I think there hopes of forcing their way back into con- been the perfect week if we could have Costa’s feisty personality than was room to spare,” Hiddink said. tention for a top four fi nish. won all three games this week.” for under-pressure work with a squad that needed “Diego and the defenders were chal- Last season’s champions remain in 14 West Brom manager was Gfi ring up. lenging each other. If you look closely th place, just six points clear of the bot- relieved to fi nally break his duck at Stam- Costa was involved in a series of spats they were provoking each other and those tom three and 12 points behind Totten- ford Bridge, claiming his fi rst point at coach Van Gaal during Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with West fl ashes were normal. ham in fourth. Chelsea in seven league visits. Bromwich Albion on Wednesday, with “I didn’t see anything bad. It was a And Hiddink admitted they have no “I’ve had some bad luck here. I was the volatile striker’s temper boiling over challenge at high men level. margin for error if they are to stage an as- here with Stoke winning 1-0 and they after the fi nal whistle at Stamford Bridge “We can always repair the tunnel! He is tonishing turnaround in the second half scored two right at the death,” he said. when he confronted Albion goalkeeper an emotional guy and I like it very much. of the season. “I thought I’d take that one to my grave. Boaz Myhill. “If you have to push the players it is “We have said before as long as it is We have tremendous respect for Chelsea The Spain international, last week diffi cult to survive in the Premier League. mathematically possible to get the fourth but we felt we might cause them problems. involved in a training ground row with But every now and then if you have to position and Champions League then we “We tried to press them early on and Chelsea team-mate Oscar, was clearly control them it is even better. go for it. But then we have to win all those I’m pleased we got something out of it. frustrated as he left the pitch and could “He is always dangerous in play. He games at home,” he said. “We are pleased to get the point and be heard striking the inside of the play- is vertical in his actions and that is very “At the end I think it was a fair result al- come away with everybody fi t apart from ers tunnel as he made his way back to the good to see.” though I think we had a few good chances James Morrison who felt his hamstring dressing room. Chelsea twice took the lead, fi rst to make it 2-0 which didn’t happen. right away. He felt it before the game. But Chelsea interim manager Hiddink through Cesar Azpilicueta and then “Then we conceded an unfortunate “We need 13 points to get to 40 and it’s is satisfi ed his player did not cross the through a Gareth McAuley own-goal goal, we let them penetrate too easily and such a relentless league. Every game is line during an ill-tempered game despite with Craig Gardner and James McClean have shots from outside the box. tough.” Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.

BOTTOMLINE Reuters upbeat, ruing the loss of two im- London portant points, and then insult- ing a journalist at the end of his post-match news conference. anchester United “We had to win and we didn’t manager Louis van do it, we are very disappointed Gaal would rather but can only blame ourselves,” Spalletti looking to calm waters be taking his under- he said. Mperforming team anywhere but The biggest problem facing AFP tres (98.176 km) covered by the revolution remains to be seen. bitter rivals Liverpool on Sunday Liverpool might be their own Rome team in league games—a statistic Spalletti has already succeed- as speculation continues over his crippling injury concerns rather that suggests training sessions are ed where Garcia failed—win- future at Old Traff ord. than United’s indiff erent form not being optimised. ning silverware with Roma—but Van Gaal’s trials and tribula- which has seen them win twice oma may have fi nished Marco Cassetti, who played despite signing an 18-month tions are continuing to domi- in eight league matches. runners-up the past under Spalletti during the coach’s contract, a report in La Gazzetta nate the back pages with United Liverpool have 11 players in the two seasons but are previous spell at the club, believes dello Sport on Thursday claimed slipping to sixth after conced- treatment room, although they heading into the un- the Italian will ditch Garcia’s pre- club president James Pallotta ing a last-minute equaliser to showed real resilience to gain a knownR after replacing sacked ferred 4-3-3 formation for his fa- included a clause whereby Spal- draw 3-3 at Newcastle United on point against Arsenal. coach Rudi Garcia with former voured 4-2-3-1. letti would depart in May if he Tuesday, a result the Dutchman Arsenal, who top the table handler Luciano Spalletti. “Spalletti is the right man for fails to reach Roma’s objectives. said felt like a defeat. with 43 points after 21 games, Spalletti, who offi cially signed the job,” Cassetti told Il Messag- Spalletti, whose playing ca- In contrast, Liverpool’s 3-3 ahead of Leicester City on goal an 18-month deal on Thursday, gero. “I think he’ll bring back the reer peaked with Empoli when draw with Arsenal felt more like diff erence, travel to Stoke City will take over at Roma in time for 4-2-3-1, a system that demands they played in Italy’s third tier a win to boss Juergen Klopp after on Sunday and could start the this weekend’s visit of Verona, a lot from the players in terms Serie C, steered Roma to succes- Joe Allen’s 90th minute equaliser match in second place if Leices- following Garcia’s sacking on of energy spent on the pitch so sive Italian Cup victories in 2007 stopped Arsene Wenger’s table- ter win at bottom side Aston Wednesday due to a poor run of I think they’ll have to work hard and 2008. toppers in their tracks. Villa on Saturday. results which left them in fi fth in training. To my ex-teammates He left the club in 2009 to Liverpool’s rivalry with Unit- Leicester ended a run of three place at seven points behind at Roma there’s only one thing begin a fi ve-year spell at Zenit, ed is one of the most intense in league matches without a goal leaders Napoli. I can say: keep the faith with where he won two Russian Pre- English soccer and even after with a late Robert Huth header But a series of underlying File picture of Roma’s coach Luciano Spalletti. Spalletti because it’s worth it.” mier League titles (2010, 2012) the thrilling draw with Arse- giving them a 1-0 win at fourth- problems could leave the former Overall, Spalletti’s return has and the 2011 Russian Super Cup. nal Klopp was already thinking placed Tottenham Hotspur on Zenit St. Petersburg coach re- seven league outings, Roma’s Garcia refused to wear a GPS sys- been welcomed. The club’s shares A similar run of success would about United’s visit to Anfi eld. Wednesday. quiring a psychological, as much confi dence has hit an all-time low. tem designed to measure their rose nearly six percentage points likely see fans return to their de- “It was a great game of foot- Spurs, who are now seven as a physical approach to rem- But the workload at Roma’s intensity during training sessions. on Wednesday and former Roma serted Stadio Olimpico in their ball,” he said, “and ultimately, we points behind the leaders, host edying Roma’s malaise. Trigoria training complex could If confi rmed, that refusal might striker Luca Toni, now at Verona, droves. A trip to champions Ju- will talk about this game, maybe relegation-threatened Sunder- “The fi rst problem we need to be about to increase dramatical- explain why Roma have consist- echoed Cassetti when he said: ventus next week—in a fi xture not for too long, because on Sun- land in Saturday’s early kick-off sort out is the mentality of the ly amid rumours Garcia’s fi tness ently underwhelmed fans. “He knows the club well... you’ll that has gained special signifi - day we play Manchester United, with Sunderland buoyed by a 4-2 players,” Spalletti told Rome- coaches were at the mercy of key Currently, Roma are ranked see, he won’t mess up.” cance the last two seasons— but it will not be easy to forget it,” win at Swansea City on Wednes- based newspaper Il Tempo. players at the club. 19th among the league’s 20 teams Whether fi ve months is should give Roma an idea if that he said. day with former Spurs favourite With only one win in their last Reports claim players under for the average number of kilome- enough for a successful Spalletti prospect can become reality. Van Gaal’s mood was far less Jermain Defoe scoring a hat-trick. Gulf Times 6 Friday, January 15, 2016 Pakistan expect 2ND ODI/ AUSTRALIA vs INDIA returning Amir to ‘Expect another high-scoring game’

fi re against Kiwis AFP Faulkner told reporters. home on a lifeless WACA pitch in the ODI “When you bat fi rst you actually don’t Brisbane “I think any time you see 300 runs series opener. “Every time you go onto the know what is a defendable score. You get AFP to prove here as well. And he scored and chased it’s defi nitely a fl at ground you try to entertain, I don’t think 340 and again it is not a safe score any- Auckland will prove it,” Riaz said. . I’m expecting the same sort of you specifi cally go out there and think ‘I more,” Sharma told reporters. “With him there’s less nother 300-plus run pitch was scenario here as well, I haven’t seen a want to put on a show’, it’s more worry- “When we were in the mid- pressure on me as a bowler, likely for the second one-day one-day wicket that hasn’t been fl at here ing about what you can do to contribute dle (in Perth) the idea was to capitalise he eyes of the cricket because I’m getting his support. international against India in for a fair while, so it should have good to the team,” Faulkner said. and bat as long as possible, consider- world will be on Pakistan Umar Gul is back and is doing Brisbane today, Australia all- pace, carry and be a good contest again. “The revolution in T20 cricket and how ing we have got a couple of newcomers rounderA James Faulkner said yesterday. “In general it’s a tough gig bowling in successful the Big Bash League has been in the middle order. The top three bats- Tin New Zealand today really well. It’s going to be a with Mohamed Amir set to good combination for Pakistan.” The Australians comfortably ran down Perth and here. Runs can be scored so fast this season with the crowd numbers that men—myself, Virat Kohli and Shikhar make his international come- Pakistan appear to have a India’s 309 for three to win the opening due to the pace on the ball. Everyone got have attended and also on TV, it’s only Dhawan—it is a big responsibility to bat back after serving a jail term much stronger bowling attack ODI in Perth by fi ve on Tuesday hit the other day so I don’t think you can going to get bigger. It’s an exciting time as long as possible. and five-year ban for spot-fixing. than the recently departed Sri and Faulkner said to expect the same fl ow single out one or two bowlers.” for cricket in general, you’re seeing a lot “So I think 309 was a pretty good score on The 23-year-old is expected Lankans, although opening of runs at the Gabba today. Indian opener Rohit Sharma scored more high scores in the one-day format that track but as Australia batted really well to be named in the starting batsman Ahmed Shehzad said “Everyone was quite surprised by the an unbeaten 171 in his team’s innings in as well. That’s entertaining enough.” and if you don’t take wickets in the middle line-up for the tour-opening New Zealand had to take a lot of way the wicket played in Perth, it was Perth, but Steve Smith and George Bai- Rohit Sharma said there were no safe of the innings it is always going to be diffi - when Pakistan will credit for the way they batted. very fl at and we saw a lot of runs scored,” ley both scored centuries to get Australia scores in ODI cricket in the modern era. cult especially here in Australia,” he added. pit their hostile bowling attack “No doubt, they are play- against a New Zealand unit ing wonderful cricket at the brimming with form batsmen. moment,” he said, referring to 3RD TEST/ DAY 1 Pakistan coach Waqar Younis New Zealand’s 2-0 sweep in the said he expected the young against Sri Lanka quick to cope with the intense following their 3-1 domination of scrutiny he will come under the one day internationals and when he starts to bowl. 2-0 Test victory. “It is hard to exactly tell how “We are all aware of the the whole thing is going to style that they are playing is come up but my experience awesome to see actually, but England peg SA back says that he is a smart kid, even we have to match them, and at the age of 18 he was smart the boys are very prepared and then,” Waqar said. “He knows ready to put up a good show,” Finn, Stokes claim two wickets apiece as England reduce South Africa to 267-7 at close what he is doing and he is ready he said. for that challenge.” The Eden Park ground has Amir was banned for five small boundaries which makes years in 2010 after being found it ideal for the big hitters at the guilty of spot fixing by deliber- top of the New Zealand order. ately bowling no-balls in a test Against Sri Lanka last Sunday, against England at Lords. when New Zealand won by nine His return to the world wickets with 60 balls to spare, stage adds to a bountiful pace Martin Guptill scored 63 off armoury for Pakistan, which in- 25 deliveries, Colin Munro hit cludes Anwar Ali, Aamer Yamin, 50 off 14 while Kane William- Umar Gul and Wahab Riaz. son added 31 off 21. “They are Riaz said Amir’s in-swing abil- playing without any fear and ity with the new ball added to a they have no issues with their range of hostile options. places,” Shehzad added. “He’s getting a chance. He’s New Zealand will take on a great fast bowler, he’s proved Pakistan in three Twenty20s that in the past. It’s time for him and three ODIs.

South Africa captain AB de Viliers hits a six during his knock of 36 against England, on the first day of the third Test at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg yesterday. (AFP)

AFP but Dean Elgar’s 46 was the highest score. Van Zyl and Elgar survived some hos- De Kock slipped and sprained his right Johannesburg Elgar’s dismissal, pushing at an off - tile bowling, notably from Finn, as they knee at home late on Wednesday, only re- spinner from Moeen Ali to be caught be- put on 44 for the fi rst wicket before Ben alising it was serious when he woke up after hind by Jonny Bairstow, started a slide. Stokes came into the attack and struck midnight in pain and with a swollen knee. teven Finn led a persistent Eng- It ended a second-wicket partnership with his third delivery. England lead the four-match series 1-0. land bowling attack as South Af- of 73 with , who fell to a Stokes sent down an innocuous-look- rica failed to capitalise on a prom- superb delivery from Finn shortly after- ing, short delivery which Van Zyl at- Scoreboard ising start on the fi rst day of the wards for 40. tempted to work to leg, only to get a lead- South Africa (1st innings) thirdS Test at the Wanderers Stadium yes- The tall Finn was hostile throughout ing edge which presented an easy catch D Elgar c Bairstow b Ali ...... 46 terday. South Africa were 267 for seven the day, taking the wickets of Amla and for Bairstow, who had to jog to a short S van Zyl c Bairstow b Stokes ...... 21 at the close, a disappointing return after Faf du Plessis for a return of two for 50. square leg position to take the off ering. H Amla c Bairstow b Finn ...... 40 reaching 117 for one at the mid-afternoon Ben Stokes took two for 53, including Wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock was A de Villiers c Bairstow b Stokes ...... 36 drinks break. the key wicket of new captain AB de Vil- ruled out of the South African team after F du Plessis c Hales b Finn...... 16 Having negotiated what could reason- liers, who looked in supreme form before injuring his right knee in an accident at T Bavuma (run out) ...... 23 ably have been expected to be the tricki- getting a faint edge to an attempted pull home on Wednesday evening. Vilas fl ew D Vilas c Ali b Broad ...... 26 est part of the day—after winning the toss shot after making 36. from Port Elizabeth yesterday morning C Morris (batting) ...... 26 and batting in cloudy conditions on a It was a collective bowling eff ort, how- to replace De Kock, arriving at the ground K Rabada (batting) ...... 20 pitch with pace and bounce—wickets fell ever, with De Villiers the only batsman to shortly before the fi rst drinks break. Extras (b1, lb9, nb2, w1)...... 13 at regular intervals. look fully comfortable. South Africa included a new cap, fast Total (7 wickets, 89 overs) ...... 267 South Africa slipped to 225 for seven While the bowlers exerted pressure bowler Hardus Viljoen, 26, in a four-man Fall of wickets: 1-44 (Van Zyl), 2-117 (El- before Chris Morris and Kagiso Rabada throughout the day, several batsmen pace attack with part-timer Elgar the gar), 3-127 (Amla), 4-161 (De Villiers), 5-185 took them to the close with an unbeaten contributed to their own downfall. Four only spin bowler in the side. (Du Plessis), 6-212 (Bavuma), 7-225 (Vilas) partnership of 42. were out hooking or pulling, while Temba England named an unchanged team, Bowling: Anderson 20-5-46-0, Broad Eight of the nine batsmen in action Bavuma was run out, responding slowly with opening batsman Alex Hales having 17-4-58-1 (1w), Finn 18-4-50-2 (2nb), Ali 16- reached 20, with Faf du Plessis scoring 16, after Dane Vilas set off for a quick single. recovered from a stomach bug. 4-50-1, Stokes 18-1-53-2 FORMER SA CRICKETER BODI SPOTLIGHT CHARGED WITH MATCH-FIXING ormer South Africa one-day Indies in December of the same played in a representative match international and Twenty20 year and was a member of South since last January. Bangladesh, Zimbabwe Fplayer Gulam Bodi was Africa’s squad for the inaugural yesterday named as the person World Twenty20 in 2007, although charged under Cricket South he did not play in a game. Africa’s anti-corruption code. He was born in Hathuran, Bodi has been charged with India, but his family moved to gear up for World T20 contriving to fix, or otherwise South Africa when he was a teen- improperly influence aspects of ager. He first attracted attention AFP Bangladesh enjoyed their best subsequent two-match T20 se- played on January 17, 19 and 22 the 2015 South African domestic as a left-arm chinaman bowler, Dhaka year in one-day international ries 1-1. at the same venue. Twenty20 competition. representing South African (ODI) cricket in 2015 but con- Zimbabwe won the second “Following our investiga- Schools in 1997 and South Africa tinued to struggle in the T20 and fi nal T20 match by three Teams (from) tions and due process, we have Under-19 in the Under-19 World osts Bangladesh and format, and are ranked 10th in wickets, ending their 13-match Bangladesh: Mashrafe Mor- reached a point where we can Cup in 1998. Zimbabwe will be the world, behind Afghanistan. losing streak to Bangladesh in taza (capt), Shakib Al Hasan, confirm that Mr Bodi is the He was picked to play for the desperately searching Coach Chandika Hathurus- all formats of the game since Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, intermediary who was charged senior national team as a bowler for winning combina- inghe said his team would be April 2013. Soumya Sarkar, Sabbir Rahman, Htions for the upcoming World juggling trying to win the series As well as cementing combi- by CSA in early December 2015 in a one-day series in the West Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudul- under the CSA anti-corruption Indies in 2004/05 but broke a Twenty20 when they clash in a against Zimbabwe with trying nations, Zimbabwe will be look- lah Riyad, Arafat Sunny, Nurul code,” said CSA chief executive finger playing club cricket in four-match Twenty20 series in out diff erent players. ing to boost their morale after Hasan, Shuvagata Hom, Mus- Haroon Lorgat yesterday. England shortly before he was Khulna starting today. “We still want to win but recent losses to Afghanistan in tafizur Rahman, Abu Hider and “Mr Bodi is presently co- due to join the tour. With the Asia Cup T20 loom- we will experiment in terms of the both ODI and T20 interna- Al-Amin Hossain. operating with the CSA anti-cor- By the time he was picked ing and the World T20 to follow, combinations,” Hathurusinghe tional series in the United Arab Coach: Chandika Hathurusinghe ruption off icials. We now await again, it was as a hard-hitting both are eyeing the T20 series in told reporters in Khulna. Emirates which ended earlier Zimbabwe: , his response to the charges and left-handed top-order “pinch- the Bangladesh city as a chance “We have a settled line-up in this month. , , the matter will take its course hitter” batsman. to experiment with line-ups in ODIs but in T20s I don’t think “We have come here to win. , , in accordance with the process In recent seasons he has the hope of fi nding a successful we have our combination or We are also mindful that we , Wellington outlined in the code.” played primarily in limited-overs formula. game-plan understood. It is the have another 10 games before Masakadza, Richmond Mutum- Bodi, 37, played in two one-day matches. A Cricket South Africa Both minnows face an uphill biggest challenge, especially in the World T20,” said Zimbabwe bami, Sean Williams, Chamu internationals for South Africa, press release, issued in Decem- battle to reach the fi nals of the batting,” the Sri Lanka added. coach Dav Whatmore. Chibhabha, , both against Zimbabwe, in August ber 2015, said the then-unnamed World T20 running from March Zimbabwe were thrashed 3-0 “There will be a portion of Luke Jongwe, Taurai Muzaraba- 2007. He played in a single Twen- “intermediary” had been provi- 8 to April 3 in India. in the ODI series against Bang- (the series) looking at diff erent ni, , , ty20 international against the West sionally suspended. Bodi has not Bangladesh will host the Asia ladesh in November but man- combinations.” Brian Vitori. Cup starting in February. aged to salvage a draw in the The other matches will be Coach: Dav Whatmore Gulf Times Friday, January 15, 2016 7 SPORT

NBA Nuggets hand league-best Warriors 3rd loss of season ‘We missed him (Drayond) for multiple reasons. We could have used his energy tonight’

DPA Los Angeles

he struggling Denver Nuggets hadn’t had a signature win this sea- son but that changed in Ta big way on Wednesday. Danilo Gallinari scored 28 points and the Nuggets over- came Stephen Curry’s 38-point eff ort to hand the league-best Golden State Warriors just their third loss of the season, 112-110. “We did a great job playing for 48 minutes,” Gallinari said. “Everybody brought their A- game, it’s a great team eff ort for us.” Will Barton netted 21 while fellow-reserves Gary Harris added 19 and Darrell Arthur had 18 with 11 rebounds for Denver (15-24) which made 33-of-37 free throws en route to the upset. Harrison Barnes had 18 points and Klay Thompson fi nished with 17 for the defending NBA champion Warriors (36-3) who suff ered their fi rst loss since De- cember 30 at Dallas as they rest- ed star forward Draymond Green for the fi rst time this season. “For a championship team and what we’re trying to establish, we didn’t play hard enough and smart enough,” Warriors interim coach Luke Walton explained. “We missed him (Drayond) for multiple reasons. We could have used his energy tonight.” Danilo Gallinari (R )of the Denver Nuggets The Warriors led 66-60 with drives with the ball against Andre Iguodala of 7:04 left in the third quarter but the Golden State Warriors at Pepsi Center in the Nuggets closed on a 23-7 run Denver, Colorado. (Getty Images/AFP) to take an 83-78 advantage into the fi nal frame. Curry got hot, though, torching the Nuggets for 20 fourth quarter points, includ- ing a 3-pointer to pull the Warri- try bounced off the front of the Heat 90: Cole Aldrich scored foul with 80 seconds left before Atlanta Hawks 84: Kemba 12-0 run to beat the visiting Pac- 109, Sacramento Kings 97: ors within 109-107 with 37 ticks rim and Curry couldn’t convert 13 of his season-high 19 points half-time following two separate Walker scored 23 points, Cody ers (21-17) and snap a four-game Anthony Davis and Eric Gordon remaining. the off -balanced follow shot as in a decisive 34-17 third quarter, skirmishes with J.J. Barea. Zeller had 19, and the Hornets slide. scored 24 points apiece, and the The reigning league MVP had Golden State had its seven-game Chris Paul had 15 with 12 assists, •Brooklyn Nets 110, New (23-16) snapped a seven-game •Houston Rockets 107, visiting Pelicans (12-26) stopped the ball with a chance to tie or winning streak stopped. and the surging Clippers (26-13) York Knicks 104: Brook Lopez slide after stinging the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves a four-game slide after rout- take the lead but lost it to Galli- “Any time you’re going to try ran their season-high winning scored 20 points, Thaddeus Hawks (18-20). 104: James Harden had 27 points ing the Kings (15-23) despite a nari with 7.9 seconds left, lead- to beat the best team in the NBA streak to 10 after beating the vis- Young had 19 with 11 rebounds, •Washington Wizards 106, with 11 assists and the Rockets 32-point, 12-rebound eff ort by ing to two Harris free throws. you have to withstand their run iting Heat (22-17). as the Nets (11-28) stopped a Milwaukee Bucks 101: John (21-19) won their season-high DeMarcus Cousins. “I got stuck between looking like they had in the end and play •Oklahoma City Thunder 10-game home slide and fi ve- Wall tossed in 19 points and the fi fth straight, while sending the for the open man and handling good defence,” Nuggets coach 108, Dallas Mavericks 89: game skid overall after beating Wizards (18-19) forced the visit- sliding T-Wolves (12-28) to an RESULTS the ball,” Curry said of his crucial Michael Malone said. “It’s tough Kevin Durant had 29 points with the Knicks for Tony Brown’s fi rst ing Bucks (16-25) into a season- eighth consecutive loss despite Charlotte 107 Atlanta 84 eighth turnover of the night. “I to contain Steph Curry for a full 10 rebounds and the hosting victory as interim head coach high 27 turnovers resulting in Andrew Wiggins game-high 28 Washington 106 Milwaukee 101 mishandled the ball and Gallinari 48 (minutes). He scores 20 in the Thunder (28-12) overcame the since replacing fi red Lionel Hol- 36 points en route to their third points. Brooklyn 110 NY Knicks 104 got it.” Thompson quickly nailed fourth, they score 37, which is second-quarter ejection of All- lins on Sunday. Derrick Williams consecutive victory despite •Portland Trail Blazers 99, Boston 103 Indiana 94 a 3-pointer to bring the Warri- way too many. But we made just Star guard Russell Westbrook to matched his career-high with Khris Middleton’s game-high 25. Utah Jazz 85: Damian Lillard Houston 107 Minnesota 104 ors within 111-110 and they in- enough plays off ensively and de- roll the Mavericks (22-18), who 31 points for the Knicks (20-21), •Boston Celtics 103, Indi- collected 21 points and 10 as- Oklahoma City 108 Dallas 89 tentionally fouled Gallinari who fensively, to get a great quality rested all fi ve starters follow- who played without their top ana Pacers 94: Isaiah Thomas sists, and the Trail Blazers (17- Denver 112 Golden State 110 made 1-of-2 free throws. Golden win.” ing Tuesday’s OT loss to Cleve- scorer Carmelo Anthony be- scored 28 points, Jae Crowder 24) snapped the Jazz’s (17-21) Portland 99 Utah 85 State went to Thompson but his Elsewhere: land. Westbrook was tossed after cause of an ankle sprain. tied his career high with 25 as modest two-game success. New Orleans 109 Sacramento 97 potential game-winning 3-point •LA Clippers 104, Miami picking up his second technical •Charlotte Hornets 107, the Celtics (20-19) closed on a •New Orleans Pelicans LA Clippers 104 Miami 90

NHL Flyers edge Bruins 3-2 for 4th consecutive win

By Sam Carchidi sists on Simmonds’ goal, which hone the skills that you need to The Philadelphia Inquirer was scored after the Flyers killed stay sharp with over the course a Boston power play. of the year. So it was nice to get Steve Mason made 30 saves a little extra work in with” goalie or the Flyers, Operation for the Flyers, who were outshot, coach Kim Dillabaugh. Playoff Push is gaining 32-21. Wednesday was the Flyers’ momentum. “Two greasy goals to win,” fi rst meeting against the Bruins Getting third-period Mason said. “ ... This was a four- since they overcame a 4-2 third- Fgoals from Wayne Simmonds point game for us.” period defi cit and registered a and Mark Streit, they record- Earlier, Boston took advan- 5-4 overtime win on Oct. 21. In ed their fourth straight win tage of its fi rst power play of the that game, Boston’s Zac Rinaldo, Wednesday, jolting the Boston night, needing just 25 seconds to a former Flyer, concussed Sean Bruins, 3-2, at the reverberating take a 2-1 lead with 3:34 left in Couturier with a head hit. Wells Fargo Center. the second period. Loui Eriksson Rinaldo was booed loudly Simmonds and Streit scored scored on a rebound, showing every time he touched the puck on rebounds 1 minute, 22 sec- why the Bruins have the NHL’s Wednesday. He had a great onds apart, lifting the Flyers to best power play, clicking at over scoring chance 27 seconds into their sixth consecutive victory 28 percent. the second period, but Mason on home ice. The win moved At that point, the Flyers were stopped him as he cruised to- them within two points of Bos- 0-for-3 on their power play, ward the net on a two-on-one. ton in the crowded race for an managing a total of just two Two minutes later, with the Eastern Conference playoff spot. shots in six minutes with an ex- Flyers on a power play, Bos- Streit scored on a rebound tra skater. ton had a three-on-one short- with 8:28 left, his fi rst goal since Kevan Miller tied the game at handed break. Again Mason Oct. 30. He missed about six 1-1 by scoring on a drive from came up big, turning aside Lan- weeks after undergoing pubic- above the right circle with 11:22 don Ferraro from the right circle plate surgery and was playing his left in the second. It was his fi rst and not allowing a rebound. sixth game since his return. goal in 16 games, and it came The saves proved critical as The Flyers’ top line, which after a turnover by Mason and the Flyers rallied and beat Boston has struggled recently, got goals a bad line change by the Flyers, for just the second time in their from Jake Voracek and Wayne who had just four skaters on the last eight meetings. The Fly- Simmonds. Claude Giroux (three ice. Voracek had given the Flyers ers overcame a 4-2 third-period assists), the line’s center, and a 1-0 lead, marking the fourth defi cit in their October win in Voracek each had three points. straight game they had scored Boston. Simmonds, speeding down the fi rst goal. Claude Giroux (No 28), Jakub Voracek (No 93), Wayne Simmonds (No 17) and Michael Del Zotto (No 15) of the Philadelphia Flyers celebrate Wednesday comeback fol- the right wing as a two-one-one The left winger pounced on Simmond’s game tying goal at 10:10 of the third period against the Boston Bruins at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. (Getty Images/AFP) lowed a similar, dramatic script. was developing with Voracek, a rebound of a right-circle shot scored on his own rebound with by Giroux, and, with four Bruins shot until Radko Gudas’ point The fi rst period included a Mason was coming off a 4-0 “good to get some practice time RESULTS 9:50 remaining in regulation, around him, used his long reach drive with 6:30 to go in the fi rst, fl ight between Brayden Schenn win over the Islanders on Sat- in.” Columbus 3 Toronto 1 knotting the score at 2-2 and to put the puck into the net with but they had a handful of good and Miller, who went after the urday, the Flyers’ last game be- “We haven’t had a whole lot Philadelphia 3 Boston 2 jolting the crowd to life. 2:32 remaining in the fi rst. scoring chances in an evenly winger after he leveled Torey fore Wednesday. The long layoff , of time in the last little while to Calgary 6 Florida 0 Voracek and Giroux had as- The Flyers didn’t get their fi rst played opening period. Krug with a clean check. Mason said before the game, was work on some things and kind of Anaheim 4 Ottawa 1 Gulf Times 8 Friday, January 15, 2016 SPORT

NFL MOTORSPORT VW motorsport director Capito Kansas City’s Albert moves to McLaren

Reuters London

olkswagen motorsport taking on bigger role director Jost Capito has been appointed chief executive of ‘I don’t know about any more than usual. We’ll be ready’ VMcLaren Racing as the Honda- powered Formula One team seek to rejoin the frontrunners after By Blair Kerkhoff their worst ever season. The Kansas City Star ALBERT WILSON The 57-year-old German re- places Jonathan Neale who has been handed a wider remit as range of automotive and motor- erformance is the ulti- chief operating offi cer of the sport experience. mate trump card, and parent McLaren Technology “I am certain that he will work Albert Wilson is proof. Group, McLaren said in a state- extremely well with Eric and all Undersized, under- ment yesterday. at McLaren Racing, building on Precruited, position change, Volkswagen said in a separate the very good work they have al- name the condition. Wilson ac- statement that Capito would ready done to take the McLaren- cepted every challenge and fi nds leave ‘during the course of the Honda programme forward to- himself the Kansas City Chiefs’ year’ and continue to perform wards grand prix victories and second option at wide receiver, his duties of Motorsport Direc- world championship successes.” a position that could take on tor until a successor had been McLaren, the second most greater signifi cance if Jeremy appointed. successful Formula One team in Maclin’s ankle injury prevents McLaren do not have an offi - terms of race victories, have not him from playing or limits him cially designated team principal, won a grand prix since the end of in tomorrow’s divisional round with Frenchman Eric Boullier 2012. Their won their last cham- playoff game at New England. eff ectively carrying out much of pionship in 2008 with Britain’s “The thing I say is if you go the role as hands-on racing di- Lewis Hamilton, who won the through life listening to people rector and remaining in that po- fi rst of his three world titles with who say you can’t do things, sition. Ron Dennis, a shareholder McLaren before moving to Mer- your world would be at a stand- and former principal, remains cedes. still,” Wilson said. executive chairman and chief The Woking-based team had Wilson does anything but executive of the McLaren Tech- a rough start to their new part- stand still. A second-year pro, nology Group. nership with Honda in 2015, with Wilson took the next step this Capito has a strong track Spain’s double champion Fern- season, increasing his workload record in motorsport and has ando Alonso and Britain’s 2009 and statistics. led Volkswagen’s multiple title- winner Jenson Button repeatedly From 16 receptions and no winning world rally champion- let down by engine failures. touchdowns in his rookie season ship team since 2012, winning 34 They ended the year ninth of to 35 and two scores in a starting of 39 events during his tenure. the 10 teams with just 27 points. role this season. He has also worked for Ford, Volkswagen, Europe’s biggest Wilson had at least one re- who won world rally champi- carmaker, are wrestling with an ception in each of the Chiefs’ onships under his leadership, emissions cheating scandal that fi nal 11 regular-season games BMW and the Sauber Formula erupted in September and has and had two in the team’s 30-0 One team. “I fi rst approached sent their shares down by about wild-card playoff victory at Jost last summer,” Dennis said a fi fth. Houston last Saturday. in a statement. “He is an ex- Capito said in October that the More could be needed this tremely impressive, competitive company’s world rally project week. Maclin, the Chiefs’ lead- and ambitious individual, who would continue until at least the ing receiver who was injured comes to us with a very wide end of 2019. in the third quarter against Houston, hasn’t practised this week. His injury has been called a “mild” high ankle sprain by Banana-throwing incident in coach Andy Reid. Moscow game under investigation Although more responsibility will come his way - along with The Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) is investigating a racist Chris Conley and Jason Avant incident in the international competition when two bananas were _Wilson said he doesn’t feel an thrown on the ice at the end of a game between Spartak Moscow additional burden. and Medvescak Zagreb in the Russian capital on Wednesday. “I don’t know about any more “The KHL are looking at the material in connection with the racist than usual,” he said. “We’ll be “I defi nitely didn’t think I’d son impressed coaches with his came on short passes that he “It’s something that I have incident that took place during the game on January 13, 2016,” the ready.” be catching the ball when I got work ethic and drive and made turned into sprints to the end to build into my game,” Wilson organisation said on its website (www.khl.ru) without going into Wilson always has been and to Georgia State,” Wilson said. the team. zone, a screen from 42 yards said. “This like my fourth or detail of proposed sanctions for those responsible. constantly had to prove him- But as the program’s fi rst sea- “First of all, he’s a tough kid, against the Vikings and a quick fi fth year playing receiver, and “The league believes that such behaviour has no place in the sport. self on the football fi eld. A high son approached, the team needed a smart kid,” Chiefs off ensive slant that went for 44 yards and it’s something I haven’t done After taking into account all the circumstances regarding the inci- school quarterback in Florida, more speed on the off ensive side, co-ordinator Doug Pederson the only touchdown the Chiefs yet.” dent, the KHL will take the necessary steps in accordance with the the 5-foot-9 Wilson fl ashed and Wilson was a breakout player. said. “I think back a year ago, scored in their home victory Until he reached the NFL, regulations,” it added. speed and agility - baseball was His big moment as a freshman: where he kind of emerged on over the Chargers. Wilson never had to worry Game off icials said they had recorded the incident in their report, a fi rst love and he could have returning a kickoff 97 yards for a the scene and was able to do There’s a belief Wilson could about an overthrown ball. while Medvescak forward Edwin Hedberg, the only black player on pursued a future as a shortstop touchdown against Alabama. something things with the have another score or two. “I came from a school where either team, believes he was the intended victim of the attack. - but he fi gured his football path The touchdowns and high- short-to-intermediate passing Quarterback Alex Smith has I pretty much ran up under eve- “Things like this should not happen but unfortunately they do. This would be as a running back or light plays piled up, and Wilson game, which caught our at- overthrown Wilson on some rything (and) I never had to dive is the second season I have played in the KHL, but this is the first defensive back. left college with 6,235 all-pur- tention. He’s really blossomed deep balls this season, including for the ball,” he said. “When you time I have come across something like this,” the 21-year-old Swede He accepted a scholarship at pose yards. from that. one against the Texans. Wilson come to the next level, there are told the R-Sport news agency. The general manager of the home Georgia State, which had just But it wasn’t enough for Wil- “And having a guy like Jeremy didn’t dive. It might not have some balls you have to go for. team, Alexei Zhamnov, revealed that a culprit had been identified started football. Wilson played son to hear his named called in opposite him also has helped, a made a diff erence on any of the You just have to put that in your from television footage and was hopeful it would lead to a swift on the fi rst team, in 2010, the the NFL draft. After the Chiefs little more single coverage, the throws, but Wilson said he’s game and make it happen.” resolution. “We have a photo and video footage of the person who fi rst time he played wide re- made their 2014 selections, they ability to beat man coverage.” continuing to work on his wide- Wilson has proved progress threw the bananas on the ice,” Zhamnov told reporters. ceiver. signed him as a free agent. Wil- Wilson’s two touchdowns receiving instincts. can come quickly.

SPOTLIGHT Rams exit leaves St. Louis with no appetite

Reuters from LA to St. Louis. ston to decide the team’s fate on The city’s original agreement St Louis The NFL also opened the door An excavator works on the site of the Tuesday, St. Louis’s NHL team, with the Rams allowed the team for the Chargers to move to Los new $1.85 billion stadium where the Los the Blues, were playing at home to bail if the St. Louis stadium Angeles from San Diego, contin- Angeles Rams will play in Inglewood, - and hearing loud chants of did not rank among the top tier fter losing two profes- gent on the Rams and the Charg- Los Angeles, California. (Reuters) “Kroenke sucks.” of league venues, he said. More- sional football teams - ers working out a deal to share Fans seemed to direct as much over, the lease was shorter than the Cardinals and now Kroenke’s planned palace of a anger at the league, which dis- the payback period on bonds the Rams - many lead- stadium in Inglewood, a suburb missed the city’s stadium plan used to build the Rams cur- ersA and fans in St. Louis are done southwest of Los Angeles. - and its $400 million contribu- rent stadium, the Edward Jones with the NFL. Following the NFL’s decision tion - as insuffi cient. Dome. The National Football at a special meeting in Houston, Rams fan Dennis Roberts, sit- “They had a terrible, terrible League’s approval on Tuesday Rams Chief Operating Offi cer ting in a downtown bar watching contract with the Rams,” Math- of the Rams relocation to Los Kevin Demoff said he under- a Blues game, recalled watching eson said. “No one in their right Angeles was the last straw after stood the city’s frustration with the St. Louis Cardinals football mind should have ever signed a years of bitter stadium negotia- both the stadium process and team depart 28 years ago. contract like this.” tions in St. Louis. The city had the Rams losing record on the After this latest blow, he St. Louis has a rich sport- off ered $400 million to help fi eld. The team has not had a doubts the city will chase an- ing tradition. It hosted the fi rst build a new venue for the Rams winning season since 2003. other team. “I am not sure how summer Olympic Games held on the riverfront, near the city’s The decisions, Demoff said, much of a will there is left in St. outside of Europe in 1904, and famous Arch. came down to money: The sta- Louis,” he said. “Personally, I re- the Cardinals baseball team, St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay - dium plan for St. Louis “would ally don’t care anymore.” among America’s oldest, has who supported the stadium plan result in sub-par economics.” That sentiment goes to the top won the World Series 11 times. and attended keep-the-Rams “I always believed that Stan of the city’s leadership. Mayor In 2000, the Rams - with a rallies - said he’s in no mood to wanted to stay,” he said of Slay said: “The NFL sent a loud passing attack known as “the go courting another NFL team. Kroenke. “I know it hasn’t been Kroenke - a Missouri native last week published a dartboard man for the Cardinals baseball and clear message: Their home Greatest Show on Turf” - won The Cardinals left the city for easy for him.” who is also the majority share- with Kroenke’s face on it and team. Kroenke has built an em- cities and hometown fans are the Superbowl. Arizona after the 1987 season. Kroenke said in a statement holder of Arsenal, the English launched a hashtag - #Kroenke- pire of sports properties. As well commodities to be abandoned While many city offi cials are “Why would anybody want after the vote that the move was Premier League soccer club - is complaints - which thousands as the Rams and Arsenal, he also once they no longer suit the enraged, some left the door open to, in any way, even entertain “bitter sweet” but in the long- the target of those angry with of readers used to vent rage at owns Major League Soccer’s league’s purposes.” just a little for an NFL owner any suggestions from the NFL term interests of the Rams. “The the decision in St. Louis. The the billionaire developer. Fans Colorado Rapids and - after a that wants to come calling on St. after the way they dealt with St. move isn’t about whether I love Rust Belt city’s pride was bruised ire boiled over after the Rams move last year to get around the ‘TERRIBLE CONTRACT’ Louis. Louis here?” the mayor asked in St. Louis or Missouri. I do and in 2008 by the sale of Anheuser- trashed the city’s stadium pro- NFL’s rules limiting cross own- The city has cause to be an- “I don’t think we are going a press briefi ng Monday. “They always will.” He said the city was Busch, the maker of Budweiser, to posal and its economy in its re- ership of sports franchises - a gry - and other cities courting to be out there hunting for an were dishonest.” “known for its incredibly hard- -based brewer InBev. The location application. family trust owns the National the NFL should learn from the NFL team,” said Alderman Scott The NFL team owners voted working, passionate and proud loss of an NFL team was another One fan tweeted: “The worst Hockey League’s Colorado Ava- St. Louis experience, said Vic- Ogilvie. “But if we end up in the 30-2 on Tuesday to allow Rams people.” unwelcome blow to prestige. thing about all this is that Stan lanche and the NBA’s Denver tor Matheson, an economics position that LA has been, with owner Stan Kroenke to move the AN NFL spokesperson de- Kroenke was literally named Nuggets. professor at the College of Holy other teams wanting to be here, I Rams to Los Angeles - 21 years clined to comment on the criti- DARTBOARD after Stan Musial,” the Hall of While the NFL’s billionaire Cross in Massachusetts who has can see us working with an own- after the franchise had moved cism it faced in St. Louis. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch Fame outfi elder and fi rst base- owners were meeting in Hou- studied sports business. er - perhaps.” Gulf Times Friday, January 15, 2016 9 SPORT

GOLF SONY OPEN Walker eyes unique hat-trick at Waialae Lesser-known Asian Reuters 10 fi nish of the season in last Honolulu, Hawaii week’s Hyundai Tournament of Champions at the Kapalua Re- sort where the par-73 Planta- resh from a tie for 10th tion Course is the hilliest venue at the Hyundai Tourna- on the PGA Tour with expansive ment of Champions on fairways. Sunday, Jimmy Walker This week, he will have to stars fi red up for Cup setsF his sights on something contend with a very diff erent ‘cool’ at this week’s Sony Open challenge on the classic par- in Honolulu where he will bid for 70 layout at Waialae—which is an unprecedented third win in a fl at, tight and fringed with palm row. trees—but he has never had a American Walker cruised problem in making that transi- to a tournament-record nine- tion. shot victory at Waialae Country “It’s just been a matter of solid upset over Europe Club last year and is now look- putting and quality iron play (at ing to become the fi rst player to Waialae), said Walker, a fi ve- land a hat-trick of titles on the times winner on the PGA Tour. ‘To play in first EurAsia Cup was very important in the bigger picture of my career’ PGA Tour since Steve Stricker “I know I’ve driven it well here clinched the 2011 John Deere the last couple years, and it’s a Classic. tough place to drive the golf ball Though three players apart because it’s so narrow and fi rm. from Walker (Hubert Green, “I’ve managed to get it in Corey Pavin and Ernie Els) have the fairways and hit quality won the Sony Open in consecu- shots and probably played the tive years since the event was par-fi ves pretty well ... those fi rst held in 1965, none of them are some of the keys, real good managed to add a third. putting, too.” “Oh, it’s cool,” Walker, 36, Walker will tee off in Thurs- told reporters while preparing day’s opening round of the $5.8 for Thursday’s opening round million Sony Open in high- on the tight, tree-lined layout at profi le company, having been Waialae on the Hawaiian island grouped with 2088 winner K.J. of Oahu. “I’m excited. Choi of South Korea and reign- “I’ve never experienced any- ing British Open champion Zach thing like I’ll experience (at Johnson. Waialae), winning two in a row Also competing at Waialae and trying to make it three. this week is former world “I’ve got a lot of good memo- number one Adam Scott of Aus- ries coming from there and we’re tralia, who is currently ranked excited to get back.” 11th, along with seven other Walker recorded his fi rst top- members of the top 30.

Qatar Central Bank holds on to top spot, Qatar National Bank moves into 2nd place The Aspire Banks League has now concluded its eleventh week, with Qatar Central Bank (QCB) holding onto its position at the top of the league following a comfortable win against Qatar Development Bank (QDB), who currently sit at the bottom of the table with just three points. During the week, Qatar National Bank (QNB) recovered from its most recent defeat against QCB with a strong 2-1 win against Barwa Bank, allowing the team to climb up to second place in the table with 27 points. QCB is closely followed by Barwa Bank, who currently sit in third place with 24 points, Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), who have 21 points, Team Europe captain Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland (L) and the Asian Team captain Jeev Milka Singh of India with Malaysia’s Queen Haminah Hamidun during the final Masraf Al Rayyan, who have 19 points, and Doha Bank, who have practice day of the EurAsia Cup golf tournament at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club in Shah Alam, Kuala Lumpur. (AFP) 17 points. After maintaining the top position in the league for nine weeks running, QNB fell from its first place ranking after a match AFP Dynasty Cup winning team, He it was the very fi rst taste of team so he wanted some experience European and Asian teams at against QCB in week 10. The forthcoming matches are expected Kuala Lumpur was also a member of the victo- competition at a high level. It in there,” said Westwood. the Glenmarie Golf and Country to be highly competitive, given the small diff erences between the rious 2012 Royal Trophy side for was a key moment in Asian Tour “Therefore, he picked my- Club course, Kuala Lumpur, points each team has. Asia against Europe. golf to tie the competition. self and Ian and when you are a Malaysia. The Aspire Banks League, which follows a points-based ranking sys- sia’s lesser-known Singh will draw upon Flori- “Of course now with that ex- wildcard pick, you do feel a bit (European Team first) tem, launched in October 2015 and will conclude in February 2016. stars are fi red up to da-based Korean rising star An perience... we are quietly confi - more pressure to perform and 8:35 am (0035 GMT): Ian Poul- The league is being played over a total of 91 matches every Satur- deny their more fan- Byeong-Hun who stormed his dent of getting out hands on the validate that pick.” ter (ENG)/Bernd Wiesberger day and Sunday in the indoor football pitch at the Aspire Dome. cied European oppo- way to victory last May in the trophy.” This year features 12-man (AUT) v Anirban Lahiri (IND)/ nentsA victory when the EurA- European Tour headquarters’ By contrast, the England pair teams with a total of 24 points Jeung Hun-Wang (KOR) sia Cup begins today in Kuala own backyard when he won the of Lee Westwood and Ian Poul- on off er, meaning the first team 8:50 am (0050 GMT): Danny Lumpur. prestigious PGA Championship ter will be under pressure to to 12.5 points will win. In 2014 Willett (ENG)/Matt Fitzpatrick Asia went close to a big upset at Wentworth. perform with one eye on the Ry- only 10 players from each team (ENG) v An Byeong-Hun (KOR)/ in the inaugural event two years Singh will also look to fel- der Cup later this year after be- took part. Thongchai Jaidee (THA) ago when they held Europe to a low Indian Anirban Lahiri, who ing aff orded “wildcard” picks by 9:15 am (0105 GMT): Victor 10-10 tie in the Ryder Cup-style competed in the 2014 EurAsia close companion and European EurAsia Cup format Dubuisson (FRA)/Soren Kjeld- team match play showdown at Cup and is currently ranked 43rd Team captain, Darren Clarke. •January 15: Six fourball sen (DEN) v Danny Chia (MAL)/ the same Glenmarie Golf and in the world having stormed to Clarke, who is also Ryder matches Nicholas Fung (MAL) Country Club venue. the Asian Tour’s 2015 Order of Cup captain, is eager to savour •January 16: Six foursome (alter- 9:20 am (0120 GMT): Ross With four players inside the Merit title and fi nished fi fth in European success nine months nate shot)matches Fisher (ENG)/Kristoff er Broberg world’s top 50, headed by the the fi nal major of the year, the before he leads his team to Ha- •January 17: 12 singles (SWE) v Prayad Marksaeng prolifi c-winning 27th-ranked US PGA Championship. zeltine to compete against the Each match counts one point (THA)/Kim K T (KOR) Thongchai Jaidee, Asia are ex- USA. Westwood, as a veteran of for a victory, half a point if fin- 9:35 am (0135 GMT): Shane uding confi dence going into the Under pressure seven Ryder Cups and winner ishing all square after 18 holes. Lowry (IRE)/Andy Sullivan three-day event on home soil. “To play in the fi rst EurAsia of the 1997 and 2014 Malaysian First team to 12.5 points wins. (ENG) v Shingo Katayama Captaining the Asian Team Cup was very important to me Open titles, is only too aware of (JAP)/Wu Ashun (CHN) is Jeev Milka Singh, a winner of and very important in the big- his responsibility. ORDER OF PLAY 9:50 am (0150 GMT): Lee 20 events around the world and ger picture of my career,” said “Darren looked at his team The draw and order of play for Westwood (ENG)/Chris Wood a veteran of team competition Lahiri. and sees it a young team with today’s EurAsia Cup first round (ENG) v SSP Chawrasia (THA)/ including competing the 2003 “It helped my confi dence and not too much team experience four-ball matches between the Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA)

FOCUS SDI Marketing becomes offi cial title sponsors of GCC basketball for 4 years

By Sports Reporter offi ce in Doha, Qatar in 2010 as gether with the GCC Basketball Doha part of the Dallah Group, SDI Organizing Committee we will Marketing has continued to strive to develop the product on leverage existing, and develop and off the court, through com- DI Marketing Doha, a new relationships which have munity outreach, education and subsidiary of Dallah resulted in; increased access to sport development initiatives,” Group, one of Qatar’s markets, production and man- Said Roy Roedger, SDI Market- leading sports and expe- agement of a wide spectrum of ing Global, President. rientialS marketing agencies, and high profi le professional work, “Partnering with an esteemed Doha’s fi rst 360 degree commu- and continuous delivery of prov- sporting institution such as nications group, has announced en results for their clients. the GCC Basketball Organiz- that it will be the exclusive spon- “SDI Marketing Doha is im- ing Committee, SDI Marketing sor and rights holders of the Gulf mensely proud to be the Offi cial Doha has elevated its local and Cooperation Council (GCC) Title Sponsor and rights holder global profi le, now including all Basketball Organizing Commit- of the GCC Basketball Organiz- GCC countries. In return, we will tee Championships for the next ing Committee Championships. implement our immense indus- four years, 2016-2019. We take great pride in continu- try knowledge and resources, and The announcement was made ing the development of sports in look to raise the profi le of the re- during a press conference, fol- the GCC region, especially Qatar gion’s Championships. lowed by an offi cial signing cer- in accordance with our Qatar “For example, through our emony to mark the momentous National Vision 2030. relationship with the National occasion in front of distinguished “With FIFA World Cup 2022 Basketball Retired Players As- representatives from the GCC on the horizon, Qatar’s sports sociation (NBRPA) in the Unit- Basketball Organising Commit- landscape off ers world class fa- ed States, we envision inviting tee, SDI Marketing Doha, as well cilities and endless opportunity, NBA alumni players to come to as local and international media it’s really an exciting time for us,” the GCC as guest coaches of our representatives, with the recep- said Rashid al-Nuaimi, Dallah grassroots program surround- tion being held at the Qatar Bas- Group, Chairman. ing the championship, in eff ort ketball Federation (QBF) at the Al “SDI Marketing has offi ces to ignite the passion for basket- Gharafa Sports Complex. in key global hubs, including ball at a young age. Also, for our The GCC Basketball Organ- Off icials of GCC Basketball Organising Committee and SDI Marketing Doha pose after the off icial signing ceremony. Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, valued partners we would like izing Committee manages the Atlanta, Los Angeles, Las Vegas to off er unique experiences they championships which take place lished in 1988 in Canada as a has leveraged the unparalleled of sectors including: sports mar- roots and schools programmes, and Doha. We will use our in- would not otherwise have access throughout the six GCC coun- marketing agency with one power of its increasingly global keting, experiential marketing, live event production and pro- ternational experience, connec- too. These are just a couple ideas tries, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, simple philosophy, “Make our network of relationships, capa- concept creation, evaluation and motion, cause marketing, cus- tions, and wealth of knowledge of our extensive strategy,” said Qatar, and the UAE. client’s business our business.” bilities and assets to benefi t its contract negotiation, athlete and tom applications and CSR. to elevate the game of basketball Wassim Aldayah, SDI Marketing SDI Marketing was estab- Since then, SDI Marketing range of clients across a number property management, grass- Further, since establishing its in Qatar and GCC region. To- Doha, CEO. Gulf Times 10 Friday, January 15, 2016 TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT Azarenka back in Open frame aft er two troubled years The 26-year-old won her first tournament in 2-1/2 years when she beat world number 10 Angelique Kerber in Brisbane

Reuters Melbourne

ager to make up for two troubled years on and off the court, Victoria Azarenka is once again being talked about as a genuine title threat at the Aus- tralian Open after the Belarusian’s Brisbane In- ternationalE win last Saturday. The 26-year-old won her fi rst tournament in 2-1/2 years when she beat world number 10 Angelique Kerber 6-3, 6-1 at Brisbane and was then seeded 16th yesterday for the season-opening grand slam at Melbourne Park. Kerber was the highest seed left in the tournament af- ter Maria Sharapova and world number two Simona Ha- lep, who Azarenka would have met in the second round, pulled out while Garbine Muguruza retired hurt early on. While those absences may have smoothed Azarenka’s path to the title, there is no doubt her game is returning to levels that helped her reach world number one and win back to back Australian Open titles in 2012 and 2013. She dropped just 17 games over fi ve matches during the tournament to claim her fi rst title since the Cincin- nati Masters in August 2013. Azarenka, who has recently Victoria Azarenka’s game is returning spoken about her battle with depression, said that while to levels that helped her reach world the victory would give her the spark to go on and achieve number one and win back to back more, she had managed to keep a wider perspective dur- Australian Open titles in 2012 and 2013. ing the tournament. “I’m not sure I feel relief,” she told reporters after the win. “I wanted to win the title, but I didn’t feel, if this doesn’t happen the world is going to end.” After sustaining a foot injury that restricted her to just nine tournaments in 2014, Azarenka was forced to face higher seeds early on in tournaments over the last two years, which resulted in frustrating losses and a drop in the rankings. The slump also coincided with the break-up of her relationship with American musician Redfoo and her constant injury battles led to bouts of depression. She entered last year’s Australian Open ranked 44th in the world and faced three seeds in the fi rst four rounds, exit- ing at the hands of 2014 fi nalist Dominika Cibulkova in the fourth round. She managed to play 14 tournaments last year but was again beset by injuries and said after Brisbane she was ‘hurt’ and ‘in pain’ for virtually the whole of 2015. In a bid to get back to her best, Azarenka recognised the need to get proper treatment and rehabilitation. Her move to take on a new coach and hitting partner last year is also paying off , while taking stock of her life away from the court has helped her on it, she has said. If Azarenka has consigned her problems to the past, she could be a serious threat in Australia and is one of FOCUS the few players with the power and speed to consist- ently challenge world number one Serena Williams. The 34-year-old American has won four of the last fi ve grand slams but has been battling a long-standing knee injury. They played three times last year, and while Williams Djokovic, Williams top seeds at Australian Open won them all each went to a decider with the American having to battle back from a set down to win two of the AFP champion Roger Federer. Fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka, who Men: 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB), 2. Andy Murray (GBR), 3. Roger matches. Former world number one Chris Evert believes Melbourne won in Melbourne in 2014, is the fourth seed with Rafael Nadal Federer (SUI), 4. Stan Wawrinka (SUI), 5. Rafael Nadal (ESP), 6. the American’s biggest challenger in Melbourne could be at fi ve. French world number nine Richard Gasquet was not Tomas Berdych (CZE), 7. Kei Nishikori (JPN), 8. David Ferrer (ESP), 9. the rejuvenated Azarenka. among the seedings for the year’s opening Grand Slam because Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA), 10. John Isner (USA), 11. Kevin Anderson “I think she’s a player we should be talking about and orld number ones Novak Djokovic and Serena of a back injury. Romania’s Simona Halep is the second seed in (RSA), 12. Marin Cilic (CRO), 13. Milos Raonic (CAN), 14. Gilles Simon focusing on right now,” Evert said. “She certainly loves Williams were named the top seeds yesterday the bottom half of the women’s draw ahead of Spain’s Garbine (FRA), 15. David Goff in (BEL) Australia. She’s won it twice. She defi nitely last year for next week’s Australian Open with organisers Muguruza and Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska. Maria Shara- Women: 1. Serena Williams (USA), 2. Simona Halep (ROM), 3. played really well, but kept bumping into Serena. She aligning with the current rankings. Djokovic is pova, the 2008 champion, is fi fth seed, while two-time winner Garbine Muguruza (ESP), 4. Agnieszka Radwanska (POL), 5. Maria challenged her more than any other player. Wchasing his sixth title after beating Andy Murray in last year’s Victoria Azarenka of Belarus is seeded at 14. Sharapova (RUS), 6. Petra Kvitova (CZE), 7. Angelique Kerber (GER), “She’s got to be one of the two or three favourites for fi nal, while Williams, battling a knee injury, is after her sev- No. 9 Lucie Safarova is skipping the Australian Open be- 8. Venus Williams (USA), 9. Karolina Pliskova (CZE), 10. Carla Suarez winning the Australian Open. I always thought she has a enth Australian crown. cause of health problems, while Italy’s Flavia Pennetta, ranked Navarro (ESP), 11. Timea Bacsinszky (SUI), 12. Belinda Bencic (SUI), champions’ mentality,” she added. The Australian Open Murray, who has lost in four Australian fi nals, three of them at eight, retired from the sport after her win at last year’s US 13. Roberta Vinci (ITA), 14. Victoria Azarenka (BLR), 15. Madison begins from Monday. to Djokovic, is the second seed ahead of 17-time Grand Slam Open. The 2016 Australian Open runs from January 18-31. Keys (USA), 16. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN)

ROUND-UP Jack socks it to Anderson Bouchard to play Cibulkova in semis and Auckland Auckland: David Ferrer seed. Bautista Agut will play provided the class while Jack Tsonga in the semi-finals after AFP Sock played on his name with the Frenchman’s 7-5, 7-6 (7/4) Hobart a victory giveaway as the win over Fabio Fognini. ATP Auckland Classic semi- finalists sorted themselves out BAGHDATIS FIRES UP FOR anadian star Eugenie Bouchard yesterday. AUSTRALIAN OPEN took just 68 minutes to storm Top seed Ferrer and number Marcos Baghdatis warmed into the semi-fi nals of the rain- two Jo-Wilfried Tsonga moved up for the Australian Open interrupted Hobart International into the final four with straight with a 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 win over yesterday.C The former world number fi ve sets wins to join Sock and Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu came on the court late in the evening af- Roberto Bautista Agus who yesterday at the Kooyong Clas- ter hours of rain delays to infl ict a 6-3, both took three sets to upset sic, a decade after reaching his 6-2 win over Italian second seed Camila Kevin Anderson and John Isner only Grand Slam final. Giorgi. Bouchard set up a semi-fi nal to- respectively. In 2006, the smiling Cypriot day with world number 37 and third Sock recovered from a string generated excitement with his seed Dominika Cibulkova of the Slovak of early unforced errors to beat run to the title match in Mel- Republic. “I’m happy I was able to have Anderson 1-6, 6-4, 6-4 and cel- bourne, where he lost to Roger a lot of energy considering how long we ebrated the victory by starting Federer playing at the peak of waited today,” Bouchard said. what he says will become his his powers. Baghdatis remains She said staying mentally prepared for win tradition: a sock giveaway. proud of his achievement. “It the match during the frustrating rain de- “It feels great,” said the 23-year- was the best two weeks in my lays was one of the toughest challenges. Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard beat old American who survived 14 tennis life,” the 30-year-old Cibulkova overcame Dutch quali- Camila Giorgi of Italy in Hobart. (AFP) aces by Anderson. said. “I have such great memo- fi er Kiki Bertens, 7-5, 6-3 in a match that Sock, ranked 26th to Ander- ries and sensations. “It makes spanned more than seven hours, includ- won her held-over second round match next week’s Australian Open, was one en’s fi nal and men’s last four contests fol- son’s 12, cutback on the error me happy to think about them, ing three lengthy rain interruptions. “The 6-7 (3/7), 6-2, 7-6 (7/3) and saved three of a string of top players whose hopes of lowing in the evening. count after the disappointing I’m always happy to be back conditions were really tough,” the Slovak match points in the process against Ro- getting a good workout before the year’s Former Wimbledon semi-fi nalist first set and won the match on playing in Australia.” told reporters. “I don’t remember that I manian fourth seed Monica Niculescu. opening grand slam were stymied by the Grigor Dimitrov got closest to a victory a service break and celebrated Baghdatis, ranked 48, have such tough conditions and match Then she came out near midnight on a weather. on Thursday, having come from a set by throwing a sock into the defeated Mathieu with 28 win- and starting and stopping so many times cold night but could not sustain her form The Romanian top seed was leading down to lead his quarter-fi nal against Al- crowd “I think with such a ners but broke on only one of and today was really a mental thing. I after winning the opening set to bow out 5-4 in the opening set of her semi-fi nal exandr Dolgopolov 4-6 6-3 4-2. unique name that I have, we his eight chances. Meanwhile, came back three times on the court and I 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 to Larsson in two hours 12 encounter with one of her predecessors The match started in the stifl ing early figured I might start a new Briton Kyle Edmund handed won even stronger than I was before.” minutes. as world number two, Svetlana Kuznets- afternoon heat, and Dimitrov shattered tradition and give a sock away Australian teenager Omar France’s Alize Cornet strolled into the ova, when the rain stopped played for the his racket on the court in frustration after if I win,” he said. Jasika a third loss at the Grand semis without playing a shot after her STORMY WEATHER WREAKS HAVOC second and fi nal time for the day. shanking a return to lose the fi rst set. Sock faces top seed Ferrer Slam tune-up event. Edmund, ninth seeded German opponent Mona AT INTERNATIONAL Costa Rican qualifi er Monica Puig had The storm stopped play before the sec- in the semi-finals after the who played the opening rub- Barthel withdrew before their match with A violent thunderstorm and persist- even more reason to be frustrated by the ond set could get under way, but Dimitrov Spaniard whipped Czech Lukas ber in November as Britain won a back injury. Barthel sustained the injury ent rain prevented any of the scheduled weather as she had raced to a 4-0 15-0 quickly got the upper hand when the ac- Rosol 6-3, 6-4. Bautista Agut, the Davis Cup over Belgium, during her previous match against Ja- singles tennis matches from being com- lead in her fi nal-four match against Swiss tion resumed to even up the contest and beaten by Isner in the Auck- defeated Jasika 6-3, 6-3 with pan’s Naomi Osaka. pleted on women’s semi-fi nal and men’s Belinda Bencic. Weather permitting, both race into the lead in the decider. More land semi-finals two years ago, temperatures were more than Cornet will play Swede Johanna Lars- quarter-fi nals day at the Sydney Interna- women’s semi-fi nals and all four men’s showers are forecast for today but the turned the tables with a 7-5, halved from a steamy 41 Cel- son, who overcame exhausted defend- tional yesterday. quarter-fi nals will be completed after a chance of rain is predicted to decrease 2-6, 6-3 victory over the third sius the day before. ing champion Heather Watson. Watson Simona Halep, the second seed for morning start on Friday, with the wom- signifi cantly in the late afternoon. Gulf Times Friday, January 15, 2016 11 ATHLETICS

COMMENT Join the Powerfully Powerless or be damned Trust in sports administration told the culture select committee that be expected to have had a clue about Rupert Murdoch’s lieutenants were picture of what happens when the the comparative ease of holding tour- has been destroyed over the he had never heard the whispers about this stuff , much less be accountable for not always impeccable. But the pattern trust is gone. Some bits we can see, and naments in jurisdictions where there past year by elites who claim Diack “possibly being involved in cor- it. Even when they resign, they only do reaches far beyond Cameron. they are not encouraging. We know is “less democracy” was a moment of oblivion, and Lord Coe must not ruption”. it to stop being a distraction from their From one elite to another, around that a sense of powerlessness against hideous candour. add to this growing demographic To which the only reasonable reply own valuable clean-up operations. the world, those in charge have chosen globalised forces appears to be fuelling In fact, like all the other damaged in- was: dude, how is that even possible? Over the past year or so, interna- to declare themselves clueless. Never the rise of right wing populism. stitutions, sport governance needs far By Marina Hyde in London There are uncontacted tribes who had tional sports governance has become mind spiritual leaders—governance Back in 2013, meanwhile, research more democracy. There were common The Guardian heard those whispers. another thing in which trust has col- has been ceded to the spiritual heirs conducted by The Economist Intel- themes to the trust breakdown from Google Earth bits of the Amazon jun- lapsed amid sensational scandal. of either Captain Renault or Inspector ligence Unit found a cascade of scan- bank to church that are clearly echoed gle at any point over the past few years Yet like each of the other institutions Clouseau. dals such as MPs’ expenses and phone in sport: power had become concen- ccording to Seb Coe, last and you’d have been able to see bones it follows—banks, parliament, the me- I leave it to you to judge which. Even hacking had led to a marked decline in trated, transparency (if it ever existed) week’s banning of three sen- and earthenware vessels arranged into dia, the Catholic church, the police—the if we are to place the most charita- political participation. was eroded, secrecy was enhanced, ior athletics offi cials “could giant messages reading: “Wait—he got details which emerged seemed to con- ble interpretation on their blindness, Scepticism and contempt had in- and the concept of “taking responsi- not send a stronger message”. tens of thousands of dollars from a de- fi rm what people outside their remu- we cannot escape the conclusion that creased; disillusion was deepened. bility” was eff ectively abandoned. A Unfortunately for his lordship, the funct sports marketing fi rm because neration had in fact known for decades. lowly punters seem to see more than Two years ago, the WADA report’s The lesson—mostly untaken across suspicion is that WADA report into al- his house burnt down?!?!?! DO ME A Back in 2010, David Cameron at- the elites. author Dick Pound announced he no the board, alas—is that elites need to leged corruption within the IAAF will FAVOUR.” tacked the media for kiboshing the We live in interesting times—usu- longer watched the Tour de France; become more open and less hierarchical. send an infi nitely stronger message. With that statement, Coe made a 2018 World Cup bid, when any punter ally a euphemism, and in this case very he recently expanded his list of non- If Coe is serious about reform (and Then again, arguably the last time choice he must either reverse or be with the most passing knowledge of likely to be so. The question of what events by declaring that he now he should be, as his personal sur- Seb Coe was right about something was damned by. He promoted himself Fifa could have told the prime minister all this means for something ordinary doesn’t bother with the IAAF champi- vival now depends upon it) he must at the moment of his obscurantist elec- to early 21st century power’s fastest we had about as much chance of win- people care about—sport itself—is a onships either. It will not have escaped ask himself what the IAAF really has toral triumph, when he described his growing demographic: what we might ning an ExCo vote as we had of pulling complicated one. the IOC that more and more bodies against drawing upon the wisdom of since-arrested predecessor Lamine Di- term the Powerfully Powerless. Like off a Jules Rimet-Eurovision accumu- We understand how the trust in politic are voting against their city greater crowds. ack as the “spiritual leader” of athletics. all sports administrators, all banking lator. The shock of last May’s FIFA ar- elites goes—well, those of us who don’t bidding to host the Olympics, while If he declines to, we will have to con- Still, you’re always the last to know, CEOs, all media bosses, and all senior rests must have shaken the PM badly— draw cash from them do, at any rate. the newly sacked again FIFA general tinue asking why he knew less about aren’t you? Back in November, Coe coppers, he was unaware. They can’t certainly as badly as the revelation that But we don’t have a completely clear secretary Jerome Valcke’s comment on Diack than Wikipedia.

FOCUS KEY POINTS

Lamine Diack, the former president of the International Association of Ath- letics Federations (IAAF), was “respon- New WADA report sible for organising and enabling the conspiracy and corruption that took place in the IAAF”. Diack appeared to have created a close inner circle which functioned as “an informal illegitimate governance structure” outside the IAAF. Diack sanctioned and appeared to puts Coe in spotlight have had personal knowledge of the fraud and the extortion of athletes car- ried out by the actions of the ‘Coe and Bubka were there. They had an opportunity a long time ago to address issues of governance’ illegitimate governance structure he put in place. The corruption was “embedded” in the IAAF. “It cannot be ignored or dismissed as attributable to the odd renegade acting on his own,” the report said. It was “increasingly clear” that far more IAAF staff knew about the problems than has so far been acknowledged. “The IAAF’s awareness of prob- lems involving Russia was far wider than was acknowledged and the IAAF showed no appetite to deal with the problems,” Dick Pound, WADA chair- man, said. Sebastian Coe, president of the IAAF, was backed by Pound to lead athletics’ recovery from the scandal. “There is an enormous amount of repu- tational recovery needed. It’s a fabu- lous opportunity for the IAAF to seize the opportunity and move forward but I can’t think of anyone better than Sebastian Coe to lead it,” Pound said. “There’s no way Sebastian Coe could have known the extent of what (Lamine) Diack was up to,” Pound said. Pound “does not believe” Coe lied when he said he did not know about the corruption. The IAAF had an inadequate governance process in place to prevent the corruption that occurred and the checks and balances of good govern- ance were missing. There appeared to be no govern- ance rules or policies regarding the employment of family members of senior IAAF staff . It was “completely improper governance” to allow supervision of suspected Russian doping cases to be separately managed by the IAAF Presi- dent’s personal legal counsel. Professor Richard McLaren, a WADA member and legal counsel, said: “Certain individuals within the IAAF went beyond sporting corruption and (it) may have been criminal corruption.” The commission found it would not have been legally possible to bring suc- cessful sanctioning processes against any athlete based on the information contained in the IAAF blood doping database. Senior staff of the IAAF could not AFP Coe was a member of the IAAF Council, which the country from international competition, and But in his appearance before British MPs, Coe have been unaware of the extent of in- Munich the report said “could not have been unaware” of has warned that other countries could also face said he had never even heard “whispers” about terference with normal functions within malpractices concerning doping. bans. But his decisions and declarations on other corruption within the organisation. the Medical and Anti-Doping Dept. Coe has previously said that the role involved matters have raised questions about his judge- As Coe fi ghts to preserve his reputation and The corruption was embedded in AAF president Sebastian Coe (pic) found only 10 days’ work a year, but Pound believes that ment and integrity. safeguard the future of his sport, memories fade the organisation. It cannot be ignored himself at the eye of the storm yesterday fol- he and fellow vice-president Sergey Bubka—who He stepped down from his paid role as a Nike of his 1980s glory days, when he won gold in the or dismissed as attributable to the odd lowing fresh revelations about doping cov- Coe beat to the presidency—should have known ambassador after being accused of lobbying 1,500 metres at the 1980 and 1984 Olympics. renegade acting on his own. er-ups at the top of his organisation. what was going on. “Coe and Bubka were there,” disgraced predecessor Lamine Diack to hand His achievements in politics and sports ad- IThe second report published by a World Anti- Pound told British newspaper The Times recent- the 2021 World Championships to Eugene, the ministration have been just as stellar, with high- “The IAAF allowed the conduct Doping Agency (WADA) independent commis- ly. “They had an opportunity a long time ago to American city with close links to Nike. lights including a fi ve-year stint in Britain’s par- to occur and must accept its respon- sion said that the world governing body’s senior address issues of governance.” Coe denied the allegation, but French pros- liament and a stunning success as head of the sibility. Continued denial will simply offi cials must have known about state-support- Coe initially tried to confront the scandal ecutors are investigating the process. 2012 London Olympics. make it more diff icult to make genuine ed doping within Russian athletics. head-on, branding allegations in the British and Meanwhile, Coe’s close aide Nick Davies Publicly, Coe insists that he has had no progress,” Pound said. Elected last August after pledging “the very German media that the IAAF had turned a blind stepped aside over allegations he discussed de- thoughts about standing down and Pound said “The IAAF Council could not have highest level of vigilance with regard to doping”, eye to hundreds of suspicious blood samples a laying the identifi cation of Russian drug cheats yesterday that he “can’t think of anyone better” been unaware of the extent of doping Coe’s credibility has taken a battering with each “declaration of war”. prior to the 2013 World Championships in Mos- to lead the IAAF out of its crisis. in athletics,” said Pound. new development in the scandal. Athletics, he said, could not have done more cow. Davies, who is being investigated by the Coe also received backing from WADA presi- “I don’t think the IAAF problems are As recently as Wednesday, the 59-year-old to wipe the scourge of doping from the sport, IAAF’s ethics commission, denies wrongdoing. dent Craig Reedie. as bad as that (FIFA). What troubles the two-time Olympic champion explicitly rejected but after WADA’s fi rst report revealed evidence Coe described Diack as his “spiritual leader”, “It is now important that the IAAF, under the commission is that this corruption aff ects allegations of a cover-up, telling Sky in a tel- of endemic doping by Russian athletes, his dis- only for the 82-year-old Senegalese to be ar- leadership of Sebastian Coe, adopts the recom- the outcome of the competition, that is evised interview: “Was there a cover-up? No.” course became more nuanced. rested by French police over claims he took one mendations of the report in full,” Reedie said in the most troubling part,” said Pound. The new report begs to diff er and although During an uncomfortable three-hour grill- million euros ($1.1 million) in bribes to cover up a statement. “For our part, WADA looks forward Pound recommends a “forensic ex- commission chairman Dick Pound backed Coe, ing by British politicians at London’s Houses of positive drug tests. to working alongside the IAAF to strengthen its amination” of the processes behind the present for yesterday’s WADA press conference Parliament last month, he admitted: “I probably Diack’s son, Papa Massata Diack, was last anti-doping activities and regain the confi dence awarding of the 2021 World Athletics in Munich, the former golden boy of British ath- might have chosen diff erent language.” week banned for life by the IAAF’s ethics com- of its clean athletes worldwide.” Championships to Eugene in the US. letics remains in a precarious position. Coe responded decisively to the revelations mission for blackmailing athletes, along with They were welcome words for Coe, but above As IAAF vice-president from 2007 to 2015, about Russia in the fi rst WADA report, banning two high-ranking Russian offi cials. his head the thunder continues to rumble.

Friday, January 15, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Diack enabled corruption, WADA report says

DPA Coe was in attendance at the news the formal IAAF governance structure Munich/Berlin conference in a Munich hotel, which ... when it came to dealing with anti- Interpol issues wanted notice for Diack’s son attracted huge media attention, and doping matters related to Russian track French prosecutors who are also inves- and fi eld athletes.” Paris: Interpol said yesterday it has charged with corruption by French ormer IAAF president Lamine tigating were present as well. The circle included his sons, Papa issued a wanted notice for Papa Mas- judges. Lamine Diack and his son, a Diack was responsible for the Coe was a member of the decision- Masada Diack and Khalil Diack, and sata Diack, son of Lamine Diack, the former marketing consultant for the corruption at the ruling athletics making IAAF council as a vice-pres- his legal counsel Habib Cisse. Now disgraced former president of world IAAF, are suspected of having made body and his successor Sebastian ident between 2007 and 2015 before resigned IAAF anti-doping depart- athletics’ governing body the IAAF. millions from bribes and other shady CoeF must also have been aware of the succeeding Lamine Diack as presi- ment director Gabriel Dolle was also “RED NOTICE: Papa Massata Diack, deals. schemes and doping practices in Russia, dent. involved. The report added to a fi rst wanted by France on bribery, money- Diack junior was banned for life by according to an anticipated report. But Pound insisted that “I can’t from November after which Russia laundering & corruption charges,” the the IAAF’s ethics commission on The report, published and presented think of anyone better than Coe to was suspended from the IAAF over Lyon-based international police or- January 7. The commission found yesterday by an independent commis- lead” and said the case off ered “a fan- widespread doping. Its athletes could ganisation said on its Twitter account. that the son, former Russia athlet- sion of the World Anti-Doping Agency tastic opportunity” for the sport to miss competing at the summer Ol- Diack’s profile and mug shot were ics chief Valentin Balakhnichev and (WADA), also said that “there was an clean up. Pound spoke of “institution- ympics in Rio de Janeiro and Russia’s added to the list of 332 other wanted former Russian walking coach Alexei evident lack of political appetite with- al knowledge of troubles with Russia” anti-doping agency and Moscow lab- people on Interpol’s online list. Melnikov “conspired to extort what in the IAAF to confront Russia with the and McLaren said the case was “be- oratory were also suspended. Lamine Diack stood down as IAAF were in substance bribes from the full extent of its known and suspected yond sporting corruption” and rather Last week, the IAAF ethics com- president in August before he was athlete by acts of blackmail”. doping activities.” It was presented by former WADA “criminal corruption.” mittee banned for life the former IAAF The 89-page report named Russia president Richard Pound as commis- The report said that Lamine Diack marketing consultant Papa Massata “a doping haven” and said the IAAF sion chairman, along with Canadian created an inner circle “which fi ltered Diack; former IAAF treasurer and sons, Cisse and Dolle are also subject authorities via Interpol. Yesterday’s had inadequate governance processes legal counsel Richard McLaren and and funneled communications to and Russian athletics chief Valentin Bala- of a criminal investigation by French report said Diack “was responsible for in place to prevent the corruption that Guenter Younger, head of the cyber- from senior IAAF staff , ultimately khnichev; and former Russian coach authorities on corruption and cover- organizing and enabling the conspir- occurred when athletes paid bribes to crime department of a German region- functioning as an informal illegiti- Alexei Menikov. Dolle was banned for ing up of positive doping tests. Papa acy and corruption that took place in cover up positive doping tests. al police offi ce. mate governance structure outside fi ve years. Lamine Diack and his two Massata Diack is wanted by French the IAAF.

HORSE RACING FOCUS Smart-trained Al-Attiyah takes 11th Taraf wins Sheikh stage of Abdullah trophy Dakar Rally This was Julian Smart’s second win of the day, having also won the opener with Ba’sil

By Sports Reporter Doha

n her third outing this season, Taraf was rid- den to victory in the HH Sheikh Abdullah Obin Khalifa al-Thani Trophy by jockey Yanis Aouabed in the silks of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Kha- lifa al-Thani at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday. The fi ve-year-old grey mare had been on an upward swing this season, moving up from third to second and eventually to a win yesterday. Taraf edged out Ain Jalout in a thriller by the smallest of mar- Motorsports.com lead when cars reached the gins while Majeed fi nished third. San Juan fi rst control point of the day, This was Julian Smart’s second outpacing Peterhansel by nine win of the day, having also won seconds and Loeb by 14. the opener with Ba’sil with jock- asser al-Attiyah took By the fourth and fi nal con- ey Harry Bentley, who rode four his second victory trol point, al-Attiyah extend- winners on the day, at the helm. of the 2016 Dakar ed his advantage over Loeb to Alban de Mieulle also had two in yesterday’s 11th 1m38s and over Peterhansel by winners on the day, with Umm Nstage of the event. nearly fi ve. Qarn’s TM Thunder Struck beat- The Mini driver won from But Loeb’s challenge for ing Wahchey and Al Safi to vic- Peugeot rival Sebastien Loeb, stage victory took a hit near tory for the HH Sheikh Abdullah who fi nished the stage being the end, when the French- bin Khalifa al-Thani Cup and towed by Cyril Despres after man’s Peugeot stopped after Patrice Nicolet-owned Djelamer his car stopped right at the the fi nal waypoint, less than taking a two-length win over end. 2km from the fi nish line. Almuheet to take the HH Sheikh Rally leader Stephane Pe- Loeb’s car had to be towed Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani Jockey Yanis Aouabed rides Taraf to victory in the HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani Trophy yesterday. Picture: Juhaim terhansel fi nished in fourth, to the fi nish by teammate De- Silver Cup. Majdan fi nished third taking another step towards spres. in the event. Mutadhamen, owned by Mishal Moaddie and Mutawassal. Baptiste Hamel), 3. Fadak (Adrie Baptiste Hamel), 2. Almuheet overall victory on Saturday. Luckily for the former, both TM Thunder Struck has been bin Ali al-Attiyah, to win the de Vries), 4. Red Icon (Evert (Darren Williams), 3. Majdan (Pier Today’s 431-km special ran Despres and the fi nish were on an impressive run having won Thoroughbred Handicap Class 4 RESULTS Pheiff er). Won by: 0.5, 0.75, Hd. Convertino), 4. Al Dallah (Gerald from La Rioja to San Juan, as nearby and he still ended up the Qatar National Day Trophy Div 2 event. Race 1: 1. Ba’sil (Harry Bentley), Owner: Mishal bin Ali al-Attiyah. Avranche). Won by: 2, 2.5, 1.75. the Dakar contingent con- provisionally quickest until (Gr2 PA) and Muaither Cup last Maxentius, The Blue Eye and 2. Samjida (Marvin Suerland), 3. Trainer: Jassim al-Ghazali. Owner: Patrice Nicolet. Trainer: tinued moving south toward Al-Attiyah reached the end of month. Hareth were ridden to victories Masnoon (Stephan Ladjadj), 4. Race 4: 1. The Blue Eye (Harry Alban de Mieulle. Rosario, where the event will the stage. In the opening race of the day, by Bentley for al-Ghazali. AJS Intifadah (Gerald Avranche). Bentley), 2. Go Dan Go (Marvin Race 7: 1. TM Thunder Struck fi nish on Saturday. The reigning champion won Bentley rode Ba’sil to a three Khalil Mansoor Khalil al- Won by: 3.5, 1.25, 0.5. Owner: HH Suerland), 3. Canndal (Adrie de (Jean Baptiste Hamel), 2. Wah- Loeb and Peterhansel were with a time of 4h49m16s, and a half-length victory over Shahwani-owned Maxentius Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al- Vries), 4. Ponfeigh (Darren Wil- chey (Pier Convertino), 3. Al Safi evenly matched for most of beating Loeb by 5m52s and Samjida, owned by Khalifa bin won the Thoroughbred Handicap Thani. Trainer: Julian Smart. liams). Won by: Nk, 1.5, 0.5. Own- (Stephan Ladjadj), 4. Raddad the stage, with the nine-time Mikko Hirvonen by 7m01s. Sheail al-Kuwari, with Masnoon Class 4 Div 1 event ahead of Al Race 2: 1. Maxentius (Harry er: Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari. ((Asad al-Seyabi). Won by: 2.5, WRC champion leading at the Peterhansel lost 8m05s to in third in the Purebred Arabians Rayyan and Sunley Pride, while Bentley), 2. Al Rayyan (Pier Trainer: Jassim al-Ghazali. 1.75, 1.75. Owner: Umm Qarn. fi rst four waypoints before al- al-Attiyah but still holds a event. The Blue Eye beat Go Dan Go and Convertino), 3. Sunley Pride Race 5: 1. Al Hareth (Harry Bent- Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. Attiyah went quickest at WP5. healthy 52-minute lead with Samjida’s trainer Jassim al- Canndal for the Thoroughbred (Darren Williams), 4. Damascene ley), 2. Moaddie (Yanis Aouabed), Race 8: 1. Taraf (Yanis Aouabed), The Qatari continued to two stages remaining. Ghazali may have missed out on a Championship Stakes. (Stephan Ladjadj). Won by: 1.25, 3. Mutawassal (Jean Baptiste 2. Ain Jalout (Gerald Avranche), victory in the opening race of the Al Hareth was the day’s second 2.5, 0.5. Owner: Khalil Mansoor Hamel), 4. Footprintinthesand 3. Majeed (Gaetan Faucon), 4. day, he more than made it up in win for Mishal bin Ali al-Attiyah Khalil al-Shahwani. Trainer: Jas- (Seb Sanders). Won by: Shd, 3, Raedah (Jean Baptiste Hamel). Pope prays for Schumacher recovery the next four races. Bentley rode as the bay colt emerged as the sim al-Ghazali. Hd. Owner: Mishal bin Ali al-Atti- Won by: Shd, 0.5, Hd. Owner: HH three of those winners, while JP winner in the Local Thorough- Race 3: 1. Mutadhamen (JP yah. Trainer: Jassim al-Ghazali. Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al- Guillambert was at the helm of bred Conditions event ahead of Guillambert), 2. Adwan (Jean Race 6: 1. Djelamer (Jean Thani. Trainer: Julian Smart. AFP, Vatican City: Pope Francis prayed for racing legend Michael Schumacher yesterday as he off ered his backing for a Formula One-led road safety campaign aimed at reducing the number of children killed by cars. The prayer came after Francis was visited by Jean Todt, the president of the Formula One’s governing body FIA, who showed the pontiff a shock three-minute video used in the “Save Kids’ Lives” campaign. “I think it made a big impression on him,” Todt told Radio Vatican. “We informed him that 500 children die on roads every day and that another 20,000 are injured every day.” Todt said he had also discussed Schumacher’s condition with the pope. “I asked him if he wanted to say a prayer and he happily accepted.” Schumacher, a seven-time world champion in Formula One, suff ered a serious head injury while skiing in the French Alps in December 2013. He spent six months in an induced coma in 2014 before returning to his home in to continue his rehabilitation. Since then his family have released little information about his QREC chairman Sheikh Mohamed bin Faleh al-Thani (right) hands over condition. Todt, a close friend, said in November that the German the winner’s trophy to Al Shahania representative after Taraf won the Trainer Alban de Mieulle leads in TM Thunder Struck after the colt was ridden to victory by jockey Jean ace was “still fighting.” HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani Trophy at the QREC yesterday. Baptiste Hamel in the HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani Cup.