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Tuesday, May 24, 2016 FOOTBALL Sha’baan 17, 1437 AH Neymar strike GULF TIMES helps Barca beat Sevilla in King’s Cup fi nal SPORT Page 3

SPOTLIGHT Talented Rio athletes take part in QOC’s Shine event TEN ATHLETES QUALIFY FOR TRAINING CAMP AT QATAR’S ASPIRE ACADEMY FOR SPORTING EXCELLENCE

By Sports Reporter Doha Shine winners celebrate with QOC off icials and ambassadors in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. lmost 200 athletes partici- pated in the Qatar Olympic Committee’s (QOC) ‘Shine’ athletics tournament in Rio Ade Janeiro yesterday. The talented young athletes were competing for the opportunity to win one of 10 places on a training camp at Doha’s world-renowned Aspire Acad- emy for Sporting Excellence, whose alumni include Qatar’s sporting hero, Mutaz Barshim. The QOC established the Shine project to provide support and assist- ance to young athletes from disadvan- taged backgrounds from across Rio de Janeiro and leaving a compelling legacy from the Rio 2016 Games. The QOC, Qatar Athletics Federa- tion and Aspire Academy for Sport- ing Excellence partnered with Futuro Olimpico, an NGO founded by Brazil’s Olympic bronze medallist from Atlanta ‘96, Arnaldo de Oliveira, and the Rio de Janeiro Athletics Federation to organ- ise the project. Speaking about the vision behind the Shine project, Dr Thani al-Kuwari, Sec- retary General of the QOC, said: “The Qatar Olympic Committee believes in the power of sport to change lives and we were determined to ensure that we grasp the opportunity of the Rio 2016 Games to leave a positive impact on young athletes in Rio de Janeiro.” “This will provide a true legacy for both Brazil and Qatar. It is our sin- cere hope that our Shine project will provide invaluable support for these athletes on their journeys to become Brazil’s next Olympic heroes. We look forward to following their progress as their careers develop,” the QOC Secre- tary General added. The Shine tournament was attended by several offi cials from Qatar includ- ing Sheikha Asma al-Thani, Marketing Director at the QOC; Mohamed al- Kuwari, Secretary General of the Qatar Athletics Federation; and Dr Hazem Anabtawi, Deputy Director at the As- pire Academy. The offi cials were able to meet the athletes and learn more about how the project will benefi t them and their future careers. Athletes were competing across 24 events and the most notable result of the day came from 21-year-old Gabriel Oliveira Constantino, whose time of 10.47s in the men’s 100m was just 31 hundredths of a second short of the Ol- ympic qualifi cation time. Despite not qualifying on this occasion, there will be further opportunities and Gabriel’s performance won him a trip to Qatar and a place on the training camp with four other boys and fi ve girls. Speaking from the competition, Mohamed al-Kuwari said: “It has been a pleasure to witness the huge amount of talent on display at the Shine tour- nament, and we pass our congratula- Terezinha Guilhermina, Brazil’s multiple World and Paralympic champion, chats with athletes and coaches; (Right) Men's high jump competition in progress at the Shine tournament in Rio de Janeiro. tions to all the athletes that have quali- fi ed to train in Qatar. further support to Futuro Olimpico, from Futuro Olimpico qualify for the Also in attendance at the Shine tour- Terezinha Guilhermina, the one who The athletes will travel to Qatar with “The Qatar Athletics Federation and which aims to take athletics to stu- once-in-a-lifetime trip to Doha. nament was Brazil’s multiple World achieves her dreams. Arnaldo de Oliveira later in 2016 for the Aspire Academy for Sporting Excel- dents at Rio de Janeiro’s public schools. “This will be the fi rst time that many and Paralympic champion, Terezinha “I experienced fi rst-hand last year week-long training camp. lence are committed to the global de- Proceeds from public entry fees to Bayt of them have left Brazil and the oppor- Guilhermina, who will be competing the impact that hosting the Doha 2015 The Aspire Academy regularly hosts velopment of athletics and we hope that Qatar, the QOC’s hospitality house for tunity to train at the world-class facili- in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games this IPC Athletics World Championships training camps for Asia’s most talented these young athletes’ development and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, will be ties and experience a new culture will summer. had on changing perceptions and young athletes, enabling them to en- performance will be enhanced by our donated to the NGO enabling them to be essential to their development. The Shine Ambassador inspired the breaking down barriers in Qatar and hance their development and perform- world-class coaching, sports science buy uniforms and equipment for the “In addition, the further donations young athletes by sharing her own the Middle East. ance through tailored and optimised expertise and state-of the-art facili- athletes and for further athletes to that the QOC are providing through story of how sport transformed her life “It is an honour to join forces with training programmes. ties. We cannot wait to welcome them benefi t from the partnership. Bayt Qatar will amplify the support from a childhood of poverty to a sport- the Qatar Olympic Committee once The Shine athletes will benefi t to Doha and we hope their stay will be Speaking about Shine, Arnaldo de that we are able to provide to all our ing hero. again and help to show young athletes from the same experience, helping to one to remember forever.” Oliveira said: “Today’s Shine tourna- athletes. I am so grateful to the Qatar “Sport had an amazing impact on from my country that anything is pos- provide new knowledge and expertise In addition to yesterday’s Shine ment has been a huge success and it Olympic Committee for their partner- my life. I went from being Terezinha sible if you work hard and don’t give up that will support their future training tournament, the QOC are providing has been so inspiring to see athletes ship and support.” Guilhermina, the one who dreamed, to on your dreams”. programmes. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, May 24, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS FA Cup not Van Gaal sacked by enough for Van Gaal as United United: Reports seek spark

BBC said United would make a statement but there was still no word from them Reuters to players not to take fi rst-time London shots. AFP It also reported that the two London most senior players, Wayne Manchester United scored just 49 or a club that in 2000 Rooney and Michael Carrick, had league goals this season, their was happy to ditch their raised concerns with Van Gaal ouis Van Gaal’s time as manager lowest return for 26 years and many defence of the FA Cup about his post-match “evalua- of Manchester United appeared to supporters felt ’s so they could play in the tion sessions” in which he pub- be nearing its end yesterday, amid WorldF Club Championship, win- licly criticised players in front approach ran counter to the club’s reports that agreement on a sev- traditional attacking style. ning football’s oldest trophy was of their teammates With such Lerance package was all that stood in the never likely to be enough to con- widespread dissatisfaction it way of his exit from Old Traff ord. vince Manchester United to keep easy to forget that the 64-year- Both Van Gaal and leading employ- faith with Louis van Gaal. old former Ajax, Barcelona, Bay- ment lawyer Paul Gilroy were seen enter- Too little, too late looks to ern Munich and Netherlands ing United’s Carrington training ground be the thinking of the United coach was seen as the safe option yesterday following reports that former board if, as was widely report- when he was hired in May 2014 Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was ed by British media yesterday, following Moyes’s sacking. poised to replace the Dutchman. the Dutchman is to be sacked He iammediately returned the Gilroy’s clients have included David as manager two years into his club to the Champions League Moyes, whose sacking as United manager three-year contract. If Van Gaal with a fourth-place fi nish but paved the way for Van Gaal’s appoint- had combined that record 12th despite heavy spending on the ment. There has been no offi cial con- FA Cup success by snatching a likes of young forwards Memphis fi rmation as yet from United, 20-times Champions League place then Depay and Anthony Martial and English champions, about the position of perhaps he might have survived German midfi elder Bastian Sch- Van Gaal, who still has a season remain- but, with Jose Mourinho waiting weinsteiger, United stagnated ing on his three-year contract. in the wings, there will be few after briefl y topping the table at But James Ducker, the northern foot- fans lamenting the departure. the end of September. ball correspondent of Britain’s Daily For generations of supporters Martial apart, the new play- Telegraph newspaper, tweeted Monday: brought up to expect high oc- ers have struggled to justify their “Paul Gilroy QC fi nalising Van Gaal’s sev- tane attacking football against fees, and Van Gaal increasingly erance package now...£5mn pay off .” teams who for decades went to turned to talented youngsters Meanwhile The Times’ Paul Hirst Old Traff ord merely to survive, such as Marcus Rashford. said United executive vice-chairman Ed excuses about injuries did not By mid-December United Woodward had already informed Van Gaal justify the lamentable quality of were out of the top four after hu- of his dismissal. “Sounds like Woodward United’s play. miliating back-to-back defeats actually told LVG in person last (Sunday) This season’s dire statistics, by promoted clubs Bournemouth night that he was sacked,” Hirst tweeted. beyond the key one of fi fth place, and Norwich City and they exit- The BBC said United would make a state- are a damning indictment on Van ed the Champions League with a ment about Van Gaal at 1:00pm local time Gaal’s tactics. United scored 49 whimper after fi nishing third in a (1200 GMT) but several hours later there goals in 38 games, in contrast to modest group behind VfL Wolfs- was still no word from the club. British a previous Premier League av- burg and PSV Eindhoven. media have been awash with reports of erage of over 76. They fi nished Van Gaal became increasingly Van Gaal’s demise, after a leak from an with the most 1-0 wins and the tetchy and walked out of a news unknown source spread as Manchester joint highest number of goalless conference ahead of a Christmas United lifted the FA Cup on Saturday. draws. defeat by Stoke City. The Dutchman cryptically comment- Opta reported that their total At home to Southampton they ed, “It’s over” as he left the squad’s Cup number of shots on target, 430, were booed off and in Denmark fi nal hotel on Sunday, but it was not clear was 15th in the 20-team league supporters, already frustrated whether he was referring to his tenure or and they made more backwards by fi nding themselves in the Eu- United’s season. The BBC said Van Gaal passes than any other side. ropa League, chanted obscenities had not been informed whether he was On the back of that, Van Gaal’s about how bad United were in a staying for next season, although it said departure was widely predicted 2-1 loss to FC Midjytlland.De- Saturday’s 2-1 win over Palace at Wem- and initially reported while the spite recovering with a 5-1 win in bley was believed to have been his last sweat was still dripping from the the second leg, United then lost game in charge of United. trophy after United’s 2-1 victory to Liverpool in the round of 16. Van Gaal himself was defi ant after Sat- approach ran counter to the club’s tradi- sure,” Rooney said of Van Gaal.”I think we Mourinho is a brilliant coach and a win- over Crystal Palace on Saturday, A late challenge for fourth urday’s Cup fi nal. “I show you the cup tional attacking style. all have. That’s part of playing for Man- ner. As close as you could ever get in foot- their fi rst FA Cup win for 12 years. place, the Cup run and the fan- and I don’t discuss it with my friends of Van Gaal has also spent heavily since chester United and managing Manches- ball to guaranteeing success.” Just as his predecessor David pleasing use of several young the media, who already sacked me for six replacing Moyes in 2014, splashing out ter United – it is a massive club. You have Mourinho – out of work since he was Moyes struggled to win over players, bought Van Gaal some months,” the 64-year-old said. Despite more than £250 million ($361 million) on to set standards and we fell below them relieved of his duties at Stamford Bridge players and fans bloated on the time but in the bigger picture, it winning the club’s fi rst trophy since the players. Mourinho, once Van Gaal’s as- this season.” – appeared to take a step closer to a move years of success under Alex Fer- has not been enough to change great Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, sistant at Barcelona, saw his second spell Meanwhile, former United midfi elder to Old Traff ord as removal vans were guson, Van Gaal, for all his pedi- the mood. Van Gaal’s United didn’t challenge for the as Chelsea manager end with the sack in Ray Wilkins said Mourinho was the man spotted outside his London home yester- gree, also seemed to suff er in the “The players are bored, fans Premier League title and failed to qualify December, after last season’s champions who could revitalise the club. “When he day afternoon. Scot’s lengthy shadow. are bored, everyone’s bored,” for the Champions League. made a miserable start to the their Pre- goes to a club, normally he wins a big The 53-year-old Portuguese coach A story in Guardian newspa- former midfi elder Paul Scholes Fans were also unhappy with the brand mier League title defence. trophy within the fi rst couple of years,” however told reporters, cameramen and per said that squad members had said after one particularly meek of football their team played under Van United captain Wayne Rooney accept- Wilkins told radio. photographers waiting outside his house: talked among themselves about Cup display against third tier Gaal. United scored just 49 league goals ed this term’s performance had not been It was a view supported by former Eng- “Go home, go home, go home because I openly defying the Dutchman’s Sheffi eld United in January. “You this season, their lowest return for 26 good enough by the standards expected land striker turned BBC presenter Gary don’t leave the house today. It’s better to rigid tactical directions, which look across at the bench and Van years and many supporters felt Van Gaal’s at Old Traff ord. “He has been under pres- Lineker, who said: “One thing is for sure, go home.” allegedly included instructions Gaal looks bored as well.”

FIFA ROUND-UP sack deputy general Injured Suarez doubtful for Copa America secretary Agencies the Merseyside club’s top scorer for the past two Kattner Barcelona seasons following his a record 28 million-pound ($40.5 million) move from Chelsea. Zurich: FIFA yesterday “In my head I know where I want to go but I’m sacked deputy general ruguay’s Luis Suarez is doubtful for the keeping that to myself. You will know when it is secretary Markus Kattner Copa America after suff ering a thigh in- concluded. I have to make a good choice but in my for financial ‘breaches’ jury in Barcelona’s Spanish Cup fi nal tri- head that has happened already,” Lukaku, 23, told linked to his job. Kattner umph over Sevilla. British media. UThe striker limped off in the 56th minute of “I have played (in England) for fi ve years now, had been acting general secretary after previous Sunday’s game and underwent an MRI yesterday it’s my league. But there are other nice clubs. I fol- general secretary Jerome which revealed damage to his right hamstring. low Spanish and German football and I also have Valcke was also dismissed “Tests on Monday morning have confi rmed that something for the Italian league. Wherever I go I for irregularities. FC Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has suff ered an want to win prizes.” Belgium face Italy, Ireland and “Kattner has been injury to the semimembranosus muscle in his right Sweden in European Championship Group E in dismissed from his position leg,” Barcelona said in a statement. France which starts on June 10. eff ective immediately,” A hamstring injury normally take between three the world body said in a to six weeks to heal but the club said Suarez still WEST HAM WILL TAKE THE EUROPA statement. “FIFA’s internal planned to join the Uruguay squad on June 1 to LEAGUE SERIOUSLY: GOLD investigation uncovered continue with the second phase of his treatment. West Ham United will not take Europa League breaches of his fiduciary re- If the 29-year-old fails to recover for their lightly next season after being gifted a spot in the sponsibilities in connection opening game against Mexico on June 6 it will be competition by Manchester United’s FA Cup tri- with his employment.” a considerable blow to Oscar Tabarez’s team after umph, joint chairman David Gold has said. FIFA said it would not the striker fi nished as La Liga top scorer with 40 West Ham missed out on qualifying for Europe comment further but “will goals. Suarez, who is Uruguay’s all-time record after fi nishing seventh in the Premier League but continue its co-operation scorer with 45 goals in 85 games, had been includ- United’s victory over Crystal Palace at Wembley with the relevant authori- ed in the 23-man squad for next month’s cente- on Saturday secured a Europa League spot for ties.” Kattner, a German, had nary edition of football’s oldest continental tour- Slaven Bilic’s men for second successive year. also been FIFA’s longstand- nament in which he has not played for fi ve years. Luis Suarez (centre) is assisted after being injured during Barcelona’s Spanish Copa del Rey final against “It was an exciting and thrilling end to the fi nal ing financial director. The Uruguay also face Venezuela (June 10) and Jamaica Sevilla FC at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid on Sunday. (AFP) and what a goal from (Jesse) Lingard to win the world body named Fatma (June 14) in Copa America Group C. game,” Gold told the club’s website (www.whufc. Samoura as its new general The rumours were fuelled by a report in Munich- C game against Ukraine on June 12 at Euro 2016 in com). “There was so much hanging on it for West secretary at a congress this GOETZE’S BAYERN PLEDGE DAMPENS based newspaper the Sueddeutsche Zeitung that France. “Now I will focus myself for the fi rst time Ham fans and we were all left celebrating as we are month. TRANSFER RUMOURS Goetze had been told by Ancelotti, Guardiola’s solely on the European championships,” Goetze back in Europe... As we prepare for the big move Mario Goetze says he is looking forward to next replacement as Bayern’s head coach next season, wrote on his Facebook page having missed Bay- into the new stadium this is another exciting chal- “Kattner has been season at Bayern Munich, dampening speculation to fi nd a new club. Yesterday, Goetze split with ern’s German Cup fi nal win last Saturday with a lenge for the football club.” dismissed from his of a move back to Borussia Dortmund, or Liver- his agent, Volker Struth at SportsTotal, an agency rib injury. “There’s a title there which we (Ger- West Ham lost to Romania’s Astra Giurgiu in position eff ective pool to work again with Jurgen Klopp. which looks after 70 top players in Germany, ‘by many) haven’t won yet!” the third qualifying round in Europe’s second tier immediately,” the world “I am looking forward to the new season in Mu- mutual agreement’ after six years together. The competition last season but Gold insisted the club body said in a statement. nich and will do everything possible to be in top player’s aff airs will now be put “in the hands of my LUKAKU HOPES TO STAY IN ENGLAND AS were keen to add to their trophy haul as they move “FIFA’s internal shape for my fi rst training session with Carlo An- family”, said the Germany star. EVERTON EXIT LOOMS into a new era at London’s Olympic Stadium. investigation uncovered celotti,” Goetze told German daily Bild. Goetze will join up with the Germany squad lat- Striker Romelu Lukaku has fuelled speculation “We should take this competition seriously and breaches of his fi duciary After a season spent either injured or largely on er this week in their pre-Euro 2016 training camp about his future at Everton, saying he has decided we are good enough to win it,” Gold added. “It will responsibilities in the bench under Pep Guardiola at Bayern, specula- in Ascona, Switzerland. The world champions where he will be playing next season and insisting also be another great opportunity for our young connection with his tion had been rife that Germany’s World Cup win- play the fi rst of two friendlies on Sunday, against he would prefer to ply his trade in England. players to get European experience and a number employment.” ner was set either to join up with ex-coach Klopp Slovakia in Augsburg, then Hungary on Saturday The Belgium international, who netted 25 of them showed their quality when we played in at Liverpool or return to former club Dortmund. June 4 in Gelsenkirchen, before their fi rst Group goals in 46 appearances this campaign, has been the early rounds last summer.” Gulf Times Tuesday, May 24, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

COPA DEL REY Barcelona edge out Sevilla in bad-tempered Cup fi nal Enrique’s men claimed their fourth trophy of the season, having also won the Club World Cup in December

Barcelona’s players pose with the trophy after winning the Spanish Copa del Rey (King’s Cup). The La Liga champions beat Sevilla 2-0 in exta-time in the final at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid on Sunday. (AFP)

AFP needed just six to fi nally make the breakthrough “It has been a spectacular end to the season,” as he bore down on goal. Banega nearly doubled with Dani Alves were waived away. Madrid when Lionel Messi’s sumptuous pass picked out added Barca boss Luis Enrique. “The team has Barca’s punishment as his sweet strike from the Parity was restored in numbers on each side in Alba to volley into the far corner. known how to compete marvellously despite the resulting free-kick was brilliantly tipped over stoppage time when Banega saw red for tripping Neymar then slotted home a second in the diffi culties we have faced this season.” the bar by Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Neymar on the edge of the area, but Sergio Rico ordi Alba and Neymar struck in extra- dying seconds from another brilliant Messi as- And Sevilla coach believes his Sevilla roared back from a goal down at the tipped over Messi’s resulting free-kick to take time as Barcelona completed a league and sist after Daniel Carrico had also been dismissed side’s exertions in midweek robbed them of the break to outclass Liverpool in midweek and the game into extra time. Cup double by lifting the Copa del Rey for for two bookable off ences. “It was a great in- energy needed to make their numerical advan- started the second-half with intent once more However, the Spanish international was left a 28th time after a 2-0 win over Sevilla in tense and exciting fi nal,” said Barcelona captain tage count. “We lacked freshness. If we had have as Banega’s low drive came back off the post. fl at-footed when Alba latched onto Messi’s ball aJ fi ery game that saw three red cards on Sunday. Andres Iniesta. “It was a last push for the club to been fresher we would have been able to create Barca were then dealt another huge blow over the top six minutes into extra-time and Javier Mascherano’s dismissal just before complete a magnifi cent season.” more chances,” said Emery. “Barca didn’t have just before the hour mark when striker Suarez volleyed across goal into the far corner. half-time for pulling down Kevin Gameiro put Sevilla were looking for a double of their own many opportunities, but they were effi cient.” pulled up with a muscle injury before leaving the Rico kept Sevilla in the game with brilliant Barca on the back foot and they were further after winning a third consecutive Europa League The political fallout over an initial ban on fi eld in tears with his chances of representing saves from Pique and Sergio Busquets, whilst depleted when 59-goal top scorer Luis Suarez by beating Liverpool 3-1 on Wednesday. Catalan separatist fl ags by the Madrid authori- Uruguay at the Copa America next month now Dani Alves also hit the post from distance as limped off early in the second period. However, just as in a thrilling 5-4 defeat to ties that was eventually overturned on appeal in jeopardy. Barca threatened a second. Sevilla’s hopes of However, they resisted Sevilla’s pressure after Barca to open the season in the European Super in the courts continued before kick-off as Barca Sevilla were camped in the Barca half for an equaliser were ended when Daniel Carrico the break and Barca’s numerical disadvantage Cup in August, they fell just short as Luis En- fans jeered the Spanish national anthem. much of the second half, but struggled to create was also sent-off for a second bookable off ence. was cancelled out in stoppage time when Ever rique’s men claimed their fourth trophy of the The game appeared to swing Sevilla’s way clear-cut chances. Grzegorz Krychowiak saw a And Messi promptly teed up Neymar to round Banega saw red for chopping down Neymar. season, having also won the Club World Cup in nine minutes before half-time when Mascher- defl ected eff ort fl ash just wide, whilst Vicente off Barca’s fourth Cup triumph in eight years in Barca dominated the extra 30 minutes, but December. ano hauled down Gameiro just outside the box Iborra’s appeals for a penalty after he clashed stoppage time.

EURO WARM-UP Enrique thrilled with Barca’s Vardy atones for Kane miss as England win season AFP scorers, but the Leicester star started on the Manchester, United Kingdom left in a narrow 4-3-3, with Raheem Sterling Madrid: Despite Barcelona’s on the opposite fl ank. exit from the Champions A sparse crowd at the home of Manches- League at the quarter-final amie Vardy spared Harry Kane’s ter City saw England take an early lead. stage, coach Luis Enrique blushes with a late winner as Eng- Sterling found Dele Alli and he smug- said their victory over land edged Turkey 2-1 in their fi rst gled a pass between ’s legs to Sevilla in the King’s Cup Euro 2016 warm-up match at Man- Tottenham Hotspur colleague Kane, whose on Sunday had capped a chester’sJ Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Kane assured fi nish into the bottom-right cor- “fantastic” season. Spanish opened the scoring in the third minute, but ner was allowed to stand despite an appar- top flight champions Barce- then clipped the post with a 72nd-minute ent off side. Television pictures appeared to lona beat Sevilla 2-0 after penalty, won by Vardy, after Hakan Cal- show Turkey coach Fatih Terim using his extra-time, thanks to goals hanoglu had equalised to score Turkey’s mobile phone to show fourth offi cial Daniel from Jordi Alba and Neymar, fi rst goal against England in the teams’ 11th Siebert the evidence, but to no avail. playing nearly 90 minutes meeting. It was a goal that highlighted England’s with 10 men after Javier Vardy rode to the rescue in the 83rd speed of thought and foot in attack, but Mascherano’s red card. minute, the Leicester City hitman slamming Turkey’s equaliser 10 minutes later exposed “It was a spectacular home his third England goal in three games Hodgson’s problems in defence. end to the season,” he to end Turkey’s unbeaten run at 13 matches Oguzhan Ozyakup’s pass down the in- said. Asked to sum up the and enhance his claim to a spot in manager side-right channel set Volkan Sen scamp- season in one word, he Roy Hodgson’s starting XI in France. “Wins ering in behind left-back Danny Rose. The replied.”Fantastic. This team are always pleasing and there were some Fenerbahce midfi elder beat the sliding is made of champions. We positive aspects,” said Hodgson, whose side Joe Hart to the ball and crossed for Bayer must be proud of these face Russia, Slovakia and neighbours Wales Leverkusen’s Calhanoglu to sweep home players,” he added. “When in the group phase at the Euro. “Some large from close range. the team had to defend, we swathes of the game we played reasonably After had given England a were able to close the gaps, well, but there was also a positive because couple of scares, the hosts switched to a compete and play football. we’re not the fi nished article and there’s still diamond midfi eld on the hour, with Vardy It’s time to enjoy it.” work to be done. It showed the next three joining Kane up front and Sterling taking By defending their King’s weeks will be vital for us.” up the number 10 role. Vardy showed what Cup trophy, Barcelona won In a patchy England display, Hodgson he could do in a central position by surging a seventh title from nine saw Jack Wilshere play for 66 minutes in clear and inviting a challenge from Topal competitions under Enrique. his fi rst international game since last June that encouraged referee Deniz Aytekin to As well last season’s league, after missing almost the entire season with point to the spot. King’s Cup and Champions a fractured shin, while Jordan Henderson Kane’s spot-kick grazed the left-hand League treble, they won continued his recovery from a knee problem post and went wide, but Vardy netted the the UEFA Super Cup and as the Arsenal man’s replacement. winner from close range after goalkeeper Club World Cup with him at Hodgson, who was missing his Manches- collided with Ismail Koy- the helm. “The truth is I’ve ter United contingent and all of Liverpool’s basi as he attempted to fi eld Gary Cahill’s always fallen on my feet players bar Henderson due to club commit- back-post header. Turkey substitute Olcay here,” said Enrique, who ments, confi rmed that Vardy will miss Fri- Sahan almost equalised at the death, but was serenaded by fans at day’s game against Australia in Sunderland his volley drew a superb one-handed save the end of the final at the as he is getting married tomorrow. Hodgson from Hart. “England are hard to play any- Vicente Calderon. “I feel names his fi nal 23-man squad for the Euro where, but it’s especially hard in England,” like just another Catalan, after the game. Terim told Turkish media. “I am happy with although I am 1,000 percent Sunday’s match had been billed as an au- the team. Players from the Turkish league from Gijon and an Asturian. I dition for the strike partnership of Kane and fought neck-and-neck with players from England striker Harry Kane (left) celebrates with team-mate Jamie Vardy after scoring a goal against Turkey during can’t feel more loved.” Vardy, the Premier League’s top two English the world’s most expensive league.” the International Friendly at Etihad Stadium in Manchester on Sunday. (Reuters) Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, May 24, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Conte fi ne tunes France pledges to fi x Italy’s squad

AFP Avellino in 2014. Meanwhile, Milan Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian, following FA Cup victory over Crystal Palace security ‘failures’ taly coach Antonio Conte cut at the weekend, returns to the several Euro 2016 hopefuls fray alongside PSG midfi elder from a preliminary squad Thiago Motta. yesterday as he unveiled a A statement from the Italian I30-man squad for the Azzurri’s football federation (FIGC) said second pre-competition training Montolivo and Motta would be camp. Italy will head to the June “put through fi tness tests” to see before Euro 2016 10-July 10 tournament in France if they could remain at the camp. looking to reach a second suc- The FIGC said Conte, who will cessive fi nal, but are facing a for- take over at Premier League gi- The 80,000 cup final spectators were filtered through a two-metre-high fence midable challenge after failing to ants Chelsea after the summer, get past the fi rst round at the past will name his fi nal 23-man squad two editions of the World Cup. for Euro 2016 on May 31. Italy New York City FC midfi elder host Scotland in a pre-tourna- and AC Milan’s on- ment friendly in Malta on Sun- loan Liverpool striker Mario Ba- day, then host Finland on June 6 lotelli were among the big names in Verona. missing when Conte named his preliminary squad last week for a ITALY SQUAD FOR SECOND fi rst training camp following the EURO 2016 TRAINING CAMP conclusion of and many Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buff on other leagues around Europe. (Juventus), Federico Marchetti It now looks certain that nei- (Lazio), (Paris ther player will feature at Euro Saint-Germain/FRA) 2016, where Italy will also be Defenders: Davide Astori (Fioren- without key midfi elders Marco tina), Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain) Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), and Claudio Marchisio (Juven- Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Angelo tus) through injury. Ogbonna (West Ham United/ENG), Conte’s squad last week also Daniele Rugani (Juventus), Matteo did not include players from Darmian (Manchester United/ENG), Juventus, AC Milan and other Davide Zappacosta (Torino), Mattia teams who were involved in cup De Sciglio (AC Milan) fi nals last weekend and they have Midfielders: Marco Benassi all returned to the fray. Juven- (Torino), Federico Bernardeschi tus players – goalkeeper Gian- (Fiorentina), Giacomo Bonaventura luigi Buff on, defenders Andrea (Milan), Antonio Candreva (Lazio), Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini and Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Stephan Daniele Rugani – notably return, El Shaarawy (Roma), Alessan- alongside AC Milan midfi elders dro Florenzi (Roma), Emanuele Giacomo Bonaventura and Ric- Giaccherini (Bologna), Jorge Luiz cardo Montolivo. Jorginho (Napoli), Riccardo Monto- It meant defenders Armando livo (AC Milan), Thiago Motta (Paris Izzo (Genoa) and Lorenzo Tonelli Saint-Germain/FRA), Marco Parolo (Empoli) were cut, the second (Lazio), Stefano Sturaro (Juventus) piece of bad new for Izzo on Forwards: Citadin Martins Eder (In- Monday after he was questioned ter Milan), Ciro Immobile (Torino), by police in relation to his alleged Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli), Graziano Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne (left) and Eden Hazard train for the Euro Championship in Lausanne, Switzerland yesterday. (Reuters) role in a match-fi xing aff air dat- Pelle (Southampton/ENG), Simone ing from his spell at side Zaza (Juventus) AFP spectators were fi ltered through a new private security companies.” Philippe by the standards of a sporting event in Paris two-metre-high (six foot six inch) fence Galli, the top local offi cial, said earlier: France. Even after spectators had passed put up around the stadium for Euro 2016, “Under pressure, the system gave way at through the fence, they were subjected to and were supposed to have been thor- a certain number of points, which we are two further checks by stadium security rance’s interior minister prom- oughly searched. going to put right. “The security will be staff before taking their seats. ised yesterday that security Despite the security arrangements, re-focused,” he said. It was the fi rst time Local lawmaker Jean-Christophe La- “failures” at the Stade de France smoke bombs were set off inside the sta- the new metal fence had been tested, but garde blamed the security “demands” of would be put right before Euro dium and glass bottles, pieces of plastic Galli suggested that just four entry gates European football governing body UEFA 2016,F following problems at this week- piping and motorbike helmets were also were not enough to get the crowd into the for the problems on Saturday. The new end’s national cup fi nal. “Failures have found. Police said a huge crowd that had stadium in time. fence had created “bottlenecks”, he said, been noted,” Bernard Cazeneuve said built up at one of the four entry gates in He added: “We were confronted with and called for the entire security arrange- after chaotic scenes before Saturday’s the new fence had surged past the police a huge crowd at one of the entry gates.” ments to be reviewed. match between Paris Saint-Germain and and security guards on duty. The crowd surged through, overwhelm- Referring to the terror attacks in No- Marseille, which was eff ectively a test run Less than three weeks before Euro 2016 ing the police on duty. Before the match, vember, he said: “By creating bottle- for the security arrangements for the Eu- kicks off at the Stade de France on June 10, Galli had promised that no-one would be necks, you are going to have thousands ropean championships. Cazeneuve called an emergency meeting allowed to enter the stadium without be- of people stuck and if you have a suicide The stadium, which will host tour- yesterday with offi cials from the French ing searched “from head to toe”. bomber at one of these four entry gates, nament’s opening match and fi nal, was Football Federation and the local tourna- But he admitted that on Saturday, can you imagine the panic?” targeted by suicide bombers during the ment organisers. searches “were not done systemati- Cazeneuve said security would also be Islamic State attacks on the French capi- He said afterwards: “It has been de- cally and in the same way at all the entry reviewed at the fan zones in the 10 French tal in November, when the attackers tried cided to put right the malfunctions im- points”. Supporters were also able to pass cities hosting Euro 2016 matches. Seven unsuccessfully to get inside the security mediately, in order guarantee the fl uid objects over the fence to their fellow fans million people are expected to use the fan perimeter. entry of supporters...and to ensure the on the other side. zones, including the 92,000 capacity area Italy coach Antonio Conte will name his final 23-man squad for On Saturday the 80,000 cup fi nal effi ciency of the security searches by the The security measures were intense near the Eiff el Tower in Paris. Euro 2016 on May 31. (Reuters)

ROUND-UP EXTENSION Sweden coach tips France, Wales boss Coleman Germany, Spain as favourites signs new two-year deal

DPA AFP Stockholm London

osts France, world champions ales manager Chris Coleman (right) Germany and holders Spain are Zlatan Ibrahimovic did not has signed a two-year contract exten- ‘the three big favourites’ to win to take part in yesterday’s sion, the Football Association of Wales Euro 2016, Sweden national foot- training due to pain in a calf. (FAW) announced yesterday. Coleman, Hball coach Erik Hamren said yesterday as his Wwho has guided Wales to next month’s European squad began preparations for the upcom- Championship in France, had been linked with jobs ing tournament. Belgium, one of Sweden’s at Aston Villa and Swansea City in recent weeks. opponents in the group stage, ‘play terrifi c But he has now signed a new deal that will include football’ and have an ‘outside’ chance, he the qualifying campaign for the 2018 World Cup. told reporters. Asked who could be the top Coleman succeeded the late Gary Speed, a fel- scorer at Euro 2016, Hamren said Sweden low former Wales international, in January 2012. By captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic could clinch overseeing qualifying for Euro 2016, Coleman took that title, “judging by his [current] form. Wales to their fi rst major tournament fi nals since But we have to advance far.” the 1958 World Cup. Sweden’s group at the June 10-July 10 “I am delighted to get this opportunity to build tournament in France also comprises Ire- on what we’ve achieved so far,” Coleman said. “It’s land and Italy. Ibrahimovic did not to take a big challenge but it’s one that I feel we can con- part in yesterday’s s training due to some quer,” the 45-year-old added. pain in a calf, Hamren said, adding he did “Once you’ve had a taste of club management not consider that to be a big issue. you do miss that day-to-day involvement because “You always have some problems when veteran midfi elder Kim Kallstrom of Swiss of whom were already in prison. international management can be a bit lonely. But you start a pre-camp,” Hamren said. The side Grasshoppers. They are accused of corrupting players, the over-riding factor is that I’m only going to 34-year-old captain made his last appear- who then fi xed the outcomes of two second manage Wales one time – it’s not a job you’re go- ance for Paris Saint-Germain at the week- IZZO QUESTIONED AS PROSECUTORS division games in 2014: Avellino-Reggina ing to go back to. This is not the time to sit back and end when he scored two goals in the French PROBE SERIE B FIXING (3-0) and Modena-Avellino (0-1), in 2014. enjoy the moment. This is the time we push on and Cup fi nal. Also missing from yesterday’s Italian magistrates have announced the A statement from federal prosecutors do something special.” training were defender Martin Olsson of opening of an investigation into an match- confi rmed: “In relation to the investigation In March, Coleman said there had to be changes Norwich and Hamburg SV midfi elder Albin fi xing aff air that allegedly saw corrupt Se- conducted by the Anti-Mafi a Directorate of in the FAW set-up if he was to sign a new deal. “It Euro 2016, but also for the 2018 World Cup qualify- Ekdal. Hamren said he was hopeful that Ek- rie B players help change the outcome of , which this morning led to a series of was very important that everything came to a con- ing campaign. We wanted to acknowledge the fan- dal who recently sustained a cut in his back matches to benefi t Mafi a gangsters. arrests for the illegal activity of betting on clusion before we embark on this journey in front tastic work Chris has done with his staff in ensuring could be included in his fi nal squad, but Genoa defender is one of matches in Serie B, the federal prosecutor of us, and we can concentrate on what’s made us qualifi cation to the Euros in France this summer.” added he was mulling options. several players being questioned. It is re- Stefano Palazzi has requested the transmis- strong,” Coleman said yesterday. Ford added: “There is no one better qualifi ed The coach can make changes in the squad ported that members of the Naples-based sion of all documents relevant to the inves- “It wasn’t a case of looking at what we’ve done. than Chris to lead Wales into its fi rst World Cup in until May 31, the day after Sweden hosts Camorra clan gave Serie B players cash to fi x tigation. “In the following hours, federal We need to keep on improving things and push- 60 years. We wish him the best for Euro 2016 and he Slovenia for a friendly in the southern city results so they could subsequently bet huge prosecutors will formally open an investiga- ing each other before we even get to the players. carries all our hopes and expectations for the World of Malmo. About a third of the provisional sums on the pre-arranged matches. tion into the aff air.” Izzo, a former Avellino The FAW showed that they really wanted me and I Cup campaign as well.” 23-strong squad were absent yesterday due A series of dawn raids were carried out on player who is now with Genoa in Italy’s Se- showed them that I wanted to stay.” Wales begin their Euro 2016 campaign against to commitments for their clubs, including yesterday morning when police arrested a rie A, is being questioned alongside Avellino FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford said: “We Slovakia in Bordeaux on June 11 before playing forward Marcus Berg of Panathinaikos and total of 10 members of the Camorra, seven captain , said the report. are delighted Chris will be our manager not only at Group B games against England and Russia. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 24, 2016 5 CRICKET

FOCUS Gayle says sexism row was just a ‘little fun’

AFP tively, were among those to criticise bowl short to me and I would chop him Serious,” although if she also works, London Gayle’s conduct. past backward point for four.” “they share” and it is down to the “fi rst But Gayle, in an extract from his au- As for Chappell, Gayle said: “Ian person home”. tobiography published in The Times Chappell, calling for me to banned Gayle is currently playing for the est Indies star Chris yesterday, said of his remarks dur- worldwide, a man who was once con- Royal Challengers Bangalore in the In- Gayle has insisted contro- ing the Melbourne Renegades’ match victed of unlawful assault in the West dian Premier League Twenty20 com- versial comments he made against Hobart Hurricanes: “I meant Indies for punching a cricket offi - petition. to a female television re- it as a joke. I meant it as a little fun. I cial. Ian Chappell, how can you ban He is also due to play for Somerset porterW earlier this year were “just a little didn’t mean to be disrespectful and I the Universe Boss? You’d have to ban in English cricket’s domestic Twen- fun” as he turned on critics including didn’t mean it to be taken serious.” cricket itself.” ty20 Blast event, having enjoyed a Andrew Flintoff and Ian Chappell. “Channel 10’s commentary team Saturday saw Gayle facing fresh ac- successful spell with the south-west Gayle, 36, came under fi re for asking could be heard laughing in the back- cusations of sexism following the pub- county in 2015. Australian broadcaster Mel McLaugh- ground... but someone above them lication of an interview with female Somerset chief executive Guy Lav- lin out on a date in a live television in- clearly decided to step in, and a throw- journalist Charlotte Edwardes in The ender, responding to the Edwardes in- terview during a Big Bash Twenty20 away comment in a fun format esca- Times magazine. terview, said: “We were disappointed game in January. lates and blows up and within hours it The interview also saw Gayle say to read the report in The Times (maga- “I wanted to see your eyes for the has turned into a major international women did have equality. “Women can zine). Our experience of Chris was very fi rst time, hopefully we can win this incident,” Gayle added. do what they want. Jamaican women positive when he was with us last sea- game and then we can have a drink af- Flintoff responded on by are very vocal. They will let you know son, both on and off the pitch. ter as well,” said star batsman Gayle, saying Gayle had made himself look a what time is it, for sure,” he said. “We haven’t had the opportunity to before adding: “Don’t blush, baby.” “bit of a chop”. But Gayle, in his auto- Gayle added: “Women should discuss this with him yet, but will of Chappell and Flintoff , former cap- biography, said: “The only chop Fred- please their man,” explaining: “When course do so when he arrives to play for tains of Australia and England respec- die (Flintoff ) knows is when he used to he comes home, food is on the table. us in a few days’ time.” SPOTLIGHT Fast bowler Thakur in India Test squad Reuters internationals to tour Zimba- Mumbai bwe. The uncapped Faiz Fazal, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jayant Fit-again Starc set Yadav, Karun Nair, Mandeep ast bowler Shardul Singh were included while Thakur was the surprise experienced players such as selection in India’s 17- Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran man squad for their Test Ashwin and Suresh Raina have seriesF against the West Indies, been rested. India will play three the Board of Cricket Control one-day internationals and (BCCI) in India announced on its three Twenty20 games against to strike fear into website (www.bcci.tv) yesterday. Zimbabwe in June. The 24-year old earned his first West Indies tour squad call-up to the national side after playing a key role in Mumbai’s Virat Kohli (captain), Murali 41st Ranji Trophy victory in Feb- Vijay, Shikar Dhawan, KL Rahul, ruary, picking up 41 wickets in his Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya 11 matches. Virat Kohli has been Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Wriddhi- named captain of the side for the man Saha, Ravichandran Ashwin, Windies, SA: Smith July-August series with Ajinkya Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Sharma, Rahane named as his deputy. Mohammed Shami, Bhuv- The four-match series will neshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, ‘It’s nice to have Mitchell Starc back bowling the way he is. He’s looking fresh mark the resumption of bilateral Shardul Thakur, Stuart Binny ties between the sides after Zimbabwe tour squad and bowling at good pace. Hopefully, some of the South African and Windies the Caribbean team pulled out midway through a 2014 tour MS Dhoni (captain), KL Rahul, Faiz batsmen are a little bit scared at the moment. It’s exciting to have him back’ of India over a protracted pay Fazal, Manish Pandey, Karun Nair, dispute with the West Indies Ambati Rayudu, Rishi Dhawan, Axar Cricket Board. Patel, Jayant Yadav, Dhawal Kulkarni, The BCCI also announced a Jasprit Bumrah, Barinder Sran, Man- Left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc has weakened 16-man squad for deep Singh, Kedar Jadhav, Jaydev been out of action since fracturing his the one-day and Twenty20 Unadkat, Yuzvendra Chahal foot in last November’s day-night Test in Adelaide against New Zealand ENGLAND TEAM Woakes replaces injured Stokes for 2nd Test against SL

AFP England’s fi rst Test victory at London Headingley. Following a scan (on Sunday) and review by the med- ical team, it was advised that ngland all-rounder Ben Stokes would be unavailable Stokes is facing sev- for the match in Durham. The eral weeks on the side- 24-year-old will be reviewed lines after being ruled by a consultant (on Tuesday), to outE of the second Test against decide on a management plan.” Sri Lanka with a knee injury Woakes is now in the hunt yesterday. Stokes has been re- for a seventh Test cap. His last AFP run-up and bowling with impressive pace Justin Langer, the former Test opener tle bit diff erent with the ball and humidity placed in England’s 12-man appearance came against South Brisbane at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane and current coach of Western Australia, will that quite often is around in Brisbane, so it squad by Warwickshire all- Africa at Centurion in January, over the past few days in preparation for stand in as head coach in place of Darren could be very diffi cult for the batters, par- rounder Chris Woakes. a match where England lost but the West Indies trip. Lehmann, who has been given an extended ticularly if there’s grass left on the wicket.” Durham star Stokes jarred won the series. He will com- itchell Starc’s return will Wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade break from touring after suff ering from Fears that the pink ball might not last his left knee during England’s pete for a place in England’s strike fear into the West In- was struck a painful blow in the stomach deep-vein thrombosis earlier this year. the required 80 overs in Test cricket saw crushing innings and 88-run X1 against uncapped Notting- dies and South African bats- from Starc in the nets yesterday. Smith further said he has no qualms a grassy pitch prepared for the Adelaide win in the fi rst Test at Headin- hamshire quick Jake Ball, in men in next month’s one-day Smith, who came home from the ongo- about playing another day-night Test at match, making the task much harder for gley. He will now miss the sec- the squad at Headingley. Both Mtri-series in the Caribbean, skipper Steve ing Indian Premier League (IPL) early with Adelaide Oval but is wary of how the pink batsmen. “I think we still need plenty of ond of the three-match series, players will join up with the Smith said yesterday. injury, said he was fi t to take his place on ball will perform in the humid conditions development with the ball to make sure that which starts at his Chester-le- England squad in Durham after Left-arm paceman Starc, 26, has been the tour. Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Max- expected at Brisbane later this year. we don’t prepare a wicket that suits the ball Street home ground on Friday. leaving their ongoing matches out of action since fracturing his foot in well, who both suff ered from side strains Australia play Pakistan in the fi rst Test with plenty of grass on it,” Smith added. The 24-year-old, who is due in the County Championship. last November’s historic day-night Test in in India, are also expected to be OK for the under lights at the Gabba on December South Africa captain AB de Villiers said to see a specialist today, could Meanwhile, Sri Lanka have Adelaide against New Zealand and under- tri-series opener against the West Indies 15, despite warnings from former players last month that his team had misgivings be out of action for as long as confi rmed that Kusal Perera will going ankle surgery. in Guyana on June 5. and pundits that muggy conditions could about playing the day-night Test after six weeks. That would see him be joining their squad. Perera was Starc’s fi tness boosts the Austral- “I think they’re both going to be right to make the ball unplayable for batsmen. getting feedback from Smith and some miss both the fi nal two Tests cleared to play again two weeks ian pace attack which also features Josh go,” Smith said. “Maxy’s had a chance to In the inaugural day-night match other Australian players. Although Smith against Sri Lanka and the sub- ago after the International Crick- Hazlewood, Nathan Coulter-Nile and recover and I think he’ll be fi ne for the fi rst against New Zealand in drier Adelaide responded by backing CA’s campaign for sequent fi ve-match one-day et Council (ICC) lifted a provi- Scott Boland for the ODI tri-series where game. We’ll wait until we get over there conditions last year, the ball hooped the Adelaide match, he was less enthused international series with the is- sional doping ban and all asso- each team play three matches against each and the medical staff can assess him then around menacingly during the fl oodlit late about playing a personal role in talking landers, starting on June 21. ciated charges against him. The other, with the top two advancing to the but I think he’s tracking really well. Mitch sessions and Australia won in three days. South Africa around. And with England also facing wicket-keeper/batsman’s arriv- fi nal on June 26 in Barbados. Marsh has been getting through his loads Cricket Australia (CA) hopes to sched- “I guess we could have conversations Pakistan in a four-Test series al, possibly in time for the second “It’s nice to have Mitchell Starc back up here this week, he’s been bowling well ule another Test against South Africa at about it with some of the senior players in that gets underway at Lord’s Test, will change the balance of bowling the way he is,” Smith told reporters and batting well.” Adelaide Oval in November but the Pro- South Africa but in the end it’s up to both in July, team management will Sri Lanka’s squad as he is replac- before the team’s departure. “He’s looking Smith dispelled concerns about his fi t- teas have balked at the prospect, citing a boards what they want to do in regards to be wary of rushing key player ing injured paceman Dhammika fresh and bowling at good pace. Hope- ness, saying he had fully recovered from lack of experience with the pink ball. the game,” he said. Stokes back into the side. Prasad, who has returned home fully, some of the South African and West the wrist injury that cut short his IPL sea- “I think it worked well, the one Test at Australia squad: Steve Smith (capt), David An England and Wales Crick- with a shoulder injury. Indies batsmen are a little bit scared at the son earlier this month. the Adelaide Oval,” Smith said. “I person- Warner, George Bailey, Scott Boland, Nathan et Board statement said: “Eng- “Kusal will join the team as moment. It’s exciting to have him back “It’s coming along good, it was nice to ally believe that’s the best place to play a Coulter-Nile, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, land all-rounder Ben Stokes will soon as possible and acclimatise, and hopefully he can have some success rest it for a couple of weeks and not pick day-night test match but we’ve got the one Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, miss the second Investec Test so he can do some serious work straight away, or pick up where he left off .” up a bat or catch any balls. It’s done it the at the Gabba this year so it will be inter- Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, at Emirates Riverside after sus- with the bat,” Sri Lanka chief se- Starc has been charging in off his full world of good,” he said. esting to see how that goes. It’s just a lit- Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa taining a left knee injury during lector Sanath Jayasuriya said. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, May 24, 2016 SPORT

NBA NHL Penguins stunned by Lightning strike Thunder humble during overtime

AFP day absence, replacing rookie New York Matt Murray. But the selectorial gambit backfi red as Fleury was out- he Tampa Bay Light- played by rookie Andrei Vasi- Warriors to grab ning fought back to levisky, who made 31 saves to clinch a thrilling 4-3 Fleury’s 23. overtime victory over The loss was another blem- Tthe Pittsburgh Penguins to ish on Fleury’s poor record seize control of their Eastern in playoff s - he has now won Conference fi nals series on only one of his last nine posts- Sunday. eason starts. The Lightning The Lightning snatched a meanwhile benefi ted from the edge in West fi nal dramatic win after only 53 sec- makeshift nature of the Pen- onds of overtime when Tyler guins defense following the Johnson defl ected Jason Gar- injury to defenseman Trevor ‘We didn’t compete hard enough or well enough to stay in the game. Thunder was fantastic’ rison’s wrist shot from the left Daley in game four that ruled circle to give his team a 3-2 lead him out of the series. in the best-of-seven series. Olli Maatta, recalled af- Nikita Kucherov played a ter being benched for three starring role for Tampa, scor- games, meanwhile featured in ing twice as the Lightning re- two of the Penguins’ fi rst three covered from a two-goal defi - goals. But it was a disappoint- cit to clinch their second win ing night for Penguins stars in three games in Pittsburgh. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Victory in Game Six on Malkin who both failed to hit Tuesday in Tampa would see the target. the Lightning advance to the The Penguins looked to be Stanley Cup fi nals for a sec- heading for victory after lead- ond straight season. Beaten ing 3-2 late in the third only for Penguins coach Mike Sullivan Kucherov to score his second backed his team to bounce of the game - and 11th of the back in what is now a must- playoff s - at 16:44. win game on Tuesday. Pittsburgh took the lead “This is the fi rst time we’ve through Brian Dumoulin in been in this position. I know the fi rst period before dou- that our guys will respond the bling their tally through Patric right way,” Sullivan said. Hornqvist in the second peri- “I told them after the game od. Tampa, however, hit back it’s disappointing, we’re all through Alex Killorn before disappointed we didn’t get the Kucherov levelled with his fi rst result tonight, but we can’t of the night. change it. So all we’ve got to Chris Kunitz restored the do is we’ve got to gather our- Penguins lead but a late strike selves, we’ve got to go back at from Kucherov in the third and it, and try to win a game.” fi nal period made it 3-3, send- Sullivan had raised eye- ing the game to overtime and brows by recalling goalie handing Johnson his moment Marc-Andre Fleury after a 51- of glory.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook dribbles as Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson defends during the first quarter in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoff s at Chesapeake Energy Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

DPA 2 blowout. “Everyone contrib- Green drove the right side and Stephen Curry backed up his tract you,” Durant explained. Los Angeles uted and the team played well on committed a fl agrant foul on teammate. “Everybody kept together and both ends of the fl oor,” Thunder Steven Adams when he kicked “There is no intent watching we kept our foot on the gas.” coach Billy Donovan said. the Thunder centre in the groin the replay, so that’s clear,” the Curry had 24 points, while he Oklahoma City “The ball movement was very on a follow-through jumper with reigning two-time league MVP Klay Thompson added 18 for the Thunder went small and good and we got everyone in- 5:57 left in the second quarter. said. “It’s unfortunate he got top-seeded Warriors, who shot a came up huge. Kevin volved.” “I actually shed some tears,” kicked, it’s just a normal reac- frosty 41 per cent from the fi eld, Durant fi red in 33 points, Utilizing a smaller, quicker said Adams, who went down tion to a play. Hopefully, they’ll and 10-of-33 on three-pointers. TRussell Westbrook had 30 with unit, the Thunder closed on briefl y. see that.” “We got our butts kicked,” 12 assists, leading the Thunder a 32-7 run behind 23 Durant “I was in too much pain to Westbrook admitted he didn’t Kerr said. “We didn’t compete to a 133-105 rout of the defend- points to take a commanding confront him.” see the replay but disagreed. hard enough or well enough to ing NBA champion Golden State 72-47 halftime cushion after the Referees reviewed the play on “I think it was intentional,” he stay in the game. The Thunder Warriors on Sunday to take a 2-1 contest was knotted at 40-40 a courtside monitor while the said. “You can’t kick someone in was fantastic and we got what lead in the Western Conference apiece. sellout Thunder crowd chanted, their private area.” we deserved.” fi nals. “We put our starters back in “Kick him out, kick him out.” After Green made both free Oklahoma City hosts pivotal “We tried to get stops and get and they stopped moving the Green was whistled for a fl a- throws, Adams countered with a Game 4 on Tuesday in the best- out as fast as we could,” Durant ball,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr grant 1 foul, but said believes the pair at the other end to trigger a of-seven series. said of the adjustment. said. league will rescind it when re- 24-5 OKC blitz, with Durant get- “We have to play chess with “We were able to catch the “We were taking quick shots, viewing it on Monday. ting 10 and Westbrook seven. this team and not try to outgun ball, drive, get to the paint and which was just feeding their “I followed through on a shot. The onslaught continued and them because they have so many kick it out.” transition. We weren’t forcing I don’t know how anybody can OKC took an 117-80 lead into great players,” Thompson said. Serge Ibaka scored 14 points, them to defend at all so that’s say I did that on purpose re- the fi nal frame before cruising to “We’ve been down 2-1 before while reserves Dion Waiters and death here. They got going in gardless of how it looks,” Green the lopsided victory against the and everyone raises their inten- Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (No 86) and Andre Robertson added 13 apiece transition and just opened it said. helpless Warriors. sity. There’s no time to panic,” he Victor Hedman (No 77) and Tyler Johnson celebrate after a goal for the host Thunder, which led wide open.” “I’m sure he wants to have “When you get to this point in continued. against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period in game by as many as 41 to bounce back OKC led 48-40 when War- kids one day. I don’t want that to the season you have to be a smart “We have to get back to basics five of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2016 Stanley Cup from Wednesday’s 118-91 Game riors’ power forward Draymond end on the court.” team and not let anything dis- of the game and we’ll be alright.” Playoff s at Consol Energy Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NFL Brady to appeal ‘Defl ategate’ ruling: Lawyer

Reuters Seattle Seahawks, giving Brady his federal appellate courts for rarely Foxborough fourth championship title. granting such requests. It has held The NFL suspended Brady, twice only one en banc hearing in the last the league’s most valuable player, three years. ew England Patriots after a lawyer hired by the league If the court denies the motion, quarterback Tom Brady to investigate the incident said the the next step for Brady and the NFL will appeal the federal quarterback was “generally aware” players union would be to appeal to court ruling reinstating that two Patriots employees had the U.S. Supreme Court. Nhis four-game suspension for “De- conspired to defl ate the balls, which After Goodell upheld the sus- fl ategate” to the entire U.S. Second could make them easier to grip. pension in July, the players union Circuit Court of Appeals, Brady’s NFL Commissioner Roger fi led a lawsuit claiming the collec- lawyer told ABC News on Monday. Goodell upheld the suspension in tive bargaining agreement did not “The facts here are so drastic, July, prompting the legal challenge permit such a harsh penalty based and so apparent, that the court on Brady’s behalf. The quarterback on the evidence at hand. should rehear it,” Brady’s attorney, has denied knowing about any plan U.S. District Judge Richard former U.S. Solicitor General Ted to defl ate footballs. Berman in New York overturned Olson, told ABC News in an inter- In a split 2-1 decision last Goodell’s decision in September, view. month, a three-judge panel of the ensuring Brady could play the en- Brady, 38, was suspended in May 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals tire 2015 regular season. The judge 2015, four months after the Nation- in New York reversed a ruling that found Brady did not have the re- al Football League (NFL) found un- overturned the decision to penalize quired notice that he could face derinfl ated footballs were used in Brady. a long suspension for his alleged the Patriots’ 45-7 win over the In- Olson said Brady would seek conduct. dianapolis Colts in January 2015’s an “en banc” review in which the But the 2nd Circuit majority AFC championship game. court’s entire roster of 13 active ruled the labour deal between the The victory propelled the Pa- judges would rehear the case and league and the union gave Good- triots to the Super Bowl where render a decision. ell “especially broad” authority in they beat the defending champion The 2nd Circuit is known among disciplinary matters. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 24, 2016 7 SPORT

MLB RUGBY Scotland win London Dodgers past Padres Sevens

AFP London

cotland won their fi rst World Rugby 9-5 aft er 17 innings Sevens Series event as they defeated South Africa 27-26 at Twickenham on Sunday. Bullpen fails to hold early lead and off ense can’t come up with extra-inning run to complete sweep S The Scots had never been to a Sevens Se- ries fi nal before and looked destined for de- feat when they trailed 26-15 in the closing By Andy McCullough stages. But two late tries scored by Dougie Los Angeles Times Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Kenta Maeda throws against the San Diego Fife, with the second coming after time had Padres at Petco Park in San Diego. PICTURE: San Diego Union-Tribune/TNS expired, delivered a historic success for Ca- lum McRae’s team. y 7:30pm, fi ve hours and 47 They set up the showdown with the minutes after this absurdity Blitzboks earlier in the day in similar fash- of a game started, the sun had ion as another pair of late scores from Fife already set behind Petco Park. in the semi-fi nals saw off the United States, TheB Los Angeles Dodgers had emp- who won at Twickenham 12 months earlier. tied the bench and the bullpen across “It’s an unbelievable feeling,” Fife told 17 innings. Now, with the fi nal out 3 afterwards. recorded, the group convened in the “This team have come a long way, we centre of the diamond to celebrate a truly believe we can beat anyone on our day 9-5 victory over the San Diego Padres. and today we showed that. I think we sur- Just moments before, the sprin- prised a few people.” klers in right fi eld turned on. No one, Fiji had already been confi rmed as the not even the grounds crew, expected overall winners of the series having suc- the game to last this long. cessfully defended their title, yet a team The team used nine pitchers, in- featuring ex-rugby league player Jarryd cluding Ross Stripling, the scheduled Hayne, who has converted to the sport fol- starter for Tuesday at Dodger Sta- lowing a stint with the San Francisco 49ers dium, for the fi nal three innings. The in the NFL, were knocked out at the last- team took 65 at-bats, fi nally breaking four stage in London by South Africa. through in the 17th when Yasiel Puig The Scots’ day had started the day with hit a two-run single. Two more runs a 17-0 quarter-fi nal success over England, scored as the Padres broke down. who subsequently lost to New Zealand in The fi nal few innings felt like tor- the plate semi-fi nals, before Fife’s semi- ture. The Dodgers (22-23) missed a fi nal tries saw them progress to a meeting chance to manufacture a run in the with South Africa. ninth when Puig declined to advance The Southern Hemisphere nation were on a clean bunt. The team loaded the 10-7 down at the break in the fi nal after bases with none out and came away Scott Wight dotted down from an innova- empty after Carl Crawford hit into a tive driving maul that caught the South 4-2-3 double play. Africans out. They responded by building Manager Dave Roberts stripped his up an 11-point lead courtesy of tries from roster bare – save for reliever Chin- Rosko Specman and Cecil Afrika and, even hui Tsao, who spent the entirety of after James Fleming had somehow held off the game on the bench. In the 15th, two would-be tacklers 10 metres out to fi n- Roberts used Clayton Kershaw, his ish over the line, another try from Specman starter on Monday, to pinch-hit for looked to have killed Scotland off before reliever J.P. Howell. Kershaw hit a Fife’s late heroics. grounder to advance the potential go- ahead run to second, but Joc Pederson threw his fastball 40.7 percent of the he’s got to trust that.” Maeda leaned stretched out and dove. The ball de- empty, and Upton raced to third. hit an infi eld pop-up for the third out. time. Of the 105 pitchers qualifi ed for on the fastball in the fi rst inning. He fl ected off his glove and trickled be- The Dodgers had a chance to re- South Africa’s Jantjies in race It took until the 17th for the team to the earned-run average title, only six threw three consecutive fastballs to hind him. Three runs scored. claim the lead in the ninth. Puig led to be fi t for Ireland series break the will of Padres reliever Luis were less likely to throw fastballs. Two each of the three hitters he faced. The Dodgers found an answer in off with a single and took second on Perdomo. The victory did not push of those pitchers – R.A. Dickey and An at-bat with former Dodger Matt the sixth. Enrique Hernandez led off a wild pitch. Ellis laid down a bunt to South Africa flyhalf Elton Jantjies faces a the team back above .500, but at least Steven Wright – rely on a knuckleball. Kemp exemplifi ed the team’s hopes with a walk. Chase Utley singled. Co- advance him to third – except Puig de- race against time to be fit for the home the group avoided the embarrass- Three of the others – Collin McHugh, for Maeda’s sequences. He picked rey Seager did the same, scoring Her- cided not to run. The bunt pulled third series against Ireland next month after ment of a sweep at Petco Park. Adam Wainwright and Clay Buch- up two strikes with his fastball, then nandez. Utley scored on a wild pitch. baseman Yangervis Solarte away from it was confirmed he would have surgery Down four runs in the sixth inning, holz – make liberal use of a cutter. The fanned Kemp with a slider. Adrian Gonzalez drove in a third run the bag, and cleared a path for Puig. on an injured hand this week. Jantjies has the Dodgers stormed back against sixth man in the group is New York Maeda threw fi rst-pitch fastballs with another single. An inning later, But he stayed at second. Ellis raised his been in eye-catching form for the Lions the San Diego bullpen. Justin Turner Yankees starter Masahiro Tanaka. to nine of the 13 batters he faced to Turner popped off the bench. He arms in disbelief as Puig idled. “Come in Super Rugby and was seen as a banker tied the proceedings with a towering In transitioning from Nippon Pro- open the game. None recorded a hit. drilled a fastball from Padres left- on!” he said. Crawford followed with a for the number 10 jersey in new coach home run in the seventh. Howie Ken- fessional Baseball, Maeda has often Upton delivered the fi rst Padres hit hander Ryan Buchter into the second fl yball to left, deep enough, theoreti- Allister Coetzee’s Springbok team in the drick gave his club its fi rst lead of the expressed surprise at the strength of with a leadoff single in the fth.fi He deck beyond left fi eld. On the fi rst cally, to score a man from third base. three-match series against the Irish start- day soon after with his fi rst homer of his new opposing hitters. Even the swiped second base, with A.J. Ellis pitch of the eighth inning, Kendrick RESULTS ing in Cape Town on June 11. But the Lions the season. pitchers can unleash force, a reality unable to make a throw. took a slider from reliever Brandon Detroit 9 Tampa Bay 4 confirmed in a statement on Monday that For the second time in three days, Maeda learned when he gave up two The extra base proved costly. Two Maurer over the center-fi eld fence. NY Mets 3 Milwaukee 1 he will have an operation that is expected Roberts handed the baseball to home runs to New York Mets starter batters later, Maeda fooled catcher Roberts sent Louis Coleman out for Seattle 5 Cincinnati 4 to keep him sidelined for three-four Kenley Jansen for a four-out save. Noah Syndergaard earlier this month. Christian Bethancourt with a pair of the eighth. Coleman walked the lead- Washington 8 Miami 2 weeks. Coetzee is likely to introduce more For the second time in three days, Pa- “He was pretty surprised about the sliders. But Bethancourt connected off batter, but retired the next two. Philadelphia 5 Atlanta 0 black players into the his team to meet dres outfi elder Melvin Upton Jr. van- Syndergaard power,” Roberts said. with a third. His single scored Upton. With the tying run at second and Up- Boston 5 Cleveland 2 the South African government’s transfor- quished Jansen. Two days after his The Dodgers worried that Maeda Maeda started to waver. He gave up ton at the plate, Roberts pulled Cole- Chicago W Sox 3 Kansas City 2 mation targets and Jantjies has deserved walk-off homer, Upton tied the score was becoming too reliant on his slider, a hit to opposing starter Colin Rea on man and turned to Jansen. Texas 9 Houston 2 a call-up after steering the Lions to the with an RBI triple in the eighth. his most trustworthy off -speed pitch. a curveball. He walked outfi elder Jon Before Friday, Jansen had not blown Toronto 3 Minnesota 1 top of the South African Conference in The Dodgers received another puz- The team counselled him to challenge Jay on fi ve pitches. The bases were a save this season. He had never given Arizona 7 St. Louis 2 Super Rugby. He looks certain to miss zling outing from Kenta Maeda. He opponents, rather than nibble. loaded for Myers. Maeda tested Myers up a walk-off homer in his life. But he LA Angels 10 Baltimore 2 the first test against Ireland, but could be gave up four runs in fi ve innings, ap- “It’s more an emphasis of not with fastballs and sliders on the fi sts. could not solve Upton, who smoked NY Yankees 5 Oakland 4 back for the matches in Johannesburg pearing to lose steam as the afternoon giving the hitters too much credit,” Myers swung late on a hanging slider. a waist-high cutter into the gap be- LA Dodgers 9 San Diego 5 (June 18) and Port Elizabeth (June 25) if continued. Roberts said. “And understanding The potential third out fl oated into tween Joc Pederson and Puig. Ped- (17 innings) his recovery goes to plan. During his fi rst eight starts, Maeda that he’s got fastball command. And right fi eld. Puig sprinted forward, erson lunged for the ball. He came up San Francisco 1 Chicago Cubs 0

ICE HOCKEY Canada overcome Finland to retain world title

AFP Canada into the lead 11:24 into the fi nal when Moscow he wristed the puck under the crossbar from just outside the crease. In the second period, the defending lympic champions Canada re- champions still looked the commanding side tained their ice hockey world and outshot their opponents 13-4. But the championship title after beating Finns remained disciplined and frustrated Finland 2-0 in the fi nal in Moscow Canada’s attempts to increase their lead. Oon Sunday. Finland, who created few chances to score Canada, the 2010 and 2014 Olympic an equaliser in the third period, substituted champions, overpowered Finland in a repeat their goalie for a sixth fi eld player with a of the 2007 fi nal to successfully defend their minute to go, but that only resulted in Duch- world title for the fi rst time since claiming ene scoring an empty-netter to secure Can- back-to-back victories in 2003 and 2004. ada’s victory. “Today we did exactly we wanted to do,” “I don’t think anyone was really thinking said Canada skipper Corey Perry, who be- at the end,” McDavid said. “We saw the puck came the member of the Triple Gold Club go in, the clock was running down, and we after winning the Olympics, the Stanley Cup just down to the ice. So we got to celebrate and a world championship. twice in the end.” “We’ve learned a lot from our fi rst game Meanwhile, Finland players acknowl- against them at the championship. edged their defeat, naming it a deserved re- “Today we didn’t turn the puck over, we sult of the match. controlled the puck playing in their zone. “Today they played better and won de- We’ve executed our game plan almost per- servedly,” Finland forward Aleksander Bark- fectly today and that made the diff erence.” ov said. “Unlike our group match Canada Russian President Vladimir Putin was in scored fi rst and then they were in control. attendance at a packed Ice Palace arena, with “We gave everything we have to level but Colorado Avalanche centre Matt Duchene today it was not enough to save the match. providing a goal and an assist and Cam Tal- “Canada played according to their con- bot producing 16 saves as Canada claimed a sidered plan, they had full control on the 26th world title. puck and allowed us to create just very rare Canada were seeking revenge for the 4-0 chances to score tonight.” defeat infl icted by Finland in their group Earlier, host nation Russia won the bronze match in Saint Petersburg and began pep- medal with a crushing 7-2 win over the Unit- pering Finland goaltender Mikko Koskinen ed States. with shots from the opening face-off . Next year’s tournament will be co-hosted Edmonton’s 19-year-old forward Connor by Paris and the German city of Cologne in McDavid, a nominee for this year’s Calder what will be the 81st edition of the ice hockey Trophy given to the best NHL rookie, put world championship. Players of Canada pose with their gold medals and the trophy during the victory ceremony. (Reuters) Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, May 24, 2016 SPORT

BADMINTON BOXING Injured Blackwell ‘disgusted’ at Great Danes eye ‘inhuman’ Eubanks Rio glory aft er Cup breakthrough File picture of Nick Blackwell (R) during his fight with . ‘I have to believe I will go far in the Olympics because if you don’t believe in yourself AFP begging them not to talk, but they London ignored it. then it won’t happen. I’m confident and I’m looking forward to a good preparation...’ “I was still in a coma but they went ahead and did it. That’s the ick Blackwell has spoken Eubanks, isn’t it? They just want of his “disgust” at the attention, no matter if it’s a bad or “inhuman” reaction of a good thing. Chris Eubank Jnr and his “If Chris Jnr was in a coma and Nfather following the British mid- I wanted to do a press conference dleweight title clash that threat- on the Tuesday and their fam- ened to cost him his life. ily was begging me not to do it, I Blackwell was placed in an would not do it. induced coma having collapsed Eubank senior’s ringside com- shortly after being stopped the ments were seen by many as a bout with Eubank Jnr back in reaction to his 1991 World Box- March. The 25-year-old, who ing Organisation super-middle- has since retired, was found to weight title stoppage-win over have suff ered a bleed on the skull Michael Watson. but woke after a week without That bout ended with Watson requiring surgery. needing major surgery. It also left Television images appeared him with irreparable brain dam- to show Eubank Sr telling his age and partially paralysed. son not to aim for Blackwell’s But Blackwell said: “The peo- head during the fi ght, which was ple who saved my life were the stopped in the 10th round by ref- referee, the person who put me eree Victor Loughlin. in the coma and the people at St “Even in sparring, I tell Junior Mary’s Hospital. The Eubanks to stay away from the head be- didn’t save my life. cause his punching is fast, pow- “Chris Jnr was asked later if erful and dangerous,” Eubank, a he’d pick the belt or my health. former and super- He refused to answer. middleweight world champion, “The night of the fi ght he went told the BBC days after the bout. partying. He was celebrating...I “So most certainly I was say- would have wanted to go to the ing this to protect the fi ghter.” hospital and be by his side until That led Blackwell to say the he woke up.” Eubanks were trying to “grab as Eubank Jnr defended his con- much attention as they could” duct by telling the Sun: “Peo- and “make themselves look like ple and media demanded that the good guys”. we speak to them. If we had just Blackwell told The Sun: “I said ‘No comment’ it would have haven’t any hard feelings about come off as cold.” the fi ght because you’re in there The 26-year-old added: “If to win and try and hurt someone – Nick is part of the small percent- it’s just the stuff he has done after. age that took off ence, that’s un- It’s inhuman, it’s disgusting. fortunate. It’s sad for me to hear “My family and friends were something like that.” Viktor Axelsen of Denmark celebrates his victory over Tommy Sugiarto of Indonesia in their men’s singles final group match at the Thomas Cup badminton tournament.

AFP at the Olympics,” Axelsen told a press Axelsen was felled by second-ranked many teams,” Li told reporters.”The com- Kunshan, China conference – much of which he conduct- Lee Chong Wei 23-21, 21-18 during the petition is fi erce.” Britain’s Ennis-Hill feared injury ed in fl uent Mandarin, to the delight of semi-fi nal – screaming on court at bad China’s quarter-fi nal defeat to South the Chinese press corps. shots and once throwing his racket. Korea raised fears about their prospects would end Rio dream enmark’s Viktor Axelsen be- “I have to believe I will go far in the for Rio, with world number one Chen Britain’s Olympic and world “I obviously did worry, but lieves he will go far at the Rio Olympics because if you don’t believe in MENTALLY STRONG Long chief among their concerns. heptathlon champion Jessica I still had confidence in the Olympics and is confi dent his yourself then it won’t happen.” “For the Olympics you must be prepared Chen admitted he suff ered an attack of Ennis-Hill has said she feared medical team and everyone to fellow countrymen will also He added: “I’m confi dent and I’m just and mentally very, very strong,” said Ma- nerves in his 87-minute loss to South Ko- that a recurring Achilles get me back,” she said. proveD themselves after their historic looking forward to having a good prepa- laysia’s Lee, when asked about his own rea’s Son Wan-ho, which placed the team injury would prevent her from “The Achilles is actually feel- Thomas Cup victory. ration and I’m sure Denmark will prove gold medal ambitions after the win. in a defi cit they never recovered from. defending her title at the Rio ing good at the moment.” The Danes have momentum on their themselves.” “Every month there is a Superseries Axelsen has beaten Chen once before Olympics. The long-standing injury had side following their maiden title at the Axelsen, the world number four and (tournament).For the Olympics, in four and says doing it again at the Olympics is The 30-year-old made her first forced her to withdraw from world team championships, where Ol- reigning European champion, led the years there’s only one.” a real possibility. competitive appearance of the this year’s indoor athletic sea- ympic powerhouse China crashed out in team to victory at the Thomas Cup, scor- Still, Axelsen’s performances have “I’m of course really happy that Li season in the javelin event at a son and from next Saturday’s the quarter-fi nals. ing a straight-sets win over Indonesia’s been impressive enough to garner close Yongbo went out there saying that I low-key meeting in Loughbor- IAAF Combined Events Chal- In a sign of badminton’s shifting for- Tommy Sugiarto during the team’s nail- attention from China’s formidable coach, might have a good chance,” he said. ough on Sunday, finishing last lenge meeting in Austria. tunes, Denmark became the fi rst Euro- biting 3-2 fi nal win. Li Yongbo. “I’ve been playing good matches with in the eight strong field. “I’ve just had to rehab it pean team to win the men’s trophy while “I managed to stay calm and that’s why Li named both Axelsen and his team- Chen Long. I’ve beaten Chen Long once Ennis-Hill recorded a best gradually and build back into hosts China, who hold all fi ve Olympic I won,” said Axelsen. mate Jan O Jorgensen as possible threats and I was close with Lee Chong Wei throw of 41.69 metres, well be- training, but I’m pretty much titles, suff ered an early exit. However, the brash 22-year-old dis- to China’s dominance at the Olympics (in the semis) so I have to believe in my low her personal best of 48.33 back doing everything now,” “I think in Denmark we have many played visible cracks in his mental game this summer. chances,” added Axelsen. metres, in her first event since she added. strong players who can really be up there earlier in the tournament. “Now, there’s many elite players from Now to see what happens next. winning her second world title The Rio de Janeiro Olympics in Beijing last August. take place from Aug 5-21.

BOTTOMLINE HOPE Olympic champion Diamond S Korea waits on vault champ Yang to charged for fi rearms off ences prove fi tness Reuters analysis later showed he was out),” Chiller told local media. Melbourne three times over the legal blood- “If it is proven what has been Reuters trials in July to prove his fi tness. alcohol limit. suggested overnight, (it’s) not Seoul “We have a regulation that al- An AOC spokesman con- something that I would want any lows us to recommend athletes wice Olympic shooting fi rmed Diamond had been of our team members to display.” with a high possibility of win- champion Michael Dia- charged over the off ences. SA said it was gathering infor- outh Korea has given Ol- ning a medal in various competi- mond has been arrested Local media reported that mation on the case. ympic vault champion tions so we’ve put him in accord- for drink driving and Diamond had refused to take a “We can confi rm that Shoot- Yang Hak-seon some ing to the regulation.” Tcharged with fi rearms off ences, breathalyser after being stopped ing Australia is working closely breathing room in his The KGA said that if Yang the Australian Olympic Com- by police late on Saturday near with Michael to support him and raceS to regain fi tness after injury made the team they would try to mittee said on Monday, jeopard- his brother’s house in a coastal to ensure that his welfare is pro- left his chances of making the send another gymnast as cover in ising his chances of competing resort north of Sydney. tected,” it said in a statement. team for the Rio Games hanging case the injury fl ared up. at a seventh Olympics in Rio. Diamond won trap gold at Diamond’s participation at by a thread. Yang Bu-kwon, the head of the New South Wales police said the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, the Rio Games was already un- Yang ruptured his right Achil- gymnast’s management agency, they had charged a 44-year- defended his title in his home- der a cloud due to legal action les in March during practice but told Reuters that since undergo- old man with “high range drink town Sydney four years later and taken by another local shooter, was included in a preliminary list ing surgery in late March, Yang driving, not keeping firearm hopes to become only the second who was passed over for selec- for the Rio Olympics announced has shown an unexpectedly safe and handling or using fire- Australian to compete at a sev- tion for the two-man trap team. on Sunday by the Korea Gym- quick recovery. arm while under the influence enth Olympics in Rio, matching Teenager Mitchell Iles has ap- nastic Association (KGA). “Even the doctor is very posi- of alcohol.” equestrian rider Andrew Hoy. pealed to sport’s highest tribu- The 23-year-old, who became tive and Hak-seon is showing His driver’s and fi rearms li- Australia’s Olympic team chef nal, the Court of Arbitration for South Korea’s fi rst gold medal a very strong will to make this censes had been suspended and de mission Kitty Chiller said Sport, seeking to overturn his winner in gymnastics at the 2012 possible,” he said. he had been granted bail to ap- Diamond’s nomination for Rio omission. London Games, would be the “He’s been training for this pear at court on June 7, police was up to the sport’s national Diamond, along with Olympic country’s best hope of a medal in moment for four years and his said in a statement, adding that governing body, Shooting Aus- bronze medallist Adam Vella, Rio if he was fi t, KGA offi cial Han condition before the unfortu- he had been involved in a do- tralia (SA), but added that the were set to be selected by SA last Chung-sik told Reuters yesterday. nate injury is better than it was mestic argument with a relative AOC could still overrule it. month but the governing body “Under normal circumstanc- in 2012. prior to his arrest. “If a conviction is proven to held off naming the team pend- es, Yang Hak-seon would be “He still needs to be very care- Police said a shotgun with This file photo shows Australian double Olympic gold medallist have brought that athlete or ing Iles’s hearing. our strongest athlete at the Ol- ful so he will continue his rehab 150 rounds of ammunition was Michael Diamond celebrating on his way to winning the trap event their sport into disrepute, then SA said the appeal would pro- ympics,” Han said by telephone, and remain positive about com- found in his car and that a breath of the ISSF World Shooting Championships in Nicosia, Cyprus. yes it would (rule an athlete ceed. adding that he had until the fi nal peting.” Gulf Times Tuesday, May 24, 2016 9 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FORMULA 1 Verstappen good McIlRoy salutes motivation: Ricciardo Irish Open success ‘Our aim is to make the Free Irish Open one of the most exciting golf tournaments in the world, and this week will go a long way towards helping us achieve this ambition’

File picture of Max Verstappen (R) and Daniel Ricciardo.

Agencies tive I’m trying to draw myself to. Monaco “But obviously from a per- sonal side [Spain] was massively frustrating. Sure it’s a team sport aniel Ricciardo says but you are doing it for yourself the recent arrival of as well, and it’s as individual as Max Verstappen at Red it is team and that balance is a Bull - and the Dutch tricky one to try to always try and teenager’sD subsequent victory in manage. But obviously from a Spain - has provided him with personal side it’s still a hard one fresh motivation, saying that to take.” their growing rivalry should ben- Red Bull currently sit third in efi t them both moving forwards. the constructors’ standings, 15 “Max is a serious F1 driver and points behind Ferrari. However, that’s actually really good for Ricciardo says the progress the me,” said Ricciardo in an inter- team have made in recent weeks view with Red Bull. – and at the post-race test in “It’s defi nitely a good moti- Barcelona where they ran an vation. I said when I joined Red upgraded power unit as well as Bull and I came up against Seb several new aerodynamic parts [Vettel] that I wanted to come up - should see them coming on against the best and challenge “stronger and stronger” over the myself. Now Max is the newest next few races. challenge for me and I think he’s “I think some things we found a big one. in the test are pushing us closer “In a way I think that it’s good to the front,” he said. that he’s having this success be- “So far the season has been cause if I can get on top of that better than expected. I’ve had then it’s only good for me and four fourth [place fi nishes] in fi ve probably for both of our careers.” races – the fi rst two fourths were Ricciardo led for 30 laps in really good, but since then I think Spain, but fell to fourth behind those fourths should have been Verstappen and both Ferraris af- better. ter his three-stop race strategy “I don’t feel we’ve got the had played out. The Australian, most points that we could have, who has said he believes Red but defi nitely in terms of com- Bull’s strategy calls ultimately petitiveness we’re better than we cost him a shot at victory, admits thought. he’s had a diffi cult time moving “I still sit here positive and on since the race – and has expe- happy with our position, and rienced very mixed feelings. defi nitely excited – though not “It’s a tough one. Part of me too excited – that we can fi ght is happy that the team is win- for a lot more podiums this year.” ning again, and I think part of Ricciardo lies fi fth in the driver me is happy that everyone is su- standings on 48 points, one place per motivated and confi dence is and 10 points above Verstappen. File picture of Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy celebrates winning the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at the The K Club, County Kildare, Ireland. high. So that’s obviously a posi- (Formula1.com)

Agencies golf and life with actor James Nesbitt and “This has been a remarkable week, the Rory Foundation, Rory McIlroy and Dublin former Manchester United manager Sir capped off by an incredible performance the European Tour. DREAM Alex Ferguson. by our tournament host, Rory McIlroy,” “Our aim is to make the Dubai Duty The fans then turned up in incred- he said. Free Irish Open one of the most exciting he Dubai Duty Free Irish Open ible numbers to the golf, helping to raise “We are thrilled to be part of this spec- golf tournaments in the world, and this proved it is going from strength money for children’s charities Barres- tacular tournament, and look forward to week will go a long way towards helping Training for Olympic to strength as over a million eu- town, Jack & Jill Foundation and Laura- continuing to work with our partners at us achieve this ambition.” ros was raised for the Rory Foun- Lynn Ireland’s Children’s Hospice. Tdation at The K Club. glory in the small On the course, the action went right MILLION EURO MARK BROKEN McIlroy hoping Irish Open win will spur him to down to the wire with tournament host The icing on the cake came with McIl- greater heights in the remaining majors Rory McIlroy and Russell Knox taking the roy’s victory, with the 27 year old donat- Kenyan town of Iten event to a dramatic climax as the North- ing his winner’s cheque of €666,660 to World number three Rory McIlroy has catalyst for another big summer.” ern Irishman put a 253-yard approach to his Foundation, and the Northern Irish- said he hoped his Irish Open victory Despite his limited success this year, two feet on the last for a victory-clinch- man was delighted with the success of would spur him to greater heights in the four-time major winner brushed ing eagle. the week. the remaining three majors and the aside concerns of a dip in form, add- Outside the ropes, the typically pas- “We’ve already raised over half a mil- Olympics Games in Rio de Janeiro, fol- ing that his game was good enough to sionate Irish fans fl ocked to County Kil- lion euros going into today for the three lowing a lacklustre start to the year. challenge for the top. dare despite some inclement weather to chosen charities, and then all the win- The 27-year-old was in danger of “I kept telling myself, kept telling any- see an elite fi eld battle it out and were nings go towards that as well, so we’ve losing a three-shot lead in the final one that would listen, my game was rewarded with a home win. broken the million euro mark this week, round of the Irish Open, but a closing close. It was just a matter of every- The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open proved which is absolutely incredible,” he said. 69 secured a dramatic victory for the thing clicking,” McIlroy added. it is going from strength to strength as “It’s a day I’ll not forget for a while.” Northern Irish golfer, his first triumph “I really feel like my game is in good over a million euros was raised for the Dubai Duty Free began their associa- since last November’s DP World Tour enough shape to kick on from here Rory Foundation at The K Club. tion with the Irish Open last season and championship in Dubai. and to challenge in the three final ma- The week began on Tuesday with over are committed to it until 2018, with Ex- “It means a lot for my summer,” McIl- jors, and obviously everything else we 2,000 fans heading to the Convention ecutive Vice Chairman Colm McLough- roy told British media. have to play for this year, Olympics, Centre in Dublin for ‘An Evening With lin certain the event will get even bigger “Maybe those last three holes is the Ryder Cup, Race to Dubai, FedEx Cup.” Rory’ as the World Number Three talked and better.

GOLF / SENIOR TOUR Athletes exercise in the early morning in the sports ground of the University of Eldoret in western Kenya.

Reuters “The biggest obstacle is to Iten, Kenya keep on working to improve your ability and to over- Langer continues dominance come your injuries when n Kenya’s western town of they do happen,” said Pke- Iten, known as the “Home mei, Kenyan champion for of Champions” for drawing the 5,000 metres in 2007. runners to train from around with runaway major win Ithe world, athletes rise to pound “The biggest obstacle is to the track and dirt roads at dawn. keep on working to improve your Reuters “It’s hard to put into words “I’m blessed with good Kenyan athletics stars such as ability and to overcome your in- Alabama the amazing feeling to win, but health, reasonable tech- marathon world record holder juries when they do happen,” to win majors means that much nique and solid mind,” Dennis Kimetto and Olympic said Pkemei, Kenyan champion more,” Langer told report- Langer said. “I’m very 800 metre champion David Rud- for the 5,000 metres in 2007. erman Bernhard Lang- ers after his 27th victory on the fortunate to have won four isha have slogged through their Some athletes choose to make er continued his domi- Champions Tour. of the majors and maybe I race preparations here, as well the town their full-time resi- nance of senior golf His latest win was hardly a sur- can win a fi ft h. Who knows? as Britain’s double Olympic and dence, like Egla Musop Jebichii, when he birdied the prise. Just last month he was only We’ll see.” world champion Mo Farah and a 28, a partially blind runner who Gfi nal three holes for a six-shot two strokes from the lead going host of others. will join the Kenyan team in the victory at the Regions Tradition into the fi nal round of the Mas- Langer will not have to wait At 2,400 metres (7,900 feet), Paralympics. in Alabama on Sunday. ters at Augusta National, though long for a crack at another ma- the altitude makes Iten an ideal She lives with her husband and The evergreen 58-year-old his quest to become the oldest jor, with the Senior PGA Cham- location for established middle- fi ve-year-old son. She previ- German shrugged off a slow player to win a regular major dis- pionship coming up this week in and long-distance racers to build ously ran in London’s 2012 Para- start to the final round to claim appeared with a closing 79. Michigan. their endurance and stamina. lympics. Others start small busi- the first of the year’s five des- “We’re out here (on the It is the only senior major The town also draws less ex- nesses to support themselves. ignated major championships Champions Tour) knowing the Langer has failed to capture and perienced athletes aspiring for Johana Kariankei lives in a on the 50-and-over Champi- clock is ticking and trying to with a win there he would be- glory in the Rio de Janeiro Ol- training camp and sells souvenirs ons Tour. make the most of it,” he said. come the only senior player to ympics in August, and disabled to foreign athletes there. When Langer started the day with John Daly, playing in just his seize all fi ve. sportsmen and women aiming to not at his stall, he takes to the lead of four strokes and, after a second senior event, tied for 15th “I’m blessed with good health, compete in the Paralympics. green open fi elds and dirt tracks quiet front-nine, caught fi re on at fi ve-under, a shot better than reasonable technique and solid “I hope to be able to participate around Iten to run. the back side with fi ve birdies Colin Montgomerie. mind,” Langer said. in the Rio Olympics this year,” said But better facilities would for a closing fi ve-under-par 67 File picture of German golfer Bernhard Langer. American Kenny Perry held “I’m very fortunate to have Thomas Pkemei, a 27-year-old help, he said. “We need good on the Greystone course in Bir- the lead after the fi rst two rounds won four of the majors and may- runner in one Iten camp who is tracks to train in. This is the re- mingham. for his six career senior major, lus (eight) and Hale Irwin (seven) but faded to equal 23rd with 74- be I can win a fi fth. Who knows? getting ready for Kenya’s qualify- sponsibility of the government He fi nished at 17-under 271 and now trails only Jack Nicka- on the all-time list. 77 on the weekend. We’ll see.” ing contests next month. to provide.” Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, May 24, 2016 SPORT

FOCUS Fossati extends stay with Al Rayyan QSL champions Al Rayyan have confirmed that head coach Jorge Fossati has signed a new three-year deal to stay at the club till the 2017-2018 season, according to the club’s off icial web- site. Fossati, who is no stranger to football in Qatar after stints with Al Sadd and the Qatar national team, led Al Rayyan to their first QSL title in 21 years this term after being hired last summer. Al Rayyan looking Fossati was crowned the QSL coach of the year on Saturday evening, after helping the Lions to the QSL title with five games forward to top class to spare. SC facilities: Tabata 'I look forward to training there ahead of the new season'

l Rayyan captain and 2015-16 Qatar Football Association (QFA) Player of the Year Rodrigo Tabata has had a season to re- member,A helping his side to win the Qatar Stars League (QSL) title and notching the top-scorer award. Now the prolifi c strik- er has expressed his satisfaction that the club will be moving in to their new train- ing facilities ahead of the coming season, as the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) completes construction on the state-of-the-art facility. “I am thankful that the Supreme Com- mittee have looked after the club’s re- quirements and invested in the facility, which I am sure will be top class,” Tabata told www.sc.qa on the sidelines of the QFA Awards. “I look forward to training there ahead of the new season.” The new training facilities will be lo- cated next to the site where Al Rayyan Stadium – the club’s new home ground and a proposed host venue for matches up to the quarter-fi nals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar – is currently being constructed. Tabata was also present Al Sadd set for Austria training camp when the design for the new stadium was revealed last year. QSL side Al Sadd have confirmed their preseason training plans The Al Rayyan fans’ favourite, who ahead of the start of the QSL season. shared the season’s Mansour Muftah Al Sadd’s head of football Mohamed Ghanem al-Ali confirmed on top-scorer award with El Jaish forward Al Sadd’s website that the squad will be meeting in Doha on July Abdulrazak Hamdullah, predicted a 10, before travelling to their training camp on July 15 in Austria. tougher 2016-17 title defence for the al-Ali also confirmed a second training camp for the side which ‘lions’. will be held in Al Ain, UAE, a few weeks before the start of the “El Jaish were very strong in the sec- QSL season. ond half of this season and they have had In a wide ranging interview with the website, he said that Sadd a good run in the AFC Champions League will be sticking with a youth policy despite missing out on a as well. Lekhwiya and Al Sadd are strong trophy this term. contenders and Al Arabi and Al Gharafa “Despite being in a bad situation in terms of the results, we are outsiders. So there will be a close fi ght brought out players who we will depend on in the future, starting next year.” from next season - players like Salem al-Hajri, Meshaal al-Sham- Tabata also pointed out that the whole mari, Nasser al-Nasr, Musab Khodr and Hamza al-Sanhaji. We will country was behind the Qatar team en- continue with this policy, which Al Sadd has been leading with.” tering the fi nal phase of 2018 FIFA World Al Sadd finished the domestic season without any honours, after Cup qualifying in September. being edged out of the Emir Cup on penalties by Lekhwiya. The “Qatar will give 100 percent and more. QSL season is set to start on the September 15. Every single one of us wants to qualify for Russia 2018. There is good internal Gharafa to travel to Portugal for camp competition for places, which has lifted each one’s level. We are willing to look Meanwhile, Al Gharafa will be travelling to Lisbon, Portugal, for everybody, including Asian heavyweights the preseason training. Iran and South Korea, in the eye and fi ght The decision was made by the team’s Portuguese head coach it out. Fighting hard and getting good Pedro Caixinia. The Cheetahs have also lined up three friendly results in the qualifi ers will instil con- games for their training camp which will be held from July fi dence in the youngsters leading up to 18-August 7. 2022. First up Gharafa will take on a Benfica B side on the July 13, be- “Playing a FIFA World Cup in front fore taking on Liga Nos side Estoril Praia on July 22. Gharafa are of home fans will be a historic occasion Rodrigo Tabata receives Player of the Year award from QFA president Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmad al-Thani. also set to face Belenenses, however, the details of the match are and the national squad is eagerly looking yet to be confirmed. forward to giving a performance befi t- have achieved a lot in Asian football but 100,000 away fans is a massive challenge a system to bring out the best in himself ting the fi rst ever Middle Eastern tourna- we will not be overawed against them. but a positive one. This is what you look as well as fellow attackers Sebastian Soria ment,” added Tabata, whose 21 goals in The fi rst game against Iran is the biggest forward to as a footballer and I am sure and Sergio Garcia. 24 QSL matches were the driving force challenge. We need to go there to fi ght the atmosphere in Tehran will lift my “The coach was very fl exible and told SPOTLIGHT behind Al Rayyan’s fi rst title win since and claim three points. The mindset will performance as well as that of my team- the three of us to interchange positions 1994-95. not be to come away with a point.” mates.” at will. Winning was important, not Tabata also shed light on the prevail- Tabata said his previous experience of The skilful forward also contributed 10 who scored the goal. I also have to thank ing mindset in Jose Carreno’s side, who playing in one of Asia’s iconic football assists in the QSL season, his best since my other teammates who were fantastic Stallions basketball will play their fi rst match in third round venues will prove benefi cial in the open- joining the club in 2011-12, and thanked right through the season. They deserve qualifying in Tehran’s Azaadi Stadium er. “I have played at the Azaadi in the AFC coach Jorge Fossati – who won the QFA my awards as much as I do,” concluded on September 1. “Iran and South Korea Champions League – playing in front of Coach of the Year Award – for devising Tabata. (SC.qa) team from Doha

M PALLONJI CRICKET TOURNAMENT tours Dubai

By Sports Reporter ganised as part of the inaugura- Doha tion. This was the very fi rst tour organised by Stallions Basketball Metabo emerge winners in Division II Academy Doha and was a great tallions Basketball Acad- experience for the young players emy, member of the Stal- of the Academy. By Sports Reporter lions Sports Services Stallions Sports Services in Doha WLL, recently concluded Doha provides coaching in cricket, aS very successful tour of the UAE, basketball and badminton for jun- participating in several matches iors from the age of 6 to 18 years etabo defeated Serandib B by taking on some of the leading through a well-qualifi ed and ex- 44 runs to lift the Division basketball academies in the UAE perienced team of coaches. II title in the 2nd M Pallonji and winning three matches out Meanwhile Stallions Cricket Cricket Tournament at the of four. Academy has fi nalised all arrange- MWest Bay Sports Complex on Friday. The tour was organised in con- ments to tour England from July After Serandib B put Metabo to bat, the junction with the inauguration of 23 to August 2, 2016, with their latter put up an imposing 161 runs on the Stallions Basketball Academy in Under 15 and U11 cricket teams. board for the loss of nine wickets in the al- Dubai. The children of Stallions The academy has toured England, lotted 20 overs. Rafaqat scored 29 runs, hit- Basketball Academy Doha were Sri Lanka and UAE in the past two ting a six and two fours in his knock, while part of the opening ceremony years and plans to tour Australia, Hussain’s 26-run knock included three and were able to showcase their South Africa, India, Malaysia and sixes. Irfan added 23 runs (1 six, 1 four). talents in front of their oppo- Singapore in future. Stallions re- For Serandib B, Chanaka, Roshan and nents and spectators during an cently opened branches in Singa- Chandana took two wickets each while exhibition game which was or- pore and Dubai. Bandula scalped one. In reply, Serandib B were bundled out for 117 in the allotted 20 overs. Bandula was their top scorer with 21 runs in- cluding 2 sixes. Prakash pitched in with 19 runs (1 four). Zulfi and Monty took 2 wickets each while Khadir and Haneef took a wicket each. Metabo’s Husain was adjudged the Man of the Finals. Metabo players Nabeel and Atiq were declared the Best Batsman and Best Wicketkeeper of the tournament re- spectively, while Serandib B players Roshan and Prakash received the Best Bowler and Best All Rounder awards respectively. M Pallonji’s regional general manager Chidananda Nayak was the chief guest at Metabo skipper Abdul Kadar and teammate Atiq receive the winners’ trophy from M Pallonji regional general manager Chidananda the prize distribution ceremony. Nayak after winning 2nd M Pallonji Cricket Tournament-Division II. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 24, 2016 11 TENNIS

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Damp fans Love him, hate him, learn French Open roof still Stepanek thrives as years away

Reuters struction of a new, sunken court, Paris which needs to be built before a roof can go on Chatrier, Forget character actor said. wo days of rain delays “This is central Paris, and I’m at Roland Garros have sure that you too are apprecia- 'It’s three generations of players I’m meeting on the courts, and I’m still able to had tennis fans huddled tive of the unique charm of the under umbrellas musing location. We know that the play- beat them, which is giving me confidence... I’m feeling 25 again' aboutT when the French Open, like the other three Grand Slams, AFP will have a roof. Paris A soggy start to the tourna- ment has highlighted the press- ing need for a retractable cover e’s been described as the Don over the main Philippe Chatrier Juan of tennis as well as the Court, and tournament director sport’s least likeable man, but at Guy Forget off ered some encour- 37 years old, Radek Stepanek is agement yesterday as rain buck- Hjust happy to still be playing. eted down at the historic venue. The colourful and controversial Czech It might be a while though, is one of the few devil-may-care charac- with 2020 now the likely com- ters left in tennis even if his antics often pletion date for a controversial leave opponents feeling cold. 400-million euro project that From leaping over the net, performing also includes the expansion of “Welcome to France. You his ‘worm’ dance, exaggerating celebra- the grounds. know the circumstances tions or even facing down potential phys- The redevelopment plans, as well as I do. The red tape ical altercations with rivals, the Czech is dating back to 2009, have taken in France. It’s a process,” hard to ignore – on or off the court. various forms and been subject tournament director Stepanek was engaged to Martina to repeated planning delays. Guy Forget said yesterday. Hingis, married and then divorced fel- At one stage a new venue was “We play by the rules. We low tour professional and top 10 player proposed, but then scrapped in asked for planning permis- Nicole Vaidisova and more recently dated favour of expansion of the ex- sion a long time ago. All two-time Wimbledon champion Petra isting site, hemmed in by roads, we can do is monitor the Kvitova. a motorway and expensive resi- situation and follow the due But he insists his personal life is taking dential real estate in the west of process.” a diff erent direction these days. the French capital. “It’s two people living diff erent lives to- “Welcome to France. You ers and their teams are delighted gether...you can be sure that I am done dat- know the circumstances as well to be 10 minutes away from the ing tennis players,” said Stepanek, who was as I do. The red tape in France. Champs-Elysees or next to the scheduled to face second seed Andy Murray It’s a process,” Forget told a news Bois de Boulogne or next to nice at the French Open yesterday. conference yesterday. shopping areas. There are some Having turned pro in 1996, he pre- “We play by the rules. We constraints that come with that.” fers to spend time on extending a career asked for planning permission Forget said the top players which is enjoying something of an Indian a long time ago. All we can do is were all in favour of the expan- summer. monitor the situation and follow sion and he did not believe the In 2013, he teamed up with India’s Lean- the due process.” delay would be detrimental to der Paes – who he described as a ‘brother’ The latest delays are the result the French capital’s hopes of – to win the US Open men’s doubles. of concerns about the impact on staging the 2024 Olympics. Since then, he has suff ered a crippling a set of 19th century greenhous- “It’s true that it’s taking a back injury which sent his ranking down es, even though they will now long time, but I’m confi dent that to its current 128 and forced him into the be incorporated into the project we’re going to be moving for- qualifying tournament at Roland Garros rather than knocked down as ward, and that four years from for the fi rst time since 2002. once planned. now we will be here and we will “It’s three generations of players I’m The greenhouse controversy have noted how the stadium has meeting on the courts, and I’m still able stands in the way of the con- changed,” Forget added. to beat them, which is giving me confi - dence,” the former world number eight told rolandgarros.com. “I’m feeling 25 again and enjoying eve- ry second of my tennis.” However, not everyone would be pleased to see Stepanek, who last year became the oldest man to win a match in Paris since 38-year-old Jimmy Connors in 1991, still playing. In a 2012 Davis Cup tie against Serbia, he was accused by Janko Tipsarevic of giving him the fi nger and calling him names at the end of a fi ve-set, fi ve-hour duel. “After fi ve hours and 10 minutes instead of shaking my hand, he gave me the middle fi nger and told me I am stinking – some- thing bad, it’s a swear word,” said Tipsarev- ic, who had to be restrained by his team captain from taking the matter further. Even a teenage Murray took a dislike to the Czech when they met at Wimbledon in 2005 and where his opponent theat- rically bent over and kissed the net and played up to the crowd. “I was annoyed at him because he tried to put me off ,” said Murray. “He knew I Czech Republic’s Radek Stepanek serves the ball to Britain’s Andy Murray during their men’s first round match at the French Open was young and that’s why he was trying in Paris yesterday. (AFP) to put me off – but I got the better of him. I don’t know if he said anything to me – I seems to have thawed since then. championships but arrived in China contact lenses and had to borrow tennis wasn’t listening. I don’t like him.” In 2008, Stepanek played as an alter- without his playing gear which hadn’t racquets from Novak Djokovic and socks The relationship between the two men nate at the Shanghai ATP season-ending cleared customs. He was without his – from Murray.

NOTEBOOK Kyrgios says he’s not in tennis for the long haul

DPA with authority during his victory, drawing what decision to abandon Australia at the Summer Paris many considered an unjustifi ed code violation Olympics and play a new ATP event in Mexico for yelling a bit too loudly at a ball-kid to bring instead. him a towel amid a loud stadium crowd. The on-again, off -again Davis Cup stalwart uirky Nick Kyrgios would likely prefer Many suggest the discipline was based more (16-4 in the competition) insists that though he moving on to other challenges rather on the Kyrgios reputation than in the reality of won’t be on side for the green-and-gold in Rio than hang around after age 30 as an the actual situation. in August, his loyalty should not be questioned. ATP tennis “pensioner”. As for his behaviour niggles, Kyrgios told the Tomic made the call to play the Tour instead Q“There is zero chance that Nick Kyrgios will be London newspaper that he has been helped in of the Games as Nick Kyrgios faces headwinds playing tennis when he is 30 years old. There’s ab- his eff orts at concentration by professionals. in his own campaign to ensure Olympic squad solutely no chance,” Kyrgios told Britain’s Sunday “I have seen a couple of sports psychologists. inclusion after a Twitter run-in with the head Times. “I don’t know how long my career will be But I can’t really focus for long enough, I can’t bureaucrat of the national Olympic committee. but God help me if I am playing tennis at 30. There take it seriously. They are trying to fi nd what fu- Tomic told Australian media that he prefers are so many more things to this world than tennis els you, motivates you. But it’s tough, one week to sidestep the building Olympic controversy for me. Not tennis for me at 30. Please.” I’m motivated, one week I am not. So I walked altogether. The 20-year-old Australian has repeatedly said away. Not my thing.” “My loyalty is always there. For Davis Cup it’s that he does not yearn for a lengthy tennis career. “Sometimes I get too creative when I should huge and when I’m playing there it’s amazing,” The Australian-Malaysian-Greek player has al- keep it simple. One of my coaches always used he said. “My schedule has been very, very tough. ways expressed his admiration for the NBA, which to say, when people watch you, you don’t have What I’ve chosen is the way I’ve chosen. That’s appears to be one of his main sporting loves. to try and go for that extra shot. It keeps me en- all I can say about that. I’m not going (to the Ol- Kyrgios still has more than enough time to tertained and wanting to play.” ympics), I’m going to play another tournament; plot his sporting course, but in the meantime is The NextGen talent has already defeated four it looks like it’s a bad thing but really my sched- concentrating on his second-round place at the of the top fi ve - though he and number one No- ule this year has been that way. French Open. vak Djokovic have never played. “Playing that tournament, I’ll try and win it.” Kyrgios advanced on a rainy Paris opening Meanwhile, the number 22 opens his French day over Italian Marco Cecchinato 7-6 (6), 7-6 TOMIC DEFENDS DECISION TO SKIP RIO Open — weather permitting — against Ameri- Nick Kyrgios in action against Italy’s Marco Cecchinato in the first round of the French Open in Paris (6), 6-4. The former bad boy working to repair OLYMPICS can Brian Baker in the fi rst round of the weather on Sunday. (Reuters) his disruptive reputation, had a minor clash Bernard Tomic has defended his controversial plagued major.

Tuesday, May 24, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

TENNIS / FRENCH OPEN CYCLING Road World Champ Wawrinka C’Ship mascot survives Rosol unveiled scare in fi rst round Kei Nishikori, Milos Raonic reach second round with straight sets wins

A young Arabian hare has been chosen as the mascot of the event.

By Sports Reporter gentle young hare who repre- Doha sents the Qatari values of peace, hope and community,” a state- ment released yesterday said. he Road World Cham- “He is proud of his country, pionship Doha 2016 Or- loves his extended family and ganising Committee un- respects all other creatures who veiled a young Arabian share his land. Thare as the mascot for the event, “He captures the spirit of the which will be held later this year. event in his optimism, determi- The hare was chosen as the nation, generosity and exuber- offi cial mascot of the Doha 2016 ance. as it represents many of the val- “His passion for cycling and ues that the organisers want to playful nature makes him an ide- portray at the UCI Road World al symbol for Qatar’s historic role Championships, Doha 2016. in hosting the UCI Road World “He is a brave, independent, Championships, Doha 2016.”

French Open Results

Men’s singles (Round I) Marco Trungelliti (Argentina) beat 10-Marin Cilic (Croatia) 7-6(4) 3-6 6-4 6-2; Ivan Dodig (Croatia) beat Mikhail Youzhny (Russia) 6-4 5-7 7-5 2-6 6-3; 16-Gilles Simon (France) beat Rogerio Dutra Silva (Brazil) 7-6(5) 6-4 6-2;Fernando Verdasco (Spain) beat 33-Steve Johnson (US) 7-5 6-4 7-5; Guido Pella (Argentina) beat Diego Schwartzman (Argen- tina) 6-2 3-6 6-2 6-3; Jordan Thompson (Australia) beat Laslo Djere (Serbia) 6-3 6-4 7-5; 5-Kei Nishikori (Japan) beat Simone Bolelli (Italy) 6-1 7-5 6-3; 22-Viktor Troicki (Serbia) beat Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria) Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka celebrates his first round win over Czech Republic’s Lukas Rosol in French Open in Paris yesterday. (Reuters) 2-6 6-3 5-7 7-5 6-3; 27-Ivo Karlovic (Croatia) beat Albert Montanes (Spain) 6-2 7-6(7) 7-6(5); Taro Daniel (Japan) beat Martin Klizan AFP ning 2012 win over Rafael Nadal at Wim- “It’s a good thing to get through, but continue this good level for the next tour- (Slovakia) 3-6 4-6 7-5 6-4 3-0 (Klizan retired); Adam Pavlasek (Czech Paris bledon when he moved ahead once more it’s never the best to start with a fi ve-set naments.” Republic) beat Roberto Carballes (Spain) 6-2 4-6 6-3 1-6 6-1; 3-Stanis- in the third. match and not play your best. Japan’s fi fth seed Kei Nishikori reached las Wawrinka (Switzerland) beat Lukas Rosol (Czech Republic) 4-6 6-1 Wawrinka was forced to defend a pair “I’m really happy with the way I found the second round with a 6-1, 7-5, 6-3 win 3-6 6-3 6-4; 23-Jack Sock (US) beat Robin Haase (Netherlands) 6-3 7-5 efending French Open cham- of break points at 2-all in the fourth, with solutions. It’s a good victory, he was play- over Simone Bolelli of Italy. 3-6 6-7(3) 6-2; Dustin Brown (Germany) beat Dudi Sela (Israel) 6-7(5) pion Stan Wawrinka survived a the Swiss then ripping a trademark cross- ing really well and it wasn’t easy for me to Nishikori goes on to face Russia’s An- 6-4 7-6(5) 4-6 6-4; 30-Jeremy Chardy (France) beat Leonardo Mayer huge fi rst-round scare against court backhand passing shot to move 5-3 get into the match. Now I have the chance drey Kuznetsov after fi nishing off a fi rst- (Argentina) 6-4 3-6 6-4 6-2; Adrian Mannarino (France) beat Mikhail Lukas Rosol yesterday, scraping ahead and send the contest to a fi fth set. to keep improving for the rest of the tour- round tie which had been suspended Kukushkin (Kazakhstan) 6-4 2-6 6-2 6-4; 8-Milos Raonic (Canada) hisD way to a 4-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 vic- The defending champion forged ahead nament.” overnight with him leading 2-1 in the beat Janko Tipsarevic (Serbia) 6-3 6-2 7-6(5); Dusan Lajovic (Serbia) tory in over three hours. with a crucial break in the third game of Wawrinka admitted he was unaware third set. beat Denis Kudla (US) 6-4 6-3 6-3 Never at Roland Garros had the men’s the decider before closing it out to book no reigning champion had ever suff ered It was a 50th career Grand Slam match singles champion lost in the opening a second-round match-up with Japan’s an opening-round exit in Paris, grinning win for Nishikori who made the quarter- Women’s singles (Round I) round the following year, but the third- Taro Daniel. while replying: “And it’s still not the case, fi nals in Paris in 2015. 25-Irina Begu (Romania) beat Bethanie Mattek-Sands (US) 5-7 6-1 6-3; seeded Swiss was in danger of making “It was a really tough match today, the so it’s good.” “It wasn’t easy. I started really well. I CoCo Vandeweghe (U.S.) beat Naomi Broady (Britain) 6-4 3-6 6-3; unwanted history after twice falling a set conditions were slow and heavy,” said Rosol, whose run to the third round at was up 6-1, 3-0, I think. Pretty aggres- Zarina Diyas (Kazakhstan) beat Carina Witthoeft (Germany) 2-6 6-4 behind. Wawrinka, with the start to Monday’s the Australian Open in January was also sive and moving the ball pretty good. He 6-2; Johanna Larsson (Sweden) beat Magda Linette (Poland) 6-3 4-6 Wawrinka, who defeated the Czech play delayed by two and a half hours after ended by Wawrinka, said memories of his started playing little better in the second, 7-5; Kateryna Bondarenko (Ukraine) beat 7-Roberta Vinci (Italy) 6-1 on Friday in the Geneva Open semi-fi - more heavy rain in the French capital. stunning win over Nadal four years ago but I thought it was a great match for me,” 6-3; 2-Agnieszka Radwanska (Poland) beat Bojana Jovanovski (Ser- nals, dropped the opening set on Court “It was a typical fi rst-round match, I hadn’t sprung to mind when another up- said Nishikori. bia) 6-0 6-2; Caroline Garcia (France) beat Lesia Tsurenko (Ukraine) Philippe Chatrier after surrendering his didn’t play my best tennis and made a lot set looked possible. Canadian eighth seed Milos Raonic, a 6-3 7-5; Annika Beck (Germany) beat Maryna Zanevska (Ukraine) serve in game fi ve. of mistakes. But he was playing really well. “I had my chances today, I wanted pay- 2014 quarter-fi nalist, defeated Serbia’s 6-1 6-2; Elena Vesnina (Russia) beat Madison Brengle (US) 6-2 6-3; The world number four rattled through “He was going for his shots all the time back after Geneva,” said Rosol. “I didn’t Janko Tipsarevic 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (7/5). Shelby Rogers (US) beat 17-Karolina Pliskova (Czech Republic) 3-6 6-4 the second set to level and seemingly get and wasn’t missing much until he started think about the Nadal match -- it was to- Tipsarevic was playing his fi rst Roland 6-3; Tsvetana Pironkova (Bulgaria) beat 16-Sara Errani (Italy) 6-3 6-2; back on track, but 59th-ranked Rosol ap- to tire a little in the fourth and fi fth set. But tally diff erent. I just tried to focus on today. Garros since 2013 after being treated for a Heather Watson (Britain) beat Nicole Gibbs (US) 5-7 6-2 6-2; Yanina peared on course for a repeat of his stun- before that I was always under pressure. “I played a good match and hope I can benign tumour on his left foot. Wickmayer (Belgium) beat Alexandra Dulgheru (Romania) 6-1 6-3; 6-Simona Halep (Romania) beat Nao Hibino (Japan) 6-2 6-0; 13-Svet- lana Kuznetsova (Russia) beat Yaroslava Shvedova (Kazakhstan) 4-6 FOCUS 6-1 6-4; Mirjana Lucic-Baroni (Croatia) beat Daniela Hantuchova (Slo- vakia) 6-1 6-2; Cagla Buyukakcay (Turkey) beat Aliaksandra Sasnovich (Belarus) 5-7 7-6(2) 6-2; 4-Garbine Muguruza Blanco (Spain) beat Anna Karolina Schmiedlova (Slovakia) 3-6 6-3 6-3; Myrtille Georges Muguruza struggles; Radwanska, Halep ease past (France) beat Christina McHale (US) 6-7(7) 6-0 6-3; Polona Hercog (Slovenia) beat Lourdes Dominguez Lino (Spain) 6-4 7-6(4); Naomi Osaka (Japan) beat 32-Jelena Ostapenko (Latvia) 6-4 7-5; 30-Barbora AFP Radwanska, who was a quarter-fi nalist Strycova (Czech Republic) beat Lucie Hradecka (Czech Republic) 6-4 Paris in 2013 but lost in the fi rst round to Ger- 7-5; 19-Sloane Stephens (US) beat Margarita Gasparyan (Russia) 6-4 many’s Annika Beck last year, goes on to 6-3; Veronica Cepede Royg (Paraguay) beat Sabine Lisicki (Germany) face Caroline Garcia of France. 6-2 6-2 panish fourth seed Garbine Mu- Garcia won the Strasbourg claycourt guruza struggled on Court Su- title on Saturday. zanne Lenglen, coming back from Yesterday’s result left Jovanovski, the a set down to defeat Slovakia’s world number 120, without a win in 2016. AnnaS Karolina Schmiedlova 3-6, 6-3, Romanian sixth seed Simona Halep, 6-3, in the fi rst round of the French Open the 2014 runner-up, also progressed, yesterday. taking just 43 minutes to defeat Japan’s Muguruza, who has made the quarter- Nao Hibino 6-2, 6-0. fi nals for the last two years, will take on Seeds falling by the wayside included French wildcard Myrtille Georges, the 2012 runner-up Sara Errani, the Italian 16th world number 203, for a place in the last seed, who lost to 2010 Wimbledon semi- 32. fi nalist Tsvetana Pironkova 6-3, 6-2. But the 22-year-old Wimbledon run- Also heading out was Czech 17th seed ner-up was far from impressive. Karolina Pliskova who lost 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 After dropping the fi rst set, Muguruza to 108th-ranked Shelby Rogers of the had to save nine break points just in the United States. opening game of the second. Play started two and a half hours late She then allowed her 37th-ranked op- yesterday because of more rain with 12 of ponent, who has won just one match all the 66 scheduled matches pushed back to year, to claw her way back from 0-4 down Garbine Muguruza of Spain stretches to reach the ball during her first round match today. to 3-4 in the decider before the Spaniard against Slovakia’s Anna Karolina Schmiedlova in Paris yesterday. (Reuters) However, there was time for a notable settled herself to see out the win. fi rst. Qualifi er Cagla Buyukakcay beat Muguruza fi red 44 winners but hit 53 thing. I didn’t really listen and the super- have the time to really warm up,” she said. Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus 5-7, Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska returns the ball to Serbia’s Bojana unforced errors and had to save 17 of 21 visor came, and they’re like, ‘We’re wait- Second seed Agnieszka Radwanska of 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 to become the fi rst Turkish Jovanovski during their women’s first round match at the French break points. ing for you’. I’m like, ‘No way’. I start to Poland brushed aside Serbia’s Bojana Jo- woman in the Open era to reach the sec- Open in Paris yesterday. (AFP) “I think I had the music on or some- do running and jumping fast. So I didn’t vanovski 6-0, 6-2. ond round of a Grand Slam.