SUN DAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2013 SPORTS

Toothless Panthers Nigerian leader to host Johnson wins pole for sack coach Dineen Under-17 world champions Phoenix, Kenseth to start

SUNRISE: The , mired in a seven-game NHL losing streak, ABUJA: Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan will today host the AVONDALE: Jimmie Johnson won the pole Friday for the penultimate race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship, moving him a step closer to his Friday sacked head coach and two assistant coaches. Executive country’s team who won the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in the United vice president and general manager said Peter Horachek would take sixth NASCAR title. The five-time NASCAR champion set a track record with a Arab Emirates. Nigeria beat Mexico 3-0 in Friday’s final in Abu Dhabi over the coaching duties on an interim basis, assisted by Brian Skrudland and lap of 139.222 mph in his Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet to earn the top start- . “After 16 games it was clear that our team needed a change in to win a record fourth U17 World Cup after they previously tri- ing spot for today race at Phoenix International Raceway. philosophy and direction,” Tallon said on Friday, a day after a 4-1 loss at Boston umphed in 1985, 1993 and 2007. Kelechi Iheanacho was named as The lap broke the mark of 138.766 set by Kyle Busch last November. “Track dropped the Panthers to 3-9-4. “We have not met the expectations that we set the best player of the 24-team competition and Dele Alampasu was records are awesome,” Johnson said after the qualifying session. “I don’t qualify forth at training camp and it is my responsibility to make the neces- named the best goalkeeper. on pole all that often, so I take great pride in them, especially track sary changes to ensure that our club performs at its maximum Nigeria went ahead in the ninth minute through Erick Aguirre’s records. Very cool to do, and clearly a great time in the season and potential.” Dineen’s tenure with the Panthers began with a 38-26- own goal before Kelechi Iheanacho doubled the lead in the 56th. a great time in the Chase.” 18 record and a Southeast Division title in 2011-12. The Nigeria captain Musa Muhammed scored from a free kick in the 81st Matt Kenseth will start 14th in his Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. Panthers’ first playoff appearance since 2000 ended with a dou- minute to complete the victory. Kenseth trails Johnson by seven points with two races remaining in the Chase. Denny Hamlin qualified second with a lap at ble-overtime defeat to New Jersey in game seven of the first The team, known as The Golden Eaglets, were expected back in round. Beset by injuries, Florida sank to the bottom of the stand- 139.023 for JGR, but he went out much later in Friday’s session Nigeria on Saturday afternoon. Officials said they expect President than teammate Kenseth. Joey Logano qualified third in a Penske ings last season, finishing with an NHL-low 36 points and a 15-27- Jonathan to reward the team at today’s reception. Hefty cash gifts, 6 record. Horachek, who was in his first season as coach of the Racing Ford, and Kyle Busch was fourth as both of Kenseth’s team- national honours as well as houses in the country’s capital Abuja Panthers’ minor league affiliate in San Antonio, takes mates out-qualified the title contender. Both Hamlin and over a team with an NHL-worst minus-25 goal differ- were given to the players and officials by the government when they Logano marveled at Johnson’s performance. “He’s been in ential.— AFP last won the tournament six years ago. — Agencies kill mode for a while,” said Logano. —AP First game of world chess ends in draw

CHENNAI: Reigning world chess champi- home the rest. on Viswanathan Anand of India opened the Russian grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik, defence of his crown against Norwegian who lost to Anand in the 2008 title show- sensation Magnus Carlsen with a tense down, said the Indian will find it tough to draw in the first game in Chennai yester- retain the title against the aggressive day. Carlsen. Both players agreed to draw after 16 “Carlsen has much more energy, more moves each to remain even at the start of motivation, as he has not been a world the big-money 12-game showpiece champion yet,” Kramnik was quoted as say- watched by a select gathering of 350 inside ing by the Times of India. “Anand is some- the main hall of a luxury hotel and by thou- what intimidated by Carlsen. He has not sands on live television. been confident playing against him-he’s Anand, 43, has been the game’s undis- scared of him, I would say.” puted champion since 2007, but experts Asked at a pre-match media conference predict the end of the road for the Indian if he was the favourite, Carlsen said: “I don’t against current world number one Carlsen, know who the favourite is. In general, I who is 21 years younger. expect to do well in tournaments I play in. “I am happy, it was a fairly comfortable “If I manage to play my best, I can expect draw with black,” said Anand. “But there is a the best results.” long way to go and it is very difficult to pre- Anand, who remains one of the most dict what will happen over the next 11 popular sports figures in cricket-mad India, games.” Carlsen also appeared satisfied and his opponent enjoyed a remarkably with a draw despite the advantage of play- similar rise in their careers since they were ing first with white. “In the past, I have talented teenagers. played a couple of embarrassing draws Anand became an international master with white, so this was okay,” he said. “No at 15, was crowned Indian champion at 16, damage done.” won the world junior title at 17 and The second game will be held today. All became the country’s first grandmaster at the games are taking place in Chennai- 18. Carlsen turned grandmaster at 13 and Anand’s home town. With one point award- in 2010, aged 19, he became the youngest ed for a win and half a point for a draw, the player in history to be ranked world num- first man to reach 6.5 points will be ber one. He won the Candidates declared the champion. Tournament this year to earn the right to If points are equal after the 12th game challenge Anand. on November 26, the match will be decid- The Indian, who is based in Spain with Aldona United Dubai take flight with ed by a sudden-death game on November his wife and young son, trails the chal- 28. The total prize fund for the title clash is lenger by a whopping 95 rating points and late Sheikha Huda Al-Sabah trophy approximately $2.24 million, with the win- his world ranking has tumbled from num- ner getting 60 percent and the loser taking ber one to eight. — AFP KUWAIT: Real Betalbatim F.C. (RBFC) has proved was not to be as Siolim United bowed out in the by President Vijay Gonsalves and Vice President once again that they are second to none among tie breaker and had to be content with the 4th Francis Fernandes. RBFC President, Vijay the Indian expatriate community when it comes Place Trophy. The 3rd Place Trophy was won by Gonsalves in his brief speech thanked RBFC to organizing international football tournaments United Friends Club, Kuwait. Executive Committee for their tireless efforts in in the State of Kuwait for the Indian community. The finals took place between Aldona United, ensuring a successful tournament once again. After a stupendous success in the previous two Dubai and Nagoa Verna Pereira Brothers, Kuwait He thanked Sheikha Hanouf Bader Al-Sabah, editions RBFC once again proved their mettle and was played at a blistering pace on the artifi- Sheikha Dalal Bader Al-Sabah for their unstinted successfully in organizing the 3rd Edition of cial pitch and it was a thrill for the spectators to support. He also thanked the Chief Guest, Asif Open Rolling Football Tournament in fond witness the action. Both the teams especially Juzar for accepting the invitation. He further memory of Late Sheikha Huda Bader Aldona United showed tremendous skills and thanked all the Club Presidents and 24 partici- Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah on 16th ball control and were vying for the prestigious pating teams, supporters of RBFC, Mr. Bader October 2013 at PGA Everton Grounds at Bayan, Rolling Trophy. Players who excelled with their Nasser Al-Kharafi, Managing Director, Gulf Kuwait. The football extravaganza had four skill and precision were Russell Rodrigues and Cables & Electrical Co., Viva Goa Restaurant, teams from UAE taking part along with a strong Fraizer Picardo of Aldona United, Dubai and Oriental Restaurant, Manoj Cardoso of Al-Bahar line up of Kuwait based teams. Anthony Rego and Godwin for Nagoa Verna Group, Peter Mendes (Lays), IFRA Officials, This year 24 teams participated, 4 Teams from Pereira Brothers. The finalists matched equally in Immaculate Gonsalves, Media Supporters, and Dubai, Aldona United F.C., Siolim United, FC all departments of the game and the normal the spectators for making this event a success. Bardez and Emirates Goan Sports & Cultural time ended in a barren draw. The winner had to The Chief Guest also spoke. KIFF President Committee (EGSCC) and 20 teams from Kuwait, be decided by a tie-breaker and once again the Fidelis Fernandes and other Club Presidents AVC - Kuwait, Don Bosco Oratory, Navelim Youth finals were won by the Dubai based team, were also present and gave away the Prizes. Center, DHL FC, Kuwait Goan Association, Santos Aldona United who ensured that the Trophy will Refreshments on the day were provided by United, Nagoa Verna Pereira Brothers, Real take a flight to Dubai for the 3rd successive time. Al-Bahar Group (Lipton), Viva Goa Restaurant Betalbatim F.C, Veterans United, Goa Maroons, This is the 2nd time that Aldona United, Dubai (Bosco Rodrigues), Lays (Peter Mendes) and Gift FC Sparks, Skynet Raiders, United Friends Club, has inscribed their name on the Trophy after Vouchers were given by Oriental Restaurant, Fahaheel Brothers, Blue Racers Guirim, having won the inaugural edition in 2011. Kuwait and Swiss Belhotel Plaza, Kuwait. Ace Curtorcares United, Indian Strikers, Skyden Nagoa Verna Pereira Brothers had to settle for lens man Revon Gomes along with Simon Dias United, Goan Boys and Vac Spartons. the Runners-up Trophy. and Agusto Fernandes captured the day’s pro- CHENNAI: Officials watch as India’s Viswanathan Anand (L) and Norway’s Magnus The tournament was conducted on a round All the 70 Matches were officiated by ceedings on camera. Renowned MC’s Merwyn Carlsen (R) compete in their championship match in Chennai yesterday. Reigning robin league cum knock out basis and a total of renowned Indian Football Referees Association Pereira and Alex Taylor took control of day’s pro- world chess champion Viswanathan Anand is defending his crown against whooping 70 matches were held during the day (IFRA) and for the second time in the history of gram and DJ Mario enthralled the crowd with his Norwegian sensation Magnus Carlsen at home in Chennai in a battle that favours the from 07:30 am to 07:30 pm. The day’s proceed- Indian Football in Kuwait a lady referee Ms. selections... challenger. — AFP ings commenced with a minute silence remem- Penny Rebello was seen officiating the matches. The Winners Rolling Trophy and Gift Voucher bering the departed soul of Late Sheikha Huda All the referees were presented with mementos were awarded to Aldona United, Dubai and Bader Mohammed Al-Ahmed al-Sabah and all and a special prize was given to the Ms. Penny Runners-up Trophy and Gift Voucher was award- others who have departed in recent times. All Rebello. ed to Nagoa Verna Pereira Brothers, Kuwait. Brazil asks hotel chains the matches were played at a brisk pace with Before the finals national anthems of Kuwait Trophies were awarded to Best Goalkeeper: teams vying to qualify for the knockout stage. 8 and India along with the specially crafted Newton Pereira - Siolim United - Dubai, Best to explain WCup prices teams who qualified were Aldona United Dubai, anthem of RBFC were played and giant balloons Defender: Fraizer Picardo, Aldona United - Dubai, Siolim United Dubai, Navelim Youth Center, Goa customized and procured from USA for the Best Midfielder: Godwin, Nagoa Verna, Best SAO PAULO: Brazil’s justice ministry is asking answered on Friday. The tourism board, or Maroons, Real Betalbatim FC, Nagoa Verna event were released to mark the event. Also a Striker: Russell Rodrigues, Aldona United - the main hotel chains in the country to Embratur, this year showed that rates will rise Pereira Bros, Skyden United and United Friends children’s exhibition match between Kuwait City Dubai, Best Discipline Team: Siolim United, explain the high prices being charged for up to 500 percent during the World Cup in Club. Renowned Teams to miss out were FC Boys and Kheitan Boys was held in order to add Dubai and Best Player of Finals: Anthony Rego, rooms during the 2014 World Cup. The some hotels offered by the FIFA-appointed Bardez Dubai, Emirates Goans Dubai, AVC - spice to the day’s proceedings which was won Nagoa Verna Periera Brothers, Kuwait. Special request comes after several complaints from agency MATCH Services, prompting several Kuwait and DHL FC. The knockout stage was a by Kheitan Boys. Another highlight of the day mementos were presented to Dubai based consumer advocates and a study by the consumer rights groups to demand action hotly contested affair among the eight qualifiers was a women’s exhibition match which was a teams Aldona United, FC Bardez, Emirates Goans country’s tourism board which showed that from the government. and teams making the semifinal line up were last delight to watch bringing the memories of yes- (EGSCC) and Siolim United for their participation exorbitant prices will be charged during the Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff last year’s Champions, Siolim United Dubai v/s teryears. in the prestigious Tournament. It was a day to monthlong tournament next year. month created a committee to monitor abu- Nagoa Verna and Aldona United Dubai v/s Chief Guest, Asif Juzar, Managing Director of remember for all football loving Indian expatri- Among the companies notified by the sive price hikes of hotel rates and plane tick- United Friends Club. All were eagerly assuming ProSports, Kuwait was accorded a warm wel- ate community which was exquisitely organized ministry’s consumer rights secretariat on ets during football’s showcase event. The that the finals would be an all Dubai affair but it come by the Managing Committee of RBFC led by Real Betalbatim Football Club Kuwait. Thursday are Accor, Choice, Louvre, Blue Tree, government also said it will investigate Nacional Inn, Wyndham, IHG and Bourbon. whether MATCH, FIFA’s official accommoda- The Brazilian Association of the Hotel tion agency, was involved in “cartel” practices Garcia seeks redemption, second title vs Martinez Industry also was notified. that may lead to price hikes during the World The ministry said Friday that the compa- Cup, a claim that FIFA and MATCH have NEW YORK: Although Mikey Garcia has the talent those regrets under another win. “I feel very happy going to fight the best,” Martinez said. Martinez has nies have 48 hours to respond to the request. repeatedly denied. and the pedigree for multi-division stardom, he’s to have this opportunity after what happened in never been knocked down, but Garcia floored “Tourists are consumers which require special Brazil sports minister Aldo Rebelo, the not assuming he’ll be the next 130-pound champi- the last fight,” Garcia said. “To lose the title on the Salido and Lopez in his recent fights, demonstrat- protection because they are outside of their government official in charge of preparations on until he actually takes the belt away from Rocky scale and to be given the opportunity to fight for a ing punching power and technique that give other city or country,” Amaury Oliva, director of the for the World Cup and the 2016 Rio Olympics, Martinez. Garcia learned all about assumptions in world title is great, and I’m really happy for that.” fighters pause. He also managed to make the jun- ministry’s consumer rights secretariat, said in earlier this year pledged “zero tolerance” for his last fight, when he lost his featherweight title Garcia will face Martinez after Nonito Donaire’s ior lightweight limit Friday, coming in at 129.75 a statement. “We are working to make sure hotels charging abusive room rates. He said on the scales. Garcia (32-0, 27 KOs) goes after a comeback fight against Vic Darchinyan in the HBO pounds.Donaire (31-2, 20 KOs) hasn’t fought since that they are well received and that the serv- significant hikes would hurt Brazil’s image world title in his second weight class today night show at the American Bank Center in Corpus losing a decision and his junior featherweight title ices we provide have quality and fair price.” abroad and threaten to scare tourists away. The ministry said it wants the hotel chains to Although Brazil has said it will not try to when he faces Puerto Rico’s Martinez (27-1-2, 16 Christi, Texas. Demetrius Andrade also takes on to Guillermo Rigondeaux in April. The one-sided provide the average rates charged in the past control market prices, Rebelo warned that KOs), who will attempt his third defense against Vanes Martirosyan for a vacant 154-pound belt in defeat derailed the momentum built by the during other high-demand events in the 12 hotels that raised prices excessively would one of boxing’s rising stars. the first major title shot for two former US Olympic Filipino-born, Bay Area-raised fighter during an World Cup host cities, so they can be com- feel the “heavy hand” of the law, adding that Not many unbeaten fighters find themselves in boxers with spotless pro records. outstanding 2012, so Donaire is looking to reclaim pared to the prices for the tournament. consequences included possible hotel clo- need of redemption, but Garcia could use an Although the fight is his 130-pound debut, it against a familiar opponent. Although price increases are expected during sures. impressive win. After he trounced Orlando Salido Garcia is favored against Martinez. The Southern “I have been just trying to recall how I became special events such as the World Cup, officials Brazil is expecting 600,000 foreigners and in January to claim a 126-pound title, Garcia could- California native is trained by his older brother, world champion and the process of it,” said suspect the chains might be overcharging about 3 million local visitors traveling n’t make weight for his defense against Juan Robert, one of the sport’s most respected corner- Donaire, who had won 30 straight fights. “The men- more than usual this time. through the 12 host cities and the rest of the Manuel Lopez in June. men. Garcia is imposing, but he doesn’t scare tality and the desire, we are trying to bring all that Calls to the Brazilian Association of the country next June, when it will host the World Although he still beat Lopez handily, Garcia Martinez, the only current champion from Puerto out. Trying to bring youth back into my boxing Hotel Industry were not immediately Cup for the first time since 1950. — AP couldn’t feel good about it. He’s hoping to bury Rico. “You shouldn’t be a champion if you’re not style.—AP