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Saturday, January 16, 2016 FOOTBALL Rabia II 6, 1437 AH Another big win GULF TIMES expected of Zidane’s rejuvenated Madrid SPORT Page 4 AFC U23 CHAMPIONSHIP, DOHA Hosts Qatar edge closer to quarters with win over Iran ‘It was a tough game from the beginning. Iran is a great team but I think we played a good game and deserved three points’

By Sports Reporter Doha

atar edged closer to a place in the quarter-fi nals with a 2-1 win over Iran at the Al Sadd Stadium yesterday. Goals on eitherQ side of the break saw the hosts claim a morale-boosting victory in what was a keenly contested encounter which even saw Iran miss a penalty. The match began in a frenetic note, similar to Qatar’s opening encoun- ter against China. And mirroring that match, this one too saw Iran being the dominant side during the initial stages of the match. It took the home side about a quarter of an hour to settle down and fi nd their rhythm. Iran were dominating possession but were unable to fi nd the bite in the fi nal third. Qatar were soaking up the pres- sure and looking to attack on the coun- ter and that is how the fi rst goal of the match was scored. Akram Afi f launched a long ball from the deep which Ahmed Ala latched onto and scored with a great left-foot- ed fi nish in the 35th minute. Ala was rewarded with a start in this match Qatar’s Ahmed Alaa celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal against Iran yesterday. PICTURES: Jayan Orma & Agencies after his goal as a substitute against China. And he didn’t disappoint coach lot of the match in the Qatar half, that where they attempted three shots but the three points. Now is the time to en- Felix Sanchez on this decision. Afi f and didn’t translate into any real threaten- still couldn’t score. Two minutes later joy it because we have our fi nal [group Ala had combined for that goal in the ing chances. Qatar, on the other hand, they reduced the defi cit through Ali stage] game in three days.” China match too. The pass from Afi f were looking dangerous whenever Karimi but the two minutes of added Meanwhile Iran coach said that he was something that Al Sadd’s Xavi, they went on the off ensive. In the 56th time weren’t enough for them to fi nd was proud of his players despite the who was watching from the stands, minute, Abdelkariim Hassam scored an equaliser. defeat. “We dominated the game but would be proud of. the second goal for Qatar off a corner. Iran had 12 attempts on goal but only at the end they’re not going to give any Both teams had a chance apiece as It was clever goal which saw the Qatar three were on target while Qatar had points to the better players, but to the the fi rst half drew to a close but for skipper lose his marker and then tap it just four but all were on target. team that scores the most goals,” said Qatar’s Ali Asad had his shot saved by in to double his team’s advantage. The clash against Iran was supposed Iran coach Mohamed Khakpour. Iran keeper Mohammadreza Akhbari Qatar scored this goal just when Iran to be Qatar’s toughest in Group A and “My captain, I’m really proud of him while Iran’s Arsalan Motahhari fi red were looking dangerous and it put the they have emerged with fl ying colours and the other players because they his header over the bar. home side back on top again. In the and will be feeling confi dent going into did their best, they were putting 100 Iran started the second half with 67th minute, Iran fi nally seemed to get their fi nal group match against Syria percent into the game and missing even more determination than they a break when Qatar defender Ahmed which will be held on Monday. Qatar the penalty is just part of the game. It had done in the fi rst. Motahhari was Yasser conceded a penalty. But skipper now have six points from their two happens and many great players in the again the threat but Qatar keeper Mu- Cheshmi saw Qatar keeper Naim guess matches but with two other teams at world have missed penalties. hannad Naim was able to save his shot the direction correctly and produce a three points – Syria and Iran, the hosts “To reach six points after two games “It was a tough game from the be- “But I’m so proud of them because from the near post. great save. will have to beat Syria to ensure that is the best situation, but we’re still not ginning. Iran is a great team, one of the they played a great game tonight. They The visitors were again dominating Iran had a few more attempts, a goal- they top the group and get an easier qualifi ed for the second round,” said best in the competition, but I think we sacrifi ced for each other and that’s possession and while they did play a mouth scramble in the 88th minute opponent in the quarters. Qatar coach Felix Sanchez. played a good game and we deserved good enough for me.”

DELIGHT Kharbin brace inspires Syria to a comeback win

mar Kharbin celebrated his life and Mahmoud al-Mawas and Khar- 22nd birthday in style with bin both had chances to level the scores. goals either side of half-time Muayad al-Khouli then struck the as Syria kept alive their AFC underside of the crossbar as Syria’s re- U23O Championship quarter-fi nals surgence continued. hopes with a 3-1 comeback win over And on the stroke of half-time Syria 10-man China at Abdullah Bin Khalifa drew level as Kharbin converted from the Stadium yesterday. penalty spot after China goalkeeper Du Liao Lisheng had given China the had been sent-off for upending al-Baher. lead with a fi rst half free-kick just as he Kharbin then completed the turna- had done in the 3-1 defeat by Qatar. round nine minutes into the second But after Kharbin converted from the half with a dipping strike from the edge penalty spot on the stroke of half-time of the area that clipped the underside of after China goalkeeper Du Jia had been the crossbar on its way across the line. sent-off , the striker completed the And with seven minutes remaining, comeback at the start of the second half al-Baher was on hand to follow up from before Mahmood al-Baher sealed the close range to seal the win. win as Syria bounced back from their “For the fi rst half I think we played opening 2-0 defeat by Iran. very good, but when the opponent “I am very happy today because we tried to attack we did not know what to have to win today and we won,” said do, but we tried to defend, said China Syria coach Muhanad al-Fakeer. Syria’s Omar Kharbin (third left) scored a brace to help his team defeat China. coach Fu Bo. “I think we played a good match. We RIGHT: Both teams had large number of fans cheering. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed “But after our player got the red card tried to press on China, but in the fi rst we did not give up, but we struggled 20 minutes we bring the last match match easier for us. minutes as Liao lifted a free-kick from and it stretched our defence. with us to the fi eld and I see my play- “But we have to now forget this 30 yards up and over the wall and into “Although the scoreline is the same ers fearing they would lose. But after 20 match again and look to the future.” the back of the net in a virtual carbon for the two matches, it is totally diff er- minutes we used the sides very well and China started brightly as Zhang Yun- copy of his goal against Qatar at the ent. In today’s match we lost our goal- we were lucky because the China goal- ing and Liao created early opportunities. same venue earlier in the week. keeper and after he was sent-off it put a keeper had a red card and it make the And China were rewarded after 21 The goal, through, spurred Syria into lot of strain on the defence.” Gulf Times 2 Saturday, January 16, 2016 AFC U23 C’SHIP, DOHA

PREVIEW POSITIVE THINKING Aussie Edwards remains upbeat Upbeat North despite opening loss Korea face Saudi Arabia today ‘We had a lot of supporters and I feel sorry for them because they shouted a lot. So in the next game we have to do more so we can repay them for their support...’ Australian midfielder Ryan Edwards in action during the match against United Arab Emirates. Aussies lost the match 1-0

ustralia midfi elder Ryan “There’s still two more Edwards has called on games to go. We just need to his side to maintain their focus on our recovery and belief despite a 1-0 loss make sure it’s not all over… toA United Arab Emirates in their stay positive and try to pick opening Group D match at the ourselves up AFC U23 Championship in Qatar. Despite heading into the clinical and tighten up on the tournament regarded by many possession, pick at the right mo- as contenders for the crown, ments to penetrate and really be the Olyroos lacked polish at ruthless in both boxes.” the Grand Hamad Stadium on In the immediate aftermath of Thursday and eventually suc- the defeat, Vidmar bemoaned his cumbed to defeat courtesy of a side’s inability to carve out many Giancarlo Gallifuoco own-goal real chances, claiming they did in the 85th minute. not “execute very well, especially Although the defeat does in the fi nal third”. means Aurelio Vidmar’s charges Edwards echoed his coach’s can ill aff ord another slip-up if sentiments but is optimistic they they are to advance to the knock- will be able to fi x any problems in out round, Edwards believes they time for Sunday’s game. still have plenty to play for – be- “We had most of the posses- ginning with Sunday’s crucial tie sion and a few good chances to against Vietnam. put them to bed,” explained the The Partick Thistle man said: 22-year-old. “Unfortunately, it “Obviously, it’s a very disap- didn’t work out and they scored pointing result losing the fi rst right at the end in the 85th game, but we had a game plan minute. and UAE had a game plan so con- “If we were ruthless in front gratulations to them. of goal, we would have won the “There’s still two more games game but, at 0-0, if we were to go. We just need to focus on ruthless in the other box then we our recovery and make sure it’s wouldn’t have conceded. not all over… stay positive and “We’ll analyse the game and go try to pick ourselves up. back to the training ground in the “Obviously, Vietnam lost their next two days and focus on try- game to Jordan so it [Sunday’s ing to fi x our playing style and meeting] is a really important how we can exploit the Vietnam- game for both teams. ese’s weaknesses.” North Korea players during a training session. “I think we go about it the Following Sunday’s game same way that we played [against against Vietnam, Australia fi nish UAE]. off their group stage campaign AFC “We had a lot of supporters and I feel Today’s Fixtures “Our actual goal for the game “We just really need to be more against Jordan next Wednesday. Doha sorry for them because they shouted a against Saudi Arabia was three lot. So in the next game we have to do GROUP B points, but gaining one point is more so we can repay them for their sup- Thailand v Japan 4:30pm not so bad and we would like to FOCUS PR Korea will head into their port and the fans and the players have to Al Arabi Stadium give this point to our fans who Group B meeting with Saudi come together in the next match.” North Korea v Saudi Arabia 7:30pm have always been supporting us,” Arabia today at Grand Hamad Al Arabi Stadium said former national team striker Stadium in an upbeat frame of SAUDI COACH UNHAPPY Kiatisuk Iraq looking to seal mindD according to coach Yun Jong-su, Saudi Arabia coach Adrie Koster was GROUP C despite losing their opening AFC U23 highly critical of his team’s performance Yemen v South Korea 4:30 scoring opportunities and get more points.” Championship clash with Japan. in the draw with Thailand after conced- Qatar SC Stadium Japan coach Makoto Teguramori was in quarters berth Japan netted the only goal of the ing the equaliser with just six minutes Uzbekistan v Iraq 7:30pm upbeat fashion after seeing his side win Group B opener after just fi ve minutes on remaining, and will expect more from his Qatar Sc Stadium against DPR Korea and he now has his Wednesday as defender Naomichi Ueda side on Saturday. sights fi rmly fi xed on qualifying for the against Uzbekistan turned home from a corner. “We must forget that game very fast, Olympic Games in Brazil later this year, And despite being backed by a highly we must learn from the mistakes we game in Group B earlier on Saturday at which is on off er for the top three finish- enthusiastic set of locally based support- made and I think we can do much better Grand Hamed Stadium looking to build ers in Doha. ers, DPR Korea were unable to fi nd a re- than we showed,” he said. on Wednesday’s draw with Saudi Ara- “There were a lot of things we had to sponse to add more pressure on the meet- “Against DPR Korea we have to do bia. think about to get to this point, but now ing with Saudi Arabia, who were held to a better and play diff erently than we did “Our actual goal for the game against that we have been able to win, we have 1-1 draw by Thailand on Wednesday. against Thailand, for sure. Saudi Arabia was three points, but gain- increased our level of confi dence to be “Our players aren’t depressed even “How will the team deal with disap- ing one point is not so bad and we would able to progress to the next round,” he though we lost because we still have the pointment? They will have to go and be like to give this point to our fans who have said. second game,” said Yun. better, it’s as simple as that, and that is always been supporting us,” said former “Our goal is to get to the fi nal stage of “It’s important that the players do what we will do in the next game.” national team striker Kiatisuk. the Rio Olympic Games and we want to their best and we have to do more prepa- Meanwhile, Kiatisuk Senamuang’s “Our next improvement is how we will ap- do our best to get there,” the Japan coach ration before we play in the next game. Thailand will take on Japan in the other proach the goal and how we will get more goal added yesterday.

BOTTOMLINE Iraq players during a training session.

AFC “We want to qualify before we Doha meet Korea Republic because they are a very good team,” he told the- afc.com at a team training session S Korea Coach Tae-yong backs raq coach Abdul Ghani Sha- at Al Gharafa Stadium. had has called on his charges “Our aim is to qualify before to book their place in the we meet them. quarter-fi nals of the AFC “The match against Uz- IU23 Championship with a win bekistan is very important. Chang-jin to continue good run against Uzbekistan today. “They are a very strong team, The Iraqis opened their Group we respect them and they have in AFC happy with his performance.” heem, who scored the winning C campaign on a positive note on their ranks the best young player Doha Victory leave Korea on the goal in the fi nal of the AFC U-22 Wednesday as Ali Faez and Ali in Asia [Dostonbek Khamda- verge of a place in the knockout Championship at the start of Husni netted to hand them a 2-0 mov], so it’s going to be a tough stage, while Yemen need to win 2014, has been declared fi t and win over Yemen. match.” oach Shin Tae-yong has after losing 2-0 to Iraq also on will be available for the late game Next up for them is Saturday’s Despite Iraq seeing off Yemen backed two-goal mid- Wednesday. at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium. clash against the Uzbeks at the in relatively comfortable fash- fi elder Moon Chang-jin “We played Yemen with a Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium, ion in their tournament opener, to continue to make an FORMATION AND STRATEGY special formation, but when you before they fi nish off their group Shahad believes there is still impactC at the AFC U23 Cham- “We will look at our match video play in the group stage you have stage campaign against Korea room for improvement for his pionship ahead of Korea Re- to fi nd our mistakes against Iraq, to keep in mind all three matches Republic on Tuesday. players. public’s Group C meeting with but we will also watch the game in the group stage,” said Iraq As defending champions, ex- He added: “We were not per- Yemen at Suhaim Bin Hamad between Korea and Uzbekistan coach Shaha Abdulghani. pectations are high that Iraq can fect against Yemen. We made Stadium today. in order to build our formation “We need to watch the match again make a real impact and some mistakes here and there… Moon scored both goals in and strategy for the next match,” between Korea and Uzbekistan perhaps even go all the way once we need to improve. Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Uz- said Yemen coach Amin al-Sun- to see how we will play.” more. “But we plan our strategies ac- bekistan in the fi rst round of aini. Uzbekistan need to bounce Shahad is not one to shy away cording to our opponents and we matches as the Pohang Steelers Meanwhile, Iraq coach Sha- back after losing their opening from such targets and is hoping are ready for the next match. midfi elder made a successful re- had Abdulghani is preparing to game, although coach Samvel his side can achieve their present “This is also the Olympic turn after an injury had kept the make a number of changes to Babayan will be without Jamshid goal of qualifying for the knock- qualifi er, which is a huge thing. 22-year-old on the sidelines. how his team lines up for their Boltaboev after the defender was out round. But we have many very good and “He had a serious injury play- South Korea midfielder Moon Chang-jin (C) in action during the meeting with Uzbekistan after sent-off against Korea. Nonetheless, the fact that talented players and we hope to ing with his club team and had match against Uzbekistan where he scored a brace. the defending champions made “In this competition each their fi nal group game will be do well.” to rest for four months so that a successful start to the cam- match is important and for the against another title contender Today’s other Group C clash was a tough time for him,” said League title in 2010. and an important player. These paign against Yemen. next game we will play well and in Korea Republic means he sees Korea Republic also look- Shin, who led Seongnam Ilhwa “He came back to the team and two goals will help his attitude Former AFC Youth Player of try to make a good result from would prefer if his side got the ing to make it two wins in a row Chunma to the AFC Champions is a regular member of the team improve and I am satisfi ed and the Year Mohanad Abdulra- that game,” said Babayan. job done against Uzbekistan. against Yemen. Gulf Times Saturday, January 16, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

EPL PREVIEW Rooney plans to ruin Klopp’s fi rst taste of bitter rivalry Bitter rivals Manchester United and Liverpool, with 38 league titles between them, relish jousting for silverware

AFP London

ayne Rooney plans to send Jurgen Klopp into another frustrated touchline frenzy by ruining the Liverpool Wmanager’s fi rst taste of his club’s bitter rivalry with Manchester United. Klopp has proved a volatile presence during a series of touchline rows with rival managers since taking charge ear- lier this season and the fi ery German’s antics will bear watching closely in one of the most explosive fi xtures on the Premier League calendar. From the CS gas attack by a Liver- pool fan on Manchester United players and staff at Anfi eld in 1986, to Liver- pool striker Luis Suarez racially abusing United’s Patrice Evra in 2011, few meet- ings between these ancient enemies have passed off without a notable out- pouring of hatred. The two most decorated clubs in England, with 38 league titles between them, relish jousting for silverware. Yet this season they fi nd themselves cut adrift from the title race—United are nine points away from leaders Arsenal with Liverpool a further three behind— and that should make the yearning for the consolation of local bragging rights even greater at Anfi eld tomorrow. Into the maelstrom of derby enmity steps Klopp, who has already fallen out with Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce, West Bromwich Albion chief Tony Pu- lis and Chelsea assistant coach Jose Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney says his Morais. United would love nothing team must play with the kind of composure often lacking more than to make Klopp hopping mad in a big-game against Liverpool. (Reuters) again tomorrow but after squandering the lead late in a 3-3 draw at Newcas- tle United on Tuesday, captain Rooney loss at Old Traff ord this season—also maintained their surprise challenge says his team must play with the kind of conceded three times in midweek, but with a 1-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur composure often lacking in this fi xture. fi nished more satisfi ed than United af- on Wednesday. The Foxes head to bot- Klopp calls for entertaining football “You can score as many goals as you ter Joe Allen’s last-gasp goal rescued a tom-of-the-table Aston Villa, who won want, but if you keep conceding goals, 3-3 draw with Arsenal. in midweek for the fi rst time since the Liverpool: Liverpool manager Jurgen day: “I am not too close with the news and thought only about tactics and then it’s a problem,” Rooney said. “They “It was a crazy game, a crazy night,” opening day of the season, with Ranieri Klopp has said he needs football to be about Manchester United in the last thought ‘This player has to move three were silly goals to concede at Newcas- Liverpool defender Kolo Toure said. “In aiming to keep his relatively small squad “entertaining” bur refused to criticise week. The stories (going) around I am yards left or four yards right’. tle and they were avoidable. We have to the next game coming up against Unit- fresh for the run-in. the approach of Manchester United not interested in. “Football is not the most complicat- keep trying to get that balance right.” ed, we need to show more power defen- “In this moment it’s much better to boss Louis van Gaal. “Louis van Gaal is one of the most ed game in the world. I like football be- Liverpool, beaten in their last three sively. United scored three in their last recover than the training sessions. It will The two men will go head-to-head successful managers in the world. He cause of the moments you can enjoy. meetings with United including a 3-1 game, and so did we. They conceded be the problem of the teams who stay in when the bitter north-west rivals meet has a special idea of football and as an “It is a diff erent idea of football but I three, and so did we. It’s going to be an- the Champions League,” Ranieri said. at Anfield tomrrow, with the match opponent you have to respect this.” wouldn’t say we had the better idea.” other big game for us. These are the kind Third-placed Manchester City lie just portrayed in some quarters as a clash However, Klopp added: “I am a Meanwhile Klopp recalled a memo- of games you can win if you are strong three points behind Arsenal and Leices- between German manager Klopp’s football fan and if I watch football I like rable meeting he had a few years ago FIXTURES mentally.” ter and Martin Demichelis expects the high-octane game and the Dutch- to be entertained, it is one of the most with Ferguson—who last month said (1500 GMT unless stated) That late Liverpool leveller was a title race to remain a tight contest to the man’s more pragmatic approach. important things in football. the former Borussia Dortmund man- Today: Aston Villa v Leicester City (1730 blow to Arsenal’s bid to win the title for end. City defender Demichelis, whose Van Gaal’s tactics have angered “You can celebrate big victories ager’s arrival at Anfield worried him GMT), Bournemouth v Norwich City, the fi rst time since 2004, but Gunners side host Crystal Palace on Saturday, United fans more used to the attack- together, you have to go through big as it could mean that Liverpool would Chelsea v Everton, Manchester City midfi elder Aaron Ramsey expects them said: “I think it was important Arsenal ing football played by the Old Traff ord defeats together—that is what football resume the dominance over United v Crystal Palace, Newcastle United v to bounce back at Stoke City tomor- didn’t win and we are just three points club under its two most successful is. “Between these two things you they enjoyed in the 1970s and 1980s. West Ham United, Southampton v West row. “We have a tough game coming behind the leaders. managers—Matt Busby and Alex have to play football people want to “I had a few really good moments Bromwich Albion, Tottenham Hotspur v up against Stoke and we haven’t found “We must continue the fi ght until Ferguson. And the fact United are talk about. I didn’t like 3-3 too much with Sir Alex and it was a big honour Sunderland (1245 GMT) it easy the last few times we have been the end and we have a lot of games to currently sixth in the Premier League against Arsenal (on Wednesday) but a to talk to him,” said Klopp. “As a man- Tomorrow: Liverpool v Manchester there but we will be looking to get back recover three points.” At the other end table—nine points behind leaders lot of people liked it as there was a lot ager it is the best thing you can do, to United (1405 GMT), Stoke City v Arsenal to winning ways and get back on an- of the table, second-bottom Newcastle Arsenal—has not helped Van Gaal win of action and goals and that is what sit there and listen—I needed 10 min- (1615 GMT) other run,” Ramsey said after scoring at face fi fth-placed West Ham United and over supporters. football should be. utes to understand it all but maybe he Monday: Swansea City v Watford Anfi eld. Arsenal are ahead of second- third-bottom Sunderland, buoyed by Klopp, whose team are three points “It would not be the same game is the greatest ever, the John Lennon (2000 GMT) placed Leicester City only on goal dif- two successive wins, travel to fourth- adrift of van Gaal’s men, said yester- if people went into the stadium of football or something.” ference after Claudio Ranieri’s team placed Tottenham.

ROUND-UP FOCUS Pele has fresh hip operation in US Wenger ready for

AFP coolea said: “We were willing to signifi - cantly reduce the fi gure and give him the more train strain New York chance of delayed payments, but that was rejected by the coach.” AFP in what we think is the best and razilian football legend Pele had If Sampaoli does confi rm his exit his London the shortest way. You want as hip surgery in the United States compatriot Marcelo Bielsa, jobless since well not to be isolated too much last month and is still there un- walking out on Marseille at the start of because you want contact with dergoing physiotherapy, a news- the Ligue 1 season in France, could return rsenal manager Arsene people who love the club, you paperB reported on Thursday. The Folha to the post he held between 2007-2010. Wenger has said he has want contact with the fans.” de Sao Paulo said surgeons in New York Another contender according to local no qualms about trav- The veteran French manager City operated on the 75-year-old to fi x a media is Eduardo Berizzo, the manager of elling on the train to added: “It was my function and loose hip implant he received in 2012. Celta Vigo in Spain’s La Liga. Aside from andA from Stoke with his squad the fact that I’m responsible Winner of three World Cups with Bra- qualifi cation for the 2018 World Cup despite the abuse they received for the club that was attacked. I zil, the ex-striker is widely regarded as Chile are also preparing to defend their from angry fans after last sea- didn’t take it (personally). I was the best footballer of all time. He scored Copa title at the Copa Centenario in the son’s defeat at the Britannia Sta- sad and upset more by the result 1,281 goals in 1,363 matches. United States later this year. dium. In an age where the im- than by the individual reactions The newspaper quoted his doctor mense wealth of Premier League of people, which I can under- Roberto Dantas Queiroz as saying doc- MAN CITY AGREE TERMS FOR players often leads to accusa- stand. When you love a club, you tors also treated Pele for fi brosis in the AUSTRALIAN CACERES tions they are no longer accces- want the results to be positive,” hip area. Pele was expected to stay in the Premier League giants Manchester City sible to supporters, Arsenal were explained Wenger, whose side United States until February. have agreed terms for the transfer of praised for using public trans- conceded a last-gasp equaliser The newspaper said he spent Christ- Australian A-League star Anthony Cac- port last term when they made in a midweek 3-3 draw with Liv- mas with his daughter Kelly and his The surgeons in New York City operated on the 75-year-old Pele to fix a loose hip eres, his club Central Coast Mariners the journey from north London erpool. grandchildren, who live in New York. implant he received in 2012. said. “The Central Coast Mariners can to the Midlands town of Stoke. However, Wenger was con- On Christmas Day he published a pho- today confi rm that the club has agreed But after a 3-2 defeat, Wenger cerned that matters could get tograph on Twitter of himself standing said after four meetings the federation Sampaoli had told Chilean website Faro to terms with English Premier League and his team found themselves out of hand, having seen re- up smiling with his family. The hospital had taken the view that “it was impos- Deportivo. club Manchester City for the transfer of having to confront irate sup- cently some unpleasant scenes where he was reportedly treated declined sible to reach an agreement” with the Ar- He claimed he was being held “hos- 23-year-old midfi elder Anthony Caceres porters when they returned to in France when fans confronted to comment to AFP. It was the latest in a gentine manager. “Unfortunately there’s tage” by his contract which had a $6 that will take immediate eff ect,” the club London. As the current Pre- players and clubs over disap- series of operations for Pele. The previ- no possibility of making progress, taking million buy out clause. Sampaoli, under said on their website. mier League leaders, Arsenal pointing results. “It’s a more ous one was a spine operation in July. into account Jorge Sampaoli’s publically contract until 2018, said it was impos- Caceres made 62 appearances for the will travel to Stoke—where they common thing now and I believe stated wish to leave the ship,” he told a sible for him to pay that sum. Then on Mariners following his A-League debut have won just once in the league it will be a problem in the com- CHILE FEDERATION ENDS TALKS press conference in Santiago. Wednesday he appeared to backtrack, in 2012. in the last 25 years—for tomor- ing years. That problem I see it, WITH COACH SAMPAOLI Sampaoli had been giving mixed sig- telling a press conference: “It’s not true Coach Tony Walmsley said he was row’s match in good spirits, with observing in Europe,” he said. Copa America winners Chile are looking nals about his future as coach of La Roja that I don’t want to live or work in Chile. looking forward to seeing him reach his Wenger ready to risk some more “I see in France especially now for a new coach after the national federa- this week. On Monday he hit out at re- On the contrary I want to dispel this mis- potential on the world stage. harsh words if the result goes in the last two or three weeks, tion called a halt Thursday to its negotia- ports in the local media linking him to tax understanding,” he insisted. “We need to celebrate when players at against the Gunners. many problems occurred with tions with Jorge Sampaoli, a Chilean of- evasion and holding an off shore bank ac- “I’ve been living here for seven years the Central Coast Mariners are sold to Asked yesterday if Arse- disappointing results on that fi cial announced. count. “In this atmosphere, I don’t want and I’ve had some unforgettable times.” bigger clubs. It’s our charter. It’s our in- nal would again travel by train, front. It exists a lot in France You The federation’s Gaspar Goycoolea to work or live any more in this country,” Discussing the buy out clause Goy- tent,” Walmsley said. Wenger replied: “Yes. We travel see it in many countries now.” Gulf Times 4 Saturday, January 16, 2016 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA LIGUE 1 Saint-Etienne to Another big win test improved Lyon in derby expected of Zidane’s anteeing survival in a tight divi- AFP Paris sion. Galtier has moved to strength- en his squad this month with the oosted by a recent up- arrival of Norway striker Alexan- turn in performances, der Soderlund from Rosenborg Lyon face bitter rivals being followed by that this week rejuvenated Madrid Saint-Etienne tomor- of Moroccan-born winger Ous- Brow in the most passionate derby sama Tannane from Dutch side in France with both teams look- Heracles. The immediate concern for Real is their pursuit of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona ing to keep in touch with the Eu- Tannane serves a suspension ropean places. this weekend and skipper Loic AFP home fans before kick-off . Lyon’s disastrous fi rst half Perrin is still injured for the home Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane talks to Madrid The Argentine wasn’t given to the season led to coach Hu- side, while Lyon captain Maxime his player Marcelo during a game against the night off as Barca eased into bert Fournier being sacked with Gonalons is out but Mathieu Val- Deportivo Coruna last week. (Reuters) the quarter-fi nals of the Copa former assistant Bruno Genesio buena could return. fter the rousing suc- del Rey on Wednesday with a 2-0 appointed as his replacement, Runaway leaders Paris Saint- cess of a 5-0 win over win over Espanyol in the fi nal and Genesio oversaw a 4-1 win Germain are a huge 20 points Deportivo la Coruna on of three bad-tempered Catalan against bottom club Troyes last clear of second-placed Angers his managerial debut derbies in the past 12 days. weekend as OL opened their im- before going to Toulouse today. lastA weekend, more of the same is However, Neymar, Sergio Bus- pressive new stadium. It will be the fi rst of three meet- expected from Zinedine Zidane’s quets, Andres Iniesta and Gerard That result allowed Lyon to ings between the clubs in 11 days Real Madrid at home to Sporting Pique were all rested and will climb back into the top six, and as they will clash at the Parc des Gijon tomorrow. The club were return, as will Luis Suarez, who they make the short trip to the Princes in the French Cup next rocked on Thursday by a one- was suspended for the visit to Stade Geoff roy-Guichard above Tuesday and then again in the year transfer ban handed down Cornella-El Prat. Les Verts on goal diff erence, with League Cup semi-fi nals at the by FIFA for alleged irregularities League leaders Atletico were just four points separating them end of the month. in the signing of minors. also hit with a 12-month transfer from Monaco in the third and Laurent Blanc’s side have not Of more immediate concern ban on Thursday, but that didn’t fi nal Champions League qualify- lost any of their last 36 domestic for the 10-time European cham- distract Diego Simeone’s men ing berth. outings, a run stretching back 10 pions, though, is their pursuit of as they too eased into the Cup Lyon lost in midweek, going months. Toulouse, meanwhile, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona at quarters with victory over Rayo down 2-1 away to Paris Saint- are in the relegation zone but the top of La Liga and, fortunate- Vallecano. Los Rojiblancos travel Germain in the League Cup they have lost just one of their ly for Zidane, the Frenchman al- to Las Palmas looking for their quarter-fi nals, but Genesio was last nine games. “To play three ready has a hugely talented squad ninth win in their last 10 league happy with the display from a matches against PSG is nice. We at his disposal. Gareth Bale games tomorrow, but Simeone much-changed side. need to be prepared. Every play- struck his second hat-trick in believes there is still plenty of “I always said that I had con- ers wants to test himself against four games and Karim Benzema room for improvement from his fi dence in my team,” he insisted. the best and this gives us the took his tally for the season to 18 young squad. “We need to be lucid about what chance,” said Toulouse skipper goals in as many matches as Zi- “We have managed to get re- we are capable of doing, but we Jean-Daniel Akpa-Akpro. dane got off a dream start against sults, but I have always had the need to be capable of repeating Angers go to Nice , while Caen Deportivo just days after replac- sensation that the team could that performance.” host inconsistent Marseille and ing the sacked Rafael Benitez. play better. The other day in Lyon’s best performance this third-placed Monaco visit Lo- “The change of coach has suit- Vigo, we managed both to win season came when they trounced rient tomorrow on a run of just ed us well. Hopefully 2016 will and play well. That is the growth Saint-Etienne 3-0 at home in one defeat in their last 14 league be a great year for Real Madrid,” that the team still has in it. November with Alexandre Laca- matches. The principality club said captain Sergio Ramos as he “We hope to be able to main- zette scoring a hat-trick. this week moved to strengthen and three other Madrid players tain that consistency because in Christophe Galtier’s side have their mis-fi ring attack by signing were named in the FIFPro team the league season that is the most fi nished in the top fi ve in each 20-times capped Brazil forward of the year in midweek, high- complex and diffi cult thing.” of the last three campaigns but Vagner Love from Corinthians, lighting the quality that remains Valencia boss Gary Neville has their prospects of doing so again although he is not expected to in the squad despite a disap- a great chance to register his fi rst this year have been undermined make his debut just yet. pointing year. Zidane has a full La Liga win at the sixth attempt by nine defeats already this FIXTURES compliment of players to choose since taking charge last month season, including a 2-1 loss at (kick-off s 1900 GMT unless from and Madrid will be out for when struggling Rayo visit the Nantes last weekend. stated) Today: Toulouse v Paris revenge after being surprisingly Mestalla tomorrow. “This league is dangerous and Saint-Germain (1600 GMT), Troyes held 0-0 by Sporting on their Neville has at least man- there might be a lot of surpris- v Rennes, Guingamp v Nantes, fi rst match back in the top-fl ight aged to negotiate Los Che into es. I hope we will quickly get to Bordeaux v Lille, Bastia v Montpel- on the opening day of the season. the quarter-fi nals of the Cup as 42 points and fi nish the season lier, Gazelec Ajaccio v Reims Barcelona lead Real by two they completed a 7-0 aggregate well,” said Galtier in the wake of Tomorrow: Lorient v Monaco (1300 points and have a game in hand win over Granada on Thursday, the Nantes setback as he admit- GMT), Caen v Marseille (1600 GMT), on their eternal rivals, but face a but admitted he needs to pick ted the fi rst aim had to be guar- Saint-Etienne v Lyon (2000 GMT) tougher task this weekend when up league wins quickly if he is to they host Athletic Bilbao visit the make a case for his contract to be Camp Nou. extended beyond the end of the The Basques denied Barca a season. “I don’t shy away from clean sweep of silverware in 2015 what Valencia’s expectations on their last visit to the Camp should be. In La Liga in the last Nou by sealing a 5-1 win in the few weeks we’ve not achieved Spanish Super Cup in August. the results we wanted to and I Lionel Messi will present his accept that we have to start win- record fi fth Ballon d’Or to the ning games quickly.”

FIXTURES (all times GMT) Today: Sevilla v Malaga (1500), Celta Vigo v Levante (1715), Villarreal v Real Betis (1830), Real Sociedad v Deportivo la Coruna (2105) Tomorrow: Valencia v Rayo Vallecano (1100), Real Madrid v Sporting Gijon (1500), Las Palmas v Atletico Madrid, Getafe v Espanyol (1715), Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao (1930) Monday: Eibar v Granada (1930) Lyon lost in midweek, going down 2-1 away to Paris Saint-Germain in the League Cup quarter-finals. (AFP)

Barca, Bilbao to SERIE A clash in Spanish Cup quarters Title-chasing Napoli await giant killers Madrid: Holders Barcelona will continue their bid AFP Like Juve, Inter are only two for a fourth King’s Cup triumph in eight years with Milan points off the pace in third. The a quarter-final tie against Athletic Bilbao, the team comment won’t have gone un- they have beaten in the final three times since 2009, noticed by Inter, who travel to including a 3-1 success last season. ormer Napoli defender Atalanta in today’s early fixture Yesterday’s draw pitted the record winners, who Paolo Cannavaro has looking to make amends for con- lost to Real Madrid in the 2011 and 2014 finals, against played down Sassuolo’s ceding defeat twice in their past the Basque side, whose 23 Cup victories, their most ‘giant-killer’ status as the three games but with the chance SerieF A minnows look to claim an- to go top. Brazilian Felipe Melo recent coming in 1984 against Barca, are only bet- tered by the Catalan club’s 27. other scalp on their way to an un- will sit out the last of a three- The sides face each other in La Liga on Sunday at likely place in Europe next season. match suspension handed down the Nou Camp before the first leg of the cup tie will be Cannavaro was a reluctant de- for a karate kick on compatriot played at Bilbao’s San Mames stadium on Wednesday, partee from Napoli when he was Lucas Biglia in a 2-1 defeat to with the return at Barca a week later. transferred to Sassuolo in January Lazio last month. Atletico Madrid, the 2013 winners, were drawn to 2014. But the 34-year-old cen- Atalanta are on a run of four play Celta Vigo, who have never won the competition, tre-back is now a pivotal part of straight defeats, but another Inter while Gary Neville’s Valencia, whose most recent and Eusebio Di Francesco’s well-oiled, slip-up would be embraced by the seventh win came in 2008, will meet Las Palmas. attacking outfi t and has a simple Nerazzurri’s titles rivals, includ- Second-division Mirandes, the only non-La Liga explanation for their recent wave ing Fiorentina, who visit AC Milan side left in the competition, will play Europa League of success. “This season we’re a tomororw looking to make amends holders and 2010 Spanish Cup winners Sevilla. lot more aware of our capabilities for last week’s 3-1 reverse to Lazio. Barca director Javier Bordas told reporters the club compared to last season,” Can- Napoli are top of Serie A at the halfway stage of the season for the first time in 26 years. (AFP) Roma, in fi fth at seven points were hopeful their appeal against a two-match ban navaro, the 34-year-old younger behind, welcome Verona to the handed to Luis Suarez over a fracas after the first leg brother of retired Italy interna- this season’s title challengers. time in 26 years. a poor start, Maurizio Sarri’s men Stadio Olimpico for former coach of their last 16 tie against Espanyol would succeed tional Fabio, told Sky Sport. De Francesco’s men beat Napoli The last time was 1990 and Di- have it all to do. Luciano Spalletti’s fi rst game back and allow the Uruguay striker to feature on Wednes- “We’re growing as a team and at home on the opening day of the ego Maradona was still strutting Juventus travel to Udinese look- in charge following the sacking of day. Suarez missed this week’s 2-0 victory at Espanyol what we’ve achieved so far is sim- season, drew away to Roma, beat his stuff at the San Paolo. ing for a 10th consecutive league Rudi Garcia in midweek. in the return game, which sent Barca through 6-1 on ply down to our performances.” Juventus at home, drew at home Napoli’s rise to the top prompt- win and will be without Spanish FIXTURES (TIMES GMT) aggregate. Barca lost 5-1 to Bilbao in the two-legged Yet Sassuolo, who sit 10 points with Fiorentina and stunned Inter ed Maradona to claim last week: striker Alvaro Morata, unless he Today: Atalanta v Inter Milan (1400), Spanish Super Cup in August, the only trophy of six behind leaders Napoli in sixth Milan 1-0 thanks to a late Domen- “If Napoli win the scudetto, I’ll fl y makes a speedy recovery from ‘fl u. Torino v Frosinone (1700), Napoli v available in 2015 that they failed to win, and Bordas place, are becoming the team none ico Berardi penalty two weeks ago. to the city by helicopter to party For the fi rst time this season, coach Sassuolo (1945) said that proved the Basques were a tough proposi- of this season’s ‘scudetto’ chal- Since their reverse to the Tus- with the fans.” Massimiliano Allegri is in a position to Tomorrow: Genoa v Palermo (1130), tion. The semi-finals will be played over two legs at lengers want to face. cans, Napoli have put their me- Napoli this weekend are the only underline their objectives, telling Jtv Bologna v Lazio, Carpi v Sampdoria, the start of February and the final on May 21 at a yet- Promoted to Serie A in 2013, diocre start fi rmly behind them to title contenders playing at home, in midweek: “We have to try and fi n- Chievo v Empoli, Roma v Verona, to-be-determined venue. Sassuolo are the only team to have fi nish top of Serie A at the halfway but with 19 games remaining and ish top and we’ve got the whole half of Udinese v Juventus (all 1400), AC escaped being beaten by all fi ve of stage of the season for the fi rst Juventus back in contention after the season to achieve that.” Milan v Fiorentina Gulf Times Saturday, January 16, 2016 5 CRICKET

NEW ZEALAND vs PAKISTAN Amir claims wicket on return as Pak triumph AFP Amir booed by crowd New Zealand had quickly lost patience I Wasim c Boult b Henry ...... 18 Auckland with the tight Pakistan fi eld settings and S Ahmed c Williamson b Milne ...... 2 Mohamed Amir’s return to international accurate bowling and Williamson’s eager- W Riaz (not out) ...... 3 cricket after a five-year gap was not a ness for a quick single in the second over U Gul (not out) ...... 1 akistan outsmarted New Zea- happy one as the controversial Pakistan cost Guptill his wicket. Extras (w3) ...... 3 land by stifl ing their feared bat- pacer was booed by the crowd during Williamson batted through until the fi - Total (8 wickets, 20 overs) ...... 171 ting barrage to win the opening yesterday’s T20I against New Zealand. nal over but without being able to dictate Fall of wickets: 1-33 (Shehzad), 2-52 (Maq- Twenty20 by 16 runs at Eden Park The left-arm pacer opened the bowl- the pace of the game and his 70 coming off sood), 3-78 (Malik), 4-110 (Hafeez), 5-146 Pin Auckland yesterday. 60 deliveries. ing and claimed the wicket of lower- (Akmal), 6-147 (Afridi), 7-167 (Ahmed), One-time bad boy Mohamed Amir may order batsman Matt Henry, returning Mohamed Hafeez earlier set up the 8-168 (Wasim) have been the centre of attention in his figures of 1/31 from his four overs. Pakistan innings with a polished 61 off Bowling: Henry 4-1-32-1 (w2), Boult 4-0-42- comeback game, but it was Shahid Afridi’s Amir was at the centre of a spot fixing 47 balls but the real damage for Pakistan 1 (w1), Milne 4-0-37-4, Anderson 1-0-18-0, astute captaincy and the miserly bowling controversy in August 2010 when he was came in a brief cameo by man-of-the- Santner 4-0-14-2, Astle 3-0-28-0 by Imad Wasim that made the diff erence. convicted for bowling deliberate no-balls match Afridi in which he belted 23 off just New Zealand With no warm-up game to acclima- during a Test match against England at eight deliveries. M Guptill (run out) ...... 2 tise, Pakistan were rather run shy at the Lord’s. He was subsequently jailed for He particularly distorted Matt Henry’s K Williamson c Hafeez b Riaz ...... 70 top and tail of their innings but still man- three months in November 2011 along fi gures, clouting 20 runs off four balls. C Munro b Riaz ...... 56 aged 171-8. But apart from a quickfi re 46 with two other Pakistan players—Salman Umar Akmal’s 24 off 14 and Imad’s 18 C Anderson c&b Wasim ...... 0 off 27 by Colin Munro, and a stubborn 70 Butt and fellow pacer Mohamed Asif. off nine also helped boost Pakistan to a G Elliott b Afridi ...... 3 by Kane Williamson, New Zealand had no He was cleared to play domestic target the ultimately proved too much for L Ronchi c Shehzad b Afridi ...... 0 answer to the Pakistan attack and were all cricket in Pakistan in January 2015. Amir, New Zealand. M Santner c Afridi b Gul ...... 0 out on the last ball of their innings for 155. however, is facing several restrictions Adam Milne was the most successful of T Astle b Gul...... 1 Mohamed Amir When Munro was at the crease New during the current tour. He is not allowed the New Zealand bowlers with four for 37 M Henry c Afridi b Amir ...... 10 bowls during Zealand raced to 89-1 in 10 overs, a slight- to leave his hotel and meet anyone with- while Mitchell Santner took two for 14. A Milne (not out)...... 2 yesterday’s ly better run rate than Pakistan managed out the prior permission of the Pakistan The second game of the three-match se- T Boult c Afridi b Riaz ...... 0 Twenty20 at the same stage. But his dismissal start- Cricket Board (PCB). ries will be played in Hamilton tomorrow. Extras (b1, lb7, w3) ...... 11 match against ed a dramatic collapse in which fi ve wick- Scoreboard Total (all out, 20 overs) ...... 155 New Zealand in ets fell for 19 runs. Amir marked his return to international Fall of wickets: 1-9 (Guptill), 2-89 (Munro), Auckland. (AFP) Afridi bowled a two-wicket maiden cricket after a fi ve-year ban for spot-fi x- Pakistan 3-90 (Anderson), 4-107 (Elliott), 5-107 (Ron- to fi nish with two for 26 to go with three ing with one for 31. M Hafeez c Astle b Milne ...... 61 chi), 6-108 (Santner), 7-138 (Astle), 8-152 catches while Imad Wasim took one for 18 New Zealand pin a lot of their scor- A Shehzad c Elliott b Milne ...... 16 (Henry), 9-152 (Williamson), 10-155 (Boult) off his four overs with nine of those runs ing hopes on opener Martin Guptill, who S Maqsood c Ronchi b Santner ...... 0 Bowling: Mohamed Amir 4-0-31-1 (w2), coming in one over. bludgeoned the Sri Lanka attack in recent S Malik c Elliott b Santner ...... 20 Imad Wasim 4-0-18-1, Umar Gul 4-0-38-2, Wahab Riaz took two wickets in the weeks, but only faced three balls before he U Akmal c Munro b Milne ...... 24 Shahid Afridi 4-1-26-2 (w1), Wahab Riaz fi nal over to fi nish with three for 34, and was run out for two. S Afridi c Williamson b Boult ...... 23 4-0-34-3

AUSTRALIA vs INDIA Another Rohit century, another 300-plus total, another defeat for India Rohit Sharma burnishes his reputation in limited-overs cricket with a second successive century but can’t stop Australia from winning the second one-dayer by seven wickets to consolidate their lead in the 5-match series

AFP struggling with the Australian conditions. Brisbane “On a wicket like this and with this outfi eld, they don’t get any reverse swing as such, so you have to hit the deck hard and you have to con- ustralia set a new record run chase sistently hit areas,” he said. “The moment you at the Gabba in Brisbane yesterday make an error the batsmen take advantage.” as they cruised to a seven-wicket Earlier, Sharma’s golden run continued victory over India in the second one with a chanceless century. He enjoyed big dayA international. partnerships of 125 with Kohli (59) and 121 After Indian captain Mahendra Singh with Rahane (89) as the Indians punished a Dhoni won the toss and chose to bat, the visi- below-par Australian attack. tors fi nished their 50 overs at 308-8, thanks Although the score was the biggest by an largely to a second successive century from international team in ODIs at the Gabba, the opener Rohit Sharma (124), following his 171 Indians looked headed for a much bigger total not out in the fi rst ODI in Perth on Tuesday. until they lost a clatter of wickets in the fi nal But the total always looked too small to few overs. defend on a fl at Gabba wicket and once Dhoni said India had tried to pick up the Australia’s openers Aaron Finch and Shaun pace in the last 10 overs to put pressure on the Marsh put on a 145-run stand, the result home side. never looked in doubt. Finch and Marsh both “We tried our best to score, but at the end scored 71 while captain Steve Smith (46) and of the day it’s execution and I feel in the last George Bailey (76 not out) continued their 10 overs they bowled well,” he said. “It’s al- good form as they guided Australia towards ways a diffi cult one because when you keep the victory total. losing wickets it become more and more dif- India had some hope when Smith was fi cult for new batsmen to come and in and bowled by Umesh Yadav going for an ugly straight away play the big shot, especially heave with the score on 244, but Bailey and when the bowlers are executing their plans.” Maxwell put on 65 runs from only 49 balls to The two teams move to Melbourne where see Australia home with six balls to spare. India must win to keep the series alive in to- It was the second big run chase of the series morrow’s third game. and came three days after Australia chased down 309 to win in Perth. Scoreboard “We’ve always got confi dence we can chase India down any total,” Finch said. R Sharma (run out) ...... 124 “Compared to our bowling line up our bat- S Dhawan c Wade b Paris ...... 6 ting is quite experienced. V Kohli (run out) ...... 59 “We’ve got guys that have played together A Rahane c Smith b Faulkner ...... 89 as a team for some time now. MS Dhoni c Maxwell b Boland ...... 11 “Chasing 300 is never easy but we back M Pandey c Paris b Faulkner ...... 6 ourselves, and we’re doing it at the moment.” R Jadeja (run out) ...... 5 India looked to be well in the game as the R Ashwin c Boland b Hastings ...... 1 two Australian openers started slowly, strug- U Yadav (not out) ...... 0 gling with their timing and placement. Extras (w7) ...... 7 The Indian bowling was far tighter than it Total (8 wickets, 50 overs) ...... 308 had been in Perth and the required run rate Fall of wickets: 1-9 (Dhawan), 2-134 (Kohli), began to creep up. 3-255 (R. Sharma), 4-276 (Dhoni), 5-298 (Ra- But after the fi rst drinks break the Austral- hane), 6-302 (Pandey), 7-306 (Ashwin), 8-308 ians began to attack at every opportunity. (Jadeja) Finch said later that after India had bowled Bowling: Paris 8-0-40-1 (1w), Richardson well in the fi rst 17 overs he and Marsh had to 8-1-61-0 (1w), Hastings 8-0-46-1 (2w), Boland try and pick up the pace. 10-0-64-1 (3w), Maxwell 6-0-33-0, Faulkner Finch brought up his 50 in the 21st over and 10-0-64-2 Marsh in the 22nd as the two openers began Australia to accelerate. A Finch c Rahane b Jadeja...... 71 Finch raced to 71 then tried to smash left S Marsh c Kohli b I Sharma ...... 71 arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja over mid-off S Smith b Yadav ...... 46 only to be caught brilliantly in the deep by a G Bailey (not out) ...... 76 diving Ajinkya Rahane. G Maxwell (not out) ...... 26 Marsh, who was dropped three times in his Extras (lb7, w11 nb1) ...... 19 innings, fell soon after when Ishant Sharma Total (3 wickets, 49 overs) ...... 309 squared him up and he got a leading edge to Fall of wickets: 1-145 (Finch), 2-166 (Marsh), Virat Kohli at cover. But Smith and Bailey 3-244 (Smith) calmly went about their work and batted In- Bowling: Sran 9-1-51-0 (1w 1nb), I. Sharma dia out of the game. 10-0-60-1 (8w), Yadav 10-0-74-1 (2w), Jadeja Dhoni conceded his pace bowlers were 9-0-50-1, Ashwin 10-0-60-0, Kohli 1-0-7-0 India’s Rohit Sharma (right) celebrates after reaching his century during yesterday’s second ODI against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane. (Reuters) Gulf Times 6 Saturday, January 16, 2016 CRICKET

REPORT SPOTLIGHT India confi dent of doing well in U-19 Centurion Root, World Cup: Sarfaraz

File picture of Sarfraz Khan Stokes swing 3rd (R) with Chris Gayle Test England’s way Root and Stokes counter-attacked, posting a fifty partnership off only 35 balls in a match where the average scoring rate had hovered at around three an over on a pitch off ering help to the fast bowlers

AFP Johannesburg

oe Root hit a thrilling century for England as he and Ben Stokes transformed the third Test against South Africa at the Wanderers StadiumJ yesterday. England were 238 for fi ve when the threat of lightning brought an early close on the second day, 75 runs behind South IANS enjoying the moment, playing Africa’s fi rst innings total of 313. Root was Mumbai under him. It is a real joy to play on 106 not out, his ninth Test century. under such a big fi gure. His huge A fi fth-wicket partnership of 111 in 78 amount of experience which he is minutes off 97 balls with Stokes (58) swung ith the Under-19 sharing with us is a great help for the match dramatically in England’s favour cricket World Cup all of us,” the Mumbai youngster after a four-pronged South African pace due to start on Janu- said. attack had reduced the tourists to 91 for ary 27, promising “He advised us to enjoy the four. Wbatsman Sarfaraz Khan believes game and give our best on the that under the guidance of coach fi eld. He told us to not take pres- SCORECARD and batting legend Rahul Dravid, sure as the game goes on and to the Indian team will come out stay cool as much as possible. We South Africa, first innings with fl ying colours in Bangla- have got to learn a lot of techni- (overnight 267-7) desh. cal things from him. We are lov- D. Elgar c Bairstow b Ali ...... 46 In December 2015, Sarfaraz ing every minute training under S. van Zyl c Bairstow b Stokes ...... 21 was named in the 15- member him.” H. Amla c Bairstow b Finn ...... 40 India squad for the World Cup The right-hander said it is A. de Villiers c Bairstow b Stokes ...... 36 with Jharkhand wicketkeeper- tough to pick a favourite with all F. du Plessis c Hales b Finn ...... 16 batsman Ishan Kishan named as teams preparing well. “All teams T. Bavuma run out (sub - Woakes) ...... 23 captain. are in good form and will give us D. Vilas c Ali b Broad ...... 26 Kishan had recently led India tough competition ahead. We are C. Morris c Bairstow b Broad ...... 28 to a series win in an U-19 tri- prepared to take on the best.” K. Rabada c Bairstow b Anderson ...... 24 nation tournament also involv- Sarfaraz made news after H. Viljoen not out ...... 20 ing Sri Lanka and England, in Sri playing a handy role for Indian M. Morkel c Cook b Stokes ...... 12 Lanka. Two weeks before that, Premier League (IPL) side Royal Extras (b9, lb9, nb2, w1) ...... 21 India won another tri-nation Challengers Bangalore. Total (all out, 99.3 overs) ...... 313 event, beating Bangladesh and “IPL gave me the platform and Fall of wickets: 1-44 (Van Zyl), 2-117 (Elgar), Afghanistan in Kolkata. confi dence to work better and 3-127 (Amla), 4-161 (De Villiers), 5-185 (Du “Preparations are going on perform well. Playing with leg- Plessis), 6-212 (Bavuma), 7-225 (Vilas), 8-281 well under Rahul sir. I am sure ends of the game has given me a (Morris), 9-281 (Rabada) we will give our best to come out lot of confi dence. I look forward Bowling: Anderson 25.2-5-60-1, Broad 22-5- England’s Joe Root celebrates his century during the third Test match against South Africa in Johannesburg yesterday. victorious in the tournament. All to play for RCB in 2016 as well. 82-2 (1w), Finn 18-4-50-2 (2nb), Ali 16-4-50-1, the boys are in good shape and Playing alongside Virat Kohli, AB Stokes 18.1-1-53-3 Root and Stokes counter-attacked, change in his own game. “When you see a cramping left calf towards the close be- are performing well and I hope de Villiers and Chris Gayle has England posting a fi fty partnership off only 35 balls someone scoring at the other end like that fore reassuring it was nothing serious. we come out with fl ying colours,” helped me learn a lot. They gave A. Cook c Vilas b Viljoen ...... 18 in a match where the average scoring rate and putting your opponents under pres- England got off to a bad start when Ka- Sarfaraz, an adidas athlete, told me a lot of advice on technique, A. Hales c De Villiers b Rabada ...... 1 had hovered at around three an over on a sure it brings that out in your own game.” giso Rabada had Alex Hales caught at sec- IANS in an interview. preparation methods,” he said. N. Compton c Elgar b Rabada ...... 26 pitch off ering help to the fast bowlers. Stokes, who hit a dazzling 258 in the ond slip for one. It got worse when Hardus India will take on Ireland (after “From Kohli I learnt about his J. Root not out 106 “He takes the pressure off you,” Root drawn second Test in Cape Town, got Viljoen took a wicket with his fi rst ball Australia pulled out due to secu- fi tness regimes, how he trains. J. Taylor c Bavuma b Morkel ...... 7 said of the left-handed Stokes. “He comes a hostile welcome from Morne Morkel, in Test cricket, having England captain rity concerns) in their opening AB sir is a world class player. B. Stokes c and b Morkel ...... 58 in and plays aggressively, the slips come fending a bouncer off his glove for a single. Alastair Cook caught down the leg side by match to be held at the Sher-e- I learnt a lot about his batting J. Bairstow not out ...... 4 out and there are men on the boundary. But in the next over Stokes pulled a short wicketkeeper Dane Vilas for 18. Bangla National Stadium in Mir- techniques. On the other hand, Extras (b1, lb11, nb2, w4) ...... 18 You can run well between wickets because ball from Rabada for six. He reached his Nick Compton survived a chance to AB pur on January 28. The three- from Gayle sir I got to know how Total (5 wkts, 52.4 overs) ...... 238 there all those gaps. Hopefully he can con- fi fty off 46 balls and his innings lasted 54 de Villiers at second slip on six and went on time winners (2000, 2008, 2012) to take on the bowling and hit Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Hales), 2-22 (Cook), tinue in the form he is in for the rest of the deliveries before he off ered a caught and to add 52 for the third wicket with Root be- are clubbed in Group D with Ire- them for long sixes.” 3-74 (Compton), 4-91 (Taylor), 5-202 (Stokes) trip.” bowled chance to Morkel off a leading edge. fore edging Rabada to Dean Elgar at second land, New Zealand and Nepal. Asked if he sees the World Cup Bowling: Morris 13-1-62-0, Rabada 14.4-5-44-2 Root reached the fi rst half-century of Root continued to bat aggressively and slip for 26. The 18-year-old said the team as a gateway to the senior team, (2w), Morkel 14-0-63-2, Viljoen 11-0-57-1 (2nb) the match off 77 balls with nine fours. He reached his century off 126 balls when he James Taylor was caught at short leg off is enjoying the fact that Dravid is Sarfaraz said, “I am currently To bat: M. Ali, S. Broad, S. Finn, J. Anderson. admitted that he struggled in the early punched Chris Morris through the covers Morkel for seven. their coach as the 43-year-old concentrating on performing Match situation: England trail by 75 stages of his innings against some high- for his 16th four. Rabada, 20, was the best of a quartet of takes the pressure out of the boys well for the U-19 World Cup runs with five wickets remaining in the first quality pace bowling. “I was all over the “Tomorrow (Saturday) it’s about mak- bowlers, all of whom exceeded 140kmh. and makes them feel comfort- and if I play well, all will follow. innings place, my feet were going nowhere and I ing it a big one, building a partnership with Rabada had an outstanding fi rst spell with able. I don’t have big and long plans. Toss: South Africa was just happy to get through to lunch.” Jonny (Bairstow), trying to get some kind of the new ball of one for seven off six overs. “After Rahul sir took over, we I want to keep control of the But the advent of Stokes brought a lead,” said Root, who needed treatment for He fi nished the day with two for 44. got to learn a lot from him. We are present.”

BOTTOMLINE Bangladesh ease past Zimbabwe in 1st T20

AFP SCORBOARD Khulna Bangladesh batsman Tamim Iqbal Zimbabwe Bangladesh in action during the first T20 angladesh batsman Sabbir Rahman V. Sibanda c Tamim b Shakib ...... 46 Tamim Iqbal c Sibanda b Cremer ...... 29 cricket match against Zimbabwe was the top scorer for his team with H. Masakadza run out ...... 79 Soumya Sarkar run out ...... 7 at The Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium 46 runs as the hosts edged Zimbabwe M. Waller run out ...... 14 Sabbir Rahman c Waller b Cremer ...... 46 in Khulna yesterday. by four wickets in the fi rst Twenty20 S. Raza c Mahmudullah b Al-Amin ...... 6 Shuvagata Hom b Williams ...... 6 Binternational in Khulna yesterday E. Chigumbura b Mustafizur ...... 3 Mushfiqur Rahim c Raza b W. Masakadza ....26 Set a decent target after Zimbabwe were L. Jongwe b Mustafizur ...... 0 Shakib Al Hasan not out ...... 20 restricted to 163-7, Bangladesh comfortably S. Williams b Al-Amin ...... 2 Mahmudullah b Jongwe ...... 7 reached 166-6 with eight balls in hand to take P. Moor not out ...... 7 Nurul Hasan not out ...... 7 1-0 lead in the four-match series. Extras: (lb3, w3) ...... 6 Extras: (b4, lb2, w12) ...... 18 Zimbabwe made regular breakthroughs but Total: (for seven wickets; 20 overs) ...... 163 Total: (for six wickets; 18.4 overs) ...... 166 could not stop the run fl ow as Tamim Iqbal Fall of wickets: 1-101 (Sibanda), 2-127 Fall of wickets: 1-31 (Soumya), 2-58 (Tamim), (29), Mushfi qur Rahim (26) and Shakib Al (Waller), 3-150 (Masakadza), 4-153 (Chigum- 3-74 (Hom), 4-118 (Sabbir), 5-125 (Rahim), 6-137 Hasan (20 not out) all made decent contribu- bura), 5-153 (Jongwe), 6-155 (Raza), 7-163 (Mahmudullah) tions to Bangladesh’s victory. (Williams) Did not bat: Mashrafe Mortaza, Al-Amin Hos- Sabbir faced 36 balls and hit four bounda- Did not bat: B. Vitori, W. Masakadza, A sain and Mustafizur Rahman ries and a six, taking advantage of a dropped Cremer Bowling: W. Masakadza 4-0-25-1, B. Vitori 3-0-24- catch by Vusi Sibanda off Sean Williams when Bowling: Mortaza 4-0-37-0, Al-Amin 4-0-24- 0 (w6), S. Raza 1-0-12-0, Jongwe 3.4-0-45-1 (w6), he was on 36. 2, Shakib 4-0-45-1 (w2), Mustafizur 4-0-18-2, Cremer 4-0-32-2, Williams 3-0-22-1 “It was a clinical performance,” said Bang- Mahmudullah 2-0-20-0, Sabbir 2-0-16-0 Result: Bangladesh won by four wickets ladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza. “Tamim was calm, Sabbir was brilliant, and Shakib fi nished it off . “At one stage, they looked to score 170-180, in the fi nal few overs, despite Masakadza a brilliant throw for a run out. but the way Mustafi z (Mustafi zur Rahman) and Sibanda breaking the team record, set by “I thought I could have put a few more runs and Al-Amin (Hossain) bowled was brilliant.” Sikandar Raza and Chamu Chibhabha’s 100- on the board,” Masakadza said after the game. Earlier, Hamilton Masakadza and Sibanda run partnership against Afghanistan in Octo- “I should have made sure I have stayed till put on a record 101-run opening partnership ber. Bangladesh had to wait until the 12th over the end.” for Zimbabwe after skipper Elton Chigum- for their fi rst breakthrough when Sibanda Shortly thereafter, Rahman bowled bura won the toss and opted to bat fi rst at the was fi nally caught at square leg by Tamim off Chigumbura and Luke Jongwe off consecu- Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna. Shakib’s delivery. tive balls to fi nish with 2-18, before Al-Amin Masakadza hit 79 off 53 balls, equalling his Shakib dropped Masakadza on 73 off Mus- Hossain grabbed two wickets in the fi nal over. own national record for the highest individual tafi zur Rahman, but debutant wicketkeeper Zimbabwe had to settle for a relatively innings, while Sibanda struck 46 off 39. Nurul Hasan ensured it did not cost the team modest score, picking up just 21 runs for fi ve Bangladesh did well to restrict Zimbabwe much by ending his innings six runs later with wickets in the last four overs. Gulf Times Saturday, January 16, 2016 7 SPORT

NBA Spurs get 32nd straight at home by snapping Cavs’ run San Antonio’s streaks appeared to be in jeopardy after falling behind by 15 early to the Eastern Conference leaders

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he surging San Antonio kept a pair of streaks alive and ended another. French- man Tony Parker poured in 24 points and the Spurs won their 32nd consecu- Ttive home game, including 23 this season, while snapping the Cleveland Cavaliers’ eight-game success run on Thursday with a rousing 99-95 come-from behind victory. “It was a great challenge for us,” Parker said after the Spurs’ 10th straight win overall. “It was tough but a great win for us.” Kawhi Leonard had 16 of his 20 points in the second half along with 10 rebounds for the Spurs (35-6), who matched their best start in franchise history. “It shows us we’re going in the right direction,” Leonard said of their gaudy record. “We’re trying to build off our record not look at our wins.” San Antonio’s streaks appeared to be in jeop- ardy after falling behind by 15 early to the East- ern Conference leaders in a possible NBA Finals preview. But the silver and black kept their com- posure and chipped away before taking control against the last team to beat them at home, back in March. “We had a hard time getting it going in the fi rst half,” Parker said. “They were playing with more energy and more physical than us. Our en- ergy was better and we tried to get into people and go after it.” Trailing by three in the opening seconds of the fourth quarter, the Spurs went on a decisive 13-0 run capped by a Leonard layup to go ahead for good 85-75 with seven minutes remaining. The Cas drew to within four with 17 seconds left and got a break when Parker missed both free throws. But teammate LaMarcus Aldridge grabbed the off ensive rebound and hit both of his foul shots, as San Antonio became the fi rst team since the 2008-09 Cavaliers to open a season with 23 straight home wins. Only four teams have had a better home start, including the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, who set a record by winning their fi rst 37 home games of the year. LeBron James scored 22 points, Tristan Thompson had 18 with 14 rebounds for the Cav- aliers (27-10), who fell to 4-1 on their six-game road trip. “They did a good job of taking us out of our sets,” James said. “But we also had some really good looks that didn’t go down for us.”

ELSEWHERE GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS 116, LA LAKERS 98 Stephen Curry hit eight triples en route to 26 points and the league-best Warriors (37-3) ex- San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker shoots the ball past Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kyrie Irving during the first half of the NBA game at AT&T Center. (USA TODAY Sports) tended their regular season home win streak to 37 - 19-0 this season - after beating the Lakers CHICAGO BULLS 115, for the Sixers (4-38), who blew the biggest lead Victor Oladipo scored 27 points for Orlando (20- SACRAMENTO KINGS 103, UTAH JAZZ 101 in retiring Kobe Bryant’s fi nal game in Oakland. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS 111 (OT) in the NBA this season. 19), who lost for the sixth time in seven games. Rudy Gay buried the game-winning 17-foot Bryant, who fi nished with eight points in Jimmy Butler poured in a career-high 53 points, fade-away jumper with six tenths of a second 4-of-15 shooting, was given a pre-game video and the Bulls, minus starters Pau Gasol (rest) TORONTO RAPTORS 106, MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES 103, remaining, sending the visiting Kings over the tribute. He received a standing ovation from the and Derrick Rose (knee), stormed from 24 down ORLANDO MAGIC 103 (OT) DETROIT PISTONS 101 Jazz. appreciative sellout crowd at the Oracle Arena in the opening half to beat the league-worst Kyle Lowry scored 24 points, Cory Joseph tied Mario Chalmers scored 25 points, including the DeMarcus Cousins led Sacramento (16-23) upon exiting with three minutes left to play. Jor- 76ers. Butler tied Golden State’s Stephen Curry a season-best with 19 off the bench, and the 19-foot leaning jumper with eight-tenths of a with 36 points and 17 rebounds while Gay fi n- dan Clarkson topped the Lakers (9-32) with 22 for the NBA’s highest individual scoring game of Raptors (25-15) won their fourth in a row after second left, lifting the Grizzlies (22-19) past the ished with 24 points. Gordon Hayward paced points. the season. Robert Covington scored 25 points outlasting the Magic at the O2 Arena in London. visiting Pistons (21-19) Utah (17-22) with 21 points.

League considering FOCUS regular season game in Paris Kuznetsov leads Capitals to victory Reuters Los Angeles: The National Basketball Association is consider- Washington ing playing a regular season game in Paris after receiving a proposal from Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), Commis- sioner Adam Silver said on Thursday. vgeny Kuznetsov notched two AEG, which has ownership stake in the NBA’s Los Angeles goals and an assist, Braden Holtby Lakers among many other sports teams, operates the Ac- stopped 29 shots, and the Wash- corHotels Arena in Paris. “Right before this press conference I ington Capitals defeated the Van- couverE Canucks 4-1 for their fi fth straight met with the executives of AEG Europe and they proposed that we look at playing a regular season game in Paris,” Silver told win at the National Hockey League on reporters during a trip to London. Thursday. Defenseman Karl Alzner and “France has also been a fantastic basketball market and Paris Tom Wilson also scored as the Capitals in particular and it is also a city our teams enjoy visiting so it is picked up their 11th straight home win. certainly something we will be looking at closely.” Kuznetsov’s highlight reel assist, on London’s O2 arena, which is also operated by AEG, hosted Wilson’s goal, came from behind the Ca- its sixth annual regular season NBA game on Thursday. So far nucks net, when instead of carrying the other European cities have only hosted preseason games. Sil- puck around to the other side, he lofted a ver said the NBA, however, currently has no plans for European back-hand pass in front to Wilson. expansion. Left winger Andre Burakovsky added “We are not actively taking steps to bring a franchise to two assists as Washington, the NHL points Europe or expand into Europe. It is something we have looked leader, improved to 33-7-3. The 23-year- at over the years. It just doesn’t feel like the time is right,” said old Kuznetsov meanwhile, has 41 points Silver. “We think the best place for the NBA right now is to (15 goals, 26 assists), tying him with center showcase an NBA game here in London, to play our preseason Nicklas Backstrom for the team lead. games here (in Europe) and to work on a grassroots level to Washington Capitals’ Evgeny Kuznetsov develop the game.” ISLANDERS 3, RANGERS 1 (right) skates with the puck past Vancouver Brock Nelson and Nick Leddy scored Canucks’ Bo Horvat. (USA TODAY Sports) BRYANT CONTINUES TO LEAD VOTING within the fi rst fi ve minutes of the third Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers continues to be the period as the New York Islanders moved leader as voting for the 2016 NBA All-Star Game nears a conclu- into sole possession of second place in the help the Blackhawks to a 2-1 win over the win extended the Hurricanes’ streak to a AVALANCHE 3, DEVILS 0 sion. Bryant has received 1,533,432 votes for the Feb. 14 contest Metropolitan Division with a 3-1 win over Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. season-high four games and was their fi rst Colorado goaltender Calvin Pickard made in Toronto. Balloting concludes on Monday and the starters will the Rangers in front of a sellout crowd at The win was Chicago’s ninth straight in St. Louis since Dec. 11, 2010. 27 saves for his fi rst career shutout as the be revealed on Jan. 21. Barclays Center. The Islanders (24-15-5) and the 783rd of Joel Quenneville’s coach- Avalanche beat the New Jersey Devils 3-0. won their second in a row and for the sixth ing career, moving the Blackhawks’ bench JETS 5, PREDATORS 4 (OVERTIME) Matt Duchene, Carl Soderberg and Tyson STUCKEY SIDELINED FOR TWO WEEKS time in 10 games (6-4-0). They swept the boss past Al Arbour to second in the all- Blake Wheeler scored on a hard wrist shot Barrie scored for Colorado (22-20-3), who Indiana Pacers guard Rodney Stuckey has a sprain and bone Rangers at home for the fi rst time since the time wins list. just 51 seconds into overtime, lifting the gained two valuable point. bruise in his right foot that will sideline him at least two weeks. 1997-98 season. Winnipeg Jets to a 5-4 victory over the The Pacers plan to re-evaluate Stuckey at the end of the two- HURRICANES 4, BLUES 1 Nashville Predators. Jets winger Andrew SHARKS 2, OILERS 1 (SHOOTOUT) week period. Stuckey, 29, aggravated an existing foot injury BLACKHAWKS 2, CANADIENS 1 Jeff Skinner scored one goal and assisted Ladd registered his third assist of the game Joe Pavelski and Joonas Donskoi scored in Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns. Chicago goaltender Corey Crawford on another to lead the Carolina Hurricanes on the play as Wheeler notched his 12th the shootout as the San Jose Sharks beat turned in another strong performance to to a 4-1 win over the St. Louis Blues. The goal of the season. the Edmonton Oilers 2-1. Gulf Times 8 Saturday, January 16, 2016 SPORT

NFL FOCUS Comeback stories Patriots and Seahawks hog limelight

AFP went 13-3 to earn the NFC sec- Arizona ond seeding. “It’s the most exciting time of my career,” Palmer told Sports Il- face tough playoff path t is a truth universally ac- lustrated. “It’s the most fun I’ve knowledged that America had playing the game. It’s the loves a good comeback sto- most free I’ve felt,” added Palmer ry—and NFL fans have two ahead of the Cardinals meeting Icompelling human dramas to with the Green Bay Packers in root for as the race to the Super Phoenix today. Bowl heats up this weekend. Eric Berry’s journey to this back to Super Bowl In Arizona, veteran quarter- weekend’s meeting with the Pa- back Carson Palmer is hoping to triots, meanwhile, has been bor- lead the Cardinals into the Na- derline miraculous. Diagnosed New England has battled through injuries in quest of a fifth title in 15 years tional Conference championship with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in game after battling back from late 2014, Berry battled through what many feared would be a ca- a grueling regime of chemo- reer-ending second knee injury therapy last year to be declared in 2014. Meanwhile at Foxbor- cancer-free, allowing him to re- ough, Kansas City Chiefs safety turn to the Chiefs for pre-season Eric Berry will aim to upset Tom training. Brady and the New England Pa- His inspirational performance triots just over a year after being in the Kansas City defense has diagnosed with cancer. earned him selection to the Pro Palmer’s re-emergence as one Bowl, and he was instrumental in of the best quarterbacks in the kickstarting last weekend’s rout NFL at the age of 36 has been a of the Houston Texans with an story of redemption more than early interception. Berry revealed a decade in the making. The he had inched his way back to fi t- number one pick in the 2003 ness in an agonizing recovery. draft, Palmer spent a frustrat- “One of my goals used to be ing fi rst decade in the NFL, his to do fi ve push-ups,” Berry said early promise with the Cincin- last month. “So to go from do- nati Bengals derailed by a seri- ing fi ve push-ups to being out on ous knee injury in a 2006 playoff the fi eld with my teammates is a defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers. long way. There would be times The injury left Palmer with where I would work out and just torn anterior cruciate and me- be crying after the workout just dial collateral ligaments as well because I couldn’t believe I made as damage to cartilage and the it through and it was that hard,” kneecap. he told SportingNews.com. “On a scale of one to three, this “I couldn’t push myself like I is a four,” declared the surgeon wanted to. I had to understand who operated on the injury. After that everything wasn’t going to a complete knee reconstruction, come back every night ... Go- Palmer made a successful return ing through chemo is a monster. the following season and earned You literally feel like you’re dying selection to the Pro Bowl. every day. But several more seasons of “When you look at it, you’re frustration followed before he not battling the chemo, you’re reportedly retired in 2011. Out battling yourself the whole time. of favor with the Bengals, he was It was me versus me,” he said. eventually traded that year to the “There were many times where Seattle Seahawks head Oakland Raiders where he played I didn’t know if I would wake up to Carolina to face a two seasons before landing at tomorrow. I would just be up, team that beat them the Cardinals. Palmer threw for scared to go to sleep.” at home in week 6. a then career-best 4,274 yards Chiefs coach Andy Reid said in his debut season in Arizona in team offi cials had remained 2013 but suff ered another ago- confi dent Berry would make a nizing knee injury in 2014 that recovery, citing the player’s de- left him facing a bleak future. termined personality. “He was AFP best week. It’s going to take a great eff ort. the Patriots went 9-0 with Edelman this beat us,” Wilson said. “You have to give After yet more surgery and so driven that way that you kind Boston They put a lot of pressure on you and if season and 3-4 without him. them respect for the hard work he put in. intense rehabilitation, Palmer of had the feeling he was going to you don’t handle it they take advantage.” Panthers have ‘an edge’ He has played spectacular football.” returned this year to deliver the get there, as crazy as it sounds. The Chiefs led the NFL in turno- At Carolina, Panthers quarterback At Arizona, the Cardinals meet the best numbers of his career. He But when you look back on it efending champion New ver margin and have the speed and size Cam Newton has enjoyed a stellar season same Packers squad they thumped 38-8 fi nished the regular season with a now that it’s real, what a great England hosts a Kansas City in linemen and linebackers to pressure with 45 touchdowns — 35 passing and three weeks ago. Green Bay quarterback career high 35 touchdown passes story. True toughness and grit to squad on an 11-game win streak Brady into mistakes. He has nine touch- 10 rushing—and a 15-1 record. But the Aaron Rodgers has been hammered be- and 4,671 yards as the Cardinals be able to do that.” while Seattle’s dream of a third downs and seven interceptions in career record most on his mind is 1-2 — his ca- hind patchwork blocking lines but could consecutiveD Super Bowl faces a major meetings with the Chiefs. reer record in playoff games. have his starting unit healthy for the fi rst test at Carolina in weekend NFL playoff “When they get turnovers they turn “My record is not what I want it to be,” time in two months. clashes. them into points. It kind of creates this 2011 NFL Draft top pick Newton said. Arizona boasts the NFL’s second- The NFL’s last eight seek berths in the snowball eff ect and the game gets out of Carolina lost 31-17 to Seattle in last deadliest attack powered by quarterback January 24 conference fi nals, where Su- hand,” Brady said. “For us it’s just how season’s playoff s at this same stage but Carson Palmer and a host of speedy re- per Bowl tickets are punched, when Kan- we’re going to be able to execute at a won a regular-season rematch there last ceivers. sas City visits New England and Green higher level. There is no magic ingredi- October 27-23. The Panthers went on to At Denver, the visiting Steelers return Bay travels to Arizona today and Seattle ent. You have just got to go do it.” the NFL’s best record. Seattle took the to the site of their 34-27 comeback vic- visits Carolina and Denver hosts Pitts- New England has battled through inju- last wildcard playoff spot. tory on December 20. After making the burgh tomorrow. ries in quest of a fi fth title in 15 years and “We’ve been having that type of season playoff s on the last day of the season, Three of the contests are rematches of a fi fth trip in a row to the conference fi - where it’s been hitting everybody in a way Pittsburgh could be primed for a stunning regular-season games, while the Chiefs nal, something only accomplished by the that nobody expected,” Newton said. “We upset if quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and Patriots is a rematch of a 41-14 Kan- Oakland Raiders in the 1973-77 seasons. have an edge about us right now.” can sparkle despite a shoulder sprain. sas City romp from the 2014 season that Brady’s favorite receiver, Julian Edel- Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, The Broncos counter with Peyton still has Patriots quarterback Tom Brady man, will return this week after missing who led Seattle to a 2014 Super Bowl win Manning, who was sidelined by a foot upset looking back. two months with a foot injury and tight and had a repeat win in hand until last injury last month, but returned midway “Every time we play them it’s a battle. end Rob Gronkowski is always a pass year’s dying seconds, says Newton has through the fi nal game of the regular sea- I’ve had some pretty tough losses against threat. The Chiefs counter with rookie been the NFL’s Most Valuable Player this son to pilot Denver to victory. However, them over the course of my career,” Brady defensive back Marcus Peters, who has season. Manning is 0-5 in the kind of cold condi- Veteran quarterback Carson Palmer is hoping to lead the Cardinals said. “We’re going to have to have our made eight interceptions this season, but “They have been able to win. And they tions expected tomorrow. into the National Conference championship game.

BASEBALL ROUND-UP West Indies cricket standout Powell eyes switch to MLB

AFP Kieran Powell conducted workouts Powell said. “I just want an opportu- ball investigation into the Biogenesis Los Angeles last week for the New York Mets and nity. I know that once I get an opportu- scandal. “A-Rod” returned to the Yan- Milwaukee Brewers and 12 major league nity, I’ll make gold of it.” kees in 2015 and advanced to fourth on teams scouted him in Bradenton. the all-time major league home run ieran Powell, a 25-year-old KEY FIGURE IN STEROIDS list with 678. The 40-year-old slugger, West Indies cricketer, has SCANDAL GETS SHORT SENTENCE who helped the Yankees win a World worked out before a host of Anthony Bosch, whose Florida clinic Series crown in 2009, hit 33 homers Major League Baseball scouts was at the heart of a Major League last season. Kin hopes of switching sport. Baseball doping scandal that led to He is 27 behind Babe Ruth’s Yankee In 2012 Powell, a left-handed open- a lengthy ban for star Alex Rodrigu- record 714 homers and 75 shy of Barry er, became the fi rst West Indies player ez, had his prison sentence reduced Bonds’ record of 762, a controversial to hit two centuries in a Test since Thursday. mark due to Bonds’ links to the BALCO Brian Lara, scoring 117 & 110 against The four-year sentence imposed on steroid scandal although he was never Bangladesh. Biogenesis founder Bosch was trimmed suspended for doping, perjury charges But after being replaced in a players by 16 months to two years and eight for denying he was a dope cheat were dispute with the West Indies Cricket months by US District Judge Darrin dropped and an obstruction of justice Board, Powell took his talents from the Gayles, granting a request by prosecu- conviction was overturned last year. Caribbean to Florida and began train- tors because of cooperation by Bosch. ing for a career in the American pas- Bosch revealed major evidence COURT FINES PITCHERS FOR time, a longshot given he was starting against four others in the Biogenesis OVERSEAS GAMBLING two decades after many of the sport’s scandal, linking records and e-mails to South Korean pitchers Oh Seung-hwan stars began playing the game. subjects in a case that produced eight and Lim Chang-yong were each fi ned Powell conducted workouts last convictions. Bosch, 52, pleaded guilty 10 million won ($8,270) yesterday for week for the New York Mets and Mil- of conspiracy to distribute testoster- violating the country’s gambling laws. waukee Brewers and 12 major league one in 2014. Seoul Central District Court im- teams scouted him Wednesday at IMG Following a path familiar to Carib- in the gap and get on base.” badly and I don’t like getting tackled.” Evidence showed Bosch took money posed the fi nes after the players were Academy in Bradenton, including the bean youth in Puerto Rico and Do- It’s trickier than it sounds. Balls hit So he has worked with major league to provide steroids to such baseball charged with gambling tens of thou- New York Yankees, San Francisco Gi- minican Republic where the game is a too far to the side or behind are out of players, including Miami Marlins sec- stars as Milwaukee’s Ryan Braun and sands of dollars in Macau in November ants, Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago passion, Powell simply has to adjust to play. And you must run if the ball is in ond baseman Dee Gordon, and there New York Yankees standout Rodrigu- 2014, local media said. South Korea’s Cubs. balls being thrown in the air in front of fair territory, whether you fi nd a gap has been interest from some clubs, al- ez, leading to 14 suspensions but no gambling laws ban nationals from bet- “We decided to take this adven- him between the knees and chest rath- or not. And speed and swing angle ad- though Powell might need more devel- criminal charges. ting in casinos abroad. Prosecutors had ture and it has worked out well so far,” er than bounced balls with a wicket to justments from cricket style to baseball opmental-league work before taking a Rodriguez was banned for the entire initially asked for fi nes of 7 million won Powell told Major League Baseball’s protect. are major and vital. swing at the major league level. 2014 campaign, the toughest suspen- to be imposed but the court decided to website. “The right opportunity at the “I know (baseball) pretty well,” he Powell ignored American football, “Nobody expects to just walk in and sion of all and in part because he took hand out the maximum penalty avail- right time.” said. “All you’ve got to do is hit the ball saying, “I would get beaten up very be the star of the show from day one,” steps to impede a Major League Base- able under the law. Gulf Times Saturday, January 16, 2016 9 SPORT

FORMULA ONE Wolff wants women to ‘dare to be diff erent’ Reuters great. But ‘Dare to be Diff erent’ is “I’m not focusing on changing the “People keep telling me that it’s male Birmingham something in the long term that just sport,” she added when asked whether dominated but a lot of the people I aims to inspire, connect and showcase she felt a need to chip away at any en- worked with at Williams were women. women in motorsport.” trenched male attitudes. “I am focusing And they were there because they were ormer Williams test driver The scheme, run in conjunction with on being successful in the sport as it is. the best people for the job. Your gender Susie Wolff expects to see a Britain’s MSA motorsport authority, “My husband (Mercedes motorsport becomes irrelevant when you are in a woman racing with the men will create an online community and or- head Toto Wolff ) is of the generation performance-based environment. in Formula One eventually but ganise special events, including karting, where he realises that women are just as “My boss at Williams was a woman Fher main focus now is to encourage and for eight to 14-year-old girls to meet fe- capable as men. He has some key players (deputy principal Claire Williams) and highlight female involvement in mot- male high achievers in the sport. in his team that are women,” she added. the head of performance is a woman. orsport as a whole. Only two women have taken part in a “So the next generation realise that When I was driving the simulator, out Unveiling a ‘Dare to be Diff erent’ Formula 1 race since the world champi- they’ve got to be diverse to make sure of the three engineers I worked with initiative at the Autosport show on onship began in 1950. they have the best people for the job.” one was a woman. Thursday, the 33-year-old Scot said Italian Maria Teresa de Filippis, who Wolff , who in 2014 became the fi rst “So it was very diffi cult for me to she wanted to see more women chas- died on Saturday at the age of 89, was woman driver in 22 years to take part turn around and tell people that I ing their dreams on and off the track. the fi rst, starting three grands prix in in a Formula One grand prix weekend worked in a male-dominated environ- “We are creating role models from 1958 at the wheel of a Maserati. when she drove in Friday practice at ment, because it wasn’t. the successful women who are in the The last to do so was Italian Lella Silverstone, said more women needed “We want to get more women into sport already,” she said. Lombardi in 1976. She died in 1992. to get involved at an early age and to the sport, whether that be marshals, “My fundamental aim is to drive Wolff , who has now defi nitively re- all about nurturing talent and taking a she will have the opportunity,” she have role models to emulate. volunteers, engineers, female rac- female talent—it’s not just to fi nd the tired from all forms of racing, said she long term view. said. “For me, it’s about giving back, “I want to create role models out of ing drivers. We want to open up the next female Formula One superstar. was sure there would be another F1 “You’ve just got to get a girl that’s it’s about passing on the lessons I the fantastic women who are working sport and show there’s opportunities “If they come from our search, then woman racer in her lifetime but it was good enough to perform on track and learned and helping in what way I can. in the sport,” she said. out there.”

GOLF Manor hire ex-Ferrari aero head Tombazis

ormula One tailenders Manor F1, who oper- ate on the smallest budget of any team, Fhave hired high-profile former Ferrari and McLaren chief aerodynamicist Nikolas Tombazis Sizzling Singh turns to carry out the same role for them. The team, who failed to score any points last season but are now switching from Ferrari to Mercedes power units, said in a statement he would start immediately and report to technical director John McQuilliam. “I believe this appointment will help to amplify the eff orts of a very talented design team that, in recent years, has not had the opportunity to back clock in Hawaii showcase the full extent of their experience and capabilities,” said McQuilliam. “I am confident that, together with our new ‘I just want to play. I feel like I can come out and win any tournament if I play well. It’s been Mercedes power unit and Williams gearbox and technical partnership, our new aero structure will the same way for the last five, six years. I just haven’t produced the scores that I want to provide us with the strength to design and de- velop consistently competitive racing cars to help produce, but I’m always optimistic about my next day, my next round, my next tournament’ steer us towards our long-term ambitions.” Tombazis started out with Benetton in 1992, where he became chief aerodynamicist. After a stint at Ferrari, he became McLaren’s project chief director in 2005 and then returned to Maranello as chief designer. Manor, previously Marussia and before that Virgin Racing, went into administration at the end of the 2014 season and faced closure before being taken over by Stephen Fitzpatrick, who runs the Independent British energy supplier Ovo. Team principal John Booth and sporting direc- tor Graeme Lowdon both left the team at the end of last season and British-based Manor have yet to name a new principal or confirm any race drivers. Britain’s Will Stevens, Spaniard Roberto Merhi and American Alexander Rossi all drove for the team last year but Indonesian Rio Haryanto has been linked to a race seat for 2016, depending on him bringing sponsorship with him. The team experienced highs and lows in 2014, with French driver Jules Bianchi finishing ninth in Monaco and then suff ering what turned out to be fatal head injuries in Japan.

Force India cool hopes of Aston Martin rebranding orce India are unlikely to have Aston Martin branding this season but talks have not been Fabandoned entirely, the Formula One team’s chief operating off icer Otmar Szafnauer said yesterday. “We’re still discussing,” he said at the Autosport show. “In the short term, meaning 2016, I don’t see that type of rebranding happening. But you never know what the future holds thereafter.” Force India’s co-owner and principal Vijay Mallya, the Indian liquor baron, had said last Octo- Vijay Singh of Fiji tees off on the 18th hole during ber that the team was discussing a potential three- the first round of the Sony Open in Hawaii on way deal involving the British sportscar marque Thursday. (Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports) and whisky brand Johnny Walker. The agreement would have seen the British- based team transformed in name and look to feature the Aston Martin branding. Reuters working really well.” If he wins on Sunday, EurAsia Cup: Europe seize lead opening Fourball encounter in defeating reign- “Obviously, if something is going to happen, Hawaii Singh would become the oldest winner in ing Asian Tour number one Anirban Lahiri of it should happen before the start of next season PGA Tour history, esclipsing the record held The European Team has drawn fi rst blood, seiz- India and Korean Wang Jeung-Hun 4 and 3. because then one would have to think about the by Sam Snead, who won the 1965 Greater ing a three-point lead on the opening day of the Poulter set the tone for the match at the very livery, the uniforms, team kit and so many other ormer world number one and 2005 Greensboro Open at the age of 52 years, 10 EurAsia Cup in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Dar- fi rst hole in sinking a 20-foot birdie putt. things,” Mallya had said then. champion Vijay Singh rolled back the months and eight days. ren Clarke’s Europe team won three of the six Europe then gained a second point and with Force India have struggled financially and years as he charged into a share of the Singh, a 34-times winner on the PGA Tour, matches, the Jeev Milka Singh-led Asian Team England’s Ross Fisher and Swede Kristoff er sought in October a $10 million advance on their fi rst-round lead with a sizzling seven- has not triumphed since 2008, and in recent took one, while the other was halved, giving 4.5 Broberg handing out the biggest defeat of the 2016 championship payments, the same amount under-parF 63 in the opening round of the Sony years battled assorted health problems which to 1.5 European Team points advantage on the day, a 6 and 4 drubbing of Thailand’s Prayad they were granted before the start of the season. Open in Honolulu, Hawaii. on Thursday. impacted his trademark loose-limbed swing, Glenmarie Golf and Country Club course. Marksaeng and Korean Kim Kyung-Tae. Loss-making Aston Martin, famous as the Seeking to become the oldest winner in PGA but he still believes he is capable of winning at “It’s been a wonderful start to have a three- Thirteen-time Asian Tour winner marque of choice for fictional British secret agent Tour history, the 52-year-old Fijian racked up the game’s highest level. point lead after day one but then in saying Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand and 2015 Eu- James Bond, is five percent owned by Mercedes— seven birdies with his cross-handed putting “I just want to play,” he replied when asked that, there was a lot of matches that could have ropean Tour ‘Rookie of the Year’ An Byeong- who provide Force India’s engines. style on the tight, palm tree-lined layout at what kept motivating him as one of the PGA swung either way over the back nine,” said Hun combined to secure the only Asian vic- Johnnie Walker are owned by Diageo, who are Waialae Country Club. Tour veterans. “I feel like I can come out and Clarke. “Halfway around Europe was leading in tory. The pair stormed back from 2 down majority shareholders in Mallya’s United Spirits He fi nished the day in a fi ve-way tie a win any tournament if I play well. It’s been the all the matches but then I was on the radio to a after 10 holes with An birding three of the Limited, and several of their liquor brands are long with Americans Ricky Barnes, Morgan same way for the last fi ve, six years. few of our back-room guys to say this is match- closing four holes in a 3 and 1 success over the already visible on the Force India cars. Hoff mann, Kevin Kisner and Brandt Snedeker. “I just haven’t produced the scores that I play and Asia could very well come back at us all-England pair Danny Willett and Matthew Szafnauer said Formula One had an appeal to Singh, who turns 53 next month, narrowly want to produce, but I’m always optimistic over the back nine, and that’s exactly what they Fitzpatrick. Aston Martin but more with an eye for the future. missed a nine-foot putt for eagle on his fi nal about my next day, my next round, my next did.” There was concern over Frenchman Victor “If it now happens in the long term, is there hole, the par-fi ve ninth, as he ended a bogey- tournament. Same this year,” added Singh, Singh, who competed two years ago in the Dubuisson when he needed on-course medi- disappointment? Probably not,” he said. free display with consecutive birdies in rela- who has long been renowned for his workaholic inaugural EurAsia Cup, admitted he was like a cal treatment for an apparent injured left knee Aston Martin chief executive Andy Palmer said tively benign morning conditions. approach to practice. headless chicken endeavouring to keep abreast on the 16th tee. Dubuisson and partner Soren in July that the chances of Aston Martin returning “I was feeling good about my body, my Among the leaders, Kisner and Snedeker of all six matches. Kjeldsen of Denmark were all square at the time to Formula One for the first time since 1960 were swing, my mind, so I just went out there—it played in the afternoon. “I’ve always struggled “I was like a chicken without a head and I over the all-Malaysian pair of Danny Chia and “improbable”. “Everybody knows Aston Martin. I was early—started off well and just kept it go- at this course,” said Kisner, who credited his im- don’t think I have ever covered so many miles Nicholas Fang. However the current double have a job to do in terms of getting us back into the ing,” Singh told Golf Channel after making his provement to having had a chance to shake off in a golf buggy on a day ever before,” he said Turkish Airlines Open champion stood tall to conversation amongst people that cross-shop sport- 19th career start at the event. the rust at last week’s Tournament of Champi- smiling. “My team played really well today and birdie the 16th but with Chia only taking birdie. scars, be it McLaren, be it Ferrari or Porsche. I need to “I scrambled very well. Early on, I didn’t ons on nearby Maui. Reigning champion Jimmy I am very proud of my boys.” Kjeldsen and Fung pulled off great birdies at the be in that conversation,” he said then. “But to get into hit too many fairways but I got it around the Walker, who is bidding for an unprecedented England’s Ian Poulter and Austrian Bernd par three, 17th for the match to eventually end Formula One, that’s serious money that I don’t have.” greens, chipped in once and my putter was third victory in a row at Waialae, carded a 69. Wiesberger secured the fi rst point, winning the halved. Gulf Times 10 Saturday, January 16, 2016 SPORT

SKIING Gangnes takes Worlds lead despite Prevc record

DPA Mueller, 23, crashed on his back on the mas- son victory and 12th overall in 2 minutes 37.61 Bad Mitterndorf, Austria sive Kulm fl ying hill. He underwent surgery in a seconds. hospital in Graz where doctors revealed the na- Speed event specialist Svindal missed a sixth ture of his injuries yesterday. season success by four hundredth of a second orway’s Kenneth Gangnes claimed a Doctor Franz-Josef Seifert said Mueller “can on 2:37.65, and France’s Adrien Theaux was slim overnight lead yesterday at the at the moment not move his legs” and is “par- third on the podium in 2:37.74. ski-fl ying world championships even tially paraplegic.” He said the successful opera- “I am surprised,” Jansrud said. “I don’t train though Slovenian top favourite Peter tion was a pre-condition that he may be able to slalom a lot. You must have faith at the start and NPrevc soared a hill record. walk again but that this will be “a question of then attack.” Gangnes, a fourth-place fi nisher at the re- months or even a year”. Svindal halved the defi cit on overall World cent Four Hills Tournament, had 236 and 216 The 2009 junior world champion Mueller lost Cup leader Marcel Hirscher of Austria to 85 metres on the huge Kulm fl ying hill for a total control of his left ski during the practice jump points with 716 points, and Hirscher on 801. 419.4 points. and crashed heavily to the ground at around 120 Norway’s Henrik Kristoff ersen is a distant third Prevc bettered the hill record to an astonish- metres on the big hill allowing jumps of up to with 571. Svindal can make up further ground in ing 243.5m in the fi rst round but then only man- 240m. It appeared that his left ski-boot opened today’s Wengen downhill, but will not be com- aged 213.5m to trail Gangnes by 1.3 points into during the jump which prompted the accident. peting in tomorrow’s slalom which will be the the fi nal two rounds Saturday. Austria’s Stefan It is not clear whether the boot buckle broke or only race for Hirscher and Kristoff ersen at the Kraft is third on 415.6. was not properly attached. Swiss venue. The 43-year-old Japanese veteran Noriaki Mueller is the second ski-jumper within a Kasai, a ski-fl ying world champion from 1992, year to suff er grave injuries. was the fi rst to better the hill record to then American Nick Fairall has been confi ned to a Nordic combined finale on 240.5m and is fi fth overall. wheelchair since crashing at the 2015 Four Hills March 5 and 6 in Schonach German title holder Severin Freund is sev- event in Bischofshofen. enth and all but out of contention, almost 50 Berlin: The Nordic combined skiing World points behind Gangnes. Cup season has been extended by a week, with “That’s ski-fl ying. The gap is huge. But I will Jansrud edges Svindal for the German venue of Schonach hosting the fi - attack tomorrow and hope to land a bit fur- combined event victory nals on March 5 and 6, the German ski federa- ther down,” said Freund, whose best jump was tion said yesterday. The Schonach events were 209.5m. Wengen, Switzerland: Kjetil Jansrud came scheduled for January 9 and 10 but cancelled The Bad Mitterdorf competition was over- from behind with a courageous slalom run to owing to lack of snow. The season was original- shadowed by the news from doctors in Graz pip fellow Norwegian Aksel Lund Svindal for ly to end on February 28 in Val di Fiemme, Italy. Friday that young Austrian Lukas Mueller is victory in an alpine skiing World Cup combined Nordic combined skiers have not had a com- partially paraplegic after a crash on Wednes- event yesterday. petition since December 20 as the events in day when the fore-jumpers for the worlds were Jansrud was nine tenth off Svindal’s pace in Klingenthal January 2 and 3 were scrapped and training on the Kulm hill. third place after the morning downhill run on Schonach also not took place last weekend. In Doctors said it was too early to predict wheth- Kenneth Gangnes of Norway competes during the first round of the Ski Flying World Championships the lower part of the famed Lauberhorn course addition, the next events in France have been er Mueller will be able to use his legs again. at Kulm hill in Bad Mitterndorf, Austria, yesterday. (Reuters) but rebounded in the slalom for his second sea- postponed by a week until January 23 and 24.

BOXING Japan Olympic stadium resurfaces as possible Rugby World Cup venue

Reuters Two thrones at stake in Tokyo Japanese architect who won a competition to design the centre- A piece stadium for the 2020 Sum- mer Olympics in Tokyo said yesterday engineers are now looking into whether construction can be completed in time to host the 2019 Rugby World Cup final. heavyweight spectacle The new National Stadium was sup- posed to stage the opening ceremony and final of the rugby tournament, but ‘There are four great heavyweights that I’m excited to see. The heavyweight division is wide open the scrapping of the original design last year meant the venue was switched to right now. Now it’s time for the guys to show they want to be the next undisputed champion’ Yokohama Stadium, which hosted the 2002 soccer World Cup final. Asked if he received a request that the construction period be reduced so it Lennox Lewis stands between heavyweight could host at least the final game of the rivals Deontay Wilder (left) and Artur World Cup, Kengo Kuma said; “Yes, but Szpilka. only informally ... Specialists are taking a look at it for a responsible answer.” U.K.-based Zaha Hadid Architects was initially chosen to build the stadium, but the much-criticised futuristic design was dropped last year amid public anger over cost overruns in just one of a series of em- barrassments for Tokyo Olympics planners. Under the current plan, construction of the $1.3-billion stadium is slated for completion by November 2019, two months ahead of an International Ol- ympic Committee deadline. The Rugby World Cup is scheduled for September 20 to November 2. An off icial at the 2019 Rugby World Cup’s organising committee in Tokyo said it was not aware of any plan to change back the main stadium to the new National Stadium. Following the selection in December of Kuma as a new architect for the sta- dium, Zaha Hadid pointed out “remark- able similarities” between aspects of her design and Kuma’s. “The concept we are pursuing is fundamentally diff erent from Ms. Zaha’s ... I think you would under- stand these are two totally diff erent buildings and designs,” Kuma said. The design submitted by Hadid, who designed the aquatics centre for the 2012 London Olympics, was slammed by critics for failing to harmonise with its surround- ings and derided as looking like a bicycle helmet or a drooping raw oyster. Kuma’s design, which critics have likened to a hamburger or stack of pan- cakes, will be 20 metres (22 yards) lower than the original plan and incorporates wood into the roofing in an eff ort to blend with its leafy surroundings. Dan Carter named at centre against Scarlets

All Blacks legend Dan Carter has been named at centre for Racing 92’s Euro- pean Champions Cup pool 3 match at Scarlets, scheduled for tomorrow. The world player of the year, the AFP and 20 knockouts) meets Ukraine’s rematch with Klitschko rather than division, to hold all the titles, that’s Deontay because I just want to be a leading points scorer in Test history, will New York Vyacheslav Glazkov (21-0 with 13 having kept the IBF crown to fi ght its when I feel true stardom will come. world champion. He already is. line up in midfield alongside former New knockouts). mandatory opponent, Glazkov. Once I unify the division, I think it “I don’t just want to win. I want to Zealand teammate Casey Laulala. “There are four great heavyweights The year could see tonight’s win- will be a dramatic change.” win in spectacular fashion.” It will be a veritable Kiwi get-together ndefeated American Deon- that I’m excited to see,” Lewis said. ners meet in a few months as Fury Wilder, whose lone trip to the Glazkov, 31, has won seven fi ghts in in the centres as Carter and Laulala face tay Wilder defends his share “The heavyweight division is wide and Klitschko fi gure to do, and the distance came in his title-winning a row and never been knocked down. two compatriots in veteran once-capped of the world heavyweight open right now. Now it’s time for the winners of those bouts meet in an un- unanimous 12-round decision over He sees the crown as far more than All Black Regan King and Hadleigh boxing throne tonight while guys who were standing by the way- disputed showdown late in 2016. Bermane Stiverne last January, says Fury’s reject castoff s and has his own Parkes. Utwo more unbeatens seek another side to show they want to be the next Wilder hopes to become the fi rst he is not overlooking Szpilka, but title sweep dream. France international Remi Tales, who crown as rival champion Tyson Fury undisputed champion.” American heavyweight with an un- adds, “I’m very confi dent about what “I want all of the belts,” Glazkov has not played in five weeks, will wear watches at ringside. Wilder makes the third defense disputed reign since Riddick Bowe in I’m going to do Saturday.” said. “This is the fi rst step towards the number 10 jersey, Wales’ Mike Phil- The path to an undisputed heavy- of his World Boxing Council crown 1992 and join a list that includes leg- Szpilka, a 26-year-old southpaw my dream.” lips at scrum-half with Maxime Machen- weight champion, something not while Glazkov and Martin meet for ends Mohamed Ali, George Foreman whose lone loss came in 2014 at New Martin, 29, has stopped his past aud on the bench. seen since Britain’s Lennox Lewis in the International Boxing Federation and Mike Tyson. York to American Bryant Jennings, 12 foes and won 16 in a row since a Racing 92 can ensure their progress 2000, takes shape in New York when title that Britain’s Fury dropped after “Lennox was one of those guys that would become Poland’s fi rst heavy- 2013 draw. from Pool 3 by beating Scarlets, the Wilder (35-0 with 34 knockouts) defeating Wladimir Klitschko for his set the standard. He’s a hard act to weight champion. “I’m looking forward to taking Celtic League leaders who have lost faces Poland’s Artur Szpilka (20-1 share of the throne. follow. But I love a challenge,” Wild- “He can say whatever he wants. what’s mine,” he said. “I’m a bull. I’m every match in Europe this season and with 15 knockouts) and US southpaw Fury holds the World Boxing Asso- er said. “Once you have that strong You have to prove it in the ring,” a nice person but when it’s time to go, are already eliminated. Charles Martin (22-0 with one drawn ciation title and will fi ght a lucrative American heavyweight to unify the Szpilka said. “The pressure is on I have an angry heart.” Gulf Times Saturday, January 16, 2016 11 TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT ON A ROLL Mirza, Hingis rise from the brink to Kuznetsova turns clinch Sydney title back the clock to grind down Puig Kuznetsova won the first nine games before her opponent got on the scoreboard, and kept up the pressure to claim victory in a stroll, with Puig double-faulting on match point Martina Hingis of Switzerland (L) and Sania Mirza of India (R) hold the winners trophies after beating Caroline Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic of France in the women’s doubles final match at the Sydney International tennis tournament yesterday.

IANS chance, then we had a huge game Sydney at 5-3 and the momentum went in our favour. We’re really happy to win another tournament. We’re t one stage almost set really happy with the way we to lose the fi nal, Sa- fought.” nia Mirza and Martina The fi rst set turned out to be Hingis came up with a disastrous for the Indo-Swiss Astupendous performance to earn pair, who were not only broken a fantastic come-from-behind thrice but also served four double victory and clinch the Sydney In- faults at crucial junctures to liter- ternational women’s doubles title ally give away the set. at the Ken Rosewall Arena here They were down a break at 2-5 yesterday. in the second set when Sania and Seeded No.1, Sania and Mar- Martina somehow found their tina were down and almost out legs to turn it around. The top when they were trailing 1-6, 2-5 seeds won the next fi ve games, against French third seeds Caro- breaking their opponents twice in line Garcia and Kristina Mladen- as many chances available, to re- ovic. But the Indo-Swiss combine markably seal the set and push the staged a remarkable comeback to match into the decider. eventually win the second set 7-5 The super tie-break was and the super tie-break 10-5 in an anybody’s game but the Sania- hour and 14 minutes. Martina duo had the experience This is the Indo-Swiss pair’s and the nerves to seal it 10-5 and 30th win in a row, second title of clinch yet another title and pre- 2016 and 11th overall. They have pare themselves in the best pos- now won seven titles on the trot sible way for the fi rst Major of with the Brisbane International the year — the Australian Open, crown coming last week and fi ve which starts on Monday. of them in 2015. Their partnership “It was defi nitely a great test, is also an impeccable 11-1 in fi nals. and against a great new team. The 29-year-old Sania was the They were playing together for defending champion here but last the fi rst time this week, and we’re year she won the title with Amer- going to see a lot more of them,” ican Bethanie Mattek-Sands. said Martina. “At 6-1, 5-2 the only thing we “We had to take our chances. could say to each other was that You don’t see much light in a it was only one break. That’s the dark tunnel, but then we had one only positive you can fi nd from a or two opportunities here and Sydney International winner Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia (L) poses with presenter and former player Arantxa Sanchez Vicario (C) of Spain and runner-up Monica Puig of situation like that,” Sania said. there, and with one little chance Puerto Rico following the women’s singles final yesterday. “We tried to hold our serve we were able to turn the match for 5-3 to give ourselves another around.” DPA the qualifying rounds with a strong run happy. I’m really not going to get dis- ciano Lopez 6-4, 6-2 on Friday to win the Sydney to the title match. heartened about this fi nal. She played Kooyong Classic. Kuznetsova won the fi rst nine games unbelievable.” The world number 16 overcame a DRAW before her opponent got on the score- Men played catch-up at the quarter- lightning start from Lopez, three behind ongtime campaigner Svetlana board, and kept up the pressure to claim fi nal stage, with the Saturday fi nal now him in the rankings, with the Spaniard Kuznetsova showed her veteran’s victory in a stroll, with Puig double- set between fourth seed Grigor Dimitrov producing love games on his fi rst two skills in grinding down an out- faulting on match point. and holder Viktor Troicki of Serbia. serves before simmering down. Djokovic seeded classed qualifi er, with the Russian While pleased with her win, Kuznet- Dimitrov reached his fi rst semi-fi nal The set turned in an instant at 4-4 Lcrushing Monica Puig 6-0, 6-2 yesterday sova confessed that travelling the tennis since last May in Istanbul, fi nishing off a with Lopez broken for 4-5 and Goffi n to win the Sydney International title. circuit for almost half her life was drain- 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 quarter-fi nal win over Al- snapping up the set after 33 minutes. The to face Federer in The demolition job — Kuznetsova’s ing. exandr Dolgopolov. Troicki beat Nicolas Belgian took full advantage of his lead by second match of the day after knocking “Since age 14 I went away from home. Mahut 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 while Gilles Muller breaking to start the second set. out top seed Simona Halep to fi nish a That’s what tires me, all the time on the put out French sixth seed Jeremy Chardy With the Lopez game suddenly in free- Aussie Open semis weather-hit semi-fi nal — took less than road. This is my struggle, not to play ten- 7-6 (7-5), 6-3. fall, Goffi n consolidated with a break for an hour. nis or to practice. I love that,” she said. In the semis, Dimitrov beat Muller 6-2, 3-0 and moved out to 5-2. AFP Rafael Nadal faces a The 94th-ranked Puig, with one ti- The fi nal was the fi rst between un- 7-6 (7-4) and Troicki stopped Gabashvili Lopez rallied briefl y in the penultimate Melbourne potential rematch of his tle to the current 16 of Kuznetsova, was seeded women’s players in the tourna- 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. game, saving three match points and losing 2014 fi nal against never able to make an impression. ment’s 35-year-history. Top seed and former champion Ber- holding for 2-5 with his seventh ace of Swiss fourth seed Stan Kuznetsova has won two of her last “I still had fun out there tonight, which nard Tomic, the Australian number one, the afternoon before Goffi n served out to ive-time Australian Wawrinka in the other three events after also capturing her is my number one goal this year, really quit in controversy after a set and a half, secure the title. Open champion Novak quarter-fi nal in the bottom home Kremlin Cup in Moscow at the end enjoying every single moment on court,” claiming food poisoning after his rain-hit The Belgian fi nished in just over an Djokovic is projected half of the draw. of last season. Puig said. “My fi rst time here in Sydney quarter-fi nal was put on court at 10 am. hour with 17 winners and fi ve breaks of to face record Grand The 30-year-old Russian held all the and I made a fi nal of my fi rst premier z Belgian David Goffi n put the fi nal serve; Lopez was felled by 29 unforced SlamF winner Roger Federer in Wawrinka is projected to face advantages in her meeting with Puig tournament. polish on his game for the Australian errors, going nil-for-six on break point the semi-fi nals of the season’s big-serving Canadian Milos from Puerto Rico who had emerged from “Overall, a very good week and very Open by beating explosive Spaniard Feli- chances. opening Grand Slam following Raonic in the fourth round, while yesterday’s draw. Nadal could take on South Afri- The 10-time Grand Slam can Kevin Anderson in the last BOTTOMLINE champion from Serbia could 16. face Japan’s seventh seed Kei Meanwhile, world number Nishikori in the quarters, while one and top seed Serena Wil- Switzerland’s 17-time major liams faces a potential quar- winner Federer is set to meet ter-fi nal with great rival Maria Czech Tomas Berdych in the sec- Sharapova. ond quarter-fi nal of the top half Williams, who is chasing her Serena faces tricky ascent to of the men’s draw. seventh Australian crown and Top seed Djokovic, who wore 22nd Grand Slam title after beat- down Andy Murray to win last ing Sharapova in last year’s fi nal, year’s Australian fi nal, won three will have a testing start against Grand Slam titles among 11 tour- Italian Camila Giorgi, the high- seventh heaven nament victories in a sensational est ranked non-seeded player in 2015 season, and a win-loss the women’s draw. Reuters tralia’s Margaret Court. surgence of Azarenka, who has had a tor- record of 82-6. The American, who also won Melbourne Instead, knees that were constantly mented two years with foot injuries and a He will play South Korean Wimbledon and the French causing her pain and a sore elbow that re- downward spiral in the rankings. Hyeon Chung in the opening Open in a glittering 2015 season, duced the power on her serve and ground- The Belarusian, who won successive round. has been troubled by a knee in- iling knees, Father Time and even strokes, ended her hopes in the semi-fi - Australian Opens in 2012 and 2013, how- British second seed Murray is jury but said at the draw that she a resurgent Victoria Azarenka nals. She skipped the remainder of the year ever, stormed to victory in Brisbane last drawn to meet Spanish terrier was in good shape for the year’s stand in the way of Serena Wil- to recuperate, also indicating the mental week as she dropped just 17 games over fi ve David Ferrer in a quarter-fi nal opening major. liams clinching her seventh Aus- pressure to achieve the grand slam had matches to claim her fi rst title since the in the bottom half of the men’s Romanian second seed Simo- tralianA Open title and giving her one more taken a toll as she admitted her heart had Cincinnati Masters in August 2013. draw. na Halep, who faces a qualifi er shot at an achievement that would cap her been broken by the defeat to Italy’s Roberta She is one of the few players with the The Scot will take on Ger- fi rst up, is drawn to meet Ser- storied career. Vinci. The rest, no doubt helped her refresh power and speed to consistently chal- many’s Alexander Zverev in the ena’s elder sister Venus Williams Williams, already considered one of the physically and mentally, but of greater con- lenge world number one Williams, who opening round, while eighth seed in the quarters in the bottom half all-time greats, has 21 grand slam singles cern is her propensity to self-destruct—as she pushed to a deciding set in each of their Ferrer could face Lleyton Hewitt of the draw. titles, four Olympic gold medals and more she previously has done in Melbourne— three matches last year while ostensibly in the second round in the Aus- Poland’s fourth seed Agniesz- than $74 million in career earnings but the and the continued issues with her knees. still on the comeback trail. tralian great’s 20th consecutive ka Radwanska has a potential 34-year-old is no doubt aiming to become Coach Patrick Mouratoglou said last The 26-year-old is drawn to meet third and farewell home Grand Slam last-eight clash with Czech sixth the greatest of them all. year she had ‘very little’ cartilage left in the seed Garbine Muguruza in the fourth before his retirement. seed and two-time Wimbledon She had the opportunity last year to joints and she was forced out of the Hop- round, with the 22-year-old Spaniard also Murray could have a show- champion Petra Kvitova. clinch the only feat missing from her man Cup in Perth last week with more knee tipped to contend after she made her fi rst down with top-ranked Austral- Two-time former winner Vic- resume and become the fi rst female player pain. grand slam fi nal last year, losing to Wil- ian youngster Bernard Tomic in toria Azarenka could face Span- since Steffi Graf in 1988 to capture a calen- Williams described that withdrawal liams at Wimbledon. the fourth round. ish third seed Garbine Mugu- dar grand slam at the U.S. Open. Defending champions Serena Williams as merely ‘a hiccup’ as she completed The aggressive, power-hitting Mugu- Rafael Nadal faces a potential ruza in the fourth round, while Victory at Flushing Meadows would of the US (R) and Novak Djokovic of her preparations for the season-opening ruza heads the swag of young pretenders rematch of his losing 2014 fi nal German seventh seed Angelique have moved her into a tie with Graf on 22 Serbia (L) carry their trophies ahead of grand slam under Mouratoglou’s gaze at looking to fi nally usurp Williams, with against Swiss fourth seed Stan Kerber is drawn to meet Mu- grand slam titles, the most in the Open era, the Australian Open draw in Melbourne Melbourne Park. The Frenchman was also second seed Simona Halep and fourth seed Wawrinka in the other quarter-fi - guruza or Azarenka in the third and two behind the all-time leader, Aus- yesterday. no doubt casting a glance towards the re- Agnieszka Radwanska also in contention. nal in the bottom half of the draw. quarter-fi nal.

Saturday, January 16, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Football Super Fans from four countries gather in Qatar to follow their passion

ichael Zeman has been Wherever Zeman and his fellow been to Doha. “The friendliness of playing football since he Bayern Munich fan Thorsten Gerlach how we were received, the amount was a 3-year-old, when went, whether it was Msheireb Mu- of photos we were able to take with he aspired to be like leg- seums, Aspire Zone, Souq Waqif or Qataris, it is simply outstanding endaryM Bayern Munich striker Gerd a shopping mall, they were greeted and I travel back home with a great Mueller. The enthusiasm for foot- by hundreds of residents who want- amount of positive impressions. ball he has shown has not changed ed to get their photos taken with Until 2022, they will develop fur- one bit since then, and for the past the colourful German fans. Zeman ther and I think it will be a very good few days he has had almost more was always there with a smile and a tournament. If this is repeated dur- ‘selfie’ requests than a football star. friendly shake of the hand, and said ing the World Cup it will be a fantas- This week, Michael was one of five that the warmth of their reception in tic atmosphere, plus there are short fans invited to Doha by the Supreme Qatar had been astonishing. distances to the stadiums, and the Committee for Delivery & Lega- “The only difference to Europe is fan fests will be great.” cy (SC) in conjunction with Qatar that Arabic people come and give Yi Zhang, another fan who came Tourism Authority to get a taste for you a hug and hold your arm. Euro- from China, posted his experiences the experience that fans visiting in pean people don’t know how to do from the three day visit on Chinese 2022 can expect. this, so it’s a nice way of doing things social media, reaching over 1.3 mil- “In the 1970’s I saw Gerd Muel- here. My message to other fans is lion views. ler playing as a child, and since then come here and enjoy this experi- “In 1999, I was learning German I’ve been a Bayern fan. It was a fair- ence. I don’t know how many photo and I saw the final they lost against ytale which came true to be here in requests I got, many hundreds, and Manchester, and I was really touched Doha,” Zeman told www.sc.qa. “The it is really nice because small kids and wanted to learn more about this stadium infrastructure is fantastic, come and look at us with big eyes. I club. It was a great and surprising the weather was nice and the people am a normal guy,” he said. experience in Qatar for me. To be at are really friendly and we were al- Fellow Bayern Munich fan Bayern training is fantastic, and then ways asked for photos. So it’s really Thorsten was equally surprised by to see so many museums, and what is nice, it’s been a fantastic journey. I the welcome that the German fans the latest on stadium construction. can say to the world; come back in received in Doha. We also visited Aspire Academy and six years for Qatar 2022. The new “I was really speechless when I had many great experiences. Even stadiums and the underground sta- found out about this opportunity though there are still six years until tions, as well as the way they plan to to visit Qatar,” said Thorsten, who the World Cup, Chinese fans should use solar energy really impressed me travels to many Bayern Munich try to come here and witness what I the most in Doha.” matches every year but had never have seen over the past three days.”

FOCUS DEFENCE London has ‘nothing to hide’ Prosecutors chase over 2017 bid

AFP and we would be delighted to London spend any amount of time go- ing through our processes with the investigators if that helps IAAF scandal trail ritish athletics’ sen- root out any miscreants.” ior administrator has Asked if he would be willing insisted London has to make all of UKA’s relevant “nothing to hide” over emails and documents avail- itsB successful bid to stage the able to investigators, Warner 2017 World Championships. said: “Absolutely.” French investigators have He added: “It’s right that opened a preliminary inquiry these things are fair battles around the world into the bidding procedure and the right city wins for the for the 2021 world champi- good of the sport and nothing onships in Eugene, amid al- more. The immediate focus could now turn to Papa Missata Diack. His father legations global governing “There has been a very un- body the IAAF was involved healthy smell at FIFA with has paid 500,000 euros in bail but cannot leave France in widespread corruption and some of football’s World Cup the covering up of several dop- bids and now it appears there ing cases. may be some of that stench London defeated Doha in the with some IAAF world cham- fi nal vote for the 2017 champi- pionships - and that is very onships, the Qatari capital be- unpleasant.” ing awarded the 2019 edition. The Interpol global police But UK Athletics chairman Ed association has issued an in- Warner said yesterday: “All I ternational alert for Papa Mas- know is that London’s bid was sata Diack, son of Lamine Di- completely by the book and ack, the 82-year-former IAAF through the front door in a president now facing corrup- classically British way. tion and money laundering “We have nothing to hide charges in France.

DEMAND Germany wants emergency IAAF meeting over WADA report France’s national financial prosecutor Eliane Houlette gives a summary on the progress of the investigation about alleged bribery and corruption conducted since November. At right, former IAAF chief Lamine Diack. Reuters Dick Pound added to the rap- Munich idly growing scandal involv- AFP world athletics body now facing entation of a new report on the Shobukhova’s silence over the Lamine Diack often said that ing organised doping and its Paris corruption and money launder- IAAF scandal. bribes. “athletics is a big family” but as concealment that has thrown ing charges in France. They gave the excuse that they Houlette said there were mounting evidence suggests he ermany’s athletics world athletics into turmoil. Diack’s former legal adviser did not want “a big scandal” be- “good relations” with Russian meant himself and his son the chief has called for an Pound had already rocked the nvelopes stuff ed with Habib Cisse and Gabriel Dolle, fore the 2012 London Olympics investigators. family’s standing has taken a extraordinary meet- sport in November with the banknotes, a Monaco former anti-doping doctor for that could infl uence talks with “We also count on the reactiv- battering in Senegal. ing of the IAAF af- release of the fi rst part of his account stashed with a the International Association a sponsor and over television ity of the legal authorities in Sin- Pape Massata Diack is one Gter the second part of a World report, which led to athlet- small fortune and the of Athletics Federations (IAAF) rights. gapore, whose help has also been of Lamine Diack’s 15 children. Anti-Doping Agency report ics superpower Russia being sonE of a disgraced African sports also face charges over the doping Monaco authorities have requested,” said the prosecutor. Along with Balakhnichev and heaped more pressure on the banned from competition for baron on-the-run, a French bribes. meanwhile frozen an account “The length of the inquiry former Russian walking coach sport’s scandal-hit governing state-sponsored doping. prosecutor told yesterday how The fi nancial trail is hot. containing 1.8 million euros ($2 will depend on the speed of the Alexei Melnikov he has already body. But Thursday’s report said athletics’ doping scandal is At Dolle’s Cote d’Azur vil- million) belonging to former answers give to the investigating been banned for life by the IAAF. WADA’s independent com- the IAAF’s governing council turning into a round the world la near Monaco, police found Russian federation chief Valen- judges.” Lamine Diack is a former mission said on Thursday “could not have been unaware marathon. 87,000 euros ($93,000) in cash. tin Balakhnichev. She said it was possible other mayor of the capital, Dakar, that the former head of world of the extent of doping in ath- Money from bribes suspected Houlette said that eight en- An IAAF ethics report said people were involved in the case. and national assembly member. athletics, Lamine Diack, ran a letics and the non-enforce- to have been paid by Russian velopes containing 50, 100, 200 Balkhnichev and the younger The immediate focus could He was the fi rst non-European clique that covered up organ- ment of applicable anti-dop- athletes to cover up failed drug and 500 euro notes were found. Diack were part of a ring that now turn to Papa Missata Di- elected as head of world athlet- ised doping and blackmailed ing rules”, piling more pressure tests may have ended up in a Dolle is suspected of having ac- blackmailed athletes over dop- ack. His father has paid 500,000 ics in 1999. athletes while senior offi cials on the governing body. Monaco bank. Money paid back cepted more than twice as much ing failures. euros in bail but cannot leave As a respected internation- looked the other way. “It is increasingly clear that to one champion runner to se- as bribes in all. Liliya Shobukhova, who won France. al sports leader he spoke out “The allegations of cor- far more IAAF staff knew about cure her silence is suspected to Dolle, Diack and Cisse are all the 2012 London Olympics Houlette said the son— against the demolition of a sta- ruption against the former the problems than has cur- have been channelled through a banned from leaving France. women’s marathon before being “implicated by several people”— dium in his home district of leadership of the IAAF are so rently been acknowledged,” it Singapore shell company. “All three have admitted that uncovered, paid at least 450,000 is believed to be in his native Dakar. Last year Diack senior damning, and have shaken the said. “The corruption was em- Eliane Houlette, head of after 2011 the treatment of ath- euros ($490,000), according to Senegal. She added that an in- was the backer of a wrestling credibility of the world fed- bedded in the organisation. France’s fi nancial prosecution lete biological passports for 23 the World Anti-Doping Agency ternational warrant was issued bout in the city with a presenta- eration to such an extent, that “It cannot be ignored or department, is looking for an- Russian athletes were carried inquiry. on December 17. tion staged next to the national a sign of awakening must be dismissed as attributable to swers. out in an abnormal way—with- But in 2014 a 300,000 euro “Summoned by investigators monument in Dakar. an extraordinary membership the odd renegade acting on The Interpol global police as- out the Russian athletics fed- payment was made to her man- he has refused to present him- Since the charges were made meeting,” said German ath- his own.” The scandal has sociation has issued an inter- eration or the international fed- ager by a Singapore company self,” said the prosecutor. he has disappeared from view. letics chief Clemens Prokop also drawn comparisons with national alert for Papa Missata eration carrying out sanctions Black Tiding with close links to “He has told the press he will The words of wisdom that he in a statement yesterday. The a corruption and governance Diack, son of Lamine Diack the or suspensions,” Houlette told a Papa Missata Diack. Investiga- not answer the French sum- previously gave to the Senega- damning report delivered scandal at the global soccer 82-year-former president of press conference after the pres- tors suspect this was to obtain mons.” lese media have dried up. by former WADA President federation, FIFA.