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Tuesday, May 17, 2016 Sha'baan 10, 1437 AH Kohli leads GULF TIMES Bangalore to thumping win over Kolkata SPORT Page 11 AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Barca to play friendly Lekhwiya take on El Jaish today in on May 24

Barcelona players celebrate on an open-top bus during a victory parade through the streets of Barcelona to celebrate their 24th La Liga title on Sunday. The Spanish champions will play in Doha next week. (AFP)

By Sports Reporter ing day (May 24). Barcelona were Doha scheduled to play in two friendlies Lekhwiya coach Djamal Belmadi (right) with team defender Ahmed Yasser El Jaish defender Magid Mohamed (left) with team coach Sabri Lamouchi in , one in 2014 and one last year, but both were cancelled. By Sports Reporter dkor due to suspension. El Jaish, who are making their second run in the group stage of the competition panish champions Barcelona Doha Defender Khaled Muftah will also be appearance in the knockout stage of the and our ambition is to continue with the will play a friendly in Doha on QSL 2016-17 season available after recovering from a recent in- AFC Champions League, will welcome same spirit and get a better result. The team SMay 24, the club said on their jury, but young Qatar international striker defender Yasir Isa and midfi elder Khaled that qualifi es will only be known by the end website (www.fcbarcelona.com). to kick off on Sept 15 ekhwiya will be hoping for a repeat Mohamed Muntari is ruled out after pick- Abdulraaof back to the team after both of the second match and therefore we should Luis Enrique’s side will play Al Ahli, The , the high- of last week’s Emir’s Cup win over ing up a knock against El Jaish last week. were ruled out of the fi nal match in the get the best possible result tomorrow.” the current Saudi Arabian league est professional football league in El Jaish when the Qatar Stars League “We have had a tight schedule recently group stage due to suspension. Group B runners-up Lekhwiya quali- champions. Qatar, yesterday confirmed the (QSL) rival meet in the fi rst leg of as we played several important matches “This is the fi fth match that we would fi ed for the group stages via the play-off s, The game comes as part of dates for the start of the 2016/2017 Lthe Round of 16 of the 2016 AFC Champi- in a short period of time,” said Belmadi. be playing against Lekhwiya this season. defeating Iran’s Naft Tehran, while Group the sponsorship agreement that season. This year’s season will start ons League, at the Lekhwiya Stadium today. “The match (tomorrow) won’t be any We recently met them in the Emir Cup,” D winners El Jaish became the fi rst side the club has with Qatar Sports on September 15, a QSL statement Djamal Belmadi’s side advanced to the diff erent as it is important we get a good said coach Sabri Lamouchi, who led El into the last 16 with two games to spare as Investment and Qatar Airways, the said, adding that further announce- fi nal of the local cup competition on Fri- result, especially ahead of the fi nal of the Jaish to a runners-up fi nish in the QSL they secured just their second appearance statement added. The five-year ments in regards to the fixtures will day with a 2-1 win over El Jaish and the Emir Cup. “We have to show our fi ghting this season. in the tournament’s knockout stage. deal ends this July. be made in due course. 2013 AFC Champions League quarter- spirit again because the match will not “However, things will be diff erent in the Two-time quarter-fi nalists Lekhwiya The squad will leave Barcelona QSL sides can now start formal- fi nalists will welcome back Ahmed Maq- be easy. Our concentration will be on the match tomorrow. We have a lot of motiva- are playing in the second phase of the con- on May 23 (Monday) and return ising training camps and signings soud, who missed the club’s fi nal group match and hopefully we will get the result tion to avenge our defeat in the Emir Cup tinental competition for the third time. straight after the game the follow- ahead of the September 15 kick-off . stage match against Uzbekistan’s Bunyo- that we are looking for.” and we have prepared well. We had a good The match will kick off at 19:15 local time.

ON THE RIGHT TRACK ACL experience a ‘huge benefi t’ for 2022, say Boudiaf & Tae-hee ‘If a Qatar club is represented in at least the quarter-final or the semi-final of the AFC Champions League every year from now till 2022, it would have a positive impact on the national team for the home World Cup’

ekhwiya SC teammates Karim League is one of the many ways we can Boudiaf and Nam Tae-hee be- make this happen. After the 2018 World Lekhwiya SC teammates Karim lieve that the continued positive Cup, the Asian Champions League Boudiaf and Nam Tae-hee (left) performances of Qatar Stars will provide the main competitive test LeagueL (QSL) clubs in the AFC Cham- for our national team as we will not be pions League will be important for playing the 2022 qualifi ers.” the country’s national team to emerge The 25-year-old midfi elder added among Asia’s elite in time for the 2022 that there is a short-term relevance to FIFA World Cup. the elite continental club competition The 2014-15 QSL champions are set with the third round of the 2018 World for a double header this week with Fri- Cup Qualifi ers looming in September. day’s Emir Cup fi nal against Al Sadd “Lekhwiya could well end up fac- preceded by today’s AFC Champions ing an Iranian club in the Champions League round of 16 home game against League quarter-fi nal in late August. fellow QSL side El Jaish. Our club has many Qatar national The midfi eld duo told www.sc.qa team players and a potential match-up that QSL clubs can challenge the best against Zob Ahan or Tractor Sazi would of Asia regularly over the next few years give us valuable experience ahead of the to follow on from the last continental challenging fi rst qualifi er (at the Azadi triumph by Al Sadd Sports Club in 2011. Stadium in Tehran on September 1),” “This year a Qatari club is defi nitely said Boudiaf. going to be in the quarter-fi nal,” said Boudiaf’s midfi eld partner Nam Tae- Boudiaf, who started in all but one of hee, who joined Lekhwiya in 2012, also Qatar’s 2018 second-round qualifi ers. recognises that form in the elite conti- “If a Qatar club is represented in at nental club competition can be repli- least the quarter-fi nal or the semi-fi nal cated on the international stage. of the AFC Champions League every “The level in the AFC Champions by Boudiaf as one of the most techni- trend of QSL clubs doing well in Asia is member Ahn Jung-hwan’s golden goal “Those matches will be like a home- year from now till 2022, it would have a League is very high and Lekhwiya’s cally gifted in Asian club likely to continue. against Italy in the round of 16. Also, coming for me as there are many Le- positive impact on the national team for good run will help Qatar in the World football, said the Qatar national side “QSL clubs’ focus on the Asian Park Ji-sung’s winner in the group khwiya players in Qatar, including my the home World Cup,” he added. Cup qualifi ers,” said the 24-year-old has improved a lot from the time ‘Al Champions League is a very positive game against Portugal’s golden gen- friend Karim,” smiled Nam. Al Sadd are the only QSL team to attacking midfi elder from South Korea. Annabi’ lost both their 2014 qualifi ers sign for the Qatar national team looking eration. Those moments made me Boudiaf echoed his teammate and have lifted the AFC Champions League “Lekhwiya reached the quarter-fi nal in to the ‘Taeguk Warriors’. to create a lasting impression in front of dream of wanting to play a World Cup friend’s sentiments, but said that will trophy—and have done so on two oc- 2013 after defeating Al Hilal in the round “I played in the game in Doha and home fans at the 2022 World Cup, just at home. I will be very close to realising go out the window once the whistle casions, in 1989 and again in 2011. Al of 16 but lost to eventual champions there is no doubt that Qatar is a much as South Korea did in 2002,” the South this if I play in Qatar in 2022,” he said. blows in the qualifi ers. “I will enjoy Arabi were runners-up in 1995—and Guangzhou Evergrande. Qatar had a few better side now, both technically and Korean added. However, there is the small matter of marking Nam,” he said. “I know his Boudiaf believes the nation’s club sides of our players then and they really tested physically,” he said. “It will be a tough That fairytale run to the semi-fi nal featuring in Russia before that. And both moves well from the training ground, are heading in the right direction as the us in Seoul in the 2014 World Cup quali- fi ght for the top two places between by Guus Hiddink’s side is still fresh in Boudiaf and Nam, who call each other he is very quick and has great vision in 2022 journey draws ever nearer. fi er. We scored the winner deep into in- Qatar, us and Iran.” Nam’s memory and he wishes to emu- brothers, have two special dates pencil- his passing and it will be a great chal- “Winning a few World Cup matches jury-time. This year we will target a spot Nam, who started the AFC Asian Cup late it in 2022 in Qatar, which he calls led in their diaries—October 6, 2016 and lenge. I will not be averse to giving in 2022 will be unbelievable,” he con- in the Champions League fi nal.” fi nal of 2015 in which his country lost his “second home”. June 13, 2017—when their countries face him an odd kick if need be!” Boudiaf tinued. “Focusing on the Champions Nam, who is admiringly referred to to host nation Australia, also said the “I was just 10 then but I vividly re- each other in the third round qualifi ers. warned. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, May 17, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT MOVING ON Arteta set to retire aft er bidding adieu Rashford selection to Arsenal turns spotlight on veteran Rooney ‘We’ve a good group of forward players and plenty who can be in the front positions. If he continues to develop, there is no reason why he cannot become a regular’ File picture of Arsenal’s waving to the fans at the end of the match against Aston Villa.

AFP “To have the opportunity London to say goodbye and 99 per cent to say goodbye to the sport that I love is very hard, panish midfi elder Mikel but my taste of it can’t get Arteta, whose contract better than today. with Arsenal is due to ex- “A big thank you to pire, has announced his everybody” intentionS to retire from playing and move into coaching. wanted to leave it... The 34-year-old said he was I wanted to decide and I “99 percent” certain to hang up thought for the last few months I his boots after turning out for wasn’t good enough to represent Arsenal for the last time in their this club on the pitch,” he said. 4-0 win over Aston Villa on the Arteta confi rmed he has three fi nal day of the “very diff erent” options on the season on Sunday. table, with reports linking him Arteta burst into tears when with roles at Manchester City the full-time whistle was blown and Tottenham Hotspur, and he before explaining why. said there was a chance he could “It was unbelievable because stay at Arsenal in a backroom ca- the last few months have been pacity. really diffi cult and I have been “It is very unusual to have op- through a diffi cult position as portunities at this level. well with my role in the team,” As well, that made me think it the Spaniard said. was probably time (to retire) and “To have the opportunity to the way I have been watching say goodbye and 99 per cent to football in the last few months — say goodbye to the sport that I or probably over a year — it was love is very hard, but my taste of not as a player, it was more as a it can’t get better than today. coach. “A big thank you to every- Then you have to think about body.” it,” said Arteta, who started at Arteta, who joined Arsenal in Barcelona before moving to 2011 following a successful spell Rangers and then Real Sociedad. with Everton, won two FA Cups “I have been left the door very and two Community Shields open (at Arsenal) and I may have with Arsene Wenger’s side and to make a decision. File picture of Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford celebrating after scoring a goal against Arsenal during their Barclays Premier League match at Old Traff ord. insists he knew it was time to call I don’t want to say clubs but I time on his playing days with the have three very diff erent options Reuters and Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge almost Russia in Marseille on June 11 — a dilem- “I have to select teams against Gunners. and I am very proud because it is London certain to make the cut. ma for Hodgson. Turkey, Portugal and Australia. “It is very hard to stop but I not common.” Rashford, however, could be Hodg- With Spurs young guns Dele Alli and Rooney is an important player son’s wildcard should any of that trio Eric Dier pushing for starting roles and but he is not demanding to play in eenager Marcus Rashford has suff er a setback in the warm-up games Manchester City’s of- the opening game. I am under no SURPRISE already taken ’s against Turkey, Australia and Portugal. fering width and pace, even a place in pressure to select him” place in the Manchester United Hodgson tempered talk of Rashford midfi eld, where he now plays for United, forward line, now he threatens being in the fi nal 23. is not certain for Rooney. “I am not certain I want him involved Tto do the same at international level after “We have had good feedback from The 30-year-old’s experience could, in who I should pick,” Hodgson said. Ronaldo on duty Roy Hodgson included him on Monday in Manchester United on the player,” he however, prove vital. With a fi nal Premier League game to his 26-man preliminary squad for Euro said. “We have a good group of forward “Wayne Rooney is the captain and has come and next weekend’s FA Cup fi nal, 2016. players and plenty of players who can be done a fantastic job. Rashford, who has scored seven goals in for tiny Hereford at The 18-year-old’s stunning impact at in the front positions. “109 games and 51 goals and there 16 United appearances, has the chance to Old Traff ord since making his debut in “If he continues to develop, there is no are not many players in Europe who will impress Hodgson. February has earned him the chance to reason why he cannot become a regular in reach that success,” Hodgson said. But whether or not he makes the fi nal Wembley force his way on the plane to France, just the England team.” “I have to select teams against Turkey, 23, his inclusion in the 26, together with as question marks are being raised about There is no question of Rooney, who Portugal and Australia. Rooney is an im- several other youngsters, augurs well for Reuters “I am absolutely delighted where skipper Rooney will fi t in. burst into the international limelight as portant player but he is not demanding to the future, according to former England London that the FA and Wembley Sta- Both are listed in the fi ve forwards an 18-year-old at Euro 2004 when he play in the opening game. I am under no forward Gary Lineker. dium have agreed to our re- Hodgson has pencilled in for the tour- helped England to the quarter-fi nals, not pressure to select him.” “Bags of talented youngsters. Great quest and I know seeing Ro- nament, although that number is likely going to France. Hodgson said Rooney would have no experience for them. Give them their onaldo has been cleared naldo gracing such a iconic to drop to four with Leicester City’s title But with so many striking options, a say in the fi nal 23. “That would not be wings, take pressure off , have fun and see to take to the Wembley venue will be a proud moment winner Jamie Vardy, Tottenham Hot- starting place is no longer guaranteed for correct. His responsibility is as a player, where it takes us,” he said yesterday. pitch for minor league for every Herefordian,” club spur’s Golden Boot winner Harry Kane England’s all-time leading scorer against then captain. Now to see what happens. Hereford in Sunday’s chairman Jon Hale said on FAR Vase fi nal although oppo- Monday. nents Morpeth Town need not Hereford FC, playing in the BOTTOMLINE lose any sleep over it. ninth tier of English football, For Ronaldo, full name were founded only last year af- Hawkesbury 1 Ronaldo, is not a ter Hereford United — who once three-times world player of the caused a massive FA Cup shock year called Cristiano with a daz- by beating Newcastle United zling array of footwork and lethal as a minor league club — were shooting ability, but a very large wound up. Federation chief hails Conte prize Hereford bull who happens Ronaldo has already ingrati- to be the club’s loyal mascot. ated himself with the club’s fans Hereford, known as the Bulls, when he was paraded at their have been given permission by Edgar Street ground wearing Wembley offi cials to parade Ro- Real Madrid and Manchester aft er match-fi xing acquittal naldo in front of their fans be- United scarves before the club’s fore the start of the minor league fi rst Midland League match last AFP “Finally, his position has been during three title-winning sea- cup fi nal. August. Milan clarifi ed. sons at Juventus and now with “My faith in him was never up him at Italy, risked a four-month for discussion. sentence but was also acquitted. PUNISHED talian football federation “Now, we can be even more The aff air, however, has yet (FIGC) president Carlo concentrated on the European to reach its conclusion and Tavecchio on Monday sa- Championships.” could see former players Beppe luted Azzurri coach Anto- Conte, who in 2012 served Signori, one of the top play- Chelsea, Spurs fi ned Inio Conte, after he escaped a a four-month ban in relation ers in in his prime dur- prison term by being acquitted to the aff air, had been accused ing a fi ve-year spell with Lazio, of sporting fraud in a match- of not reporting an episode of among others, feel the full force combined £600,000 fixing affair. match-fi xing relating to a Serie of the law. Prosecutor Roberto di Mar- B match with AlbinoLeff e from The report said “up to 90” tino had requested a six-month May 2011 when he was coach of people are involved although over clashes sentence for Italy coach Con- Siena. Signori, Cristiano Doni, Gigi te and a fi ne of 8,000 euros Although former players and Sartor and Mauro Bressan — all AFP tenham’s hopes of winning the ($9,063), as well as similar sanc- other fi gures were implicated, former Serie A players — as well London Premier League. tions for his former assistant at Conte was the most notable. as current Lazio captain Stefano Tottenham midfi elder Mousa Siena, Angelo Alessio, following The 46-year-old former Ju- Mauri, are all in the dock fac- Dembele was handed a six- accusations they failed to report ventus coach has always denied ing accusations of transnational helsea and Totten- match ban after gouging Chelsea episodes of match-fi xing while any wrongdoing in an aff air in sporting fraud. ham have been fi ned striker Diego Costa’s eye during Conte was in charge at which players allegedly colluded Of those accused, Mauri is the £375,000 ($540,000, one of several ugly mass brawls. side Siena in 2011. with underworld fi gures to fi x only active player although he 476,000 euros) and “Chelsea and Tottenham Hot- Reports on Monday said Conte matches and recoup the rewards has already been sanctioned for £225,000C respectively for fail- spur have been fi ned £375,000 had been acquitted of the charges, File picture of then Italy’s Antonio Conte. of an illegal betting network. his role in the aff air. ing to control their players dur- and £225,000 respectively af- allowing him to lead Italy into A lawyer for Conte, Francesco Mauri served a six-month ing a feisty 2-2 draw at Stamford ter both clubs admitted three this summer’s Euro 2016 before tion” and that it would allow “It was with great satisfac- Arata, said last month: “He’s ban for failing to report match- Bridge earlier this month. breaches of FA Rule E20 for fail- he takes over as Chelsea manager Conte, who is set to name a pre- tion that I heard news of Antonio a total stranger to the betting fi xing, meaning he missed most The tempestuous London ing to control their players and/ following the tournament. liminary 30-man squad for Euro Conte’s acquittal by the Cremo- world and that’s why he will be of the start of the 2014-2015 derby boiled over as Chelsea or offi cials,” a Football Associa- Tavecchio said he welcomed 2016 later Monday, to now fully na Tribunal today,” Tavecchio cleared by the judge.” season, returning to the fray on came from two goals down to tion statement read. Now to see the news with “great satisfac- focus on the job at hand. told the ANSA news agency. Alessio, Conte’s assistant February 2014. secure the point that ended Tot- the reaction of the teams. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 17, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Celtic’s future is Ronaldo enters bright, says Deila last chance saloon for Euro glory File picture of then Celtic manager Ronny Deila. AFP “What is important is that the Glasgow fans give the young players a lot For a player that has won almost everything on an individual and collective level, the of support to get the best out of them. one honour that agonisingly evades Ronaldo is an international trophy with Portugal eparting Celtic man- “They have to manage to play ager Ronny Deila says under that pressure as well. That the club’s youngsters is the next stage for a lot of them.” can play a big part for Deila, who led the club to three theD Glasgow giants next season trophies in two years at Celtic after several of them starred in a Park, made the decision to leave 7-0 thrashing of on the club after coming in for criti- the fi nal day of the season. cism following semi-fi nal defeats Scotland’s young player of the to Old Firm rivals Rangers and year Kieran Tierney started the Ross County as well as some dis- scoring with his fi rst goal for the appointing displays in Europe. Hoops before Australian inter- national Tom Rogic and Mikael ‘DID IT MY WAY’ Lustig made it 3-0 at the break. And despite ending the season The onslaught continued in with such an emphatic result the second half with goals from that sees Celtic top the table by 15 , Patrick Rob- points from Aberdeen in second, erts and before Jack the Norwegian believes he has Aitchison capped a memorable made the right decision to leave. day as he fi red home with his fi rst “It felt right after I had done it touch of the match seconds after but obviously after days like this coming on as a substitute. it is tough,” Deila said. In doing so, he become the “At the same time it was a happy youngest ever player to play for ending. There has been ups and the club at 16 years and 71 days. downs. You have to be honest and With four teenagers on the say things have been very good and score-sheet the club’s out-go- things have been very bad. ing boss thinks the future looks “I think what you saw today is bright for the Scottish champi- something that can be built on. ons, who were presented with With new fresh energy coming the Premiership trophy following in I think they will go for more the match. trophies and hopefully better re- “It was a good performance sults in Europe. from a young team who I think are “People understand that the future of this club,” Deila said. things have been up and down “There is so much talent here but you can only do your best and and it is great to let these guys also be humble enough to know have the opportunity. enough is enough. “The academy is a very impor- “I don’t know if I did it perfect tant part of this club—they have or not but I did it my way and it done a very good job. It is so good will be a good memory. to get the youngsters on the pitch “I was just myself and did and for them to perform so well. what I believed in. I think every- “They can be great in the fu- one could see I have given every- ture but they need experience thing and want to play off ensive File picture of Portuguese national team player Cristiano Ronaldo warming up during a training session in Campinas, Brazil during the 2014 World Cup. around them as well. You can see style football and want to control when they play freely how good games and give some youngsters AFP had been impressed by the Ronaldo came into the tournament on will entice a record hoarder like Ronaldo. they can be. a chance as well. Lisbon teenager in a United-Sporting friendly. the back of a record-breaking 60-goal He can become the fi rst man to score in “You saw today that if you play “If you can do those things and The No. 7 shirt became synonymous with season with Madrid as they ended the four European Championships and is just without pressure what the out- win some trophies as well then Ronaldo. dominance of Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona three goals from Michel Platini’s record come can be. you have done something right.” or a player that has won almost In 2004, Ronaldo announced his pres- side in Spain to win La Liga. of nine in the fi nals. everything on an individual and ence on the international stage, scoring His double against the Netherlands led Both targets look eminently achiev- collective level, the one honour twice as Portugal reached the fi nal on Portugal out of the cliched group of death able in a group containing tournament DISASTER that agonisingly evades Cristiano home soil before suff ering a devastating also including Germany. debutants Iceland, Hungary—in their RonaldoF is an international trophy with defeat to shock winners Greece. Ronaldo struck the winner against the fi rst major tournament since 1986 — and Portugal. Four years later, Ronaldo looked set to Czech Republic in the quarter-fi nals, but Austria. Euro 2016 will be Ronaldo’s fourth and make amends. He was at the prime of his watched on in anguish as Portugal again The chance to deliver a telling blow in Man United face at 31 possibly last European Champion- career having led Manchester United to fell short by the fi nest of margins against his eternal battle with Lionel Messi for ship fi nals. the Champions League a month before a Spain side replete with Barca players another Ballon d’Or is also at stake. The previous three have all promised arriving in Austria and Switzerland. exacted revenge on penalties in the semi- Yet, even for the preening peacock Ro- multi-million bill for much only to end in varying degrees fi nals. naldo, after the millions earned, league of disappointment for the three-time EURO GHOSTS Never one to shy away from the big titles and Champions Leagues won in World Player of the Year. There have also Yet, distracted by protracted rumours moment, Ronaldo’s desire for glory got Manchester and Madrid, the real goal fake bomb ‘fi asco’ been tears and torment. about his switch from United to Real Ma- the better of him as he opted to take Por- must fi nally be delivering for his country. Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro drid—that would only come about a year tugal’s fi fth penalty. The problem was the “There will be many other opportu- AFP evacuation ordered. has long been destined for greatness. In later—Ronaldo found the net just once as shootout never got that far as Spain won nities to win in Europe throughout my Manchester Army experts staged a “con- the year of his 16th birthday, he played after an impressive group stage, Portugal 5-3 leaving Ronaldo to look ruefully at career, and make up for this huge disap- trolled explosion” before police for Sporting Lisbon’s under-16, un- bowed out to Germany in the quarter- the Donetsk night sky claiming there was pointment,” he said as a 19-year-old af- announced that the suspect de- der-17, under-18, reserve and fi rst teams. fi nals. “no justice”. ter defeat to Greece in 2004. fake bomb inside Old vice was “incredibly lifelike” but Two years later, he had been snapped Euro 2012 will arguably haunt the Ma- As well the grand collective prize, there If he is ever to win the Euros, Paris on Trafford that forced “wasn’t viable.” up by Manchester United, whose boss deira-born superstar the most. are also individual accolades on off er that July 10th is likely to be the last call. the abandonment of Greater Manchester police Manchester United’s assistant chief constable John lastA Premier League game of O’Hare said: “On appearance BOTTOMLINE the season triggered angry calls this device was as real as could Monday for action as the club be, and the decision to evacuate faced a multi-million pound the stadium was the right thing bill for the “fiasco”. to do, until we could be sure that As inquiries started into the people were not at risk.” incident which led to bomb dis- United’s vice-chairman Ed posal experts blowing up a mo- Woodward said an investigation Benitez’s heart with Newcastle bile phone attached to a gas pipe, would be launched to guide “fu- AFP “I expected a great atmos- Tottenham failed to win any United vowed to reimburse the ture actions and decisions.” Newcastle phere but this was amazing, so of their last four games to come tickets of 75,000 fans who were British media named the it’s even more positive but we third, beaten for the runners-up evacuated Sunday ahead of the company that left the device in still have to sit down.” spot by Arsenal, who fi nished game against Bournemouth. the stadium as Security Search afael Benitez admits his Newcastle ended the season above their London rivals for a They will also give them free en- Management and Solutions. ‘heart says yes’ to stay- six games unbeaten, collecting 21st consecutive season. try to Tuesday’s rearranged match They said the fi rm had staged a ing at Newcastle as he 13 points in the 10 games after Erik Lamela scored Totten- against the south-coast side. training exercise for sniff er dogs leans towards pledging former Liverpool and Real Ma- ham’s goal and England striker That gesture alone could cost at Old Traff ord but left the fake hisR long-term future to the club drid boss Benitez took charge in Harry Kane had the consolation United more than three million bomb behind. despite their relegation from the March following the departure of winning the Premier League’s pounds. Tony Lloyd, Manches- Christopher Reid, owner of Premier League. of Steve McClaren. Golden Boot award after fi nding ter’s mayor and police and crime Security Search Management, Benitez held talks with New- the net 25 times this season. commissioner, said: “It is outra- told the Daily Mail his company castle owner Mike Ashley after LACKLUSTRE But Tottenham manager geous this situation arose. was “getting the blame” for the the 5-1 victory over Tottenham Over the course of a season, such Mauricio Pochettino was furi- “A full inquiry is required to fake bomb but refused to make on Sunday that denied the visi- a return is more than enough to ous with his team’s lacklustre urgently fi nd out how this hap- any comment until after he had tors a second place fi nish on an guarantee safety, but Benitez ran end to the season. pened, why it happened and who spoken with Manchester United. emotional fi nal day as St James’ out of time to prevent a second “I want to apologise to our will be held accountable. The incident left a number of Park bade farewell to the top- relegation in seven seasons. fans and to our families. It’s dif- “This fi asco caused massive spectators deeply disappointed. fl ight for at least 15 months. His side showed what they fi cult to go back to see your kids, inconvenience to supporters who About 3,500 Bournemouth Fans serenaded Benitez for are capable of as two goals from your wife, your girlfriend after had come from far and wide to fans made a 500-mile round trip the 90 minutes, urging him not Georginio Wijnaldum, the sec- that,” he said. watch the match, wasted the time to Manchester to see their club’s to trigger the relegation clause ond a penalty, and others from “We were terrible. This wasn’t of huge numbers of police offi cers fi rst league game at Old Traff ord. in his three-year contract and to Aleksandar Mitrovic, who was the team that played the whole and the army’s bomb squad, and Bournemouth manager Eddie instead remain to lead the bid to later sent off , Rolando Aarons season, and it was my worst day unnecessarily put people in dan- Howe told the local Daily Echo seal an immediate return from File picture of New Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez. and Daryl Janmaat sealed a com- as a manager. ger, as evacuating tens of thou- newspaper: “It was a real anti- the Championship next season. fortable win to see them fi nish “I feel so bad, because we sands of people from a football climax to a day everyone had The 56-year-old Spaniard “The game was emotional,” and I’m even more open to talk two points adrift of safety. showed we didn’t care, and that stadium is not without risk.” been looking forward to. spoke in glowing terms about Benitez said. “It’s not easy to now. I’m fl attered and really “With the pressure off , we upsets and disappoints me. Offi cials said a company which “But all those disappoint- the club afterwards, before leave a club like this, and I think pleased. showed what we can do. We’re “It was strange, we’ve fi n- conducted a security exercise ments and emotions really go out holding face-to-face talks with my heart is saying yes. It was a “I’ll talk, I’ll analyse and try to sad at being unable to avoid rel- ished third and Newcastle have at Old Traff ord had left the fake of the window when you think sports retail billionaire Ashley, great atmosphere and I could re- do the best for me and the best for egation, but happy to give the been relegated, but Rafa was the bomb in a stadium toilet. about the supporters and every- who watched from the directors’ ally feel it. Newcastle. If we go together it has fans this kind of send-off ,” Beni- one who said he felt sorry for me The device was found just be- thing they have put into the day box for the fi rst time this year. “I was open to talk before this to be the best for both of us. tez added. afterwards.” fore Sunday’s kick-off and the -- fi nancial costs, time, eff ort.” Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, May 17, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT REWIND Vardy’s thunderbolt Pellegrini backs and other great goals Guardiola to thrive at Manchester City File picture of Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy. ollowing the conclu- fort at Selhurst Park in January sion of the 2015-16 Pre- confi rmed his emergence as the ‘Guardiola will receive a club that deserves to be in the Champions League and I am mier League season, AFP most exciting young talent in Sport selects the fi ve the English game. In the 84th sure it will continue to improve in the future’ mostF memorable goals from the minute, and with the score 1-1, campaign: Harry Kane’s crossfi eld pass to the left fl ank was headed back Christian Benteke (Manchester to Alli by Christian Eriksen. The United 3-1 Liverpool) Spurs number 20 took one touch Belgium striker Benteke endured to keep the ball airborne, another a dismal debut season at Liver- to fl ick it over the head of Palace pool following his 32.5 million midfi elder Mile Jedinak and then pounds ($46.9 million, 41.1 mil- spun to smash a crisp right-foot lion euros) transfer from Aston volley into the bottom-left cor- Villa, but he netted a stupendous ner from outside the box. scissors kick in their defeat at Old Traff ord in September. With Jamie Vardy (Leicester City 2-0 Liverpool trailing 2-0, substi- Liverpool) tute Jordon Ibe sent a cross into The pick of Vardy’s 24 goals, the box from the right wing that which fi red Leicester to the title, was headed into the air by United was a thunderbolt at the King centre-back Daley Blind at the Power Stadium that inspired his near post. Loitering at the back side to victory over Liverpool. post, Benteke readjusted his feet The game had reached the hour- and met the ball with a blistering mark without a goal when Riyad mid-air volley that fl ew into the Mahrez released Vardy with a top-right corner. high ball into the inside-right channel from deep inside his own Cuco Martina (Southampton half. The England international 4-0 Arsenal) striker, running in behind Ma- Martina opened the scoring madou Sakho, allowed the ball to in memorable fashion in South- bounce once before unleashing a ampton’s stunning Boxing Day ferocious, dipping shot from the demolition of Arsenal to become right-hand apex of the area that the fi rst player from Curacao to fl ashed over Simon Mignolet and score in the English top fl ight. into the net. Ryan Bertrand’s cross from the left was headed clear at the near Dimitri Payet (West Ham Unit- post by the stooping Per Merte- ed 2-2 Crystal Palace) sacker, but Martina, cantering Payet turned the Boleyn infi eld from right-back, met it Ground into his own personal on the full around 25 yards from playground following his close- goal, brilliantly using the outside season move from Marseille and of his right foot to steer the ball the France international scored around the dive of Arsenal goal- his best goal of the campaign in keeper Petr Cech and inside the last month’s draw with Palace. left-hand post. From a free-kick around 22 yards from goal, and slightly to the left Dele Alli (Crystal Palace 1-3 Tot- of centre, Payet used his right in- File picture of then Bayern Munich’s Spanish head coach Pep Guardiola gesturing during a press conference. tenham Hotspur) step to whip a magnifi cent, curl- The season’s outstanding ing shot over the wall and into AFP knows perfectly well what is happening and that has to be a good cycle of three “I have been very happy and always strike, Alli’s sensational ef- the top-right corner. Manchester at this club because he has friends here. seasons here, winning three titles at the appreciated the support of the fans in “Guardiola will receive a club that de- same time. those three seasons. I am very proud to serves to be in the Champions League “I had just been focusing on our fi nal have managed the club. anuel Pellegrini might be un- and I am sure it will continue to improve game because it was very important to “We won the Premier League title and ‘Dilly-ding, dilly-dong, wake up!’ sure about his own future but in the future. fi nish in a good way so now I will be see- beat all the big teams over the last three he is certain Pep Guardiola “I don’t think he is especially lucky ing diff erent options. years in terms of points and goals scored Here are some great quotes “From the beginning, when will be successful when he because in the last fi ve seasons this “I will start thinking about the future and diff erence of goals. from a crazy campaign: something was wrong, I said Mtakes over as Manchester City manager. team has always been in the Champions but I don’t want to decide just in one “Even when the club announced it was ‘Dilly-ding, dilly-dong, wake Pellegrini’s side ground out a 1-1 draw League and it was important this contin- week. I want to look at diff erent options. changing managers and everyone said “I can’t describe it. I think some- up!’ during training sessions.” at Swansea City on Sunday to ensure they ued next season.” After that maybe I will take a holiday.” many players would leave at the end of one must have put a spell on Leicester manager Claudio pipped neighbours Manchester United Pellegrini, 62, will start looking for the season they still focused on this sea- me to make it happen.” Ranieri adds a new entry to to the Premier League’s fourth and fi nal work again following the completion of EMOTION son and they deserve praise for that.” Leicester striker Jamie Vardy England’s football lexicon as Champions League qualifying berth. the Chilean’s mission to secure Cham- Pellegrini displayed a rare show of emo- While Pellegrini seeks fresh employ- on winning the title. he explains how he focuses Pellegrini’s parting gift means his pions League football and he can go job tion at the end of the fi nal game of his ment, Swansea manager Francesco Gui- his players successor will be able to look forward to hunting with his head held high. three-year spell in charge of City when dolin, fresh from being given an extended “It is unbelievable! We have competing in Europe’s elite club com- “It has been a good season because he threw his jacket to visiting supporters deal, will sit down for talks with club driven around in circles. It is “I don’t want to describe my- petition when Guardiola arrives at East- we won the League Cup and we reached at the Liberty Stadium. chairman Huw Jenkins in a bid to build unbelievable that you cannot self. I’m a totally normal guy. lands during the close-season following the semi-fi nal stage of the Champions “I felt emotional because it was a very on a 12th-place fi nish. drive to where you need to be.” I came from the Black Forest. his departure from Bayern Munich. League, which is not easy, for the fi rst special day to fi nish this cycle in the “I hope next season is better and less Man United manager Louis I’m the Normal One.” “I don’t like to talk about what will time,” he added. club’s history and it is not easy to leave,” stressful but football is complicated and van Gaal, after traff ic conges- Jurgen Klopp humbly intro- happen in the future but I am sure that “Maybe we did not play in the way Pellegrini said. it is not possible to say exactly what you tion meant kick-off at Totten- duces himself to Liverpool, Guardiola will be a very successful man- I would have liked but the diff erence “It was a diffi cult day but there was can do,” Guidolin said. “But I am ready ham Hotspur was delayed by echoing Jose Mourinho’s ager,” Pellegrini said. against Real Madrid was an own-goal. also relief because it was very important for another challenge as we need to pre- 30 minutes description of himself as a “I have not spoken to Guardiola and I “We have won more points and tro- to fi nish with the club in the Champions pare a good team for next season so I will “Special One” don’t think I have any need to do that. He phies than any of the other big clubs League places for next season. speak with my chairman about changes.”

BOTTOMLINE That Leicester win over Man City and other matches that defi ned the 2016 EPL season ith another dramatic Pre- fender Huth sealed the points with an- LIVERPOOL 3 ARSENAL 3 Louis van Gaal’s tactical conservatism mier League season at an other header to leave City stunned. Few teams in the Premier League can should have been forgettably drab. In- end, AFP Sport looks back surpass Arsenal for their jarring ability stead, they banished those preconcep- at the fi ve best matches of NORWICH CITY 4 LIVERPOOL 5 to combine moments of jaw-dropping tions with a six-goal thriller. Wayne Wthe 2015-16 campaign: Arguably the most dramatic match of brilliance and astounding ineptitude. Rooney’s penalty and Jesse Lingard’s the season featured Liverpool’s incon- Never was that frustrating split-per- strike seemingly put United in control MAN CITY 1 LEICESTER CITY 3 sistent attack at its dynamic best and sonality more visible than at Anfi eld in before Georginio Wijnaldum and Ale- Rarely can a goal from Sergio Aguero Norwich’s creaky defence at its very January, in a game that became an in- ksandar Mitrovic’s penalty levelled the have been greeted with such apathy, worst. stant classic. scores. Rooney’s sublime long-range but the sound of the Manchester City Liverpool took the lead through Rob- With a suitably dramatic snowstorm second restored United’s advantage in star’s irrelevant late strike barely being erto Firmino before Norwich hit back providing the backdrop, Liverpool the 79th minute, only for Newcastle acknowledged by the chastened home with goals from Dieumerci Mbokani Roberto Firmino scored defender Paul Dummett to salvage a support told the story of a defi ning day and before half-time. twice in the fi rst 20 minutes, including draw in the last minute. in the title race. Wes Hoolahan’s penalty gave the hosts a superb long-range eff ort, either side Leicester City 3 Aston Villa 2Claudio Leicester arrived at Eastlands in a 3-1 lead early in the second half. of Aaron Ramsey’s equaliser for Arse- Ranieri’s side gave an early indication February regarded in some quarters But back came Jurgen Klopp’s team nal. Olivier Giroud netted twice for the of their title credentials with a stir- as a novelty act, whose time at the top and three goals in 20 minutes from Gunners to put them 3-2 ahead by the ring September fi ghtback, while Villa’s would soon be over once a superpower Jordan Henderson, Firmino and James 55th minute, but Liverpool midfi elder dispiriting slide towards relegation was like City had fi nished with them. But by Milner made it 4-3 with 15 minutes to Joe Allen capped a breathless encounter already underway. Villa should have the end of a bravura Leicester display, go. when he slammed home a 90th-minute strolled to victory after doubling the it was clear Claudio Ranieri’s side were Sebastien Bassong looked to have equaliser. lead they held at half-time through more than capable of completing their rescued a point for Norwich in the 92nd Carles Gil’s 63rd-minute goal, but fairytale title bid. minute, but Alex Neil’s side showed NEWCASTLE 3 MAN UNITED 3 Richie De Laet and Jamie Vardy equal- Robert Huth met ’s why they were destined for relegation At fi rst glance this January meeting be- ised before Nathan Dyer’s 89th minute free-kick to give the Foxes an early lead by immediately losing focus and allow- tween a Newcastle team painfully short strike left Villa feeling like they had and Mahrez doubled the lead himself ing Liverpool substitute Adam Lallana of attacking quality and a Manchester been smashed in the solar plexus and with a cool fi nish before German de- File picture of Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri. to volley home a 95th-minute winner. United side constrained by manager sent Leicester into orbit. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 17, 2016 5 SPORT

GOLF Berdych splits with coach Vallverdu omas Berdych has split with coach Daniel Vallverdu days after Ta humiliating 6-0, 6-0 defeat at the Italian Open. The 30-year-old Czech world number eight has suff ered a lean It’s Jason’s Day all year and a crushing defeat by Belgium’s David Goff in in last week proved the last straw in his partnership with the former hitting partner of Andy Murray. “My results lately have not been what I expected. As I am not a tennis player at the beginning of his career I have to act quickly when I feel that I need a change,” the way at Players Berdych said. Former Wimbledon runner- up Berdych has been an ever-present in the world’s top 10 for the past six years, ‘THIS IS UP THERE. I JUST WANTED TO WIN THIS SO BAD. THIS COULD POSSIBLY PUSH ME reaching a career high fourth spot a year OVER TO GET INTO THE HALL OF FAME ONE DAY AND I’M JUST GLAD I MANAGED TO WIN IT’ ago. He began this year strongly, reaching the semi-finals in Doha and the quarter- finals of the Australian Open, but since then his form has been patchy. Berdych, Jason Day of Australia celebrates with son who will now focus on the French Open Dash, wife Ellie and daughter Lucy after next week, began working with Venezue- winning the Players Championship in Ponte lan Vallverdu in 2014. He is the second Vedra Beach, Florida, on Sunday. (AFP) high-profile player to part company with a coach this month after world number two Murray split with Amelie Mauresmo. Turkey to host grass court event in 2017

nother grass court tournament will be added to the calendar next Ayear after the ATP announced yesterday that a World Tour 250 event would be staged in Antalya, Turkey, in June. The tournament will take place from June 25-July 1 and give players another event at which to prepare for Wimbledon. Next month the WTA will hold a brand new grass-court event in Mallorca. “The addition of Antalya in the ATP World Tour calendar from 2017 represents the latest enhancement to the grass court swing fol- lowing the introduction of the three-week gap between Roland Garros and Wimble- don last year,” ATP chief Chris Kermode said. “We look forward to expanding our presence in an important market such as Turkey where the demand for world class tennis continues to grow, while at the same time giving our players additional grass-court playing opportunities ahead of Wimbledon.” The tournament, one of seven grass-court tournaments on the ATP Tour next year, will be staged at the Kaya Palazzo Belek resort where seven grass-courts will be laid. Murray back at second, Serena extends lead ndy Murray reclaimed second place in the world rankings from ARoger Federer after beating world AFP ing after 54 holes. instincts down the stretch to claim number one Novak Djokovic in the final Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida “I’m going to hold this memory for In role reversal, a birdie gets Els! the victory. “All day it was just stay of the Rome Masters on Sunday. The Scot a long time,” Day said. patient, pick your moments and let underlined his credentials for the upcom- The Aussie made bogeys at the t is safe to say Ernie Els did not manages to sort of land on you. And the course come to us. He’s like a ing French Open at Roland Garros by beat- orld number one Jason sixth and ninth holes to carry only have the happiest start to his final I guess it was good luck for me, not Formula One (guy). He wants to have ing Djokovic 6-3, 6-3 on his 29th birthday. Day overcame a sluggish a two-shot edge onto the back nine, Iround at the Players Champion- Ernie today, I’m afraid.” the hammer down all the time. It’s Elsewhere, Milos Raonic of Canada is up a start to win the US PGA but responded with key birdies at 10 ship on Sunday after the South Els closed with a three-over-par 75 hard at times for him not to hit the place to ninth and Richard Gasquet climbs Players Championship, and 12 and another at the par-5 16th African bogeyed the first and a bird to finish in a tie for 64th, well behind driver. It showed a lot of confi dence, two places to 10th. Their rise comes at Wfi ring a fi nal-round one-under-par to hold off a host of rivals. “I was re- patience and trust.” defecated on him as he bent over to wire-to-wire winner Jason Day. 71 to complete a wire-to-wire vic- ally nervous on the front side and pick the ball out of the hole. Rose said Els managed to see the Day’s four-shot lead when the the expense of Spain’s David Ferrer, who tory on Sunday. it showed,” Day said. “Then on the “I was standing right next to him funny side of the incident. “Yeah, that round began was halved as he made drops three places to 12th after his third- Day matched the TPC Sawgrass back side I was able to hold on.” and it missed me and it got him,” said was kind of a humorous moment to the turn, at which point he was the round defeat in Rome to Lucas Pouille course record with an opening- Chappell fi red a 69 to fi nish sec- playing partner Justin Rose, who start the day, had us both giggling,” only player not to have a broken par of France. On the women’s side, Serena round 63 and followed with a 66 on ond on 277, one stroke ahead of fel- carded a six-under-par 66 for the he said. “Had me kind of chuckling on any hole in the last round. Williams reinforced her huge lead at the his way to a 72-hole total of 15-un- low Americans Justin Thomas, Ken second-best round of the day. “So under my breath trying to make a The Aussie stumbled to 12-under top of the WTA rankings a week out from der 273 for a four-stroke victory over Duke, Matt Kuchar and Colt Knost they say it’s good luck if the birdie two-footer for par.” while Thomas birdied three of the the start of the French Open after winning American Kevin Chappell. with Italy’s Francesco Molinari and fi nal fi ve holes to shoot 65 and reach the Italian Open on Sunday. Williams beat “This is up there,” Day said when Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama sharing the clubhouse on 10-under with fi ve fellow American Madison Keys in the final asked the magnitude of his 10th ca- seventh on 279. BMW Championship in last year’s US nitely gives me that extension on the rivals on 9-under as Day’s back nine in Rome to set herself up nicely for Roland reer US PGA triumph in a tournament It was the second start-to-fi nish PGA playoff s and this year’s World gap between one and two and I’m loomed. Day answered the challenge Garros. Second place in the rankings was often seen as golf’s unoffi cial fi fth triumph of the season for Day, who Golf Championships Match Play. very much looking forward to the by sinking 17-foot birdie putts at the major. “I just wanted to win this so also led after every round in tak- Day, who stretched his margin rest of the year.” 10th and 12th holes to reach 14-un- reclaimed by Poland’s Agnieszka Radwan- bad. This could possibly push me over ing the Arnold Palmer Invitational over second-ranked Jordan Spieth The victory made Day the third der—four shots ahead of Duke, Knost, ska from Germany’s Angelique Kerber, to get into the Hall of Fame one day at Bay Hill. Since 1980, only Tiger after the American missed the cut, reigning world number one to - Kuchar, Molinari and Thomas. who suff ered an early exit in the Italian and I’m just glad I managed to win it.” Woods has had two wire-to-wire US has top-10 fi nishes in the past four ture the Players, joining Woods and Day sank a four-foot birdie putt at capital. Elsewhere, Victoria Azarenka The 28-year-old Australian took a PGA wins in the same year. majors and will try to add to his ma- Greg Norman, and the fourth Aussie 16, parred the tricky par-3 17th with moved up a place to fifth at the expense top prize of $1.89 million (1.67 mil- Day’s impressive victory run over jor win total by dethroning Spieth in to win the event after Norman, Adam its island green and parred the 72nd of Romania’s Simona Halep and Timea lion euros) at the $10.5 million event, the past 10 months includes his next month’s US Open at Oakmont. Scott and Steve Elkington. hole to claim victory. Bacsinszky and Flavia Pennetta were also collecting his seventh win in 17 fi rst major title at last August’s PGA “I’m very motivated to stay at Day’s caddie for a decade, Co- Third-ranked Rory McIlroy shot climbers in the top 10. starts—his fi fth in a row when lead- Championship, the Barclays and number one,” Day said. “This defi - lin Swatton, said his man battled his 70 to share 12th on 281.

TENNIS Murray a big French Open threat, says Djokovic

AFP But Murray showed progress in other will ultimately “have a positive eff ect point, hitting good shots.” Rome areas, and although Djokovic heads to on my tennis career”. Wawrinka, beaten by Juan Monaco in Paris looking to make amends for last “The last thing I looked at today be- the third round, is set to play in Geneva year’s stunning defeat to Swiss Stan fore I went on the court was a picture of this week as he struggles for match- ovak Djokovic underlined the Wawrinka, Murray has just become a my daughter,” said Murray. winning confi dence ahead of the de- growing clay-court threat of potentially bigger obstacle to his hopes A week after his Madrid defeat, fence of his title in Paris. Andy Murray barely a fort- of a 12th Grand Slam title. the stars aligned for the Scot thanks There are even bigger doubts on Fe- night from the French Open “I think he’s using the court better to Djokovic coming in fatigued after derer, who won the Roland Garros ti- afterN conceding defeat to the British now. He has more variety in his shots his late semi-fi nal against Japan’s Kei tle just once in 2009, and exited Rome number one in the fi nal of the Rome from the baseline play, so obviously Nishikori on Saturday. still complaining of a back injury which Masters. he did improve,” said Djokovic. “Win- But Murray stressed: “Every time I go forced him out in Madrid. Murray, the number two seed who ning Madrid and Rome and, you know, up against him I know I have to play great Serena Williams, meanwhile, heads suff ered defeat to Djokovic in last a couple of clay-court tournaments the tennis to win. Any time you beat the best to Paris brimming with confi dence week’s Masters fi nal in Madrid, cel- last couple of years proves it. player in the world, it’s a big win.” ahead of her bid for a third title at Ro- ebrated his 29th birthday in style with “At the French Open, the conditions In Paris, nine-time French Open land Garros that wold take her Grand a stylish 6-3, 6-3 victory over the Ser- are also a bit quicker, which he likes. champion Rafael Nadal and Swiss pair Slam tally to 22. bian in one hour, 35 minutes. He’s been consistently playing well (at Wawrinka and Roger Federer will be out The American swept past 21-year- It was Murray’s fi rst title in Rome, Roland Garros) throughout the years, to make amends for early exits in Rome. old compatriot Madison Keys 7-6 (7/5), the third clay-court title of his career and I’m sure he’s going to be very mo- Seven-time Rome champion Nadal 6-3 to claim her fourth Italian Open after victories on the red dirt in Munich tivated to do well again. He’s going to was ousted in the quarters by Djokovic, victory on Sunday, fi rst title of the sea- and Madrid last year and, more impor- come in in great form to Paris.” but two days after Djokovic called beat- son and 70th of her career. tantly, comes in timely fashion. Becoming the fi rst Briton to win in ing the Spaniard on clay “the ultimate Williams becomes just the fi fth Murray’s powerful serve had Djoko- Rome since Patrick Hughes in 1931, it challenge”, Nadal gave little indication woman to achieve such a total in sin- vic in trouble on more than one occa- is the fi rst time Murray’s name has been he fears for his prospects in Paris. gles after Martina Navratilova, Chris sion during a rain-hit 1hr 35mins fi nal added to a trophy since the birth of his “I think I am playing well during the Evert, Steffi Graf and Margaret Court. in which he requested, without suc- baby daughter. whole clay court season,” Nadal said “I’m going to defi nitely go in there and I cess, a break amid fears he would slip He said the arrival of his daughter after his defeat on Friday. “And today feel more calm and I don’t feel stress to, Britain’s Andy Murray poses with his Rome Masters trophy after beating Novak and injure his ankle. has changed his outlook on life and it I was there mentally, fi ghting for every like, have to win,” she said. Djokovic of Serbia in the final on Sunday. Murray won in straight sets 6-3, 6-3. (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, May 17, 2016 SPORT

NBA Lowry stars as Raptors beat Heat, move to Eastern fi nals ‘We’re not satisfied. Our goal is to get four more wins and get to the Finals’ Philadelphia DPA 76ers become Los Angeles fi rst NBA team he Toronto Raptors are going somewhere they’ve never been to sell jersey before: the Eastern Conference fi nals. space TKyle Lowry erupted for 35 points and DeMar DeRozan had 28, leading the By Chuck Schilken Raptors to a 116-89 blowout win over Los Angeles Times (TNS) the visiting Miami Heat on Sunday in Game 7 of their semifi nal series. “Playing against a team like that, ans rooting for players they pushed us to the limit,” Lowry wearing the team name said. “But we played our game and FPhiladelphia 76ers on their didn’t let anything bother us.” jerseys also will soon be rooting The Raptors relied on their leaders to for players wearing the StubHub win the biggest game in franchise history. logo on their jerseys. “We never doubted Kyle and DeMar, Last month the NBA approved they’re our guys,” Raptors coach Dwane the sale of jersey sponsorships Casey said. “They both stepped up and in a three-year pilot programme carried us in the moment at the right starting with the 2017-18 season. time and the right place.” Yesterday the 76ers announced Toronto opens the conference fi nals the first such deal, which will place Tuesday against the playoff perfect (8- a small, rectangular StubHub patch 0) , who are coming on the upper left portion of the off a nine-day layoff . front side of the jerseys. “They enjoyed their rest but at the “I’ve always been jealous of the end of the day we have to go out and do English Premier League teams. our job,” Lowry said. “We’re not satis- NASCAR figured it out a long time fi ed. Our goal is to get four more wins ago,” 76ers CEO Scott O’Neil said. and get to the Finals.” “For some reason, the big four The Raptors have played 14 games in sports in North America have not. I the last 30 days, but the second seeds think it’s an unbelievable oppor- think that will be an advantage against tunity.” the LeBron James-led team. The patch will appear on players’ “We’re accustomed to playing every jerseys as well as those sold at other day now,” said DeRozan. “So, just 76ers home games. Nike, which go out there, playing with the rhythm takes over as the league’s off icial we’ve been playing with the last couple outfitter also in 2017-18, also will of weeks and jump on them.” place its logo on players’ jerseys, Toronto took three of four regular- on the upper right side. season meetings against the top seeds. StubHub is already the 76ers’ of- “They’ve been chasing us all year,” ficial ticketing partner, and the two James said. “We look forward to the organizations are launching a new challenge.” platform on which primary and Bismack Biyombo had 17 points with secondary tickets will be available 16 rebounds, DeMarre Carroll scored 14 at one online location. and Patrick Patterson contributed 11 for “We’re so tightly associated with the Raptors, who dominated the second the event-going experience that it half 63-42 and controlled the boards was natural for us to move aggres- 50-30. sively and chase this opportunity,” “We didn’t play big in our last game StubHub President Scott Cutler and they won the battle but tonight we said. did,” Casey said. “You got to make them pay if they’re going to play small. Bis- mack and Patrick played big in the paint.” Slovenian Goran Dragic and Dwyane Wade netted 16 points apiece for the third-seeded Heat, who again played without injured big men Chris Bosh and Kyle Lowry (right) of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball past Tyler Johnson of the Miami Heat during Game Seven of the Eastern Conference quarter-finals at the Air Hassan Whiteside. Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada, on Sunday. (AFP) “We use no excuses, tonight the bet- ter team won,” Wade said. “We fought behind 16 points from Lowry and 15 entered the fourth frame trailing 86-78. The Raptors quickly dashed any “We’ve done everything we’ve set and did everything possible to get into from DeRozan. “Once we got it to six I thought we thoughts of a Heat comeback, opening the out to do but we’re not done yet,” the Eastern Conference fi nal but To- Lowry went off for 12 more in the had a chance,” Heat coach Erik Spoel- fourth quarter on a 16-4 tear, wrapping up said Casey, eyeing an NBA crown. ronto was greater.” third quarter as the lead swelled to 17. stra said. “But Toronto kept on coming. the victory in front of a wildly cheering “This group is hungry. Never say The Raptors led 53-47 at halftime A late Heat run cut it to six, and Miami They just wore us down.” sold-out crowd at Air Canada Centre. never.”

BOTTOMLINE FC Cincinnati: the third-tier soccer team pulling in 20,000 fans a game

By Charlie Hatch in Cincinnati Chip Knutdsen, who used to go to Saints scoring goals, creating assists, combination The Guardian matches, said the team overcharged for tickets plays … it’s encouraging. We keep fi nding our- and underproduced on the pitch. The Saints selves making our own future.” folded and became the Dayton Dynamo, now hen Bjorn Knudsen talks, the playing in the NPSL. WINNING ON THE FIELD AND IN THE whiskers from his eyebrows and FC Cincinnati, however, have decided on a BLEACHERS beard poke out of his orange, full- diff erent tactic to the Saints, by off ering cheap This weekend the weather at Nippert Stadium body suit. When Knudsen walks, tickets to college students and children. Fans at kickoff resembled a cloudy November day Whis father, Chip, holds him by his shoulders, can also request that 20% of their ticket sale go in Manchester rather than a spring afternoon helping him keep balance and walk straight. to local youth soccer organizations. in the American midwest. FC Cincinnati were “No curb,” Chip says when they cross a street, And in terms of staff , the club went with one attempting to get 25,000 fans in for the match making sure Bjorn doesn’t stumble. of the most recognizable players in US soccer against Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Bjorn, with a massive bass drum strapped to history. “It’s been incredible, actually,” John The team wore a special orange jersey and his chest, begins beating the drum while oth- Harkes says about his tenure as FC Cincinnati’s asked fans to wear the same colour for an “or- ers are chanting. “How can you see the drum?” fi rst coach. “From August, some people said ange out,” inspired by the - someone shouts. starting from scratch would be impossible.” Pittsburgh Steelers rivalry. A few Bengals served Bjorn, Chip and 150 others are marching just Harkes played in England for Sheffi eld as honorary captains for the match too. under a mile from Mecklenburg Gardens, a Wednesday, West Ham, Derby and Nottingham Once the match started, Cincinnati control- quaint corner bar, toward Nippert Stadium — Forest, as well as in MLS and for the US national led play. With fl uid passing and copious posses- the home to what’s quickly becoming America’s team. His appointment to FC Cincinnati was the sion, Jimmy McLaughlin put the home side in most fascinating new club. club’s fi rst hint at the seriousness the organi- front after 27 minutes, fi nishing a rebound off Just over nine months ago, Futbol Club zation was taking in establishing a legitimate Pittsburgh keeper Mauricio Vargas. Cincinnati became the city’s latest attempt at team. Harkes is in America’s National Soccer The goal marked the fi rst time Cincinnati had professional soccer. Nine months later, FCC Hall of Fame. scored fi rst in a match since the loss to Louis- have become the most notable club in the Unit- Then came building a roster. Working with ville City. Ultimately, McLaughlin’s eff ort, com- ed Soccer League — American soccer’s third tier assistant coach Ryan Martin and goalkeeper bined with keeper Mitch Hildebrandt’s com- — and has moved up the list of clubs campaign- coach Jamie Starr, Harkes and Berding assem- posure, gave the team a 1-0 win and their fi rst ing to join , a competition bled a side with more MLS experience than any clean sheet in club history. After the result, FC openly looking for new markets. club in USL. Cincinnati sit second in the USL Eastern Con- In their second home match on April 19, FC Nippert Stadium has hosted 20,000 plus spectators for FC Cincinnati. (University of Cincinnati) Cincinnati native and centre-back Austin ference standings through nine matches. Cincinnati had 20,497 fans attend a 3-2 loss to Berry was the fi rst signing, becoming the club The crowd was 23,375 — a new USL record, Louisville City FC, the team’s geographic rival. club’s offi cial supporters section, waves mas- FC Cincinnati want attention, and the leaders captain. Berry was the 2012 MLS Rookie of the surpassing the 19 April attendance. It’s a prom- The attendance was a league-record (the previ- sive blue-and-orange fl ags and ignites smoke of the club have provided fans with meaning- Year. Another familiar name was Omar Cum- ising sign for the club ,and with better weather ous high was 20,231 set by Sacramento Repub- bombs, other sections of Nippert Stadium seat ful gestures. When the team have played on the mings, a Jamaica international who played at the Lindner’s original target would probably have lic FC), dwarfi ng USL’s average of 3,369 in 2015. young families and casual fans attending just to road, both Lindner and Berding have gone to lo- University of Cincinnati, as well as the Colorado been met. There are no more comparisons to other clubs; witness the city’s latest craze. cal bars in the city and across the River to Rapids and Houston Dynamo in MLS. If the club can make a Lamar Hunt US Open rather, there are other clubs comparing them- Essentially, the club have created a massive Covington, Kentucky, to meet fans. Cincinnati play an aggressive, attacking Cup run and host an MLS team, the attendance selves to Cincinnati. community through a grassroots eff ort, despite Combined with strong marketing and a com- style, opening matches in a 4-3-3 and reshap- record will likely be beaten again. And although having an owner and CEO, Carl H Lindner, who munity feel, FC Cincinnati are set to be the city’s ing throughout the game. With players in inter- it hasn’t been confi rmed offi cially, one source A CLUB FOR THE PEOPLE, CREATED BY THE comes from a family of billionaires. long-term professional soccer team. And it’s a changeable positions, Cincinnati often pull op- close to the team said FC Cincinnati will play BUSINESSMEN “We have a pride in this town,” says the club welcome addition for fans. In 2015, the Cincin- ponents out of shape. In the fi rst nine matches an English Premier League side sometime this Perhaps the most impressive feat during FC president and general manager, Jeff Berding. nati Saints played in the National Premier Soc- of the season, nine diff erent players have scored. summer in a friendly. Cincinnati’s rapid growth has been their abil- “We’re a major-league community. People rally cer League, the fourth tier, to an average of 200 “When you’re starting a brand new club, you “I think the whole community has embraced ity to truly represent the full spectrum of soc- around us to support their teams, sometimes fans. While there were passionate supporters, might have two or three players contributing,” us as a club,” Hildebrandt said. “It’s not a fl uke. cer supporters in the area. While The Bailey, the with a chip on our shoulders.” there wasn’t a sustainable strategy for growth. Harkes said. “For us to have so many players It’s a very special thing that’s happening here.” Gulf Times Tuesday, May 17, 2016 7 SPORT

BASEBALL NFL Rangers punch Patriots opt to tackle out Blue Jays with guard play

By Mark Daniels tackles try and overcompensate The Providence Journal (TNS) when they’re not confi dent in the guards next to them. The 2014 season was a prime example. Both hen the AFC Cham- Nate Solder and Vollmer struggled pionship chase end- in the fi rst four weeks when the late comeback ed abruptly in Den- Patriots started Jordan Devey and ver, there was one Cannon at guard. Wobvious takeaway — the Patriots But when Dan Connolly and Two bench-clearing skirmishes put an intense stamp on the seven-game series off ensive line, particularly their Ryan Wendell were inserted at tackles, failed. both guard spots in Week Five, the By Stefan Stevenson In that game, only the team’s off ensive line came together. That Fort Worth Star-Telegram (TNS) tackles — Marcus Cannon (three), never really happened last year. Sebastian Vollmer (one) and Cam- The Patriots rotated Kline, Ma- eron Fleming (one) — allowed son and Jackson throughout the he Texas Rangers waited six sacks as the Broncos edge rushers season. The only player who set games and eight innings but they wreaked havoc on Tom Brady. The himself apart was Kline (before a fi nally sent a message to the To- narrative continued into the off - shoulder injury set him back). ronto Blue Jays’ Jose Bautista. season and the thought was that By adding Cooper (in the Chan- TBy the end of the Rangers’ wild 7-6 the Patriots needed to upgrade dler Jones trade) and then using a comeback win Sunday afternoon at Globe their off ensive tackle depth. third-round pick on Thuney, it’s Life Park, a whole mess of messages were When free agency came and clear that the Patriots might not sent fl ying from both teams. Two bench- went with the Patriots adding no be overly thrilled with the devel- clearing skirmishes, the fi rst of which off ensive line help, it was thought opment of last year’s rookies. included legitimate punches and four that tackle was a top priority When speaking to North ejections, put a fi nal intense stamp on the heading into last month’s NFL Carolina State coaches last week, seven-game series between the teams. Draft. But when it came time for it’s also clear that Thuney isn’t a The Rangers took two of three in Arling- the Patriots to pick in the third developmental prospect. ton after losing three of four two weeks round, they selected Joe Thuney He started at left tackle last sea- ago in Toronto. If they meet again in 2016, — the fi rst of two guards drafted. son, but only because the coaches it’ll be in the playoff s. It’s clear now that the Patriots needed help. Both N.C. State head “I take off ense to anybody that ever viewed their off ensive-line woes coach Dave Doeren and former of- thinks that this is a game that shouldn’t diff erently than everyone else. fensive coordinator Matt Canada, be played hard, that shouldn’t be played The team let go of off ensive now at Pitt, saw Thuney as either a with emotion and intensity,” Rangers line coach Dave DeGuglielmo and guard or centre in the pros, but not manager Jeff Banister said. “Sometimes it brought back Dante Scarnecchia. because he wasn’t good at tackle. gets to a level where grown men are play- The selection of Thuney speaks to Thuney excelled at every off en- ing the game of and look, we’ve resetting the team’s depth chart. sive-line spot in college. got a rivalry every single night we go out When looking over the Patriots “First of all, it says a lot about and play. We try to play hard, that’s all two previous drafts, the team used him as an athlete to be able to even I’ve got to say about that.” the fourth round to fi nd off ensive do that. I’ve never been around an After the Rangers rallied with four runs linemen who could come in and O-lineman that can pull it off and in the seventh to turn a 5-2 defi cit into a start right away. In 2014, it was be great at it,” Doeren said. “He 7-6 lead behind Ian Desmond’s two-out, centre Bryan Stork; in 2015, guards didn’t give up a sack his senior year three-run homer, Matt Bush returned to Tre’ Jackson and Shaq Mason. and we played six defenses in the start the eighth inning. He had entered In that same vein, one can only top 20. Before you even get into his the game in the seventh with the bases assume that Thuney was brought character, you have to say that you loaded and no outs and retired the side, to Foxboro to play right away. have a heck of a football player.” although the Jays tacked on a run with Before the 2016 NFL Draft, “I really thought Joe would be sacrifi ce fl y to push their lead to 6-3. guard wasn’t necessarily thought a high pick because he does move Bush’s fi rst pitch in the eighth, a 97 of as a need position. After draft- so well,” Canada added. “I do see mph fastball, glanced off Bautista’s el- ing two last year, the Patriots ex- him being a centre or guard at bow and planted in his side. Both dugouts Umpire Lance Barrett (left) holds back Texas Rangers manager Jeff Banister after a bench-clearing fight broke out in the 8th inning tended Josh Kline last season and that level. He moves very, very were warned. at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday. (USA TODAY Sports) then traded for Jonathan Cooper. well. And he’s smart. I think he’ll Whether it was a purpose pitch for By adding Thuney, it’s apparent be perfect in that role.” Bautista’s over-the-top bat fl ip after last To the Jays, Bush’s pitch was inten- that the team wasn't happy with Thuney will now battle with fall’s go-ahead home run in Game 5 of the tional and Odor’s punch was out of line. the performance of their young Kline, Cooper, Mason and Jackson division series may never be known for Odor is likely to earn a stiff suspension. off ensive linemen last season. for a spot on the line. The Patriots sure. Bush declined to comment when He was unavailable for comment after The inconsistency at guard entered this off season with ques- asked if it was a purpose pitch. It would the game. might also explain why a tack- tion marks on their O-line, but have been an odd moment to put the tying “Obviously, everyone felt like they le such as Vollmer struggled heading into spring workouts, it’s runner on, especially for a pitcher making crossed the line,” Bautista said. “It shows, throughout 2015. There have been clear that the team thought the in- his second major league appearance. at least the apparent lack of leader- times when we’ve seen off ensive terior needed more work. The Blue Jays seemed convinced the ship that they have over there when it pitch had purpose. Banister denied it was comes to playing baseball the right way. intentional. I thought it was pretty cowardly of them “I’m not going to entertain that talk or too to wait until my last at-bat to do that question,” he said. “This is a young man in in the whole series. They could have come his second appearance in the big leagues. out and done it, if they wanted to send a I’m sure that there was adrenaline fl owing, message. Again, it shows a little bit more he’s been here for a few nights, he’s seen the of their colours.” intensity level [and is] nowhere near per- fect. To think that we’re going to put the ty- RESULTS ing run on base on purpose? I’m sorry.” NY Yankees 7 Chicago White Sox 5 After Bush retired Edwin Encarnacion, Minnesota 5 Cleveland 1 Jake Diekman took over against Justin Oakland 7 Tampa Bay 6 Smoak. Smoak hit a sharp grounder to Cincinnati 9 Philadelphia 4 Adrian Beltre, who threw to Rougned Odor Toronto Blue Jays' Jose Bautista (left) gets hit by Texas Rangers' Rougned Odor after Detroit 6 Baltimore 5 at second to start the 5-4-3 double play. Bautista slid into second in the 8th inning. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram/TNS) Boston 10 Houston 9 Bautista’s slide into second knocked Odor Miami 5 Washington 1 off -balance and Odor’s throw to fi rst sailed restored order (for the time being) and how, Gibbons was out on the fi eld during Milwaukee 3 San Diego 2 high and wide. Odor pushed Bautista and reviewed the play, Bautista’s slide into the eighth-inning skirmish. Kansas City 4 Atlanta 2 (13 innings) as Bautista approached him Odor landed second was ruled in violation of the slide “It was my team out there,” Gibbons Pittsburgh 2 Chicago Cubs 1 a right hook to the side of Bautista’s face. rule and he, Odor, Josh Donaldson and said. “I didn’t want to sit here and drink Texas 7 Toronto 6 Both dugouts and bullpens emptied Rangers bench coach Steve Buechele were too much wine. You got to go out there. LA Angels 3 Seattle 0 onto the fi eld and a scrum of punches all ejected. In the third inning, Jays fi rst- I’m sure the league will say something Colorado 4 NY Mets 3 In this January 24, 2016, picture Broncos' Aqib Talib knocks Patriots and shouting lasted for several minutes base coach Tim Leiper and manager John about that but it’s kind of the manager’s San Francisco 2 Arizona 1 quarterback Tom Brady off his feet during the AFC Championship in shallow centre fi eld. After the umpires Gibbons had already been tossed. Some- responsibility.” St. Louis 5 LA Dodgers 2 game in Denver. (Colorado Springs Gazette/TNS)

NHL Elliott the hero as Sharks bitten by Blues in Western fi nals opener

AFP included a spell of ferocious pres- rounds. Nothing has changed here.” Los Angeles sure in the second period when he Lehtera’s winning eff ort came at San Jose Sharks' Patrick Marleau saved all 16 shots by San Jose. 9:15 in the second period when he (bottom) and St Louis Blues' Elliott also held fi rm in a frantic pounced on a stray pass by Brent David Backes (left) dive for a rian Elliott produced a fi nale as the Sharks pulled opposite Burns and rifl ed a shot past Jones. loose puck in front of goalie goaltending masterclass as number Martin Jones out as an extra It was only Lehtera’s second goal Brian Elliott (1) during the game the St Louis Blues edged attacker. in 15 playoff games this season. on Sunday. (USA TODAY Sports) out the San Jose Sharks 2-1 Sharks coach Peter DeBoer ad- Earlier, the Blues had made a inB the opening game of their NHL mitted his team had paid the price dream start to their fi rst conference Western Conference fi nals series on for failing to capitalize on their fi nal game since 2001 when Backes Sunday. dominant second period. put them ahead on a power play, Blues goalie Elliott made a stag- “The tragedy of the second pe- defl ecting Kevin Shattenkirk’s shot gering 32 saves as St. Louis took riod was we spent the whole period past Jones. an early advantage in the best-of- in their end and lost the period 1-0,” But just 34 seconds after Backes seven series at their home Scottrade DeBoer said. “That was basically the opener, the Sharks levelled through Center rink. game. a Hertl defl ection from Burns as El- David Backes had fi red St. Louis “We had to score more than one liott was fi nally beaten. into a 1-0 lead in the fi rst period goal tonight. We had plenty of Elliott brushed off the setback to before Tomas Hertl levelled shortly chances to do that. We had some hold fi rm as San Jose chased a sec- afterwards to make it 1-1. opportunities to score more than ond goal. Jori Lehtera scored an unassisted the one we got, and we’ve got to One of his best saves came from goal midway through the second cash in.” former college hockey team-mate period to break the deadlock, and St Backes meanwhile heaped praise Joe Pavelski in the second period. Louis then hung on for a 2-1 victory. on Elliott’s performance. He also made a sliding save from a Elliott’s masterful display in the “When your goalie is your best Patrick Marleau eff ort as the Blues goal proved to be decisive, with player, it gives you a good chance of rode their luck during a San Jose the goalie stopping 32 of 33 shots winning,” Backes said. power play. throughout. “It was that way tonight, and it’s Game two takes place today in St. The goalie’s refusal to be beaten been that way through the fi rst two Louis. Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, May 17, 2016 SPORT

INTERVIEW SWIMMING Carlin excited by GB prospects at ‘National treasure’ European Aquatics Championships

By James Riach Coventry chasing The Guardian azz Carlin believes there could be some unexpected per- formances by Britain’s swimmers at the European Cham- pionships, which she describes as a fi rst step on the team’s Olympic journey. JCarlin, who will compete in the 400m and 800m freestyle at the Aquatics Centre this week, qualifi ed for the Rio Olympics at Olympic record Britain’s trials last month, having missed out on London 2012 fol- lowing a bout of glandular fever. She is a key member of Britain’s Games squad, of which there are high expectations after a disap- ‘It makes me really sad, I had no idea about this level of doping in the past’ pointing medal haul four years ago. A week of swimming events begins in London from today and Carlin, 25, says there is a buzz in the British squad as they step up their preparations for an Olympic summer. “We’ve got the full Olympic squad here and also the junior de- velopment team who are targeting Tokyo (2020), we’ve got a real balance in the team and I think the Olympic squad is going to be great. It’s a fi rst step in our Olympic journey,” she said. “It’s just about looking forward to Rio now and it’s important to race the best in Europe. I can’t wait for the Olympics, I just want to enjoy racing this week, race well and race hard. It’s tough to race the best in Europe, it’s never easy, but I just want to get stuck in and relax. We’ve defi nitely got that buzz and that excitement and it’s starting to feel a lot more real. “We had our Olympic trials about four weeks ago and have been in that hard block of training, it’s just about racing hard. Some- times when you’re racing the best in Europe you can surprise yourself. It’s going to be a great crowd here supporting the British team.” Carlin, who will be joined in the team by compatriots and fellow Olympic medal hopefuls Adam Peaty and James Guy, secured quali- fi cation for Rio in Glasgow last month with a 400m time of 4min 4.33sec. She said: “We’re a few months out from the Olympics so we want to see where we’re at. It’s not very often that you get a home championships. It’s exciting to race a world-class fi eld and I’ve got great memories from Berlin two years ago. I can’t wait to race and having that home crowd support is going to spur us on this week.”

Reuters to overcome a series of doping porter told me in at the London my knee four months before. nothing but I’ve realised I can’t Cape Town scandals, Coventry said she was Games,” she said. “I think that’s “Then I got pneumonia two keep hammering away every day stunned when she learned about kind of cool and being competi- months before and at that point and then I’m not getting any ef- the extent of cheating going on. tive, I like to set goals. I knew I wasn’t going to end my fi ciency out of my practices. irsty Coventry could “I used to say ‘I know my “And that is now a massive career the way I would want “I’ve had to make adjustment Lochte takes 200m IM crown at Charlotte meet become the fi rst fe- sport is clean’ but all the recent goal to try and get back on the to. and it has been a bit of a learning World record-holder and triple Olympic medallist Ryan Lochte male Olympian to win revelations from and Rus- podium, regardless of gold, sil- “I had a defi nite goal to win curve.” won the 200-meter individual medley title Sunday at the US Pro eight individual medals sia make me unsure that the ver or bronze.” a medal in London and after I One of her training partners Swim Series meet in Charlotte, North Carolina. The 31-year-old Kwhen she competes at the 2016 swimmer in the lane next to me Coventry, who shares the made a decision that I wanted to in Charlotte, North Carolina American won in 1min 58.97 with countryman Conor Dwyer, a Games this summer, but recent is clean,” she told Reuters in an record of seven individual med- end my career in the best con- is 11-times Olympic medallist world and Olympic relay swim champion, second in 2:00.90 and doping scandals have made the interview. als with Hungarian swimmer dition possible and having left Ryan Lochte, who at 31 is facing Hungary’s Norbert Szabo third in 2:01.56. Lochte, who won the Zimbabwe swimmer wonder if “It makes me really sad, I had Krisztina Egerszegi, is focused everything in that pool, regard- many of the same training issues 400m IM title on Friday, set the 200m IM world record of 1:54.00 her races in Rio will be clean. no idea about this level of dop- on the 200 meters backstroke in less of the result.” as Coventry. at the 2011 World Championships in Shanghai. He took Olympic The 32-year-old, an athletes ing in the past. I guess dopers Rio, though she has also quali- Training has become tougher, “We are going through the 200m IM silver in 2004 and 2012 and bronze in 2008 and is the representative for the Inter- are good at covering up and hid- fi ed for the 100m backstroke and Coventry confessed, but her love same things and can share a lot reigning Olympic 400m IM champion. national Olympic Committee ing. 200m individual medley. for swimming may see her push and so it’s been a very good ex- “It was a solid meet, especially for where I am right now in my and World Anti-Doping Agency “But all the revelations are She said she might not com- on after Rio. perience,” added Coventry, who training,’ Lochte said. “I’m still training kind of hard and I didn’t (WADA), won gold, silver and good and it’s a very interesting pete in all three races and would “When I made the decision to is seen as a bridge in the racial rest at all for this meet.” bronze medals in 2004 and add- time for sport and I’m proud to fi rm up her plans closer to the carry on swimming after Lon- divide back home and has been Lochte hopes to defend his 400m IM gold and take another shot ed a gold and three silvers in Bei- be part of the fi ght against dop- time. don, Rio was to be the last one, called a ‘national treasure’. on the 200 IM crown at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in August, jing four years later. ing.” “I’ll make that decision closer and now that I’m fi t and back to “When you’ve been an elite but he must first qualify in the US team trials. After making her Olympic de- While Coventry says she is to Rio but I’ll do a minimum of being in good shape and having athlete for a length of time, you “With six more weeks, it’s time to tune up some things and get but as a 16-year-old in Sydney, now driven by the chance to win two,” she said. “The 200 back is consistency in my training, I’m always fi nd reasons and things ready for trials,” Lochte said. Three Canadians took titles—Do- Coventry will be competing in that eighth Olympic medal, she my baby, I so like racing that one, thinking maybe I’ll keep going that keep you motivated and minique Bouchard in the women’s 200m backstroke in 2:09.14, her fi fth successive Olympics in did not realise she was on the but I might just do all three. for a year afterwards. for me it’s my love of the sport Penny Oleksiak in the women’s 100m free in 53.41 and Santo Rio after coming away empty- brink of a record until competing “London should have been my “You’ve got to allow more and seeing the positive im- Condorelli in the men’s 100m free in 48.41.Russian-born Serbian handed in London. in London four years ago. last Olympics if things had gone time for recovery, it’s a priority,” pact it has on the community in Arkady Vyatchanin won the men’s 200m back in 1:59.09. With world sport battling “I didn’t know that until a re- diff erently and I’d not dislocated she added. “I don’t like doing Zimbabwe.”

FOCUS Hayne’s dream will not be derailed by doping rules

Reuters The head of ’s Olympic Commit- The registered testing pool is for play- Wellington tee said she could not speak about Hayne ers whose behaviour was considered ‘high This fi le photo taken on November 30, 2013 specifi cally but said their selection poli- risk’. Such players contemplating a return shows Australia’s Jarryd Hayne (L) being cies did not require athletes to go through to competition are required to make them- tackled during the 2013 iji’s Olympic committee see no an eff ective six month stand down period selves available for six months testing be- World Cup Final against New Zealand at impediment to Jarryd Hayne join- while they entered the testing programme forehand. Old Traff ord in Manchester. (AFP) ing their team for the prior to representing the country. Under Article 20 of the WADA code, the Rio Games, even though he has not “No (there is no requirement). Every only requirement for athletes who have beenF subject to World Anti-Doping Agen- athlete who becomes a squad member and not been “regular members” of a sport— cy accredited testing procedures while then fi nally a Team Fiji member is aware like Hayne—is that they make themselves playing in the NFL. that at some stage they could be randomly available for testing and comply with the Hayne, who played one season for the chosen to be drug tested,” FOC Secretary relevant whereabouts rules. San Francisco 49ers, said on Sunday he General Lorraine Mar told Reuters from A similar rule applies to National Olym- had chosen to “retire” from the NFL after Suva. pic Committees. As soon as athletes are being approached by the Fiji “There is no criteria that they have to be identifi ed on their ‘long list’ of entrants for about making himself available for Rio. tested a number of times. So that’s not a competition, they must be made available Former Australian Sports Anti-doping consideration, but the athlete needs to be for testing. Authority (ASADA) head Richard Ings, aware they could be drug tested.” The Fiji Rugby Union were unavailable however, said in comments widely report- Mar said could have rules for comment yesterday. ed by Australian media that the former about players being required to be avail- coach Ben Ryan has wel- rugby league international would be ineli- able for drug testing before being allowed comed the decision by 28-year-old Hayne gible for the Olympics. to compete. to make the switch but said there were no His reasoning was that Hayne would World Rugby’s Regulation 21, which guarantees he would make the fi nal 12- have to be part of a WADA-recognised deals with the anti-doping policy, does not man squad for Rio despite his rugby league testing programme for six months prior to mention a stand-down period for players pedigree. the Aug 5-21 Games. returning to competition unless they have Hayne is expected to join the Fiji squad The NFL has its own anti-doping policy previously retired or are serving a ban and in London for this weekend’s fi nal round of but is not a signatory to the WADA code. are in the “registered testing pool”. the Sevens World Series. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 17, 2016 9 SPORT

BASKETBALL OLYMPICS Japan bid leader says CSKA end long drought fi rm at centre of questions to clinch Euroleague title is legitimate Reuters ‘It’s a fantastic feeling to lift this trophy. I wish I had done it sooner but it will give me a confidence boost’ Tokyo he leader of Japan’s bid for Reuters the 2020 Summer Olympics Berlin and other Japanese offi cials on Monday said the compa- Tny at the centre of questions raised SKA Moscow won their sev- about payments by the bid commit- enth Euroleague title and the tee was a legitimate fi rm and not a fi rst since 2008 after inspired paper company. performances by guards The Guardian newspaper reported MilosC Teodosic and Nando De Colo last week that the Tokyo bid team led them to a dramatic 101-96 over- made payments totalling more than time win over Fenerbahce Istanbul in $2 million to a Singapore bank ac- Sunday’s fi nal. count it said was linked to Papa Mas- Ending a long personal wait in Eu- sata Diack, son of disgraced former rope’s premier club competition, international athletics chief Lamine Serbia captain Teodosic racked up Diack. 19 points, seven assists and fi ve re- Japanese bidding offi cials said on bounds to claim his fi rst title after Friday the payments were legiti- falling short in six previous Final Four mate consultant’s fees that had been tournaments. checked by auditors. “It’s a huge stone off my back and Japanese opposition lawmakers I must admit we were a bit fortu- raised the issue in parliament on nate to come out on top after spilling Monday, with questions centring a 21-point lead in the second half,” on a Singaporean company called Teodosic, draped in his country’s fl ag, Black Tidings to whose account told reporters. the Guardian said the payment was “I started to wonder whether his- made. tory was about to repeat itself and bite The Singapore account where the us again. money was allegedly deposited was “We took our feet off the gas pedal controlled by Ian Tan Tong Han, too early and they took full advantage a friend of the younger Diack, the but we dug deep and forced them into Guardian reported. submission. The fi rm’s business address is in a government housing complex in Ending a long personal wait a suburban part of Singapore, and a in Europe’s premier club Reuters cameraman saw shoes and competition, Serbia captain umbrellas in front of the address on Teodosic racked up 19 points, Monday morning, but the company seven assists and fi ve rebounds has no registered phone number. to claim his fi rst title “You have indicated that this company has a business record and “It’s a fantastic feeling to lift this tro- we absolutely believe that this is phy. I wish I had done it sooner but it not a paper company,” former bid- will give me a massive confi dence boost ding committee president and Ja- to repeat the feat and make it a habit.” pan Olympic Committee president It was also the maiden title for Tsunekazu Takeda told a parliamen- CSKA coach Dimitris Itoudis, who tary committee. was his Fenerbahce counterpart CSKA Moscow players celebrate after winning the final at the Euroleague Final Four in Berlin. CSKA Moscow defeated Fenerbahce Istanbul 101 to 96 to win the trophy. (AFP) “Consultants in this industry of- Zeljko Obradovic’s assistant in their ten are individual business people 1999-2012 spell at Panathinaikos CSKA then found another gear in who, because they are travelling when the pair won fi ve Euroleague ti- overtime and pulled away as their around the world, often use their tles together at the Greek club. battling rivals ran out of steam. homes as a business address,” he CSKA seemed to be in the driv- Fenerbahce briefl y nosed ahead said. ing seat after engineering a 24-3 run again after Greek playmaker Kostas Takeda, a vice president of the in the second quarter to turn a 27-26 Sloukas nailed a three-pointer but Tokyo 2020 Games organisa- defi cit into a 50-30 halftime lead, CSKA came storming back thanks tion and an International Olympic silencing around 8,000 boisterous to Frenchman De Colo, who fi nished Committee (IOC) member, said in Turkish fans among the 13,000 crowd with a game-high 22 points and was a statement on Friday the payments in the Mercedes-Benz Arena. named the fi nal’s most valuable play- mentioned in the media were paid Having lost two fi nals and four er. for services received from Tan’s semis since their previous success, American forward Kyle Hines add- company, a fee that was fully au- including the 2012 championship ed 15 for the Russian side, while Ekpe dited by Ernst & Young ShinNihon game when they gave up a 19-point Udoh, Pero Antic and Luigi Datome LLC. lead against Olympiakos Piraeus, the scored 16 each for Fenerbahce. Education and Sports Minister Russian giants nearly suff ered anoth- The Turkish team were not helped Hiroshi Hase told parliament the er heartbreaking twist. by dreadful free-throw shooting from consulting company had been need- Roared on by their reinvigorated their infl uential Czech centre Jan Ves- ed to gather information and for To- faithful, Fenerbahce turned the match ely, who hit only one of 10 shots from kyo’s bidding strategy. on its head when they took an 83-81 the foul line. “However, we have been informed lead before Viktor Khryapa forced the Earlier on Sunday, Russia’s Loko- that the Tokyo bidding committee additional fi ve minutes with a buzzer- motiv Krasnodar beat Spanish rivals could not have been aware of the beating basket from an off ensive re- Laboral Kutxa Vitoria 85-75 in the connection of the company with bound. third-place playoff . Action from CSKA Moscow-Fenerbahce Istanbul match at the Euroleague Final Four in Berlin on Sunday. (AFP) Lamine Diack,” he said.

BADMINTON Malaysia’s Lee into Thomas Cup quarter-fi nals

AFP Kunshan, China Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia hits a return to Kai Schaefer of Germany during their men’s singles group match in the Thomas Cup badminton tournament in Kunshan, Chinas. (AFP) ee Chong Wei came through an unexpectedly tight fi rst game against German unknown Kai Schaefer before Malaysia reached the Thomas Cup quarter- fi nals with a 5-0 whitewash yesterday. LThe 33-year-old, who will target his maiden Olympic title in Rio in August, was matched nearly blow for blow in the opening game before winning 21-19, 21-15 on day two in Kunshan, China. Lee’s teammates had an easier time with Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin beating Lars Schaenzle 21-7, 21-16, while doubles team Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong dis- pensed with their opponents in just 26 minutes. The Thomas Cup is seen as a vital tune-up for Lee, who is preparing for what looks like his fi nal realistic chance of Olympic gold after losing the last two fi nals to China’s Lin Dan. With wins over England and now Germany, 2014 Thomas Cup runners-up Malaysia are already into the quarter-fi nals ahead of their toughest Group C tie against South Korea. In earlier play, second seeds Denmark demolished South Africa 5-0 in their fi rst match of the tournament. European champion Viktor Axelsen rolled through Jacob Maliekal 21-14 21-11, while world number fi ve Jan O Jorgensen thrashed Cameron Coetzer 21-9 21-9 as the Danes seek to grab their fi rst Thomas Cup crown. In the women’s Uber Cup, Thailand routed Bulgaria 5-0, making a commanding statement before squaring off with Indonesia in their fi nal match in group play to- day. Thai starlet Ratchanok Intanon stumbled early in her match against Bulgaria’s Linda Zetchiri after dropping the fi rst game. But the world number two found her groove, rebounding with a 17-21, 21-14, 21-15 victory. Both competitions feature 16 teams divided into four groups, with the top two in each qualifying for the quar- ter-fi nals. Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, May 17, 2016 SPORT

FORMULA ONE CYCLING Sagan Resurgent Red Bull have opens defence with win plenty in the pipeline AFP California

Verstappen’s win on Sunday was former world champions’ first triumph since the 2014 Belgian GP eigning champion Pe- ter Sagan extended his Tour of California stage victories record on SundayR as he opened the defence of his crown with a win. The Slovak Tinkoff rider sprinted to victory in the 106- mile (170.5km) fi rst stage held in and around San Diego, fi nishing clear of Dutch duo Wouter Wip- pert and Dylan Groenewegen. Sagan, who won the Gent Wevelgem at the end of March before claiming the prestigious Tour of Flanders in early April, bided his time to weave through a strong fi eld to cross just ahead of Wippert. It was a record 14th career stage victory in the Tour of Cali- fornia for Sagan, a surprise win- ner of the race last year. The Slovak star was the ulti- mate benefi ciary of co-opera- tion between teams in the pelo- ton who worked to reel in a long breakaway of seven riders. Britain’s Daniel Patten (Wig- gins), Americans Daniel Eaton (UnitedHealthcare), Jacob Rathe and Michael Sheehan (Jelly Bel- ly), Danny Pate (Rally Cycling) and Oscar Clark (Holowesko) along with Finland’s Joonas Henttala (Novo Nordisk) built up an early six-minute lead. However, Katusha led the chase and eventually closed the gap. But Katusha and Dimen- sion Data were not rewarded for their eff orts in hunting down the breakaway, with both their respective sprinters—Norway’s Alexander Kristoff and Briton’s Mark Cavendish—failing to challenge in the sprint fi nish. That opened the door for Sa- gan, who powered home to re- claim the yellow jersey he had last worn at the conclusion of the 2015 race. Sagan leads the general clas- sifi cation by four seconds from Wippert after crossing in 4hr Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo (left) congratulates teammate Max Verstappen for winning the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit de Catalunya on in Montmelo on the outskirts of Barcelona. (AFP) 20min 31sec. The second stage is a 92-mile Reuters If we get what’s advertised then it’s going to put ride from South Pasadena near Barcelona us in a position at least to race Ferraris every Verstappen gives Ricciardo less to smile about Los Angeles to Santa Clarita. weekend,” he added. “Then, hopefully, we can While the stage features a sprint get into trying to close that gap with Mercedes at Barcelona: Max Verstappen’s stunning victory while keeping Verstappen on what turned out to fi nish, a series of long gradual ed Bull are hoping that engine and chas- certain circuits.” on his Red Bull debut has given teammate Daniel be a winning two. The Australian, famed for having climbs over an elevation gain of sis upgrades will help them beat Ferrari Renault will be testing an upgraded power unit Ricciardo a taste of his own medicine, according to the biggest smile in the sport, said after the race he 11,300 feet could take its toll on and Formula One champions Mercedes at the Barcelona circuit this week with plans to 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve. felt victory had been snatched away from him. the sprinters. more often after Max Verstappen’s introduce it at next month’s Canadian Grand Prix The 18-year-old Verstappen became Formula “It’s not hard to see Max on the podium but it’s SpanishR Grand Prix victory on Sunday. for Red Bull and their own Renault factory team. One’s youngest race winner at Sunday’s Spanish hard for me not to be on the podium, that’s the big- Apart from becoming the sport’s youngest race Mercedes had won 36 of the previous 42 races Grand Prix, with Australian Ricciardo finishing gest disappointment,” he said. winner, the 18-year-old Dutch driver secured the until Sunday, with Ferrari the only team to beat fourth after a strategy error by the team was com- “It didn’t make sense,” he added of the decision former world champions their fi rst triumph since them last year. They have dominated the sport pounded by a late puncture. to switch to a three-stop strategy after Ferrari had the 2014 Belgian Grand Prix. since the V6 turbo hybrid power units replaced Ricciardo, winner of three races in 2014 when, done so with Vettel. “It’s frustrating, I think we just It was also the fi rst win since that August af- the V8s in 2014. like Verstappen, he moved up from Toro Rosso to threw the win away. Sure I’m bitter right now. Not ternoon for engine suppliers Renault, even if the Monaco, the slowest of street circuits with its the main Red Bull team, had led after Mercedes with Max, not at all, just bitter at the situation.” Red Bull cars now carry the name of Swiss watch tight and twisty layout, is next up with outright pair Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton collided on Red Bull principal Christian Horner, who saw company Tag Heuer after relations with the power less important than driveability. Until the opening lap. “The critical point now is what will “uncanny” similarities between Verstappen and a French manufacturer frayed almost to breaking Barcelona, Red Bull had considered that classic happen with Ricciardo,” Villeneuve, who took pole young Vettel, said the Dutch youngster would only point last year. Red Bull have been busy mending race their best chance of winning this season. and almost won on his race debut with Williams grow in confidence but also off ered words of sup- fences since then, a necessary move given that “If we can fi nd a few tenths on the power unit in 1996 as a fresh young teammate to Britain’s Da- port to Ricciardo. “At that point in the race it was nobody else was willing to take Renault’s place, side, it’s certainly going to be gratefully received,” mon Hill, said. “Right now it’s the reverse situation far from obvious which was the quicker route to and team principal Christian Horner continued said Horner, when asked whether Renault might of when he arrived (at Red Bull) and (Sebastian) go and we felt Vettel, as the biggest opponent, we that process on Sunday. “I have to pay compli- bring the upgrade forward for Monaco. Vettel was the driver, except Vettel had four world would take him on with Ricciardo,” he said of the ments to our Tag Heuer engine partners who “Let’s see how the test goes but if there was championships and he doesn’t. His smile will not strategy. “I said it before the weekend and I really have done a great job in making progress,” he said any opportunity to be even more competitive in carry him now,” added the Canadian. believe we’ve got the strongest pairing of drivers in to laughter from reporters. Monaco we’d take it. But that’s a decision for the Red Bull put Ricciardo, who had led for 31 laps, Formula One now,” added Horner. “We’re in a posi- “I think that with what’s in the pipeline for guys from Renault,” he said. “We’ll do the testing on a three-stop strategy at the Circuit de Catalunya tion where things are on the up.” coming races there’s a lot of reason for optimism. and then they will look at the numbers.” Peter Sagan

BOXING MOTOGP Wilder promoter opens door for fi ghts Honda extend with British rivals Fury and Joshua Pedrosa’s contract heavyweight crown by meeting either to end of 2018 AFP London International Boxing Federation cham- American boxer pion Joshua, 16-0 with 16 knockouts, Deontay Wilder. Reuters or World Boxing Association and World Madrid nbeaten heavyweight cham- Boxing Organization champion Fury, pion Deontay Wilder could be 25-0 with 18 knockouts. in line to face rival undefeated “This is a huge disappointment and a panish MotoGP rider British ring kings Tyson Fury setback to my goals in boxing,” Wilder Dani Pedrosa (right) Uand Anthony Joshua after a planned said. “It is still my goal to collect all the will stay at Honda until bout next Saturday in Moscow was belts and become the undisputed heav- the end of the 2018 sea- cancelled. yweight champion of the world.” son,S the Japanese manufacturer Lou DiBella, Wilder’s promoter, said Fury will defend his titles in a re- said yesterday. The 30-year- that any talk of rescheduling a new fi ght match against Ukraine’s Wladimir Kl- old, whose teammate is double date for Wilder to meet Russian Alex- itschko on July 9 in Manchester. Fury world champion and compatriot ander Povetkin, who tested positive for took a unanimous decision over Kl- Marc Marquez, will be starting the banned substance meldonium, was itschko, 64-4 with 53 knockouts, last his 250th grand prix in Italy this “unfounded and premature.” November in Germany to claim the weekend. The World Boxing Council ordered crowns. Joshua is set to defend his title Pedrosa has been with Honda the fi ght not be staged next week af- against American Dominic Breazeale, all his career, winning the former focus on racing,” said the Span- ter the doping positive, DiBella saying 17-0 with 15 knockouts, on June 25 in 125cc and 250cc world champi- iard. Pedrosa had been linked to Povetkin breached the fi ght contract London. Joshua took the crown last onships that are now Moto3 and Yamaha, whose reigning cham- and Wilder “will await further com- month by knocking out previously un- Moto2 respectively, before mak- pion Jorge Lorenzo is moving to munications from the WBC and will beaten US fi ghter Charles Martin. ing his MotoGP debut in 2006. Ducati at the end of the season. weigh all our options given what has Wilder, 30, had been training in “I think it’s best for me to con- But Spanish media have report- transpired.” England for the past two weeks and was tinue with the company I was ed that Yamaha have signed his Those options could include WBC to fl y to Moscow on Sunday, instead with at my very fi rst race. I’m compatriot Maverick Vinales champion Wilder, 36-0 with 35 knock- fl ying home to Alabama for further happy that the negotiations have from Suzuki. An announcement outs, working toward unifying the developments. been quick, and now I can just is expected later in the week. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 17, 2016 11 CRICKETSPORT

IPL Kohli leads Bangalore to thumping win over Kolkata Kohli and de Villiers remain on 75 and 59 respectively while Gayle contributes with a 31-ball 49

Agencies anything that was hurled loose, Kolkata and by the end of the powerplay the Knights were 51/1. The on- slaught continued in the next irat Kohli and AB de over as leg-spinner Yuzvendra Villiers once again de- Chahal was carved for 16. livered the goods with RCB then pulled things back their bats as their Royal a little in the next few overs and VChallengers Bangalore romped also grabbed the vital of home with 9 to spare Gambhir who got run-out short- against in ly after getting to his fi fty and an con- also ended Gambhir and Pan- test at the Eden Gardens. dey's 76-run stand. Kohli and de Villiers remained The hundred came up in the not out on 75 and 59 respectively 12th over as Pandey smashed while Chris Gayle contributed Watson for a fl at six and then with a 31-ball 49. The Kohli-de pinched a single. Thereafter, new Villiers partnership yielded 115 man Yusuf Pathan and the al- runs for the men in red and black. ready set Pandey failed to pierce With the win, Bangalore stay the gaps. Runs dried down and alive in the competition with 6 Pandey was holed out in the deep wins from 12 games. trying to up the run-rate. Yusuf Chasing Kolkata's 183/5, they (6) too was out . got off to a fl yer as Gayle - who Next to perish was Suryaku- had been in slumber for much of mar Yadav (5) who was caught this season - smashed the ball to at long on by Iqbal Abdulla. The all parts of the ground. fl urry of wickets also put a brake The burly Jamaican fi rst took on the scoring rate much to the on Andre Russell hitting him relief of RCB. for 17 in the third over and then But Shakib al-Hasan and Rus- clubbed Sunil Narine for two sell enthralled the strong Eden consecutive fours in the fi fth. crowd with some powerhitting After six overs, Bangalore were to propel KKR to a challenging cruising at 63 for no loss but then total. The last three overs yielded Gayle was adjudged leg-before- 38 runs for the home side. wicket off a Narine delivery. BRIEF SCORES It was diffi cult to understand Kolkata Knight Riders: 183 for who the home team were as 5 in 20 overs (Gautam Gambhir chants of 'Kohli, Kohli' went up 51, 50; Sreenath time and again around the packed Aravind 2/41) lost to Royal stadium as the Bangalore captain Challengers Bangalore 186 for 1 in came in - and did not disappoint 18.4 overs (C Gayle 49, V Kohli not either as he picked the bounda- out 75, AB de Villiers not out 59) by ries at regular intervals. How- 9 wickets ever, Kohli was dropped at 32 by his opposite number Gautam DELHI AIM TO BOUNCE BACK Gambhir.The miss proved costly AGAINST PUNE as Kohli got to yet another half- After being thrashed by Mumbai century, while his partner at the Indians in their previous match, other end - de Villiers - started Delhi Daredevils will aim to roar clobbering them too. Before back into the IPL play-off s reck- long, the visitors were in touch- oning when they take on bottom- ing distance of the total and the placed Rising Pune Supergiants duo did the needful with 8 balls here today. to spare. "t was a tricky chase Placed at the fi fth spot with six because the wicket was a bit wins from 11 matches, Daredevils sticky. I knew I had to stay in. We will hope for some consistency spoke about that. Again, with AB in their remaining three league coming out and taking the chase matches to book a place in the along with me, it feels wonder- play-off s. On the other hand, al- ful. We haven't always played ready ousted from the race to the well in Kolkata, but it feels great play-off s, the Mahendra Singh that we'll carry this win to Ban- Dhoni-led side Pune will aim galore," said Kohli. to fi nish their debut season on a Earlier, twin fi fties from Gam- high after having managed to win bhir and Manish Pandey and An- just three matches out of 12. dre Russell's late blitz of 19-ball The Zaheer Khan-led side 39 helped Knight Riders post will aim to put behind its huge a challenging total. Gambhir 80-run loss to 's smashed a 34-ball 51, while Pan- team and hope the batsmen put dey contributed 50 off 35 balls up a strong performance. The while pacer Sreenath Aravind batting will once again revolve picked up fi gures of 2/41. around Rishabh Pant, Quinton Even though the hosts lost de Kock, keeper-batsman Sanju Robin Uthappa (2) early, Gamb- Samson and with all- hir manage to pick the gaps along rounders Chris Morris and Car- with Pandey. . los Brathwaite providing the late Gambhir too pounced upon order fi reworks. Royal Challengers Bangalore captain plays a pull shot against Kolkata Knight Riders during the IPL in Kolkata yesterday. (BCCI)

ROUND-UP FOCUS Yasir injury concern for Pak Sri Lankan pacer ahead of England tour Prasad out of fi rst Test

AFP take. The International Cricket Council lifted AFP Lahore the suspension in March. London AUSTRALIA BRIEFED ON ZIKA VIRUS akistan leg spinner Yasir Shah (right) AHEAD OF WINDIES TOUR ri Lanka paceman needs four to fi ve weeks to recover from Australia captain Steven Smith and his team Dhammika Prasad Pa knee injury, offi cials said yesterday, have been warned about risks associated with (right) will miss the putting him on track for the team’s sum- the Zika virus ahead of their tour of the West chance to repeat his mer tour of England. The 30-year-old, who Indies next month. HeadingleyS heroics of two years is ranked third in Tests, was forced out of a Australia will play West Indies and South ago after being ruled out of the boot camp in the city of Abbottabad after ex- Africa in a triangular one-day international fi rst Test against England start- periencing pain in his left knee. The Pakistan tournament in St Kitts & Nevis, Barbados ing on Thursday. Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement a scan and Guyana from June 5. A handful of cases Prasad played a key role in had revealed a minor injury. of Zika - a mosquito-borne virus known to Sri Lanka’s fi rst Test series win “Shah is suff ering from tear in the lateral cause the birth defect microcephaly - have in England when, in the sec- meniscus along with small osteochondral been recorded in Guyana, on South America’s ond and fi nal match of the 2014 defect. He needs conservative management north coast. campaign, he took fi ve for 50 in soon,” Sri Lanka coach Graham made a hundred and Lahiru which includes physical therapy and exten- Cricket Australia chief medical offi cer John the second innings at Heading- Ford told BBC Sport after the Thirimanne hit 40 at Grace sive rehabilitation. In our opinion he will re- Orchard said the players had been briefed on ley, the headquarters of county tourists’ fi nal warm-up match, Road. “As we have gone along cover in four to fi ve weeks time,” it said. how to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and champions Yorkshire in Leeds, against Leicestershire ended in players have started to fi nd their Shah has been Pakistan’s leading bowler in reminded of “safe-sex practices”. northern England. a draw on Sunday. feet and fi nd a bit of form,” Ford Tests in recent times and his participation is Zika is spread primarily by mosquitoes but His haul included all of Eng- “Prasad has had a few tests said. seen as key for the team’s chances in the four- can also be transmitted sexually, prompting land’s top four, in a match Sri and the specialist came to see “Every day, there is someone Test series in England from July 14. the Australian Olympic Committee to pro- Lanka won by 100 runs af- him today,” the South African new who is starting to look like He has so far taken 76 wickets in 12 Tests vide ‘Zika-proof’ condoms to athletes head- ter clinching victory with just added. “We’ll have to build he feeling a bit more settled in and has been taken on the mantle of the ing to the Rio de Janeiro Games in August. one ball to spare on the fi nal him up and get him bowling a English conditions. Hopefully country’s main spinner after Saeed Ajmal’s An outbreak of the disease in Puerto Rico day. However, this trip saw the number of overs in the nets to with a bit more work the boys career was derailed following a suspension caused two games to 32-year-old injure his shoul- have him prepared potentially will have some good belief about for chucking. ries in the United Arab Emirates. be relocated from the Caribbean island to Mi- der during Sri Lanka’s fi rst tour for the second or third Test.” what they can do. It is going to Shah took 49 wickets in 2015 which Earlier this year Shah was suspended fol- ami later this month. Preparations for the Rio match against Essex last week. Sri Lanka’s top-order have be about mental toughness and helped Pakistan jump to second in the Test lowing a failed dope test, a punishment which Olympics have been overshadowed by a major “We’re hoping that we can struggled in England so far this handling pressure when the rankings. Fifteen of them came in Pakistan’s was lifted after he pleaded guilty, saying he Zika outbreak in Brazil, prompting some ath- get him bowling again pretty tour but Dimuth Karunaratne Test starts on Thursday.” 2-0 win over England in the three-Test se- took his wife’s blood pressure tablet by mis- letes to elect to skip the Games.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Al Shaqab’s Jemayel wins Group 1 in Deauville

Agencies Rouget, who said, “Lately, in Chantilly, Jemayel served, considering she wasn’t Deauville, France she did not have any action. It was too a hot favourite in the race. bad to be good. We kept her cool at 2 “Jemayel gave a dazzling performance in order to do a good 3yo season. This and won the title in such top-class style, l Shaqab Racing-owned time, she had sheepskin, but it did not which surprised everyone, including Jemayel won the Pour Moi do the diff erence. I thought Camprock her rivals,” al-Attiyah said after the race. Coolmore Prix Saint-Alary would come to defeat her, but she re- “She was not a favourite as she did not do (Gr1) yesterday at Deauville, sisted very well. She shows she can hold well when she was last seen, but she had a earningA her ticket for the Prix de Diane the distance. She had never gone more diff erent opinion today with Gregory Be- Longines (Gr1). than 1,600m at 2. She is now going to noist, who simply excelled and was a key After waiting in the lot, the fi lly came go to the Prix de Diane.” factor in realising this win. In fact, this very fast along the inside rail and man- Al Shaqab racing manager Harry victory is a result of the dedication and aged to take the advantage over Cam- Herbert added, “This was an inter- commitment of Al Shaqab team in gen- prock, who lost her invincibility. Both esting scenario. The fi lly is very well eral. Jemayel has also proved that she has fi llies were only separated by a head at trained so we decided to run her. She more to show in future. the fi nish line. The British Hawksmoor, can sometimes be a bit lazy so here the “Al Shaqab has realised such victo- who led the lot, kept the third place in rhythm helped a lot and she fi nished ries for the third day in a row in both front of Left Hand. off her race very well. Gregory Benoist the UK and France, and such successes Jemayel had disappointed on her re- also did a wonderful job. The distance refl ect the ongoing eff orts to maintain turn this year in the Prix Finlande (L), is spot on for her. She looked terrifi c to- Al Shaqab’s standing at winning en- where she only fi nished seventh. But as day with her brighter skin. It has been a closures. Al Shaqab will have runners a two-year-old, the fi lly had come sec- wonderful weekend overall.” in several races in Europe and we look ond in the Prix des Réservoirs (Gr3) on Al Shaqab Racing general man- forward to more titles and victories, this track. ager Khalifa bin Mohamed al-Attiyah especially as we do have several horses Al Shaqab Racing general manager Khalifa bin Mohamed al-Attiyah, Racing manager Harry Herbert, Jemayel trainer Jean-Claude Jemayel is trained by Jean-Claude expressed happiness at the surprise who can realise our goals.” Rouget and jockey Gregory Benoist on the podium after the filly won Pour Moi Coolmore Prix Saint-Alary (Gr1) yesterday.

FOCUS Third successful Qatar Amateur League concludes Al Waab win 24 out of their 30 games to win their second title in three years

By Sports Reporter Doha

he Qatar Amateur League (QAL), a com- munity event aimed at bringing football teams from Qatar’s social, corporate and government sectors together in a Ttournament, concluded on Saturday as Al Waab defeated Umm Al Afai 2-1. Teams from communities across Qatar com- peted at six venues over the course of the sea- son. Al Waab were crowned champions for the second time, repeating the feat they achieved during the 2013-14 season and becoming the fi rst team to win the title twice. Organised by the Qatar Football Association (QFA) with close support from the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), the QAL was mentioned in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qa- tar bid document as a commitment to grassroots football development in the country. Commenting on the tournament, SC as- sistant secretary general for Tournament Af- fairs Nasser al-Khater said: “More teams took part in this year’s competition than ever be- fore, demonstrating the passion for grassroots football that underpins this country’s love of Qatar Stars League CEO Hani Balan presents the winners’ trophy to Al Waab after they won the Qatar Amateurs League. sports. “The Supreme Committee is proud to have League (QAL) champions Al Waab, saying the After the pulsating clash, Balan presided over “This is an important event on our football “I congratulate the organisers for staging a played a part in the continued development players demonstrated great skills on the pitch. the victory ceremony, handing medals and tro- calendar. We are happy to see the commitment top-notch event that was enjoyed by the play- of the Qatar Amateur League, which is living Al Waab, having won 24 out of their 30 games, phies to the top two sides. shown by teams and players,” Balan said. ers, the teams and the fans. evidence of football’s ability to bring diff erent emerged QAL champions by producing a tally of Ibrahim Shahin Sulaiti, chairman of the Or- “Football is our number one sport and we are “This was our third edition and we have communities together. I’d like to congratulate 75 points from 30 matches followed by Al Afai ganising Committee of QAL, was joined by thrilled to see how young and senior players picked up many important lessons. We will con- all the teams for taking part and am personally with 70 points. Amwaaj fi nished in third spot Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohamed al-Thani at the show their game in this league,” he said. tinue to make improvements as we go along. looking forward to another successful season with 67 points. presentation ceremony. “Our vision is to keep developing the sport as “This league is there so that there’s a link be- next year.” Al Afai fi nished in second spot with a victory Amwaaj’s third place fi nish earned them a we complete our preparations for the 2022 FIFA tween amateurs and professionals. Football is over Al Waab at Al Ahli Stadium. prize of QR80,000, while Al Afai picked up the World Cup,” he said. everybody’s passion here. QAL ACHIEVED A LOT THIS SEASON: BALAN Mohamed Salameh and Mahmoud Omar second prize of QR100,000 and Al Waab won “The QAL is a very important platform for “To develop the sport, all segments of the Qatar Stars League (QSL) CEO Hani Ba- scored the goals for Al Afai while Mohamed QR150,000 for their title-winning perform- people who love the sport and want to develop society have to be engaged in this wonderful lan praised the performance of Qatar Amateur Mustafa reduced the defi cit for Al Waab. ance. their skills even if they are not professional. game.”

Artistic Gymnastic Championship

The Artistic Gymnastic Championship was held successfully for boys and girls on Saturday. More than 70 aspiring gymnasts in the age group of 9 to 13 represented various Qatar clubs in the event, which was organised by the Qatar Gymnastics Federation.