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Monday, February 29, 2016 NBA Jumada I 20, 1437 AH Curry’s three-pointers GULF TIMES break NBA records and Thunder’s hearts SPORT Page 7

Manchester City players celebrate with the trophy after winning the League Cup final against Liverpool at the Wembley Stadium in London yesterday. City edged out Liverpool 3-1 on penalties. (Reuters)

SPOTLIGHT City beat Liverpool in League Cup fi nal Goalkeeper Caballero makes three saves in the shoot-out

Reuters to ignite in a fi rst half low on quality. the Argentine’s shot. Liverpool boss London Liverpool were assured in posses- Juergen Klopp sent Lallana on with 20 sion without having much cutting edge minutes remaining and the midfi elder and it was counter-attcking City who was involved in the equaliser. Arriv- anchester City guaranteed came closest to scoring after 22 minutes ing unmarked in the area, he prodded manager Manuel Pellegrini when Sergio Aguero’s shot was touched Daniel Sturridge’s cross against the some silverware in his last against the post by Mignolet. Aguero post and the ball defl ected kindly for season in charge with a had led Liverpool centre back Mamadou Coutinho to beat Caballero in front of Mpenalty shootout defeat of Liverpool in Sakho a merry dance in the build-up, a red wall of Liverpool supporters. the League Cup fi nal after last night’s the Frenchman still dizzy after an ear- Mignolet denied Yaya Toure and match at Wembley ended 1-1. lier clash of heads with teammate Emre Fernando in the nervy fi nal min- City keeper Willy Caballero saved Can that eventually forced him off to be utes while at the other end Liverpool spot kicks from Lucas Leiva, Philippe replaced by Kolo Toure. substitute Divock Origi was close to Coutinho and Adam Lallana while The second period was action- touching Jordan Henderson’s Yaya Toure slotted home the winning packed and it was four minutes old shot past Caballero. eff ort as they triumphed 3-1 on penal- when the deadlock was broken in a Aguero had the fi rst clear chance in ties. Earlier, Fernandinho gave City the moment Mignolet will want to forget. extra time when he was denied by a lead after 49 minutes when his shot Aguero slid a pass to the sprinting refl ex save from Mignolet. Caballero, slipped through keeper Simon Migno- Fernandinho down the right and while preferred to Joe Hart in goal, made an let’s grasp but Coutinho levelled with the Brazilian’s shot from a tight angle even better stop to keep out Origi’s seven minutes to go from a rebound. was well struck, it should never have point-blank header at the start of the Mignolet and Caballero made vital squeezed past the keeper. Raheem second period of extra time. Former saves in extra time but City clinched Sterling, loudly booed by Liverpool City midfi elder James Milner’s poor season’s fi rst trophy in dramatic fash- fans throughout, could have killed off back header gave the lurking Aguero a ion to give Pellegrini his second League his old club on the hour but steered a chance but he stabbed his eff ort well Cup, having also lifted it two years ago shot wide with the goal gaping. City over. Liverpool drew fi rst blood in the as well as the Premier League title. took charge and Aguero was denied a shootout when Fernandinho’s spot Once the now familiar pre-match raz- clear-cut penalty when tripped by Al- kick hit the post but three consecutive zamatazz of pyrotechics and national berto Moreno and Mignolet redeemed failures made it a miserable fi rst Eng- anthem was concluded, the fi nal failed himself with a low save to keep out lish fi nal for German Klopp.

QSL Sadd cruise past Arabi By Sports Reporter pounced on an Arabi midfi eld mistake, it if Boualem Khoukhi’s long distance Doha and his powerful run and shot found shot had found the back of the net. the bottom left corner of Rajab Ham- With Al Arabi pushing hard to get za’s goal. back into the tie, Sadd eff ectively fi n- SL side Al Sadd took a major Al Sadd where in the ascendency ished off the match on the 74th minute step in consolidating their and it didn’t take them long to regis- thanks to a Hassan Haydoos tap in top four status yesterday, ter a second goal. This time it was the from close range. Sadd captain Xavi defeating rivals Al Arabi 3-1 turn of January signing Morteza Pour- put through an inch perfect pass to Qin a pulsating QSL tie at Lekhwiya sta- aliganji to head in from a Xavi corner. substitute Hamza, and his deft no look dium. The Iranian international’s well time pass found it’s way into the path of the Two fi rst-half goals from defenders run and header found the back of the Qatari international who slotted in Musab Khoder & Morteza Pouraliganji net for a memorable fi rst goal for his from six yards out for his eighth goal of along with a breakaway second half new side, the fi rst half ended 2-0 to Al the season. strike from Qatari international cap- Sadd. The buildup play and assist from tain Hassan Haydoos ensured that the Al Arabi found their way back into Hamza was worthy of winning any Wolves grabbed all three points. the tie on the 48th minute. Veteran tie, and Sadd coach Jesaldo Ferreria Al Sadd started the tie on the front midfi elder Javad Nekounam took ad- can rest a little easier now he has day- foot, and created a host of key chances. vantage of some lax Sadd defending, to light between his side and the chasing However it was in the 20th minute that hit a half volley shot past Sadd stopper pack for the top four places. The result they found their breakthrough. Qa- Saad al-Sheeb. Al Arabi began to push leaves Al Sadd in fourth place, four tari U23 international Musab Khoder for an equalizer, and could have had points clear of fi fth-placed Umm Salal. Gulf Times 2 Monday, February 29, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT BACKING OFF Ronaldo issues climb down from Man Utd starlet teammates rant Rashford leaves Arsenal reeling The win represented Van Gaal’s third win over the past six days but more significantly, damaged Wenger’s hopes of winning Arsenal’s first league title in 12 years File picture of Real ’s Cristiano Ronaldo. AFP “When I said this I was AFP Madrid referring to my level of fi tness, Manchester not play. I am not better than any of my teammates. I don’t hree-time World Player want to undervalue any of eenage forward Marcus Rash- of the Year Cristiano Ro- my teammates, but when the ford’s dream start to life at Man- naldo has backtracked best aren’t there it is diffi cult chester United continued yes- on critical comments of to win” terday as he scored two goals in This Real Madrid teammates fol- This team’s 3-2 victory over Arsenal at Old lowing their 1-0 defeat to Atleti- “I don’t want to undervalue Traff ord. co Madrid. any of my teammates, but when The win represented Louis van Gaal’s The derby defeat on Saturday the best aren’t there it is diffi cult third victory, in three competitions, realistically ended Real’s title to win.” over the past six days, but more signifi - challenge as they now trail lead- “I like to play with Pepe, Ka- cantly, damaged Arsene Wenger’s hopes ers Barcelona by nine points hav- rim (Benzema), Bale, Marcelo. of winning Arsenal’s fi rst league title in ing also played a game more. I don’t want to say that Jese 12 years. Ronaldo lambasted his team- (Rodriguez), Lucas (Vazquez), The 18-year-old forward, who scored mates by suggesting Real would (Mateo) Kovavic are not good twice in the mid-week Europa League be top if everyone was as good as players, they are very good, but victory over FC Midtjylland, was on the him. to win a competition you need mark again in an astonishing fi rst half in “If everyone was at my level, the best.” which he beat Petr Cech on two occa- we would be top,” he said. However, Real captain Sergio sions. However, Ronaldo issued a Ramos launched a staunch defence To make his impact all the more stun- subsequent statement to Madrid of the rest of the squad, pressuring ning, the goals came within three min- sports daily claiming he Ronaldo into a climbdown. utes of each other as United delivered a was referring to his fi tness levels “We are proud of everyone serious blow to Wenger’s aim of narrow- having not missed a minute of La that is part of the squad and the ing the fi ve-point advantage that leaders Liga action this season. work of all the players that get Leicester City held before kick-off . “When I said this I was refer- fewer minutes (on the fi eld),” said After 29 minutes, Ander Herrera start- ring to my level of fi tness, not the Spanish international. ed a move with a telling tackle on Theo play. I am not better than any of “Players like Vazquez, Jese or Walcott, sparking a counter-attack that my teammates.” Borja (Mayoral) are giving eve- ended with Guillermo Varela crossing Ronaldo had in particular ques- rything because they know how from the right and Gabriel hacking a poor tioned the role of Madrid’s squad hard it is to get their chance here, clearance directly to Rashford. players in the absence of the injured but Cristiano is free to off er his The teenager did the rest with a com- Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Pepe. opinion.” posed fi nish from a dozen yards, the fi rst shot of his Premier League career result- ing in his fi rst goal. DOMINANCE Arsenal’s poor defending was badly exposed in that attack and worse was to follow from the next serious foray into Olympiakos win Results & Standings Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring their second goal against Arsenal at Old Traff ord yesterday. Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2 record-extending Tottenham 2 Swansea 1 their territory with Varela again infl u- Ozil’s through-ball into the area and was it back to Herrera just outside the area. ential, making an important header that denied well by De Gea. The Spanish midfi elder’s crisp shot Pos. Team P W D L F A Pts kept the ball in play. Rashford won a free-kick inches out- might have been saved by Cech, but a 43rd Greek title 1 Leicester City 27 16 8 3 49 29 56 Jesse Lingard received the ball and side the area after a trip by Gabriel, with strong defl ection off Laurent Koscielny 2 Tottenham 27 15 9 3 49 21 54 picked out Rashford, who had again Memphis Depay’s low set-piece being gave the diving Arsenal goalkeeper no 3 Arsenal 27 15 6 6 43 26 51 slipped his marker Gabriel, and the well held by Cech, while Alexis Sanchez chance. 4 Man City 26 14 5 7 48 28 47 youngster planted a perfect header past replied for Arsenal with a snapshot that Again, Arsenal responded, from 5 Man United 27 12 8 7 36 26 44 the diving Cech. fl ew narrowly wide. Sanchez’s right-wing cross on 69 min- 6 West Ham 27 11 10 6 41 31 43 Wenger looked stunned on the Arse- The entertainment continued after utes, which found Welbeck on the six- 7 Southampton 27 11 7 9 35 26 40 nal bench, a mood refl ected by his play- the restart as United sought to continue yard line for a shot that was blocked by 8 Stoke City 27 11 6 10 29 33 39 ers, although his side were able to pull an a remarkable run of close to 250 Premier De Gea. 9 Liverpool 26 10 8 8 38 36 38 important goal back before the interval, League home games in which they have The rebound fell kindly for Ozil, who 10 Watford 27 10 7 10 29 28 37 predictably through the former United led at half-time and not lost. showed predictably superb technique in 11 Chelsea 27 9 9 9 40 37 36 striker Danny Welbeck. Morgan Schneiderlin saw a shot keeping a bouncing ball down and driving 12 Everton 26 8 11 7 46 35 35 Mesut Ozil was the architect with an blocked from a home corner and Cech it past the diving De Gea from 15 yards. 13 West Brom 27 9 8 10 27 34 35 inch-perfect free-kick from midway in- needed two attempts to keep out De- Herrera and Aaron Ramsey were cau- 14 Crystal Palace 27 9 5 13 29 35 32 side the United half and Welbeck, who pay’s long-range shot as Arsenal toiled, tioned for a scuffl e as tempers became 15 Bournemouth 27 7 8 12 30 44 29 eluded his marker Marcos Rojo too easily, prompting Wenger to bring on Olivier frayed and Van Gaal argued with the 16 Swansea City 27 6 9 12 25 36 27 guided a header past David de Gea from Giroud just after the hour in place of the fourth offi cial, throwing himself to the 17 Norwich City 27 6 6 15 30 51 24 10 yards. ineff ective Walcott. ground theatrically to make a point. 18 Newcastle 26 6 6 14 27 49 24 The goals were the highlight of a thrill- But the next attack brought United a But apart from half-chances for Gir- 19 Sunderland 27 6 5 16 32 51 23 ing fi rst half in which Nacho Monreal precious third goal, in the 65th minute, oud and Kolscielny, both of whom missed Olympiakos players celebrate after clinching a record-extending 20 Aston Villa 27 3 7 17 21 48 16 should have given the visitors the lead with Rashford again involved as he held with headers, there was little further 43rd Greek Super League title with a 3-0 victory over Veria. after just seven minutes when he chased up Juan Mata’s through ball before laying goalmouth action. Reuters “We’re simply delighted,” Athens Silva said. “Olympiakos BOTTOMLINE is the best team without a doubt and to win the title lympiakos Piraeus the earliest in the club’s clinched a record- history is something special extending 43rd Greek Super League title will be diffi cult but we know we withO a 3-0 victory over Veria can succeed.” Rose caps blistering fi ghtback yesterday. Silva’s team remain on course Spanish midfi elder David Fus- for a domestic double and face a AFP A short corner gave Angel Ran- hardly enhanced by the foot ter, the club captain, scored in cup semi-fi nal, fi rst-leg tie against London gel the chance to shoot from dis- injury that England midfi elder each half before his blocked shot PAOK Salonica on Wednesday. tance and the Swansea defender’s. Dele Alli appeared to suff er in rebounded for Mexico striker Olympiakos’s Spanish goal- eff ort took a defl ection off the the pre-match warm-up. Alan Pulido to add a late third keeper Roberto said: “I’ve won ottenham remain hot on heels of Jack Cork and fell per- Alli had played on but was well goal and seal a straightforward three titles in three seasons and the heels of Leicester in fectly for Italian forward Paloschi below his best as Tottenham la- win at a sun-drenched Georgios I’m proud and hugely satisfi ed the Premier League title to lash into the roof of the net. boured to breach Fabianski’s Karaiskakis stadium. with the result of all the work race after Danny Rose’s Tottenham’s response was goal. Olympiakos retained the ti- we’ve put in. Tlate winner capped a dramatic emphatic as they laid seige to the The Swansea stopper denied tle with six matches to spare “Each season our president fi ghtback in yesterday’s vital 2-1 visitors’ goal. Eriksen with a good stop early in as they have a better head- tries hard to make the team bet- victory against Swansea. Eriksen tested Fabianski with the second half and reached up to-head record over second- ter, to improve the facilities and Mauricio Pochettino’s side a dipping free-kick, then Kane to palm away Kane’s long-range placed AEK Athens, who were conditions we work in and I’m were in danger of losing ground had a low drive turned away by eff ort. playing Panathinaikos later on just so proud to be part of this on the leaders when Alberto Pal- the former Arsenal keeper. Eriksen was narrowly off tar- Sunday and trail the leaders by great club.” oschi gave struggling Swansea a Son Heung-min should have get with another free-kick and 21 points. Silva’s dominant team re- shock lead at White Hart Lane equalised before the interval but Dier also failed to hit the mark Olympiakos’s 43rd league ti- corded a club-record 17 league with his fi rst goal since his Janu- the South Korean forward, clean as Tottenham swarmed forward. tle, and their 18th in the last 20 wins in a row in a perfect start ary move from Chievo. through with just Fabianski to The relentless pressure paid seasons, was also their fastest. to the season, beating the previ- But Nacer Chadli came off Tottenham’s Danny Rose celebrates scoring their second goal with beat, could only produce a tame off in the 70th minute when Kyle They had never before sewn up ous mark of 16 achieved by Trond the bench to equalise in the Harry Kane during their match against Swansea yesterday. shot that was easily saved. Walker fi red goalwards and sub- the title as early as February. Sollied’s 2005/06 team. 70th minute and Rose sealed the Paloschi had an opportunity stitute Chadli was in the right The win was the perfect tonic PAOK continued their return to comeback seven minutes later Manchester United and are now Tottenham striker Harry from Andre Ayew’s pass, with place to divert the ball past Fabi- for Marco Silva and his players form with a 2-0 home win at the when the defender bagged his three points behind them ahead Kane, wearing a mask to pro- only Toby Alderweireld’s block anski at last. who suff ered a disappointing Toumba against Asteras Tripolis fi rst goal since May. of next Saturday’s crucial north tect his broke nose, should have denying him a second goal. Eriksen saw a 30-yard rocket Europa League exit at the last-32 on Saturday, with Greece mid- Tottenham have now won London derby. opened the scoring moments Just after, Rose’s low cross kept out by Fabianski, but Tot- stage on Thursday after losing to fi elder Dimitris Pelkas and Slova- their last six league matches Swansea, who are only three later, yet Swansea goalkeeper looked certain to be converted tenham were too dynamic to be Belgian side Anderlecht. kia midfi elder Robert Mak on tar- and sit in second place, just two points above the relegation zone, Lukasz Fabianski was equal to by Eric Dier, but his shot was denied and the winner arrived in “We’re simply delighted,” Sil- get for Igor Tudor’s team. points behind Leicester, as their had an early chance when Palo- his close-range eff ort from a brilliantly pushed away by Fa- the 77th minute. va said. “Olympiakos is the best The result lifted PAOK up to fans start to dream of a fi rst Eng- schi crossed low to the edge of Christian Eriksen cross. bianski. A corner was only half cleared team without a doubt and to win fourth spot, with the Salonica lish top-fl ight title since 1961. the six-yard box, where Gylfi Sig- Those early misses came back Tottenham had played four and fell to left-back Rose, who the title the earliest in the club’s club aiming to cement their place Making the day even sweeter urdsson fi red powerfully towards to haunt Tottenham in the 19th games in the last two weeks, took a touch before smashing history is something special. in the top fi ve ahead of the end- for Tottenham, their bitter ri- goal, only to be denied by a superb minute as Swansea snatched the while Swansea had been inac- his shot under Fabianski to spark “Our next target is to win an- of-season playoff s which decide vals Arsenal were beaten at tip over from Hugo Lloris. lead. tive, and their prospects were wild celebrations. other title, the Greek Cup, which the remaining European places. Gulf Times Monday, February 29, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Blatter warns newly-elected Infantino of FIFA backstabbers Sepp Blatter warned Gi- plemented at the scandal-hit anni Infantino yesterday that body will help Infantino as he miracles will be expected from embarks on his new era. him as the newly-elected FIFA “The miracles will be helped president but there will be by the vote overwhelmingly Infantino must plenty of backstabbers if he taken for the reforms which I fails to deliver. had also started. Blatter, currently serving a “If by chance, you want an six-year suspension from opinion or advice, do not hesi- football, saw his 18-year reign tate. For now, stay calm. You as FIFA chief off icially end have two months to imple- Friday when 45-year-old UEFA ment the decisions taken.” secretary-general Infantino Blatter said Infantino will be mend bridges and was voted in as football’s most allowed a period of grace but powerful man. could face stormy waters if But in an open letter to the reforms are implemented Swiss-Italian lawyer, Blatter too slowly for the patience of warned his successor to be federations and sponsors. wary of the pitfalls that come “Prepare yourself well but be with the job. He also said he vigilant. While everyone sup- was ready to off er his help if ports you and tells you nice sort out fi nances required. words, know that once you are “I congratulate you, but the president, friends become remember however that rare.” ‘The sponsors need to regain trust and confidence in FIFA and, if we can achieve this, this position you wanted will The veteran off icial added not be easy. Miracles will be that he was looking forward to then revenue streams will increase and FIFA will not have to worry about the future’ expected,” Blatter wrote in other challenges in the future an open letter published in now that he is no longer the Reuters French newspaper, Journal du FIFA chief. Zurich dimanche. “At 18:01 on Friday, when you “I had these expectations for were elected, a weight lifted the last 18 years at FIFA which from my shoulders. I have now ianni Infantino will mark his I served for 41 years.” less responsibility and more fi rst working day as president of Blatter said that the package time in my life. I am no longer soccer’s governing body yester- of reforms which will be im- president.” day by playing in a soccer match Gwith Swiss-based FIFA employees bat- tered for months by an unfolding corrup- tion scandal. RELIEF The match symbolises a return to the primary focus of FIFA that for some has been lost in tales of high-living by top executives and abuses that culminated in Udinese, Sampdoria the banning of Infantino’s veteran pred- ecessor Sepp Blatter for six years. When he walks into the presidential win to steer clear of offi ce at FIFA’s headquarters on a Zurich hilltop, the new incumbent will quickly have to deal with fi nancial and admin- drop zone istrative problems, bring back sponsors, motivate a demoralised work force and engage with clubs and players who are DPA Frosinone and Verona. growing increasingly disillusioned. Rome Palermo drew 0-0 at home Previously general secretary of Eu- to in-form Bologna and are one ropean soccer’s governing body UEFA, place, and four points, above the Infantino must also dispel the notion he dinese beat bottom side relegation zone. was elected to represent only the inter- Verona 2-0 yesterday to Bologna lie ninth having lost ests of his own powerful continent. Some move seven points clear only one of their last eight outings, had expected a Bahraini rival to win the of the danger zone in drawing with leaders Juventus and post in a tilt towards Asia for the sport. theU Italian Serie A. fourth-place Fiorentina. FIFA has been the subject of criminal Emmanuel Badu headed a 31st Mattia Destro missed - investigations in the United States and minute opener off veteran An- gna’s best chance when he was Switzerland, although these will be lurk- tonio Di Natale’s cross and Cyril denied on 48 minutes by Josip ing uncomfortably in the background Thereau scored in 56 to secure a Posavec, who also blocked a late rather than an immediate worry. win that put the Udine hosts into shot from Godfred Donsah. The same goes for the 2018 and 2022 14th position. Home captain Franco Vazquez World Cups, awarded to Russia and Qatar Sampdoria also moved away had two eff orts saved on 57 and in a highly controversial vote in 2010 and from trouble, going fi fth from 62 minutes. the subject of the Swiss investigation. last after winning 2-0 over A classic fi xture between Ju- One of the Swiss national’s earliest struggling Frosinone. Samp trail ventus and Inter Milan closes tasks will be to appoint a secretary gen- city rivals Genoa, who crashed the Sunday programme. Lazio vs eral to take charge of day-to-day opera- 1-0 at Chievo, on goal diff erence. Sassuolo and the late big match tions, a post Infantino has already indi- and actual contracts signed so far for the clubs and players, who complained they and the game’s key stakeholders,” said Samp’s Brazilian Fernando Fiorentina vs Napoli are played cated will go to a non-European. 2015-18 cycle. were left out of the process which led to FIFPro. hit the bar in the fourth minute today. Another priority will be to lift the mo- Jerome Champagne, one of Infantino’s a sweeping reform package passed before “The players, much like the clubs, but scored just before the break Roma beat Empoli 3-1 to go rale of the 400-odd employees at FIFA, four rivals in the election, has said that Infantino was elected. leagues and fans, were ignored in the lat- as Lorenzo De Silvestri squared third Saturday and AC Milan many of whom are highly-qualifi ed two of the eight sponsorship slots for the FIFA’s competitions depend on a deli- est reform.” from the right. Fabio Quagliarel- won 1-0 against Torino. and have soldiered on for the last eight 2018 World Cup and 20 out of 27 slots for cate agreement signed with the clubs It added that the rights of the world’s la then made the points safe 20 months trying to ignore the chaos at the other competitions remained unfi lled. who release their players for national 65,000 professional players were “often minutes from time. RESULTS: Palermo 0 Bologna 0, top. FIFA did not comment on the fi gures. team games on certain dates stipulated in blatantly overlooked and exploited as a Carpi drew 1-1 with Atalanta Carpi 1 Atalanta 1, Udinese 2 Hel- “They went through a diffi cult time, Infantino will have to come good on the an international calendar. result of FIFA’s monopolistic structure”. and stayed second last in the las Verona 0, Chievo 1 Genoa 0, a diffi cult period and I want to tell them generous promises of development funds The international players’ union FIF- FIFA’s unity is another important mat- three-team relegation zone with Sampdoria 2 Frosinone 0 that I count on them, that I believe in for FIFA’s 209 member associations Pro last year launched a legal complaint ter. them and we will do great things togeth- made during his electoral campaign. at the European Commission against Large parts of Africa and Asia voted for er,” Infantino told a news conference af- “The sponsors need to regain trust and football’s transfer system, which could main rival Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim ter being elected. confi dence in FIFA and, if we can achieve have wide-ranging ramifi cations. al-Khalifah and even Infantino’s South FIFA’s lack of credibility has made it this, then revenue streams will increase FIFPro did not even congratulate In- American allies admitted there were is- diffi cult to sign new sponsorship deals and FIFA will not have to worry about the fantino on his election, instead unleash- sues over the drain of their top players to and it is facing a $108 million defi cit for future,” he said. ing an angry statement saying it took a European clubs. Villarreal bidding 2015, according to Suketu Patel, who sits “I have vast experience in this area and “dim view” of the whole process. “We have told Infantino that clearly on the independent audit and compli- my track record showed that UEFA didn’t “FIFA’s system of governance has been there are opposing interests because of ance committee. go bankrupt at all, on the contrary rev- based on favour swapping and fi nancial the way the European market operates,” for third place Patel said there was a shortfall of $530 enue increased.” inducements, not to mention obstruct- Uruguayan soccer chief Wilmer Valdez million between the budgeted revenue He must also mend bridges with the ing external oversight from governments told reporters. DPA Madrid illarreal are just two points behind trou- bled Real Madrid after thumping lowly Levan- Vte 3-0 yesterday. The Yellows are fourth, 11 Gladbach climb to fourth with points above fi fth-placed Celta Vigo, and now only two behind third-placed Real Madrid, who crashed 1-0 at home to neigh- bours Atletico Saturday. thrilling fi ghtback at Augsburg Villarreal coach Marcelino Villarreal’s Samuel Castillejo (L) Garcia has always said his objec- celebrates after scoring. AFP ness for Bayern Munich after Japan midfi elder Hiroshi Ki- tive was to clinch fourth place, Augsburg their midweek Champions league yotake capped his fi rst start and thus enter the play-off s right for us today, nothing at all. drtaw at Juventus, they racked up since November after injury by for next season’s Champions We made things very indeed for yet another win on Saturday. setting up both goals for de- League. However, third place Villarreal,” said Levante coach orussia Moenchenglad- Robert Lewandowski scored fender Christian Schulz. - and direct access to the elite , whose team are joint bot- bach climbed to fourth his 23rd league goal of the season It means just four points sep- competition - is now a possibil- tom on 20 points with Granada. in the German league as Bayern went 11 points clear arate the bottom three sides, but ity, given Real’s poor form. Later Sunday, Athletic table yesterday after a with a 2-0 win at Wolfsburg. Hanover remain fi ve points from Villarreal went into the game cruised up to seventh with a 3-0 pulsatingB fi ghtback earned them Pep Guardiola’s outfi t now safety. in good heart after Thursday’s romp at troubled Valencia, who a 2-2 draw at Augsburg. have 62 points out of a possi- Swiss striker Josip Drmic 1-1 draw at Napoli which took are 12th. The Brazilian striker Raf- ble 69, their tally exactly dou- scored his fi rst goal for Hamburg them into the round of 16 of the Valencia went into the game fael had sent Gladbach into a ble that of Wolfsburg, who are in their 1-1 draw at home to In- Europa League. in good spirits after four straight half-time lead before the game eighth. golstadt, whose striker Lukas Against feeble Levante, Leo wins in all competitions, but Bil- exploded into life with three Bayern could eff ectively wrap Hinterseer headed an equaliser. Baptistao, Samuel Castillejo and bao looked stronger in the sec- goals in five second-half min- up the league title with two vic- Both sides are in mid-table, but Adrian Lopez scored for Villar- ond half and won thanks to a sev- utes. tories in the coming week, at Werder Bremen are deep in the real, who have not conceded a en-minute blitz which saw goals Despite their midweek Europa home to Mainz on Wednesday relegation battle despite their 2-2 goal in fi ve league games - a new from Sabin Merino, Iker Muniain League exertions and exit at the and then at Dortmund in next draw at home to Darmstadt. club record. and . hands of Liverpool, Augsburg, Saturday’s key match. Anthony Ujah’s early opener “We are actually above our The win will fi ll Bilbao with who are 13th, roared back with A tight struggle in Wolfsburg was cancelled out by Darm- own objectives now,” Villarreal’s optimism ahead of their Europa two goals in quick succession. Moenchengladbach’s Fabian Johnson (L) and Oscar Wendt was settled by second-half goals stadt’s Sandro Wagner, and Marcelino said. League clashes with Valencia. Iceland striker Alfred celebrate after the second goal against Augsburg yesterday. as Kingsley Coman scored for Aytac Sulu headed Darmstadt “To fi nish third would be won- Later Sunday, Deportivo La Finnbogason thumped a header the fi rst time since November ahead on 82 minutes before derful. But we’re not getting to Coruna were to host lowly Gra- home on 50 minutes, his fi rst goal home his shot on 55 minutes to Gladbach could be usurped before Lewandowski netted for gave Bremen a get too excited about it, we’re nada then leaders Barcelona since joining from Olympiakos, make it 2-2. from fourth if Bayer Leverkusen the 33rd time this season in all 90th-minute equaliser. just going to take this thing one were to face Sevilla, who are the before Brazil winger Caiuby slot- The visitors should have won win later on Sunday at Mainz. competitions. On Friday, Hertha Berlin game at a time.” last team to have beaten them. ted neatly home just three min- as Sweden’s Oscar Wendt fi red Also playing later Sunday are Elsewhere, bottom side strengthened their grip on third Levante had veteran defender utes later. wide late on with the goal at his second-placed Borussia Dort- Hanover gained ground in the place with a 1-0 victory at Co- David Navarro sent off , and he RESULTS Gladbach’s American winger mercy while only a Marwin Hitz mund, who are hosting second- relegation battle with a shock logne as Vedad Ibisevic scored will miss Wednesday’s home 1 Malaga 1 Fabian Johnson however gave the save denied Borussia captain bottom Hoff enheim. 2-1 win at Stuttgart after an the winner to break their run of game against Real Madrid. Villarreal 3 Levante 0 perfect answer as he smashed Granit Xhaka. Meawhile it was back to busi- eight-match losing streak. six games without a win. “Absolutely nothing went Valencia 0 3 Gulf Times 4 Monday, February 29, 2016 SPORT

CRICKET COMMENT India will be tough to beat in World Bangladesh record Twenty20: Smith

Reuters though, and Smith is no excep- Sydney tion. “It’s one that’s alluded us, the T20 World Cup, and it would be ustralia skipper Steve great to win that trophy, that’s upset win over Lanka Smith is determined to our goal,” Smith added. secure the one major “It’s going to be a tough tour international in India, in conditions that are ‘We have always struggled a bit in Twenty20. This was a good win for us’ trophyA his country has never foreign to us. But it’s really ex- won but thinks India are going citing and I think we’ve got the to be tough to beat when they squad to give that tournament a host the World Twenty20 next real shake.” Bangladesh’s Mustafi zur Rahman (L) celebrates with teammates aft er month. Deprived of the advantage the dismissal of Sri Lanka’s during their Asia Cup T20 The Australia squad, world that their pace brings match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. (AFP) champions in 50-overs cricket them on home soil, Australia will and number one in the test world look more to the batting line-up rankings, fl ew to South Africa on to make the diff erence in India - Sunday morning to prepare for even if Smith is not yet sure how the March 8-April 3 tournament. it will look. Their best result in the fi ve “I’m not really sure of the previous versions came when make up of our top three or four they reached the 2010 fi nal, yet, obviously, there’s a lot guys however, a 3-0 drubbing by In- who that fi ll those position,” dia in a recent Twenty20 series Smith said. has given them plenty of food for “We’ve got three games to thought. have a look at that before the “On any given day in T20 World Cup. We’ve got some very cricket any side can be danger- destructive and talented batters ous, an individual can take a up the top of the order that we game away from you,” Smith told can choose from.” reporters at Sydney airport. Smith said all four injury “(But) I think India in Indian concerns - Aaron Finch, Shane conditions are going to be very Watson, James Faulkner and tough to beat. They’re a very Nathan Coulter-Nile - were good side as we saw out here in “tracking well” and should be in the three Twenty20s we played contention to feature in the three in Australia so I think they’re go- matches in South Africa. ing to be right up there.” Australia get their World T20 No Australian cricket captain campaign underway against goes into a tournament or series New Zealand in Dharamsala on believing victory is impossible, March 18.

GOLF Oosthuizen wins Perth International

AFP 66, to fall just short of forcing a Perth playoff with 15-under. Scrivener holed a 60-foot putt at the last to fi nish outright third at 14 un- AFP “We just lost our way, and once we hit SCOREBOARD Pakistan to bounce back outh Africa’s Louis Oost- der. Another Frenchman Gre- Mirpur that 12-runs-an-over mark, we just kept BANGLADESH from India loss, says Malik huizen hung on for a gory Bourdy, who only made the losing ,” said Mathews Mohamed Mithun lbw b Mathews 0 one-shot victory and his weekend cut by one stroke, fi n- Leading Sri Lanka in absence of the S Sarkar c Mathews b Kulasekara 0 Pakistan miscalculated the pitch in fi rst win for more than ished tied for fourth place with abbir Rahman scored a brilliant regular captain , Mathews Sabbir c Jayasuriya b Chameera 80 twoS years, in the European and American Peter Uihlein at 13 the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka and half-century to set up a 23-run opened the bowling and struck Moham- Mushfiqur Rahim run out 4 will learn from their mistakes after Asian Tour co-sanctioned Perth under after closing rounds of 65 win for Bangladesh over Sri Lanka mad Mithun plumb in front for a duck in Shakib c Chandimal b Chameera 32 a crushing five- loss to bitter International at Lake Karrinyup and 66. in the Asia Cup Twenty20 in Dha- the second ball of the innings. Mahmudullah 23 rivals India, batsman Shoaib Malik yesterday. A third Frenchman Romain kaS yesterday. Mathews then took a catch off Nuwan Nurul Hasan c Mathews b Chameera 2 A one-under 71 was enough Wattel fi nished with a par 72 for said yesterday. Sabbir hit 80 off 54 balls as Bangladesh Kulasekara to remove the other opener Mashrafe Mortaza run out 2 Pakistan were bundled out for a to get the world number 21 home 12 under and outright sixth. posted a respectable 147-7 and then re- Soumya Sarkar, also for a duck, giving Sri Extras (b1 w-2 nb1) 4 paltry 83 in Saturday’s crucial T20 tie on 16-under 272 over Frenchman Oosthuizen’s 13th career tri- stricted Sri Lanka to 124-8 for their maid- Lanka a solid start to the game. Total ( seven wickets; 20 overs) 147 against M.S. Dhoni’s side. They must Alexander Levy after a closing umph and eighth on the Euro- en win over the islanders in the Twenty20 Sabbir launched a counter-attack, hit- Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Mithun), 2-2 (Sou- win against the United Arab Emirates round containing three bird- pean Tour continues a success- format. ting Kulasekara for three fours and a six mya) 3-26 (Rahim), 4-108 ( Sabbir), 5-123 ( (UAE) today to keep their Asia Cup ies and two bogeys. The 2010 ful history of South Africans at The win, Bangladesh’s second in three off consecutive balls in the fourth over Shakib), 6-140 ( Nurul), 7-147 (Mortaza) hope alive. The game has an added British Open champion led by Lake Karrinyup tournaments, matches in the tournament, kept the hosts to seize the momentum back for the Bowling: Mathews 3-0-8-1, Kulasekara significance as it will make Pakistan three shots heading into the fi nal with Ernie Els (2002) and Retief fi rmly in the race for a place in the fi nal on hosts. 4-0-44-1, Perera 1-0-14-0, Jayasuriya the first team to play 100 Twenty20 round, but briefl y lost the lead to Goosen (2003) claiming John- March 6. They will face Pakistan in their He continued in the same vein despite 3-0-21-0, Herath 4-0-24-0, Dilshan 1-0-5-0, internationals. Australian Jason Scrivener. nie Walker Classic wins at the last league match on March 2. the run out of Mushfi qur Rahim for four Chameera 4-0-30-3 (nb1 w2) “Playing against India, it’s a pressure However, birdies at the sev- course. Al Amin Hossain claimed 3-34 while at the other end and shared 82 runs with SRI LANKA game for both the teams,” Malik said enth and eighth holes steadied LEADING FINAL-ROUND Shakib Al Hasan chipped in with 2-21 as Shakib for the fourth wicket stand. D. Chandimal c Taskin b Mahmudullah 37 after a training session in Dhaka. Oosthuizen as Scrivener fell SCORES Sri Lanka collapsed from 76-1 to lose their Shakib was happy to play second fi d- T. Dilshan c Soumya b Shakib 12 “We made some mistakes, we didn’t away with consecutive bogeys on 272 -Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) last seven wickets for 41 runs. dle as Sabbir fl ayed Sri Lanka’s bowlers to S. Jayasuriya st Nurul b Shakib 26 know what the conditions here would the ninth and 10th. 70-64-67-71 was dropped on the complete his third Twenty20 internation- A. Mathews c Shakib b Al-Amin 12 be. It was tough to bat yesterday. But Oosthuizen had a three-putt 273 -Alexander Levy (FRA) 70- second ball of the innings and went on to al fi fty off 38 balls with a six off Shehan T. Perera lbw b Mustafizur 4 we miscalculated somewhat, because bogey at the fi nal hole as he won 67-70-66 make a run-a-ball 37, the highest in Sri Jayasuriya over midwicket. M. Siriwardana c Sabbir b Mortaza 3 we had no idea about the conditions,” his fi rst tournament in Australia 274 -Jason Scrivener 69-67-69- Lanka’s innings. “It was a good opportunity to come in D. Shanaka c Rahim b Al-Amin 14 he said. and his fi rst since the Volvo Golf 69 Shehan Jayasuriya was the only other early. I just rotated the strike and played to C. Kapugedera not out 12 “Now we have played. Now we know Championship in 2014. 275 -Gregory Bourdy (FRA) notable run getter for Sri Lanka with 26 my strength,” said man of the match Sab- N. Kulasekara c Soumya b Al-Amin 0 how to deal with it. It’s going to be a “It’s great to be back in the 73-71-65-66, Peter Uihlein (USA) from 21 balls. bir. D. Chameera not out 1 great game against UAE. Obviously, winning circle,” Oosthuizen said. 65-68-71-71 “We have always struggled a bit in Medium pacer Dushmantha Chameera Extras ( w3) 3 you learn from your mistakes, and “I always say it’s great to be 276 -Romain Wattel (FRA) 66- Twenty20. This was a good win for us,” ended his onslaught when he deceived Total ( eight wickets; 20 overs) 124 that’s why we are here doing prac- nervous with three holes to go in 73-65-72 said Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mor- the right-hander with a slower to Fall of wickets: 1-20 (Dilshan), 2-76 tice,” Malik added. a tournament because it means 277 -Brett Rumford 68-65-73-71 taza. force a catch at midwicket to Jayasuriya. (Chandimal), 3-78 (Jayasuriya) 4-85 (Per- “We know we have the best attack you’re up there somewhere— 278 -Mardan Mamat (SIN) 69- “The wicket was pretty good to bat on. Chameera took an edge from Shakib, era),5-92 (Siriwardana),6-102 (Mathews), among all the teams. Batsmen have you’ve a chance of winning it. 69-69-71 With 147, you can still fi ght it out. After a who made 32 off 34 balls, in the next over 7-116 (Shanaka), 8-117 (Kulasekara) to take responsibility,” he said. “That’s what we do all the 279-David Lipsky (USA) 72-67- couple of catches missed, we stood up and and added Nurul Hasan to his tally to fi n- Bowling: Taskin 3-0-19-0, Al-Amin 4-0- “Whoever gets in has to score 60-70, hard work for, to try to get into 72-68, Julien Quesne (FRA) 73- did our best.” ish with 3-30. 34-3, Shakib 4-0-21-2 (w1), Mustafizur 4-0- so your team ends up scoring 140- that position. 69-69-68, Magnus A Carlsson Sri Lanka captain rued Pakistan will face the UAE in the 19-1(w1), Mortaza 3-0-17-1(w1), Mahmudul- 150, which the bowlers can defend.” Levy fi red the equal-lowest (SWE) 68-71-71-69, Benjamin the loss of wickets. next match of the tournament today. lah 2-0-14-1. round of the day, a six-under Hebert (FRA) 70-70-68-71.

SPOTLIGHT Knock against Pak was learning curve for me: Kohli

IANS in the middle when you are in that situ- If I had some deliveries that were loose, Mirpur ation and dealing with it. There is no bet- I went after them playing correct crick- Kohli fi ned for dissent aft er dismissal ter lesson than that,” Kohli was quoted as eting shots which was very important on saying by bcci.tv yesterday. this pitch.” Star Indian batsman Virat Kohli was yesterday tar India batsman Virat Kohli be- “Defi nitely it was a very challeng- The 27-year-old also praised team- fined 30 per cent of his match fee for miscon- lieves his match-winning 49-run ing knock. Chasing a low total is always mate Hardik Pandya, who returned with duct during Saturday’s Asia Cup match against knock against arch-rivals Paki- tricky when you are three down for eight fi gures of 3/8 while fellow pacers Ash- Pakistan, the International Cricket Council said. stan, which helped his team suc- runs with the ball swinging around with ish Nehra (1/20) and Jasprit Bumrah Kohli was found to have shown dissent at an cessfullyS chase down a tricky total, was a pace. It is never easy to go and dig in and (1/8) also made good use of the green umpire’s decision,said world cricket’s govern- great learning experience for him on how create an innings from there.” top. Spinner Ravindra Jadeja (2/11) also ing body. to build an innings in tough situations. Pakistan pacer Mohammead Amir bowled well. The incident happened in the 15th over of Both teams struggled to bat on a bowled superbly to fi nish with fi gures of “The way the bowlers started off the India’s innings when Kohli, after being given greenish wicket at the Sher-e-Bangla 3/18, clinching the wickets of Rohit Shar- innings was brilliant. Nehra picked up out leg before, showed his bat and then looked National Cricket Stadium here on Satur- ma, Ajinkya Rahane and Suresh Raina. a wicket in the very fi rst over and then back at the umpire and uttered some words as day with uneven bounce in the Asia Cup “Hats off to the way the Pakistan Bumrah came in and did the job too. he left the crease. . Indian bowlers bowlers bowled - especially Mohammad There were a couple of run-outs as well, Kohli top-scored with 49 off 51 balls as India justifi ed captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s Amir. It was a pleasure playing that spell; so it was a complete bowling and fi elding defeated bitter rivals Pakistan by five wickets in decision to fi eld by bundling out Pakistan that tested me out completely. To come eff ort,” he said. the Bangladesh capital Dhaka. for a mere 83 runs in 17.3 overs. out of that, it gives me a lot of confi dence “All in all, it was a wonderful game for Kohli admitted the off ence and accepted the Indian batsmen then braved some ex- as a batsman. I am just delighted that I us. It tested the batsmen a bit but that is sanction proposed by match referee Jeff Crowe cellent bowling by Pakistan pacers to could contribute to the team’s success what you need, you need challenges in and no formal hearing was needed, said the overhaul the target in 15.3 overs with fi ve and winning high pressure games is al- every game that you play. You don’t want ICC. wickets in hand. “It is a learning for me ways nice,” India’s Test skipper said. to get complacent as a team and you got Such off ences carry a minimum penalty of an personally to play on these kind of pitch- “It was just about keeping the score- to respect the opposition and the con- off icial reprimand and a maximum penalty of Virat Kohli (R) reacted after being given out lbw despite getting an es and learn how to build an innings. You board ticking and not giving away wick- ditions which is exactly what happened 50 per cent of a player’s match fee. inside edge. (AFP) cannot learn anywhere better than out ets. But my intent was always positive. today.” Gulf Times Monday, February 29, 2016 5 SPORT

APPRECIATION UDC awarded for sponsorship of Emir’s Sword showjumping

By Sports Reporter him Jassim al-Othman received the Doha award on behalf of the company. Commenting on the exciting fi - nale and the recognition of UDC, al- ollowing the conclusion of Othman said, “We were honoured HH The Emir’s Sword In- to be commended by His Highness, ternational Showjumping the Emir, and also pleased to watch Championship 2016, held young Qatari horse riders exhibit fromF February 25-27 at Qatar Eques- strength, resilience and chivalry trian Federation’s (QEF) main are- at this tournament’s fi nale. Tradi- na, United Development Company tional sports continue to draw large (UDC) was awarded by HH the Emir crowds, which is a testimony to the Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani fact that it inspires younger gen- for its continued support and part- erations to carry on the legacy of nership. training and horse riding. United As a leading Qatari public share- Development Company takes pride holding company, United Develop- in investing and supporting major ment Company for the fourth consec- sporting events in the country, par- utive year extended a gold sponsorship ticularly equestrian sports, based to this prestigious event in recognition on the fi rm belief that this serves to of its corporate social responsibility preserve our Arabic roots and Qatari initiatives and commitment to serving identity.” the development of sports and culture Placing Qatar fi rmly on the for the good of the Qatari community. worldwide equestrian map, HH The After honouring the winning rid- Emir’s Sword International Show- ers and rewarding their season-long jumping Championship continues eff orts and achievements, the Emir to off er the spectacle of showjump- also gave away awards to the corpo- ing at its very best and as such, is rate sponsors of this lavish Arabian always a pleasure to witness the event. resilience and chivalry exhibited by UDC president and CEO Ibra- young Qatari horse riders. UDC president and CEO Ibrahim Jassim al-Othman receives the award from HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.

GYMNASTICS SPOTLIGHT Qatar Airways 32 nations to take part wishes Suarez in FIG Challenge Cup Navarro on her win The participating countries are expected to send as many as 250 gymnasts

By Sports Reporter Doha

he Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF) has completed its arrange- ments for the ninth edition of the FIG Artistic Gymnastics Chal- Tlenge Cup to be staged at Aspire Academy in Doha from March 24-26, 2016. The event will feature the participation of 32 countries to be represented by 250 athletes. The higher Organising commit- tee under the leadership of the QGF president Ali al-Hitmi met recently to discuss the final arrangements for the By Sports Reporter Doha and around the globe. By event. Doha partnering with key sports spon- The meeting was attended by the QGF sorships such as the Qatar Total assistant secretary general Abeer al- Open, we refl ect the values of Boainain and heads of Working Commit- atar Airways and Qatar sports as a means of bringing peo- tees. Duty Free, sponsors of ple together, something that is at After the meeting, al-Hitmi said that the Qatar Total Open the core of our own brand message he chaired the Qatari delegation that at- 2016, congratulate - Going Places Together.” tended the FIG Executive Committee CarlaQ Suárez Navarro (pic- Throughout the tournament, meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland on tured), winner of the annual sponsors Qatar Airways and Qa- February 24-25, 2016. women’s international tennis tar Duty Free invited spectators The FIG meeting focused on the tournament held at the Khalifa to take part in a range of family upcoming FIG events and thanked International Tennis and Squash activities on off er at the Public the QGF for hosting the 9th edition Complex in Doha, after an excit- Village inside the stadium. Fans of the FIG Artistic Gymnastics Chal- ing fi nal match held on February were photographed posing in lenge Cup. 27. front of their favourite holiday The QGF president reaffi rmed that the Part of the Women’s Tennis destinations, including Qatar increase in the numbers of participating Association Championships, Airways’ soon-to-be-launched countries was due the trust of other fed- the Qatar Total Open 2016 drew new destinations Sydney, Atlan- erations in the ability of Qatar to host an spectators from Doha and around ta and Birmingham. exceptional event in March. the world, who came to watch Visitors to the Qatar Duty Free Al-Hitmi added that the success of the tennis world’s elite compete pavilion discovered a range of Doha in hosting the previous editions for the coveted title. The tourna- luxury fashion brands available of the FIG Challenge Cup enabled us ment this year featured seven of from the duty free retailer at Ha- to win rights to host the 2018 FIG Ar- the world’s top 10 singles female mad International Airport, and tistic Gymnastics World Champion- tennis players, including An- were able to enter a draw to win ships. gelique Kerber, Simona Halep, an Audi R8. The 48th edition of the FIG Artistic Doha, between October 17 and 27, 2018. the Qatar Olympic Committee into reality. light of the Qatar 2030 National Vision Agnieszka Radwanska, Garbiñe Qatar Airways is one of the Gymnastics World Championships is ex- Al-Hitmi stressed that the QGF is aim- The QGF president also said that as Qatar is using sport as a catalyst for Muguruza, Petra Kvitova, Be- world’s leaders in sponsor- pected to be staged within the Aspire Zone, ing at bringing the vision and mission of hosting the FIG Challenge Cup comes in sustainable development. linda Bencic and Lucie Safarova. ing global sporting events from Qatar Airways group chief the recent Exxon Mobil Tennis executive Akbar al-Baker said: Championships and the Inter- FOCUS “Qatar Airways congratulates national Premier Tennis League Carla Suárez Navarro on her win - Asia, through to the airline’s at the Qatar Total Open 2016 and high profi le sponsorship of FC we look forward to welcoming Barcelona. her back to Doha next year to de- Qatar Airways is now in its Alfardan Premier Motors recognised fend her title. 19th year of operations and op- “As one of the world’s lead- erates a modern fl eet of 177 air- ing airlines, I am proud of our craft fl ying to more than 150 key close alignment with high-profi le business and leisure destinations for contribution to Qatar Total Open sporting partnerships, both in across six continents.

By Sports Reporter Doha

lfardan Premier Motors Co., the exclusive retailer of Jaguar Land Rover in the State of Qatar, cel- ebrated its continuing partner- shipA with Qatar Total Open – the prestig- ious international tennis tournament. As the offi cial transport provider for tennis players and offi cials at Qatar Total Open 2016 for the sixth consecutive year, Al- fardan Premier Motors added a touch of elegance with a fl eet of 45 Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles. These chauff eur- driven vehicles ferried the tennis stars as on February 27 when Carla Suárez Nav- “Delivering meaningful experiences supporting Qatar in becoming a world- well as staff to and from the Khalifa In- arro bagged the winner’s trophy for 2016. to tennis players and officials for the class destination for major, interna- ternational Tennis and Squash Complex Alfardan Premier Motors general man- sixth time in a row, Alfardan Premier tional sporting events.” in luxurious style and comfort. ager Rabih Ataya said: “We success- Motors has redefined luxury that’s as- Alfardan Premier Motors represents The tournament that began on 21st fully extended our partnership with this sociated with tennis in this part of the some of the world’s leading names in luxu- February 2016 witnessed an excit- year’s Qatar Total Open tournament, and world. This reflects a perfect synergy ry car brands and has captured a signifi cant ing star-studded line up of some of the we look forward to being a part of many between the brand and the sport. Also, share of the Qatar market mainly due to its world’s greatest women tennis players. such regional and international sporting our association with this tournament high attention to aftersales customer care The tournament culminated in the fi nals events. further strengthens our commitment to and satisfaction. Gulf Times 6 Monday, February 29, 2016 SPORT Qatargas to support QGA’s Junior Golf Program

By Sports Reporter Aziz al Mannai, Public Relations Manager, Qatargas. Doha Mohamed Faisal al-Naimi, Executive Director of Qatar Golf Association off icials QGA, thanked Qatargas for its continuing support. pose for a photo with junior “We thank Qatargas for its ongoing support for golfers at the Doha Golf Club. atargas has announced its support for the the Qatar Golf Association’s Junior Golf Program. Junior Golf Program run by the Qatar Golf As- This is the programme's sixth season in a row. The Qsociation (QGA) for the sixth season in a row. objective is to improve the standard of golf among Qatargas’ support for the programme is aimed the juniors with various teaching programmes and at helping to increase the popularity of the game weekly competitions throughout each golf season. of golf in Qatar, especially amongst the younger Qatargas’ support will definitely help our objective generation. Promoting and supporting sporting to see a whole new team of young Qatari golfers activities is an important element of Qatargas’ trained and equipped for future,” al-Naimi said. corporate social responsibility programme. The QGA in co-operation with Doha Golf Club In recent years, the company has been actively organises weekly golf competitions throughout the supporting a number of evolving sports activities in year, except during the summer period. The QGA's Qatar that include chess, badminton and ice-hockey junior players as well as junior members of the in a bid to nurture young talents and contribute to Doha Golf Club participate in these events. popularising these games in the local community. QGA also held a two-week training camp in “We are very pleased to continue our support for France for its junior team. the Qatar Golf Association’s Junior Golf Program as As part of the programme that started in Septem- part of our corporate social responsibility initiatives ber last year and runs till May 2016, young boys in the field of sport. We believe that our support will and girls will benefit from golf education, etiquette help in making the game of golf even more popular and training in addition to weekly golf events. The amongst the younger generation in Qatar. Qatargas’ objective of the QGA is to build new talented young support for various sporting activities is aligned with Qatari golfers to become national team players. the objectives of the Human Development pillar of Qatargas believes its support will help improve the Qatar National Vision 2030,” said Azzam Abdul the standard of golf among the juniors.

BOXING TENNIS Kyrgios troubled by Leo stops Martinez dodgy hip DPA Melbourne run, stays undefeated njured Nick Kyrgios (pic) is facing a scan on what could be a dodgy hip as the countdown intensifi es for next ‘I want Frampton. He said he wants Leo Santa Cruz celebrates his weekend's Davis Cup start for Aus- Itralia against the United States. fifth round TKO of Kiko Martinez Frampton win to move up in weight, so bring it on’ that helped him retain his The Marseille champion who had to quit Featherweight Super title. (AFP) his Dubai semi-fi nal against Stan Wawrin- helps McIlroy ka on Friday will then know if he can play AFP against the helpless Spaniard in front as scheduled against John Isner in opening Anaheim, California of a crowd of 7,700. ‘beat’ Rooney singles. The other opening day rubber will The fi ght was fi lled with plenty of pit Bernard Tomic against Jack Sock on the toe-to-toe action in the centre of the arl Frampton defeated Scott Quigg on grass at Kooyong Club. eo Santa Cruz stopped Kiko ring as Martinez was able to survive a split points decision to become the Kyrgios said in Dubai that he was barely Martinez on Saturday for the two knockdowns and come back CWBA and IBF super-bantamweight fi t all week as he played in nine straight his fi rst defence of the WBA strong in the second round. champion on Saturday and guaranteed fel- matches dating to the fi rst round in Mar- featherweight title, which The 27-year-old Santa Cruz, who low Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy a night seille. Australian media reports said that Lcould put him in line for a super-fi ght improved to 32-0-1, was disappoint- the 20-year-old could be suff ering with out at Wayne Rooney’s expense. in one of boxing’s strongest divisions. ed he didn’t get the early knockout. Frampton triumphed after 12 rounds intertwined hip and back issues. American Santa Cruz knocked He said he strayed from the game plan in front of a 20,000 sell-out Manchester If Kyrgios is unfi t to play in the Davis Martinez down twice in the opening because he wanted to put on a good crowd courtesy of 116-112 counts in his Cup, new captain Lleyton Hewitt would round before fi nishing him off at 2:09 show, before getting back on track. favour by two judges, with the other giving have to go with Sam Groth in his place to of the fi fth when referee Raul Caiz “He was ready,” said three division it to local fighter Quigg 115-113. back up Tomic. stepped in to halt the slugfest. world champ Santa Cruz of Martin- The hotly-anticipated bout also led to a Kyrgios seemed at a low ebb after quit- The Anaheim fi ght came on the ez. “I thought he was hurt and wasn’t good-natured Twitter duel between golf star ting in Dubai, confessing that he had been same day that Carl Frampton beat going to get up. I thought I was going McIlroy and Manchester United striker Roon- feeling pain all week. Scott Quigg in a split decision to be- to fi nish him but he is a fi ghter and ey. “Both top fighters mate but @scottquigg “I have been feeling so bad every day, come the WBA and IBF super-ban- came back strong. After we went toe- for me. How about the loser pays the bill like I’ve got some viral infection as well. tamweight champion in Manchester, to-toe I started to box him more and next time your in Manchester?” challenged I’m only human. I’m going to be tired, but England. did what my dad told me.” Rooney on Twitter on the eve of the fight. no matter what, if I’m going to play (Davis Now that he has his fi rst ti- The 26-year-old Martinez, who McIlroy retorted: “You’re a legend Wayne Cup), I’m going to, you know, do my best.” tle defence in the deeply talented lost to both Frampton and Quigg in but it’s @RealCFrampton all the way!” Kyrgios is hoping to make his fi rst Davis 126-pound division out of the way, the past, said he absorbed too many And as soon as the victory was con- appearance since last July after being left Santa Cruz is aiming for a showdown blows. “He broke my strategy. He firmed, the four-time major winner and off of the side which played a semi-fi nal with Northern Ireland’s Frampton was moving a lot and throwing a lot former world number one golfer gleefully against Britain in September due to dis- in the not too distant future. “I want of punches,” said Martinez, a former claimed his prize. ciplinary reasons after various on-court Frampton,” Santa Cruz said in the ring super bantamweight champ. “YESSSS!!!! Well done @RealCFrampton! outbursts in 2015. after his victory. “He said he wants to On the undercard, Mexican cham- Fought a smart fight. Get your wallet out @ move up in weight so bring it on.” pion Julio Cesar Ceja needed just 51 WayneRooney!!,” tweeted the 26-year-old. It didn’t hurt that Santa Cruz seconds to win a rematch over Hugo Frampton paid tribute to Quigg with looked impressive Saturday, throw- Ruiz in a WBC super-bantamweight whom he had fought a fierce war of words ing 140 punches in the fi rst round as title fi ght. in the build-up to the fight—over the choice Martinez was sent to the canvas for Ceja dropped Ruiz with a right to of dressing rooms. “That’s the end of all the just the fourth and fi fth time in his the jaw in the opening round. Ruiz disrespect—from my side anyway,” he told the career. The fi rst knockdown was a got up by didn’t last much longer as BBC. “I’m proud to have beaten a very good punch to the top and side of the head, the referee stopped the fi ght before fighter tonight. He was a worthy champion.” and the second was a straight right many in the crowd had a chance to Both McIlroy and Rooney had plenty of time hand set up by a left jab. settle into their seats. Ruiz was alert to watch the fight. McIlroy missed the cut at In the fi nal round, Santa Cruz but had to be taken from the ring in a Honda Classic in Florida on Friday while Roon- trapped Martinez on the ropes and stretcher after appearing to injure his ey is currently sidelined with a knee injury. unloaded a barrage of lefts and rights leg in the knockdown. LEWIS SAYS NO TO PROS AT OLYMPICS ALL THE BEST ormer World and Olympic cham- because they have a lack of experience Wladimir Klitschko at the Olympics, it pion Lennox Lewis has slammed and they are not that primed as a profes- wouldn’t have been fair for him because Sporting greats Fa proposal to allow professional sional yet. Now all of a sudden, you get a Vladimir had his time at the Olympics and boxers to compete at the Olympics, world champion or somebody in the top was able to go through that learning and hail retiring saying it could be dangerous for young 10 as a professional now going against then all of a sudden now, has 70 fights as amateur boxers. basically an amateur, somebody with a a professional... It’s just such a broad line Lewis won the super-heavyweight lack of experience... I don’t look at that there that I don’t really understand it.” sportswriter gold for Canada at the 1988 Games in as being fair,” Lewis said. Had the system, which has been Seoul before turning professional and Lewis pointed to current British world proposed by the International Boxing McIlvanney switching to represent Britain as unified champion Anthony Joshua, who won Association AIBA, been in place in Lewis’ heavyweight world champion. the gold medal in the same super-heav- day, he could have found himself in direct oxing great Mohamed Ali and Man- “I kind of think it is preposterous, to yweight division at the 2012 Olympics in competition in South Korea with then chester United legend Alex Ferguson a certain degree. The amateur system London to illustrate his concerns. world champion Mike Tyson, a challenge Bhave hailed veteran British sportswrit- is based for amateurs—this is why we “Anthony Joshua went to the Olym- for which he freely admits he would not er Hugh McIlvanney, who has announced his put in the headgear to protect them pics—all of a sudden, if he had boxed have been ready at that point in his career. retirement in the Sunday Times. McIlvanney, 82, covered Ali’s epic heav- yweight world title fi ghts in the 1960s and 1970s and also wrote with distinction about football and horse racing during a career spanning over 65 years. GCC Golf Championship “His words were a window to the lives, the courage, the struggles and the triumphs of at DGC from March 2-5 the great champions of his time,” Ali told the By Sports Reporter rounds on the par-72 DGC Sunday Times. “He has contributed richly Doha course. Each country has sent and uniquely to the fabric of our sport.” two senior teams and one McIlvanney’s fellow Scot Ferguson, the junior team for the four-day former United manager, said: “The great he Qatar Golf Associa- event, the opening ceremony experience of collaborating with Hugh on tion will host the GCC of which will be held tomor- my autobiography was one which dem- TGolf Championship (Sen- row at 3.30pm. onstrated the perfection which he places ior and Under-18) at the Doha The Qatari challenge will on his profession. He is a real football man Golf Club from March 2-5. The be led by the promising Ali (whose) command of the English language four-day event has attracted a al-Shahrani. Abdulrahman al- stands him apart from all others.” total of 37 players (20 senior Shahrani, Ghanim al-Kuwari Born in Kilmarnock in 1934, McIlvanney and 17 junior) from the UAE, and Saleh al-Kaabi are the began his career as a news reporter in 1950 Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, other members of the team. and wrote for The Observer and The Daily Oman besides hosts Qatar. The Qatar junior team is Express before joining The Sunday Times in While the senior team will made up of Saoud al Muhan- 1993. McIlvanney has retired as a column- play four rounds, the junior nadi, Sami Hussam and ist—a post he had held since 2003 —but Qatar Golf Association off icials announce the details of the GCC Golf Championship starting at Doha Golf Club on March 2.PICTURE: Jayaram team will be playing three Arnev Jain. will continue to write for the Sunday Times on an occasional basis. Gulf Times Monday, February 29, 2016 7 SPORT

FUTSAL MOTOCROSS UAE win Aspire Embassies tournament Duncan wins massive double By Sports Reporter Doha on WMX debut he Aspire Embassies Futsal Tour- nament concluded Saturday By Sports Reporter and crashed which left Van De following a fi nal between the Losail Ven with a bit of breathing room embassies of the United Arab in third. TEmirates (UAE) and Jordan. The UAE se- Meanwhile, last year’s WMX cured the title with a 6-3 victory. lovely summer night round of Qatar dominator, The match was attended by Aspire race made for a memo- Lancelot, had her work cut out Zone Foundation president Hilal al-Ku- rable opener to the 2016 as Duncan was hot on her tails. wari, Jordan’s ambassador Zahi al-Sma- FIM Women’s Moto- With 10 minutes to go, Dun- di, Consul at the UAE Embassy Ham al- Across World Championship for can seized the opportunity to Raashedi, Protocol Department assistant WMX rookie Courtney Duncan pass Lancelot, took the lead and director at the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs who stole the show on the im- didn’t look back. Abdulaziz al-Neima, and other repre- pressive man-made circuit of Lo- At the checkers, it was Duncan sentatives of the participating embassies. sail to win the round with a mas- who had stretched out a lead of 27 Jordan opened the scoring early on sive double race victory. seconds to win the opening race only for the UAE to equalise moments The opening race of the sea- of the year. Meanwhile, Lancelot later. Jordan then took the lead a second son is always gnarly and this time kept a cool head for second while time, but once again the UAE equalised. it was no diff erent. When the Van De Ven had a comfortable The UAE took the lead shortly after, with gates dropped, defending world gap in third over Larissa Papen- the fi rst half ending 3-2. title of the tournament, while al-Neima would like to thank everyone who has taking part in the next edition.” champion Kiara Fontanesi of meier and KTM Silver Actions’ The second half started strong and awarded Jordan with the runners-up contributed to the success of this tourna- Al-Raashedi added: “This tournament MXFontaRacing Syneco Honda Amandine Verstappen. expectations began to build that Jordan title. AZF Events manager Abdullah al- ment, especially the Ministry of Foreign is truly unique, as it represents an oppor- pulled across on the vice world When the gates dropped for might score, which they did to draw level Khater awarded Somalia with the third Aff airs, the participating embassies and tunity for a wide range of employees from champion Livia Lancelot of Team WMX Race 2, Nancy Van de Ven at 3-3. place title. the Qatar Football Association”. embassies in Qatar to practice sport and One One Four which forced them took yet another holeshot. Race The enthusiastic crowd played a big Commenting on the tournament, al- Al-Smadi expressed his delight with connect with one another in an informal both to lose a fraction of a sec- one winner Duncan was around part in driving the teams on, loudly Khater said: “The aim of organising such the organisation of such a tournament setting. We are proud of our win, and we ond and hand the young Dutch third place heading into the fi rst cheering their support for the players a tournament is to enhance ties between involving embassies in Qatar, saying: would like to thank Aspire Zone Founda- speedster Nancy Van De Ven the turn but wasted no time in pushing throughout the game. members of the community working in “We would like to thank Aspire Zone tion for the great success of this event. holeshot. past Lancelot, who was in second, The fi ght for the title continued until diff erent sectors of the economy. The As- Foundation and the organisers for their We look forward to taking part in such Just as she did last year, Van De and Van de Ven to take the lead. the closing stages of the match, during pire Embassies Futsal Tournament and eff orts in making the tournament a suc- events in the future.” Ven led the opening lap ahead of which the UAE was able to edge ahead the Aspire Banks League are great exam- cess in every respect, maintaining our The Aspire Embassies Futsal Tourna- Lancelot, Fontanesi and Duncan, Race 1 (top three) with another goal taking the game to 4-3. ples of this.” very high opinion of the Foundation’s ac- ment kicked off last November featuring who is fresh out of New Zealand. 1. C Duncan (Yamaha) 25:39.039 The Jordanian team’s eff orts to level He added: “At Aspire Zone Foundation, tivities. Such tournaments are important 18 embassies including Saudi Arabia, the On the opening lap none of the 2. L Lancelot (Kawasaki) +27.377 were unsuccessful and the UAE managed we are keen to encourage all members because they highlight the many positive UAE, Kuwait, Jordan, Syria, France, Por- girls were prepared to give an inch 3. N Van De Ven (Yamaha) +41.292 to score two further goals in the dying of the community to adopt healthy life- benefi ts of taking part, not only related tugal, Sri Lanka, Somalia, Russia, Spain, as Lancelot forced a pass up the Race 2 (top three) minutes of the match to seal the title. styles through the diff erent programmes to sport, but also encompassing cultural Mexico, the United States, Algeria, Tuni- inside of Van De Ven to take the 1. C Duncan (Yamaha) 25:46.879 Al-Kuwari awarded the UAE with the of activity we organise year-round. I and social aspects too. We look forward to sia, India, Ethiopia and Kenya. lead. A few corners later, Duncan 2. L Lancelot (Kawasaki) +28.037 carried more momentum into the 3. K Fontanesi (Honda) +48.139 waves and took second. Overall standings (top three) NBA As the Kiwi started breaking 1. C Duncan (NZL, YAM) 50 points down the walls of Lancelot, Fon- 2. L Lancelot (FRA, KAW) 44 tanesi over shot a 180 degree turn 3. N Van De Ven (NED, YAM) 38 Curry’s three-pointers break records and

Thunder’s hearts NHL ‘What Steph did was from the ridiculous to the sublime’ Detroit prevail late Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (right) attempts a in outdoors game three-point shot against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) during the fourth quarter against Colorado at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City on Saturday. (USA TODAY Sports ) By George Sipple utes, wasted another chance Detroit Free Press (TNS) midway through the second pe- riod, trailing 2-1. Avs defense- man Chris Bigras was penalized rad Richards, who has for holding Wings forward Luke played more NHL out- Glendening at 10:14. door games than any The Avs nearly scored instead. player in history, scored On a shorthanded 2-on-1 rush, Bwith a minute left in regulation Landeskog’s shot went off the to break a 3-3 tie as the Detroit crossbar. In the fi rst period, An- Red Wings went on to beat the drew Bodnarchuk went off for Colorado Avalanche, 5-3, in front high-sticking Darren Helm at of a sellout crowd of 50,095 at 10:17. Cody McLeod took a dou- Coors Field on Saturday night. ble-minor for high-sticking Kyle Richards played in his fi fth Quincey at 14:49. Quincey left outdoor game. He skated in three the ice but returned for the start outdoor games with the Rangers of the second period. (2012 and two in 2014) and one The teams traded off -setting with the Blackhawks (2015). penalties with 1:06 left in fi rst Darren Helm (goal, assist) period. Landeskog was called for scored into an empty net with holding the stick and Pavel Dat- 19.3 seconds left. syuk went off for roughing. Justin Abdelkader scored on a The Avs led, 2-1, at the end centring pass from Helm to give of the fi rst period. The Wings the Wings a 3-2 lead with 6:32 opened the scoring 5:07 into the left in the third period. It was Ab- game on an unassisted goal by delkader’s 15th goal of the season. Tatar, his 17th of the season. But the Avs tied the game But the Avs tied the game 14 seconds later. Alex Tanguay 2:37 later on MacKinnon’s 20th scored his fourth goal of the sea- goal of the season. MacKin- son on a shot from the right circle. non’s shot from the top of the Tomas Tatar (goal, assist) and left circle went over Mrazek’s Gustav Nyquist broke out of left shoulder. scoring slumps for the Wings. The Avs went ahead at 14:38 Tatar had not scored a point in on the fi rst on defenseman Tyson eight games. Nyquist had not Barrie’s 11th goal of the season. scored a goal in his last 11 games. Barrie deked and scored into an DPA Shaking off a twisted ankle, Curry was Durant fouled out in the extra session, All-Star Draymond Green - went on a Nyquist tied the game, 2-2, at open net. Avs forward Carl So- Los Angeles 12-of-16 from the arc as he tied the NBA but the Thunder still held a 118-115 lead profanity-laced tirade that was heard 1:27 of the third period with a no- derberg was in the crease but mark for three-pointers in a game shared with 33 seconds to play after a layup by through the locker room door. look backhand shot while facing didn’t interfere with Mrazek. Af- by Kobe Bryant and Donyell Marshall. He Andre Roberson off a nice feed from Rus- Less than two minutes into the third away from the net. Riley Sheahan ter review, the goal was upheld. tephen Curry’s three-pointers has 288 three-pointers, surpassing his sell Westbrook, who had 26 points and 13 quarter, Curry twisted his left ankle. He and Tatar assisted on the goal. Glendening appeared in his broke NBA records and the Okla- NBA record of 286 from last season. assists. went to the locker room but returned It was Nyquist’s 15th goal of the sixth outdoor game and second homa City Thunder’s hearts. “Curry was coming down and shoot- But Thompson tied it with a three- later in the period. Curry’s three-pointer season and fi rst since Feb 3. with the Wings. He also appeared Curry’s record-tying 12th ing some in the halfcourt, shooting step- point play, Iguodala rebounded a miss gave the Warriors their fi rst lead at 78-77, Nathan MacKinnon had a in three at Michigan and one with Sthree-pointer of the game, a 32-foot bomb back threes, and you have got to live with by Westbrook and passed to Curry, who but Durant ended the period with con- goal and an assist and Gabriel the Grand Rapids Griffi ns. with six-tenths of a second remaining in that,” Thunder superstar Kevin Durant dribbled upcourt and caught the Thun- secutive three-pointers. Landeskog had two assists to Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg and overtime, gave the visiting Golden State said. “He made 12-of-16 from the three der’s defense backpedalling. He launched Thompson scored 32 points for the lead the Avalanche. Niklas Kronwall have appeared Warriors a thrilling 121-118 victory over and all of them besides maybe one of a long three-pointer that splashed Warriors. Serge Ibaka had 15 points and The Wings, 0-for-4 on the in all three of the Wings’ outdoor the Thunder on Saturday night. them were tough.” through before celebrating with his a career-high 20 rebounds for the Thun- power play, got a fi fth chance at games (2009, 2014, 2016). Curry scored 12 of his 46 points in “What Steph did was from the ridicu- teammates on the bench. der (41-18), who have lost fi ve of their last 8:22 of the third period with the overtime as the Warriors (53-5) won their lous to the sublime,” Warriors coach Ste- “Coach said if we got a clean rebound, eight games. game tied, 2-2. Blake Comeau OTHER RESULTS fi fth straight game and continued their ve Kerr said. we could push it,” Curry said. “Andre got went off tripping Andreas Atha- Los Angeles 2 Buff alo 0 march toward NBA history. Golden State The Warriors trailed by four points with it to me in the backcourt. They were kind OTHER RESULTS nasiou. Calgary 4 Ottawa 6 became the fi rst team to clinch a playoff 14 seconds left in regulation after a three- of shuffl ing, trying to load up in transi- San Antonio 104 Houston 94 The teams switched sides at the Montréal 4 Toronto 1 berth and remained ahead of the pace of pointer by Durant, who had 37 points and tion. They didn’t pick up. I had it rolling Boston 101 Miami 89 10-minute mark of the third. The Dallas 2 NY Rangers 3 the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, who hold the 12 rebounds. But Klay Thompson made a all night.” Portland 103 Chicago 95 Wings had 23 seconds left in their Pittsburgh 4 Winnipeg 1 NBA record with 72 wins. layup and Golden State trapped Durant, Golden State trailed 57-46 at halftime Detroit 102 Milwaukee 91 power play, but failed to score. Columbus 4 Florida 3 (SO) “There’s a lot of heart on our team. We who threw away a pass and fouled Andre as Durant scored 21 points. There was a Minnesota 112 New Orleans 110 The Wings, 0-for-3 on the Nashville 5 St. Louis 0 never quit,” Curry said. “Obviously a lot Iguodala, whose two free throws with 0.7 report from ABC that during intermis- Phoenix 111 Memphis 106 power play in the fi rst 20 min- Philadelphia 4 Arizona 2 had to go our way down the stretch.” seconds left forced overtime. sion, a Warriors player - believed to be Brooklyn 98 Utah 96

Monday, January 29, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

EQUESTRIAN Brash leads start studded line-up for CHI AL SHAQAB ‘It is always thrilling to compete with riders of highest calibre, and I look forward to competing in one of the best equestrian facilities’

By Sports Reporter egory. Featuring Para-Dressage for Doha the second year running, top rid- ers confi rmed for this discipline SCOTT BRASH include Pep Puch, Nicole Den Dulk nder the patronage of and Rixt van der Horst. His Excellency Sheikh CHI AL SHAQAB 2016 is one Mohamed bin Hamad of only four international an- al-Thani, Al Shaqab, a nual equestrian competitions that memberU of Qatar Foundation (QF), showcase more than three eques- has announced the top riders set trian disciplines in one event. to participate in CHI AL SHAQAB By hosting events such as this, 2016, taking place from March 2 to Al Shaqab supports Qatar Foun- 5 in Doha, dation’s Vision 2030, which in- The only event of its kind in the cludes the aim to promote Qatar Middle East and Asia, the fourth as a premier international sports edition of the prestigious equestri- destination. an competition will see more than Created in 2013, CHI AL SHAQAB 130 riders from more than 20 coun- is one of the world’s most prestig- tries competing in Show Jumping ious equestrian competitions, one CSI 5* and CSI 3*, Dressage CDI 5* of only four of its kind in the Middle and Para-Dressage disciplines. East and Asia. And, in its scope and Confi rmed entries for the Show dimensions, it is comparable to just Jumping category include the three other events worldwide. world’s highest ranked show jump- Every year, CHI AL SHAQAB er, Scott Brash, along with world- welcomes the world’s top-ranking ranking riders Abdullah Alsharbat- riders, including regional and local ly, Edwina Tops- Alex-ander, and, competitors in various equestrian our very own, Sheikh Ali bin Khalid. disciplines. World Number One Show Jump- The event generates enormous er, Scott Brash, said: “I am very ex- interest from horse lovers around cited to be once again participating the world, who have come to ad- in CHI AL SHAQAB in Qatar, par- mire the strong bond between rid- ticularly the same year that the Ol- ers and their horses. ympics are taking place. It is always Through the organisation of this thrilling to compete with riders of competition, Al SHAQAB strives the highest calibre, and I look for- to cement its position as a leading ward to competing in one of the best centre in equestrian activities on equestrian facilities in the world”. both a regional and global level, and Hayley Watson Graves, Jessica seeks to bolster Qatar’s position as von Bredow-Werndl and Patrik a pre-eminent sports hub across Kittel are among the top riders set Asia and the Middle East and North to compete in the Dressage cat- Africa region.