WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016 SPORTS Qatari runner Balla arrested in Spanish doping probe

BARCELONA: Spanish police said they took Somali track coach , was the culmination of a long-running and 2013 world indoor 1500m champion The 25-year-old world record holder is had arrested a Qatari athlete yesterday as whose Ethiopian protege Genzebe investigation including Interpol, the of . But Aden the big favourite to strike gold in the part of an ongoing investigation into drug Dibaba is the current world 1500m cham- Spanish National Anti-Doping Agency has also courted controversy, with women’s 1500m at the August 5-21 Rio trafficking that has already seen one of pion, and a physiotherapist into custody (AEPSAD) and Spanish police. Driouch handed a two-year ban for Games. A spokesman for the Ethiopian the world’s top coaches taken into cus- on Monday, both charged with having Aden has a proven track record of nur- inconsistencies in his biological passport athletics federation told AFP on Tuesday tody. Media reported that the man arrest- administered athletes with banned sub- turing some of the best middle-distance and French runner Laila Traby also being that it was in the dark about Dibaba. ed was Sudanese-born Qatari Musaeb stances. Aden was picked up in a dawn runners. Aside from Dibaba, he has banned after testing positive for blood- “We have no information about Abdulrahman Balla, the two-time defend- raid at a hotel in the Catalonian town of coached two-time world indoor 800m boosting EPO. Driouch at first claimed at this time,” the ing Asian 800m champion who finished Sabadell occupied by a group of athletes champion and Aden had doped him, but later retracted spokesman said. “She will of course be sixth at last year’s world championships in coached by the ex-Olympian. Six doctors 2008 Olympics 800m silver medal- his allegations. part of the Olympic team to Rio if her Beijing and fifth at the world indoors in from ’ governing body, the list Ismael Ahmed Ismael, both from Dibaba, sister of running legend results meet the minimum criteria.” There Portland earlier this season. IAAF, and officials from the Spanish Anti- Sudan, 2012 Olympics 1500m Tirunesh, has seen her pre-Rio Olympic was also no clarity on her injury. “A Qatari athlete was arrested,” Doping Agency were also present to carry champion of Algeria, plans hampered by a toe injury that has “This is unclear. She has not reported Catalonian police said, without naming out doping controls on some athletes. 2012 world junior 1500m champion recently ruled her out of meetings in to us the reason why she didn’t take part him. The arrest is the third after police The IAAF explained that Aden’s arrest Hamza Driouch, a Moroccan-born Qatari, Eugene, and . in the last competitions,” he said. —AFP

Diego Maradona Zinedine Zidane Luis Suarez Maradona not alone in World Cup controversy

LONDON: Five notorious World Cup incidents two of which he still feels pain from today. innocence that he had used an American ver- but to red-card him and he trudged off past an and several of them, along with Anelka, were on the 30th anniversary of Diego Maradona’s had to use their second and last substi- sion of the energy drink ‘Rip Fuel’, which unlike impassive French coach Raymond Domenech punished afterwards, the striker seeing his ‘hand of God’ goal against England in the 1986 tute and it showed when they ran out of its Argentine counterpart had ephedrine as an and promptly retired. Although won on international career pretty much ended with World Cup quarter-final: steam in extra-time and let a 3-1 lead slip and ingredient, he was sent home and never penalties Zidane was forgiven by the French an 18-game ban. lost on penalties. “Entrenched in our memo- played for his country again. and a five-metre-high (16-foot) sculpture out- 1982 - BATTISTON TAKES BATTERING ries is this charge by Schumacher who flat- side the Pompidou Centre in Paris immortalis- 2014 - CHEWY LUIS German steel took on French flair in an epic tened the little Frenchman,” Battiston told AFP 2006 - ‘ZIZOU’ SEES RED es the moment of madness. Luis Suarez and World Cup finals are a semi-final in Spain. German goalkeeper Harald years later. Schumacher’s sole response at the As farewells from the highest level go, potent mix if you like controversy. The toothy ‘Toni’ Schumacher knocked out Patrick time on learning of the injuries was: “I will pay French football icon Zinedine Zidane’s would 2010 - THE INCREDIBLE SULK Uruguayan marksman had denied Ghana a Battiston after wildly shoulder-charging the for the crowns.” be pretty hard to match, although for all the Unhappy at the largely unloved Raymond likely place in the 2010 semi-finals in South substitute, who had only been on the pitch for wrong reasons. Having put France ahead in Domenech’s decision to play him on his own Africa with a handball on the line in extra- seven minutes. To widespread disbelief, refer- 1994 - MARADONA’S DECLINE AND FALL the final against Italy only for Marco Materazzi up front for the opener against Mexico, time, rubbing salt into the wound by calling it ee Charles Corver did not even book the goal- Maradona’s fourth and final World Cup saw to level, the two engaged in a verbal duel Nicolas Anelka unleashed an expletive-filled the “save of the tournament”. keeper-he claimed he didn’t see the incident him sent home from the United States in dis- throughout the game. Materazzi, who had a rant. “I was only insulting someone who the He outdid that in 2014 as not for the first because he was watching the ball. grace after failing a doping test. Still a potent lengthy disciplinary record, poked and prod- rest of France had already insulted. I would do time he bit an opponent, this time the shoul- Schumacher gave the prostate Frenchman a force, it looked as if he might enjoy a glorious ded Zidane all evening until the latter said to it again,” an unrepentant Anelka said. der of battle-hardened Italian defender cursory glance and then chewed gum and swansong in the international limelight. him he could have his shirt after the match if Domenech said he was more shocked by Giorgio Chiellini. He at first denied it, then taunted the furious French fans while the Having scored a goal in the win over Greece he liked it so much. Materazzi replied with a Anelka’s lack of respect than the words but he apologised but it was not enough to prevent French medical team tried to resuscitate him. and then played in the 2-1 win over Nigeria, he crude remark about Zidane’s sister and that was sent home from South Africa once the the striker from serving a nine-game interna- He was stretchered off with three broken ribs, subsequently failed a dope test for the stimu- was the last straw as the Frenchman head- affair made it into the papers. The French tional suspension and a four-month ban from broken teeth and cracked vertebra, the latter lant ephedrine. Despite his protestations of butted the Italian. The referee had no option squad infamously went on strike in sympathy all football. — AFP LeBron makes case for all-time best with historic NBA Finals Not all champions can be OAKLAND: LeBron James ensured his that won a record 73 regular-season place among the NBA’s all-time legends games and boasted the NBA’s top scor- role models, says Thorpe by leading the Cleveland Cavaliers in er and two-time most valuable player in the greatest comeback in NBA Finals Stephen Curry. James was an unprece- history and has made a solid case for dented leader in every major finals sta- MUMBAI: Although Olympic champions can being the greatest player ever. tistical area, averaging 29.7 points, 11.3 make great role models, sports officials can’t The 31-year-old forward scored 27 rebounds, 8.9 assists, 2.6 steals and 2.3 expect all athletes to be angels in their pursuit points, grabbed 11 rebounds and blocked shots a game. of results, according to Australian swimming passed out 11 assists to power great Ian Thorpe. Cleveland’s 93-89 victory over defend- LEBRON GREETED BY 20,000 The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) ing champion Golden State in game James touched off jubilation that has taken a hard line on team culture at the seven of the NBA Finals. continued on Monday when he and the Olympics, four years after their With size, strength and speed that team landed at the Cleveland airport, London Games delegation was embarrassed enable him to muscle his way to the displaying the championship trophy to by a number of unsavoury incidents involving hoop and finesse as a passer to make more than 20,000 wellwishers. The par- teammates a threat from anywhere on ty is set to continue Wednesday with a misbehaving athletes. Several athletes have the court, James has made himself the victory parade for the ages. been put on watch-list ahead of the Games, dominant player of his era, reaching the Crying tears of joy in the moments while the country’s top tennis player Nick NBA Finals six years in a row. after the title was decided revived Kyrgios withdrew himself from consideration Michael Jordan pushed the Chicago memories of Jordan’s tearful finish of after a row with the AOC over his behaviour in Bulls to six NBA titles in the 1990s with the 1996 final. Both came on Father’s the public arena. Thorpe was a paragon of remarkable athletic skill and determina- Day and for Jordan it was the first title sportsmanship during a glittering swimming tion, setting the “best ever” standard for since the 1993 death of his dad. in which he won five Olympic golds and 11 many fans over such icons as Magic Comparisons with Jordan are apt as world titles but said it was tough to expect all Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. he and James may be the central play- athletes to match sporting excellence with Boston Celtics 1960s big man Bill ers in the “greatest ever” argument for impeccable conduct. Russell won a record 11 NBA titles in an their versatility and success. Both made “I prefer them to be good leaders but it’s Ian Thorpe era of domination no team is likely to spectacular dunks and stunning shots not a requirement,” Thorpe told Reuters in an vate yourself, and that’s what’s worked for major governance overhaul and top officials repeat, while Kobe Bryant and Shaquille in younger days before learning to trust interview. “We want them to be good role you, do you compromise that and go down say the culture has been fixed in time for a O’Neal both excelled but often with teammates as they got older, spreading models, we want everyone to be perfect. the chart? It’s difficult.” Thorpe was dismayed better showing at Rio. “What was disap- help, sometimes from each other. the ball among talented role players to “But what happens if the athlete isn’t per- by Australia’s swimming performance in pointing for a lot of us was that the (London) But James unleashed a magical make their teams even more danger- fect but they get the results? Which one’s London, where they won only a single title team didn’t represent the values that we comeback in the past week unseen in ous. There’s a statue of Jordan outside more important? This is really difficult and it’s and had their worst haul in the pool in 20 have as well,” Thorpe said. “I feel we have a the NBA’s 70-year history. the Bulls’ arena and Jim Brown, the star a difficult position for sports to be in.” years. short time in the sport and because of the No team had ever rallied from a 3-1 rusher who led the 1964 NFL title run of Australia’s Rio Chef de Mission Kitty Chiller A post-Games review found a “toxic cul- people that have come before you, you deficit to win the best-of-seven NBA the Cleveland Browns, says James has spear-headed the AOC’s culture impera- ture” had been allowed to develop in the respect that history and you look after it so Finals until he lifted the Cavaliers to needs one in front of the Cavaliers’ are- tive and publicly lashed Kyrgios and his David team and reported allegations of bullying and that you re-inspire younger people so that deliver the NBA’s greatest shocker, end- na as well. Cup team mate Bernard Tomic for poor con- drunkenness among other problems. the legacy is able to continue for years to ing his city’s 52-year wait for a major While James was only seconds away duct. Although only 21, Kyrgios has a long Australian swimming has since had a come.” — Reuters sports champion. from becoming the first NBA most valu- rap-sheet of abusing opponents, umpires and James matched Johnson, O’Neal able player to lose five finals, he instead fans, and was given a suspended ban by the and Tim Duncan as three-time NBA improved to 3-4 in the championship men’s tennis circuit for making a lewd com- Kuwait Disabled Sports Club Finals most valuable players. Only series, having gone 2-2 during four sea- ment at twice grand slam champion Stan Jordan with six has more. Calling that sons with the Miami Heat. Wawrinka during a match last year. chief against change of name group “the greatest to ever do it,” Tomic opted out of Rio, citing a “busy” play- James was tearful about his place in NAYSAYERS NOT HIS BUSINESS ing schedule, after he was castigated by the conversation with them. “I’m going James had the last laugh on naysay- KUWAIT: President of Kuwait abled, which directly affected Chiller and Tennis Australia for failing to offer to be in awe,” he said. “It’s going to be ers who nagged him all along his quest, Disabled Sports Club Shafi Al- the truly disabled. a shot on match point in defeat to Italian like being at a Beyonce concert. I’m posting an Instagram statement Hajiri said the change of the He said the change of the Fabio Fognini at the Madrid Open last month. going to be like this,” he added, adopt- Monday beside a photo of him holding name of the Public Disabled authority’s name to Special ing a starstruck expression. the trophy. The AOC’s tough approach to discipline Authority to Public Authority Needs Public Authority is con- Having unleashed back-to-back 41- “They said u lost a step, wasn’t explo- has drawn both praise and condemnation in of those with special needs is trary to international treaties something dangerous, Kuwait is committed to, as it is a point performances at the Warriors to sive as once was, the best days was in Australia, where some pundits have lamented because it will open the door signee of the international lift the Cavaliers from a 3-1 deficit in the rear view, questioned your drive, the loss of a possible medal chance with the wide open for a large number treaties on the disabled among the best-of-seven series, James deliv- your leadership, your commitment, you withdrawal of world number 18 Kyrgios. The player has defended his histrionics as of those who claim disability 164 countries. He added chang- ered perhaps the greatest clutch effort don’t have killer instinct, going back to get the rights and advan- ing the name will get Kuwait in NBA Finals history, joining Jerry home is the worst mistake in your competitive intensity and Thorpe said it was hard for some athletes to rein in their person- tages of the disabled that are out of the agreement which will West and James Worthy with the only career, he got the coach fired, players guaranteed by law. affect the Kuwaiti disabled game seven “triple doubles” in NBA traded, won’t work between him and alities lest it affect their performance. Al-Hajiri said in a statement Shafi Al-Hajiri rights as well as the sports level Finals history. Kyrie (Irving), Him and Kev (Kevin Love) “I think there is a possibility to be both-to that changing the authority’s through changing the medical “You put everything into the game. won’t work, love your teammates to be the champion and be the good role mod- name will allow everyone who is considered of characterization. Al-Hajiri said all those con- The game always gives back to people much, there’s no way he can deliver a el,” added Thorpe, who will be a panellist for psychological, social a chronic diseases needs cerned refuse changing the name of the that are true to the game,” James said. “I championship in his hometown, etc etc broadcaster Star Sports during the 2016 to receive the disabled benefits. He said, even authority, which will do away with their know the history of the game and I was etc.. But guess what THATS NONE OF Games. “But if there is a different way of going the existence of specialized medical commit- rights, and appealed to officials to think just confident and calm.” MY BUSINESS Hahahaha!!! Yes sir,” he out there to get your performance where you tees to examine disabilities, it did not prevent deeply about the decision because of its neg- The Cavaliers ousted an ultimate foe posted. — AFP have to behave in a particular way to moti- the presence of those who claim to be dis- ative effects on the truly disabled.