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Wednesday, May 11, 2016 FOOTBALL Sha’baan 4, 1437 AH Bayern in 73mn GULF TIMES euro raids for Hummels, Sanches SPORT Page 2

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Emir Cup Trophy CAS and football Tour makes three important for each more stops this week other, say experts Qatar Olympic Academy, CAS host seminar on importance of arbitration

Students of Al Rashad Model Independent School for Boys with the Emir Cup trophy.

By Sports Reporter School for Boys organised an eventful Doha ceremony as a way to express its grati- tude to QFA for involving the students in the Emir Cup tournament. he Emir Cup Trophy Tour made Organising the Trophy Tour illus- a stop for the fi rst time ever at trates QFA’s objective to instil a football the Asian Communities Foot- culture amongst school students at a Michele Bernasconi, an arbitrator at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), speaks at the QOA-CAS seminar yesterday; Dr Jan Kleiner, lecturer of international sports ball Tournament (ACFT) semi- young age. fiT nals that took place in QFA’s Football The students gathered enthusiasti- law at the University of Zurich, was also a speaker at the seminar held at the Qatar Olympic Academy headquarters in Doha. Development Department pitches in cally around the famous trophy to take By Sports Reporter which the Lebanon, India, Jordan and memorable pictures while wearing Doha Nepal’s communities’ football teams their favourite football team jersey. were competing to qualify for the fi nal. Commenting on the occasion, Lulwa Following the stop at ACFT, the Tro- al-Kaabi, owner and principal of the ive days before Bayern Munich phy Tour made a stop at the QIA Indian school, said: “We are pleased to wel- were to take on Inter Milan in Tournament which took place in Doha come the QFA delegation that is re- the 2010 UEFA Champions Stadium in which thousands of fans sponsible for organising and promoting League fi nal in Madrid, the cheered to welcome the trophy. Tour- the Emir Cup Trophy Tour in Al Rashad BavariansF were up for another battle nament offi cials thanked the QFA for Model Independent School, and we ap- in the Swiss city of Lausanne. their support of the tournament and preciate the great eff ort made by the French playmaker Franck Ribery had for involving the Indian community in QFA for constantly aiming to develop been sent off for a studs-up challenge the Emir Cup Trophy Tour. the football scene in general, and Emir on Lyon forward Lisandro Lopez in the As a way to encourage and motivate Cup in specifi c.” fi rst leg of the semi-fi nal in April, and the students to attend the fi nal match She added: “There is a greater inter- had been served a three-match ban which is set to take place on May 20 at est in sports and football nowadays as by UEFA. The matter was taken to the 7pm in Jassim Bin Hamad (Al Sadd Sta- a result of the country’s continued ef- Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in dium), the tour was also at Al Rashad forts to become a pioneer in this fi eld Lausanne by Bayern, who had reached Model Independent School for Boys. and we are proud to contribute to the the Champions League fi nal for the The Trophy Tour, which is set to visit success of this objective. We look for- fi rst time since 2001. more than one spot in the lead up to the ward to attending the matches of the “(Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz) fi nal match aims to thank the diff erent Emir Cup 2016 and take part in what is Rummenigge put up a football show communities who have supported the said to be the biggest football event of right there in the court, suggest- Emir Cup and QFA immensely in the the year.” ing that moves like these (Ribery’s on past, and reinforces QFA’s objective Hessa al-Mohannadi, Physical Edu- Lopez) are very common on the pitch,” which seeks to encourage all communi- cation co-ordinator, commented: “We Michele Bernasconi, an arbitrator at ties in Qatar to play more football. are extremely happy to welcome the CAS and partner at Swiss law fi rm The fi nal match of ACFT will see the Emir Cup Trophy Tour to the school Bar & Karrer, said during a productive Indian community football team com- and I am personally thrilled that the seminar in Doha yesterday, while also peting against the Nepalese commu- students have the opportunity to learn imitating the former winger as best as nity football team. about the importance of sports partici- a lawyer could. In its’ fourth edition, the tourna- pation.” The seminar was organised by the ment this year witness the participa- The Trophy Tour included two ses- Qatar Olympic Academy (QOA) in Delegates take part in the seminar organised by Qatar Olympic Academy in collaboration with CAS. tion of twelve Asian communities from sions: a gift distribution session and an collaboration with CAS at the former’s across Qatar. informative session which was deliv- headquarters in Doha. Bernasconi said. “As much as football lenged. But the three-game ban by than football and not the other way Organised by the QFA, this tourna- ered by the QFA delegation about the Bringing together as many as 70 is an important fi eld for the Court of UEFA was put to test in CAS.” round. ment is one of the many events that importance of playing football and be- trainees, representing diff erent gov- Arbitration for Sport, the same is true The case of Ribery, who couldn’t “A 15-year-old only wants to play are organised to run along the period of ing part of the Emir Cup events, activi- ernment and non-government organ- the other way round too. play the fi nal that Bayern lost to Inter football, and it does become diffi cult this year’s Emir Cup and acts as a way ties and matches. Students eagerly took isations in Qatar besides participants “CAS facilitates unifi ed jurispru- after CAS confi rmed UEFA’s decision, to tell him that he can’t do so because to excite the fans ahead of the Emir Cup part in the open discussion expressed from GCC nations, the seminar shed dence and is accepted worldwide, was one of many that Bernasconi and the regulations don’t allow that. How- fi nal match. their excitement about the forthcom- light on the importance of arbitration which helps a lot in these matters. his colleagues presented at the semi- ever, what made it easy in this case was Al Rashad Model Independent ing fi nal match. in sport, highlight legal procedures at Procedures are normally fast, which nar, elaborating on the various factors, that we knew he would only have to FIFA and speak about the jurispru- means that urgent matters can be dealt regulations and decisions of the mem- wait for a year to play in Europe given dence of CAS in football-related mat- with very quickly. Also these proce- bers of the jury panel. that he also had Italian citizenship,” ters. dures don’t cost much.” The other cases that were illustrated the Swiss lawyer added. Apart from Bernasconi, the other He, however, did add that cases are during the course of the seminar were The speakers at the seminar dis- speakers at the seminar were CAS becoming more and more complicated broadly classifi ed under Employment, cussed various topics including, ‘The secretary general Matthieu Reeb, Dr as the money involved keeps rising. Transfers, Match-Fixing and Discipli- Court of Arbitration for Sport: His- Jan Kleiner, lecturer of international “When I fi rst joined, cases used to nary cases. tory, structure and landmark cases’, sports law at the University of Zu- come in thin folders, but now there are There was also the case of a 15-year- ‘The typical football-related dispute: rich, and CAS member Dr Abdullah boxes and more boxes.” old Argentine player: a French club FIFA and CAS Procedure’ and ‘The Ju- al-Hayyan. Ribery’s case was unique in that an wanted to register the player in France, risprudence of CAS in football-related “It’s not as if CAS is only involved in on-fi eld incident moved into CAS. which the regulations don’t allow un- matters’. At the end of it all there was football-related matters, but a major- “There was no question on the ref- less the minor follows the family to a also a round-table on the importance ity of cases do come from that sport,” eree’s decision. That can’t be chal- diff erent country for reasons other of arbitration in sport. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, May 11, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT IN SHORT ‘Exclusive’ Chinese talks pave way for AC Milan takeover

AC Milan moved a step On paper, Milan now look to closer to a takeover after the be on the road to an eventual Bayern in 73mn struggling Serie A giants an- takeover that would see them nounced the start of “exclu- become the second Milan sive negotiating rights” with club, after Inter Milan, to be Chinese investors yesterday. sold to Asian owners. Inter Club owner Silvio Berlusconi was taken over by Indonesian said last week he was open to businessman Erick Thohir in selling a majority stake in the November 2014. fallen seven-time European However ‘Rossoneri’ fans will euro raids for champions, with a preference watch cautiously from the to keep the club “in Italian sidelines to see what tran- hands”. spires from the latest chapter But following the recent in a prolonged epic about collapse of talks with Thai the club and it’s likely future businessman Bee Taechaubol, direction. a statement by Milan on their In June last year it was an- off icial website www.acmilan. nounced Taechaubol would Hummels, Sanches com suggested Berlusconi’s purchase a 48 % stake in holding company Fininvest Milan, although the deal came is now ready to begin serious to nothing after the Thai ‘My decision has not been made easier by the last eight-and-a-half years. Before I return negotiations with a Chinese reportedly failed in his bid to consortium. collect the necessary funds. to my hometown, we all have a common goal: to bring the German Cup to Dortmund’ “Fininvest has reached an Milan, who last won Serie agreement with a group of A’s ‘scudetto’ in 2011 under Chinese investors in estab- current Juventus coach Mas- lishing exclusive negotiating similiano Allegri, host Roma in rights for the sale of shares of their final game of the season AC Milan,” said the statement. on Sunday looking for a win “A memorandum of under- that could help them seal Eu- standing has also been signed ropean football next season. which will act as a starting But it is a reflection of Milan’s point for more in depth nego- failure to invest in top players, tiations to take place. and their on-field woes, that “The exclusive negotiating they are now merely fighting rights have been established to qualify for the Europa to be compatible with the League—instead of the Cham- complexities of the talks, the pions League they dominated needs of the club and the ap- with some of the world’s top pointments scheduled in the players in Berlusconi’s 1990s footballing calendar.” heyday.

Lazio veteran Klose set to leave after five seasons Lazio yesterday eff ectively Bremen and Bayern. confirmed a summer departure On 63 goals overall, he is of veteran Miroslav Klose when Lazio’s second best foreign it asked fans to come to the overall scorer, one behind Serie A seasonender against Macedonia’s Goran Pandev. Fiorentina to bid farewell to the The Poland-born striker is the veteran German striker. best scorer of the German “Klose Day. Let’s meet Sunday national squad, with 71 goals at the Stadio Olimpico to see from 137 games. He appeared off Miro,” the Rome club Lazio five times at the World Cup, tweeted. winning it in 2014, and is the Klose, who turns 38 next all-time top scorer of the tour- month, joined Lazio in 2011 nament on 16 goals. from Bayern Munich, and However, he also had several scored 53 Serie A games for injury setbacks in a career he them, including six in the last began in 1997. six games. It is unclear whether Klose will Lazio are the squad where now retire from football, but he played more games - 170 there is alleged interest from overall - after stints at Hom- Major League Soccer club This file photo shows Dortmund’s defender Mats Hummels during the German first division Bundesliga football match against Wolfsburg, in Dortmund. burg, Kaiserslautern, Werder New York Red Bulls.

AFP but German media put the fee at 38 mil- He can expect a similar treatment at Meanwhile, Bayern beat off competi- Banned Indonesia want Mourinho Munich lion euros. Signal Iduna Park on Saturday for Borus- tion from Manchester United for talented The Bavarian giants confi rmed they sia’s fi nal home game against Cologne. teenager Sanches. As former Chelsea manager government interference. paid 35 million, plus bonuses, for the “We respect his decision. I want to The defensive midfi elder has had a Jose Mourinho mulls his next The crisis began when the erman champions Bayern Mu- 18-year-old Sanches. Benfi ca said the fee emphasise that he has behaved openly meteoric rise this season. move, an unlikely suitor has government sought to remove nich yesterday splashed out a re- could rise to 45 million euros. and fairly towards us at all time,” said He was fi rst capped by Portugal this emerged in the form of the be- the football association due to ported 73 million euros ($83 mil- Hummels and Sanches will join the Dortmund’s CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke. year having only made his debut for Ben- leaguered Indonesian national a row over which teams could lion) to launch their Champions Bayern squad when Carlo Ancelotti re- “We wish, both for him and Borussia fi ca in the Portuguese league last Octo- team, which is banned from participate in the country’s GLeague campaign for next season by sign- places Manchester City-bound Pep Dortmund, that during his fi nal weeks in ber. international football. top league, and the domestic ing Germany defender Mats Hummels and Guardiola for the 2016/17 campaign. the black and yellow shirt he will get the “Renato Sanches has been observed Indonesian Sports Minster game ground to a halt soon Portugal teenager Renato Sanches. Hummels’ transfer will add extra spice recognition he deserves and leaves with over a long period of time by FC Bayern,” Imam Nahrawi has announced afterwards. Centre-back Hummels, 27, becomes the to the German Cup fi nal on May 21 in the German Cup in Dortmund’s hands,” said Rummenigge. that he wants Mourinho, who An interim league kicked off third Dortmund star to join German cham- Berlin when Bayern meet Dortmund in Watzke added hopefully. “We are fortunate to have signed him has been out of work since De- at the end of last month, but pions Bayern in three years after midfi elder the battle of Germany’s top clubs. At Bayern, Hummels will pair up with in spite of well-known international cember after being sacked by authorities and the football Mario Goetze in 2013, followed by striker “My decision has not been made easier his national team-mate Jerome Boateng competition. Chelsea, to train the country’s association are still at logger- Robert Lewandowski in 2014. by the last eight-and-a-half years,” said and they were Germany’s centre-backs “Renato is a dynamic, combative and national side. heads and the FIFA suspen- Sanches and Hummels have been given Hummels, who joined Dortmund on loan in the 2014 World Cup campaign. technically-gifted midfi elder, who will Mourinho has been widely sion remains in place. The fi ve-year contracts at Bayern, who were from Bayern in 2008 before the transfer “We are delighted that Mats Hummels strengthen our team further.” linked to Manchester United national side is ranked 185th confi rmed German champions for a record was formalised a year later. has opted for Bayern,” said Bayern chair- Benfi ca announced on its website that where Louis van Gaal has by FIFA. fourth season in a row last Saturday. man Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. “it has reached agreement with Bay- spent most of the season un- If eff orts to net Mourinho fails, The double signings show Bayern’s in- BOOS FOR HUMMELS “Mats is one of the best central de- ern Munich for the permanent sport- der siege, but Nahrawi hopes Indonesia has a plan B—they tent to win the Champions League title. “Before I return to my hometown in the fenders in the world and with him, we can ing rights to athlete Renato Junior Luz the 53-year-old Portuguese will go after Chelsea’s interim The Bavarians are still smarting from summer, we all have a great common further increase the quality of our team.” Sanches for the sum of 35 million euros.” might pick sun-kissed, tropical manager, Guus Hiddink. last week’s defeat to Atletico Madrid, goal: to bring the German Cup to Dort- Hummels returns to the Bavarian gi- It added that the accord “allows for Indonesia over chilly north- “Hiddink costs a little less,” their third straight exit to Spanish oppo- mund,” he added in a statement. ants having won the German league title additional sums which could take the to- west England. Nahrawi said. sition at the semi-fi nal stage. Hummels was booed and jeered by twice with Dortmund (in 2011 and 2012) tal sum to 45 million euros depending on “This has been discussed with The approach to Mourinho Neither Dortmund nor Bayern said Dortmund fans 10 days ago, after reports and the German Cup (2012), as well as the the achievement of specifi c targets. The President Joko Widodo,” Nah- came after Indonesia last how much the Hummels transfer cost, fi rst emerged he was set to join Bayern. 2014 World Cup. contract runs until June 30, 2021.” rawi was quoted as saying by month threw its hat into the state-run news agency Antara ring to host the 2023 AFC on Monday in Jakarta. Asian Cup, despite the FIFA BOTTOMLINE However Nahrawi conceded ban. that it was “not an easy thing The Indonesian proposition is to do”, particularly given the the second unusual off er for high cost of hiring Mourinho. Mourinho in recent times after In addition, Mourinho would war-ravaged Syria sounded be landed with a team that him out about managing their currently cannot even com- national team. Platini shadow over FIFA meet pete internationally after FIFA Mourinho insisted he would suspended Indonesia in May be back in management by AFP Asked whether FIFA would The reforms came into force last year over allegations of summer—but not with Syria. Mexico City seek to recoup the $2 million, on April 27, 60 days after the Infantino said: “Decisions have vote, but Infantino must now been taken today, it’s not the now make sure the regional con- Dinamo say Romanian Cup trophy IFA president Gianni In- question.” federations and national asso- should go to Ekeng’s family fantino opened a meet- Wolfgang Niersbach, the ciations at the heart of the cor- ing of the football body’s former head of the German ruption take note. Dinamo Bucharest will honour Ekeng collapsed after suff er- new council in Mexico on football federation and a mem- The Council will meet for a the memory of midfielder ing a suspected heart attack Monday,F as UEFA chief Michel ber of UEFA’s executive com- second day on Tuesday to dis- Patrick Ekeng, who died on shortly after coming on as Platini’s resignation following mittee, said the court’s decision cuss the measures ahead of Friday, by sending the Roma- a 62nd-minute substitute in a sport ban cast a shadow over was “very grave” for “my friend FIFA’s Congress in the Mexican nian Cup trophy to his family in the league match against the event. Michel.” capital on Thursday and Friday. Cameroon if they win the final, Viitorul Constanta and was Infantino, who was Platini’s “Michel did exceptional work With tougher membership the club’s sporting director said pronounced dead two hours number two at the European at UEFA. The end is sad. His de- rules in force, the FIFA Coun- yesterday. Ionel Danciulescu after the incident. football organisation before cision to resign, I think, is the cil was discussing proposals told Romanian TV channel Digi After his death, world soccer taking over FIFA in February, right one,” he said. on who sits on the body’s gov- Sport that Dinamo would ask players’ union FIFPro raised lamented his former mentor’s Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim ernance council and the ethics their opponents in the final, CFR concerns about the level of downfall. al-Khalifah, a FIFA Council commission currently led by Cluj, to do the same if they lift first-aid treatment for football- The Court of Arbitration for member who lost to Infantino in Domenico Scala. the trophy. ers in Romania, saying “it is Sport (CAS) maintained Platini’s president Sepp Blatter, who was last nine years,” Infantino said. the contest to run the global or- The congress also faces prick- The cup final was due to be clear that some Romanian ban, though it reduced it from also brought down over the infa- “We did some great things in ganisation, said the court’s rul- ly votes over the admission of played on May 10 but was clubs have a history of skimp- six to four years, saying the pen- mous transaction. UEFA together and I really want ing must be respected. Gibraltar and Kosovo that will postponed after Ekeng’s death. ing on medical facilities”. alty initially imposed by FIFA’s Infantino, speaking to report- to keep these positive memo- “Michel has the right to fi ght take the world body to 211 mem- “If we win the final, the trophy Romania’s interior ministry ethics committee was “too se- ers after the FIFA Council met in ries.” for his name and we have to re- bers. will be sent to Cameroon, where said that an inquiry into the vere.” Mexico City, said that, as chief Platini, once the frontrunner spect the decision,” he said. “It’s my fi rst congress as pres- it will be placed on Patrick’s death of Ekeng has revealed But the court said it was “not of football’s governing body, he to succeed Blatter as the most FIFA’s disgraced executive ident, the fi rst congress of a new grave,” Danciulescu said. that the ambulance company convinced” that the $2 million must “respect the decision” by powerful man in the sport, said committee was renamed the era in FIFA, focused on football Other suggestions to com- that took him to hospital had payment Platini received from the CAS. after the ruling he had no choice FIFA Council during a special development. It was a big part memorate Ekeng include faulty equipment and medi- FIFA in 2011 was legitimate. “On a personal level, of course but to resign and would keep congress in February that passed of the discussions today, how we naming a stand at Dinamo’s cine beyond its expiry date in The payment was ordered by I’m very sad about this decision. fi ghting in Swiss courts to prove reforms and elected Infantino as could invest in football develop- stadium after him. some of its vehicles. world football’s disgraced ex- I’ve worked with Michel for the his “probity.” president. ment,” Infantino said. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 11, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT UNITED WE STAND Vardy vows to stay Ranieri’s Italy job with Leicester dream on hold as

Foxes target Europe File picture of Leicester’s Jamie Vardy. AFP by Tottenham in February. Leicester The Foxes returned refreshed ‘I know a lot of (European) clubs will be thinking, ‘it’s okay, it’s only Leicester we’ve got’. and soon afterwards enjoyed a 3-1 win at Manchester City that But we’ll be playing the Champions League with exactly the same attitude’ amie Vardy has given provided the belief they could Leicester a huge boost by win the league. AFP insisting he will stay with “It worked out perfectly. No- Leicester the Premier League cham- one was going to go on a seven- pionsJ next season. day bender. It was there to relax Vardy fi red Leicester’s mirac- with family and that’s all we did laudio Ranieri admits he would ulous charge to the title with 24 until we got back to training,” love to coach Italy one day but goals and the England striker’s Vardy said. has committed his immediate blistering form prompted spec- “We’d been knocked out of the future to a Leicester City side ulation he could be lured away FA Cup, the gaff er gave us a week that,C he believes, could spring a few from the King Power Stadium by off to completely forget about surprises in next season’s Champions one of the league’s superpowers. everything and recharge the bat- League. But with Leicester looking for- teries. “I would never rule it out. I would love ward to competing in the Champi- “We all ventured off , quite a it. And Leicester’s blue shirts are already ons League and defending the ti- few of us went to Dubai together quite similar to those of Italy,” Ranieri tle, the 29-year-old is adamant he as a team, and I think that mo- said in a Gazzetta dello Sport interview will ignore any big money off ers. ment, for him to even think about yesterday. “We’ve just won the league doing that, showed what he’d As Leicester’s fans continue to soak up and will be playing in the Cham- thought of us as a team and how the club’s incredibly title-winning feat, pions League next year. I am much work we’d already put in. Ranieri’s resounding achievement has happy here,” Vardy said. “To get those batteries re- made the 64-year-old the toast of his Vardy’s remarkable rise this charged for that week and come native Italy. season recently saw him voted back fi ghting stronger was a On Monday, he was awarded the ‘Bear- Football Writers’ Player of the massive part. zot Prize’ for sporting excellency, but, Year, but he knows Leicester owe “It was a great idea. I remem- most notably, the ‘Palma d’Oro’ (Golden their success to more than just ber sitting on a sun lounger and Palm) by the Italian Olympic Committee his predatory instincts. in the same hotel, Sunderland (CONI) in Rome, following in the foot- He claims the turning point were there running up and down steps of 2006 World Cup-winning coach in Leicester’s fairytale triumph the beach doing fi tness. Marcello Lippi. came when boss Claudio Ranieri “For me to be relaxing while It came amid the presence of Ital- gave them a week off after they they’re doing the training was ian football federation (FIGC) president were knocked out of the FA Cup quite nice.” Carlo Tavecchio, who said he wants to see Ranieri steering Italy to a fi fth World Cup crown. AIM After the bittersweet experience as coach of Greece, who sacked him after defeat to the Faroe Islands ended their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2016, Rani- Liverpool captain eri admitted: “I was curious to know File picture of Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri. what it would be like to coach a national team, but my experience with Greece was Italian when asked if he had had to ways give everything’. That’s what they game: “I’m feeling very emotional.” Henderson targets enough. Obviously, being coach of Italy change his players’ eating habits. “They did, and that’s what they will do in the Ranieri added: “His wife told me, ‘It’s would be diff erent.” always asked my permission. It was more Champions League.” the only time I’ve seen him (Bocelli) hap- But for the moment, Ranieri is staying the food. They love all that spicy stuff .” Leicester’s triumph has drawn com- py to take the plane’.” Europa fi nal return put as he believes Leicester’s “fairytale of And while rejecting the need for play- parisons with some of the biggest suc- beating the Premier League giants” could ers worth “30-40 million” who could cess stories in world sport, with reports a EMULATE NOTTS FOREST DPA be extended to next season’s Champi- “ruin the dressing room”, the Italian has Hollywood fi lm is already in production. Yet despite his success, Ranieri says Leices- London ons League. “I know a lot of (European) urged his in-demand stars to remain at Italian-American star Robert De Niro ter’s feats fade in comparison with those of clubs will be thinking, ‘it’s okay, it’s only the club. has been touted to play Ranieri, who said: Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest. Leicester we’ve got’. But we’ll be playing “I know a lot of my players can now go “It doesn’t matter who plays me. As long After steering Forest into England’s iverpool captain Jor- the Champions League with exactly the where they want, but I told them that af- as the fi lm is a success, just like we are.” top fl ight in 1977, Clough led his side to dan Henderson says he same attitude.” ter another year they will have even more Leicester feted their historic cham- the title a year later (1978), and two suc- is working hard to be fi t experience and they will be worth even pionship triumph in style last weekend cessive European Cups in 1979 and 1980. for next week’s Europa ‘SPICY STUFF’ more,” said Ranieri. when world famous Italian tenor Andrea Ranieri said: “Nottingham Forest was LLeague fi nal against Sevilla. Ranieri admitted that while it had been a He added: “I don’t want players worth Bocelli adding special emotion by sing- a bigger success story than ours, because The midfi elder has not played culture shock in the English midlands he 30-40 million who ruin the atmosphere ing ‘Nessun Dorma’ at the King Power they came from the second division, won since the fi rst leg of the quarter- has already curbed the Leicester players’ in the dressing room. I want players with stadium. the league title then two European titles fi nal against Borussia Dortmund appetite for beer, but struggles to limit the same kind of attitude as my guys. Ranieri admitted Bocelli, who was in succession. because of a knee injury. their intake of spicy food. “I always tell them, ‘I don’t expect you blinded permanently aged 12 due to a “I hope we get to their level in a few And though he will not risk “The beer isn’t a problem,” said the to win all the time, but I expect you to al- football accident, told him prior to the years.” long-term injury to return too soon, Henderson said he was File picture of Liverpool captain itching to be in the squad. Jordan Henderson. PREVIEW “It would be huge just to be involved and play a part in that good performance and win the if I could,” Henderson told Sky trophy.” Sports late Monday, speaking at Manager Juergen Klopp says he the launch of Liverpool’s home has not ruled out anyone from earn- kit for 2016-17. ing a place in the squad for the fi nal. “But at the same time I’ve And the German said he would Allardyce tells Sunderland to got to make sure that my knee is play strong sides for their re- right because I don’t want to do maining two league matches, at myself further damage. home to Chelsea on Wednesday “I’m hoping (to return) sooner and away to West Bromwich Al- rather than later. I’m doing eve- bion on Sunday. complete great escape rything I can to try to get fi t as “Who knows who is going to quickly as possible. be in the line-up next Wednes- AFP Faced with the unpalatable Fixtures “I’ve had a good week so far, day? I have no idea,” he told Liv- London prospect of watching Sunder- so hopefully I can have another erpool’s offi cial website. land condemn them to second (9:45pm Qatar Time unless good week and see where I am “Hopefully we will have more tier football for the fi rst time stated) at the end of that. I’m being very players coming back and then we am Allardyce has backed since 2009-10, everyone con- Norwich v Watford, Sunder- positive and working hard and will have a really diffi cult choice Sunderland to complete nected with Newcastle will be land v Everton, Liverpool v hopefully it’s sooner rather than to make. But I haven’t thought for their latest escape act by hoping Everton do them a fa- Chelsea (10pm) later. one second yet about the line-up beating Everton to guar- vour. “The injury hasn’t come at a for Sevilla. anteeS their Premier League sur- But Roberto Martinez’s men great time for me. But it doesn’t “You cannot say: we will hold vival today. have won only one of their last more opportunity that we can- make a diff erence - it’s about the players back for the fi nal. We Allardyce’s side looked des- nine games in all competitions not waste, so we must prepare team and the cup fi nal. have to take what we can get tined for relegation just a few and look content to let their sea- for the game very well and work “Whether I’m involved or not, from our last two league games weeks ago, but the Black Cats son fi zzle out as pressure mounts until then to get the three points I’m hoping we’ll put on another and then we will see.” have clawed their way out of the on their Spanish manager. that we need.” bottom three with a run of one While Newcastle anxiously In Wednesday’s other fi xture, defeat in nine games and stand await their fate, second bottom Liverpool face Chelsea at Anfi eld on the brink of relegating bit- Norwich, beaten in their last with Jurgen Klopp’s fringe play- Liverpool announce sales ter rivals Newcastle along with four matches, will be in action ers hoping to snatch a spot in Norwich. against Watford at Carrow Road. the team for the Europa League partnership with China’s JD.com Saturday’s 3-2 victory over Norwich, promoted via the fi nal. Liverpool launched an online JD.com and look forward to Chelsea was a crucial turning play-off s last season, can do The Reds take on holders store in China yesterday in working together to bring point as Sunderland came from nothing to avoid an immediate Sevilla in Basel on May 18 and partnership with JD.com , the high-quality authentic club behind in dramatic fashion, return to the Championship if Wales international Joe Allen country’s No.2 e-commerce merchandise to fans,” JD while Newcastle and Norwich Sunderland win and Portugal is one of those hoping to catch company. Worldwide’s general manager both dropped points. defender Ivo Pinto concedes Klopp’s eye before the fi nal. The tie-up will allow Liverpool Tony Qiu said. Sunderland, who have nar- their situation looks bleak. “With the fi nal looming we to use the company’s online JD.com is Alibaba Group rowly stayed up in each of the “With every game that is want to use every opportunity sales platform to sell its mer- Holding Ltd’s main rival in last three years, are now one passing it is getting harder now we get out there on the pitch to chandise across China. online shopping in China. “Our point above third bottom New- to avoid relegation. But we have build momentum ahead of that Liverpool are one of the most millions of Reds fans in China castle and will be guaranteed a File picture of Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce. to keep ourselves up and we have game against Sevilla,” he said. popular international football are extremely passionate 10th successive season of top- to keep fi ghting in every game,” “To be honest any time you clubs in China, with more and committed, and we are fl ight football if they defeat ing and Norwich losing has put en on Wednesday night to try to he said. step out for this team you are than 1.7 million followers on delighted that they now have Everton at the Stadium of Light. us in a very good position. Now make sure that when we fi nish “We are going to have to win playing to prove you should be Chinese social media website quick and convenient access “Our destiny is in our own we must take full advantage of that game, we are safe. both of our remaining games involved in the next game, what- Weibo, JD.com said. to a wide range of Liverpool hands. We have turned it around that position and try to fi nish it “Hopefully we will not jangle and I think from the last couple ever that game is. “With English football gaining FC merchandise on JD.com,” with a big victory,” Allardyce off on Wednesday. our nerves any longer than we of games, we have felt that need “Of course there is an added steam in China, we are thrilled said Billy Hogan, Liverpool’s said. “But we have still got to be need to.” to start winning games. incentive in some ways when to welcome Liverpool FC to chief commercial off icer. “Obviously Newcastle draw- very professional and very driv- “Wednesday we have one there’s a fi nal coming up.” Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, May 11, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT STRUGGLE Slutsky battles foes England striker at home and abroad Rooney fi ghts to prove his worth File picture of Russia coach Leonid Slutsky. AFP strict rules and draconian con- Moscow trols,” Slutsky recalled. ‘As I’ve said throughout my career, I never take my place for granted. I want England “They had to get up, eat, sleep at a fi xed time.” to be successful and win trophies, and obviously it is great if I can be a part of that’ orced to give up playing The team were promoted into football after falling from the lowest professional league AFP a tree rescuing a neigh- and Slutsky then became assist- Manchester bour’s cat, Leonid Slut- ant coach at Premier League side Fsky is now the saviour of Russia’s Uralan Elista. team heading to Euro 2016. He was head coach at FC Mos- anchester United captain The burly 44-year-old cow and Samara before his big Wayne Rooney is facing the stepped in last year after Russia break came in 2009 and he was biggest fi ght of his 13 year dismissed the highly paid Italian made manager of CSKA Moscow. international career to hold Fabio Cappello. He took over from another big- Monto his England place going into the Eu- Slutsky orchestrated a dra- paid foreign coach, ex-Real Ma- ropean Championships. matic turnaround—Russia won drid boss Juande Ramos, who had England’s talisman ever since he burst only two of their fi rst six games lasted just 47 days. onto the scene as a preternaturally gifted then four on the trot under Slut- After just two games Slut- 18-year-old at Euro 2004, Rooney has sky—that fi red Russia to the Eu- sky led CSKA to a thrilling 3-3 gone to fi ve major tournaments as one of ropean Championship fi nals. Champions League draw with the fi rst names on the team-sheet. They now face a tough Group Alex Ferguson’s Manchester But competition from emerging stars B against England, Wales and United at Old Traff ord. such as Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy, Slovakia and Slutsky says he also CSKA won back-to-back titles coupled with doubts about his own form faces a continual battle against in 2014 and 2015. and fi tness, mean that England’s all-time “scepticism” at home. With Russia struggling under record goal-scorer is no longer an auto- The Russian worked his way Capello’s direction, Slutsky’s matic pick. up from the lowest leagues to win success brought the spotlight. “As I’ve said throughout my career back-to-back titles with CSKA Capello, reportedly the world’s with Manchester United and England, I Moscow, who he still manages highest paid coach, was sacked never take my place for granted,” Rooney, alongside the national team. when qualifi cation for Euro 2016 30, conceded recently. Slutsky’s rise as a coach was looked at risk. “First of all I want England to be suc- built on early heartbreak. Born in Slutsky—the fi rst Russian to cessful and win trophies, and obviously it 1971 in the southern Russian city coach the national team in al- is great if I can be a part of that.” of Volgograd he became a goal- most 10 years—reinvigorated The current campaign has already keeper and signed with a local the squad. The four win streak been a historic one for Rooney, who broke team on leaving school. guaranteed an automatic ticket Bobby Charlton’s 35-year-old England After only 13 games fate end- to France. scoring record in October and now has 51 ed his career at the age of 19. A Despite the success, Slutsky international goals to his name. neighbour asked the teenager to says he still faces scepticism from He has also moved onto 109 caps, get her cat down from a tree. He fans and football experts because behind only Peter Shilton (125), David fell and shattered a knee. he was never a top player. Beckham (115) and Steven Gerrard (114) in “I spent a year in hospital. They “There is a huge group, includ- England’s all-time ranking. told me it wouldn’t bend at all ing the fans of CSKA, who are But he has performed fi tfully for Unit- again,” Slutsky said in an interview still convinced that my appoint- ed and saw a brief return to form abruptly with Sovetsky Sport daily. ment at the club is an incredible curtailed in February when he was side- “For a long time I worked hard error, and are waiting every day lined by a knee injury. to get better. I tried to return for my resignation,” Slutsky told In his absence, England recorded a to playing football but it didn’t R-Sport earlier this year. rousing 3-2 win over world champions work out.” “When I was coaching kids, it Germany in Berlin. Slutsky fl ung himself into was the same thing: scepticism Dele Alli and Ross Barkley have en- File picture of England’s Wayne Rooney reacting during the FIFA World Cup 2014 match between Uruguay and England. football management, gaining a and rejection. croached onto Rooney’s territory as chief degree from a coaching academy “Maybe the reason is that my creator and there are also doubts about the nickname ‘The White Pele’. bicycle kick against Manchester City in “Obviously I’m not going to be as big and taking over a youth team appearance, demeanour and way his ability to press with the same inten- Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger de- 2011, and he has amassed countless indi- a legend as Sir Bobby Charlton,” Rooney where he immediately stamped I communicate are not all ac- sity as his younger rivals. scribed him as “the biggest English tal- vidual awards. said. “He’s won the World Cup.” the Slutsky style on his young cording to the coaching manual. England manager Roy Hodgson has ent since I’ve arrived in England”, but the But for all that, there lingers a sense of In purely statistical terms, Rooney’s charges. “However hard I work, I have toed a diplomatic line with regard to his true weight of his achievements remains potential unfulfi lled, and nowhere is that international record stands up against “I put a lot of pressure on the to keep proving something to captain’s status, defending Rooney’s hard to measure. feeling more pronounced than when his anyone’s and former England striker footballers. There were very someone.” right to a place in the squad but stating With United, who he joined from achievements with England are brought Gary Lineker believes that he is “right that he cannot consider himself a guar- Everton in 2004, he has won almost eve- into consideration. up there in the pantheon of English foot- anteed starter. rything, including fi ve Premier League It is now 12 years since he exploded ball’s fi nest”. RECOVERY titles, two League Cups and the 2008 onto the global football consciousness But with Kane and Vardy the new dar- ‘WHITE PELE’ Champions League. with four goals at Euro 2004 in Portugal lings of the English game and time catch- While Rooney remains one of the He is also the club’s second-highest and the years since have brought nothing ing up on him, the former Boy Wonder world’s most famous players, he is no goal scorer and has Charlton’s United but false dawns and disappointments. must prove in France that his best days in Germany trio give longer the game-changing force of record of 249 goals in his sights. Rooney admitted as much after Eng- an England shirt are not behind him. nature who burst onto the scene with His goals include some unforgettable land’s meek group-stage exit at the 2014 Now to see what happens as the dates Everton at the age of 16, earning himself strikes, including a stunning overhead World Cup in Brazil. for Euro draw near. Loew pre-Euro boost

AFP BOTTOMLINE Berlin

ess than a week before he names his provisional Euro 2016 squad, Germa- Bale, Wales’ not-so-secret weapon ny’s head coach Joachim LLoew has been given a boost by three of his stars. AFP It was Bale’s 81st-minute 2010-11 Champions League, Loew will name his squad at Cardiff free-kick that earned Wales vic- Bale produced a pair of perform- the French Embassy in Berlin tory in a fi ddly opening fi xture ances that made the world sit up next Monday, but has been given away to Andorra and he then and take notice. good news about injured pair glance at Wales’ record netted twice in an impressive He scored a blistering sec- Bastian Schweinsteiger, Germa- File picture of Germany coach in qualifying for Euro 3-0 win away to Israel. ond-half hat-trick in a 4-3 loss ny’s captain, and Sami Khedira, Joachim Loew. 2016 reveals a glar- On a muggy night in Cardiff away to Inter Milan and then de- while striker Mario Gomez is in ing truth: stop Gareth in June 2015, Bale’s coolly taken stroyed Brazil right-back Mai- top form. Dortmund’s defensive midfi elder Bale,A and you have a very good fi rst-half goal sunk a star-stud- con for a second time as Spurs German magazine Kicker re- Ilkay Gundogan, who dislocated chance of stopping Chris Cole- ded Belgium team and he took claimed revenge with a 3-1 win ports Manchester United’s Sch- his knee. man’s team. Wales to the brink of qualifying in the return fi xture. weinsteiger is on the road to Loew has hinted there my be a That Wales are gearing up for with a bullet header in a 1-0 suc- Redknapp began to use Bale recovery after tearing the me- few surprises. a fi rst major tournament since cess over Cyprus. in a central attacking role and it dial ligament in his right knee in “As far as the selection of 1958 owes much to the brilliance was from such a position, un- March and should return to run- players for a tournament is con- of Bale, who scored seven of SPURS JINX der Redknapp’s successor Andre ning training in the next ten days. cerned, sometimes a surprise their 11 goals in qualifying, in- But while Bale, who has scored Villas-Boas, that the Cardiff - Schweinsteiger’s fellow defen- may well be useful tactically and cluding match-winning strikes 19 goals in 54 international ap- born player amassed 26 goals in sive midfi elder Khedira is recover- can generate some energy in the against Andorra, Belgium and pearances, is now established as the 2012-13 season. ing from a calf strain and recently entire squad,” Loew said in an in- Cyprus. one of the world’s most feared The move to Spain followed visited the German team doctor in terview with Playboy magazine. As the world’s most expensive attacking players, it took him soon after, with Madrid shell- Munich to get the all clear. But Loew says Germany’s 2014 footballer, the 26-year-old Real time to fi nd his feet. ing out a fee of 100.8 million “I’m doing well, there’s no World Cup triumph in Brazil will Madrid forward is used to being A product of the acclaimed euros ($114 million) that saw reason to worry. There is no mean nothing in France. closely marked and he can ex- Southampton youth acad- Bale eclipse his new team-mate danger of missing the cup fi nal “Like us, every team will start pect to be the centre of opposi- emy, he joined Tottenham in Cristiano Ronaldo as the world’s against Milan or the European from zero,” he said. tion attention whenever Wales May 2007, but injuries ham- most expensive footballer. championships,” Khedira told “Whoever wants to be Euro- take to the fi eld in France. pered his progress and manager His fi rst season was a tri- German daily Bild with his club pean champions must be able to “We are seeing the great- Harry Redknapp was initially umph, with a sensational solo Juventus set to play AC Milan on beat anyone. And we are.” est ever player to put on the red wary, later complaining that winner against Barcelona in the May 21 in the Italian Cup fi nal. Germany start their training shirt,” said former Wales mid- the Welshman infuriated him in Copa del Rey fi nal followed by an And Gomez has proven he is in camp in Ascona, Switzerland, fi elder Robbie Savage, whose training because he was “always extra-time header that swung goal-scoring form having scored on May 23 before playing friend- former international team- playing with his hair”. the Champions League fi nal 25 times this season to become lies against Slovakia on May 29 mates include such alumni as Originally deployed at left- against Atletico Madrid in his the Turkish league’s top scorer in Augsburg and Hungary in Ryan Giggs, Mark Hughes and back, Bale came to be seen as side’s favour. while on loan from Fiorentina at Gelsenkirchen on June 4 before Ian Rush. File picture of Wales’ Gareth Bale during a training session. something of a jinx after playing Bale has not always been spared Besiktas to help them win their heading to their Euro 2016 base “His performances have been in 24 successive Premier League by the Bernabeu boo boys in the fi rst Super Lig title since 2009. in Evian on June 7. ridiculously good.” Arsenal midfi elder Aaron Ram- the former Tottenham Hotspur games for Spurs without once two years since, but having redis- Loew is expected to name up The world champions open Wales have plenty of Premier sey, but it is Bale who gives them player freedom to roam behind a tasting victory. covered his form under Zinedine to 31 players on Monday, but the their Euro 2016 campaign League experience in the shape an edge. lone striker and he displayed the But Redknapp’s decision to Zidane, he will travel to France squad will then be reduced to 23 against Ukraine in Lille on June of captain Ashley Williams, the Manager Coleman has de- full range of his attacking quali- move him onto the left wing was with the weight of a nation’s ex- on May 30. 12 before also playing Poland and Swansea City centre-back, and vised a tactical system that gives ties during qualifying. to reap rich dividends and in the pectations on his shoulders. He is already without Borussia Northern Ireland in Group C. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 11, 2016 5 TENNIS

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Halep brings Madrid win Murray benefi ted confi dence to Roman clay

AFP from Mauresmo’s Rome adrid champion Simona Ha- lep hopes to trade further on her Spanish success this week in Rome, with the sixth seed con- Mfi rming yesterday her confi dence is high for the WTA Italian Open. Halep owns two semi-fi nals at the Foro Ital- relaxed approach ico, with losses to Carla Suarez Navarro a year ago and to Serena Williams in 2013. But Roma- nia’s top player is currently bursting with con- British number one had been around women all his life in tennis and could see no reason fi dence after beating Dominika Cibulkova for the Madrid title on clay at the weekend. why Frenchwoman Mauresmo’s deep knowledge of the game could not be of great value Halep has turned her season prospects around after a poor start to 2016. “I didn’t play the same at the beginning of the year… it was By Kevin Mitchell in London board nearly two years ago. But when a tough period for me as I started the year a bit The Guardian Murray revealed in Madrid last week sick. I couldn’t train like I do now. But I came he had been tinkering with his serve— back very strong, in my opinion, and played eff ectively enough to help him reach good tennis in Madrid. I have more confi dence, ere Andy Murray to ap- Amelie Mauresmo jokes the fi nal against Djokovic on Sunday— I believe in my game. point another woman as with Andy Murray during there was no immediate indication “I’ve started to work much more than be- coach to replace the new- a practice session before that he was making an even more fun- fore, so I’m all good. I feel good. The most im- ly departed Amélie Mau- last year’s Wimbledon damental change to his game. portant thing: I don’t have injuries. I’m able to resmo,W it would be no more surprising “Mutual agreements” are rarely any practise, I’m able to play matches. That makes Championships. (Reuters) than his decision in late 2011 to bring such thing. It defi es logic that, unless me feel more confi dent on court.” Ivan Lendl out of a long hibernation, psychic, two people decide independ- Halep played the 2014 Roland Garros fi nal and then be guided to two Grand Slam ently yet simultaneously and in total but lost in a second-round disappointment at titles and an Olympic gold medal. agreement to do the same thing. And the ensuing edition. She is hoping to change He did not match those achieve- while they have the most cordial and that scenario in a few weeks in Paris through ments with the Frenchwoman but her respectful of relationships, somebody continued hard work. gender lent the relationship a sense must have made the fi rst call. “It’s tough to stay at the top, but now I’m of adventure. For Murray and Mau- The educated guess is it was Mau- used to being there, I’ve been almost three resmo this was a contract like any resmo. It was Murray who headhunt- years to be in the top 10. other, strictly business, but it became ed her during the French Open two “But I have to keep working every day the stronger than that. It was a friendship years ago; although she committed same. It’s diff erent tennis. I have to get used to as much as a partnership and in the face then to a bigger workload than Lendl it. I just need few days. I have to play and to get of some low-grade chauvinism, they had taken on before quitting in March better on these conditions, because they are grew closer. That they would both be- of that year, there was always a sense similar to the French Open,” she said. come parents strengthened the bond. that, while this was something that In women’s fi rst round games, ninth seed Murray, invariably a straight talker, had not occurred to her, she rather Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russian beat France’s did not shy away from the subject liked the idea for as long as it lasted. Caroline Garcia 7-5, 6-4 while unseeded of gender although Mauresmo of- For Murray it was a necessity. He former Wimbledon fi nalist Eugenie Bouchard ten diplomatically tapped it into the had to replace Lendl, whose depar- advanced over Serbia’s former number one Je- shrubbery. Murray’s view was that he ture briefl y devastated him. At the lena Jankovic 6-4, 2-6, 6-3. had been around women all his life in Madrid Open that year, when asked Briton Johanna Konta put out Sweden’s Jo- tennis—his mother, Judy, strongly to what it had been like post-Lendl, he hanna Larsson 6-1, 6-2. the fore from an early age—and could replied: “Tough. I miss my coach.” On the men’s side, Czech eighth seed Tomas see no reason why Mauresmo’s deep So, he could not aff ord to make Berdych booked the fi rst of the third-round knowledge of strategy and tactics a mistake. Nor was he going to be spots through his defeat of Spaniard Albert could not be a good fi t for him. bound by the sensibilities of others if Ramos-Vinolas 6-3, 6-4. In the fi rst round, And they did gel. Murray did not they did not coincide with his hard- there were wins for Nicolas Mahut of France win a slam with Mauresmo but he nosed strategy, notably his friend and and German Philipp Kohlschreiber. rose to No.2 in the world, fi nishing assistant coach, Dani Vallverdu, as the year at that ranking for the fi rst well as his conditioner, Jez Green. time in 2015. Lack of major titles led to split, says Murray When they got wind Mauresmo And he was, of course, in the same was getting the job, they complained predicament as everyone else in that ndy Murray confirmed yesterday well, my confidence was low and I was I was struggling, as well, where we they had not been consulted. Novak Djokovic stood so resolutely in that a failure to win a third Grand going the wrong direction,” Murray weren’t getting to work through that There was a brief discussion. Val- his path to the very summit. ASlam title was among the factors said. “For two years, I think the results together. It’s unfortunate but those lverdu left to coach Tomas Berdych, There was no escaping the im- which finally caused him and coach that we had were good. But unless things happen.” whom Murray suspected of “tapping pression that the Mauresmo reign Amelie Mauresmo to end their relation- I win a Grand Slam, then ultimately Murray arrived in Rome after losing up” the Venezuelan, and Green went was considerably more relaxed than ship on the eve of the French Open. that’s how people judge whether it the Madrid final to defending cham- to work for the promising German, was his time with Lendl, whose The Scot world number three is worked or not. pion against Novak Djokovic. Alexander Zverev. stern countenance and raw, devilish- now playing a final Roland Garros “When she came on board, my The Scot was quick to add that Mau- He did take soundings from the sense-of-humour approach Murray tune-up at the Rome Masters this results really picked up. The time we resmo’s sex had nothing to do with the Australian part-time coach and trav- came to appreciate for the discipline week without two-time Grand Slam spent together was positive. It’s just parting of ways. “It’s nothing to do with elling TV commentator Darren Ca- and focus it brought to his game. And winner Mauresmo in his corner. a shame I wasn’t able to win one of Amélie being a woman. It just takes hill—whom he had wanted to take on there was no shortage of ribald, lock- Murray, the first major men’s player to the major events, because that’s what a lot of time to do the job (as an ex- even before he signed Lendl—and he er-room banter; it was a very male choose a female as coach when he and both of us wanted. player) well and properly. It’s not easy was encouraged by the association team, packed with football chat and Frenchwoman Mauresmo got together “Obviously in Australia (January to do that for four, five years in a row. Mauresmo had with Marion Bartoli in stunts and forfeits, like some never- in spring, 2014, said the pair made it final) it started well, but between the “We certainly could have tried helping her compatriot win Wimble- ending school excursion. work through the end of last season. Australian Open and Rome, we only through to the end of Wimbledon, but don the same year that he did, 2013. What he got from Mauresmo was a The Scot, who turns 29 at the spent 10 days together, in Miami. longer term and medium term the “Murresmo” briefl y became a TV less abrasive understanding of his tem- weekend, said he was at a low ebb “It became diff icult with the amount same thing was going to continue hap- commentator’s shorthand for the perament, a willingness to listen rather in his game when Mauresmo began of time required to do the job and the pening. It just made more sense to stop team, so effi ciently was it syncing. than direct and an improved knowl- helping him in 2014. The relationship amount of time we were able to work now. I haven’t really thought too much He was one of the fi rst people she edge of wine, even though he doesn’t produced seven ATP titles and a pair together. about a new coach. But it’s something told when she became pregnant last drink. If that appeared to some as the of Australian Open finals. “It (the post-Australian Open that I will speak to my team about over year, and he was thrilled for her, when “feminisation” of the job, Murray was “When she first came into the team, period) was just such a long period of the next few weeks and try and, you some players might have been at least not bothered. He took it for what it de- I was really struggling. I was not doing the year, an important period where know, find something that works.” peeved their routine was about to be livered him, which was plenty. seriously disrupted. The Scot does not immediately It is his 29th birthday next week. strike strangers as a revolutionary but Boris Becker, Kei Nishikori with a stir than the announcement on Mon- didates to follow her into the men’s Murray is a husband, father and con- he does have a penchant for the un- Michael Chang and Roger Federer day that Murray and Mauresmo were game—or at least none that Murray tented tennis player, in roughly that conventional if it suits his purposes. with Stefan Edberg, players at or near parting on mutually agreed terms. has considered yet—but that is be- order. His priorities have always been He led the way with Lendl, a celebrity the summit of the game who turned Federer, calm and beyond inter- cause there are fewer women coaches rooted in his values. Whoever gets the player in his own right brought out to the past to change their future. rogation, was simply “moving on”. anyway, a lack that Judy Murray has next—and probably last—coaching of retirement to give his tennis more It is interesting that Edberg’s deci- Murray was groundlessly suspected identifi ed in British tennis. job with him will inherit a rich bag of authority. sion to leave Federer in December after of having fallen out with Mauresmo. She could not disguise her pleas- knowledge from two very diverse in- Others followed: Djokovic with only two years together created less of There are no obvious female can- ant surprise when Mauresmo came on fl uences in his life.

Kyrgios defends compatriot Tomic, Australian tennis players Bernard Tomic (left) and unperturbed by Rio Games warning Nick Kyrgios.

Reuters country, so be it,” he added. his fellow young gun against the Melbourne Kyrgios, Australia’s highest ranked charges that he had “tanked” the player at number 20 in the world, match. “Yeah, for sure I think ... the combines a rare tennis talent with a behaviour has to be monitored going ick Kyrgios has defended reputation for firing insults at fellow into the Olympics, representing your compatriot Bernard Tomic players, off icials and fans. country,” Kyrgios added. Nagainst allegations of failing to It is Tomic, however, who has “But, you know at the same time I try during a match and said it was up been most under fire in Australia in think, with Bernard’s case with that to the Australian Olympic Committee recent weeks, continuing an unhappy match point… I mean, it’s not easy whether the pair were picked to repre- relationship with the local media that playing Fabio on clay. It’s Bernard’s sent the country at the Rio Olympics. goes back several years. least preferred surface. The 21-year-old and Tomic were The world number 22 was lambast- “I’m sure he competed nearly every warned by Australia’s Olympic chef de ed last week for holding his racket other point in the match. I don’t really mission Kitty Chiller at the weekend by the strings and not off ering a shot know what he was doing, but that one that they were among a group of when facing match point against point he gets scorched for when he athletes whose behaviour was being Fabio Fognini at the Madrid Open. probably tried his heart out the rest of monitored to judge their suitability for Tomic’s response—“Would you care the match.” the Rio team. if you were 23 and worth over $10 mil- Tennis Australia nominates athletes “If you don’t want to pick me or Ber- lion?”—was described as “appalling” for Olympic selection and Kyrgios and nard, there are plenty of others you by Chiller and the criticism intensified Tomic are likely to head their picks for can pick to represent your country as when he pulled out of his opening the August 5-21 Games. well,” Kyrgios told reporters after win- match in Rome after just eight min- In Tomic’s case, the point may be ning his opening match at the Italian utes, citing illness. moot with the Australian newspaper Open in Rome on Monday. Kyrgios, who was criticised by reporting he had signed up to play in “If you don’t want two of the best Tomic for skipping a Davis Cup match a tournament in Los Cabos, Mexico, players in Australia to represent your in March because of illness, defended that takes place during the Games. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, May 11, 2016 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Stars beat Blues to send series to Game 7 Curry back with a The Sports Xchange riod in 13 playoff games. St. Louis “It changes the game a little bit,” Lehtonen said. “We knew they were going to take more indy Ruff knew his Dal- risks. We didn’t have to score las Stars needed to do anymore, so we tried to play a two things on Monday more defensive game. if they wanted to force a “I knew they were going to bang in epic OT show LGame 7 in their second-round have a good push. It worked out series against the St. Louis Blues today. I know it wasn’t pretty but instead of going home for the it was good enough.” ‘I figured he would find his stroke and make a few shots, but that was crazy’ summer. The Blues did not place any The coach knew his team blame for the poor start on El- needed a quick start, taking the liott, with coach Ken Hitch- home crowd out of the game. cock preferring to talk about the And he also knew Kari Lehtonen missed chances the team had on needed to have a good game in off ense. goal. “We had fi ve minutes of Consider both met. shock,” Hitchcock said. “Once As a result of Dallas’ 3-2 win, we got through the shock we re- the series between the two teams ally played. I don’t like giving the that fi nished two points apart in other goalie credit for anything the regular season will be decid- other than that he wears pads. ed in Game 7 on Wednesday in “We can shoot better, we can Dallas, with the winner advanc- do some things better off en- ing to the Western Conference sively. I’m more concerned with fi nal. missing the net. We had nine The Stars jumped on Brian El- scoring chances in the second liott for three goals on their fi rst period but fi ve of them missed seven shots, including goals by the net. ... We could have made Mattias Janmark and Vernon him make more saves.” Fiddler, celebrating his 36th Hitchcock would not commit birthday, in a span of 20 seconds to putting Elliott back in goal 5:13 into the game. for Game 7, saying he wanted to A power-play goal from Jason sleep on the decision, but Al- Spezza, his fi rst goal of the se- len seemed convinced the Blues ries, later in the period increased would turn back to Elliott. the lead to 3-0 and chased El- “Els has been our rock in the liott—who had allowed only 10 playoff s,” Allen said. “We gave goals on 158 shots in the fi rst fi ve up too many quality chances to games—from the net. start the game. He was replaced by Jake Allen, “He will bounce back. He’s the making his fi rst appearance of ultimate pro. He will defi nitely the playoff s. be ready. He’s been the best “We took advantage of some player on our team in the play- early opportunities,” Ruff said. off s. He will be ready to go.” “We got the start we wanted.” Elliott and the Blues have al- Lehtonen took over after that, ready won one Game 7 this year, stopping 35 of 37 shots by the having knocked off defending Blues, who outshot the Stars 37- Stanley Cup champions Chicago 14 in the game. The shots in the in round one. second period were 14-5 in fa- Whether that gives them an vour of the Blues and 14-2 in the advantage on Wednesday re- third period, but Lehtonen did mains to be seen. not falter. “You can’t get off to a 3-0 The Blues did score once in defi cit and expect to come back each period, through Alexander from that,” said Blues defense- Steen and Patrik Berglund, but man Kevin Shattenkirk. “We Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry could not come up with the ty- played a great game in the second fl exes his muscles aft er making a basket in ing goal. and third periods and that’s what overtime against the Portland Trail Blazers “Today he stood tall for us,” we have to focus on right now is in game four of the second round of the NBA Ruff said of Lehtonen. “In the starting off the game like that. Playoff s at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. playoff s, goalies have to win you “We have a chance to win on PCITURE: USA TODAY Sports games sometimes. Just fl ip the Wednesday night and that’s all script about how well Elliott it comes down to right now. We played in the previous game and know what it takes. We obvi- change the name to Lehtonen. ously saw tonight what it takes to AFP nine rebounds and eight assists. Klay Thompson scored 23 the Eastern Conference game score with 12 seconds left by “Elliott made six or seven play winning hockey and that’s Portland Warrior coach Steve Kerr points and Draymond Green Monday, Dwyane Wade scored driving to the rim for a basket. great saves in our building to what we have to focus on.” started his news conference collected 21 points, nine re- 30 points and had a clutch steal Toronto had a chance to ice the keep the game where it was at.” The Blues have not advanced Monday by joking, “Steph will bounds, seven blocked shots and dunk in overtime as the Mi- victory in regulation but Cory Lehtonen knew what to ex- to the Western Conference fi nal tephen Curry returned start on Wednesday night”, re- and fi ve assists for the Warriors. ami Heat evened their second- Joseph missed a 15-foot jump pect after the Blues fell behind so since 2001 while the Stars have from injury to deliver an ferring to game fi ve. Damian Lillard scored 36 round playoff series with a 94- shot at the buzzer in front of a quickly, the fi rst time they have not reached that round since overtime performance Kerr said he expected to points and handed out 10 as- 87 win over Toronto. crowd of 19,600 fans at Miami’s trailed at the end of the fi rst pe- 2008. for the ages Monday, have to limit Curry’s minutes sists, CJ McCollum added 24 “This is one heck of a series,” AmericanAirlines arena. scoringS 17 points in the extra Monday to about 25. But after points, and Al-Farouq Aminu Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. Toronto, who played without session to lift Golden State to watching the way Curry rallied chipped in 18 points and 13 re- “Was there any doubt this was injured centre Jonas Valanciu- a 132-125 win over Portland in the troops, he threw that plan bounds for the Blazers, who will going to overtime?” nas, got scoring from some un- game four of their playoff series. out the window. attempt to extend the series by The Heat stepped it up in expected sources -- 14 points Curry reminded everyone “The guy has played one winning Wednesday at Oracle overtime as Joe Johnson blocked each from DeMarre Carroll and why he is the reigning league game in three weeks,” Kerr said. Arena. two shots, Justise Winslow pro- Joseph. Bismack Biyombo start- MVP, coming off the bench “I expected a lot of rust. No- duced a tip-in basket and Goran ed in place of Valanciunas and to fi nish with 40 points in 37 body could have predicted that Wade ‘unstoppable’ Dragic had a key layup as Miami tallied a double-double with 13 minutes of playing time as the explosion. Curry scored the Warriors’ levelled the best-of-seven se- points and 13 rebounds. Valan- Warriors moved to within one “I fi gured he would fi nd his fi rst 12 points of overtime for a ries at two games each. ciunas is out for the rest of the victory of the NBA Western stroke and make a few shots, but 123-118 lead with 1:51 to go. “That is just him being D. series. Conference fi nals. that was crazy.” Harrison Barnes’ fastbreak Wade,” Dragic said. “Unbeliev- Curry, who sat out the past Curry didn’t enter the game layup extended the lead to 125- able. He is unstoppable.” PLAYOFF RESULTS four postseason games with until halfway through the fi rst 118 with 1:23 to play. Game fi ve is Wednesday in Eastern Conference a knee injury, bagged all but quarter, with the Warriors trail- Lillard made a pair of free Toronto, where Wade will be At Miami four of Golden State’s overtime ing 16-2 in front of a crowd throws to cut the diff erence public enemy number one after Miami 94 Toronto 87 (OT) points as he outscored the Trail of 19,500 at Portland’s Moda to 125-120 with 1:18 to go, but Toronto fans accused the Chi- (Series tied 2-2) Blazers by himself in the extra Center arena. Curry drained another three- cago native of being disrespect- Western Conference session. “I been through a lot in the pointer and it was 128-120 with ful in game three for shooting At Portland Kris Russell (No 2) of the Dallas Stars looks to clear the puck against “It took me a while to get in last three weeks,” Curry said. “A 65 seconds left. The Blazers got baskets during the Canadian Golden State 132 Portland 125 Troy Brouwer of the St. Louis Blues in Game Six of the Western the groove but it fi nally hap- lot of people helped me to come no closer than seven points the national anthem. (OT) Conference Second Round during the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff s pened,” said Curry, who also had back and play.” rest of the way. Meanwhile in On Monday, Wade tied the (Golden State leads series 3-1) at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri. (AFP)

NHL Predators force decider aft er OT win over Sharks

The Sports Xchange San Jose grabbed a 3-2 lead matches, made it 2-0 at 11:51 by Nashville in the third period on the power stuffi ng home the rebound of play when Logan Couture wrist- a Matt Nieto shot on his back- ed home his sixth goal of the hand. ashville’s Viktor playoff s off a Brent Burns feed at But Nashville got back into Arvidsson scored 2:03 10:04 as Rinne stumbled in the the game with Roman Josi’s fi rst into overtime to give crease and could not get to it. goal of the postseason at 15:27 on the Predators a 4-3 Nashville’s Colin Wilson tied a backhander that took a weird Nwin over the San Jose Sharks at it at 12:44, stuffi ng home a James bounce and jumped over Jones. Bridgestone Arena on Monday Neal feed at the left goalpost for Prior to that goal, Josi had tried 38 and force a decisive Game 7 in his fi fth goal of the playoff s and shots without scoring, more than their Western Conference semi- forcing the second overtime any player left in the postseason. fi nal series. game of the series. Ryan Johansen tied it during Sent down the left wing by San Jose quieted the raucous a 4-on-4 sequence at 1:25 of the Miikka Salomaki, Arvidsson sellout crowd with two goals second with a great backhand shot a backhander that defl ected from Chris Tierney in less than move, slipping the puck through off goaltender Martin Jones and two minutes midway through Jones’ legs for his fourth posts- went into the top right corner for the fi rst period. eason marker. Nashville Predators left wing Viktor his fi rst playoff goal. At 9:55, Tierney got his stick Arvidsson (Left ) 38) and center Ryan Jones made 28 stops for San on a wrister from the point by PLAYOFFS Results Johansen (Right) celebrate Arvidsson’s Jose, while Pekka Rinne saved 15 Marc-Edouard Vlasic for his (series best of seven): game winner in overtime against the of 18 shots. second goal of the playoff s. The Eastern Conference San Jose Sharks at Bridgestone Arena. Game 7 is on Thursday in San play survived a short replay re- At St. Louis PICTURE: USA TODAY NETWORK Jose. The home team have won view, the offi cials’ ruling that Dallas 3 St. Louis 2 all six games in the series. Tierney’s stick was below the (Series tied 3-3) It was the series’ second over- crossbar clearly correct. At Nashville time win for Nashville, who took Tierney, who tallied only Nashville 4 San Jose 3 (OT) Game 4 in the third extra period. seven goals in 79 regular-season (Series tied 3-3) Gulf Times Wednesday, May 11, 2016 7 SPORT

MLB SPOTLIGHT Gathers welcomes Poor execution hurts transition from college Dodgers in loss to Mets hoops to NFL By Drew Davison ‘It’s got to sync together. Right now, it’s one thing on, one thing off . That’s why we’re .500 right now’ Fort Worth Star-Telegram ico Gathers had no hesitation when By Andy McCullough asked about the possibility of ex- Los Angeles Times tending his basketball career. “I’m a football player,” Gathers Rsaid, seemingly baffl ed by the notion. he baseball rolled into Howie Hey, there’s good money overseas for Kendrick’s glove, and Scott former college hoops stars such as Gath- Kazmir appeared on the ers who might not have NBA potential. verge of a tidy ending to his Fort Worth, Texas native and former Kan- Tevening. Kazmir had allowed the New sas great Keith Langford, for instance, has York Mets to score in each of the three made millions playing overseas. innings he pitched on Monday until But Gathers shook his head at the idea. he found his foot. Kendrick reached “I haven’t even thought about that,” he into his glove for a simple throw to said. “I’m a football player. I’m totally com- fi rst base to record the last out of the mitted to this.” sixth. The Dallas Cowboys are committed to Then he dropped the ball. turning Gathers into a tight end too. They The error by Kendrick extended used a sixth-round pick on the former Kazmir’s outing and soured his exit Baylor basketball standout, and have high in a 4-2 Los Angeles Dodgers defeat hopes about his ability to develop into an at Dodger Stadium. Kazmir promptly NFL tight end. yielded a run-scoring double to Ste- He’s got the build at 6-foot-7, 270 ven Matz, the opposing pitcher. He pounds, and the athleticism to make it more did not fi nish the sixth inning. than just a pipe dream. This is a type of The run was not decisive — the project that has worked in the pros before. Dodgers trailed by a run at the time _ San Diego’s Antonio Gates, Seattle’s Jim- but the play underscored the impre- my Graham and future Hall of Famer Tony cise execution that harmed the club Gonzalez all played college basketball before during the fi rst fi ve weeks of the sea- thriving in the NFL. son. The sixth week of 2016 extended Gathers is hoping to follow in their foot- the pattern. steps, and made positive early impressions On off ense, the Dodgers sputter during last weekend’s rookie minicamp. He from day to day, as core contribu- asked thoughtful questions. He gave full ef- tors such as Adrian Gonzalez, Yasiel fort. He showed an ability to be coached and Puig and Justin Turner remain mired adapt to diff erent situations. in slumps. The trio had a chance to “I was encouraged and he was asking erase the defi cit in the eighth, when knowledgeable questions,” off ensive assist- Gonzalez reached on an error and ant coach Steve Loney said. “Nothing stu- Turner walked. The rally fi zzled when pid like, ‘Where do I stand in the huddle?’ Puig struck out and Trayce Thomp- His questions were well-founded and you son popped out in foul territory. The could tell he had a concept of what was go- Dodgers did not record a hit after the ing on in the fi eld.” fourth inning. But Loney and tight ends coach Mike The two clubs met for the fi rst time Pope aren’t kidding themselves. They know since the Mets ended the Dodgers sea- the learning curve will be steep and there are son last October in a National League no assurances it will work out. division series. The Mets entered in As Pope said, “It doesn’t say ‘Houdini’ on fi ne form, with their lineup and their our door. It says ‘coach.’ We can’t just make quartet of young, talented starting this guy turn over and get up tomorrow and pitchers all operating in working or- be ready to go. He’s going to be a while.” der. The Dodgers had captured a se- Knowing it could take a while, it’s hard to ries over the weekend in Toronto, but see where Gathers will ultimately fi t in the still had not made up for a six-game New York Mets right fielder Curtis Granderson celebrates after winning game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. The Mets defeated the tight end picture. losing streak on the last homestand. Dodgers 4-2. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Jason Witten remains the standard bearer The day started with anti-climax. in the tight end room, and James Hanna With the Mets starting Matz, a left- One of those veterans, three-time Kazmir created more trouble for him- ters later, Thompson took an elevated .500 right now.” Roberts intervened signed a three-year extension this off sea- handed pitcher, the Dodgers sat sec- All-Star outfi elder Curtis Grander- self. Kazmir hit shortstop Asdrubal sinker from Matz and lifted it over the and made a pitching change. Kazmir son. Gavin Escobar is recovering from an ond baseman Chase Utley, who broke son, changed the conversation on the Cabrera with a pitch. He walked third low wall in the right-fi eld corner. After watched the rest of the inning from Achilles injury and could miss the start of the leg of Mets shortstop Ruben Te- game’s fi rst pitch. Kazmir opened with baseman David Wright. A single by singles by A.J. Ellis and Charlie Cul- the dugout. A look of disbelief cov- the season, and the Cowboys still have Geoff jada by sliding into second base in a 92-mph fastball over the middle. outfi elder Yoenis Cespedes swelled berson, the Dodgers missed a chance ered his face. Swaim on the roster. Game 2 of the division series. Utley Granderson drove it into the right- New York’s lead to three. Kazmir to even the score when Kazmir struck That makes it an uphill battle for Gath- was not in the lineup and Tejada now fi eld stands. An inning later, Kazmir walked fi rst baseman Lucas Duda to out. RESULTS ers to make the team, but perhaps he shows plays for St. Louis, but the topic of fell victim to a second home run. Mets load the bases. Kazmir picked up two outs to start Washington 5 Detroit 4 enough to justify a practice squad spot. retribution still dominated the pre- catcher Kevin Plawecki pounced on Hernandez came through again the sixth. He walked second baseman NY Yankees 6 Kansas City 3 At this point, though, all that matters is game discussion. a changeup at the thighs. This blast after Mets outfi elder Juan Lagares Wilmer Flores, but when Plawecki Miami 4 Milwaukee 1 that Gathers is carrying himself with the Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said headed over the fence in left. popped up into shallow left cen- hit a grounder to Kendrick, the in- Boston 14 Oakland 7 right attitude. And it’s easy to see upside he did not expect the Mets to target Kazmir kept the Mets in the park tre. Hernandez sprinted toward the ning looked over. It was not. Kaz- Cincinnati 3 Pittsburgh 2 with his build and athletic ability. Utley during this series. Mets Manag- in the third, but he still surrendered diamond for the out, and caught mir fed Matz, a .227-hitter entering White Sox 8 Texas 4 (12 innings) This is a guy who posed a double-double er Terry Collins off ered a more cryp- a run. The arm of left fi elder Enrique Cespedes drifting too far from sec- the night, a lifeless changeup. Matz Houston 7 Cleveland 1 threat on a nightly basis and became one of tic response. He indicated he had not Hernandez saved him twice. On the ond base for the double play. The chopped the ball into left. Arizona 10 Colorado 5 the best rebounders in the country. Plus, it spoken to his players about the situa- fi rst occasion, Hernandez gunned Dodgers closed the gap in the fourth. “It’s got to sync together,” Rob- NY Mets 4 LA Dodgers 2 won’t hurt that Gathers will be groomed tion. But, he added, “We’ve got some down Granderson at second base af- Turner dunked a one-out single just erts said. “Right now, it’s one thing Seattle 5 Tampa Bay 2 and mentored by one of the league’s most pretty wily veterans in that room.” ter a leadoff single. Granted a break, inside the right-fi eld line. Two bat- on, one thing off . That’s why we’re Toronto 3 San Francisco 1 consistent tight ends in Witten.

BOTTOMLINE Chapman shines on Yankees debut in win over Royals

Reuters “I was glad he threw strikes,” New York Girardi said. New York Yankees relief “I fi gured there would be a lot pitcher Aroldis Chapman of adrenalin, waiting an extra pitches during the ninth inning uban closer Aroldis month to play and I think he did against the Kansas City Royals Chapman is renowned for just fi ne.” at Yankee Stadium. New York his breakneck fastball yet MLB punished Chapman af- Yankees won 6-2. New York Yankees fans ter it independently investigated PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports wereC forced to wait a month to an Oct 30 incident in which the witness his explosive pace before Cuban’s girlfriend told police he made a winning debut on Mon- he pushed and choked her and day after serving a suspension for later allegedly fi red shots from a a domestic abuse incident. handgun into his garage wall and Entering the game in the ninth window out of frustration. with a 6-2 lead over the World No charges were fi led but MLB Series champion Kansas City determined that Chapman vio- Royals, Chapman was cheered lated the league’s domestic vio- by the Yankee Stadium crowd lence policy and handed down a and delivered seven pitches at 30-game suspension, which the 100mph (160kph) or more to the pitcher accepted without appeal. delight of the fans. Chapman was delighted by his The “Cuban Missile” struck reception on Monday. out the fi rst two batters before “I was very excited and happy pinch-hitter Paulo Orlando dou- to see the fans receive me the way bled deep to centre and scored they did,” he said. on a single by Alcides Escobar Asked if he was nervous about to make it 6-3 before the left- how fans would react to him, hander retired Lorenzo Cain on a Chapman said: “A lot of people ground out to end the game. have been asking me about that, “I felt good out there, for being but after the reaction that I got my fi rst outing in a while,” Chap- tonight, it was incredible.” man said at his locker through Girardi said it was not only the a translator. “I thought it was fans that got excited by the speed pretty good.” of Chapman’s pitches. Manager Joe Girardi was re- “He throws hard,” the man- lieved that Chapman, acquired in ager said. “I think we all take a the off season in a trade with the look at the (score) board to see Cincinnati Reds, did not over- what it is. To see that 101, it’s throw in an attempt to please his not something you see every new audience. day.” Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, May 11, 2016 SPORT

FOCUS China’s Rio-bound Hua Tian still ‘one in a billion’ Reuters while wealthy Guanghzou property dropped when they are not,” he said. London tycoon Jiang Fengcan, caught up in the “With equestrian sports, we are trying excitement, provided all the funding to educate people that there is far more he could have dreamt of. depth to the sport than just perform- lex Hua Tian was under- After Beijing, Hua Tian fi nished ance and success. standably distraught when, his studies and then set out to qualify “There are so many stories about the competing in three-day for London 2012 but it proved some- partnership between the rider and the eventing as China’s fi rst what harder. horse, so much history and heritage andA only Olympic equestrian, he was “We were guilty of being very com- behind the sport in terms of the culture thrown from his horse at the 2008 Bei- placent and the funds didn’t come, our ... that’s what we’re trying to promote. jing Games. horses were injured at the wrong time “My performance, we rarely talk Now 26, and with Rio fi rmly in his and I just missed qualifying by a hair’s about. I am not a gold medal winning sights, the tall rider with the ‘one-in- breadth,” he said. “But I feel like all of prospect for Rio. I know that and I tell a-billion’ nickname feels that painful these things have helped me plan. everybody that. experience may ultimately have been “From that moment on, I’ve had a “I don’t want the public in China all for the best. four-year plan ... we mapped out ex- expecting me to go out there and win a “It was a fairy tale really, and the actly where we would need funds, what gold medal and be disappointed when I fairy tale ended when I fell off in Hong we would need to spend it on, what don’t. Because I’m not going to.” Kong at the cross-country,” he told horses we needed and when. And so far Eventing faces many obstacles in Reuters during competition at last ... it all went to plan.” China, not least the lack of a quaran- weekend’s prestigious Badminton Hua Tian, who now runs a stables tine protocol which makes it impossi- Horse Trials. with his partner Sarah in north-west ble to transport horses out of the coun- “It was a real heartbreaking moment England, has three horses qualifi ed for try—the reason why the equestrian personally for me ... but without that Rio; 17-year-old campaigner Harbour events at the Beijing Games were held experience and investment I wouldn’t Pilot, nine-year-old Don Geniro and in Hong Kong. be here now, doing it professionally. newcomer Diamond Sundance. State funding is also mainly directed “Although at the time it was a really Plenty can still go wrong in the com- at national sports like table tennis and devastating blow ... it’s something that ing months, particularly when horses badminton. I have to thank a lot for because it gave are involved, but Hua Tian said he felt Yet Hua Tian, in a sport where it is me a taste but it didn’t give me every- “about as secure as we can be.” not unusual for competitors to keep thing. And it’s certainly given me the The main aim for Rio, he said with going into their 50s and 60s, is confi - drive to keep pushing.” a self-deprecating wince, was not to dent that one day he will be part of an Everything had come almost too fall off . Olympic team of Chinese riders. easily until then for Hua Tian, who Joking aside, the bigger mission is “I look forward to the day when I attended the elite Eton College inde- to help develop the sport in China and have a team but at the moment I am pendent boys’ school near London that continue his presence as a pioneer content looking after my own back, has produced 19 British prime minis- rather than building up any great ex- competing for China, proud to fl y ters including David Cameron. pectation of fi nishing in the medals. my fl ag but also competing as an in- His English mother had been in- “Traditionally, Chinese athletes are dividual and being as competitive as I volved with the Beijing bid committee heralded when they are successful and can,” he said.

SPOTLIGHT Williams’ pitstop knowhow helping in speeding up resuscitation of newborns he pitstop procedures that allow Williams’ Formula One mechanics to change a set of tyres in two From waterless Tseconds are now helping speed up the resuscitation of newborn babies. The team said in a statement yesterday that Cardiff ’s University Hospital of Wales had modified their routines to incorporate practices honed at the racetrack. Members of the neonatal unit visited the team factory to see for themselves how they carried out pitstops, while Williams employees have been to the hospital observing similar time-critical processes. village to rowing at Williams said the teams had subsequently implemented a number of changes. They included ensuring that equipment could be located without delay, mapping out floorspace, using more hand signals rather than verbal communication and video analysis in post-resuscitation ‘debriefs’. “There is a growing amount of evidence to support a systematic approach to resuscitative care which is time- critical and dependent upon optimal team dynamics and the Rio Olympics clear communication,” said the hospital’s specialist registrar Rachel Hayward in the statement. “Analogous with the requirements of an eff ective pitstop ‘I believe that people from villages tend to work harder. Farming and housework activities we have worked with the Williams team to implement For- mula One techniques and processes to augment neonatal require a lot of physical labour and that makes us tougher. City life is much more relaxed’ resuscitative care.” Former champions Williams have made the fastest stops of any Formula One team at each of the first four races of the 2016 season. At the Chinese Grand Prix in April, they changed all four tyres on Brazilian Felipe Massa’s car in the space of 2.10 seconds. Williams, like other Formula One teams eager to develop new revenue streams, are keen to find uses outside of the sport for their technology and expertise. Last year, their Advanced Engineering company developed a device to save money and energy by using aerodynamic technology developed through racing to keep more cold air inside open-fronted refrigerators. Rivals McLaren have applied data management and race simulation expertise to help London’s Heathrow airport improve movements on the ground and reduce the time spent by planes circling overhead. Hospitals are also using their wireless data system technology to monitor patients.

DEVELOPMENT Work halted on some Olympic projects 88 days before the Games

Reuters “We just want the safe- Rio de Janeiro ty of the population, the workers and all those who will visit Rio.” ith less than The Olympic Park, where three months 16 sports will take place at to go until the nine venues, was declared Indian rower Dattu Bhokanal takes part in a training session at the College of Military Engineering in Pune. Bhokanal has qualified for the summer Olympics in Rio in August. (AFP) start of the open last month but fi nal Wgames, work on parts of Rio touches to the tennis courts AFP Bhokanal is dreaming of single even swim when he fi rst started to match his impressive, lean six- breeding ground for aspiring ath- de Janeiro’s Olympic Park and sponsors’ areas are still Pune sculls glory as India’s only Olym- rowing, and also has the pressure foot frame and in 2014 he com- letes, despite the lack of water and and Olympic Village was being made. The games pic rower in Rio. of his mother being seriously ill peted at the Asian Games in South other resources. halted on Monday amid open on August 5. “There is a huge water shortage in hospital. He joined the army in Korea where he fi nished fi fth. “I believe that people from fears for the safety of work- The city’s oversight n Indian rower has in our village,” said Bhokanal, re- 2012, needing a way to support his During regional Olympic quali- villages tend to work harder,” ers, Brazil’s Ministry of La- agency said it had imme- achieved an improbable ferring to tiny Talegaon in Nashik family after his father died from fying races in April in Chungju, Bhokanal said. “Farming and bour and Employment said. diately complied with the feat by qualifying for the district, around 165 kilometres bone cancer the previous year. also in South Korea, Bhokanal housework activities require a lot Offi cials who reviewed ministry’s order. Rio Olympics—despite (100 miles) northeast of Mum- Stationed in the much lusher made the grade for the men’s of physical labour and that makes work on a television tower “Two areas where dig- comingA from a drought-plagued bai. “We used to travel long dis- district of Pune, he couldn’t be- single sculls in Rio de Janeiro in us tougher. City life is much more in the Olympic park and ging took place were cor- village where there is not even tances to get water and also stand lieve his eyes when he saw a vast August. “It feels nice that I am relaxed and people tend to just en- digging work at the Olym- doned off and a meeting enough water to drink. in long queues to get our buckets expanse of water where recruits bearing the fruits of my hard work,” joy themselves more,” he added. pic village shut down op- will decide what adjust- Dattu Bhokanal, whose father fi lled from water tanks,” added the practised rowing. he said. “But this instant stardom India’s chief rowing coach Ismail erations at those and two ments are necessary so dug wells for a living, said that 24-year-old of his childhood. At fi rst Bhokanal was intimidat- does not make me any diff erent and Baig hailed Bhokanal’s “brilliant” other sites. work can continue,” the when he took up rowing after Earlier this month, the gov- ed, and wondered why water was I will not lose the focus of my goal.” dedication and down-to-earth They did not say exactly Geo-Rio Foundation said in joining the army he was scared, ernment said a quarter of the being used for sport when so many “I am still the same per- nature. “He was new and inex- what the problems entailed a statement. because he had never seen so India’s population, spread across people in the farming belt were son looking to get an Olympic perienced but he was hungry to or how serious they were. The shutdown comes much water. 10 states, had been hit by drought thirsty. But over time he defeated medal,” Bhokanal added, adding succeed and he worked extra hard “We have no intention of just weeks after a bicycle But just a few years on, and with after two consecutive years of his fears. “Eventually I got com- that his mother’s plight has only to prove himself,” he said. “Even hampering the event,” Rob- lane built as part of the his arid ancestral home hit by se- weak monsoons. fortable with the water and there “strengthened (his) resolve”. though he’s now in the limelight he son Leite, the ministry’s re- legacy infrastructure col- vere water shortages that have Bhokanal’s tale is all the was no looking back,” he says. He also said the hardships of remains a simple guy who has no gional superintendent, told lapsed into the sea killing aff ected more than 330 million, more remarkable as he couldn’t Bhokanal quickly showed skill Indian village life can be a good airs and graces,” Baig added. reporters. two cyclists. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 11, 2016 9 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT WADA probes fresh Russian Whistleblower nearly doping claims aborted attempts to

Vitaly Stepanov, his wife Yuliya and son expose Russian doping Robert have been in hiding in the United States since he blew the whistle on ‘I was falling asleep and telling myself I am an idiot. That was probably my thought a lot widespread doping in Russian athletics. AFP of times. Especially after each major competition that was my thought. What am I doing?’ London

he World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said yesterday it was Tinvestigating fresh claims of Rus- sian doping involving four Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics gold medallists. The allegations—the latest in a slew of doping accusations to rock Russian sport—were made by whistleblower Vitaly Stepanov in an interview aired on Sunday by American channel CBS. While Russia have dismissed the claims as an attempt to derail up- coming WADA talks, the anti-doping agency expressed its concern. “WADA will probe these new allega- tions immediately,” WADA President Craig Reedie said in a statement. “The claims made in the program off er real cause for concern, as they contain new allegations regarding attempts to subvert the anti-doping process at the Sochi Games.” Russia won 13 gold medals at the So- chi Winter Olympics. The names of the alleged drug cheats were not revealed in the CBS programme. WADA will host meetings of its ex- ecutive committee and its foundation board in Montreal later this week where they are expected to dis- cuss doping in Russian sport, among other topics. A WADA independent committee concluded in a report published in November there was evidence of “state-sponsored” doping and mass corruption in Russian athletics. The International Association of Athletics Federations suspended Allegations of widespread doping among Russian athletes led the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Council to suspend the country’s athletes from participating in the Rio Olympics. Russia over the report, with the IAAF council due to decide in June if the Reuters WADA was looking for ways to deal “WADA needs more people that be- anti-doping agency employee, formed people didn’t know who she is.” country’s athletes can compete at the London with this issue and you have to be re- lieve in clean sport and fair competi- part of an investigation that led to Rus- Stepanova admitted to using per- Rio Olympics. ally patient. I thought the best I could tions and less politicians. I think the sian athletics being suspended from formance-enhancing drugs while In Sunday’s interview Stepanov—a do was provide the information and system works if there are no corrupt international competition. competing for Russia, something her former Russian Anti-Doping Agency histleblower Vitaly hope it was used for the right reason.” people in it. Then it is a good system.” The International Association of husband said she regretted. “She re- (RUSADA) off icial—cites Grigory Rod- Stepanov said yester- WADA spokesman Ben Nichols told Russia’s Ministry of Sport said Athletics Federations (IAAF) Coun- alised she was cheating and she re- chenkov, former head of Russia’s now- day he nearly aborted Reuters the agency acted as soon as on Monday since the revelations by cil will decide on June 17 whether to grets doing it, but she cannot change discredited drug testing lab, as telling his plan to expose wide- it could. Before 2015, WADA did not the Stepanovs originally appeared reinstate Russian athletics, paving the past,” he said. him that FSB state security service off ic- Wspread doping in Russian athletics have the authority to conduct its own in 2015, a full probe has been carried the way for the sports super power to Opinions diff er on whether she ers “tried to control every single step of when the World Anti-Doping Agency investigations under the World Anti- out into activities by the Russian state compete in Rio. The governing body’s should be in Rio. Travis Tygart, the the anti-doping process in Sochi”. was slow to act on information he Doping Code, according to Nichols. and a “road map” had been agreed to council will also act on a request by chief executive of the US Anti-Dop- WADA chief Reedie said: “Mr. Rod- provided them. But Travis Tygart, chief executive with WADA to reform the anti-dop- Stepanova, who served a two-year ing Agency, said she should be given chenkov was of course interviewed by Stepanov, who previously worked of the US Anti-Doping Agency, when ing process. doping ban, to run in Rio under the that opportunity. WADA’s Independent Commission that for Russia’s anti-doping agency, said asked about the WADA inaction, said: “These eff orts thus ensure the International Olympic Committee “Given her circumstances, it would exposed widespread doping in Russian he second-guessed himself count- “From a clean athlete prospective, it is independence and transparency of fl ag and to return to international be unfair not to give her an avenue to athletics last year. less times during a three-year stretch really hard to stomach that they didn’t. doping control in Russia, which is competition. compete,” he said. “People are not Yet, regrettably, he was not forth- where information he fed to WADA It rattles confi dence in the system.” fully supported by the state,” the Obviously, the 800 metres runner asking for her to be able to run be- coming with such information related did not lead to action. Tygart noted the WADA Founda- ministry said in a statement. would not be welcome to run for Rus- cause she stood up and came forward. to the Sochi Games. “I was falling asleep and telling tion board would meet in Montreal Although some Russians have sia. “It would be a dream come true She has the qualifying standard and It is surprising to hear these views myself I am an idiot,” Stepanov told today. “One way or another future called Stepanov and his wife traitors, to be an Olympian, something I had has been tested regularly.” so many months after the Commission Reuters in a telephone interview. generations are going to look back at Vitaly denied the couple wanted to always hoped to do,” Stepanova, with WADA also said it would not object concluded its work.” “That was probably my thought a lot this as a defi ning moment in the fi ght destroy Russian sport. her husband translating, said. “If the to her competing again. A statement published on Monday of times. Especially after each major for clean sport.” he added. “I wasn’t trying to expose Russia, best place I can get is the last place, I However, Kevan Gosper, a leading by the Russian sports ministry said competition that was my thought. Based on the WADA commission I was trying to expose corrupt sports would still be happy.” Olympic offi cial and a member of the that Moscow was “certain about the What am I doing?” report, the International Association offi cials that are completely messing Twice daily the 29-year-old trains IAAF ethics board, said he was not transparency of doping control during Stepanov, who had over 200 email of Athletics Federations (IAAF) sus- up competitions not just inside the in the hope that word from the IAAF optimistic about Stepanova compet- the Olympic Games”. exchanges with WADA starting in pended Russian athletics from inter- country but globally,” he said. “This and IOC will be positive. Stepanova ing under the IOC fl ag. Reedie, meanwhile, highlighted 2010, provided evidence for a German national competition, including the kind of people should be in jail.” asked that her location in the United “The IOC has had a lot of experi- the part played by Stepanov and his television documentary called “Top August 5-21 Rio Olympics. States not be disclosed out of fear for ence of enabling athletes to take part wife, banned 800-metre runner Yuliya Secret Doping: How Russia Makes Its The IAAF Council will decide on Stepanova still hopes to her family’s safety after her doping in sport if there’s been a breakdown in Stepanova, in laying bare the extent of Winners” that led to the establish- June 17 whether to reinstate Russia disclosures. the administration of sport or chang- doping in Russia. ment of a WADA independent com- and allow its athletics team to com- compete in Rio Games She reached the Olympic qualify- es by virtue of political issues, war “There is no question that the mission last year. pete in Rio. Even through all the turmoil that forced ing standard last year when Russian and so on,” he said at a sports integ- Stepanovs provided vital information “I was frustrated with myself,” The Council also is expected to take Yuliya Stepanova to fl ee her native Rus- athletes were still eligible to com- rity forum in Melbourne. and intelligence that allowed the Com- said Stepanov, who is now living in up the request by Stepanov’s wife sia with her husband, the whistleblow- pete and the reactions of her com- “We’ve had no experience of just mission to be established; and, without an undisclosed location in the United Yuliya, who served a two-year doping er has not given up hope of competing petitors was mixed. “Some people making way for an individual in that which, widespread doping in Russian States with his wife. ban, to compete in Rio. at the Rio Olympics in August. said thank you to her,” her husband respect. I think everything should be athletics may never have truly been “That was half of the time. The Asked what WADA should do Evidence provided by Stepanova and said. “Some people put their eyes looked at but I wouldn’t be overly op- exposed.” other half of the time there was hope to clean up sport, Stepanov said: her husband Vitaly, a former Russian down and walked away, and some timistic,” he added.

CYCLING Ulissi triumphs on Giro, Dumoulin back in pink

AFP after winning the opening stage time the sprinters’ hopes of contending a “I’m really happy because the whole Rome trial. Overall contenders Vincenzo third consecutive bunch sprint. team did a great job,” the 26-year-old Nibali and Alejandro Valverde kept The fast men of the peloton began Ulissi told organisers afterwards. their time losses to a minimum by dropping off the back when a series of “Valerio Conti was exceptional... talian Diego Ulissi capped a dar- fi nishing just six seconds in arrears incisive attacks and counter-attacks I gave it everything on the climb and ing solo attack with a stunning for the stage. came and went in the fi nal 10km. was worried I’d be caught on the de- victory on the fourth stage of the Dumoulin, of the Giant team, But a fi nal, steep climb was the scent but I hung on. When I looked 99th Giro d’Italia as former race now leads Etixx rider Bob Jungels by game-changer. around with 10 metres to go, I realised Ileader Tom Dumoulin reclaimed the 20secs, with 2013 race champion Ni- Lampre signalled their intentions I’d got it. It’s a special moment.” pink jersey yesterday. bali—the favourite this year who rides by pushing up to the front, with Vale- At the end of the stage the French In a thrilling fi nale that saw several for Astana—in sixth overall at 26. rio Conti among the Lampre riders team FDJ announced the retirement riders fail to reel in Italian climbing Movistar team leader Valverde, a setting the pace for Ulissi and leaving of team leader Alexandre Geniez, who specialist Ulissi on the 2.5km-long former Tour of Spain champion, is most of the rest behind. was ninth overall last year, after he home straight, Ulissi came over the seventh at 31 behind. Ulissi’s subsequent attack took suff ered a second crash in three days. fi nish line in triumph with only a few The fourth stage, a 200 km race from several rivals with him, but they It comes following the retirement seconds to spare to claim his fi fth Catanzaro to Praia a Mare in the Ca- couldn’t match the Italian’s pace. of Jean-Christophe Peraud, the AG2R stage win overall at the race. labria region, was the fi rst of this year’s When he arrived solo on the 2.5km team leader who retired after crashing Dutchman Dumoulin was second edition to be held in Italy after three home straight, the chase was on bare- and landing on his face on Sunday. at fi ve seconds behind to reclaim the days of racing in the Netherlands. ly 15secs in his wake. Today’s fi fth stage is a 223 km race race leader’s pink jersey from Etixx And it was one Ulissi, among oth- But Ulissi kept his composure, his from Praia a Mare to Benevent to the sprinter Marcel Kittel, having worn ers, had their eye on thanks to a series head down and the legs pedalling fu- east of Naples which should again fa- it for two days in his native Holland of late climbs that ultimately ended riously to bring the victory home. vour the sprinters. Italian cyclist Diego Ulissi celebrates after winning the 4th stage of the 99th Giro d’Italia. (AFP) Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, May 11, 2016 SPORT

RUGBY SPOTLIGHT Farrell seeks Warburton included, to emulate Carter’s calm Halfpenny out for AFP But he insisted this was not a London sign of a lack of calm, but dem- onstrated an aggressive approach to defence that he was keen to wen Farrell said Dan maintain. “Rugby is a physical Carter’s “calm and game and you have to play in a control” are the quali- physical way. You can’t be hesi- New Zealand tour ties he most admires in tant in what you do or you... end hisO rival fl y-half as he prepares to up in trouble yourself,” said Far- face the All Blacks great in Satur- rell. “The collision that you’re The experienced Wales squad will also tackle England at Twickenham on May 29 day’s Champions Cup fi nal. talking about was unfortunate Farrell will try to steer London but going forward you have to be side Saracens to victory as Cart- decisive in what you do.” er, bidding for a clean sweep of Two years ago, Saracens’ fi rst rugby union’s major prizes, tries major European fi nal ended in a to do the same for Paris-based 23-6 defeat by a Jonny Wilkin- Sam Warburton has not Racing 92. “He’s been there and son-inspired Toulon. The fol- played since injuring his done it so many times,” said Far- lowing week saw Saracens also shoulder playing for rell, speaking at Saracens’ train- lose the English Premiership fi - Cardiff Blues last month. ing ground, of Carter. nal after an extra-time defeat by “People talked about whether Northampton. he could do it or not going into For the 24-year-old Farrell, the World Cup. That’s not for me now a veteran of 40 England to take notice of, but a player of Tests, those losses were a lesson his class was always going to play in staying composed. “You think like he did,” said Farrell, deployed you are calm, you think you are as a centre during England’s re- composed, you think you are tak- cent Six Nations grand slam. ing it all in your stride and when “It’s just how calm he is, how you look back at it you are prob- much he is in control of what he ably not as much as you hope you does that stands out,” added Far- had been,” said Farrell of the 2014 rell when asked what he most ad- fi nal loss to Toulon. mired about World Cup-winner “That is probably natural, it Carter. “Trying to be calmer on being the fi rst occasion you have the pitch, it’s defi nitely some- been there. But the experience thing I’m always trying to do. you have got to learn is that it is The more you’re calm, the more a game of rugby, it is two good you’re in control and the more teams playing in a Cup fi nal but it you’re thinking about the right is just 80 minutes of rugby. things. That’s defi nitely some- “We have got to play the game, thing I’ve taken into account.” we have not got to play anything Farrell has a fi ery side and he that is around the game and the had to serve a two-week ban for occasion; we have got to play a a dangerous tackle on Dan Rob- game of rugby. You have to learn son during Saracens’ European from big games and big experi- semi-fi nal win over domestic ri- ences, especially ones where it vals Wasps. doesn’t go your way.”

AFP campaign,” head coach Warren Gatland Boudjellal warned that Halfpenny would Webb (Ospreys), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff ), Cardiff said in a Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) press not be paid by the club if he went on tour Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff ), Dan Biggar (Os- release. with Wales. preys), Rhys Priestland (Bath/ENG), Jonathan “We will be facing the Six Nations Gatland has not called up any un- Davies (Clermont/FRA), Tyler Morgan aptain Sam Warburton was champions at Twickenham fi rst up and capped players, despite youngsters such (Newport Gwent Dragons), Jamie Roberts named in a 35-man Wales squad that will be an important start to the tour as Ospreys back Sam Davies, Newport (Harlequins/ENG), Scott Williams (Scarlets), yesterday for their forthcoming and will set the tone for the weeks ahead. Gwent Dragons hooker Elliot Dee and Hallam Amos (Newport Gwent Dragons), match against England and sub- “We will have a bit of time together Cardiff fl anker Ellis Jenkins being touted Matthew Morgan (Bristol/ENG), Tom James sequentC tour of New Zealand, but Leigh when we land in New Zealand before the for inclusion. (Cardiff Blues), George North (Northampton/ Halfpenny was absent. fi rst Test, then it’s into three Test match- “It is a great opportunity for us to test ENG), Eli Walker (Ospreys), Liam Williams Flanker Warburton has not played es against the All Blacks plus a mid-week ourselves, build on the World Cup and the (Scarlets) since injuring his shoulder playing for match against the Chiefs.” Six Nations and it’s a challenge we are all Forwards (19): Rob Evans (Scarlets), Tomas Cardiff Blues last month, while Toulon As well as Halfpenny, Cardiff wing looking forward to,” Gatland added. Francis (Exeter/ENG), Paul James (Ospreys) full-back Leigh Halfpenny has been out Alex Cuthbert and Ospreys fl anker Justin “We are in a great position in terms of Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff ), Rhodri Jones since damaging his knee against Italy last Tipuric also missed out due to injury. the experience in the squad, especially (Scarlets), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Scott September. But Scarlets centre Scott Williams and when you look at the age of most of the Baldwin (Ospreys), Kristian Dacey (Cardiff ), The experienced squad will tackle Eng- Ospreys lock Alun Wyn Jones both re- players, and this is going to be another Ken Owens (Scarlets), Jake Ball (Scarlets), land at Twickenham on May 29 before turned after spells on the sidelines. important summer.” Luke Charteris (Racing Metro/FRA), Bradley playing three Tests against world cham- Halfpenny, 27, had been scheduled to Wales reached the quarter-fi nals at Davies (Wasps/ENG), Alun Wyn Jones pions New Zealand, as well as a match make his comeback in mid-April and was the World Cup, narrowly losing to South (Ospreys), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent against Hamilton side the Chiefs, in June. included in Toulon’s squad for the Eu- Africa, and fi nished second to England in Dragons), James King (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate “We have picked a squad that is packed ropean Champions Cup, but he is still to the Six Nations. (Ospreys), Ross Moriarty (Gloucester/ENG), full of experience for what is going to be return to action. WALES SQUAD Josh Turnbull (Cardiff ), Sam Warburton Owen Farrell and Saracens will contest their second European Cup a challenging, but exciting fi ve-match At the weekend, Toulon owner Mourad Backs (16): Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Rhys (Cardiff , capt) final in three years on Saturday against Racing 92.

CRICKET ROUND-UP Surprised Bangladesh lift s domestic ban on Hossain if Dhoni continues till AFP at Lord’s is an absolute honour. Who wouldn’t Dhaka want to have Lord’s as their home ground?” Bailey is currently playing for Rising Pune Su- 2019, says pergiants in the Indian Premier League. angladesh lifted a ban on disgraced fast Ganguly bowler Shahadat Hossain yesterday, al- RECORDS TUMBLE AS ROOT lowing him to play domestic matches AND BAIRSTOW RUN RIOT New Delhi: Former India skipper weeks after he apologised for torturing England stars Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow Sourav Ganguly does not think that anB 11-year-old girl he employed as a maid. warmed up for next week’s fi rst Test against Sri current limited overs captain Mahen- Hossain was banned from all forms of cricket Lanka in record-breaking style as they shattered dra Singh Dhoni will last till 2019 and last year by the Bangladesh Cricket Board after a host of Yorkshire records in their triple-centu- feels that it is high time Indian selec- he became a subject of investigation for alleged ry stand against Surrey on Monday. tors appoint a new captain to lead the criminal off ence, which drew huge media inter- Root fi nished the second day of the County side in the next ICC World Cup. est. The BCB said Hossain was now free to play Championship fi xture unbeaten on 190, while Ganguly, who heads the Cricket domestic cricket including the lucrative Bang- Bairstow scored 198 as the pair put on a fourth- Association of Bengal (CAB), further ladesh Premier League (BPL) after he made an wicket partnership of 372 to help First Division said that Test skipper Virat Kohli is emotional appeal seeking a return to cricket. champions Yorkshire reach 486 for fi ve at Head- the best man to replace the Ranchi “He, however, will not be considered for ingley. Having joined forces at 45 for three early stumper, under whom India won the national team selection until his legal issues in the day’s play, it took only 67 overs of blister- ICC World T20 in 2007 and the 50- are settled,” BCB chief executive Nizamuddin ing stroke-play from Root and Bairstow to etch over World Cup in 2011. Chowdhury said, adding the ban was lifted on their names into the Yorkshire record books. “Every cricket team in the world “humanitarian considerations”. Yorkshire’s highest stand against Surrey, plans their future. But my question Hossain, who has denied abusing the girl George Hirst and Ted Wainwright’s 340 at The to the selectors is three-four years in the past, apologised on April 28 for what he Oval in 1899, was the fi rst milestone surpassed down the line, do they see M.S. Dhoni called his “misdeed” and said he had made “a before they overtook Darren Lehmann and as captain of India?,” Ganguly was mistake”. “I regret the unwarranted incident I Michael Lumb’s 358, the all-time club best for quoted as saying by ‘India Today’ was involved in and apologise to the whole na- Fast bowler Shahadat Hossain was banned from all forms of cricket last year by the Bangladesh the fourth wicket just 10 years ago. channel. tion,” the cricketer said in an emotional state- Cricket Board for torturing an 11-year-old girl he employed as a maid. (AFP) Eventually all but four of Yorkshire’s top part- “Dhoni has been captain for nine ment. nerships under any category were all surpassed years, which is a long period. Does he Bangladeshi police charged the 29-year-old years in jail. But a source said the couple and the lum and Mitchell McClenaghan in pitching up at in a dazzling display that must be heartening for have it in him to go for another four pacer and his wife, Nritto Shahadat, with charg- girl’s family may agree to a fi nancial settlement Lord’s this year. England when they return to Headingley to face years? He has already given up Test es of assault and torture last year after the young that would see her withdrawing the allegations. “Obtaining high-quality overseas player Sri Lanka next Thursday. cricket and now plays only ODIs and girl was found crying on a roadside, her eyes cover for an entire season is extremely diffi cult Elsewhere in the Championship, Brett T20s. So the selectors need to find bruised and swollen. MIDDLESEX MOVE FOR AUSTRALIA and everyone at Middlesex is delighted that we D’Oliveira made another piece of history for his an answer to whether they see Dhoni The couple went into hiding after police BATSMAN BAILEY have been able to acquire the services of a player famous family as Worcestershire took control leading India in 2019? If the answer raided their house in September when the girl Australia batsman and former limited-overs of George’s ability,” said Middlesex’s managing against Glamorgan in the Second Division. is no, then find a new captain. If the complained that they had beaten and tortured captain George Bailey will join Middlesex at director of cricket Angus Fraser. “George is an D’Oliveira hit 202 not out in Worcestershire’s answer is yes, which I will find very her. Television footage showed her frail and thin the end of next month, the English county an- outstanding cricketer with an excellent record total of 456 for six declared as he emulated very surprising, Dhoni continues,” he looking appearance and police said one of her nounced yesterday. in all forms of the game and as someone who has his father Damien and grandfather Basil. The added. hands had been burnt with a hot cooking paddle. The 33-year-old, capped 104 times by his captained his country, he will be a valuable addi- D’Oliveira trio are now the fi rst grandfather, Hailing the 27-year-old’s on-field at- Hossain spent two months in custody after country across the formats, will play for Mid- tion to the squad both on and off the field.” father and son to score fi rst-class double cen- titude, Ganguly feels that Kohli is the he handed himself in to police on October 5 and dlesex from late June until mid-August. Bailey, who played for Sussex last year, told turies. best in the world in terms of consist- has since been released on bail, as was his wife. He will replace compatriot Adam Voges while the Middlesex website: “I can’t wait to get over The 24-year-old’s impressive innings came ency. Kohli has already led India in 17 A judge has ordered that the couple would face the Middlesex captain is on Test duty in Sri Lan- there. “I’m itching to play in the UK again after a just days after he recorded his maiden Champi- matches, scoring four centuries. trial and if convicted they would face up to 14 ka and follows New Zealanders Brendon McCul- productive and enjoyable stint last year. Playing onship ton. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 11, 2016 11 CRICKET

IPL Hyderabad hold their nerve to edge out Supergiants Supergiants’ Australian leg-spinner Zampa finishes with career-best figures of 6-19 off four overs

IANS Visakhapatnam Rising Pune Supergiants leg-spinner Adam Zampa bowls as Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Shikhar Dhawan dam Zampa snared six wickets but it looks on during an IPL match in was not enough to prevent the Sun- Visakhapatnam, yesterday. (BCCI) risers Hyderabad holding on to clinch a narrow four-run win over the Rising PuneA Supergiants in the Indian Premier league at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam yesterday. Australian leg-spinner Zampa fi n- ished with career-best fi gures of 6-19 off four overs while he also captured the second-best fi gures in the competition’s history behind only 6-14 from Sohail Tanveer for the Rajasthan Roy- als against the Chennai Super Kings in 2008 as Hyderabad were restricted to 137-8. Left-arm seamer Ashish Nehra then picked up 3-29 as Pune could only manage 133-8. The loss eff ectively ended Pune’s hopes of making the playoff s while Hyderabad moved to the top of the table, with 14 points from 10 matches. Pune began the last over of the match needing 14 runs to win the match but Nehra had Thisara Perera (17) caught at extra cover off the third ball of the over. Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (30) clubbed the fourth ball over long-on for six before being run out off the fi fth ball trying to steal a second run while Zampa (0) was superbly caught by keeper Naman Ojha off the last ball of the match. Earlier, Dhawan (33) was the top scorer Hy- derabad. Zampa was the wrecker-in-chief for Pune while Ravichandran Ashwin (1-16) and RP Singh (1-23) claimed a wicket each. Opting to bat, Hyderabad got off to a slow start in the fi rst two overs scoring just 34 runs. As pressure mounted on openers Dhawan (33) and skipper David Warner (11), seamer R.P. Singh dismissed in-form Warner in the third over to have the visitors at 18/1. Despite the early wicket, Dhawan played pos- itively sneaking in with ones, twos and couple of boundaries to help team reach 34/1 after com- pletion of powerplay. The left hander was supported well in the other end by incoming batsman Kane Wil- With both the openers back in pavilion, Wil- back into the game. by Moisen Henriques (10) to have Hyderabad in BRIEF SCORES: liamson (31). After striking two boundaries and liamson and new batsman Yuvraj Singh (23) took But a much needed bowling change by Pune a spot of bother to post a competitive total. Sunrisers Hyderabad 137/8 in 20 overs (Shikhar two sixes, as Dhawan was aiming at yet another some time in the middle to get settle down but skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni worked wonders Next up, Zampa bowling the 20th over dis- Dhawan 33; Adam Zampa 6-19, Ravichandran Ash- half-century, veteran off -spinner Ravichandran once Yuvraj fi gured out the wicket well, he un- as young leg-spinner Zampa dismissed Yuvraj missed Deepak Hooda (14), Ojha (7) and Bhuv- win 1-16, RP Singh 1-23) bt Rising Pune Supergiants Ashwin removed him in the 11th over to have leashed his cricketing shots striking two sixes to put brakes on the scoring. Soon after, Wil- neshwar Kumar (1) to claim a brilliant six wick- 133/8 in 20 overs (G Bailey 34, R Ashwin 29, MS Sunrisers at 64/2. and one four in three balls to put Hyderabad liamson too departed in the 18th over, followed et-haul. Dhoni 30; A Nehra 3-29) by four runs.

Manohar quits as India SPOTLIGHT cricket board chief

Mumbai: Shashank Manohar Cricket superpower India tickled resigned as the president of the Indian cricket board on yester- day, as the embattled organi- sation comes under growing pressure from the country’s top pink as Asia warms to twilight Tests court to introduce wide-ranging reforms. Manohar wrote to Reuters board secretary Anurag Thakur New Delhi to announce his resignation “with immediate eff ect”, in a move expected to trigger his ndia, a country notoriously slow bid for re-election as chairman to adopt new ideas, has now em- of the International Cricket Ibraced the concept of day-night Test Council. matches and it will surely not be long be- “The BCCI confirms that Indian newspapers have fore twilight fi ve-day games are a regular Mr. Shashank Manohar has been reporting for several days feature on the sub-continent. India and resigned from the post of that Manohar would resign Pakistan are set to play fl oodlit Tests this President, BCCI,” Thakur said his post at the BCCI in order year while Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are in a statement. “He has also to stand for re-election as ICC considering following suit pending the resigned as the BCCI repre- head. Under reforms that Mano- results of domestic trials. sentative on the International har had himself supported, it India’s all powerful board of control, Cricket Council (ICC) and the will soon no longer be possible the BCCI, has traditionally been suspi- Asian Cricket Council. to be chairman of the ICC and cious of anything new and ensured the “The BCCI places on record head up the national board of world’s second most populous nation its deep appreciation of the one of its member countries. was the last of the major cricketing pow- immense contribution to Indian “I think it’s his personal deci- ers to embrace the Twenty20 format cricket made by Mr. Manohar.” sion to contest the ICC’s inde- of the game. That embrace has quickly Manohar had only been in pendent chairman position. The turned into a passionate love aff air cour- his post since October last year, reasons why he stepped down tesy of the Indian Premier League (IPL) when he returned for a second only he can tell you,” former but the BCCI is still resisting the Deci- stint as president of the Board India captain Sunil Gavaskar sion Review System (DRS) with all its of Control for Cricket in India told NDTV. considerable might. (BCCI) in the wake of the death “I think it will be terrific to It insists it will not accept the technol- of Jagmohan Dalmiya. have an Indian as the first ever ogy, which is aimed at reducing umpiring The 58-year-old lawyer had independent chairman of the howlers, until it is foolproof. As a result been widely regarded as a safe ICC,” Gavaskar added. DRS is not used in any bilateral series in- pair of hands who could bring In the wake of the IPL corrup- volving India. some much needed stability to tion scandal, India’s Supreme The commercial prospects of day- a board whose reputation has Court commissioned retired night Tests, however, have not been lost been tarnished by several scan- judge Rajendra Mal Lodha to on the world’s richest cricket board and dals. Manohar had pledged to draw up a report on the BCCI’s it announced last month it would host a Last November, Adelaide Oval hosted the first floodlight Test between Australia and New Zealand. clean up the board after being governance in a bid to avoid fl oodlit Test against New Zealand when unanimously elected as head of future conflicts of interest. the Black Caps tour later this year. BCCI with the pink ball under the fl oodlights dwindling crowds amid the many bur- October, provided the Caribbean nations what is the most powerful body The Lodha Committee rec- secretary Anurag Thakur said the con- as a Test.” geoning Twenty20 leagues springing agree to the proposal. in world cricket. ommended that the board in- troversial pink ball used in such contests Turnout for Test matches in India gen- up across the cricketing globe. Even Sri Another Asian team, Bangladesh, are After becoming BCCI presi- troduce term and age limits for would be trialled in the domestic Duleep erally lags far behind the full houses that Lanka, who turned down Pakistan’s pro- being a little more cautious about dip- dent, Manohar swiftly moved to its off ice bearers and a ban on Trophy to help captain Virat Kohli and can be expected for one-day interna- posal to play a day-night Test in 2013 cit- ping their toes into the water. topple another of his predeces- television adverts in between his team prepare for the day-nighter. tionals and some IPL fi xtures. Even those ing their inexperience with the pink ball, New Zealand have proposed hosting a sors, Narayanaswami Srinivas- overs during live broadcasts. “There are lots of factors that need to in the BCCI suspicious of change, there- are now considering the option. day-nighter when Bangladesh visit the an, from the ICC chairmanship Its mega rights deals with be taken into account. Things like dew fore, were enthused by what they saw at “We are looking at it very positively,” country in December and England want and reverse some of the recent Indian broadcasters, including factor, how the spinners bowl with the Adelaide Oval last November when Aus- Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Mohan de to play a twilight Test during their tour rule changes that had been for the IPL, have helped make pink Kookaburra (ball) on Indian pitch- tralia and New Zealand played out the Silva told Reuters. “We are gearing our- of the South Asian country in October- designed to give greater power the BCCI by far the wealthiest es,” Thakur said. fi rst fl oodlit Test. self for the eventuality. The ICC (Inter- November, a Bangladesh Cricket Board to India, England and Australia. board in world cricket. The dates and venues of the series The match only lasted only three days, national Cricket Council) has cleared it (BCB) offi cial told Reuters. Manohar had publicly Many of the game’s smaller against New Zealand have yet to be con- hence the controversy over the pink ball, and (at some point), we’d also fall in line.” “We have not decided on either of the blamed Srinivasan for bringing Test-playing nations have been fi rmed but Kolkata’s Eden Gardens has but attracted more than 123,000 fans The ICC approved day-night Tests in proposals yet,” BCB media and commu- the BCCI into disrepute follow- accused of bending to India’s been put forward as a possible venue by through the gates at the picturesque 2012 after successful trials of pink balls in nication committee chairman Moham- ing a Supreme Court probe that demands in the ICC, desper- Cricket Association of Bengal president ground as the hosts clinched the trans- Australia, England, Pakistan and South med Jalal Yunus said. “We trialled the found Srinivasan’s son-in-law ate to attract tours by India and former India captain Sourav Gan- Tasman series. Africa. pink ball here but there were some issues guilty of corruption in the which can ensure their financial guly. “We want to play host to a pink-ball The Adelaide turnout looked even Pakistan will play a day-night Test in regarding the shine and durability. We Indian Premier League. security. Test in the future,” said Ganguly. “We more impressive at a time when the Australia in December and might play need to address those issues before tak- will try to host a local four-day match game’s longest format is grappling with one before that, against West Indies in ing a decision.”

Wednesday, May 11, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Al-Hamad completes Spectacular end to endurance challenge Indian community at Zandvoort 12hr football competition QIA Champions League first beneficiary SC’s Community Grant Scheme

he fourth edition of the Qatar In- dian Association for Sports and Games (QIA) Champions League ended with a thrilling fi nal be- Ttween Team MBM and City Exchange Nadham Doha at Doha Stadium this past weekend, with Team MBM running out 3-1 winners. The match was preceded by an en- thralling closing ceremony that featured By Our Correspondent until then everything was going a music show, with thousands of mem- Zandvoort well with the car,” said Amro. bers of the Indian community coming to In the second part of the race watch the spectacle. on Saturday, team mate Cyril Founded by Indian expatriates eager to mro al-Hamad (pic- Calmon took the start, after the play their favourite sport in a competitive tured) travelled to crew had made the repairs, the environment, the QIA Champions League the Dutch coastal race team were anxious to make up was the fi rst benefi ciary of a grant from track of Zandvoort last time and catch the SP2 class the Supreme Committee for Delivery & weekendA but he had no time for leaders to chase a dream podi- Legacy (SC)’s Community Grant Scheme. sightseeing. In his toughest en- um position. On the next driver The Community Grant Scheme was set up durance race yet the Vortex V8 changeover with Lionel Am- to support projects that make a diff erence Team overcame several diffi cult rouche, he had heavy contact within communities across Qatar. technical issues with the car to with another car which damaged SC Community Engagement manager fi nally fi nish the 12hr race. the bodywork on the rear and the Khalid al-Jumaily said, “We at the SC The 12hr race for this event was front compromising the aerody- want everyone to feel a part of the 2022 conducted in two parts over two namics of the car. FIFA World Cup Qatar and the lasting days, due to excessive noise in Amro took his fi nal stint in the legacy we are creating along the way. That the sleepy coastal town. With 43 car at 5pm and took the fi nish fl ag is why we ensure local voices are heard, as cars on the grid on Friday, Lionel at 6:20pm completing the race this will help us make sure we deliver a Amrouche put the car on P18, 3rd and bringing the car home 5th in World Cup legacy that is right for them. fastest in the competitive SP2 class. “The QIA Champions League fi nal is class. Amrouche took the start of “It was a very diffi cult race but a proud moment for us, as it is the fi rst Speaking of the event, QIA Patron Mo- the race on Friday and after his the whole team pulled through initiative we have supported through our hamed Qutub said: “This year’s compe- stint changed drivers with Amro with repairs and then a fuel pump Community Grant Scheme and the posi- tition was the biggest and best we have who took the wheel for a short problem in my second stint today tive impact we are having is clear to see on hosted so far and that is thanks to the time before a race ending crash but the teamwork paid off and at the faces of tonight’s spectators. Of course, amazing support we have received from caused by a throttle problem, 6 least we fi nished the race which this would not have been possible without the business community, local cultural laps into his stint. The car is based makes it all worthwhile.” the event’s organisers, so I am grateful to associations and, of course, from the SC. on a BMW 1 series M Coupe, the “Once again I’d like to thank our them for the eff ort they have put into host- This year’s event has once again demon- original turbo engine has been re- Qatar Motorsport Federation for ing such an impressive show. Although the strated football’s ability to bring people placed with a Chevrolet V8, giv- being so co-operative facilitating QIA Champions League is the fi rst benefi - closer together and highlights not only ing around 550hp and weighs just all the documentation and licens- ciary of our Community Grant Scheme, it the passion for football here, but also the over 1,000kg, but with no ABS ing to enable me to race interna- will not be the last and I encourage anyone opportunity to bridge cultures that the and no Traction control the car tionally and special thanks our inspired by the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup represents.” remains a challenge. President of the Federation Ab- with the desire to improve the quality of The SC’s Community Grant Scheme “I was coming into turn 7 when dulrahman al-Mannai, for making life, health or well-being of their commu- remains open to community organisa- the throttle stuck wide open at the whole process easy for me.” nity to apply for a grant.” tions or individuals who are eager to sup- 100% then I tried to brake but “I will continue to look for In addition to an action-packed night port their local community. Grants of up couldn’t stop and hit the bar- sponsor partners to support me of football, spectators were treated to a to QR30,000 are available to support a rier hard on the side, it was really in the next phase of endurance music show from Keralite artist Stephen range of initiatives that improve the qual- strange situation with the elec- races and I am looking to make Devassy, who was greeted by exuberant ity of life, health and well-being of local tronics and it was such a hard hit the next step into prototype rac- cheers from the crowd, as well as a cul- communities across Qatar. More infor- that we spent the rest of the race ing in the new LMP3 car as there tural exchange involving children from mation and an application form can be stuck in the pit box for an hour is a lot of potential for more in- the local Indian community. found on the SC website. (SC.qa) and a half repairing the damage, ternational exposure for Qatar.”

Inter-Communities Volleyball Challenge Cup 2016 Qatar SC win Under-17 Volleyball Cup

Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) technical director Hussein Imam Ali (second from left) headed a technical committee meeting of the Inter-Communities Volleyball Challenge Cup 2016 at the QVA headquarters yesterday. The meeting was attended by players and representatives of the participating teams from India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Nepal. The competition will be held from May 11 to 13 Qatar Sports Club receives the winners’ trophy after beating Al Sadd 3-0 (25-19 25-17 25-17) to win the at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena. PICTURE: Jayaram 2015-16 Under-17 Volleyball Cup at the Qatar Volleyball Association Hall yesterday. PICTURE: Jayaram

FIVBA Volleyball Tournament MOHAMED SHAMLAN MEMORIAL CRICKET TOURNAMENT QALCO triumph over M Pallonji in opener

By Sports Reporter Doha

atar Lubricants Co. (QALCO) began their campaign in the 1st Mohamed Shamlan Memorial Cricket Tourna- ment 2016 with a 37-run win over M Pallonji.Q Sponsored by QALCO, the tournament was inaugurated by QALCO Operations manager Shahid Iqbal in the presence of the teams and Managing Committee members of Qatar Vet- erans’ League. M Pallonji won the toss and elected to fi eld QALCO Operations manager Shahid Iqbal inaugurates the 1st Mohamed Shamlan Memorial fi rst. QALCO had a disastrous start losing Cricket Tournament in the presence of teams and Qatar Veterans’ League off icials. three wickets in quick succession for only 11 runs. They, however, recovered to score 108 For M Pallonji, Dixit claimed two wick- scalped two. Milroy was the top-scorer for M AAB Toyota players celebrate their win in the men’s rated category of the FIVBA (Philippines runs for the loss of 10 wickets in the allotted ets while Krishna, Neeraj, Milroy and Rajesh Pallonji with an 18-ball 16. QALCO’s Ruwan Volleyball) tournament at Qatar Volleyball Association Hall in Doha on Friday. AAB Toyota 15 overs with Buddika scoring 26 runs of eight scalped one each. was adjudged Man of the Match. defeated FIVBA Lions in the final 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 26-24) to take the trophy. The tournament, balls with four sixes. Ifzal added a 17-ball 22 In reply, M Pallonji could only manage The fi nals of this tournament are scheduled which was held for rated and non-rated teams for both men and women, started on March 11. with two sixes and Hilmy pitched in with 16 71 runs, with Ruwan and Suminda claim- for Thursday, May 26, MIC Sports Complex runs off 12 balls (one six). ing three wickets each. Captain Shahid Iqbal (Mesaieed ground).