'Expanding World Cup Is a Challenge'

WEDNESDAY, FEbruArY 17, 2016 VOLuME XI ISSuE NO.2 Qr2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

P 6 | FOOTBALL P 22 | ATHLETICS DREAMS UNLIMITED! BATTLE FOR SUPREMACY QATAR’S FIRST Aspire Football Dreams regain the High jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim is to ENGLISH SPORTS Al Kass Under-17 International Cup, lead Qatar’s charge at the seventh WEEKLY beating Real Madrid in the final. edition of Asian Indoor Championships.

FOLLOW US RED BRIGADE Ahmed Nehawi nets the all-important goal as Gianfranco Zola’s Al Arabi stun champions Lekhwiya to move back into the top four in the Qatar Stars League. PAGES 8-9

EXCITEMENT NOW JUST A TOUCH AWAY

OutlookThe writer can be contacted at [email protected]

Shaikh Salman becoming FIFA chief will help football in Asia

ĈĈA clearer picture on the likely Ibrahim Al Khalifa, UEFA General Secretary Gianni at this moment of crisis. voting pattern will emerge only in Infantino, South Africa’s ex-minister Tokyo Sexwale, Both front-runners have pledged their support the coming days, but the Bahraini Jordanian Prince Ali bin Al Hussein and former to the sweeping changes suggested by FIFA Reform official is confident of a convincing FIFA deputy secretary general Jerome Champagne. Committee’s independent chairman Dr Francois victory over Gianni Infantino. But everything points to a two-man race between Carrard. Shaikh Salman has even promised to be a Shaikh Salman and Infantino, with the Bahraini non-executive president, unlike Blatter who kept royal having an edge. all powers with him. He has also signed an Amnesty N LESS than 10 days, football’s world governing He has got the backing of the Asian and African International pledge to end human rights abuses body will elect a new president. February 26 confederations, which together have 100 votes. He’s and corruption in football. Iwill, perhaps, go down in FIFA’s history as the also confident of winning a few from Europe (53 It looks more likely now than ever to see an game-changing day. Fans across the world believe members), North, Central American and Caribbean Asian as FIFA’s head for the first time. Let’s sup- this election isn’t simply about a new leadership, (35), Oceania (11) and South America (10). port him. His elevation can only do a world of but the game’s future itself. A clearer picture on the likely voting pattern good for football on our continent in general and FIFA has been going through one of its worst cri- will emerge only in the coming days, but Shaikh region in particular. ses, with several of its high-profile officials being Salman and his camp are confident of a convinc- implicated in corruption cases. It’s against this ing win over Infantino. Having said that, there’re backdrop that its 209 member associations meet reports emerging from certain quarters that it’s in Zurich to choose a successor to Sepp Blatter, still possible the duo could join hands, before or who stepped down after winning a fifth term last after the election. Infantino may agree to work as year and was subsequently banned for eight years. secretary general under Shaikh Salman because There’re five candidates — Asian Football there’s an increasing feeling among senior FIFA Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi Confederation (AFC) chief Shaikh Salman bin officials about the need to stay strong and united Editor-in-Chief

Leading from the I was thoroughly impressed with front, truly its design and comprehensive cov- INBOX erage of all important events from The head of a state leading an activ- across the world. ity from the front is indeed highly- The big size, which is rare for a

P.O. Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar motivating for citizens and residents weekly nowadays, makes it even Editor-in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi Tel: +974 44138065, Fax: +974 44138597 WEDNESDAY, FEbruArY 10, 2016 VOLuME XI ISSuE NO.1 Qr2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com alike. It was heartening to see the more appealing. Managing Editor Kumar Ravi P 10 | FOOTBALL P 24 | MOTORSPORT www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com COSTLY SLIP-UP IN A LEAGUE OF HIS OWN Al Sailiya shock champions Lekhwiya Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah betters QATAR’S FIRST as Al Rayyan draw 13 clear at the Mohammed bin Sulayem’s record Sandeep Nakai, New Delhi. ENGLISH SPORTS top of Qatar Stars League. of 60 MERC leg wins. Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad WEEKLY Senior Editor/Writer Aswin Abraham FOLLOW US Editorial: Tel: +974 44138522, Fax: +974 44138593 Al Thani indulging himself in Senior Sports Writer N Ganesh e-mail: [email protected] the National Sports Day celebrations The Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Sports Writers Hamad Al Thani once again leads Redesign refreshing Sajith B Warrier Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 from the front as the Fifth National Sports Day evokes an overwhelming response from Qataris and expatriates alike. PAGES 6-7 (Doha Stadium Plus, February 10). Mohammad Amin-ul Islam e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 Qatar’s higher authorities should Many congratulations to the man- Sarath Pookkat Distribution: e-mail: [email protected] Doha Stadium Photographers Mohan be lauded for such a great initia- agement and staff of Plus Vinod Divakaran tive, aimed at creating awareness for successfully completing

Fadi Al Assaad about the importance of sports 10 years. and a healthy lifestyle. The redesign is refreshing from Mohammed Dabboos P 20 | POSTER SPECIAL P 19 | FOOTBALL JAMIE COLUMN Keeping close eye on VARDY matters off the field Photo/ Emiri Diwan Photo/ UK £1, Europe €2 | Oman 200 Baisas | Bahrain 200 Fils | Egypt LE 2 | Lebanon 3,000 Livre | Kuwait 250 Fils | Morocco Dh 6 | UAEDh 5 | Yemen 75 Riyals | Sudan 1 Pound | KSA 2 Riyals | Jordan 500 Fils | Iraq $1 | Palestine $1 | Syria LS 20 Ahmed Yousef, Doha. Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution A K BijuRaj a reader’s perspective and the new P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, font makes for easier reading, Publishing and Distribution Gopakumar K DSP more appealing especially on mobile platforms. Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 Printed at ASPIRE Printing Press e-mail: [email protected] Joice Michael Furthermore, it’s welcoming to I happened to see your weekly’s see new sections such as ‘Extra Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 Technical support Shaheen Mohammed www.facebook.com/dohastadium hard copy (Doha Stadium Plus, time’ and ‘Hearsay’ being added e-mail: [email protected] Abdul Naser M www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar February 10) for the first time while to the magazine. www.facebook.com/dohastadium www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar I was in Doha last week to attend Keep up the good work. © Stories and photographs appearing in this publication may not be reproduced without the permission of ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution. the AIPS Congress. Rohit Nair, Leeds. Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 3

OutlookThe writer can be contacted at [email protected]

Shaikh Salman becoming FIFA chief will help football in Asia

Fadi Al Assaad about the importance of sports 10 years. and a healthy lifestyle. The redesign is refreshing from Mohammed Dabboos P 20 | POSTER SPECIAL P 19 | FOOTBALL JAMIE COLUMN Keeping close eye on VARDY matters off the field Photo/ Emiri Diwan Photo/ UK £1, Europe €2 | Oman 200 Baisas | Bahrain 200 Fils | Egypt LE 2 | Lebanon 3,000 Livre | Kuwait 250 Fils | Morocco Dh 6 | UAEDh 5 | Yemen 75 Riyals | Sudan 1 Pound | KSA 2 Riyals | Jordan 500 Fils | Iraq $1 | Palestine $1 | Syria LS 20 Ahmed Yousef, Doha. A K BijuRaj a reader’s perspective and the new Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, font makes for easier reading, Publishing and Distribution Gopakumar K DSP more appealing especially on mobile platforms. Printed at ASPIRE Printing Press Joice Michael Furthermore, it’s welcoming to I happened to see your weekly’s see new sections such as ‘Extra Technical support Shaheen Mohammed www.facebook.com/dohastadium hard copy (Doha Stadium Plus, time’ and ‘Hearsay’ being added Abdul Naser M www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar February 10) for the first time while to the magazine. I was in Doha last week to attend Keep up the good work. © Stories and photographs appearing in this publication may not be reproduced without the permission of ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution. the AIPS Congress. Rohit Nair, Leeds. 4 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 5 Extra time

As well as winning titles, here we try to entertain people and win in a spectacular and sporting manner. Luis Enrique, Barcelona coach (after Lionel Messi passed up the chance to score from the spot and instead teed up for team-mate Luis Suarez in their6-1 rout of Serena pulls out of Celta Vigo in the Spanish League). EDDY MERCKX STAR OF THE WEEK

Qatar Total Open šSepp Blatter š The American is the second big name to opt out after Maria Sharapova. Blatter appears International Tennis Complex on in the final. before FIFA Sajith B Warrier February 21. Former champion Maria Serena has not hit the ground since Sharapova of Russia had earlier opted her surprise loss to Angelique Kerber ethics panel out due to her recurring left forearm in the Australian Open final. injury. Tournament Director Saad Al ISGRACED FIFA President Sepp OP seed Serena Williams pulled “I unfortunately have to withdraw Mohannadi said, “Although we’ll miss Blatter appeared before its ap- out of the upcoming Qatar Total from the Qatar Total Open as I’ve come world No. 1 Serena Williams, the Qatar Dpeals committee on Tuesday to There is no place TOpen after failing to recover down with the flu and don’t feel 100 Total Open remains one of the most fight an eight-year ban from the sport from flu. per cent. I need to take this time to keenly contested events on the WTA for ethics violations. like your home The world No.1 had also withdrawn recover, but I do look forward to return- Tour with the quality of the players His hearing followed a similar appeal from the ongoing Dubai Open due to ing to Doha and seeing my fans soon,” we’ll have in Doha. We hope to see by UEFA’s fallen head Michel Platini DDY Merckx is regarded as one the illness. said Serena. Serena in Doha next year as we wish last Monday. of the most successful cyclists The American is the second top The 34-year-old last played in the her a quick recovery.” DSP Blatter and Platini were banned by Eof all time. The Belgian won the name to pull out of the WTA Premier Qatari capital in 2013, when she lost FIFA’s Ethics Committee in December Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia five 5 Tournament starting at the Khalifa 6-7 (6-8), 6-2, 3-6 to Victoria Azarenka » Earlier report on pages 24-25 after being found guilty of breaches sur- times and the Vuelta a Espana once rounding a mysterious $2m payment for a total of 11 Grand Tour victories. Platini received from Blatter in 2011. He has 34 Tour de France stage wins, DOUBLE FAULT! Both men, once the most powerful which is a record. figures in world football, have insisted After retiring in 1978, he started his It is for the second time in that the payment was part of a legiti- own bicycle chain, Eddy Merckx Cycles, three years that Serena Williams mate oral contract reportedly for con- in 1980. He also co-owns Tour of Qatar has withdrawn from Qatar Total sulting work performed by Platini a and Oman. Here is a list of his likes. Open at the 11th hour. decade earlier. Two years ago, in a double The notorious 2011 payment is also ЂЂYour favourite football team... blow to the organisers, she part of a criminal probe by Swiss prose- ЃЂIt has to be my home team Anderlecht,

pulled out due to a back injury, Marty Melville cutors targeting Blatter, in which Platini but I also like Barcelona. minutes after top seed and defending champion Victoria has been questioned in a capacity that AFP/ Ђ Azarenka had withdrawn falls between a witness and an accused ЂYour favourite footballer... because of a foot inflammation. person. ЃЂLionel Messi for sure. I also follow Blatter and Platini have been the most Neymar and Ronaldo, but Messi is just The American’s pullout history in nearby Dubai is even worse as high-profile casualties in the unprece- too good. He surpasses his contempo- she has opted out three times in dented, wide-ranging scandal that has ADAM VOGES raries not for talent alone, but also for the last four years including last seen senior football executives sus- an endearing personality. week. pended or fired, with 39 people indicted ITH his second double century Voges now has 1,267 runs, including five calling him ‘Don II’ and ‘Sir Voges’. ЂЂThe city you would like to visit In Doha, her last appearance for corruption by the United States. was at the 2013 final where she The saga has provoked endless dis- in just 14 Tests and a batting centuries and two double hundreds. Voges’s 1,267 runs at 97.46 is an again and again... lost to Belarusian Azarenka. cussion about the complicated rela- Waverage close to 100, Australian During the match-winning knock of incredible feat, even when compared to ЃЂBrussels, my hometown, is the clos- tionship between Blatter and Platini, batsman Adam Voges proved that age is 239 against New Zealand in Wellington Bradman’s 1,846 at 102.55 over the same est to my heart. who previously were allies before the no bar to success. last week, Voges’s average at one stage number of innings at the start of his relationship turned publicly sour. The right-hander, who started his Test (100.33) placed him ahead of legendary career. ЂЂYour best moment... career at the age of 35 last year, created Sir Don Bradman, whose career average At the moment, there seems to be no ЃЂIt had to be when I won the Tour de history by becoming the oldest player to of 99.94 from 52 Tests is the best of all slowing down for a player who started France in 1969. score a century on debut. time. his career at an age when most of An avalanche of runs followed and His team-mates have already started colleagues would be leading a retired life. » [email protected]

Iran may boycott AFC Champions League Inside

RAN may withdraw its teams from matches in Iran. The AFC is consid- spoken with the Iranian Federation and Asia’s biggest club tournament if they ering having the matches played on the Foreign Ministry about the matter. Iare blocked from hosting matches neutral territory. The AFC said last month that if nor- against Saudi Arabian clubs due to the “I hope there’ll be a resolution, but mal relations had not resumed by March breakdown in relations between the we’re considering to withdraw from 15, fixtures between the two coun- regional rivals, an official with cham- the Champions League if they insist on tries’ clubs would be played at neu- 12 28 pions Sepahan said. a neutral venue,” said Sepahan team tral venues. Four Saudi clubs had complained manager Rassol Khorvash. “We’re waiting to see what the AFC to the Asian Football Confederation Khorvash said the three Iranian clubs decides. All the managers of the clubs (AFC) last month that it was unsafe in this year’s competition — Sepahan, had a meeting and this was one of the 26 for them to play Champions League Tractor Sazi and Zob Ahan — had also ideas discussed,” added Khorvash. Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 5

As well as winning titles, here we try to entertain people and win in a spectacular and sporting manner. Luis Enrique, Barcelona coach (after Lionel Messi passed up the chance to score from the spot and instead teed up for team-mate Luis Suarez in their6-1 rout of Celta Vigo in the Spanish League). EDDY MERCKX STAR OF THE WEEK

There is no place like your home

DDY Merckx is regarded as one of the most successful cyclists Eof all time. The Belgian won the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia five times and the Vuelta a Espana once for a total of 11 Grand Tour victories. He has 34 Tour de France stage wins, which is a record. After retiring in 1978, he started his own bicycle chain, Eddy Merckx Cycles, in 1980. He also co-owns Tour of Qatar and Oman. Here is a list of his likes.

ЂЂYour favourite football team... ЃЂIt has to be my home team Anderlecht, Marty Melville but I also like Barcelona. AFP/ ЂЂYour favourite footballer... ЃЂLionel Messi for sure. I also follow Neymar and Ronaldo, but Messi is just too good. He surpasses his contempo- ADAM VOGES raries not for talent alone, but also for an endearing personality.

ITH his second double century Voges now has 1,267 runs, including five calling him ‘Don II’ and ‘Sir Voges’. ЂЂThe city you would like to visit in just 14 Tests and a batting centuries and two double hundreds. Voges’s 1,267 runs at 97.46 is an again and again... Waverage close to 100, Australian During the match-winning knock of incredible feat, even when compared to ЃЂBrussels, my hometown, is the clos- batsman Adam Voges proved that age is 239 against New Zealand in Wellington Bradman’s 1,846 at 102.55 over the same est to my heart. no bar to success. last week, Voges’s average at one stage number of innings at the start of his The right-hander, who started his Test (100.33) placed him ahead of legendary career. ЂЂYour best moment... career at the age of 35 last year, created Sir Don Bradman, whose career average At the moment, there seems to be no ЃЂIt had to be when I won the Tour de history by becoming the oldest player to of 99.94 from 52 Tests is the best of all slowing down for a player who started France in 1969. score a century on debut. time. his career at an age when most of An avalanche of runs followed and His team-mates have already started colleagues would be leading a retired life. » [email protected]

Inside 12 28 26 6 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 7 Football

CASH AWARDS AWARDS $75,000 Inter finish third Aspire Football Dreams NTER Milan spurned a penalty, but left was met by Giorgio Vitali, whose (champions) still did enough to see off Red Bull blistering first-time volley beat goal- Salzburg 2-1 in a fiercely-contested keeper Felix Wilfing. RESULTS Golden Boot I FINAL Thimothy Tarpeh Weah third-place play-off. The Austrian side pulled one back Aspire Football Dreams bt Real Madrid 2-0 Paris Saint-Germain It was a finely-balanced match, when Perea Mendoza found the back THIRD-PLACE PLAY-OFF with both teams working hard to of the net in the 80th but it was too Inter Milan bt Red Bull Salzburg 2-1 $40,000 SEMIFINALS Real Madrid deny space for the other. late to challenge the Italians. Real Madrid bt Red Bull Salzburg 9-8 (runners-up) Nicolo Val headed Roberto di Jenno’s They, however, missed a chance to 2-2 after regular time, Real win on penalties. cross home in the seventh minute for make it 3-1 in the 87th when Goelles Aspire Football Dreams bt Inter Milan 2-0 QUARTERFINALS the opening goal. pulled down substitute Pio Russo Inter Milan bt Estudiantes 2-0 The Italian side once again split open inside the box. Red Bull Salzburg bt Aspire Academy 4-0 $25,000 Salzburg’s defense with ruthless effi- Russo stepped up to take the pen- Aspire Football Dreams bt Al Ahli 1-0 Best Goalkeeper Francisco Daniel Pujante ciency in the 15th. Thomas Shiro was alty, but his effort was thwarted by Real Madrid bt Kashiwa Reysol 6-5 Inter Milan Real Madrid the creator when his corner from the goalkeeper Wilfing. DSP 0-0 after regular time, Real win on penalties. (third-placed team)

COACHES SPEAK

Most Valuable Player Mohamed Katana Nyanje Aspire Football Dreams We played with our heart. It wasn’t our day. The The boys deserved the title Aspire team had a as they were impressive great game. We just throughout the competition. couldn’t play to our Some of our players are potential. DSP/Mohan šĈAspire Football Dreams team members celebrate their triumph on the podium. really talented. We’re proud Tristan Rodriguez, of the team. Real Madrid. Fair Play Alexandre Garcia Canedo, ASPIRE Academy Aspire Football Dreams. DSP/Mohan ššFrom left, Mohammed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Mansoor Al Ansari, Inter Milan captain Enrico Celeghin and Essa Abdulla Al Hitmi. Following in dad’s footsteps Qatar’s ability as top FRICAN legend George Weah’s son, 15-year-old Living a dream! Timothy of Paris Saint- A host again to the fore Mohamed Katana Nyanje helps Aspire Football Dreams beat Real Germain made a name for himself by winning the Golden Boot Madrid in the final and regain the Al Kass International Under-17 Cup. at the Fifth Al Kass International HE success of the Al Kass In- appreciated by the visiting coaches Under-17 Cup. ternational Under-17 Cup was and teams including Real Madrid, The Paris Saint-Germain forward Tanother reflection of Qatar’s Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan. ĈĈThe striker turns Aspire’s spot kick after Real captain Gorka our players are really talented. We’re was in excellent form, scoring five ability to host major sports events. “The tournament’s success was hero with a double Cudola fouled Isaac Nuhu inside the proud of the team.” goals in their 13-0 win over China’s “The preparation for the tourna- materialised through leadership, hard ĈĈReal’s Pedro Delgado box. Nyanje doubled the lead in the Real could not do much against an ment and quality of the competition work, enthusiasm, passion for foot- receives marching orders 55th to put his side firmly in control. organised rival defence. The Spaniards reflect Qatar’s aspiration to continue ball and attention to detail. Over the Real were under pressure right from tried their best and came up with a Born in America, hosting world-class sports events. the start as the Football Dreams lads few attempts, but they were not sharp It’s very important for the country Timothy represents enough. because we’ll be hosting the FIFA The fifth edition was Mohammad Amin-ul Islam The first goal seemed to have put the United States at 2022 World Cup,” said Organising the youth level. highly appreciated by After conceding the Real on the back foot and they failed Committee Chairman Essa Abdulla to get any sort of grip on the game Al Hitmi. “We’re fortunate to estab- the visiting coaches first goal, Real Madrid from then onwards. Real struggled lish a high standard of production and teams. OHAMED Katana Nyanje failed to get any sort of for an equaliser and became increas- Shanghai Greenland Shenhua in and operation since the competi- hogged the limelight with grip on the game. ingly frustrated. To add to that, sub- the 11th-place play-off. tion started in 2012.” Ma double as Aspire Football stitute forward Pedro Delgado, who Born in America, Timothy repre- Aspire Zone Acting CEO Mohammad last five years, it has become one of Dreams defeated Real Madrid 2-0 in the came on in the 53rd, received march- sents the United States at the youth Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Qatar Football the important U-17 club events and final to win the Al Kass International played with lot of fire and determi- ing orders in the 89th after his second level and he would be dreaming Association (QFA) General Secretary the presence of top sides makes it a Under-17 Cup last Monday. nation. yellow. But it did not make much of a about breaking into the PSG first Mansoor Al Ansari and QFA glamorous one,” said Al Hitmi, who It was Aspire’s second title, after their “We played with our heart. The difference because by then their fate team. Competitions Head Hamad Saleh also thanked the Supreme Committee triumph in 2014. boys deserved the title as they were was almost sealed. But that is not going to be easy Al Mannai were among the digni- for Delivery and Legacy and QFA for Nyanje, who won the Most Valuable impressive throughout the compe- “It wasn’t our day. We just couldn’t for him, given the wealth of talent taries present at the prize distribu- their support. DSP

Player award, opened the scoring in tition,” said Football Dreams coach play to our potential,” said Real coach šĈAspire Football Dreams’ Mohamed Katana Nyanje is at the disposal of French champi- DSP/A K BijuRaj tion ceremony. the 17th minute when he buried a Alexandre Garcia Canedo. “Some of Tristan Rodriguez. DSP challenged by a Real Madrid player. ons. DSP ššTimothy Weah in action. The fifth edition was highly » [email protected] Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 7

COACHES SPEAK

ššSami Trabelsi AL ARABI 1 LEKHWIYA 0 Young defender Ahmed Nehawi found the target in the 31st, just four minutes after AL SAILIYA 2 AL WAKRAH 3 coming off the bench, as Al Arabi shocked Sebastian Saez opened the scoring in the Sailiya keen to champions Lekhwiya and extended 10th minute and hit the winner in the 86th their unbeaten run to three matches. as Wakrah continued their good work in Lekhwiya, who had suffered a 2-3 defeat keep Trabelsi the second phase, defeating Sailiya. In against Al Sailiya in the previous week, had between, Mahir Yousef scored Wakrah’s themselves to blame as Nam Tae-Hee hit L SAILIYA are eager to tie down second goal (35th) while new Colombian the crossbar in the second half and later striker Carlos Preciado netted two in as their successful coach Sami skied a spot kick. ATrabelsi at the club with a new many minutes (38th, 39th) to help Sailiya Red come roaring back into the match. contract. Sailiya Football Head Adbullah Al Hanzab said the management was close to offering the Tunisian a new contract. “We value the role Trabelsi has played Brigade in improving our club. We’re in the final stages of negotiating a new contract Gianfranco Zola’s Al Arabi pull off a with him. Trabelsi has added a lot to our club’s credentials in the last few years deserving win over champions Lekhwiya. and we hope to make an announce- ment very soon,” said Al Hanzab. AL KHARAITIYAT 1 AL AHLI 1 Sailiya had registered an impressive Kharaitiyat and Ahli, two teams who stay period, have looked a much more win 3-2 win over champions Lekhwiya in just clear of the relegation zone, played EL JAISH 2 AL GHARAFA 2 out a draw. Burkina Faso striker Yahia Kebe N Ganesh balanced and confident side of late. the previous week, but lost to Al Wakrah Al Gharafa’s new striker Krizstian Nemeth, converted from the spot to put Kharaitiyat who had scored on his debut against Al They missed the services of in-form by an identical margin last week. Al in front on the half-hour mark while Ahli Arabi in their last match, twice found the winger Ashkan Dejagah and right-back DSP/ Mohammed Dabboos Hanzab said complacency cost them. drew parity through seasoned forward target (61st, 87th) as the Cheetahs came ššLekhwiya’s Karim Boudiaf is challenged by Al Arabi’s Ahmed Nehawi, right. Meshaal Abdullah in the 78th. Abdulrahman Jassemi (both suspen- “The players lacked concentration from behind to hold Jaish. Abderrazzak F ONE thought young aggressive sion), although top scorer Paulinho and fighting spirit. They didn’t take the Hamdallah (seventh) and Romarinho (71st) defender Ahmed Fathi’s pullout recovered in time to once again spear- coach’s instructions seriously and were Jaish’s scorers. Iowing to a hamstring injury close to head the attack. suffered a harsh lesson. We must the half-hour mark would put a slight- However, their best player for the sec- Souza settles into his stride learn from our mistakes ahead of ly-depleted Al Arabi on the backfoot ond straight week was Brazilian right the last eight games of the season,” against champions Lekhwiya, it was winger Alain Sousa. he said. DSP not to be. His replacement Ahmed Lekhwiya had enough time to come LAIN Souza has quickly found Nehawi headed home from a Javad back into the game, but they were not his footing at Al Arabi. The You’ve to really get TOP SCORERS Nekounam free-kick minutes later to their usual selves, with South Korean Awinger, who had scored in his your mind on what 17 Rodrigo Tabata Al Rayyan put the Reds in front and help them debut match against Al Gharafa in the you want to do on the 14 Abderrazak Hamdallah El Jaish eventually troop out deserving 1-0 previous week, was once again their pitch. Then the rest 13 Youssef Msakni Lekhwiya Yahia Kebe Al Kharitiyat winners. The former champions thus livewire in their 1-0 win over cham- will be a consequence. 12 Leaders Al Rayyan, who Sebastian Saez Al Wakrah AL RAYYAN 1 AL KHOR 0 climbed to fourth after Al Sadd slipped, pions Lekhwiya. It’s so important in Muriqui Al Sadd saw off Al Khor 1-0, took 11 losing 0-1 to lowly Qatar Sports Club. Coach Gianfranco Zola reportedly had Yannick Sagbo Umm Salal Rayyan warded off a strong challenge from their tally to 51 points. football. And it won’t Leaders Al Rayyan, who saw off a major differences of opinion with now- be a coincidence Sergio Garcia Al Rayyan Khor, who had won their previous two determined Al Khor 1-0, took their departed Arabi football head Ahmed Sardor Rashidov El Jaish matches. Khor yet again put up a strong when you get the defensive performance, but Rayyan kept tally to 51 points. With eight rounds Shafi over the Brazilian’s signing when Romarinho El Jaish result later. 9 Nam Taehee Lekhwiya pressing hard and found the breakthrough QATAR SC 1 AL SADD 0 to go, they are 15 clear of second-placed midfielder Nam Tae-Hee hitting the the Qatari official pushed for a swap Paulinho Al Arabi via star striker Sebastian Soria in the 78th Jaish, who settled for a 2-2 draw with crossbar once following his move along deal involving Arabi striker Paulinho Gianfranco Zola, Faouzi Aaish Al Sailiya minute. Argentinian forward Emiliano Vecchio, Al Gharafa. Lekhwiya are two points the right and later skying a spot kick and Vladimir Weiss, who recently joined Al Arabi coach. Meshal Abdullah Al Ahli playing only his third match, converted behind Jaish. They found the going tough in the dying minutes. Gharafa from Lekhwiya. 8 Sebastian Soria Al Rayyan a spot kick in the 80th minute as Qatar Sports Club handed Al Sadd a shock against Arabi, who showed a great deal It was not the sort of performance Zola showered praise on Souza, who defeat. While the win saw them increase of enthusiasm and energy as in their Lekhwiya coach Djamel Belmadi would came to Qatar from Balzan club in Malta. their tally to 14, Sadd slipped to fifth in the previous game against Gharafa. have expected following their 2-3 rever- “It was an outstanding performance. table. The Reds, rebuilt by Italian coach sal against Al Sailiya in the previous Not only was he good offensively, cre- Tabata out of action STANDINGS Gianfranco Zola in the winter transfer round. The Algerian had openly criti- ating a lot of chances, but he did well in Al Rayyan 18 17 0 1 51 14 51 cised referee Sultan Salem for some of keeping the ball at the right moment,” for two weeks El Jaish 18 11 3 4 39 18 36 Lekhwiya 18 11 1 6 46 24 34 his decisions and earned a two-match ššAl Arabi’s Alain Souza in action. said the Italian. DSP Al Rayyan captain Rodrigo Tabata, who suffered a KICK-OFF Al Arabi 18 9 3 6 27 25 30 hamstring injury during their match against Al Khor Thursday, February 18 touchline ban. He took his position in Al Sadd 18 8 5 5 36 27 29 Al Kharaitiyat vs Mesaimeer, Khor Stadium, 4.45pm. the stands behind their dugout at the last week, has been ruled out for two weeks. UMM SALAL 2 MESAIMEER 0 Umm Salal 18 6 9 3 24 21 27 “Put your mobile phone in silent mode!” It’s one instruction The Brazilian is the latest Rayyan player to be Lekhwiya vs El Jaish, Al Ahli Stadium, 7.15pm. Arabi Stadium and controlled the match, El Jaish striker Abdulkader Ilyas, who Al Sailiya 18 8 1 9 29 31 25 Arabi Press mediapersons get without fail from Press officers at the start of every sidelined after Spanish forward Sergio Garcia and Friday, February 19 but his team was not good enough. played the first half of the season with Al Al Wakrah 18 7 2 9 26 30 23 Al Khor vs Al Sadd, Al Khor Stadium, 4.45pm. Qatar Stars League Press conference. But Al Arabi media officer South Korean midfielder Koh Myong-Jin. Al Khor 18 6 4 8 16 20 22 Meanwhile, Umm Salal defeated Sailiya but joined Umm Salal last month, Qatar SC vs Al Ahli, Qatar SC Stadium, 4.45pm. officer gets Abdulrahman Al Kholaifi forgot to do so with his own handset at the Rayyan had signed midfielder Fabio Cesar from also on loan, scored twice in a span of 11 Al Gharafa 18 6 4 8 17 24 22 Umm Salal vs Al Sailiya, Qatar SC Stadium, 7.15pm. Mesaimeer 2-0 while Al Wakrah beat post-match briefing, which was telecast live. A call the Qatari official Umm Salal as a cover, but the attacking midfielder minutes (71st and 82nd) as the men in Al Ahli 18 4 7 7 20 26 19 Saturday, February 20 Sailiya 3-2. red card! received in the middle of the briefing indeed left him embarrassed. is yet to regain full fitness and is unlikely to play this orange consigned Mesaimeer to their 16th Al Kharaitiyat 18 5 3 10 26 37 18 Al Gharafa vs Al Wakrah, Gharafa Stadium, 4.45pm. In other action, Al Kharaitiyat and Al Coach Gianfranco Zola, sitting next to him, smiled and flashed his red week’s big clash against his former club Al Arabi. DSP defeat in 17 rounds. The win helped them Qatar SC 18 3 5 10 18 42 14 Al Arabi vs Al Rayyan, Al Sadd Stadium, 7.15pm. Ahli played out a 1-1 draw. DSP accreditation card at his colleague, triggering a brief laughter. DSP ššRodrigo Tabata move up to sixth in table. Mesaimeer 18 1 1 16 11 47 4 8 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 9 Football COVER STORY WEEK 18| SHORT TAKES

ššSami Trabelsi AL ARABI 1 LEKHWIYA 0 Young defender Ahmed Nehawi found the target in the 31st, just four minutes after AL SAILIYA 2 AL WAKRAH 3 coming off the bench, as Al Arabi shocked Sebastian Saez opened the scoring in the Sailiya keen to champions Lekhwiya and extended 10th minute and hit the winner in the 86th their unbeaten run to three matches. as Wakrah continued their good work in Lekhwiya, who had suffered a 2-3 defeat keep Trabelsi the second phase, defeating Sailiya. In against Al Sailiya in the previous week, had between, Mahir Yousef scored Wakrah’s themselves to blame as Nam Tae-Hee hit L SAILIYA are eager to tie down second goal (35th) while new Colombian the crossbar in the second half and later striker Carlos Preciado netted two in as their successful coach Sami skied a spot kick. ATrabelsi at the club with a new many minutes (38th, 39th) to help Sailiya Red come roaring back into the match. contract. Sailiya Football Head Adbullah Al Hanzab said the management was close to offering the Tunisian a new contract. “We value the role Trabelsi has played Brigade in improving our club. We’re in the final stages of negotiating a new contract Gianfranco Zola’s Al Arabi pull off a with him. Trabelsi has added a lot to our club’s credentials in the last few years deserving win over champions Lekhwiya. and we hope to make an announce- ment very soon,” said Al Hanzab. AL KHARAITIYAT 1 AL AHLI 1 Sailiya had registered an impressive Kharaitiyat and Ahli, two teams who stay period, have looked a much more win 3-2 win over champions Lekhwiya in just clear of the relegation zone, played EL JAISH 2 AL GHARAFA 2 out a draw. Burkina Faso striker Yahia Kebe N Ganesh balanced and confident side of late. the previous week, but lost to Al Wakrah Al Gharafa’s new striker Krizstian Nemeth, converted from the spot to put Kharaitiyat who had scored on his debut against Al They missed the services of in-form by an identical margin last week. Al in front on the half-hour mark while Ahli Arabi in their last match, twice found the winger Ashkan Dejagah and right-back DSP/ Mohammed Dabboos Hanzab said complacency cost them. drew parity through seasoned forward target (61st, 87th) as the Cheetahs came ššLekhwiya’s Karim Boudiaf is challenged by Al Arabi’s Ahmed Nehawi, right. Meshaal Abdullah in the 78th. Abdulrahman Jassemi (both suspen- “The players lacked concentration from behind to hold Jaish. Abderrazzak F ONE thought young aggressive sion), although top scorer Paulinho and fighting spirit. They didn’t take the Hamdallah (seventh) and Romarinho (71st) defender Ahmed Fathi’s pullout recovered in time to once again spear- coach’s instructions seriously and were Jaish’s scorers. Iowing to a hamstring injury close to head the attack. suffered a harsh lesson. We must the half-hour mark would put a slight- However, their best player for the sec- Souza settles into his stride learn from our mistakes ahead of ly-depleted Al Arabi on the backfoot ond straight week was Brazilian right the last eight games of the season,” against champions Lekhwiya, it was winger Alain Sousa. he said. DSP not to be. His replacement Ahmed Lekhwiya had enough time to come LAIN Souza has quickly found Nehawi headed home from a Javad back into the game, but they were not his footing at Al Arabi. The You’ve to really get TOP SCORERS Nekounam free-kick minutes later to their usual selves, with South Korean Awinger, who had scored in his your mind on what 17 Rodrigo Tabata Al Rayyan put the Reds in front and help them debut match against Al Gharafa in the you want to do on the 14 Abderrazak Hamdallah El Jaish eventually troop out deserving 1-0 previous week, was once again their pitch. Then the rest 13 Youssef Msakni Lekhwiya Yahia Kebe Al Kharitiyat winners. The former champions thus livewire in their 1-0 win over cham- will be a consequence. 12 Leaders Al Rayyan, who Sebastian Saez Al Wakrah AL RAYYAN 1 AL KHOR 0 climbed to fourth after Al Sadd slipped, pions Lekhwiya. It’s so important in Muriqui Al Sadd saw off Al Khor 1-0, took 11 losing 0-1 to lowly Qatar Sports Club. Coach Gianfranco Zola reportedly had Yannick Sagbo Umm Salal Rayyan warded off a strong challenge from their tally to 51 points. football. And it won’t Leaders Al Rayyan, who saw off a major differences of opinion with now- be a coincidence Sergio Garcia Al Rayyan Khor, who had won their previous two determined Al Khor 1-0, took their departed Arabi football head Ahmed Sardor Rashidov El Jaish matches. Khor yet again put up a strong when you get the defensive performance, but Rayyan kept tally to 51 points. With eight rounds Shafi over the Brazilian’s signing when Romarinho El Jaish result later. 9 Nam Taehee Lekhwiya pressing hard and found the breakthrough QATAR SC 1 AL SADD 0 to go, they are 15 clear of second-placed midfielder Nam Tae-Hee hitting the the Qatari official pushed for a swap Paulinho Al Arabi via star striker Sebastian Soria in the 78th Jaish, who settled for a 2-2 draw with crossbar once following his move along deal involving Arabi striker Paulinho Gianfranco Zola, Faouzi Aaish Al Sailiya minute. Argentinian forward Emiliano Vecchio, Al Gharafa. Lekhwiya are two points the right and later skying a spot kick and Vladimir Weiss, who recently joined Al Arabi coach. Meshal Abdullah Al Ahli playing only his third match, converted behind Jaish. They found the going tough in the dying minutes. Gharafa from Lekhwiya. 8 Sebastian Soria Al Rayyan a spot kick in the 80th minute as Qatar Sports Club handed Al Sadd a shock against Arabi, who showed a great deal It was not the sort of performance Zola showered praise on Souza, who defeat. While the win saw them increase of enthusiasm and energy as in their Lekhwiya coach Djamel Belmadi would came to Qatar from Balzan club in Malta. their tally to 14, Sadd slipped to fifth in the previous game against Gharafa. have expected following their 2-3 rever- “It was an outstanding performance. table. The Reds, rebuilt by Italian coach sal against Al Sailiya in the previous Not only was he good offensively, cre- Tabata out of action STANDINGS Gianfranco Zola in the winter transfer round. The Algerian had openly criti- ating a lot of chances, but he did well in Al Rayyan 18 17 0 1 51 14 51 cised referee Sultan Salem for some of keeping the ball at the right moment,” for two weeks El Jaish 18 11 3 4 39 18 36 Lekhwiya 18 11 1 6 46 24 34 his decisions and earned a two-match ššAl Arabi’s Alain Souza in action. said the Italian. DSP Al Rayyan captain Rodrigo Tabata, who suffered a KICK-OFF Al Arabi 18 9 3 6 27 25 30 hamstring injury during their match against Al Khor Thursday, February 18 touchline ban. He took his position in Al Sadd 18 8 5 5 36 27 29 Al Kharaitiyat vs Mesaimeer, Khor Stadium, 4.45pm. the stands behind their dugout at the last week, has been ruled out for two weeks. UMM SALAL 2 MESAIMEER 0 Umm Salal 18 6 9 3 24 21 27 “Put your mobile phone in silent mode!” It’s one instruction The Brazilian is the latest Rayyan player to be Lekhwiya vs El Jaish, Al Ahli Stadium, 7.15pm. Arabi Stadium and controlled the match, El Jaish striker Abdulkader Ilyas, who Al Sailiya 18 8 1 9 29 31 25 Arabi Press mediapersons get without fail from Press officers at the start of every sidelined after Spanish forward Sergio Garcia and Friday, February 19 but his team was not good enough. played the first half of the season with Al Al Wakrah 18 7 2 9 26 30 23 Al Khor vs Al Sadd, Al Khor Stadium, 4.45pm. Qatar Stars League Press conference. But Al Arabi media officer South Korean midfielder Koh Myong-Jin. Al Khor 18 6 4 8 16 20 22 Meanwhile, Umm Salal defeated Sailiya but joined Umm Salal last month, Qatar SC vs Al Ahli, Qatar SC Stadium, 4.45pm. officer gets Abdulrahman Al Kholaifi forgot to do so with his own handset at the Rayyan had signed midfielder Fabio Cesar from also on loan, scored twice in a span of 11 Al Gharafa 18 6 4 8 17 24 22 Umm Salal vs Al Sailiya, Qatar SC Stadium, 7.15pm. Mesaimeer 2-0 while Al Wakrah beat post-match briefing, which was telecast live. A call the Qatari official Umm Salal as a cover, but the attacking midfielder minutes (71st and 82nd) as the men in Al Ahli 18 4 7 7 20 26 19 Saturday, February 20 Sailiya 3-2. red card! received in the middle of the briefing indeed left him embarrassed. is yet to regain full fitness and is unlikely to play this orange consigned Mesaimeer to their 16th Al Kharaitiyat 18 5 3 10 26 37 18 Al Gharafa vs Al Wakrah, Gharafa Stadium, 4.45pm. In other action, Al Kharaitiyat and Al Coach Gianfranco Zola, sitting next to him, smiled and flashed his red week’s big clash against his former club Al Arabi. DSP defeat in 17 rounds. The win helped them Qatar SC 18 3 5 10 18 42 14 Al Arabi vs Al Rayyan, Al Sadd Stadium, 7.15pm. Ahli played out a 1-1 draw. DSP accreditation card at his colleague, triggering a brief laughter. DSP ššRodrigo Tabata move up to sixth in table. Mesaimeer 18 1 1 16 11 47 4 10 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 11

The benefits of the conference was immense as it offered experts the opportunity to discuss and share their experiences in treating football injuries. Football Dr Mohamed Ghaith Al Kuwari, Aspetar Acting Director General.

Registration is ‘Expanding World open for Josoor Cup is a challenge’ workshops SaDd state of affairs! EGISTRATION is open for the two professional development EXCLUSIVE Rworkshops to be delivered by Al Sadd’s troubles mount as they lose to relegation-threatened Qatar Sports Club the Josoor Institute, in partnership with the Qatar University. The first workshop ĈĈSadd winless in four games N Ganesh ‘Marketing and PR DSP/ Vinod Divakaran DSP/ Vinod for Sport and Major ĈĈCoach Ferreira unhappy ššAl Gharafa’s Vladimir Weiss, left, and El Jaish’s Mohammed Methnani engaged in Events’ is set to take with some players a heated argument. place on February DETAILED study from the 29 and March 1. It medical point of view should will examine their Mohammad Amin-ul Islam A be made before FIFA takes a role in the success of Late equaliser final decision on expanding the World sports and events industries in Qatar leaves Jaish Cup, according to the world governing and MENA region. body’s Medical Committee Chairman The second workshop ‘Creating High L SADD coach Jesualdo Fer- frustrated Michel D’Hooghe. Performance Sports Organisations’ is reira is in serious trouble after šĈQatar SC’s Emiliano Vecchio after scoring FIFA is seriously considering to scheduled for March 2 and 3. Athey lost 0-1 to Qatar Sports against Al Sadd. L GHARAFA’S late equaliser in increase the number of teams at the The deadline to register is on February Club last week. The defeat meant the the 2-2 draw against El Jaish World Cup from 32 to 40, a move backed 28. For more information, visit www. 2012-13 champions are now winless Aled to a minor scuffle. by the Asian and African confedera- josoorinstitute.qa. DSP in their last four games. Lazaroni hopeful Gharafa keeper Qasim Burhan beat tions. FIFA deliberated its possibility Fereira, who took over from Housseine an onrushing Murad Naji to the ball to in its Executive Committee meeting Amouta last December, cut a forlorn of survival effect a clearance, but in the process last December, but was sent back to figure at the Press conference. he collided with the Jaish right-back, the administration department for fur- Everton to train “The team didn’t play well and I accept RAZILIAN coach Sebastiao La- who stayed on the turf. ther research. Some of the presidential it,” said Ferreira. zaroni, in a spot of bother as Even as Jaish players shouted for a candidates also endorse it. at Aspire Zone While Qatar SC played one of their Bhis team Qatar Sports Club are foul and wanted to keep the ball out, “I’ve indeed heard that some candi-

best matches, Sadd found the going mired in a relegation battle, heaved a Vladimir Weiss picked up Burhan’s long Divakaran DSP/Vinod NGLISH Premier League club tough. Not that they did not create huge sigh of relief after they defeated ball and surged ahead before setting up ššMichel D’Hooghe Everton will arrive this week in chances, but the hara-kiri commit- 13-time champions Al Sadd 1-0 last Krisztian Nemeth, who scored. A World Cup is much EDoha for a four-day mid-winter ted by some of their top players was week. Weiss had a heated argument with training camp. hard to believe. The Portuguese, with- It was Qatar SC’s only third win in the rival midfielder Mohammed Methnani more than the games. So from the medical side, you could Everton’s Premiership fixture with out naming any player, said he would competition. They are still 13th in the as Jaish coach Sabri Lamouchi angrily There could be so many have some questions. Can we respond Liverpool on February 28 has been post- take up the “issue” with the club man- 14-team league, on 14 points. threw a water bottle into the ground problems. to the demands that are in front of us if poned because of agement. Emiliano Vecchio converted from and screamed. you increase eight more teams. I think the latter’s Capital “It’s not nice to blame players at the the spot in the 80th minute after Sadd’s “I was worried more about Murad, if it becomes a political decision, it’ll Cup final with Salem Ali Al Hajri brought down Ibrahem that whether he got injured or not,” dates would like to increase the num- have a lot of repercussions at different Manchester City. Gamal on the edge of the box in the 79th. said Lamouchi, whose men will take ber of participating countries at a World levels,” said the Belgian. It has left Everton While Qatar Sports Club “It’s the first time where I’ve to really on Lekhwiya on Thursday. Cup. Of course, the expansion creates The World Cup last expanded from with a 10-day slog to prevent a team from being rele- The former France international is possibilities for more countries and lead 24 teams to 32 in 1994. The proposed break between played one of their best gated,” said Lazaroni, who was in charge definitely not happy with the way his to more interest all over the world. The expansion is chiefly aimed at pleas- February 20 and matches, Al Sadd found of Brazil at the 1990 FIFA World Cup. team has played of late. question is can we contain such a big ing the majority of the 209 FIFA con- March 1. the going tough. “It’s a difficult situation, but luckily the “Rayyan are sure to win the league. number? Can the possible candidate federations. Currently, Africa has five Manager Roberto Martinez would penalty saved us.” Forget them. We should look at our- countries respond to the challenges places, Asia 4.5, Europe 13, North and be eager to yet again make the most

DSP/ Mohan “The victory will give confidence as selves. For me, every match is a new for not 32, but 40 countries? It’s a com- Central America 3.5, South America 4.5, of the Aspire facilities to get ready for Press conference. I don’t want to discuss šĈAl Sadd’s Xavi Hernandez tries to beat the challenge from Qatar SC’s Fadl Omar, left, and Han Kook-Young. we move towards a crucial period. It’s story. We should play to win, and not pletely different situation,” D’Hooghe Oceania half a place, with one going the business end of the season. DSP it with the media, but I’ll definitely sit a huge challenge for us. Let’s hope for enter the field for the sake of doing told Doha Stadium Plus on the sidelines to the host. with the management soon,” he said. the best,” he said. it,”he said. DSP of the Aspetar conference on football D’Hooghe said all aspects should There is something seriously wrong “Despite playing against a side which injuries and rehabilitation. be analysed before taking a decision. with the team which reflected on their It’s not nice to blame players has players like Xavi Hernandez, Hassan “Also the medical input at a World “You should consider all the conse- Qatar bow out performance as they missed plenty of at the Press conference. I don’t Al Haidous and Abdulkarim Hassan, Cup is extremely important. You must quences. A World Cup is much more opportunities inside the box. want to discuss it with the media, the team’s positive approach really Madibo joins consider four important groups. First than the games. There could be so many of AFC futsal They are having a terrible run includ- but I’ll definitely sit with the made me happy. It was a great per- the delegations, secondly the impor- problems that we may not know today. ing their 4-5 defeat in the penalty shoot- management soon. formance by us,” added Lazaroni, who Spanish club tant number of FIFA staff, sometimes It wouldn’t be easy to expand it and ATAR made an early exit from out against UAE’s Al Jazeera at the AFC joined the team for the third time after 500, thirdly the media who in Brazil then discuss the consequences. Let’s the Asian Football Confedera- Jesualdo Ferreira, Al Sadd coach. Young Qatari midfielderAsim Champions League qualification play- Radhi Shenaishil parted ways early in last week joined Aspire Zone were close to 20,000 and finally the first look at the possibilities, difficulties Qtion’s Futsal Championship Madibo offs recently. the season. Foundation-owned Spanish club enormous groups of travelling fans. and then at expansion,” he said. DSP in Uzbekistan, losing their first two The team looked like a disjointed It’s the first time Sadd fought tooth and nail, but it Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa. games in Group D. bunch, with the former Asian Player where I’ve to really was difficult to pin the Qatar backline. Madibo, who helped While Qatar lost 0-1 to Japan in the Qatar finish fourth at of the Year Khalfan Ibrahim not slog to prevent a “We’ve a good batch and we’re work- FIFA Executive Committee member Michel D’Hooghe welcomed first match, they suffered a thumping even included in the squad. ing hard. We created a lot of chances the AFC Under-23 D’Hooghe the winter World Cup in Qatar. 5-2 defeat against Australia. team from being Championship in Nadir Belhadj, Xavi Hernandez, against Sadd, but we couldn’t convert all “When the World Cup is organised at the end of the season, The Gulf nation had some consola- relegated. It’s a Doha, is an ASPIRE Ali Asad and Hassan Al Haidous all of them. We don’t want to look back to happy with many players are tired,” said D’Hooghe. tion as they defeated Malaysia 6-2 in difficult situation, Academy product. “I remember Franz Beckenbauer once saying at the 2002 started, but their half-hearted efforts our past performances. The win against the last match. DSP but luckily the “After the U-23 winter World Cup in Japan and South Korea that it’s the World Cup of clearly showed their lack of motiva- Sadd should motivate us to get back Championship, I penalty saved us. fatigue. So if you do it in the winter period, many players would tion. All of them refused to speak on on the track,” said the 65-year-old, was undergoing some World Cup be in much better condition. So this is certainly an advantage. RESULTS the team’s current form and whizzed Sebastiao Lazaroni, who first coached the club in 2008- conditioning. I want to be fully ready “Of course, this creates problems for the organisation of the Lost to Japan 0-1 past the journalists, probably to duck Qatar SC coach. 2011 before returning again in the to win my place in the starting World Cup, but I think that primary importance should be the Lost to Australia 2-5 line-up,” said Madibo. DSP Bt Malaysia 6-2 questions. DSP 2012-14 season. DSP health and physical condition of the players. DSP Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 11

The benefits of the conference was immense as it offered experts the opportunity to discuss and share their experiences in treating football injuries. Dr Mohamed Ghaith Al Kuwari, Aspetar Acting Director General.

Registration is ‘Expanding World open for Josoor Cup is a challenge’ workshops EGISTRATION is open for the two professional development Rworkshops to be delivered by EXCLUSIVE the Josoor Institute, in partnership with the Qatar University. The first workshop N Ganesh ‘Marketing and PR DSP/ Vinod Divakaran DSP/ Vinod for Sport and Major ššAl Gharafa’s Vladimir Weiss, left, and El Jaish’s Mohammed Methnani engaged in Events’ is set to take a heated argument. place on February DETAILED study from the 29 and March 1. It medical point of view should will examine their A be made before FIFA takes a role in the success of Late equaliser final decision on expanding the World sports and events industries in Qatar leaves Jaish Cup, according to the world governing and MENA region. body’s Medical Committee Chairman The second workshop ‘Creating High frustrated Michel D’Hooghe. Performance Sports Organisations’ is FIFA is seriously considering to scheduled for March 2 and 3. L GHARAFA’S late equaliser in increase the number of teams at the The deadline to register is on February the 2-2 draw against El Jaish World Cup from 32 to 40, a move backed 28. For more information, visit www. Aled to a minor scuffle. by the Asian and African confedera- josoorinstitute.qa. DSP Gharafa keeper Qasim Burhan beat tions. FIFA deliberated its possibility an onrushing Murad Naji to the ball to in its Executive Committee meeting effect a clearance, but in the process last December, but was sent back to he collided with the Jaish right-back, the administration department for fur- Everton to train who stayed on the turf. ther research. Some of the presidential Even as Jaish players shouted for a candidates also endorse it. at Aspire Zone foul and wanted to keep the ball out, “I’ve indeed heard that some candi-

Vladimir Weiss picked up Burhan’s long Divakaran DSP/Vinod NGLISH Premier League club ball and surged ahead before setting up ššMichel D’Hooghe Everton will arrive this week in Krisztian Nemeth, who scored. A World Cup is much EDoha for a four-day mid-winter Weiss had a heated argument with training camp. rival midfielder Mohammed Methnani more than the games. So from the medical side, you could Everton’s Premiership fixture with as Jaish coach Sabri Lamouchi angrily There could be so many have some questions. Can we respond Liverpool on February 28 has been post- threw a water bottle into the ground problems. to the demands that are in front of us if poned because of and screamed. you increase eight more teams. I think the latter’s Capital “I was worried more about Murad, if it becomes a political decision, it’ll Cup final with that whether he got injured or not,” dates would like to increase the num- have a lot of repercussions at different Manchester City. said Lamouchi, whose men will take ber of participating countries at a World levels,” said the Belgian. It has left Everton on Lekhwiya on Thursday. Cup. Of course, the expansion creates The World Cup last expanded from with a 10-day The former France international is possibilities for more countries and lead 24 teams to 32 in 1994. The proposed break between definitely not happy with the way his to more interest all over the world. The expansion is chiefly aimed at pleas- February 20 and team has played of late. question is can we contain such a big ing the majority of the 209 FIFA con- March 1. “Rayyan are sure to win the league. number? Can the possible candidate federations. Currently, Africa has five Manager Roberto Martinez would Forget them. We should look at our- countries respond to the challenges places, Asia 4.5, Europe 13, North and be eager to yet again make the most selves. For me, every match is a new for not 32, but 40 countries? It’s a com- Central America 3.5, South America 4.5, of the Aspire facilities to get ready for story. We should play to win, and not pletely different situation,” D’Hooghe Oceania half a place, with one going the business end of the season. DSP enter the field for the sake of doing told Doha Stadium Plus on the sidelines to the host. it,”he said. DSP of the Aspetar conference on football D’Hooghe said all aspects should injuries and rehabilitation. be analysed before taking a decision. “Also the medical input at a World “You should consider all the conse- Qatar bow out Cup is extremely important. You must quences. A World Cup is much more Madibo joins consider four important groups. First than the games. There could be so many of AFC futsal the delegations, secondly the impor- problems that we may not know today. Spanish club tant number of FIFA staff, sometimes It wouldn’t be easy to expand it and ATAR made an early exit from 500, thirdly the media who in Brazil then discuss the consequences. Let’s the Asian Football Confedera- Young Qatari midfielderAsim last week joined Aspire Zone were close to 20,000 and finally the first look at the possibilities, difficulties Qtion’s Futsal Championship Madibo Foundation-owned Spanish club enormous groups of travelling fans. and then at expansion,” he said. DSP in Uzbekistan, losing their first two Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa. games in Group D. Madibo, who helped While Qatar lost 0-1 to Japan in the Qatar finish fourth at FIFA Executive Committee member Michel D’Hooghe welcomed first match, they suffered a thumping the AFC Under-23 D’Hooghe the winter World Cup in Qatar. 5-2 defeat against Australia. Championship in “When the World Cup is organised at the end of the season, The Gulf nation had some consola- Doha, is an ASPIRE happy with many players are tired,” said D’Hooghe. tion as they defeated Malaysia 6-2 in Academy product. “I remember Franz Beckenbauer once saying at the 2002 the last match. DSP “After the U-23 winter World Cup in Japan and South Korea that it’s the World Cup of Championship, I fatigue. So if you do it in the winter period, many players would was undergoing some World Cup be in much better condition. So this is certainly an advantage. RESULTS conditioning. I want to be fully ready “Of course, this creates problems for the organisation of the Lost to Japan 0-1 to win my place in the starting World Cup, but I think that primary importance should be the Lost to Australia 2-5 line-up,” said Madibo. DSP health and physical condition of the players. DSP Bt Malaysia 6-2 12 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 13 Football

Welbeck fires for Gunners MEDIA SCAN

return, his glancing header from Mesut Ian Chadband Ozil’s free-kick deep into injury time earning them the 2-1 victory which narrowed Leicester’s lead at the top to just two points. ANNY Welbeck came off the It was a win which had looked unlikely bench for his first game in 10 after Jamie Vardy had put Leicester ahead Dmonths to earn Arsenal the most from the penalty spot just before half- dramatic of last-gasp comeback wins time, a 19th goal of the season for the over Premier League leaders Leicester league’s leading marksman. City at an ecstatic Emirates Stadium But the whole complexion changed with his 95th-minute winner. after the break when Leicester were forced Real deal! The England striker, sidelined since to play the last 35 minutes with just 10 Mourinho could soon Tottenham underline title credentials by defeating Manchester City. last April with knee injuries, could not men after Danny Simpson had received take over United It was a pivotal moment have dreamt of a more extraordinary two yellow cards for rash challenges. Manchester United could appoint ĈĈSpurs second on goal today (Sunday) because the Jose Mourinho before the end of the difference mathematics meant it could month. be eight points or it could Last week’s 1-2 defeat at ĈĈThey move four clear of City be two points. That’s a great Sunderland alarmed the club’s board. change. But just as concerning was Louis van Gaal giving up on a top-four spot. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger after United had been ready to stick with Mike Collett Danny Welbeck’s 95th-minute winner the Dutchman, 64, until the summer. earned his side a 2-1 win over Leicester Now they believe they will lose that left them two points below leaders. nothing by swooping for the ex-Chelsea boss before their next OTTENHAM Hotspur have suf- league game at home to Arsenal on fered so many false dawns that February 28. Before that they play two legs in Teven their most ardent fans had the Europa League against Danish long given up hope of their team ever 540 minnows Midtjylland with the FA Cup winning the league title, but last Sun- trip to Shrewsbury sandwiched in day’s 2-1 victory at Manchester City Southampton goalkeeper between. And, as we reveal, Van Gaal has changed all that. Fraser Forster has gone six O’Brien /Tony has taken only a short-term let on his Spurs’ triumph at the Etihad Stadium, matches, or 540 minutes, new home, meaning he could leave at any time. where they had lost on their last five without conceding since REUTERS šArsenal’s Danny Welbeck, second left, in action against Leicester City. visits, moved them within two points returning from a long-term š of Premier League leaders Leicester knee injury City and kept them in second place above Arsenal on goal difference with Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri said 12 matches to play. Ranieri hits out he was angry with the referee after their loss /Lee Smith All eyes have been on Leicester’s against title rivals Arsenal, having played most Man City pay tribute remarkable rise to the top of the table, at referee of the second half with 10 men.

after being bottom and facing relega- REUTERS “If I think about the match I’m very, very to band Viola Beach tion a year ago, and Tottenham’s steady šĈTottenham Hotspur’s Christian Eriksen, left, celebrates with Harry Kane after scoring against Manchester City. angry. An international referee gives two progress this season has been over- yellow cards for normal fouls,” said Ranieri, Manchester City supporters paid who added that the winning goal came after shadowed by The Foxes’ remarkable tribute to the band Viola Beach, RESULTS the allotted stoppage time had been played. whose manager and members died transformation. Ranieri has been the story — it would “But it’s ok, it doesn’t matter. We continue to EPL TOP SCORERS Arsenal bt Leicester City 2-1 in a car crash in Stockholm last week. But Spurs’ young team, responding to 19 Jamie Vardy Leicester City be perhaps the greatest story ever in Aston Villa lost to Liverpool 0-6 fight.” Fans ‘clapped for Craig’ in tribute Romelu Lukaku Everton coach Mauricio Pochettino’s high-press- 16 football in this country if Leicester were Man City lost to Tottenham 1-2 to season ticket holder manager Harry Kane Tottenham ing philosophy — “part crack Army unit, to win the league,” said Carragher. Bournemouth lost to Stoke City 1-3 Craig Tarry and the four musicians Riyad Mahrez Leicester City The Times Chelsea bt Newcastle 5-1 five minutes into their match against part dance troop” as called 14 Sergio Aguero Man City Spurs last won the title in 1961, when Crystal Palace lost to Watford 1-2 I’ll only return to Tottenham Hotspur. them — occupy their highest position Odion Ighalo Watford they were the first English club in the Chelsea style delights Hiddink Everton lost to West Brom 0-1 at this stage of a season since 1985. 20th Century to claim a league and The big screen at the Etihad Norwich drew West Ham 2-2 Liverpool: Suarez A 53rd-minute Harry Kane penalty FA Cup double, since when success Stadium also displayed pictures of Sunderland bt Man United 2-1 the five young men, with the message Sky Sports and an 83rd-minute strike by Christian Carragher, now a pundit for , has been confined to European and Swansea lost to Southampton 0-1 Barcelona striker Luis Suarez would HELSEA finally produced a ‘RIP Viola Beach and Craig Terry’. Eriksen on his 24th birthday gave Spurs said Tottenham could complete the domestic cups. STANDINGS only return to the English Premier performance befitting of cham- They died when the car they were a fifth successive league win and moved most remarkable Premier League story The last time they finished second Leicester 26 15 8 3 48 29 53 League if it was to rejoin former club Cpions to demolish Newcastle travelling in plunged into a canal in them four points clear of City. of all if Leicester fail to win the title. was in 1963 and they have never fin- Tottenham 26 14 9 3 47 20 51 Liverpool, he revealed in a British United 5-1 last week and give Guus Stockholm, Sweden. Arsenal 26 15 6 5 41 23 51 newspaper interview published last Former Liverpool defender Jamie “All season Leicester and Claudio ished third in the Premier League era. Hiddink his first home Premier League A Man City club spokesman said: Man City 26 14 5 7 48 28 47 week. “We’re shocked and saddened to Man United 26 11 8 7 33 24 41 win since returning as coach. “I would prefer to stay here learn of the tragic road accident in Southampton 26 11 7 8 34 24 40 Despite being unbeaten in 12 matches (Barcelona) for many more years,” Sweden, and the death of lifelong West Ham 26 10 10 6 40 31 40 Tottenham Hotspur head coach Meanwhile, City manager Manuel Suarez told the Daily Mail. “I know in all competitions since Hiddink was Manchester City supporter Craig Tarry, Liverpool 26 10 8 8 38 36 38 it doesn’t always turn out that way. šGuus Hiddink ‘It’s too early Mauricio Pochettino hailed his Pellegrini could face disciplinary named interim manager following Jose š manager of the band Viola Beach. Watford 26 10 6 10 29 28 36 But if I had to return to the Premier side for a fantastic performance in action from the English FA after the Stoke City 26 10 6 10 27 32 36 Mourinho’s sacking, Chelsea have not “Our thoughts are with the family to speak about their 2-1 win at Manchester City, Chilean criticised referee Mark League, I would only go to Liverpool. been convincing, especially at Stamford and friends of Craig and the members Everton 26 8 11 7 46 35 35 I wouldn’t go to another team. It but dampened talk of the north Clattenburg in the wake of his Chelsea 26 8 9 9 38 36 33 of the band at this very sad time.” wouldn’t be a move for money. I Bridge where they have drawn five games. after the break. title’ Londoners finishing the season on top side’s home loss. Crystal Palace 26 9 5 12 27 32 32 Tributes have also been paid to would also love to play again for Ajax Against a compliant Newcastle side “We’re unbeaten since December, but of the Barclays Premier League. The defeat left City fourth West Brom 26 8 8 10 24 32 32 the band, four young men from the as they allowed me to develop as a defending at times like a pub team, how- we weren’t really proud because there “It’s too early to speak about the in the table, six points adrift Bournemouth 26 7 7 12 30 44 28 Warrington area. player in Europe.” title,” said a jubilant Pochettino, as of leaders Leicester City, Swansea 26 6 9 11 24 34 27 ever, Chelsea’s misfiring attack enjoyed were too many draws, we wanted the Victims of the crash have not yet his side registered their first win and Pellegrini’s usual calm Norwich 26 6 6 14 30 50 24 Suarez, 29, scored 82 goals for themselves with masked man Diego status of being unbeaten with victo- been named, but members of the at the Etihad Stadium since May, demeanour was replaced by anger Newcastle 26 6 6 14 27 49 24 Liverpool in a three-and-a-half-year Costa, Pedro and Willian scoring inside ries, that’s why this is good,” Dutchman Warrington-based band include Kris 2010, thanks to Christian Eriksen’s as he questioned the FA’s decision to Sunderland 26 6 5 15 32 50 23 spell and almost inspired the team to a blistering opening 20 minutes. Pedro Hiddink, whose side are 12th in the Leonard, River Reeves, Tomas Lowe Premier League glory in 2014. 83rd-minute winner. appoint Clattenburg for the match. Aston Villa 26 3 7 16 20 46 16 and Bertrand Traore added more goals table, said. and Jack Dakin. Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 13

Welbeck fires for Gunners MEDIA SCAN

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri said Ranieri hits out he was angry with the referee after their loss against title rivals Arsenal, having played most Man City pay tribute at referee of the second half with 10 men. “If I think about the match I’m very, very to band Viola Beach angry. An international referee gives two yellow cards for normal fouls,” said Ranieri, Manchester City supporters paid who added that the winning goal came after tribute to the band Viola Beach, the allotted stoppage time had been played. whose manager and members died “But it’s ok, it doesn’t matter. We continue to in a car crash in Stockholm last week. fight.” Fans ‘clapped for Craig’ in tribute to season ticket holder manager Craig Tarry and the four musicians five minutes into their match against I’ll only return to Chelsea style delights Hiddink Tottenham Hotspur. The big screen at the Etihad Liverpool: Suarez Stadium also displayed pictures of the five young men, with the message Barcelona striker Luis Suarez would HELSEA finally produced a ‘RIP Viola Beach and Craig Terry’. only return to the English Premier performance befitting of cham- They died when the car they were League if it was to rejoin former club Cpions to demolish Newcastle travelling in plunged into a canal in Liverpool, he revealed in a British United 5-1 last week and give Guus Stockholm, Sweden. newspaper interview published last Hiddink his first home Premier League A Man City club spokesman said: week. win since returning as coach. “We’re shocked and saddened to “I would prefer to stay here learn of the tragic road accident in Despite being unbeaten in 12 matches (Barcelona) for many more years,” Sweden, and the death of lifelong Suarez told the Daily Mail. “I know in all competitions since Hiddink was Manchester City supporter Craig Tarry, š it doesn’t always turn out that way. named interim manager following Jose šGuus Hiddink manager of the band Viola Beach. But if I had to return to the Premier Mourinho’s sacking, Chelsea have not “Our thoughts are with the family League, I would only go to Liverpool. been convincing, especially at Stamford and friends of Craig and the members I wouldn’t go to another team. It of the band at this very sad time.” wouldn’t be a move for money. I Bridge where they have drawn five games. after the break. Against a compliant Newcastle side “We’re unbeaten since December, but Tributes have also been paid to would also love to play again for Ajax the band, four young men from the defending at times like a pub team, how- we weren’t really proud because there as they allowed me to develop as a Warrington area. player in Europe.” ever, Chelsea’s misfiring attack enjoyed were too many draws, we wanted the Victims of the crash have not yet Suarez, 29, scored 82 goals for themselves with masked man Diego status of being unbeaten with victo- been named, but members of the Liverpool in a three-and-a-half-year Costa, Pedro and Willian scoring inside ries, that’s why this is good,” Dutchman Warrington-based band include Kris spell and almost inspired the team to a blistering opening 20 minutes. Pedro Hiddink, whose side are 12th in the Leonard, River Reeves, Tomas Lowe Premier League glory in 2014. and Bertrand Traore added more goals table, said. and Jack Dakin. 14 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 15 Football

‘Benzema lied MORE ‘TWO-TOUCH’ MEDIA SCAN 5 PENALTIES over sex tape’ Lionel Messi’s extraordinary passed Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema penalty that gave Luis Suarez his has admitted to lying to fellow-France hat-trick in Barcelona’s 6-1 win over international Mathieu Valbuena over Celta Vigo in La Liga was far from the a sex video at the centre of an alleged first in football history. Here are the blackmailing attempt, Le Parisien five others. reported. The French daily quoted extracts RIK COPPENS (BELGIUM VS ICELAND, 1957) from Benzema’s hearing with a judge on January 28 in which the player The prolific Belgian striker Coppens reportedly said he did not watch may have been the inventor of the Valbuena’s sex tape after telling the ‘two-touch’ penalty. In a World Cup Olympique Lyon forward that he did. qualifier in 1957 that Belgium won 8-3, “I should’ve told him I hadn’t seen it. No Cup final at Coppens passed a spot kick to team- mate Andre Piters, who gave it back I was showing off, I was acting. Bernabeu! to Coppens, and he slotted past the It’s like when you describe a movie you haven’t seen. Fans expressed their views on

bemused Iceland goalkeeper. REUTERS/Andrea Comas I’ve never seen that video,” whether May’s Copa del Rey final ššAthletic Bilbao’s Ander Iturraspe, left, challenges Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez for the ball. MIKE TREBILCOCK Benzema was quoted as between Barcelona and Sevilla should (PLYMOUTH ARGYLE VS telling the judge be played at Real Madrid’s stadium, MANCHESTER CITY, 1964) Benzema, who has been under or not. formal investigation since last The ‘Grada Fans RMFC’ section of the Trebilcock is best known for scoring Santiago Bernabeu made it known twice for Everton in their 1966 FA November, has also been that they were completely against it. Cup final win against Sheffield Rodriguez credits suspended indefinitely Wednesday, but two years before from the France team. As a venue is sought for the final that he scored another memorable Benzema approached between Barcelona and Sevilla and goal for Plymouth in a second-tier Valbuena about the tape during a provisionally set for Saturday, May 21, game against Manchester City. “I was Zidane for success France training camp last October. chants of “No Cup final to be played playing for Plymouth Argyle at the here!”, rang around the ground during time and Malcolm Allison was the Real Madrid’s La Liga meeting with manager. It was one of his mad ideas,” Athletic Bilbao. Trebilcock told the Liverpool Echo in OLOMBIA’S James Rodriguez REUTERS/Albert Gea 2005. “Our captain, John Newman, enjoyed a return to form with Real Madrid have scored Opening blitz by šĈBarcelona’s Luis Suarez scores from a penalty after a pass from Lionel Messi in their match against Celta Vigo. was the man to run forward and Ca fine goal in Real Madrid’s 4-2 touch the ball while I was assigned win over Athletic Bilbao. freely in winning four of spunky Torres to follow up and knock it into the Barca’s Rafinha net. We had practised it a few times Rodriguez, who had been off his best their last five matches during training and, coincidentally, it since returning from a thigh injury, under Zidane. PANIARD Fernando Torres scored ready to return was a match against Manchester City struck the second goal to put Real ahead his 101st goal for Atletico Madrid when we got the chance to try it out The Brazilian has been out since he for real. We won the game 3-2.” towards the end of the first half and Sin the first minute at Getafe and suffered an anterior cruciate ligament praised coach Zinedine Zidane for a they (Athletic) were playing well.” they then held on for a 1-0 win. injury against Roma in September. JOHAN CRUYFF AND JESPER OLSEN positive change in the team’s game. Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scor- Winger Yannick Carrasco’s low cross Hard work and patience have helped (AJAX VS HELMOND SPORT, 1982) “I feel much better and that also ing after three minutes and capped from the left in Atletico’s first attack him as he look to return to Luis Feast of fantasy helps,” said Rodriguez. the win with a late second goal. Toni beat the defence and reached the far Enrique’s side. Just when he was in In a Dutch League match in December 1982, Ajax were leading “Not only for me, I think the change Kroos scored the third in added time post where unmarked Torres tapped his best form a brutal challenge from 1-0 when Cruyff, by then a 35-year- of coach has been good for all of us. in the first half. the ball home. Roma’s Nainggolan changed it all. Catalan giants Barcelona turn on the style in Celta Vigo rout. old veteran, won a penalty. Cruyff But the terrible incident left him with passed the spot kick to his left where “For me it’s because Zidane has given Former Real midfielder Zidane began Some minutes later the striker, who just one desire: to be back playing as Danish winger Olsen came racing in us more freedom, we play more. He his first senior coaching job when he reached his century in the recent 3-1 soon as possible. Barcelona have done ĈĈ Luis Suarez scores hat-trick Messi and Suarez wheeled away in Suarez and Neymar produce moments and returned the ball for Cruyff to talks with each one of us and that’s took over from the sacked Rafael Benitez home win over Eibar, could have scored everything to get him fit in line with tap in. The perplexed Helmond Sport glee and were quickly mobbed by their of magic in training. good when you play because it gives early last month. again when one-on-one with Getafe his recovery programme. goalkeeper was left standing with his team-mates, who looked as surprised Dutch great Cruyff pulled off a simi- hands on his hips as the Ajax players you attitude,” he was quoted as say- Real have scored freely in winning goalkeeper Vicente Guaita, but he shot Rex Gowar as anyone. lar trick while playing for Ajax against celebrated. They won the game 5-0. ing by the Spanish news agency EFE. four and drawing one of their last five hurriedly and wide. The goal took Suarez onto 23 in the Helmond Sport in 1982, squaring the “Each thing has its own time and matches under Zidane. The dangerous Carrasco was injured league this season, two ahead of Real ball for team-mate Jesper Olsen, who THIERRY HENRY AND ROBERT PIRES you’ve to wait. Rodriguez’s return to form is timely early in the second half defending a (ARSENAL VS MANCHESTER CITY, Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo. Barcelona then passed it back to him to score. 2005) “I wasn’t playing much up to a month as Zidane prepares the team for Getafe corner and had to come off IONEL Messi passed up the Cruyff played for Barcelona from ago and when you don’t play much you Wednesday’s Champions League last- with what the club later reported was chance to net his 300th La Liga 1973 to 1978. The French duo were two of the stars don’t perform much. 16 first leg away to AS Roma. a damaged right-ankle ligament. of a wonderful Arsenal team but Lgoal and instead put a hat-trick As well as winning titles Frenchmen Robert Pires and Thierry they also made a laughing stock of “The goal was nice, I shouted in cel- “I’m happy for his goal and because Getafe did more of the attacking in the on a plate for team-mate Luis Suarez Henry tried a similar trick for Arsenal themselves when their attempted ebration like that, it put us 2-1 up when he’s getting rhythm,” said Zidane. second half but Atletico, whose defence with an outrageous penalty routine we try to entertain against Manchester City in 2005, but ‘two-touch’ penalty in a game against is the best in La Liga having conceded people and win in a Manchester City at Highbury went that evoked memories of Barcelona got into a muddle and failed to score. badly wrong. Pires tried to roll the 11 goals in 24 matches, held out with great Johan Cruyff last Sunday. spectacular manner. Meanwhile, Barcelona star Neymar Uruguay’s Diego Godin, back from a ball to his left with the intention that STANDINGS Henry, steaming into the box, would With Barcelona leading Celta Vigo 3-1 claimed he was meant to be the recip- Barcelona 23 18 3 2 62 18 57 one-match suspension, commanding. score. However, Pires barely made at a buzzing Camp Nou, Messi stepped ient of Messi’s sensational pass from Atletico Madrid 24 17 3 4 35 11 54 contact with the ball and two City Real Madrid 24 16 5 3 70 23 53 forward in the 81st minute to take the finished the match 6-1 winners. that penalty which was converted by defenders came in to clear. spot kick, but stunned the crowd by Coach Luis Enrique rejected sug- Suarez. Villarreal 24 14 6 4 30 18 48 Gabi keen on Sevilla 24 11 7 6 34 24 40 tapping the ball to the side for Suarez, gestions the penalty was intended to “It was designed for me, we had prac- YOUSSEF MOUIHBI AND BAGHDAD Eibar 24 10 6 8 38 31 36 signing Costa who raced into the box and fired past embarrass the opposition and said he tised it, but Luis was closer,” Neymar BOUNEDJAH Athletic Bilbao 24 10 5 9 35 34 35 (ETOILE DU SAHEL VS MARSEILLE, Atletico Madrid captain Gabi was Barca TV. Celta Vigo 24 10 5 9 35 42 35 bewildered goalkeeper Sergio Alvarez. had seen his attacking trio of Messi, told 2015) invited to be a guest on a very Deportivo Coruna 24 6 14 4 33 30 32 special edition of Radio MARCA’s RESULTS Real Sociedad 24 8 6 10 34 34 30 Messi and Suarez’s ‘two-touch’ ‘Intermedio’. penalty was not even the first this Eibar bt Levante 2-0 Malaga 24 8 6 10 21 21 30 Barcelona bt Celta Vigo 6-1 Valencia 24 6 10 8 28 25 28 On Simeone, “We hope that Simeone Valencia handed coach Gary Neville “The fans were amazing, above all season. In a pre-season friendly in Tunisia last July, Youssef Mouihbi of Getafe lost to Atletico Madrid 0-1 Getafe 24 7 5 12 26 36 26 stays for a long time. He’ll leave when Neville his first La Liga win when they beat when we went behind they stuck Etoile du Sahel stepped up to take a Real Sociedad bt Granada 3-0 Real Betis 24 6 8 10 18 33 26 the team no longer respond”. Espanyol 2-1. with us. We knew that it was going to heaves a penalty but, as Marseille goalkeeper Sevilla bt Las Palmas 2-0 Rayo Vallecano 24 6 6 12 32 49 24 On wanting to win the Champions Hosts Valencia fought their way back be a night of emotion,” said former Steve Mandanda dived, Mouihbi Deportivo Coruna drew Real Betis 2-2 Sporting Gijon 23 6 5 12 26 38 23 League, “It doesn’t play on our minds, from Oscar Duarte’s opening goal for England and Manchester United passed the ball to his left to the Real Madrid bt Athletic Bilbao 4-2 Espanyol 24 6 4 14 21 48 22 but we’re keen to win it. This squad huge sigh fourth-from-bottom Espanyol with defender Neville, who was celebrating arriving Bounedjah, currently with Valencia bt Espanyol 2-1 Las Palmas 24 5 6 13 23 38 21 REUTERS/Andrea Comas deserves it. strikes from Alvaro Negredo and Denis his first win in 10 La Liga matches in Qatar’s Al Sadd, who scored his side’s Villarreal bt Malaga 1-0 Granada CF 24 5 5 14 25 49 20 šAtletico Madrid’s Fernando Torres, second right, celebrates On Diego Costa, “I would bring him in. consolation in a 5-1 defeat. š of relief! Cheryshev in the final 19 minutes. charge. Sporting Gijon drew Rayo Vallecano 2-2 Levante 24 4 5 15 21 45 17 with team-mates after scoring against Getafe. It wouldn’t be a bad thing.” Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 15

‘Benzema lied over sex tape’ MEDIA SCAN

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has admitted to lying to fellow-France international Mathieu Valbuena over a sex video at the centre of an alleged blackmailing attempt, Le Parisien reported. The French daily quoted extracts from Benzema’s hearing with a judge on January 28 in which the player reportedly said he did not watch Valbuena’s sex tape after telling the Olympique Lyon forward that he did. “I should’ve told him I hadn’t seen it. No Cup final at I was showing off, I was acting. Bernabeu! It’s like when you describe a movie you haven’t seen. Fans expressed their views on REUTERS/Andrea Comas I’ve never seen that video,” whether May’s Copa del Rey final šAthletic Bilbao’s Ander Iturraspe, left, challenges Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez for the ball. š Benzema was quoted as between Barcelona and Sevilla should telling the judge be played at Real Madrid’s stadium, Benzema, who has been under or not. formal investigation since last The ‘Grada Fans RMFC’ section of the November, has also been Santiago Bernabeu made it known Rodriguez credits suspended indefinitely that they were completely against it. from the France team. As a venue is sought for the final Benzema approached between Barcelona and Sevilla and Valbuena about the tape during a provisionally set for Saturday, May 21, Zidane for success France training camp last October. chants of “No Cup final to be played here!”, rang around the ground during Real Madrid’s La Liga meeting with OLOMBIA’S James Rodriguez Athletic Bilbao. enjoyed a return to form with Real Madrid have scored Opening blitz by Ca fine goal in Real Madrid’s 4-2 win over Athletic Bilbao. freely in winning four of spunky Torres Rodriguez, who had been off his best their last five matches Barca’s Rafinha since returning from a thigh injury, under Zidane. PANIARD Fernando Torres scored ready to return struck the second goal to put Real ahead his 101st goal for Atletico Madrid The Brazilian has been out since he towards the end of the first half and Sin the first minute at Getafe and suffered an anterior cruciate ligament praised coach Zinedine Zidane for a they (Athletic) were playing well.” they then held on for a 1-0 win. injury against Roma in September. positive change in the team’s game. Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scor- Winger Yannick Carrasco’s low cross Hard work and patience have helped “I feel much better and that also ing after three minutes and capped from the left in Atletico’s first attack him as he look to return to Luis helps,” said Rodriguez. the win with a late second goal. Toni beat the defence and reached the far Enrique’s side. Just when he was in “Not only for me, I think the change Kroos scored the third in added time post where unmarked Torres tapped his best form a brutal challenge from of coach has been good for all of us. in the first half. the ball home. Roma’s Nainggolan changed it all. But the terrible incident left him with “For me it’s because Zidane has given Former Real midfielder Zidane began Some minutes later the striker, who just one desire: to be back playing as us more freedom, we play more. He his first senior coaching job when he reached his century in the recent 3-1 soon as possible. Barcelona have done talks with each one of us and that’s took over from the sacked Rafael Benitez home win over Eibar, could have scored everything to get him fit in line with good when you play because it gives early last month. again when one-on-one with Getafe his recovery programme. you attitude,” he was quoted as say- Real have scored freely in winning goalkeeper Vicente Guaita, but he shot ing by the Spanish news agency EFE. four and drawing one of their last five hurriedly and wide. “Each thing has its own time and matches under Zidane. The dangerous Carrasco was injured you’ve to wait. Rodriguez’s return to form is timely early in the second half defending a “I wasn’t playing much up to a month as Zidane prepares the team for Getafe corner and had to come off ago and when you don’t play much you Wednesday’s Champions League last- with what the club later reported was don’t perform much. 16 first leg away to AS Roma. a damaged right-ankle ligament. “The goal was nice, I shouted in cel- “I’m happy for his goal and because Getafe did more of the attacking in the ebration like that, it put us 2-1 up when he’s getting rhythm,” said Zidane. second half but Atletico, whose defence is the best in La Liga having conceded 11 goals in 24 matches, held out with Uruguay’s Diego Godin, back from a STANDINGS Barcelona 23 18 3 2 62 18 57 one-match suspension, commanding. Atletico Madrid 24 17 3 4 35 11 54 Real Madrid 24 16 5 3 70 23 53 Villarreal 24 14 6 4 30 18 48 Gabi keen on Sevilla 24 11 7 6 34 24 40 Eibar 24 10 6 8 38 31 36 signing Costa Athletic Bilbao 24 10 5 9 35 34 35 Atletico Madrid captain Gabi was Celta Vigo 24 10 5 9 35 42 35 invited to be a guest on a very Deportivo Coruna 24 6 14 4 33 30 32 special edition of Radio MARCA’s RESULTS Real Sociedad 24 8 6 10 34 34 30 ‘Intermedio’. Eibar bt Levante 2-0 Malaga 24 8 6 10 21 21 30 Barcelona bt Celta Vigo 6-1 Valencia 24 6 10 8 28 25 28 On Simeone, “We hope that Simeone Getafe lost to Atletico Madrid 0-1 Getafe 24 7 5 12 26 36 26 stays for a long time. He’ll leave when Real Sociedad bt Granada 3-0 Real Betis 24 6 8 10 18 33 26 the team no longer respond”. Sevilla bt Las Palmas 2-0 Rayo Vallecano 24 6 6 12 32 49 24 On wanting to win the Champions Deportivo Coruna drew Real Betis 2-2 Sporting Gijon 23 6 5 12 26 38 23 League, “It doesn’t play on our minds, Real Madrid bt Athletic Bilbao 4-2 Espanyol 24 6 4 14 21 48 22 but we’re keen to win it. This squad

Valencia bt Espanyol 2-1 Las Palmas 24 5 6 13 23 38 21 REUTERS/Andrea Comas deserves it. Villarreal bt Malaga 1-0 Granada CF 24 5 5 14 25 49 20 ššAtletico Madrid’s Fernando Torres, second right, celebrates On Diego Costa, “I would bring him in. Sporting Gijon drew Rayo Vallecano 2-2 Levante 24 4 5 15 21 45 17 with team-mates after scoring against Getafe. It wouldn’t be a bad thing.” 16 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 17 Football

RESULTS Nagelsmann survives tricky start SERIE A PSG held by lowly Lille AC Milan bt Genoa 2-1 The Bundesliga’s youngest-ever coach survived a baptism of fire on his Fiorentina bt Inter Milan 2-1 debut last week when his Hoffenheim team held on for a point in a Palermo lost to Torino 1-3 ARIS Saint-Germain’s 16-match relegation battle at Werder Bremen. Sampdoria drew Atalanta 0-0 Julian Nagelsmann, who at 28 is nine years junior to Bremen striker Claudio Udinese lost to Bologna 0-1 winning streak in all competi- Laurent Blanc’s Paris Pizarro, said after the 1-1 draw that he was too worried about his team’s Chievo Verona drew Sassuolo 1-1 Ptions was snapped last week plight to think about making history. Empoli lost to Frosinone 1-2 Saint-Germain are on when a partly reserve side were held “I wasn’t so concerned with all the talk, but was occupied with the team,” Juventus beat Napoli 1-0 to a goalless draw by Lille in Ligue 1. 70 points, 24 ahead of said Nagelsmann, a former player whose career was cut short by injury at Carpi lost to AS Roma 1-3 PSG, who are hurtling towards a fourth second-placed Monaco. the age of 20. “Of course, this is the Bundesliga, so the interest is only to be BUNDESLIGA expected.” Augsburg lost to Bayern Munich 1-3 consecutive Ligue 1 title, produced a Hamburg bt B M’gladbach 3-2 lacklustre performance against a deter- Cologne bt Frankfurt 3-1 mined Lille side. midfielder Marco Verratti, back after B Dortmund bt Hanover 1-0 Laurent Blanc’s team are on 70 points, a two-week injury lay-off, when he Darmstadt 98 lost to Leverkusen 1-2 Stuttgart bt Hertha Berlin 2-0 šĈSimone Zaza is all joy after scoring the winning goal. 24 ahead of second-placed Monaco, replaced Javier Pastore at half-time. Wolfsburg bt Ingolstadt 2-0 who were held 1-1 by St Etienne. Italy’s Verratti later extended his con- Werder Bremen drew Hoffenheim 1-1 šLaurent Blanc Lille, who are 13th on 31 points, had tract with the club until 2020. Verratti, š Lewandowski brace Mainz bt Schalke 2-1 keeper Vincent Enyeama to thank for whose deal was due to expire in 2019, LIGUE 1 Nice drew Oly Marseille 1-1 the draw as PSG still stretched their joined PSG from Pescara in 2012 and PSG keep faith Oly Lyon bt Caen 4-1 unbeaten run in the league to 35 games. became a key element in their midfield helps Bayern cruise St Etienne drew Monaco 1-1 They also welcomed back key with Thiago Motta and Blaise Matuidi. in coach Blanc En Avant lost to Bordeaux 2-4 Nantes bt Lorient 2-1 Ajaccio lost to Troyes AC 2-3 Zaza sizzles WO goals from Bundesliga top Montpellier bt Toulouse 2-0 ARIS Saint-Germain coach Lau- scorer Robert Lewandowski al- The win helped Bavarian PSG drew Lille 0-0 rent Blanc extended his contract Tlowed champions Bayern Munich Stade de Reims lost to Bastia 0-1 giants Bayern Munich Puntil 2018, the Ligue 1 club said to forget about their mounting injury Stade Rennes bt Angers 1-0 last week. woes as they cruised past Augsburg move closer to a fourth “I want to thank the club for the faith 3-1 to stay eight points clear at the top. successive league title. STANDINGS for Juventus SERIE A they put in me,” said Blanc, whose The win not only helped them to move existing contract was expiring at the closer to a fourth successive league title, Juventus 25 18 3 4 46 15 57 Napoli 25 17 5 3 53 20 56 The holders on top after 15th straight win. end of the season. but also showed the depth of their tal- scored twice in their midweek 3-0 Fiorentina 25 15 4 6 44 24 49 The former France defender, who won ent as Bayern rebounded from losing German Cup win over VfL Bochum, AS Roma 25 13 8 4 47 27 47 the World Cup in 1998, joined the club their fourth central defender to injury. took his league tally to 21 goals after he Inter Milan 25 13 6 6 31 22 45 ĈĈNapoli lose after eight wins AC Milan 25 12 7 6 37 27 43 prevent an almost certain Napoli goal in June, 2013, replacing Carlo Ancelotti Following injuries to Javi Martinez, latched on to a perfectly-timed Thiago Lazio 25 10 6 9 34 34 36 ĈĈFiorentina beat Inter Milan and went off injured after half-time. one year after ending his term as the Medhi Benatia and Jerome Boateng, Alcantara pass to float the ball past Sassuolo 25 8 11 6 29 29 35 Napoli, aiming to win the title for Les Bleus coach. Holger Badstuber joined the casualty keeper Marwin Hitz in the 62nd min- Empoli 25 9 7 9 30 34 34 the first time since 1990, had won their He led PSG to two successive Ligue list after he broke his ankle in training. ute. Thomas Mueller slotted in his 15th Bologna 25 10 3 12 29 31 33 Chievo Verona 25 8 7 10 30 33 31 previous eight games and boasted the 1 titles and an unprecedented treble Badstuber, who has suffered a string goal of the season to make it 3-0. Torino 25 8 7 10 33 33 31 Brian Homewood league’s most prolific attack with 53 goals. of league, League Cup and French Cup of injuries since 2012, is expected to be Raul Bobadilla grabbed a late goal Atalanta Bergamo 25 7 8 10 23 27 29 However, experienced goalkeeper titles last season. sidelined for three months. for the hosts as Bayern moved to 56 Udinese 25 7 6 12 21 38 27 Palermo 25 7 5 13 27 42 26 Gianluigi Buffon barely had a save to Meanwhile, PSG suspended Ivory On the field, Bayern quickly took points, thanks to their 18th win in 21 Genoa 25 6 7 12 25 30 25 make as Juve’s defence, the stingiest in Coast defender Serge Aurier indefi- control and Lewandowski impressively Bundesliga matches. Sampdoria 25 6 7 12 36 43 25 UBSTITUTE Simone Zaza struck the championship, prevailed. nitely after he insulted coach Blanc shook off three defenders to turn and Borussia Dortmund are second on 48 Frosinone 25 6 4 15 26 51 22 from out of the blue with two and team-mates including Angel Di drill in for the lead in the 15th minute. following their 1-0 victory over Hanover Carpi 25 4 7 14 23 43 19 Verona 25 1 12 12 21 42 15 Sminutes left as Juventus beat Maria and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in a The Poland forward, who had also 96 with Bayer Leverkusen in third on 35. BUNDESLIGA Napoli 1-0 last week to snatch the Serie Inter, who led Serie A at video posted online. Bayern Munich 21 18 2 1 53 10 56 A lead from their opponents with a B Dortmund 21 15 3 3 53 24 48 the year-end, have won Leverkusen 21 10 5 6 31 22 35 remarkable 15th league win in a row. Hertha Berlin 21 10 5 6 29 23 35 The game, which began with Napoli only one of their last Schalke 21 10 3 8 30 28 33 two points ahead of Juve, appeared to seven league games. Mainz 21 10 3 8 27 25 33 be petering out into a goalless draw B M’gladbach 21 10 2 9 42 38 32 Wolfsburg 21 8 6 7 31 28 30 when the shaven-headed Zaza col- Cologne 21 7 8 6 24 27 29 lected the ball with his back to goal, Juve, who were 11 points adrift of Stuttgart 21 8 3 10 33 41 27 turned and fired an unstoppable left- first place after 10 games this season, Hamburg 21 7 5 9 25 30 26 foot shot past Pepe Reina. now lead with 57 points, one ahead of Ingolstadt 04 21 7 5 9 14 23 26 Darmstadt 98 21 6 6 9 22 31 24 Zaza has struggled for a place in the Napoli, and look favourites to clinch a Augsburg 21 5 6 10 23 31 21 team this season, was the subject of fifth successive title. Frankfurt 21 5 6 10 27 37 21 media speculation over a move in the Elsewhere, Khouma Babacar bun- Werder Bremen 21 5 5 11 25 42 20 Hoffenheim 21 2 9 10 19 31 15 transfer window and appeared to have dled home a stoppage-time goal to Hanover 96 21 4 2 15 19 36 14 blown his chance when he was sent off give Fiorentina a last-gasp 2-1 win over LIGUE 1 against Genoa in his last appearance. out-of-sorts Inter Milan in a Serie A PSG 26 22 4 0 63 12 70 Juve defender Leonardo Bonucci was game which featured three red cards. Monaco 26 12 10 4 37 29 46 Nice 26 11 7 8 39 30 40 also at the heart of the action after he Inter had led Serie A at Christmas, St Etienne 26 12 4 10 31 29 40 collided with team-mate Sami Khedira but have won only one of their last Oly Lyon 26 11 6 9 38 28 39 early on, made a crucial interception to seven league games. šĈParis Saint-Germain’s Marco Verratti, right, controls the ball in front of Lille’s Djibril Sidib. Nantes 26 10 9 7 26 24 39 Stade Rennes 26 9 11 6 34 31 38 Angers SCO 26 10 7 9 25 24 37 Bordeaux 26 9 9 8 36 39 36 Caen 26 11 3 12 27 35 36 AC Milan coach Sinisa Mihajlovic angrily accused Milan, sixth in Serie A and challenging for a Oly Marseille 26 8 11 7 36 27 35 Mihajlovic some of his players of easing off towards the end Champions League place next season, appeared Bastia 26 10 4 12 25 29 34 Lille 26 6 13 7 20 20 31 of last Sunday’s 2-1 win against Genoa in Serie A. to be coasting until Alessio Cerci pulled one back fumes at FC Lorient 26 7 10 9 35 38 31 “If a player doesn’t keep running until the 94th in stoppage time and they had to hold on grimly En Avant 26 8 7 11 28 34 31 half-hearted minute, I’m not going to put him on the pitch for a win. Montpellier 26 8 5 13 30 31 29 again,” a fiery Mihajlovic said. “I don’t need to give Balotelli, who is still not match-fit after missing Stade de Reims 26 7 8 11 27 34 29 names, they know who I’m referring to.” three months of the season with a groin injury, GFC Ajaccio 26 6 9 11 27 37 27 Milan players But the Serb refused to comment on a suggestion came off in the 88th minute and appeared to be Toulouse 26 4 9 13 25 44 21 that he was referring to striker Mario Balotelli. limping at the end of the game. ššBayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski scores his second goal against Augsburg. Troyes 26 2 8 16 19 53 14 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 17

RESULTS Nagelsmann survives tricky start SERIE A AC Milan bt Genoa 2-1 The Bundesliga’s youngest-ever coach survived a baptism of fire on his Fiorentina bt Inter Milan 2-1 debut last week when his Hoffenheim team held on for a point in a Palermo lost to Torino 1-3 relegation battle at Werder Bremen. Sampdoria drew Atalanta 0-0 Julian Nagelsmann, who at 28 is nine years junior to Bremen striker Claudio Udinese lost to Bologna 0-1 Pizarro, said after the 1-1 draw that he was too worried about his team’s Chievo Verona drew Sassuolo 1-1 plight to think about making history. Empoli lost to Frosinone 1-2 “I wasn’t so concerned with all the talk, but was occupied with the team,” Juventus beat Napoli 1-0 said Nagelsmann, a former player whose career was cut short by injury at Carpi lost to AS Roma 1-3 the age of 20. “Of course, this is the Bundesliga, so the interest is only to be BUNDESLIGA expected.” Augsburg lost to Bayern Munich 1-3 Hamburg bt B M’gladbach 3-2 Cologne bt Frankfurt 3-1 B Dortmund bt Hanover 1-0 Darmstadt 98 lost to Leverkusen 1-2 Stuttgart bt Hertha Berlin 2-0 Wolfsburg bt Ingolstadt 2-0 Werder Bremen drew Hoffenheim 1-1 šLaurent Blanc š Lewandowski brace Mainz bt Schalke 2-1 LIGUE 1 Nice drew Oly Marseille 1-1 PSG keep faith Oly Lyon bt Caen 4-1 helps Bayern cruise St Etienne drew Monaco 1-1 in coach Blanc En Avant lost to Bordeaux 2-4 Nantes bt Lorient 2-1 Ajaccio lost to Troyes AC 2-3 WO goals from Bundesliga top Montpellier bt Toulouse 2-0 ARIS Saint-Germain coach Lau- scorer Robert Lewandowski al- The win helped Bavarian PSG drew Lille 0-0 rent Blanc extended his contract Tlowed champions Bayern Munich Stade de Reims lost to Bastia 0-1 giants Bayern Munich Puntil 2018, the Ligue 1 club said to forget about their mounting injury Stade Rennes bt Angers 1-0 last week. woes as they cruised past Augsburg move closer to a fourth “I want to thank the club for the faith 3-1 to stay eight points clear at the top. successive league title. STANDINGS they put in me,” said Blanc, whose The win not only helped them to move SERIE A existing contract was expiring at the closer to a fourth successive league title, Juventus 25 18 3 4 46 15 57 Napoli 25 17 5 3 53 20 56 end of the season. but also showed the depth of their tal- scored twice in their midweek 3-0 Fiorentina 25 15 4 6 44 24 49 The former France defender, who won ent as Bayern rebounded from losing German Cup win over VfL Bochum, AS Roma 25 13 8 4 47 27 47 the World Cup in 1998, joined the club their fourth central defender to injury. took his league tally to 21 goals after he Inter Milan 25 13 6 6 31 22 45 AC Milan 25 12 7 6 37 27 43 in June, 2013, replacing Carlo Ancelotti Following injuries to Javi Martinez, latched on to a perfectly-timed Thiago Lazio 25 10 6 9 34 34 36 one year after ending his term as the Medhi Benatia and Jerome Boateng, Alcantara pass to float the ball past Sassuolo 25 8 11 6 29 29 35 Les Bleus coach. Holger Badstuber joined the casualty keeper Marwin Hitz in the 62nd min- Empoli 25 9 7 9 30 34 34 He led PSG to two successive Ligue list after he broke his ankle in training. ute. Thomas Mueller slotted in his 15th Bologna 25 10 3 12 29 31 33 Chievo Verona 25 8 7 10 30 33 31 1 titles and an unprecedented treble Badstuber, who has suffered a string goal of the season to make it 3-0. Torino 25 8 7 10 33 33 31 of league, League Cup and French Cup of injuries since 2012, is expected to be Raul Bobadilla grabbed a late goal Atalanta Bergamo 25 7 8 10 23 27 29 titles last season. sidelined for three months. for the hosts as Bayern moved to 56 Udinese 25 7 6 12 21 38 27 Palermo 25 7 5 13 27 42 26 Meanwhile, PSG suspended Ivory On the field, Bayern quickly took points, thanks to their 18th win in 21 Genoa 25 6 7 12 25 30 25 Coast defender Serge Aurier indefi- control and Lewandowski impressively Bundesliga matches. Sampdoria 25 6 7 12 36 43 25 nitely after he insulted coach Blanc shook off three defenders to turn and Borussia Dortmund are second on 48 Frosinone 25 6 4 15 26 51 22 and team-mates including Angel Di drill in for the lead in the 15th minute. following their 1-0 victory over Hanover Carpi 25 4 7 14 23 43 19 Verona 25 1 12 12 21 42 15 Maria and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in a The Poland forward, who had also 96 with Bayer Leverkusen in third on 35. BUNDESLIGA video posted online. Bayern Munich 21 18 2 1 53 10 56 B Dortmund 21 15 3 3 53 24 48 Leverkusen 21 10 5 6 31 22 35 Hertha Berlin 21 10 5 6 29 23 35 Schalke 21 10 3 8 30 28 33 Mainz 21 10 3 8 27 25 33 B M’gladbach 21 10 2 9 42 38 32 Wolfsburg 21 8 6 7 31 28 30 Cologne 21 7 8 6 24 27 29 Stuttgart 21 8 3 10 33 41 27 Hamburg 21 7 5 9 25 30 26 Ingolstadt 04 21 7 5 9 14 23 26 Darmstadt 98 21 6 6 9 22 31 24 Augsburg 21 5 6 10 23 31 21 Frankfurt 21 5 6 10 27 37 21 Werder Bremen 21 5 5 11 25 42 20 Hoffenheim 21 2 9 10 19 31 15 Hanover 96 21 4 2 15 19 36 14 LIGUE 1 PSG 26 22 4 0 63 12 70 Monaco 26 12 10 4 37 29 46 Nice 26 11 7 8 39 30 40 St Etienne 26 12 4 10 31 29 40 Oly Lyon 26 11 6 9 38 28 39 Nantes 26 10 9 7 26 24 39 Stade Rennes 26 9 11 6 34 31 38 Angers SCO 26 10 7 9 25 24 37 Bordeaux 26 9 9 8 36 39 36 Caen 26 11 3 12 27 35 36 Oly Marseille 26 8 11 7 36 27 35 Bastia 26 10 4 12 25 29 34 Lille 26 6 13 7 20 20 31 FC Lorient 26 7 10 9 35 38 31 En Avant 26 8 7 11 28 34 31 Montpellier 26 8 5 13 30 31 29 Stade de Reims 26 7 8 11 27 34 29 GFC Ajaccio 26 6 9 11 27 37 27 Toulouse 26 4 9 13 25 44 21 ššBayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski scores his second goal against Augsburg. Troyes 26 2 8 16 19 53 14 18 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 19 Football

Amended version FIFA to stay in Zurich: Shaikh Salman of human rights

pledge signed IFA presidential candidate Shaikh He also had no plans to change the Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa He also had no plans scandal-ridden FIFA’s name. “It’s the IFA presidential candidate Shaikh Fplans to keep the world football work that must change, not the name,” Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa body’s headquarters in Zurich and to change the scandal- he said. “We need zero tolerance against Fhas signed an amended version retain its name if he wins the race for ridden FIFA’s name. misconduct, fraud and corruption.” of an Amnesty International pledge to the game’s top job. Salman said he was paying out of his end human rights abuses and corrup- Salman, answering questions in an own pocket for his campaign. tion in the sport should he win election interview published in Zurich daily “FIFA has always been in Zurich,” He financed his campaigns for the to football’s top job. Tages-Anzeiger last week, also denied he said when asked how often he, a FIFA ExCom seat in 2009 and presi- The Asian Football Confederation accusations that he used funds from Bahraini, would be in the city if he suc- dency of the Asian body in 2013 by him- president changed the wording of the the Bahrain Football Association he ceeded Swiss-born Sepp Blatter. “I see self, Shaikh Salman said, and allega-

motion, agreed with Human Rights West AFP/ William headed at the time to win a FIFA Executive no reason to change that... I’ll be in tions of misusing funds were “a smear Watch and other NGOs, and sent to ššShaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa Committee seat. Zurich as often as needed.” campaign”. all five candidates vying to succeed Sepp Blatter in the February 26 vote. The Bahraini royal said he had removed individual references to the Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022 World Cups, and abuses Far away from the against women and LGBT groups, to ensure wider scope to his commitment should he take office. “If we make a statement about equal world of opulence AFP/ Fabrice Coffrini AFP/ Fabrice rights and equal opportunities, it’s obvi- šĈJerome Valcke ous that we must practise an all-encom- passing approach, which include all entertaining spectacle of a real presiden- minorities and not solely those that were Simon Evans tial election campaign, it was impossi- mentioned by Human Rights Watch in ble not to wonder if there might not be their original Pledge,” he said in a state- some of the same fireworks in Miami. ment. “I’m of the view that we mustn’t Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, be selective in any area that concerns S THE princes, sheikhs and dip- like all the candidates, has been jet- human rights.” lomats who would rule world ting around the world meeting vot- Valcke’s 12-year Afootball filed into a Miami ers, and he appeared tired as he read airport hotel, it struck an incongruous a dry, monotonous speech. tone, a world away from the opulent But FIFA elections are not won on jamborees of popular myth. public speaking skills — if they were There were neither gilt thrones to Frenchman Jerome Champagne would

hand nor velvet curtains hanging heavy. be favourite and not the outsider. AFP/ Sebastian Derungs ban is too lenient Instead, a small group of around 50 Champagne hit his favoured theme men — the men who will help elect the — addressing the imbalances in foot- next FIFA president — settled down in ball between rich and poor clubs and The Frenchman is punished by FIFA Ethics Committee. rows of cheap seating. nations. If Champagne offered worldly ‘I’ve done nothing wrong’

REUTERS/ Marko Djurica Djurica REUTERS/ Marko This was global football politics, aus- šĈGianni Infantino terity style. ĈĈFormer FIFA secretary The latest shaming raises questions a private World Cup tickets deal. With FIFA having suspended pay- There were neither gilt ANNED UEFA President Michel it upset me a lot. Sixty years, when I general also fined Swiss about the lack of judgement displayed Already, Valcke had become a FIFAGate ments to CONCACAF, the governing Platini arrived last Monday at never received a red card, not even on thrones to hand nor velvet francs 100,000 by then president Sepp Blatter in re- target over a $10m payment made by Infantino gets body for football in North and Central Ba hearing to appeal against his the field. We’ve witnesses who’re com- hiring him as secretary general in the the 2010 South African World Cup America and the Caribbean, the dele- curtains hanging heavy suspension from the sport and said he ing... you’ll see them arriving, I think.” summer of 2007 after what had been ini- organisers to Warner in 2008. Valcke more support gates accustomed to a five-star life made because of austerity. had done nothing wrong. The ethics committee, which imposed Keir Radnedge tially considered a sacking was revealed had effected the payment, but claimed do with meal vouchers and glasses of Platini was banned for eight years in the bans on Blatter and Platini, said as mere ‘gardening leave.’ His miscon- he was only obeying orders from the HE football association chiefs water in the lobby. December along with FIFA President the payment, made at a time when the duct also levels major concerns over late Julio Grondona, then finance chair- of 13 European countries that Certainly, this extremely rare glimpse experience and egalitarian vision, Gianni Sepp Blatter over a payment of $2m former was seeking re-election, lacked man of FIFA. Tmet in Belgrade last week have of life at the heart of football politics Infantino brought things back to the made to the Frenchman in 2011 by FIFA transparency and presented conflicts EROME Valcke, the sacked FIFA Though Valcke had considered stand- pledged unanimous support to Gianni was an eye-opener. Not, though, for more familiar terrain of FIFA politics with Blatter’s approval for work done of interest. Both men denied wrong- secretary general, has been JB Sports Marketing ing for president in succession to Blatter Infantino in his bid to become FIFA the reasons the select few journalists — money. a decade earlier. doing. The case is now being heard by Jbanned from football for 12 years it was always far more likely that he president, the Serbian FA (FSS) said admitted to the normally sacrosanct Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan Former France captain Platini arrived FIFA’s Appeal Committee. and fined Swiss francs 100,000, which claimed it had been would quit FIFA after the election on in a statement. chamber, had anticipated. played to a different sentiment, assur- at the FIFA headquarters on foot from If Platini and Blatter lose their appeals, appears lenient considering the case misled by Valcke over a February 26. “Unified and unanimous support has For decades, journalists have been ing the audience their confederation a nearby hotel. they can still take their cases to the Court against him. FIFA Ethics Committee, contract with FIFA. He even signalled his impending been conveyed to Gianni Infantino in locked out of the gatherings of FIFA. were not to blame for FIFA’s crisis and “I’ve done nothing wrong and I’m not of Arbitration for Sport. A FIFA spokes- chaired by German judge Hans-Joachim departure at a news conference on his candidacy to become FIFA presi- A total of 41 individuals and entities, were in fact, “victims”. afraid of anything,” Platini, regarded man said the organisation could not Eckert, punished the Frenchman after the eve of the World Cup qualifying dent,” the FSS said. “There’s a convic- including many former FIFA officials, That raised some eyebrows, given as one of the finest players of his comment on when the decision on the allegations of World Cup ticket dealing his close relations, down all his FIFA draw in St Petersburg in July. It is under- tion that he’s the best candidate to lead have been charged with corruption- the last three CONCACAF presidents generation, told reporters outside case would be made. misconduct were exacerbated by abuse years, with ex-CONCACAF president Jack stood he was already negotiating the the world football governing body.” related offences in the United States. have been indicted on various corrup- the main gate. FIFA is engulfed by a graft scandal of travel expenses, the sale of TV rights Warner and former Brazilian supremo terms of his departure, but had failed The FSS hosted a convention attended FIFA also faces a parallel Swiss inves- tion charges by the US Department of Asked if he felt a sense of that has led to the indictment of several and destruction of evidence. Ricardo Teixeira. to reach an agreement over his demand by UEFA general secretary Infantino and tigation. Justice, but before the delegates could injustice, Platini replied, “Yes, dozen leading soccer officials in the US. Valcke, the No.2 at FIFA until being Both men are high on the FBI’s wanted for a comprehensive legal indemnity. the FA chiefs of Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Its president Sepp Blatter was feel too comfortable in their new-found suspended last autumn, has thus crashed list over the ongoing FIFAGate corrup- Then, in September, the tickets scan- Slovenia, Macedonia, Montenegro, banned from football for eight years victim status, Ali had veered dra- to earth for a second time. In 2007, he tion investigation. dal exploded. Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, last December for ethics violations over matically to a doomsday scenario. Yes, it upset me a lot. Sixty years, when was removed as marketing director after Valcke, a former journalist, came A Zurich company, JB Sports Russia, Romania and Turkey. a $2m payment FIFA made to European The CONCACAF meeting ended I never received a red card, not even being defined for telling lies to a United under scrutiny initially after being sus- Marketing, claimed it had been mis- Swiss Infantino appears to have wide- football boss Michel Platini in 2011. with no decision over whom on the field. We’ve witnesses who’re States court over the back-stabbing of pended by FIFA following allegations led by Valcke over a contract with FIFA spread backing in Europe and prom- Blatter, who says he has done nothing the federation may back in coming... you’ll see them arriving, I think. MasterCard to enable FIFA to take up by a friend of Platini that the sports to sell VIP ticket packages for the 2013 ised support from South and Central wrong, is appealing the ban. the upcoming FIFA pres- a sponsorship with Visa. marketing high-flyer had reneged on Confederations Cup and 2014 World Cup. American countries. And with America enthralled by the idential election. Michel Platini Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 19

FIFA to stay in Zurich: Shaikh Salman

IFA presidential candidate Shaikh He also had no plans to change the Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa He also had no plans scandal-ridden FIFA’s name. “It’s the Fplans to keep the world football work that must change, not the name,” body’s headquarters in Zurich and to change the scandal- he said. “We need zero tolerance against retain its name if he wins the race for ridden FIFA’s name. misconduct, fraud and corruption.” the game’s top job. Salman said he was paying out of his Salman, answering questions in an own pocket for his campaign. interview published in Zurich daily “FIFA has always been in Zurich,” He financed his campaigns for the Tages-Anzeiger last week, also denied he said when asked how often he, a FIFA ExCom seat in 2009 and presi- accusations that he used funds from Bahraini, would be in the city if he suc- dency of the Asian body in 2013 by him- the Bahrain Football Association he ceeded Swiss-born Sepp Blatter. “I see self, Shaikh Salman said, and allega-

AFP/ William West AFP/ William headed at the time to win a FIFA Executive no reason to change that... I’ll be in tions of misusing funds were “a smear ššShaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa Committee seat. Zurich as often as needed.” campaign”. Far away from the world of opulence

entertaining spectacle of a real presiden- Simon Evans tial election campaign, it was impossible not to wonder if there might not be some of the same fireworks in Miami. Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, S THE princes, sheikhs and dip- like all the candidates, has been jet- lomats who would rule world ting around the world meeting vot- Afootball filed into a Miami ers, and he appeared tired as he read airport hotel, it struck an incongruous a dry, monotonous speech. tone, a world away from the opulent But FIFA elections are not won on jamborees of popular myth. public speaking skills — if they were There were neither gilt thrones to Frenchman Jerome Champagne would

hand nor velvet curtains hanging heavy. be favourite and not the outsider. AFP/ Sebastian Derungs Instead, a small group of around 50 Champagne hit his favoured theme men — the men who will help elect the — addressing the imbalances in foot- next FIFA president — settled down in ball between rich and poor clubs and rows of cheap seating. nations. If Champagne offered worldly ‘I’ve done nothing wrong’ This was global football politics, austerity style. With FIFA having suspended pay- There were neither gilt ANNED UEFA President Michel it upset me a lot. Sixty years, when I ments to CONCACAF, the governing Platini arrived last Monday at never received a red card, not even on thrones to hand nor velvet body for football in North and Central Ba hearing to appeal against his the field. We’ve witnesses who’re com- America and the Caribbean, the dele- curtains hanging heavy suspension from the sport and said he ing... you’ll see them arriving, I think.” gates accustomed to a five-star life made because of austerity. had done nothing wrong. The ethics committee, which imposed do with meal vouchers and glasses of Platini was banned for eight years in the bans on Blatter and Platini, said water in the lobby. December along with FIFA President the payment, made at a time when the Certainly, this extremely rare glimpse experience and egalitarian vision, Gianni Sepp Blatter over a payment of $2m former was seeking re-election, lacked of life at the heart of football politics Infantino brought things back to the made to the Frenchman in 2011 by FIFA transparency and presented conflicts was an eye-opener. Not, though, for more familiar terrain of FIFA politics with Blatter’s approval for work done of interest. Both men denied wrong- the reasons the select few journalists — money. a decade earlier. doing. The case is now being heard by admitted to the normally sacrosanct Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan Former France captain Platini arrived FIFA’s Appeal Committee. chamber, had anticipated. played to a different sentiment, assur- at the FIFA headquarters on foot from If Platini and Blatter lose their appeals, For decades, journalists have been ing the audience their confederation a nearby hotel. they can still take their cases to the Court locked out of the gatherings of FIFA. were not to blame for FIFA’s crisis and “I’ve done nothing wrong and I’m not of Arbitration for Sport. A FIFA spokes- A total of 41 individuals and entities, were in fact, “victims”. afraid of anything,” Platini, regarded man said the organisation could not including many former FIFA officials, That raised some eyebrows, given as one of the finest players of his comment on when the decision on the have been charged with corruption- the last three CONCACAF presidents generation, told reporters outside case would be made. related offences in the United States. have been indicted on various corrup- the main gate. FIFA is engulfed by a graft scandal FIFA also faces a parallel Swiss inves- tion charges by the US Department of Asked if he felt a sense of that has led to the indictment of several tigation. Justice, but before the delegates could injustice, Platini replied, “Yes, dozen leading soccer officials in the US. Its president Sepp Blatter was feel too comfortable in their new-found banned from football for eight years victim status, Ali had veered dra- last December for ethics violations over matically to a doomsday scenario. Yes, it upset me a lot. Sixty years, when a $2m payment FIFA made to European The CONCACAF meeting ended I never received a red card, not even football boss Michel Platini in 2011. with no decision over whom on the field. We’ve witnesses who’re Blatter, who says he has done nothing the federation may back in coming... you’ll see them arriving, I think. wrong, is appealing the ban. the upcoming FIFA pres- And with America enthralled by the idential election. Michel Platini JAMES RODRIGUEZ

Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com REUTERS/Andrea Comas REUTERS/Andrea Comas 22 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 23 Athletics

SCHEDULE Qatar’s high jump star Mutaz Essa All finals Mutaz hopeful Barshim is hopeful of putting up his best FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19 show in front of home fans. 9.15am Women’s triple jump ‘We hope to maintain our lead position’ of winning The reigning world and Asian indoor 6pm Men’s high jump champion is eyeing his fourth successive 6pm Women’s long jump gold medal medal and first at home. 6.10pm Women’s pole vault HE Qatar Athletics Federation in Asia,” said QAF President Dahlan “I’ll try to do my best. It would be great 7.35pm Women’s shot put (QAF) is expecting a top-class Al Hamad. to win a medal in Doha with all fans 8.10pm Women’s 1,500M Tshow from its competitors at the Qatar had previously hosted the Asian cheering for me. The expectations don’t 8.30pm Women’s 60M put me under any pressure. On the other 8.45pm Men’s 60M Asian Indoor Championships. Athletics Federation’s (AAA) flagship hand, I’m enjoying it,” said Mutaz. 9.10pm Women’s pentathlon Two years ago at Hangzhou, China, indoor event in 2008. BATTLE Being an Olympic year, the 24-year- SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Qatar had topped the medals tally, with Eight years down the line, as the Asian old has been planning meticulously and 4pm Men’s pole vault the host nation finishing second and meet returns to Doha, the QAF is all striking the right balance between indoor 4pm Women’s 60M hurdles Kazakhstan third. geared up. and outdoor events. “I like both. There’s 4.05pm Men’s triple jump As the country fields its largest con- “The championship will underline our FOR SUPREMACY not much difference, only that the indoor 4.15pm Men’s 60M hurdles tingent of athletes, the QAF wants them position as a trusted partner for both surface is a bit soft and it’s slightly hard 4.30pm Men’s 1,600M outdoors. It’s not that difficult in adjusting 4.50pm Women’s 400M to repeat the Hangzhou show. AAA and International Association of Host Qatar aim to do an encore at the to the conditions,” said Mutaz. DSP 5pm Men’s 400M “Qatar have one of the youngest bunch Athletics Federations (IAAF). With ath- 5.50pm Women’s 3,000M of athletes in the competition. In the letes trying to achieve qualifying stand- Asian Indoor Championships. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21 previous edition, we had finished on ards for the upcoming World Indoor 4pm Women’s high jump the top of the medals tally and we hope Championships, the event is likely to 4pm Men’s shot put DSP/Mohan to achieve the same this time as well. witness keen contests,” added Dahlan, 4.05pm Men’s long jump Ĉ šDahlan Al Hamad DSP ĈMutaz Essa Barshim hot Association (AAA)-sanctioned three-day 4.15pm Women’s 800M š We hope to maintain our lead position who also heads the AAA. favourite in high jump event, which has drawn a record 432 4.30pm Men’s 800M competitors from 37 countries. 4.45pm Men’s 3,000M Ĉ ĈChinese athletes to offer stiff The event assumes added significance 5.20pm Men’s heptathlon resistance to Qataris as the athletes consider it as a trial run 5.35pm Women’s 4x400M relay 6.10pm Men’s 4x400M relay STARS TO WATCH for the World Indoor Championships, to be held in Portland, the US, from March Sajith B Warrier 17 to 20. QATAR SQUAD Home hero and London Olympic MEN high jump bronze medallist Mutaz Essa Musaab Adam Ali (1,500) Barshim will once again be the cyno- Mohamed Al Garni (1,500, 3,000M) Saeed Aden (1,500, 3,000M) ATAR nurture high hopes as the sure of all eyes. Hashim Salah (3,000M) best athletes on the continent The 24-year-old has won the event in Abdalleleh Haroun (400M, 4x400M Relay) Qconverge at the Aspire Dome for the past three editions and looks well Mohammed Nazir (400M, 4x400M Relay) the Seventh Asian Indoor Championships on course to add a record fourth title. Gamal Abobacker (400M, 4x400M Relay) starting on Friday. Mutaz warmed up for the event with Tosin Ogunode (60M) Mohammed Salman Albert Rop (BRN) Huang Bokai (CHN) Olga Rypakova (KAZ) Maryam Toosi (IRI) Qatar had emerged on top in the last a gold-medal winning effort of 2.29M Samuel Francis Adelebari (60M) Eid Abdulla Al Kuwari (60M) Al Khuwalidi (KSA) edition of the biennial event held at MEN’S 3,000M MEN’S POLE VAULT WOMEN’S TRIPLE JUMP WOMEN’S 400M Musaab Abdulrahman Balla (800, 4x400M Relay) MEN’S LONG JUMP Hangzhou, China, by winning five gold Abubaker Haydal Abdallah (800, 4x400M Relay) The Kenyan-born Bahraini The in-form 19-year-old London Olympic triple The Iranian sprint sensation and three silver medals. The event has added Jamal Hairane (800, 4x400M Relay) One of the few survivors is a specialist in long- showed his potential jump champion and will be eyeing a hat-trick in Asian superpower China came sec- Mutaz Essa Barshim (High Jump) from the inaugural distance events. Has fond by coming up with his Asian record holder Olga her pet event after winning ond with four gold, seven silver and nine significance as athletes Muamer Essa Barshim (High Jump) championships in Teheran memories of the Qatari personal best of 5.61M Rypakova is undoubtedly in 2012 and 2014 (both at capital where he won the recently at an indoor event the one to watch among Hangzhou, China). Maryam, consider it as a trial run Mohammed Hamdi (High Jump) in 2004, Al Khuwalidi, 35, is bronze. 5,000M gold at the 2013 in Mouilleron-le-Captif, the 115 female athletes. the Iranian record holder in Rashid Al Mannai (Triple Jump) among the oldest athletes The battle for supremacy between for the Indoor Worlds. in the fray. When Doha first Arab Championships. Rop France. One of the rising The Kazakh star has fond 100, 200, 400 and 4×400M Mohammed Ahmed Al Mannai (Heptahthlon) hosted the championships ran the second-fastest stars of Asia, Huang will be memories of the Aspire relay, should be the star Qatari and Chinese athletes will certainly WOMEN be the highlight of the Asian Athletics in 2008, Al Khuwalidi had 5,000M in the world in 2013, keen to raise the bar for Dome’s state-of-the-art attraction in 400M. Dalal Mesfar Al Harith (400M, 4x400M Relay) stood tall with a record clocking 12:51.96 in Monaco. China, which is sending 23 facility, having won gold at the Pedro’s Cup Indoor Meeting in Bashair Obaid Al Manwari (60M) effort of 8.24M. He will be athletes to Qatar. at the 2010 World Indoor Lodg, Poland, recently. Fatimah Mudaher (Pentathlon, 4x400) keen to deliver yet again in Championships there. Sprinter Samuel Francis Adelebari is Sarah Ahmed Al Mannai (Shot Put) the Qatari capital. also chasing a record fourth, in 60M. Mariam Farid (4x400) Other Qataris such as quartermiler Abdalleleh Haroun, 800M runner Musaab Abdulrahman Balla and Mohamed Al Garni, who claimed a double in Hangzhou (1,500 and 3,000M) are eyeing an encore. ‘Doha a home away from home’ Japan will pin their hopes on pole vaulter Seito Yamamoto while Asian 3,000M record holder Albert Kibichii S THE Asian Indoor Champi- Athletics Federations (IAAF). Rop is to spearhead Bahrain’s charge. onships return to Doha after a Anju had won silver While welcoming the upgrading of India’s Om Prakash is among the favour- Aeight-year gap, former Indian her status, Anju opined that the IAAF ites in shot put. long jumper Anju Bobby George recalled with a jump of 6.38M at should have taken a strong stand long Kazakhstan’s Olympic triple jump how special the place was for her. the 2008 edition of the ago. champion Olga Rypakova is likely Anju had won silver with a jump of championship in Doha. “If I’m lucky, I’ll get two or three more to lead the star cast in the women’s 6.38M at the 2008 edition of the cham- gold medals since many of them are section which also includes China’s pionship in Doha. China’s Chen Yaling, under the doping probe. I hope it hap- Ling Li, the Asian record holder in with an effort of 6.39M, had clinched here was enormous,” recalled Anju, pens sooner than later. Had the IAAF pole vault, and Bahrain’s 400M runner gold. during her recent visit to the city. taken more stringent measures earlier, Oluwakemi Adekoya. Anju had bagged silver at the 2006 Anju’s bronze at the 2003 World I would’ve certainly won more laurels Prior to the start of the championships, Asian Games in the Qatari capital, where Championships in Paris is till date the for my country. That’s the case with the AAA Board meeting will be held on she jumped 6.36 behind Japan’s Kumiko only medal won by an Indian athlete at most of my contemporaries. We knew Wednesday. The various AAA sub-com- Ikeda (6.38). the global meet. She was recently awarded something was wrong, but anti-dop- mittees will also hold their meetings on “Doha has always been a home away the 2005 World Grand Prix Final (Monte ing measures weren’t foolproof at that the sidelines of the competition with the from home for me. I used to start my Carlo) gold following the disqualifica- time,” added Anju, who was recently DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod DSP Photo promotion and growth of sport in Asia season with the Qatar Grand Prix. The tion of Russia’s Tatyana Kotova for dop- named president of the sports council š šĈSamuel Francis Adelebari being the prime focus. DSP Divakaran DSP/ Vinod support I received while competing ing by the International Association of of southern Indian state Kerala. DSP šAnju Bobby George Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 23

SCHEDULE All finals FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19 9.15am Women’s triple jump ‘We hope to maintain our lead position’ 6pm Men’s high jump 6pm Women’s long jump 6.10pm Women’s pole vault HE Qatar Athletics Federation in Asia,” said QAF President Dahlan 7.35pm Women’s shot put (QAF) is expecting a top-class Al Hamad. 8.10pm Women’s 1,500M Tshow from its competitors at the Qatar had previously hosted the Asian 8.30pm Women’s 60M 8.45pm Men’s 60M Asian Indoor Championships. Athletics Federation’s (AAA) flagship 9.10pm Women’s pentathlon Two years ago at Hangzhou, China, indoor event in 2008. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Qatar had topped the medals tally, with Eight years down the line, as the Asian 4pm Men’s pole vault the host nation finishing second and meet returns to Doha, the QAF is all 4pm Women’s 60M hurdles Kazakhstan third. geared up. 4.05pm Men’s triple jump As the country fields its largest con- “The championship will underline our 4.15pm Men’s 60M hurdles 4.30pm Men’s 1,600M tingent of athletes, the QAF wants them position as a trusted partner for both 4.50pm Women’s 400M to repeat the Hangzhou show. AAA and International Association of 5pm Men’s 400M “Qatar have one of the youngest bunch Athletics Federations (IAAF). With ath- 5.50pm Women’s 3,000M of athletes in the competition. In the letes trying to achieve qualifying stand- SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21 previous edition, we had finished on ards for the upcoming World Indoor 4pm Women’s high jump the top of the medals tally and we hope Championships, the event is likely to 4pm Men’s shot put DSP/Mohan to achieve the same this time as well. witness keen contests,” added Dahlan, 4.05pm Men’s long jump šDahlan Al Hamad DSP 4.15pm Women’s 800M š We hope to maintain our lead position who also heads the AAA. 4.30pm Men’s 800M 4.45pm Men’s 3,000M 5.20pm Men’s heptathlon 5.35pm Women’s 4x400M relay 6.10pm Men’s 4x400M relay STARS TO WATCH

QATAR SQUAD MEN Musaab Adam Ali (1,500) Mohamed Al Garni (1,500, 3,000M) Saeed Aden (1,500, 3,000M) Hashim Salah (3,000M) Abdalleleh Haroun (400M, 4x400M Relay) Mohammed Nazir (400M, 4x400M Relay) Gamal Abobacker (400M, 4x400M Relay) Tosin Ogunode (60M) Samuel Francis Adelebari (60M) Mohammed Salman Albert Rop (BRN) Huang Bokai (CHN) Olga Rypakova (KAZ) Maryam Toosi (IRI) Eid Abdulla Al Kuwari (60M) Al Khuwalidi (KSA) MEN’S 3,000M MEN’S POLE VAULT WOMEN’S TRIPLE JUMP WOMEN’S 400M Musaab Abdulrahman Balla (800, 4x400M Relay) MEN’S LONG JUMP Abubaker Haydal Abdallah (800, 4x400M Relay) The Kenyan-born Bahraini The in-form 19-year-old London Olympic triple The Iranian sprint sensation Jamal Hairane (800, 4x400M Relay) One of the few survivors is a specialist in long- showed his potential jump champion and will be eyeing a hat-trick in Mutaz Essa Barshim (High Jump) from the inaugural distance events. Has fond by coming up with his Asian record holder Olga her pet event after winning Muamer Essa Barshim (High Jump) championships in Teheran memories of the Qatari personal best of 5.61M Rypakova is undoubtedly in 2012 and 2014 (both at Mohammed Hamdi (High Jump) in 2004, Al Khuwalidi, 35, is capital where he won the recently at an indoor event the one to watch among Hangzhou, China). Maryam, 5,000M gold at the 2013 in Mouilleron-le-Captif, the 115 female athletes. the Iranian record holder in Rashid Al Mannai (Triple Jump) among the oldest athletes in the fray. When Doha first Arab Championships. Rop France. One of the rising The Kazakh star has fond 100, 200, 400 and 4×400M Mohammed Ahmed Al Mannai (Heptahthlon) hosted the championships ran the second-fastest stars of Asia, Huang will be memories of the Aspire relay, should be the star WOMEN in 2008, Al Khuwalidi had 5,000M in the world in 2013, keen to raise the bar for Dome’s state-of-the-art attraction in 400M. Dalal Mesfar Al Harith (400M, 4x400M Relay) stood tall with a record clocking 12:51.96 in Monaco. China, which is sending 23 facility, having won gold Bashair Obaid Al Manwari (60M) effort of 8.24M. He will be athletes to Qatar. at the 2010 World Indoor Fatimah Mudaher (Pentathlon, 4x400) keen to deliver yet again in Championships there. Sarah Ahmed Al Mannai (Shot Put) the Qatari capital. Mariam Farid (4x400) ‘Doha a home away from home’

S THE Asian Indoor Champi- Athletics Federations (IAAF). onships return to Doha after a Anju had won silver While welcoming the upgrading of Aeight-year gap, former Indian her status, Anju opined that the IAAF long jumper Anju Bobby George recalled with a jump of 6.38M at should have taken a strong stand long how special the place was for her. the 2008 edition of the ago. Anju had won silver with a jump of championship in Doha. “If I’m lucky, I’ll get two or three more 6.38M at the 2008 edition of the cham- gold medals since many of them are pionship in Doha. China’s Chen Yaling, under the doping probe. I hope it hap- with an effort of 6.39M, had clinched here was enormous,” recalled Anju, pens sooner than later. Had the IAAF gold. during her recent visit to the city. taken more stringent measures earlier, Anju had bagged silver at the 2006 Anju’s bronze at the 2003 World I would’ve certainly won more laurels Asian Games in the Qatari capital, where Championships in Paris is till date the for my country. That’s the case with she jumped 6.36 behind Japan’s Kumiko only medal won by an Indian athlete at most of my contemporaries. We knew Ikeda (6.38). the global meet. She was recently awarded something was wrong, but anti-dop- “Doha has always been a home away the 2005 World Grand Prix Final (Monte ing measures weren’t foolproof at that from home for me. I used to start my Carlo) gold following the disqualifica- time,” added Anju, who was recently

season with the Qatar Grand Prix. The tion of Russia’s Tatyana Kotova for dop- named president of the sports council Divakaran DSP/Vinod support I received while competing ing by the International Association of of southern Indian state Kerala. DSP ššAnju Bobby George 24 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 25 Tennis

Former champion and five-time of my left forearm injury. I would like Sharapova Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova to wish the tournament and all the of Russia has pulled out of the Qatar great fans in Doha a great week and pulls out Total Open due to a left forearm injury I hope to see them next year,” said that has been bothering her for a Sharapova, who last competed at the while. Qatari capital in 2013. The world No.6 had also pulled The 28-year-old, who triumphed out of her 2016 season opener, the in Doha 2005 and 2008, is one of Brisbane International, where she was the three players to have won the the defending champion, due to a tournament twice, with compatriot similar injury. Anastasia Myskina (2003 and 2004) “Unfortunately, I will not be able to and Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka (2011

REUTERS/Tyrone Siu REUTERS/Tyrone play the Qatar Total Open because and 2012) being the others. DSP Hoping to sizzle

REUTERS/Issei Kato Peter REUTERS/Thomas tournament become one the Qatari capital two weeks prior to “I thank the Qatar Tennis Federation šĈSerena Williams šĈAngelique Kerber of the major events in the the tournament and has been train- for giving me a chance to train here country’s sports calendar. ing hard at the Khalifa International Complex for the last few days. Nasser Ghanem Al Kholaifi, In addition to practising on the courts, Qatar Tennis Federation President. I thank the Qatar Tennis the 29-year-old has been spending hours at the gym working on her fit- Federation for giving ness routine under the watchful guid- me a chance to start my ance of her coach Rob Steckley. season here. “I’m very pleased to be back on the court under the sunny skies here in ENTHRALLING Doha. I wish everything goes well,” said early and finally start my season. As FAST FACTS Safarova, who had defeated Victoria an athlete, I’m used to fighting on the The Qatar Total Open is the first WTA tournament to be held in the Azarenka in last year’s final. court to win. The last three months Middle East. Swiss great Martina It has been a frustrating three months has been a fight to regain my health. Hingis won the inaugural edition for Safarova on the sidelines, who had Hopefully, I’ll be able to get back on in 2001. QTF geared up to pull out of the Asian swing of the track, right here where I won last year. Till 2008, the tournament was WTA circuit including tournaments I’ll take matches one at a time and see Divakaran DSP/Vinod held continuously. But with the in Shenzhen (China) and Kaohsiung how far I can go,” she said. DSP ššLucie Safaorva trains at the Khalifa International Complex. Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF) for big event winning the right to host the WTA’s season-ending ENCOUNTERS ITH the cream of women’s championships, the event was players coming to Doha, done away with. With the season American Serena Williams looks to exact revenge on German Wthe Qatar Tennis Federa- ender moving to Istanbul, Turkey, tion is geared up for the big event. in 2011, Doha returned to the WTA Angelique Kerber, her conqueror at the Australian Open. Despite the late withdrawal of Halep confirms for calendar. From 2012, Russian glamour girl Maria Sharapova, the tournament got Premier the tournament still boasts a strong 5 status, which it has been ĈĈQatar Total Open to start alternating with Dubai. past winner Simona Halep, two-time years old when Serena played her first field. Qatar Total Open on February 21 Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova Grand Slam final at the 1999 US Open. “It’s great to see these top players ĈĈLucie Safarova, Simona and rising star Garbine Muguruza are But having defeated Serena en route coming to Doha year after year. It’s a Halep and Petra Kvitova some of the big names in the draw of to her maiden Grand Slam crown in quality field this time with the likes ORMER champion Simona and Dubai from her schedule. other big names 64, which includes eight qualifiers and Melbourne last month, Kerber is high of Serena Williams and Australian Halep confirmed her participa- The 24-year-old was given a wild- $2.5M five wild cards. on confidence while Serena will be Open champion Angelique Kerber Ftion at the Qatar Total Open after card entry in the ongoing tournament is the tournament’s total While fans were eagerly awaiting eager to exact revenge. leading the entry list. Champion Lucie deciding to postpone her nose surgery in Dubai, where she was the top seed With the top two seeds likely to be in Safarova, coming back after being for the time being. following the late withdrawals of world’s prize money Sajith B Warrier the opposite side of the draw, chances unwell for a while, arrived early to The Romanian had planned to go leading players Serena Williams and Kerber was just 11 years of them meeting in the final in Doha give herself time for practice. Former under the knife and decided to skip Angelique Kerber. on February 27 are very high. champion Simona Halep is another the events in Dubai and Doha as part Halep is seeded third in Doha. ROLL OF HONOUR old when Serena played Last 10 champions. And it would be the icing on the cake big name,” said Tournament Director of her recovery process after her shock “I’ve had long breaks before — 2015 Lucie Safarova (CZE) NE is the face of women’s her first Grand Slam for a tournament which regains its Saad Al Mohannadi. DSP defeat to China’s unheralded Zhang many antibiotics, and I’ve to stay a 2014 Simona Halep (ROU) tennis in modern times while final in 1999. Premier 5 status after alternating it Shuai in the opening round of Australian little bit away from them. And then 2013 Victoria Azarenka (BLR) Othe other has just taken her with Dubai. Open. I’ll see — maybe later this year I’ve to Victoria Azarenka (BLR) 2012 first step towards stardom. But there are concerns regarding the However, the world No.3 opted to do the surgery, because it’s better for 2011 Vera Zvonareva (RUS) 2008 Maria Sharapova (RUS) The match-up of the world’s leading Serena’s return to Doha after a two- fitness of both players, with Serena put off the surgery in order to repre- me,” said Halep, who beat Germany’s 2007 Justine Henin (BEL) players Serena Williams and Angelique year gap, Kerber is the talk of the town, pulling out of the ongoing tournament sent her country at the recent Fed Cup Kerber in the 2014 final at the Khalifa 2006 Nadia Petrova (RUS) Kerber should add further spice to the thanks to her maiden Australian Open in Dubai due to flu and Kerber with- against the Czech Republic. International Complex. 2005 Maria Sharapova (RUS) 14th Qatar Total Open, beginning at win, where she beat the American in drawing due to a thigh injury. Though Romania lost the tie, the vic- The Romanian could not come to 2004 Anastasia Myskina (RUS) The tournament was not held in 2009 and the hard courts of Khalifa International the final. However the Qatar Tennis Federation tory against two-time Wimbledon cham- Doha for her title defence in 2015 due

2010 as Doha hosted the WTA season-ending Complex on February 21. Comparison between the duo might is hopeful of the presence of the big DSP/Mohan pion Petra Kvitova prompted Halep to to a rib injury and will be keen to make championships. Defending champion Lucie Safarova, sound a bit odd — Kerber was just 11 two players. DSP ššSaad Al Mohannadi ššSimona Halep reconsider the decision to skip Doha her mark this time. DSP Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 25

REUTERS/Tyrone Siu REUTERS/Tyrone play the Qatar Total Open because and 2012) being the others. DSP Hoping to sizzle

It’s always a strong field in EFENDING champion Lucie (Taiwan). She also withdrew from the Doha. It’s fantastic to see Safarova, out of competitive season’s first Grand Slam in Australia many of the world’s top Daction since the WTA World and skipped her country’s Fed Cup tie 10 players in the field for Tour Finals in October in Singapore against Romania. our tournament which due to a bacterial infection, was the The world No.10, close to getting is into its 14th year. Step earliest to arrive in Doha. back to full fitness, is banking on a by step, we’ve seen the The Czech Republic star landed in good outing in Doha. tournament become one the Qatari capital two weeks prior to “I thank the Qatar Tennis Federation of the major events in the the tournament and has been train- for giving me a chance to train here country’s sports calendar. ing hard at the Khalifa International Complex for the last few days. Nasser Ghanem Al Kholaifi, In addition to practising on the courts, Qatar Tennis Federation President. I thank the Qatar Tennis the 29-year-old has been spending hours at the gym working on her fit- Federation for giving ness routine under the watchful guid- me a chance to start my ance of her coach Rob Steckley. season here. “I’m very pleased to be back on the court under the sunny skies here in ENTHRALLING Doha. I wish everything goes well,” said early and finally start my season. As Safarova, who had defeated Victoria an athlete, I’m used to fighting on the Azarenka in last year’s final. court to win. The last three months It has been a frustrating three months has been a fight to regain my health. for Safarova on the sidelines, who had Hopefully, I’ll be able to get back on QTF geared up to pull out of the Asian swing of the track, right here where I won last year. WTA circuit including tournaments I’ll take matches one at a time and see Divakaran DSP/Vinod for big event in Shenzhen (China) and Kaohsiung how far I can go,” she said. DSP ššLucie Safaorva trains at the Khalifa International Complex.

ITH the cream of women’s players coming to Doha, Wthe Qatar Tennis Federa- tion is geared up for the big event. Despite the late withdrawal of Halep confirms for Russian glamour girl Maria Sharapova, the tournament still boasts a strong field. Qatar Total Open “It’s great to see these top players coming to Doha year after year. It’s a quality field this time with the likes ORMER champion Simona and Dubai from her schedule. of Serena Williams and Australian Halep confirmed her participa- The 24-year-old was given a wild- Open champion Angelique Kerber Ftion at the Qatar Total Open after card entry in the ongoing tournament leading the entry list. Champion Lucie deciding to postpone her nose surgery in Dubai, where she was the top seed Safarova, coming back after being for the time being. following the late withdrawals of world’s unwell for a while, arrived early to The Romanian had planned to go leading players Serena Williams and give herself time for practice. Former under the knife and decided to skip Angelique Kerber. champion Simona Halep is another the events in Dubai and Doha as part Halep is seeded third in Doha. big name,” said Tournament Director of her recovery process after her shock “I’ve had long breaks before — Saad Al Mohannadi. DSP defeat to China’s unheralded Zhang many antibiotics, and I’ve to stay a Shuai in the opening round of Australian little bit away from them. And then Open. I’ll see — maybe later this year I’ve to However, the world No.3 opted to do the surgery, because it’s better for put off the surgery in order to repre- me,” said Halep, who beat Germany’s sent her country at the recent Fed Cup Kerber in the 2014 final at the Khalifa against the Czech Republic. International Complex. Though Romania lost the tie, the vic- The Romanian could not come to tory against two-time Wimbledon cham- Doha for her title defence in 2015 due

DSP/Mohan pion Petra Kvitova prompted Halep to to a rib injury and will be keen to make ššSaad Al Mohannadi ššSimona Halep reconsider the decision to skip Doha her mark this time. DSP 26 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 27 At a glance

CYCLING VOLLEYBALL Police maintain good run in Qatar League

OLICE beat Al Sadd 25-20, 25-17, one of the 12 games. Championship beginning in Tunisia on Cavendish MAKES his mark! 23-25, 25-19 to maintain their im- The only reversal they suffered was Wednesday. The league will resume on Ppressive run in the Qatar League. against 24-time league champions Al March 2, two days after the conclusion After topping the standings in the Arabi in the first phase’s last match. of Arab Championship. DSP Mohammad Amin-ul Islam league’s first phase, the cops are tight- Cuban recruit Williams Diaz was out- ening their grip with two wins from as standing for the cops while national RESULTS many outings in the second phase. team players — Chigbo John and Nadr Police bt Al Sadd 25-20, 25-17, 23-25, 25-19 Al Arabi bt Al Wakrah 25-14, 25-17, 25-19 Police who beat Al Wakrah in straight Aboubacker — did the support work. Al Rayyan bt Qatar SC 25-17, 21-25, 25-11, 25-19 REAT Britain’s Mark Cavendish sets in the second phase’s first match Meanwhile, the league will have a Al Ahli bt Al Wakrah 25-17, 25-22, 25-19

won the Tour of Qatar for the Divakaran DSP/Vinod recently, continued the rich vein of 12-day break as Rayyan and El Jaish Al Rayyan bt Al Gharafa 25-18, 31-29, 16-25, 25-13 Gsecond time after finishing ššPolice’s Williams Diaz smashes against Al Sadd. form which has seen them win all but will represent the country at the Arab Al Arabi bt Al Khor 25-13, 25-22, 25-15 second in the fifth and final stage at the Doha Corniche last week. The 30-year-old Team Dimension Data rider pushed Norway’s Alexander BEACH VOLLEYBALL AIPS meet passes Kristoff, who won the last stage in a sprint finish, to finish second. Rayyan win Open Doha Declaration The Netherland’s Greg van Avermaet of BMC Racing finished third in the The last stage was Championship DECLARATION on the Eth- overall classification. definitely one of ics of Sport was delivered and Cavendish, who won the first stage, L RAYYAN won the second Open A condemnation of all forms of the best as it had had two second-place finishes in the Championship by defeating corruption was the message that was both intensity and competition. AEl Jaish ‘A’ 21-16, 21-18 in the conveyed to the journalist fraternity as excitement. He, however, admitted it was his final played at the Al Gharafa courts curtains came down on the 79th Inter- team-mate Edvald Boasson Hagen, Sheikh Khalid bin Ali last week. national Sports Press Association (AIPS) Al Thani, Qatar Cycling El Jaish ‘B’ beat Al Gharafa 21-18, Congress in Doha last week.

DSP/Mohan Federation President. 21-10 to clinch third place in the com- “Sport has grown culturally, econom- šCyclists cross the final-stage finish line at the Doha Corniche. Cavendish, who won š petition, which featured 12 clubs. ically and socially, but at the expense The Qatar Volleyball Association DSP/A K BijuRaj of its ethical values. The sport is under the first stage, had two started the Open Championship for ššBruno Grandi attack from criminal organisations and second-place finishes clubs last year, with the aim of gener- the media need to come together to fight It’s nice to be wearing gold RESULTS as well. ating a bigger talent pool for the sport for independence,” said AIPS President now, but I know I’m only STAGE 1 GENERAL wearing it on behalf of Hagen. Mark Cavendish (GBR) Dimension Data 3:28:46 in the country. Gianni Merlo. Sacha Modolo (ITA) Lampre-Merida +00 It may be recalled that Qatar’s leading The umbrella body for sports jour- who won the gold jersey in the third Mark Cavendish, Tour of Qatar winner. Andrea Guardini (ITA) Astana Pro Team +00 pair of Cherif Younousse and Jefferson nalists currently has more than 10,000 STAGE 2 ‘Open-ended scoring stage, who deserved to win the race. Alexander Kristoff (NOR) Katusha 3:11:26 Pereira, who are currently competing members from 160 national associations. The Norwegian suffered a couple of Mark Cavendish (GBR) Dimension Data +00 in the FIVB World Tour’s Kish Island “There’re bribery scandals, doping punctures in the fourth to lose ground HONOURS Roy Jans (BEL) Wanty-Groupe Gobert +00 Open in Iran, had reached the quar- cover-ups, match fixing etc. However, on his rivals at the five-day race. OVERALL CLASSIFICATION STAGE 3 terfinal of the World Championships proves right decision’ most participants maintain their faith Gold jersey Mark Cavendish (GBR) Dimension Data Edvald B Hagen (NOR) Dimension Data 0:13:26 DSP “It’s nice to be wearing gold now, but Silver jersey Alexander Kristoff (NOR) Katusha Jos Van Emden (NED) Lotto NL-Jumbo 0:00:25 in the Netherlands last year. in the ethical and moral values and fair I know I’m only wearing it on behalf White jersey Greg Van Avermaet (NED) BMC Racing Manuel Quinziato (ITA) BMC Racing 0:00:29 play that sport transmits and teaches,” of Hagen,” said Cavendish, who also TEAM CLASSIFICATION STAGE 4 HE abolition of the Perfect controversy at the 2004 Athens Games he added. DSP won the title in 2013. BMC Racing USA 41:23:15 Alexander Kristoff (NOR) Katusha 3:57:12 10 score in gymnastics still where American Paul Hamm won the Katusha RUS 0:57 Greg van Avermaet (BEL) BMC Racing +00 “He only lost it because of bad luck. divides the world, but inter- gold medal in the men’s all-around Bora-Argon 18 GER 2:03 Jacopo Guarnieri (ITA) Katusha +00 T He should’ve been wearing the jersey. YOUNG RIDER CLASSIFICATION STAGE 5 national gymnastics federation (FIG) competition after South Korean bronze The team did it perfectly in the final Soren Andersen (DEN) Giant-Alpecin 13:47:59 Alexander Kristoff Katusha 2:56:16 President Bruno Grandi admitted it medallist Yang Tae-Young was incor- laps when it was hectic, keeping me in Sven Erik Bystrom (NOR) Katusha +19 Mark Cavendish Dimension Data +00 was the right decision taken by the rectly given a start value of 9.9 instead the front and out of danger, so I was Moreno Hofland (NED) Team LottoNL-Jumbo 02:12 Roy Jans Wanty-Groupe Gobert +00 federation in 2006. of 10 by judges in parallel bars por- ready for the sprint,” he added. DSP “Some said I was crazy while oth- tion of the all-around final. ers are still angry about it,” Grandi The 0.1-point discrepancy was said at the 79th International Sports enough to degrade Yang from gold

Press Association (AIPS) Congress in to bronze and three judges were sus- DSP/A K BijuRaj Doha last week. pended as a result of the error. ššGianni Merlo Kristoff proves his mettle with hat-trick “But this system of open-ended scoring has been in place in our com- DOHA DECLARATION petitions for 10 years now. We had It didn’t permit the ARK Cavendish may have won every day I had a very good lead,” said slightly-uphill finish at Qatar University the Perfect 10 which made Nadia Reject all criminal practices that the overall title, but Alexander Kristoff. on second stage clearly favoured a rider Comaneci famous 40 years ago at judges to separate threaten sport. MKristoff proved his mettle with The Team Katusha rider finished of Kristoff’s power and he duly deliv- the Montreal Olympics. Everyone the difficulty level of Demand transparency and fair a hat-trick of stage wins at the Tour 15th in the 11.4km time trial at Losail ered by edging the Briton out. loved it because it was the symbol exercises. play from players, officials and of Qatar. even though he lost less time than he In the fourth stage, the sheer inten- of perfection. participants. Kristoff had a shoulder-to-shoulder had done on the corresponding stage sity of his lead-out gave Cavendish little “In fact, it was restrictive because Promote a cultural revolution finish with Cavendish in the fifth stage, a year ago. chance of getting back on terms with it didn’t permit the judges to sepa- “The system reached its limits at founded upon aptitude, talent but the Norwegian pulled it through on “I knew I wouldn’t win the time trial, Kristoff in sprint. rate the difficulty level of exercises the Athens Games,” said Grandi. and fair play. a wind-swept afternoon at the Doha but I was hoping to do a little better. I However, the riders were engaged in and the quality of their execution,” The new rule, introduced in ’06, Corniche. was a little bit disappointed,” he added. the closest run sprint in the last stage. added the Italian, who will step down meant it was no longer possible for a Urge freedom of expression and independence to enhance the “I’ve performed better barring the Kristoff was soundly beaten by Kristoff eventually prevailed by mere later this year after being in the top gymnast to achieve a Perfect 10. There purest values of sport and to DSP/Mohan time trial in the third stage. The team Cavendish at Al Khor on the opening millimetres, though it took some close post since 1996. are now different top scores, all greater facilitate the noble profession of ššMinister of Culture and Sports HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser did such a good job. Without them, day, but he has had the upper hand in scrutiny before the commissaires con- The 81-year-old spearheaded than 10, for various events, based the sports journalist. Al Ali presents the award to Alexander Kristoff. these stage win was impossible because their encounters since. The windswept, firmed the verdict.DSP ššAl Rayyan proved too good for El Jaish ‘A’. the contentious change following on difficulty and artistic merit. DSP Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 27

VOLLEYBALL Police maintain good run in Qatar League

OLICE beat Al Sadd 25-20, 25-17, one of the 12 games. Championship beginning in Tunisia on 23-25, 25-19 to maintain their im- The only reversal they suffered was Wednesday. The league will resume on Ppressive run in the Qatar League. against 24-time league champions Al March 2, two days after the conclusion After topping the standings in the Arabi in the first phase’s last match. of Arab Championship. DSP league’s first phase, the cops are tight- Cuban recruit Williams Diaz was out- ening their grip with two wins from as standing for the cops while national RESULTS many outings in the second phase. team players — Chigbo John and Nadr Police bt Al Sadd 25-20, 25-17, 23-25, 25-19 Al Arabi bt Al Wakrah 25-14, 25-17, 25-19 Police who beat Al Wakrah in straight Aboubacker — did the support work. Al Rayyan bt Qatar SC 25-17, 21-25, 25-11, 25-19 sets in the second phase’s first match Meanwhile, the league will have a Al Ahli bt Al Wakrah 25-17, 25-22, 25-19

DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod recently, continued the rich vein of 12-day break as Rayyan and El Jaish Al Rayyan bt Al Gharafa 25-18, 31-29, 16-25, 25-13 ššPolice’s Williams Diaz smashes against Al Sadd. form which has seen them win all but will represent the country at the Arab Al Arabi bt Al Khor 25-13, 25-22, 25-15

BEACH VOLLEYBALL AIPS meet passes Rayyan win Open Doha Declaration Championship DECLARATION on the Eth- ics of Sport was delivered and L RAYYAN won the second Open Acondemnation of all forms of Championship by defeating corruption was the message that was AEl Jaish ‘A’ 21-16, 21-18 in the conveyed to the journalist fraternity as final played at the Al Gharafa courts curtains came down on the 79th Inter- last week. national Sports Press Association (AIPS) El Jaish ‘B’ beat Al Gharafa 21-18, Congress in Doha last week. 21-10 to clinch third place in the com- “Sport has grown culturally, econom- petition, which featured 12 clubs. ically and socially, but at the expense

The Qatar Volleyball Association DSP/A K BijuRaj of its ethical values. The sport is under started the Open Championship for ššBruno Grandi attack from criminal organisations and clubs last year, with the aim of gener- the media need to come together to fight ating a bigger talent pool for the sport GENERAL for independence,” said AIPS President in the country. Gianni Merlo. It may be recalled that Qatar’s leading The umbrella body for sports jour- pair of Cherif Younousse and Jefferson nalists currently has more than 10,000 Pereira, who are currently competing ‘Open-ended scoring members from 160 national associations. in the FIVB World Tour’s Kish Island “There’re bribery scandals, doping Open in Iran, had reached the quar- cover-ups, match fixing etc. However, terfinal of the World Championships proves right decision’ most participants maintain their faith in the Netherlands last year. DSP in the ethical and moral values and fair play that sport transmits and teaches,” HE abolition of the Perfect controversy at the 2004 Athens Games he added. DSP 10 score in gymnastics still where American Paul Hamm won the Tdivides the world, but inter- gold medal in the men’s all-around national gymnastics federation (FIG) competition after South Korean bronze President Bruno Grandi admitted it medallist Yang Tae-Young was incor- was the right decision taken by the rectly given a start value of 9.9 instead federation in 2006. of 10 by judges in parallel bars por- “Some said I was crazy while oth- tion of the all-around final. ers are still angry about it,” Grandi The 0.1-point discrepancy was said at the 79th International Sports enough to degrade Yang from gold

Press Association (AIPS) Congress in to bronze and three judges were sus- DSP/A K BijuRaj Doha last week. pended as a result of the error. ššGianni Merlo “But this system of open-ended scoring has been in place in our com- DOHA DECLARATION petitions for 10 years now. We had It didn’t permit the the Perfect 10 which made Nadia Reject all criminal practices that Comaneci famous 40 years ago at judges to separate threaten sport. the Montreal Olympics. Everyone the difficulty level of Demand transparency and fair loved it because it was the symbol exercises. play from players, officials and of perfection. participants. “In fact, it was restrictive because Promote a cultural revolution it didn’t permit the judges to sepa- “The system reached its limits at founded upon aptitude, talent rate the difficulty level of exercises the Athens Games,” said Grandi. and fair play. and the quality of their execution,” The new rule, introduced in ’06, added the Italian, who will step down meant it was no longer possible for a Urge freedom of expression and independence to enhance the later this year after being in the top gymnast to achieve a Perfect 10. There purest values of sport and to post since 1996. are now different top scores, all greater facilitate the noble profession of The 81-year-old spearheaded than 10, for various events, based the sports journalist. ššAl Rayyan proved too good for El Jaish ‘A’. the contentious change following on difficulty and artistic merit. DSP 28 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 29 At a glance

EQUESTRIANISM SHOOTING Black Beach wins Marmi Cup

HALIFA bin Sheail Al Kuwari- Rio games on radar owned Black Beach (Foot- Kstepinthesand-Eraadaat) fought a resolute battle with Shaka Zulu in the Athba, he can still make the Olympic final furlong and got the nod in the cut by virtue of a strong performance shadow of winning post to clinch the

in the upcoming five events, includ- DSP/Mohan Marmi Cup, a Class 1 race for three- ing the Qatar Open. ššAl Rayyan’s Janko Bozovic tries to shoot past Al Arabi blockers. year-old Thoroughbreds, which featured “The Qatar Shooting and Archery the nine-race card at the Qatar Racing Association is preparing big for the and Equestrian Club last week. Rio Games. The selection trial will HANDBALL Jassim Al Ghazali-trained Black Beach start with the Qatar Open. More than was ridden to a half-length victory by 300 shooters are coming and it’s really Rayyan back to Gerald Avranche. Ediye and Regality Sajith B Warrier going to be a big event. I hope to put occupied minor placings. The winner up a good show,” said Nasser. winning ways clocked a smart time of 1min, 11.53sec

Competitions will be held in skeet, for the six-furlong trip. Babu Photo/Juhaim MOTORSPORT L RAYYAN beat Al Arabi 30-21 Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki’s Aqdaar ššGerald Avranche rides Black Beach to victory. HE Sixth Qatar Open and got back to winning ways (Shamardal-Ayun) sprinted to a run- Endurocross Shotgun Champion- Competitions will be Ain the Qatar League last week. away victory in the Class 3 Thoroughbred Tship, which begins at Rayyan, who finished third in the Handicap for horses rated 70 to 90. Jockey Rashid Khamis Saif Al Kuwari-owned In its seventh outing, New Hope raced on Saturday the Losail Shooting Range on held in skeet, trap and league last year, have been disappoint- Adnan Hawa took Aqdaar to the front New Hope (Alberto Sanna up) cruised a handy second and then skipped away Wednesday, will offer the Olympic double trap events at ing this season and are languishing at and the Shamardal progeny faced no to a comfortable victory in the Class from his pursuers to win by one three HE first of six-leg Qatar Inter- hopefuls another chance to finetune the Losail Range. sixth in the standings. opposition as he raced to a compre- 5 Thoroughbred Handicap for horses fourth lengths from Chess Valley while national Endurocross will be their skills before the quadrennial After suffering back-to-back losses to hensive five-length victory in 1min, rated 55 to 75. Dubawi Coast finished third. DSP Theld at the custom-built 7km extravaganza. Al Ahli (20-23) and El Quiyada (26-33), 11.36sec over the 1,200M trip. Adulation track at Sealine on Saturday. London Olympic bronze medallist trap and double trap events. The cham- they badly needed a win and it came was in futile chase of the winner and RESULTS Enduro off-road races are designed to Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah will spear- pionship will end on February 26. at the right time. had to be content with the runner-up Meqdam Al Zaidy (Evert Pheiff er) 1, AJS Buraq 2, Hijran 3, Ostorah Dukhan 4. Won by: 1.5, 1.5, 1.5. test the endurance and riding skills of head Qatar’s challenge. The ace skeet “I’ll try my best to have another Meanwhile, leaders El Jaish main- berth. Ventura Shadow and Indaria were Race 1 Time: 1:20.27. Owned by: Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani. Trained by: Ibrahim Al riders. Each round will have two races, shooter still nurtures hopes of com- chance at Olympic glory. I’ll compete tained their clean sheet with a 31-25 third and fourth respectively. Malki. Al Taweel (Pier Convertino) 1, Al Khattaf 2, AJS Fath Elkheir 3, Intizaa 4. Won by: Hd, 1, 1. Time: Race 2 to be run on different types of desert peting in the Olympics for a record in four more International Shooting win against El Quiyada. They remain Al Kuwari-owned Muraqabah (Great 1:51.81. Trained by: Ibrahim Al Malki. Owned by: Saad Rabiah Saad Al Kaabi. Muraqabah (Stephan Ladjadj) 1, Raad Al Zaeem 2, Mahbooba 3, Akram 4. Won by: 1, Hd, 3. Time: terrain, and will last 30 minutes plus sixth time, despite failing to make it Sport Federation-sanctioned World the only unbeaten team in the league Journey-Magic Kaldoun) was ridden Race 3 one lap. count at the final Asian qualifying Cups — (Nicosia (March 17 to 25), and now have 39 points from 13 games. brilliantly by Frenchman Stephen Lajadj 1:28.87. Trained by: Jassim Ghazali. Owned by: Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari. New Hope (Alberto Sanna) 1, Chess Valley 2, Dubawi Coast 3, Buy Art 4. Won by: 1.75, 0.75, 0.75. Race 4 There will be three categories for event held in India recently. Rio De Janeiro (April 13 to 25), San Lekhwiya defeated Al Ahli 25-20 to while shedding her maiden status and Time: 1:12.88. Trained by: MR Al Kuwari. Owned by: Rashid Khamis Saif Al Kuwari. Stolen Story (Marco Monteriso) 1, Sylvia Pankhurst 2, The Scuttler 3, Pipe Bomb 4. Won by: 1, 0.5, motorcycles — E1, E2 and veterans Though Nasser failed to grab the Marino (June 1 to 11) and Baku (June remain second in standings while cham- winning the Local Thoroughbred race Race 5 — and one open class for quad bikes. Asian quota in New Delhi, which went 20 to 29) — to see where I stand,” pions Al Gharafa beat Al Khor 27-22 to run over seven furlongs. Al Ghazali- Nk. Time: 1:12.55. Trained by: A Al Qhathiri. Owned by: Abdulaziz Ali Al Qhathiri. Incredibile (Brett Doyle) 1, Gathurst 2, Rijm 3, Arriana 4. Won by: 3, 2.5, Hd. Time: 1:12.17. Trained Race 6 The remaining rounds will be held on to compatriot Rashid Saleh Hamad Al added Nasser. DSP tighten grip on third-place. DSP trained Murqabah kept at bay the chal- by: Hassan Al Matwi. Owned by: Hassan Ali Hassan Al Matwi. Samjida (Alberto Sanna) 1, Jelmud 2, Zameer 3, La Hoor 4. Won by: 4, 1.5, 1. Time: 1:32.73. Trained March 11, March 25, April 29, November lenge of Raad Al Zaeem, who was on a Race 7 18 and December 2. futile start-to-finish mission. Mahbooba by: Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari. Aqdaar (Adnan Hawa) 1, Adulation 2, Ventura Shadow 3, Indaria 4. Won by: 5, Nk, Hd. Time: Race 8 The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Asian Clubs devoured ground in the final stages to 1:11.36. Trained by: Ibrahim Al Malki. Owned by: Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki. More than 300 shooters are coming and Black Beach (Gerald Avranche) 1, Shaka Zulu 2, Ediye 3, Regality 4. Won by: 0.5, 5, 0.5. Time: Federation has been hosting the finish a close third while Akram was Race 9 Endurocross Series since 2012 it’s really going to be a big event. I hope League in March fourth. 1:11.53. Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: Sheail bin Khalifa Al Kuwari. Meanwhile, 70 riders have confirmed to put up a good show. their entries for the opening round of Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah, EAGUE champions Al Gharafa Motocross World Championship to be London Olympic bronze medallist. and runners-up Lekhwiya will held at the Losail MotoCross Track on Lrepresent Qatar at the 18th Asian February 27. DSP Clubs League, which the country will HH The Emir’s host from March 18 to 24. Sword Meeting The draw ceremony for the biennial event was held at the Qatar Handball from Feb 26-28 BASKETBALL Association Hall in Duhail last week. Al Najma (Bahrain), Al Ahli (UAE), Al XCITING contests are on Noor (KSA) and Muscat (Oman) are the cards when the Qatar Rac- El Jaish book play-off berth with win other teams in the round-robin format Eing and Equestrian Club tournament. Qatar Handball Association (QREC) hosts the prestigious HH Divakaran DSP/Vinod President Ahmed Mohammed Abdulrab The Emir’s Sword Meeting from ššFahad Saad Al Qahtani, right, and Event Director Omar Al Mannai. L JAISH recorded an easy 98-71 Rayyan coach Koufos Stergios exuded Al Shaabi and Asian Handball Federation February 26 to 28. win against Al Ahli in the last confidence about his team’s chances Executive Director Ahmad Abu Al Lail The feature events, HH the Emir’s Sammy Monroe Jr did Ematch of second phase of Qatar in the best-of-three play-offs. conducted the draw. DSP Trophy and HH the Emir’s Sword, League at the Al Gharafa Indoor Hall the star turn for El Jaish The defending champions have won will be run on the final day. Top riders for CHI Al Shaqab last week. by scoring a match-high both their league games against Jaish The Katara Sprint Cup (run over Sammy Monroe Jr top-scored with 30 points. which should give them psychological six furlongs for three-year-olds and 30 points besides registering seven advantage, but Stergios felt that would above) and HH The Emir’s Shalfa OP riders from the region and Thani, will witness competitions in rebounds as well as six assists and not mean much in the play-offs. DSP (run over one mile) will also be held beyond will vie for honours at CSI5*, CSI4*, Dressage CDI5* and Para Vernon Macklin chipped in with 25 “We’re severely handicapped by the on the final day. Tthe Fourth CHI Al Shaqab, to Dressage. as Jaish finished fourth to qualify for absence of some key players, but the RESULTS Shipment of invited horses will be held from March 2 to 5. “CHI Al Shaqab significantly con- the play-off. team did exceptionally well. It was El Jaish bt Al Ahli 98-71 be arranged and paid for by the The QR5m prize-money event, held tributes to the international equestrian They joined holders Al Rayyan, Al a good preparation before the play- Al Wakrah bt Al Arabi 91-81 QREC. Connections of horses will under the patronage of HE Sheikh sport and business community,” said

DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod Gharafa and Al Sadd in the four-team offs against Rayyan,” said Jaish coach Al Sadd bt Al Rayyan 67-64 also be given business-class flights Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani and Al Shaqab Director and CHI Al Shaqab ššEl Jaish’s Sammy Monroe Jr is poised to score against Al Ahli. play-off, which started on Tuesday. Dragoslav Milovanovic. Al Shamal bt Al Khor 75-65 ššThe draw being conducted. and accommodation. DSP HE Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad Al President Fahad Saad Al Qahtani. DSP Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 29

EQUESTRIANISM Black Beach wins Marmi Cup

HALIFA bin Sheail Al Kuwari- owned Black Beach (Foot- Kstepinthesand-Eraadaat) fought a resolute battle with Shaka Zulu in the final furlong and got the nod in the shadow of winning post to clinch the

DSP/Mohan Marmi Cup, a Class 1 race for three- ššAl Rayyan’s Janko Bozovic tries to shoot past Al Arabi blockers. year-old Thoroughbreds, which featured the nine-race card at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club last week. HANDBALL Jassim Al Ghazali-trained Black Beach was ridden to a half-length victory by Rayyan back to Gerald Avranche. Ediye and Regality occupied minor placings. The winner winning ways clocked a smart time of 1min, 11.53sec

for the six-furlong trip. Babu Photo/Juhaim L RAYYAN beat Al Arabi 30-21 Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki’s Aqdaar ššGerald Avranche rides Black Beach to victory. and got back to winning ways (Shamardal-Ayun) sprinted to a run- Ain the Qatar League last week. away victory in the Class 3 Thoroughbred Rayyan, who finished third in the Handicap for horses rated 70 to 90. Jockey Rashid Khamis Saif Al Kuwari-owned In its seventh outing, New Hope raced league last year, have been disappoint- Adnan Hawa took Aqdaar to the front New Hope (Alberto Sanna up) cruised a handy second and then skipped away ing this season and are languishing at and the Shamardal progeny faced no to a comfortable victory in the Class from his pursuers to win by one three sixth in the standings. opposition as he raced to a compre- 5 Thoroughbred Handicap for horses fourth lengths from Chess Valley while After suffering back-to-back losses to hensive five-length victory in 1min, rated 55 to 75. Dubawi Coast finished third. DSP Al Ahli (20-23) and El Quiyada (26-33), 11.36sec over the 1,200M trip. Adulation they badly needed a win and it came was in futile chase of the winner and RESULTS at the right time. had to be content with the runner-up Meqdam Al Zaidy (Evert Pheiff er) 1, AJS Buraq 2, Hijran 3, Ostorah Dukhan 4. Won by: 1.5, 1.5, 1.5. Meanwhile, leaders El Jaish main- berth. Ventura Shadow and Indaria were Race 1 Time: 1:20.27. Owned by: Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani. Trained by: Ibrahim Al tained their clean sheet with a 31-25 third and fourth respectively. Malki. Al Taweel (Pier Convertino) 1, Al Khattaf 2, AJS Fath Elkheir 3, Intizaa 4. Won by: Hd, 1, 1. Time: Race 2 win against El Quiyada. They remain Al Kuwari-owned Muraqabah (Great 1:51.81. Trained by: Ibrahim Al Malki. Owned by: Saad Rabiah Saad Al Kaabi. Muraqabah (Stephan Ladjadj) 1, Raad Al Zaeem 2, Mahbooba 3, Akram 4. Won by: 1, Hd, 3. Time: the only unbeaten team in the league Journey-Magic Kaldoun) was ridden Race 3 and now have 39 points from 13 games. brilliantly by Frenchman Stephen Lajadj 1:28.87. Trained by: Jassim Ghazali. Owned by: Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari. New Hope (Alberto Sanna) 1, Chess Valley 2, Dubawi Coast 3, Buy Art 4. Won by: 1.75, 0.75, 0.75. Race 4 Lekhwiya defeated Al Ahli 25-20 to while shedding her maiden status and Time: 1:12.88. Trained by: MR Al Kuwari. Owned by: Rashid Khamis Saif Al Kuwari. Stolen Story (Marco Monteriso) 1, Sylvia Pankhurst 2, The Scuttler 3, Pipe Bomb 4. Won by: 1, 0.5, remain second in standings while cham- winning the Local Thoroughbred race Race 5 pions Al Gharafa beat Al Khor 27-22 to run over seven furlongs. Al Ghazali- Nk. Time: 1:12.55. Trained by: A Al Qhathiri. Owned by: Abdulaziz Ali Al Qhathiri. Incredibile (Brett Doyle) 1, Gathurst 2, Rijm 3, Arriana 4. Won by: 3, 2.5, Hd. Time: 1:12.17. Trained Race 6 tighten grip on third-place. DSP trained Murqabah kept at bay the chal- by: Hassan Al Matwi. Owned by: Hassan Ali Hassan Al Matwi. Samjida (Alberto Sanna) 1, Jelmud 2, Zameer 3, La Hoor 4. Won by: 4, 1.5, 1. Time: 1:32.73. Trained lenge of Raad Al Zaeem, who was on a Race 7 futile start-to-finish mission. Mahbooba by: Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari. Aqdaar (Adnan Hawa) 1, Adulation 2, Ventura Shadow 3, Indaria 4. Won by: 5, Nk, Hd. Time: Race 8 Asian Clubs devoured ground in the final stages to 1:11.36. Trained by: Ibrahim Al Malki. Owned by: Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki. Black Beach (Gerald Avranche) 1, Shaka Zulu 2, Ediye 3, Regality 4. Won by: 0.5, 5, 0.5. Time: finish a close third while Akram was Race 9 League in March fourth. 1:11.53. Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: Sheail bin Khalifa Al Kuwari.

EAGUE champions Al Gharafa and runners-up Lekhwiya will Lrepresent Qatar at the 18th Asian Clubs League, which the country will HH The Emir’s host from March 18 to 24. Sword Meeting The draw ceremony for the biennial event was held at the Qatar Handball from Feb 26-28 Association Hall in Duhail last week. Al Najma (Bahrain), Al Ahli (UAE), Al XCITING contests are on Noor (KSA) and Muscat (Oman) are the cards when the Qatar Rac- other teams in the round-robin format Eing and Equestrian Club tournament. Qatar Handball Association (QREC) hosts the prestigious HH Divakaran DSP/Vinod President Ahmed Mohammed Abdulrab The Emir’s Sword Meeting from ššFahad Saad Al Qahtani, right, and Event Director Omar Al Mannai. Al Shaabi and Asian Handball Federation February 26 to 28. Executive Director Ahmad Abu Al Lail The feature events, HH the Emir’s conducted the draw. DSP Trophy and HH the Emir’s Sword, will be run on the final day. Top riders for CHI Al Shaqab The Katara Sprint Cup (run over six furlongs for three-year-olds and above) and HH The Emir’s Shalfa OP riders from the region and Thani, will witness competitions in (run over one mile) will also be held beyond will vie for honours at CSI5*, CSI4*, Dressage CDI5* and Para on the final day. Tthe Fourth CHI Al Shaqab, to Dressage. Shipment of invited horses will be held from March 2 to 5. “CHI Al Shaqab significantly con- be arranged and paid for by the The QR5m prize-money event, held tributes to the international equestrian QREC. Connections of horses will under the patronage of HE Sheikh sport and business community,” said also be given business-class flights Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani and Al Shaqab Director and CHI Al Shaqab ššThe draw being conducted. and accommodation. DSP HE Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad Al President Fahad Saad Al Qahtani. DSP 30 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 31 At a glance

De Villiers leads GOLF from the front Taylor basks in glory OUTH Africa captain A B de Vil- liers smashed an unbeaten 101 in Shis 200th One-Day International at Pebble Beach! to lead the hosts to a five-wicket victory over England and a 3-2 series win. England spluttered to 236 all out in MERICAN journeyman Vaughn a play-off and had to settle for second 45 overs after being sent in to bat at Taylor ended a PGA Tour title place after carding a roller-coaster 72. Newlands despite a second ODI cen- Adrought of more than a decade Swede Jonas Blixt, one of four play- tury of his career for opener Alex Hales. with an explosive back nine to clinch ers who held at least a share of the lead South Africa slumped to 22 for three a one-shot win over Phil Mickelson at in the final round, was a further stroke in reply, but a magnificent fourth-wicket the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am in back in third at 15-under after shoot- stand of 125 between De Villiers and California last Sunday. ing a 69. Hashim Amla (59) steadied the ship Taylor began the final round six strokes In Pretoria, South Africa’s Charl and the captain was there at the end off the pace, but five birdies after the Schwartzel claimed an 11th European to finish it off as they reached their tar- turn propelled him to a closing seven- Tour title as he cruised to an eight-shot get with 36 balls left. ššJonathan Joseph under-par 65 at a blustery Pebble Beach victory at the Tshwane Open. De Villiers’ 24th ODI century came Golf Links as he posted a winning total In Dhaka, Thailand’s Thitiphun ššAdam Voges, left, and team-mate Peter Nevill carry a stump as the souvenir after the Australian victory. from 94 balls with 11 fours and a six. of 17-under 270. Chuayprakong clinched his maiden “It’s an integral part of being a cap- RUGBY Overnight leader Mickelson, seeking Asian Tour title when he carded four- tain, you’ve got to lead from the front, his first PGA Tour win since the 2013 under-par 67 in the final round to claim CRICKET you can’t just chip in with small per- Joseph ’tricks in British Open, stunningly lipped out a a two-shot victory at the $300,000 formances,” said De Villiers. five-foot birdie putt at the last to force Bashundhara Bangladesh Open. ššVaughn Taylor The Proteas are the first team since England’s win Pakistan in 2005 to come back from 0-2 down in an ODI series and claim HAT-TRICK of tries by centre victory and just the fourth in the his- Jonathan Joseph and a storm- TENNIS It’s 40-love for Awesome Aussies tory of the 50-over game. A ing second-half performance swept a previously stuttering England Nishikori rocks Super SanTina! to a 40-9 victory over Italy at Rome Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis USTRALIA’S aim of regaining from home. It’s great to be one-nil up that took them top of the Six Nations in Memphis! recorded their 40th successive win the top ranking in Tests has Adam Voges was and hopefully we can take a step up in standings after back-to-back away wins. last Sunday when they captured the Ataken a major step forward Christchurch,” said Smith. England were clinging to an 11-9 lead APAN’S seventh-ranked Kei St Petersburg women’s doubles title following last Monday’s innings and adjudged man of the The tourists, who won the toss, dis- courtesy of a first-half George Ford try, Nishikori captured his fourth and then set their sights on breaking 52-run victory against New Zealand in match after his second missed New Zealand for 183 and replied but struggling to build any cohesive Jconsecutive Memphis Open title a record which has stood for over 25 the opener of their two-match series, double century in Tests. with a mammoth 562, which was aided attacks as Italy were holding their own. last Sunday by defeating 18-year-old years. according to captain Steven Smith. by man-of-the-match Adam Voges’ 239 Joseph, however, was gifted an inter- US wildcard Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4. The India and Swiss pair nicknamed ‘SanTina’, defeated Vera Dushevina Australia thumped the hosts at the and Usman Khawaja’s 140, to give them- ception try after 53 minutes and grabbed Top seed Nishikori won his 11th career and Barbora Krejcikova 6-3, 6-1 in the Basin Reserve shortly after lunch on victory, whether it be by a 1-0 or 2-0 selves a 379-run first innings lead. his second five minutes later to com- ATP crown by taking his 17th consecu- final. the fourth day and put themselves in margin, will take Australia past India. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon finished pletely change the game. tive Memphis match victory. They are now close to setting the prime position to usurp India at the “We want to be No.1 in the world with figures of 4-91 as the hosts’ sec- He completed his treble with a driving In Buenos Aires, Austria’s Dominic record since 1990, when Jana Novotna head of the Test rankings. in all three formats and I think this ond innings ended at 327. run as the game followed the pattern Thiem backed-up his shock semifinal and Helena Sukova won 44 in a row. The triumph means Smith’s side can Test match is a step in the right direc- Smith felt his team had put in a good so familiar in the previous 21 encoun- win over Nadal to clinch the Argentina afford to draw the second Test starting in tion. I said when I took over as captain show against Brendon McCullum’s side, ters, all won by England. Open title with a 7-6 (7-2), 3-6, 7-6 (7-4) Christchurch on Saturday as any series that I wanted to win every series away exploiting the green wicket. ššA B De Villiers In Paris, France burst into life when victory over Nicolas Almagro. Maxime Medard’s second-half try Meanwhile, America’s Venus Williams inspired them to a 10-9 victory over won her 49th WTA title, beating Japan’s Ireland. Misaki Doi 6-4, 6-2 in the Taiwan Open. In Cardiff, Wales extended Scotland’s Elsewhere, Italy’s Roberta Vinci cap- Windies of change! Ashwin spins losing sequence to nine matches when tured her 10th singles title after she beat second-half tries from Jamie Roberts and Swiss teenager Belinda Bencic 6-4 6-3 George North secured a 27-23 victory. ššKei Nishikori to win the St Petersburg Ladies Trophy. ššSania Mirza, left, and Martina Hingis. HE West Indies stunned over- laid the foundation for victory after dis- India to victory whelming favourites India by five missing the Indian team for 145 runs. Twickets to clinch their maiden The victory capped a good day for the Under-19 World Cup title in a tense West Indies as the threat of their sen- NDIA gave themselves a Chasing the small target, India romped MOTORSPORT final in Dhaka, Bangladesh. ior team being forced to field a second boost before next month’s home with 6.1 overs to spare to seal the Shimron Hetmyer’s team chased down string side at the World Twenty20 was ITwenty20 World Cup at series at Visakhapatnam’s ACA-VDCA a tricky 146-run victory target with three averted when 12 of 13 players, except home as Ravichandran Ashwin Stadium. Ogier unstoppable at Sweden balls to spare, thanks mainly to Keacy batsman Darren Bravo, in the origi- grabbed four wickets in their se- Opener Shikhar Dhawan top-scored Carty’s unbeaten half-century. nal squad signed the contracts which ries-clinching nine-wicket victory for the hosts with an unbeaten run-a- It was their sharp bowling unit which had caused a stand-off with the board. over Sri Lanka in the third and final ball 46, but it was Ashwin’s guile that RIPLE world champion Sebastien “I’m a lucky man, it’s been a fantastic RESULTS Twenty20 international on Sunday. laid the foundation for India’s com- Ogier won the Rally of Sweden rally!” beamed Ogier, who previously 1. Sebastien Ogier (FRA) Volkswagen 1:59:47.4 The visitors had won the first prehensive victory. Tfor a third time in four years to triumphed in the Karlstad-based event 2. Hayden Paddon (NZL) Hyundai at 29.8 T20 by five wickets while India Put into bat, Sri Lanka got off to a consolidate his place atop the drivers’ in 2015 and 2013. 3. Mads Ostberg (NOR) Ford 55.6 drew level in the second with a nightmarish start with Ashwin open- championship. “We push ourselves to experience 4. Andreas Mikkelsen (NOR) Volkswagen 01:10.8 69-run victory. ing the attack for India. The French Volkswagen driver won this. When you win a rally you can only 5. Ott Taenak (EST) Ford 1:50.7 The off-spinner claimed three Defending the paltry score, six of the 12 programmed special stages be happy. STANDINGS wickets in his first seven deliveries Dushmantha Chameera dismissed Rohit and the power stage to finish 29.8sec “This wasn’t the easiest, I had to go 1. Sebastien Ogier (FRA) 56 and finished with 4-8, best by an Sharma for 13, but Dhawan and Ajinkya ahead of New Zealand’s Hayden Paddon. on the attack and take a lot of risks.” 2. Andreas Mikkelsen (NOR) 33 Indian bowler in this format, as Sri Rahane (22 not out) steered India to Norway’s Mads Ostberg took third Ogier said the penultimate day of 3. Mads Ostberg (NOR) 27 Lanka folded for 82, their lowest victory to ensure they remain the top in a Ford Fiesta, a further 25.8sec off the rally in testing conditions had been 4. Hayden Paddon (NZL) 18 5. Dani Sordo (ESP) 18 ššMembers of the West Indies team celebrate the triumph. total in Twenty20 Internationals. ranked team in this format. ššSebastien Ogier competes in the Rally of Sweden. the pace. one of the hardest days of his career. Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 31

GOLF Taylor basks in glory at Pebble Beach!

MERICAN journeyman Vaughn a play-off and had to settle for second Taylor ended a PGA Tour title place after carding a roller-coaster 72. Adrought of more than a decade Swede Jonas Blixt, one of four play- with an explosive back nine to clinch ers who held at least a share of the lead a one-shot win over Phil Mickelson at in the final round, was a further stroke the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am in back in third at 15-under after shoot- California last Sunday. ing a 69. Taylor began the final round six strokes In Pretoria, South Africa’s Charl off the pace, but five birdies after the Schwartzel claimed an 11th European turn propelled him to a closing seven- Tour title as he cruised to an eight-shot ššJonathan Joseph under-par 65 at a blustery Pebble Beach victory at the Tshwane Open. Golf Links as he posted a winning total In Dhaka, Thailand’s Thitiphun of 17-under 270. Chuayprakong clinched his maiden RUGBY Overnight leader Mickelson, seeking Asian Tour title when he carded four- his first PGA Tour win since the 2013 under-par 67 in the final round to claim Joseph ’tricks in British Open, stunningly lipped out a a two-shot victory at the $300,000 ššVaughn Taylor England’s win five-foot birdie putt at the last to force Bashundhara Bangladesh Open.

HAT-TRICK of tries by centre Jonathan Joseph and a storm- TENNIS It’s 40-love for A ing second-half performance swept a previously stuttering England Nishikori rocks Super SanTina! to a 40-9 victory over Italy at Rome Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis that took them top of the Six Nations in Memphis! recorded their 40th successive win standings after back-to-back away wins. last Sunday when they captured the England were clinging to an 11-9 lead APAN’S seventh-ranked Kei St Petersburg women’s doubles title courtesy of a first-half George Ford try, Nishikori captured his fourth and then set their sights on breaking but struggling to build any cohesive Jconsecutive Memphis Open title a record which has stood for over 25 attacks as Italy were holding their own. last Sunday by defeating 18-year-old years. Joseph, however, was gifted an inter- US wildcard Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4. The India and Swiss pair nicknamed ‘SanTina’, defeated Vera Dushevina ception try after 53 minutes and grabbed Top seed Nishikori won his 11th career and Barbora Krejcikova 6-3, 6-1 in the his second five minutes later to com- ATP crown by taking his 17th consecu- final. pletely change the game. tive Memphis match victory. They are now close to setting the He completed his treble with a driving In Buenos Aires, Austria’s Dominic record since 1990, when Jana Novotna run as the game followed the pattern Thiem backed-up his shock semifinal and Helena Sukova won 44 in a row. so familiar in the previous 21 encoun- win over Nadal to clinch the Argentina ters, all won by England. Open title with a 7-6 (7-2), 3-6, 7-6 (7-4) In Paris, France burst into life when victory over Nicolas Almagro. Maxime Medard’s second-half try Meanwhile, America’s Venus Williams inspired them to a 10-9 victory over won her 49th WTA title, beating Japan’s Ireland. Misaki Doi 6-4, 6-2 in the Taiwan Open. In Cardiff, Wales extended Scotland’s Elsewhere, Italy’s Roberta Vinci cap- losing sequence to nine matches when tured her 10th singles title after she beat second-half tries from Jamie Roberts and Swiss teenager Belinda Bencic 6-4 6-3 George North secured a 27-23 victory. ššKei Nishikori to win the St Petersburg Ladies Trophy. ššSania Mirza, left, and Martina Hingis.

MOTORSPORT Ogier unstoppable at Sweden

RIPLE world champion Sebastien “I’m a lucky man, it’s been a fantastic RESULTS Ogier won the Rally of Sweden rally!” beamed Ogier, who previously 1. Sebastien Ogier (FRA) Volkswagen 1:59:47.4 Tfor a third time in four years to triumphed in the Karlstad-based event 2. Hayden Paddon (NZL) Hyundai at 29.8 consolidate his place atop the drivers’ in 2015 and 2013. 3. Mads Ostberg (NOR) Ford 55.6 championship. “We push ourselves to experience 4. Andreas Mikkelsen (NOR) Volkswagen 01:10.8 The French Volkswagen driver won this. When you win a rally you can only 5. Ott Taenak (EST) Ford 1:50.7 six of the 12 programmed special stages be happy. STANDINGS and the power stage to finish 29.8sec “This wasn’t the easiest, I had to go 1. Sebastien Ogier (FRA) 56 ahead of New Zealand’s Hayden Paddon. on the attack and take a lot of risks.” 2. Andreas Mikkelsen (NOR) 33 Norway’s Mads Ostberg took third Ogier said the penultimate day of 3. Mads Ostberg (NOR) 27 in a Ford Fiesta, a further 25.8sec off the rally in testing conditions had been 4. Hayden Paddon (NZL) 18 5. Dani Sordo (ESP) 18 ššSebastien Ogier competes in the Rally of Sweden. the pace. one of the hardest days of his career. 32 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 33 Movers&Shakers Kaleidoscope All hail the star! LACELESS BOOT OBE Bryant made the biggest highlights interspersed with messages stop of his farewell tour last of thanks from a handful of fellow KSunday as he played the last NBA players. ššJohan Cruyff NBA All-Star Game of a remarkable Bryant announced last November Movie time at career in which he established him- that this would be his final season and self as arguably the best player of his was made the leading vote-getter for Cruyff 2-0 up in Man United generation. his 18th and final All-Star appear- MAKING WAVES Bryant, who said all week he did not ance by fans. war on cancer English Premier League side Ĉ want his fellow players to go easy on “I just want to thank you guys for Ĉadidas never sees such a Manchester United announced a him in his final All-Star Game, was a all of your support for all these years,” UTCH football great Johan Cruyff demand for a football boot partnership with major US film stu- shadow of the player who dominated Bryant told the Toronto crowd and a says he is “2-0 up in the first half” dio 20th Century Fox, which will the NBA’s midseason showcase many global television audience. Dof his fight against lung cancer HE world’s first high-perfor- promote its latest blockbuster mov- times before, but was still the man Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma and confident of winning the battle. mance laceless boot Ace 16+ ies during the club’s home games. of the hour. City Thunder was named the game’s A former smoker who had a heart TPurecontrol from adidas is Throughout the remainder of the Prior to the game’s opening tip, Most Valuable Player for a second con- surgery in 1991, the 68-year-old ex- making big waves as three months 2015-16 season, the club’s digital NBA great Magic Johnson lauded secutive year after leading Bryant’s Barcelona coach was diagnosed with of stock was sold in the space of just perimeter boards and post-match the 37-year-old in between a pair of Western Conference with 31 points cancer in October. seven days. interview backdrops at Old Trafford ššKobe Bryant tribute videos featuring some career in a 196-173 win over the East. “After several medical treatments, I The ground-breaking boot, which will be used to promote films. can say the results have been very pos- made its debut in professional itive, thanks to the excellent work of leagues by star players such as Mesut the doctors, the affection of the people Ozil, Ivan Rakitic, Dele Alli and Oscar Right Beats Ex-Bulgaria and my positive mentality,” said triple recently, has proved to be an unprec- for Chelsea! Midfielder Collison retires Ballon d’Or winner Cruyff. edented hit with amateur players defender Ivanov desperate to get their hands on a pair English Premier League title holders too. adidas has never seen such a high Chelsea signed Beats as their first passes away ORMER West Ham United and demand for a football boot. Official Sound Partner. Wales midfielder Jack Collison Former top cop The only locations fans can still get Beats, founded in ORMER defender Trifon Ivanov, Fretired, aged 27, because of per- their hands on the boots are a limited 2006 by Dr Dre and who was instrumental in helping sistent knee problems. is Thai FA head number of concept stores — Oxford Jimmy Iovine, also FBulgaria reach the 1994 World In a message on West Ham’s web- Street in London, Market Street in agreed a similar deal Cup semifinal, died last week at the site last week, Collison, who signed for FORMER police chief was Manchester, Champs Elysees in Paris with league rivals age of 50 after suffering a heart attack. third-tier Peterborough in 2015, said, elected as president of Thai- and Passeig de Gracia in Barcelona. Arsenal. Meanwhile, The Bulgarian Football Union “It’s hard knowing how to start this... A land’s football association leading French side Marseille announced his death. Ivanov was a But as of tomorrow when I wake up, I’m (FAT), filling a void left by the FIFA renewed their shirt sponsorship deal fearsome sight during his playing no longer Jack Collison, the footballer. suspension of its former boss pending with international sports retail chain career with long hair, a wild beard and As of tomorrow, I’m officially retired.” an ethics investigation. Intersport whose logo will remain on a cold, sinister stare. The centre-back Collison was capped 17 times by Wales Somyot Poompanmuang, who stepped Exercise lowers fall risk for the front of the players’ shirts until was considered one of the Black Sea and made 121 appearances for West down as national police chief last year, the end of 2016-17 campaign. state’s greatest players. He wore the Ham. He progressed from the club’s won 62 of the 72 votes. He was sup- elderly men, says research captain’s armband in the same national academy as a trainee to playing first- ported by several clubs and duty-free team that featured Hristo Stoichkov, team football in the Premier League magnate Vichai Srivaddahanaprabha, Dubai Tennis ties Emil Kostadinov and Luboslav Penev. after joining the club at age 16. ššJack Collison owner of Leicester City. LDER men who strength, in response to the physical up with JP Morgan do moderate activity programme,” said lead author Oexercise sev- Dr Thomas Gill, a professor of geri- Dubai Duty Free Tennis eral times per week may atric medicine at the Yale School of Championships announced an experience fewer injuries and Medicine in Connecticut, the US. extension of its sponsorship with Team nought hospitalisations from falls, a Each year, nearly a third of older international banking giant JP Ethiopian two-time Olympic Belgian Hugo Broos was Olympian Galen Rupp new study suggests. people living in a community setting Morgan. This year’s edition takes champion Meseret Defar named as the new manager made his marathon debut For men and women suffer a fall, with 20 to 30 per cent of place from February 15 to 27 ran the year’s fastest 3,000M of the Cameroon national in memorable style, racing in the mood! as she returned to the track team last week. Former away from 40-year-old Meb combined, the exercise pro- these falls resulting in moderate to at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis for the first time in more international defender Broos Keflezighi to win the US CRICKET team was gramme did not significantly severe injuries. Stadium. than two years at the Boston made his name as a coach Olympic trials in Los Angeles bowled out for nought reduce fall injuries, but in men The researchers used data from indoor Grand Prix last Sunday. in his home country, leading last week. Jared Ward claimed A in just 20 balls to lose a it was associated with reduced the Lifestyle Interventions and The 2004 and 2012 Olympic Club Brugge to two Belgian the final men’s spot for Rio. game by 120 runs, the England risks of serious fall injuries, Independence for Elders study, the 5,000M gold medallist titles in 1992 and 1996, before Amy Cragg, who finished and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) broken bones. largest survey to examine the benefits romped to victory in 8min, steering Anderlecht to the a heartbreaking and non- reported last week. “We also found that men of physical activity in older people. 30.83sec in her first race since championship in 2004. qualifying fourth in the 2012 2013. trials, won the women’s race. The rare result came during had greater improve- The 1,635 participants were sedentary the Kent regional finals of the ments than women adults, aged 70 to 89. They all scored Paris 2024 gets ECB’s national six-a-side champi- in their gait, bal- low on a test of physical performance, onship when the Bapchild team ance and muscle but were able to walk a quarter mile. more support Italian World Cup winner Fabio England international Pakistani umpire Adam Asad Rauf failed to trouble the scorers in Paris’ bid to host the 2024 Olympic Cannavaro was sacked as Johnson has been sacked was handed a five-year ban by an indoor game against Christ Games received an €8m manager of Saudi Arabia’s Al by Premier League side the Indian cricket board (BCCI) Nassr after a four-month spell Sunderland after he pleaded last week over his involvement Church University in Canterbury. injection after sign- Obese people who undergo a certain in charge. His final game was a guilty to sexual activity with in an illegal betting scandal Christ Church spinner Mike Live longer ing up four more kind of weight-loss operation after age 35 4-3 loss to Najran that left the a girl under the age of 16, the that blighted the 2013 Indian Rose told the Crawley Observer sponsors — Caisse may live longer than obese people of the defending champions well off club said last week. “In light of Premier League (IPL) season. after op for newspaper, “We all couldn’t really same age who do not have the surgery, an des Depots, Elior, the pace in sixth place in the Adam Johnson’s guilty pleas, The sixth edition of the league believe it to be honest, bowl- weight loss! American study suggests. JCDecaux and RATP. table with 10 games remaining. the club has terminated his also saw former India paceman ing a team out for 0, especially The findings, reported inJAMA Surgery, The former defender, who has contract with immediate S Sreesanth and two other show the so-called gastric bypass operation played for Juventus and Real effect,” Sunderland said. Rajasthan cricketers given life indoors. I think I was the only is associated with a mortality benefit along Madrid, bans by the BCCI. fielder to touch the ball off the » COURTESY CSM Sport & Entertainment, with its better-known “metabolic” benefits. bat!” www.csm.com, @FastTrack_ME Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 33 Kaleidoscope LACELESS BOOT

Movie time at MAKING WAVES Man United English Premier League side ĈĈadidas never sees such a Manchester United announced a demand for a football boot partnership with major US film stu- dio 20th Century Fox, which will HE world’s first high-perfor- promote its latest blockbuster mov- mance laceless boot Ace 16+ ies during the club’s home games. TPurecontrol from adidas is Throughout the remainder of the making big waves as three months 2015-16 season, the club’s digital of stock was sold in the space of just perimeter boards and post-match seven days. interview backdrops at Old Trafford The ground-breaking boot, which will be used to promote films. made its debut in professional leagues by star players such as Mesut Ozil, Ivan Rakitic, Dele Alli and Oscar Right Beats recently, has proved to be an unprecedented hit with amateur players for Chelsea! desperate to get their hands on a pair English Premier League title holders too. adidas has never seen such a high Chelsea signed Beats as their first demand for a football boot. Official Sound Partner. The only locations fans can still get Beats, founded in their hands on the boots are a limited 2006 by Dr Dre and number of concept stores — Oxford Jimmy Iovine, also Street in London, Market Street in agreed a similar deal Manchester, Champs Elysees in Paris with league rivals and Passeig de Gracia in Barcelona. Arsenal. Meanwhile, leading French side Marseille renewed their shirt sponsorship deal with international sports retail chain Intersport whose logo will remain on Exercise lowers fall risk for the front of the players’ shirts until elderly men, says research the end of 2016-17 campaign. Dubai Tennis ties LDER men who strength, in response to the physical up with JP Morgan do moderate activity programme,” said lead author Oexercise sev- Dr Thomas Gill, a professor of geri- Dubai Duty Free Tennis eral times per week may atric medicine at the Yale School of Championships announced an experience fewer injuries and Medicine in Connecticut, the US. extension of its sponsorship with Team nought hospitalisations from falls, a Each year, nearly a third of older international banking giant JP new study suggests. people living in a community setting Morgan. This year’s edition takes in the mood! For men and women suffer a fall, with 20 to 30 per cent of place from February 15 to 27 combined, the exercise pro- these falls resulting in moderate to at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis CRICKET team was gramme did not significantly severe injuries. Stadium. bowled out for nought reduce fall injuries, but in men The researchers used data from A in just 20 balls to lose a it was associated with reduced the Lifestyle Interventions and game by 120 runs, the England risks of serious fall injuries, Independence for Elders study, the and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) broken bones. largest survey to examine the benefits reported last week. “We also found that men of physical activity in older people. The rare result came during had greater improve- The 1,635 participants were sedentary the Kent regional finals of the ments than women adults, aged 70 to 89. They all scored Paris 2024 gets ECB’s national six-a-side champi- in their gait, bal- low on a test of physical performance, onship when the Bapchild team ance and muscle but were able to walk a quarter mile. more support failed to trouble the scorers in Paris’ bid to host the 2024 Olympic an indoor game against Christ Games received an €8m Church University in Canterbury. injection after sign- Christ Church spinner Mike Live longer Obese people who undergo a certain ing up four more kind of weight-loss operation after age 35 Rose told the Crawley Observer sponsors — Caisse after op for may live longer than obese people of the newspaper, “We all couldn’t really same age who do not have the surgery, an des Depots, Elior, believe it to be honest, bowl- weight loss! American study suggests. JCDecaux and RATP. ing a team out for 0, especially The findings, reported inJAMA Surgery, indoors. I think I was the only show the so-called gastric bypass operation fielder to touch the ball off the is associated with a mortality benefit along » COURTESY CSM Sport & Entertainment, with its better-known “metabolic” benefits. bat!” www.csm.com, @FastTrack_ME 34 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 35

Spot shots Ĉ TOUR OF QATAR DSP/Mohan Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 35 DSP/Mohan 36 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 37

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Fun galore at Jumbo Games SPORT THIS WEEK TOP TWEETS BLAST FROM THE PAST INSTAGLOW Ĉ QATAR PAULINO ALCANTARA Video Home and Jumbo Electronics RIESTRA organised the fourth annual Jumbo 1964 Died on February 13 Games in connection with Qatar’s WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 FOOTBALL Qatar Stars League, Al Gharafa National Sports Day at the Fereej Al SHOOTING vs Al Wakrah, Al Gharafa Wukair playgrounds. Qatar Open Shotgun Stadium, 4.45pm; Al Arabi vs The activities included football, cricket, Championship, 9.30am Al Rayyan, Al Sadd Stadium, 7.15pm. basketball, volleyball, tug-of-war, fun onwards at Losail Shooting Range (till February 26). games, table tennis, carrom and arm HANDBALL wrestling. It was a day filled with fun VOLLEYBALL Qatar League, Al Arabi vs Qatar SC, 5.30pm and Al Gharafa for more than 500 employees. Qatar League, Al Arabi vs Qatar vs Al Wakrah, 7pm at Qatar SC, 5.45pm and Police vs Al sent the details and pho- Handball Association Hall. L S V Perera Gharafa, 7.15pm at Al Arabi tographs. Sports Club. MOTORSPORT Qatar International THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Endurocross, 11am at Sealine. Barcelona took their passing game FOOTBALL SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21 to an entirely-different level when Lionel Messi, one short of 300 goals Qatar Stars League, Al Kharaitiyat vs Mesaimeer, HANDBALL in the Catalan colours, passed the Easy wins for Camels Al Khor Stadium, 4.45pm; Qatar League, El Quiyada ball to Luis Suarez from a penalty. As Lekhwiya vs El Jaish, Al Ahli vs Al Khor, 5.30pm at Qatar the Uruguayan gleefully accepted Stadium, 7.15pm. Camels beat College of North Atlantic Qatar (CNAQ) 54-5 Handball Association Hall. the gift and completed his hat- and Al Khor 42-0 respectively in the Qatar Rugby Sevens HORSERACING TENNIS trick, the world had already started League at the ASPIRE ground last week. Weekly races, 4pm at Qatar Qatar Total Open, 3.30pm talking about Barca’s PlayStation Racing and Equestrian Club. game. Here are some reactions from Lions, Camels II, DRFC Hurricanes, CNAQ and Blue onwards at Khalifa International Tennis Complex Twitter. Falcons are the other teams taking part in the eight- FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19 (till February 27). team competition being organised by the Qatar Rugby ATHLETICS Federation. Asian Indoor Championships, The matches are played on Saturdays. 9am onwards at Aspire Dome Gary Lineker (till Sunday). @GaryLineker “It’s really good to play rugby in Qatar and help develop FOOTBALL Odd that so many think Messi’s the sport,” said Camels captain Iliesa Rakabu. penalty to Suarez is disrespectful. In other matches, Khor defeated Blue Falcons 26-0 while Qatar Stars League, Al Khor vs Al Sadd, Al Khor Stadium, Disrespectful to who? It was AULINO Alcantara Riestra, whose 52nd death anniversary was DRFC Hurricanes held Camels II 17-17 and later defeated 4.45pm; Qatar SC vs Al Ahli, fun. Football should be fun & observed on February 13, was one of Barcelona’s earliest icons. Samla Desert Lions 26-0. Qatar SC Stadium, 4.45pm; entertaining. Umm Salal vs Al Sailiya, Qatar P Riestra, born in the Philippines to a Spanish military officer Extreme Trek Samuel Rico sent the details and photograph. SC Stadium, 7.15pm. father and a Filipino mother on October 7, 1896, was the club’s young- Dave Phillips est-ever debutant at 15 years, four months and 18 days. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20 @lovefutebol on April 9 With an amazing haul of 357 goals from as many appearances, he is BASKETBALL If that Messi-Suarez penalty was a tribute to Cruyff, that’s some tribute. one of the leading scorers in Barcelona history. The Second Samla Desert Extreme Trek Qatar League Play-off, El Jaish vs Al Rayyan, 5pm; Al Sadd vs Riestra proved to be a pioneering figure in more aspects than one. No will be held on April 9. The four-day event, Al Gharafa 7pm, at Al Gharafa michael owen Asian player before him had ever represented a European club, and few which is open only to Qataris, covers Indoor Hall. @themichaelowen since have come close to matching his extraordinary achievements. He 172km starting from the historical site of I don’t think I’ve ever seen football was also the youngest player to score for Barcelona in a competitive fix- played so well. #Barca Zubara and finishing in Ezba. ture when he found the target against Catala SC in the Catalan football The participants will have to navigate Ĉ 9 1 8 5 INTERNATIONAL Brighty championship in his debut match on February 25, 1912. by following course markers through a @Mark__Bright 2 7 Alcantara,1 4 who made his debut with Catalunya team in 1915, also number of checkpoints. The event car- Messi just missed a penalty.... 4 Well 5 1 9 2 3played for Philippines and Spanish national teams. He got his nickname ries a total prize money of QR1.35m, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20 he passed it to Suarez for a Hatrick. ‘El Rompe Redes’ or ‘Trencaxarxes’ (the net breaker) after he broke the with QR500,000 going to the winner. Good luck Arsenal. @IsaiahBright4 4 6 FOOTBALL ALPINE SKIING net with a shot during a match against France in 1922. Sulieman Khwaiter, who won the event Champions League, last 16, Women’s downhill at La Thuile. 4 1 in its inaugural edition in 2014, has con- 1st leg. CRICKET firmed his entry. 3 8 2 TENNIS New Zealand vs Australia, Athena Kartalou sent the details and ATP at Marseille, Rio and Delray 2nd Test at Christchurch (till 4 1 7 5 photograph. Beach; WTA at Dubai and Rio February 24). 7 8 4 (till Sunday). SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18 5 1 7 2 3 ALPINE SKIING SUDOKU-512 FOOTBALL Women’s World Cup super-G Europa League, last 32, 1st leg. at La Thuile 9 1 8 5 GOLF CRICKET EPGA and Asia Tour at South Africa vs England, 2nd Sudoku is a 2 7 1 4 ЂЂWho is the only African player to win Maybank Championships, T20I at Johannesburg. number-placing Solution-511 the FIFA World Player of the Year award? Kuala Lumpur; USPGA at Northern Trust Open, Pacific SKI JUMPING puzzle based on 4 5 1 9 2 3 Palisades; LPGA at ISPS Men’s World Cup at Lahti. a 9x9 grid with 1 4 7 2 6 8 5 9 3 Women’s Australian Open, several given 4 6 Adelaide (till Sunday). MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22 numbers. The 8 9 5 3 4 1 6 7 2 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19 TENNIS object is to place Name the numbers 1 to 6 2 3 7 5 9 4 8 1 4 1 ALPINE SKIING ATP at Acapulco, Dubai and Sao Paulo; WTA at Acapulco 9 in the empty 5 7 9 8 2 3 1 4 6 SEND YOUR ANSWER TO Men’s World Cup combined at (till February 28). squares so that 3 8 2 Phone No Chamonix. [email protected] TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23 each row, each 2 8 4 5 1 6 7 3 9 CRICKET column and each 3 6 1 4 9 7 8 2 5 4 1 7 5 and be the lucky winner to get e mail South Africa vs England, 1st FOOTBALL 3x3 box contains three months’ subscription of T20I at Cape Town. Champions League, last 16 the same number 7 3 6 9 8 5 2 1 4 first leg. only once. 7 8 4 DSP magazine for free. SKI JUMPING 9 5 2 1 7 4 3 6 8 Men’s and women’s World Cup SKI JUMPING at Lahti. Men’s World Cup at Kuopia. 4 1 8 6 3 2 9 5 7 5 1 7 2 3

1 4 7 2 6 8 5 9 3 8 9 5 3 4 1 6 7 2 6 2 3 7 5 9 4 8 1 5 7 9 8 2 3 1 4 6 2 8 4 5 1 6 7 3 9 3 6 1 4 9 7 8 2 5 7 3 6 9 8 5 2 1 4 9 5 2 1 7 4 3 6 8 4 1 8 6 3 2 9 5 7 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 37

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SPORT THIS WEEK TOP TWEETS BLAST FROM THE PAST INSTAGLOW

PAULINO ALCANTARA RIESTRA 1964 Died on February 13

Barcelona took their passing game to an entirely-different level when Lionel Messi, one short of 300 goals in the Catalan colours, passed the ball to Luis Suarez from a penalty. As the Uruguayan gleefully accepted the gift and completed his hat- trick, the world had already started talking about Barca’s PlayStation game. Here are some reactions from Twitter.

Gary Lineker @GaryLineker Odd that so many think Messi’s penalty to Suarez is disrespectful. Disrespectful to who? It was AULINO Alcantara Riestra, whose 52nd death anniversary was fun. Football should be fun & observed on February 13, was one of Barcelona’s earliest icons. entertaining. P Riestra, born in the Philippines to a Spanish military officer father and a Filipino mother on October 7, 1896, was the club’s young- Dave Phillips est-ever debutant at 15 years, four months and 18 days. @lovefutebol If that Messi-Suarez penalty was a With an amazing haul of 357 goals from as many appearances, he is tribute to Cruyff, that’s some tribute. one of the leading scorers in Barcelona history. Riestra proved to be a pioneering figure in more aspects than one. No michael owen Asian player before him had ever represented a European club, and few @themichaelowen since have come close to matching his extraordinary achievements. He I don’t think I’ve ever seen football was also the youngest player to score for Barcelona in a competitive fix- played so well. #Barca ture when he found the target against Catala SC in the Catalan football 9 1 8 5 Brighty championship in his debut match on February 25, 1912. @Mark__Bright 2 7 Alcantara,1 4 who made his debut with Catalunya team in 1915, also Messi just missed a penalty.... 4 Well 5 1 9 2 3played for Philippines and Spanish national teams. He got his nickname he passed it to Suarez for a Hatrick. ‘El Rompe Redes’ or ‘Trencaxarxes’ (the net breaker) after he broke the Good luck Arsenal. @IsaiahBright4 4net with 6 a shot during a match against France in 1922. 4 1 3 8 2 4 1 7 5 7 8 4 SUDOKU-512 5 1 7 2 3 9 1 8 5

Sudoku is a 2 7 1 4 number-placing Solution-511 puzzle based on 4 5 1 9 2 3 a 9x9 grid with 1 4 7 2 6 8 5 9 3 several given 4 6 numbers. The 8 9 5 3 4 1 6 7 2 object is to place the numbers 1 to 6 2 3 7 5 9 4 8 1 4 1 9 in the empty 5 7 9 8 2 3 1 4 6 squares so that 3 8 2 each row, each 2 8 4 5 1 6 7 3 9 column and each 3 6 1 4 9 7 8 2 5 4 1 7 5 3x3 box contains the same number 7 3 6 9 8 5 2 1 4 only once. 7 8 4 9 5 2 1 7 4 3 6 8 4 1 8 6 3 2 9 5 7 5 1 7 2 3

1 4 7 2 6 8 5 9 3 8 9 5 3 4 1 6 7 2 6 2 3 7 5 9 4 8 1 5 7 9 8 2 3 1 4 6 2 8 4 5 1 6 7 3 9 3 6 1 4 9 7 8 2 5 7 3 6 9 8 5 2 1 4 9 5 2 1 7 4 3 6 8 4 1 8 6 3 2 9 5 7 38 Wednesday, February 17, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Hearsay ALL SPORTS, ONE STADIUM Barcelona star Neymar does not rule out PSG move

ARIS Saint-Germain captain what I’ll do.’” Thiago Silva admitted he asked Silva preferred Neymar to Cristiano PNeymar to join the club, some- Ronaldo. Simeone agrees thing the Barcelona forward did not “It’s a difficult choice,” said the rule out. 31-year-old. Chelsea contract Silva said he spoke to Neymar about “Could we’ve the two? Seriously, a possible move on the sidelines of they’re both world-class players. TLETICO Madrid coach Diego the Ballon d’Or gala last month. “Cristiano has a little more expe- Simeone has informed the “I said to him ‘Come and play with rience than Neymar. But Neymar is ALa Liga powerhouse that he me in Paris,’” Silva was quoted as say- only 24 and he’s already at the top. I would leave the club at the end of the ing in the French daily Le Parisien. think that next year, or the year after, season having agreed a deal to take “He laughed a little, but he didn’t he’ll be the best player in the world over at Chelsea, according to Spanish react. He said, ‘We’ll see what hap- if Messi leaves his spot. newspaper OK Diario. pens, we’ll continue like this and at “I’m like his big brother because The story of Simeone moving to the end of the season you’ll know I’m also Brazilian,” said Silva. Chelsea has been doing the rounds in the Spanish Press for the last few days. Recently, Spanish daily El Confidencial also reported that Simeone was a top target for the Blues. Terry will be a big hit Roman Abramovich has been a big fan of Simeone for some time, with El Confidencial saying the Argentinian’s Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution in Qatar Stars League name has been placed in the Chelsea P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. owner’s “top draw” for a while. Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 According to the OK Diario, Simeone e-mail: [email protected] IANFRANCO Zola believes ideal destination for Terry. has agreed terms with the Blues and is former Chelsea team-mate Zola, voted Chelsea’s greatest ever set to earn €12m a season at Stamford Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 GJohn Terry would be a huge player in 2003, said, “When we talk Bridge, which is double his wages with www.facebook.com/dohastadium www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar e-mail: [email protected] hit in Qatar if he decides to end his about John Terry, we’re talking about the Rojiblancos. time at Stamford Bridge. a big player, big name and I believe It has also been widely reported that Blues skipper Terry has hinted he a player of this stature isn’t of inter- Simeone is taking English lessons ahead may be off in the summer after failing est only for a team, but also for the of his arrival to the Premier League. to receive an offer of a new deal fol- whole league. lowing 18 years with the Londoners. “I believe the Qatar league wants to The 35-year-old former England grow bigger so I believe there might captain has been linked with a move be interest not only from Al Arabi, but City to step in for Pogba TO OUR PUBLICATION to the MLS, but Al Arabi manager Zola there might be interest from all the says the Qatari League would be an Qatar league.” Manchester City may step in to sign Juventus Media has already linked him to a midfielderPaul Pogba after Barcelona pulled out of Subscribe a world-record deal, according to Mirror. Yes, send Doha Stadium Plus to me big-money move to Al Arabi, who are Pep Guardiola, who will take over Manchester fourth in the Qatar Stars League. City in July, is expected to spend big on new However, Zola has warned they would players. Pogba’s £250,000 per week should not be a Name: ...... face competition from other emerging problem for the Abu Dhabi-owned club. markets for Terry’s services. European champions Barcelona were expected Company: ...... “He has been linked not only to Qatar, to rope in the France international at the end of the he has been linked also to the MLS, to season in a deal approximately worth £85m. But Address: ...... the Catalans have decided not to splash such huge China.” he added. “It’s more difficult money. Telephone: ...... for any league if there is a league like Instead, Barcelona are more interested in signing Sampaoli to China which has invested so much a central defender, with Paris Saint-Germain’s money. It will be more competition for Marquinhos and Athletic Bilbao’s Aymeric Laporte move to Qatar Fax: ...... Qatar, for leagues in Europe.” being on their wishlist. RGENTINIAN coach Jorge Sam- e-mail: ...... paoli is likely to take over one Aof the leading clubs in Qatar. Payment can be made by cash, cheque or DD payable to Estad Al Doha. The club, which won many titles in the Top cricketers to play in Doha last few seasons, could not reproduce its good work this time. The relative inexperience of the SIX MONTHS ONE YEAR QR 50 (26 ISSUES) QR 100 (52 ISSUES) T COULD be good times for cricket currently competing in the Pakistan club’s young coach has been pointed fans in Doha as a World XI featur- Super League Twenty20 tournament out as one of the reasons for its poor SEND THIS TO Iing the likes of former England star in Dubai and Sharjah, will be revealed show. Sampaoli, who helped South batsman Kevin Pietersen is expected soon. 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Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 e-mail: [email protected] Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 www.facebook.com/dohastadium www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar e-mail: [email protected]

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SIX MONTHS ONE YEAR QR 50 (26 ISSUES) QR 100 (52 ISSUES) SEND THIS TO The Distribution Manager, Doha Stadium Plus P O Box: 24598, Tel: +974 44138527/44138567, Fax:+974 44138592/44138597, e-mail: [email protected] WEDNESDAY, FEbruArY 17, 2016 VOLuME XI ISSuE NO.2 Qr2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

P 6 | FOOTBALL P 22 | ATHLETICS WE WON’T LET YOU DREAMS UNLIMITED! BATTLE FOR SUPREMACY QATAR’S FIRST Aspire Football Dreams regain the High jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim is to ENGLISH SPORTS Al Kass Under-17 International Cup, lead Qatar’s charge at the seventh GET AWAY FROM THE GAME WEEKLY beating Real Madrid in the final. edition of Asian Indoor Championships. FOLLOW US Catch every pulse of action... Stay tuned www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com RED BRIGADE Ahmed Nehawi nets the all-important goal as Gianfranco Zola’s Al Arabi stun champions Lekhwiya to move back into the top four in the Qatar Stars League. PAGES 8-9