THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013 SPORTS Rogge leaves IOC in sturdy shape after 12 years

BUENOS AIRES: Twelve years after taking IOC members meeting in sued a more democratic, collegial and leave an IOC in good shape to my succes- there will be no discrimination against any over an IOC recovering from its worst over the next week will elect Rogge’s suc- management-oriented approach. sor.” athletes or spectators at the games. ethics scandal, Jacques Rogge is leaving cessor among six candidates by secret bal- Some critics called Rogge dull and Rogge presided over Summer Olympics Construction delays and other organi- with the Olympic body in much sturdier lot Sept. 10. The new president will face wooden, but he liked to describe himself in Athens (2004), Beijing (2008) and zational setbacks, meanwhile, are raising shape but facing serious challenges. tough issues, including the backlash over as a “sober” and level-headed leader in London (2012), and Winter Games in Salt concerns that Rio could be another The 71-year-old Belgian steps down as anti-gay legislation in Russia before keeping with his medical background. Lake City (2002), Turin (2006) and Athens. “We’re working hard together with president next Tuesday after steering the February’s Winter Games in Sochi and con- After serving an initial eight-year term, Vancouver (2010). Some were trickier than both organizers and any potential short- International Olympic Committee through cern over construction delays in Rio. others: Salt Lake City came just months coming has been addressed, so I expect a period of relative stability that spanned Rogge was elected the IOC’s eighth after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks; both games to be good ones,” Rogge said. three Summer Olympics and three Winter president in Moscow in 2001, succeeding Athens was dogged by chronic delays; “I think Sochi will be absolutely OK Games. Juan Antonio Samaranch, a Spaniard who Beijing was surrounded by controversy because the Russians love sport, they Rogge, an orthopedic surgeon who ran the committee with an authoritarian over China’s record on Tibet and human know sport, there is no limitation in their competed in three Olympics in sailing, is style for 21 years. Rogge took office follow- rights. desire to perform well. completing his term with a reputation for ing the Salt Lake City scandal, in which 10 Rogge steered away from Samaranch’s “For Rio, I am quite sure and quite confi- bringing a calm, steady hand to the often IOC members resigned or were expelled practice of calling an Olympics the “best dent they will be very good games also. turbulent world of Olympic politics. for receiving scholarships, payments and ever,” choosing other words to sum up the We will benefit from the experience of the He took a hard line against doping and gifts during its winning bid for the 2002 success of each games. (2014) World Cup.” ethics violations, created the Youth Winter Games. “I’m very glad of the quality of the Human rights groups and other outside Olympics, oversaw a growth in IOC Rogge, who enjoyed a “Mr. Clean” repu- games that were held under my watch, critics have accused Rogge and the IOC of finances during a time of global economic tation, broke with the tainted and elitist summer or winter,” Rogge said. “I would say failing to speak out against abuses in host crisis and made peace with the U.S. image of the IOC, choosing to stay in the they were ‘magnificent,’ ‘exceptional,’ countries like China, Russia and Brazil. Olympic Committee after years of bitter athletes village as much as possible during ‘superb,’ ‘truly unforgettable,’ and ‘gracious Rogge espouses “quiet diplomacy” and squabbling over revenues. the six games that he oversaw. and glorious’ for London.” Rogge is leaving says the IOC is a sports organization, not a Under Rogge’s watch, the IOC has also “He was absolutely the right person at his successor with two potentially difficult government or political body. taken the Olympics to new places - includ- the right time,” senior Norwegian IOC games ahead. Looking back, Rogge cites the achieve- ing awarding the 2016 event to Rio de member Gerhard Heiberg said. “We had a Jacques Rogge Apart from security worries and cost ments of Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps as Janeiro for the first games in South lot of turmoil. We had to get out of that. We overruns, the buildup to the Feb. 7-23 Olympic highlights - even though he criti- America. had to get another image. He has brought Rogge was re-elected unopposed in 2009 Sochi Games has been dominated recently cized the Jamaican sprinter for showboat- “I hope that people, with time, will con- stability to the organization.” to a second and final four-year term. He by an international outcry over a new ing in Beijing and questioned whether he sider that I did a good job for the IOC,” Rogge’s measured leadership was in now reflects with quiet satisfaction on his Russian law banning gay “propaganda.” was a “living legend” in London. Rogge, in an interview with The Associated sharp contrast with that of Samaranch. time holding down the most powerful Rogge and the IOC have been criticized for As for the low point of his presidency, Press, said with typical understatement. While the former Spanish diplomat post in international sports. not doing enough to fight the legislation. Rogge has no hesitation. “On the dark side, “That’s what you legitimately want to be worked behind the scenes and twisted “I received an IOC in good shape from Rogge said he is “comforted” that Russia it is the death of Nodar Kumaritashvili that I remembered for.” arms to get what he wanted, Rogge pur- Samaranch,” Rogge said. “And I believe I will has given the IOC “strong assurances” that will never forget,” he said.—AP Alonso the man at Monza

MONZA: Fernando Alonso is the in 2011 - and team principal for the sport’s oldest and most suc- without Italian drivers. man who can make the red wave Christian Horner spoke in Belgium cessful team would be a fitting “I am Brazilian but my family of Ferrari fans truly happy at of it as a potential ‘Achilles Heel’ for farewell. “Its an important weekend came from Italy so this is some- Monza’s ‘Pista Magica’, Italy’s his car. for us, for the team,” agreed Alonso, thing of a home race as I have an revered cathedral of speed that is “We don’t expect, maybe, to be who will have to be at his very best Italian passport and our family has also Formula One’s fastest circuit, that strong (at Monza) but let’s see,” to line up on the front row for the something of an Italian lifestyle,” he this weekend. A Ferrari one-two Vettel said after winning at Spa last first time in 22 races and more than told the Ferrari website (www.fer- would be a dream scenario for the month for his fifth victory of the a year of trying. rari.com) this week. ‘tifosi’, with Brazilian Felipe Massa year. “Last year we were very close to “This all adds up to a very spe- needing his best result in almost a There is more optimism - and repeat the victory that we got also cial race for me.” Toro Rosso’s year for that to happen, but a win burden of expectation - at Ferrari, in 2010, so we arrive fully motivat- Australian Daniel Ricciardo, who will be Vettel’s team mate at Red Bull next season as replacement for departing compatriot Mark Webber, also has an Italian pass- port but cannot count on too much support even if he currently races for an Italian-based team. The Monza fans are famed for their passion as well as their com- plete devotion to all-things Ferrari, their enthusiasm more like a soccer crowd venting its ire at anyone on the podium not dressed in red. Lewis Hamilton was booed by RIYADH: Ahmed Eid Al-Harbi, President of SAFF (left) with David Butorac, them last year when he won for CEO, OSN. McLaren, with Ferrari-powered cars second, third and fourth, and can- not expect much to have changed should he return triumphant with Mercedes. The 2008 world champi- on is chasing his fifth pole in suc- cession to give himself the best shot of a repeat win to close the Fernando Alonso in action in this file photo gap on Vettel and Alonso after being left trailing by both rivals at for Alonso in the final European the most successful constructor by ed again and in Monza we would Spa and finishing third. The driver round of the season is required - far at their home circuit with 18 like to give some smiles and some starting on pole has won eight of and entirely possible. wins over the years compared to satisfaction to the tifosi and we will the last 10 races at Monza and only With eight races remaining, the McLaren’s 10. try our best,” said the double cham- three current drivers - by coinci- Spaniard is 46 points behind Red Alonso won in 2010, and was pion. dence the top three in the champi- Bull’s triple world champion and third in 2011 and 2012. He also Massa, whose future is under onship - have won there before. overall leader Sebastian Vettel with won with McLaren in 2007 and was more scrutiny now that Red Bull None of them has so far won twice some of the German’s most domi- second in 2005 with Renault. have decided their 2014 line-up, in Italy for the same team. nant tracks coming up in Asia and Sunday’s race, at a circuit haunt- has made only one appearance “We will use a refined version of the Middle East. ed by the ghosts of history with the on the podium this season - a the low-drag package introduced Monza is a special place for decaying 1950s banking quietly third in Spain - and has not won a at Spa. We hope to see an improve- OSN Cup ready for kick off Vettel, having taking his first crumbling beyond the modern race since 2008. There will be no ment in race pace after the lessons Formula One win there with tiny track, will sound a last post for shortage of motivation for Massa, we learned over the race weekend RIYADH: Bringing together the best foot- Viewers can also tune in to Saudi TV or Toro Rosso in 2008, but Red Bull Formula One’s V8 engine in Europe even without the pressure of in Belgium,” said Mercedes motor- ball talent from Saudi Arabia, UAE, New Dubai TV. have triumphed there only once - and locals would argue that a win fighting to keep his job, in a race sport head Toto Wolff. —Reuters Zealand and Trinidad & Tobago, OSN Cup, Commenting on the OSN Cup, Juan organised by the Saudi Arabian Football Ramun Lupez Caro, head coach of the Saudi Federation (SAFF) and OSN gears up for a Arabia National football team said: “OSN roaring kick-off today, September 5 at the Cup provides a platform for Saudi football King Fahd International Stadium in fans to watch their favourite players in Preview Riyadh, KSA. action. We have trained hard and are look- Today’s opener, set for 6.45 p.m., is a key ing forward to showcasing the strengths of match for both teams (UAE and Trinidad & some of our finest football players, who will Tobago) seeking a flying start to this presti- soon go on to represent us within the glob- Colombia look to go on top gious international football tournament. al circuit.” This will be followed by the highly anticipat- Mahdi Ali Hassan Redha, who led the ed match between home team, Saudi United Arab Emirates in qualifying for the BUENOS AIRES: Colombia could be without fiers in October will go through to the 2014 said after the win in Venezuela. Arabia and New Zealand at 9.15 p.m. 2012 Summer Olympics in London said: “My striker Radamel Falcao when they try to edge Brazil finals. The fifth-placed side, at present “If we’d lost (to Venezuela), it was all over, Ahmed Eid Al-Harbi, President of the players are in good shape and spirit and we closer to ending a 16-year absence from the with 16 points, go into a playoff but we won and managed to recover many Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), have a sound strategy in place. It is impor- World Cup finals with a home victory over against an Asian qualifier in November for things that make up this group (of players), said: “We are confident that the inaugural tant to win the opening match and we look in Barranquilla tomorrow. Falcao, one more berth. our team spirit, our intensity in defence, our OSN Cup will not only put the spotlight on forward to taking the OSN Cup home. Colombia’s top scorer in the qualifiers with Uruguay, semi-finalists in South Africa in commitment,” said the former teacher known emerging football talent, but will also reiter- Winning the 2013 Gulf Cup has helped to seven goals, suffered an ankle injury playing 2010 after scraping into the tournament at as Master. ate Saudi Arabia’s credentials as the ulti- boost the teams morale and I hope we are for Monaco on Sunday and has been unable the last gasp, face two key matches, away to “We haven’t achieved anything yet, but mate sporting destination. We thank OSN able to deliver a similar performance.” to train normally with coach Jose Pekerman seventh-placed Peru in Lima on Friday (0230) we’ve dashed the belief that this group was for organising this initiative which provides The finals, along with the match for third set to wait until the last minute hoping he before hosting Colombia in next finished, that it was the end of a cycle. regional teams such as Saudi Arabia and and fourth place, will be held on Monday, will be fit. Tuesday. “Now with the spirit we showed against UAE the opportunity to compete with inter- September 09 with nearly 60,000 fans “We’re going to go day by day trying to “The two matches will be very tough. Peru Venezuela we’re going to face our remaining national talent. I wish all the teams the very cheering on their favourite teams from the best.” stadium. get him as fit as possible to see if he can get will be dealing their last card against Uruguay matches,” said Tabarez, whose strikers Diego David Butorac, Chief Executive Officer, Ricki Herbert, coach of New Zealand ‘All to the match (2030 GMT),” team doctor Carlos and they are at home,” Uruguays captain Forlan and Luis Suarez jointly hold a record OSN, said: “OSN Cup is our tribute to foot- Whites’ squad said: “International football is Ulloa told reporters. Diego Lugano told reporters earlier this 36 Uruguay goals after the 4-2 friendly win ball and to all sports fans, who love the not easy no matter where you go and to If Falcao does not make it, Jackson week. “Then we receive Colombia, who with away to Japan last month. game. As the region’s home for premium play in the Middle East is tough. The pace Martinez is likely to be Teofilo Gutierrez’s Argentina are the two teams playing the best “If we win in Lima against Peru, we will sports entertainment, we are committed to and technical ability of all teams at this partner up front against the Ecuadoreans. football in the Americas. In these eight days have taken a giant step.” Venezuela, equal on bringing the region’s favourite sport to the tournament will be high and this will be an Colombia, who have won their last four we’ll be playing for our passage to the World points with Uruguay, will hope they have forefront through real sporting action and important test for us.” home matches scoring 13 goals and conced- Cup.” overcome a stomach bug that laid most of an exceptional live telecast for millions to Stephen Hart, head coach of the Trinidad ing none, can join Pekerman’s home country Coach Oscar Tabarez’s squad faced the their squad low as they bid to revive their enjoy. We will continue to invest in Saudi & Tobago National football team, added: Argentina, who have a bye, at the top of the abyss in March after a dismal run in which chances against a team that put their Arabia bringing the best family entertain- “We are honoured to be part of this inaugu- South American group on 26 points. Defeat they had picked up only two points from six campaign back on track with two successive ment and sports experiences to the ral event and look forward to a thrilling for Ecuador, who make the trip north to the matches and plunged down the standings. wins in June. Kingdom. football season. It’s good for us to play Caribbean port city mourning the recent A 1-0 away win over Venezuela in their last Bottom team Paraguay, virtually resigned “I thank SAFF for their fantastic support countries with different styles such as death of Christian Benitez and missing sus- qualifier in June revived the South American to failing to reach their fifth successive finals, in making OSN Cup a reality and look for- United Arab Emirates- each brings their pended striker Felipe Caicedo, would leave champions, who went on to enjoy improved will put last month’s improved form under ward to two-days of world class football own set of skills and it’s important for our them five points behind the leaders. form at the Confederations Cup in Brazil. new coach Victor Genes when they held action from the heart of Saudi Arabia.” team to learn to adapt and face new oppos- Ecuador could drop to fourth behind “We were very surprised by what hap- Germany 3-3 in Kaiserslautern to the test at Audiences across the region can enjoy ing teams.” Chile, who also have 21 points and are at pened to us. Things were progressing nor- home to Bolivia in Asuncion (2230). every moment from the OSN Cup Live and Billed to become one of the most popu- home to sixth-placed Venezuela in mally but between September and October Paraguay are eight points shy of fifth place in stunning High Definition on OSN Sports lar football tournaments in the region, OSN (0030 Saturday). (2012) we plunged, conceded lots of goals with four matches to go and Bolivia six points HD and via ON Play where the matches will Cup will be held annually, drawing in foot- be streamed live so viewers can watch any- ball talent from around the world and the The top four teams at the end of the quali- and it was hard to get out of that,” Tabarez adrift with three games to go. —Reuters time, anywhere on multiple devices. Middle East.