SHELLY ANN FRASER-PRYCE P 26 | VOLLEYBALL Qatar's SILVER

P 9 | FOOTBALL P 26 | VOLLEYBALL ENtER tHE PASS MAStER! QAtAR’S SILVER LINING! Al Sadd coach Housseine Amouta pin hopes Qatar’s Al Arabi put up an impressive on star recruit Xavi Hernandez as they look performance to finish as runners-up at to regain the Qatar Stars League title. the Asian Clubs Championship.

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Jamaican superstar Usain Bolt beats dope-tainted American Justin Gatlin in 100M to save his reputation as well as the sport itself. PAGES 18-25

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» The writer can be contacted at: Editor-in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi [email protected] FROM THE GAME Managing Editor Kumar Ravi Senior Editor/Writer Aswin Abraham Catch every pulse of action... Stay tuned Senior Sports Writer N Ganesh Sports Writers Sajith B Warrier www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Aju George Chris Mohammad Amin-ul Islam Sarath Pookkat AFC coaches’ convention aims Photographers Mohan Vinod Divakaran Fadi Al Assaad Mohammed Dabboos at developing common thread A K BijuRaj Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko HE Asian Football Confederation (AFC) dropped rather than the development of grass-roots, youth, Gopakumar K its official slogan ‘Future is Asia’ from its logo coaches or facilities. Joice Michael Tsometime ago, but one can’t deny the fact A classic case is India, described by many as Asia’s Technical support Shaheen Mohammed that there’s so much focus on ‘future’ in its scheme ‘sleeping giant’. A country with 1.2 billion people, India Abdul Naser M of things as was evident at the inaugural three-day has very few stadiums and most of them aren’t up to national coaches’ conference in Kuala Lumpur last the mark to host an international match. the less said week. the better about the lack of facilities at the grass-roots the conference discussed how the continent’s teams level. Like many other Asian nations, India is also rising P.O. Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar tel: +974 44138065, Fax: +974 44138597 could bridge the gap with the rest of the world and as a powerful economy, but there’s no focus on the www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com the delegates agreed upon four key elements — coach basics. Editorial: tel: +974 44138522, Fax: +974 44138593 education, player development, technical exchange and It’s true that Asia’s huge size and complex diversity, e-mail: [email protected] intense competition — that can lead to success. It was including cultural, social and climatic factors, have been Marketing & advertising: tel: +974 44138566 also decided to create a pan-Asian coaching convention, detrimental towards achieving a general consensus e-mail: [email protected] Distribution: tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 a common platform for coaches to air their views and on many vital factors that need to be tailored into our e-mail: [email protected] ideas. football system. But I think it’s often merely for an Several good initiatives have been launched in Asia excuse that we say things are impossible. Remember, in the past, often by individuals or a few member where there’s a will, there’s a way! www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus associations, but there has never been a common Anyway, the coaches’ convention is definitely a www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar thread across the continent. the concept of a coaching positive step in the right direction. But in order to attain convention is, perhaps, the first step towards developing sustainable development, the AFC needs to create a www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar a generally-accepted philosophy that could lead to more stimulating atmosphere across the continent, success. where more than half of the world’s population live. Football is still the most popular sport in Asia, but Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution often public attention turns to issues other than the Printed at ASPIRE Printing Press actual game itself. unsavoury developments and unethical practices like corruption and match fixing

© Stories and photographs appearing in this publication may not be reproduced grab the headlines. Even official deliberations are often Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi without the permission of ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution. confined to mere technical and administrative areas Editor-in-Chief

INSIDE P 12 | FOOTBALL P 26 | BASKETBALL P 30 | TENNIS City of hope! Qatar face uphill task Federer gives Manchester City send an the Qatar national team, preparing for master class ominous warning to their title the FIBA Asia Championship in China, rivals as they blank Everton to is struggling with injuries and faces an Roger continue their impressive uphill task of getting ready in time. Federer of start to the season. Switzerland rolls back the years and comes up with a P 27 | TABLE TENNIS P 28 | CRICKET scintillating display of attacking Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution Qatar’s women Rising from game to beat P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. of substance the Ashes! top seed Novak Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 Djokovic of Serbia e-mail: [email protected] Aya Majdi and Maha Faramarzi England lose the final test, but in the Cincinnati Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 underline the game’s rising can still consider the Ashes e-mail: [email protected] Masters final. popularity in Qatar by winning series victory as a motivation to

www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar doubles title at the Arab event. perform well in future. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 3

OPINION

» The writer can be contacted at: Editor-in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi [email protected] Managing Editor Kumar Ravi Senior Editor/Writer Aswin Abraham Senior Sports Writer N Ganesh Sports Writers Sajith B Warrier Aju George Chris Mohammad Amin-ul Islam Sarath Pookkat AFC coaches’ convention aims Photographers Mohan Vinod Divakaran Fadi Al Assaad Mohammed Dabboos at developing common thread A K BijuRaj Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko HE Asian Football Confederation (AFC) dropped rather than the development of grass-roots, youth, Gopakumar K its official slogan ‘Future is Asia’ from its logo coaches or facilities. Joice Michael Tsometime ago, but one can’t deny the fact A classic case is India, described by many as Asia’s Technical support Shaheen Mohammed that there’s so much focus on ‘future’ in its scheme ‘sleeping giant’. A country with 1.2 billion people, India Abdul Naser M of things as was evident at the inaugural three-day has very few stadiums and most of them aren’t up to national coaches’ conference in Kuala Lumpur last the mark to host an international match. the less said week. the better about the lack of facilities at the grass-roots the conference discussed how the continent’s teams level. Like many other Asian nations, India is also rising P.O. Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar tel: +974 44138065, Fax: +974 44138597 could bridge the gap with the rest of the world and as a powerful economy, but there’s no focus on the www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com the delegates agreed upon four key elements — coach basics. Editorial: tel: +974 44138522, Fax: +974 44138593 education, player development, technical exchange and It’s true that Asia’s huge size and complex diversity, e-mail: [email protected] intense competition — that can lead to success. It was including cultural, social and climatic factors, have been Marketing & advertising: tel: +974 44138566 also decided to create a pan-Asian coaching convention, detrimental towards achieving a general consensus e-mail: [email protected] Distribution: tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 a common platform for coaches to air their views and on many vital factors that need to be tailored into our e-mail: [email protected] ideas. football system. But I think it’s often merely for an Several good initiatives have been launched in Asia excuse that we say things are impossible. Remember, in the past, often by individuals or a few member where there’s a will, there’s a way! www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus associations, but there has never been a common Anyway, the coaches’ convention is definitely a www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar thread across the continent. the concept of a coaching positive step in the right direction. But in order to attain convention is, perhaps, the first step towards developing sustainable development, the AFC needs to create a www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar a generally-accepted philosophy that could lead to more stimulating atmosphere across the continent, success. where more than half of the world’s population live. Football is still the most popular sport in Asia, but Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution often public attention turns to issues other than the Printed at ASPIRE Printing Press actual game itself. unsavoury developments and unethical practices like corruption and match fixing

INSIDE P 12 | FOOTBALL P 26 | BASKETBALL P 30 | TENNIS City of hope! Qatar face uphill task Federer gives Manchester City send an the Qatar national team, preparing for master class ominous warning to their title the FIBA Asia Championship in China, rivals as they blank Everton to is struggling with injuries and faces an Roger continue their impressive uphill task of getting ready in time. Federer of start to the season. Switzerland rolls back the years and comes up with a P 27 | TABLE TENNIS P 28 | CRICKET scintillating display of attacking Qatar’s women Rising from game to beat of substance the Ashes! top seed Novak Djokovic of Serbia Aya Majdi and Maha Faramarzi England lose the final test, but in the Cincinnati underline the game’s rising can still consider the Ashes Masters final. popularity in Qatar by winning series victory as a motivation to doubles title at the Arab event. perform well in future. 4 WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 5

MIXEDPICK OF ZONE THE WEEK | QATAR | ATHLETICS

ŠŠQatar’s Ashraf Amjad Mohammed in action. Qatar’s Balla sixth in 800M

HE Qatar Athletics Federation, runner-up from the group. He Meanwhile, Qatari sprinter Femi ever eager to pick up tips finished in 1:47.93, just behind Seun Ogunode missed a golden Twhich would help it when Kenya’s David Rudisha (1:47.70). chance for a historic 100M final Doha hosts the 2019 IAAF World Earlier, the reigning Asian champion qualification by a mere 0.01sec Championships at home, fielded automatically progressed from the margin. the quadruple Asian one of its youngest-ever teams for heats in third place (1:48.59). games gold medallist completed the biennial competition in Beijing. In another Qatari first, hammer his semifinal in 10sec, but was SisterOt long ago, Ethiopian months.act! So I was very confident bronze (65.53). the rationale behind the move thrower Ashraf Amjad Mohammed marginally slower than Su Bingtian LEGENDARY ETHIOPIAN RUNNER genzebe Dibaba was known going into the final 400M,” added “My first throw gave me a was to promote future stars and punched way above his weight to and uSA’s trayvon Bromell (both Nas an indoor runner who Dibaba. lot of confidence. I’m feeling so Kemboi wins give them as much competition qualify for the final with a 76.51M 9.99), who both qualified. TIRUNESH DIBABA’S LITTLE SISTER could never make an impact Kenya’s 800M Olympic champion emotional now. Winning at the ’15 gold in 3,000M experience as possible before the heave. “the mark of a great athlete GENZEBE COMES UP WITH A outdoors. and world record holder David Pan American games didn’t give mega event reaches Doha. Halfway However, the double world junior is his ability to come back. great But the 24-year-old triple indoor Rudisha, who lost the entire ’13 me much confidence, but it was a steeplechase through the competition in China, champion (’12 Barcelona and ’14 champions have all come back MEASURED RUN TO STRIKE GOLD IN world record holder in 1,500, 3,000 season and a chance to defend very good preparation for the World the move seems to have been Oregon), who also finished second from defeat…” he later wrote on his 1,500M, WRITES AJU GEORGE CHRIS and 5,000M now holds the world his ’11 world title to a knee injury, Championships,” said the Cuban. Ezekiel Kemboi underlined somewhat successful, despite Qatar twitter account. mark in 1,500M (3:50.07), which ensured there would be no such Kenyan Nicholas Bett, a policeman his status as one of the great failing to win any medal. Femi later qualified for the 200M FROM BEIJING. she set at the Monaco Diamond disappointments this year. by profession, won gold in 400M Kenyan athletes by capturing Musaab Abdulrahman Balla I WAS RUNNING IN THE semifinal with a second-place finish League last month. And legendary though not at his best, Rudisha hurdles with a time of 47.79. It the 3,000M steeplechase crown proved to be Qatar’s best athlete by FINAL OF A WORLD (20.25) in heats on tuesday. for a record fourth time last runner tirunesh Dibaba’s little sister led the two-lap race from the front was Kenya’s first-ever medal in the far. the 26-year-old created history CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR Young 800M runner Jamal Monday. the 33-year-old seized again proved, this time in Beijing on and reached home in 1:45.84sec. discipline. the gold, thanks to a devastating by becoming the first athlete from THE FIRST TIME. Hairane, who booked a ticket for tuesday, that she is the best, be it Poland’s Adam Kszczot was second Bett had been fifth coming into sub 57sec last-lap burst at the the country to qualify for 800M Beijing by virtue of being one of the indoors or outdoors. the last bend, but stormed past Bird’s Nest Stadium. finals. He eventually finished a best athletes who came close to the Her winning time in the final, Russia’s Denis Kudryavtsev (48.05) Kenya secured their first creditable sixth (1:47.01). at the Asian Championships in qualifying mark, did not progress 4min, 8.09sec, was nowhere near BEFORE THE RACE, I TOLD and Bahamas’s Jeffery gibson clean sweep in the event for “I was running in the final Wuhan (China), was out of his past the first round. He finished her effort in Monaco. In fact, it was MYSELF I’M THE WORLD (48.17). He thus became the first eight years, but the anticipated of a World Championships depth when it mattered, finishing sixth in heats (1:48.96). challenge from Evan Jager faded the slowest-ever winning time in RECORD HOLDER. I KNOW African to win the world title in the for the first time. there was ninth (74.09). Hashim Salah Mohammed could on the final lap as the American the World Championships history, EVERYBODY IN THIS RACE. discipline since Zambian Samuel was unable to match the speed a lot of pressure on me. But I’m But considering that he is only 20, only finish last in the third heat of but it is her first major outdoor Matete in tokyo in ’91. of the Africans and trailed home happy I finished sixth. I’m not it is a creditable achievement for the 3,000M steeplechase (9:17.35). victory in the distance and she “In the semifinal, I made a mistake sixth. disappointed at all,” Balla told Doha ASPIRE Academy graduate. the 21-year-old, who had failed would happily settle for it for the in 1.46.08 while Bosnia and with the steps between hurdles. But Kemboi, who clocked 8min Stadium Plus. “I was here mainly for the to meet the IAAF’s qualification time being. Herzegovina’s Amel tuka finished I was able to correct it during the and 11.28sec, added the title to Balla had created a huge upset experience. I’m still young and standards, was given direct entry Dibaba, who recently started third (1.46.30) for his country’s first- final,” said the 23-year-old. those he won in 2009, ’11 and in the semifinal when he raced have a long way ahead. I’m taking after the world body pruned the ’13 and to the Olympic gold he training under Canadian coach Jama ever World Championships medal. Long jumper greg Rutherford past Botswana’s ’12 London a lot of positives from China. this number of Kenyans to just three. baged in ’04 and ’12. Aden, finished ahead of Kenya’s “I’m delighted with this gold. It added the world title to his ‘12 Silver went to Conseslus Olympics silver medallist Nijel experience has given me a lot of Beijing should have certainly been a Faith Kipyegon (4:08.96) and the means a lot to me, especially after all Olympic gold medal. the Briton Kipruto, who did much of the Amos to qualify for the final as confidence,” he said. learning experience for him. Netherlands’ Sifar Hassan (4:09.34). those disappointments. Last month, jumped a season’s best of 8.41M to pacesetting and hung on to “I’ve been working very hard I had a problem with my speed. dominate. While Australia’s Fabrice finish in 8:12.38 while GOLD MEDALLISTS for the last three years. My sister But when I solved it, I knew that Lapierre won silver (8.24), the biggest Brimin Kiprop came third MEN in 8:12.54. won Olympic gold at this stadium irrespective of the pace in the final, I cheers were reserved for homeboy 100M Another Kenyan, ’15 usain Bolt (JAM) 9.79 (SB) in 2008, so I wanted to share this can win,” said Rudisha. Wang Jianan, who won bronze world rankings leader family experience,” said Dibaba. Meanwhile, there was a huge (8.18). “It was hard luck for 400M HURDLES Jairus Birech, was Nicholas Bett (KEN) 47.79 (WL) “Before the race, I told myself surprise in women’s discus throw as “I’m now the European, world fourth in 8:12.62. Musaab (Balla) in 800M final. He gave his 100 per 800M I’m the world record holder. I unheralded Cuban Denia Caballero and Olympic champion. It’s an David Rudisha (KEN) 1:45.84 know everybody in this won gold with a first-round throw unbelievable, incredible feeling. I’ve cent to the race. While 3,000M STEEPLECHASE race and everything of 69.28M. dreamt of this day for a long time. I Ashraf (Amjad Mohammed) Ezekiel Kemboi (KEN) 8:11.28 about their style, Croatia’s defending world and can’t believe I’ve finally done it,” said did quite well in hammer 10,000M and I had Olympic champion Sandra Perkovic Rutherford. throw, Femi (Seun Mohamed Farah (gBR) 27:01.13 20KM RACE WALK trained hard finished second with a 67.39M Ogunode) was unlucky not Miguel Angel Lopez (ESP) 1:19:14 (PB) in the attempt while germany’s Nadine » The writer can be contacted at: to have qualified for the MARATHON last few Mueller won [email protected] final. Now I look forward to ghirmay ghebreslassie (ERI) 2:12:28 high jumper Mutaz (Essa LONG JUMP greg Rutherford (gBR) 8.41M Barshim). POLE VAULT Dahlan Al Hamad, Shawnacy Barber (CAN) 5.90 Qatar Athletics Federation SHOT PUT President. Joe Kovacs (uSA) 21.93 HAMMER THROW Pawel Fajdek (POL) 80.88 WOMEN 100M Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (JAM) 10.76 1,500M Canada’s Shawnacy Barber prolonged Frenchman Renaud genzebe Dibaba (EtH) 4:08.09 Lavillenie Lavillenie’s World Championships jinx by snatching men’s pole 10,000M vault gold last Monday. Vivian Cheruiyot (KEN) 31:41.31 ends up Barber, 21, managed a best of 5.90M, winning on count- TRIPLE JUMP sharing back from defending champion Raphael Holzdeppe of germany. Caterine Ibarrguen (COL) 14.90 (SB) Olympic champion and world record holder Lavillenie could SHOT PUT bronze only clear 5.80 and shared bronze with Polish pair Piotr Lisek Christina Schwanitz (gER) 20.37 and Pawel Wojciechowski as his challenge fell flat again. DISCUS THROW Lavillenie had previously won a silver in Moscow and two Denia Caballero (CuB) 69.28M bronzes in the Berlin and Daegu Worlds, and was looking to HEPTATHLON break that hoodoo in Beijing, but it was not to be. Jessica Ennis-Hill (gBR) 6,669pts (SB) www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 5

ŠŠQatar’s Ashraf Amjad Mohammed in action. Qatar’s Balla sixth in 800M

FOOTBALL | QATAR

Qatar coach stays optimistic AtAR under-17 coach “Mallorca has been very to win to qualify for the knock Arno Buitenweg exuded important in my life, I feel rewarded out stage. Qconfidence they would both professionally and personally. the team showed character, in defeat Oman in the first semifinal But right now, my aim is to help sharp contrast to our 1-4 defeat of the gCC under-17 Championship Qatar prepare players for the 2022 against Saudi Arabia. We don’t at the Aspire Dome on thursday. FIFA World Cup. these kids will go want to focus too much on these “I’m glad to see the on to play with the senior team in matches. Instead we want to think response from my boys about the semifinal. who did a creditable “Against Saudi, we committed too job against the uAE in OUR BOYS WERE A LOT many defensive errors. thankfully, our last group match. It MORE DETERMINED AND we could overcome them and our was quite encouraging to CONFIDENT THAN THEY boys were a lot more determined see their positive spirit and WERE IN THE FIRST GAME. and confident than they were in the hopefully they’ll make an first game,” he added. impact against Oman too,” Before the gCC event, Qatar Buitenweg told Doha Stadium Plus. future and I’m proud to be working participated in a five-nation the Dutchman, who was with them,” he said. tournament in Mexico City, also Arno a former youth coach at Real On the 4-0 victory against the featuring Panama, Canada and Buitenweg QATAR RECOVER FROM A BIG DEFEAT Mallorca, joined the ASPIRE uAE in the last group match, Bermuda. AGAINST SAUDI ARABIA AND OUTPLAY Academy in April, 2012, to take care Buitenweg said, “We always Qatar beat Bermuda (5-2) and of the u-15 group after spending wanted to play these kind of drew 1-1 against Panama, but lost to THE UAE TO STORM INTO THE SEMIFINAL seven seasons at the Spanish club. matches where you know you’ve Mexico (0-5) and Canada (0-2). OF THE GCC UNDER-17 CHAMPIONSHIP, WRITES MOHAMMAD AMIN-UL ISLAM. COACHES SPEAK “Qatar are a good side. “We did well against “We didn’t play well If their performance Qatar, but somehow against Bahrain against uAE was our boys failed to in our last game, AtAR advanced to the was a huge disappointment, any indication, then reproduce that form but we want to win semifinal of the 12th gCC but the team bounced back there’s no question against the uAE. and qualify for the Qunder-17 Championship wonderfully against the uAE. of taking them lightly. that was quite a final though we in style at the Aspire Dome “the boys are getting better. they’ll have the home blow for us. I hope know it’s going to be a last Monday. they beat the uAE We’ve some talented players support and that’s going we’ll do well difficult match as Saudi 4-0 in their group B match, with and I’m hopeful they’ve a bright to be one of their plus points. against Kuwait. Arabia are a strong side. three of their goals coming in the future ahead,” said Dutchman space of six minutes in the first Buitenweg. Yacoub Al Sabahi, Oman. Mohammed Al Abd Ali, Saudi Arabia. Ibrahim Abd Al Shammari, Kuwait. half. If Qatar maintain their tempo, A brace each from captain Saleh they have a good chance of Halabi (eighth and 72nd minutes) beating Oman and reaching the High-flying Oman hope and Hashem Abdullatif (12th and final. 14th) helped the hosts bury the ghosts of their disappointing 1-4 to continue good run defeat against Saudi Arabia in their WE’VE SOME TALENTED opening match. PLAYERS AND I’M HOPEFUL MAN will be hoping we just can’t afford to give them the Saudis, who then lost to the THEY’VE A BRIGHT to continue their any space,” added Yacoub. uAE 1-2, and Qatar were tied on FUTURE AHEAD. Oexcellent form in the Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, who three points each, but the former gCC under-17 Championship started off brilliantly with a 4-1 topped the group by virtue of their when they take on Qatar in the win against the hosts, suffered a better goal difference and will take A title win will give them plenty first semifinal on thursday. jolt when they were beaten 2-1 on group A runners-up Kuwait in of confidence before the ’16 AFC Oman, coached by Yacoub Al by the uAE. For them, Kuwait

the semifinal. Qatar will take on u-16 qualifiers, to be held in Divakaran DSP/Vinod Sabahi, began their campaign may pose a challenge or two, but Oman in the other last-four clash. Doha from September 14 to 20, with a 2-1 victory over Kuwait and Saudi coach Mohammed Al Abd Qatar coach Arno Buitenweg, where Qatar are clubbed with Iraq, building a strong side in time for and opportunity to develop ššQatar’s Hashem then defeated Bahrain 2-0 to top Ali was confident his boys will who was with the ASPIRE turkmenistan and tajikistan in the ’22 World Cup. into world-class players. the Abdullatif is RESULTS group A. overcome the bitter defeat against challenged by uAE’s GROUP A Academy’s u-15 team group C. Spaniard Felix Sanchez, who credit goes to the QFA and the Mohammed Al Against Bahrain, Nazi Al gilani the uAE. since 2012, has been But right now, Buitenweg’s focus guided Qatar at the FIFA u-20 academy for their grass-roots level Zuaby. Oman bt Kuwait 2-1 opened the account in the 11th “It happens at times. these Kuwait bt Bahrain 1-0 able to strike a chord is on the gCC Championship. World Cup in New Zealand in programmes. minute before Sanad Al Araimi youngsters are in a learning phase. Oman bt Bahrain 2-0 with the boys. “We want to win the gCC June, took over the reins of the “Our aim is to produce top- GROUP B put the match beyond the Victories and defeats don’t matter the drubbing tournament which will motivate Olympic team from Fahad thani class players who can represent Saudi Arabia bt Qatar 4-1 opponents’ reach with a 70th- as long as they pick up the nuances against the boys before the AFC qualifiers. while Buitenweg and Portuguese Qatar at the World Cup which the uAE bt Saudi Arabia 2-1 minute strike. well,” the Saudi coach said. Saudi We’ll take one step at a time,” he Joao Pereira, who was also country will host,” ASPIRE Academy Qatar bt uAE 4-0 “I’m happy with the team’s Kuwait had to slog hard for a Arabia said. with the ASPIRE Academy, Director general Ivan Bravo told KICK-OFF performance. It’ll be great if we 1-0 win against Bahrain that gave Qatar, who will host the FIFA were given the responsibility of Doha Stadium Plus. Wednesday, August 26 qualify for the final and win the them a place in the last four and “Our aim is to produce top-class World Cup in ’22, indeed have managing u-17 and u-19 team “Our co-operation with the QFA Fifth-place play-off, 4pm championship,” said Yacoub. will need a lot more effort to beat players who can represent Qatar been making steady progress. respectively. is very productive and we’re happy Thursday, August 27 But to achieve that target, Oman Saudi. Semifinals the Qatar Football Association’s the u-17 players, all products about these positive results,” he will have to thwart Qatar’s “I know we didn’t play well, at the World Cup, which the Oman vs Qatar, 4pm country will host. (QFA) decision to promote the of the academy, will mostly form added. Saudi Arabia vs Kuwait, 7pm new-found confidence. but we’ll try to perform better. u-20 squad as the Olympic the nucleus of the Qatar team in Saturday, August 29 “We need to be extra cautious We keep our fingers crossed,” said Ivan Bravo, ASPIRE Academy team last month was a ’22, along with the u-23 and u-19 » The writer can be contacted at: third-place play-off, 4pm as Qatar are a strong side. they’re Kuwait coach Ibrahim Abd Director general. positive step towards boys. they will have plenty of time [email protected] Final, 7pm a good bunch of talented boys and Al Shammari. ššOman’s Salam Al Jalabi controls the ball in front of Bahrain’s Mohammed Abd Al Qayyum. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 7

COACHES SPEAK “Qatar are a good side. “We did well against “We didn’t play well If their performance Qatar, but somehow against Bahrain against uAE was our boys failed to in our last game, any indication, then reproduce that form but we want to win there’s no question against the uAE. and qualify for the of taking them lightly. that was quite a final though we they’ll have the home blow for us. I hope know it’s going to be a support and that’s going we’ll do well difficult match as Saudi to be one of their plus points. against Kuwait. Arabia are a strong side.

Yacoub Al Sabahi, Oman. Mohammed Al Abd Ali, Saudi Arabia. Ibrahim Abd Al Shammari, Kuwait. High-flying Oman hope to continue good run

MAN will be hoping we just can’t afford to give them to continue their any space,” added Yacoub. Oexcellent form in the Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, who gCC under-17 Championship started off brilliantly with a 4-1 when they take on Qatar in the win against the hosts, suffered a first semifinal on thursday. jolt when they were beaten 2-1 Oman, coached by Yacoub Al by the uAE. For them, Kuwait Sabahi, began their campaign may pose a challenge or two, but with a 2-1 victory over Kuwait and Saudi coach Mohammed Al Abd then defeated Bahrain 2-0 to top Ali was confident his boys will RESULTS group A. overcome the bitter defeat against GROUP A Against Bahrain, Nazi Al gilani the uAE. Oman bt Kuwait 2-1 opened the account in the 11th “It happens at times. these Kuwait bt Bahrain 1-0 minute before Sanad Al Araimi youngsters are in a learning phase. Oman bt Bahrain 2-0 GROUP B put the match beyond the Victories and defeats don’t matter Saudi Arabia bt Qatar 4-1 opponents’ reach with a 70th- as long as they pick up the nuances uAE bt Saudi Arabia 2-1 minute strike. well,” the Saudi coach said. Qatar bt uAE 4-0 “I’m happy with the team’s Kuwait had to slog hard for a KICK-OFF performance. It’ll be great if we 1-0 win against Bahrain that gave Wednesday, August 26 qualify for the final and win the them a place in the last four and Fifth-place play-off, 4pm championship,” said Yacoub. will need a lot more effort to beat Thursday, August 27 But to achieve that target, Oman Saudi. Semifinals will have to thwart Qatar’s “I know we didn’t play well, Oman vs Qatar, 4pm Saudi Arabia vs Kuwait, 7pm new-found confidence. but we’ll try to perform better. Saturday, August 29 “We need to be extra cautious We keep our fingers crossed,” said third-place play-off, 4pm as Qatar are a strong side. they’re Kuwait coach Ibrahim Abd Final, 7pm a good bunch of talented boys and Al Shammari. ššOman’s Salam Al Jalabi controls the ball in front of Bahrain’s Mohammed Abd Al Qayyum. 8 WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 9 FOOTBALL | QATAR

Qatar shine against Khalfan’s fitness again a worry German side LIttLE away from the Sadd had their pre-season camp. been prone to injuries of late and training session at the Al “He’s a key player and a lot will missed the action for a while after AtAR concluded their pre-season camp in ASadd practice arena, Khalfan depend on his fitness as we’re eyeing sustaining a partial tear in his right Europe last Monday with a 1-1 draw against Ibrahim was going through a the league title. Khalfan can add knee ligament in a friendly against Qa side made up of german professional rehabilitation programme under strength to the midfield along with North Korea in October last year. players in Vienna, Austria. fitness coach Abdul-Jabbar Mottaki Xavi Hernandez, Nadir Belhadj, talal His absence in the league in After a goalless first half, the german side took last Sunday. Al Balooshi and Hassan Al Haidous. November and December dented the lead in the 67th minute, but winger Hassan Al the attacking midfielder We look forward to his return,” said Sadd’s chances. the former AFC Haidous equalised five minutes later. It was Qatar’s underwent a surgery for muscle Sadd coach Housseine Amouta. Player of the Year was back in action third draw in a row. tear in his lower abdomen last Khalfan’s absence will bother at the Asian Cup in Australia in they were held 2-2 by Austrian second division month in Munich, germany, where Emir’s Cup holders Sadd. He has January, but he lacked sharpness. side LASK Linz and 1-1 by greek side Olympiacos. Qatar coach Daniel Carreno must be happy with the results, which would give his boys a lot of confidence before their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Bhutan in Doha Sadd pin hopes on on September 3 and away in Hong Kong on September 8. Qatar had beaten Maldives in their first Xavi in title bid qualifying match in June. Carreno gave breaks to under-23 players Jassim change in the squad barring the Al Jalabi, Asim Madibo and Al Moez Ali during the Mohammad Amin-ul Islam addition of Xavi. He’s a great player ššLekhwiya will have a tough task two-stop training camps in Zurich, Switzerland, and has already adjusted with the on hand when they and Vienna, Austria. weather and team. League title is host Al Hilal in the the uruguayan, who took over from Algerian COuPLE of age-group players our target and we look forward to return leg. Djamel Belmadi, will get another chance to assess of Al Sadd did not mind maintain consistency,” Amouta told Daunting task his team’s strengths in a friendly against Singapore Aleaving the evening session Doha Stadium Plus. in Doha on Friday. for having a quick look at former Nadir Belhadj, Hassan Al Haidous by Algerian Djamel Belmadi, made in an almost hopeless situation. Meanwhile, the Qatar u-23 team will train Barcelona star Xavi Hernandez who and Muriqui would be greatly Special Correspondent a superb comeback when Youssef Meanwhile, in the other last- in Manchester, where they will play a couple of trained next to them. For them, like helped by Xavi’s presence, and it Msakni flicked the ball home eight clash, former tottenham friendlies during a nine-day training camp. any budding player, it was a great would be interesting to see how he between two defenders after South midfielder Paulinho scored a the team will reach Manchester on September 1 learning opportunity to watch the leads a midfield which has so much AuDI Arabia’s Al Hilal Korean international Nam tae-Hee stunning long-range goal as and will take on Ireland on September 4 followed Spaniard in action. potential and proven players. beat Qatar Stars League had put him through. guangzhou Evergrande defeated by a game against the uS national side on Sadd know how to pack a punch “Xavi knows what’s expected of Schampions Lekhwiya 4-1 in However, Hilal played with a Japan’s Kashiwa Reysol 3-1. September 8. and will expect Xavi, 35, to be a big him. For a player of his calibre, it’s all the first-leg quarterfinal of the Paulinho, who joined the Coached by Felix Sanchez, the players had just hit this season, just like the way about the minor adjustments and AFC Champions League at the Chinese Super League side in June concluded a camp in Switzerland as part of their when they signed another Spanish he’s aware of it. We’re waiting to King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh on HILAL TOOK THE LEAD after a disappointing spell in the preparations for the West Asian Championship in great Raul gonzalez two seasons see him sparkle and guide us in the tuesday. THROUGH A FREAK GOAL English Premier League, scored in Doha (September 30-October 14). ago. competition,” added Amouta. goals from Ailton Almeida (11th RESULTING FROM A the 40th minute, firing in a With him at the forefront, Sadd In a friendly last week, Sadd minute), Khalid Al Kabi (33th) and FAULTY CLEARANCE. free-kick from 35 yards. coach Housseine Amouta will surely hammered Al Markhiya 5-1. Carlos Eduardo (36th and 85th) Kashiwa got off to a disastrous be nurturing the dream of repeating Muriqui gave Sadd the lead in stunned Lekhwiya, who now face start when they 50th, and four minutes later, Xavi a daunting task to qualify for the lot of fire to expose the Lekhwiya conceded in the fifth added a second. semifinal. defence, which left a lot to be minute after centre-back BELHADJ, AL HAIDOUS Markhiya reduced the margin the return leg will be played on desired. Amine, in particular, was Daisuke Suzuki headed Huang AND MURIQUI WOULD from a penalty by Leonardo in the September 15. guilty of committing silly errors. Bowen’s free-kick into his own net. BE GREATLY HELPED BY 57th, but goals from Yasser Yahia Hilal took the lead through a Soon, Khalid scored after a quick gao Lin made it 3-0 in the 58th, XAVI’S PRESENCE. (59th), Hamza Senhadji (61st) and freak goal resulting from a faulty counter-attack as Hilal regained heading another Huang delivery Nasser Nabeel (80th) showed Sadd clearance by goalkeeper Claude the lead and three minutes later, beyond Reysol goalkeeper takanori ŠšQatar’s Abdulaziz are ready for the new season. Divakaran DSP/Vinod Amine and the ball hit Brazilian Eduardo added a third to put paid Sugeno. Masato Kudo claimed Hatem and a the 2012-13 success in the Qatar “Our pre-season training in german professional striker Almeida before landing in to Lekhwiya’s hopes. He then Reysol’s consolation goal in player battle for Stars League. Xavi can be a huge germany was good and we look the goal. But Lekhwiya, coached scored a fourth to leave Lekhwiya the 89th. possession. inspiration in the dressing room as forward to a good start. We need a well, because the presence of a big little bit of luck too since it deserted name motivates the entire squad. us in the league last year. there were Amouta divided the team into injury-related issues and we lost Court for sports Oliseh joins Gharafa New accommodation two groups in a seven-a-side game our way in the race,” said Amouta. where the focus was on short, crisp “We’re keeping our fingers crossed. arbitration soon in Qatar IBERIAN Sekou Oliseh joined Al gharafa on a two-year one-touch passes. Xavi, with his We need a good break and our team for stadium workers Qatar Football Association (QFA) Vice-President Saud deal from Russia’s CSKA Moscow. He was playing for FC experience in short-passing game deserves to win the league.” Abdulaziz Al Mohannadi said efforts to establish a court LKuban Krasnodar on loan. HE Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SCDL) which earned Barca worldwide fame for sports arbitration in Qatar had been the 25-year-old underwent a medical and Aspire Zone Foundation entered into a partnership under Pep guardiola, delivered in full gear for the past three years. at the Aspetar last week and will join with Al Khor & Dakira Schemes & Services Co to gilt-edged one-touch balls to Al Mohannadi, who was earlier T ššXavi Hernandez this month named head of the Congolese striker Alain Dioko, Brazilian construct workers’ accommodation for the proposed Al Bayt team-mates in lightning speed. during an Al Sadd Anderson Martins and tunisian Stadium in Al Khor. the accommodation, which will house It is too early to talk about a repeat training session. Asian Football Confederation’s midfielder Yassine Chikhaoui as the 2,700 people, will be in addition to the current facility, which of Sadd’s success, but they look Competitions’ Committee, said the recent founding of a club’s fourth overseas recruit. also complies with the SCDL Workers Welfare Standards. a determined and compact side. “Xavi knows what’s expected of him. fully-independent footballers’ Born in Monrovia, Liberia, Oliseh was “We’re progressing well and this new Amouta has worked hard to iron out union was a vital step in realising the adopted by former Nigerian international accommodation is the latest sign of it. the proposed the minor glitches which hampered For a player of his calibre, it’s all about goal of establishing an internationally- Churchill Oliseh at a young age. design was reviewed by the technical Delivery their chances in the league last year. the minor adjustments and he’s aware recognised sports judicial body in Qatar. Oliseh began his career in his adopted Nigeria with Ebedei Office and Workers Welfare Committee at the SCDL they could come into life only at the of it. We’re waiting to see him sparkle “In addition to various entities in and outside Qatar, before moving to Danish side Midtjylland in 2006. Between ’08 to ensure alignment with our standards,” said end of the season and just managed and guide us in the competition. the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) has lent its support and ’09, he made five league appearances for Midtjylland before Executive Director of Competition Venues ghanim to win the Emir’s Cup. from the early stages of this project. It was underlined last March when the QFA and QOC confirmed their joining CSKA. Al Kuwari. “We’re optimistic. there isn’t any Houssein Amouta, Al Sadd coach. partnership,” he said. DSP/Fadi Al Assaad DSP/Fadi 8 WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 9 FOOTBALL | QATAR

Qatar shine against Khalfan’s fitness again a worry German side LIttLE away from the Sadd had their pre-season camp. been prone to injuries of late and training session at the Al “He’s a key player and a lot will missed the action for a while after AtAR concluded their pre-season camp in ASadd practice arena, Khalfan depend on his fitness as we’re eyeing sustaining a partial tear in his right Europe last Monday with a 1-1 draw against Ibrahim was going through a the league title. Khalfan can add knee ligament in a friendly against Qa side made up of german professional rehabilitation programme under strength to the midfield along with North Korea in October last year. players in Vienna, Austria. fitness coach Abdul-Jabbar Mottaki Xavi Hernandez, Nadir Belhadj, talal His absence in the league in After a goalless first half, the german side took last Sunday. Al Balooshi and Hassan Al Haidous. November and December dented the lead in the 67th minute, but winger Hassan Al the attacking midfielder We look forward to his return,” said Sadd’s chances. the former AFC Haidous equalised five minutes later. It was Qatar’s underwent a surgery for muscle Sadd coach Housseine Amouta. Player of the Year was back in action third draw in a row. tear in his lower abdomen last Khalfan’s absence will bother at the Asian Cup in Australia in they were held 2-2 by Austrian second division month in Munich, germany, where Emir’s Cup holders Sadd. He has January, but he lacked sharpness. side LASK Linz and 1-1 by greek side Olympiacos. Qatar coach Daniel Carreno must be happy with the results, which would give his boys a lot of confidence before their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Bhutan in Doha Sadd pin hopes on on September 3 and away in Hong Kong on September 8. Qatar had beaten Maldives in their first Xavi in title bid qualifying match in June. Carreno gave breaks to under-23 players Jassim change in the squad barring the Al Jalabi, Asim Madibo and Al Moez Ali during the Mohammad Amin-ul Islam addition of Xavi. He’s a great player ššLekhwiya will have a tough task two-stop training camps in Zurich, Switzerland, and has already adjusted with the on hand when they and Vienna, Austria. weather and team. League title is host Al Hilal in the the uruguayan, who took over from Algerian COuPLE of age-group players our target and we look forward to return leg. Djamel Belmadi, will get another chance to assess of Al Sadd did not mind maintain consistency,” Amouta told Daunting task his team’s strengths in a friendly against Singapore Aleaving the evening session Doha Stadium Plus. in Doha on Friday. for having a quick look at former Nadir Belhadj, Hassan Al Haidous by Algerian Djamel Belmadi, made in an almost hopeless situation. Meanwhile, the Qatar u-23 team will train Barcelona star Xavi Hernandez who and Muriqui would be greatly Special Correspondent a superb comeback when Youssef Meanwhile, in the other last- in Manchester, where they will play a couple of trained next to them. For them, like helped by Xavi’s presence, and it Msakni flicked the ball home eight clash, former tottenham friendlies during a nine-day training camp. any budding player, it was a great would be interesting to see how he between two defenders after South midfielder Paulinho scored a the team will reach Manchester on September 1 learning opportunity to watch the leads a midfield which has so much AuDI Arabia’s Al Hilal Korean international Nam tae-Hee stunning long-range goal as and will take on Ireland on September 4 followed Spaniard in action. potential and proven players. beat Qatar Stars League had put him through. guangzhou Evergrande defeated by a game against the uS national side on Sadd know how to pack a punch “Xavi knows what’s expected of Schampions Lekhwiya 4-1 in However, Hilal played with a Japan’s Kashiwa Reysol 3-1. September 8. and will expect Xavi, 35, to be a big him. For a player of his calibre, it’s all the first-leg quarterfinal of the Paulinho, who joined the Coached by Felix Sanchez, the players had just hit this season, just like the way about the minor adjustments and AFC Champions League at the Chinese Super League side in June concluded a camp in Switzerland as part of their when they signed another Spanish he’s aware of it. We’re waiting to King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh on HILAL TOOK THE LEAD after a disappointing spell in the preparations for the West Asian Championship in great Raul gonzalez two seasons see him sparkle and guide us in the tuesday. THROUGH A FREAK GOAL English Premier League, scored in Doha (September 30-October 14). ago. competition,” added Amouta. goals from Ailton Almeida (11th RESULTING FROM A the 40th minute, firing in a With him at the forefront, Sadd In a friendly last week, Sadd minute), Khalid Al Kabi (33th) and FAULTY CLEARANCE. free-kick from 35 yards. coach Housseine Amouta will surely hammered Al Markhiya 5-1. Carlos Eduardo (36th and 85th) Kashiwa got off to a disastrous be nurturing the dream of repeating Muriqui gave Sadd the lead in stunned Lekhwiya, who now face start when they 50th, and four minutes later, Xavi a daunting task to qualify for the lot of fire to expose the Lekhwiya conceded in the fifth added a second. semifinal. defence, which left a lot to be minute after centre-back BELHADJ, AL HAIDOUS Markhiya reduced the margin the return leg will be played on desired. Amine, in particular, was Daisuke Suzuki headed Huang AND MURIQUI WOULD from a penalty by Leonardo in the September 15. guilty of committing silly errors. Bowen’s free-kick into his own net. BE GREATLY HELPED BY 57th, but goals from Yasser Yahia Hilal took the lead through a Soon, Khalid scored after a quick gao Lin made it 3-0 in the 58th, XAVI’S PRESENCE. (59th), Hamza Senhadji (61st) and freak goal resulting from a faulty counter-attack as Hilal regained heading another Huang delivery Nasser Nabeel (80th) showed Sadd clearance by goalkeeper Claude the lead and three minutes later, beyond Reysol goalkeeper takanori ŠšQatar’s Abdulaziz are ready for the new season. Divakaran DSP/Vinod Amine and the ball hit Brazilian Eduardo added a third to put paid Sugeno. Masato Kudo claimed Hatem and a the 2012-13 success in the Qatar “Our pre-season training in german professional striker Almeida before landing in to Lekhwiya’s hopes. He then Reysol’s consolation goal in player battle for Stars League. Xavi can be a huge germany was good and we look the goal. But Lekhwiya, coached scored a fourth to leave Lekhwiya the 89th. possession. inspiration in the dressing room as forward to a good start. We need a well, because the presence of a big little bit of luck too since it deserted name motivates the entire squad. us in the league last year. there were Amouta divided the team into injury-related issues and we lost Court for sports Oliseh joins Gharafa New accommodation two groups in a seven-a-side game our way in the race,” said Amouta. where the focus was on short, crisp “We’re keeping our fingers crossed. arbitration soon in Qatar IBERIAN Sekou Oliseh joined Al gharafa on a two-year one-touch passes. Xavi, with his We need a good break and our team for stadium workers Qatar Football Association (QFA) Vice-President Saud deal from Russia’s CSKA Moscow. He was playing for FC experience in short-passing game deserves to win the league.” Abdulaziz Al Mohannadi said efforts to establish a court LKuban Krasnodar on loan. HE Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SCDL) which earned Barca worldwide fame for sports arbitration in Qatar had been the 25-year-old underwent a medical and Aspire Zone Foundation entered into a partnership under Pep guardiola, delivered in full gear for the past three years. at the Aspetar last week and will join with Al Khor & Dakira Schemes & Services Co to gilt-edged one-touch balls to Al Mohannadi, who was earlier T ššXavi Hernandez this month named head of the Congolese striker Alain Dioko, Brazilian construct workers’ accommodation for the proposed Al Bayt team-mates in lightning speed. during an Al Sadd Anderson Martins and tunisian Stadium in Al Khor. the accommodation, which will house It is too early to talk about a repeat training session. Asian Football Confederation’s midfielder Yassine Chikhaoui as the 2,700 people, will be in addition to the current facility, which of Sadd’s success, but they look Competitions’ Committee, said the recent founding of a club’s fourth overseas recruit. also complies with the SCDL Workers Welfare Standards. a determined and compact side. “Xavi knows what’s expected of him. fully-independent footballers’ Born in Monrovia, Liberia, Oliseh was “We’re progressing well and this new Amouta has worked hard to iron out union was a vital step in realising the adopted by former Nigerian international accommodation is the latest sign of it. the proposed the minor glitches which hampered For a player of his calibre, it’s all about goal of establishing an internationally- Churchill Oliseh at a young age. design was reviewed by the technical Delivery their chances in the league last year. the minor adjustments and he’s aware recognised sports judicial body in Qatar. Oliseh began his career in his adopted Nigeria with Ebedei Office and Workers Welfare Committee at the SCDL they could come into life only at the of it. We’re waiting to see him sparkle “In addition to various entities in and outside Qatar, before moving to Danish side Midtjylland in 2006. Between ’08 to ensure alignment with our standards,” said end of the season and just managed and guide us in the competition. the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) has lent its support and ’09, he made five league appearances for Midtjylland before Executive Director of Competition Venues ghanim to win the Emir’s Cup. from the early stages of this project. It was underlined last March when the QFA and QOC confirmed their joining CSKA. Al Kuwari. “We’re optimistic. there isn’t any Houssein Amouta, Al Sadd coach. partnership,” he said. DSP/Fadi Al Assaad DSP/Fadi 10 WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 11 FOOTBALL | ASIA

Coaches’ education and player development important! Japan Football Association for the AFC,” tashima told the Vice-President and FIFA ExCom delegates at the national coaches’ member Kozo Tashima was conference in Kuala Lumpur. candid enough to admit that He said the AFC was committed nothing went according to the to help its member associations plan for its teams at last achieve their best performances. year’s Brazil World Cup and “In order to do this, we need to it was time for action for the focus on coaches’ education and For the future continental body. player development,” he said. “As President Shaikh Salman “the AFC President has a making everybody else in Asia aware convention which, many felt, would Special Correspondent said at the AFC Congress in April, new mandate, and we’ve a of this was to plan a conference of all raise coaching standards at all levels we need to be honest about our new (acting) general secretary national coaches. It was held in Kuala across the continent. national teams’ achievements and a new technical director. Lumpur last week. Roxburgh underlined the compared to the world’s top this’ll provide new energy and t IS SAID discipline is the National coaches and technical importance of collective work. teams. We’re not there yet. momentum for our technical bridge between goals and directors from almost all AFC “Many good things have been Overall, the 2014 World Cup development work in Asia,” didn’t go according to the plan tashima added. Iaccomplishment. As far as Asian member associations attended the done in Asia, but often at individual football is concerned, there is still a three-day conference and exchanged levels. But the coaches’ convention huge gap between its goals as well their thoughts and ideas on how to would help us hear the collective ŠŠSunil Chhetri… as accomplishment and bridging this chart a successful future for Asia. voice on how we can develop central figure in gap is the first and foremost target the speakers generally focused programmes and players. there has India’s scheme of for Asian Football Confederation’s on how to help teams from Asia to be continuity. Even after I or the ‘We should chart things on the field. (AFC) technical Director Andy catch up with rest of the world. next man leaves, the process should Roxburgh. the conference reviewed the continue,” he said. our way forward’ the Scot, who served as his performances of teams at the ’15 Roxburgh spoke about the need country’s national coach for seven Asian Cup, which was used as a to develop the right environment to SIAN Football Confederation’s (AFC) Plenty of fire left years during which he guided them reference point for discussions. create success. He pointed out two acting general Secretary Windsor to the 1990 World Cup finals, took “the aim of this event is to analyse success models, that of germany AJohn expressed confidence that charge at the AFC in March, after where we’re and what should be and Spain, emphasising the role of Asia would chart its way forward in world in Chhetri’s belly working with the uEFA in a similar done to compete with the best. If coaches at various levels. football with the help of all coaches and role for a long 18 years. He also you’re one of the top teams in Asia, “there’re coaches who work at technical directors. EW, if any, Indian is significant despite only a worked for two years as the sporting then you should try to close in on the grass-roots and academies. “the AFC National Coaches Conference is players can match the quarter of the group matches director of Major League Soccer team there’re others focusing on player an important event for the development Fachievements of Sunil gone. New York Red Bulls before moving to development and those who of Asian football. We need you as our Chhetri. the CV of the world’s “Now, the road looks very Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ALL COACHES IN concentrate on competitions, but all technical experts, to help us chart second-largest nation’s captain difficult,” Chhetri told www. Roxburgh’s vast experience helped GERMANY AND SPAIN in a thorough professional manner. Asian football’s future,” said John, who is as lengthy as it is impressive. fifa.com. him get a real perspective of Asian ARE PROFESSIONALS AND “All coaches are professionals welcomed the delegates on behalf of Chhetri is one of few Indians “the boys were really football in a very short time. THEY’RE RESPECTED. in these countries and they’re AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim to play professionally overseas, down (after the guam Looking back at the 2014 World recognised and respected. Al Khalifa. which he did for Major League match) because they’re all Cup in Brazil, where all four “there’s a stimulating atmosphere “In men’s football, we still’ve some way to go Soccer side Sporting Kansas youngsters, but I when I spoke Asian teams failed to win even other top sides in the world. there’s all around and there’re professional to be able to compete at the very highest level, City, is India’s leading scorer to them, I just said we need to a single match, he realised that only one side from Asia in the top groups of people involved in it. No but we’ve the potential. With your help, we’ll after overhauling Blue tigers’ concentrate on one match at a there is indeed a huge gap 50. that’s Iran who are 41st in FIFA wonder, germany and Spain are two design our way forward,” he told the coaches. icon Baichung Bhutia and time. give us as much as you between Asia and the rest ranking,” said Roxburgh at the pre- highly-successful nations,” he added. “We’ve all the right ingredients in place — the has a knack for scoring crucial can and see what happens. to of the world, especially with event Press conference. Former France national team coach head coaches and technical directors from our goals. be very honest, it looks very Europe and Latin America. “And if you’re one of the small and technical director gerard Houllier member associations, who’re ready to exchange the 31-year-old should difficult, but we can’t blame But at the same time, or medium-level teams, then you and Iran coach Carlos Queiroz were views and offer suggestions. I truly believe this perhaps be approaching the anyone else,” he said. soon after watching the should try to bridge the gap with top among the guest speakers. event can be valuable for the future development twilight of his career. But ’15 Asian Cup in Australia, teams in Asia. So the aim is to be Houllier spoke about the role of a of Asian football,” he added. the striker remains a central he observed there was more or less on par with the best in technical director while Iraq coach figure as India push to make THE GAME HAS a lot of talent and huge the world and also within Asia,” he Akram Salman, China’s boss Alain a long-awaited dent in FIFA RECEIVED A BOOST potential for football on added. Perrin and South Korea’s assistant World Cup qualifying. And AFTER THE LAUNCH OF the continent. Perhaps, “Success in football can happen coach Shin tae-Yong shared their Asians must play to strengths! Chhetri has plenty of fire left INDIAN SUPER LEAGUE. it is this realisation that through chance or design. We prefer views and experiences in the elite in the belly when it comes to made him take up the design,” he said. “Four main elements coaches forum. uStRALIA’S greek- European and South American mentality,” said Postecoglou. achieving success with India huge challenge of that can create success are coach german Football Association born coach Ange stranglehold on world football “Sometimes, our mentality is and the longer-term goal of India’s football profile has matching the rest. education, player development, instructor and member of under-20 APostecoglou said Asian would be broken soon. that we’re second-class citizens. too helping lift the massive south received a boost over the past One of his technical exchange and intense coaching staff Lars Isecke spoke teams should overcome their Addressing the Asian Football often, we focus on our weaknesses, Asian nation to a new level of year with the launch of the immediate competition.” about their model of player inferiority complex and put up Confederation’s (AFC) Coaches but we’ve to believe in our strengths development. Indian Super League to which reactions the AFC’s first coach education development and the preparation of confident displays so that they play Conference, Postecoglou called and back ourselves. the immediate priority is several international imports towards panel meeting was also held on the national teams. to their strengths against sides “In Asia, we’ve some nations with India’s Russia 2018 campaign, helped attract significant second day of the conference and the conference concluded from other continents, really big strengths, but they don’t where hopes of a new era crowd and media interest in its one of its main conclusions was the with a debate on Asian especially Europe and EUROPEAN TEAMS TRY TO always play to them. For example, have got off to a shaky start. maiden season. need to create a pan-Asian coaching football’s future. South America. SLOW DOWN THE GAME, the World Cup is usually played in they suffered defeats against Also looming on the horizon Postecoglou, who BUT WE SHOULD TRY TO the summer, in heat and humidity, Oman and nominal outsiders is the 2017 FIFA u-17 World guided Australia to SPEED IT UP. conditions something similar to this guam in a culturally-diverse Cup; the first FIFA tournament Andy the 2015 Asian Cup part of the world. European teams group, which also includes to be hosted in India. Roxburgh triumph at home, try to slow down the game, but we turkmenistan and four-time “It definitely helps,” says predicted upon his counterparts from other should try to speed it up,” he said. FIFA World Cup participants Chhetri of the ISL’s impact on the countries in the confederation to “I believe that in the next five Iran. the local game. “It was huge believe in themselves and stop or six World Cups, a confederation And Chhetri, who has scored in terms of popularity, more thinking of themselves as from outside Europe or South all four of his team’s goals people coming to the ground “second-class citizens.” America will win it,” he said. thus far to be Asia’s highest and more people wanting to “the biggest difference between “We need to start that process scorer during Russia 2018 know about football, and that’s Asian nations and the rest of straightaway in Asia and we’ve to qualifying, says the challenge important,” he added. the world comes down to believe that we can do it.” www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 11

ŠŠSunil Chhetri… central figure in India’s scheme of ‘We should chart things on the field. our way forward’ SIAN Football Confederation’s (AFC) Plenty of fire left acting general Secretary Windsor AJohn expressed confidence that Asia would chart its way forward in world in Chhetri’s belly football with the help of all coaches and technical directors. EW, if any, Indian is significant despite only a “the AFC National Coaches Conference is players can match the quarter of the group matches an important event for the development Fachievements of Sunil gone. of Asian football. We need you as our Chhetri. the CV of the world’s “Now, the road looks very technical experts, to help us chart second-largest nation’s captain difficult,” Chhetri told www. Asian football’s future,” said John, who is as lengthy as it is impressive. fifa.com. welcomed the delegates on behalf of Chhetri is one of few Indians “the boys were really AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim to play professionally overseas, down (after the guam Al Khalifa. which he did for Major League match) because they’re all “In men’s football, we still’ve some way to go Soccer side Sporting Kansas youngsters, but I when I spoke to be able to compete at the very highest level, City, is India’s leading scorer to them, I just said we need to but we’ve the potential. With your help, we’ll after overhauling Blue tigers’ concentrate on one match at a design our way forward,” he told the coaches. icon Baichung Bhutia and time. give us as much as you “We’ve all the right ingredients in place — the has a knack for scoring crucial can and see what happens. to head coaches and technical directors from our goals. be very honest, it looks very member associations, who’re ready to exchange the 31-year-old should difficult, but we can’t blame views and offer suggestions. I truly believe this perhaps be approaching the anyone else,” he said. event can be valuable for the future development twilight of his career. But of Asian football,” he added. the striker remains a central figure as India push to make THE GAME HAS a long-awaited dent in FIFA RECEIVED A BOOST World Cup qualifying. And AFTER THE LAUNCH OF Asians must play to strengths! Chhetri has plenty of fire left INDIAN SUPER LEAGUE. in the belly when it comes to uStRALIA’S greek- European and South American mentality,” said Postecoglou. achieving success with India born coach Ange stranglehold on world football “Sometimes, our mentality is and the longer-term goal of India’s football profile has APostecoglou said Asian would be broken soon. that we’re second-class citizens. too helping lift the massive south received a boost over the past teams should overcome their Addressing the Asian Football often, we focus on our weaknesses, Asian nation to a new level of year with the launch of the inferiority complex and put up Confederation’s (AFC) Coaches but we’ve to believe in our strengths development. Indian Super League to which confident displays so that they play Conference, Postecoglou called and back ourselves. the immediate priority is several international imports to their strengths against sides “In Asia, we’ve some nations with India’s Russia 2018 campaign, helped attract significant from other continents, really big strengths, but they don’t where hopes of a new era crowd and media interest in its especially Europe and EUROPEAN TEAMS TRY TO always play to them. For example, have got off to a shaky start. maiden season. South America. SLOW DOWN THE GAME, the World Cup is usually played in they suffered defeats against Also looming on the horizon Postecoglou, who BUT WE SHOULD TRY TO the summer, in heat and humidity, Oman and nominal outsiders is the 2017 FIFA u-17 World guided Australia to SPEED IT UP. conditions something similar to this guam in a culturally-diverse Cup; the first FIFA tournament the 2015 Asian Cup part of the world. European teams group, which also includes to be hosted in India. triumph at home, try to slow down the game, but we turkmenistan and four-time “It definitely helps,” says predicted upon his counterparts from other should try to speed it up,” he said. FIFA World Cup participants Chhetri of the ISL’s impact on the countries in the confederation to “I believe that in the next five Iran. the local game. “It was huge believe in themselves and stop or six World Cups, a confederation And Chhetri, who has scored in terms of popularity, more thinking of themselves as from outside Europe or South all four of his team’s goals people coming to the ground “second-class citizens.” America will win it,” he said. thus far to be Asia’s highest and more people wanting to “the biggest difference between “We need to start that process scorer during Russia 2018 know about football, and that’s Asian nations and the rest of straightaway in Asia and we’ve to qualifying, says the challenge important,” he added. the world comes down to believe that we can do it.” 12 WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 13 FOOTBALL | INTERNATIONAL

Bournemouth’s 4-3 win capable of scoring at will. HIGHLIGHTS Bournemouth over West Ham united, their Having started the day first-ever English Premier in the relegation zone — Pedro dazzles on can compete League (EPL) victory, will without a point or goal to HEADLINES with anyone! give the promoted side their name — Howe said Chelsea debut belief they can compete the victory would instill • Man City stay top after 2-0 win with any team in the top a belief in his players at Everton flight, according to manager that they are capable of • Pedro scores, terry sent off as Tom Hayward Eddie Howe. competing with any team in Chelsea edge West Brom Having played out the EPL. encouraging 0-1 defeats “getting the first points • Wilson hat-trick in against Aston Villa and means everything,” said Bournemouth win, Man utd EWLY-ACQuIRED Spain forward Pedro Liverpool, the south coast Howe. “We really needed it.” draw 0-0 with Newcastle Rodriguez highlighted his potential worth to side, led by Callum Wilson’s “Not in terms of the Premier League champions Chelsea with a hat-trick, were irresistible at league table or any N times at upton Park. nonsense like that, but just of goal, assist and eye-catching performance in their QUOTE Howe’s side attacked with for our own belief we can City 3-2 win at West Bromwich Albion last Sunday. a refreshing enthusiasm and go anywhere and compete,” “I know many people are the 28-year-old appeared destined to join disappointed with this result. effervescence and looked he added. People love Chelsea to lose again. rivals Manchester united for much of the transfer I’m so happy the players got what window, but instead signed for Chelsea for a fee of they deserve. €30m. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho During nine seasons at Barcelona, Pedro scored enjoys the moment after Chelsea 99 goals in all competitions and built a reputation as win 3-2 at West Bromwich Albion one of Europe’s deadliest finishers. to claim first victory. Against a physical West Brom, Pedro turned in a performance which had Chelsea fans in raptures hope! TWEET with renditions of “Are you watching united?” after “there’s a brief stoppage for a he made a seamless transition to the hustle and Drinkwater break. bustle of Premier League football. Leicester City’s twitter account puns After Chelsea’s poor start to the campaign, which on midfielder Danny Drinkwater’s has yielded one point from two games, Pedro was name after high temperatures deployed from the off and his incisive running and prompt drinks break in their 1-1 deft touches were a highlight of a first half where draw with tottenham Hotspur. Chelsea led 3-1.

Reuters/Andrew Yates Reuters/Andrew “He’s (Pedro) fantastic,” Fabregas told Sky Sports. STAT there was more to his performance than his goal and assist, however, with Pedro looking Manchester united striker Wayne Rooney has not found the net immediately at home within the Chelsea system ššManchester City’s Aleksandar for his club in 858 minutes in all and linking up particularly well with team mates Kolarov scores against Everton. competitions. Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas. He had 56 touches during the game and was

ANCHEStER City’s successive wins, however, included Aguero. equally dangerous from the right wing — where his Cairnduff Reuters/Jason impressive 2-0 victory a 3-0 victory at home to Chelsea, Kompany, who has guided City GOAL width stretched the pitch for fellow attackers Hazard š Samir Nasri (for Manchester City šManchester MANCHESTER CITY CONTINUE Mat Everton last Sunday catapulted City to the top of the to three clean sheets and scored and Diego Costa — as he was when provided the united’s Wayne equalled a club record of nine fledgling table and sent an ominous twice, and toure appear back to against Everton) freedom to roam across the entire front line. Rooney reacts Where are the goals? THEIR IMPRESSIVE START TO the French midfielder rubber- during their successive English Premier League warning that they mean business. their dominant best following a THE SEASON AS THEY BLANK stamped City’s return to summit by match against wins, but more importantly sent an “Before the game someone told disappointing season last year. exchanging passes with Yaya toure Newcastle ANCHEStER united chance to snatch a late winner. EVERTON AND SEND AN OMINOUS ominous warning to their rivals. me if we win today it’s a new record Silva and Aguero have also been and coolly lobbing tim Howard in united. maintained their Manchester united have shored Aleksandar Kolarov and substitute after so many years,” said manager in mesmerising form, carving open the Everton goal. Munbeaten start to the up last season’s defensive problems WARNING TO THEIR TITLE RIVALS, Samir Nasri scored for City, who are Manuel Pellegrini. opposition defences and creating Premier League season with a 0-0 and have yet to concede in three WRITES TOM HAYWARD. yet to drop a point since a humbling “that’s secondary, but they’re chances at will. draw against Newcastle united that league fixtures but, at the other 2-4 defeat away to bitter local rivals always important. But it’s more Close-season signing Raheem MOMENT highlighted goalscoring remains a end, they have netted just twice, united in early April. important to be top of the table Sterling from Liverpool has already Pedro’s opener against West Brom concern for the Old trafford side. one coming from an own goal by given last and the most important thing formed a strong partnership with Former Barcelona forward Pedro united commanded 70 per tottenham Hotspur defender Kyle season’s is to see the team playing the fullback Kolarov and the pair have Rodriguez marked Chelsea debut cent of possession and had 20 Walker. with a goal by playing one-two underwhelming way we are doing. I’m pleased been central to much of City’s best shots at goal without managing Newcastle manager Steve with Eden Hazard before scoring campaign, play this year. via deflected shot. to break through. which ended “We’re going to start playing Despite an inability to turn their ŠšLiverpool’s with an eight- IT WAS A VERY eight games every month so it’s dominance into goals manager WAYNE ROONEY WAS Christian Benteke, point deficit PROFESSIONAL important to have the whole squad Louis van gaal said their display RESTORED TO HIS left, vies with Arsenal’s Calum to champions PERFORMANCE AGAINST involved in our targets this year. It’s against Newcastle was one of the CUSTOMARY POSITION UP Chambers. Chelsea, few had A VERY DIFFICULT TEAM. very important to understand we’re best since he took over last year. FRONT THIS SEASON. talked about City just starting the season and it’s just “the performance was one of as title favourites three games,” added the Chilean. the best in my period, but we don’t in the build-up because it was a very professional Meanwhile, Liverpool’s 100 per PLAYER reward ourselves,” Van gaal told McClaren, who once had a spell this time. performance against a very difficult cent start to the season ended Callum Wilson (Bournemouth) the BBC. “We didn’t make the right as Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Old three team here at goodison Park. with a hard-fought goalless draw Scored Bournemouth’s first ever choices in the final third, but we trafford, cut an agitated figure on “In the first and second half, against top-four rivals Arsenal at top-flight goal and followed it up played fantastic as a team.” the bench especially in the first half. we were very consistent as we the Emirates Stadium. with two more for good measure as Wayne Rooney, restored to his “We’re disappointed,” said the had more chances to score than Arsenal were indebted to Eddie Howe’s side won 4-2 at West customary position up front this former England boss. Everton. We scored two and goalkeeper Petr Cech in the first Ham united. season, had a goal disallowed for “We knew the first 20 minutes again we kept a clean sheet so I half after he produced a string offside and turned in an improved would be theirs, but we grew in think we’re working very well as of stunning saves to keep the showing after a quiet start to the belief and should have scored. a team in attack and defence,” he impressive Reds at bay. campaign. “the defending and discipline explained. Arsenal improved and enjoyed Memphis Depay, who scored was superb but we really could Crucial to their impressive start, the better of proceedings in the twice in the 3-1 Champions League have nicked it. We had the chances which has put them two points second half, but were unable to win over Club Bruges in midweek, but didn’t take them,” he said. clear on nine, is the form of their breach a stingy Liverpool defence Pedro was wasteful in the final third Manchester united have seven leading quartet Vincent Kompany, which has yet to concede in three Rodriguez against Newcastle while substitute points from three games while

Reuters/Eddie Keogh Yaya toure, David Silva and Sergio matches this season. Javier Hernandez spurned a good Newcastle are on two. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 13

Bournemouth’s 4-3 win capable of scoring at will. HIGHLIGHTS Bournemouth over West Ham united, their Having started the day first-ever English Premier in the relegation zone — Pedro dazzles on can compete League (EPL) victory, will without a point or goal to HEADLINES with anyone! give the promoted side their name — Howe said Chelsea debut belief they can compete the victory would instill • Man City stay top after 2-0 win with any team in the top a belief in his players at Everton flight, according to manager that they are capable of • Pedro scores, terry sent off as Tom Hayward Eddie Howe. competing with any team in Chelsea edge West Brom Having played out the EPL. encouraging 0-1 defeats “getting the first points • Wilson hat-trick in against Aston Villa and means everything,” said Bournemouth win, Man utd EWLY-ACQuIRED Spain forward Pedro Liverpool, the south coast Howe. “We really needed it.” draw 0-0 with Newcastle Rodriguez highlighted his potential worth to side, led by Callum Wilson’s “Not in terms of the Premier League champions Chelsea with a hat-trick, were irresistible at league table or any N times at upton Park. nonsense like that, but just goal, assist and eye-catching performance in their QUOTE Howe’s side attacked with for our own belief we can 3-2 win at West Bromwich Albion last Sunday. “I know many people are a refreshing enthusiasm and go anywhere and compete,” the 28-year-old appeared destined to join disappointed with this result. effervescence and looked he added. People love Chelsea to lose again. rivals Manchester united for much of the transfer I’m so happy the players got what window, but instead signed for Chelsea for a fee of they deserve. €30m. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho During nine seasons at Barcelona, Pedro scored enjoys the moment after Chelsea 99 goals in all competitions and built a reputation as win 3-2 at West Bromwich Albion one of Europe’s deadliest finishers. to claim first victory. Against a physical West Brom, Pedro turned in a performance which had Chelsea fans in raptures TWEET with renditions of “Are you watching united?” after “there’s a brief stoppage for a he made a seamless transition to the hustle and Drinkwater break. bustle of Premier League football. Leicester City’s twitter account puns After Chelsea’s poor start to the campaign, which on midfielder Danny Drinkwater’s has yielded one point from two games, Pedro was name after high temperatures deployed from the off and his incisive running and prompt drinks break in their 1-1 deft touches were a highlight of a first half where draw with tottenham Hotspur. Chelsea led 3-1. “He’s (Pedro) fantastic,” Fabregas told Sky Sports. STAT there was more to his performance than his goal and assist, however, with Pedro looking Manchester united striker Wayne Rooney has not found the net immediately at home within the Chelsea system for his club in 858 minutes in all and linking up particularly well with team mates competitions. Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas. He had 56 touches during the game and was

equally dangerous from the right wing — where his Cairnduff Reuters/Jason GOAL width stretched the pitch for fellow attackers Hazard ššManchester Samir Nasri (for Manchester City and Diego Costa — as he was when provided the united’s Wayne against Everton) freedom to roam across the entire front line. Rooney reacts Where are the goals? the French midfielder rubber- during their stamped City’s return to summit by match against exchanging passes with Yaya toure Newcastle ANCHEStER united chance to snatch a late winner. and coolly lobbing tim Howard in united. maintained their Manchester united have shored the Everton goal. Munbeaten start to the up last season’s defensive problems Premier League season with a 0-0 and have yet to concede in three draw against Newcastle united that league fixtures but, at the other MOMENT highlighted goalscoring remains a end, they have netted just twice, Pedro’s opener against West Brom concern for the Old trafford side. one coming from an own goal by Former Barcelona forward Pedro united commanded 70 per tottenham Hotspur defender Kyle Rodriguez marked Chelsea debut cent of possession and had 20 Walker. with a goal by playing one-two shots at goal without managing Newcastle manager Steve with Eden Hazard before scoring via deflected shot. to break through. Despite an inability to turn their dominance into goals manager WAYNE ROONEY WAS Louis van gaal said their display RESTORED TO HIS against Newcastle was one of the CUSTOMARY POSITION UP best since he took over last year. FRONT THIS SEASON. “the performance was one of the best in my period, but we don’t PLAYER reward ourselves,” Van gaal told McClaren, who once had a spell Callum Wilson (Bournemouth) the BBC. “We didn’t make the right as Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Old Scored Bournemouth’s first ever choices in the final third, but we trafford, cut an agitated figure on top-flight goal and followed it up played fantastic as a team.” the bench especially in the first half. with two more for good measure as Wayne Rooney, restored to his “We’re disappointed,” said the Eddie Howe’s side won 4-2 at West customary position up front this former England boss. Ham united. season, had a goal disallowed for “We knew the first 20 minutes offside and turned in an improved would be theirs, but we grew in showing after a quiet start to the belief and should have scored. campaign. “the defending and discipline Memphis Depay, who scored was superb but we really could twice in the 3-1 Champions League have nicked it. We had the chances win over Club Bruges in midweek, but didn’t take them,” he said. Pedro was wasteful in the final third Manchester united have seven Rodriguez against Newcastle while substitute points from three games while Javier Hernandez spurned a good Newcastle are on two. 14 WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 15 FOOTBALL | INTERNATIONAL

WEEKLY ROUND-UP RESULTS EPL Spaniard Michel Arsenal drew Liverpool 0-0 Everton lost to Manchester City 0-2 Barca bury Bilbao ghosts Watford drew Southampton 0-0 is Marseille coach West Brom lost to Chelsea 2-3 ARCELONA got their bid for a space in the area to smash a superb Crystal Palace bt Aston Villa 2-1 LYMPIQuE Marseille have hired Spaniard sixth La Liga title in eight years volley into the net from Jordi Alba’s Leicester City drew tottenham 1-1 Man united drew Newcastle 0-0 Michel as coach after the shock Boff to a winning start when chipped centre. Norwich City drew Stoke City 1-1 Oresignation of Marcelo Bielsa over a Luis Suarez buried a fine volley Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid got Sunderland drew Swansea City 1-1 contract dispute earlier this month. shortly after half-time to secure their campaign up and running West Ham lost to Bournemouth 3-4 the former Real Madrid and Spain player, a hard-fought 1-0 win at Athletic when Antoine griezmann’s deflected SPFL whose full name is Jose Miguel gonzalez Martin Bilbao last week. free-kick secured an unconvincing Aberdeen bt Dundee 2-0 Dundee united lost to Celtic 1-3 del Campo, started with a 6-0 victory against the Spanish and European 1-0 home win over promoted Las Hearts bt Partick thistle 3-0 troyes last Sunday. champions’ victory at the San Palmas. Inverness lost to Hamilton Academical 0-2 the club did not disclose the Mames, in which Lionel Messi had Kilmarnock lost to Ross County 0-4 St Johnstone bt Motherwell 2-1 length of Michel’s contract, a first-half penalty saved, was sweet Juventus slump but Spanish media reported revenge for them following their 1-5 In Italy, Serie A champions Juventus LA LIGA granada lost to Eibar 1-3 he had signed up for two aggregate defeat by Bilbao in this slumped to a 0-1 home defeat Athletic Bilbao lost to Barcelona 0-1 seasons. month’s Spanish Super Cup. against udinese in their opening Levante lost to Celta Vigo 1-2 As well as trying to turn It came at some cost, however, game after Cyril thereau’s 78th- Real Betis drew Villarreal 1-1 Sporting gijon drew Real Madrid 0-0 Marseille’s fortunes around in as both midfielder Sergio Busquets minute goal. Atletico Madrid bt Las Palmas 1-0 the domestic French league, the 52-year-old will and full-back Dani Alves picked up Deportivo Coruna drew Real Sociedad 0-0 guide them in the Europa League group stage. injuries that ended their participation Rayo Vallecano drew Valencia 0-0 A WELL-ORGANISED AND Espanyol bt getafe 1-0 they had finished fourth last term to earn a berth in the game. Malaga drew Sevilla 0-0 in Europe’s second-tier club competition. A well-organised and hard- HARD-PRESSING BILBAO SERIE A Michel spent virtually his entire playing career pressing Bilbao made life difficult MADE LIFE DIFFICULT Empoli lost to Chievo 1-3 at Real, where he was a member of the so-called for Barca in the early stages before FOR BARCA. šЂBarcelona’s Luis Suarez celebrates after scoring against Athletic Bilbao. Fiorentina bt AC Milan 2-0 “vulture’s cohort” of five homegrown players Suarez was tripped by gorka Frosinone lost to torino 1-2 ššReal Madrid’s Inter Milan bt Atalanta 1-0 which also included Emilio Butragueno. gareth Bale, left, Elustondo in the penalty area in the which they had beaten Borussia opened the scoring after only nine Juventus lost to udinese 0-1 Michel made 66 appearances for Spain, scoring and Sporting’s 30th minute and Messi stepped up Defeat ended a much-changed Moenchengladbach in the season seconds through Kevin Volland. Palermo bt genoa 1-0 21 goals, and after retiring in 1997 he had his first Antonio Sanabria to take the spot-kick. Juve’s 47-match unbeaten home opener last week. Bayer Leverkusen are also on Sampdoria bt Carpi 5-2 battle for the ball. Sassuolo bt Napoli 2-1 coaching job at Madrid club Rayo Vallecano. Bilbao goalkeeper gorka Iraizoz league record. Matthias ginter slotted in and six points following a 1-0 win at Lazio bt Bologna 2-1 Drought of goals made a fine diving stop, becoming Verona and last term’s runners-up Marco Reus doubled the visitors’ Hanover 96. Verona drew AS Roma 1-1 only the second man after Valencia’s AS Roma played a 1-1 draw while lead later with a penalty before şšHoffenheim’s Away win for PSG BUNDESLIGA Kevin Volland, Diego Alves to save a penalty from Fiorentina beat AC Milan 2-0 as the two late goals from Shinji Kagawa Borussia M’gladbach lost to Mainz 1-2 right, celebrates both Messi and Real Madrid forward Rossoneri’s woes from last term and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang In France, Paris Saint-germain beat Ingolstadt lost to Borussia Dortmund 0-4 Cologne drew Wolfsburg 1-1 with team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo. carried over. saw them lead the table ahead of Montpellier 1-0 away, Olympique Eugen Polanski Eintracht Frankfurt drew Augsburg 1-1 It was Messi’s 14th failed spot-kick champions Bayern Munich on goal Lyon fell to a surprise 1-2 defeat after scoring upsets Benitez Dortmund cruise Hamburg bt Stuttgart 3-2 against Bayern for Barca on the Argentina captain’s difference. at home to Stade Rennes while Hanover lost to Bayer Leverkusen 0-1 Munich. fullbacks Danilo and Marcelo of shots but without precision and 63rd attempt. In germany, Borussia Dortmund Bayern needed a last-gasp Monaco drew 1-1 at toulouse. Hoffenheim lost to Bayern Munich 1-2 Iain Rogers Schalke drew Darmstadt 1-1 were largely ineffective when they in the first half we allowed them Barca made the breakthrough climbed to the top of the winner from Robert Lewandowski Olympique Marseille finally picked Hertha Berlin drew Werder Bremen 1-1 attacked down the wings. to get into the game,” added the in the 54th when Bundesliga after crushing promoted to come from a goal down to beat up their first points with a crushing LIGUE 1 It was a triumph for modest 55-year-old. Suarez found Ingolstadt 4-0, the same score by Hoffenheim 2-1 after the hosts had 6-0 thrashing of newcomers troyes. FC Lorient lost to St Etienne 0-1 EAL Madrid’s new coach gijon, whose annual budget in “We’ve to improve things and Lille drew Bordeaux 0-0 Oly Marseille bt ES troyes 6-0 Rafa Benitez said last week 2014-15 was more than 100 times work hard. We were lacking INTERVIEW Nantes bt Stade de Reims 1-0 Rhe was not concerned about smaller than Real’s, while Benitez the final pass and skill in Ajaccio lost to Angers 0-2 his side’s relative goal drought was left bemoaning a lack of our execution in attack. It’s a Nice bt Caen 2-1 in their final warm-up matches shooting accuracy from his players matter of steadily improving Oly Lyon lost to Stade Rennes 1-2 Bastia bt guingamp 3-0 before they began their latest but insisting he was still optimistic our precision, physical fitness and Robinho my role model: Neymar toulouse drew Monaco 1-1 La Liga campaign at promoted Real can secure silverware this the way we function as a unit,” Montpellier lost to Paris St-germain 0-1 Sporting gijon. term. he said. OMARIO, would you most like to play a ЂЂWho’s your best friend in the BRAZILIAN C’SHIP those words came back to Benitez, who was a player and Real’s next La Liga outing is at Ronaldo, match with? world of football? Atletico Mineiro bt Palmeiras 2-1 Corinthians bt Cruzeiro 3-0 haunt him last Sunday as his coach in Real’s academy before home to Real Betis, when the Robinho, ЃЂI’m a big fan of Romario. He’s ЃЂI’m fortunate to have made many R Coritiba bt Chapecoense 1-0 expensively-assembled demanding fans at the Bernabeu Dani Alves and Javier someone I would really have liked great friends. I was particularly close Flamengo bt Sao Paulo 2-1 team were held to a will be expecting entertaining Mascherano have all graced the as a team-mate. the same is true to Paulo Henrique ganso during my Internacional bt Atl Paranaense 2-0 Volland ties record 0-0 draw at gijon’s IT WAS A TRIUMPH FOR football and a resounding victory. pitch during Neymar’s lifetime. of Zinedine Zidane. I once had a time at Santos, but unfortunately Joinville bt Fluminense 2-1 Ponte Preta drew gremio 0-0 Molinon stadium, GIJON, WHOSE BUDGET Anything less and Benitez could the Brazil and Barcelona striker chance to play alongside Ronaldo. we lost touch with one another a Figueirense bt Sport 2-1 for fastest goal with the likes of FIFA WAS 100 TIMES already be subjected to the angry explains how each of them have It was his last-ever match for Brazil, little after he moved to another club. goias bt Vasco da gama 3-0 Ballon d’Or winner SMALLER THAN REAL’S. whistling that dogged Ancelotti’s influenced his development. and I wish we’d had the chance to these days it’s Dani Alves. He’s one of Santos bt Avai 5-2 OFFENHEIM forward Kevin Volland scored Cristiano Ronaldo and second and final season. partner each other more often. my best mates. ARGENTINIAN C’SHIP Estudiantes bt River Plate 2-1 after nine seconds against champions Bayern gareth Bale, the world’s Captain Sergio Ramos said there ЂЂWho’s your greatest role Boca Juniors bt godoy Cruz 2-0 Ђ Ђ HMunich, equalling the record for the quickest most expensive player, stints in charge at clubs including was no need to worry about the model? ЂWho do you rate as the ЂWhat do you consider to be the Crucero del Norte lost to Nueva Chicago 0-1 goal in Bundesliga history. drawing a blank. Valencia, Liverpool, Chelsea, Inter recent lack of goals. ЃЂRobinho, without a doubt. I strongest defender you’ve ever best goal you’ve ever scored? Huracan drew Lanus 0-0 Volland took advantage of a mistake by Bayern’s Real had scores of Milan and Napoli, replaced the “Obviously, the first half didn’t admired him when I was a small had to go up against? ЃЂI’ve scored so many special goals Rosario Central bt Belgrano 3-1 tigre bt union (Santa Fe) 2-1 Ѓ defence, with David Alaba failing to find Jerome chances against a team sacked Carlo Ancelotti after Real go well and while we had more boy and then had the great honour Ђthat’s a really tough question that were significant at different Argentinos Juniors lost to San Lorenzo 2-3 Boateng, as he nipped in to find the net. with a fraction of their failed to win the Champions possession and had more of of playing alongside him for not to answer. there’re so many top points in my career so far, and I’ll Colon (Santa Fe) drew Velez Sarsfield 0-0 It is only the 10th time since the Bundesliga resources but could not find a League, La Liga or the King’s Cup the initiative in the second, our only Santos, but also the Brazilian defenders. Javier Mascherano, never forget any of them. But if I’ve to Olimpo lost to Quilmes 0-1 was launched in 1963 that the Bavarians had way past gijon goalkeeper last season. chances didn’t finish in goals and national team. gerard Pique, thiago Silva and choose, then it’d probably be my goal Racing Club bt Arsenal 2-1 San Martin drew Independiente 1-1 conceded a first-minute goal. they however Ivan Cuellar, the likes “We finished up playing a 4-3- we weren’t able to kill off the Sergio Ramos are just some of against Flamengo. that’s the strike Atl Rafaela drew Newell’s Old Boys 1-1 bounced back to post a 2-1 win. of Cristiano Ronaldo, 3 formation to try to keep the game,” the Spain international ЂЂWhich players, past or present, them. I could go on and on. that won me the FIFA Puskas Award. Banfield bt gimnasia-La Plata 1-0 Hoffenheim have never beaten Bayern gareth Bale and Jese players who could score high up said. in the top flight, losing 10 matches and all drawing a blank. the pitch, have more control in “this shows there’re teams in drawing four since being promoted in James Rodriguez the middle and have the fullbacks the first division that fully deserve “Neymar is “He has everything it takes to become better “Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi 2008. made little impact offer width,” said Benitez. to be here and it’s going to be very simply and than Messi, who has already made history are the best players in the world Volland’s quickfire strike matches when he replaced “I knew it was going to be a tough to win at every stadium,” compellingly with what he has achieved. Neymar can do the right now, but the time has come the time of the goal scored by Bayer Rafa Jese in the second match in which Sporting made he added. “We’ve to continue spectacular. same and perhaps take things even further. for Neymar to take their place. Leverkusen’s Karim Bellarabi against Benitez half, while things hard for us. there were a lot improving.” Robinho Romario Ronaldo

Borussia Dortmund last season. ON NEYMAR... www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 15

WEEKLY ROUND-UP RESULTS EPL Arsenal drew Liverpool 0-0 Everton lost to Manchester City 0-2 Barca bury Bilbao ghosts Watford drew Southampton 0-0 West Brom lost to Chelsea 2-3 ARCELONA got their bid for a space in the area to smash a superb Crystal Palace bt Aston Villa 2-1 sixth La Liga title in eight years volley into the net from Jordi Alba’s Leicester City drew tottenham 1-1 Man united drew Newcastle 0-0 Boff to a winning start when chipped centre. Norwich City drew Stoke City 1-1 Luis Suarez buried a fine volley Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid got Sunderland drew Swansea City 1-1 shortly after half-time to secure their campaign up and running West Ham lost to Bournemouth 3-4 a hard-fought 1-0 win at Athletic when Antoine griezmann’s deflected SPFL Bilbao last week. free-kick secured an unconvincing Aberdeen bt Dundee 2-0 Dundee united lost to Celtic 1-3 the Spanish and European 1-0 home win over promoted Las Hearts bt Partick thistle 3-0 champions’ victory at the San Palmas. Inverness lost to Hamilton Academical 0-2 Mames, in which Lionel Messi had Kilmarnock lost to Ross County 0-4 St Johnstone bt Motherwell 2-1 a first-half penalty saved, was sweet Juventus slump revenge for them following their 1-5 In Italy, Serie A champions Juventus LA LIGA granada lost to Eibar 1-3 aggregate defeat by Bilbao in this slumped to a 0-1 home defeat Athletic Bilbao lost to Barcelona 0-1 month’s Spanish Super Cup. against udinese in their opening Levante lost to Celta Vigo 1-2 It came at some cost, however, game after Cyril thereau’s 78th- Real Betis drew Villarreal 1-1 Sporting gijon drew Real Madrid 0-0 as both midfielder Sergio Busquets minute goal. Atletico Madrid bt Las Palmas 1-0 and full-back Dani Alves picked up Deportivo Coruna drew Real Sociedad 0-0 injuries that ended their participation Rayo Vallecano drew Valencia 0-0 A WELL-ORGANISED AND Espanyol bt getafe 1-0 in the game. Malaga drew Sevilla 0-0 A well-organised and hard- HARD-PRESSING BILBAO SERIE A pressing Bilbao made life difficult MADE LIFE DIFFICULT Empoli lost to Chievo 1-3 for Barca in the early stages before FOR BARCA. šЂBarcelona’s Luis Suarez celebrates after scoring against Athletic Bilbao. Fiorentina bt AC Milan 2-0 Suarez was tripped by gorka Frosinone lost to torino 1-2 Inter Milan bt Atalanta 1-0 Elustondo in the penalty area in the which they had beaten Borussia opened the scoring after only nine Juventus lost to udinese 0-1 30th minute and Messi stepped up Defeat ended a much-changed Moenchengladbach in the season seconds through Kevin Volland. Palermo bt genoa 1-0 to take the spot-kick. Juve’s 47-match unbeaten home opener last week. Bayer Leverkusen are also on Sampdoria bt Carpi 5-2 Sassuolo bt Napoli 2-1 Bilbao goalkeeper gorka Iraizoz league record. Matthias ginter slotted in and six points following a 1-0 win at Lazio bt Bologna 2-1 made a fine diving stop, becoming Verona and last term’s runners-up Marco Reus doubled the visitors’ Hanover 96. Verona drew AS Roma 1-1 only the second man after Valencia’s AS Roma played a 1-1 draw while lead later with a penalty before Away win for PSG BUNDESLIGA Diego Alves to save a penalty from Fiorentina beat AC Milan 2-0 as the two late goals from Shinji Kagawa Borussia M’gladbach lost to Mainz 1-2 both Messi and Real Madrid forward Rossoneri’s woes from last term and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang In France, Paris Saint-germain beat Ingolstadt lost to Borussia Dortmund 0-4 Cologne drew Wolfsburg 1-1 Cristiano Ronaldo. carried over. saw them lead the table ahead of Montpellier 1-0 away, Olympique Eintracht Frankfurt drew Augsburg 1-1 It was Messi’s 14th failed spot-kick champions Bayern Munich on goal Lyon fell to a surprise 1-2 defeat Dortmund cruise Hamburg bt Stuttgart 3-2 for Barca on the Argentina captain’s difference. at home to Stade Rennes while Hanover lost to Bayer Leverkusen 0-1 63rd attempt. In germany, Borussia Dortmund Bayern needed a last-gasp Monaco drew 1-1 at toulouse. Hoffenheim lost to Bayern Munich 1-2 Schalke drew Darmstadt 1-1 Barca made the breakthrough climbed to the top of the winner from Robert Lewandowski Olympique Marseille finally picked Hertha Berlin drew Werder Bremen 1-1 in the 54th when Bundesliga after crushing promoted to come from a goal down to beat up their first points with a crushing LIGUE 1 Suarez found Ingolstadt 4-0, the same score by Hoffenheim 2-1 after the hosts had 6-0 thrashing of newcomers troyes. FC Lorient lost to St Etienne 0-1 Lille drew Bordeaux 0-0 Oly Marseille bt ES troyes 6-0 Nantes bt Stade de Reims 1-0 INTERVIEW Ajaccio lost to Angers 0-2 Nice bt Caen 2-1 Oly Lyon lost to Stade Rennes 1-2 Bastia bt guingamp 3-0 Robinho my role model: Neymar toulouse drew Monaco 1-1 Montpellier lost to Paris St-germain 0-1 OMARIO, would you most like to play a ЂЂWho’s your best friend in the BRAZILIAN C’SHIP Ronaldo, match with? world of football? Atletico Mineiro bt Palmeiras 2-1 Corinthians bt Cruzeiro 3-0 Robinho, ЃЂI’m a big fan of Romario. He’s ЃЂI’m fortunate to have made many R Coritiba bt Chapecoense 1-0 Dani Alves and Javier someone I would really have liked great friends. I was particularly close Flamengo bt Sao Paulo 2-1 Mascherano have all graced the as a team-mate. the same is true to Paulo Henrique ganso during my Internacional bt Atl Paranaense 2-0 pitch during Neymar’s lifetime. of Zinedine Zidane. I once had a time at Santos, but unfortunately Joinville bt Fluminense 2-1 Ponte Preta drew gremio 0-0 the Brazil and Barcelona striker chance to play alongside Ronaldo. we lost touch with one another a Figueirense bt Sport 2-1 explains how each of them have It was his last-ever match for Brazil, little after he moved to another club. goias bt Vasco da gama 3-0 influenced his development. and I wish we’d had the chance to these days it’s Dani Alves. He’s one of Santos bt Avai 5-2 partner each other more often. my best mates. ARGENTINIAN C’SHIP Estudiantes bt River Plate 2-1 ЂЂWho’s your greatest role Boca Juniors bt godoy Cruz 2-0 model? ЂЂWho do you rate as the ЂЂWhat do you consider to be the Crucero del Norte lost to Nueva Chicago 0-1 ЃЂRobinho, without a doubt. I strongest defender you’ve ever best goal you’ve ever scored? Huracan drew Lanus 0-0 admired him when I was a small had to go up against? ЃЂI’ve scored so many special goals Rosario Central bt Belgrano 3-1 tigre bt union (Santa Fe) 2-1 Ѓ boy and then had the great honour Ђthat’s a really tough question that were significant at different Argentinos Juniors lost to San Lorenzo 2-3 of playing alongside him for not to answer. there’re so many top points in my career so far, and I’ll Colon (Santa Fe) drew Velez Sarsfield 0-0 only Santos, but also the Brazilian defenders. Javier Mascherano, never forget any of them. But if I’ve to Olimpo lost to Quilmes 0-1 national team. gerard Pique, thiago Silva and choose, then it’d probably be my goal Racing Club bt Arsenal 2-1 San Martin drew Independiente 1-1 Sergio Ramos are just some of against Flamengo. that’s the strike Atl Rafaela drew Newell’s Old Boys 1-1 ЂЂWhich players, past or present, them. I could go on and on. that won me the FIFA Puskas Award. Banfield bt gimnasia-La Plata 1-0

“Neymar is “He has everything it takes to become better “Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi simply and than Messi, who has already made history are the best players in the world compellingly with what he has achieved. Neymar can do the right now, but the time has come spectacular. same and perhaps take things even further. for Neymar to take their place. Robinho Romario Ronaldo ON NEYMAR... 16 WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 17 FOOTBALL | INTERNATIONAL

SPECIAL COLUMN No likely threat for Onus on clubs to Russia World Cup raise standards

MERICAN and Swiss investigations into ROFESSIONAL football clubs worldwide Mourinho risks alienating corruption in world football are unlikely to will have to meet minimum standards in Alead to any threat to Russia retaining the Pstadium safety, the treatment of fans and hosting rights for the 2018 World Cup, according to youth development to be admitted into certain uS and European sources familiar with the probes. competitions, FIFA said in a statement last week. Prosecutors in New York and Zurich are examining “they will also have to agree to be more Jiri whether there were irregularities in the awarding transparent about their owners and allow himself from Abramovich Dvorak of the rights to hold the ’18 and ’22 World Cups. independent auditing of their finances,” FIFA But Swiss officials do not expect their continuing added. investigation of FIFA will come up with the kind of Facilities in many parts of the world are a far cry Andrew Warshaw INTERVIEW evidence of wrongdoing that would force the body to from the shiny, state-of-the-art stadiums where reconsider holding the ’18 competition in Russia. the world’s top clubs play. Meanwhile, the Swiss investigation has hit some Even in Europe, smaller clubs often play matches AS Jose Mourinho ‘Respect doctor’s decision’ roadblocks, according to uS and European sources in run-down arena and struggle to pay their overstepped the mark in his familiar with the matter. Barriers to progress include players on time. FIFA said it would create a global Hdisgraceful treatment of the HE role of medical staff and football, be it an international FIFA reduced levels of collaboration with uS authorities club licensing framework by the end of next year club’s medical staff, in particular its their relation with the coach is competition or a club competition at and an increasing acknowledgment by prosecutors to set “minimum standards” which would then be female team doctor? Ta hot topic of discussion after national level. in Bern that their powers under Swiss law are implemented by the continental confederations, Chelsea’s Portuguese manager Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho constrained in this kind of case, these people said. taking into account local conditions. may be among the most successful removed team doctor Eva Carneiro ЂЂHow difficult is it for team coaches anywhere in the world, and head physiotherapist Jon Fearn doctors to balance the needs of their but whatever the club achieves this from match-day duties recently. teams with their medical duties? season, his inexcusable, headline- the Portuguese was angered ЃЂthe team doctor has to be grabbing behaviour a couple of when Carneiro and Fearn ran on concerned only about medical weeks ago has possibly stained his to treat Eden Hazard, temporarily treatment and the health of the reputation beyond repair. leaving Chelsea with nine players players, and we’ve to protect this. A the English Premier League is after goalkeeper thibaut Courtois clear example is the new protocol for the most watched league in the had earlier been sent off during their concussions introduced last year by world, with millions tuning in every 2-2 draw against Swansea City. FIFA’s Medical Committee and which weekend to devour a product that In an interview with FIFA Weekly, applies to all FIFA competitions. shows little sign of being reduced the world governing body’s Chief the objective of this new protocol in value, either financially or in Medical Officer Jiri Dvorak clarifies its is to reinforce the role of team Criticism of terms of popularity. And it makes position on the matter. doctors in order to ensure the correct Blatter unfair, Mourinho’s conduct, even by his management of potential cases standards of controversy, hard to ЂЂWhenever an incident happens says Carrard digest. on the pitch, what’s the protocol in the head of FIFA’s new reform For those who may not be place concerning the intervention of IN MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS, committee has said the FIFA can never be ruled familiar with the case, let me recap. medical staff? THE COACH HAS NOTHING governing body’s outgoing First-team doctor Eva Carneiro ЃЂIf a player goes down and the TO SAY. IT’S THE DOCTOR’S president Sepp Blatter had was banished from match duties referee suspects an injury, he’s SOLE DISCRETION. been unfairly criticised and by one confederation!

by Mourinho for doing nothing Kington AFP/Ian entitled to call the medical team and there was no evidence of him ššEva Carneiro and Jon Fearn treat Eden Hazard on the field during Chelsea’s match against Swansea City. the team doctor to provide medical being involved in corruption. was run by Brazilian Joao Havelange assistance. When they’re called, of concussion in the heat of the Swiss lawyer Francois Brian Homewood who had been in charge since 1974. Carrard was appointed earlier more than treat “doctorgate” continued. managers had no right to tell their heat-of-the-moment outburst. the medical team has to run onto competition. under this new rule, Amid bitter criticism of this month as the independent Chelsea’s Belgian It sent out a terrible message and medical staff whether or not they But to follow that with an actual the pitch and attend to the player. whenever a suspected incident of chair of FIFA’s 15-person reform Havelange, uEFA produced star Eden Hazard must’ve been extremely awkward should go on the pitch. demotion of both doctor and there’re even two situations in concussion occurs, the referee has committee which will hold its CANDAL-HIt FIFA can never be documents known as Vision 1 in stoppage time on for the Chelsea communications the Premier League Doctors’ physiotherapist, banishing them football where the team doctor can the right to stop the game for three first meeting on September 2. dominated by one continent, and Vision 2 with proposals that the opening day of the team which, at times, must despair group, meanwhile, said refusing from their first-team matchday run to the pitch without being asked, minutes, allowing the relevant In an interview with Soutgoing president Sepp included rotating FIFA’s presidency. season. the EPL champions at the number of public relation to treat Hazard would’ve breached duties, was effectively a shameful which are if there’s a suspicion of team doctor to complete an on- Swiss newspaper La Blatter said last week. Blatter’s comments came amid were already down to 10 men gaffes made by a manager whose medical duty, which was interesting suggestion that doctors should sudden cardiac arrest or if there’s the pitch assessment and determine Matin Dimanche, Carrard, Without going into details or an increasing rift between FIFA and former director general of against Swansea and Mourinho vocabulary seems to exclude the given that the body is thought compromise their duty to players’ suspicion of a head injury. if the player has concussion. the naming anyone, Blatter said that in uEFA. the International Olympic was furious Hazard had to leave word “sorry” and who seems to never to have made a single public health and safety depending on the referee will only allow the injured Committee, said criticism of the past one continental federation Meanwhile, FIFA presidential the field, directing his anger at his statement in 19 years of existence. scoreline at the time. ЂЂCan the coach intervene at that player to continue playing with the Blatter was more to do with had tried to exert a dominance candidate Chung Mong-Joon medical staff. Mourinho will doubtless pay When the late Liverpool manager moment? authorisation of the team doctor, him having been at the helm over the others, using proposed said that a report he was being Mourinho described them MOURINHO COMPOUNDED little attention to what any of them Bill Shankly famously said football ЃЂWhen it comes to medical who takes the final decision. of the sport’s ruling body for reforms as an attempt to grab the investigated by the world body’s as “impulsive and naive” even A COMBUSTIBLE SITUATION think. He’s very much his own man. was more important than life and diagnosis, the coach has nothing to 17 years. presidency. ethics committee was proof that “there’s something unfair in though footage actually BY REFUSING TO EXPRESS But the more he shrugs off criticism death, he only meant it as a joke. say. It’s the doctor’s sole discretion ЂЂBut would there be any situation “this is the key point which has outgoing president Sepp Blatter was the way he’s treated. I say that showed the referee twice when it’s justifiable, the more he Mourinho needs to remember that. and we’ll endorse that. this is what where the manager could tell the (taken place) in the past years... trying to interfere in his campaign ANY CONTRITION. with complete independence. turning to the Chelsea risks his behaviour overshadowing He also needs to remember not to we teach, this is how we’re educating medical team not to enter the field We’re are in the process of the takeover of one confederation and should step down. bench after Hazard went Chelsea’s performances on the field. blame everyone but himself when our doctors all around the world. It is of play? pillorying him. unfortunately, towards the others,” he said. “But german newspaper Die Welt down following a think that his success record, loyalty And at some point owner Roman things go wrong, as is his normal our professional rule and our ethical ЃЂI can’t envisage such a situation. it’s always like that when this can’t work in FIFA.” reported last week that South challenge and signalling to his players, masterful attention Abramovich and his executives, tendency. duty to look after the players’ health. I think we’ve to defend our somebody stays too long, the Blatter did not make clear Korean Chung was facing an for medical attention. to detail and knowledge of the despite their love affair with As a self-delusionist, there’re If we let coaches intervene, we can position. the players, the manager, negative side gets noticed,” whether that meant it would never investigation into his involvement When he had an game somehow gives him the right Mourinho blossoming by giving few to match him and for all end up with a situation where a the assistant manager and the said Carrard. happen or that FIFA would not in a ’10 plan to set up a global Carrard’s defence of Blatter is opportunity to explain his to behave as he pleases in public him an extended contract, need to his coaching skills and man player suffers a serious health issue representatives of the clubs all have likely to raise eyebrows among survive if it did occur. football development fund related antics at a press conference last without any regard for others. address the siege mentality that has management, if he doesn’t as a consequence of a lack of medical to show the appropriate level of those campaigning for reform He then added, “this was a to South Korea’s bid for the ’22 week, Mourinho compounded Even FIFA found itself intervening enveloped the club and whether change his ways, he risks not only attention. respect and accept the decisions of of FIFA, given the scepticism movement, this was a movement to World Cup. a combustible situation in what, on paper, was a purely the manager’s dictatorial attitude in cementing Chelsea’s status as the doctors who’re in charge. We’ve about its executive committee get back the presidency.” Chung’s office said South by steadfastly refusing to domestic spat. World football’s the pursuit of trophies is acceptable. the team everyone loves to hate, ЂЂDoes the same rule apply at all been educated that way, we’ve years, which is made up of a majority that remark may have referred to Korea had submitted plans for a express any contrition governing body may be no stranger Mourinho’s fury when Carneiro but also alienating himself from levels? in some cases decades, of education, of representatives from the proposals drafted by European body development fund linked to its bid, regional confederations. Jose and threatened to walk to controversy but Professor Jiri and physio Jon Fearn ran on to Abramovich, who brought him back ЃЂYes, the same rule applies all training and experience, so we know uEFA in the mid-1990s for a radical as all countries applying to host the Mourinho out if questioning about Dvorak, its chief medical officer, said the pitch could be excused as a for a second spell. around the world at all levels of what needs to be done. reform of FIFA, which at the time World Cup were required to do. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 17

No likely threat for Onus on clubs to Russia World Cup raise standards

MERICAN and Swiss investigations into ROFESSIONAL football clubs worldwide corruption in world football are unlikely to will have to meet minimum standards in Alead to any threat to Russia retaining the Pstadium safety, the treatment of fans and hosting rights for the 2018 World Cup, according to youth development to be admitted into certain uS and European sources familiar with the probes. competitions, FIFA said in a statement last week. Prosecutors in New York and Zurich are examining “they will also have to agree to be more Jiri whether there were irregularities in the awarding transparent about their owners and allow Dvorak of the rights to hold the ’18 and ’22 World Cups. independent auditing of their finances,” FIFA But Swiss officials do not expect their continuing added. investigation of FIFA will come up with the kind of Facilities in many parts of the world are a far cry INTERVIEW evidence of wrongdoing that would force the body to from the shiny, state-of-the-art stadiums where reconsider holding the ’18 competition in Russia. the world’s top clubs play. Meanwhile, the Swiss investigation has hit some Even in Europe, smaller clubs often play matches ‘Respect doctor’s decision’ roadblocks, according to uS and European sources in run-down arena and struggle to pay their familiar with the matter. Barriers to progress include players on time. FIFA said it would create a global HE role of medical staff and football, be it an international FIFA reduced levels of collaboration with uS authorities club licensing framework by the end of next year their relation with the coach is competition or a club competition at and an increasing acknowledgment by prosecutors to set “minimum standards” which would then be Ta hot topic of discussion after national level. in Bern that their powers under Swiss law are implemented by the continental confederations, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho constrained in this kind of case, these people said. taking into account local conditions. removed team doctor Eva Carneiro ЂЂHow difficult is it for team and head physiotherapist Jon Fearn doctors to balance the needs of their from match-day duties recently. teams with their medical duties? the Portuguese was angered ЃЂthe team doctor has to be when Carneiro and Fearn ran on concerned only about medical to treat Eden Hazard, temporarily treatment and the health of the leaving Chelsea with nine players players, and we’ve to protect this. A after goalkeeper thibaut Courtois clear example is the new protocol for had earlier been sent off during their concussions introduced last year by 2-2 draw against Swansea City. FIFA’s Medical Committee and which In an interview with FIFA Weekly, applies to all FIFA competitions. the world governing body’s Chief the objective of this new protocol Medical Officer Jiri Dvorak clarifies its is to reinforce the role of team Criticism of position on the matter. doctors in order to ensure the correct Blatter unfair, management of potential cases ЂЂWhenever an incident happens says Carrard on the pitch, what’s the protocol in the head of FIFA’s new reform place concerning the intervention of IN MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS, committee has said the FIFA can never be ruled medical staff? THE COACH HAS NOTHING governing body’s outgoing ЃЂIf a player goes down and the TO SAY. IT’S THE DOCTOR’S president Sepp Blatter had referee suspects an injury, he’s SOLE DISCRETION. been unfairly criticised and by one confederation! entitled to call the medical team and there was no evidence of him the team doctor to provide medical being involved in corruption. was run by Brazilian Joao Havelange assistance. When they’re called, of concussion in the heat of the Swiss lawyer Francois Brian Homewood who had been in charge since 1974. Carrard was appointed earlier the medical team has to run onto competition. under this new rule, Amid bitter criticism of this month as the independent the pitch and attend to the player. whenever a suspected incident of chair of FIFA’s 15-person reform Havelange, uEFA produced there’re even two situations in concussion occurs, the referee has committee which will hold its CANDAL-HIt FIFA can never be documents known as Vision 1 football where the team doctor can the right to stop the game for three first meeting on September 2. dominated by one continent, and Vision 2 with proposals that run to the pitch without being asked, minutes, allowing the relevant In an interview with Soutgoing president Sepp included rotating FIFA’s presidency. which are if there’s a suspicion of team doctor to complete an on- Swiss newspaper La Blatter said last week. Blatter’s comments came amid sudden cardiac arrest or if there’s the pitch assessment and determine Matin Dimanche, Carrard, Without going into details or an increasing rift between FIFA and former director general of suspicion of a head injury. if the player has concussion. the naming anyone, Blatter said that in uEFA. the International Olympic referee will only allow the injured Committee, said criticism of the past one continental federation Meanwhile, FIFA presidential ЂЂCan the coach intervene at that player to continue playing with the Blatter was more to do with had tried to exert a dominance candidate Chung Mong-Joon moment? authorisation of the team doctor, him having been at the helm over the others, using proposed said that a report he was being ЃЂWhen it comes to medical who takes the final decision. of the sport’s ruling body for reforms as an attempt to grab the investigated by the world body’s diagnosis, the coach has nothing to 17 years. presidency. ethics committee was proof that “there’s something unfair in say. It’s the doctor’s sole discretion ЂЂBut would there be any situation “this is the key point which has outgoing president Sepp Blatter was the way he’s treated. I say that and we’ll endorse that. this is what where the manager could tell the (taken place) in the past years... trying to interfere in his campaign with complete independence. we teach, this is how we’re educating medical team not to enter the field We’re are in the process of the takeover of one confederation and should step down. our doctors all around the world. It is of play? pillorying him. unfortunately, towards the others,” he said. “But german newspaper Die Welt our professional rule and our ethical ЃЂI can’t envisage such a situation. it’s always like that when this can’t work in FIFA.” reported last week that South duty to look after the players’ health. I think we’ve to defend our somebody stays too long, the Blatter did not make clear Korean Chung was facing an If we let coaches intervene, we can position. the players, the manager, negative side gets noticed,” whether that meant it would never investigation into his involvement end up with a situation where a the assistant manager and the said Carrard. happen or that FIFA would not in a ’10 plan to set up a global Carrard’s defence of Blatter is player suffers a serious health issue representatives of the clubs all have likely to raise eyebrows among survive if it did occur. football development fund related as a consequence of a lack of medical to show the appropriate level of those campaigning for reform He then added, “this was a to South Korea’s bid for the ’22 attention. respect and accept the decisions of of FIFA, given the scepticism movement, this was a movement to World Cup. the doctors who’re in charge. We’ve about its executive committee get back the presidency.” Chung’s office said South ЂЂDoes the same rule apply at all been educated that way, we’ve years, which is made up of a majority that remark may have referred to Korea had submitted plans for a levels? in some cases decades, of education, of representatives from the proposals drafted by European body development fund linked to its bid, regional confederations. ЃЂYes, the same rule applies all training and experience, so we know uEFA in the mid-1990s for a radical as all countries applying to host the around the world at all levels of what needs to be done. reform of FIFA, which at the time World Cup were required to do. 18 WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 19

ATHLETICS

COVER STORY 3 9 Shelly-Ann Faster-Pryce! 100M world titles Bolt times he has won at the Worlds, three N MANY ways, Jamaican get my act together in my next race,” national record twice, once during has won, putting him Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is the said Fraser-Pryce, who glided into the semifinal (10.83) and again in level with Carl Lewis each in 100, 200 and 4x100M relay Ifemale equivalent of compatriot the final in 10.82sec. the final, promised to improve her and Maurice greene usain Bolt in 100M. Asked if she received the same times further. Despite standing on the opposite kind of recognition her male “Earlier, when I was competing ends of the height spectrum, both compatriots got, she was at her in heptathlon, I used to suffer from have won the same number of diplomatic best. bad knee pains. But that disappeared that’s for you guys to write (to depict 100M gold medals in major events “For me, recognition isn’t about once I began to focus more on the the race described in some quarters as — two at the Olympics (’08 Beijing people always talking about me. I 100M. Now, since I’m doing only JAMAICAN SUPERSTAR USAIN BOLT BEATS a clash of good vs evil). I’ve shown the and ’12 London) and three at World don’t care about it. When on the one discipline, I’ve a lot more time to world that it’s possible (to run clean). I’ve Championships (’09 Berlin, ’13 track, I just let my feet do the talking. train. I’m sure it’ll lead to much faster DOPE-TAINTED AMERICAN JUSTIN GATLIN IN 100M worked my hardest. I’ve pushed myself. Moscow and ’15 Beijing). times,” she said. TO SAVE HIS REPUTATION AS WELL AS THE SPORT Fraser-Pryce became the first ITSELF, WRITES AJU GEORGE CHRIS FROM BEIJING. too many times. You’ve done this a Andre de grasse, both college Usain Bolt woman to win three gold in the blue DAFNE SCHIPPERS million times, so just go out there, students and potential stars, shared riband event with her triumph at FINISHED SECOND IN 10.81 relax and get it done.’ And that’s what bronze after clocking 9.92. Not even a the Bird’s Nest Stadium last Monday. WHILE TORI BOWIE WAS I did,” he said, to a smattering of count to one thousands of a second Considered a favourite for the title, THIRD (10.86). HEN usain Bolt crossed the first Chinese man to qualify for of his rival. applause from the media. (9.911) could keep them apart. the 28-year-old did not disappoint. the 100M finish line in the 100M final, did not seem so Perhaps, it was American Meanwhile, gatlin was gracious in Answering the media, they Ever the show woman, she had W9.79sec on a blustery popular. sprint legend Michael Johnson defeat. seemed in awe of Bolt and gatlin, the appeared on track in braided, green I want to do the best with what I’m night at the Bird’s Nest Stadium last Yet, for Bolt, the build-up to the who perfectly summed up Bolt’s “Anyone who goes to the line to best runners of their generation. But dyed hair adorned by a number given,” she said. Sunday, he was performing nothing race had been anything but perfect. performance. go against usain has to be ready to the time may not be that far when of yellow sunflowers lined across Fraser-Pryce said she was happy short of a daring rescue act of his In the semifinal, he stumbled “I’m amazed. this is Bolt’s best race go to work. In the last 5M, I let things they start to command the same kind her forehead. But the moment to see new names come up in beloved sport. just four steps into his run before ever. He knew it was a completely get away from me. I stumbled and of respect. the starting gun fired, she was all women’s sprinting, irrespective of “He’s saved his title, he’s saved somehow finishing first in an different set of circumstances for him. my arms were a little flailing. I leaned business and did what she had to where they came from. his reputation — he may have unimpressive 9.96. gatlin, on the It’s not about technique, it’s about a little too far forward and got off do. “For me, I don’t care where even saved his sport,” roared BBC other hand, was fluid and topped running for your life and he’s got the balance. If I had to lose this race to Fraser-Pryce even did an usain a runner comes from. What commentator and former world the semifinal ranking with a 9.77sec talent to be able to do that. He’ll be someone, it should’ve been to the Bolt by raising her right hand in matters is they tried as champion Steve Cram soon after Bolt finish. most proud of this win without a great usain Bolt,” said gatlin. celebration before crossing the finish hard as me to reach the triumphed. But in the final, when the two doubt,” said Johnson. the result’s greatest significance line in 10.76sec. Dutch decathlete- World Championships In arguably the most important unlike at the ’08 Beijing Olympics, was that it drove home the point turned-sprinter Dafne Schippers final. How does race of his life, Bolt trumped where he celebrated the final 20M, that clean athletes can win too. It finished second with a new national it matter which American Justin gatlin by 0.01sec. IT’S ABOUT RUNNING FOR Bolt was concentration personified will also add strength to Sebastian record of 10.81 while uSA’s tori continent they Soon, people at the stadium YOUR LIFE AND BOLT HAS till the very end. He seemed more Coe’s fight against the menace as the Bowie was third (10.86). come from? New were swaying to Reggae legend THE TALENT TO BE ABLE mature and aware of the incredible Briton takes over as IAAF’s new Fraser-Pryce said she was thrilled runners coming Bob Marley’s soothing words — TO DO THAT. challenge he faced. president on August 31. to win gold for a third time. into our sport is ‘Everything’s gonna be all right.’ No the 29-year-old later In addition to “I’m really happy to have defended certainly a good other song could have portrayed the acknowledged it and singled out obvious symbolisms, my World Championships title thing,” she said. mood better. runners went eye to eye, blinked. coach glen Mills for praise. the race was also because it’s something I’ve never Schippers, the 100M victory margin has Bolt, never a strong starter, got “I definitely think this was my a glimpse into the done before. But I’m honestly tired who broke been so close only once before at the out of the block slow and picked hardest race. I’ve been through a lot future of world of running in the 10.7s. Hopefully, I’ll the Dutch Worlds, when Saint Kitts and Nevis’s up speed towards the 50M mark. this season, it’s been rough,” said Bolt. sprinting. Kim Collins (10.07) edged trinidad trailing initially, he caught up with “After the semifinal, my coach American and tobago’s Darrel Brown (10.08) at gatlin with barely 20M left and the said, ‘Listen, you’re thinking about it trayvon Paris in 2003. American lost his nerve. In the last too much. there’s too much on your Brommel and “I like it when I’m chirpy, so I decided to do But the emotional significance 5M, gatlin used longer strides but mind. All you’ve to do is remember Canada’s my hair green. I got my sunflowers too — I that had been attached to the race in it only served to wreck his natural you’ve been in this position way was like a living, walking garden. I didn’t know Beijing is likely never to be repeated rhythm. the Jamaican then dipped I was the first woman to have won three world again. the showdown between Bolt his head a fraction of an inch ahead titles but, hey, that’s awesome! and gatlin had been pitched as a Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce battle between good and evil, forces of light and dark. the Jamaican, with his crystal clear image, was taking on gatlin, a two-time convicted dope offender. And there was never any doubt HOW THEY about who the people’s champion REACTED was. While gatlin’s introduction was met with polite applause and a Asafa Trayvon few boos, Bolt’s name received a Powell Bromell “No one wanted gatlin to stadium-shaking roar of approval. Justin Usain win. Even Su Bingtian, who became Gatlin Bolt Asafa Powell, Bolt’s countryman. “Congratulations to usain “When you serve a doping Bolt for a historic victory. It ban, usually it’s career- “I just have to reset, man. was great to see him ending. gatlin has been able Just get ready for the 200M, winning at the Bird’s Nest to come back, he’s been dial back in and be ready for YEAR’S stadium again. proving to people he’s a great 9.74 9.75 9.75 9.77 9.78 9.79 9.80 9.81 9.84 9.84 9.84 business. talent. TOP 100M Doha Rome Lausanne Beijing Monaco Beijing Beijing Paris Kingston Eugene Kingston Thomas Bach, International Olympic TIMING May 15 June 4 July 9 Aug 23 July 17 Aug 23 Aug 23 July 4 May 9 June 25 June 26 Justin Gatlin Committee President. Renaldo Nehemiah, gatlin’s agent. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 19

3 9 Shelly-Ann Faster-Pryce! 100M world titles Bolt times he has won at the Worlds, three N MANY ways, Jamaican get my act together in my next race,” national record twice, once during has won, putting him Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is the said Fraser-Pryce, who glided into the semifinal (10.83) and again in level with Carl Lewis each in 100, 200 and 4x100M relay Ifemale equivalent of compatriot the final in 10.82sec. the final, promised to improve her and Maurice greene usain Bolt in 100M. Asked if she received the same times further. Despite standing on the opposite kind of recognition her male “Earlier, when I was competing ends of the height spectrum, both compatriots got, she was at her in heptathlon, I used to suffer from have won the same number of diplomatic best. bad knee pains. But that disappeared that’s for you guys to write (to depict 100M gold medals in major events “For me, recognition isn’t about once I began to focus more on the the race described in some quarters as — two at the Olympics (’08 Beijing people always talking about me. I 100M. Now, since I’m doing only a clash of good vs evil). I’ve shown the and ’12 London) and three at World don’t care about it. When on the one discipline, I’ve a lot more time to world that it’s possible (to run clean). I’ve Championships (’09 Berlin, ’13 track, I just let my feet do the talking. train. I’m sure it’ll lead to much faster worked my hardest. I’ve pushed myself. Moscow and ’15 Beijing). times,” she said. Fraser-Pryce became the first Usain Bolt woman to win three gold in the blue DAFNE SCHIPPERS riband event with her triumph at FINISHED SECOND IN 10.81 the Bird’s Nest Stadium last Monday. WHILE TORI BOWIE WAS Considered a favourite for the title, THIRD (10.86). the 28-year-old did not disappoint. Ever the show woman, she had appeared on track in braided, green I want to do the best with what I’m dyed hair adorned by a number given,” she said. of yellow sunflowers lined across Fraser-Pryce said she was happy her forehead. But the moment to see new names come up in the starting gun fired, she was all women’s sprinting, irrespective of business and did what she had to where they came from. do. “For me, I don’t care where Fraser-Pryce even did an usain a runner comes from. What Bolt by raising her right hand in matters is they tried as celebration before crossing the finish hard as me to reach the line in 10.76sec. Dutch decathlete- World Championships turned-sprinter Dafne Schippers final. How does finished second with a new national it matter which record of 10.81 while uSA’s tori continent they Bowie was third (10.86). come from? New Fraser-Pryce said she was thrilled runners coming to win gold for a third time. into our sport is “I’m really happy to have defended certainly a good my World Championships title thing,” she said. because it’s something I’ve never Schippers, done before. But I’m honestly tired who broke of running in the 10.7s. Hopefully, I’ll the Dutch

“I like it when I’m chirpy, so I decided to do my hair green. I got my sunflowers too — I was like a living, walking garden. I didn’t know I was the first woman to have won three world titles but, hey, that’s awesome!

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

HOW THEY REACTED

“No one wanted gatlin to win.

Asafa Powell, Bolt’s countryman. “Congratulations to usain “When you serve a doping Bolt for a historic victory. It ban, usually it’s career- “I just have to reset, man. was great to see him ending. gatlin has been able Just get ready for the 200M, winning at the Bird’s Nest to come back, he’s been dial back in and be ready for stadium again. proving to people he’s a great business. talent. Thomas Bach, International Olympic Justin Gatlin Committee President. Renaldo Nehemiah, gatlin’s agent. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

SHELLY-ANN FRASER-PRYCE www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

SHELLY-ANN FRASER-PRYCE 22 WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 23

ATHLETICS

Briton Mo Farah 2011 IAAF WORLD 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES 2013 IAAF WORLD 2013 IAAF WORLD 2015 IAAF WORLD became the first CHAMPIONSHIPS LONDON | 10,000M LONDON | 5,000M CHAMPIONSHIPS CHAMPIONSHIPS CHAMPIONSHIP runner to win six MOSCOW | 5,000M BEIJING | 10,000M Hail the namesake! consecutive major DAEGU | 5,000M Farah’s dream was launched in front Farah’s second gold was the first MOSCOW | 10,000M FtER running most of the gold medals, When Ethiopian Ibrahim Jeilan of his compatriots. the runner, who Olympic medal, of any colour, won Farah exacted revenge on Ibrahim Once again, Farah’s powerful finish came Over the years, Farah has perfected PREVIOUS CHAMPIONS eclipsing legendary pipped Farah, a title favourite in moved to Oregon, uSA, for training, by a Briton over 5,000M since Ian Jeilan for depriving him of a gold in to his aid. His main rivals had come to the art of running 10,000M. In Beijing, race through Beijing’s iconic 1983 Robert de Castella (AuS) was considered a hot title contender. Stewart took a bronze in 1972. competitors like 10,000M, to the post, it made him Daegu over the distance by reversing Moscow with clear game plans about despite the attempts of Kenyan runners locations, Eritrean ghirmay 1987 Douglas Wakiihuri (KEN) Ethiopian Kenenisa Amid thousands of cheering British Having already won the 10,000, reining in the defending champion. But to tire him out, he never once lost focus. A even more resolved to strike gold in positions with him. Once again, 1991 Hiromi taniguchi (JPN) Bekele and Haile fans, he survived the pressure tactics there was immense pressure on as has become his style, the Somalia- He was somewhere in the middle for ghebreslassie did two things as he 5,000 and end the competition on a pre-race talks revolved around how 1993 Mark Plaatjes (uSA) gebrselassie. Here is of his African rivals. they tried to him to complete the double. He did born runner opened up in the final 650M most part of the race before smoothly entered the Bird’s Nest Stadium for high. the 32-year-old did so in style, well he could handle the Kenyan 1995 Martin Fiz (ESP) GOLDEN a look at his career- beating American Bernard Lagat crowd him in, but Farah proved to just that, covering the last 200M in and Ethiopian challenges. But the to leave everyone far behind. It hardly moving to the front. He accelerated in the final lap. 1997 Abel Anton (ESP) MO-MENTS defining wins. by 0.28sec (13:23.36 to 13:23.64). It be a ruthless fighter. He sprinted to a spectacular 23.6sec. “You imagine Briton ran a tactically brilliant race mattered that the race was highly tactical the final 500M and ran with urgency. First, the moustached 19-year- victory in the final 100M, leaving being Olympic champion once until that point. Once the final lap came He stumbled briefly, but there was no 1999 Abel Anton was to be the start of a long golden with American training partner old grabbed an Eritrean flag and journey. everyone else in his wake. and then it happens twice. Once I galen Rupp. If anyone harboured up, fellow competitors could do little other denying the Briton a historic sixth 2001 gezahegne Abera (EtH) won my first gold, I really wanted any doubts about Farah’s superstar than watch Farah take off. Another day, long-distance gold medal. crossed the finish line with it 2003 Jaouad gharib (MOR) another,” he said. qualities, this race cleared it for them. another World Championships gold won. around his hip. He then took 2005 Jaouad gharib a piece of race schedule, 2007 Luke Kibet (KEN) turned it around, nestled 2009 Abel Kirui (KEN) 2011 Abel Kirui it on his right thigh and 2013 Stephen Kiprotich (ugA) wrote ‘never stop until the finish line’ and flashed it manager Jos Hermens had also at the cameras. guided the original gebrselassie And thus, the throughout his legendary career. biennial World the Eritrean started running Mo Farah away from the rest! Championships’ only three years ago, without his youngest-ever parents’ consent or blessings. But he almost tripped, but steadied frame of mind to do well in Beijing. marathon champion, eventually, he won them over. Aju George Chris himself and continued as if nothing Some predicted he would wilt also Eritrea’s first- had happened. under pressure. But 27 minutes ever gold medallist, Kenyan runners, who knew it ended all such talk. Asked how was born. ALTHOUGH I DON’T HAVE RItON Mo Farah found would be tough to rein in Farah he managed to keep the Running in only his fourth-ever MUCH EXPERIENCE, I’LL himself looking at rows of once he finds his rhythm, tried to pressure under check, he race, he completed the course in WORK TO MAKE ANOTHER Bempty seats all around when unsettle him with pressure tactics. said he treated it just like 2hr, 12min and 27sec, ahead SPECIAL HISTORY IN RIO. he took position at the starting line they set the pace, but Farah’s any other. of Ethiopian Yemane of 10,000M race. American training partner galen “If you ask me, I was tsegay (2:13:07) and that the event was scheduled Rupp was constantly by his side. more tense during the uganda’s Munyo Solomon “My parents wanted me to be towards the end of the opening day When the Olympic and World London games, when the Mutai (2:13:29). a great university student while did not help things. But once the Championships 5,000-10,000M entire nation looked up to me After the race, the teenager I wanted to be a good athlete. gun fired, nothing else mattered double gold medallist got into and my results. But I managed already seemed to be planning When they saw I had the potential for Farah, but the sound of his own his element, there was very to seal double gold medals at ahead. to become a good runner, they spikes hitting the red running track. little Kenyans geoffrey Kipsang home. After the pressure of “Although I don’t have much started to back me. I don’t have any Exactly 27min and 1.13sec later, Kamworor (27:01.76) and Paul London, everything else has experience, I’ll work to make words to express my feelings about he added his name to the pantheon Kipngetich tanui (27:02.83), who become just another race for another special history in Rio,” the win,” he said. of running greats, becoming the finished second and third, could do me. ghebreslassie said, about his plans Beijing was only the second first man to win six consecutive except learn from the master. “I always tell myself that if I for the ’16 Olympic games. competition he had completed. global long-distance titles on the could win in London, I could “the weather in Beijing was Last October, he appeared as track. do well anywhere else. those perfect for me. I grew up in similar a pacesetter in Chicago and Farah has not looked back after HE HAD BAGGED A DOUBLE races prepared me for the conditions,” he added. then dropped out of the Dubai winning gold in 5,000M at the IN 5,000 AND 10,000M AT challenges ahead. My only Coming 16 years after Ethiopian Marathon in January. World Championships in 2011 THE LONDON OLYMPICS regret in Beijing is that my Haile gebrselassie made history by the young runner has certainly Daegu, South Korea. AND MOSCOW WORLDS. family isn’t here to celebrate becoming the first runner to win created an impression with his He had completed a double in with me,” he said. four 10,000M world titles, it was dominant win in Beijing. If he 5,000 and 10,000M at ’12 London Farah admitted the a dream debut by his keeps it up, he may end up being Olympics as well as the ’13 Worlds Farah later admitted the Kenyans’ negative reports had mentally namesake. an even bigger name than the in Moscow. A win in the 5000M on tactic had almost succeeded. affected him. Curiously, his original gebrselassie. Saturday will make him the first “I should really say, hats off to “It wasn’t a particularly man to complete a long-distance their national team,” Farah said at easy year for me, with all the double at consecutive World the post-race Press conference. criticisms that came my way. Championships. “they tried out an innovative Initially, it was tough dealing Cheruiyot makes Before the race, Farah was the strategy and that made things with them. But I understand it’s epitome of coolness. He smiled, really hard for me. they pushed the price I’ve got to pay when strong comeback obliged autograph hunters, joked hard throughout the race and I’m a role model for thousands of around and jovially spoke to his kept the pace really high. to kids around the world. I faced my ENYA’S Vivian Cheruiyot Ethiopia’s gelete Burka rivals. He did not look like a man do something like that for 27 trials bravely. won a thrilling stayed with Cheruiyot when the weighed down by the realisation minutes, in such windy and “under such circumstances, Klast-lap sprint to claim Kenyan sprinted away on the of being on the verge of creating humid conditions, was something victory in Beijing was really sweet. the women’s 10,000M gold, back straight, but could not history. different. It was pretty close, but I just came here and let my running capping her comeback season handle the pace down the Once the race started, 16 not close enough,” said the genial do the talking. I dedicate this win with her second world title in final straight and had to traditional Chinese drummers, Londoner. to everyone who believed and the longest track event. settle for silver in 31.41.77. draped in red and gold, started a Constant doping allegations supported me. the 31-year-old, who took 2014 the bronze medal went steady beat to fire up the crowd. against Farah’s American coach “‘go hard or go home’ is a phrase off to have a child, hit the front with to American Emily Infield As excitement bubbled over, Farah Alberto Salazar and Rupp had I always keep saying to myself. 300M to go and powered her way to (31.43.49), who pipped Molly carefully bided his time. hampered his preparations for I just have to concentrate on victory in 31min, 41.31sec to reclaim Huddle on the line when her With around 500M left, the the Worlds. though there was no winning races. I promise to keep the title she won as part of a team-mate slowed to celebrate 32-year-old kicked into top gear suspicion on Farah himself many doing that,” he said. 5,000-10,000M double at the 2011 what she thought was going to be and started to pull away. Once had feared he was not in the right And no one disbelieves him. World Championships in Daegu. third place. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 23

2013 IAAF WORLD 2015 IAAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS CHAMPIONSHIP MOSCOW | 5,000M BEIJING | 10,000M Hail the namesake! Once again, Farah’s powerful finish came Over the years, Farah has perfected FtER running most of the PREVIOUS CHAMPIONS to his aid. His main rivals had come to the art of running 10,000M. In Beijing, race through Beijing’s iconic 1983 Robert de Castella (AuS) Moscow with clear game plans about despite the attempts of Kenyan runners locations, Eritrean ghirmay 1987 Douglas Wakiihuri (KEN) reining in the defending champion. But to tire him out, he never once lost focus. A 1991 Hiromi taniguchi (JPN) as has become his style, the Somalia- He was somewhere in the middle for ghebreslassie did two things as he born runner opened up in the final 650M most part of the race before smoothly entered the Bird’s Nest Stadium for 1993 Mark Plaatjes (uSA) to leave everyone far behind. It hardly moving to the front. He accelerated in the final lap. 1995 Martin Fiz (ESP) 1997 Abel Anton (ESP) mattered that the race was highly tactical the final 500M and ran with urgency. First, the moustached 19-year- until that point. Once the final lap came He stumbled briefly, but there was no 1999 Abel Anton up, fellow competitors could do little other denying the Briton a historic sixth old grabbed an Eritrean flag and 2001 gezahegne Abera (EtH) than watch Farah take off. Another day, long-distance gold medal. crossed the finish line with it 2003 Jaouad gharib (MOR) another World Championships gold won. around his hip. He then took 2005 Jaouad gharib a piece of race schedule, 2007 Luke Kibet (KEN) turned it around, nestled 2009 Abel Kirui (KEN) 2011 Abel Kirui it on his right thigh and 2013 Stephen Kiprotich (ugA) wrote ‘never stop until the finish line’ and flashed it manager Jos Hermens had also at the cameras. guided the original gebrselassie And thus, the throughout his legendary career. biennial World the Eritrean started running Mo Farah away from the rest! Championships’ only three years ago, without his youngest-ever parents’ consent or blessings. But marathon champion, eventually, he won them over. also Eritrea’s first- ever gold medallist, was born. ALTHOUGH I DON’T HAVE Running in only his fourth-ever MUCH EXPERIENCE, I’LL race, he completed the course in WORK TO MAKE ANOTHER 2hr, 12min and 27sec, ahead SPECIAL HISTORY IN RIO. of Ethiopian Yemane tsegay (2:13:07) and uganda’s Munyo Solomon “My parents wanted me to be Mutai (2:13:29). a great university student while After the race, the teenager I wanted to be a good athlete. already seemed to be planning When they saw I had the potential ahead. to become a good runner, they “Although I don’t have much started to back me. I don’t have any experience, I’ll work to make words to express my feelings about another special history in Rio,” the win,” he said. ghebreslassie said, about his plans Beijing was only the second for the ’16 Olympic games. competition he had completed. “the weather in Beijing was Last October, he appeared as perfect for me. I grew up in similar a pacesetter in Chicago and conditions,” he added. then dropped out of the Dubai Coming 16 years after Ethiopian Marathon in January. Haile gebrselassie made history by the young runner has certainly becoming the first runner to win created an impression with his four 10,000M world titles, it was dominant win in Beijing. If he a dream debut by his keeps it up, he may end up being namesake. an even bigger name than the Curiously, his original gebrselassie. Cheruiyot makes strong comeback

ENYA’S Vivian Cheruiyot Ethiopia’s gelete Burka won a thrilling stayed with Cheruiyot when the Klast-lap sprint to claim Kenyan sprinted away on the the women’s 10,000M gold, back straight, but could not capping her comeback season handle the pace down the with her second world title in final straight and had to the longest track event. settle for silver in 31.41.77. the 31-year-old, who took 2014 the bronze medal went off to have a child, hit the front with to American Emily Infield 300M to go and powered her way to (31.43.49), who pipped Molly victory in 31min, 41.31sec to reclaim Huddle on the line when her the title she won as part of a team-mate slowed to celebrate 5,000-10,000M double at the 2011 what she thought was going to be World Championships in Daegu. third place. 24 WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 25

ATHLETICS

“I’m confident Coe will “the white-haired “We look forward do an excellent job. generation has to a positive I’ve known him since done what it and strong 1981 when we were could, and now relationship together as founding it’s over to the with the new members of the IOC’s black-haired IAAF president there’s zero tolerance to athletes commission. generation. We’ve in his avowed the abuse of doping in I’m sure he’ll join us in our zero a man who has devoted his life plans to protect the rights of Coe-operation! my sport and I want to tolerance fight against doping and to the sport. I wish him all the the clean athlete. to set up an independent panel to thought that we’re doing anything deliver track and field, being more continue that. I’ll maintain our policy to protect clean athletes. best. Aju George Chris that to the very highest Craig Reedie, look into dope testing and Bubka’s other than being entirely vigilant creative about how we excite people THEY REACTED HOW level of vigilance. Thomas Bach, President, International Lamine Diack, President, World Anti-Doping preference to continue working with about that,” he said. into it,” he said. Olympic Committee. outgoing IAAF president. Agency. the World Anti-Doping Agency. While doping is seen as the “the theatre of the sport must Sebastian Coe, ASt November, as the It should be safe to assume immediate problem affecting track always be the stadium, particularly newly-elected International Association of that the Briton got an upper hand, and field, there are other pressing around World Championships. But IAAF chief. ‘Germany paid LAthletics Federations’ (IAAF) thanks to his generally open issues as well. Chief among them taking it into the streets, creating Council held its annual meeting and approachable nature, better is attracting more sponsorship into opportunities in shopping centres for price for tough in Monte Carlo, Monaco, Briton statesmanship skills and athletics, which is perceived as a example, we’ve got to do this now. Sebastian Coe, who has been no-nonsense attitude towards dying sport for lack of genuine global “By instinct, I’m quite a anti-doping elected as the world body’s new recent doping allegations. superstars. traditionalist. But we’ve to do this stance’ president, and his challenger Coe said allegations against the Appreciating the need to inject differently because young people ELECTION VICTORY ukrainian Sergey Bubka, were IAAF were a declaration of war on his more cash into smaller federations see this world in a very different Coe was elected as IAAF germany’s athletics chief Clemens making it a point to meet every sport. It raised many eyebrows, but for talent development, Coe has way. We’ve got to continue to make president after beating Prokop said his country was likely Bubka by 115 votes to 92 in delegate in town. also won him new admirers within reiterated his promise to hand each athletics accessible. the great thing to have paid a price for its tough a ballot of the governing anti-doping stance and recent their objective was to seek the world body. It is said to have of the 214 IAAF member nations about taking track and field into the body’s 50th Congress. doping revelations on german support for their candidacies to tipped the voting scale in his favour. a development grant of $100,000 streets is that it sort of democratises television as it missed out on an the IAAF’s top post. Even then, Coe may have won the battle, but during each Olympic cycle. it. It makes it more accessible,” he PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN IAAF Council seat after 20 years. their styles of functioning were so a long war lies ahead. the degree of But the sport’s overdependence added. Coming up against ukrainian Prokop said he was disappointed different. on Olympic funds should end these plans seem to be a Olympic champion Sergey that the DLV, the world’s biggest Bubka, Coe travelled a When Doha Stadium Plus tried to sooner than later. Despite being the welcome departure from the IAAF’s national athletics federation by reported 700,000 miles to membership, did not get voted get their views about the upcoming COE HAS BEEN DRAWING most important discipline at the age-old traditions. No wonder, gather support. Gracious in defeat onto the IAAF Council. UP PLANS TO ADDRESS He took a combative stance election, Coe spoke frankly and quadrennial games, athletics’ global many people consider Coe as the “I don’t know exactly why, but openly, but Bubka was secretive, ATHLETICS’ CONFUSING marketability is not encouraging. man to lead athletics into the future. when the IAAF was rocked by KRAINIAN Sergey Bubka “I would like to congratulate Seb claims in a British newspaper I’ve three reasons,” refusing to even acknowledge his GLOBAL SCHEDULE. Coe, a known marketing If his ideas and thoughts are any and german tV channel that made a name for himself by Coe on his campaign, which gave Prokop told ZDF intention to run. It would be another mastermind, is the man to affect a indication, then his election to the it failed to act on thousands Uscaling impossible heights us great opportunities to discuss Television. two months before the pole vault turnaround. top spot may have been the best of suspicious blood samples on a flexible pole. many challenges of our sport, “I didn’t outdoor world record holder finally his success in combating doping will Coe has been drawing up plans to thing to have happened to the sport from 2001-12. he called the In a two-decade-long career, he communicate with our member offer any allegations a ‘declaration of war’ gifts like made his decision public. be crucial to the sport’s survival. re-engage with youth and address in recent times. may likely have set a new record for federations, and share our vision for on the sport. It earned him some some In the end, transparency won the the IAAF presidency could be athletics’ confusing global schedule. criticisms, but also plenty of fans. the number of times he bettered his the future of athletics. I wish good candidates battle for Coe. Exactly 34 years to the Coe’s toughest job to date. But the “the sport isn’t dying, let’s rip » The writer can be contacted at: own world record (35) — 17 outdoor luck to the new IAAF president and did and I’m day after Coe broke the world mile 58-year-old, who flawlessly oversaw up the obituary here,” he had said [email protected] and 18 indoor. proud of that, OTHER ROLES secondly there record in Zurich, Switzerland, he the running of the ’12 London during an earlier campaign stop. Coe had a spell as the first But last week, in Beijing, his won the IAAF election by a decisive Olympics, seems ready. “But it does confront some big chairman of FIFA’s Ethics attempts to outjump Briton I’M A HAPPY MAN was a reform of margin — 115 to 92. He is set to “there’s zero tolerance to the challenges. the internal surveys Committee and was elected Sebastian Coe to the post of IAAF BECAUSE I LOVE THE anti-doping in my manifesto and thirdly the (recent) become an automatic member abuse of doping in my sport and I we’ve done show that every year Chairman of the British president fell flat after he lost by SPORT. I’LL CONTINUE TO Olympic Association. coverage of doping in german of the International Olympic want to continue that. I’ll maintain it’s becoming more difficult and He was appointed as an IAAF a 23-vote margin. Perhaps having SERVE IT WITH PASSION. media and I’m proud to be living Committee. that to the very highest level of challenging to engage young vice-president in ’07 and ’11, and already read the writing on the wall, in a country with a free media Coe will replace Senegal’s 82-year- vigilance,” said Coe. people. to do that, athletics needs in November, ’14, said he would the ukrainian had stood for the post landscape,” Prokop said. old Lamine Diack, whose 16-year “there’s a universal problem with the utilisation of all social media stand for election to replace outgoing of IAAF vice-president as well and remain committed to the ideas and With more than 850,000 president Lamine Diack. reign as the IAAF chief will end on (doping) in sport. We recognise that platforms that are currently available. he won by garnering 187 votes out proposals I delivered throughout my members in over 7,700 affiliated August 30, the last day of the IAAF and we’ve been in the lead role A digital push is needed to excite of 207. campaign,” he added. clubs, DLV is the biggest national LONDON OLYMPICS athletics body, far ahead of even Worlds in Beijing. as long as I’ve been in the sport. and engage young people and to Bubka, on his part, was gracious in A small number of early public Coe led London to a win the united States track and field So what helped Coe register a that’s something I’m very proud understand the landscape they live over Paris in the race to host defeat. As soon as the results were declarations had placed Coe ahead federation, which has only about decisive win over the ukrainian? of... (but) we do have to recognise in,” he added. the ’12 Olympic games, with announced, he hugged Coe and then in the race for presidency and 100,000 registered members. Both of them are former world there’s too broad a view whether Coe has even hinted that an ‘IAAF many pointing to his rousing promised him full support. ensured his team was quietly Prokop had been campaigning to champions, world record holders and it’s real or perceived, that this is Street Athletics Circuit’, which can speech at the ’05 vote in Singapore “I know athletics will grow and confident on the eve of election succeed compatriot Helmut Digel as the decisive moment. Despite respected voices in the fraternity. something where there’re conflicts help reach new audiences, was become stronger. I’m a happy man but, with Bubka retaining strong on the council, but got just 45 early public cynicism, Coe helped votes in the second round. Retiring they had put forth almost similar and loopholes. in the pipeline. win over the media as London because I love the sport. I’ll continue links in Africa, South America Digel had been an IAAF Council election manifestoes, with the only “I think an independent system “It’s all about being more hosted a highly-successful to serve it with passion. this is and much of Asia, there was no member since 1995. major difference being Coe’s proposal is what we need to close down any creative about the way we quadrennial games. my life,” said the 51-year-old. certainty over the result. FROM TRACK TO POLITICS Coe was elected as the FIRST STEPS ON THE TRACK WORLD RECORDS AND RIVALRIES LOS ANGELES OLYMPICS RETIREMENT Conservative Member of Dahlan pledges his full support Parliament for Falmouth Born on September 29, 1956, in Coe set up a robust rivalry with 41 days. Struggling with a blood Coe won the ’86 European and Camborne in ’92 and SIAN Athletics Association Hamad Kalkaba Malboum (115) and sport,” said Dahlan. Hammersmith, London, Coe’s family Steve Ovett after their first race, At the ’80 Moscow Olympics, Coe infection, Coe’s place in the Championships in kept his seat until ’97. moved to Sheffield in the north of a school meet in 1972. But it lost to Ovett in the 800M final. But British team looked doubtful. Stuttgart, but failed to chief Dahlan Al Hamad has Cuban Alberto Juantorena Danger “As a high-ranked official, I pledge England. It was here that 12-year-old would be six more years before he exacted revenge by winning He recovered in time, but lost make the cut for the ’88 been re-elected as an IAAF (111) are the others. my full support and commitment to Coe first showed his athletics promise, the two faced off in a major 800M the 1,500, where Ovett was the to Brazil’s Joaquim Cruz in the Seoul Olympic games. A with the Hallamshire Harriers athletic competition — the ’78 European title favourite. For four years, the 800. Coe then beat Ovett and He retired after the ’90 vice-president for the third time in “I’m thrilled to once again be the new IAAF president’s agenda. I’ll club. Championships in Prague, the two avoided face-offs, but kept world champion Steve Cram in Commonwealth games in a row. chosen for the top post. Our sport back his plans to advertise and grow His father Peter, who was also his Czech Republic. unfortunately, bettering each other’s world mile 1,500M to become the first man Auckland, New Zealand. the Qatari official polled a total of is passing through a difficult phase the sport, to make athletics truly first coach, developed Coe’s stamina both runners were beaten by East record. Coe’s 800M world record, to retain the title, despite being COE FACT FILE FACT COE 159 votes, out of a possible 207, to and I promise to do my best to assist global and more visible worldwide,” by making him train on Sheffield’s germany’s Olaf Beyer. set in Florence, Italy, in ’81, lasted mostly written off by the British steep hills. Coe enrolled at the In ’79, Coe broke the 800, 1,500M 16 years, before Wilson Kipketer of media. become one of the world body’s four in the fight against doping. All of us he said. Loughborough university in 1975. and mile records, all in the space of Denmark bettered it. vice-presidents. ukrainian Sergei will’ve to concentrate our attention Dahlan will remain in the position Bubka (187 votes) Cameroonian on fulfilling the quest of a cleaner until 2019. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 25

SIAN Athletics Association Hamad Kalkaba Malboum (115) and sport,” said Dahlan. chief Dahlan Al Hamad has Cuban Alberto Juantorena Danger “As a high-ranked official, I pledge Abeen re-elected as an IAAF (111) are the others. my full support and commitment to vice-president for the third time in “I’m thrilled to once again be the new IAAF president’s agenda. I’ll a row. chosen for the top post. Our sport back his plans to advertise and grow the Qatari official polled a total of is passing through a difficult phase the sport, to make athletics truly 159 votes, out of a possible 207, to and I promise to do my best to assist global and more visible worldwide,” become one of the world body’s four in the fight against doping. All of us he said. vice-presidents. ukrainian Sergei will’ve to concentrate our attention Dahlan will remain in the position Bubka (187 votes) Cameroonian on fulfilling the quest of a cleaner until 2019. 26 WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 27

MIXED ZONE | QATAR

BOXING ֫ European qualifiers for Worlds named

HE International Amateur As many as 260 boxers will swing and we’re ready to host Boxing Federation (AIBA) last compete in the Worlds, which will the event at the Ali bin Hamad Al Tweek unveiled the first also serve as a qualification event Attiyah Arena. the competition list of 30 boxers, who for the Rio 2016 Olympic is an opportunity to reach out to have qualified for the games. the new audiences in the country World Championships, the 30 competitors gained as well as the region,” said Qatar to be held in Doha their qualification quotas Boxing Federation President Yousuf from October 7 to 17. through the European games Ali Al Kazim. “the qualification of held in Baku, Azerbaijan, “We’re making every effort in top European boxers show while other berths for the Doha our bid to make the competition a the high level of the competition, event will be filled through various big success. We’ll also be hosting which is the most anticipated continental championships, which various promotional programmes event on our calendar,” said AIBA are currently under way. as a build-up to the event,” he President Ching Kuo-Wu. “the preparations are in full added.

LIGHT FLY (46-49KG) BANTAM (56KG) LIGHT WELTER (64KG) MIDDLE (75KG) HEAVY (91KG) Brendan Irvin (IRL) Bakhtovar Nazirov (RuS) Collazo Sotomayor (AZE) Michael O’reilly (IRL) Abdulkadir Abdullayev (AZE) Muhammed unlu (tuR) tayfur Aliyev (AZE) Vincenzo Mangiacapre (ItA) Zoltan Harcsa (HuN) Paul Omba Biongolo (FRA) Dmytro Zamotayev (uKR) Dzmitry Asanau (BLR) Viktor Petrov (uKR) Xaybula Musalov (AZE) gevorg Manukian (uKR) FLY (52KG) LIGHT (60KG) WELTER (69KG) LIGHT HEAVY (81KG) SUPER HEAVY (91+KG) Vincenzo Picardi (ItA) Albert Selimov (AZE) Parviz Baghirov (AZE) teymur Mammadov (AZE) Mahammadrasul Majidov (AZE) Elvin Mamishzada (AZE) Sofiane Oumiha (FRA) Joshua Kelly (gBR) Valentino Manfredonia (ItA) tony Yoka (FRA) QUALIFIERS Hamza touba (gER) Sean McComb (IRL) Yaroslav Samofalov (uKR) Oleksandr Khyzhniak (uKR) Joseph Joyce (gBR) TABLE TENNIS ֫ ֫ ššAl Arabi team members HANDBALL VOLLEYBALL with the runners-up trophy. Qatari women shine in Amman ֫

YA Majdi and Maha Faramarzi “I congratulate the players. It was Sadd preparing served a reminder about the an excellent result, which vindicated Asport’s rising popularity in our efforts in promoting women’s in right earnest Qatar by winning the doubles title at participation in sports,” Al Mana said. Arabi runners-up the Arab Championships in Amman, “the team’s performance will help AtAR League runners-up Al Sadd, Jordan, last week. the sport grow.” who host the International Handball AtAR’S Al Arabi fell at the “It was a good performance they thrashed Beijing BAIC Motors they proved too good for Iraq’s they beat compatriots Kholoud Meanwhile, second seed QFederation’s (IHF) 2015 Super globe, are final hurdle at the Asian from our players against tough 25-18, 25-17, 25-22. gas Al Janoob, winning 25-20, “It was a good Hussain and Noora Al Abril 11-9, Mohammed Abdulhussein won leaving no stone unturned to get ready for the QClubs Championship in opponents,” said Mawia, who was Arabi team manager Mohammed 26-28, 25-22, 25-19 in the opener. performance from our 11-8, 13-15, 11-6 in the final. prestigious event. Chinese taipei. In the final, they in charge when the club lifted the Jassim Al Kuwari was pleased with they also beat Australia’s Victorian Maha came close to winning “On behalf of the Sadd, who finished second last year, will face players against tough QATARI WOMEN CLAIMED Qatar Women’s went down to the host nation’s Asian title in 2012, but then left the players’ performance. Volleyball Academy 25-20, 25-18, opponents. We started the women’s singles crown as well, Australia’s Sydney university in the knock-out taichung Bank 25-21, 21-25, before taking over again last May. “the final was a close affair as 25-9 before getting the better of but was stopped by tunisia’s Safa ONE GOLD, THREE SILVER Sport Committee, quarterfinal on September 7. well, but couldn’t 23-25, 17-25. “We started well, but couldn’t our team showed a lot of fighting thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima Saidani, who won 11-8, 11-8, 11-6, AND ONE BRONZE MEDALS I congratulate the they have strengthened the squad by Arabi, coached by Mawia maintain our rhythm. they’ll learn spirit. We could’ve won, but we’re 25-21, 25-18, 25-19. maintain our rhythm. 9-11, 11-8 in the final. IN THE COMPETITION. players. It was an recruiting three players from Al gharafa — Hani Alajnaf, started off brilliantly from the experience.” happy with what we’ve achieved,” Paykan overcame Kazakhstan’s they’ll learn from the Aya also spurned a chance to add excellent result, Fakhrani, Ahmed Abdel Haq and Fahad Al Bishi. and took the first set, but failed Earlier, Arabi beat Iran’s Paykan said Al Kuwari. Pavlodar VC 25-13, 25-23, experience. to her tally when she lost to Jordan’s which vindicated our the trio played a crucial part in helping gharafa to keep up the level in the next tehran 25-23, 25-21, 25-15 in the Arabi topped the preliminary 26-28, 25-18 in the third-place Mawia Alajnaf, Sewar Abuyaman 11-6, 8-11, his maiden IttF singles title in the efforts in promoting win their maiden league title last season and is three. semifinal while in the quarterfinal group C with an all-win record. play-off. Al Arabi coach. 10-12, 14-12, 11-8, 3-11, 11-7 in the Junior and Cadet Open, also held women’s participation expected to significantly improve Sadd. youth women’s singles final. Qatari in Amman, when he beat Saudi in sports. the team’s Sadd’s tunisian coach Mongi Bannani women claimed one gold, three Arabia’s Ali Alkhadrawi 11-3, 11-9, performance will help expressed hopes that the team, currently playing BASKETBALL silver and one bronze medals. 11-8, 11-7 in the final. the sport grow and in a friendly tournament in Dubai, could do well ֫ Aya had beaten Kholoud in the Abdulhussein defeated Iraq’s in Super globe. inspire youngsters. ŢŢQatar Women’s semifinal and the latter got a bronze. Hussein Jabber 9-11, 11-3, 11-9, Sport Committee “We were runners-up to Spain’s FC Barcelona Qatar face uphill task at FIBA Asia C’ship Qatar Women’s Sport Committee 11-8, 13-11 in the semifinal while Ahlam Al Mana, officials welcome last year. My players are quite confident. We’ve Qatar Women’s Sport Qatari table tennis chief Ahlam Al Mana lauded the Alkhadrawi overcame India’s Mudit been training hard and I’m sure it’ll help them. Committee President. players at the Hamad HE Qatar national team, Injury to key players will also hurt domestic season, the Al Arabi player players. Dani 11-4, 11-2, 11-6, 11-5. International Airport. the friendly tournament will make us ready for preparing for the FIBA Asia the team’s chances at the September is likely to be a bit rusty when he the competition. We promise a strong run at the TChampionship in Hunan, 23-October 3 tournament. Point steps back on the court. Super globe,” he said. China, is facing an uphill task of guard Mansour El Hadari, who Qatar’s greek coach Vasilis Fragkias Meanwhile, Lekhwiya, who replaced El Jaish getting ready in time. tried to put up a brave face. after they turned down a place in the annual Qatar, whose best performances “We’ll try to do our best with tournament, also withdrew citing lack of at the biennial event were identical QATAR ARE IN GROUP D, whatever resources we’ve at our preparation time. third-place finishes in 2003 and ’05, ALONGSIDE LEBANON, disposal. In a way, it’ll be a great Since no other Asian clubs were willing to take have been struggling with player CHINESE TAIPEI AND learning experience for my wards,” their place, the IHF brought in Egypt’s Al Ahly as retirements and injuries. KAZAKHSTAN. said Fragkias. a second wild card. Qatar captain Yasseen Moussa, a Qatar are in group D, alongside Hungary’s MKB-MVM Veszprem, Brazil’s regular in the team for more than 20 Lebanon, Chinese taipei and Esporte Clube taubate, germany’s Fuchse Berlin years, had announced his retirement underwent a knee surgery at Qatar’s Kazakhstan. and tunisia’s Club Africain are the other teams last season. the side is sure to orthopaedic and sports medicine the winners of the 16-team in the competition that runs from September 7 miss his exceptional shooting and hospital Aspetar, is only recovering. competition will directly qualify for to 10. rebounding skills. Having missed the 2014-15 the 2016 Rio Olympic games. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 27

BOXING ֫ European qualifiers for Worlds named

CRICKET

Leaving behind rich legacy

HERE was no fairytale greatest batsman Sri Lanka has ever WHAT THEY SAID farewell, but Sri Lanka’s produced. TKumar Sangakkara left behind Sangakkara made his test RISING a slew of batting records and a rich debut 15 years ago as a stumper- Sachin Tendulkar legacy after playing his final test batsman against South Africa @sachin_rt: Well played FROM THE knock in Colombo last Sunday. at galle, entering a dressing @KumarSanga2. You’ve Indian off-spinner Ravichandran room that contained big names been a terrific ambassador ASHES! Ashwin cemented his status as Sri including Arjuna Ranatunga, for the game & a thorough gentleman. Warm CAPTAINS SPEAK Lanka’s current public enemy No.1 Sanath Jayasuriya and Muttiah by dismissing the home hero for the Muralitharan. welcome to the club of the ENGLAND LOSE THE FINAL TEST HEAVILY, BUT CAN CONSIDER fourth time in four innings. In Mahela Jayawardene, he soon Retired! THE ASHES VICTORY AS A BIG MOTIVATION FOR THE YOUNG TEAM “the way the boys played in the Ashwin once again induced an found a friend. Born five months fifth and final test was a reward for edge which Murali Vijay pouched apart, their partnership on field Harbhajan Singh TO PERFORM WELL IN FUTURE, WRITES ED OSMOND. all the hard work we’ve put in. We in gully as Sangakkara, arguably @harbhajan_singh: Well showed grit and fighting spirit and the the greatest Sri Lankan batsman, done @KumarSanga2 finished his 134-test career with SANGAKKARA MADE HIS for fantastic 17 years of Australian brand of cricket. England Warne compares TEST DEBUT 15 YEARS AGO deserved a lot of credit for the way 12,400 runs with a 57-plus average. international cricket!!All NgLAND relished their surprise runs and two centuries in the series though Cook contributed 330 runs It puts him fifth in the list of AS A STUMPER-BATSMAN they played and they deserve to win the best for your 2nd inn Ashes win, but were soon to lead the team to wins in Cardiff despite failing to make a first Ashes Clarke with Border highest test run scorers while the AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA. the series, but it was a privilege to with ur family, friends, Esearching for ways to build and Nottingham. century on home soil. 14,000-plus runs he scored in 404 loved ones. on it with an inexperienced team they were also lifted by inspired “It would’ve been nice to get the captain the Australian team. HANE Warne likened retiring Australian one-dayers, places him second packed with exciting young talent. spells of pace bowling by James century, but it wasn’t to be,” said Michael Clarke, Australia. captain Michael Clarke to all-time great and in the 50-over list after Sachin was often the foundation on which Damien Martyn Captain Alastair Cook paid tribute Anderson and Steven Finn at Cook. Sformer skipper Allan Border as the nation’s tendulkar. Sri Lanka built their innings. to the game-changing players in his Edgbaston and Stuart Broad and the other England batsmen media mourned the loss of the Ashes series. Sangakkara made 32 in the first A law student with a silver @damienmartyn: Well side after lifting the Ashes urn last Ben Stokes at trent Bridge. struggled, opener Adam Lyth failing “We can’t let the loss in the fifth test Clarke ended his international career with 8,643 innings of the second test against tongue, Sangakkara could easily done on an amazing Sunday despite losing the final test Broad took 8-15 on an to pass 50 in the series. take the gloss off a special summer. runs in 115 tests, including 28 centuries, going out India and came out early to bat get under the opposition’s skin, but career @KumarSanga2 heavily by an innings and 46 runs at extraordinary first morning in “On the batting front, I’ve Credit to Australia and the character on a high with a comprehensive innings and 46- in the second after Ashwin had the 2012 ICC Cricketer of the Year you should be very proud the Oval. concerns over the way the batsmen they showed to bounce back. they’ve run win in the fifth and final test at the Oval last dismissed Kaushal Silva in the third never crossed the line. of all you’ve achieved. “Are we near the peak? No, we are setting out to play at the shown what a good team they’re and Sunday. over of the innings. Like Jayawardene, he wanted Enjoy the rest. aren’t,” said Cook. WE’VE GOT A VERY beginning of an innings,” former to have beaten them thrice is a credit. But it was a bittersweet moment with England But like in the first innings, the to quit soon after the World Cup, “We’re nowhere near the finished EXCITING TEAM AND I England captain Michael Vaughan the Ashes triumph has to be taking the five-match series 3-2. Indian off-spinner made sure but was urged to stay on, helping Mahela Jayawardene article, but we’ve got a very exciting BELIEVE THERE’LL BE SOME wrote in the Daily Telegraph. right up there in terms Clarke, along with retiring opener Chris Rogers, Sangakkara did not stay long, the side under Angelo Mathews @MahelaJay: It wasn’t team and I believe there’ll be some REALLY GOOD TIMES. “test cricket is about tempo. of my achievements were given an honour guard as they left the field dismissing him for 18 with groans as they embarked on a tricky to be in this match but really good times. I always talk about gears and and I’m very proud and Warne paid tribute to his close friend with a from spectators. transition. what he was for SL cricket “At certain moments, we’ve had knowing when to move up. You set touching video tribute. It was not the ideal exit, but Sangakkara agreed to play of my team. is something that you outstanding performances by a the fourth test in Nottingham as the game up by playing low-risk “Border was the most meticulous in preparation Sangakkara left having four tests, two each can’t take away. Very member of our side and the talent Australia were bowled out for 60. shots for high reward,” he added. Alastair Cook, and I think Clarke rivals Border for his cemented his place as, against Pakistan and proud of you mate. @ in our squad means we’re going to “It has been a funny series,” Broad England understand their England. preparation in leading up to a game,” said at least statistically, the India. KumarSanga2 win games quite quickly. said. limitations. If they can rectify the Warne. “We’ve some game-changers in “As soon as a team has taken the weaknesses, they will be a team to He highlighted Clarke’s “unbelievable” that squad and in the tests we’ve initiative in a series, the other team be reckoned with. leadership after the death of fellow- won. We’ve really rammed home hasn’t been able to grab it back and batsman and friend Phillip Hughes. our advantage quickly,” he added. I think that’s probably because the “He was representing the England relied heavily on the teams are quite similar,” he added. family and Australian cricket, so batting of Joe Root who scored 460 Root was the mainstay in batting, to be able to handle that when it was one of his best mates, like his brother, I thought the way he handled that stuff was COACHES SPEAK ŠŠEngland captain Alastair unbelievable,” added the former Cook celebrates Australian leg-spinner. “Full credit to England. they won the the Ashes win. Warne hopes Clarke will go on key moments in this series and to mentor the next generation of they outplayed us. We had Australian cricketers and said he four of the five top wicket- would be known not only for his Kumar Sangakkara takers and three of the four skill but his on-field showmanship. top run scorers, but we didn’t “Clarke will be remembered win the key moments. It was as a fleet-footed batsman who an unbelievable series. was a fantastic player of spinners, Darren Lehmann, Australia. someone who was great to watch and Ashwin helps India level series a flamboyant player,” he said.

“We aren’t going to paper over Brown Reuters/Philip “the way he got his runs was FF-SPINNER Ravichandran hosts resumed the final day on 72 Virat Kohli (78) and Rohit Sharma the cracks, we’ve got a few great to watch, and the way he Ashwin claimed five for two, but Ashwin and (79), while Sri Lanka’s reply ended areas where we need to did it was with a bit of flair Osecond-innings wickets as leg-spinner Amit Mishra (three for at 306, despite their skipper Angelo improve. to have sustained and imagination,” he added. India beat Sri Lanka by 278 runs 29) combined to bowl them out Mathews scoring 102. success, you need good Despite a stellar career, in the second test for a series- for 134 in the second over after an Ajinkya Rahane scored a Clarke, 34, had struggled recently levelling victory in Colombo last early lunch. polished 126 in the second innings depth. We’ve a lot of good with his final knock of 15 at the Oval Sunday. Earlier, India made 393 in their as India again came good with the fast bowlers, but spinners and capping a series where he managed just 132 runs Chasing an improbable first innings, thanks largely to bat, declaring at 325 for 8. batters I’m not so sure about. at an average of 16.50. very much battle won, war 413-run victory target in Kumar Lokesh Rahul’s century (108) and the third and final test will start Trevor Bayliss, England. lost .” Sangakkara’s farewell test, the useful contributions from captain in Colombo on Friday. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 29

Leaving behind rich legacy

HERE was no fairytale greatest batsman Sri Lanka has ever WHAT THEY SAID farewell, but Sri Lanka’s produced. TKumar Sangakkara left behind Sangakkara made his test a slew of batting records and a rich debut 15 years ago as a stumper- Sachin Tendulkar legacy after playing his final test batsman against South Africa @sachin_rt: Well played knock in Colombo last Sunday. at galle, entering a dressing @KumarSanga2. You’ve Indian off-spinner Ravichandran room that contained big names been a terrific ambassador Ashwin cemented his status as Sri including Arjuna Ranatunga, for the game & a thorough Lanka’s current public enemy No.1 Sanath Jayasuriya and Muttiah gentleman. Warm by dismissing the home hero for the Muralitharan. welcome to the club of the fourth time in four innings. In Mahela Jayawardene, he soon Retired! Ashwin once again induced an found a friend. Born five months edge which Murali Vijay pouched apart, their partnership on field Harbhajan Singh in gully as Sangakkara, arguably @harbhajan_singh: Well the greatest Sri Lankan batsman, done @KumarSanga2 Warne compares finished his 134-test career with SANGAKKARA MADE HIS for fantastic 17 years of 12,400 runs with a 57-plus average. TEST DEBUT 15 YEARS AGO international cricket!!All It puts him fifth in the list of AS A STUMPER-BATSMAN the best for your 2nd inn Clarke with Border highest test run scorers while the AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA. with ur family, friends, 14,000-plus runs he scored in 404 loved ones. HANE Warne likened retiring Australian one-dayers, places him second captain Michael Clarke to all-time great and in the 50-over list after Sachin was often the foundation on which Damien Martyn Sformer skipper Allan Border as the nation’s tendulkar. Sri Lanka built their innings. media mourned the loss of the Ashes series. Sangakkara made 32 in the first A law student with a silver @damienmartyn: Well Clarke ended his international career with 8,643 innings of the second test against tongue, Sangakkara could easily done on an amazing runs in 115 tests, including 28 centuries, going out India and came out early to bat get under the opposition’s skin, but career @KumarSanga2 on a high with a comprehensive innings and 46- in the second after Ashwin had the 2012 ICC Cricketer of the Year you should be very proud run win in the fifth and final test at the Oval last dismissed Kaushal Silva in the third never crossed the line. of all you’ve achieved. Sunday. over of the innings. Like Jayawardene, he wanted Enjoy the rest. But it was a bittersweet moment with England But like in the first innings, the to quit soon after the World Cup, taking the five-match series 3-2. Indian off-spinner made sure but was urged to stay on, helping Mahela Jayawardene Clarke, along with retiring opener Chris Rogers, Sangakkara did not stay long, the side under Angelo Mathews @MahelaJay: It wasn’t were given an honour guard as they left the field dismissing him for 18 with groans as they embarked on a tricky to be in this match but and Warne paid tribute to his close friend with a from spectators. transition. what he was for SL cricket touching video tribute. It was not the ideal exit, but Sangakkara agreed to play is something that you “Border was the most meticulous in preparation Sangakkara left having four tests, two each can’t take away. Very and I think Clarke rivals Border for his cemented his place as, against Pakistan and proud of you mate. @ preparation in leading up to a game,” said at least statistically, the India. KumarSanga2 Warne. He highlighted Clarke’s “unbelievable” leadership after the death of fellow- batsman and friend Phillip Hughes. “He was representing the family and Australian cricket, so to be able to handle that when it was one of his best mates, like his brother, I thought the way he handled that stuff was unbelievable,” added the former Australian leg-spinner. Warne hopes Clarke will go on to mentor the next generation of Australian cricketers and said he would be known not only for his Kumar Sangakkara skill but his on-field showmanship. “Clarke will be remembered as a fleet-footed batsman who was a fantastic player of spinners, someone who was great to watch and Ashwin helps India level series a flamboyant player,” he said. “the way he got his runs was FF-SPINNER Ravichandran hosts resumed the final day on 72 Virat Kohli (78) and Rohit Sharma great to watch, and the way he Ashwin claimed five for two, but Ashwin and (79), while Sri Lanka’s reply ended did it was with a bit of flair Osecond-innings wickets as leg-spinner Amit Mishra (three for at 306, despite their skipper Angelo and imagination,” he added. India beat Sri Lanka by 278 runs 29) combined to bowl them out Mathews scoring 102. Despite a stellar career, in the second test for a series- for 134 in the second over after an Ajinkya Rahane scored a Clarke, 34, had struggled recently levelling victory in Colombo last early lunch. polished 126 in the second innings with his final knock of 15 at the Oval Sunday. Earlier, India made 393 in their as India again came good with the capping a series where he managed just 132 runs Chasing an improbable first innings, thanks largely to bat, declaring at 325 for 8. at an average of 16.50. very much battle won, war 413-run victory target in Kumar Lokesh Rahul’s century (108) and the third and final test will start lost .” Sangakkara’s farewell test, the useful contributions from captain in Colombo on Friday. 30 WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 31

“today was a dream and the car was fantastic all weekend. I was never in a position where I felt nervous. I had great pace in the car. there was no MIXED ZONE | INTERNATIONAL real need to push more than I had to. Lewis Hamilton, Belgian grand Prix winner.

MOTORSPORT TENNIS ֫ ֫ Spa treatment! ORMuLA One world champion troubled Lotus. Lewis Hamilton celebrated Hamilton has now won six races Fa dream Belgian grand Prix this season, and 39 in his F1 career. victory last Sunday to stretch his the double champion has lead over Mercedes team-mate 227 points to Rosberg’s 199 and Russian GP Nico Rosberg to 28 points with last Sunday was also his 80th eight races remaining. podium appearance, equalling the could become With the sun shining over a night race the Ardennes forests, and rain CYCLING holding off until after the finish, HAMILTON HAS WON SIX the Russian grand Prix could ֫ OgER Federer avenged his to sealing the win in 90 minutes. since 2008. Hamilton took the chequered flag RACES THIS SEASON, AND become a night race as early as Wimbledon final loss to “I tried to really mix it up on With the win, Federer also two seconds ahead of Rosberg in 2017, according to Formula One 39 IN HIS F1 CAREER. supremo Bernie Ecclestone and Novak Djokovic by beating his second serve and I was hoping denied longtime rival Djokovic Nibali disqualified Mercedes’ seventh one-two in 11 R organisers. the top-seeded Serb 7-6 (7-1), 6-3 to serve good enough myself to from completing the set of all nine races. “We’ve talked about it. Maybe last Sunday to capture his second keep me out of trouble,” Federer AtP Masters titles and took a 21- for taking a tow What drama there was unfolded achievement of boyhood hero and in 2017 — So you know you can consecutive Cincinnati Masters said. “He had that one bad game 20 edge in career head-to-head behind them, with Ferrari’s late triple world champion Ayrton book your tickets for the next title. at the beginning of the second set, meetings. tALIAN rider Vincenzo Nibali has been Sebastian Vettel lucky to escape Senna. 10 years,” Ecclestone said at the the Swiss second seed, which made the difference in the “It’s now the fifth time I’ve been disqualified from the tour of Spain after the 2014 unscathed from a 300kmph Russian Daniil Kvyat finished Belgian grand Prix. the race in Sochi has a playing Djokovic for the first match.” in this final. I guess I’ll have to wait tour de France winner got a tow from his Astana blowout on the penultimate lap fourth for Red Bull after a late I contract till’20 but Alexander time since losing to him in the the win will give Federer a jolt of until Roger retires,” Djokovic joked. team car following a crash in last Sunday’s second that robbed him of third place in his charge through the field with Saurin, vice-governor of the Wimbledon final for a second confidence going into the August 31 Meanwhile, Serena Williams beat stage into Caminito del Rey. 150th grand Prix. Mexican Sergio Perez, who had Krasnodar region, and Russian straight year last month, brought his to September 13 uS Open where he Romanian third seed Simona Halep television footage clearly showed Nibali, who Instead, Frenchman Romain stormed into second place at the gP Chief Executive Sergey record number of Cincinnati titles to will be seeking a sixth title and first 6-3 7-6 (7-5) to win the women’s won the Vuelta in ’10, hanging onto the car as he grosjean completed the podium for start, finishing fifth for Force India. Vorobyev said an extension was seven with the win. title. tried to catch up with the leaders in the final 30km already being discussed. For the top-seeded American, and organisers had no choice but to expel him. “Bearing in mind the significantly growing popularity the triumph sent a message that “Basing their decision on television images clearly of Formula One in Russia, we’re ŠŠRoger Federer WIN WILL GIVE FEDERER she is in top form as she now showing an infringement of the rules, the Vuelta considering extension of the returns to Novak A JOLT OF CONFIDENCE sets her sights on a calendar race commissaires decided to take him out of the contract,” Saurin, speaking Djokovic in the final of Cincinnati GOING INTO THE AUG 31 TO sweep of the four grand race,” organisers said in a statement. through Vorobyev, said. Masters. SEPT 13 US OPEN. Slams at the uS Meanwhile, Esteban Chaves snatched the lead Last year’s race in the Black Open. when the Colombian surged clear to win the Sea resort was Russia’s debut on the calendar but it is set mountainous second stage into Caminito del Rey. ŠMercedes’ Lewis Š to move from an October Federer, who did not concede Orica-greenEdge rider Chaves pipped Dutchman Hamilton was in a class of his own at slot to May 1 next year at the a break all week, easily handled tom Dumoulin of giant-Alpecin to the line in the the Belgian grand organisers’ request to fit in with his service games throughout the 158.7km trek by one second, with team Sky’s Prix. Russia’s major holiday period. match, losing only 13 points on his Nicolas Roche a further eight seconds back in third serve. He also employed an attacking and Irish compatriot Daniel Martin of Cannondale- RESULTS style that gave Djokovic fits, winning garmin another five seconds behind in fourth. Ogier edges closer FORMULA ONE 1. Lewis Hamilton (gBR) Mercedes 1:23:40.387 15 of 21 net points in the first set. Roche’s Sky team-mate Chris Froome, the 2015 2. Nico Rosberg (gER) Mercedes at 02.058 After cruising through the tour de France winner who is bidding for a rare to hat-trick of titles 3. Romain grosjean (FRA) Lotus 37.988 first-set tiebreak, Federer earned double, was seventh, 30sec behind Chaves. 4. Daniil Kvyat (RuS) RedBull 45.692 the only break of the match in the “We talked among ourselves and how to deal HAMPIONSHIP leader Sebastien Ogier won 5. Sergio Perez (MEX) Force India 53.997 WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP second game of the second en route with everyone around us and the main thing to do the german Rally in dominant fashion last 1. Sebastien Ogier (FRA) Volkswagen 3:35:49.500 was to attack these guys so that’s what we did,” said CSunday to edge closer to his third consecutive 2. Jari-Matti Latvala (FIN) Volkswagen at 23.000 Chaves. title. It was his sixth victory of 3. Andreas Mikkelsen (NOR) Volkswagen 1:56.600 4. Daniel Sordo (ESP) Hyundai 2:09.300 the season. 5. thierry Neuville (BEL) Hyundai 2:33.800 Driving a Volkswagen STANDINGS ֫ GOLF Polo R, Ogier beat FORMULA ONE Milkman’s son Shubham is chasing his dream! team-mate Jari-Matti DRIVERS CONSTRUCTORS Latvala by 23sec in the 1. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 227 1. Mercedes 426 2. Nico Rosberg Mercedes 199 2. Ferrari 242 OLFINg prodigy Shubham to make that sacrifice,” coach Nonita Player, Seve Ballesteros, tiger vineyard-covered hills What a Love story! 3. Sebastian Vettel Ferrari 160 3. Williams-Mercedes 161 Jaglan turned 11 last week, Lal Qureshi said. Woods...I’d try their swing and see if hugging the Mosel river 4. Kimi Raikkonen Ferrari 82 4. RedBull-Renault 108 AVIS Love III became the held off a fast finishing Stacy Lewis but the only son of a milkman “I won two, but missed the third it works for me.” in western germany, taking 5. Felipe Massa Williams 82 5. Lotus-Mercedes 50 G WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP oldest winner on the PgA to claim her third Canadian Pacific from rural India is aloof to the in the uS Kids World Championship His name featured regularly his total wins in the WRC to 30, DRIVERS CONSTRUCTORS Dtour in 40 years when Women’s Open and eighth cartoons and toys that usually draw where I came sixth,” Shubham said. enough in local tournaments to level in second place on the all-time list along with 1. Sebastien Ogier Volkswagen 207 1. Volkswagen 300 he clinched the Wyndham LPgA title in a play-off in boys of his age. “I want to win all three next year.” interest the golf Foundation, run by Marcus gronholm. 2. Jari-Matti Latvala Volkswagen 114 2. Hyundai 161 Championship in North Carolina, uS, Vancouver. the winner of back-to-back the pristine American courses former Asian games gold medallist He can now secure his third title in Australia next 3. Andreas Mikkelsen Volkswagen 98 3. Citroen 148 4. Mads Ostberg Citroen 90 4. M-Sport 138 last Sunday while tiger Woods’s bid Ko could only titles on the world junior circuit hosting the elite junior tournaments Amit Luthra. month if he finishes ahead of Latvala. 5. thierry Neuville Hyundai 80 5. VW Motorsport II 64 to end a two-year victory drought muster an last month knows he must make are a far cry from Shubham’s Promised free education and free the Frenchman, who won the driver’s title in ended in a tie for 10th. even- sacrifices to achieve his dreams. beginnings. practice at the Delhi golf Club, the 2013 and ’14, was never threatened as Volkswagen Love, 51, secured his 21st PgA par-72 golf is a rich man’s sport in India He would pile up sands on the Jaglans, a family boasting a number completed its first clean sweep of podium positions tour title in style, recovering from in the and as a kid from a poor family, rooftop and practise his bunker shots of elite wrestlers, sold off dairy cattle since joining in ’13. a bogey at the first hole to card six- final round Shubham started off swinging while his father Jagpal Jaglan cleared and moved to Delhi to help their Norwegian Andreas Mikkelsen finished third, under-par 64. at Vancouver golf Club to finish at shabby clubs in the mustard field of the area behind their house to carve son pursue his dream. a further 1min 33sec behind Finland’s Latvala. He finished at 17-under 263, one 12-under-par, allowing Lewis to his village in the north Indian state out a three-hole course for his son. It was a bold move by a family Volkswagen also became the first german car stroke ahead of overnight leader catch her after the American shot 67, of Haryana. Jagpal also got his son a computer. still struggling to adjust to city life, Shubham manufacturer to win the home round of the Jason gore (69). but the Kiwi prevailed in the opening Davis “He had to make a lot of sacrifice “I started watching top golfers but Shubham’s single-minded Jaglan championship. Meanwhile, world No.2 Lydia Ko hole of sudden death. Love III to chase that dream and he’s happy on Youtube,” Shubham said. “gary devotion has been reassuring. the next stop is Australia from September 10 to 13. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 31

“today was a dream and the car was fantastic all weekend. I was never in a position where I felt nervous. I had great pace in the car. there was no real need to push more than I had to.

Lewis Hamilton, Belgian grand Prix winner.

MOTORSPORT ֫ Spa treatment! ORMuLA One world champion troubled Lotus. Lewis Hamilton celebrated Hamilton has now won six races Fa dream Belgian grand Prix this season, and 39 in his F1 career. victory last Sunday to stretch his the double champion has lead over Mercedes team-mate 227 points to Rosberg’s 199 and Russian GP Nico Rosberg to 28 points with last Sunday was also his 80th eight races remaining. podium appearance, equalling the could become With the sun shining over a night race the Ardennes forests, and rain CYCLING holding off until after the finish, HAMILTON HAS WON SIX the Russian grand Prix could ֫ Hamilton took the chequered flag RACES THIS SEASON, AND become a night race as early as two seconds ahead of Rosberg in 2017, according to Formula One 39 IN HIS F1 CAREER. supremo Bernie Ecclestone and Nibali disqualified Mercedes’ seventh one-two in 11 organisers. races. “We’ve talked about it. Maybe for taking a tow What drama there was unfolded achievement of boyhood hero and in 2017 — So you know you can behind them, with Ferrari’s late triple world champion Ayrton book your tickets for the next tALIAN rider Vincenzo Nibali has been Sebastian Vettel lucky to escape Senna. 10 years,” Ecclestone said at the disqualified from the tour of Spain after the 2014 unscathed from a 300kmph Russian Daniil Kvyat finished Belgian grand Prix. the race in Sochi has a tour de France winner got a tow from his Astana blowout on the penultimate lap fourth for Red Bull after a late I contract till’20 but Alexander team car following a crash in last Sunday’s second that robbed him of third place in his charge through the field with Saurin, vice-governor of the stage into Caminito del Rey. 150th grand Prix. Mexican Sergio Perez, who had Krasnodar region, and Russian television footage clearly showed Nibali, who Instead, Frenchman Romain stormed into second place at the gP Chief Executive Sergey won the Vuelta in ’10, hanging onto the car as he grosjean completed the podium for start, finishing fifth for Force India. Vorobyev said an extension was tried to catch up with the leaders in the final 30km already being discussed. and organisers had no choice but to expel him. “Bearing in mind the significantly growing popularity “Basing their decision on television images clearly of Formula One in Russia, we’re showing an infringement of the rules, the Vuelta considering extension of the race commissaires decided to take him out of the contract,” Saurin, speaking race,” organisers said in a statement. through Vorobyev, said. Meanwhile, Esteban Chaves snatched the lead Last year’s race in the Black when the Colombian surged clear to win the Sea resort was Russia’s debut on the calendar but it is set mountainous second stage into Caminito del Rey. ŠMercedes’ Lewis Š to move from an October Orica-greenEdge rider Chaves pipped Dutchman Hamilton was in a class of his own at slot to May 1 next year at the tom Dumoulin of giant-Alpecin to the line in the the Belgian grand organisers’ request to fit in with 158.7km trek by one second, with team Sky’s Prix. Russia’s major holiday period. Nicolas Roche a further eight seconds back in third and Irish compatriot Daniel Martin of Cannondale- RESULTS garmin another five seconds behind in fourth. Ogier edges closer FORMULA ONE 1. Lewis Hamilton (gBR) Mercedes 1:23:40.387 Roche’s Sky team-mate Chris Froome, the 2015 2. Nico Rosberg (gER) Mercedes at 02.058 tour de France winner who is bidding for a rare to hat-trick of titles 3. Romain grosjean (FRA) Lotus 37.988 double, was seventh, 30sec behind Chaves. 4. Daniil Kvyat (RuS) RedBull 45.692 “We talked among ourselves and how to deal HAMPIONSHIP leader Sebastien Ogier won 5. Sergio Perez (MEX) Force India 53.997 WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP with everyone around us and the main thing to do the german Rally in dominant fashion last 1. Sebastien Ogier (FRA) Volkswagen 3:35:49.500 was to attack these guys so that’s what we did,” said CSunday to edge closer to his third consecutive 2. Jari-Matti Latvala (FIN) Volkswagen at 23.000 Chaves. title. It was his sixth victory of 3. Andreas Mikkelsen (NOR) Volkswagen 1:56.600 4. Daniel Sordo (ESP) Hyundai 2:09.300 the season. 5. thierry Neuville (BEL) Hyundai 2:33.800 Driving a Volkswagen STANDINGS Polo R, Ogier beat FORMULA ONE Milkman’s son Shubham is chasing his dream! team-mate Jari-Matti DRIVERS CONSTRUCTORS Latvala by 23sec in the 1. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 227 1. Mercedes 426 2. Nico Rosberg Mercedes 199 2. Ferrari 242 Player, Seve Ballesteros, tiger vineyard-covered hills 3. Sebastian Vettel Ferrari 160 3. Williams-Mercedes 161 Woods...I’d try their swing and see if hugging the Mosel river 4. Kimi Raikkonen Ferrari 82 4. RedBull-Renault 108 it works for me.” in western germany, taking 5. Felipe Massa Williams 82 5. Lotus-Mercedes 50 His name featured regularly his total wins in the WRC to 30, WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVERS CONSTRUCTORS enough in local tournaments to level in second place on the all-time list along with 1. Sebastien Ogier Volkswagen 207 1. Volkswagen 300 interest the golf Foundation, run by Marcus gronholm. 2. Jari-Matti Latvala Volkswagen 114 2. Hyundai 161 former Asian games gold medallist He can now secure his third title in Australia next 3. Andreas Mikkelsen Volkswagen 98 3. Citroen 148 4. Mads Ostberg Citroen 90 4. M-Sport 138 Amit Luthra. month if he finishes ahead of Latvala. 5. thierry Neuville Hyundai 80 5. VW Motorsport II 64 Promised free education and free the Frenchman, who won the driver’s title in practice at the Delhi golf Club, the 2013 and ’14, was never threatened as Volkswagen Jaglans, a family boasting a number completed its first clean sweep of podium positions of elite wrestlers, sold off dairy cattle since joining in ’13. and moved to Delhi to help their Norwegian Andreas Mikkelsen finished third, son pursue his dream. a further 1min 33sec behind Finland’s Latvala. It was a bold move by a family Volkswagen also became the first german car still struggling to adjust to city life, Shubham manufacturer to win the home round of the but Shubham’s single-minded Jaglan championship. devotion has been reassuring. the next stop is Australia from September 10 to 13. 32 WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 33

PEOPLE SPORT THIS WEEK

Pakistani cricketers Mohammad Asif Brazil striker Robinho bagged Former Italy and AC Milan Maverick striker Mario Balotelli said and Salman Butt will be free to return his first goals for new club midfielderGennaro Gattuso he was happy to be back at AC Milan QATAR to competitive action on September guangzhou Evergrande, has been appointed coach ahead of an expected move on loan WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26 THURSDAY, AUGUST 27 2 after serving bans for involvement scoring twice in a 4-2 win at of third division Pisa. the from Liverpool, the Italian Serie A FOOTBALL in match fixing. the pair, suspended Shanghai Shenxin last week 37-year-old, a notoriously club said. the 25-year-old had spent gCC under-17 Championship, in 2011 for their part in attempting to send the champions top hard tackler during his 18 months at Milan, where he had semifinals, Oman vs Qatar, 4pm to fix the '10 Lord’s test against of the table in China. the playing days, has so far a relatively successful and and Saudi Arabia vs Kuwait, 7pm, at England, had fulfilled the former Real Madrid and struggled to get his coaching uneventful spell, before Aspire Dome. conditions laid down by Manchester City forward had career off the ground with his move to the Reds VOLLEYBALL the International Cricket produced a sketchy first four short stints at Sion, Palermo a year ago. He scored 18 First gulf under-15 Kids Festival, Council’s independent displays since signing a six- and OFI Crete. goals in 41 league appearances in Saudi Arabia vs Kuwait and Oman vs Bahrain, 10am; Bahrain vs Qatar Anti-Corruption tribunal. month deal. one-and-a-half seasons. and Kuwait vs Oman, 5pm, at Qatar Volleyball Association Hall. Former Olympique Marseille Gerard Pique was banned for Manchester City’s Argentinian South Korean footballer Kang Soo-Il, FOOTBALL FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 boss Jose Anigo has quit as four matches by the Spanish defender Pablo Zabaleta will currently serving a doping ban, has gCC under-17 Championship, FOOTBALL fifth-place match, uAE vs Bahrain, International friendly, Qatar vs coach of tunisia’s Esperance football federation after he was be out of action for at least a been charged with driving under the 4pm, at Aspire Dome. after just seven games in sent off for insulting a linesman month and could miss up to influence of alcohol, local police said. Singapore, 6pm, at Al Sadd Stadium. VOLLEYBALL charge. the 54-year-old in the Spanish Super Cup second six games after injuring a the Jeju united forward was involved SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 First gulf under-15 Kids Festival, Frenchman departed after a leg against Athletic Bilbao. knee in training. He was an in a crash with a taxi in the early hours Qatar vs Kuwait and Oman vs Saudi FOOTBALL 0-1 home defeat by Egypt’s Al Barcelona can appeal and may unused substitute in City’s last Monday and was arrested. the Arabia, 10am; Bahrain vs Kuwait and gCC under-17 Championship, Ahli that confirmed Esperance’s get the sanction reduced, but opening two games in 28-year-old had tested positive for Qatar vs Saudi Arabia, 5pm, at Qatar third-place match, 4pm and final, exit from the African if that fails Pique will miss his the English Premier anabolic steroid methyltestosterone. Volleyball Association Hall. 7pm, at Aspire Dome. Confederation Cup. Anigo had side’s opening four La Liga League. the injury Kang blamed the failed test on a joined in late June and lost five matches. leaves Bacary Sagna as the cream he used that helps grow a of his seven games in charge. only senior right-back in the side. moustache. INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26 THURSDAY, AUGUST 27 RUGBY CRICKET World Cup warm-up fixtures (till Saturday). Ireland vs Australia, ODI, at Belfast. FOOTBALL SUNDAY, AUGUST 30 STAR OF THE WEEK R ASHWIN MOVERS&SHAKERS Europa League play-offs; Draw for uEFA Champions League group stage. GOLF EPgA at Czech Masters, Prague; Dutchman Van Marwijk uSPgA at the Barclays (Edison); LPgA at Yokohama tire LPgA Classic (Prattville) (all till Sunday). FF-SPINNER Ravichandran had 12 five-wicket to coach Saudi Arabia FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 Ashwin caused a dramatic efforts in his first 27 CRICKET Sri Lanka collapse as India tests. For India, Subhash ORMER Netherlands coach Cup final, where they lost 0-1 to Sri Lanka vs India, third test, in O Colombo (till tuesday). completed a crushing 278-run gupte’s 11 hauls were the Bert Van Marwijk will guide Spain. He has also managed clubs victory in the second test in highest before Ashwin’s 12. Saudi Arabia for one year in the Dutch top flight and german ATHLETICS FOOTBALL F World Championships, in Beijing (till Draw for Europa League group stage. Colombo last Monday to level the the degree of Ashwin’s impact following his appointment on Bundesliga. Sunday). MOTORSPORT three-test series. on India’s winning chances is very tuesday. the 63-year-old left the CRICKET great Britain MotogP Ashwin grabbed five for 42 high as his nine five-wicket hauls Van Marwijk will arrive Dutch national job after South Africa vs New Zealand, third RUGBY as Sri Lanka, set an improbable have resulted in his team’s victory. in Jeddah on Sunday they lost all three games ODI, at Durban. Challenge Cup final, at Wembley. victory target of 413 runs, were Only two other Indian bowlers, and his deal will start at Euro 2012 and was CYCLING MONDAY, AUGUST 31 Vuelta a Espana (till September 13). shot out for 134 in their second Anil Kumble (20) and Harbhajan from September 1, sacked by Hamburg in CRICKET FOOTBALL innings. He finished with a Singh (14), have more five-wicket the Saudi Football ’14 after 143 days in England vs Australia, t20 Champions League play-offs. International, at Cardiff. match-haul of seven wickets to winning efforts. Association said on charge. TENNIS TENNIS add to the 10 he took in the first Ashwin recently said he twitter. He succeeded As a forward and AtP at Winston-Salem; WtA at New uS Open, New York (till test in galle, where Sri Lanka believed in certain methodology Saudi coach Faisal Al Badin, midfielder, he represented Haven. September 13). fought back from the brink to win that worked for him and often who took charge of the gulf nation many clubs and played 393 by 63 runs. stuck to it. in February. matches in the Dutch first this is already the most taken “I think, over a period of time, Van Marwijk guided the division. He began his career at his by an India bowler in a series in you like to stick to things you Netherlands to the 2010 World hometown club go Ahead Eagles. Sri Lanka. He has taken one more find success with. If I believe in a than the 16 bagged by Harbhajan methodology and it works for me, Singh in the 2008 series. It is also there’s no reason to change it,” he IndyCar driver Wilson dead the first time an Indian bowler told www.espncricinfo.com. has got two five-wicket hauls in a Ashwin is one of the few RItISH IndyCar driver Justin Miles, CEO of Hulman and Co which series in Sri Lanka. players who came into the Wilson died last Monday manages IndyCar and Indianapolis It was the 12th five-wicket national reckoning through the Bafter suffering a severe head Motor Speedway. haul by Ashwin in just 27 tests. twenty20 Indian Premier League injury during a wreck in the “Justin’s elite ability to drive Only five other bowlers had and went on to make a big impact closing laps of a race the a race car was matched achieved this feat in less number in other forms of the game. previous day at the by his unwavering of matches — England’s Sydney He became the fastest in 80 Pocono Raceway in kindness, character Barnes (24), Pakistan’s Waqar years to complete 100 wickets Pennsylvania, the uS. and humility, which is Younis (16), Australian Clarrie in his 19th test, in 2013, against He was 37. what made him one grimmett and England’s Ian the West Indies at Mumbai’s Wilson, a former of the most respected Botham (both 14), and South Wankhede Stadium, which was Formula One driver and members of the paddock,” African Hugh tayfield (13). the farewell game of Sachin seven-time winner in IndyCar he added. Pakistan’s Fazal Mahmood too tendulkar. racing, had been in a coma at a Wilson was the first IndyCar driver hospital in Allentown. to die following a race accident “this is a monumentally sad day since fellow-Briton Dan Wheldon for IndyCar and the motor sports was killed in a fiery crash in Las community as a whole,” said Mark Vegas in October, 2011. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 33

SPORT THIS WEEK

Maverick striker Mario Balotelli said he was happy to be back at AC Milan QATAR ahead of an expected move on loan WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26 THURSDAY, AUGUST 27 from Liverpool, the Italian Serie A FOOTBALL club said. the 25-year-old had spent gCC under-17 Championship, 18 months at Milan, where he had semifinals, Oman vs Qatar, 4pm a relatively successful and and Saudi Arabia vs Kuwait, 7pm, at uneventful spell, before Aspire Dome. his move to the Reds VOLLEYBALL a year ago. He scored 18 First gulf under-15 Kids Festival, goals in 41 league appearances in Saudi Arabia vs Kuwait and Oman vs Bahrain, 10am; Bahrain vs Qatar one-and-a-half seasons. and Kuwait vs Oman, 5pm, at Qatar Volleyball Association Hall. South Korean footballer Kang Soo-Il, FOOTBALL FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 currently serving a doping ban, has gCC under-17 Championship, FOOTBALL fifth-place match, uAE vs Bahrain, International friendly, Qatar vs been charged with driving under the 4pm, at Aspire Dome. influence of alcohol, local police said. Singapore, 6pm, at Al Sadd Stadium. VOLLEYBALL the Jeju united forward was involved SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 First gulf under-15 Kids Festival, in a crash with a taxi in the early hours Qatar vs Kuwait and Oman vs Saudi FOOTBALL last Monday and was arrested. the Arabia, 10am; Bahrain vs Kuwait and gCC under-17 Championship, 28-year-old had tested positive for Qatar vs Saudi Arabia, 5pm, at Qatar third-place match, 4pm and final, anabolic steroid methyltestosterone. Volleyball Association Hall. 7pm, at Aspire Dome. Kang blamed the failed test on a cream he used that helps grow a moustache. INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26 THURSDAY, AUGUST 27 RUGBY CRICKET World Cup warm-up fixtures (till Saturday). Ireland vs Australia, ODI, at Belfast. FOOTBALL SUNDAY, AUGUST 30 MOVERS&SHAKERS Europa League play-offs; Draw for uEFA Champions League group stage. GOLF EPgA at Czech Masters, Prague; Dutchman Van Marwijk uSPgA at the Barclays (Edison); LPgA at Yokohama tire LPgA Classic (Prattville) (all till Sunday). to coach Saudi Arabia FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 CRICKET ORMER Netherlands coach Cup final, where they lost 0-1 to Sri Lanka vs India, third test, in Bert Van Marwijk will guide Spain. He has also managed clubs Colombo (till tuesday). Saudi Arabia for one year in the Dutch top flight and german ATHLETICS FOOTBALL F World Championships, in Beijing (till Draw for Europa League group stage. following his appointment on Bundesliga. Sunday). MOTORSPORT tuesday. the 63-year-old left the CRICKET great Britain MotogP Van Marwijk will arrive Dutch national job after South Africa vs New Zealand, third RUGBY in Jeddah on Sunday they lost all three games ODI, at Durban. Challenge Cup final, at Wembley. and his deal will start at Euro 2012 and was CYCLING MONDAY, AUGUST 31 Vuelta a Espana (till September 13). from September 1, sacked by Hamburg in CRICKET FOOTBALL the Saudi Football ’14 after 143 days in England vs Australia, t20 Champions League play-offs. International, at Cardiff. Association said on charge. TENNIS TENNIS twitter. He succeeded As a forward and AtP at Winston-Salem; WtA at New uS Open, New York (till Saudi coach Faisal Al Badin, midfielder, he represented Haven. September 13). who took charge of the gulf nation many clubs and played 393 in February. matches in the Dutch first Van Marwijk guided the division. He began his career at his Netherlands to the 2010 World hometown club go Ahead Eagles. IndyCar driver Wilson dead

RItISH IndyCar driver Justin Miles, CEO of Hulman and Co which Wilson died last Monday manages IndyCar and Indianapolis Bafter suffering a severe head Motor Speedway. injury during a wreck in the “Justin’s elite ability to drive closing laps of a race the a race car was matched previous day at the by his unwavering Pocono Raceway in kindness, character Pennsylvania, the uS. and humility, which is He was 37. what made him one Wilson, a former of the most respected Formula One driver and members of the paddock,” seven-time winner in IndyCar he added. racing, had been in a coma at a Wilson was the first IndyCar driver hospital in Allentown. to die following a race accident “this is a monumentally sad day since fellow-Briton Dan Wheldon for IndyCar and the motor sports was killed in a fiery crash in Las community as a whole,” said Mark Vegas in October, 2011. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 35

CAMEO Japan Post partners Tokyo Olympics Japan Post Holdings has been announced as the 18th commercial partner of the tokyo 2020 Olympic games, taking the ‘postal services’ category at the official partner level. tokyo ’20 Organising Committee President Yoshiro Mori said, “With the support of some 30,000 Japan Post staff in post offices throughout Japan, we look forward to further build momentum in the run-up to the ’20 Olympic and Paralympic games.” HEALTH across all stadiums and sponsorship Singapore Airlines activation platforms. La Liga said it show the commitment of both stays on F1 track parties to the world of sport, Benefits of extra bringing to it the “most innovative Singapore Airlines recently and avant-garde technology to announced the extension of its promote the values of the game.” sponsorship of the Singapore grand virgin olive oil! Prix until at least 2017. this year’s race will take place on September 20. OMPARED to other kinds of effect of adding extra virgin olive oil fat, extra virgin olive oil may to a Mediterranean diet based on Chave healthier effects on levels fruits, vegetables, grains and fish, of blood sugar and bad cholesterol with only limited consumption of after meals, according to an Italian dairy or red meat. European handball study. On two separate occasions, gets Velux boost that may explain why a traditional researchers gave 25 healthy people a Building materials group Velux Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil is typical Mediterranean lunch. For one continued its long-running affiliation linked to lower risk of cardiovascular meal, they added 10 grams (about with handball, becoming an official disease, researchers say. two teaspoons) of extra virgin olive sponsor of the 2016 men’s European “Lowering (post-meal) blood oil and for the other they added Samsung support Championship in Poland. Velux is glucose and cholesterol may be 10gm of corn oil. already the title sponsor of the EHF useful to reduce the negative effects Blood tests done before and two for La Liga Men’s Champions League, the of glucose and cholesterol on the hours after the meals found that sport’s top continental clubs Korean electronics brand Samsung competition, until ’20. cardiovascular system,” said lead blood sugar rose after eating in all became an Official Sponsor of study author Francesco Violi, a participants, which is normal. But the Spanish top division football — Courtesy CSM Sport & Entertainment researcher at the Sapienza university blood sugar rose much less after a league. As part of the deal, the www.csm.com in Rome. meal with olive oil compared to one Samsung branding will appear @FastTrack_ME Violi and his colleagues tested the with corn oil.

DIDAS has agreed a partnership 20,000 primary and middle schools, PARTNERSHIP with the Chinese education train 50,000 teachers and also support Aministry to promote football a national summer camp for more than at schools as part of a campaign to 400 students. support the sport at the grass-roots While adidas’ sports-inspired adidas boost for level as it goes head to head with Nike fashion is popular in China, it is at a in the basketball-obsessed nation. disadvantage to its larger rival in the Chinese school the german sportswear maker country as football is far less popular said it had signed a three-year deal there than basketball, which Nike football to develop a football programme for dominates. Baleva, the daredevil OFFBEAT octogenarian granny!

A Bulgarian octogenarian last week made a A proposal on golf course lifelong dream come true by bungee jumping from one of Europe’s highest bridges. ANISH golfer Andreas Harto the couple embraced Penka Baleva leapt from the 190M missed the cut at the Made on the green. Europe Bridge, near the Austrian city of Din Denmark tournament in “I couldn’t say any Innsbruck. Himmerland last week, but was still words and I didn’t “It was quite scary, but I kept celebrating after proposing to his hear her say ‘yes’, so I my head together and did it,” said Baleva, who turned 80 in June. girlfriend on the 16th green. had to ask her afterwards “It was beautiful, with these the 27-year-old made a birdie, and luckily she did want to spectacular natural views all then gestured to his stunned marry me, so I’m a lucky around,” she said. girlfriend Louise, who was watching man,” said Harto, who the retired midwife from the from the sidelines and got down is a three-time Black Sea city of Varna started parachute on one knee before plucking a winner on the jumping 13 years ago, and has accomplished 14 jewellery box from his pocket. Challenge tour. tandem skydives and 39 bungee jumps. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 35

A Bulgarian octogenarian last week made a A proposal on golf course lifelong dream come true by bungee jumping from one of Europe’s highest bridges. ANISH golfer Andreas Harto the couple embraced Penka Baleva leapt from the 190M missed the cut at the Made on the green. Europe Bridge, near the Austrian city of Din Denmark tournament in “I couldn’t say any Innsbruck. Himmerland last week, but was still words and I didn’t “It was quite scary, but I kept celebrating after proposing to his hear her say ‘yes’, so I my head together and did it,” said Baleva, who turned 80 in June. girlfriend on the 16th green. had to ask her afterwards “It was beautiful, with these the 27-year-old made a birdie, and luckily she did want to spectacular natural views all then gestured to his stunned marry me, so I’m a lucky around,” she said. girlfriend Louise, who was watching man,” said Harto, who the retired midwife from the from the sidelines and got down is a three-time Black Sea city of Varna started parachute on one knee before plucking a winner on the jumping 13 years ago, and has accomplished 14 jewellery box from his pocket. Challenge tour. tandem skydives and 39 bungee jumps. 36 WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 37

CLOSE-UP

ŠŢBig bowl! Britain’s David Horsey celebrates after winning the Made in Denmark European tour golf in Farso.

şŢIn full control Qatar’s Ahmed Al Janhi controls the ball during their gCC u-17 football match against the uAE in Doha. Qatar won 4-0. REUTERS/Henning Bagger ŠŢHair-raising! India’s Ishant Sharma in action against Sri Lanka on the fifth day of the second cricket test in Colombo. India won by 278 runs to level the three-match series.

ŢŢButterfingers! Hosts France’s Rory Kockott struggles to hold on to the ball after being challenged by England’s Danny Cipriani during their Rugby union match in Paris. France won

DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod 25-20. REUTERS/Jonas Ekstromer REUTERS/Jonas

ššSplash! triathletes take part in the 1,500M swimming leg of the World triathlon Series in Stockholm, Sweden. Spain’s Javier gomez won the title, clocking 1:49.33sec.

şšNosy! Italian rider Vincenzo Nibali competes in the second stage of the Vuelta tour of Spain. He was disqualified for taking a tow from his Astana team.

ŠšThrow & run! New York Mets’ Jacob degrom pitches during their Major League Baseball match against hosts Philadelphia Phillies. REUTERS/Bill Streicher REUTERS/Regis Duvignau REUTERS/Jon Nazca REUTERS/Jon Mets won 16-7. REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 37

ŠŢBig bowl! Britain’s David Horsey celebrates after winning the Made in Denmark European tour golf in Farso.

ŢŢButterfingers! Hosts France’s Rory Kockott struggles to hold on to the ball after being challenged by England’s Danny Cipriani during their Rugby union match in Paris. France won

DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod 25-20. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 39

It is your turn now. tell us about sports events in your neighbourhood, send us photographs too and get them published in DSP. Our e-mail is [email protected] YOUR PAGE

Sadd gear up for new QSL season Al Sadd are on a mission. After missing out on the Qatar Stars League (QSL) title last season, the Housseine Amouta-coached team is determined to regain it this time. This season, they signed former Barcelona midfield maestro Xavi Hernandez. The Spaniard’s presence is expected to boost the profile of the QSL itself and Sadd will be too keen to capitalise on his vast experience. The squad recently returned to Doha after attending pre-season camps in Germany and Austria, and resumed training in Doha. The players are all set for the QSL, which will start on September 11. Sadd have won the Qatar league for a record 13 times. The last triumph came in 2012-13 when Moroccan Amouta replaced Uruguayan Jorge Fossati at the helm. Vinod Divakaran sent the photographs. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, AuguSt 26, 2015 39

It is your turn now. tell us about sports events in your neighbourhood, send us photographs too and get them published in DSP. Our e-mail is [email protected] YOUR PAGE

EXCITEMENT NOW JUST A TOUCH AWAY

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