NBA | Page 6 OLYMPICS | Page 9 Westbrook Brazil in leads chaos with Thunder 100 days to over Mavs go for Rio

Wednesday, April 27, 2016 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Rajab 20, 1437 AH Torres hopes to GULF TIMES take revenge on Bayern Munich for Atletico’s 1974 agony SPORT Page 2

SPOTLIGHT Qatar names its biggest and strongest Olympic contingent for Rio Games ‘With 100 days to go for Rio 2016, we hope that our nation will unite in support of Team Qatar and celebrate their incredible feats in the true spirit of Olympism. Through our Rio 2016 social media campaign, we aim to shine a spotlight on the lives of our Olympians to show the amount of training, dedication and commitment that goes into elite sport and share their dreams with our country’

By Sports Reporter Doha

ith just 100 days to go un- til the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) yester- Wday announced the line-up of athletes that have qualifi ed to represent Team Qatar. Qatar is at least sending 34 ath- letes from six federations to face the rest of the world in Brazil. Speaking at the countdown event, Qatar Olympic Committee Secretary General Dr Thani Abdelrahman al- Kuwari said: “Each of our athletes have performed exceptionally well to simply qualify for the Olympic Games and we are proud of what each and every one of them have achieved. “With 100 days to go for Rio 2016, we hope that our nation will unite in support of Team Qatar and celebrate their incredible feats in the true spirit of Olympism. Through our Rio 2016 social media campaign, we aim to shine a spotlight on the lives of our Olym- pians to show the amount of training, dedication and commitment that goes into elite sport and share their Olympic dreams with our country. We cannot wait for the Games to begin.” Talking about the number of female athletes for the Rio games, he said: “I think the number will increase.” Four female athletes represented Qa- tar at London in 2012 and senior mem- bers of the team said they hoped to im- prove on that fi gure in Brazil. With qualifi cation deadline in some events on till July, Qatar’s chef de mis- sion to Rio, Mohamed al-Fadala, said two female athletes would defi nitely compete in Brazil and they were trying to fi nalise others. “It could be more, there are still some qualifi cation events left. We hope to get more athletes to go to Rio,” said Fadala. The QOC is encouraging the whole nation to get behind the country’s ath- Qatar Olympic Committee Secretary General Dr Thani al-Kuwari (2nd right) with swimmers Nada Arkaji (right) and Noah al-Khulaifi (left) at the event to mark the 100 days countdown to Rio Games yesterday. letes through a social media campaign that it hopes will connect the public to portant. You feel like you’ve got the na- ble World junior champion in hammer Under the banner of #YallaQatar, Team Qatar and raise awareness about tion behind your back and it really helps throw, Ashraf Elseify, 2016 World In- each team and athlete will be profi led what it takes to be an Olympian. to give you a mental push.” door 400m silver medallist Adelalelah through the QOC’s ‘Olympic Dreams’ Team Qatar contains signifi cant One of Qatar’s fi rst-ever female Ol- Haroun, and current 100m Asian record fi lm series, which will be released regu- strength and depth with reigning world ympians, Nada Arkaji, will also be re- holder Femi Ogunode, creating a six- larly on the QOC’s social media chan- and Olympic medallists amongst its turning for her second consecutive strong team and showing the excep- nels over the next 100 days. ranks. Nasser al-Attiyah, who won the Olympic Games when she competes in tional progress that Qatar has made in The campaign kicks off with a special bronze in skeet shooting at London the 200m freestyle and 100m butterfl y athletics development in recent years. ‘100 Days To Go’ fi lm which gives a taste 2012, will return for his sixth consecu- swimming events. Making their Olympic debuts will be of what is to come from the series. Ex- tive Olympics. Speaking about being an inspiration the men’s Handball team, who won the ploring the highs, lows, motivations and Fellow London 2012 Olympic bronze to young females from Qatar, Arkaji 2015 World Championship silver medal, dreams of Team Qatar, the campaign will medallist, Mutaz Barshim–who in said: “Being the fi rst Qatari woman to and the Equestrian jumping team, who give a real insight into each Qatari ath- 2014 was just 2cm away from Javier represent my country in the Olympics qualifi ed when they won the second lete that will compete at Rio 2016. Sotomayor of Cuba’s 23-year-old world was such a great honour and gives me stage of the FEI Nations Cup in Abu Speaking about his Olympic dreams, record–also returns to action in Rio. such pride. I want to inspire a lot of Dhabi last year. Noah al-Khulaifi said: “At the Kazan Speaking about the Olympic experi- women, especially from the younger The youngest member of Team Qatar World Championships last year, I had an ence, Barshim said: “Olympics is the generation to be the best they can be. at just 16 years old is promising young interesting experience because I didn’t greatest sports event in the universe. I encourage them to not be afraid and swimmer Noah al-Khulaifi , who is cur- do as well as I’d have liked but from that Rio is going to be my second Olympics take risks. They should just be confi - rently juggling school with his Olym- I got a lot of good things and that’s why and I’m really excited to go there and dent and do what they love.” pic career. The other Qatari Rio 2016 I think I managed to push through and represent my country for a second time. Other returning London 2012 Ol- Olympians are Rashid Hamad and Li get to a higher level. It feels incredible That’s really big. I’m looking forward to ympians include reigning Asian cham- Peng, who will compete in skeet shoot- to be going to my fi rst Olympic Games it and I want to go there, perform well pions Musaeb Balla and Mohamed al- ing and table tennis respectively. as a teenager. My goals are to do per- and represent my country in the best Garni, who will compete in the 800m Rio 2016 qualifi cation is open until sonal best times and maybe something way possible. To get the support of eve- and 1500m respectively. Qatar’s ath- July so there are still further qualifi ca- special that no one else in Qatar or even Ace rally driver and shooter Nasser al-Attiyah, who won the bronze in skeet ryone from around Qatar is really im- letics team will be completed by dou- tion opportunities for Team Qatar. in the Middle East has ever done.” shooting at London 2012, will be competing in his sixth consecutive Olympics. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ATLETICO VS BAYERN, 9:45PM COMPARISON Atletico run mirrors Leicester journey: Atletico out to take Felipe Luis revenge on Bayern for 1974 agony

Torres will lead the charge against Bayern in the Champions League semi-finals for Atletico Madrid’s Argentinian coach Diego Simeone (C) takes part in an Atletico side determined to take revenge for their agony in the 1974 final a training session at Atletico de Madrid’s sport city. Reuters earned 477 million euros, while Madrid the other teams in the last four— Real Madrid and Manchester City—earned 557 million euros tletico Madrid defender 463.5 million euros. Filipe Luis sees similar- Leicester, seven points clear ities between his side’s at the top of the Premier League run to the Champions with three games left, were LeagueA semi-fi nals and Leicester ranked 24th with 137 million City’s stunning march towards euros and were the 12th highest the English Premier League title. English team featured in the re- Leicester are on the brink of port. completing a surreal journey Barcelona, stunned by Atletico from 5,000-1 no-hopers to Eng- in the Champions League quar- lish champions after Tottenham ter-fi nals, received 560 million Hotspur’s 1-1 draw with West euros in 2014/15. Bromwich Albion on Monday left Filipe Luis said a ‘team-fi rst’ the Foxes needing just one win to ethic had helped Atletico level clinch the title. the playing fi eld. Just as Leicester have defi ed “We don’t have a megastar, we the odds and left big spenders have a team where everyone runs, like Chelsea, Arsenal, Manches- everyone fi ghts for the player ter City and United trailing in next to them, and that makes us their wake, Atletico have over- stronger,” he added. come a lack of spending power “The team thinks a lot collec- compared to their Champions tively, nobody thinks individual- League rivals to reach the semis. ly, that’s the most positive things “Look at what is happening that we have. this year with Leicester, they “We’ve had a lot of bad and are a modest team and are al- good moments in the season and most champions in the Premier now we are stable, we have play- League,” said Filipe Luis on Mon- ers who are getting better and day. better.” “Epic things happen in foot- Filipe Luis said striker Antoine ball. Although there’s a diff er- Griezmann, Atletico’s top scorer ence in our budgets we are the with 29 goals in all competitions, team that plays most as a team.” was a prime example of a player According to the Deloitte working for the team. Money League, which ranked the “His principal quality is his world’s richest football teams humility, he never puts himself according to revenues for the ahead of the team.” added the 2014-15 season, Atletico earned Brazilian defender. 187 million euros ($210.68 mil- “He scores a lot of goals, he is lion). very calm in front of goal, he nev- Atletico Madrid’s forward Fernando Torres takes part in a training session at Atletico de Madrid’s sport city in Majadahonda near Madrid yesterday. Bayern Munich, Atletico’s er stops improving and there’s no opponents in the semi-fi nals, limit to how good he can be.” DPA desperate long shot, which shouldn’t He recently scored his 100th goal for off an unlikely league-and-cup double in Madrid have troubled experienced keeper Miguel Atletico then got on the scoresheet in fi ve 1996, when he was 12. Reina. consecutive games, a personal record for The leader of the 1996 team was nev- MOVING ON But Reina inexplicably let the ball un- him. er-say-die midfi eld workhorse Diego oday’s Champions League semi- der his body, and the 1-1 draw led to a Torres, 32, scored the crucial away goal Simeone, the man who has transformed fi nal fi rst leg between Atletico replay two nights later in which weary for Atletico in a 2-1 defeat at Barcelona Atletico in the past four years from the Madrid and Bayern Munich will Atletico collapsed 4-0. in the quarter-fi nals, though missed the bench - and the man who persuaded Dortmund CEO be a special occasion for the “It was an awful moment in my ca- second leg - in which Griezmann stepped Torres to return to the club in 2015, after a TSpanish capital’s second team. reer,” Reina recalled recently. forward and scored twice in a memorable bleak spell at Milan. Atletico have been waiting 42 years for “I felt really bad for ages afterwards. I 2-0 win - after being sent off in Barce- “Simeone is a wonderful coach,” expects Hummels the chance to take revenge on Bayern for still don’t know how I let that shot go in.” lona straight after his goal. Torres said recently. one of the most painful moments in the Reina - who is the father of Napoli and Indeed, his form is currently so good “He is the personifi cation of the club’s turbulent history. Spain keeper Pepe Reina - will be hoping that he is being tipped for a return to the Atletico spirit. He really knows how to to join Bayern That moment occurred on May 15, 1974, that Atletico take full revenge on Bayern Spain side, that he so successfully helped fi re us up and how to make us believe in in the old Heysel Stadium in Brussels, when Wednesday - and in the second leg in at the 2010 World Cup and at the 2008 ourselves.” Atletico were seemingly on their way to Munich May 3. and 2012 Euros. Torres knows full well how keen the AFP their fi rst European Cup triumph, leading Leading the charge for that revenge “It would be wonderful to have Fern- Atletico family is to avenge Bayern for Dortmund Bayern 1-0 in the fi nal thanks to an ex- will be veteran striker Fernando Torres ando back in the team, if his current that 1974 defeat. quisite extra-time free-kick from veteran and youngster Antoine Griezmann. form continues,” Spain coach Vicente del “I obviously wasn’t around then but playmaker Luis Aragones. Torres is fi nally running into good form Bosque said last week. I have seen the fi lm and heard the hor- orussia Dortmund boss However, with just 20 seconds left on 15 months after his return to Atletico, the Torres hails from a dyed-in-the-wool ror stories a thousand times ... Atletico Hans-Joachim Watzke the click, disaster struck for poor Atletico. club of his heart where he started his ca- Atletico family in the southern Madrid should really have won the Champions says he expects Germa- Bayern defender Georg Schwartzen- reer and played until leaving for Liver- suburb of Fuenlabrada, and has fond (trophy) in 1974, we were just seconds ny defender Mats Hum- beck let fl y with a speculative, almost pool in 2007. memories of seeing his beloved team pull away from victory.” melsB will join Bayern Munich next season. Watzke is battling to keep Hum- BOTTOMLINE mels at Borussia and the club cap- tain is one of three stars—along- side Ilkay Gundogan and Henrikh Mkhitaryan—who are all out of File picture of Mats Hummels of contract in June 2017. Borussia Dortmund. Gundogan is almost certain to join Manchester City next season. “He still has unfi nished busi- Bayern off to begin ‘Mission Milan’ His agent met City’s direc- ness with the club (Bayern Mu- tor of sport Txiki Begiristain in nich). His father, his mother and AFP “They have a big heart and Amsterdam last month, while his brother all live in Munich. Milan a very good mentality. This reports in the UK media claim “His girlfriend comes from is a top, top team. They a fi ve-year contract has already Munich, he’s from Munich too— are very, very dangerous,” been signed. so a whole lot of components ayern Munich jetted warned Bayern’s Guardiola, Hummels has admitted he is have already come together.” off to Spain hoping to who needs a good result weighing up an off er, most likely Watzke says he can under- realise their dreams of in Madrid ahead of next from Bayern, while Mkhitaryan stand Hummels’ deliberations. reaching the Champi- Tuesday’s return has been linked to Chelsea, al- “We have to accept when some- onsB League fi nal ahead of today’s though he is the one most likely one like Mats, who has already semi-fi nal, fi rst-leg, against Rummenigge before boarding to stay. played for Borussia Dortmund for “very, very dangerous” Atletico the plane at Munich airport. Watzke says he expects to lose eight years, is 27 and would come Madrid. “Any team who can shut out some—but not all three—of his to think: “Am I going to play for Boosted by their passionate Barcelona has a lot of quality. stars. “I don’t believe that we will Borussia Dortmund for my en- fans, Atletico’s Vicente Calderon “This team can hurt anyone have all contracts extended and tire career, or will I do something stadium is set to off er an intense and be very unpleasant to play that all three will play here next else?” said Watzke. challenge to Bayern with a place against.” year,” Watzke told Sky. However, the Borussia boss in this year’s fi nal on May 28 in Bayern excited the 2014 “But it is completely out of told Munich-based newspaper Milan at stake. Champions League semi-fi nals the question that all three won’t Sueddeutsche Zeitung he would Diego Simeone’s Atletico will with a crushing defeat to even- play for Borussia Dortmund next “fi ght for Mat, like I have never provide Pep Guardiola with an tual winners Real Madrid, then season.” before fought for a player.” acid test in his third and fi nal succumbed to Barcelona at the Hummels joined Dortmund One Bayern star Watzke would year in charge of Bayern before same stage of last year’s compe- from Bayern in 2008 after failing like to see playing in the Black and coaching Manchester City. Bayern Munich’s Arturo Vidal attends training prior to Champions League semi-final against Atletico. tition. to break into the fi rst team there. Yellow shirt again is Germany’s The 45-year-old has seen his Having again drawn Spanish Having already lost Robert World Cup winner Goetze, who Bavarian giants knocked out by good result in Madrid ahead of time since January after a groin down a gauntlet in the quarter- opposition, Bayern are hoping Lewandowski to Bayern Munich left in 2013 for 37 million euros, Spanish opposition at the semi- next Tuesday’s return at the Al- injury. fi nals by knocking out last year’s to make it third time lucky and on a free transfer in 2014, after but has failed to make an impact in fi nal stage in both of his previous lianz Arena. “I am ready and I’m there to winners Barcelona while Bayern they expect a battle royal against Mario Goetze had left for the Ba- Munich. “He came up through the two full seasons in charge. “I know exactly how special help the team,” he said on a pos- are bidding to win the European Atletico’s miserly defence which varians in 2013, Dortmund are youth teams with and he highly “They have a big heart and Atletico’s team is and with how sible inclusion in Bayern’s bid crown for the sixth time. has leaked just 16 goals in La Liga eager to avoid seeing Hummels regarded—also by me personally. a very good mentality. This is much determination they play.” to repeat their 2013 treble of “Of course we have a goal this season. follow suit, but Watzke is realistic. If he came on the market and we a top, top team. They are very, Bayern’s Germany defender Champions League, Bundesliga and that’s to reach the fi nal and “We have our eyes wide open,” “I believe that if he (Hummels) received a signal that he was in- very dangerous,” warned Bay- Jerome Boateng could return to and German Cup titles. continue living this dream,” said said Germany forward Thomas goes, it will be in the direction of terested to come back to us, we’d ern’s Guardiola, who needs a the starting line-up for the fi rst Simeone’s Atletico threw Bayern’s chairman Karl-Heinz Mueller. Munich,” said Watzke. discuss it,” he said. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 27, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT IN SHORT

Leicester’s Jamie Vardy given one-game ban Leicester City striker Jamie improper conduct following Vardy will miss his side’s his second-half dismissal Leicester one win potential title decider at against West Ham United on Manchester United on Sunday Sunday 17 April 2016.” after accepting a misconduct England international Vardy, charge, England’s Football 29, is Leicester’s top scorer Association announced this season with 22 league yesterday. goals. Vardy, who has also been But Leonardo Ulloa proved fined £10,000 ($14,540, 12,890 himself an able deputy by away from an euros), was charged after scoring twice in the win over reacting angrily to being sent Swansea and is expected to off following a second yellow keep his place against United. card for diving in Leicester’s Leicester have also been fined recent 2-2 draw with West £20,000 after accepting an Ham United. FA charge of failing to ensure He missed last Sunday’s their players conducted them- 4-0 win over Swansea City selves in an orderly fashion ‘incredible’ triumph through suspension and over their angry reaction to will also have to sit out this a West Ham penalty award in weekend’s trip to Old Traff ord, the same game. ‘Leicester can win the title at Old Traff ord... it sounds incredible. I’m covering it on the radio where Leicester can claim Leicester are seven points their first league title if they clear of second-place Totten- and there are three of us going up in the car. If they win, it won’t be me driving home’ win. ham Hotspur, whose 1-1 draw “Following an Independent at home to West Bromwich Regulatory Commission hear- Albion on Monday left Claudio ing, Jamie Vardy has been Ranieri’s side needing just given a one-match suspension three points to secure the title. with immediate eff ect, fined After visiting United on Sun- £10,000 and warned as to his day, Leicester host Everton in future conduct,” the FA said in their final home game before a statement. travelling to outgoing cham- “The Leicester City forward pions Chelsea on the season’s had accepted an FA charge of last day.

In love with England, Mahrez rules out PSG move Leicester City forward Riyad 1 outsiders according to Mahrez is convinced his future bookmakers to win the league lies in England and has ruled at the start of the season, are out a move to French cham- now within touching distance pions Paris St Germain this of a fairytale first English summer. league title, needing only The 25-year-old, who joined one win from their last three Leicester from Ligue 2 club games. Le Havre in 2014, has been Mahrez felt the desire within one of the Premier League’s the squad has propelled them standout performers so far, to greater heights. with 17 goals and 11 assists in “We are fighters. And when 34 league appearances this I say to you ‘fighters’, I have season. never seen anything like The Algerian was named Eng- this in my life. The guys are lish soccer’s player of the year hungry like crazy and they by the Professional Football- let nothing go,” Mahrez ers’ Association on Sunday, told French magazine Onze the first Leicester player and Mondial. first African to win the honour. “You blast a shot straight into “Even today I am not too a guy’s face and he doesn’t excited about the prospect even flinch.” of PSG. It is my town, but I do Claudio Ranieri’s men will not see myself going back,” hope to wrap up the title when Mahrez told British media. they travel to take on fifth- “I don’t really want to go back placed Manchester United, to France. France does not re- who have won their last six File picture of Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri. ally excite me, I love England.” league games at Old Traff ord, Leicester, who were 5,000- on Sunday.

AFP people’s eyes, it is done and dusted,” as the ‘Tinkerman’ when he fi rst made best-known supporter is that it looks as Leicester’s fairy tale saddles Leicester former Leicester defender Matt Elliott his name in English football as Chelsea if he may have to make good on a prom- told BBC Radio Five. manager from 2000-04. ise to present the BBC’s fl agship Match of bookmakers with biggest loss in “Leicester can win the title at Old But under the Italian’s guidance the likes the Day football programme in his under- eicester will complete an “in- Traff ord... it sounds incredible. I’m cov- of Algeria winger Riyad Mahrez, named pants if the Foxes win the title. Premier League history credible” Premier League title ering it on the radio and there are three last week as the Professional Footballers’ “I’ve kind of said I’ll have to do it,” The bookmaking industry fac- est individual payout after he triumph and be crowned cham- of us going up in the car. If they win, it Association Player of the Year, and leading Lineker told the Radio Times magazine es its biggest loss in Premier wagered 75 pounds at 1,500-1 pions of England for the fi rst time won’t be me driving home.” scorer Jamie Vardy have enjoyed the best in an interview published yesterday. “I’ve League history with Leicester just a few weeks into the Lin their history if they beat Manchester This season has seen Midlands club seasons of their careers, with the Foxes told them many times, ‘Please tell me I City just one win away from campaign, it said. He has not United at Old Traff ord on Sunday. Leicester leave established Premier all-action game proving hard to resist in can’t do it’. clinching a shock first title, cashed out and so now stands Tottenham Hotspur, the only team who League giants such as Manchester City, a campaign where they’ve lost just three “When I sent the tweet in December I major bookmaker William Hill to win 112,500 pounds. can deny the Midlands club the title, lost Arsenal and defending champions Chel- league games to date. categorically knew there was zero chance said yesterday. In total, William Hill face a final ground with a 1-1 draw at home to West sea well behind them. that (Leicester) would win.” So unexpected was their title payout of a little over three Bromwich Albion on Monday that meant Owned by Thai billionaire Vichai Sri- RANIERI REALLY Leicester will be without Vardy at Old chase that William Hill had million pounds if Leicester they were seven points behind with three vaddhanaprabha, Leicester have already When Leicester appointed Ranieri, life- Traff ord after the Football Association quoted Leicester as 5,000- beat Manchester United at Old games left to play. qualifi ed for the Champions League for long Foxes fan and former England striker gave him an additional one-match ban on 1 outsiders at the start of Traff ord on Sunday. Even if Leicester, 5,000/1 rank out- the fi rst time in a season where only the Gary Lineker, who started his career with Tuesday for improper conduct following the season. Now the loss to “We stand to lose a small siders in pre-season to win the Premier three promoted clubs—Watford, Nor- his hometown club, tweeted: “Claudio his red card against West Ham. bookmakers stands at some fortune if Leicester do what League after narrowly avoiding relega- wich and Bournemouth—started at long- Ranieri, really?” But they were without the England 10 million pounds ($14.55 everybody must now be tion last term, slip up at Old Traff ord the er odds to win the Premier League. Lineker subsequently admitted: “Oh forward last weekend as well and still million), William Hill said in a expecting them to do. 5,000-1 Foxes will still be in pole position to fi nish Foxes manager Claudio Ranieri, who how wrong I was, how wonderfully, beat Swansea City 4-0. statement. is the biggest priced winner in the season as champions. replaced sacked former Leicester boss spectacularly, blissfully wrong.” It’s been that sort of season for Leices- A man from Guildford, Eng- betting history!” William Hill “There’s still work to do but, in most Nigel Pearson in pre-season, was derided The only downside for Leicester’s ter. Now to wrap it up with the title. land stands to earn the high- spokesman Joe Crilly said.

Manchester United building a BOTTOMLINE ‘fantastic’ team, says Herrera Manchester United are building “They have the pace. They a formidable team capitalising have the imagination, not only on the emergence of several Anthony and Marcus, but also talented youngsters, midfielder Jesse (Lingard) and Memphis Pochettino refuses to accept Ander Herrera has said. (Depay). Louis van Gaal’s men have “They have the imagination won 10 of their last 15 games to make a fantastic team but in all competitions, claw- I don’t want to look so far ing back into the race for a ahead. Now we have a fantas- Tottenham’s title race run Champions League spot with tic team, a fantastic chance Anthony Martial and Marcus to win a title and we have AFP “We need to be calm and as- “But I did not see it. I don’t Rashford showing plenty of the chance to beat Leicester London sess the season. So far it has been know what happened.” promise. at home because we are in fantastic. We still need to fi ght When Albion manager Tony “I think in the last two or three a good moment and we are and improve. Pulis was asked about that inci- months we have had the fighting for the top four.” ottenham Hotspur “But no complaints. We are dent, he laughed. “Yacob hasn’t feeling that we are cooking a United, currently fifth in the manager Mauricio Po- very proud since the start of the complained,” he said, “but then fantastic team. Young players - league, host leaders Leicester chettino is not ready to season on how we have played he is a tough lad.” a fantastic mix between them City, who need a win to clinch concede the Premier and worked.” Pulis commended his play- and the experienced players,” their first English league title TLeague title to Leicester City ers for the fi ght shown in the Herrera told British media. on Sunday. despite seeing his side drop pre- ALLI INCIDENT second half, especially after the cious points in a 1-1 draw with Pochettino said he had not seen disappointment of losing 2-0 Watford hope Flores stays put West Bromwich Albion. the video circulating on Twitter to Arsenal at the Emirates last Monday’s result at White Hart during the game which showed Thursday. despite 2-1 FA Cup semi-final loss Lane left second-placed Spurs Spurs’ Dele Alli appearing to The Welshman also acknowl- Midfielder Ben Watson has said has raised questions over seven points behind longtime punch Albion midfi elder Clau- edged his side’s improved per- Watford hope manager Quique whether Flores is the right man leaders Leicester with three dio Yacob late in the fi rst half. formances away to the so-called Sanchez Flores keeps his post to lead Watford to a sustained matches remaining. This is not the fi rst time the “bigger” teams in the Premier amid growing speculation over period of success in the top- Leicester can now clinch the 20-year-old has showed a mean League. the Spaniard’s future after a 2-1 flight league. title with a victory over Man- Tottenham’s Harry Kane looks dejected after the game. streak, most notably in a Europa “I am very pleased in the way FA Cup semi-final loss to Crystal “Everyone in that changing chester United at Old Traff ord League tie with Fiorentina when that we have played away from Palace on Sunday at Wembley. room hopes the manager stays. on Sunday—the day before Tot- “But we need to still believe of the game and allowed them he escaped with a booking for home against the bigger clubs Under Flores, Watford achieved He’s the best manager I’ve tenham travel across London to and keep fi ghting and be ready for to believe and to create chanc- kicking Serbian defender Nenad this year. an unexpected semi-final berth worked under, he’s been fantas- play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. the next game and hope Leicester es. When you do not kill the Tomovic. “We did smashing at (Man- and has secured relative safety tic this season. I thought he’d “Is it over? No, it’s not, be- drop points,” the Argentinian, game, you always allow them “The behaviour of Dele after chester) City, got beat late on at in the Premier League, as they be up for manager of the year,” cause the gap is seven points and looking to see Spurs crowned to believe,” explained Pochet- Fiorentina has been fantastic,” Man Utd, and did well at Chel- sit 12th, 10 points ahead of the Watson told British media. there are three left to play,” said champions of England for the tino after Albion defender said Pochettino. “You know sea. All the big clubs, we played relegation zone with just four “He’s been incredible for us. I Pochettino. “It’s true that it’s fi rst time since 1961, added. Craig Dawson made amends for sometimes the opponent tries to well—Arsenal is the only ground games left. don’t know what’s going on. very diffi cult, more so than be- “In the fi rst half, we played his 33rd-minute own-goal by fi nd him and to provoke him as at which we have been disap- However, a run of just two wins If it’s speculation, there’s not fore this game. Yes, this is very very well. In the second, we heading home an equaliser 17 they know he has a strong char- pointing at. So, it was important from their last 11 league games much we can do about it.” frustrating. lost a little bit of the control minutes from time. acter and might react. they had a go tonight.” Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Blatter to testify at Platini ban appeal Former FIFA president Sepp million euro) payment he Blatter will testify during received from Blatter in 2011. Michel Platini’s appeal against Both men claim the payment his ban from football, fol- was part of a legitimate oral lowing a request from world contract for consulting work football’s governing body, a that Platini did between 1999 Del Piero, Zoff pay source close to the case told and 2002, but FIFA’s in-house AFP yesterday. court found that explanation Platini, the suspended head of unconvincing. European football confedera- The pair were first suspended tion UEFA, will challenge his for eight years in December, six-year ban at the Court of but a FIFA appeals panel Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in reduced the bans to six years Lausanne on Friday. in February, citing mitigating tribute as Maradona “Blatter will testify on Friday, circumstances. at the request of FIFA”, said a UEFA has said it will not source who was not au- replace Platini until all his thorised to discuss the case appeals are exhausted, while publicly, but confirmed the CAS has indicated it would information first reported by rule on the Frenchman’s case L’Equipe newspaper. before the June 10 start of the In December, FIFA’s ethics Euro 2016 tournament, which claims Juve bias judges found Platini guilty of is being hosted by France. ethics violations, conflict of If Platini’s appeal is success- interest and other off ences ful, he could reclaim his UEFA ‘I always say that you can only improve by enduring the hard times. Looking at our in connection with a 2 million post in time to preside over season, it makes me even more proud’ Swiss franc ($2 million, 1.8 the tournament. FA Cup final no grudge match against Man United, says Zaha FA Cup final no grudge match in the final. I don’t see it as against Man United, says Zaha anything special. My only ob- Crystal Palace winger Wilfried jective is to win with Palace,” Zaha harbours no ill-feelings Zaha told British media. towards his former club Man- “I don’t have anything against chester United and will focus United. Playing them won’t on helping his current team make me run any faster or try win when the sides clash in any harder. Yeah, hopefully I the FA Cup final next month. can score against them but Zaha signed for United in 2013 all I want to do is win the final. as a promising youngster We’ve got there now and we but was sent on loan several all just want to go all the way.” times by then-manager David Alan Pardew’s men booked Moyes. their place in the final after The 23-year-old eventually left beating Watford 2-1 on Sunday. the club two years later after Currently 16th in the Premier making just four appearances League, Palace will hope to and having not started for the guarantee their top-flight Reds in the Premier League. status for next season when “Everyone goes on about they travel to face relegation- Manchester United all the time threatened Newcastle United but they’re just another team at St James’ Park on Saturday. Fit-again Wilshere eyes England spot for Euro 2016 Injury-plagued Arsenal for the first team and getting midfielder Jack Wilshere has back on the pitch,” Wilshere set his sights on making the told British media. 23-man England squad that “It’s a big week for me in train- will be flying to France for the ing, getting fitter and sharper. European Championships. Hopefully next weekend I can The 24-year-old had been get some more game time and missing in action for 11 months go from there. after undergoing surgery in “I’m not saying that I’m there September for a fractured left yet, this is just another step tibia, an injury he sustained in on my way to full recovery. pre-season training. There’s a few games left and Juventus’ supporters celebrate after their soccer club won the Italian Serie A in downtown Turin, Italy. Despite playing just seven after that, hopefully I’ll go minutes of football for Arsenal away with England to the AFP The claim that Juventus benefi t from Last month Buff on set a new Serie A Defender Leonardo Bonucci, who so far this season, Wilshere is Euros. It’s an exciting time.” Turin favourable refereeing decisions still ex- record for going unbeaten 974 consecu- was seen soaking fans with champagne tipped to make Roy Hodgson’s England face Russia, Slovakia ists in Italy, and their 2-1 win in Florence tive minutes, surpassing the previous as they waited at the gates of the club’s squad, having played a crucial and Wales in Group B of the did little to dispel it. record of 929 minutes held by former AC Vinovo training ground, told Sky Sport: role in the qualifiers. 24-team tournament that lub legends Alessandro Del Piero Referee Paolo Tagliavento ruled out Milan keeper Sebastiano Rossi. “They had us dead and buried in October, “What really matters is playing starts on June 10. and Dino Zoff hailed Juventus a perfectly valid goal from Fiorentina but Juve never die.” after the Turin giants’ record- striker Federico Bernardeschi, prompt- ‘EVEN MORE PROUD’ Napoli travelled to Roma on Monday— Relegation fight is our Champions equalling fi fth consecutive Serie ing an outburst from Maradona on “He’s had a great season,” said former a national holiday in Italy—primarily AC title on Monday, although former Napoli Monday. Italy and Juventus legend Zoff . looking for the win that would keep their League: Sunderland keeper legend Diego Maradona was not amused. “Fiorentina’s goal... was a scandal, a “Even though we’ve come to expect third-placed hosts at bay. The pressure of being in- Champions League final every Juventus, emulating their feat of 1935 scandal,” the Argentine told the In Casa that from him, he (Buff on) had a crazy But in spite of Gonzalo Higuain re- volved in the Premier League game,” Mannone told the BBC. when the Turin giants won a fi fth straight Napoli programme. championship. Even yesterday he saved turning from a three-match ban, the 30- relegation battle is similar “I think you can see now that title for the fi rst time, went 12 points clear “I was watching on television and the the team with a great penalty save.” goal Argentine striker was thwarted three to that of playing in the final all of our heads are in the right of Napoli with a 2-1 win at Fiorentina on Fiorentina goal was cancelled because Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri, who times by Roma keeper Wojciech Szczesny of the Champions League, direction. What we’ve learnt Sunday. they were playing against Juventus. was rumoured to be close to the exit door as the hosts snatched a precious win in Europe’s most prestigious from other teams like Leices- Napoli had to beat Roma on Monday to “Juventus have great players in the last autumn following a disastrous start the penultimate minute of regulation club tournament, according to ter is that you don’t care who maintain their slim hopes of snatching a Italian (football) federation and in the to their title defence, underlined the time. Sunderland goalkeeper Vito you play against - you just go fi rst scudetto since 1990 when Maradona refereeing body, but this is nothing new.” champions’ impressive comeback. Despite his claims of bias, Maradona Mannone. and try to win the games.” was still in his pomp at the San Paolo. Nevertheless, Juventus goalkeeper “I always say that you can only im- admitted Juve’s quality had made a sig- Sam Allardyce’s men played Mannone made a handful of But Maurizio Sarri’s men were stunned Gianluigi Buff on required no help when prove by enduring the hard times. Look- nifi cant diff erence. out a goalless draw with appearances in the Champi- when Radja Nainggolan hit an 89th- he made a last-gasp penalty save from ing at our season, it makes me even more “When Sarri looks at his substitutes’ fourth-placed Arsenal on ons League with Arsenal. minute winner for Roma in the capital to Croatian Nikola Kalinic. proud,” said Allegri, who steered Juven- bench, he just didn’t have the same qual- Sunday to climb out of the With just four games left, hand the title to the Old Lady of Turin. It capped a sterling season for the tus to their fi rst league and Cup double in ity of players as Allegri. That made the relegation zone for the first Sunderland, who are 17th in Del Piero, who still holds records for 38-year-old shot-stopper, who through- 20 years in his fi rst season in charge last diff erence. time since early March. the table, will look to take a the biggest number of goals (290) and out an incredible career has experienced year, as well as a fi rst Champions League “Even if Napoli played better foot- “We’re fighting for the Premier step closer to top-flight safety appearances (705) for the club, posted the lows of relegation to Serie B due to Juve’s fi nal appearance in 12 years. ball, you have to tip your hat. Juve have League, but that’s our Cham- when they travel to take on a message on Twitter which read: “You role in a vast match-fi xing aff air as well as “Serie A isn’t the fi nal of the 100 me- a great coach, a great squad, and the pions League. It’s a strange 10th-placed Stoke City on are part of history. This is Juventus. Well the highs of being part of Italy’s most suc- tres, but a marathon. You need patience club knows how to go about their busi- feeling, but it feels like the Saturday. done lads!!!” cessful club on the domestic front. to fi nd the right rhythm.” ness.”

BOTTOMLINE Title suggests no end in sight to Juve dominance

Paolo Bandini, The Guardian Including that win over Torino, Juve able. “Lads,” he said. “At 38 years old, than half of their goals last season. Turin have won 24 out of their last 25 league I’m not interested in going around just What has been astonishing has been games. The only exception was a draw to make myself look shit.” to see Allegri’s team eventually grow away to Bologna. To frame that another His leadership was fundamental, even stronger than they were before the here was not a lot of title talk to way: they have taken 73 points out of 75 but so were his saves. It is no exagger- summer renewal. be heard in Turin on the morning available. Little wonder that nobody else ation to say that this has been one of Juve are under no fi nancial pressure of 29 October. Juventus had lost in Serie A has been able to keep pace. the fi nest seasons of Buff on’s already to sell, and the club’s general manager, 1-0 away to Sassuolo the night Hundreds of fans had gathered outside stellar career. Besides shattering Se- Beppe Marotta, has stressed that no beforeT and, 10 games into the new sea- the gates of Juventus’s Vinovo training bastiano Rossi’s record for longest se- starters will depart unless they ask to son, found themselves adrift in the bot- ground on Monday afternoon, and the quence without conceding a goal in the do so. Thus far we have no indication tom half of the table. They were already 11 celebrations began in earnest as word Italian top fl ight, he has posted a save that Pogba, or any other member of points behind the league leaders, Roma. of Nainggolan’s goal reached them. The percentage that is second only to Paris Allegri’s fi rst XI, is especially keen to “Is this even Juve?” demanded fi rst-team squad was still in the chang- Saint-Germain’s Kevin Trapp across do so. And why should they be? These the front page of Tuttosport, whilst ing room after a light practice session, Europe’s top fi ve leagues. Clearly, players believe they are ready to chal- Gazzetta dello Sport pondered the but soon emerged in commemorative though, this title has been a team ef- lenge for more than just domestic hon- symbolism of this defeat. T-shirts to share their champagne with fort. Among the many outstanding as- ours. Last season’s run to the Champi- Massimiliano Allegri had been fi red as supporters. The party went on for hours. pects of Juventus’s current run is that ons League fi nal came as a surprise even Milan manager in 2014 following a loss in Predictably, it got a little bit messy. Al- it has been achieved despite injuries to many people at Juventus, but to have Sassuolo, and now the pink paper asked legri was drenched in booze and then and suspensions to key players, from come so close to toppling Bayern Mu- whether his hopes of winning back-to- thrown up in the air by his players. Giorgio Chiellini to Claudio Marchisio nich in March, with a remodelled side, back titles with Juventus had died at the Juventus’ players celebrate at the end of the match against Fiorentina. Paul Pogba hit the deck whilst at- and Sami Khedira. The depth of this has only strengthened the conviction hands of the same opponents. Never in tempting to dance, sing and take a selfi e squad, able to bring a player as good within the club. the history of Serie A had a team won wake of an opening day defeat to Udi- did their luck simply turn? Three days all at once. Gigi Buff on stood in front of as Álvaro Morata off the bench to score It was noteworthy that several play- the scudetto after starting so poorly. Ju- nese that “Serie A is a marathon, not a later, the Bianconeri hosted Torino in a mirror and puff ed on an enormous ci- the winning goal against Fiorentina on ers brought up the competition, and ventus had 12 points to show for their 100m fi nal”, but after the loss to Sas- the Derby della Mole. The score was gar.He had earned it. No one player has Sunday, is exceptional. their desire to go further in it next year, opening 10 games – their lowest tally at suolo he became more candid – stating 1-1 after 90 minutes, but deep into in- done more than Buff on to keep his team This despite bidding farewell to Car- unprompted during the interviews that that stage since the introduction of three that “an immediate change of attitude” jury time Juan Cuadrado stole a win- on track this season. In the wake of that los Tevez, Arturo Vidal and Andrea accompanied Monday’s victory celebra- points for a win. was required. He took his players away ner, scuffi ng the ball clumsily over the October defeat at Sassuolo, it was he Pirlo last summer – not to mention tion. As Gazzetta dello Sport observed, Even Allegri was losing patience. He from their families for the rest of the line. In doing so, he launched one of the who stood up before his team-mates in Fernando Llorente. We can hardly be it is “no longer a promise, but a logical had responded to early setbacks with week on a training retreat. greatest comebacks in the history of the changing room and declared their surprised that Juventus struggled early premise that this team will assault the characteristic calm, tweeting in the Did that act galvanise Juventus? Or Italian football. eff orts thus far to have been unaccept- on; those players accounted for more pinnacle of European and world football.” Gulf Times Wednesday, April 27, 2016 5 CRICKET

IPL Younis served show Bowlers hand Pune easy cause notice Lahore: Pakistan cricket authorities yesterday issued a show cause notice to star victory over Hyderabad batsman Younis Khan after he withdrew from a domestic tournament following a row with umpires which resulted in The 34-run win by D/L method was the first for Supergiants after four straight defeats a fine this weekend. The 38-year-old former national captain questioned umpiring decisions during his team Khyber Pukhtunkhwa’s matches in the Pakistan Cup one-day tournament currently held in Faisalabad. On Saturday match referee Aziz-ur Rehman fined Younis 50 percent of his match fee and summoned him for a disciplinary hearing. But Younis, Pakistan’s high- est Test run-getter with 9116 in 104 matches, refused to attend the hearing and withdrew from the tournament in anger. On Monday Younis called Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan and apologised for his behaviour, agreeing to play the remaining matches, a PCB statement said. But the PCB, apparently after strong reaction from former captain Javed Miandad and umpires, stopped Younis from playing in the tournament and issued him a show cause notice. It said the chairman wanted due process to be followed. “For breaching the clauses of his central contract Younis has been served a show cause notice and has been asked to explain his position to the Board within seven days,” the PCB said. Chairman Shaharyar Khan said the decision to issue the notice against a quality player had been diff icult. “Younis has been a great servant of Pakistan cricket and a true role model for young- sters. I feel pained making this decision as we have to dem- onstrate that no one is bigger than the game,” he was quoted as saying in the statement. Younis cancelled his flight for Faisalabad yesterday and refused to comment on the no- tice. Pakistan cricket is marred by players’ discipline problems. Rising Pune Supergiants bowler Mitchell Marsh (centre) celebrates after dismissing Moises Henriques (left) of Sunrisers Hyderabad during the IPL at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad yesterday. (AFP) Local media said opener Ahmed Shehzad broke glass in By Agencies over, Supergiants were in complete control of the the dug-out by the ninth over with only 32 runs on over as Eoin Morgan’s drive found an edge to wick- the dressing room during the Hyderabad contest. Steve Smith and Faf Du Plessis went about the board, thanks to two wickets apiece from me- et-keeper Dhoni. Off -spinner Ravichandran Ash- same tournament in Faisalabad their business calmly. dium pacers Dinda and Marsh. win gave further joy to Pune camp as he dismissed on Monday while middle-order Ashish Nehra and Mustafi zur Rehman bowled But a 47-run stand between Shikhar Dhawan Deepak Hooda (0), who edged it to Dhoni. batsman Umar Akmal was in- ising Pune Supergiants brought their well but Smith and Du Plessis were ready to buy (56 not out) and Naman Ojha (18) came to Hydera- Marsh continued the fl ow of wickets as he got rid volved in a brawl with a group stuttering Indian Premier League cam- some time. They shared a 80-run stand that set bad’s rescue as it ensured that the team crossed the of compatriot all-rounder Moises Henriques (1), of youths after a stage drama. paign back on track with a convincing 34- up the easy chase. Smith’s unbeaten 46-run knock 100-run mark. Dhawan was the only bright spot who managed to fi nd an edge to a ball outside the PCB said it was investigating run win over hosts Sunrisers Hyderabad came off 30 balls and had seven boundaries in it for Hyderbad as the left-hander scored his second leg stump to Dhoni. At this stage, Hyderabad were both the incidents. viaR Duckworth Lewis method in a rain-aff ected while Du Plesiss hit 30 off 21 balls with three fours consecutive fi fty. With the help of two fours and a reeling at 32/5 in 8.1 overs and were in desperate match yesterday. Relishing favourable conditions, and two sixes. The stand was broken by Moises six, he made 56 off 53 deliveries. need of a partnership. Dhawan found support from Supergiants restricted Sunrisers to a modest 118 Henriques when he had the South African caught At the end, Bhuvneshawar Kumar’s brisk cameo Ojha as the duo tried to resurrect the innings. Din- for eight after a rain-delayed start at Rajiv Gandhi behind. RPS skipper MS Dhoni promoted himself of eight-ball 21 lifted them to 118/8. Put into bat by da broke the stand when he rattled Ojha’s stumps International stadium. up the order and straight away smashed a four. Pune captain Dhoni, Hyderabad batsmen were un- as the right-hander batsman missed the line. Supergiants were comfortably placed 94 for However he did not last long, hitting one straight done by reckless batting and poor shot selection. It Later, Hyderabad were propped up by Bhu- three in their chase when skied opened up, forcing to Aditya Tare off Nehra. Immediately after Dhoni started with the very fi rst over when in-form Dav- veshwar’s three hits to the fence and one over it to suspension of play. The play never resumed and dismissal, skied opened up again and play never id Warner hit a wide ball from right-armer Dinda recover a bit from ignominy. Supergiants were declared the winners. It was fi rst resumed. Despite defeat, Hyderabad remained straight to Ajnikya Rahane at backward point in the BRIEF SCORES win for Supergiants after four straight defeats and at number four in the table with six points while fi rst over. Dinda removed Aditya Tare (8) when the Sunrisers Hyderabad 118/8 in 20 overs (Shikhar credit for the much-needed win goes to their pace Supergiants rose a rung to six with four points. right-hander top-edged a wide delivery to Thisara Dhawan not out 56; Bhuvneshwar Kumar 21; Ashok duo of Ashok Dinda (3/23) and Mitchell Marsh Hyderabad suff ered their fi rst defeat after three Perera at cover as Hyderabad lost their second Dinda 3-23, Mitchell Marsh 2-14) lost to Rising Pune (2/14), who revelled under helpful conditions. straight wins. wicket at 26 runs in fi ve overs. Supergiants 94/3 in 11 overs (Faf du Plessis 30, Steve Except for losing Ajinkya Rahane in the very fi rst Earlier, half of the Hyderabad team was back in Marsh reduced Hyderabad to 27/3 in the next Smith not out 46) by 34 runs (D/L method)

CRITICISM FOCUS ICC blasts West Test nations want day-night matches: Australia

Reuters Indies for World Melbourne he cricket boards of all ma- jor Test-playing nations have T20 outburst thrown their support behind day-night matches and nearly and unanimously agreed that Thalf intend to host a game under lights in Reuters Melbourne certain comments and actions the next 12 months, according to Cricket were inappropriate, disrespect- Australia boss James Sutherland. ful and brought the event into Australia hosted the fi rst day-night Test he International Cricket disrepute,” the ICC said. against New Zealand in Adelaide last year Council has criticised “The Board acknowledged an and will play Pakistan in another match un- West Indies for using apology by the WICB but was der lights in Brisbane in December. South their victory speech at disappointed to note that such Africa’s players have baulked at an invita- Tthe World Twenty20 tourna- behaviour had detracted from tion to play Australia in a day-night match ment to complain about their the success of what was other- in November, however, citing concerns cricket board after a long drawn- wise a magnifi cent tournament about the specially developed pink ball and Australia hosted the first day-night Test against New Zealand in Adelaide last year. out pay dispute. During the tel- and fi nal.” their relative inexperience playing it. evised broadcast, West Indies The ICC added that “serious Sutherland, who met with South Af- told reporters at CA’s Melbourne head- local media last week that his team had Cricket Australia have lowered ticket captain Darren Sammy referred consideration” had been given rican offi cials during an International quarters yesterday. been discouraged from committing to prices for Test matches against Pakistan to the dispute which saw the to bringing code of conduct Cricket Council meeting in Dubai on “Certainly India, Pakistan are very the day-night Test in Adelaide after get- and South Africa for series during the team threaten to withdraw from charges against the players. Af- Sunday, said no fi nal decision on the keen to play day-night Test cricket, I ting feedback from Australian players, coming home summer in a bid to bring the tournament in India before ter West Indies’ four-wicket win Adelaide Test could be expected until know New Zealand are also keen. To a including captain Steve Smith. fans back to the red-ball game. a last-minute deal was brokered over England in Kolkata, skip- Proteas players returned home from the person, full member countries and their Test crowds have waned across the Last year’s Big Bash tournament with the board. All-rounder per Sammy said in an interview: Indian Premier League tournament. But CEOs stated their absolute support of globe even as domestic Twenty20 tour- clashed with part of Australia’s home Dwayne Bravo later criticised the “People were wondering wheth- he said day-night Tests in general had Test cricket being played under lights.” naments have soared in popularity and series against West Indies, but Suther- West Indies Cricket Board in an er we would play this tourna- unanimous support from the top na- The fi rst day-night Test drew huge threatened to undermine the quality of land dismissed the idea of creating sep- interview with a local broadcast- ment. We had a lot of issues, we tions’ boards. “What I heard from (ICC) crowds to Adelaide Oval and big televi- international cricket by luring top play- arate windows for domestic and inter- er. The ICC said in a media re- felt disrespected by our board ... full member country CEO’s in meeting sion audiences, helping to off set disap- ers away from their national teams. national competitions. “It’s for others lease that the players comments I’m yet to hear from (them). That was a very broad-ranging commitment pointing attendances to the season- Australia’s domestic Big Bash T20 to state their position, but my view is had “inappropriate”. is very disappointing.” to day-night Test cricket and indeed opening Tests against New Zealand in competition drew more than a million that international cricket comes first,” “The (ICC) Board considered Marlon Samuels, West Indies’ three or four full member countries are Brisbane and Perth. people into stadiums around the country he said. “International cricket must be the behaviour of some of the player of the fi nal, was also sin- planning on hosting Test cricket under CA and players on both sides hailed during the last home summer, outstrip- protected and it should be the form of West Indies players in the im- gled out for tacit criticism, after lights in the course of the next 12 months, the match a success in the aftermath but ping the attendance for last year’s 50- the game that is the priority for play- mediate aftermath of the fi nal, his ungracious remarks. which is very encouraging,” Sutherland South Africa captain AB de Villiers told over World Cup. ers.” Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 SPORT

NBA NHL Blues eliminate champs Blackhawks Westbrook leads in Game Seven

The Sports Xchange the Blues’ roster from the last Chicago time the team won a playoff se- ries. St. Louis advances to play the Dallas Stars in the Western ll that mattered to Troy Conference semi-fi nals. Thunder over Mavs, Brouwer was that the “It was great to have smiles on red light went on and our faces instead of the frowns the puck went in the we’ve had so many times go- net.A ing through the line,” said one “That’s the ugliest goal I’ve of those eight, captain David ever scored and probably the Backes. most timely,” said Brouwer, The Blues built a 2-0 lead on whose goal midway through the fi rst-period goals from Jori Le- close out series 4-1 third period broke a 2-2 tie and htera and Colton Parayko, only gave the St. Louis Blues a 3-2 win to see the Blackhawks respond. over the Chicago Blackhawks in Chicago got a goal from Mar- ‘We’ve got to be prepared because they’re a solid team so we have to be disciplined’ Game 7 on Monday. ian Hossa, the 52nd of his career The win eliminated the de- in the playoff s, with 1:30 left in fending Stanley Cup champi- the fi rst period, and a power- DPA ons in the opening round of the play goal from Andrew Shaw at Los Angeles Western Conference playoff s. 3:20 of the second period. “It means a lot to me, to the That was when Brouwer’s team and to the franchise,” Brou- leadership kicked in. ark Cuban didn’t wer said. “For a franchise that Acquired from Washington for think Russell West- has had trouble getting out of T.J. Oshie last summer, Brouwer brook was an NBA that fi rst round, it’s a confi dence was playing his seventh consec- superstar. The out- booster. utive playoff series that went to Mspoken Dallas Mavericks owner “Sometimes when you are not a Game 7. may want to think again. able to do it, you start doubting “I’d like to think (experience) Westbrook had 36 points, yourself, and tonight is a huge played a pretty good part, not 12 rebounds and nine assists, encouragement for us.” just scoring the goal but mak- and the Oklahoma City Thun- Brouwer, the only Blues player ing sure on the bench guys were der beat the visiting Mavericks who has won a Stanley Cup and calm and excited at the right 118-104 on Monday to close out the only player on the roster who times,” Brouwer said. their Western Conference fi rst- has appeared in more than two “Getting out to a 2-0 lead, round play-off series, 4-1. Game 7s, was able to fi nd the making sure we were not too far The third-seeded Thunder puck in front of the net after it ahead of ourselves like we were booked a spot in the conference hit the post. in Game 6.” semi-fi nals against the sec- As he fell, he directed it back The Blackhawks came back ond-seeded San Antonio Spurs into the net at 8:31 of the third from a 3-1 defi cit in that game, starting Saturday. The teams period. and as he watched from the split the four-game regular- “I was joking that if I didn’t bench, Hitchcock knew why season series. put that one in, I might quit Chicago won three of the past six “I like our mindset, how hockey,” Brouwer said. Stanley Cups. locked in we are,” said Kevin As the play developed, even He hopes his team will benefi t Durant, who tossed in 33 points. those on the bench tried to help from going through, and win- “We’ve got to be prepared be- Brouwer will the puck into the ning, this series. cause they’re a solid team so net. “It was really eye-opening we have to be solid and disci- “The bench was trying to help what a championship team can plined.” push it in,” St. Louis coach Ken do like them when they dial it Cuban created controversy Hitchcock said. “God was it an up,” Hitchcock said. “You fi nd saying Durant is the only super- anxious moment on the bench. yourself in awe on the bench star on the Thunder and West- Then he almost tried to kick it. seeing what they do. brook is an all-star but not a We would have had a heart at- “We had to fi nd a way to battle superstar. tack.” through it. We have knowledge Thunder coach Billy Donovan The goal allowed the Blues to now of what it takes, and we thought otherwise of West- wipe out three years of frustrat- have to use it.” brook, who had a league-best 18 ing losses in the opening round It was a disappointing end to triple-doubles this season. of the playoff s with their first se- the season for the Blackhawks. “I’m really happy he’s on my ries victory since 2012. “That felt like a conference team, I wouldn’t trade him for It also was their fi rst Game 7 fi nal,” Quenneville said. “That’s anybody,” he said. “There’s no win since 1999, when current the division we’re in, that’s the question that Russell West- Blackhawks coach Joel Quen- conference we’re in ... the best brook is one of the best players neville was the St. Louis coach, in the league. It’s a tough way to in this league. To me, he’s a su- and their fi rst win in Game 7 at go out.” perstar as good as anyone in this home since 1991. The Blues held the league’s league.” They also avoided blowing the leading point-scorer, Patrick When asked to respond to series after taking a 3-1 lead be- Kane, to only one goal, the dou- Cuban’s comments Westbrook fore the Blackhawks won Games ble overtime game-winner in fumed, “He’s an idiot,” he said. Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook 5 and 6 to force the deciding Game 5. They also kept Jonathan “That’s all we got to say about (R) brings the ball up the court against Dallas Mav- Game 7. Toews from scoring a goal during that. He’s an idiot.” ericks guard Raymond Felton during the fourth It was Brouwer’s eighth career the seven games. Durant thought Cuban’s quarter in game fi ve of the fi rst round of the NBA playoff goal but his fi rst in 24 “People were saying this series trash talk was a ploy to distract Playoff s at Chesapeake Energy Arena. games dating back to 2013, when looked like it was going to come the Thunder. “All that stuff was PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports he was playing for the Washing- down to one goal at the end, and to get his players fi red up and ton Capitals. it did,” Toews said. “Just wasn’t take us off our game,” he said. Only eight players are left on in our favour.” “But it didn’t work.” start to fi nish was second to but high-fi ve him and tell him, ter defending a Gerald Hend- 2-2. Pivotal Game 5 is Wednes- Steven Adams had 15 and none,” Mavs coach Rick Carlisle ‘Good game.’ I’d take him.” erson drive to the basket. Blake day night in Miami. Joe Johnson 10 rebounds for the Thunder, said. “They were simply better, Elsewhere: Griffi n’s status is also unclear led fi fth-seeded Miami with 16 which shot 50.6 per cent from their two superstars were great zPortland Trail Blazers after the former All-Star for- points, while Luol Deng had 15. the fl oor and out-boarded their in the series.” 98, LA Clippers 84: Al-Fa- ward re-aggravated a left quad guests 42-35. “This series made Asked about Cuban’s com- rouq Aminu had a career-high tendon and sat out the last 5:48 RESULTS our team better,” Donovan said. ments, Carlisle said, “There 30 points with 10 rebounds, CJ of the game. Both were sched- PLAYOFF RESULTS “We dealt with lot of confronta- were three superstars out McCollum netted 19 and the uled to be evaluated on Tuesday. (Series best-of-seven): tions, we got tested in these fi ve there... Russell, KD (Durant) Trail Blazers beat the visiting “It doesn’t look good for Eastern Conference games and hopefully we’re bet- Dirk.” Nowitzki chimed in on Clippers to square their West- Chris and it doesn’t look great At Charlotte ter for it.” Westbrook saying, “He’s pretty ern Conference opening-round for Blake either,” Clippers coach Charlotte 89 Miami 85 German juggernaut Dirk much un-guardable. He can series at 2-2. Not only did the Doc Rivers said. “It’s 50-50 on (Series tied 2-2) Nowitzki scored 24 points and drive left. He can go right. He Clippers lose a game, the third- Blake for the next game.” Western Conference Dwight Powell added 16 for can fi nish at the rim with the seeds head home for pivotal zCharlotte Hornets 89, At Oklahoma City the injury-depleted seventh- best of them. game 5 with both their leaders Miami Heat 85: Kemba Walker Oklahoma City 118 Dallas 104 seeded Mavericks, who have not “He’s probably the best of- injured. Chris Paul is likely out poured in a play-off career-high (Oklahoma City wins series 4-1) won a play-off series since the fensive rebounding guard this for the remainder of the series 34 points, Jeremy Lin added 21 At Portland 2011 NBA Championship. league has ever seen. If he makes after the All-Star point guard and the Hornets beat the visit- Portland 98 Los Angeles “The eff ort (with which) we those pull-ups behind a screen, broke a bone in his right hand ing Heat to level their Eastern Clippers 84 competed in the series from there’s not much you can do midway through the third quar- Conference fi rst-round series at (Series tied 2-2)

Roles now defined, Cavs’ Big Three finally starting to come together

By Marla Ridenour of Auburn Hills, the Big Three his left elbow on a missed quarter to give the Cavs a stronger defensive opponent. Akron Beacon Journal seemed like a perfect fit. jump hook at the 3:48 mark, he three-point lead. Then with 43 But intangibles and better Their roles now appear gutted it out and remained in seconds to play and the shot communication bode well for This is what we thought the Big defined. Irving is being ag- the game. He went to the court clock winding down, he hit a the Big Three’s continuing Three would look like. gressive on pick-and-rolls and hard after a missed rebound tip 3-pointer to put the Cavs up dominance. Irving said all have This is the kind of basketball shooting fearlessly. Love is to end the period. Love finished four. He contributed 31 points accepted their roles as leaders we envisioned when the getting the ball more in the the first 12 minutes with nine re- and five assists. and coped with the high expec- Cavaliers traded for Kevin Love post, using his power to draw bounds and six points, despite In Games 1-4, the Big Three tations that brings. in August 2014. It’s what we fouls and rebounding with a going 1-for-8 from the field. He combined for 81, 65, 66 and 64 “Now we may have some mis- expected from a pairing of now vengeance. James is playing finished with 11 points and 13 points, respectively. haps, but we look each other in three-time All-Stars Love and off them and doing a little bit of rebounds, shooting just 3-of-15. Against the Pistons, James’ the eye and we communicate Kyrie Irving and perennial All- everything. James was also active in the burden to carry the team was and move onto the next play,” Star and four-time league MVP “All three of them know what first half with 16 points, four lifted, which could serve the Irving said after Game 3. “That’s LeBron James. each other expects from one rebounds and four assists. He Cavs well if they reach their just what it’s about. Being pro- I didn’t expect it to take this another,” Cavs coach Tyronn totaled 22 points, 11 rebounds second consecutive NBA fessionals and being the three long for it to come together, Lue said Saturday. “Right now and six assists. Finals. leaders on the team, we have to even though James did. The we’re in a great flow as far as Irving, the Game 3 hero, got But there’s no guarantee the continue to play at a high level start was nearly as rocky as us three,” James said after Fri- going in the final six minutes of Cavs will continue to click this every game.” Irving trying to coexist with day’s Game 3. “We understand the second quarter and turned way the rest of the postsea- Even if they do, they can’t carry ex-Cav Dion Waiters. The trio’s what we want individually and in what could have been the son. Love was effective at the Cavs to a title without help off -the-court personalities what will help the team.” best non-dunk of the night, a center when Lue went to his from J.R. Smith, Tristan Thomp- didn’t mesh and seemed to be That continued Sunday night, one-handed touch layup with small lineup. Irving shot dra- son and Matthew Dellavedova. interfering with their on-court even when Love struggled 9:04 remaining in the third matically better from 3-point Someone needs to emerge dynamics. shooting from the field, just as quarter. That was part of an Irv- range than he did during the from the group of Iman But in the first-round playoff James had in Game 3. ing run of 10 points in the first regular season. James was Shumpert, Richard Jeff erson series against the Detroit In the first quarter, Love played four minutes of that period. content being the jack-of-all- and Channing Frye. Troy Brouwer (No 36) of the St. Louis Blues celebrates after scoring Pistons, which ended with the the most impassioned basket- But Irving kept one-upping trades. The odds of the latter But this is how we thought the the game-winning goal against the Chicago Blackhawks in Game Cavs’ 100-98 victory in Game ball of his Cleveland career. himself, firing in a 47-footer continuing is great, the other Big Three would do it. Thus far Seven of the Western Conference First Round during the 2016 NHL 4 Sunday night at the Palace Despite absorbing a blow to at the buzzer to end the third two not as likely against a it’s been a beautiful sight. Stanley Cup Playoff s at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri. The blues beat Blackhawks 3-2 to win the series. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times Wednesday, April 27, 2016 7 SPORT

MLB Nathan Eovaldi pitches gem as Yankees beat Rangers ‘I feel good. I feel ready to go’

By Erik Boland Romine - were without Alex Newsday Rodriguez, who has an oblique injury, and Aaron Hicks, who has an injured left shoulder. wo-thirds of the way Joe Girardi said before the through Monday night’s game that he doesn’t expect ei- game, the pitcher known ther injury to result in a stint on around the Yankees as the disabled list. TNasty Nate made a more histori- “I feel good,” A-Rod said cally dramatic nickname seem a shortly after arriving at Globe possibility: Life Park Monday afternoon. “I No-Hitter Nate. feel ready to go.” Nathan Eovaldi, with his usual That was a more than apt high-90s fastball and the best description for Eovaldi, who splitter he’s had in a game since needed only nine pitches to get he’s been a Yankee, held the through the fi rst inning and Rangers hitless for six innings. seven to get through the second, Nomar Mazara ruined that bid which included an error by Didi with a leadoff groundball single Gregorius that was erased by a to center in the seventh - and double-play grounder. Prince Fielder added a double Ellsbury gave the Yankees a with two outs in the inning - but 1-0 lead in the third, taking a Eovaldi nonetheless helped the 90-mph 3-and-1 fastball to deep Yankees to an impressive 3-1 right-centre for his fi rst homer of victory over the Rangers in front the season. Ramos walked Carlos of 31,453 at Globe Life Park. Beltran and Teixeira jumped on Before the seventh, the only an inviting 1-and-1 changeup, hard-hit ball of note came off driving it to right-centre for an the bat of Adrian Beltre with one RBI double that made it 2-0. out in the fourth inning when he The Yankees put two runners launched a fl y ball to the warning on base for the third straight in- track in left that Brett Gardner ning in the fourth as Gregorius comfortably caught at the base and Romine singled with one of the wall. out, but Ellsbury hit into a 4-6-3 Eovaldi walked Mitch More- double play. land to start the eighth and was The Rangers made Eovaldi replaced by Dellin Betances, who throw 25 pitches in the fourth, immediately induced a 6-6-3 which included a one-out walk double play off the bat of Elvis to Mazara, leaving him at 55 Andrus. Brett Nicholas, some- pitches through four. what shockingly, followed with Eovaldi, however, seemed to his fi rst career homer, account- get stronger, mowing down the ing for the fi rst earned run al- Rangers in a perfect 13-pitch lowed by Betances this season in fi fth and striking out two. 10 innings. Castro led off the sixth with Andrew Miller pitched a per- his third homer of the season, on fect ninth for his fi fth save. an 0-and-2 changeup, for a 3-0 The Yankees (8-10), winners lead. of three of their last four, caught a break earlier in the day when RESULTS Texas left-hander Cole Hamels Chicago W Sox 7 Toronto 5 was scratched because of left Detroit 7 Oakland 3 groin soreness and was replaced Tampa Bay 2 Baltimore 0 by another left-hander, Cesar Boston 1 Atlanta 0 Ramos. Ramos, called up from NY Mets 5 Cincinnati 3 Triple-A Round Rock to make NY Yankees 3 Texas 1 the start, allowed three runs and Minnesota 4 Cleveland 3 New York Yankees starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi nine hits, including solo homers Pittsburgh 6 Colorado 1 throws a pitch in the third inning against the Texas by Jacoby Ellsbury and Starlin Arizona 1 2 St. Louis 7 Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. New York won Castro. LA Angels 6 Kansas City 1 3-1. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports The Yankees, who had 10 hits Seattle 3 Houston 2 - two each by Ellsbury, Cas- Miami 3 LA Dodgers 2 tro, Mark Teixeira and Austin San Francisco 5 San Diego 4

NFL ‘Eagles aren’t considering trading Bradford’

By Jeff McLane ios, and for the most part, their to be ready to use the franchise The Philadelphia Inquirer level of play remained consist- tag if necessary. SAM BRADFORD ent. In Brees’ case, it improved They believe they can win this dramatically. season with Bradford. His second he fi ve days that lapsed “I don’t think Brett Favre half last year was enough to sug- between the Eagles’ ... [thought] about it one bit,” gest that he could lead the Eagles trade for the No. 2 draft Pederson said last month. “And to a division title in a down NFC pick and Sam Bradford’s honestly, if you’re the starter, East. A playoff appearance would Treported request to be dealt who cares? Who cares? Why are reduce the thump of giving the would be more than enough time you looking over your shoulder if Browns a 2017 fi rst-round pick, for agent Tom Condon to gauge you’re the starter? and increase Bradford’s value if the market for willing trade “And that’s the way Sam has to the Eagles wanted to deal him in partners. approach this, even with Chase the off season. All he needs is one team. [Daniel] there. And even if we go Or it could convince the team Otherwise, Bradford’s hardline out and draft a quarterback this to bring him back for the sec- stance, if true, would have been year, if you’re the guy, you’re the ond year and hold off on Carson ill-advised. But even if Condon guy. You’re looking forward and Wentz. Bradford, ultimately, has a suitor, he has to convince now behind. If you’re constantly controlled his own destiny. Of Howie Roseman that Bradford looking behind, that’s a prob- course, forcing his way out of is prepared to hold out. It is the lem.” Philly and to Denver to play for quarterback’s only leverage, but It wasn’t as if the Eagles the defending Super Bowl cham- it does have additional weight made a long-term investment pions would be potentially more because of the importance of the in Bradford. This year’s salary attractive. position. ($7 million) and a signing bonus The options for the Eagles Bradford did not report for ($11 million) are the only parts would then be to promote Dan- voluntary workouts on Monday, of the contract that are fully iel as the starter/placeholder according to Eagles sources. guaranteed. Roseman could or roll the dice and start Wentz ESPN reported that he won’t trade him next off season and a right away. Roseman and Ped- attend spring practices “any $4 million roster bonus would erson clearly don’t want to rush longer,” presumably until he is be off set. the North Dakota State product. traded. During an interview on The Eagles would incur an $11 Daniel, who would be playing the draft with Comcast Sport- million salary-cap hit if they the Pederson part to Wentz’s sNet, Roseman did not deny the situation said. They haven’t quarterback to attend workouts Roseman, who negotiated last spring as he recovered from were to give on to Bradford’s McNabb, has thrown all of 77 Bradford’s demands. granted Condon permission to over the next fi ve weeks _ espe- a two-year, $36 million con- his second torn anterior cruciate trade demands. They would career NFL passes. “I want to reiterate our sup- shop the 29-year-old quarter- cially while he installs a new of- tract for Bradford less than two ligament and that was often the likely want a signifi cant return The Eagles’ prospects for 2016 port for Sam Bradford and go back. fense - Bradford’s presence isn’t months ago, said that he expect- reason given for his slow start. - possibly, a fi rst- or second- would have to be altered. back to our statements last week But Condon, who engineered mandatory until the next three- ed the quarterback to eventually Sitting out now does neither round pick - to take on the cost. Roseman and Pederson under- - that Sam is our starting quar- Saints quarterback Drew Brees’ day minicamp from June 7-9. show. side any good. The Broncos, Browns (thanks, estimated Bradford’s initial reac- terback,” Roseman said. “His holdout four years ago, has cer- “Mandatory in the context “I think you talk about Sam “I think as a competitor, emo- in part, to the Eagles) and 49ers tion, but there is time for him to agent and Sam know how we tainly called around NFL look- that he would be fi ned $76,580 and what a pro he is,” Roseman tions come into play,” Roseman each have at least 10 draft picks. come around and accept his lot. feel about him. These workouts ing for teams that might have if he opted to skip minicamp. told CSN. “Him and his agent, said. “That’s what makes these But are those teams eager to There are far worse fates. And, are voluntary. We look forward been interested had Bradford The next important date on the we’ve worked well together for a guys great players.” give up commodities for Brad- ultimately, the Eagles hold the to seeing Sam again in the near reached free agency last month. calendar would be July 27 for long period of time. He loves to But you have to question ford? They would have to pay cards. They have him under con- future.” The Broncos, 49ers, New York the start of training camp. Brees play the game.” Bradford’s competitiveness if he only his $7 million salary. Con- tract. Although Roseman didn’t Jets, and Browns have an obvi- held out because he wanted a A week ago, Bradford spoke of refuses to play for a team that is don likely sniff ed around the And they know his worth, or say it directly, the Eagles cur- ous need at quarterback. long-term contract, but Condon the importance of having his fi rst drafting a quarterback to groom. league to measure interest in lack thereof. They otherwise rently aren’t considering trading While new coach Doug Peder- had him in camp after a deal was full off season to practice in three Brett Favre, Donovan McNabb case he took Bradford to free wouldn’t have traded up for a Bradford, an NFL source close to son would prefer for his starting reached in mid-July. years. He missed signifi cant time and Brees faced similar scenar- agency. But the Eagles appeared quarterback. Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT CYCLING Varnish vows to ‘change culture’ in British South African sports team sexism row

AFP Cycling, in Shane Sutton’s eyes, London was over, and that I would never get a fair trial or opportunity to compete for Great Britain again ess Varnish said she want- while Shane is the performance row reopens old ed to ‘change the culture’ director. in British cycling as the “The comment that Shane accusations of sexist be- Sutton told me ‘to go and have haviourJ by team management a baby’ is true. I stand by all my won support on Tuesday from statements in the Daily Mail in- two-time Olympic gold medal- terview and have examples of list Victoria Pendleton. other comments made to me Varnish issued a statement during my time at British Cy- wounds over race yesterday restating allegations cling by Shane Sutton dating she had fi rst made in an inter- back many years. view with the Daily Mail news- “At 25 years old I feel my best ‘It will be painful today but tomorrow we will celebrate’ paper that Shane Sutton, the years are ahead of me. I also want British team’s Australian techni- to compete for Great Britain cal director, told her to “go and again. I am not too old. I am not a have a baby” after her contract waste of UK Sport’s money. I can was not renewed. win more medals.” South Africa’s Temba Bavuma ducks a delivery The 25-year-old Varnish was Sutton has insisted Varnish during the fourth Test against England at dropped from the British team was dropped purely on perform- Centurion on January 25, 2016. (Reuters) for this year’s Olympic Games ance grounds and has denied in Rio after failing to qualify for making the “baby” comment, the two-woman, two-lap team insisting he had acted with sprint alongside Katy Marchant. “complete professionalism” in Varnish also complained she all his dealings with the sprinter. had not been allowed to see de- But Varnish’s allegations were tailed performance data and said backed up by Pendleton, who re- comments made by Sutton in an tired after London 2012, in an in- interview with Britain’s Daily terview published earlier yester- Telegraph newspaper proved she day in Britain’s Daily Telegraph would not have a decent chance newspaper. of regaining her place in the “I would not be able to live team. with myself if I sat back and let “I want a fair chance to com- people try to discredit (Var- pete for my country. I feel that nish’s) character. Not when I chance is being denied to me wholeheartedly believe her. unfairly. I also want to change “My experiences were very the culture at British Cycling and similar. And I know exactly how their treatment of women,” she miserable they made me. said yesterday. “I never really felt I had the “When Shane Sutton gave same respect as my male team- his interview to the Telegraph mates. My opinion wasn’t worth discussing my situation I was as much.” devastated. He said in his inter- In response, a British Cycling view that I was ‘too old’ and ‘not spokesman said: “A gold medal worth wasting (funding agency) is valued by us, no matter who UK Sport’s money’. wins it, and we are equally proud “It was at this point that I re- of all our Olympic and world alised my career with British champions.”

Belgian cyclist banned for six years for motorised doping

The Belgian cyclist caught during competition in January with an Reuters It also reopened old wounds future generations of non-white The issue of race in sport in quota it normally meets al- electric motor hidden in one of her bikes has been banned for six Johannesburg and highlighted the inequal- school children. what is a sports-mad nation though most of the non-whites years and fined 20,000 Swiss francs ($20,603.69), the sport’s gov- ity between blacks and whites runs deep, and draws in high- are of Indian descent - as in erning body said yesterday. that persists 22 years after Nel- PAINFUL PROCESS profi le opinions. former captain Hashim Amla - Femke Van den Driessche, 19, was found guilty of violating competi- hen Temba Bavuma son Mandela’s African National “Transformation is a very “So sad that i fi nd myself em- or mixed-race. tion rules through “technological fraud” during the 2016 Cyclo-cross became the fi rst Congress (ANC) swept to power painful process. Let us start barrassed to call myself a South Few are black African, like world championships, the International Cycling Union (UCI) said black cricketer to on a wave of optimism at the acting now. We have been talk- African so often these days Bavuma, or new fast-bowling earlier. It is the first time an elite rider has been punished for so- score a century for end of apartheid. ing for too long,” one caller on #no place for politics in sport,” sensation Kagiso Rabada. called “mechanical doping”. A UCI statement yesterday described WSouth Africa at this year’s Cape Mandela, a keen amateur Johannesburg’s Talk Radio 702 Jacques Kallis, one of South Af- The inclusion in particular of the ban as “a major victory” in the fight against a form of cheating Town Test, a jubilant crowd boxer, believed that sport could said. rica’s greatest cricketers, said in athletics in the ban delivered by seen as a growing problem in the sport. erupted in celebration and com- be a great unifi er, encapsulated “It will be painful today but a tweet on Monday. Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula “The bike concerned was scanned using the new magnetic reso- mentators swiftly hailed it as a in his handing the 1995 Rugby tomorrow we will celebrate.” this week also sparked accusa- nance testing deployed this year by the UCI. This detected the mo- symbolic bridging of the racial World Cup trophy to victori- Those in the opposing camp OFF TARGET tions that the ANC was play- tor whilst the bike was in the rider’s pit area,” the statement said. divide. ous captain Francois Pienaar on say racial quotas can dilute According to the South Af- ing politics with race and sport It said the Vivax motor was concealed along with a battery in the Bavuma’s achievement was home soil in front of an over- the achievement of playing for rican Rugby Union’s ‘Strategic ahead of important local elec- seat-tube, and was controlled by a Bluetooth switch installed under- even more signifi cant because whelmingly white crowd. South Africa and undermine the Transformation Plan’, published tions in August. neath the handlebar tape. Van den Driessche denied knowing that his selection in the January Yet two decades later the na- ability of its teams to compete on the website of broadcaster Many of South Africa’s top the bike broke the rules, and said it belonged to her friend. But she game against England had pro- tional rugby and cricket sides internationally. Supersport, rugby is aiming for track hopes at the Rio Olym- later decided not to contest the finding and quit the sport. voked accusations from critics remain dominated by whites, South Africa’s cricket team, 50 percent black participation pics are black, including 2012 In a sign of a get-tough policy by the UCI, Van den Driessche has that some black sportsmen and who make up just 10 percent of the Proteas, and its rugby team, in its domestic leagues and in- Olympic 800m women’s sil- seen all her competitive results nullified since October 2015 and women are picked due to af- the population. the Springboks, are among the ternational sides by 2019. ver medallist Caster Semenya, been stripped of her ranking. She has also been ordered to return fi rmative action and not purely “Most of the time in South world’s best. Successful na- In last year’s World Cup, the 2008 Olympic long-jump silver medals and prize monies from events in which she competed over on ability. Africa it is white people in the tional teams encourage young 31-man squad had eight non- medallist Khotso Mokoena and that period, and to pay costs of the proceedings. Any hopes that the issue of forefront. Where are the black people to take up sport. white players, compared with 400m world champion Wayde “We have invested considerable resources in developing this new race in sport was fading were people?” said security guard “When the Springboks run one in 1995. van Niekerk. and highly eff ective scanning technology and also in strengthening damaged this week when the Ntombizodwa Mvelase. “As onto the fi eld I want to see our This month, Allister Coetzee, The opposition Democrat- the sanctions applicable to anyone found cheating in this way,” UCI government banned its national black people we also want to see best team. The same with the a coloured or mixed-race South ic Alliance said the ban was President Brian Cookson said. “This case is a major victory for the cricket, rugby, athletics and ourselves succeeding, not see- Proteas,” businessman Shaun African, became the second merely a smokescreen to hide UCI and all those fans, riders and teams who want to be assured that netball federations from bidding ing white people succeeding all Walters told Reuters in Johan- non-white to be appointed na- the ANC’s failure to develop we will keep this form of cheating out of our sport.” for international tournaments the time.” nesburg’s affl uent Sandton tional rugby coach. His back- sport in state schools. “If every Leading cyclists, including 2015 Tour de France winner Chris due to a failure to increase their South Africans in favour of business district. line coach, Mzwandile Stick, is child is provided with an equal Froome, have warned about the dangers of mechanical doping. “For number of black players. affi rmative action believe long- “You compete to win. It’s not black. opportunity & if structural ra- the last few years now there have been rumours about motors be- The ban was a blow to South term change must begin with about whether you have enough The cricket side’s guidelines cialised inequality is addressed, ing concealed within the bikes,” Froome said on cyclingnews.com. Africa’s hopes of hosting the national teams showcasing black people or enough white say at least four non-whites every team would refl ect SA,” it “It’s a concern that I’ve had.” 2023 rugby World Cup. black players who will inspire people. It’s about winning.” should be in the team of 11, a said on its Twitter feed.

FOCUS Izagirre takes surprise prologue win in Romandie

AFP the brother of the race organiser. Richie and some of the later guys in the La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland In response to a tweet from the rid- last wave didn’t get so lucky, but that’s ers’ body CPA announcing that David kind of prologues isn’t it?” said Van Chassot was the delegate for extreme Garderen. paniard Ion Izagirre was a sur- weather protocols, Froome tweeted Porte added: “It’s a little bit disap- prise winner of the opening that his brother Richard Chassot was in pointing. I think it was the luck of the prologue at the Tour de Roman- overall charge. draw with the weather.” die yesterday. “The brother of the race organizer @ Wednesday’s opening stage proper is SThe 27-year-old Movistar rider cov- RChassot? Confl ict of interest?” wrote 167km from Chaux-de-Fonds to Mou- ered the technical 3.95km course in Froome on Twitter. don. 5min 33sec to beat Dutch time-trial “That’s one way to get your race to Results specialist Tom Dumoulin by six sec- go ahead without those pesky concerns 1.Jon Izagirre (ESP/MOV) 5min 33sec, onds. about rider safety,” he added. 2. Tom Dumoulin (NED/GIA) at 6sec, Poland’s Michal Kwiatkowski was Froome lost time on other overall 3. Michal Kwiatkowski (POL/SKY) 7, third at 7sec in the same time as his favourites including Nairo Quintana 4. Geraint Thomas (GBR/SKY) same Welsh Sky team-mate Geraint Thomas, (18th at 16sec), Thibaut Pinot (11th at time, 5. Gorka Izagirre (ESP/MOV) 8, 6. but their team leader Chris Froome 12sec), Romain Barrdet (27th at 18sec) Moreno Moser (ITA/CAN) 9, 7. Reto Hol- struggled. and 2011 winner Simon Spilak (36th at lenstein (SWI/IAM) 11, 8. Louis Vervaeke The Tour de France champion fi n- 22sec). (BEL/LOT) s.t., 9. Tejay Van Garderen ished 26sec down in 62nd after his But reigning champion Ilnur Zaka- (USA/BMC) s.t., 10. Martijn Keizer (NED/ run was hampered by snowfall at La rin of Russia struggled even more than LNL) 12 Spain’s Ion Izagirre of Team Chaux-de-Fonds. Briton Froome and fi nished 75th at Selected others Movistar waves on the Froome suggested in a series of mes- 30sec while Australian Richie Porte was 11. Thibaut Pinot (FRA/FDJ) s.t., 18. Nai- podium aft er winning the sages on Twitter before the stage that 101st at 37sec, although his BMC team- ro Quintana (COL/MOV) 16, 27. Romain 3,95km prologue of the 70th he was unhappy with being forced to mate Tejay Van Garderen managed a Bardet (FRA/ALM) 18, 36. Simon Spilak Tour de Romandie cycling race in such conditions, pointing out strong run to come ninth at just 11sec. (SLO/KAT) 22, 62. Chris Froome (GBR/ race in La Chaux-de-Fonds, that the person charged with making a “There was a window of pretty good SKY) 26, 75. Ilnur Zakarin (RUS/KAT) 30, Switzerland. (AFP) decision concerning the weather was roads and I think I got a bit lucky as 101. Richie Porte (AUS/BMC) 37 Gulf Times Wednesday, April 27, 2016 9 RIO FOCUS

SPOTLIGHT HONOUR Syrian athlete carries Rio fl ame in Brazil wrestles Greek refugee camp

AFP of Samos in 2014 on an infl atable Athens boat. A million other migrants and refugees were to follow suit in Syrian swimmer and 2015, risking their lives to fl ee war, chaos 100 days judoka who lost his poverty and persecution mainly lower leg in a bomb- for Greek and Italian shores. ing and who was With the gift of a prosthetic Agranted asylum in Greece car- leg from a private doctor, Hus- ried the fl ame of the Rio Olym- sein now works in a cafe in Ath- pics through an Athens refugee ens, lives in a rented apartment camp yesterday, the UN refugee and continues to be a passionate agency said. sportsman. before Olympics Ibrahim al-Hussein, 27, carried He plays wheelchair basketball the torch through Eleonas camp, and swims 50 metres (yards) in where some 1,600 asylum seekers 28 seconds—less than 3 seconds The revelation by off icials Monday that 11 people have died on Olympic construction are being given temporary shelter short of his personal best before amid Europe’s worst migrant cri- the injury. sites —compared to eight across all Brazil for the 2014 World Cup — cast a grim shadow sis since World War II. “It is an honour,” Hussein said Hussein, who has been granted earlier when he was told he would asylum by Greece, was nominated be bearing the Olympic fl ame. for the Olympic torch relay by the “Imagine achieving one of your Greek Council for Refugees, the biggest dreams. Imagine that UN refugee agency’s local im- your dream of more than 20 years plementation partner, a UNHCR is becoming a reality. Erica Rodrigues of Brazil jumps into the warm up pool source told AFP. “I am carrying the fl ame for during an Olympics warm-up event in Rio de Janeiro. “From the start the aim was to myself, but also for Syrians, for have a refugee who has secured refugees everywhere, for Greece, asylum,” the UNHCR source said. for sports, for my swimming and “We had asked if there is a refu- basketball teams,” he said. gee who is also a star athlete,” the “My goal is to never give up. source added. But to go on, to always go forward. Hussein, an electrician from And that I can achieve through Syria’s Deir Ezzor province on the sports.” Iraqi border, was an award-win- In late June, Hussein is to com- ning swimmer and judoka before pete in the Greek disabled swim- war erupted. ming championship. The son of a swimming coach, In another gesture to the mi- Hussein and several of his 13 sib- gration crisis, the International lings swam competitively from Olympic Committee has said a the age of fi ve, reaping medals in team of up to 10 refugees will take local and national competitions. part at the Rio Olympics. The family lived on the banks of Some 40 athlete refugees have the Euphrates River, and Hussein been identifi ed by the IOC as pos- told UNHCR that the Deir Ezzor sible contenders, with a selection suspension bridge would often to be made in June, the UNHCR serve as his diving board. source said. “I used to climb to the top, The fl ame was kindled last dive into the water and swim in week in the 2,600-year-old Tem- the river,” he told the UN refugee ple of Hera at Ancient Olympia. agency in an interview published On Wednesday, it will be hand- on its website. ed over to Brazilian offi cials in a But in 2012, he lost half of his ceremony at the historic all-mar- right leg in a bombing and fl ed for ble Olympic stadium in Athens, Turkey a year later. From there, site of the fi rst modern Games in he travelled to the Greek island 1896.

AFP impeachment proceedings—that she rowing venue. causes fl u-like symptoms and in the case Rio de Janeiro claims are a coup d’etat—about to start, Offi cials insist that nothing important of pregnant women can lead to birth de- Rousseff is likely to be replaced by her will be missing. But the deadlines are— fects. Apart from fumigating sites, the vice president, Michel Temer. perhaps in typical Brazilian last-minute authorities are counting on August’s razil promises a roaring Rio Ol- And the fact that Temer also faces pos- style—getting awfully tight. typically lower mosquito population to ympics party, but with 100 days sible impeachment illustrates how vola- A metro extension considered vital prevent embarrassment. to go before the sporting mega tile Latin America’s biggest country has to moving people between the south of Violence is also a big worry in a city bash, the hosts are battling become—a fact that could point to tur- Rio and the major hub at Barra da Ti- with almost four murders a day. nightmarishB political and economic gate moil, including street protests, just when juca on the outskirts is only on sched- Just last week a man was shot dead crashers. the international spotlight is on Brazil. ule for opening July 1, fi ve weeks before while walking his dog in daylight right Stunning scenery and traditional Bra- Throw in a tanking economy, high the Games. A leaked letter from the city by the city’s most famous hotel, the Co- zilian warmth mean the 10,500 athletes crime and the Zika virus and some start mayor, Eduardo Paes, in February warned pacabana Palace. Drug gangs have used from 206 countries and 450,000 tourists asking whether Brazilians will even want of “high risk” that even this wouldn’t be hand grenades in a recent shootout in the should have a spectacular time. to turn up to Rio’s $11 billion show. met. ultra-chic Ipanema neighborhood. Offi cials say the stadiums are 98 per- “The Games are a huge party,” says Then last week a panoramic new cy- Rio will deploy 85,000 police and sol- cent ready and International Olym- Pedro Trengrouse, a sports expert at cling path—part of the so-called Olympic diers—double the number used in the pic Committee chief Thomas Bach has the Fundacao Getulio Vargas think tank legacy improvements to Rio’s creaking 2012 London Games—to try to keep a lid promised “an excellent Games.” in Rio. “But we only party when we’re infrastructure—collapsed into the sea, on crime. But with Brazil’s security forces But the fi rst Olympics ever staged in happy.” When an ecstatic Rio won the killing at least two people. having no direct experience of fi ghting President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee Spiros Kapralos (L) South America is threatened by an al- hosting rights back in 2009, Brazil was a In perhaps the biggest fail of all, lit- terrorism, questions have been raised hands over the Olympic Flame to Syrian refugee Ibrahim al-Hussein mighty hangover before it even gets un- samba-dancing economic wonder. tle has been done to stop the raw sewage over the potential threat from violent Is- (2nd R), an amputee swimmer, during the Olympic Flame torch relay der way. Today the economy is in steep decline, and garbage pouring into the bay where lamists. at the Eleonas refugee camp in Athens. The revelation by offi cials Monday with a second successive 3.8 percent sailing and windsurfi ng events will take Counter-terrorism chief Luiz Alberto that 11 people have died on Olympic con- contraction forecast this year. Unem- place. Sallaberry told G1 news site this year that struction sites—compared to eight across ployment has shot up to 10.2 percent “It’s very polluted there. Once you there was a “heightened” risk after dead- FOCUS all Brazil for the 2014 World Cup—cast a and rating agencies have downgraded the fall sick, you’re done,” Hong Kong’s gold ly attacks on civilians in Europe. grim shadow. country’s credit status to junk. medal winning windsurfer Lee Lai-shan Still, US water polo veteran Olympian Then there is the major turmoil on the Money is so tight that the state of Rio told the South China Morning Post. Tony Azevedo predicts the Brazilians’ political stage where President Dilma can’t even pay government employees, Tourists and athletes might not even “love (of) throwing a good party” will win Italian fencing Rousseff faces impeachment. including many medical staff , on time. notice the political and fi nancial up- in the end. Usually, Rousseff would be the one in Olympic organizers have also had to heaval. “I think this Olympics could go down Rio’s Maracana stadium announcing the slash their budget, cutting back on eve- But they’ve been told to watch out for for them as a changing point in the his- legend Valentina Games open on August 5. However, with rything from printer ink to seating at the mosquitoes carrying Zika, a virus that tory of Brazil,” he said. Vezzali, 42, retires BOTTOMLINE Refugee fi ghts way into Olympics and new life

AFP “He was very brutal,” said Geraldo Ber- His mother died, he never knew the Portuguese, penniless, and an ocean away Rio de Janeiro nardes, the veteran Brazilian coach of four whereabouts of his father and he’d been from home, Misenga and a female Con- Olympic teams, who now oversees Misen- separated from his two sisters and brother. golese judoka, Yolande Mabika, ran away, ga and other hopefuls at the Instituto He remembers as a small boy having to fl ee eventually fi nding shelter with fellow Af- erocity may sound like a good Reacao, a Rio de Janeiro NGO and training alone into the forest. ricans in the Bras de Pina favela. thing in martial arts, but when facility founded by Olympic bronze med- Misenga shot through the judo ranks, “It was very complicated,” Misenga said Popole Misenga started training allist Flavio Canto. becoming DRC national champion, but he quietly. “I had no place to sleep, nothing to for his Olympic judo team he was, Bernardes says the refugee, who has says the sport turned into a kind of slavery eat, no work.” well,F too ferocious—“brutal,” one coach short dreadlocks and a massive chest, that couldn’t fi ll the gaps left by war. A Rio favela like Bras de Pina might not says. caused a rift at the club, where judo’s val- “My life was to train, train, train, train, seem like the luckiest place for a refugee Then again, Misenga’s no ordinary ath- ues of mutual-respect rule supreme—and train. All I thought about was how to win,” to wind up. Drug gangs control the al- lete and his team—composed of refugees where the Brazilians had trouble relating he said. “I was sad and nervous.” leys around Misenga’s apartment where DPA Italy’s Fencing Federation from around the world—is no ordinary to his tragic story. And the training methods were brutal— he, Fabiana and the four children share a Rome said Vezzali would play her squad. “There was a hostile atmosphere,” the helping to explain the refugee’s style on single airless bedroom and a tiny kitchen last match against China in to- The Congolese judoka is pushing to grizzled trainer said. “He injured several the judo mat. with a sofa. day’s quarter-fi nals of the Team compete in the Rio Olympics this August athletes.” “They were trained to win at all costs,” A barricade blocks one end of his street talian fencer Valentina World Championships in Rio de as part of the Games’ fi rst stateless team, But that was a year ago and Misenga, Bernardes said as Misenga got ready for and several bullet holes mark the wall of Vezzali, one of the most Janeiro. drawn from confl icts around the world to who lives in a Rio favela with his Brazilian another session of sparring in Rio. his building. Garbage and condoms litter successful athletes in the In Olympic Summer Games give hope to the dispossessed. companion Fabiana, their one-year-old “When they didn’t win they were the ground. history of the Olympics, said from 1996 to 2012, Vezzali won 6 As a child of the Democratic Republic son Elias and her other three children, has locked in a cell with food rations cut in half “There’s no war as there is back home, Iyesterday she was going to retire gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze med- of Congo’s 1998-2003 war, which killed mellowed. for several days.” but there are drug traffi ckers. The bandits at the age of 42. als. millions and left many more homeless, the After all, making the shortlist for the In 2013, Misenga, who competes in the shoot and the police shoot,” he said. “There is a time for everything In 2013, she ran in the Italian 24-year-old has been hardened by terror, refugee team indicates his luck has fi nally under 90 kilogram category, went to Rio But while favelas suff er high crime, they and I think this is the right time general elections for a centrist hunger, and desperation. turned. Misenga learned judo in a refugee for the World Judo Championships. His are tight-knit and locals in Bras de Pina to take off my [fencing] mask, list headed by then-premier And when he fi rst trained in Brazil, camp after fl eeing the eastern DRC region food vouchers were stolen by corrupt team clearly revel in the presence of their unu- hang up my foil and start a new Mario Monti, and was elected where he sought asylum, his fellow black of Bukavu, where violence continues to offi cials and he lost in his fi rst bout. That sual neighbour, calling out “Popole!” as beginning,” Vezzali said in a video to the lower house of parlia- belts didn’t know how to deal with him. this day despite the end of the war. was the fi nal straw. Not speaking a word of Misenga walks proudly down the street. posted on her Facebook account. ment. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 SPORT

TENNIS ROUND-UP Wimbledon Nadal asks ITF for all winners to get £2mn each his doping tests to be ban for Sharapova would aff ect AFP London her membership of the All Eng- land Club which she gained as a Wimbledon champion. inners of the men’s “It is hard to say that the and women’s sin- reputation of the game has not gles titles at this been hurt,” he told the London revealed to public year’s Wimbledon Evening Standard. “It would be Wwill each receive £2 million ($2.9 a great shame because Maria is a million), the All England Lawn popular former champion.” Nadal filed a lawsuit against former French sports minister Roselyne Bachelot Tennis Club said yesterday. The 130th edition of the Wim- Overall prize money for the bledon Championships will be tournament has been increased played at the All England Club by fi ve percent to £28.1 million in southwest London from June for what is now the only one of 27-July 10. tennis’ four major tournaments played on grass. Last year, reign- BOTH GERMANS GO OUT ing Wimbledon singles champi- AT ESTORIL OPEN ons Novak Djokovic and Serena The only two Germans in the Williams each won £1.88 million. fi eld at the Estoril Open both But the US Open continues to made early exits yesterday as be the Grand Slam event with the Michael Berrer and Benjamin biggest prize fund. Last year it Becker were beaten in the fi rst paid out $42.3 million, with $3.3 round in Estoril, Portugal. million going to each of the sin- Spanish fi fth seed Guillermo gles champions. Garcia-Lopez got the better of This year’s Wimbledon will 35-year-old Berrer, defeating also feature enhanced anti- the veteran 6-3, 7-6 (7-3. Bra- doping measures following the zil’s Rogerio Dutra Silva put out admission by former champion Becker 6-4, 6-1 in a fi rst ATP- Maria Sharapova that she had level meeting between the two. been taking the banned sub- Brit Kyle Edmund beat Span- stance, meldonium. And there iard Daniel Gimeno-Traver 6-3, will also be “increased invest- 7-5 with the number 89 winner ment” in anti-corruption sys- next playing French fourth seed tems after allegations during Benoit Paire. Portugal lost its January’s Australian Open that third player in two days as 2007 tennis authorities failed to prop- semi-fi nalist Paul-Henri Math- erly investigate possible fi xing ieu earned a 6-3, 6-4 fi rst-round Rafael Nadal has never failed incidents involving 16 players. win. Spaniard Inigo Cervantes a drug test in his many years “Our increased investment in will play the second round on on the ATP Tour and has always promoting integrity in light of Wednesday against second seed vehemently denied ever using a the recent focus on these areas and 2015 fi nalist Nick Kyrgios as banned substance. (AFP) underlines our determination the Australian makes his tourna- for Wimbledon to play its part in ment start on his 21st birthday. safeguarding tennis’s integrity,” Cervantes beat compatriot said AELTC chief executive Ri- Daniel Munoz de la Nava 6-4, chard Lewis. 6-1 to advance; Japan’s Taro Wimbledon chairman Philip Daniel defeated Canadian quali- Brook refused to say whether any fi er Steven Diez 7-5, 6-1.

AFP missed the fi nal six months of the season The ITF acknowledged receipt of Nad- cent months after fi ve-time Grand Slam Paris due to knee problems, in order to hide a al’s letter and confi rmed he had never champion Maria Sharapova admitted positive drug test. Nadal has never failed committed a doping violation, while in- she failed a test for the banned substance a drug test in his many years on the ATP viting the Spaniard to personally make meldonium at this year’s Australian ourteen-time Grand Slam cham- Tour and has always vehemently denied his records public. “The ITF has received Open. pion Rafael Nadal asked for the ever using a banned substance. “I believe a letter from Rafael Nadal that includes One of Nadal’s leading rivals on the results of all drugs tests he has the time has arrived and our sport and our a request to release his personal test re- ATP Tour, Britain’s Andy Murray, has taken in his career to be released governing bodies need to step up in com- sults under the Tennis Anti-Doping Pro- been a vocal critic of the need for the ten- toF the public in a letter to the Interna- municating well to the world,” Nadal’s gramme (TADP),” the federation said in a nis authorities to do more to protect the tional Tennis Federation (ITF) yesterday. letter continued. statement. sport from doping. Murray even went as Nadal fi led a lawsuit against former “I know how many times I am tested, “The ITF can confi rm that Mr. Nadal far in a recent interview with the Daily French sports minister Roselyne Bach- on and off competition. Please make has never failed a test under the TADP Mail as to say he had been suspicious of elot yesterday after she accused him of all my information public. Please make and has not been suspended at any time opponents who he thought were not tir- covering up a failed drugs test. “It is nec- public my biological passport, my com- for an anti-doping rule violation (or for ing as they ought to in matches. essary that our sport becomes a fl agship plete history of Anti-Doping controls and any other reason related to the TADP). However, those comments were criti- in a world where TRANSPARENCY and tests. From now on I ask you to commu- “Mr. Nadal, as all other players who cised by six-time Grand Slam winner HONESTY are two pillars of our conduct nicate when I am tested and the results as are subject to the TADP, has access to his Boris Becker, who is now the coach of and way of living,” Nadal wrote in the soon as they are ready from your labs. anti-doping records through WADA’s world number one Novak Djokovic. Beck- letter addressed to ITF president David “I also encourage you to start fi ling ADAMS database and is free to make er said Murray was “out of order” in mak- Haggerty. lawsuits if there is any misinformation them available. The accuracy of any such ing his feelings known without proof. Bachelot alleged that Nadal—one of spread by anyone. It can’t be free any- release would be verifi ed by the ITF,” “I believe 100 percent Andy is clean. Spain’s most loved and admired sports- more in our tennis world to speak and to it added. The spectre of doping in ten- Roger (Federer) is clean, Rafa is clean, all A view of the court No. 19 at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet men—faked an injury in 2012, when he accuse without evidence.” nis has drawn increased attention in re- these guys are clean,” said Becker. Club, Wimbledon yesterday. (Reuters)

GOLF INDIAN CRICKET Woods feels ‘nice’ aft er fi rst holes of the year FESTIVAL Reuters Montgomery, Texas ON APRIL 29 Doha: The Indian Cricket Festival iger Woods played his fi rst stretch of golf 2016 between the Indian Community holes since last August on Monday at XII and Ambassador’s XII will be held a course opening in Montgomery, at 5.30pm on Friday, 29 April, 2016 at Texas to fuel speculations that he could Qatar Petroleum’s cricket ground at Treturn soon. Mesaieed Industrial City. Woods was present for the opening of Blue- Last year’s winners were Ambas- jack National Golf Course, which he helped de- sador’s XII and they are all charged sign. The former world number one warmed up to again win this year. The Indian in front of a crowd, hit a ceremonial tee shot and Embassy joined the organisers of then played a few holes with longtime friend and the match in expressing gratitude to fellow Major champion Mark O’Meara. Qatar Petroleum for providing their “I haven’t been out here playing like this. I playground for the second successive hadn’t played any holes until today,” Woods told year. Entry to the match is free with reporters. “I know people have said I’ve played complimentary snacks and a lucky holes back at Medalist, but I haven’t. This is ac- draw will be held. tually the fi rst time I’ve played holes since Wyn- dham. It’s been a while.” QATAR CRICKET Woods, 40, last competed at the Wyndham ASSOCIATION TO ORGANISE Championship in North Carolina last August CAMP FOR WOMEN before back surgeries ended his year. Woods’ Tiger Woods was present for the opening The Qatar Cricket Association will world ranking has plummeted to 499 and earlier of Bluejack National Golf Course, and hit organise a coaching camp for women this month he missed the Masters for only the a ceremonial tee shot and then played a cricketers, the primary purpose of second time since his tournament debut in 1995. few holes with longtime friend and fellow which is to unearth talent and groom Multiple videos of the 14-times Major cham- Major champion Mark O’Meara. them for the future. pion hitting golf balls have surfaced this year and QCA General Secretary Manzoor Monday’s short round showed further improve- Ahmad said the association wishes ment. “I’m just progressing,” he said. “You saw since last August while recovering from back South Africa has opted out of this year’s Olympic Former Open winner Oosthuizen, 33, pulled to identify new talent, train them how I was going at it today, nice and smooth. surgeries, registered for the year’s second major Games in Rio de Janeiro, joining a fast-growing out last week citing family commitments and and provide playing opportunities to That’s harder than I have been going at it the last on April 4, well ahead of today’s deadline. While list of elite players that also includes compatriot a taxing schedule. No reason was given for the women, so that would popularise the month. Just gradually progressing. We’re just he has registered for the June 16-19 US Open, Louis Oosthuizen. Schwartzel’s decision has withdrawal of Schwartzel, who has worked his game further and have a bigger tal- trying to progress and I’m doing that.” there is no guarantee he will be at Oakmont, one been announced by team captain Gary Player way back up to 20th in the world rankings. ent pool for national women’s teams. The Golf Channel reported that Woods could of the most diffi cult courses on tour. who said it weakened the country’s chances of a Golf returns to the Olympics after a 112-year The camp is eligible for those who compete at the Wells Fargo Championship early Last year, the former world number one also medal in Brazil. “I am sad and disappointed that absence, but its inclusion has been questioned have been in Doha for the last 2 years next month but Woods and his team have main- registered to play at the US Open but backed out several top players have withdrawn from the Ol- by Australian swimming great Dawn Fraser who or more and or born in Qatar. Inter- tained there is no planned return date. He has after saying he was not fully recovered from back ympic Games in Rio,” Player said in a statement. criticised compatriot Adam Scott’s decision to ested players can contact the QCA has also registered to play in June’s US Open at surgery. “I was sorry to hear that Louis Oosthuizen and skip the Rio Games. Off ice at 44651514 for more details Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania but has Charl Schwartzel have withdrawn their names Fiji’s former world number one Vijay Singh or register themselves by sending not set a timetable for his return to the PGA Tour. SCHWARTZEL LATEST MAJOR from consideration. I would have given anything has also opted out of the event. The Rio Olym- e-mail at [email protected] and The United States Golf Association confi rmed WINNER TO SKIP OLYMPICS to play in the Olympics. South Africa had a great pics take place from Aug. 5 to Aug. 21, with the [email protected] on Monday that Woods, who has not competed Former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel of team, but now obviously, it will not be as good.” men’s golf tournament ending Aug. 14. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 27, 2016 11 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Qatar to host Futsal Aspire Academy celebrates Cup in June Doha: The Qatar Football As- sociation (QFA) and Spanish Futsal League (LNFS) an- the conclusion of fourth nounced yesterday that Qatar will host the Futsal Intercon- tinental Cup Qatar from June 24th to 29th 2016. Organised by the QFA and LNFS, the tournament will wit- ness the participation of the edition of Schools League eight best teams in the world and will be held at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena in More than 40 independent and international schools took part in the competition Al Sadd and Aspire’s Ladies Sports Hall. The six teams that will take part in the tournament represent Asia, Europe and South America which include Spanish clubs Inter Movistar and FC Barcelona Lassa; Car- los Barbosa and the Magnus Futsal from Brazil; Dynamo Moscu FC from Russia; Tasisat Daryaei Futsal from Iran. As for the team participat- ing from Qatar, either Al Sadd or Al Rayyan will be playing depending on their ranking in the QFA Futsal League. The clash between Al Sadd and Al Rayyan is expected to be intense as the latter still has the chance to draw level with a win today. Both teams will clash in the final round of the league after both sides emerged as the two best sides with 69 and 66 points respectively. The eighth team will be announced at a later stage. Former Brazilian futsal legend Falcao will be attending the draw to be held on May 3rd in By Sports Reporter In their opening remarks, Mashael following a closely-fought fi nal match Aspire Dome Auditorium. Doha Ismail al-Sharshni from the adminis- against Al Khor Independent School in In its 15th edition, the trative team of the Football Perform- which Qatar International School ran Intercontinental Futsal Cup ance & Science Department at Aspire out 2-1 winners. Joaan Bin Jassim In- is considered to be one of he fourth edition of the Aspire Academy said: “Through the Football dependent School secured third place the best club tournament Academy Schools League for Performance & Science department, following a 3-2 win against Al Khaleej in the world. The team with eight-year olds drew to a close Aspire Academy is proud of its role in School. most intercontinental titles yesterday at Aspire Dome, after organising and hosting various school Following the matches, Ali Salem is Movistar Inter, with 5 titles Ta dramatic fi nal and a celebratory clos- festivals and tournaments. Afaifa, Deputy Director General of As- achieved consecutively from ing event attended by offi cials from the “Such events refl ect the emphasis we pire Academy together with Badr al- 2005 to 2011. Academy, participating schools and a place on supporting the development Hay, Director of Education and Student The tournament was number of Qatari institutions. of young players technically, physi- Care and Ali Ahmed al-Hitmi, Head of inaugurated in 1996 and Inter The league, which was organised cally and psychologically – helping lay Student Care, presented the fi rst, sec- Ulbra won the first title after by the Football Performance & Sci- the foundations for future success in ond and third place teams with league beating FC Barcelona 4-2 in ence Department at Aspire Academy, their athletic careers. This success of cups and medals. the final. The last edition of started at the beginning of the 2015-16 this league highlights the levels of co- Academy offi cials also paid tribute a the tournament took place in school year with the involvement of 18 operation and collaboration that exists range of organisations that have con- 2013 and was won by Russian independent schools and 22 private and between stakeholders and partner or- tributed towards the success of the fi - club Dynamo Moscu FC after international schools competing in two ganisations that are committed to en- nal day of the Aspire Academy Schools they won against Brazilian groups. The fi rst, second and third place hancing performance amongst Qatar’s League, including the Traffi c Depart- club Carlos Barbosa 5-1. teams from these two groups qualifi ed young athletes.” ment, the Public Relations Department for yesterday’s fi nal. The fi nal matches took place follow- at the Ministry of Interior, the Qatar Al Sadd or Al Rayyan The celebration began with a recital ing the opening remarks and featured Police Sports Association, the Com- will represent Qatar from the Qur’an, followed by a rendi- three independent schools along with munity Police Department, the Qatar depending on their tion of the Qatari national anthem per- three international schools. The inde- Qatar Academy Al Khor Branch. The Qatar International School. Military Sports Association, the Qatar ranking in the QFA formed by musicians from the Qatari pendent schools taking part were: Joaan three international schools taking part Qatar International School was Armed Forces Music Band, Qatar Tel- Futsal League. Armed Forces band. Bin Jassim; Al Khor Independent and were: Sherborne, Al Khaleej School and crowned overall champion of the league evision and Al Rayyan TV.

Jaish to face Rayyan in Qatar Cup volleyball final MOTORSPORT Jordan Rally to be held from May 5th to 7th

By Our Correspondent for the remote communities that are sprinkled Amman, Jordan along the route in the Dead Sea and Jordan Val- ley areas. “We are indebted to the many partners that have pulled together in order to be ready for ollowing heavy rainfall, Jordan Motor- next week,” said Othman Nassif, CEO of Jordan sport has said that a monumental na- Motorsport and Chairman of the Organisers. tional eff ort has ensured the Kingdom is “The work carried out by the Ministry of Pub- ready to host the Jordan Rally from May lic Works and Amman Municipality has been vi- 5thF to 7th. tal and it means we have stages as good as new Last week, the organisers unveiled a quality that will provide a tough challenge to the region’s entry list, which showed competitors from 12 na- best drivers.” tions led by multiple regional champion and 2015 On behalf of the organisers, Nassif has also Jordan winner Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah of Qatar. praised the support of the various safety and se- While the rain has been a welcome boost to curity services, not to mention the private sector Jordan’s scarce water supplies, it has provided a whose sponsorship provides the backbone to the huge challenge for Jordan Motorsport, as many event. This support has been provided by Toyota, of the competitive stages have required substan- Hyundai, King Hussein bin Talal Convention tial work to bring them up to the world-class Centre managed by Hilton, Samarah Mall and standards.On Monday the fi nishing touches were Abdali, where the event will get underway on made to the routes, which also provide a vital link May 5. El Jaish defeated defending champions Al Arabi 3-2 (25/22, 25/14, 19/25, 25/27, 15/10) in a pulsating playoff encounter to storm into the final of the Qatar Cup volleyball yesterday. In the final to be held tomorrow, Jaish will face Al Rayyan. PICTURES: Jayaram Wednesday, April 27, 2016 GULF TIMES ATHLETICS

IAAF DIAMOND LEAGUE DOHA World champions Molitor, Malachowski, Schwanitz lead DL Doha throws fi elds ‘We have witnessed some memorable performances in the throws events in Doha in recent years. We hope to see that tradition grow this year, especially with world champions Piotr Malachowski, Christina Schwanitz and Katharina Molitor kicking off their Diamond League and Olympic seasons here against very strong and competitive fields’

By Sports Reporter Doha

orld champions Piotr Malachowski, Christina Schwanitz and Katharina Molitor will lead their re- Wspective fi elds at the Doha 2016 Meet- ing on May 6, the opening meeting of the seventh season of the IAAF Dia- mond League series. Malachowski will lead a podium reunion from the 2015 World Cham- pionships in the discus throw, the sole men’s throw event on this year’s programme. Schwanitz, meanwhile, will head the fi eld in the shot put and her German compatriot Molitor in the javelin throw. “We’ve witnessed some memorable performances in the throws events in Doha in recent years,” said Qatar Ath- letics Federation President Dahlan al- Hamad. “We hope to see that tradition grow this year, especially with world champions Piotr Malachowski, Chris- tina Schwanitz and Katharina Molitor kicking off their Diamond League and Olympic seasons here against very strong and competitive fi elds.” Malachowski, who also struck Ol- ympic silver in 2008 and world silver in 2009 and 2013, is no stranger to Doha, winning here in 2012 and 2014, two of the three seasons in which he won the Diamond Race Trophy. The 32-year- old also took the series’ top honour in 2010, its inaugural season. With a career best of 71.84m, Malachowski ranks fi fth on the all-time list. He has to counter the challenge of Belgian Philip Milanov and Pole Robert Urbanek, the silver and bronze med- allists last year. Just 24, Milanov is a relative newcomer on the event’s main Germany’s Christina stage, with a 66.90m personal best to Schwanitz will be the his credit. Piotr Malachowski struck silver one to beat in women’s In contrast, Urbanek, 28, is well- at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. shot put in Doha. tested and experienced. In 2014 he captured bronze at the European Championships and last year collected Schwanitz produced the fi nest sea- at 20.24m, Carter took bronze at last record holder (69.35m) Sunette Viljoen and won the silver medal at the World holder Nicole Buchler, who topped victories at the European Team Cham- son of her career in 2015, one in which year’s World Championships. of South Africa, who claimed bronze Indoor Championships. 4.80m to fi nish fourth at the World pionships and at Diamond League she won the world title, collected fi ve The fi eld also includes Anita Marton medals at the past two editions of the There is also a solid Greek 1-2 punch Indoor Championships; and Li Ling stops in Oslo and Zurich. Diamond League series victories en of Hungary, the silver medallist at the World Championships. with Nikoleta Kiriakopoulou, the of China, the Asian record holder at The fi eld also includes Swede Daniel route to her fi rst Diamond Race Tro- World Indoors behind Carter. Watch out too for Martina Ratej, bronze medallist at last year’s World 4.66m. Stahl, another 2015 World Champion- phy, and led the world with a 20.77m Molitor will also face a formidable the Slovenian record holder at 67.16m, Championships and 2015 Diamond Elsewhere, organisers have also ships fi nalist; Zoltan Kovago of Hun- personal best. fi eld in her pursuit of a fi rst victory in who won in Doha two years ago. Race winner, and her teammate Ka- confi rmed that Yulimar Rojas of Ven- gary, the 2004 Olympic silver medal- She produced the year’s four far- Diamond League competition. Last Organisers also announced the fi eld terina Stefanidi, who took the World ezuela, the surprise triple jump winner list; and Benn Harradine of Australia, thest throws, and fi ve of the best six. year, the 32-year-old arrived at the in the women’s pole vault which is Indoor Championships bronze. Ki- at last month’s World Indoor Champi- a former Commonwealth champion In Doha she will face Michelle Carter World Championships without a ma- shaping into what is perhaps the most riakopoulou, who has a best of 4.83m, onships, has been added to the fi eld in with a 68.20m career best. of the US, who arrives in the Qatari jor medal to her name, but rose to the wide open event of the meeting. won in Doha two years ago. her specialty. And Orlando Ortega of Local attention will fall on Qatar’s capital on the heels of her gold medal occasion, improving her career best to There’s Sandi Morris of the US, who The fi eld also includes German Silke Spain, the tenth fastest high hurdler of Ahmed Mohamed Dheeb, bronze med- showing at the World Indoor Cham- 67.69m to take an unexpected gold. rose in the ranks during the indoor Spiegelburg, who raised the Diamond all time at 12.94, has joined the fi eld in allist at the 2014 Asian Games. pionships. The national record holder Among her key rivals is African season when she improved to 4.95m Race Trophy three times; Swiss record the men’s 110m hurdles. Qatar’s Ogunode bests Jamaica’s Blake in 100m Bolt to run at Ostrava in May

amaican sprint star Usain Bolt will run the 100 metres at the Golden Spike meet in the eastern Czech city of Ostrava Jon May 20, the event’s organisers said yesterday. This will be Bolt’s second race in the run-up to the Rio Olympics in Au- gust, where he will defend his 100m, 200m and 4x100m titles from 2012. In his first race this year, he is due to run the 100m at the Cayman Invitational Meet on May 14. “I am pleased to return to the Golden Spike meeting in Os- trava on May 20 for the eighth time in my career,” Bolt said in a statement provided by Golden Spike spokesman Karel Tejkal. “It is one of my favourite meets on the circuit. The organisation is always great and the fans create a fantastic atmosphere.” “It will be my first European meet of 2016,” added the 29-year- old six-time Olympic gold medallist and world record holder over 100m and 200m. Bolt has not raced since the Beijing World Championships last Qatari sprinter Femi Ogunode dethroned former world champion Yohan Blake of Jamaica with a season-leading time of 9.91 seconds at the Tom Jones August, where he won the 100m and 200m races in addition to Memorial Invitational, in Gainsville, University of Florida, on Saturday. The Qatari’s performance is the best 100m showing of 2016. Ogunode, whose helping Jamaica dominate the 4x100m relay. Other stars due to compete at Ostrava include French pole- Asian record also stands at 9.91s, finished ahead of USA’s Isaiah Young and Jamaican Nickel Ashmeade, who both stopped the clock at 10.03s. Ogunode vaulter Renaud Lavillenie and US decathlon star Ashton Eaton, is currently training in the US in preparation for the August 5-21 Rio Olympics. Jamaican Blake, with a best timing of 9.69s, is world’s joint second fastest the world record holder, who will take part in the long jump in 100m alongside Tyson Gay of the US, after compatriot Usain Bolt. His personal best for 200m (19.26s) too is the second fastest ever after Bolt. competition before taking on Bolt in the 100m race.