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AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE El Jaish confi dent as they take on Saudi’s Al Ahli ‘We want to continue our good performances and hopefully we can get the three points tomorrow’

Agencies Jeddah

resh from their recent success in the prestigious Qatar Cup, El Jaish are brimming with con- fi dence as they take on Saudi Arabia’sF Al Ahli in the Asian Champi- ons League today. With 10 points from fi ve matches, El Jaish are already assured of the top place in Group D, but Al Ahli will have everything to play for as they target a spot in the last 16 by fi nishing second. For that to happen, however, the Saudi giants, who have six points from fi ve matches, will have to beat El Jaish and also hope UAE’s Al Ain don’t defeat Uzbekistan’s Nasaf in the other Group D fi xture today. As things stand now, Al Ain, Al Ahli and Nasaf are all in the race for the sec- ond spot, but El Jaish coach Sabri Lam- ouchi was in no mood for any conces- sions on the eve of the match yesterday. “It will be defi nitely a hard match,” said Lamouchi. “We are up against one of the best teams in Saudi Arabia, who have re- cently won the league title. However, we are ready for anything and hopefully the team will be ready for the match. Lamouchi added that despite already wrapping up their spot in the knock- outs, El Jaish won’t be stepping off the accelerator. El Jaish players celebrate their win over Lekhwiya in the recent Qatar Cup final. (Right) Jaish coach Sabri Lamouchi (right) celebrates his team’s win. “We achieved the fi rst step which was qualifying from the group but this our best as this is the last match for us is expected to return to the starting own slim ambitions to advance, a fur- morrow in order to control the match. good side and we respect them because will not stop us from trying to win the in the group stage,” said Al Ahli coach line-up for Al Ain’s must-win meeting ther point adrift. We need to play with good organisation they are one of the strongest teams in match. We want to continue our good Christian Gross. “We are playing against with Uzbekistan’s Nasaf. “We have a big challenge ahead of us in order to achieve our target, which is the UAE,” said Berdiev. “The match will performances and hopefully we can get a good side who have already secured Attacking midfi elder Abdulrahman because we must get the three points in the three points.” be very hard but we will be fi ghting in the three points tomorrow,” he said. their place in the knockout stage. has yet to score in the group stage and order to get the second ticket from the Nasaf are bottom of the group but, order to achieve our target. Al Ahli will be without injured mid- “We will try to play with the best for- missed the 1-1 draw between the teams group,” said coach Dalic, whose team with fi ve points from their fi rst fi ve “We came here with only one thing fi elder Waleed Bakshwn who suff ered mation possible. The match will not be in Uzbekistan on Matchday Five due to lost 3-2 against Fujairah in the domes- games in the group stage of this year’s on our minds and that is to win the a ligament injury in training last week easy because we are playing against a suspension but will be available after tic league on Friday. competition, are only two points be- match and qualify. We know that the although the blow has been softened by team who recently won a title in Qatar. serving a one-game ban. “The draw in the previous [ACL] hind Al Ain and coach Ruziqul Berdiev match will not be easy because we are the return from suspension of Fahad al- I hope that we will put in a strong per- Al Ain are in second place in Group match [against Nasaf] gave us an im- is setting his sights on victory against playing against a strong team and in Yamani. formance and get the necessary three D on seven points and just one point portant point because it was against a the 2003 winners. front of their fans. But we are hoping “El Jaish are a strong team and they points.” ahead of third placed Al Ahli from Sau- strong team. We have prepared well for “We know the weaknesses and that we will put in a strong perform- have a good coach but we will be giving Meanwhile, Mohamed Abdulrahman di Arabia with Nasaf, harbouring their and hopefully we can score early to- strengths of our opponents. They are a ance and get the three points.”

BOTTOMLINE Emir Cup Trophy tour makes its fi rst stop

By Sports Reporter welcome from the school children Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Kindergar- The tour also included gift distribu- Doha who displayed diff erent dance per- ten for Boys said: “We are honoured tion and a briefi ng session about the formances and shows to express their to welcome the Emir Cup Trophy in tournament and football in general. enthusiasm for the tournament. our school today and extend our grati- The students were invited to attend ollowing the success of previ- Nahida al-Zaghlool, Physical Ed- tude to the QFA for all their eff orts in the matches and take part in the dif- ous Emir Cups’ Trophy Tours, ucation teacher in Al Hikma Inter- involving all segments of the commu- ferent community events which QFA school children of Al Hikma national Kindergarten commented: nities in this important tournament. is organising in the lead up to the fi nal International Kindergarten “We thank the QFA for organising We are proud to be part of this historic match. The fi nal match is set to take andF Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Kinder- the Emir Cup Trophy Tour and mak- moment and wish to take part in next place on May 20 in Jassim Bin Hamad garten for Boys were invited today to ing a stop in Al Hikma International year’s trophy tour.” (Al Sadd Stadium). be part of the fi rst stop of the Emir Cup Kindergarten to allow the children Not only did the students have a The trophy tour is scheduled to Trophy Tour. to participate in the biggest football chance to hold the prestigious trophy, make stops at various schools in Doha The Qatar Football Association event in Qatar.” they also had the opportunity to take in the upcoming days to allow as many The Emir Cup Trophy makes a visit to Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Kindergarten for boys (QFA) delegation received a warm Najwa al-Yazeedi, vice principal of memorable pictures with it. schools to take part in the Emir Cup. and (left) Al Hikma International Kindergarten. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, May 3, 2016 FOOTBALL

PREVIEW IN SHORT Bayern’s Milan date would hamper Germany’s Euro plans

Germany team manager made diff icult, we have to Oliver Bierhoff says their admit that.” Bayern will need preparations for Euro 2016 will Germany play their first match be aff ected if Bayern Munich of Euro 2016 in Lille on June 12 beat Atletico Madrid to reach against Ukraine, having also the Champions League final drawn Poland and Northern on May 28. Ireland in Group C. The world champions start A Bayern victory on Tues- training on May 23 in Ascona, day could force a repeat of Switzerland, to prepare for the 2012, when the Bavarians to defy history to European championships in lost the Champions League France, from June 10-July 10. final in Munich to Chelsea on The Germany squad will meet penalties, which complicated up two days after the German Germany’s plans for Euro 2012 Cup final in Berlin between in Poland and Ukraine. Bayern and Borussia Dort- “Already in 2012, the play- mund on May 21. ers arrived in three diff erent But should Pep Guardiola’s groups and that could happen beat Atletico today Bayern overcome their 1-0 again,” said Bierhoff . deficit from the first leg in “Monday would see the arrival Tuesday’s semi-final return of the first group, those who Unless they want to risk a penalty shoot-out, Bayern Munich must become the against Atletico, they will played in the German Cup reach the Champions League final would come a day later first team in 71 matches to beat Atletico Madrid by more than one goal final in Milan on May 28. and those from the Champi- That would mean Bayern’s ons League final would come Germany stars, such as Thomas a good week later.” Mueller, Jerome Boateng, Even if Bayern fail to reach the Manuel Neuer and Mario Champions League final, mid- Goetze, would only join up with fielder Toni Kroos could still Joachim Loew’s team a week be involved with Real Madrid, after the rest of the Germany who play Manchester City in squad start their preparations. Wednesday’s other semi-final. “Of course, we hope FC Bayern Loew, who will celebrate a and it’s players go through, decade as Germany head the experience is also impor- coach after Euro 2016, will tant for those in the national name his squad for France at team,” Bierhoff told Kicker. the French Embassy on Tues- “But our planning would be day May 17 in Berlin. Ronaldo steps up training ahead of City return Ronaldo steps up training pitch,” Madrid said in a state- ahead of City return ment on Monday. Cristiano Ronaldo’s chances of Ronaldo has been in blister- facing Manchester City in the ing form in the Champions second leg of Real Madrid’s League this season, scoring Champions League semi-final 16 goals in 10 appearances, on Wednesday were boosted including a hat-trick in the sec- as the Portuguese took a full ond leg of their quarter-final part in training on Monday. with Wolfsburg to overcome a Ronaldo has missed Real’s last 2-0 first-leg deficit. three games due to a thigh in- However, he expects another jury, but is expected to return tight match against City if against City with the tie finely Madrid are to make it to their balanced at 0-0. 14th European Cup final. French striker Karim Benzema “If Manchester City have also stepped up his recovery made it to the semi-finals, it’s from a hamstring strain picked because they’re an excellent up in the first leg in the hope of team,” Ronaldo told Madrid’s being fit to face the English side. website. “Ronaldo and (Alvaro) Arbeloa “Knocking out PSG is not an completed the session with easy task, but they managed the group while Benzema to do it. They are a team with was out running alone on the very few weaknesses.”

Bayern Munich’s French midfielder Franck Ribery gestures during the final team training session one day prior to the Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid. French minister fumes at Euro 2016 song in English DPA Bayern would welcome a 2-0 against Di- Fixture Like Guardiola, who leaves for Man- Berlin ego Simeone’s resilient team which would chester City in summer, Simeone also A French minister yesterday erans Kiss, has been renamed take them to the May 28 decider in Milan. Semi-final, second leg rested many players on the weekend as described as “incomprehen- I Was Made for Lovin’ You, My They pin their hopes on having won Bayern Munich (Germany) v Atletico Atletico beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 to re- sible” the choice of a song in Team for the tournament. ayern Munich want to send off the last 11 Champions League home Madrid (Spain) (9:45pm Qatar Time) main tied on points with league leaders English as the off icial anthem Skip The Use’s lead singer coach Pep Guardiola with a ti- games, including the extra-time triumph Barca. for French supporters at Euro Mat Bastard said the group tle treble but must defy history over Juventus in the last 16, and a 12th Atletico have an additional boost in 2016. was asked to record the song and a stubborn opponent when straight victory Tuesday would tie the unconvincing showing last week. form of the return of key defender Diego Andre Vallini, the secretary of ahead of others by French theyB seek to overturn a 1-0 fi rst leg defi cit record set by Manchester United between Bayern will take heart from having Godin who missed the fi rst semi-fi nal state for Francophony, said singers Charles Trenet and against Atletico Madrid in the Champi- 2006 and 2008. exposed Atletico’s defence at times for but Simeone insists they won’t just sit the French Football Fed- Jean-Jacques Goldman “be- ons League semi-fi nals on Tuesday. Bayern will not be boosted by clinch- some good chances after they fell behind back but rather search for a crucial away eration’s decision to choose a cause it was the song which Bayern have never prevailed at home ing a record fourth straight Bundesliga from Saul Niguez’ super solo eff ort, with goal which would make Munich’s task cover of I Was Made for Lovin’ meant the most to us”. after losing a fi rst leg semi 1-0 in the title as the celebrations were delayed by a David Alaba denied by the crossbar. even more diffi cult. You performed by French Vallini also bemoaned the Champions event, going out against AC 1-1 against Borussia Moenchengladbach. “We’re in for a tough challenge, but after “Some people are saying that we are a group Skip The Use was “very fact that France’s entry in Milan on away goals in 1990 and hum- Guardiola rested several key players all we’re Bayern. It’s a Champions League very defensive team. But our aim in Mu- concerning”. this year’s Eurovision Song bled 4-0 in the Allianz Arena by Real in that game Saturday while welcoming home match and I think our record is quite nich is to go out and attack and score at “Euro 2016 will be a great Contest, J’ai cherche by Amir, Madrid two years ago in Guardiola’s fi rst back Germany defender Jerome Boateng decent in that respect,” Mueller said, add- least one goal,” he said. festival of sport which is tak- features a chorus largely in season in charge. after three months on the sidelines with ing “We have to be on fi re.” Simeone knows that “Bayern are go- ing place in France and will English. To make things worse, no team with a a groin injury. Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rum- ing to make things very diffi cult for us in therefore project the image of “At a time when we are second leg semi-fi nal at home has reached It remains open whether Guardiola menigge said “the match is of paramount Munich” but Atletico are also looking to our country abroad. And our defending the place of the a Champions League fi nal since 2011. will fi eld Boateng against Atletico’s fast importance to us” as Bayern want to re- restore pride against the Bavarians who language too! French language in interna- While Atletico may lack the formida- forwards Antoine Griezmann and Fern- turn to Milan where they won the 2001 scored a 1-1 equalizer against them in the “It is therefore incomprehen- tional institutions, and espe- ble fi repower of Real, they have not lost ando Torres. fi nal against Valencia and not go out 120th minute of the 1974 fi nal and then sible that the anthem of the cially European institutions... by more than one goal in 71 matches in The unpredictable Thomas Mueller against a Spanish team the third straight won the rematch 4-0. French national team should it is incomprehensible that for all competitions since a 2-0 Liga defeat was surprisingly benched until late in the year. It was Bayern’s fi rst of now fi ve titles be in English,” Vallini said. these two big popular events, at Celta Vigo on February 15, 2015 - and game in Madrid but could start Tuesday, They were last year ousted by later in the elite event while Atletico hope to The song, originally per- the French language has low- they have kept a clean sheet in their last and his presence could also help Robert champions Barcelona who fell against make the fi nal a third time and fi nally lift formed by American rock vet- ered its guard,” he added. six games overall. Lewandowski fi nd the net again after an Atletico in the quarters this time around. the trophy in Milan.

BOTTOMLINE Guardiola under pressure for Atletico return

AFP Madrid with Germany star Thomas “It was important to get a few min- Madrid Mueller, Bayern’s top scorer in Europe utes. I hope with the emotions of the this season, on the bench. game I’ll have the strength to play for The decision drew plenty of criticism the 90 minutes (against Atletico). The ayern Munich’s coach Pep from the German media and, by his own tempo will be very diff erent,” said Boat- Guardiola knows he needs admission, the Munich leg is Guardio- eng. to prove his critics wrong by la’s “fi nal bullet” in the battle to prove “Our chances are good. We’re play- overturning a 1-0 fi rst-leg any critics wrong before he leaves to ing at home, the pitch will be good and Bdefi cit against Atletico Madrid in to- coach Manchester City next season. we want to put pressure on from the day’s crunch home Champions League “I have read in a German newspaper start.” semi-fi nal. that my work in Munich will only be In turn, Diego Simeone’s Atletico Guardiola and Bayern are bidding to valued, and the job considered done, if I were boosted by the news Uruguay de- avoid losing a semi-fi nal to a Spanish win the Champions League. That’s how fender Diego Godin and Belgium wing- side for the third year running hav- it’ll be seen,” Guardiola told report- er Yannick Carrasco took part in train- ing lost the fi rst-leg last Wednesday at ers after Bayern saw off Benfi ca in the File picture of Atletico Madrid’s ing on Sunday after injury. Atletico after Saul Niguez’s early solo quarter-fi nals. Argentinian coach Diego Simeone. Godin has missed the last two weeks strike. Bayern have been unstoppable at with a hamstring injury and is set to Having won 14 titles in four years at home in Europe this season, winning they typically sat back after taking an return as the cornerstone of Atletico’s Barcelona and six titles so far in three all fi ve games at the Allianz Arena, but early lead through Mueller’s header. defence in their bid to repeat their run years with Bayern, Guardiola hopes to needed extra time to come back from The result denied Bayern the victory to the 2014 fi nal, there they lost 4-1 to sign off in charge of Munich by lifting 2-0 down to beat Juventus 4-2 at home which would have confi rmed them as Real Madrid after extra-time. the Champions League trophy at the in the second leg of the last 16. Bundesliga champions, now they have “It is the best thing to have great fi nal on May 28 in Milan. They have won all 11 home games in to wait until Saturday’s away game at games and the tiredness matters little,” Bayern have exited the Champions Europe since being hammered 4-0 in Ingolstadt when they could become the said Atletico’s Antoine Griezmann, the League semi-fi nals for the last two the Munich leg by Real Madrid in the fi rst club to win four straight German goal-scorer in their 1-0 Spanish league years running with defeats to Real Ma- 2014 semi-fi nals, having lost 1-0 in league titles. win over Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, drid in 2014, then to Barcelona last year. Spain. The good news from the Gladbach when Simeone made seven changes. Another exit at the hands of Span- But, as they demonstrated in Satur- draw is that Germany defender Jerome “We are very enthusiastic. Every ish opposition will not go down well in day’s 1-1 Bundesliga draw at home to Boateng is fi t again after 99 days out player dreams of playing in a Champi- Bavaria, especially in the wake of Guar- Borussia Moechengladbach, they are with a groin injury having played the ons League semi-fi nal and we will give diola’s decision to start the fi rst leg in File picture of Bayern Munich’s Spanish head coach Pep Guardiola. simply not currently playing well, as fi rst 68 minutes in Munich. everything.” Gulf Times Tuesday, May 3, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT INSIGNIFICANT City’s defeat by Saints not a big blow, Klopp frustrated says Iheanacho by Liverpool’s learning curve ‘We tried to bring in fresh legs, as we have done in the last few weeks. However, I am only frustrated because we could have played better’

Manchester City’s Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho celebrates after scoring their second goal against Southampton.

The Guardian “This game is not good prepara- Manchester tion for us but we will keep it be- hind us, focus and train and go to the Bernabéu and hope we qualify. elechi Iheanacho ad- “It shouldn’t be a distrac- vised that nothing tion,” he said of the Saints game. should be read into “We need to keep it behind us Manchester’s City’s and work hard in training and go humblingK defeat by Southamp- there and fi ght for the fi nal.” ton as they prepare for their return Champions League tie “It is not a big blow because against Real Madrid. we have played now and we The teenage striker scored need to focus on the game twice as City went down 4-2 at against Madrid so we put St Mary’s Stadium but is unlikely this behind us. We lost quite to be in the starting line-up on well but we put it behind us Wednesday after he became on and focus on Madrid and of the eight changes Manuel come back stronger” Pellegrini made to the side who drew 0-0 in the fi rst leg. The Nigerian is likely to be on Joe Hart, Nicolás Otamendi the bench as City aim to make and Fernandinho stayed in the the fi nal for the fi rst time with team but Vincent Kompany, Agüero returning to claim his Sergio Agüero and possibly Yaya place up front but at the moment Touré, who is back in training af- he is content to just be included ter a thigh strain, are likely to be in the squad. “It is a dream come leading the team at the Bernabéu. true for me and I am happy if I go Asked whether being beaten there and I hope we do well and by Saints would damage City’s there is a great atmosphere there. confi dence, Iheanacho said: “It I haven’t been there before but I is not a big blow because we have am happy to go there to get a win. played now and we need to focus “It is going to be a big chal- on the next game against Madrid lenge for us but we will keep our so we put this game behind us. heads down and keep working We lost quite well but we put it hard to get there.” behind us and focus on Madrid Was it his dream to get the and come back stronger.” winner at the Bernabeu? “Yeah if He admitted it was not an ideal I play I need to work hard for the Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp reacts during the Barclays Premier League match against Swansea at the Liberty Stadium. result to go off the back of into the team and help them qualify for Champions League but added: the fi nals if we get the goals.” AFP “The performance was diff erent to Klopp also defended Daniel Sturridge’s but the Premier League will be our focus Liverpool Bournemouth. We did not play as well as decision to make for the dressing room at next weekend. Life is like this, we have we could and our performance was not as full time, rather than joining his team- played well with diff erent line-ups, today PREDICTION good as it could have been,” Klopp said. mates in thanking the vast numbers of we did not. urgen Klopp admitted Liverpool’s “We tried to bring in fresh legs, as we travelling Liverpool fans. “We hope there are fi ve games left this young players have much to learn have done in the last few weeks. Howev- “He was not ignoring the fans, I went season and that is a good sign as we are after his weakened side slumped er, I am only frustrated because we could in immediately also, I hope our fans know still in the competition.” I knew Real Madrid to a lacklustre 3-1 defeat against have played better. how close we are to them,” Klopp said. Swansea’s victory ensured a success- Swansea.J “Had we have played a bit nearer to 100 “You want to go home, rest and recover ful rescue mission for manager Francesco Two goals from Andre Ayew and one per cent, it would have been completely after a game like that. My fault if someone Guidolin, who took over with the club in would sack me, from Jack Cork at the Liberty Stadium diff erent. does not say thank you is down to me.” danger of relegation. on Sunday proved enough for Swansea “The fi rst two goals were too easy, they The suggestion was that England for- “I am happy for my players, this is to guarantee their Premier League safety. deserved the win and we deserved the ward Sturridge was disappointed not to the most important thing because they says Pellegrini Christian Benteke pulled one back for defeat. But our performance was respon- have been withdrawn sometime during showed they are not on the beach,” Gui- Liverpool, but Klopp’s team were well sible for that and we have to recover and the second half. dolin said. anchester City man- of the most diffi cult tests in foot- beaten in a fi xture sandwiched between prepare for a big game in Thursday. Having played the full 90 minutes, he “I am happy we are safe. I felt we were ager Manuel Pel- ball and it did not change me at the more signifi cant business of their Eu- “I cannot change my mind on players is now unlikely to start on Thursday after safe three weeks ago, but not mathemati- legrini has revealed all. I always knew that what the ropa League semi-fi nal against Villarreal. after every two days. Everyone said how he was an unused substitute in Spain in cally. To have 40 points with fi ve games that he knew Real players most appreciated from Liverpool will now turn their attention good they were after Bournemouth, but midweek. to go was important, now we have 43 so MMadrid wanted to sack him as me was to arrive on Monday to overturning a 1-0 defi cit in Thursday’s it is not always a honeymoon period and “I spoke to him at half-time, he said he this is not the worst season Swansea have manager only two months after and for nothing to have changed semi-fi nal second leg against the Span- you have to prove yourself and deliver. wanted to play and it was no problem,” had in the Premier League. being appointed as the Chil- whether we had lost or won. I ish side at Anfi eld and Klopp was quick to “It is not a problem for the future, only Klopp said. “I have done my job very well and I ean prepares to take his side to demanded the same from them, concede the youngsters he brought into for today. They need to use the informa- “We have a few days. I am happy. I do thank the players, assistants and staff . the Santiago Bernabéu for the the same concepts, independent a team featuring eight changes were still tion for the future and we have to im- not know who will play against Villarreal. “I am happy. I am proud because this is second leg of their Champions of what was being said on the ex- some way short of the fi nished article. prove.” “The Europa League is now our focus, my fi rst time in the Premier League.” League semi-fi nal. terior. I never played a player be- Pellegrini, who will be re- cause I was advised by someone placed by Pep Guardiola at City else, or if I received more or less BOTTOMLINE in the summer, spent just one criticism. Madrid has its model season at the 10-times European and it won’t change.” champions in 2009/10 before City travel to the Spanish cap- being sacked having fi nished as ital knowing that an away goal runners-up behind Barcelona in will signifi cantly increase their the La Liga title race. chances of reaching their fi rst In an interview with Spanish Champions League fi nal. Pel- For Man City, Real tie is the focus newspaper El Mundo ahead of legrini admitted that Madrid’s Wednesday’s second leg in Ma- defensive tactics in the fi rst leg AFP FA Cup that we had to play. But he made it clear the per- drid, the 62-year-old opened up had surprised him but expects Southampton “I would do exactly the same formance was the players’ re- on a range of subjects, including Zinedine Zidane’s side to adopt again because we have an im- sponsibility with only Kelechi the revelation that he knew it a diff erent approach on Wednes- portant game on Wednesday Iheanacho, the scorer of both was always president Florentino day. anuel Pellegrini in- that we play now for the fi nal in City goals, emerging with cred- Pérez’s intention to dispense “I think we had an attitude of sisted he had no the Champions League. it. with his services. trying to win the game. We will regrets about mak- “We continue in the Premier Pellegrini, who confi rmed he “I knew in August that I was try to do exactly the same in Ma- ing eight changes to League what we are going to do expects Vincent Kompany, Yaya going to be sacked because he drid,” he said. Mhis Manchester City side ahead in the next two games to be in Toure and Kevin de Bruyne to be told Villarreal’s president [Fern- “But we won’t go to the San- of this week’s trip to face Real the top four so that was a risk but fi t to face Real, added: “It’s my ando Roig] and he told me,” Pel- tiago Bernabéu for another goal- Madrid in the second leg of the one we also had to take. responsibility for the starting legrini said. less draw. We will try to get up, Champions League semi-fi nal. “I always say the best way to eleven and after that you have “It’s an honour to manage Ma- press and score a goal, because The City manager admitted prepare the next game is to win their performance and you must drid. What happens is when you we always want to score. I also his team’s 4-2 defeat against and that’s why we did so well analyse everything. manage Madrid, you have to have see a more open Madrid. Nobody Southampton at St Mary’s sta- before Paris Saint Germain and “I’m very disappointed espe- the capacity to accept that the has scored at the Santiago Bern- dium could aff ect confi dence as Real Madrid, we won our games cially in the defending because club is not just sporting, it’s real- abeu in the Champions League the Premier League club prepare before in the Premier League. we were doing well in the other ly political. And to that extreme, this season. The statistics are to for the visit to the Bernabeu Sta- “Today I don’t know why we de- games. It was the same players you have to let people inter- be broken.” dium. fended so bad in the fi rst half, those who played other games. fere who, for me, don’t have the However, Pellegrini dismissed But Pellegrini, who was frus- were the two goals that decided the “We start thinking tomorrow knowledge of football to do so.” a question on whether he is plan- trated Sunday’s meeting with game. We scored one goal, we had about what will be the starting Asked if he was referring to ning to meet up with Bayern Mu- Southampton was not moved another clear chance to equalise 11 for Wednesday. Kelechi today Pérez, he added: “That’s not nich coach Guardiola to discuss to Friday or Saturday to give his but we didn’t and after that the set scored two goals and is doing me [to name names]. If you let his move to Manchester. “No, no, side more time to prepare, in- pieces decided the game.” well in all the games but for the people interfere who don’t have I have not spoken to him about it. sisted he had no choice but to Pellegrini made no attempt moment I am not thinking about football knowledge, it you let If I run into him, hopefully it will make wholesale changes and to disguise his disappointment that.” yourself be weakened by the crit- be in the fi nal in Milan,” he said. protect his key players. Manchester City’s Chilean manager Manuel Pellegrini at his side’s defensive display as Southampton’s win strength- icism that comes from the politi- Asked if he wanted to avoid “We knew before the game it Sadio Mane’s hat-trick follow- ened their bid for a Europa cal side, the sporting side or from Bayern shouod City reach the was a risk to put so many players those risks because we have an “Maybe if we had played on ing an opening goal from Shane League place and manager Ro- personal interests, I don’t think fi onal, he added: “No. I want to without football against a dif- important game on Wednesday,” Saturday we could put more play- Long secured Southampton’s nald Koeman sdingled out Mane you’re ready. get there. I do not care against fi cult team but we have to take he said. ers but it was a risk similar to the victory. for praise. “I had the fortune to pass one whom.” (The Guardian) Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, May 3, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT WINNER Writers pick Vardy Leicester City’s as player of year success is a point of pride for Thais File picture of Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy. Reuters “Thanks also to the manager London (Claudio Ranieri), all the staff As Leicester City sit on the cusp of a stunning first league title in England, Thais and the fans for their support.” England forward Vardy won look to the club as a source of local pride eicester City’s Jamie Vardy 36 percent of the votes, beating has been voted Player of the team mates Riyad Mahrez and Year by the Football Writ- N’Golo Kante who fi nished sec- ers’ Association (FWA) in ond and third. Lthe latest twist to his fairytale ride “The Jamie Vardy story clearly from minor-league journeyman to captured the imagination of so international striker. many writers,” FWA chairman The 29-year-old, who built Andy Dunn told Reuters. his career at clubs like Stocks- “His record-breaking feat of bridge, Halifax Town and Fleet- scoring in 11 consecutive match- wood Town, has notched 22 goals es is the jewel in what will sure- this season to help fi re Leicester ly be Leicester City’s Premier from 5,000-1 outsiders to odds- League crown. on favourites to win the Premier “The Footballer of the Year League title. award is not just a refl ection of Vardy, who also became the his fantastic season but recog- fi rst man to score in 11 successive nition of a remarkable journey Premier League matches, is the from non-league to the interna- fi rst Englishman to collect the tional stage,” said Dunn. FWA honour since Scott Parker Vardy’s Leicester teammates in 2011, and the fi rst Leicester Danny Drinkwater, Kasper Sch- player to win it in the award’s 68- meichel, Wes Morgan and Danny year history. Simpson also received votes from “It’s a great honour to win such the 290 journalists polled. a prestigious award and to have “It is testament to their all- my name added to a list of previ- round excellence that so many ous winners that includes some Leicester players polled votes,” unbelievable players. Thank you Dunn added. to the Football Writers’ Associa- Ranieri’s men have an eight- tion and to everyone that voted,” point lead over second-placed Vardy said on Monday. Tottenham Hotspur and will be “Thank you also to my team crowned champions if Spurs fail mates who are the reason I’ve to win at Chelsea later on Monday. been able to achieve anything. Vardy, who was suspended for It’s been an amazing season for Leicester’s previous two games, all of us at Leicester, based on will return for their home match team work not individuals. against Everton on Saturday.

Sanchez Flores future as Watford manager in doubt Quique Sanchez Flores seems of course I don’t have a future less than sure that he has a fu- with this team.” A Leicester City supporter reacts in Bangkok, as she watches a live broadcast of the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Leicester City. ture at Watford despite keep- Asked where he will be next ing the club in the Premier season, the Spaniard replied: DPA He was fl own out to Leicester by the the team’s improbable success. “Its not just that Leicester are Thai League and leading them into “I don’t know, I don’t think Bangkok team’s Thai owner Vichai Srivaddhana- “Thais like winners,” said Nareucha owned,” Jo said. “Thais are buying into the semi-finals of the FA Cup. about my future, just focus on prabha before the season to bless the sta- Pornmecha, a local taxi driver and long- the team because they’re successful and Promoted Watford are 12th in finishing well for the players dium and the players. He has been back suff ering Liverpool fan. show what Thais can do on an interna- the table with three games to and the fans. hao Khun Thongchai sits in his several times since during big matches to “Leicester is every Thai person’s sec- tional stage.” play but their form has dipped “It’s impossible to know what study, surrounded by Thailand’s off er spiritual and divine support. ond team. They cannot be our fi rst team The numbers seem to corroborate in recent months, picking up the future holds in football. women’s national volleyball “They will win the Premiership,” because we gave our hearts away a long Jo’s assertion. At the start of the season, two wins in nine league games. Whether it is here or in another team. The monk tells the women Thongchai said on Monday ahead of a time ago.” Leicester’s Thai Facebook Page num- That run of results may have country, I always aim to earn toC bow their heads as he reads out incan- possible league-deciding match between Jo Thanapon, the owner of a local store bered just in the tens of thousands. Now, sealed Sanchez Flores’ fate respect by working hard.” tations and prayers. Chelsea and second-placed Tottenham selling knock-off jerseys and footballs, two points away from glory, that number with the manager indicat- Watford were beaten 2-1 by Before they leave, Thongchai passes Hotspur. “The Manchester United game said: “We only used to sell the jerseys of has ballooned to almost 600,000 fans. ing that the club’s hierarchy, Crystal Palace in their FA Cup out sacred cloths and amulets as good (a 1-1 draw on Sunday) was just a set- the big teams. Liverpool, Manchester “I have blessed Leicester because the headed by Italian owner Gino semi-final last month. luck tokens for the players to take to their back.” United, Chelsea, Real Madrid, it used to team will send a positive message of Pozzo, have already made up “The most important thing next tournament. “Whether its tonight and Tottenham be the only team jerseys that Thais would Thais and our abilities around the world,” their minds. is that when I came here the The volleyball team is the latest group slip up or next week, they will win the buy.” said Chao Khun Thongchai, pointing to- “I don’t think anything is going idea was to keep this team in to come seeking the monk’s blessings Premiership. I have foreseen it and the According to Jo, before the start of the wards the Leicester City emblem laid out to change the mentality of the the Premier League. That is before a big match. Thongchai has made Thai people will have something to cel- season he could not sell a single Leicester before Buddha and Brahmin statues in his club,” Sanchez Flores told the done, the work of the players international headlines in recent weeks ebrate.” shirt. European football has long been a study. Daily Telegraph newspaper has been brilliant and it is as the monk behind Leicester City’s mi- As Leicester sit on the verge of a Pre- part of Thailand’s sports DNA but only “When they achieve success, it is a on Monday. “If my future de- amazing to be completely safe raculous run towards the English Premier mier League triumph, Thais across the the most successful clubs garnered any point of pride that Thais can point to and pends on the last few results, with three games to go.” League title. country have united under the banner of popular support, he said. experience happiness.”

BOTTOMLINE Sassuolo show hare-brained Milan the way

By Paolo Bandini, The Guardian Francesco. Four years later, he is being Marius Alexe played six games during Mihajlovic, no less an authority than Ar- London touted as one of the sharpest football- his one-year loan from Dinamo Bucha- rigo Sacchi suggested Silvio Berlusconi ing minds on the peninsula. rest, whilst Antonio Sanabria was only hire Di Francesco as his replacement. The There is nothing revolutionary about ever being “parked” at Sassuolo on his club named Cristian Brocchi as caretaker iorgio Squinzi had a lot on Di Francesco’s approach. During a two- way to joining Roma. until the end of this season instead. his mind over the weekend. hour seminar at Gazzetta dello Sport’s Di Francesco insists that he has no The painful truth for Milan is that Di The Sassuolo owner’s term as offi ces earlier this year, he laid out his ideological opposition to acquiring Francesco might not have accepted the president of Confi ndustria, the core tactical beliefs: arguing that 4-3- players from abroad, but hints at a be- job if it were off ered. Asked at the start GItalian employers’ confederation, was 3 is an almost perfect formation - “it lief that too many of those who arrive of April where he was headed next in his at an end. After four years representing only has one problem: you struggle to in Serie A are no more talented than the career, the manager replied: “Wherever the interests of some 148,000 compa- mark your opponent’s playmaker”. He Italians whose places they take. When there is no confusion. And Sassuolo, nies – with more than fi ve million com- discussed preferred movements for his Sassuolo do add a foreign footballer, from this point of view, are among the bined employees – he needed to ensure a forwards that were hardly complicated they need to be the sort who can “make best clubs in Italy.” smooth handover to his successor. to grasp - “To simplify: one attacker the diff erence”. From the directionless transfer policy But you can be sure that he still kept goes wide, one attacks the front post All three of Gregoire Defrel, Sime that has seen Milan veer from recycling a close eye on Sunday’s football scores. and one attacks the second.” Vrsaljko and Alfred Duncan meet that former stars on the cheap into a much- With three games left in the Serie A But everything is in the execution. Di description - the team’s joint-leading needed but poorly executed splurge last season, Sassuolo were seventh in the ta- Francesco is known to drill certain move- goalscorer, a well-rounded full-back summer, through to a divided board ble and just one point behind Milan. In ments in training ad nauseam, obliging who starts for the Croatian national and endless misinformation regarding the likely scenario that the Rossoneri lose his players to make the same runs over team, and a dynamic box-to-box mid- potential investors, it is easy to see why the Coppa Italia fi nal to Juventus later and over until they become second na- fi elder respectively. Di Francesco might not view them as a this month, then fi nishing sixth would be ture. “Football is timing plus space,” he They have integrated seamlessly into desirable employers. suffi cient to qualify for Europe. explained. “Repetition is fundamental.” a team that continues to boast two of Sassuolo have now won four out of For Sassuolo, that would be a historic Those methods might not sound in- Italy’s most promising young forwards, six head-to-head meetings in Serie achievement. This is a club that had File picture of Sassuolo coach Eusebio Di Francesco. spiring, but the results on the pitch cer- even after Simone Zaza was sold to Ju- A. “It feels like one of life’s big jokes,” never even played in the top fl ight be- tainly have been. Sassuolo have beaten ventus. Domenico Berardi has seven Squinzi, a Milan fan, confessed in fore their promotion in 2013. One repre- operating in Serie C2 – then the fourth model, plus some savvy coaching ap- Juventus, Napoli and Milan this sea- goals and fi ve assists in 28 games from the March. “For a Milan fan who has fol- senting a town whose entire population tier of Italian football – but within pointments. son, as well as drawing with Roma and right wing, and turned 21 in August. The lowed the team since 1949 to watch the would fi ll barely half the seats at San Siro. three years secured its fi rst promotion. It was Massimiliano Allegri who led Fiorentina. Only the top three have lost 24-year-old Nicola Sansone has scored team that he supports getting beaten They have Squinzi to thank for their It has not looked back since. the team up from Serie C1 to Serie B fewer games in Serie A. just as often from the opposite fl ank. repeatedly by the one that he owns.” ascent. Owner of the Mapei group, a This is not the classic story of a bil- back in 2008, before becoming a Scu- Better yet, such successes have been The foundations are laid, in other Squinzi has distanced himself, how- manufacturer of building materials lionaire owner throwing his fi nancial detto winner with Milan and Juventus. built on domestic talent. Sassuolo have words, for continued success. Little ever, from suggestions that he could with a roughly €2bn annual turnover, weight around. Sassuolo’s wage bill this Sassuolo struggled for a few years to only three foreign players in their fi rst- wonder Di Francesco recently chose to buy the Rossoneri himself one day. he sponsored Sassuolo on and off dur- season is roughly one quarter the size of fi nd an adequate replacement, but in team squad, and since earning promo- extend his contract through to 2019. Sassuolo’s squad, he says, has nothing ing the 1980s and 1990s but in 2003 Milan’s. Their success has been built on 2012 appointed another young Ital- tion to the top fl ight have made only He had previously been linked with to envy of Milan’s. As of Sunday, the bought them outright. The club was careful planning and a sound business ian manager by the name of Eusebio Di two signings from clubs outside Italy. Milan. When the Rossoneri fi red Sinisa league table supports that assertion. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 3, 2016 5 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Kaushik reprises Adams’ frog-in-blender action

Reuters his body as he bent his knees, twisted however weird it maybe. Marsh and Glenn Maxwell. New Delhi his torso and sent down the ball rotating “I was eight-years old when I start- “The fi rst three balls, I didn’t un- his left-arm around his head. ed playing cricket and the fi rst ball I derstand what was happening,” Vijay, “Shivil Kaushik. Wow!! Wouldn’t bowled was this way and I have not who opens for India in Tests, said with hen Paul Adams burst have thought we’d ever see that action changed,” the spinner said after claim- a smile. “It was very diffi cult for me to onto the scene with his again. #Gogga #PaulAdams #FrogI- ing 3-20 against Kings XI Punjab on pick whether it’s going in or coming out. bizarre way of delivering nABlender,” tweeted former Zimbabwe Sunday. I did my video analysis before the game the ball, many were con- cricketer Pommie Mbangwa. “Batsmen found it a bit diffi cult be- and I saw a bit of his bowling, but it was Wvinced they would never see anything He was not alone. For many, it cause my action was a bit diff erent. I still diffi cult. Maybe the next time I face like it again. brought back memories of Adams’ got a lot of support from all my coach- him, I will be better equipped.” Two decades later, India’s Shivil outrageous action which got him a es. They’ve not tinkered my action and Once the element of surprise wears Kaushik has emerged as the proud bagful of wickets, especially in his de- been backing me.” off , Kaushik will need much more than heir to the South African spinner’s but home series against England. Seeing him bowl is like watching a just an unorthodox bowling action to “frog-in-a-blender” action. Adams, now coaching Cape Cobras, contortionist perform—straining eve- graduate to international cricket. Heads, including Kaushik’s own, himself appeared amused. ry muscle in his torso but the spinner The youngster is now focussing to turned at Pune’s Maharashtra Cricket “Remind you of someone! Wow assures his body can cope with it. “It’s get his line and length right and refuses Association Stadium when the left- #Kaushik ! Great to see the art of something which comes naturally to to look too far. arm chinaman bowler made his Indian #Chinaman bowling alive,” tweeted me so my body doesn’t take much of a “It feels really nice that a lot of peo- Premier League (IPL) debut for Gujarat ‘Gogga’, who played 45 tests and 24 load,” he says. ple (are) talking about me but I think Lions last Friday. one-day internationals for South Af- Kaushik went wicketless in his IPL it’s more important to stay focused Pressed into attack in the eighth over, rica between 1995-2004. debut but bounced back against Pun- and look at our future matches and all I the 20-year-old ambled slightly wide of Kaushik thanked all his coaches for jab, dismissing rival skipper Murali look to do is to contribute to our team,” the crease when a spirit seemed to enter not forcing him to dump the action, Vijay and the Australian duo of Shaun he says.

IPL/ BANGALORE vs KOLKATA WIELDING THE AXE Pakistan drop Afridi, Shehzad, Umar from Pathan is Knight of next month’s Eng tour

AFP Waqar Younis—who resigned Lahore in early April—had also rec- ommended dropping Shehzad and Umar. akistan’s new se- Spot-fi xing convict Salman the night as KKR win lectors yesterday Butt was also not selected. dropped star players “Butt has not played four-day Shahid Afridi, Ahmed cricket since his ban was lifted Yusuf blasts 29-ball 60 as Kolkata chase down 186-run target with 5 wickets to spare PShehzad and Umar Akmal so we need to assess him in from next month’s tour of longer formats before select- England, stressing there would ing him,” said Inzamam. be no compromises after the Butt is also likely to face is- Kolkata Knight Riders country’s disastrous exit from sues with obtaining a visa to batsman Yusuf Pathan the World Twenty20 in India. England—though another hits a boundary during his Former Afghanistan coach spot-fi xing convict, Moham- unbeaten 60 against Royal Inzamam-ul-Haq, who is head- ed Amir, was included in the Challengers Bangalore ing the newly formed selection squad as he is expected to get yesterday. (AFP) committee as part of wholesale the visa after pleading guilty in changes following last month’s a UK court. tournament humiliation, an- Butt, Amir and Mohamed nounced 35 players would at- Asif were caught in a spot- tend a boot camp starting in fi xing case on Pakistan’s last Kakul from May 14 to June 4. tour of England in 2010, taking He said Afridi—who an- money for no-balls during the nounced he would continue Lord’s Test. Their fi ve-year ban playing the Twenty20 format ended in September last year. after resigning as captain in the Pakistan will play four wake of the event—needed to Tests, fi ve one-day interna- perform in domestic matches. tionals and a Twenty20 inter- “Since we are playing only national on a two-month long four Twenty20 matches this tour of England. year we want to give new play- ers a chance, and that will also Boot camp squad allow Afridi to rest and per- Mohamed Hafeez, Sami Aslam, form in domestic matches,” Iftikhar Ahmed, Azhar Ali, Shar- Inzamam said at a news con- jeel Khan, Khurram Manzoor, ference in Lahore. Shan Masood, Younis Khan, As for Shehzad and Umar, Misbah-ul-Haq, Asad Shafiq, he said: “The selection com- Shoaib Malik, Haris Sohail, mittee will not compromise on Babar Azam, Khalid Latif, Fawad discipline.” Alam, Akbar-ur-Rehman, Asif Shehzad was declared best Zakir, Anwar Ali, Bilawal Bhatti, batsman of the Pakistan Cup Mohamed Amir, Rahat Ali, Imran one-day tournament which Khan, Sohail Khan, Wahab Riaz, ended on Sunday, scoring 372 Junaid Khan, Hasan Ali, Sarfraz runs, but along with Umar has Ahmed, Mohamed Rizwan, Ad- been involved in various disci- nan Akmal, Yasir Shah, Zulfiqar plinary breaches. Babar, Mohamed Asgher, Imad Former Pakistan head coach Wasim, Bilal Asif, Zohaib Khan Moores turns down Pak coaching job

Agencies games and they slid to seventh in the table, er delivery and Gayle departed for seven off the boundary bashing against Narine by ormer England coach Peter Moores has turned down an Bangalore above bottom side Kings XI Punjab. a failed hook. smashing 13 in the 11th over. Chawla’s ret- Fopportunity to succeed Waqar Younis as the new Pakistan Earlier, stylish half-centuries by Kohli Rahul was unperturbed by Gayle’s de- ribution was sweet in the 12th when Rahul coach, the 53-year-old Englishman said yesterday. and Rahul and batting carnage at the back- parture, getting into his stride with some tried to slice him over deep extra cover but Coaching Pakistan, traditionally a fractious bunch of talented olkata Knight Riders chased down end by Shane Watson and Sachin Baby saw extravagant shots against off -spinner Sunil ended up holing out to Yusuf Pathan for 52. individuals, is one of the toughest jobs in international cricket a steep 186-run target set by Royal the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ac- Narine and pacer Umesh Yadav. The hosts Kohli picked up the pace after Rahul’s de- and Younis stepped down a disillusioned man last month after Challengers Bangalore, winning by cumulate 185 for seven. reached 51 for one in the seventh over. parture, slaying the spinners with his tre- the team’s poor World Twenty20 display in India. fi ve wickets with fi ve balls to spare Rahul produced a stylish 52 off 32 balls, Kohli manoeuvred the ball through the in- mendous attacking array. Chawla then pro- Younis’ exit has forced the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) into Kto rise to second in the Indian Premier League while Kohli struck four boundaries in his ner ring with sensational timing and ran twos duced arguably one of the fi nest deliveries of fresh head-hunting and Moores said he declined a chance to table with their fi fth win in eight games. 52-run knock. Watson, Baby and Stuart almost at will. The RCB captain has been de- the current IPL, a fl ipper that accounted for return to international coaching after England sacked him It was a game of contrasting fortunes as Binny exposed the mediocre death bowl- scribed by Shane Warne, Australian legend, AB de Villiers when the batsman was on 4. for the second time last year. “I was hugely flattered to be Bangalore, at one stage, almost looked like ing by KKR, hammering 54 in the last three as the world’s premier T20-batsman, and he RCB slipped to 109 for three in 14 overs. approached,” Moores, currently a consultant with Nottingham- running away with the game before Yusuf overs. Umesh Yadav conceded 41 runs in underlined his dominance yet again. Brief scores shire, told ESPNcricinfo. “And I was very tempted by such a Pathan and Andre Russell came to the party his last two overs. Watson’s 34 came off a At the other end, Rahul was showing prestigious role with an exciting team. with blazing knocks. Pathan’s unbeaten 60 mere 21 deliveries. some artistry of his own. He struck an im- Royal Challengers Bangalore: 185/7 (KL “But having thought about it deeply, I don’t think it is the came off just 29 balls, while Russell’s 39 Chris Gayle threatened briefl y by perious six off Piyush Chawla and then ca- Rahul 52, V Kohli 52, S Watson 34; M Morkel right time for me or my family. I have committed myself to came off just 24 balls which was studded launching Morne Morkel down the ground ressed it between two fi elders at point for a 2/28, P Chawla 2/32) lost to Kolkata Knight a consultancy role with Nottinghamshire and I am enjoying with four sixes and one four. for a maximum in the second over, but the four as the 10th over produced 15 runs and Riders: 189/5 in 19.1 overs (Y Pathan 60*, G spending time with my kids as they grow up.” It was Bangalore’s fi fth defeat in seven lanky fast bowler responded with a bounc- RCB moved to 79 for one. He continued Gambhir 37, A Russell 39) by five wickets

SETBACKS Smith, Marsh head home with injuries; Bailey joins Pune Reuters a statement yesterday. Steve Smith (Pune Supergiants) two early casualties before the latest Melbourne All-rounder Mitchell Marsh was back home. pullouts of Mitchell and Smith. also pulled from the IPL to have Marsh though—unlike Hastings, Bailey, who had captained the treatment on a side strain, CA had brother Mitchell and Smith—is not Punjab team in the previous edition, ustralia cricket captain said on Sunday. part of the 16-man Australia squad went unsold in the February auc- Steve Smith has pulled Australia will play a one-day in- named for the West Indies tri-series tions only to make a late entry into out of the Indian Premier ternational tournament with West starting June 3, which also involves the cash-rich league. League to head home for Indies and South Africa in June. South Africa. “We lost four crucial players, but treatmentA on a wrist injury. Another Australian batsman, Marsh picked up the injury during we are looking ahead,” said Pune chief Cricket Australia said Smith had Shaun Marsh, too has been ruled the game on April 19 against Kolkata executive Raghu Iyer. “Bailey has tre- laboured due to pain in his right out of the rest of the IPL with an Knight Riders and seemed to have mendous experience and had a very wrist for the past week while play- injury, while another Kangaroo carried the back niggle ever since. successful season before last. He can ing for Pune in the Twenty20 tour- player, George Bailey, made his sea- Meanwhile, Bailey signed up for contribute to the leadership group. nament. son entry with team Rising Pune the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led “Smith’s (injury news) been a “From the information we have so Supergiants. Pune to give some hope to the team’s bummer. He was just coming into far, this doesn’t appear to be a seri- Marsh, who played six matches stuttering campaign, which was his own and this happened. It is a ous injury but we are keen to give for IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab further hit by a string of injuries to challenging time. Before we could him the time to recover and reha- this season, is set to join national its foreign recruits. settle down we lost the core group bilitate before heading to the West teammates John Hastings (Kolkata Englishman Kevin Pietersen and of players around whom you build a Steve Smith Indies at the end of May,” CA said in Knight Riders), Mitchell Marsh and South Africa’s Faf du Plessis were team,” Iyer added. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, May 3, 2016 SPORT

MLB Pence hunts down NY Mets in San Francisco Giants victory Red Sox complete a sweep of the rival Yankees as Christian Vazquez clubbed a two-run, seventh-inning homer

Reuters Salazar and won their sixth straight game, 2-1 San Francisco over the Indians. The Philadelphia bullpen upped its scoreless innings streak to 20 innings, the longest streak unter Pence homered and fi nished in the majors this season. with three RBIs and the San Francisco Giants stole four bases on their way REDS 6, PIRATES 5 (11 INNINGS) to a 6-1 win over the New York Mets, Scott Schebler drove in Eugenio Suarez with a Hwhose eight-game winning streak ended quietly single to right in the 11th inning as the Cincin- in Major League Baseball on Sunday. nati Reds ended a six-game skid with a 6-5 win Left-hander Madison Bumgarner (3-2) con- over the Pittsburgh Pirates, whose six-game tinued his mastery of the Mets by throwing six winning streak ended. shutout innings as the Giants (13-13) avoided Cincinnati got six-plus solid innings from being swept in the three-game series. right-handed starter Tim Adleman in his ma- Bumgarner is 4-0 with a 1.03 ERA in fi ve ca- jor-league debut. reer starts against the Mets and has thrown 18 straight scoreless innings at Citi Field, the long- BRAVES 4, CUBS 3 (10 INNINGS) est streak by an opposing pitcher since the park Nick Markakis’ sacrifi ce to deep left produced a opened in 2009. 10th inning go-ahead run as the Atlanta Braves beat the Chicago Cubs 4-3. RED SOX 8, YANKEES 7 The Cubs (17-6) had a four-game winning The Red Sox completed a sweep of the rival Yan- streak snapped as Hector Rondon (0-1) took the kees as Christian Vazquez clubbed a two-run, loss after a one-inning eff ort. seventh-inning homer off Dellin Betances to lift Boston to an 8-7 victory over fl oundering New BREWERS 14, MARLINS 5 York. Chris Carter hit two home runs and Domingo Betances, who surrendered a game-winning Santana added a third as the Milwaukee Brewers homer to David Ortiz on Friday, threw a 97 combined for a season-high 18 hits and halted a mph fastball to Vazquez, and the young catcher four-game skid with a 14-5 victory over the Mi- drilled it completely out of Fenway Park—his ami Marlins. second career homer, fi rst since Sept. 25, 2014. Eight runs came at the expense of Miami Vazquez missed last season following Tommy starter Tom Koehler (2-3), who allowed eight John surgery. hits and a pair of walks with a strikeout in 2 1/3 innings of work. DODGERS 1, PADRES 0 Ace left-hander Clayton Kershaw put an end to TIGERS 6, TWINS 5 the Los Angeles Dodgers’ six-game losing streak Jarrod Saltalamacchia’s two-out RBI double almost single-handedly, throwing a complete- in the top of the eighth inning plated the win- game shutout against the San Diego Padres and ning run as the Detroit Tigers fi nished off a driving in the only run in a 1-0 victory. three-game sweep of the Minnesota Twins with Kershaw struck out 14 and allowed just three a 6-5 victory. hits in his 13th career shutout. His dominant Minnesota, which had its second worst April performance in a pitchers’ duel with Padres in franchise history, lost its fourth straight game. left-hander Drew Pomeranz prevented the Dodgers from losing seven in a row at home for ANGELS 9, RANGERS 6 the fi rst time since August 1993. The Los Angeles Angels pounded out 15 hits Sunday and used fi ve relievers over the fi nal fi ve WHITE SOX 7, ORIOLES 1 innings in a 9-6 win over the Texas Rangers. Chris Sale improved to 6-0, Brett Lawrie San Francisco Giants right fielder Hunter Pence (left) hits a two run home run against the New York Mets during the fourth inning at Citi Field in New homered for the third straight game and the York City on Sunday. (USA TODAY Sports) ASTROS 2, ATHLETICS 1 Chicago White Sox routed the Baltimore Orioles Doug Fister took a shutout into the seventh, Jose 7-1. game losing streak, and a 27-inning scoreless Rays. Marcus Stroman (4-0), who went eight from Montreal following the 2004 season. Altuve hit a home run and the Houston Astros Sale (6-0) became the fi rst White Sox pitcher drought, with a 4-1 win over the Seattle Mari- innings in an Opening Day win at the Rays, did St. Louis native Max Scherzer fi red seven beat the Oakland Athletics 2-1 after losing fi ve to win his fi rst six starts since Jon Garland won ners. Kansas City’s losing streak was the team’s the same Sunday, holding Tampa Bay to three shutout innings while Clint Robinson and Dan- of six. eight in a row in 2005, according to STATS. longest since August, 2013. hits and one run while striking out nine. ny Espinosa cracked back-to-back homers in com. Sale allowed one run on fi ve hits with six the seventh as Washington stopped the Cardi- ROCKIES 6, DIAMONDBACKS 3 strikeouts and four walks over 5 1/3 innings. BLUE JAYS 5, RAYS 1 NATIONALS 6, CARDINALS 1 nals 6-1. Nolan Arenado hit his major-league-leading Tampa Bay missed a chance for an inning-end- The Washington Nationals cracked open a clas- 11th home run and Gerardo Parra also homered ROYALS 4, MARINERS 1 ing double play in the ninth and Troy Tulowit- sic pitcher’s duel in the sixth inning and played PHILLIES 2, INDIANS 1 to power the Colorado Rockies past the Arizona Eric Hosmer hit his fourth home run of the sea- zki followed with a three-run home run as the add-on from there for their fi rst-ever road The Philadelphia Phillies took advantage of Diamondbacks 6-3, completing a three-game son and the Kansas City Royals ended a fi ve- Toronto Blue Jays pulled out a 5-1 win over the sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals since moving one rough inning from Cleveland starter Danny sweep.

NHL BACKES SCORES WINNER AS Sharks go 2-0 up against Predators BLUES TIE SERIES WITH STARS St. Louis: St. Louis captain David Backes scored Kris Russell shot deflected off Cody Eakin, who Reuters a power-play goal 10:58 into overtime as the had three assists. San Jose Blues edged the Dallas Stars 4-3 in Game 2 Troy Brouwer had a goal and an assist during to square the second-round playoff series on regulation for St. Louis, who also got goals from Sunday at American Airlines Center. Patrik Berglund and Joel Edmundson. he San Jose Sharks did not win any Stars goaltender Antti Niemi, who stopped St. Louis scored on their first two shots and style points on Sunday but they won 19 of 20 shots in relief of starter Kari Lehtonen, on three of five first-period shots. a playoff game they probably de- denied the initial shot by Alex Steen, but Backes Alex Goligoski and Mattias Janmark also served to lose. tapped in the rebound to end the game. scored in regulation for Dallas. TJoe Pavelski’s fi rst goal of the series and “We got this series tied back up,” Backes said. Janmark cut the Blues’ lead to 3-2 with his sixth of the playoff s sparked San Jose to a 3-2 “Got one in their building, and now we need to first career playoff goal 4:35 into the third, scor- win over the Nashville Predators. Joe Thorn- go home and play solid hockey for 60 minutes ing off a wrist shot from the slot that beat Elliott ton’s empty-net goal at 19:04 counted as and really start to establish our game.” through the five hole. the game-winner after Nashville’s Ryan Jo- St. Louis were 17 seconds into a power play The game was delayed several minutes early hansen scored with 3.2 seconds left. resulting from an interference call on Antoine in the third after a Jason Spezza slap shot struck “We won, and I think in the playoff s you Roussel 10:41 into overtime. “I don’t know (if Elliott in the head. But after Elliott’s broken face- have to win in all kinds of diff erent ways,” the referee made the right call),” Roussel said. mask was repaired, he remained in the game. Sharks coach Peter DeBoer said. The vic- “They have a tough job. It’s not easy to be a ref Dallas took an early lead when Goligoski one- tory gave San Jose a 2-0 lead in its best-of- out there.” timed a slap shot past Elliott 3:36 into the game. seven Western Conference semifi nal series Robby Fabbri and Kevin Shattenirk each had Benn fed Goligoski with a backhand pass from that resumes with Game 3 in Nashville today. two assists for the Blues. Brian Elliott stopped behind the St. Louis goal. Goligoski then beat El- “It’s tough losing a game like that,” Nashville 31 of 34 shots. Game 3 in the best-of-7 series is liott far post for his third goal of the postseason. coach Peter Laviolette said. “The third pe- today in St. Louis. “The second period was the However, St. Louis answered 35 seconds riod, the eff ort was there and the energy was best we’ve played all playoff s,” Blues coach Ken later when Berglund scored his second of the there. We played a good hockey game.” Hitchcock said. playoff s at 4:11 of the first. Berglund netted San Jose were nursing a 1-0 lead, courtesy “We did everything we wanted to do, we the equalizer by one-timing a slap shot from of Logan Couture’s power-play goal at 18:36 played a heck of a period and then we played the left circle after a pass from Fabbri, beating of the second period, until Nashville gained the score, and that’s the wrong thing you can do Lehtonen far post. the equalizer at 12:56 of the third when de- against Dallas; they’re too good.” The Blues then took their first lead at 7:02 of fenseman Mattias Ekholm beat screened Dallas captain Jamie Benn scored the game- the first period when Edmundson scored his Sharks goalie Martin Jones. tying goal with 2:36 remaining in regulation. first goal of the playoff s off the rush by beating A game earmarked for overtime turned Benn, who also had an assist, scored after a Lehtonen top shelf from the left circle. when Pavelski chipped in a weakside rebound of a Matt Nieto shot late in the third. Thorn- ton’s cross-ice pass to Nieto got Pekka Rinne moving laterally, and the Nashville goalie San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski celebrates after scoring the second goal against the could not move back in time to deny Pavelski. Nashville Predators at SAP Center at San Jose. (USA TODAY Sports) “Pavs was able to bury it, he’s done it all season,” Couture said. “When we needed a and in the third. We were just as good as they vert on their second power-play opportu- big goal they stepped up got it for us.” were. They got a lucky bounce in the end and nity of the game, courtesy of Nashville’s too- “You knew it was a game you were going to scored the game winner.” many-men penalty at 18:03 of the second have to earn,” Pavelski added. The Sharks survived an early third-peri- period. San Jose took advantage of Rinne’s The rest was up to Jones, and the Sharks’ od Nashville power play after defenseman failure to corral a dump-in. The Sharks goalie was outstanding again. He fi nished Brenden Dillon roughed Johansen behind worked the puck back to the right point, with 37 saves to win for the sixth time in sev- the play at 6:34. The Predators managed one where defenseman Brent Burns’ shot was re- en starts this postseason. shot, and there was a scary moment for San directed on goal by Pavelski. “He was excellent tonight, he was our best Jose defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic, who Rinne made a pad save, then lost sight of player and he needed to be,” DeBoer said of was struck in the visor by a blast from Nash- the puck for a moment to give an unmarked Jones. “And their guy was pretty good, too. ville defenseman Shea Weber during the ad- Couture the opening to punch home his He made some unbelievable saves, regardless vantage. Stunned initially, Vlasic returned fourth goal of the playoff s. It was an odd sight of what the shot clock said.” once the action returned to even strength and as Nashville defenseman Roman Josi tried to That was not much consolation to the was OK afterward. avoid the penalty by jumping on the San Jose Predators, however. “I think we were the Couture scored the only goal of a tight- bench. He straddled the boards as a surprised better team out there tonight,” Ekholm said. checking, fast-paced opening 40 minutes. San Jose defense pair Paul Martin and Burns St. Louis Blues’ David Backes (centre) scores winning goal against the Dallas Stars. (AFP) “Especially in the second, late in the fi rst It took the Sharks only 33 seconds to con- kept him from fully getting off the ice. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 3, 2016 7 SPORT

NBA Thompson shines, Curry-less Warriors whip Trail Blazers Green collects his second playoff career triple-double with 23 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists for the Warriors

DPA you’re not going to shoot like that every game. Los Angeles It’s the playoff s, you have to be aggressive.” Golden State continued the assault in the third quarter behind Thompson’s 11 points as he Golden State Warriors continue to the lead swelled to 28. roll over opponents while awaiting the The top seeds carried a 93-73 cushion into return of injured league MVP Stephen the fi nal frame and cruised home in front of the Curry. Klay Thompson fi red in a playoff wildly-cheering sold out Oracle Arena crowd. career-highT 37 points with seven triples, and the Green cautioned that the rest of the best-of- defending NBA Champions cruised to a 118-106 seven series is not going to be easy. victory over the visiting Portland Trail Blazers “We have to continue to improve,” he said. on Sunday in the opener of their Western Con- “They’re going to improve and we have to make ference semi-fi nal playoff series. adjustments to their adjustments.” “He was awesome,” Warriors coach Steve Damian Lillard struggled to score 30 points Kerr said of Thompson’s sparkling eff ort on on 8-of-26 shooting for the fi fth-seeded Trail both ends of the court. Curry sat out his sec- Blazers, who had little time to prepare following ond consecutive playoff game with a right knee Friday’s game 6 close-out over the LA Clippers. sprain, but he cheered on his teammates from “It’s one game,” Lillard said. “We have to un- the bench. “The guys are doing what they need derstand they’re an elite team and they showed to do to keep it rolling,” he said. “But I want to be that tonight. back as soon as possible.” “We have to play a full game for 48 minutes. Curry expects to get the green light from the We have to fi x things and make sure our season team’s medical staff to participate in 5-on-5 keeps going.” The Warriors host game 2 is today. drills. Despite “feeling pain” in his knee, he is optimistic for a return in Saturday’s game 3, MIAMI HEAT 106, saying, “It’s looking pretty good.” CHARLOTTE HORNETS 73 Draymond Green collected his second playoff Slovenian Goran Dragic scored a playoff career- career triple-double with 23 points, 13 rebounds high 25 points and the Heat crushed the visiting and 11 assists for the Warriors, who also got 12 Hornets to win their Eastern Conference fi rst- points from Curry’s replacement, Shaun Liv- round series 4-games-to-3. ingston. “I didn’t go out tonight saying I need to Third-seeded Miami advanced to a con- get a triple-double to win,” Green said. “I came ference semi-fi nal showdown starting today out saying I need to do whatever it takes for our against the Toronto Raptors after the second team to get a win. Tonight, that was a little bit seeds held off the Indiana Pacers 89-84 in game of everything. It was important that everybody 7 of their series. stepped up with energy. That’s what won us the Gerald Green had 16 points, Luol Deng 15 and game.” Dwayne Wade 12 for Miami, which never trailed Thompson says he doesn’t feel any added in the beat-down. pressure to pick up the slack for fellow Splash After leading by 12 at halftime, the Heat broke Brother Curry, who averaged a league-best 30 open the game with a 29-11 third quarter blitz, points per game this season. extending the lead to 30 en route to the lopsided “I just want to play as myself and to my victory. strengths,” he said. “We have so many great Kemba Walker followed his 37-point game 6 players, we just have to do it collectively and eff ort with just nine, as sixth-seeded Charlotte make up for him.” shot a frosty 32 per cent from the fi eld. The Warriors have come together without Curry. “I think it helped to play most of the TORONTO RAPTORS 89, Houston series without Steph in terms of pre- INDIANA PACERS 84 paring for this series,” Kerr said. “We just got DeMar DeRozan scored 30 points, including two into a good groove in games 4 and 5 and it car- free throws with 6.5 seconds left, and the Rap- ried over into today. Our guys have an under- tors held off a late rush to close out the visiting standing of what we’re trying accomplish and Pacers in the decisive game 7 of their Eastern how we have to play without Steph.” Conference fi rst-round series. Thompson got off to a sizzling start, outscor- Jonas Valanciunas had 15 rebounds and 10 ing the Trail Blazers 18-17 by himself en route to points for Toronto, which won its fi rst playoff a 37-17 lead after one quarter. series since 2001. He had 22 points by halftime, staking the Paul George had 26 points with 12 rebounds Warriors to a comfortable 65-51 advantage. for the Pacers, who cut a late 16-point third- “I was in a great zone,” Thompson said. “It quarter defi cit to three in the fi nal minute before was good to get off to a good start. Obviously, getting eliminated.

CURRY LIKELY TO PLAY GAME 3

Portland: The Golden State Warriors just coaching staff I work with here.” might see star guard Stephen Curry on the NBA coaching sources told ESPN that court for Game 3 of the Western Conference Walton landed a five-year deal with the Lak- semi-final series against the Portland Trail ers, with four years guaranteed, at an annual Blazers. salary between $5 million and $6 million, Curry missed Sunday’s series opener due depending on incentives. to a sprained MCL in his right knee and coach Walton was the Warriors’ interim head Steve Kerr said before Sunday’s contest that coach at the start of this season and led the it is “pretty slim” that Curry would be able to team to a 39-4 record, including an NBA- play in today’s Game 2. record 24-0 start, before coach Steve Kerr But Game 3 isn’t until Saturday in Portland, returned after recovering from back surgery. giving Curry a chance to further his rehab and ------test the knee in 5-on-5 scrimmages. Longtime NBA coach George Karl reflected on “It just depends how his week goes,” Kerr his rocky tenure with the Sacramento Kings, said. “We’ll just monitor him and see how it including his clashes with star center DeMar- goes and hopefully get him back at some cus Cousins and the team’s front off ice. point. ... It’s nice to have that long break The Kings fired Karl on April 14. between (games) 2 and 3.” The Warriors beat “I never felt I got into a good place with the Trail Blazers in Game 1 Sunday. Cuz (Cousins),” Karl told the Sacramento Bee ------in an interview at his home. “Some of that Luke Walton says it was a diff icult decision was my stupidity when I said that no player is Klay Thompson (left) of the Golden State Warriors goes up for a shot against Mason Plumlee of the Portland Trail Blazers during Game One of the to leave the Warriors but feels he is up to the untradable. Western Conference semi-finals for the 2016 NBA Playoff s at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California on Sunday. (AFP) challenge to take over as head coach of the “I still believe that. But I should have been Los Angeles Lakers. smart enough not to say it, and I in no way, at “It was a tough decision, but I didn’t have to any time, thought DeMarcus was going to get NFL sleep on it because I already kind of thought traded.” it out,” said Walton, who addressed the media “Eighty percent of the time, I think the Saturday for the first time since being hired Kings did what had to be done,” Karl told the by the Lakers. newspaper. Chicago Bears release veteran safety Rolle “Obviously, I love that the past two years, “But I’m old-school enough to think that a the players here are incredible, not just coach has to feel powerful, has to feel sup- Reuters talent-wise, but the people they are. I love the ported—and I never felt that level of support.” Chicago Antrel Rolle was limited to just seven games in 2015 because of ankle he Chicago Bears released veteran and knee injuries. safety Antrel Rolle after one injury- plagued season with the team. Rolle, 33, played in just seven games Tdue to ankle and knee injuries. He signed a three-year, $11.25 million deal as a free agent in March, 2015. Rolle didn’t intercept a pass last season after accumulating 26 during his fi rst 10 NFL sea- sons. The three-time Pro Bowler had a career- high six interceptions in 2013 with the Giants. ------Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay hopes to get a contract deal done with quarterback Andrew Luck done as soon as possible, but backed off a bit on his earlier July 4th weekend ------mini-camp on a tryout basis. timetable. “Both sides believe soon the better TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin agreed to ------if possible,” Irsay said. “And both sides believe terms with the Seattle Seahawks as an un- The San Diego Chargers reached agreement sooner is possible.” drafted free agent. with 20 undrafted free agents, including quar------The Seahawks went into the draft with Rus- terback Mike Bercovici of Arizona State. Glenn Gronkowski, a Kansas State fullback sell Wilson as the only quarterback on the ------Stephen Curry (second right) and his team-mates react during Golden State Warriors game and the youngest brother of Rob Gronkowski, roster and did not use any of their 10 picks The Jacksonville Jaguars signed nine undrafted against the Portland Trail Blazers in Oakland, California. (AFP) agreed to terms with the Buff alo Bills as an un- on a quarterback. Seattle also invited Oregon free agents, including quarterback Max Wittek drafted free agent. quarterback Vernon Adams to attend rookie of Hawaii. Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, May 3, 2016 SPORT

SNOOKER BASKETBALL PIBAQ Falcons beat Lebanese Lgends Ding falls behind By Sports Reporter WLL). Their win was not earned Doha with a silver platter since their opponents are veterans who rep- resented their country in many IBAQ Falcons, an all- international tournaments in the star selection of Filipino past. cagers, survived the The Lebanese Legends started big scare by applying a out strong in the game open- in gruelling world run-and-gunP attack in the dying ing but PIBAQ Falcons refused minutes to emerge winner over to budge to keep closer in the an equally strong veteran line- scores. Both teams have sepa- up of Lebanese Legends 76-73 in rately drawn their own legions of a friendly game last week. fans from their countrymen. The clash likened to the FIBA The Filipino squad got a big rivalry between the two coun- scare in the second and third tries capped the exciting fi nals quarter but remain in conten- championship fi nal game at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall tion with an average of six to 10 where Al Jaish beat Al Gharafa points a minute to keep them in Sports Club to claim the HH running battle. The 29-year-old Chinese is bidding to become the first Asian to win the world title Emir Cup crown. PIBAQ Falcons Both teams traded baskets in whose selection are also former the last quarter but the Filipinos stars in the professional leagues showed more tenacity with their back home obviously displayed fastbreak attack to come up vic- fresher legs that proved to be torious in the game. crucial in few minutes left before PIBAQ Falcons paraded the the fi nal buzzer. reliable frontliners in the likes The Filipino team is supported of Francis Mercado, Nino Gelig, by McDonald’s Restaurant (Al Ronnie Cajayon, Jayson Tiong- Mana Restaurants and Food Co., son and Rodel Mallari.

Jayson Tiongson of PIBAQ Falcons shoots tha ball as Lebanese Legends players trying to defend during their fiendly tie. PICTURE: Ronnie Castro

China’s Ding Junhui plays a shot during the World Snooker Final against England’s Mark Selby in Sheff ield, northern England. (AFP) South Korea’s Park begs for AFP served to inspire 2014 champi- up hope, no doubt inspired by Ding, taking it from a position Terry Griffi ths. Griffi ths has Sheff ield on Selby who won the next two memories of Dennis Taylor fa- where he needed a snooker and worked with Ding on his men- Olympic chance frames to restore the Leicester mously winning the world title a clearance. tal approach and the Chinese player’s dominance and put in 1985 from 8-0 behind against former world number one, who South Korea’s Park Tae-hwan got down on his knees and begged for ing Junhui’s bid to be- himself in a position to lift the Steve Davis, while Ronnie The opening day of the had to qualify for the tourna- the chance to compete at the Rio Games on Monday as the Korean come the fi rst Asian world title on Monday, the same O’Sullivan trailed Graeme Dott two-day fi nal at Sheffi eld’s ment after falling out of the Olympic Committee (KOC) shows no signs of lifting the additional to win the world title day that his hometown football 5-0 in 2004 before winning 18- Crucible Theatre saw top 16, had been playing with doping sanctions it has imposed on the swimmer. was on a knife-edge team could be crowned Premier 8. 29-year-old Ding slip 6-0 a calmer demeanour over the Park was banned for 18 months by governing body FINA after test- whenD he trailed former cham- League champions. For Ding’s many millions of past fortnight. Selby remained down at one stage before ing positive for testosterone ahead of the 2014 Asian Games, and pion Mark Selby 10-7 in the “There were two warriors out supporters watching at home he pulled back to 8-7 on top, pushing out his lead to while the ban expired in March he must now wait three more years best-of-35 frame championship there today, when you require late at night in China, there courtesy of a marathon 6-0 and then looking for all the before he can be considered for selection under KOC rules. match. one or two snookers you’ve must have been a feeling of let- 66-minute 15th frame world to be heading seven clear, Despite the ban, Park decided to compete at last week’s national tri- The opening day of the two- got to go for them, such is the down as their idol struggled so only to jam the blue around the als anyway and won the 100m, 200m, 400m and 1,500m freestyle day fi nal at Sheffi eld’s Crucible standard of safety play, it’s as- badly at the start. A baffl ing attempt to cut jaws of the yellow pocket. events. He swam the fourth fastest time of the year in winning the Theatre saw 29-year-old Ding tonishing. Ding looked as fresh Selby swept 4-0 in front at in the green by Ding, when it Ding knocked it in and fi nally 400m, clocking 3 minutes, 44.26 seconds. slip 6-0 down at one stage be- as anything,” former six-time the mid-session interval with looked an impossible shot, was had a frame on the board. The 26-year-old, who won gold in the 400m freestyle at the 2008 fore he pulled back to 8-7 cour- world champion Steve Davis breaks of 91, 76 and 120. the Chinese player’s downfall. His second swiftly followed Beijing Games to become the first Korean to win an Olympic swim- tesy of a marathon 66-minute told the BBC. In the one frame where he did Ding showed no immediate thanks to breaks of 31, 35 and 41 ming medal, told a news conference at Incheon City Hall on Monday 15th frame. Ding had fallen 6-2 down in not make a major score he argu- response after an interval pep and Ding had a foothold in the he wanted the chance to make amends for his mistake. But that gruelling duel only the fi rst session but never gave ably infl icted a greater blow on talk from 1979 world champion match at last. “As a swimmer, I feel it is most important to speak through records and results in the pool,” he added. “I hope that I am given a chance so that I can deliver a good performance for the people and contrib- SPOTLIGHT ute to the nation.” Given Park’s profile in Korea, and amid criticism that the KOC regula- tion punishes an athlete twice for the same off ence, speculation grew that it may relax the rule to give the swimmer the chance to compete at the Rio Olympics. However, the KOC said last month it was “not appropriate to amend national team selection regulations for a specific person”. Jordan Rally revisits past glories Park’s image as the golden boy of Korean sport was shattered early last year when it emerged he had tested positive for testosterone ahead of the Incheon Asian Games. He attributed the failed test to an injection he received at a local clinic, where he said he was being treated for a skin complaint and to reaffi rm its WRC ambition where he also had some vitamin shots and chiropractic treatment.

By Our Correspondent liams, spokesman for Jordan most exciting fi nishes in rally- Dead Sea (Jordan) Motorsport. ing history. “We continue to talk with “This rally has a special place our friends at the WRC about in my memories and was one of his week’s Jordan Rally a return to Jordan, but in the the most demanding rounds of makes a welcome return meantime we will continue to the WRC,” said Qatar’s Nasser to the King Abdullah perform to the high levels ex- Saleh al-Attiyah. bin Talal Convention pected for such a prestigious “The stages can be slippery, TCentre by Hilton on the sun- championship.” technical and unforgiving. I baked shores of the Dead Sea. The Middle East’s leading have an impressive record here Situated at the lowest place drivers have now arrived at the and would like to win again and on earth, the state-of-the-art Dead Sea for the third round continue my quest for another complex has hosted the pres- of the FIA Middle East Rally Middle East title.” tigious World Economic Forum Championship and will start Stage reconnaissance will be on several occasions and played their two-day reconnaissance followed on Thursday (May 5) centre stage during three gold- of some of the fi nest gravel by an offi cial drivers’ Q&A ses- en years when the Hashemite special stages on the planet on sion in Abdali from 14.30hrs Kingdom hosted a round of the Tuesday morning. that precedes an autograph FIA World Rally Championship Seen as one of the most popu- signing session, the ceremonial in 2008, 2010 and 2011. lar rounds of the WRC amongst start and the opening timed su- Jordan is keen to return to the Local driver Husam Salem in action at the Jordan Rally last October. many of the leading drivers - per special stage. world’s premier rally series in such as former winners Mikko The meat of the action is the near future and the switch ing to the top echelon of the ral- to ensure that when the WRC Hirvonen, Sébastien Loeb, Sé- centred around the Dead Sea back to the convention centre is lying calendar. family is ready to return to this bastien Ogier - and members and Jordan Valley areas on a clear message to the FIA that “The Jordan Rally has main- region then we are a willing long of the world’s media, the event Friday (May 6) and Saturday Jordan is serious about return- tained its world-class standards term partner,” said David Wil- also saw one of the closest and (May 7). Gulf Times Tuesday, May 3, 2016 9 FEATURES

FOCUS Judy and sons learn how to live with success in the shadow of Dunblane The other woman rose from their invested in himself. You can keep plod- Taking the Davis Cup back to their home town stirs memories of the massacre chair when she heard it was her daugh- ding at 40 in the world but, in doubles, ter’s class which had been attacked. you won’t make much impact. Your in- Jamie and Andy Murray narrowly escaped to become No 1 and No 2 in the world “You never imagine something like come is small if you’re not winning the that would happen in your little town,” big tournaments. But Jamie paid Louis Murray says softly. “That was very to join him on the road – not every hard. Your immediate reaction when week – because he wanted to improve. you realise it’s not your child’s class is He also started working with a sports relief and then there is enormous guilt psychologist to manage his emotions because people you know are about to better. The investment in himself has suff er. It’s their child’s class. You never paid off .” forget that moment.” Andy, meanwhile, made yet another Murray pauses, and shakes her head. grand slam fi nal in Australia, losing to “You never forget what you could have Novak Djokovic, and became a father lost that day and it makes you ap- for the fi rst time in February. He suf- preciate what you have. It’s 20 years fered a dip in form before reaching the ago and the town has recovered. No semi-fi nals in Monaco, where he lost one ever forgets but the boys’ suc- to a resurgent Rafael Nadal. “It’s a huge cess has given Dunblane a lot of pride. change in his life, becoming a dad, but For me it’s always a reminder of how Andy’s gone through various spells fortunate we are and how important it when his results have not been quite is that the boys remain grounded and what he wanted. He started to play well hard-working. It’s their way of saying: again in Monte Carlo. Let’s see what ‘This is where we are from, this is who he can do this week in Madrid. When we are …’” you have a change like fatherhood it’s They were coached initially by her understandable you might get a bit dis- and their variety of play and tactical tracted but I’m sure it’s temporary.” acumen are rooted in her approach Murray has stepped down from the but a point came where a mother from Federation Cup captaincy because its In this November 25, 2015, picture, Great Britain's Jamie Murray (right) and Andy Murray take part in a practice session ahead of the Davis Cup final against Belgium. (Reuters) Dunblane, without much support from unwieldy structure means that, until the LTA, could take them no further. Britain get into the World Group, they By Donald McRae that run which brought it home to him. She had become the leading coach in play matches only every February. The The Guardian He was thinking that was our little club Scotland but her sons needed to travel absence of Johanna Konta and Laura – with no track record of success. There abroad. Andy was still a teenager when Robson this year cost them the promo- was no one to learn from and that makes the fi rst move had to be made. “As tion place that Murray had pursued for t’s only when you go back their success so special. It was just after Scotland national coach my starting so long. Yet she has a broader regret. home that it really sinks in,” they had won the Davis Cup, so these salary was £25,000,” she remembers. “I was always going to step down Judy Murray says on a day of emotions were very vivid.” “When Andy had the chance to train this year but there is a larger issue. rare Scottish sunshine. On Those same feelings ran deep again in Spain we had to fi nd a way. We got a There are not enough girls coming into the“I outskirts of Edinburgh, the coach when Judy and Jamie returned to little money from the LTA and Tennis tennis and I believe team competition and former Federation Cup captain Dunblane with the Davis Cup which “is Scotland but we needed £35,000 a year engages fans more powerfully. I hope we refl ects on the fact her sons, Jamie and like a giant wedding cake. It has to be for Andy to have a decent run at it.” can persuade the ITF to let the women Andy, occupy the world No 1 and No 2 brought in a van and it takes about 45 Murray had to apply for a £30,000 have a similar format to the Davis Cup. slots in, respectively, the men’s doubles minutes to get it on and off the van. It loan and her eyes widen. “It was a big We need to grow the women’s game. and singles rankings. Last week she and was a great day. I’d asked Jamie where risk. I didn’t realise what we were get- At WTA events, in the early stages, Jamie took the Davis Cup trophy, which he would most like to go and he said the ting into but I knew this was the next the stands are empty so we need to do the Murray brothers and Great Britain primary and senior schools and then step he had to take. A year later Jamie something to get more people watch- won amid high emotion six months ago, end up at the club. [15 months older than Andy] fi nished ing.” to their home town of Dunblane. “It was emotional for me and lovely school and wanted to go to France be- At least British women’s tennis has a Memories fl ooded through them. to see Jamie being recognised. For so cause they have faster surfaces. So there fresh presence in the impressive Konta They also could not forget the terrible long he has been in the shadow of Andy was huge fi nancial stress for about three who has risen from No150 in the world day 20 years ago when Jamie and Andy and so it was great to see him being the years. I can talk about it now but back to a grand slam semi-fi nal in Australia were at Dunblane primary school and centre of attention. And anytime I go then it was hard. I’m not sure parents this year. “In the past, during the Fed 16 of their fellow pupils and a teacher back to the tennis club I feel the most understand how horrendously expen- Cup, she would get very anxious during were killed in a mass shooting. It seems emotion. Apart from a lick of paint the sive it is – and there are no guarantees. the tight points but so much changed incredible that, beyond such carnage club looks exactly as it was when they For most kids professional tennis just when she took on a new coach in and coming from a rainy Scottish town were small boys. I can see them running doesn’t happen.” Esteban Carril – a very calm Spanish without any tennis history, such success around while I was coaching. I remem- Murray also faced the diffi cult task guy. He added real calm, a big serve and followed for the Murray boys. ber them playing in the men’s third of sitting down with her eldest son in taught her how to defend. She no longer “We speak about it very occasionally,” team when they were quite little.” 2006 to tell him a brutal truth. “I had to panics and tries to hit herself out of Judy Murray says. “But, last Christmas, There is much more than nostalgia tell Jamie it was not going to happen for trouble. Jo’s on the verge of the top 20 – Andy said: ‘You know, mum, it really at work here. Murray has only recently In this March 6, 2016, picture, Judy Murray celebrates a point won by her son Andy him in singles. At least I could also tell and she senses anything is possible.” is amazing what’s happened.’ They stepped down from her Federation Cup during the Davis Cup match against Japan's Kei Nishikori in Birmingham. (AFP) him his skills were suited to doubles.” Similar belief pulses through the were home for Christmas and it was duties, and is preparing to have one That summer, Murray dug deep into 56-year-old Murray. She has overcome cold but Andy got up that morning and last tilt at securing permission to build coaches. We can do the same again – fi nds easy to revisit, and there are signs her plundered savings to entice a dou- her disappointment that plans for a went for a run. He ran from the Bridge a Scottish tennis centre just outside starting small and growing from there. of distress on her face and in her voice as bles specialist coach, Louis Cayer, to Scottish tennis centre “were knocked of Allan into Dunblane. He ran around Dunblane. Fizzing with ideas and ven- I am not desperate to produce another she talks about her raw memories. She work with Jamie. “I took Louis on for six back at local level but we have appealed Dunblane, going past the primary tures like Miss Hits, encouraging young Andy. I couldn’t do that again but hope- knew Thomas Hamilton, the gunman weeks because it was all I could aff ord to the Scottish government. I see it as school, the high school, the post box, girls to play the game, and Tennis on fully I can produce a workforce that can who killed himself after taking 17 lives, but he is responsible for setting Jamie in the catalyst for Scottish tennis. the cathedral where he got married and the Road, which focuses on developing go on to do that. I want to be up here and had given him occasional lifts in her the right direction. “We need to capitalise on Jamie and then back past the tennis courts. There interest in deprived or remote areas of in Scotland so I can make sure there is car. Murray also knew most of the moth- “I’ve watched Jamie get better and Andy’s success – and going back to was a family playing on the tennis court Scotland, Murray is also determined. a legacy for what Jamie and Andy have ers who lost their children. While they better. He needed a settled partner in Dunblane made me realise there’s a with two little boys. Andy went on to “My main goal is to grow the game in achieved.” were waiting in a school room for the John Peers and they made two slam fi - huge appetite for tennis in Scotland. the court and had a hit with the kids. He Scotland. I did it before and we started The past and the future are so en- police to tell them what had happened nals last year [before Murray switched That’s down to the boys but they won’t had his beanie on and no one else knew with one small indoor centre with four twined in Murray’s vision that, for all the there was such little space that Murray partners and, at the Australian Open play for ever and Scotland won’t get he was there. courts and out of that we got four Davis pain such questions evoke, it seems im- shared a chair with a woman who had this year, won his fi rst men’s dou- another chance like this again. We have “Andy then went back up to my mum Cup and Federation Cup players, and portant to ask her about the tragic day of been a fellow pupil at her school when bles grand slam with Bruno Soares]. to take it. I want to secure that legacy and dad’s for breakfast. It was probably grand slam winners, and very good 13 March 1996. It is not a subject Murray they were girls. Success helps confi dence but Jamie for Scottish tennis.”

BOTTOMLINE Graeme Fowler, the cricketer whose greatest work may be in mental health

By Mike Selvey he meant someone who could spot and superb coach and mentor may not from time with Test Match Special. He public forum. Cricket can be proud to The Guardian ability and knew how to nurture it while be Foxy’s greatest work. It was 12 years appeared to have inherited the gene of have led the way but, as Foxy recognis- recognising individuality. He did not ago when Sarah, his wife and soulmate, eternal youth in body and mind. Puck- es, it is important not just that suff erers overburden with theory but challenged fi rst picked up on his depression after ish might have been a word devised es- are able to feel able to relate their ex- t is no exaggeration to say Graeme thinking and provoked questioning. He weeks of non-communication with her pecially for him. We share a sense of the periences but that others can perhaps Fowler was instrumental in laying regarded his Test match double cen- and their three young daughters had absurd. recognise when someone may have a the foundations for the career of tury in the stifl ing heat and humid- aroused her suspicion. But, as far as I am aware, no one problem. the man who was to become one of ity of Chennai, and the hundred made Reluctantly he went to the doctor, twigged his mental health was so pre- Earlier this year he spent time travel- Ithe most successful captains the coun- at Lord’s against the most feared fast who confi rmed what, intuitively, she carious and here is where Foxy’s great- ling around all the fi rst-class counties, try has had and who now runs England bowling attack of all, as a more relevant had suspected. “I feel terrible,” he told est work may just be that in which he is on behalf of the Professional Cricketers’ cricket. Andrew Strauss was a multital- qualifi cation than any coaching cer- the doctor. “I can’t sleep, I’m not inter- currently engaged. Association, which is doing wonderful ented sportsman, and a third-year stu- tifi cate, although he possessed those in ested in anything, everything is point- Unbeknown to Sarah he weaned work on that side of sport, delivering a dent at Durham when Fowler set up his spades too. And from it emerged young less. I’ve no appetite.” himself off medication and, under- seminar on his experiences. He has put brainchild cricket centre of excellence men and women better equipped to This the 59-year-old documents standing that his condition can be together a checklist to help players keep there and began coaching the universi- face whatever life had in store, either in in the opening chapter of his riveting managed but not cured, devised a way a note of their mental health but thinks ty’s best players. “He was,” said Strauss sport or not. book, Absolutely Foxed. Then comes of coping. This involved a sort of table it is as important to provide a checklist recently, “the man who turned me from Last year he left his job. The goal- one of the most thought-provoking of mental health, a scale of 0 to 20 on of indicators for teammates. It is not a recreational cricketer to someone who posts had been shifted by MCC, whose paragraphs I have read in any book of which 10 is neutral. Anything above shameful to have mental health issues, believed he could play professionally.” funding provided the facility. No longer this nature. “Had he thought of suicide, 10 is good, and below bad: his best is he says. He does not claim to be an ex- For 19 years Fowler ran his centre, would it be a centre of excellence, em- the doctor asked [not, Foxy explained to 16, his lowest five. Thus he can assess pert on mental health. latterly under the MCC banner and the bracing the elite cricketers, but instead me in a lighter moment, a suggestion of and communicate his condition at “It is not me standing up as a clini- blueprint for fi ve centres at Cambridge, would become community-based, in- a career path]? “No,” he replied, “be- any given time, and his understand- cian and telling them what they need Oxford, Loughborough, Leeds and volving all teams and standards across cause I have a nice life. I have a great ing and loving family in particular can to do,” he says in the book. “It is sim- Cardiff . From his coaching, in which the board. MCC, not unreasonably, job, great family, lovely wife. I know all respond appropriately. ply about me sharing what happens to life skills played as big a part as those of believed it had a duty to try to reverse Fowler's book Absolutely Foxed that exists but I can’t get to it. It’s over Now he is engrossed in the chal- me and how I feel. I welcome such open the game, emerged 60 county cricket- the decline in recreational participa- discusses his own battle with depression there and I can’t get there. So am I going lenge of further breaking the taboo of discussion about depression in society.” ers, six of whom became captains with tion. His centre, Fowler argued, had as a means to helping others. to kill myself? The answer is no. But do I mental health issues among sports- It is a discussion he continues with a half-dozen representing England. always been towards the furtherance of wish I was dead? Yes.” people in particular. Cricketers such his book. It is an excellent read but more “I wanted to be the sort of coach I the standard of county cricket and from Had Strauss gone to Durham now, he It shattered me to read that. Our ca- as Marcus Trescothick, Michael Yardy importantly a profoundly important would have liked to have had,” was the that the national team. It was an argu- may have taken a diff erent path. reers overlapped only right at the end of and Jonathan Trott have been in the thought-provoking one that deserves plank of his philosophy. By this I think ment he could not win and so he left. Yet being an international batsman mine but I had known him much better vanguard of bringing the topic into the to be read beyond the cricket world. Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, May 3, 2016 SPORT

FORMULA ONE RUGBY Pill cocktail behind NZ players’ Test ban Kvyat future with AFP Similar substance abuse was Wellington suspected on the eve of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup fi nal, when the Kiwis crumbled 34-2 to group of Auckland- Australia in a lacklustre display. based rugby league The latest incident came when players has been stood the Warriors players went out down from interna- the day after their team’s 42-0 Red Bull in doubt tionalA duties for abusing pre- defeat to the Melbourne Storm scription drugs during a night last week. out, reports said yetserday. “It’s an issue we had after the Six players were dropped from last World Cup and we have a the Auckland Warriors, who play stance on the issue,” NZRL act- in the Australian National Rugby ing chief executive Alex Hayton League, last week and subse- told Radio Sport. quently barred from this week- “So based on the information aft er Sochi ‘disaster’ end’s international matches over we had from the Warriors the their conduct. decision was taken not to select The New Zealand Herald re- those players.” ‘It’s a pity because he not only ruined Vettel’s race—and Ricciardo’s race—but also his own race’ ported that fi ve of them had Hayton did not know when admitted taking a cocktail of the banned players would be al- sleeping pills and energy drinks. lowed back, saying the Warriors It said the players who made were leading the investigation admissions were New Zealand- into their behaviour. ers Manu Vatuvei, Ben Matulino “It’s not just a rugby league and Bodene Thompson, along issue. It’s an issue that’s across with Samoa representative Sam professional sport,” he added. Lisone and Tonga’s Albert Vete. New Zealand Rugby Union Another Tongan player, Kon- (NZRU) revealed in 2014 that All rad Hurrell, reportedly tagged Blacks Cory Jane and Israel Dagg along as the group’s driver. took prescription sleeping pills New Zealand national coach while on a night out in Auckland Stephen Kearney said he decided during the 2011 World Cup. to leave the three Kiwis out of Fri- Sleeping pill abuse has also day’s Test against Australia after been a problem for Austral- consultation with the Warriors. ian swimmers, including triple “It is important that Test match Olympic gold medallist Grant football is the pinnacle of our Hackett, who sought treatment game... if there are issues at club for addiction to sleeping medi- level ... we will make the appro- cation Stilnox. priate decisions accordingly,” he The same drug was at the said.” centre of a scandal involving The mix of sleeping pills the Australian men’s swim relay and energy drinks reportedly team at the London 2012 Ol- achieves an amphetamine-like ympics, when they used it at a high without breaching doping “bonding session” and misbe- rules. haved at their living quarters.

Ben Matulino

Red Bull Formula One driver Daniil Kvyat of Russia drives during the Russian Grand Prix. (Reuters)

AFP straight win this season and car the start of the Chinese ‘feeder’ team Toro Rosso are we are kind of between Earth Sochi seventh in succession, includ- Grand Prix two weeks ealier. under close observation with and the Moon right now,” team ing three last year, and was a Marko added that, contrary a view to one of them stepping owner Gene Haas told Reuters disastrous day for the chasing to the collision in Shanghai up - as both Ricciardo and Kv- as he considered another job aniil Kvyat’s future pack including the Ferrari and where he felt Kvyat’s aggres- yat did. The competitive ten- well done. with Red Bull was cast Red Bull teams. sion had been acceptable, he sions between all four drivers “Any day that you get points, into doubt on Monday Red Bull boss Christian Horner said: “This time, in contrast are intense and have become so that’s a great day. We’re very when the team said apologised to Vettel and Ferrari to Shanghai, I understand him strong at Toro Rosso that the happy with what we did. I think theyD would summon him for for Kvyat’s impetuous driving (Vettel) completely - he is right team recruited the vastly-ex- Romain did a great job of main- talks on his role in the multiple- in Turns Two and Three and the to be so angry.” perienced former Manor team taining his position in the last collision that wrecked their Russian afterwards apologised He said the team did not want boss John Booth to assist in their 20 or so laps. ambitions in Sunday’s Russian to Vettel and ‘everyone involved’ to discuss the matter in detail in management as a consultant di- “He’s scored points three- Grand Prix. for his reckless moves. After the Sochi because emotions were rector of racing. quarters of the time.” The Russian racer rammed race, Red Bull’s motorsport ad- too high. Ricciardo had de- Verstappen, 18, has been Grosjean, who joined from into the Ferrari of former Red visor Austrian Helmut Marko, manded an apology from Kvyat linked with Ferrari while Sainz, the fi nancially-stricken former Bull hero, four-time world the hard-headed consultant who after the race and the Russian 21, is also regarded as a ‘hot Lotus team that is now Renault, champion German Sebastian oversees the team for Red Bull said he spoke to Vettel by phone. shoe’ with a big future ahead of was eighth in Sochi after start- Vettel, twice on the opening lap owner Dieter Mateschitz, made “Let’s cool down a bit,” said him. Both are the sons of former ing 15th on a one-stop strategy. of an eventful race won by Nico clear his displeasure. Marko. “During the week, we racing drivers - Verstappen’s fa- He was sixth in Australia, Rosberg of Mercedes. “Let’s put it this way,” he said. will talk about this.” ther Jos raced in F1 while Sainz’s where he qualifi ed 19th on the Vettel and two other driv- “Kvyat was over-motivated. Although Finn Kimi Raik- father Carlos was a two-time team’s debut, and then took ers were forced to retire on the Braking too late once and hitting konen fi nished third for Ferrari, world champion rally driver. fi fth in Bahrain from ninth on Toulouse coaching duo sign two-year extensions opening lap and both Kvyat and another car would be acceptable it was only a consolation to the the grid. In China, the race be- his Red Bull teammate Austral- in front of his home crowd, but team after the loss of Vettel in an Haas ‘between Earth and fore Sochi, the Frenchman had Toulouse coaches Jean-Baptiste Elissalde and William Servat ex- ian Daniel Ricciardo’s cars suf- this doesn’t apply for the sec- atmosphere of rising pressure the Moon’ after Sochi struggled home in 19th place tended their contracts with the Top 14 giants until 2018 yesterday. fered severe damage. ond crash. “It’s a pity because as they labour to keep pace with The Haas Formula One team with Mexican team mate Es- Backs coach Elissalde and Servat, who is in charge of the forwards, They continued, but fi nished he not only ruined Vettel’s Mercedes. Red Bull have also came back down to earth with teban Gutierrez 14th and there will continue to work with head coach Ugo Mola for the next two out of the points adrift of vic- race—and Ricciardo’s race—but made clear they have ambitions a bump in China two weeks ago was talk of a reality check for the seasons. torious German Nico Rosberg also his own race. He had to do to close the gap and revive their but Russian Grand Prix put the Ferrari-powered newcomers. “We’re returning again for the next two years. I believe in the future who won ahead of his Mercedes an extra stop. It was a day of dis- former glories and have hinted U.S.-owned newcomers back Haas said the team, riding of this team and I’m very happy to continue the adventure,” said team-mate defending cham- aster for Red Bull.” that driver changes are likely. into orbit. Romain Grosjean de- high in fi fth position overall, Elissalde, who like Servat was a former France international. pion Briton Lewis Hamilton. It was the second successive The huge potential of Dutch livered their third scoring fi nish had no illusions about the task Toulouse strengthened their hopes of reaching the Top 14 play-off s Rosberg now leads Hamilton by race in which Kvyat had crashed teenager Max Verstappen and in four races and again it came ahead but there was also plenty with Saturday’s 12-10 win at Toulon leaving them fifth in the table, 43 points in the title race. into Vettel, having angered the his teammate Spaniard Carlos after the Frenchman started to be optimistic about over the four points ahead of seventh-place Bordeaux. It was Rosberg’s fourth German by careering into his Sainz at the Red Bull ‘sister’ and way down the grid. “I think next 17 races.

FOCUS Former Springboks skipper, coach Smith dies

AFP world and achieved success in countries such as Johannesburg Italy and Ireland as well. His approach to basics like fi tness and handling was well-known and many players will remember his driving maul ormer Springboks scrum-half, skipper techniques with a smile today.” and coach Cornelius ‘Nelie’ Smith Smith played in seven Tests for the Springboks died yesterday in Cape Town of heart and captained them in four of those. His debut failure aged 81, the South African rugby was in 1963 against Australia and his fi rst Test as bodyF said. captain against France a year later. He won seven caps between 1963 and 1965 He also captained the Springboks against Aus- against Australia, France and New Zealand, scor- tralia and New Zealand in 1965 and scored a try ing a try and kicking three penalties. and three penalties for 12 Test points. Smith also Four of the Test appearances were as captain played in 12 tour matches for South Africa. having succeeded Abie Malan. As Springbok coach in 1980-81, Smith won 12 Smith coached the Springboks between 1980 of 15 Tests. He also served as a Springbok selector and 1981, winning 12 of 15 Tests, and served as a for a decade (1971-81). national team selector for a decade. At provincial level, Smith and Sakkie van Zyl He also took his coaching skills abroad to guide coached the Orange Free State to their fi rst Cur- Ballymena in Ireland and Rovigo in Italy. rie Cup title in 1976. “Nelie was one of the best,” said South Afri- Smith played for the Free State in 60 matches can Rugby president Oregan Hoskins. “It is only between 1956 and 1965 and captained them in a select few who play for, captain and coach the 37 matches. He also played for Griquas in four Springboks. matches in 1966. “His rugby knowledge was massive and Smith also coached the likes of Eastern Prov- touched the lives of thousands of players over the ince and Northern Free State as well as Ballyme- many years he coached. na and Rovigo in Ireland and Italy respectively. “His approach to basics like fi tness and han- Smith is survived by daughters Carin, Annien dling was well known and many players will re- and son Cornelius. A memorial service will be member his driving maul techniques with a smile held in Strand and his funeral will be in Bloem- today.” fontein, but dates and times will be confi rmed “He was in high demand as a coach all over the later. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 3, 2016 11 SPORT

TENNIS Federer pulls out with back injury; Radwanska shocked ‘I would rather have it being the back than the knee. So from that standpoint I see it as more positive than negative, to be honest. I still have time. The season is long. There are a lot of big highlights coming this season’

Agencies Madrid Federer remains optimistic njured Roger Federer withdrew over Roland Garros chances from the Madrid Masters yester- day due to a niggling back problem, oger Federer is keeping things I’ve spent maybe most time of my life with the Swiss now hoping to be positive as he looked ahead to on that surface. Iready for next week in Rome. Rthe French Open start in three “I probably enter the French Open The 34-year-old, who underwent weeks after a forced withdrawal from a few less expectations. I’m not the knee surgery in early February, was to the Madrid Masters due to niggling overwhelming favorite in those events, have made a start at the Spanish event back pain. “The goal has always been and sometimes that can be helpful, but ahead of the French Open beginning on that I’m at 100 per cent when the I still put pressure on myself wanting to May 22. Federer said that he tweaked his French comes around,” the 17-time go far and deep and play well. back during Saturday’s practice—a minor Grand Slam champion said. “If not, then “It’s the same thing this year. Maybe injury with which he is familiar—and was (at the) latest, Wimbledon.” something can happen at the French. If unable to train on Sunday or yesterday. The Swiss said that his back problem not, there is still a huge summer ahead. “I’m very disappointed, to say the was something he has dealt with before “Let’s see how my back is going to be least. I was hoping to play. I changed my and has nothing to do with his early and my preparation. If I can’t play Rome schedule around and practised well in February knee operation which kept it’s not the end of the world. The goal Switzerland before coming here,” Feder- him off court for two months. clearly now is to play there and do well, er said. “This is not really what I wanted “This is not the knee, it’s the back, like I did last year (in reaching the final).” to do, come here and do a press confer- so it’s diff erent. Clearly it’s not a help. ence about pulling out. It’s been a tough Nevertheless, I’ve been able to practice year, so I hope it gets better from here.” as much as I’ve wanted to. I came back The problem will motivate the 17- on tour quicker than I thought I would time Grand Slam winner to travel to (in Monte Carlo last month), so in terms Rome for the fi nal major tune-up event of schedule, I guess I still am still some- prior to Roland Garros. He hopes to be what on par,” he explained. fi t in a few days and arrive at the Foro Federer will now devote his immedi- Italico as soon as possible in order to ate energy in trying to heal and then resume training. prepare for the Rome Masters from Federer’s clay programme this spring next Monday, the last major tune-up has comprised only three Monte Carlo chance prior to the May 22 start of the matches, with a quarter-fi nal loss to Jo- Grand Slam in Paris. Wilfried Tsonga ending his run in the “Only time will tell if I’ll be fine at principality as he returned for the fi rst the French. I do believe I have chances time after surgery. there. The problem in the past has been The Swiss called his familiar physical more Rafa (Nadal) than the clay itself. problem “a normal back thing that I’ve “Clay is the surface where I did grow had in the past”. up, it’s a surface I feel comfortable on. “I guess it’s good because I know how to handle it. I know how long it can take. Top-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska of German Laura Siegemund continued Dimitrov suff ers racket-smashing Sometimes it can vary by a few days Poland makes a return to Dominika her great start to the clay season after meltdown in Istanbul title clash here or there. That’s why I’m pulling Cibulkova of Slovakia during their first reaching the Stuttgart fi nal as a quali- out today and not waiting until tomor- round clash in Madrid. Radwanska lost fi er as she dumped out ninth seed Svet- Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov smashed row. So it’s the back stuff I kind of know 4-6, 7-6(3), 3-6. (Reuters) lana Kuznetsova 6-0, 3-6, 6-3. Eighth three rackets on his way to losing the and I’m okay with it. At least I know seed Carla Suarez Navarro came from a Istanbul Open fi nal to Argentine Diego what it is,” the Swiss maestro said. set down to beat Hungary’s Timea Ba- Schwartzman on Sunday. Federer said it was better to with- while number 16 Gilles Simon beat Mar- and 2014 in the Spanish capital, already woman to win the title in Madrid. “In bos 3-6, 6-2, 6-3. Second seed Dimitrov was one set draw before playing so as not to in- cos Baghdatis of Cyprus 6-3, 3-6, 6-4. knew the dangers posed by Cibulkova Madrid we have this extra pressure be- Ana Ivanovic also had to go the dis- ahead and 5-2 up in the second before convenience the event even more. “To Three women’s seeds exited the sec- after her opponent came within a point cause I’m here at home. Perhaps you’re tance to see off Katerina Siniakova 6-3, Schwartzman, the world number 87, me (a late pull-out) hurts much more ond round, with Australian Daria Ga- of victory in their last meeting at Indian a little bit more nervous because of 3-6, 6-4 while 2014 French Open run- fought back to win the his fi rst ATP title than pulling out before the tournament vrilova beating number 12 Elina Svitolina Wells in March. that, but my fi rst feeling is that I’m sat- ner-up Simona Halep, the sixth-seed- 6-7(5), 7-6(4), 6-0. even started. I’m frustrated. I’m a little 6-2, 7-6 (7-4) and American Christina Cibulkova, a former world number isfi ed for winning the match.” ed Romanian, swept past Japan’s Misaki “I let myself down, I let my team sad of course not to be playing here. At McHale dispatching Czech 13th seed 10 and Australian Open runner-up, was Former world number one Victoria Doi 6-0, 6-3. There was also a notable down, I let my family down with that the same time, I’m still upbeat that the Karolina Pliskova 7-6 (7-3), 6-4. Roma- always going to be a dangerous fl oater Azarenka stretched her winning streak win for Swiss 10th seed Timea Bacsin- behaviour,” Dimitrov told reporters. back issue is going to go away. nian Patricia Tig accounted for Sloane having won her fi fth career title last to 15 matches after winning in Indian szky who saw off Germany’s Andrea “I started cramping at 5-2 in the sec- “I would rather have it being the back Stephens, seeded 16th, 6-2, 6-3. time out in Katowice three weeks ago. Wells and Miami as she overcame some Petkovic 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 despite only ar- ond set. It was very unfortunate that I than the knee. So from that standpoint Top seeds Agnieszka Radwanska and Losses for Radwanska and Kerber stiff fi rst set resistence from Britain’s riving in Spain at midnight having won couldn’t close out the match. I have to I see it as more positive than negative, Australian Open champion Angelique mean Garbine Muguruza is the highest Laura Robson to win 6-4, 6-2. the Rabat title on Saturday. give credit to Diego.” to be honest. In a nutshell it’s not good Kerber had crashed out of in the fi rst seed left at the key clay-court event and Azarenka could meet defending Also shrugging off jet-lag was Czech Dimitrov, the world number 29, lost that I’m not playing here. I still have round on Sunday in major setbacks the fourth-ranked Spaniard sealed her champion and fi fth seed Petra Kvitova 11th seed Lucie Safarova, the champion 11 of the last 12 games of the clay-court time. The season is long. There are a lot ahead of Roland Garros. place in round two with a 6-2, 7-5 win in the quarter-fi nals as the Czech had in Prague on Saturday, who beat Coco match, smashing up two rackets along of big highlights coming this season.” Poland’s Radwanska, the number one over Anna Schmiedlova. no trouble in disposing of Lara Arru- Vandeweghe 7-6 (7/4), 6-1. the way. The world number 29, trail- On court in the men’s fi rst round at seed in the absence of Serena Williams, “Of course I was a little bit nervous barrena 6-3, 6-2. US Open fi nalist Rob- Australia’s Samantha Stosur, beaten ing 5-0 in the third set, then broke up the ATP-WTA tournament, Canadian lost 6-4, 6-7 (3/7), 6-3 to the rejuve- and tense because the fi rst matches are erta Vinci, the seventh seed, is out after by Safarova in the Czech fi nal 24 hours another racket when level at 40-40 in 11th seed Milos Raonic advanced over nated Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia. always complicated,” said Muguruza, losing in straight sets to Montenegrin earlier, was also a winner, seeing off the sixth game of the set, resulting in a Brazil’s Thomaz Bellucci 7-6 (7-4), 6-1 Radwanska, a semi-fi nalist in 2012 who is aiming to be the fi rst Spanish Danka Kovinic 6-4, 6-2. home player Sara Sorribes 6-1, 6-3. match-ending penalty.

GOLF Shin breaks through for fi rst win at Texas Shootout

AFP fi ve holes he squeezed in before the weather hit Dallas Jenny Shin of on Sunday, joining Brian Stuard atop the lead- South Korea erboard of the Zurich Classic now slated to fi n- ish on Monday after 54 holes. enny Shin became the third fi rst-time After rain and thunderstorms again brought winner on the USLPGA Tour this year, the tournament in New Orleans to a halt, tour- coming from behind to close with a four- nament offi cials said play would resume on under 67 and win the Texas Shootout Monday, and would conclude after three rounds. tournamentJ on Sunday. Vegas rolled in birdie putts at his fi rst two “I was really nervous on the last hole,” said holes of the third round while Stuard, who held South Korea’s Shin. “Right now I have nothing a one-shot lead overnight, made one birdie be- on my mind, I have absolutely nothing. I think fore the round was suspended after just over it will hit me when everything is over and when two hours of play. I get on a plane and home to my mom.” Vegas and Stuard were both 13-under par It took the 23-year-old Shin 135 starts since through fi ve holes of the third round. turning pro in 2010 to record her fi rst victory. Her American Bobby Wyatt was at 12-under best showing prior to Sunday was fi nishing run- through nine and Jamie Lovemark 11-under ner-up at the 2012 HSBC Women’s Champions through fi ve. to Angela Stanford, who beat Shin in a playoff . World number one Jason Day of Australia was Shin played the fi nal 43 holes at the Dallas- in a group of fi ve players sharing fi fth on 10-un- area Las Colinas Country Club bogey free as she der par. The Australian has 10 holes remaining fi nished at 14-under 270. She was two strokes when play resumes—when thunderstorms are in front of fellow South Koreans Amy Yang (71) again in the forecast. “We always say golf is a and Hur Mi-Jung (71) as well as American Ge- marathon, not a sprint. This is kind of a sprint rina Piller—who led heading into the fi nal round now,” Day said. but closed with a two-over 73. None of the 82 remaining players have com- Asian players took nine of the top 12 spots pleted 54 holes. on the fi nal leaderboard, including seven South If weather prevents play, offi cials would re- Koreans in that group. Shin joins compatriot vert to the 36-hole scores. Stuard would be Jang Ha-Na and Japan’s Haru Nomura as fi rst- declared the winner of an unoffi cial event. He time winners in 2016 and will jump from 38th to would receive full FedEx Cup playoff points 24 in the world rankings. and prize money, but not all the benefi ts that go Shin launched her 67 with three birdies in the with an offi cial US PGA Tour title. The last time fi rst fi ve holes, quickly whittling away at the four- a PGA Tour event was completed at the end of shot defi cit she faced at the start of the round. my confi dence and I had a lot of them coming walk out there,” Piller said. The pins were really, adding to what I already have.” just 36 holes ws the 2005 Nissan Open which “I was chasing the leader all week so looking down the last six holes. As soon as I made the really tough today and it’s tough to get them was won by Adam Scott. at the leaderboard didn’t get me nervous at all,” fi rst one I went ‘OK, I know I’ll make the second close, especially coming in. “It changes a lot,” Vegas said of the 54-hole Shin said. “I practiced a lot of three footers the one and make the third one,” added Shin. “But I’ve taken nothing but good things Vegas, Stuard share lead at fi nish. “You have less holes to play, and being fi rst two days because I kept hitting it too far Piller, meanwhile, opened her round with the away from this week. That was my first time weather-hit Zurich Classic near the lead you have to make sure that you past, and I know that I’ve made almost every fi rst of her fi ve bogeys. “I mean, the conditions ever holding the lead, especially for two stay aggressive and start making some birdies, single one of them so that really helped me with are pretty tough, so it defi nitely wasn’t a cake- rounds, so it’s just more confidence that I’m Venezuela’s Jhonattan Vegas birdied two of the because anything could happen.” Tuesday, May 3, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

IAAF DIAMOND LEAGUE DOHA/ 3 DAYS TO GO Season-opening Diamond League meeting attracts 38 champions, 80 medallists ‘Although 2016 is an Olympic year and many medal contenders elected to delay their outdoor debut, I am sure that athletics fans will enjoy another fantastic night on Qatar Sports Club’s track this Friday. Doha Diamond League will be once more the ideal start to the outdoor season and I am sure that many records will be broken’

By Sports Reporter petition fi rst held in 1997, were set after Doha American hurdler the Diamond League tag was added. David Oliver Just four men’s records were set be- fore 2010, the oldest being James Beck- espite its early season posi- ford’s long jump mark of 8.41m set in tion on the competitive cal- 1999. Three fell in 2015, at what was endar, the Doha Diamond widely regarded as the best Doha Dia- League has traditionally at- mond League competition. tractedD the elite of athletics, resulting One of those, Pablo Pichardo’s in numerous records being broken and 18.06m leap in the triple jump, is also personal bests being set. a Diamond League series record. An- The 2016 edition, set for May 6, other is Yenew Alamirew’s 7:27.26 in the won’t be an exception, with 38 cham- 3000m set in 2011. pions and 80 medallists from past Ol- All but three of the current women’s ympic Games and world indoor and meeting records were set during the outdoor championships heading to the Diamond League era. The oldest, Ro- Qatari capital to open their Diamond manian Ionela Târlea-Manolache’s League campaign. 54.27 in the 400m hurdles, dates back On the men’s side of the programme, to 1999. Two fell in 2015: Allyson Felix six athletes have won Olympic gold: clocked 21.98 to break the 200m mark LaShawn Merritt, Aries Merritt and and Jasmin Stowers ran 12.35 in the Christian Taylor of the US and Ken- 100m hurdles. Both are also Diamond yans Asbel Kiprop, Ezekiel Kemboi and League series records, joining Hel- Brimin Kipruto. Fourteen have been len Obiri’s 8:20.68 in the 3000m from crowned world champion outdoors— 2014 and Brittney Reese’s 7.25m in the nine last year in Beijing—and nine earn- long jump set in 2013. ing a world indoor title. Additionally 21 With six in all, Doha is currently tied have won an Olympic medal, 30 a World with Brussels and Monaco as the meet- Championships medal and 19 a World ing with the most Diamond League se- Indoor Championships medal. In all, 20 ries records. men have bagged gold at a global com- An ankle injury will force Allyson petition and 43 left with medals. Felix to miss this year’s competition In the women’s events, Doha will but her stellar record will remain safe. welcome 18 global champions and 37 The American has amassed 11 victo- medallists. Of those, Olga Rypakova ries in Doha, fi ve successive at 400m and Veronica Campbell-Brown have (another individual record) and three struck Olympic gold, 11 have claimed apiece at 200m and 100m. world titles outdoors—seven in Bei- Qatar high-jump Like Felix, Târlea-Manolache has jing—and seven indoors. Furthermore, ace Mutaz Barshim won in three diff erent events in Doha six have fi nished among the top-three (200m, 400m and 400m hurdles) at Olympic Games, 21 at world cham- while Shelly-Ann Fraser, Kerron Stew- pionships outdoors and 22 indoors. art and Meseret Defar have emerged This long list of champions includes victorious in two: the Jamaicans in the seven athletes who have grabbed at least 100m and the 200m and the Ethiopian one medal at all three major global com- in the 1500m and the 3000m. petitions: local hero Mutaz Barshim, Eliud Kipchoge, who recently ran LaShawn Merritt, Aries Merritt, David the second fastest marathon of all Oliver and Christian Taylor of the US, time, has collected four 3000m vic- Kazakhstan’s Olga Rypakova and Ve- tories in Doha and one in the 5000m ronica Campbell-Brown from Jamaica. for a total of fi ve wins, the most on the Overall 206 athletes (125 men and 81 men’s side. The men’s record for the women) will compete at the 2016 Doha most successive wins belongs jointly Diamond League representing 50 na- to shot putter Reese Hoff a of the US tions from fi ve continents. Hosts Qa- and Norway’s javelin thrower Andreas tar will fi eld 14 athletes, while Kenya’s Thorkildsen with four. presence will be the largest with 29— David Oliver will be looking to equal composed of 20 men and nine wom- that record when lining up for this year’s en—with the US bringing the largest 110m hurdles race. Hoff a’s wins span women’s contingent with 14. from 2005 to 2009, Thorkildsen’s from “Although 2016 is an Olympic year 2006 to 2009, while Oliver’s fi rst victory and many medal contenders elected came in 2008 and his last in 2014. to delay their outdoor debut, I am sure Besides Kipchoge, other men with that athletics fans will enjoy another wins in diff erent events include Jay- fantastic night on Qatar Sports Club’s suma Saidy Ndure, who won the 200m track this Friday,” said Qatar Athletics in 2006 representing Gambia and Federation President Dahlan al-Hamad. the 100m in 2008 as a Norwegian; “Doha Diamond League will be once LaShawn Merritt, who can boast two more the ideal start to the outdoor sea- 400m wins and one in the 200m; As- son with so many great athletes com- bel Kiprop, with two 1500m wins and peting and I am sure that many records one in the 800m; and his compatriot will be broken,” he added. Augustine Choge, who twice won both Most of Doha’s meet records, a com- the 1500m and 3000m.

MOTORSPORT Amro to defend title with VORTEX V8 team By Sports Reporter problems to rectify from that clash, Doha including a gearbox change, elec- tronics failure and loss of power steering, and in the last hour the car ne year ago, Qatar endur- just couldn’t fi nish. ance specialist Amro al- “There were some 80 cars re- Hamad (pic) travelled maining on the track so it was bad to the Dutch coastal race luck that we got hit. trackO of Zandvoort and took victory “It could have been any other car, in the SP2 class with MARC Cars. but as racers we all want to do our This year, however, the Austral- best to preserve the car for the race ian team are not campaigning this so I know it was not intentional, and round so Amro has chosen to team now we are all friends, that’s what up with some old adversaries, Vor- happens in racing, we are like a big tex V8 team from France. family,” added Amro. “I know the team quite well He also thanked the QMF for their now and will be racing alongside support. “I would also like to thank resident French drivers Lionel Am- our Qatar Motorsport Federation for rouche and Cyril Calmon. I have being so co-operative, facilitating been racing against this team for a all the documentation and licensing few years as they were always in the to enable me to race internationally. same class in previous endurance Special thanks our President, Ab- races, they are very competitive dulrahman al-Mannai, for making and the car has had a lot of devel- the whole process easier.” opment work done, so it’s very reli- The original turbo engine has been national Series, Dubai 24hr, this last hour of the race whilst sitting The 12-hour endurance race will able,” said Amro. replaced with a Chevrolet V8, giv- same Vortex V8 team, whilst in P2 in P3 podium contention, due to start at 2pm on May 6 (Friday) and The car type is well known to ing around 550hp and weighs just position in the same class, were in- severe mechanical damage. fi nish May 7 at 2pm. It will be tel- him, with a similar special produc- over 1,000kg. volved in an accident with Amro’s “With only four hours till the evised online at 24hseries.com/ tion silhouette and tubular chassis Earlier this year, during the MARC Cars team that eventually race end, we had heavy contact LIVE with commentary on Radi- based on a BMW 1 series M Coupe. opening race of this FIA Inter- caused his car to be retired in the with the Vortex car and had lots of oLeMans.com.