CRICKET | Page 5 TENNIS | Page 10 Confi dent Wawrinka To Advertise here Bangladesh advances Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 aim for win while Murray against Pak bows out

Wednesday, March 16, 2016 FOOTBALL Jumada II 7, 1437 AH Bayern want GULF TIMES no repeat of Turin fi ghtback SPORT Page 2

CRICKET Kiwi web of spin chokes India in World T20 shock The spin trio of Santner, McCullum and Sodhi combine forces to keep New Zealand’s unbeaten record against India intact

AFP SCORECARD Nagpur New Zealand M. Guptill lbw b Ashwin ...... 6 ew Zealand’s spinners be- K. Williamson st Dhoni b Raina ...... 8 came unlikely heroes yes- C. Munro c Pandya b Nehra ...... 7 terday, leading their side to a C. Anderson b Bumrah ...... 34 stunning 47-run victory over R. Taylor run out (Raina) ...... 10 favouritesN India in the World Twen- M. Santner c Dhoni b Jadeja...... 18 ty20 opening group match in Nagpur. G. Elliott run out (Dhawan) ...... 9 The Kiwis stumbled to 126 for sev- L. Ronchi not out ...... 21 en after electing to bat fi rst, but their N. McCullum not out ...... 0 slow bowlers bamboozled India who Extras (b4, lb3, w6) ...... 13 could manage just 79 runs in 18.1 Total (7 wkts, 20 overs) ...... 126 overs—their lowest ever score in T20 Did not bat: A. Milne, I. Sodhi cricket on home soil. Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Guptill), 2-13 Their previous lowest score at home (Munro), 3-35 (Williamson), 4-61 (Tay- was 92 against South Africa in Cuttack lor), 5-89 (Anderson), 6-98 (Santner), last year. 7-114 (Elliott) The spin trio of Mitchell Santner, Bowling: Ashwin 4-0-32-1, Nehra Nathan McCullum and Ish Sodhi com- 3-1-20-1, Bumrah 4-0-15-1, Raina 4-0-16-1, bined forces to keep New Zealand’s Jadeja 4-0-26-1, Pandya 1-0-10-0 unbeaten T20 record against India India intact—the Kiwis have now won fi ve R. Sharma st Ronchi b Santner...... 5 T20s in six meetings. S. Dhawan lbw b McCullum ...... 1 Man of the match Santner (4-11) V. Kohli c Ronchi b Sodhi...... 23 bowled exceptionally well on a slow S. Raina c Guptill b Santner ...... 1 track to register the best bowling fi g- Y. Singh c&b McCullum ...... 4 ures by a New Zealander in T20 cricket. MS Dhoni c McCullum b Santner...... 30 “There was a bit of spin out there, H. Pandya lbw b Santner ...... 1 they bowled well to keep us to 120, that R. Jadeja c&b Sodhi ...... 0 was below par, but we got stuck in and R. Ashwin st Ronchi b Sodhi ...... 10 I’m delighted with the win,” said Sant- A. Nehra b Milne ...... 0 ner. J. Bumrah not out ...... 0 India, who have been fi rm favour- Extras (w3, nb1) ...... 4 ites to win the title, were never in the New Zealand bowler Mitchell Santner celebrates with teammates after claiming the wicket of India’s Suresh Raina at The Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Total (all out, 18.1 overs) ...... 79 chase after losing their openers early Nagpur yesterday. Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Dhawan), 2-10 and, with the exception of Virat Kohli (Sharma), 3-12 (Raina), 4-26 (Singh), (23), none of the Indian batsmen could the writing clearly on the wall. A dramatic fi rst over from off -spin- Kane Williamson also departing for some clean fielding that included 5-39 (Kohli), 6-42 (Pandya), 7-43 come up with any answers to the in- Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni then ner Ravichandran Ashwin saw Martin single fi gures. Anderson, whose 42- two run outs. In the end, Luke Ron- (Jadeja), 8-73 (Ashwin) 9-79 (Dhoni) spired Kiwi bowling attack. tried hard to dig India out of their hole Guptill smash a six on the very fi rst ball stay included just three bounda- chi’s unbeaten 11-ball 21 gave some Bowling: McCullum 3-0-15-2, Anderson Kohli, during his 27-ball stay, of- but his valiant run-a-ball 30 made lit- ball of the match only to lose his wick- ries, then stuck around with Ross Tay- respect to the total, which in the end 3-0-18-0, Santner 4-0-11-4, Elliott 2-0-9- fered some resistence on a slow track, tle diff erence in the end. et on the next, setting the tone for an lor and Santner to counter the Indian proved enough to make an opening 0, Milne 2.1-0-8-1, Sodhi 4-0-18-3 but the introduction of Sodhi spelt the Earlier, hard-hitting Corey Ander- exciting T20 extravaganza. bowlers. impression in the sixth edition of the Result: New Zealand win by 47 runs end for the star batsman. son hit an uncharacteristically slow The spin-fast combination of Ash- India, determined to become the tournament. Pakistan face Bangla- Toss: New Zealand Chasing a wildish leg-spinner, 34-run knock to help New Zealand win and Ashish Nehra deployed by first team to win the World T20 title desh at Kolkata while England meet Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena (SRI), Kohli was caught behind as the packed improve their plight after being re- Dhoni worked in India’s favour as the twice, didn’t put a foot wrong and West Indies at Mumbai in today’s Richard Illingworth (ENG) stadium was stunned into silence with duced to 61 for four. Kiwis were left stuttering with skipper backed their bowlers’ effort with matches.

FOOTBALL El Jaish, Lekhwiya look for win in Asian CL

AFC Berdiev, who welcomes back midfi eld- important because there isn’t a big dif- Doha er Erkin Baydullaev from suspension. ference between the two teams. I hope “We will have to remain focused that we can fi nish on top of the group throughout the entire 90 minutes as in order to qualify as the fi rst team in El Jaish have several attacking players the knockout stage.” ith Al Rayyan ending who only need half a chance to score. Lekhwiya, the former Qatar Stars El Jaish’s faint hopes of “Even though we are facing strong League champions who recently lost winning the Qatar Stars opponents, we’ve prepared very well their domestic crown to Al Rayyan, League title, the unde- for this match. We want to get a posi- picked up their fi rst point of the con- Wfeated Group D leaders have declared tive result here as our ambition is to tinental campaign with a 0-0 draw their focus is on AFC Champions qualify from the group.” against Zob Ahan on Matchday Two League ahead of today’s meeting with Meanwhile, in Group B, Al Nassr after losing their opening meeting Uzbekistan’s Nasaf. coach Raul Caneda is looking for a re- with Bunyodkor, but Djamal Belma- Al Rayyan wrapped up the Qatar ti- peat of his side’s performance against di’s team sit at the bottom of the early tle with fi ve matches to spare, leaving Bunyodkor when the Saudi Arabian standings. El Jaish third following Friday’s 2-0 club take on Qatar’s Lekhwiya in Riy- However, they go into the game bu- defeat by Al Arabi. adh. oyed by a 2-0 win over Al Khor in the But after back-to-back 2-1 wins The Riyadh side sealed a 1-0 win QSL last Friday that moved them back against Al Ain of the United Arab over the Uzbeks two weeks ago and sit up to second in the domestic stand- Emirates, El Jaish have a perfect on four points, level with Iran’s Zob ings. record in the AFC Champions League Ahan at the top of the group after two “We are ready for the match against and Sabri Lamouchi’s side sit alone at rounds of games. Al Nassr and the players are focused the top of Group D, three points clear “The strength of Al Nassr showed in on getting the three points from this of both Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli and Na- the previous match against Bunyodkor match,” said the former Qatar national saf. El Jaish coach Sabri Lamouchi (third from left) speaks to the media ahead of his team’s AFC Champions League match and we will try to follow the same ap- team coach. “After Al Rayyan sealed the league against Uzbekistan’s Nasaf proach against Lekhwiya,” said former “I know that Al Nassr are having a title, our concentration now is on the Al Ittihad coach Caneda, who saw diffi cult time but this doesn’t mean that AFC Champions League and we are but that doesn’t mean we have secured After losing 2-1 at Al Ahli in their their opening league matches. his team lose 2-0 in the Saudi league we will be playing against a weak side. aiming to go as far as we can in the our qualifi cation. opening match, Nasaf bounced back to “This will be a hard match against against local rivals Al Hilal on Thurs- “We will approach the match very competition,” Lamouchi said at his “Nasaf are an organised side and win by the same scoreline against the a side that won their opening two day. cautiously and hopefully we can go pre-match press conference yesterday. they’ve shown some good perform- same opponents a week later in Uz- matches and who have several excel- “We will try our best to fi x the mis- back home with a positive result. We “We are in a good position in the ances in the competition thus far, but bekistan. lent players, and while we know it will takes that we made and hopefully we will try our best to make a good come- competition and winning twice we’re aiming to continue our good And Nasaf have made a strong start be a tough match, we’re confi dent of can improve our performance. back after the slow start we have had in against Al Ain has given us a big push, home form.” domestically after winning both of doing well,” said Nasaf coach Ruzikul “The Lekhwiya match will be very the competition.” Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, March 16, 2016 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PREPARED Juve brace for uphill Bayern want no battle at Bayern DPA Rome

talian champions Juventus look to summon up all their grit and focus when they repeat of Juve’s visit Bayern Munich, who Ihold the upper hand in the battle for a place in the quarter-fi nals of the Champions League. After an intense 2-2 draw in Tu- rin, the two sides also look level on injuries. The German champions have defenders Jerome Boateng Juventus’ coach Massimiliano Turin fi ghtback and Holger Badstuber sidelined as Allegri during a training session. in the fi rst leg, while Javi Martinez, another defender, is likely not yet “The fl ip side is that they essen- ‘I know the Italian mentality and they have won a thousand titles with it—that’s how it ready to return. tially play with four forwards and Juve this week added their so leave some room in behind. is, regardless of whether Marchisio plays or not’ top scorer Paulo Dybala and key “We need to attack that space midfi elder Claudio Marchisio to and cause them as much damage their injured list, joining defend- on the counter-attack as possi- ers Giorgio Chiellini and Martin ble, because if you let them set- Caceres. tle into their stride they’ll score Bianconeri boss Massimiliano sooner or later. We’ve the right Allegri, who has counted about conviction and self-belief to test 45 injuries since the start of the our mettle in matches like these.” season, has doubts also about ex- Not wasting chances is Juve’s Bayern striker Mario Mandzukic, focus as they need a win or a which would leave Alvaro Morata 3-3 draw to progress, while a and newcomer Simone Zaza as 2-2 draw would lead to a penalty the only options up front. shootout. Dybala netted his fi rst goal in Bayern are set on again impos- the tournament against the Ger- ing their possession - 64 per cent mans on February 23, for a total of in Turin where they prevailed 18 in his fi rst season at Juve, and also on shots, 14-12. But Juve will see from the stands of the Al- fi red seven times on target, two lianz Arena if his tactical forecast more than the Germans. for the game proves right. An acknowledgement of Juve’s “We need to keep calm know- chances came from Morocco ing that it will be tough, but that defender Medhi Benatia, who we can get through by playing as moved to Bayern in 2014 after we did for the fi nal half-hour of four season in Italy. the fi rst leg and taking full ad- “Juve are always hard to beat,” vantage of the chances that come Benatia told Rai Sport. “I recall a our way,” he said. game against them, it was [2014] The Argentine struck after my year with Roma, and it looked Thomas Mueller and Arjen Rob- like we were going to beat them, ben put the German champi- but in the end we lost 3-0, with ons two goals up and substitute nine players left. This means that Stefano Sturaro then levelled 14 Juve can play well, but their pe- minutes from time to keep hopes culiarity is that they can also win alive for the return match. if they play an average game.” “We’ll look to get in their fac- Defender Leonardo Bonucci es and not give them too much displayed confi dence, while ad- space, as Bayern have the ability mitting to Juve’s bad initial ap- to force you back,” Dybala said. proach in the home leg. “If you watch their Bundesliga “It will be a tremendous battle matches you can see that they and we go to Munich full of enthu- often push all 10 of their outfi eld siasm and determination to reach players into the fi nal third. the next round,” Bonucci said.

ANALYSIS Bayern Munich’s Spanish head coach Pep Guardiola follows a press conference before the Champions League last 16, second-leg match against Juventus in Munich.

AFP games, but suff ered a set back on Monday Fixtures Lewandowski (34) and Thomas Mu- Munich when key players Claudio Marchisio and eller (27) have scored 61 goals between Barcelona clash Dybala were ruled out with calf injuries. At 10:45pm Qatar Time them this season in all competition and “They are still Juve and are still the Manchester City vs Dynamo Kyiv they contributed three goals in Satur- ayern Munich take on Juven- same strong team,” said Bayern head Atletico Madrid vs PSV Eindhoven day’s 5-0 drubbing of Werder Bremen in only highlights tus tonight in the Champions coach Pep Guardiola. Germany’s top fl ight. League last 16 return-leg clash “I know the Italian mentality and they Their Spanish playmaker Thiago Al- eager to cut out mistakes and have won a thousand titles with it—that’s corners, so we have to play intelligently.” cantara also netted twice in an impres- Arsenal’s missed preventB a repeat of the Italians’ fi rst-leg how it is, regardless of whether Marchi- Ex-Bayern coach Ottmar Hitzfeld sive display. Juventus’ last Champions fi ght back. sio plays or not.” believes Bayern are “vulnerable on the League win in Munich was back in 2004, Bayern host the Italian champions at Allegri was already missing defend- break and Juventus will be lurking”. but history favours the Italians. Suarez chance the Allianz Arena looking to seal their ers Giorgio Chiellini and Martin Caceres, Mainz proved just how vulnerable Bay- Their record in two-legged ties against fi fth consecutive quarter-fi nal appear- while former Bayern striker Mario Man- ern are when they became the only side to German sides is 13 wins and just three AFP ance in the Champions League. dzukic is nursing a knock. win at the Allianz Arena this season with defeats, while Bayern have won four and Barcelona The Germans were steaming towards There is a question mark over Bayern’s a 2-1 victory just over a fortnight ago. lost six times to Italian opposition. the last eight when Thomas Mueller and winger Arjen Robben, who sat out train- Bayern lost despite enjoying 78 percent Guardiola is under pressure to deliver Arjen Robben put them 2-0 up in Turin ing on Wednesday with a cold. possession and fi ring in 17 shots on goal silverware in his third and final season rsenal manager Arsene before Juventus pounced on mistakes in France winger Franck Ribery says the and Juventus’ analysts will noted the way in Munich before taking over at Man- Wenger admitted his Munich’s ranks with goals by Paulo Dy- Italians are more than capable of pulling Mainz patiently took their chances. chester City. side face an almost im- bala and Stefano Sturaro. off an upset in Munich. Bayern’s injury crisis in defence has “I know what’ll happen if we don’t possible task when they “We played well for the fi rst 60 minutes, “They defend very well and they don’t eased. Guardiola is set to fi eld Joshua win the Champions League,” said the travelA to face a red-hot Barce- went 2-0 up and suddenly it was 2-2,” said give you much room to play,” said Ribery. Kimmich and Medhi Benatia at centre- Spaniard. lona today looking to overturn a Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski. “We “We played them in 2013 and twice back, but he has the luxury problem of “I have to live with the pressure. It’s 2-0 fi rst-leg defi cit to reach the have to be careful, because Juventus can won 2-0, but it’s always complicated which stars to leave out with Germany’s been like that for this club for the last 40 Champions League quarter-fi - defend well and wait for their chances.” Juventus. They are always good on the World Cup winner Mario Goetze now years: when we win, everyone is happy, nals for the fi rst time in six years. Juventus are unbeaten in their last 19 counter, dangerous with free kicks and back from a groin injury. when we don’t, they are unhappy.” As so often in the second half of Wenger’s 20-year reign, Arsenal Barcelona’s forward Luis Suarez. will travel to the Camp Nou with BOTTOMLINE a sense of what might have been. less season in six years. Messi, Neymar and Suarez Suarez then bit Italian defend- have scored a combined 103 er Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 goals this season, Arsenal’s en- World Cup, the third time he had tire squad a mere 71. bitten an opponent in his career, Top of the list of Wenger’s de- sparking widespread condemna- tractors has been his inability or tion and a four-month ban. Wenger’s 20-year feat ‘impossible’ unwillingness to splash out on Yet, whilst others dithered, the top-class striker needed to Barca pounced, eying exactly turn Arsenal from perennial pre- Suarez’s aggression as the tonic tenders into winners. to revitalise the squad already Yet, he tried to land Suarez blessed with the talents of Messi at Barcelona, says Enrique whilst the Uruguayan was still at and Neymar. Liverpool in 2013. Arsenal benefi ted in their own AFP yesterday. “It means the level play a great game to get to the In a tale of Arsenal’s penny- way from Suarez’s move as they Barcelona of Arsene Wenger as a manager next round. pinch culture under Wenger, snapped up Alexis Sanchez as cannot be doubted. Only the “Without doubt Arsenal as a they infuriated Liverpool by Barca sold the Chilean to bal- best can be in the one place for club and the individuals within launching a bid one pound over ance the books. Yet, by swapping arcelona boss Luis En- so long due to their level and also the team are capable of coming Suarez’s reported £40 million Sanchez for Suarez, Barca again rique believes it would because they have the desire to back. It is not a game to relax. It buyout clause. demonstrated that they shop in be impossible to mir- continue. In my case, I think it is is a result that if you concede fi rst “What do you think they’re a diff erent market to Arsenal and ror Arsene Wenger’s 20 impossible.” then certain doubts can arise.” smoking over there at Emir- haven’t looked back since. yearsB in charge at Arsenal given By contrast to Barca’s Cham- Arsenal will be faced with the ates?” Liverpool’s American “Suarez gives Barca the ag- the demands at the Camp Nou. pions League form in the past terrifying prospect of trying owner John W. Henry famously gression that is so important Enrique delivered the treble decade, Arsenal haven’t made to stop Messi, Luis Suarez and replied on Twitter. in the attacking third,” Atletico of league, Cup and Champions it to the last eight since being Neymar, who have combined for Even more damming for Ar- Madrid boss Diego Simeone League in his fi rst season with eliminated by a Lionel Messi 103 goals already this season. senal was that Liverpool captain said after seeing his impressive Barca and is well on course to re- four-goal masterclass in 2010. However, Barca will be weak- Steven Gerrard managed to talk record against Barca turned up- peat that feat this season as the Yet, Wenger’s men have made a ened in defence as Gerard Pique Suarez into staying for an extra side down since Suarez’s arrival. Catalans welcome Arsenal on habit of forlorn second-leg come- is suspended. season at Anfi eld by telling him Most importantly of all, Sua- Wednesday on the back of a 37- backs in the last-16 in recent sea- Marc-Andre ter Stegen will he was “too good for Arsenal” rez has managed to succeed game unbeaten run. Barcelona’s coach Luis Enrique speaks during a press conference. sons against the likes of AC Milan, also return in goal as he’s En- and that his move to Barcelona where other great strikers like Barca are heavy favourites to Bayern Munich and Monaco. rique’s preferred option for would come. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and David progress to the quarter-fi nals dented Arsenal’s hopes of land- that Wenger’s 20-year stay And Enrique insists his side Champions League and Copa Gerrard was proved right. In- Villa have failed in dovetailing for a ninth consecutive season ing a fi rst Premier League title in demonstrates he is one of the top won’t let complacency aff ect their del Rey duties. “Many people spired by Suarez’s 31 Premier perfectly with Messi. as they hold a 2-0 fi rst-leg lead 12 years, whilst their bid to win coaches in the world. concentration on Wednesday. ask me about my future, but the League goals, Liverpool agonis- Arsenal could have had Suarez over the Gunners. a third consecutive FA Cup was “I don’t think anyone has ever “It is a very good result, but it only thing I am thinking about ingly just missed out on their on their side. Instead, when they Wenger has come under in- ended by a shock 2-1 defeat at been here (as coach) 20 years, is not going to change our prepa- is tomorrow and off ering what fi rst title in 24 years. line-up today, they will likely be creasing pressure as a run of one home to Watford on Sunday. or, if they have, it is impossible ration,” he added. I can from now until the end of At the same time Barca had made to suff er and wonder what win in seven games has severely However, Enrique insisted in the modern era,” Enrique said “We are aware of the need to the season,” Ter Stegen said. just suff ered their fi rst trophy- could’ve have been once more. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 16, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT AGAINST French PM opposes Benzema return Conte to step AFP Paris

rench Prime Minister Manuel Valls yesterday said Real Madrid star Ka- rim Benzema should not down, opening up Fbe allowed to return to the France team while he remains at the cen- tre of a sex-tape bribery inquiry. “I think that the conditions have not yet been met for Karim Benzema to come into the France team. He is still under investiga- tion,” Valls told French broad- France player Karim Benzema. Chelsea move caster RMC. Benzema, 28, is France’s leading goalscorer, but has been excluded ‘A GREAT PLAYER’ ‘Conte has told me that at the end of the European championship, his job will end. He from national duty since he was Former France winger Franck placed under investigation over Ribery backed Benzema’s bid to feels the need for the everyday training, and this is something you can understand’ an attempt to bribe France team- return to play in the blue shirt. mate Mathieu Valbuena for a sex- “Karim is a great player, he tape. Benzema has been accused of showed that at Real Madrid and complicity in the attempt. with the France team,” said Rib- “For young people, a great ery during a Bayern Munich sportsman must be exemplary,” press conference. the Prime Minister said, adding “I read that Didier Deschamps “(football) is our heritage, it’s wants to take the best to the Euro not something that just interests and Karim certainly belongs to amateur sports fans, so we have that group.” to be careful, all acts and deci- On Friday, an appeals court sions have their importance”. upheld an investigating mag- Valls, whose words echoed istrate’s decision to lift restric- those of France’s Sports Minis- tions placed on Benzema that ter Patrick Kanner on Monday, prevented him from coming into added: “At the same time it is a contract with Lyon midfi elder decision for the French football Valbuena, who was the target of federation and the coach.” the blackmail attempt. Benzema, whose hopes of The FFF said the decision to playing at Euro 2016 had received lift the legal restrictions was a huge boost after his bail condi- “a first step”, but added that it tions were eased last week, later would wait to see how the in- took to Twitter to express his vestigation unfolded before frustration at Valls’ comments. deciding whether to recall Ben- “12 seasons that I’m profes- zema. sionnal: 541 matches played 0 A fi nal decision will be taken red card 11 yellow cards !!! And by FFF president Noel Le Graet. some talk about me being exem- Meanwhile, publishing com- plary???” Benzema tweeted. pany Panini confi rmed they have France coach Didier Des- included Valbuena and not Ben- champs has made no secret of zema among the 20 France play- his desire to see Benzema return ers present in their traditional to the national team set-up, after sticker album for Euro 2016. the striker was indefi nitely sus- “At the time we made our pended by the French Football choice, Karim Benzema was Federation (FFF) in December. not selected,” explained Panini “On a sporting plan, I want France marketing manager Isa- to have the best players. You’re belle Fillon at yesterday’s launch. not a striker at Real Madrid for But Panini France president fi ve years with (Jose) Mourinho, Alain Guerrini said the door re- (Carlo) Ancelotti, (Rafael) Be- mained open for his inclusion. nitez and (Zinedine) Zidane for “When we had to give up on nothing. All the countries envy including Benzema’s picture that AFP Juventus, will be appointed manager of round exit from the World Cup in Brazil. tus, has also clashed with Italian football us,” Deschamps told French daily was a problem because he’s a Rome English Premier League side Chelsea fol- He confi dently succeeded in his fi rst task chiefs. He had hoped to organise a train- L’Equipe recently. major player,” Guerrini admitted. lowing the tournament in France from of qualifying for the European Champi- ing camp in February and wanted the June 10 to July 10. onships. Italian Cup fi nal brought forward to al- taly coach Antonio Conte, who has British and Italian media reports say Italy advanced to the fi nals with ease by low international players involved to take AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE been linked to Chelsea, will give up that struggling Premier League champi- dominating their group which included holidays. his post after Euro 2016, the Italian ons Chelsea already have an agreement Bulgaria, Norway, Croatia, Azerbaidjan and Both requests were turned down to Football Federation said yesterday. with Conte. Malta, with seven wins and three draws. Conte’s fury. IThe 46-year-old former Juventus Chelsea are having the worst season of Conte’s Italy defence, with a Juven- Tavecchio said that Conte’s successor Elkeson double fi res coach took over the national team in Au- Roman Abramovich’s 13-year ownership, tus core of Gianluigi Buff on, Leonardo would be “discussed in due course”. gust 2014 and secured their qualifi cation sacking Jose Mourinho in December with Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli, proved “There is still a question hanging over for the European Championship. interim boss Guus Hiddink taking the solid, but the coach has come under fi re the training schedule ahead of the Euro- Shanghai top Federation president Carlo Tavec- team from just above the relegation zone for his lacklustre forward line that man- pean Championship,” said Tavecchio. chio told Italian media: “Antonio Conte to 10th place. aged just 16 goals in 10 qualifying games. “We expected more from the league AFP has told me that at the end of the Euro- But Conte insisted his sole focus was Three months before the tournament and right now we are working hard to fi nd Shanghai pean championship, his job will end. He on the European championship, where gets underway, the team remains a work a solution which will allow the Azzurri to feels the need for the pitch, the everyday Italy will bid for a second title after 1968. in progress. have the best preparation possible for the training, and this is something you can “For now all our focus should be In France, the Italians have been drawn European competition. razilian forward Elke- understand.” turned towards the Euro, where we will in Group E along with Belgium, Sweden “We will complete all of the necessary son’s double strike fi red “Now is the time for us to take stock of seek through work and sacrifi ce to make and the Republic of Ireland. steps because the national team is our Shanghai SIPG to the top the decision of a person who has worked the most of our potential,” Conte said in Italy were beaten by world number one main interest.” of their AFC Champions with commitment and sacrifi ce in his mis- a statement released by the federation. ranked team Belgium in a friendly last Former Italy coaches Roberto Dona- LeagueB group with a 2-1 win over sion to lead our national team’s recovery. “Those who know me, know that my November, demonstrating the gap be- doni and Cesare Prandelli have both been Gamba Osaka yesterday. “I will always thank him for that.” commitment will be total.” tween Conte’s side and the top European named as possible replacements for Conte Elkeson, off -loaded by reign- The news fuelled speculation that Conte took over a demoralised Azzurri teams. along with Claudio Ranieri, manager of ing Asian champions Guangzhou Conte, who won three Serie A titles with side following their humiliating fi rst Conte, a former midfi elder with Juven- surprise Premier League leaders Leicester. Evergrande in January, looked an increasingly important signing Elkeson of Shanghai SIPG as he sealed SIPG’s second win in celebrates his goal. BOTTOMLINE Group G. It was enough for Sven-Goran Asia’s record signing Alex Teix- Eriksson’s side to leapfrog Mel- eira failed to inspire the visitors, bourne Victory, who were held who were missing ex-Chelsea 0-0 by South Korea’s Suwon midfi elder Ramires following a red Samsung Bluewings in a com- card in their previous outing. bative contest earlier. Instead it was FC Tokyo who Giggs ready to take Man United Elkeson put SIPG ahead with looked likelier to win, with goal- a fi nish from close range on 41 keeper Zhang Sipeng forced into minutes as the home side domi- a reaction save in the second half nated. and Hiroki Kawano seeing a de- And after his Brazilian op- fl ected header drop just wide. hot seat, says Robson posite number Patric nodded The draw left Jiangsu second Gamba level on the hour-mark, in Group E behind 2006 cham- Reuters Giggs has the credentials to re- and must try and overhaul a 2-0 Elkeson popped up again with pions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Manchester vive United. defi cit against Liverpool tomor- the match-winning strike just who beat bottom-placed Viet- “People say it’s too big a chal- row in the Europa League last 16. two minutes later. namese outfi t Binh Duong 2-0. lenge, too big a jump. But I don’t Robson said both are still pos- The decisive goal may have In Melbourne, A-League cham- yan Giggs is ready to agree. Look at Pep Guardiola, sible. “I think he needs to win made uncomfortable viewing for pions Victory were frustrated by become Manchester he came through the ranks at something, or at least get United Evergrande fans as it came from a disciplined Suwon defence, al- United’s next man- Barcelona as a player and then into Europe, that’s the least we a cross by Dario Conca, Elkeson’s though the goalless draw meant Rager if Louis van Gaal as a young coach and then they have to look at,” Robson said. former team-mate at the Asian they remained unbeaten in their is shown the door a year early trusted him and he stepped up. “Otherwise it’s a huge blow to and Chinese title-holders. three games so far. at the end of this season, former He was tremendously success- the club’s prestige. Meanwhile big-spending Chi- Chances were at a premium club captain Bryan Robson told ful,” Robson said. “With Arsenal going out of the nese team Jiangsu Suning’s un- with Kwak Hee-Ju man-marking Reuters. “It’s the same with Ryan. He FA Cup, if I were manager of this convincing campaign remained leading Victory scorer Besart Out of work former Chel- knows what this club is all about club I would look at that now and stuck in second gear with a 0-0 Berisha so closely that he didn’t sea manager Jose Mourinho has and the fans would be totally be- think this is really do-able, we can draw away to FC Tokyo. have any shots at goal in the 90 been tipped to takeover at Old hind the club if they made that win this trophy and we have to get minutes. Traff ord but Robson says United decision and totally behind Ryan.” the lads to believe that,” added Results “They are a very diffi cult team great Giggs, who has been as- Robson referring to the compe- to break down, they’re so dis- sistant to Van Gaal, would be a CLUB’S PRESTIGE tition where apart from United, Group E ciplined,” Victory coach Kevin perfect choice. Asked if it was conceivable Van Everton, Crystal Palace, Watford Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors Muscat said. “The thing for me is that Van Gaal, who signed a three-year and West Ham United are the (KOR) 2 Binh Duong (VIE) 0 “When you’re that disciplined Gaal was always going to be a this club, he loves playing foot- pearances and claim 34 trophies. contract in May 2014, would see clubs still in the running. FC Tokyo (JPN) 0 Jiangsu Sun- and you’ve got a work ethic like three-year contract with Ryan ball the United way, he’s done all He has been working along- out his fi nal season at Old Traf- “Winning the FA cup would ing (CHN) 0 Suwon have then they are dif- working under him so that they his badges and for me he’s in the side the much-travelled Van ford, Robson said the Dutch- be a huge boost to some of the fi cult to break down but we did could see whether he was ready right place at the right time.” Gaal in what has been a tricky man’s minimum requirement squad who have never won a tro- Group G create some decent chances, to step in,” Robson told Reuters Former England skipper Rob- transition period for United fol- would be to ensure United se- phy with United, it would give Melbourne Victory (AUS) 0 particularly in the fi rst half.” at the launch of United’s part- son, 59, was still at the heart of lowing the retirement of Alex cure a top-four fi nish in the Pre- them great self-belief which has Suwon Samsung Bluewings Victory veteran Archie nership with Gulf Oil Interna- United’s midfi eld when a teen- Ferguson, who had been in mier League. been lacking a little this season. (KOR) 0 Thompson had the ball in the tional at the club’s Carrington aged Giggs broke into the fi rst charge for 26 years, in 2013. They face a replay at West “We won it in 1990, won the Shanghai SIPG (CHN) 2 Gamba back of the net in the 53rd minute training centre. team in 1991. The Welsh winger But Robson said despite a Ham in the quarter-fi nal of the Cup Winners’ Cup the next year Osaka (JPN) 1 after heading in from a corner, “Ryan was a great player for went on to make a record 963 ap- tough baptism in the dugout, FA Cup after Sunday’s 1-1 draw and the title two years after that.” but was ruled off side. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, March 16, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT OUTSIDE HELP Thai monk lucky charms help Coach Ranieri Leicester outfox opponents

AFP the billionaire is a devout Bud- Leicester dhist and a fi rm believer in the still in denial over power of karma. “He brought monks there to eicester City’s inexora- pray for auspiciousness and luck ble climb up the Premier in the game, for the manage- League has left many ment team and the players,” the pundits scratching their 64-year-old monk, who said he Lheads wondering what the key to has made at least 10 trips to the their success is. club, explained. Leicester title bid But Thai monk Phra Prom- Majority Buddhist Thailand mangkalachan knows at least is a country steeped in the belief one of those secrets: good karma. that luck and good fortune come ‘Never we speak about the title. Every time we speak about our performance, how For the last three years, he and through merit making, which is some half a dozen fellow Bud- accumulated through prayers, of- we enjoy the football and helping our teammates.... Everyone helps each other’ dhist monks have been making ferings, donations and good deeds. regular trips to the Thai-owned The deeply superstitious culture club to bless the pitch and hand also revels in the power of lucky out lucky talismans to players. charms, with amulets blessed by “I hang some amulets on their monks visible everywhere, often necks and I gave them these fab- dangling from people’s chests or ric talismans,” he told AFP at a their rearview mirrors. temple in Bangkok, the banners As AFP spoke to Phra Prom- emblazoned with sacred pat- mangkalachan at the white mar- terns and Leicester’s club crest at bled temple where he is based, a their centre. “I’m not sure if they steady stream of devotees came understood what I explained to to seek his blessing and purchase them about it, but they knew amulets. that it would bring them luck,” And while such customs might he added. initially have appeared strange to Currently riding high at the the club, Phra Prommangkalach- top of the world’s most watched an says Leicester’s players soon football league, Leicester are got used to the sight of saff ron owned by Thai duty-free mag- robed monks stalking the halls of nate Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, the King Power Stadium. whose King Power brand is on “They were glad to see the the front of the club shirt. monks going there. They greeted Their rise is one of the biggest us and joined the ceremony very David v Goliath sporting tales in well,” he said recent memory—and a success “Even though we’re of diff er- story for Thailand, where they ent religions, we are close to one are dubbed the Siamese Foxes. another like good friends.” Vichai bought the club in 2010 Five points clear of Tottenham and after a few false starts, the with eight matches remaining, team gained promotion to the attention now turns to whether Premier League at whose summit Leicester can keep up their table- they now sit. topping form and clinch the title. The retail magnate’s board- Helped by the power of his room has won praise for its un- amulets and talismans, Phra fl ustered approach to running Prommangkalachan said he is the club and shrewd appoint- confi dent the club’s players have ments of players and managers. the “stamina and strong mind to But Vichai himself is noto- play and keep fi ghting hard”. riously publicity shy and has Will Leicester win the league? averred the usual fanfare of a “The team will be the number PR campaign associated with one in the Premier League this foreign ownership of Premier year for sure,” he said, raising a League clubs. single index fi nger and breaking Phra Prommangkalachan says out into a wide grin.

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri acknowledges fans after his team’s Barclays Premier League against Newcastle United at the King Power Stadium..

AFP to continue. Of course our fans are dream- maybe against Aston Villa or West Brom- He now faces a pivotal pair of fi xtures Palestinian child survivor of Leicester ing, are so proud of us. We must continue.” wich, but we drew both these matches,” against fellow strugglers, with Sunday’s He added: “Never we speak about the he said. “We played well and we achieved derby at home to Sunderland followed by firebombing to meet Real stars title. Every time we speak about our per- just one point. We played our match a trip to Norwich City, and he urged the A Palestinian boy who sur- hope for a child who lost his eicester City manager Claudio formance, how we enjoy the football and (against Newcastle), a tough match, very supporters to throw their weight behind vived a firebombing by Jewish entire family.” Ranieri said he was still refusing helping our teammates. I’m very proud concentrated, and we won—three points. the team. extremists that killed his “There is an unknown soldier to look at the Premier League ta- when I say everyone helps each other.” “At this point of the season, the points “We know our next game against Sun- parents and brother will get to in this initiative and that is ble despite his team re-establish- Okazaki’s goal, a textbook overhead vol- are important, not how you play.” derland is a derby and it will be important meet Real Madrid stars includ- Zinedine Zidane, who we Ling a fi ve-point lead by beating Newcas- ley from Jamie Vardy’s knock-down, took With new manager Rafael Benitez fu- for everyone, but I have a feeling the fans ing his idol Cristiano Ronaldo. warmly thank,” he said of the tle United 1-0. the Japan striker’s tally to six goals for the riously orchestrating his charges from are really good and they are the number Five-year-old Ahmed Dawab- Real coach. Shinji Okazaki’s stunning 25th-minute campaign, but Ranieri made a point of the edge of his technical area, Newcastle 12 for the next game,” said the former sha, his uncle and his grand- The July 31 attack on the Da- overhead bicycle kick gave Leicester a praising his all-round contribution. produced an improved display and Rani- Liverpool manager, who replaced the parents were to fly from the wabsha family home in the vil- hard-earned 1-0 win at the King Power “I’m not pleased now because he eri said that he had not been surprised by sacked Steve McClaren on Friday. Jordanian capital Amman to lage of Duma in the occupied Stadium and left them needing 20 points scored a goal—I’m so pleased with Shinji their tenacity. “We have plenty of things to do and Spain, his grandfather said. West Bank killed 18-month-old from their fi nal eight games to complete because he’s part of the team and he “I was sure it would be this kind of they need to rest and work hard. I like the “We have been invited by Real Ali Saad Dawabsha and fatally one of the most improbable title triumphs works so hard every time,” he said. match,” said the Italian, who, like Beni- people, the staff , the fans and everyone is Madrid, but we don’t know wounded his parents. in the history of European football. “He scored a goal tonight (Monday), tez, counts Napoli, Valencia, Chelsea and behind the club. yet which day we will be able Ahmed, who was hospitalised But while teams like Arsenal and Man- but Shinji has made a fantastic job during Inter Milan among his former clubs. “Everything is positive, but now we to meet the players,” Hussein after the attack with severe chester City continue to fl ounder in their all the season. It was a good goal, a fan- “Their players showed Rafa their atti- have to give them what they want on the Dawabsha told AFP. burns, was the sole survivor slipstream, Ranieri was insistent that tastic goal.” tude and the Newcastle players are very pitch.” Palestinian Football Associa- from the immediate family. neither he nor his players are allowing Leicester’s last three wins, against good. I am sure that they will be safe.” He added: “The players have to play tion head Jibril Rajoub wel- The attack drew renewed themselves to think about the title. Norwich City, Watford and Newcas- It was a fourth successive loss for without anxiety, because then they will comed the “superb humanitar- attention to Jewish extremism “I don’t look at the table. I look at the tle, have all come by a 1-0 scoreline and Newcastle, but Benitez underlined the make more mistakes. ian gesture by Real Madrid, its and accusations Israel had not next match—Crystal Palace,” he told his Ranieri was heartened by the gritty atti- “positives” from his side’s battling dis- “They have to play with great commit- administration and Cristiano done enough to prevent such post-match press conference. tude shown by his players. play, which he identifi ed as their “pas- ment, like today, but they have to use their Ronaldo, who are restoring violence. “It’s diffi cult. We want to enjoy, we want “I know very well we played better sion” and “commitment”. brains and try and play good football.”

BOTTOMLINE Kroenke and Wenger - a cosy relationship

By Amy Lawrence, The Guardian Analytics Conference, Boston. Last Kroenke used the example of the Qa- Naturally it is up to each owner to London Friday afternoon Kroenke made an ap- tari owner of Málaga who was in and make their own choices about how pearance at a big gathering of sports out the club like a whirlwind. He was much energy as well as fi nance they minds in the USA to take part on a panel pleased that in this case Arsenal were are willing to invest. There are plenty n an attempt to piece together el- called Evolution of Ownership. able to profi t, buying Santi Cazorla and of examples of owners who overly in- ements of the puzzle that creates Kroenke does not often speak pub- Nacho Monreal as Málaga began a fi re terfere so it’s hardly a perfect science Arsenal’s current malady, it is use- licly so his opinions were valuable in sale. “We actually got two good players (mentioning no names, Massimo Cel- ful to travel beyond the pitch where gaining a little more insight into what out of it,” Kroenke added. lino). In Arsenal’s case, though, it’s rea- Ithe team are struggling to perform. By he thinks about Arsenal line. He ad- But what of the owners who don’t sonable to ask whether the relationship all means start at the Emirates Stadi- mires “rational thought” in club own- lose interest? What of Manchester City between Kroenke and Wenger is a little um. After going out of the FA Cup, Per ership “so that they become real in- who have just appointed Pep Guardiola too comfortable. Mertesacker faced the music and tried dustries and real businesses. I have to to take over from Manuel Pellegrini and The two men get along. The American to give an honest assessment of the have some reality involved. If you want spent heavily last summer to recruit likes and admires the Frenchman very team’s frustrations. “It looks like we to win championships then you would Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling? much. In many ways, he is the perfect play and play and play until the other never get involved”. Such sentiments What of Paris Saint-Germain who have manager, and delivers a perfect model for team scores,” he said. Meanwhile Heu- clang for a team who were top of the just won Ligue 1 in record time and are an owner who maintains a focus on the relho Gomes, the Watford goalkeeper Premier League table on 2 January but in the quarter-fi nals of the Champions business side performing. Conveniently, who watched it all unfold, made a with- are now trailing Leicester by a distance. League and desperate to push on? Ar- Wenger is also a lightning rod when there ering observation. “Arsenal give you There was another dialogue that was senal, surely, have to at least attempt to is any unrest. Hence a banner about the too much space,” he assessed. very striking as he spoke about the levels measure their hopes alongside a Man- manager becomes an issue when there These are familiar criticisms of the of commitment of those who inject mon- chester City or Paris Saint-Germain is seldom any visible negativity aimed at team’s weaknesses, and Arsène Wenger File picture of Arsenal’s French manager Arsene Wenger. ey into football clubs in Europe. “Over rather than the Málaga example. the owner. The majority owner has been seems not to have any easy answers there it was sort of like: ‘Well, we’ve got The convergence of Kroenke’s speech present at the last few AGMs, the one day right now. festering club towards inexorable rele- Kroenke. The sense of demise may not guys from the Middle East, the oil price about sports business and Arsenal’s lat- of the year he is exposed to fan agitation. Next stop, Villa Park. The visiting gation, on Arsenal was the kind of teas- seem anywhere near as acute at Aston is over a hundred bucks, they can spend est blow on the pitch screeched. It can be Other than that, Wenger takes the fl ak. Tottenham supporters could not resist ing to be expected across north Lon- Villa’s but the lack of visible involve- anything they want.’ The problem I saw frustrating having an absentee landlord The manager is thankful for the un- the chance to sympathise with poor old don’s footballing landscape. But there ment and ambition shown by both men with all that is that those people can lose when the boiler breaks down. Kroenke questioning support of the owner. The Aston Villa and mock their rivals in one is a fi ner point here. creates a distance that is not helpful in interest. What happens when the Middle is not hands-on and prefers not to be in- owner is thankful for a manager who pithy chant. “Lerner for Arsenal” was Arsenal already have a generally diffi cult times when leadership from Eastern family loses interest and they de- volved in the day-to-day management understands economics and whose the message. Wishing Randy Lerner, absent and not palpably enthusias- the top can be infl uential. cide to go home?” of the club while things tick along with a work suits his ideal of “real business”. a man whose ownership is leading his tic US proprietor of their own in Stan Next destination, MIT Sloane Sports There is specious logic at work here. handsome bottom line. The stasis goes on. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 16, 2016 5 CRICKET

PREVIEW Buoyant Bangladesh bid to turn screw on Pakistan Despite their recent improvements in 50-over cricket, Bangladesh have a rotten record in the World T20 and have never beaten Pakistan in the premier tournament of cricket’s shortest format

Pakistan cricketers during a training session in Kolkata yesterday ahead of their World Twenty20 clash against Bangladesh today. (Below) Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza chats with teammates Tamim Iqbal (left) and Shakib Al Hasan. (AFP)

AFP Fans in the cricket-mad nation “It takes less than a minute to lose Kolkata held impromptu street parties ear- form and to get it back as well. T20 lier this month when Bangladesh cricket is like that, we’re hoping that clinched a fi ve-wicket win over Pa- he’s one innings away from getting angladesh will look to com- kistan in Dhaka, sealing a place in back his old form,” said Younis. pound the misery of be- the fi nal of the Asia Cup which they Bangladesh’s build-up has been leaguered Pakistan in their lost to India. serene in comparison to the dramas opening group match of the Bangladesh was part of Pakistan in Pakistan’s camp. But after seeing WorldB Twenty20 today, fresh from before a brutal 1971 war of separa- off Oman, the Netherlands and Ire- humbling their arch-rivals in the tion, and matches between the sides land in the preliminaries, Mortaza Asia Cup. therefore always have an extra edge knows the hard work now begins in a Despite their recent improve- to them. Mashrafe Mortaza’s side group that includes India, Australia ments in 50-over cricket, Bang- can expect strong support from their and New Zealand. “In that group you ladesh have a rotten record in the fellow Bengalis in what is the capital can’t make any mistakes, you have to World T20 and have never beaten of the Indian state of West Bengal. be up to the mark everywhere,” said Pakistan in the premier tournament But Afridi has been making his own the veteran bowler. of cricket’s shortest format. overtures towards the locals by claim- But they will fancy their chances ing his team has received more “love” Teams like never before at Kolkata’s Eden from fans in India than back home, Bangladesh (from): Mashrafe Mor- Gardens against a team who are on comments that incensed former Pa- taza (captain), Shakib Al Hasan, Abu a miserable run and whose prepara- kistan skipper Javed Miandad. Hider, Al-Amin Hossain, Arafat Sunny, tions have been hit by their late ar- Pakistan coach Waqar Younis said Mahmudullah, Mohammad Mithun, rival in India in a row over security. that the team’s troubled build-up to Mushfiqur Rahim, Mustafizur Rah- Bangladesh cruised through last the tournament did not mean they man, Nasir Hossain, Nurul Hasan, week’s preliminary round and know should be written off . “We’re the Sabbir Rahman, Soumya Sarkar, that a victory over Pakistan will set kind of team that once we get the Tamim Iqbal, Taskin Ahmed them up nicely if they are to make momentum going, we can surprise Pakistan (from): Shahid Afridi (cap- the semi-fi nals for the fi rst time. people,” Younis said in a pre-match tain), Anwar Ali, Imad Wasim, Khalid Star batsman Tamim Iqbal is in press conference. Latif, Khurram Manzoor, Mohammad the form of his life, scoring Bang- The former bowling great also Amir, Mohammad Hafeez, Moham- ladesh’s fi rst ever international T20 backed the big-hitting Afridi to re- mad Irfan, Mohammad Nawaz, century in Sunday’s victory over discover the kind of form with the Mohammad Sami, Sarfraz Ahmed, Oman after scores of 83 and 47 in the bat that earned him the nickname Shoaib Malik, Sharjeel Khan, Umar fi rst two games. ‘Boom Boom’. Akmal, Wahab Riaz

FOCUS Windies captain Sammy stands behind Russell over missed drug test reports Waqar backs Afridi on ‘loved more in India’ row est Indies captain Dar- or suspensions from his home ren Sammy yesterday cricket board, meaning he is free AFP In a press conference in Kolkata on Wbacked teammate An- to play in the sixth edition of the Kolkata Sunday, Afridi said that Pakistan had al- dre Russell to star at the World World T20 in India. ways enjoyed playing in India and “have Twenty20 after reports the all- Russell has played only one been loved by Indians crowds more than rounder could face a suspension full Test for the West Indies, oach Waqar Younis yesterday crowds back home in Pakistan”. for missing three drugs tests. against Sri Lanka in 2010, stood by his skipper Shahid Afri- The comments raised eyebrows as Russell, 27, could be banned for but has carved out a cricket di over his declaration that Paki- Pakistan’s build-up to the tournament two years if found guilty by the career as a sought after all- stan cricketers receive more love has been embroiled in controversy over Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission rounder in abbreviated versions inC India than back home, saying critics whether they would be allowed to travel (JADCO) of missing the tests over of the game. should stop stirring up trouble. to arch-rivals India. They agreed to take the past 12 months, recent media He has regularly played in the Former Pakistani captain Javed Mi- the trip only after negotiations with India reports in Jamaica said. West Indies one-day squads and andad has been at the forefront of the over security arrangements and the shift- “We as a team have support- has also enjoyed stints with vari- outrage over Afridi’s comments at the ing of their match against the hosts to ed Russell,” Sammy told report- ous T20 sides in India, Australia weekend shortly after the team’s delayed Kolkata from Dharamsala. ers in Mumbai a day ahead of and Pakistan. arrival for the World Twenty20 being Diplomatic tensions between the two the West Indies’ opening World The West Indies’ preparations played in India. countries have meant that the two teams T20 clash against England at the for the World T20 have been But Younis said Afridi’s critics were have not played any bilateral series for city’s Wankhede Stadium. dogged by a series of withdraw- making something out of nothing and he more than three years, and their rivalry is “We are confident he will be als and a bitter pay dispute and should not be criticised for wearing his restricted to multi-national tournaments taking part in the full tourna- Sammy said the reports sur- heart on his sleeve. such as the World T20. ment and having an impact like rounding Russell hadn’t aff ected “This is something he felt. It’s his emo- India’s batting great Sunil Gavaskar he’s done in the last four tourna- the squad. tions,” the former fast bowler told report- yesterday said Afridi’s comments would ments he’s played (in) around “We always have setbacks,” ers in Kolkata on the eve of Pakistan’s help dull the hostility of the usually rau- the world,” Sammy added. he said. “We thrive on things opening match in the World Twenty20 cous home crowd at Eden Gardens, the Failing to be available for a like that to use that as motiva- against Bangladesh. venue for the much-awaited India-Paki- test is regarded as the equiva- tion to go out and play our sport “I believe we should leave it at that stan tie on March 19. lent of testing positive for a really well.” rather than creating a controversy out of “Emotions run high whenever India play performance-enhancing sub- The West Indies will also play nothing. We are here to play cricket, to Pakistan,” Gavaskar told the NDTV news stance, meaning Russell faces a South Africa, Sri Lanka and beat teams,” he said ahead of Pakistan’s network. “He (Afridi) said nice things— long spell on the sidelines if his Afghanistan in the group stages opening rubber against Bangladesh. “My maybe you need it, maybe you don’t. It will violation is confirmed. as they bid to add a second message to the boys is just leave every- help as far as the crowd is concerned. It has The right-handed batsman World T20 title to the one they thing behind. This is about playing some ensured the crowds won’t be overly hostile has not incurred any sanctions won in 2012. quality cricket and playing for the nation.” to him and the Pakistani team.” Pakistan coach Waqar Younis (right) said a controversy was being created out of nothing. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, March 16, 2016 CRICKET

FOCUS Beware of a young and restless English side The big-hitting prowess of Chris which helps to explain the venerability will have studied Gayle before today’s Jason Roy and Alex Hales will need to Gayle and Marlon Samuels is of their squad. match and one of the observations will be clear-headed against the likely open- England captain a danger to England in their Do they have one last hurrah in them be that he is prepared to bide his time. ing bowler Samuel Badree, hardly a mys- Eoin Morgan during opening match while West Indies despite all the fi ssures that beset West Gayle actually plays more conserva- tery man, but a canny wrist-spinner, a training session in will be more fearful of Eoin Indies cricket? They would be more tively than most openers at the start of who often operates with the new ball. Mumbai yesteraday. Morgan’s batsmen rather than confi dent if Sunil Narine, so critical to his innings in the knowledge that he is England’s opponents will probably (AFP) his bowlers their success four years ago, was still capable of making up for lost time with spend more time debating how to un- deemed to be a legal bowler. A mystery his six-hitting prowess. dermine Eoin Morgan’s batsmen rather By Vic Marks spinner will be a rare and handy thing Occasionally, that tactic can backfi re. than his bowlers. In their top six, Eng- The Guardian over the next three weeks. That certainly seemed to be the case on land have enough players who can in- England are the favourites with the that steamy night in Colombo; Gayle fl ict serious damage with Jos Buttler bookies in this match, yet no one can spent a very long time in reconnaissance now the most coveted wicket. e know, despite the prot- take on West Indies in this format with and then succumbed lbw to Ajantha With Finn absent, there is no obvi- estations of old centre- total confi dence. A glimpse back at Mendis, who fi nished with four for 12. ous menace in England’s pace attack; backs, that it is possible West Indies’ extraordinary 2012 cam- West Indies seemed marooned. But Reece Topley’s variations may be unfa- to win something with paign is a cautionary reminder. Marlon Samuels with a majestic as- miliar, which helps a little. The rest are Wkids. That remains an encourage- Having failed to win either of their sault on Lasith Malinga resuscitated earnest. Adil Rashid, a Big Bash suc- ment for England’s cricketers before preliminary matches, they somehow the innings, hitting 78 from 56 balls. It cess, possesses a good googly, which their opening match of the World scrambled to an unlikely tie against transpired that West Indies’ total of 137 is foreign to many internationals and Twenty20 tournament against West New Zealand in their fi nal ‘Super Eight’ was enough for a 36-run victory. in Indian conditions he probably off ers Indies. game before going on to be victorious It was an incredible win. Hence the greatest threat. Relatively speaking England’s in the ensuing Super Over. Chris Gayle nothing can be taken for granted Unusually we probably have a bet- Twenty20 cricketers are kids. In their led the celebrations long into the night against a West Indies side, whose se- ter idea how West Indies, rather than squad there is just one man older than at the team hotel. lection hints at a belief in the capacity England, will play. Since the 50-over 30 and that is Liam Plunkett, who was In their semi-fi nal, West Indies for history to repeat itself. World Cup of 12 months ago England a late replacement for Steven Finn and smashed Australia to the tune of 205 England will undoubtedly focus have approached their white-ball who is the likeliest seamer to be omit- for four with Gayle cracking 75 from on the special attributes of Gayle and cricket with an engaging freedom. ted from the fi nal XI at the Wankhede 41 balls. They went on to win that Samuels, which is unlikely to include They have not always been successful Stadium today. game by a monumental margin of 74 their hunger for the stolen single; but they have always given it a go. Now By contrast, West Indies have eight runs. There followed a remarkable fi nal Dwayne Bravo and Darren Sammy, the that the format reverts to a World Cup, men over 30 to choose from in their against Sri Lanka. captain, also possess massive experi- the question is whether this squad squad. The make-up of the West In- West Indies, having opted to bat, ence in this form of the game in an in- can avoid resembling the constipated, dian team is driven by their victory were 32 for two after 10 overs with Gayle triguing contest between the gnarled fearful sides that have participated, al- in the 2012 tournament in Sri Lanka, dismissed for three off 16 balls. England and the naive. beit briefl y, in recent ICC major events.

PREVIEW England captain Morgan feels for suspended Narine

AFP Rising England take Mumbai ngland skipper Eoin Morgan voiced sympathy for West Indies spinner ESunil Narine yesterday after the number one-ranked bowler pulled out of the World Twenty20 following his suspen- sion for a suspect action. on unpredictable WI The West Indies’ hopes of winning the tournament were dealt a severe blow last month when Narine withdrew from the Windies are out to prove they are still a force in shortest form of the game despite their declining squad, saying he was not ready to return to international fold after work to remodel Test status, while England want to atone for a humiliating exit from last year’s 50-over World Cup his action. But while Narine’s absence from the World T20 is something of a relief for AFP Morgan’s team, who play the West Indies Mumbai in their opening match today, the England skipper said he felt for his former teammate. “I think it’s a very touchy subject. I know ontroversial batsman Chris Sunil. I’m not pleased to see what he’s Gayle will be looking to en- going through. I wouldn’t wish it upon any- sure the West Indies’ trou- body,” Morgan told reporters in Mumbai. bled build-up to the World The 27-year-old Trinidadian was sus- Twenty20C becomes a distant mem- pended in November after being cited ory when they open their campaign during a match in Sri Lanka for a suspect against England in Mumbai today. bowling action, the second time he has The Windies are out to prove they been reported for an illegal action. are still a force in the shortest form of Morgan and Narine have played to- the game despite their declining Test gether for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the status, while England want to atone Indian Premier League (IPL), a competi- for a humiliating early exit from last tion in which the spinner has regularly year’s 50-over World Cup. bamboozled opponents. A pay dispute cast doubt over the “He’s bowled the same way since he West Indies’ appearance in India was probably 15 or 16 years old. The fact and while the row was resolved at the he’s got to this stage in his career and 11th hour, relations between players it’s only being looked at now is probably and the country’s cricket board re- disappointing from his point of view,” said main tense. Morgan. “But there are set rules in place Their preparations have also been that are being applied.” hit by the withdrawal of all-rounder West Indies skipper Darren Sammy Kieron Pollard and off -spinner Sunil acknowledged in his pre-match press Narine, who is T20 cricket’s top-per- conference that Narine would be a big forming bowler and has thrived in the loss, along with all-rounder Kieron Pollard Indian Premier League (IPL). who also pulled out of the squad after an But in the enigmatic Gayle they injury setback. possess a batsman capable of destroy- “It’s always really diff icult to replace ing whatever bowling attack he faces someone like Narine or Pollard who have and single-handedly winning any so much experience here,” said Sammy. match, providing he stays clear of off - “Yes we’ll miss them, but it creates another fi eld controversy. opportunity for somebody else to step up The Jamaican, nicknamed ‘Gayle to the plate.” Storm’, faced allegations of sexism Despite not playing since November, after he asked an Australian TV pre- Narine is still way ahead of his nearest senter for a date live on air in January rivals in the T20 international rankings. during the Big Bash League. He also lit He was a key member of the West Indies up the tournament for the right rea- team which won the 2012 World T20, tak- sons, hitting a 12-ball half-century. ing three wickets for just nine runs in the West Indies skipper Darren Sammy final against Sri Lanka in Colombo. said the 36-year-old was unfazed He is one of a number of leading by all the attention and would be his bowlers who are absent from this year’s usual “destructive” self on the pitch. tournament, including Pakistan’s former “There always seems to be pres- world number one Saeed Ajmal who has sure for him to perform but Chris is struggled with a remodelled action after just going to do what Chris has done being reported in 2014. throughout his T20 career,” said Sammy yesterday. “There’s never too much pressure on Chris.” Gayle, 36, holds the record for the highest ever score in T20s, 175 off 66 balls, and hit the format’s fi rst inter- national century during the inaugural World T20 in 2007. But the second-ranked Windies, England batting coach and former Sri Lanka who are looking to add to their 2012 captain Mahela Jayawardene (left) and World T20 title, face a tough pros- Joe Root (background) watch captain Eoin pect at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium Morgan bat at the nets during a training in the shape of a new, attack-minded session in Mumbai, on the eve of their World England side. Twenty20 match against West Indies. (AFP) Eoin Morgan’s team has turned their fortunes around since they were dumped out of the 2015 World Cup by knocked out in the group stages after fi rst match against a team that won “I think they (West Indies) have a Benn, Carlos Brathwaite, Dwayne Bravo, Bangladesh, adopting a more aggres- losing to Bangladesh. the tournament in 2012. number of dangerous players... (but) I Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Chris sive attitude which has seen them up But Morgan said two victories in “It’s not about getting out of the think it’s important for us as a young, Gayle, Jason Holder, Evin Lewis, Ashley their run rate. warm-ups had given the team a boost. traps early and playing your best game talented side to focus on what we do Nurse, Denesh Ramdin, Andre Russell, In Morgan, all-rounder Ben “We’ve built a little bit of confi dence fi rst up,” he said. “It’s about pacing best and execute that. There are plans Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor Stokes, opener Jason Roy and classy and we are in a really good place yourself along the way, picking up in place but ultimately it’s how we ex- England (from): Eoin Morgan (cap- West Indies spinner Sunil Narine right-hander Joe Root, England have mentally,” said the captain in his pre- confi dence and putting in perform- ecute them.” tain), Moeen Ali, Sam Billings, Jos But- withdrew from the squad last month, strength in depth but they will miss match press conference. ances when they really matter. The Teams tler, Liam Dawson, Alex Hales, Chris saying he was not ready to return to injured fast bowler Steven Finn. Morgan said it was important to fi rst game is a tough game, I do agree Jordan, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe international fold after work to remodel England had a disastrous 50- gain momentum early in the tourna- with that, but certainly it’s not the be West Indies (from): Darren Sammy Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Reece his action. over World Cup campaign last year, ment but not absolutely vital to win all and end all. (captain), Samuel Badree, Sulieman Topley, James Vince, David Willey Gulf Times Wednesday, March 16, 2016 7 SPORT

NBA Warriors celebrate Curry’s birthday with 60th victory ‘It’s so rare to inherit a great team with a lot of talent in your first NBA coaching job. I’m pretty lucky to coach these guys’

DPA Los Angeles Stephen Curry (No 30) of the Golden State Warriors goes up for a shot against the New Orleans Pelicans at ORACLE Arena in eigning league MVP Oakland, California. (Getty Images/AFP) Stephen Curry cele- brated his 28th birthday and the Golden State WarriorsR turned 60 after blow- ing past another opponent at home. Curry dropped in 27 points before sitting out the fourth quarter, and the Warriors shot past the New Orleans Pelicans 127-105 on Monday to extend their on-going NBA record- home winning streak to 49 - 31-0 this season at Oracle Arena. “It was a fun night, for sure,” Curry said after the defend- ing NBA champs improved to a league-best 60-6. Klay Thompson tossed in 18 points, Draymond Green had 14 with 12 rebounds while reserve Marreese Speights also netted 14 as the Warriors remained a game ahead of the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls pace for NBA’s all-time record of 72-10. “It’s a great win but we can’t relax,” Thompson said. “We’re playing well but we want to play better.” Golden State led 59-50 at halftime before taking charge behind 15 Curry points. A 21-5 burst at the start of the third quarter, featuring Andrew Bogut’s third 3-pointer of his 11-year career, pushing the lead to 80-55 midway through the period. “It seemed to energize the team,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “The bench was going crazy. The crowd was going nuts. One of those lucky plays that kind of gets you going.” Curry nailed his third triple of the period, a banked in 33-footer, making it 94-66 and the Warri- ors coasted to their second con- secutive 60-win season. “It’s so rare to inherit a great team with a lot of talent in your fi rst NBA coaching job,” Kerr said. “I’m pretty lucky to coach Oklahoma City Thunder winning streak. Kenneth Faried Hornets (37-29) with 25 points at home for just the second time Detroit Pistons 81: Brazil’s Vine topped Minnesota (21-46) these guys.” 128, Portland Trail Blaz- made all 11 fi eld goals en route and nine assists. in the last 16 games. Nene scored a season-high 20 with 28 points. Elsewhere: ers 94: Enes Kanter scored a to 24 points and 11 rebounds to Chicago Bulls 109, Toronto Houston Rockets 130, points, John Wall added 15 with Utah Jazz 94, Cleveland season-best 26 points, Russell pace the Nuggets (28-39). Raptors 107: Doug McDermott Memphis Grizzlies 81: Do- 12 assists, and the Wizards (31- RESULTS Cavaliers 84: Rodney Hood Westbrook had 17 points, 10 re- Dallas Mavericks 107, scored 29 points, while Jimmy natas Motiejunas scored a sea- 35) snapped their fi ve-game slide scored 28 points and the Jazz bounds and 16 assists for his 12th Charlotte Hornets 96: Chan- Butler knocked DeMar DeRo- son-best 18 points and the host by spanking the visiting Pistons Dallas 107 Charlotte 96 (32-35) overcame the loss of top triple-double of the season, and dler Parsons scored 24 points, zan’s potential tying layup out of Rockets (34-33) routed the inju- (34-33) for their most-lopsided Miami 124 Denver 119 scorer Gordon Hayward (foot the Thunder (45-22) crushed the German star Dirk Nowitzki his hands and out of bounds with ry-decimated Grizzlies for their win of the season. Chicago 109 Toronto 107 injury) to beat Cavaliers for their visiting Trail Blazers (35-32). added 23 with 11 boards, and the eight-tenths of a second left, as third most-lopsided victory in Phoenix Suns 107, Min- Houston 130 Memphis 81 third straight victory. LeBron Miami Heat 124, Denver visiting Mavericks (34-33) went the short-handed Bulls (33-32) franchise history. Memphis (39- nesota Timberwolves 104: Oklahoma 128 Portland 94 James had 23 points with 12 re- Nuggets 119: Rookie reserves on a an 18-6 fourth-quarter escaped with their ninth straight 28) took it on the chin without Mirza Teletovic scored 21 points, Washington 124 Detroit 81 bounds for the Eastern Confer- Justise Winslow scored 20 burst, to stop their fi ve-game win over the host Raptors. Kyle Marc Gasol, Mike Conley, Zach including the game-winning Phoenix 107 Minnesota 104 ence-best Cavs (47-19), who points, Josh Richardson added dive while ending the Hornets Lowry had 33 points and 11 re- Randolph, Vince Carter and 3-pointer with 1.2 seconds left, State 125 New Orleans 107 fi nished 3-1 on their West Coast 17 and the Heat (39-28) snapped season-high seven game suc- bounds while DeRozan netted 27 Lance Stephenson. sending the Suns (18-49) over Utah 94 Cleveland 85 road trip. the visiting Nuggets’ four-game cess. Kemba Walker topped the for Toronto (44-21), which lost Washington Wizards 124, the visiting T-Wolves. Zach La-

NHL Blues fall 7-4 to the Flames

By Jeremy Rutherford RESULTS to say the least. There were four But the rebound hit off referee wasn’t. Monahan added his sec- St. Louis Post-Dispatch goals and two of the assists be- Frederick L’Ecuyer and dropped ond goal of the game, taking a NY Islanders 3 Florida 2 longed to a stanchion and a near the crease, where Paul stretch pass from Dougie Hamil- Los Angeles 5 Chicago 0 referee. Stastny backhanded it in for his ton and beating Nilsson for a 5-2 he Blues warned another Calgary 7 St. Louis 4 The Flames opened the scor- sixth goal of the season. That lead with 6:23 left in the period. Monday morning about Nashville 3 Edmonton 2 ing just past the midway point goal, with 7:46 left in the period, The name of the goalie didn’t what could happen in Winnipeg 5 Vancouver 2 of the fi rst period on a goal by Joe would represent the Blues’ last seem to matter Monday, as the Calgary if they didn’t Anaheim 7 New Jersey 1 Colborne. Actually, he was just lead. Blues looked slow, caught fl at- Tkeep the same focus that won the benefi ciary of a fl uky bounce Calgary took tied the scored, footed on several second-period them games over three Western off the glass. 2-2, on a short-handed goal breakaways. In fact, with 22 Conference powers last week. stretch Monday in which they Teammate Dougie Hamilton with 3:18 left in the period. seconds left in the period, Nils- The warnings didn’t help, and would play three straight teams dumped the puck into the off en- The Flames’ Mikael Backlund son kept it a three-goal game, a chance to climb atop the con- not in the playoff picture. sive zone and Lance Bouma got stripped Jaden Schwartz of the gloving a breakaway by Micheal ference standings alone fell by At a meeting prior to their a piece of it on the way in. With puck on the wall, and put team- Ferland. the wayside. morning skate, Blues coach Ken the puck ready to rim around mate Michael Frolik on a breaka- The Blues had thought they The Blues fell 7-4 to the Hitchcock and several players the corner, Allen skated behind way, and he put the puck past trimmed into their three-goal Flames at Scotiabank Saddle- acknowledged that the point of net to play it, but he could only Allen at the other end. defi cit with two seconds left in dome, ending their six-game not taking their upcoming op- watch helplessly when instead it The score was knotted at the the period. Defenseman Alex winning streak to a team that en- ponents lightly, beginning with ricocheted in front to Colborne, fi rst intermission, but Monahan Pietrangelo scored, but offi cials tered the night tied for last in the Calgary. But in a game that had who had a wide-open tap-in for put Calgary ahead again early waved off the goal because David conference. With Dallas idle, the several fl uky bounces early, the a 1-0 lead. in the second period. The Blues Backes was laying on top of Or- club remained in a tie with Stars Flames separated themselves as Only nine seconds later, Scot- failed to clear a puck, allowing tio, after being crosschecked for fi rst place with 91 points. the hungrier club with a three- tie Upshall pulled the Blues even, Monahan to waltz in for a wide- into the netminder. Michael Frolik scored two goal second period. scoring his sixth goal of the sea- open shot that he buried for a 3-2 There was no call on Wide- short-handed goals, his sec- Sean Monahan snapped a son on another dump-in off the advantage. man, and so the Flames’ large ond one sealing the win with 2-2 tie with the fi rst of his two boards. Colton Parayko put the The Flames stretched it to 4-2 lead remained intact heading 3 minutes, 11 seconds remain- goals Monday, and when Mark puck into the off ensive zone, with a power-play goal in the into the third period. ing in regulation after the Blues Giordano scored for a 4-2 lead, bouncing it off the end boards. middle of the period, one that A power-play goal by Kevin had pulled to within 5-4 on Paul the Blues pulled goalie Jake Al- Upshall skated hard to the re- stood after a challenge from the Shattenkirk, his 13th of the sea- Stastny’s second goal of the len. Allen allowed four goals on bound and, in one motion, put a Blues. son and third in the last two game with 6:29 left. 17 shots before being replaced wrist shot over the near shoulder A shot from the point from games, made it 5-3 just 3:18 into Frolik added an empty-netter by Anders Nilsson, who allowed of Calgary goalie Joni Ortio. Just Giordano got past Allen, who the period. for the hattrick, as the Flames two goals on 14 shots in his debut like that, the game was tied 1-1 appeared to get brushed by Col- Stastny’s second of the game fi nished with the most goals by with the club. with 9:27 remaining in the open- borne in front of the net as the and eighth of the season pulled an opponent this season. Thus, the Blues’ run of six ing period. puck went in. The call on the ice them to within one goal, but After getting through a straight wins over Calgary, and The weird bounces continued, was a goal, and an offi cial review Frolik followed with his second treacherous week in their sched- no regulation losses in their last but the next one benefi ted the confi rmed that. short-handed goal and later an Calgary Flames right wing Michael Frolik (L) celebrates his empty ule, beating Dallas, Anaheim nine meetings came to an end. Blues. Troy Brouwer put a shot After the ruling, Allen’s empty-netter to send the Blues net goal with teammates against the St. Louis Blues during the third and Chicago, the Blues began a The fi rst period was bizarre on net that Ortio turned away. night was done. Calgary’s night to a lowly loss. period at Scotiabank Saddledome. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, March 16, 2016 SPORT

FOCUS CYCLING Van Avermaet claims Tirreno-Adriatico title Robshaw relishing AFP weather with Sunday’s moun- Rome tain stage scrapped because of the threat of snowfall. Frustrated by the cancellation elgian rider Greg Van of the stage to Monte San Vicino, Avermaet won the Tir- climbers Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) and reno-Adriatico cycling Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) never- race after yesterday’s fi - theless fi nished fi fth and sixth Grand Slam bid aft er nalB stage—a 10.1km time-trial at respectively overall. San Benedetto del Tronto which was dominated by Swiss Fabian RESULTS Cancellara. Stage BMC Racing’s Van Avermaet 1.Fabian Cancellara (SUI/TRE) fi nished just one second ahead 11min 08sec (average: 54.4 of Slovak Peter Sagan, riding for km/h), 2. Johan Le Bon (FRA/ Tinkoff , in the overall standings. FDJ) at 0:13sec, 3. Tony Martin World Cup hurt Starting last in the leader’s (GER/ETI) 0:15, 4. Alex Dowsett blue jersey, Van Avermaet lost (ENG/MOV) 0:15, 5. Tom Leezer time on Sagan early but follow- (NED/LNL) 0:16, 6. Maciej Bod- ‘We want to be part of that history and we know how tough it is going to be playing in Paris’ ing a gritty fi nal kilometre he nar (POL/TIN) 0:17, 7. Alexandre managed to save one second of Geniez (FRA/FDJ) 0:18, 8. Edvald his seven-second overnight lead. Boasson Hagen (NOR/DDT) 0:19, Luxembourg’s Bob Jungels, 9. Vasili Kiryienka (BLR/SKY) CHRIS ROBSHAW benefi tted from the poor show- 0:20, 10. Damiano Caruso (ITA/ ing of Etixx team leader Zdenek BMC) 0:22 Stybar to move up a place to Overall standings overall third. Trek-Segafredo 1.Greg Van Avermaet (BEL/ rider Cancellara set himself up as BMC) 20hr 42min 22sec, 2. Peter a favourite for Saturday’s Milan- Sagan (SVK/TIN) at 0:01sec, 3. San Remo along with Van Aver- Bob Jungels (LUX/ETI) 0:23, 4. maet, Sagan and Stybar. Sébastien Reichenbach (SUI/ The Swiss crushed his rivals FDJ) 0:24, 5. Thibaut Pinot in the time-trial, clocking 11min (FRA/FDJ) 0:24, 6. Vincenzo 08sec, to fi nish 13sec ahead of Nibali (ITA/AST) 0:29, 7. Zdenek France’s Johan Le Bon of the FDJ Stybar (CZE/ETI) 0:33, 8. Michal team with Germany’s Tony Mar- Kwiatkowski (POL/SKY) 0:39, 9. tin (Etixx) third at 15sec. Bauke Mollema (NED/TRE) 0:45, The “Race of the Two Seas” 10. Roman Kreuziger (CZE/TIN) was hampered this year by poor 0:48.

Shock as Fiji’s Seru ‘Rambo’ Rabeni dies at 37

AFP win a championship and no one has been part of a London Grand Slam win. Jones wants England to play “Now it’s about making sure we are ready for the challenge in Paris and I’m sure the intensity in ‘Bodyline’ rugby against Australia ormer captain Chris Robshaw has urged training will rise this week because we have to be Not content with telling his England players to emulate the coun- already-crowned Six Nations champions ready for what is coming. “We want to be part of try’s Ashes cricket heroes, Eddie Jones has urged them to play England to “fi nish the job properly” by that history and we know how tough it is going to “Bodyline” rugby against his native Australia later this year. completing a Grand Slam against France in be playing France in Paris.” The former Wallabies boss has already marked his first season in ParisF on Saturday. Robshaw may have been stripped of the Eng- charge of England with the Six Nations title. Victory over Wales at Twickenham last week- land captaincy by Jones following the hosts fi rst- England were crowned kings of Europe with a round to spare last Former Fiji international Seru Rabeni died yesterday at the age of end, allied to Scotland’s defeat of France, gave round exit at last year’s World Cup that cost Lan- weekend when they beat Wales and Scotland saw off France. just 37, rugby off icials in the Pacific nation said, prompting shock England the title in their fi rst season under Aus- caster his job. But although Jones installed hooker Now England have a chance to complete a first Grand Slam since and tributes from teammates and fans. tralian coach Eddie Jones after four successive Dylan Hartley as England captain, he kept faith their World Cup-winning year of 2003 -- when Jones was coach of Rabeni represented Fiji in the 2003 and 2007 World Cups, combin- runners-up fi nishes when Robshaw was skipper with Robshaw—albeit switching hin to what he beaten finalists Australia—against France in Paris on Saturday. ing speed with a brutal tackling style that earned him the nickname and former coach Stuart Lancaster in charge of considered his more ‘natural’ position of blindside But Jones already has an eye on June’s three test tour of Aus- “Rambo”. the side. fl anker from the openside. tralia—who knocked hosts England out of the World Cup with He also played top-flight rugby in England, New Zealand and France But, welcome though that was, for Robshaw the The 29-year-old has started all four of Eng- a dominant 33-13 pool phase win at Twickenham in October en during a 16-year career which included a five-year spell at Leicester. true goal will have been achieved if England com- land’s Six Nations matches so far this season, with route to losing the final against New Zealand. “Incredibly sad news to hear Seru Rabeni has passed away. Rest in plete a fi rst Six Nations clean sweep since their Jones labelling Robshaw a “colossus” for his per- Last week, cricket fan Jones said: “You go back to the great Ashes peace big man,” Fiji Sevens coach Ben Ryan tweeted. World Cup-winning year of 2003 — when Jones formances during the Championship. cricket series. When have England won Test matches? When Fiji-born former Wallaby Lote Tuqiri said Rabeni was “a great man was coach of losing fi nalists Australia. “It was a tough six months to deal with follow- they’ve had two fast bowlers—or at least one—who wants to rip taken away too young”, while ex-Samoa centre Eliota Faumaono- “It feels pretty surreal at the moment in terms of ing the World Cup, but now I’m enjoying my rugby every Aussie batsman’s head off . To me, that is English sport.” Sapolu said Pacific rugby had lost one of its greats. getting the reward without playing the fi nal game. and it is always nice to hear things like that from It was a theme he returned to on Monday by summoning the “Stunned! RIP Seru Rabeni,” he tweeted. “Absolutely hated every We had a beer together and now it is all gung-ho the coach,” Robshaw said. memory of ‘Bodyline’, the name associated with the 1932/33 minute playing against you constantly smashing and stepping me.” to fi nish the job properly,” Robshaw said yesterday. “It is also great for my partner, my family, England tour of Australia. Scotland’s James Hamilton, a former team-mate at Leicester, de- “We have been in this situation before where friends, team-mates, coaches here and at Harle- Back then visiting captain Douglas Jardine used fast bowlers scribed Rabeni as “an incredible player and lovely man”. we have been in a strong position to win the Grand quins—they are all hugely important and helped such as Harold Larwood to rough up Australia’s batsmen, notably Fiji media reported Rabeni died at his home in Nausori, just outside Slam, but in the history of English rugby only 12 me get back to being out there and enjoying it cricket great Don Bradman, in a tactical approach, which al- the capital, Suva, on Tuesday morning. teams have ever achieved that feat,” the Harlequins again,” the 47-times capped fl anker added. though brutally eff ective in that it saw England regain the Ashes, The Fiji Village website said the cause of death was unknown but back-row added. “Am I playing with a smile on my face now? was later widely regarded as intimidatory and unsporting. quoted his father-in-law saying he had been “sick for a while”. “We talked about how these opportunities don’t We haven’t fi nished the job yet and if we achieve “We’ve got one game to go (against France) and then we’ll worry Rabeni, who was also a noted sevens player for Fiji, is survived by come around very often. I have been involved for what we want on Saturday there will be some big about picking the squad for Australia,” Jones said. his wife and two children. four years. A lot of the guys have been trying to smiles.”

SPOTLIGHT Lydiate to captain Wales against Italy

AFP against Eastern Province Kings named both Tomas Francis and fi nal six minutes at Twicken- have also been managing an in- London during Wales’s 2014 tour of Aaron Jarvis as replacement ham, Wales’s hopes of beating jury with Alex, so Hallam comes South Africa. props, with Francis’s participa- England were eff ectively undone on to the left wing. Wing Hallam Amos, scrum- tion subject to the outcome of a by a sluggish fi rst-half that saw “Saturday is a good chance for an Lydiate will cap- half Rhys Webb, fl anker Justin disciplinary hearing after he was them 16-0 down at the break. some of the players to redeem tain Wales in their fi nal Tipuric and lock Luke Charteris cited for a possible eye-gouge on “This weekend it is all about themselves, and we are looking match of the 2016 Six have all been brought into the England font-row Dan Cole dur- fi nishing off the tournament well for a big performance. Nations at home to Ita- starting side. ing last weekend’s loss. and putting in a big perform- “I’ve been involved in a cou- lyD after fi rst-choice skipper Sam Saturday’s match will be Elsewhere among the replace- ance,” said Gatland. ple of games when Dan has cap- Warburton was given more time Webb’s fi rst start since Septem- ments, prop Gethin Jenkins re- “We are disappointed with tained the midweek sides. He to recover from concussion, the ber after he missed Wales’s run turns after recovering from a calf last week, especially the fi rst jumped at the opportunity this Welsh Rugby Union announced to the quarter-fi nals last year’s muscle injury, and both Scarlets half, but a win on Saturday will weekend, and it will be good to yesterday. World Cup in England with a lock Jake Ball and Gloucester see us fi nish the tournament in see how he goes.” Warburton left the fi eld in the foot injury suff ered in the team’s back-row forward Ross Moriarty second and we have to aim for Wales (15-1) second half of Wales’s 25-21 de- fi nal warm-up match against have been included. that now,” added the New Zea- Liam Williams; George North, feat by England at Twickenham Italy. lander, whose side fi nished third Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, last weekend—a result that end- He takes over from Gareth Aiming for second in last season’s Six Nations. Hallam Amos; Dan Biggar, Rhys ed his side’s title hopes. Davies, who drops down to the Victory for Wales over Italy “There are a number of chang- Webb; Taulupe Faletau, Jus- He has now been replaced bench after giving way to Webb will see them fi nish second be- es, a couple injury enforced. tin Tipuric, Dan Lydiate (capt); as skipper by fellow fl anker during the second half at Twick- hind already-crowned cham- “Alun Wyn Jones has an injury Luke Charteris, Bradley Davies; Lydiate in one of four changes enham. pions England and they will be that we have been managing for Samson Lee, Scott Baldwin, Rob announced by coach Warren Meanwhile injuries have seen fi rm favourites to beat the Az- a while, and he has played a lot of Evans Gatland for Saturday’s match Amos replace Alex Cuthbert zurri, who have lost all four of games. Replacements: Ken Owens, against bottom-of-the-table (foot) and Charteris come in for their Six Nations matches so far “We have given Sam Warbur- Gethin Jenkins, Tomas Fran- Italy in Cardiff . experienced second row Alun this season. ton the week off . We decided cis/Aaron Jarvis, Jake Ball, Ross Lydiate last captained his Wyn Jones (heel). Despite a late rally that saw not to push him through all the Moriarty, Gareth Davies, Rhys country in a midweek match On the bench, Gatland has them score two tries inside the return to play protocols, and we Priestland, Gareth Anscombe Gulf Times Wednesday, March 16, 2016 9 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT IOC and WADA to reanalyse 2008, 2012 Young Afghanistan doping samples Zurich: Selected samples from Budgett said. “The best way to the 2008 and 2012 Olympics do that is to catch the cheats in Beijing and London are to and deter the cheats before we be reanalysed ahead of the Rio get to Rio de Janeiro. So that’s Games in an initiative aimed why we launched this initiative at protecting clean athletes, with the task force even before boxer packs a punch the International Olympic the Olympic Games open.” Committee (IOC) and the World At the request of and funded Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) by the IOC, WADA set up the announced yesterday. task force to gather information The targeted tests will be and intelligence, identify any carried out before August’s gaps in pre-Games testing, and Olympic Games in Rio, with the coordinate any extra testing against patriarchy results known in a “number of that may be needed through weeks or months”, according the International Federations to IOC medical and scientific (IFs), National Anti-Doping director Richard Budgett. Organisations (NADOs) and, if Sadaf is a brilliant boxer. But she is also an exception in this conservative Muslim The reanalysis of hundreds necessary, WADA itself, the IOC of samples is already under said in a statement. country where women participating in sport remains a taboo way, the IOC said, adding that it The WADA-run task force, had together with WADA “iden- which is coordinating intel- tified and agreed on the sports ligence-gathering with the and countries being targeted”. NADOs of Australia, Denmark, “This includes in particular Japan, South Africa, the UK and athletes likely to compete in USA, will identify athletes or Rio de Janeiro who also com- groups of athletes who should peted in London and Beijing be included in registered test- 2008, and specific methods ing pools, and those who the of analysis where there have IOC should test during the four- been advances during the time week period of the Rio Olym- since Beijing 2008 and London pics. “The specialist task force 2012.” will advise the IOC and the Rio Talking at the WADA 2016 Organising Committee Anti-Doping Organisation who they should be testing, Symposium in Lausanne, both in and out of competition,” Budgett added: “The aim of the the IOC said. programme is to prevent ath- “This intelligence will be letes who cheated in London used to refine the testing plan or Beijing, and got away with day by day during the period it because we didn’t have as of the Games (beginning with advanced methods of analysis the opening of the Athletes’ as we do now, from competing Village on 24 July, and ending in Rio de Janeiro. with the Closing Ceremony on “We are trying passionately 21 August), to produce the most to protect those clean athletes eff ective and eff icient testing who are going to Rio 2016,” programme possible.”

ATHLETICS Eaton, Cunningham highlight US world indoors team

AFP Afghan boxer Sadaf Rahimi (centre), 19, takes a break during a selection bout at an inter-provincial boxing competition at Ghazi Stadium in Kabul. (AFP) Portland

AFP secret in 1999. The images show a wom- Kabul an, Zarmina, being executed by Kalash- eptathlon world nikov fi re for having killed her violent record holder Ashton husband. “It’s a pleasure to train her,” Eaton and talented ineteen-year-old Afghanistan says Agha Gul Alamyar, Sadaf’s trainer. teenage high jumper boxer Sadaf Rahimi slams her Like other young women, Sadaf has to VashtiH Cunningham headline punching bag deep in the bow- contend with poor equipment and basic a 58-member US team for this els of Kabul’s Ghazi stadium, infrastructure. The mats are threadbare week’s IAAF world indoor cham- Ndealing blows to gender stereotyping and and the gloves and punching bags are pionships, USA Track & Field doing her part to exorcise history: it was old and worn out. “We lack everything, said on Monday. on these very grounds that the Taliban gloves, boots. There is no encouragement Eaton, who also holds the carried out public executions. for the girls,” he says. The federation cur- outdoor decathlon world record, Sadaf, whose shy gaze seems at odds rently counts only 20 women in its ranks. will be going for his third con- with her muscular 60kg (130lb) frame, In an eff ort to boost the sport among secutive world heptathlon title pulls on her gloves. A liberating spasm women, Sadaf wants to set up her own in the March 17-20 champi- accompanies each blow that crushes the club and become a trainer. But fi rst she onships in Portland, Oregon. leather mitts of Agha Gul Alamyar, one of must mount the podium in international Cunningham, the 18-year-old her trainers. Sadaf is a brilliant boxer. But competitions, a distant dream. She has daughter of former National she is also an exception in this conserva- already brought home three bronze med- Football League quarterback tive Muslim country where women par- als in regional competitions, but isn’t yet Randall Cunningham, soared to ticipating in sport remains a taboo. up to Olympic standard—the sport’s Holy a world junior record 1.99 me- Her black pirate bandana serves not Grail. tres, the best jump of 2016, in just to hold her hair in place, but to cover In 2012, Sadaf lied in order to accept winning the US championship it. “I also wear a scarf in my everyday life an invitation by the Olympics organiser. in Portland on Saturday. World because we live in a conservative coun- Female Afghan boxers take part in a training session at Ghazi Stadium in Kabul. (AFP) But the International Boxing Association indoor pole vault record holder try,” she says. eventually did not allow her to leave for Jenn Suhr and fi ve other athletes The Taliban’s regime, known for its men and women can be equal. Girls are chores and cook.’ My aunt is still against London, fearing her better trained oppo- who have the best marks in the Ashton Eaton brutal treatment of women, was toppled not forced to stay at home”. it,” recalls the young woman, who is also nents could seriously injure her. world this season in their cham- in 2001 by a US-led military alliance. Born to a middle-class family from pursuing a degree in economics. And this year, she won’t be going to pionships event also will be anna Rollins (60m hurdles) and Since then, women’s rights have im- the Tajik ethnic group, Sadaf had to fi rst She is taking a stand on misogyny and Rio. This time around the reasons are representing the United States Michelle Carter (shot put). proved, but a bitter patriarchal aftertaste make the case for boxing—which she against the darkest hours of Afghan his- more prosaic—her defeat in the South in the tune-up for August’s Rio Sandi Morris, who upset Suhr remains for many Afghan women pres- discovered by watching Mike Tyson and tory, by training inside Ghazi stadium Asian Games in India in mid February Olympics. in the US championships, is also sured to stay at home to cook and raise Laila Ali on TV—to those closest to her. which the Taliban used for their public means she won’t be Olympics bound. “I They include men’s long on the team as are Olympic long children. At all of 19 years of age—seven “At fi rst my family was opposed to me executions during their 1996 to 2001 re- am disappointed,” she said. “In India I jumper Marquis Dendy and Bar- jump gold medallist Brittney of which she has spent in the ring—Sadaf boxing. They were saying: ‘Why is a girl gime. was completely alone. No trainer came bara Pierre (60 metres co-lead- Reese and reigning world indoor sees a moral obligation “to prove that boxing? She should stay home, do the One of these executions was fi lmed in with me, I had no support at all.” er), Ajee Wilson (800m), Bri- 60m hurdles champion Nia Ali.

QATAR INTERNATIONAL TAEKWONDO OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

The 2nd Qatar International Taekwondo Open Championship concluded at the Aspire Zone Ladies’ Sports Hall in Doha yesterday. The hosts Qatar had a succesfull campaign winning many medals in the four-day event, which saw over 400 athletes from 30 countries taking part. PICTURES: JAYARAM Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, March 16, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Evert stunned by Sharapova news; not by doping

Reuters Sharapova faces up to a four-year ban by New York the International Tennis Federation for testing positive for meldonium in January, a drug she UN suspends Sharapova as goodwill ambassador had taken for 10 years due to health problems The United Nations has suspended Maria Sharapova as a goodwill ambassa- hris Evert said on Monday she was and which was banned on Jan. 1. dor after she failed a drug test at the Australian Open, the latest fall from grace stunned to hear that Maria Sharapova Evert feels the length of Sharapova’s ban for the Russian tennis star. failed a doping test, but not by the fact will hinge on her medical records and that Sharapova had been a goodwill ambassador for the UN Development that there is doping in tennis, claim- the former Russian world number one may Programme for the past nine years, and had been active in helping recovery ingC that she knew players who doped during only deserve to be barred for the rest of the eff orts after the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. her career. year. “The United Nations Development Programme remains grateful to Maria Evert, an 18-times grand slam champion “It all comes down to viewing the medical Sharapova for her support of our work, especially around the Chernobyl who retired in 1989, said the use of perform- records from the doctors that took care of her nuclear disaster recovery,” said a spokesperson. ance-enhancing drugs in tennis went on dur- 10 years ago and examining exactly what her “However, in light of Ms. Sharapova’s recent announcement, we last week sus- ing her career - which was before the sport case is,” said Evert. pended her role as a Goodwill Ambassador and any planned activities while adopted current anti-doping rules - and that “This drug is used for angina and severe the investigation continues.” it likely goes on in all sports. heart issues. There’s always suspicion when “We wish Ms. Sharapova the best,” she added. Former world number one “You’d have to have your head in the sand if you hear what the drug is used for. That’s why Sharapova announced last week that she failed a drug test at the Australian you didn’t at least assume that every professional her defense needs to show medical records, Open in January. Sharapova tested positive for meldonium, which was added sport might have some sort of performing-en- and (her) dosage. to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned list on January 1. hancing drugs being used,” Evert told a confer- “If it does come out cleanly, I would say ban- US sportswear giant Nike, German luxury car maker Porsche and Swiss watch- ence call from Indian Wells, where she will do TV ning her for the rest of year would be enough.” maker TAG Heuer have all halted their relationship with the former world commentary for ESPN at the BNP Paribas Open. Evert’s ESPN colleague Patrick McEnroe number one. “Honestly, in every professional sport I said players always look for an advantage. Sharapova has made visits to Belarus as goodwill ambassador and donated think this goes on to a certain extent. In ten- “Players of course are going to look to get $100,000 to support youth projects in rural areas that suff er from the after- nis it doesn’t worry me as much. This went on an edge, whether in how they train, or in how aff ects of the Chernobyl nuclear accident. when I was playing.” they eat and how they recover,” the former U.S. Sharapova’s family fled the city of Gomel in Belarus in 1987 after the Chernobyl “I know players on the women’s tour who David Cup captain said. disaster, moving to Siberia where the tennis star was born. were using—who were using performance- “Do I think it’s a major problem in tennis? The family lived in Nyagan, Siberia for two years and then moved to Sochi on enhancing drugs and we didn’t even have drug No, I don’t. I think the testing is very tough in the Black Sea where Sharapova took her first tennis lessons. testing.” tennis.”

FOCUS CORRUPTION Italian prosecutor calls for fi xing probe Wawrinka advances, into ‘top players’

AFP match fi xing in tennis has been London ignored by the TIU,” read the statement. “The TIU had been endeav- n Italian prosecu- ouring to obtain the evidence Murray bows out tor has told the BBC required to substantiate al- that more than two legations made against Italian dozen leading players players Daniele Bracciali and ‘I couldn’t go for my shots and when I did I made mistakes’ shouldA face investigation over Potito Starace from the Pros- links to betting rings. ecutor’s offi ce since October Roberto di Martino told the 2014. BBC and BuzzFeed News yes- “The TIU had to engage le- terday their names have ap- gal counsel in Italy to obtain peared in evidence seized from the information contained in gamblers suspected of fi xing Mr Di Martino’s investigation matches. They include two and is now listed as an Injured players who have been ranked Party in the ongoing criminal in the world’s top 20. proceedings. So far, only Potito Starace “All information received and Daniele Bracciali, two from the Public Prosecutor is Italians, have been investigat- being fully and thoroughly as- ed and charged but Di Martino sessed, verifi ed and, where ap- says others should be investi- propriate, investigated under gated by the Tennis Integrity the powers of the Tennis Anti- Unit (TIU), the sport’s anti- Corruption Program. corruption watchdog. “It is a matter of public “Surely if these foreign record that Mr Bracciali and players were Italian, they Mr Starace are currently fac- would certainly have been at ing criminal proceedings in least questioned,” Di Martino Italy. The TIU has interviewed said. “They should have pro- both players and, as the case is vided some explanations.” sub judice, is not in a position He added: “Interestingly, to make any further comment they are not so-called second- on that matter.” tier tennis players, but also Tennis was rocked by cor- players of some importance.” ruption allegations from a Di Martino has been con- joint BBC/BuzzFeed investi- ducting a two-year inquiry gation published before Janu- into a suspected match-fi xing ary’s Australian Open. ring involving Italian tennis This led the sport’s gov- players and gamblers. erning bodies to set up an in- However, the London- dependent review into anti- based TIU, which has come corruption eff orts chaired by under fi re in recent months, leading English lawyer Adam issued a statement later Tues- Lewis QC. day insisting an investigation And the TIU’s statement on into Bracciali and Starace was Tuesday also said: “We have in ongoing and that information the past requested, and repeat received from Di Martino was today, that if BuzzFeed and the being assessed. BBC believe they have hard “The Tennis Integrity Unit, evidence of corruption, they supported by the governing make it immediately available. bodies of tennis, strongly re- “Tennis has a long-standing futes any suggestion made by and total commitment to pre- the Public Prosecutor in Cre- venting betting-related cor- mona, Italy, that evidence of ruption in the sport.” Andy Murray of Great Britain reacts during his match against Federico Delbonis of Argentina at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California. (AFP)

AFP Richard Gasquet, Marin Cilic, break a sweat against Australian Indian Wells Milos Raonic and Tomas Ber- Bernard Tomic, who retired in No-one to match Tiger at dych all advanced. the second set with a wrist in- Wawrinka is on a nine-match jury. peak, says Harrington rench Open champ Stan win streak in fi nals after beating Raonic is trying to improve on Three-time major champion Padraig Harrington said yester- Wawrinka reached the Marcos Baghdatis in Dubai. He his previous best performance in day golf had become a much more open contest since the Indian Wells fourth captured his third consecutive Indian Wells, a semi-fi nal loss to end of Tiger Woods’ dominance, but none of the current top round while world No 2 Chennai crown in January. Roger Federer last year. players could match Woods at his best. AndyF Murray suff ered a shock Last year he won four titles, The 25-year-old Canadian, The Irishman, who won both the British Open (twice) and US third-round exit at the hands including his stunning 4-6, 6-4, winner in Brisbane this year, was PGA when Woods was at the height of his powers, said the of claycourt specialist Federico 6-3, 6-4 upset win over world up 3-0 in the second set in the overall standard had improved in the last decade but there Delbonis on Monday. No 1 Novak Djokovic to claim his third round tie, after cruising was no player who stood out from the crowd. Wawrinka toppled Andrey fi rst French Open crown. through the fi rst at 6-2, when “I think there is a greater depth of players nowadays. In my Kuznetsov 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) in the Murray, 28, was playing in his Tomic called it quits. days we pretty much had a Tiger and if he was playing his third round of the ATP and WTA fi rst ATP Tour tournament since best then he was close to impossible to beat,” Harrington told hardcourt tournament and two- losing to Djokovic in the fi nal Azarenka advances reporters in New Delhi. “Nowadays we probably got six play- time Grand Slam winner Murray of the Australian Open in Janu- In women’s action, Indian ers who are playing their best. We actually wouldn’t know who lost 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7/3) to 53rd ary. Wells 2012 champion Victoria was going to win. But none of them is quite as good as Tiger ranked Argentinian Delbonis. “It was a tough one to lose,” Azarenka, seeded 13th, defeated when fully in form. Tiger’s ‘B’ game was pretty good as well,” Wawrinka, who turns 31 later Murray said of the loss to Del- China’s Zhang Shuai 6-4, 6-3. he added. “The field has also tightened up by four or five shots this month, has won two titles bonis. “I fought hard to get into But the event lost another since I started. The players have obviously got better but the this year in Chennai and Dubai a winning position. top seed as Swiss seventh seed standard has got much better.” but has never made it past the “I couldn’t go for my shots Vicotria Azarenka of Belarus returns a shot to Shuai Zhang of China Belinda Bencic fell to Slovakia’s Woods, now aged 40, won the last of his 14 major titles back quarter-fi nals in Indian Wells, and when I did I made mistakes.” during the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Magdalena Rybarikova 6-4, 3-6, in 2008 and has not played competitive golf since last August one of the biggest events on the Murray, who became a father Indian Wells, California. (AFP) 6-3. following back surgery. Harrington, 44, a two-time British tennis calendar outside of the on February 7 with the birth Johanna Konta rolled to a 6-4, Open and former US PGA winner, has dropped down the rank- four Grand Slams. of his daughter Sophia Oliva, a bit more with the volleys and to 3-0 lifetime against the 29th 6-1 win over Denisa Allertova, ings chart but still believes he can compete with the new crop Wawrinka next faces 15th looked rusty after his layoff . my serve,” Murray said. “He ranked Ukrainian. who sent women’s second seed of stars on a good day. seeded David Goffi n of Belgium, Murray’s forehand on match moved better than what I ex- With his victory in Montpel- Angelique Kerber crashing out “It’s hard to live up to those standards of 2007-08. That was who beat Guido Pella 4-6, 6-3, point sailed well wide and long, pected.” lier earlier this year, Gasquet on Saturday. truly a peak,” said Harrington, who is in the capital for the Hero 6-2. ending the two hour, 46 minute French eighth seed Gasquet moved to second place among Just three of the top seven Indian Open which begins on Thursday. “I am in good form. I Murray’s exit left things wide contest on Stadium Court. continued his mastery over Al- Frenchmen in the Open Era with women’s seeds are left in the do feel like I am playing well and I am looking forward to the open in the bottom half of the “He came up with some good exandr Dogopolov by rallying for 13 career titles. draw, including world number next peak in my career,” he added. men’s draw, where Wawrinka, passing shots. I could have done a 2-6, 6-2, 6-1 win to improve Canada’s Raonic barely had to one Serena Williams. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 16, 2016 11 SPORT

FOCUS 6th Qatar International Arabian Peninsula Horse Show Schools Olympic Program athlete dreams of going pro

By Sports Reporter times a week depending on a vari- Doha ety of factors, so that really builds up your stamina and cardiovascu- lar health.” halid al-Boloushi Head of PR at the Qatar Ol- (pictured), 18, has ympic Committee and Executive Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser al-Thani presents the winner’s trophy after Farhoud Al Shaqab amassed 21 points to win the championship gold among the Senior Stallions in the played volleyball since Director of the SOP Mohamed 6th Qatar International Arabian Peninsula Horse Show at Al Shaqab Arena yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim he was 10 years old and al-Fadala knows that the SOP joinedK the oldest sports club in is a key part of Qatar’s vision to Qatar, Al Ahli. Now a student in help instil culture of active and his fi nal year of high school at healthy living across the nation. the Tariq bin Zayed School and “The Schools Olympic Program already a member of the youth serves a unique and essential and junior teams, he dreams of purpose of both educating our continuing to play the sport he youth about sport and ingrain- loves and of one day, represent- ing in them a culture of fi tness ing his home nation of Qatar on and health, as well as identifying an international stage. gifted student athletes that can A key part of the youngster’s go on to represent Qatar on an rise through the ranks has been regional and international level,” the Schools Olympic Program he said. (SOP). Al-Boloushi has taken Al-Boloushi is just one of a part in the programme for the number of student athletes who last two years. hope to go professional. Com- “I joined the Schools Olym- menting on his sporting future pic Program two years ago when he said: “The SOP and Al Ahli I moved to the Tariq bin Zayed have given me a huge head start School. My new school placed in my sporting career. Thanks great importance on sport and to the SOP, I’ve been exposed to how useful it is as a tool to devel- athletes of diff erent skill levels op students both in terms of ath- and I think it’s safe to say that we leticism and personally as well. It all benefi t from this. My ultimate really builds character,” he said. dream is to join the Qatari Na- The SOP is a multisport com- tional Volleyball team and repre- petition among schools in Qatar sent my country – it would be an Sheikh Mishal bin Eissa bin Thamer al-Thani hands over the trophy after Rayyana Al Aliya emerged for students aged 5 to 18 years honour for me.” champion in the Senior Mares category. that was founded in 2007 af- Qatar’s talent development ter the 15th Asian Games was infrastructure, of which the successfully hosted in Doha in SOP is an integral part, has seen 2006. Since then, participa- numerous Qatari athletes as- tion has steadily grown and the cend to the international stage. programme now includes more These include gravity-defying than 29,000 students from 500 high-jumper Mutaz Barshim, as schools across Qatar. Maersk Oil well as two-time Junior World Qatar has sponsored the pro- Champion in the hammer throw gramme since 2013, and has sup- Ashraf ElSeify. ported the development of the Since its inception in 2007, the SOP and its various activities SOP has seen thousands of stu- over the years in numerous ways. dents participate in 12 sports that Sport has had a transformative include tennis, shooting, athlet- eff ect on al-Boloushi’s life: “I was ics and many others. The SOP is always an active child but never often the fi rst ever competitive particularly healthy,” he said. tournament in which children “Once I started playing volleyball participate, providing them with seriously I could see that my body valuable exposure and experi- was changing for the better – I be- ence, as well as promoting sport came much healthier. We practice as a basic component of a healthy anywhere between once to three and active lifestyle.

PSG midfielder Verratti at Aspetar

Saleh Ghanim Shaheen al-Ghanim gives away the trophy after Deenara Al Waab won the Junior Filly gold yesterday.

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL Annie Power makes amends with Champion Hurdle triumph at Cheltenham

AFP month after reigning Champion Hurdler London Faugheen pulled out through injury. “Sport off ers such a chance for re- demption, it’s brilliant,” said Ricci. acehorse Annie Power atoned Meanwhile Mullins, who had a record for her fi nal fence fall at last eight winners at last year’s Festival, said: year’s Cheltenham Festival with “That’s what racing is about. I thought it a storming Champion Hurdle was fantastic, a superb performance from winR as the same rider, trainer and owner the mare. combination clinched three victories on “It was Ruby’s plan (to lead from the the opening day of Cheltenham 2016. front) and he told me what he was going Ridden by Ruby Walsh and trained to do and he did it.” by the leading jockey’s fellow Irishman Walsh was also aboard the Mullins- Willie Mullins, Annie Power, owned by trained Douvan and Vroum Vroum Mag American banker Rich Ricci, was roared as Ricci’s colours carried to victory in home by enthusiastic supporters at the both Cheltenham’s Arkle Trophy and idyllic Prestbury Park course in Chelten- Mares’ Hurdle races respectively. ham, south-west England. David Williams, of leading British fi rm She led the fi eld from start to fi nish to Ladbrokes, reckoned the betting indus- become the fi rst mare to win the Cham- try has lost £8 million as a result of the pion Hurdle in 22 years. Walsh/Mullins/Ricci treble, with only At last year’s Festival, the leading the defeat of the trio’s Min in the open- Marco Verratti, midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain football jumps meeting of the English horse- ing Supreme Novices Hurdle preventing club and the Italian national team, arrived in Doha racing season, Annie Power had had the Ruby Walsh celebrates winning the Champion on Hurdle Challenge Trophy riding a bigger payout. yesterday morning with Paris Saint-Germain’s first doctor separate Mares’ Hurdle at her mercy only Annie Power at the Cheltenham Racecourse yesterday. (Reuters) “It all went right for punters after for comprehensive medical screenings at Aspetar, the to fall at the last fence. that,” said Williams. “We can’t stop mov- orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital. During his visit, That would have been the fourth win But Annie Power never looked in any ite beating second-placed My Tent or ing trains and there was nothing we could Verratti commended the hospital’s advanced facilities and on the fi rst day for Mullins, and Annie danger of repeating that error as she be- Yours by fi ve lengths. do to stop the Ruby onslaught. services. Aspetar has continually attracted many of the Power’s fall was estimated to have saved came the fi rst mare (female horse) to win “It’s just spectacular,” Annie Pow- “Last year Annie Power got us out of world’s elite athletes for screening, treatment, surgery and bookmakers a £50 million ($72 million) the Champion Hurdle since Flakey Dove er’s owner, Rich Ricci, told the BBC as jail but this year it feels like she’s put us rehabilitation services. payout. back in 1994, with Tuesday’s 5/2 favour- the horse had only entered the race last fi rmly in the slammer.”

Wednesday, March 16, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

QATAR BASKETBALL CUP MOTOGP Lorenzo and Rossi Bell scores 38 as confi dent going into season’s fi rst Jaish down Wakrah; race in Qatar

By Sports Reporter entrance to the season like last Doha year when he secured a brilliant and hard-fought victory, his fourth at the circuit. ovistar Yamaha is The Doctor has also felt com- Shamal beat Khor hopeful of retaining fortable with the new Michelin their Triple Crown tyres and electronics during the at the end of the 2016 winter testing and is confi dent Mseason and are only buoyed by his hard work will pay off . the form of riders Jorge Loren- “Finally we start talking about zo and Valentino Rossi as was racing! I‘m very glad that a new evident during the pre-season season begins,” said Rossi, who is tests. locked in a bitter battle of accu- Both riders proved to be on the sations of betrayal and intimida- pace during testing and are ex- tion with Repsol Honda’s double pected to once again be key pro- world champion Marc Marquez. tagonists for this season’s title “Our tests were defi nitely challenge starting with the Com- positive, but the race is another mercial Bank Grand Prix of Qatar. thing. Last year, Lorenzo fought his “Last season for me began very way to fourth place in Qatar de- well. I don‘t know if I will be able spite problems with his helmet to repeat that result but I will try impairing his vision, but returns to get on the podium for sure. It with high on confi dence, setting will be important to start to work the fastest time in Sepang and well from the fi rst sessions and most importantly in Qatar. get ready and have clear ideas go- Lorenzo did a race simulation ing into the race. I feel ready and during the Qatar test that was motivated and so does the team, stronger than most of his rivals. so let’s go.” The adaptation to the Magneti Movistar Yamaha’s team di- Marelli ECU and software and rector Massimo Meregalli thinks Michelin tyres has gone well for the 2016 world championship Lorenzo and for Yamaha. will be closest ever in MotoGP “The winter was so long and history. testing has not the same feeling “We have been looking for- as racing. I feel very strong and ward to kicking off the season arrive very confi dent to this fi rst for a very long time, especially match of the season. I‘m happy I after our positive test results at adapted quite well to the Miche- the Losail International Circuit a lin tyres and we proved it during fortnight ago. Vale and Jorge are two of three tests,” Lorenzo said. in great physical shape and they The Spaniard, however, was can‘t wait to start racing again,” also very cautious going into Meregalli said. the season-opener. “We need to “The fi rst few races will be keep our feet on the ground be- particularly interesting as they cause until Sunday the points will give an impression of which are not distributed so we have teams and riders have found the to work hard from Thursday on best combination with the new to get a good position and then tyres and electronics. The com- demonstrate our strong pace in petition might be the closest ever the race. I would like to start this in the history of MotoGP, but we 2016 season in the best way pos- are confi dent we will be able to sible, especially compared to the give the Yamaha fans as much beginning of 2015.” reason to cheer as we did last year Team-mate Rossi will be look- while we try to defend our Triple ing forward to making a strong Crown.”

Al Wakrah’s Adamu Saaka (left) and El Jaish’s Vernon Leon Macklin (second from left) in action during their Qatar Basketball Cup match yesterday. Saaka’s 30-point eff ort could not save his team from an 83- Al Shamal’s Mohamed Kamal Hachad (centre) in action against Al Khor during their Qatar Basketball 96 loss. PICTURES: Othman Iraqi Cup match at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall yesterday. Hachad scored 22 points in his team’s 87-77 win.

By Sports Reporter After a successful second quarter for Mame Souleye Ndour scored 11. pointers, two three-pointers and six free Doha Jaish, in which they scored 21 points as A 32-point haul in the fi nal quarter throws in his kitty. against 10 by Wakrah, the former wrested must have been satisfying but not enough Abdulqadir Kosar and Mohamed control of the game. as Al Khor went down to Al Shamal 77-87 Kamal Hachad pitched in with 24 and 22 l Jaish had Rashad Ernest Bell’s While the two teams were evenly in the fi rst match of the day. points respectively. terrifi c 38-point haul to thank for matched in the third quarter, scoring 19 Al Khor had a diffi cult time catching Patrick Ronald Rembert was im- their 96-83 win over Al Wakrah points each, Jaish dunked 29 points in the on with Shamal, especially after scoring pressive among the Khor contingent in Match 6 of the Qatar Basketball fi nal quarter to take a 96-83 win. only 10 points to Shamal’s 32 in the fi rst scoring 25 points. He had seven two- CupE at Al Gharafa Sports Club yesterday. Bell dunked 11 two-pointers, three quarter. And while the second and third pointers, two three-pointers and five After just fi ve minutes into the game, three-pointers and seven free throws quarter were close, the defi cit from the free-throws to show for for his points Wakrah held a fi ve-point advantage at 16- for his points haul. He was ably sup- fi rst two quarters ensured that Khor never haul. Others to get into double figures 11, and they held the lead at the end of the ported by Vernon Leon Macklin, Babcar took the lead in the match. were Charles Abouo (14 points), Alen fi rst quarter at 32-27. Marone Ngom and Fadi Hani Abilmona, In the second half of the game, Khor, Hadzibegovic (12 points) and Abdulaziz As the second quarter began, Wakrah who scored 19, 14 and 10 points respec- trailing by 28 points at 38-66, seemed Adam (11 points). extended the lead to eight points at 35-27 tively. to have gotten their act together but that The tournament returns to action on but thereafter Bell & Co. began clawing For Wakrah, Adamu Saaka topped the eventually proved futile. Sunday with Al Rayyan taking on El Jaish back and 15 minutes into the game, the scoresheets with 30 points, while Boney Shamal’s Mildon Ambres scored a in the fi rst match at 5pm, while Al Gharafa Jaish’s defi cit was down to one at 35-36. Harold Watson added 21 points and match-high 26 points, with seven two- will face Al Shamal at 7pm.

RALLYING Impressive entry list for Kuwait International Rally

Agencies last month in Qatar and returns to ral- from the Qatari contingent of Abdullah Kuwait City, Kuwait lying after spending several weeks in al-Kuwari, Khalifa al-Attiyah, Rashid Cyprus honing his skeet shooting skills al-Naimi and Edith Weiss, while the in preparation for the Olympic Games veteran Lebanese driver Michel Saleh he Basil Salem Al-Sabah Motor in Rio this summer. returns to MERC action with navigator Racing Club (BMRC) has an- Competition in the R5 category will Ahmed Ghaziri in his Subaru Impreza nounced an impressive entry come from fellow Qatari Abdulaziz N15. Saleh has taken part in the regional list for next weekend’s Kuwait al-Kuwari in a second Skoda and 2012 series since its inception and won the TInternational Rally, round two of the event winner Khalid al-Suwaidi in a Kuwait Rally back in 1984 at the wheel 2016 FIA Middle East Rally Champi- Ford Fiesta, while Kuwait’s Masoud al- of a Toyota Celica GT. onship (MERC), taking place on March Saleh lines up in a Ford Fiesta S2000. Other entrants in the NR4 class in- 24-26. Both al-Kuwari and al-Suwaidi suf- clude the Iranian duo of Hassan Ak- The three-day event, being held un- fered disappointing retirements from barnejadbaei and Laleh Seddigh, the der the chairmanship of Sheikh Athbi the recent Rally Mexico and will be two Turkish Mitsubishi Lancer Evolu- Nayef Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah, and in hoping to kick-start their seasons in tion Xs of Yigit Timur and Vedat Diker conjunction with the General Author- Kuwait. and the Saudi Arabian driver Rakan al- ity for Sport and Kuwait International The remainder of the fi eld is entered Rashed. Automobile Club (KIAC), has attracted in the highly competitive NR4 class for Lebanon’s Rodolphe Asmar com- a provisional list of 21 cars, with drivers Group N cars. Likely front-runners in pletes the provisional line-up with taking part from Kuwait, Qatar, Leba- this category include the Kuwaiti quin- experienced navigator Joseph Matar in non, Iran, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. tet of current national championship another Mitsubishi. Both Asmar and Co-drivers from Kuwait, Qatar, leader Meshari al-Thafi ri, Jassim al- al-Sabah are also eligible for points in France, Ireland, Italy, Lebanon, Cyprus, Muqahwi, Mohamed al-Thafi ri, Saleh the regional Junior Championship. Turkey, Iran, Finland and Germany will Ali, Elie Chachati and rookie Sheikh After a timed super special at the ensure 12 nations are represented at the Jaber al-Sabah, who hopes to benefi t Sirbb circuit on Thursday, March 24, ceremonial start next Thursday after- from recent rally training. competitors will tackle six gravel stages noon (March 24). Both Meshari and Mohammed al- on Friday, March 25 and a further six in Record-breaking Qatari driver Nass- Thafi ri are the sons of legendary Ku- the same area on Saturday, March 26. er Saleh al-Attiyah will lead the fi eld in waiti driver Ahmed al-Thafi ri, a winner Rally headquarters will be based at his Skoda Fabia R5. The 11-time region- of the Kuwait event way back in 1981 the Safi r Hotel and Residences in Fintas, al champion and fi ve-time Kuwait Rally before it became a round of the regional while the Sea Shell Julai’a Hotel and Re- winner broke Mohamed Ben Sulayem’s series. sort will host the rally control and off er long-standing record of 60 MERC wins Competition is likely to be fi erce amenities for the nearby service park. Abdulaziz al-Kuwari in action at the recent Rally of Mexico with his Skoda Fabia R5.