ZZZGLVVFRPTD 6$)(7<75$,1,1* 2BUBScT-BSHFTU4BGFUZ 5SBJOJOH$FOUFS

2YHU6DIHW\&RXUVHV 4XDOLILFDWLRQLQMXVWGD\V

&ODVVURRP (/HDUQLQJ 'D\VD:HHN THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2017 ',66 LQIR#GLVVFRPTD 

Experience will be key: Asad Attiyah tips for Rossi midfielder Ali Asad aspires to Rallyist and shooter Nasser al Attiyah 2018 WORLD CUP QUALIFIER be the team’s mainstay in 2022 PAGE 31 meets MotoGP star Valentino Rossi PAGE 36 QATAR VS IRAN

Road to Russia World Cup 2018: Al Annabi take on Iran in qualifier at Al Sadd Stadium today at 7 pm Fossati confident of Qatar breaking Iran’s defence Coach blames We’re calm and his Iranian counterpart for focused, says Iran creating friction IKOLI VICTOR coach Queiroz DOHA

QATAR national football team IKOLI VICTOR coach Jorge Fossati says it will DOHA be tough for the hosts against Iran in their Asian 2018 World PORTUGUESE Carlos Quei- Cup qualifier on Thursday due roz, coach of Iran, says his to the leaders’ defensive ap- players are calm and focused proach to matches but prom- for Thursday’s Asian 2018 ised that his players will put World Cup qualifiers against up their best to secure victory Qatar at the Al Sadd stadium. at the Al Sadd stadium. The match is the tenth In the race to Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying meeting FIFA World Cup, Portuguese between the two nations, with coach Carlos Queiroz’s side Iran having the edge with five are unbeaten in Group A and wins including a 2-0 win at are one point clear on 11 points home in the first leg. Iran’s coach Carlos Queiroz at the at the top of the group after Speaking at a press con- pre-match conference at the Al five matches, and seven points ference on Wednesday, the Sadd Stadium on Wednesday. ahead of Qatar (4), having won former Real Madrid and three and drawn two without Portugal coach said: “We Queiroz says the change of conceding a goal. face a difficult match with guard in Qatar’s national team Qatar got off to the worst Qatar. We are aware of all will not change texture of the possible start on the ‘Road to the potential of our rival, match so much because, “We Russia’ by suffering three de- Qatar national football team’s Uruguayan coach Jorge Fossati (right), with , addresses the media ahead of the crucial 2018 World Cup we are doing our work with know enough of Fossati and feats on the trot but responded qualifying clash against Iran at the Al Sadd Stadium in Doha on Wednesday. (Below) The Qatar squad. calm and concentration. Qatar the scenario of the game.” well by beating Syria 1-0 and cannot afford to lose and we Responding to the com- claiming a point in on want to win and take another ment of Fossati on his com- Matchdays Four and Five re- step towards our goal: The ment of Qatar relying on spectively. World Cup.” naturalised players, Queroiz Qatar will be without four “We know everything said, “With his experience players due to the suspen- we need to know about Fossati should know that he sion of Khalid Muftah, Ahmed Qatar, the coach, players and shouldn’t trust everything Yasser, the system.” he reads in the press. After and Meshaal Abdulla all una- Queiroz assured that the so many years, unless he’s vailable for selection. Iranian team is "prepared to not the coach with the expe- Speaking at the pre-match do their best," adding that on rience that we believe he is. press conference, Fossati said: Thursday "it will be time to When you put a comment in “The game is essential for us speak on the field and turn dis- my mouth I did not say what but we cannot be definitive advantages into advantages." could I say. It is left for him but it is very important for “It is the day for all Ira- to understand because I nev- us to score victory. I have big nians to be together around er made those comments.” confidence in our abilities be- these fantastic players, show- Queroiz added that the cause our players are ready to ing the great strength of Iran,” main details determine a win confront a difficult opponent Queiroz said. in matches. “In football, it and we would give our best to Speaking on the last quali- is the team that scores more get a win. This is what I can fying match between the two goals wins. In order to score, promise that we would put our sides that generated so much you need to attack and defend best for sure. The result only controversy, the former Real not to concede. When you are God knows. Madrid, Portugal and Man- the best team on the pitch “It is one of the high qual- chester United assistant coach most of the time you will win.” ity features of the Iranian team Carlos Queiroz said, “The Queroiz insisted on giv- that they are very defensive. It match commissioner made his ing a final statement after is very simple to understand report, the referee made his the press conference, where- following the numbers in report and FIFA made its de- in he expressed his support the group table. No team has cision. Both teams suffered in for Qatar 2022 World Cup scored against them in the 2022 but is focused on quali- Matchday 6 (Fixtures) use multi-national players and the decisions and I know both and condemned Fossati’s group; it is not by coincidence fication for 2018 because we I have never heard him criti- teams have learnt from that chilly comment. it is because they defend very know that it is very important Group A: China PR-Korea Republic; Qatar-Iran; cise the Portuguese football and we don’t want to repeat “The comment Fossati well. They have a very good for Qatar to gain experience by federation,” said Fossati. the same mistake. should actually repeat is that I team in defence and also in playing in Russia before host- Syria-Uzbekistan Fossati enjoined fans and “This is a football match praised Qatar for the fact that attack. But I have watched ing the World Cup in 2022,” Group B : Thailand-Saudi Arabia; Iraq-Australia; supporters of the national and not a war and it’s a game they successfully won the bid all their games and I think the Fossati added. United Arab Emirates-Japan team to fill up the stands on that must be played with fair to host the 2022 World Cup game in Tehran that Qatar had Qatar had lost to Iran at the Thursday and cheer the Al An- play and respect and this is because I have said it many a chance to at least draw the Azadi Stadium in September nabi to victory. what I expect from both teams. times. He should emphasise game,” Fossati said. last year, following injury time coach Carlos Queiroz that Qa- phere was created by Queiroz Meanwhile, Ali Afif, Qa- When you see players like it and as a football coach I ex- The Uruguayan insisted goals from Reza Ghoochanne- tar rely on naturalised players. at that time because he talked tar's 29-year-old attacking left Majed, Tabata, Pedro, Hay- press my greetings and grati- that Qatar is determined to jhad and Alireza Jahanbaksh "What happened in Tehran about Qatar and the QFA deci- winger, said, “Our focus is to dos, Soria, Boudiaf they want tude to the QFA and Qatar qualify for Russia 2018 to gain who ensured a heart-breaking after Iran scored the first goal sions. From my point of view, gain the three points and we to play football only. Of course, leaders for all they have been experience before it hosts the 2-0 win. did not start that moment. The he has no business talking are truly focused. the players will be physi- doing for the game not just in first Middle East World Cup Fossati blamed the tension atmosphere was created be- about it. It was not in his right. "Our chances will be cal and fight but they need Qatar. That’s why I wish Qatar in 2022. the game had generated then fore I assumed my role and I I think he should focus on his reduced if we lose, so we are to be fair and respectful,” the best in their qualification “Qatar is not thinking of given the statement of Iran was clear that this bad atmos- country Portugal where they determined to win the match.” Queiroz added. but not at the expense of Iran.”

World gymnasts in action in Doha Revenge on the menu in Asia return legs

AGENCIES at home against the same op- tom with four points, Jorge ponents. Elsewhere, China PR Fossati’s side know that they ASIA’S third qualifying round and Thailand are still seeking must win in order to revive for the 2018 FIFA World Cup first-up wins with their hopes their fortunes. Russia picks up pace as the hanging by a thread. Group A bottom side China competition passes halfway on Japan and joint leaders look set to upstage nemesis Thursday. Matchday 6 sees the Saudi Arabia can maintain Korea Republic on home soil. continent’s 12 leading nations their place at the top of Group Indeed, all three Chinese Super do battle in return matches, B with away wins. Trailing the League representatives have re- with some confident of build- Japanese by a point, though, mained undefeated against their ing on their previous wins and hosts UAE are all too aware K League rivals in the ongoing strugglers seeking revenge. that they will leapfrog the op- AFC Champions League, results Notably, both Iran and ponents to move into the top from which ’s Saudi Arabia aim to strength- two with a victory. re-encounter. Sitting in third front-runners Saudi Arabia. hosts can take heart against the en the grip on their respec- Also in Group B, Australia trailing Japan and Saudi Ara- Group A leaders Iran trav- Taeguk Warriors. tive groups with away wins in travel to Tehran to re-unite bia by a point. el to Doha to face Qatar in the Elsewhere, Syria entertain Thea Brogli of Switzerland performs during the women’s uneven bars Qatar and Thailand. Japan, with Iraq, who take the Ira- There is a top v bottom two sides’ tenth World Cup Uzbekistan in Malaysia, in an- qualification at the 10th FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup at the meanwhile, travel to UAE keen nian capital’s Pas Stadium clash in this section, with qualifying meeting. other match both sides will have Aspire Dome in Doha on Wednesday. PAGE 26 on avenging their first-leg loss as their home venue for this struggling Thailand welcome Sitting second-from-bot- earmarked as a must-win. 26 Thursday, March 23, 2017 Sports Berki, veteran Chusovitina shine on opening day of Gymnastics World Cup

VICTOR BOLORUNDURO DOHA

THERE were no major sur- prises on the opening day of the 10th FIG Artistic Gym- nastics World Cup in Doha on Wednesday as all the big names successful scaled the hurdles of the qualifiers in their respective apparatus, 2012 Olympic champion Krisztian Berki of Hungary, who lost out to China’s Weng Hao in Baku, Azerbaijan last week topped the field in the pommel horse with a total score of 14.833 to con- demn China’s Jingyuan Zou (14.433) to the second position while Filip Ude of Croatia’s 13.800 score was only good for a third-place. Berki, who has is current- ly rated as the best pommel horse worker of all time by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG), once again confirmed his ratings with his almost flawless per- formance that evoked tremen- dous applause from the excited fans on the day. “I’m happy with this start and I’m equally happy that I’m back to form. The quali- fier is just a step in the overall process. I hope to replicate this form in the final round and take the gold,” the 32-year- The indoor hall of the Aspire Dome on the opening day of the 10th FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Doha on Wednesday. old gymnast, who had a pom- mel horse element of difficulty his 11.600 score thereby eras- Artur Tovmasyan, the bronze ance in a sport that is mostly as- level ‘E’ named after him last ing any hope of being involved medalist at last year’s event, sociated with the youth. year, said after the event. in the final on Friday. emerged joint-leader with Igor A podium finish on the fi- There were competitions In the men’s floor exercise, Radivlov of Ukraine heading nal day is most likely in the in five apparatus on the first the day went to Pablo Braeg- into Friday’s final. offing for the Uzbek, who won day of the qualifying rounds of ger of Switzerland with his Going by the duo’s score of the all-around as a 13-year-old the 10th FIG Artistic Gymnas- 15.100, the highest for the day, in 1988 at the USSR’s jun- tics World Cup which began at 2012 Olympic champion fans are likely to witness one of ior national championships, the Aspire Dome in Doha on Krisztian Berki of Hungary, the most exciting events of the should she repeat the kind Wednesday. who lost out to China’s competition in this apparatus of performance that saw her The male gymnasts were with the winner likely to be a grabbing 14.249 points on in action in the pommel horse, Weng Hao in Baku, tough call between the two. Wednesday. floor exercise and rings while Azerbaijan last week For the women, China’s It was a one-two for the their female counterparts topped the field in the Yan Wang dominated in the Chinese in the women’s un- competed in the uneven bars pommel horse vault, scoring 14.566 to earn a even bars as Huan Luo and and vault. berth in the final while Oksana Tingting Liu finished first and The Doha event is the sec- Chusovitina of Uzbekistan and second respectively. Australia’s ond stopover in the World Cup 14.133 score placing him above Australia’s Emily Little, the Rianna Mizzen completed the series and it is part of a two- Chinese Taipei’s Chia-Hung 2010 Commonwealth gold me- top-three with her 14.133 score. year FIG Individual Apparatus Tang and Marian Dragulescu dalist, were second and third Based on their rankings at World Cup circuit, which be- of Romania who both scored respectively. World Cup stops, gymnasts gan in November last year and 14.000. At 41 years, Chusovitina, gain points in the Individual will conclude in March 2018. Qatar’s representative in winner of five world medals and standings. A gymnast with the Meanwhile, Qatar’s hope- the apparatus, Ahmed Mosa, an Olympic gold, who is the old- highest points at the end of the ful Ahmed al Dayani was only was 23rd with a score of 11.166. est gymnast at the champion- series is crowned World Cup able to manage the 23rd posi- In the final event of the day ship, has continued to defy age champion in a particular dis- tion in the 37-man field with A gymnast in action during the qualifiers of the men’s pommel horse apparatus on Wednesday. for men – the rings, Armenia’s and tradition with her perform- cipline at the end of the stops.

Al Gharafa knock mighty El Jaish out Karrar wins Al Areeq Cup of basketball tourney

lin was the highest scorer for El Al Rayyan Club Jaish. His double-double had 21 points and 12 rebounds. Small cruise into forward Erfan Ali Saeed con- semi-finals tributed 19. So did point guard Dominic James Davon and TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK swingman Mohd Yousuf Mo- DOHA hammed grabbed 12 rebounds and got six points. LAST year’s runners-up Al Al Rayyan Club and Al Wak- Gharafa Club took advantage rah Club battled each other and of an early revenge opportunity were locked on four occasions and power forward Sammy in the opening quarter. But a Monroe Jr led them to a su- dunk by centre Marcus Bell perb comeback 91-85 victory sent them four points clear at over QBF League champions the end (17-13). Then Al Rayyan El Jaish with a marvelous tri- Club consolidated themselves, ple-double in the Qatar Cup getting a fine 26-9 scoring edge Basketball Championship on in the second 10 minutes play. Wednesday. In the post-interval period, With this triumph, Al Al Wakrah Club tried to regain Gharafa not only qualified for the ground through forward the semi-finals against Qatar Olatunbo Ayeni and point Sports Club on March 26, they guard Larry Blair II but it was also ended a rich 21-match too much to ask for. winning streak of the army Veteran forward Tanguy team as well. Ngombo posted 21 points for Al Karrar riden by Alberto Sanna raced to victory in the Al Areeq Cup held at QREC Race Course in In another match, defend- Rayyan Club, who were ahead New Al Rayyan on Wednesday. He beat Markstein ridden by Tomas Lukasek by 1.75 lengths. ing champions Al Rayyan Club by 24 points at one stage (46- brushed aside Al Wakrah Club’s 22). Shooting guard Mohamed resistance, cruising to a 78-62 Hassan Mohamed and new victory in another quarter-final point guard Addison Spruill match. Next, they will take on Al added 16 each. Bell recorded a Arabi for a place in the final. double-double (10 points and At the Al Rayyan Club In- 20 rebounds). door Hall, Al Gharafa, who fin- Sammy Monroe Jr of Al Gharafa scores a layup over Mohd Yousuf For Al Wakrah, Ayeni top- ished second to El Jaish in the Mohammed of El Jaish during the Qatar Cup basketball quarter-final scored with 27 points, along League after having lost both match at the Al Rayyan Club Indoor Hall on Wednesday. with 17 rebounds. Blair netted their matches, trailed as many 18 points. as by 17 points in the second After that there was tight by 10 points twice. The lead was quarter (27-44). And their de- battle between the two for the later widened to 12 points with RESULTS feat loomed large. decisive lead. Point guard Man- 1:41 remained in the clock. Al Gharafa Club beat El Jaish 91-85 (halftime 31-45) Main performers – Al Gharafa Club: Sammy Monroe Jr 21 However, a pulsating recov- sour Atif Elhadary hit a jumper Under pressure, El Jaish at- pts, 23 rebounds and 10 assists, Michael Taylor 18 pts, ery was launched by bench play- to put El Jaish ahead 54-53) tempted hard to cut down the Hassino Ndoye 15 pts, Omar Abdelkader Salem 11 pts ers Nedim Muslic and Malek with 2:14 left. Monroe respond- gap. Sadly, it was not their day El Jaish: Vernon Leon Macklin 21 pts & 12 rebounds, Erfan Seleem Abdulla in the closing ed it with a trey and after that, and Al Gharafa ended victors by Ali Saeed 19 pts, Dominic James Davon 19 pts, Mohd stages of the second quarter, Al Gharafa gradually started to six points. Yousuf Mohammed 6 pts & 12 rebounds Al Rayyan Club beat Al Wakrah Club 78-62 (halftime which saw El Jaish still with a gain control of the proceedings For Al Gharafa, all the first 43-22) healthy advantage 45-31). with a 30-12 scoring edge. five players scored in double Main performers – Al Rayyan Club: Tanguy Ngombo 21 pts, Then Al Gharafa produced With four points ahead at digits. Monroe led with 21. He Mohamed Hassan Mohamed 16 pts, Addison Spruill 16 a 12-0 run in the beginning of the start of the fourth quarter, also collected 23 rebounds and pts, Marcus Bell 10 pts & 20 rebounds the third 10-minute play, with Al Gharafa Club point guards produced 10 assists. Taylor add- Al Wakrah Club: Olatunbo Ayeni 27 pts & 17 rebounds, all the five starting players chip- Abdulrahman Mohamed, ed 18, shooting guard Hassino Larry Blair II 18 pts Next fixtures (March 26) ping in, and they came within Michael Taylor and Monroe Ndoye landed 15, while centre At Al Rayyan Club Hall two points to drawing level (43- kept sinking their shots. Within Omar Abdelkader Salem had 11. 5:00 pm – Qatar SC vs Al Gharafa Club The winner being presented with the prize during the prize distribution ceremony. 45). four minutes, they pulled clear Centre Vernon Leon Mack- 7:00 pm – Al Arabi Club vs Al Rayyan Club Sports Thursday, March 23, 2017 27 Spieth looking Star-studded field for forward to shedding Augusta hoodoo

Doha Diamond League AFP Spieth faces Ryan Moore MIAMI and Japan’s Yuta Ikeda and Hideto Tanihara in his first Qatar’s Barshim will compete in front of a home crowd for the first time since the Rio Games FORMER world number one round group this week. The Jordan Spieth says he can’t American admitted Ikeda TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK wait to get next month’s Mas- and Tanihara represented DOHA ters out of the way – because something of an unknown he’s fed up with being asked quantity. A world-class field of Olympic about his nightmare collapse “I’ve got a tough group. I and World Champions will at Augusta in 2016. don’t know much about two kick off their outdoor sea- Spieth appeared to be of my players, which is some- sons in Doha with an action- cruising to back-to-back what of a disadvantage to packed evening of exhilarat- Masters titles 12 months ago not know much about their ing athletics expected in Doha after opening up a five-shot games,” Spieth said. “And I on May 5. Tickets are on sale lead with nine holes to play do have Ryan Moore, who I now at www.q-tickets.com to on the final Sunday in Geor- witness athletics’ biggest stars gia. go head to head in the Doha But Spieth’s bid for his- 2017 IAAF Diamond League tory went up in flames with at Qatar Sports Club. consecutive bogeys followed Qatar’s most successful by a quadruple bogey on Au- athlete, Mutaz Barshim, will gusta’s 12th, allowing Eng- ensure an electric atmosphere land’s Danny Willett to grab as he returns to compete in the famous green jacket. front of a home crowd for the Spieth’s meltdown has first time since winning silver been described as the biggest at last year’s Olympic Games. collapse in Masters history, The 2014 World Indoor and a year later the 23-year- Champion cleared the second old Texan is looking forward highest jump in history in the to the time when he is no 2014 Diamond League season longer asked about his im- Jordan Spieth waves after mak- before claiming the 2014 and plosion. ing a putt on the first green dur- 2015 Diamond Race titles. He “No matter what hap- ing round-robin play at the Dell lost the title to Erik Kynard pens at this year’s Masters, Technologies Match Play golf of the USA in 2016 and the whether I can grab the jacket tournament at Austin County two will go head to head once back or I miss the cut or I Club on Wednesday. (AP) again in Doha this year in a finish 30th, it will be nice bid to get their 2017 seasons having this Masters go by,” do know about his game. If off to a successful start. They he said ahead of this week’s you had to go down the list will be challenged by Rob- World Golf Championship- of players here, he would be bie Grabarz of Great Britain Dell Match Play tournament on most of the guys top five who shared the bronze with in Austin, Texas. most difficult player to play Barshim at 2012, set- “The Masters lives on for in match play. So it’s going to ting up another captivating a year. It brings a non-golf be difficult just getting out of men’s high jump competition. audience into golf. And it will the group stage this year.” One of the most highly- be nice once this year’s fin- World number three anticipated events of the meet Mutaz Barshim in action in the Men’s High Jump event during the 2016 Lausanne Diamond League. ished to be brutally honest. Jason Day meanwhile is will be the Women’s 200m “It would be best if I backing Spieth not to be un- where 100m and 200m Olym- from 2004 and 2008 double letes in history to win World Stefanidi in the Women’s Olympic Champions. There could reclaim the jacket but duly affected by last year’s pic Champion, Elaine Thomp- Olympic Champion and mul- Championships at Youth, Pole Vault event. The 2016 will be some enthralling ri- I believe I’ll be back up there Augusta collapse when he son of Jamaica, will come tiple World Championships Junior and Senior level. Diamond Race winner will valries ensuring a thrilling sooner or later because of the returns to the course next against last year’s Diamond medallist, Veronica Campbell- Merritt, winner of last face tough competition from evening of memorable athlet- way I play the golf course, the month. Race winner, 2015 World Brown of Jamaica, and Marie- year’s Diamond Race, is the Rio 2016 silver medallist ics. With so many nationali- success I’ve had and the com- “He’s young enough and Champion and 200m Rio Josee Ta Lou of the Ivory sixth fastest man in history Sandi Morris of the USA ties represented, Doha’s di- fort level I have there. talented enough that it won’t 2016 silver medallist, Dafne Coast, who finished fourth in over 400m and is one of only and 2015 World Champion, verse community will all have “Whether it happens this even affect him,” Day said. Schippers of The Netherlands. the Rio 2016 200m final. four men in history to have Yarisley Silva of Cuba in athletes to cheer on creating year or not it will just be nice “Obviously, it hurt and Thompson, who became The Men’s 400m also broken 20 seconds for the what promises to be one of which promises to create a when it’s over, because that stung at the time. But I think the first woman since Flor- promises to set Qatar Sports 200m and 44 seconds for the the most riveting events of phenomenal atmosphere for tournament, it’s a 365 day he’s done pretty good with ence Griffith-Joyner at Seoul Club alive with a thrilling 400m. the evening. people of all ages to enjoy. thing. There’s no other Mas- his career thus far, and I 1988 to do the sprint double at head to head between Lon- The Doha Diamond Speaking ahead of the “This is Doha’s tenth ters. think he’s going to have a lot the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, don 2012 Olympic Champion League will provide an early Doha 2017 IAAF Diamond year of hosting world-class “I won in Colonial three more opportunities to win ran a world-leading time of and 2011 World Champion, opportunity to see the form League meeting, President athletics events and we aim starts later. So as far as affect- Augusta, green jackets and 21.78 in the 200m final to Kirani James, and of both sprint sensations at of the Qatar Athletics Fed- to build on our past success ing me when I’m in a tourna- other major championships. edge ahead of Schippers and 2008 Olympic Champion the beginning of a World eration, Dr Thani Abdulrah- and stage this year’s event to ment, I think that answer is “It goes in there and kind reverse the positions from the and 2009 and 2013 World Championship season. man al Kuwari, said, “We are the highest possible level, get- clear, it doesn’t do that. of sits around in your head a IAAF World Championships Champion, LaShawn Merritt. Doha’s large Greek com- very excited to welcome so ting the 2017 IAAF Diamond “But as far as just having little bit but sooner or later in Beijing 2015. James, who became Grena- munity will be able to cheer many world-class athletes to League series off to the suc- all the questions be done, I’m it kind of goes off and you’re However, they will face da’s first-ever Olympic med- on their Olympic hero, Rio Doha once again this year, cessful and momentous start pretty sure they will be.” done with it.” further strong opposition allist, is one of only nine ath- 2016 Champion Katerina including freshly crowned that it deserves.” Homeboy Ricciardo tipping much faster Ferrari must take test performances Red Bull in 2017 ahead of Australian GP into first race, says Hakkinen AP The newly developed F1 REUTERS and lead to hasty decisions.” Valtteri Bottas, who has re- MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA cars have tires which are 25 per- HELSINKI Ferrari have Hakkinen’s placed retired world champion cent wider, have more grip and compatriot and fan favour- Nico Rosberg. DANIEL Ricciardo is confident — crucially — are more durable, FORMULA One team Ferrari ite Kimi Raikkonen, the 2007 Hakkinen, who has been his Red Bull is faster than the enabling drivers to push harder have set expectations high after world champion, in their lineup closely involved in the former car he drove to third place in the and limiting the cyclical pit stop strong performances in testing alongside four times champion Williams driver’s career, said Formula One drivers’ champi- strategy that made many races and could pay a heavy price if Sebastian Vettel. Bottas was capable of winning onship last season. easy to call. they disappoint in the season’s Vettel is the bookmakers’ races alongside Hamilton. Whether it’s fast enough to Ricciardo produced the opening race in Australia, ac- second favourite for the title be- “He knows the situation, catch the Mercedes entries, he fastest lap in the 2016 Austral- cording to retired double world hind Mercedes’s Lewis Hamil- that he is facing a really tough says, only time will tell. ian GP and predicts his new Red champion Mika Hakkinen. ton. Hakkinen said he expected guy. He still has a lot to learn, Ricciardo is back in Mel- Bull vehicle is 40 kph (25 mph) Ferrari failed to win a race Raikkonen to be more com- and he wants to learn more,” he bourne for Sunday’s season- faster through corners. last year, finishing third overall, petitive this year thanks to new said. “Valtteri will not be disap- opening Australian Grand Prix, “We’ve gone from 220 (137 and their last title was the 2008 regulations that have made cars pointed if he does not beat him where F1 rule changes requiring mph) to 260 (162 mph), so constructors’ championship. faster but in some cases harder (Hamilton) in the first or sec- wider tires, greater aerodynam- that’s a big difference and that’s “I believe that the whole to handle. ond Grand Prix, but that doesn’t ics, bigger fuel loads and in- Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo (right) of Australia, laughs as he is more fun for sure,” he said. “I Ferrari team has put enormous “That’s based on what I saw mean that he doesn’t want to.” creased downforce are expected interviewed by former Australian cricket player Adam Gilchrist during think as a spectator now when pressure on themselves,” said in Barcelona. The Ferrari driv- Hakkinen also spoke of to make the heavier cars sig- a promotional event in Melbourne on Wednesday. (AP) you’re paying money to see a Hakkinen, who won his 1998 ers didn’t need to worry that McLaren, whose relationship nificantly faster than previous race and you see us corner at and 1999 championships with they’d lose control of their cars with engine partner Honda is years. season and won the Malaysian was less than a half second be- these speeds, you’re getting McLaren. when driving into corners,” he under severe strain after poor Ricciardo is expected to GP, got his first pole position hind the Mercedes. more for your money as well.” “If they don’t perform in the said. “You could see their con- testing performances. again be among the leading and seven podium finishes. “Testing is never really a Forecast rain may slow the first race as well as their tests fidence in their cars. And based “It will take an enormous ef- contenders, and he’s back on his The 27-year-old Australian clear picture. I expect Ferrari cars down, though, with show- have indicated, then it will be a on that, I think they are better fort ... to solve the problems,” he home track feeling content with said winter testing at Red Bull, and Mercedes to be quick and ers expected on Saturday for the terrible disappointment for the positioned this season than in said. “You just need to bring in progress over the off-season. He alongside teammate Max Ver- I hope we can be with them as qualifying and Sunday during whole team,” the Finn said at a previous years.” the right people ... and I’m sure placed fourth in Melbourne last stappen, had been the best he’d well,” he said. “We’re coming the GP. The first practice ses- promotional event. Finland’s big hope this sea- they already have very good year, but improved during the been involved with. He said he here pretty confident.” sions are set for Friday. “The effect can be damaging son lies with Mercedes driver people.” Sunderland, Attiyah & Qassimi lead Abu Dhabi car entry TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK egory in their respective Toyota Country event of the season af- on his Red Bull KTM Factory “It’s the first time we have DOHA Hilux and Peugeot 3008 DKR. ter the Dakar Rally and it’s great Team 450, but the Australian competed since the Dakar and The list features a myriad of the to see the factory teams line up crashed heavily at this year’s we are sorry that an injury for THE Automobile and Tour- world’s leading off-road drivers, alongside such a strong field of Dakar and broke a femur and Joan Barreda Bort will keep ing Club of the UAE have an- including current series leader other riders,” said rally founder that has opened the door for lo- him away,” said the team’s gen- nounced a massive entry for Aron Domzala of Poland, Rus- and president of the ATCUAE cal hero, last year’s runner-up eral manager Martino Bianchi. next week’s 27th Abu Dhabi sia’s Vladimir Vasilyev, former Mohammed Ben Sulayem. and current Dakar champion “This will be the first race back Desert Challenge (ADDC). WRC star Martin Prokop and “The two-wheel category Sam Sunderland to start as the for Kevin after a hand injury The ADDC is the third ADDC veteran Yayha al Helai. has strength in depth and, cou- favourite to win the Abu Dhabi and a good chance for Paolo to round of the 2017 FIA World The event will move to pled with our quad entry, and Desert Challenge for the first check his fitness levels on a de- Cup for Cross-Country Ral- Qatar, Chile, Argentina and the car section, which always time, alongside Austrian team- manding event like Abu Dhabi.” lies and the opening round of Morocco. The series is the tra- attracts many of the world’s fin- mate Matthias Walkner. There are 28 riders from 13 the FIM Cross-Country Rallies ditional battleground between est drivers, the scene is set for a The Monster Energy Honda nations on the motorcycle entry World Championship. It takes Honda, KTM and Yamaha fac- superb 27th edition of the Abu Team is dividing its team re- list, including several from the place from April 1 to 6 across tory teams and has been domi- Dhabi Desert Challenge,” he sources between two events UAE and seven professional the remote Western deserts of nated by Austrian manufacturer added. on opposite sides of the world. riders on factory motorcycles. the Rub Al Khali. KTM on all but four occasions Marc Coma has the record While American rider Ricky Top seed is the Chilean rider Defending FIA World Cup since riders were permitted for for securing eight victories in Brabec rides in this week’s four- Pablo Quintanilla, the defend- champion and two-time ADDC the first time in 2005. 10 years, before retiring to take day Sonora Rally in Mexico, ing FIM Cross-Country World winner Nasser Saleh al Attiyah “The Abu Dhabi Desert up an organisational role within Argentine Kevin Benavides and Championship rider, with Du- and Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Khalid Challenge has traditionally the Dakar Rally hierarchy. Toby Portugal’s Paolo Gonçalves will bai’s Mohammed al Balooshi al Qassimi head the 39-car cat- been the first major FIM Cross- Nasser Saleh al Attiyah in action at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. Price is the defending champion take part in Abu Dhabi. leading the Arab challenge. 28 Thursday, March 23, 2017 Sports

Popovich, Raptors end 11-game losing coaches searching for answers streak against Chicago Bulls on rest

AP DeRozan drops 42 for Toronto; MINNEAPOLIS Cousins powers Pelican past Grizzlies AS the godfather of the NBA’s modern player rest AP tion until the final minutes. movement, San Antonio TORONTO Leandro Barbosa scored 13, Spurs coach Gregg Popovi- Alex Len had 12 points and ch has long championed the DEMAR DeRozan had 42 11 rebounds, and T.J. Warren importance of limiting the points, and the Toronto Rap- scored 12 for the Suns. wear and tear on players’ tors ended an 11-game losing bodies in order to prolong streak against the Chicago Warriors 112, Mavericks their careers and increase Bulls by rallying for a wild 122- 97 the chances of deep runs in 120 overtime win on Tuesday. had 23 the postseason. DeRozan shot 17 of 38 points with five 3-pointers and Commissioner Adam from the floor and also collect- Golden State earned its 28th Silver has long been sym- ed eight assists. road win this season, beat- pathetic to Popovich’s point had 19 points for the Raptors, ing Dallas in a matchup of the of view, acknowledging the and Serge Ibaka scored 16 Curry brothers. science that proves what a before he was ejected for his Stephen Curry, two-time difference rest can make. role in a memorable fight with MVP and the older of the But now that Silver is Robin Lopez during the third brothers, had 17 points and ramping up the pressure quarter. nine assists for the defending to consider more than just had 37 NBA champion Warriors. X’s and O’s when decid- points for the Bulls, and Rajon The Warriors, who have ing when to rest players en Rondo finished with 24. It was a league-high 57 wins overall masse, Popovich and other Chicago’s first loss to Toronto this season, are the first team coaches around the league since Dec. 31, 2013. ever with 28 road wins in three say they are eager to have Following a Butler 3-point- consecutive seasons. They dialogue with the league er with 3:58 remaining in the have a record 90 wins away and its television partners third quarter, giving Chicago from home during that span. to address an approach that a 16-point lead, Lopez swatted Seth Curry, who was un- is drawing the ire of fans the ball out of the hand of Iba- drafted in 2013 and just this and business partners. ka. The two squared up in the year became a starter with the “Luckily all the partici- middle of a crowd and Lopez Mavericks, had 10 points on pants are sane people and swung and missed Ibaka, who 4-of-12 shooting. He is now care about the same thing returned in kind, barely con- 0-6 in NBA games against his and want to get it right,” necting with the head of the brother, half of those losses Popovich said on Tuesday. center. coming as Golden State swept “It’s not about anybody Lopez and Ibaka were the season series. having power or wanting to ejected following a long review issue orders. It’s about try- period. Chicago forward Niko- Spurs 100, Timberwolves ing to get it right. That’s the la Mirotic and Raptors assist- 93 great thing about the league ant coach Jamaal Magloire scored 20 and what we’re doing. It’s received offsetting technical of his 22 points in the second all good.” fouls after getting into a shov- half, helping San Antonio to The issue was thrust to ing match following the melee. the road win. the forefront in the past two LaMarcus Aldridge scored weeks when the Warriors Heat 112, Suns 97 26 points for the Spurs, who and Cavaliers each sat their Hassan Whiteside had 23 remained three games behind stars for national television points and 14 rebounds be- Golden State for the top seed games on consecutive Sat- fore leaving late with a cut on in the Western Conference. urdays. his right hand, and the Heat San Antonio scored 35 points After ABC/ESPN and cruised to the win. off of 23 turnovers by Min- BOOGIE: New Orleans Pelicans forward DeMarcus Cousins (0) reacts after being fouled while scoring in the second half of an NBA game against Turner paid a combined Tyler Johnson scored 17 nesota and held off a fourth- the Memphis Grizzlies in New Orleans on Tuesday. The Pelicans won 95-82. (AP) $24 billion for the broad- for Miami (35-36), which had quarter rally from the Wolves. cast rights, the practice seven players in double fig- Karl-Anthony Towns had 18 points in the second quar- and 17 rebounds. Cousins, who was acquired who won for the fifth time made several stakeholders ures. Goran Dragic scored 16, 25 points and 14 rebounds for ter for Minnesota. Cousins hit five 3-pointers, in a February trade with Sac- in six games while snapping uneasy. The 2017-18 regu- Josh Richardson had 14 and the Timberwolves, who have tying a career high. He made ramento, also blocked three Memphis’ four-game winning lar season will begin early to Willie Reed added 12. lost four straight games to Pelicans 95, Grizzlies 82 five shots inside while being shots and assisted on Anthony streak. help the league reduce the Marquese Chriss scored fade from playoff contention DeMarcus Cousins en- fouled for three-point plays Davis’ crowd-pleasing alley- Mike Conley 16 scored number of back-to-backs 24 for Phoenix (22-49), which in the West. Andrew Wiggins joyed his most prolific per- and had the jubilant home oop dunk. points for Memphis, while and stretches of four games lost its fifth straight and used scored 22 points and Shabazz formance yet with New Orle- crowd chanting his nickname, Davis added 19 points and JaMychal Green and Troy in five nights. only an eight-player rota- Muhammad scored 16 of his ans, finishing with 41 points “Boogie.” 13 rebounds for the Pelicans, Daniels each scored 12. Crosby loses teeth as Penguins Adam Jones strikes US clinch 11th straight playoff berth into WBC final AP Early in the first period, seven regulars, including four Results AFP BUFFALO, NEW YORK Crosby got away with a slash defensemen and center Ev- LOS ANGELES from behind in which he struck geni Malkin, who missed his St. Louis 4 COLORADO 2 AFTER losing a pair of front Buffalo forward Ryan O’Reilly third game with an upper- Vancouver 5 CHICAGO 4 (OT) ADAM Jones delivered the teeth, Sidney Crosby wasn’t between the legs. body injury. MINNESOTA 3 San Jose 2 game-winning hit in the eighth available to discuss the high- Bonino scored the go- Forward Jake Guentzel inning as the US beat Japan light-reel, one-handed goal ahead goal on a broken play sustained a concussion about WINNIPEG 3 Philadelphia 2 2-1 Tuesday to reach their first he scored in helping the Pitts- with 5:29 remaining and Conor nine minutes in when he was Detroit 2 MONTREAL 1 (OT) World Baseball Classic final burgh Penguins clinch their Sheary scored 1:58 later. Matt blindsided by defenseman Arizona 5 TAMPA BAY 3 where they will face undefeated 11th consecutive playoff berth. Murray stopped 29 shots and Rasmus Ristolainen, who was Carolina 4 FLORIDA 3 Puerto Rico. Crosby’s teammates had the Penguins (46-17-9) im- issued a five-minute major Ottawa 3 BOSTON 2 The Americans reached the plenty to say about it follow- proved to 8-1-1 in their past 10. and ejected for interference. final by knocking off a Japanese ing the defending Stanley Cup With 101 points, Pittsburgh Guentzel was crossing his own Pittsburgh 3 BUFFALO 1 team accustomed to success as champions’ 3-1 win over the vaulted ahead of Columbus blue line when he lost the puck NEW JERSEY 4 Rangers 2 they had a perfect 6-0 record Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday. into second place in the Metro- and turned his head just as (OT) this year and were looking to Starting from inside his blue politan Division and remained Ristolainen hit him. win their third title in just four line, Crosby picked up a head a point behind the NHL-lead- “I don’t like the fact that he tournaments. of steam through the neutral ing Washington Capitals, who got ejected,” Sabres coach Dan Sabres team that’s sputtering The USA will need to beat zone and weaved past all four defeated Calgary 4-2. Bylsma said of losing his top on offense. Coming off a 2-1 another undefeated team to Sabres defenders before lifting Injuries continued to defenseman. “It’s an unfortu- win at Detroit on Monday, Buf- claim their first WBC title a one-handed backhander into mount for the Penguins, who nate hit.” falo has just five goals in regu- as Puerto Rico steamrolled the top right corner to open the are already playing without Sam Reinhart scored for a lation in its past five games. through their opposition in the scoring with nine seconds left first two rounds before elimi- in the first period. nating the Netherlands 4-3 in 11 “The play that everyone innings in the other semi-final United States centre fielder Adam Jones (10) hits sacrifice line drive screws around doing in prac- on Monday night. to score shortstop Brandon Crawford against Japan during the eighth tice, and he does it in games,” After getting on the board inning of the 2017 World Baseball Classic at Dodger Stadium in Los Nick Bonino said. first in the fourth on Tues- Angeles on Tuesday. (USA TODAY SPORTS) “The sea parted for him day, the US had to bide their there, only 15 second left, and time against a strong Japanese the time he regained posses- 2006 and 2009 tournaments he turned it on,” Bonino add- pitching staff until Jones was sion the only option left was to and finished third in 2013. ed. “I mean, there’s nothing I able to give them the lead by throw to first for the single out. Tuesday’s game show- can really say that nobody has. scoring Brandon Crawford Japan’s lone run came cased players from the USA’s He does some pretty amazing from third base. off a 376-foot solo homer to Major League Baseball against things.” Crawford roared home right field by Ryosuke Kikuchi Japanese stars from the Nip- Even Sabres goalie Robin when Japanese third base- which tied the game 1-1 in the pon Professional League as Lehner was left impressed. man Nobuhiro Matsuda bob- sixth. just one of the Japan players, “I think most goalies in the bled Jones’ hot shot and by Japan had won both the Norichika Aoki, plays in MLB. league are going to read he’s going to pull that back to his forehand,” said Lehner, who stopped 31 shots. “Probably one or maybe two guys in the Panthers QB Cam Newton faces surgery league who can score a goal like that.” AFP last season. The decision to gramme, and the early parts of Crosby was not in a posi- LOS ANGELES go under the knife was taken his rehab had been going well. tion to speak after being high- after Newton’s rehabilitation However, as we worked to ad- sticked in the face by Evander CAROLINA Panthers quarter- from the injury failed to go as vance him into the next stage Kane with 1:25 remaining back Cam Newton is to under- planned. – the strengthening stage, the while attempting to score into go surgery to repair a damaged “We developed a plan for throwing stage – he started to an empty net. Crosby went rotator cuff but is expected to Cam to take a period of rest, have an increase in his pain down in the corner clutching be fit for pre-season, the team a period of rehabilitation and level and started having pain his face before eventually get- said on Tuesday. treatment, and then start a while throwing. ting up and leaving the ice. Panthers officials said gradual throwing program the “As a result, Dr. Pat Con- Coach Mike Sullivan would Newton faced the operation first part of March,” Panthers nor (head team physician) felt only say Crosby lost a couple of to repair damage sustained head athletic trainer Ryan the most prudent procedure teeth. Kane was issued a dou- Pittsburgh Penguins Sidney Crosby (87) skates between Buffalo Sabres Tyler Ennis (63) and Ryan O’Reilly during a game against the San Vermillion said. would be to arthroscopically ble-minor for high-sticking. (90) during the third period of an NHL game in Buffalo on Tuesday. (AP) Diego Chargers in week 14 of “Cam started his pro- repair the shoulder.” Sports Thursday, March 23, 2017 29 Fear of series-defeat behind India’s verbal attacks: Starc

PTI So it was almost a defensive learning – he’s probably not MELBOURNE mechanism for them and obvi- eating the right things, be- ously they come out in the sec- ing sick all the time – but he’s INDIA are scared of losing the They (Indian team) were ond Test match, performed re- performing quite well. He says home series against Australia scared of us, beating them ally well and got back into it.” some strange things, he comes and that is the reason behind in India the way they’ve The controversies – both up with some strange theories. their repeated barbs against been playing as well. So it on and off-field -- have refused He talks a load about (Don) the visiting cricketers, injured was almost a defensive to die down in the series and Bradman and whether he paceman Mitchell Starc has adding to the list is an article scored those runs. He keeps remarked. mechanism for them and in Daily Telegraph which lik- talking about bats these days. Starc, who left the tour obviously they come out in ened India captain Virat Kohli He talks like he’s 35.” mid-way due to stress fracture the second Test match, to Donald Trump. Starc exuded confidence of in his foot, said the the defeat performed really well and Talking about Matt Ren- winning the series by emerg- in the series-opener in Pune got back into it. shaw, the paceman appeared ing victorious in the Dharam- rattled India and that's why mighty impressed with the sala Test, starting Saturday. the hosts have adopted such Injured Australia paceman young opener. “The more time “I think we can win. I think defensive tactics. Mitchell Starc he spends out in the middle the we've showed throughout the “It’s probably come a lot less time we have to listen to series that we’re definitely up more from their side than him. He's different but he's a for the challenge. We're in the ours. There's been a lot made done for a long time now,” lovely kid. Loves his cricket, just fight – we have been for three of it before the series, there Starc told Fox Sport. loves batting – so I think that’s Test matches. We can knuckle was so much hype before the “They were scared of us, obviously shown in how he's down when we need to but we series, and I think we’ve gone beating them in India the way gone about his cricket in India. can attack when we want to about the cricket as we have they’ve been playing as well. “His first trip there, he's and we can,” he said.

Dharamsala track will make Kohli & Co nervous: Johnson

PTI match,” he said. bowl and Bird come in as the NEW DELHI “The spinners have been third quick. Johnson, a vet- great throughout the series. eran of 73 Tests is happy that FORMER Australia fast There’s been a lot of pres- Peter Handscomb and Shaun bowler Mitchell Johnson sure on the spinners to go out Marsh saved the game for feels that Indian team will there and perform and I think Australia providing them with be “nervous” considering the they’ve had some good patch- psychological advantage. pacer-friendly conditions es and some bad patches. But “(The result in Ranchi) of Dharamsala where Steve that’s the game. It’s a tough gives Australia a huge advan- Smith and his boys should one because they have both tage I think. For them (India) feel more confident. had their moments in this se- to know that i’'s not about “Dharamsala is an amaz- ries, but I think you have got Steve Smith and David Warn- ing ground and the only times to go with experience. er, other guys in the team can I have seen it are with grass on “I think Nathan Lyon will perform and can play out for a (the pitch). So I think that’s Former Australia bowler get a lot more bounce and he draw. They dug in and played why the Australians will prob- Mitchell Johnson has been turning the ball quite exceptional cricket. ably be confident and India nicely. But then again, you've “They (Australia) will will be a little bit nervous. I hero Steve O’Keefe may have got to look at left and right-hand be pumped after that. Even think they’ve been overconfi- to make way for Jackson Bird combinations,” Johnson said. though it was only a draw, to dent in this series and I think in seamer-friendly conditions Johnson feels that Bird them it will feel very good and the scoreline shows that,” when the fourth Test gets un- will be more suitable for Dhar- very positive. Because they Johnson told Fox Sports. derway from Saturday. amsala track. “If it’s more of have collapsed a lot in the The Aussie pace bowl- “I think we’re going to an Australian kind of wicket, past. That’s why I’m confident ing great feels that Pune Test lose a spinner out of this Test I think you’ll see Nathan Lyon Australia will win.” Australian cricket team players on their arrival at the Gaggal airport in Dharamsala on Wednesday. (PTI) Appreciation We are going through tough times, Indian cricket board says Pakistan captain Sarfaraz

PTI doubles player salaries, KARACHI

PAKISTAN'S new ODI and I don’t want to comment on hikes match fees T20 captain Sarfaraz Ahmad the PSL issue but yes we avoided speaking on the PSL are going through tough spot-fixing scandal, which times and we need to do REUTERS has rocked the cricket com- well in the coming series BENGALURU munity, but admitted that the country’s cricket was go- (in the West Indies) to INDIA'S cricket team have ing through tough times. boost our people. been given a significant pay Terming the coming se- rise, with the world's rich- ries in the West Indies as a big Pakistan skipper est cricket board (BCCI) an- challenge for Pakistan cricket, Sarfaraz Ahmad nouncing on Wednesday that the wicketkeeper-batsman it had doubled salaries for told the media on the eve of the 2016-17 season and hiked the team's departure for the ahead. Players need to take match fees across all three of Caribbean that the first target more responsibility, especially the game’s formats. was to win the three match overcome the recent scandal, Khan in the West Indies as he after this incident," Arthur said. Players in the uppermost ODI series and qualify directly which has led to the suspen- was suspended in connection He said he had no doubt in ‘A’ category have been put on for the next World Cup. sion of five players. During with the spot-fixing scandal. his mind that any player found a retainer of 20 million Indi- “I don’t want to comment the tour of England in 2010, Head coach Mickey Arthur involved in fixing didn't have a an rupees ($305,000) for the on the PSL issue but yes we three players – then captain said while the PSL scandal and place in cricket. period ending Sept. 20, 2017, are going through tough Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif the involvement of his players “I feel upset and sad when I up from 10 million rupees times and we need to do well and Mohammad Aamir - were was disappointing, one had to look at the bright future ahead last season. in the coming series to boost found involved in spot-fixing move on. of Sharjeel as he had made his our people,” he said. and banned for five-years. "Look what happened with place in all three formats and He conceded that like in Sarfaraz had earlier said Sharjeel and Khalid it is past he was getting fitter. But greed 2010 Pakistan cricket team that Pakistan would miss the now and although it is very is always bad in sports and it is would again have to do a lot to services of opener Sharjeel disappointing one has to move hurting cricket,” he added. More or less? Players in the uppermost ‘A’ category have been put on a Qplays Sixes Gully Cricket Carnival retainer of 20 million Indian rupees ($305,000) for the period ending Sept. 20, 2017, 2017 receives big response in Doha up from 10 million rupees last India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara arrives with his wife at the season. That is still well short Dharamsala airport on Tuesday ahead of the fourth and last Test TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK On Friday, the matches play this version of the game played between two teams of of the 700,000 pounds match of the series against Australia beginning Saturday. (PTI) DOHA will be held from 7am to 11am every Friday in Qatar. eleven players each. ($870,800) retainers that and then from 3pm to 9pm. The tournament is an ini- A match consists of a max- players on Grade A contracts, try's media reporting that THE Qplays Sixes Gully Crick- Winners will take home tiative from the organisers to imum of six overs, bowled by England’s top cricketers, such up from four last season, with skipper Kohli, who captains et Carnival 2017, to be played a cash prize of QR5,000 and tap into talent at the grassroots each side. A team shall not as Alastair Cook or Joe Root Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravindra Royal Challengers Bangalore, this Thursday and Friday, has a trophy, while the runner- level and give them a platform be permitted to declare its in- are on, according to media Jadeja and Murali Vijay join- earned 15 million rupees from received big response with 24 up will get QR2,500 and also to excel on the big stage. nings closed. reports, or the A$1.12 million ing captain Virat Kohli, former the league last year. teams registering to play in the a trophy. Unlike the professional To be eligible for the dollars ($858,816) for skipper MS Dhoni, off-spinner England all-rounder Ben inaugural tournament. Gully cricket is a popular cricket, the rules are impro- QPLAYS Super 6 Series, play- Australia captain Steve Smith. Ravichandran Ashwin and Stokes was bought for a stag- The two-day event will be form of cricket, played in the vised to suit the nature of the ers must be a minimum of 14 batsman Ajinkya Rahane. gering $2.17 million by Rising played with soft tennis ball streets and grounds by aspiring gully cricket format. years of age. Indian players on Grade Pune Supergiants ahead of at the Asian Town Cricket cricketers around the world. It’s Each match at the Sixes A batsman must retire not That is still well short of the B contracts, such as batsman this season's IPL. Stadium. always a sight to see hundreds Gully Cricket Carnival will be out upon reaching a personal 700,000 pounds ($870,800) Rohit Sharma and pace bowl- The BCCI also increased The event is organised by score of 30 runs, but may not retainers that England’s top ers Mohammed Shami, Ishant match fees for the national Qplays, in association with retire before reaching 30 runs cricketers, such as Alastair Sharma and Umesh Yadav will team, with players now earn- Ibn Ajayan Projects, one of Participating teams (except for injury). Cook or Joe Root are on, ac- earn 10 million rupees each ing 1.5 million rupees per test the leading facility manage- The Sixes Gully Cricket cording to media reports, or and Grade C players will earn match, or three times as much ment companies in Qatar and Bannu Cricket, Oasis CC, Diva KSD, CCRC Warriors, Carnival has also been backed the A$1.12 million dollars 5 million rupees apiece. as they did last season. QECC – The Largest Cricket Barwa CC, Doha Motors, Elite Cricket, Doha Rangers, by number of brands like ($858,816) for Australia cap- Notable exceptions from the Match fees for both One-day Players Community in Qatar. Doha Kanaya Youth, Fighters Qatar, Bin Yousuf Cargo, Grand Mart, Doha Rocks, tain Steve Smith. list of players awarded contracts internationals and Twenty20 The tournament is managed Smile Hypermarket, Lam- Top Indian cricketers also include off-spinner Harbhajan internationals have been dou- by Qbiz Events. Smart Qatar, Royce XI, KSD XI, PPL Super XI, Super borghini Energy Drink, Sharaf receive a match fee for each Singh and left-handed batsman bled, to 600,000 rupees and On Thursday, the matches Giants, Qatar Riders, KPMG knight Riders, Wakra DG and Al Wadi. international appearance, and Suresh Raina. 300,000 rupees, respectively. will begin from 6pm and will Challengers, Galaxy Cricket Club, Team Thoofan, The media partners for the benefit from playing in the In- Players also top up their The changes have been continue till 11pm, with the tournament are Q Tickets, BQ dian Premier League (IPL). income in the IPL Twenty20 backdated to Oct. 1, 2016, the opening ceremony scheduled Team Sapoorji, Al Jasim Sports Club. Magazine, Al Raza Solutions The BCCI said it had seven competition, with the coun- BCCI said. at 8pm. and Clear Graphics on Print. 30 Thursday, March 23, 2017 Sports

News in brief China seek to lift fading Deulofeu feels Milan switch has earned him Spain call MADRID: Spain winger Gerard Deulofeu believes his decision campaign against Korea to swap English Premier League (EPL) club Everton for Italian giants AC Milan has been fundamental in his return to the national set-up. The 23-year-old was included in Vicente del China have picked up just two points in five games to sit bottom of Group A in AFC third round qualifying Bosque’s preliminary squad prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but dropped off the international radar after that as he strug- gled to win down a regular place at Everton. He joined Milan on loan in January and has been rewarded by nine appearances for the Italian side, eight of which have been in the starting 11, after only making four starts for Everton. And his displays for Milan earned him a surprise recall by Julen Lopetegui for the World Cup qualifying match at home against Israel and a friendly away to France. “I am very happy in Italy with the support I have received from the coaching staff and my team- mates,” said Deulofeu in Wednesday’s press conference.

Neymar says he ‘needs rest’ ahead of World Cup qualifiers SAO PAULO: FC Barcelona forward Neymar has said that he is looking forward to some rest before preparing for the national foot- ball team’s World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Paraguay. Ney- mar, Juventus defender Dani Alves and Roma goalkeeper Alisson were the last players to arrive at Brazil’s training camp on Tuesday. The squad trained at the headquarters of Brazilian Serie A club Cor- inthians before taking a chartered flight to , where they will confront Uruguay on Thursday. “The chance to wear the Brazil shirt is always a privilege, an honour,” Neymar told reporters after his long-haul flight from Barcelona. “I’ve arrived a little later than the others. I’m going to get some rest to make sure I’m right.” “It’s going to be a difficult game. Uruguay have a lot of quality, but we are going to prepare ourselves as best we can,” he added. Brazil, who lead the South American zone World Cup qualifying stand- ings, will also meet Paraguay in Sao Paulo on March 28.

Eye surgery rules Ignazio Abate out for season: AC Milan MILAN: AC Milan’s Ignazio Abate has been ruled out for the re- mainder of the season as he recovers from eye surgery following an injury suffered against Sassuolo last month. Milan, currently seventh in Serie A at 20 points behind lead- ers Juventus, will welcome the defender back during the summer, according to a statement. “AC Milan announces that Ignazio Abate, after several medical examinations in Italy, went to Miami for expert medical opinion in relation to the blunt force trauma to his left eye suffered against Sassuolo on February 26,” said a statement. “The results of the visit are positive and his recovery is proceeding smoothly. Treatment will give Abate the opportunity to resume training during the summer preparation phase for the 2017/2018 season.” Milan, the seven-time European champi- ons, are battling for a place in next season’s Europa League after dropping off the pace to qualify for the Champions League.

Peru face must-win game against Venezuela in World Cup qualifier

CARACAS: Peru, who still have an outside chance of qualifying Son Heung-min of in action during a training session ahead of the match between China and South Korea. (REUTERS) for the 2018 football World Cup for the first time since 1982, realistically need an away win over Venezuela this week to REUTERS of qualifying against Japan keep those hopes alive. The Peruvians are currently eighth out CHANGSHA, CHINA in Saitama last year but Ali of 10 teams in South America’s Conmebol soccer confedera- stressed that result counted tion standings with six games remaining. They cannot afford CHINA coach Marcello Lippi for nothing against Vahid anything less than three points at Monumental de Maturin has sought to bolster player Halilhodzic’s side, who will be Stadium in northeastern Venezuela on Thursday night against confidence ahead of a do-or- without injured captain Ma- an opponent that is far out of contention, reports Efe. Argen- die World Cup qualifying clash koto Hasebe. tine head coach Ricardo Gareca has acknowledged the need to with South Korea on Thursday “Football doesn’t believe play aggressive football, virtually ensuring the presence of the as the Italian attempts to en- in history... what happened attacking trio of midfielders Andre Carrillo and Christian Cueva courage his squad to display in the previous game is in the and forward Paolo Guerrero, the Peruvian team’s captain. “With more self-belief. past,” he said. “Football knows the situation we’re in, we need to play to the limit of our abili- China have picked up just only one language: how pre- ties,” Gareca said at a press conference. “We have a style and two points in five games to pared you are, how strong you a way of playing, and we’re convinced this can produce great sit bottom of Group A in AFC are on the pitch, how much ef- results.” Gareca recently called up defender Renzo Revoredo, third round qualifying and fort you give in the game. who plays for Lima club Sporting Cristal, to replace the injured defeat against Uli Stielike’s “And I think we always Luis Advincula. side in Changsha’s Helong play our football, always try to Stadium would all but end any work hard, whether in train- hope of a top-three spot for ing or on the pitch. And that Lippi’s side. makes the difference in the “Tomorrow’s game is the team.” most important and our men- Just two points cover the tality is crucial,” the 68-year- top four teams in the group, old former Guangzhou Ever- with the UAE in fourth on nine grande coach, who took over South Korea’s coach Ulrich Stielike is seen at a news conference ahead of the match between China and points from their five games, the job after Gao Hongbo South Korea. (REUTERS) just a point behind leaders stepped down in October, told Saudi Arabia, who take on last- reporters. gled for goals, are eight points pi, who led Italy to World Cup (nine points) poised to capi- placed Thailand (one point). “I have repeated that very behind second-placed South glory in 2006. talise on any errors by the two The Japanese are in sec- often to the players since day Korea and nine adrift of lead- Iran travel to Doha to take teams above them. ond, level on 10 points with one and they have to forget ers Iran as the top two teams on 2022 World Cup hosts Qa- In Group B, the United the Saudis, while Australia oc- about all the pressure and advance to next year’s finals tar (four points), who are in Arab Emirates will seek to cupy third, also on nine points. fear. in Russia with a playoff spot fifth place, with Carlos Quei- complete home-and-away Ange Postecoglou’s Soc- “They are defending the available for the third-place roz’s side aiming to maintain wins over five-time World ceroos will be aiming to main- honour of 1.4 billion Chinese finishers. their unbeaten run in the Cup qualifiers Japan in Al Ain tain their drive for a fourth people. Once they put on the “If we want to keep our campaign. Syria (five points), as coach Mahdi Ali attempts consecutive World Cup ap- jersey, they have to give their dream of qualifying for the who are forced to play their to keep his country’s quest for pearance when they play Iraq best. We are worse than no next year’s World Cup alive, home games in Malaysia a second appearance at the fi- (three points) in Tehran, where Players of Peru and Venezuela set for a crucial World Cup quali- one in Asia as long as they we have to win three points due to the security situation nals on track. the Iraqis have been forced to fier in Caracas this week. play at their true level.” tomorrow and my players and in their country, will host a The UAE won their open- play their home games due to China, who have strug- I both know that,” added Lip- third-placed Uzbekistan side ing game of the third phase security concerns. India made to work hard for 3-2 win against Cambodia in friendly

goalkeeper Um Sereyroth com- brilliant counter attack. But The game is a dress rehearsal for pletely missed Eugeneson Lyn- from the resultant corner, Jh- gdoh’s corner leaving his Ben- inghan leapt highest to nod in India’s Asian Cup qualifier against galuru FC colleague with the India’s third goal. easiest of jobs of tapping into an There was daylight between Myanmar empty net. the hosts and the visitors for 10 IANS Rico, a match they won 4-1. The jubilation lasted only minutes though, as Vathanaka PHNOM PENH (CAMBODIA) Talismanic forward Su- a minute as Cambodia, ranked struck from outside the box nil Chhetri (36th) opened the 173rd compared to India’s with no one closing him down. INDIA made heavy weather scoring for the tourists before 132nd, levelled through Labora- Skipper Gurpreet was at of their 3-2 win over lower- Khuon Laboravy (37th) equal- vy, who netted at the near post full stretch but failed to save ranked Cambodia in a FIFA in- ised a minute later to help the from a Prak Mony Udom low the shot as the ball nestled ternational football friendly at home team go into halftime 1-1. cross which skipper and goal- into the bottom right corner the Olympic Stadium here on Substitutes Jeje Lalpekhlua keeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu of the net. India tried hard to Wednesday. (50th) and Sandesh Jhinghan should have dealt with. increase the deficit against an India will play Myanmar in (54th) struck in quick succes- In the second half, India opponent they had thrashed their AFC Asian Cup qualifiers sion in the second half to pull started with a lot of venom and 6-0 the last time the two sides opener on March 28, and this away but Stephen Constantine’s were rewarded within five min- crossed swords, but their early game was billed as a dress re- wards were kept on tenterhooks utes when Lalpekhlua found the fizz seemed to have evaporated hearsal. till the end of the game as Chan back of the net after Jackichand as Cambodia pressed hard to The visitors took time to Vathanaka (62nd) pulled one Singh dribbled past home team draw level for the second time dust the rustiness off their back to make it 3-2. players to set up the Mohun Ba- in the game. play after missing out on in- India took the lead after gan striker whose strike hit the In the end, there were no ternational football for almost some poor play to begin with. inside of the post and went in. India players celebrate victory over Cambodia after an international friendly. (TWITTER) further goals as the referee six months. India last played Chhetri scored under fortitu- One minute later, Robin Singh blew the final whistle with the in September against Puerto ous circumstances as the home should have made it 3-1 but failed to pull the trigger in time after his former club teammate Lyngdoh teed him up from a score at 3-2. Sports Thursday, March 23, 2017 31

Players of the Qatar Natonal Football Team during a training session, will host Iran in a World Cup qualifier at Al Sadd stadium on Thursday. Experience will be key for Qatar in 2022 FIFA World Cup: Ali Asad

and Aspire Academy are do- their side that came here fier played by Jorge Fossati’s The bigger challenge, The Al Sadd midfielder targets ing their best to prepare a for the 2014 qualifiers and side. “I am happy to have Asad recognises, lies in Premier League move after 2018 good team for 2022 – which drew. Iran and South Korea contributed significantly in surprising the world’s best should contain a mixture have more experience play- the win against Syria in Oc- teams in five years’ time in of youth and experience. ing in these big-match situ- tober,” said the man who is Qatar. And he says he has TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK of his club “one of the most I will be 28 then, which is ations, but we can surprise equally comfortable man- given some thought to the DOHA important in my career” and when midfielders peak. As them.” ning the central midfield nature of his preparations. added that he is prepared for one of the experienced play- The attacking midfielder and the left wing. “I would like to play in QATAR midfielder Ali Asad even bigger occasions that ers in the squad, I will take shed some light on Qatar’s “Even more satisfying the English Premier League believes that experience and will beckon in the future. on more responsibility and tactics ahead of the game. was that the performance after 2018,” said the man an inventory of skills will be “The 2018 FIFA World guide the youngsters.” “We will attack, as we need came after I had not started noted for his ball control and his assets as he aspires to be Cup could be the last for Asad sees the fixtures at least four points from the against Uzbekistan in Doha passing. an ‘Al Annabi’ mainstay dur- some of my teammates if against Iran and then Uz- next two games to remain in in September, and then I “I have the skills to figure ing the 2022 FIFA World Cup we qualify, but I have age bekistan (on 28 March) as contention for World Cup missed out totally against in the starting 11 of many on his home soil. on my side and can play in stepping stones towards qualification. A win at home South Korea, both due to English sides and would like Talking exclusively to front of my countrymen in showcasing Qatar as a fast- is easier to achieve, even if tactical reasons. External to test myself out against www.sc.qa ahead of facing the dream-come-true tour- improving Asian side. He Ali Asad says game against Iran the opponents are Iran, than circumstances affected our top-quality European sides Asia’s top-ranked team Iran nament in 2022,” said Asad, said: “We will compete hard is the most import in his career. claiming three points in performance during the before 2022. The exposure in Thursday’s 2018 FIFA who has scored 10 interna- against Iran. We played well Tashkent,” he said. draw in China in November, will make me a better player World Cup qualifier, the tional goals in 40 appear- in Tehran in September and “Iran might be the high- Asad hopes that he can but I am now focused for in time for the biggest event 24-year-old Al Sadd player ances. lost only because of a goal- est-ranked team in Asia, but replicate his form from the the immediate challenges that my country has ever called the game at the home “Everyone in the QFA keeping error at the death. this bunch is not as good as most recent home quali- ahead.” hosted.”

Building bridges through football Zwanziger fails in damages Expat communities to celebrate football in case over 2006 WC affair DPA “But the second question is FRANKFURT whether the applicant is there- SC-hosted festival at Al Sadd stadium by infringed in his rights. We FORMER German football do not see it that way.” association president Theo Zwanziger said he was TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Zwanziger lost a damages case likely to appeal. DOHA against the state of Hesse on “This is not over,” he told Wednesday over the World reporters. “This is not the last PEOPLE from across Qatar Cup 2006 corruption affair. resort today.” will celebrate football and The 71-year-old wanted Investigations into the al- showcase their traditions at 25,000 euros because he be- leged tax fraud continue. the Qatar Community Festival lieves the prosecutor’s office Authorities are looking this Thursday at Al Sadd Sta- gave information to the me- into whether 6.7 million eu- dium. dia about a tax fraud probe ros paid by the German FA to Fans will be able to enjoy against him, his successor world football governing body the festival from 4:00 PM to Wolfgang Niersbach and FA FIFA was a sham transaction. 6:30 PM, before the long- official Horst Schmidt linked The payment was declared anticipated Qatar v Iran 2018 to the awarding of the 2006 by the federation in its tax re- FIFA World Cup™ qualifier World Cup to Germany. turns as a contribution to a gets underway at 7:00PM. A court in Frankfurt ruled FIFA cultural gala which never Hosted by the Supreme that this alone was not enough took place. Committee for Delivery & Leg- for a claim for damages. Investigators believe the acy (SC) in collaboration with “There is an infringement money may in fact have been the Qatar Football Associa- of the law by the prosecutor’s a hidden repayment via FIFA tion (QFA) and the Qatar Stars office. There is a leak some- to the late businessman Rob- League (QSL), the event will where. This is an intoler- ert Louis-Dreyfus, who had feature representatives from able situation,” said presiding allegedly paid to help secure 14 communities, including judge Christoph Hefter at the German votes for the hosting Qatari, Indian, Nepalese, Fili- end of a 45-minute hearing. of the 2006 World Cup. pino and Bangladeshi groups. The resident communities are among the 27 who signed a memorandum of understand- ing with the SC in November Representatives from different communities get ready for the Qatar Community Festival to herald the Qatar-Iran match at the Al Sadd stadium Teams and leagues look to 2015, becoming stakeholders on Thursday. in the first ever FIFA World score big in new markets Cup in the Middle East. nations playing football or Each community will the 28 days of action on the REUTERS way into the coveted China showcase its traditions and pitch. It is also about the leg- NEW YORK market that is the carrot being customs, with cuisine and acy that will benefit genera- dangled by the International cultural performances being tions across Qatar, the region THE quest for trophies may Olympic Committee that could the highlights of the evening. and the world. This festival, be the number one objective ultimately sway the league to SC Communications Di- which brings together 14 vi- of every sports franchise in the come to South Korea. rector, Fatma al Nuami, said: brant national communities, world but boosting revenue It is soccer’s glamour clubs “All communities living in demonstrates football’s abil- is a close second as clubs and that are aggressively eyeing Qatar are part of our journey ity to build bridges between leagues focus as much on the new global markets with Bar- to deliver a successful 2022 people and cultures, mirror- bottom line as scoreline. celona leaving no revenue FIFA World Cup. This com- ing the experience fans will FC Barcelona, Olympique stream untapped as the club munity festival is our way have when they arrive in Qa- Marseille, Germany’s Bundes- targets revenues of 1 billion of giving something back to tar in 2022.” liga, baseball’s Chicago Cubs, Euros ($1.08 billion) by 2021. them. We’re using the power Al Nuami went on to urge the NFL and NHL all under- “We are at 700,000 Euros of football to help strengthen more communities to join lined their global ambitions at so time is running,” Francesco the SC’s relationship with in. “All the resident com- the Sport Business Summit in Calvo, Chief Revenue Officer those who are helping us munities in Qatar will have New York and the importance at Barcelona told Reuters on deliver the tournament and an important role on Thurs- of building a brand in a com- Wednesday. “We are open 24 those who will be here shoul- day night, not just those who petitive sporting landscape. hours a day. “Asia is the fastest der to shoulder with us cel- have signed the memoran- port.” munity leaders and influenc- SC’s human legacy initiatives For the NHL, which is growing continent so we are ebrating it when we open our dum of understanding with As progress continues ers and provides leadership will benefit the country long waffling on its participation very focused on Asia and un- doors to the world in 2022.” SC. If you live in Qatar, you across eight proposed host training and skills develop- after the curtain has come at next year’s Pyeongchang derstanding how we can grow She added: “The World are part of our journey and venues in Qatar, the SC is ment from sport experts down on the 2022 FIFA World Winter Games, it is the 2022 our brand, our grassroots eve- Cup is not just about the 32 we want and need your sup- working closely with com- from around the world. The Cup Qatar™. Beijing Olympics and a gate- rything in Asia.” 32 Thursday, March 23, 2017 Sports

MOTOGP STARS DURING A MEDIA MEET AT LOSAIL INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT

(From left) Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda), Maverick Viñales (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP), Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP), Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda), Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team) and Andrea Iannone (Team Suzuki Ecstar) at a press conference before the start of the MotoGP season in Losail on Wednesday. Vinales focuses on bringing hot winter form into racing

Marquez says he is not 100 percent ready for the lung-opener; Rossi to attempt to stay among top five; Lorenzo wants more track time on Ducati machine Attiyah provides

RAAJIV TRIPATHI (Dani) Pedrosa all can win in DOHA normal conditions, but every- thing is open for everybody if skeet tips to WHILE all eyes are riveted you have mixed conditions… “ on the new and hottest Mo- Lorenzo said he needs vistar Yamaha rider Maver- more seat time on the new ick Vinales for his dominant machine but has made a good performance during the pre- progress during the winter old friend Rossi season tests, world champion testing. “It’s a new era for me Marc Marquez feels he is not so I’m really looking forward RAAJIV TRIPATHI "He has been a great 100 percent ready at the start to starting. Step by step and DOHA Both long-time friends and ambassador for MotoGP of the 2017 MotoGP season- little by little, that’s how the for many years. I think he opening race of Qatar under preseason has been going and WHEN two stars meet, it’s it was the first time for also loves hunting just like the dazzling lights at the Losail here in Qatar we made a big not just pleasantries. There ‘The Doctor’ to try his hand many Italians and he readily International Circuit. step forward, but more on are sometimes sparks and at the skeet shooting. But agreed to have a few shots at During the traditional one lap. bangs too. if Attiyah showed he could the Losail only with me when press conference on Wednes- “So our main goal before At the Losail Shooting be a great coach, Rossi the possibility of this event day, seven-time MotoGP the race is to improve the pace Ranges on Wednesday, Mo- proved his sporting acu- was talked about," said At- champion Valentino Rossi little by little. The first day toGP legend Valentino Rossi men, hitting the target off tiyah. (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP), in Sepang was a little bit of a and Qatari sports icon Nasser "He showed during the Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team), shock because I was used to bin Saleh al Attiyah, double the fourth shot. brief session how great he is. Andrea Iannone (Team Suzuki Dakar Rally champion and Very quickly he picked the Ecstar) and Cal Crutchlow SCHEDULE 2012 London Olympics skeet "Nasser is a good teach- fine points that I gave him (LCR Honda) spoke about bronze medallist, met and er," commented Rossi with and he was able to hit the their preparations. 13:00 to 14:00 Qatar Superstock 600 FP1 they revived some memories, a grin. target twice...it was truly in- Vinales, who switched 16:50 to 17:20 Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup FP 1 besides the former displaying "When you take the credible. Also this shows that 18:00 to 18:40 Moto3 FP 1 from Suzuki last year to join 18:55 to 19:40 Moto2 FP 1 he’s a sharp eye as well. shot, it feels great...it's really if you're good in sport, you Yamaha after three-time 19:55 to 20:40 MotoGP FP 1 Both long-time friends amazing." can do well in others too" champion Jorge Lorenzo left 20:55 to 21:35 Moto3 FP 2 and it was the first time for Rossi also found both This duly applies to the his seat, has been the talk of 21:50 to 22:35 Moto2 FP 2 'The Doctor' to try his hand bike racing and shooting Qatari, who has excelled in the paddock after his smooth at the skeet shooting. But if similar in terms of focus. both shooting and off-road transition to the YZR-M1. He Attiyah showed he could be a "I think there is something car rallies. He has driven has topped all the tests in the being competitive from the be- great coach, Rossi proved his similar in both sports - power boats, apart from hav- run-up to the Sunday’s lung- ginning and it takes time, but sporting acumen, hitting the you've to concentrate hard in ing a deep love for horses opener. on the final day I made a big target off the fourth shot. both, while moving fast.” and hunting. Looking to continue his step and was quite competi- Attiyah and Rossi em- Before departing for the For this big occasion, At- form that fetched him first (Top) Marc Marquez (left) and Jorge Lorenzo talk to media on Wednes- tive. Here in Qatar we’ve been braced each other warmly at Losail International Circuit tiyah had brought the Beret- Premier Class victory in the day. (Above) Maverick Vinales (left) speaks during the press confer- much better so that makes me the range before the Qatari, where the first Free Practice ta gun that he used to win the Great Britain and fourth place ence as Valentino Rossi watches him. optimistic for the future,” said the multiple FIA Middle East was scheduled on Thursday, bronze medal in 2012. And in the overall standings, Vinal- Lorenzo, who won the 2016 Rally Championship crown Attiyah wished him good he offered it to Rossi proudly es said, “At the moment, it’s are in another year here. This I was nine years old, but we race here. winner, gave a few tips to luck for the weekend season- to shoot today! only been preseason but we’ve pre-season has been a little bit didn't compete in the same Team Suzuki Ecstar’s new Rossi. opening Grand Prix of Qatar Besides exchanging found a good setup in all tests, better than last year: I'm hap- championship. recruit Andrea Iannone said, The seven-time MotoGP race, Rossi invited him to pleasantries, Rossi, who on all tracks. So we’ll just try to pier and I feel more comfort- “Now, we are in MotoGP “He is recovering the gap, and champion Rossi immediate- witness the action. loves car racing as well, bring that into the season and able, but we will see,” he said. and it is great to fight in the adjusting the bike and getting ly absorbed the crash course Attiyah and Rossi have talked about doing the Dakar try to be competitive. “We did a good job with the best championship of the it to my style. We believe we and fired the target, after been good friends for more Rally one day. "Yes, Rossi “We improved the bike a lot bike and I have a good feeling world with the riders that you have a lot of potential and we narrowly missing it thrice on than a decade. "When the himself talked to me about over winter! Anyway, I feel in- overall and I look forward to started with.” want to reduce the gap. At the the left station. Though he circuit was opened in 2004, the Dakar Rally. It'll be a credible in the team. Everybody starting the 2017 season with Rossi, who shares with moment it’s difficult because was not successful from the I had met him a couple of great to do racing with him. is working quite hard. We’ll just a good weekend. With Honda Australian Casey Stoner hav- from the test we don’t have a centre, he was hit the ‘clay times. But it was in New Zea- Inshallah, we'll work out this start and try to be as competi- we have worked really hard ing the most Premier Class great feeling; we didn’t get to pigeon’ on the right station land in 2006 when we really and see when it is possible," tive during the race as we were this winter and we had some four race wins in Losail, was a good compromise. The pace as well, sporting a big smile. came close during a rally. added Attiyah. during the test,” he said. big changes, especially on the quite candid about his early isn’t bad but isn’t so close to The 22-year-old Span- engine side. season goals. He said he had the top four or five. I hope to iard said the switch has not “Still, we are working hard a tough winter but he would improve and fight at the top.” impacted his riding abilities. to find the best set-up because fight to stay among the top Independent Team rider “The riding style from Su- these big changes take time five. Crutchlow was feeling positive zuki to Yamaha didn’t change and we know that in a few rac- “We have to try and stay in ahead of the first race weekend. so much. Anyway, it is a new es we will be better and better, that front group coming from “We’ve been quite pleased. At team. There are new people in but at the moment the base a difficult winter. We strug- the moment it’s proving dif- the team. They have to modify level is not so bad,” he added. gled to find the right setting ficult to find the right balance according to your ways. It is “The real thing will be and we have to work and try but we’ve been quick at every difficult but we need to work this weekend and we will see and improve - but I hope to track, which is good for me well. I’m very I happy about where we are exactly, but in be strong and competitive,” and the team. I don't think a that (moving to Ducati from my case, I know that this is one Rossi, whose last win here was motorcycle racer is ever unin- Suzuki). I also feel confident of the circuits where I struggle two years ago, said. jured…we’re always trying to and strong ahead of the first more during the season and The Doctor also said, “As be 100 percent fit, but when race weekend.” we know that at the moment always the level is very high you throw yourself off these Three-time world champi- we are not 100 percent ready. and also this year, even more. things as often as I did last year on Marquez, who was winner “But the winter tests were You can have seven or eight you’re never quite fully fit how- in Losail in 2014, said though good, we tried many things but riders who can start to try to ever hard you try! he is better off at this stage now it is a race weekend and win the races and fight for the “But it was nice to have compared to the last year, he we will do our 100 percent.” championship. a winter off for some family needs some races to get to his Talking about the racing “For me all the riders at time, and now it’s great to be Two-time Dakar Rally champion and London Olympics bronze medallist Nasser bin Saleh al Attiyah best. with Vinales in his younger this table - Marquez, Lorenzo, back. March gets your brain in and seven-time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi during a skeet shooting stint at the Losail “It has been like always, a days, Marquez said, “Honestly Vinales, Crutchlow and Ian- racing mode,” said the British Ranges on Wednesday. long winter, but now here we I don't remember a lot because none, (Andrea) Dovizioso and rider.