WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

More new doping cases Bolt aggravates hamstring IOC says 31 athletes from 2008 Beijing Jamaican sprint superstar Usain Bolt is EUROPA LEAGUE Games have tested positive PAGE 30 undergoing treatment for hamstring injury PAGE 30 LIVERPOOL VS SEVILLA

Al Rayyan Stadium Romarinho strikes wins Design of a brace as El Jaish the Year award thump Lekhwiya 4-0

AFC DOHA

EL Jaish put one foot in the quarter-finals of the 2016 AFC The 40,000-seater Al Rayyan Stadium’s design has been inspired Champions League on Tues- by sand dunes. day after an emphatic 4-0 win over Qatar Stars League rivals SC.QA Tuesday evening in Doha. Lekhwiya left Djamal Belma- DOHA “The stadium con- di’s side with a mountain to struction is making good climb in next week’s second THE Supreme Committee progress and we will con- leg of the Round of 16. for Delivery & Legacy (SC) tinue to ensure that the Romarinho and Hamedal- has been awarded the Sta- Al Rayyan community is lah Abdurazzaq scored in the dium Design of the Year incorporated in all stages first half before a third from award for Al Rayyan Stadi- of the construction and Mohamed Methnani nine um at the 2016 World Sta- legacy planning of this minutes into the second half dium Congress in Doha. stadium, as they have been added further gloss to an im- Abdulla Al Fehani, Al from the very beginning of pressive performance by Sabri Rayyan Stadium Project this exciting project. Lamouchi’s team. Manager at the SC, received “We are creating not Romarinho claimed a the award announced by a just a sports stadium for fourth – four minutes from judging panel that includ- one of Qatar’s best support- time – to put the result beyond ed Stadia Magazine Editor ed sides, but also a commu- any doubt as El Jaish avenged Matt Ross and Tim Brouw, nity hub which will be used their loss to Lekhwiya in the Stadium and Tournament on a daily basis by families semi-finals of the Emir’s Cup Consultant. in this area. last week. “It is an honour to re- “We believe that this in- The two clubs will meet ceive this award on behalf novative approach is also again next Wednesday with of the Supreme Committee encapsulated in the design Lekhwiya needing to score at and a reconfirmation of our of this stadium.” least four goals to harbour any commitment to excellence Progress on site at Al hope of reaching the quarter- in creating innovative de- Rayyan Stadium is advanc- finals for the second time in signs which incorporate the ing with the club’s new the club’s history. culture, heritage and needs training grounds set for El Jaish, who reached the of the local community,” completion to be used for knockout stage as winners of said Al Fehani after the the coming Qatar Stars Group D, started the match El Jaish’s Romarinho (right) tackles Lekhwiya’s Ismael Mohamed during their AFC Champions League Round of 16 first leg clash atthe award ceremony held on League season. more aggressively of the two Lekhwiya Stadium on Tuesday. Romarinho scored the first and fourth goal for his team. The two sides will meet again next Wednesday. teams and Ahmad Moein had the first sight of goal in the 9th RESULTS QUICK READ minute, thumping his low shot from outside area, only for it El Jaish 4 Romarinho 17’, to miss Amine Lacomte’s right A. Hamdallah 44’, M. Paris city council approves 43 proposals post by centimetres. as part of its bid to host 2024 Olympics Six minutes later at the Mathnani 54’, Romarinho other end, Alain Dioko Ka- 86’) bt Lekhwiya 0 PARIS: The Paris city council has approved a series of proposals luyituka saw his attempt from aimed at transforming the similar distance deflected wide Melbourne Victory (AUS) 1 French capital as part of of the Lekhwiya goal. (Berisha 5) Jeonbuk Motors its bid to host the 2024 By the 17th minute, how- bt (KOR) 1 (Leonardo 13) Olympics. The development ever, El Jaish had taken the of a cycling lane linking the lead. The Lekhwiya defence FC Tokyo (JPN) 2 (Mizunuma proposed Olympic sites failed to clear their lines and 43, 65) bt Shanghai SIPG and the cleaning up of the the ball eventually fell at the (Wu Lei 55) river Seine, which Mayor feet of Romarinho, whose (CHN) 1 Anne Hidalgo wants to initial shot rebounded back Al Nasr (UAE) 4 (al-Yassi 14, make safe for swimming, off the post, only to fall at the Saleh 40, 77, Khamis 89) bt are among the 43 propos- Brazilian’s feet once again and El Jaish players celebrate one of the four goals against Lekhwiya on Tuesday. als adopted on Tuesday. this time he made no mistake. Tractorsazi (IRI) 1 (Cesar 59) Hidalgo says the Olympic El Jaish continued to look doubled his side’s lead with a he raced into the penalty area edge of the six-yard box fol- bid “is a fantastic opportunity for Paris to advance its sporting infra- the more dangerous of the fine individual goal. before slotting the ball between lowing Moein’s corner from corner of Khalifa Ababacar’s structure but also to build a sustainable, creative and vibrant global two teams as the clock ticked Picking the ball up inside Lacomte’s legs and into the goal. the left. goal, Romarinho completed city.” Paris is competing against Budapest, Rome and Los Angeles. towards halftime, with Meth- his own half after being gifted Nine minutes after the re- And while Kaluyituka had the rout four minutes from The International Olympic Committee will choose the host in Sep- nani trying his luck from dis- possession by Lekhwiya, the start, El Jaish increased their the chance to reduce the defi- time when he scored from tember 2017. Long-distance swimming and a leg of the triathlon tance, and with only a minute Moroccan powered forwards, advantage further when Meth- cit with 20 minutes to go, only close range as El Jaish hit on could be staged in the Seine if the Paris bid is successful. (AP) left in the half, Abderazzaq holding off Ahmed Yasser as nani headed home from the to shoot just wide of the top the counter-attack. FIFA director Gagg tasks Qatar on ‘comfort and security’ ahead of 2022 World Cup IKOLI VICTOR in Doha. KEY ISSUES of the stadiums in Qatar, Gagg anticipation (importance of DOHA “Comfort and security” said: “I have seen some. I or- being well prepared), good are the main request we have ganised the 1995 U-20 World management and well-de- A leading world soccer official always presented to the organ- “We are happy, they have Cup in Qatar and we came signed infrastructure. gave Qatar’s 2022 FIFA World isers. If we have stadiums that good stadiums here in here less than three months Gagg added that success- Cup preparations a strong vote fulfill this condition the stage Qatar, they have full secu- to stage the tournament with ful stadium safety and secu- of confidence on Tuesday and is perfect with the best techni- rity infrastructure and did 16 teams. Qatar did brilliantly rity strikes the right balance highlighted “comfort and se- cal infrastructure for the me- brilliantly hosting the and is always a top organiser.” between stadium design and curity” as key issues the local dia, fans, players and technical world in 1995. Comfort Gagg says Qatar has to be stadium management organising committee must preperators. and security” are the confident because the world Gagg is one of FIFA's most provide in six years for foot- “For the media it is im- is watching and they cannot experienced operators, having ball’s flagship competition. portant there is quality infra- main request we have allow anything to undermine enjoyed a distinguished career Walter Gagg, director of structure because nowadays always presented to the their preparations towards the at world football's governing stadium security for FIFA, said we have a high expectation organisers. If we have World Cup. body. Having held the role of he has "total" confidence in the for the quality of media stadiums that fulfill this According to the FIFA sta- administrative director of the Supreme Committee for Deliv- work. It is no longer 100-250 condition the stage is dium safety and security regu- national team at the Swiss ery & Legacy, organisers of the media representatives but perfect.” lations, safety and security is a Football Association from 2022 World to host the month- thousands that seek accredi- pivotal component of any suc- 1975 to 1982, Gagg moved to long 32-nation tournament. tation for major FIFA com- Walter Gagg cessful event, match or tour- FIFA in 1983 to become head “We are happy, they have petitions,” Gagg added. nament and affects everyone of their technical department. good stadiums here in Qatar, Gagg who has been in- attending or participating in Gagg was the director of they have full security infra- volved in many World Cups FIFA Director of Stadium Security Wakater Gagg at the World Stadium 1995. The tournament took the event. the development department, structure and did brilliantly like Italia 1990, USA 1994, Congress in Doha on Tuesday. place in three venues in Doha. It is widely acknowledged the technical and competitions hosting the world in 1995,” France 1998, Korea-Japan that visited Qatar in 1995 to edition of the football tourna- The tournament was originally that safety and security can director and in 2001 moved he told the Qatar Tribune at 2002 and Germany 2006, said inspect facilities for the FIFA ment, which was held in Qa- going to be held in Nigeria. only be achieved by estab- on to become the director for the World Stadium Congress he was part of the delegation U-20 World Cup, the 10th tar from April 13 to April 28, Asked if he has seen some lishing a balance between stadiums and security. 30 Wednesday, May 18, 2016 Sports Thirty-one new doping Ciccone soloes to 1st cases from Beijing risk stage victory, Jungels ban, says IOC takes Giro lead AP SESTOLA, ITALY

BOB Jungels moved into the overall lead of the Giro d’Italia on Tuesday, while Giulio Ciccone soloed to vic- tory on the mountainous 10th stage in his debut Grand Tour. An emotional Ciccone shook his head as he crossed the line after nearly six hours on the 219-kilometre ride from Campi Bisenzio to Ses- tola. Ivan Rovny was 42 sec- onds behind the Italian, and Darwin Atapuma third, 80 seconds off the pace. “Today I’m living the most beautiful day of my life,” said Ciccon, who turned pro- fessional this year. “It doesn’t feel real. It’s like being in a bubble. “Finally I’ve taken my first pro win. It highlights how much our team is like an enormous family. I thank them all, especially Nicola Boem who sacrificed himself for me. I hope I have paid him back for the faith he put in me by pulling our group.” Ciccone was part of a chasing group which caught Italy’s Giulio Ciccone celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the the breakaway riders with 10th stage of the Giro dItalia, Tour of Italy cycling race from Campi more than 70 kilometers re- Bisenzio to Sestola on Tuesday. (AP) maining to form a break of 13 riders, which had an advan- lead over Andrey Amador, and pulled again. I can’t be- tage of more than five min- with Alejandro Valverde 50 lieve it.” utes on the peloton. seconds behind. Two pre-race favorites Ciccone attacked near the Brambilla was dropped on abandoned the Giro. Mikel A file picture dated 27 July 2008 shows the Olympic flag with flags of participating countries during the ceremonies marking thepening o of the top of the penultimate climb, the climb up the Falco, and Landa was ill but neverthe- Olympic Village in Beijing, China. According to a statement by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday, about 31 athletes of the the Pian del Falco, and was although he managed to re- less started the race. Howev- 2008 Beijing Olympic Games have tested positive after new doping analysis. (EPA) followed by Bardiani team- join the peloton, he sacrificed er, he eventually climbed off mate Stefano Pirazzi and his chances of retaining the on the approach to the second after the Games, the IOC re- The IOC said it would Damiano Cunego. pink jersey for his teammate. third-category climb. Fabian The IOC has also ordered that samples examined nearly 1,000 with a take “swift action” following The latter two ran into The Italian slipped to Cancellara, who was ill just from the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics be new test for the blood-boost- the result of WADA’s inves- each other on a corner on the sixth overall, 1:11 behind Jun- before the start of the Giro, ing drug CERA. The 1500m tigation into the allegations technical descent. Although gels. pulled out before the start of retested following irregularities men’s champion Rashid against the Sochi laboratory. they managed to stay upright, “It doesn’t often happen the stage, as did Alexey Tsat- Ramzi of Bahrain was among Russia is already bat- the incident allowed Ciccone in cycling that the first rider evich. AFP “All these measures are five athletes caught. tling to get its track and field to pull clear. in the classification pulls The 11th stage on LAUSANNE a powerful strike against the The IOC also warned that athletes back into the Inter- Jungels replaced Etixx- for the second one, so what Wednesday is mainly flat un- cheats we do not allow to it will start “a wider re-test- national Association of Ath- QuickStep teammate Gian- Brambilla did today is incred- til the final 30 kilometres of UP to 31 athletes from 12 win,” IOC president Thomas ing programme of medalists letics Federations (IAAF) so luca Brambilla as the overall ible,” Jungels said. “He was the 227-kilometer (141-mile) countries could be banned Bach said. from Beijing and London. that they can take part in the leader. He has a 26-second dropped, then he came back route from Modena to Asolo. from the Rio Olympics for “They show once again The samples of athletes who Rio de Janeiro Games. doping after new tests on that dopers have no place to could be awarded medals fol- The IAAF suspended Rus- samples from the 2008 Bei- hide.” lowing the disqualification of sia over what WADA called a jing Games, the International The suspect athletes from others will also be retested.” “state-sponsored” doping re- Olympic Committee (IOC) the Beijing Games took part The IOC board demanded gime. It is to decide on Rus- World champion Aleksey Lovchev said Tuesday. in six sports, but none were that the World Anti-Doping sia’s case on June 11. The 31 were caught in new named by the IOC which is- Agency (WADA) start “a Sports Minister Vitaly tests on 454 Beijing samples sued a statement after an fully fledged investigation” Mutko apologised for the slapped with four-year doping ban using “the very latest scien- executive board meeting in into allegations that testing athletes actions in a com- tific analysis methods,” the Lausanne. at the Sochi laboratory was mentary published on Sun- AFP the 2015 world champion- positive for the anabolic steroid International Olympic Com- The board “agreed unani- subverted by Russia’s secret day. “Let us be clear. We are MOSCOW ships, had tested positive for methenolone, has been sus- mittee said. mously to initiate proceed- services and sports ministry. ashamed of them,” he said. the banned growth hormone pended for eight years, while The re-examination was ings immediately,” said the Russian authorities have But Mutko, the Krem- WORLD champion weightlift- Ipamorelin, prompting the In- Afanasyeva and Kosov received part of widespread measures statement and the 12 na- strongly denied any wrong- lin and other officials have er Aleksey Lovchev confirmed ternational Weightlifting Fed- four-year suspensions, Agap- taken by sporting bodies af- tional Olympic committees doing, but IOC president strongly objected to the lat- on Tuesday that he has been eration (IWF) to provisionally itov told R-Sport news agency. ter a wave of new doping involved would be informed Thomas Bach called the al- est accusations over the So- banned for four years for dop- suspend him in December. Russia has been hit by a scandals to hit international within days. legations against the Sochi chi laboratory. ing. Lovchev claims he received string of doping scandals in re- sport with Russia at the cen- “All those athletes in- laboratory “worrying”. A New York Times report “Yesterday I received docu- permission to use the banned cent months. tre. fringing anti-doping rules The IOC said Sochi sam- based on information from ments from the international steroid for a knee injury ahead The country is now scram- Results from 250 retests will be banned from compet- ples will be re-examined at the former head of Russia’s (weightlifting) federation about of the world championships bling to revamp its scandal-rid- on samples taken at the ing at the Olympic Games the Lausanne anti-doping anti-doping laboratory, Grig- my four-year suspension,” where he broke the clean-and- den anti-doping programme in 2012 London Games are due Rio 2016,” the IOC declared. laboratory, where they are ory Rodchenkov, claimed Lovchev told TASS state news jerk and total world records. time for its track and field stars “shortly” and mean the fail- The results of new exami- stored for 10 years. that dozens of athletes in- agency, adding that he would Three other Russian weight- to compete at the Rio Olympics ures could increase. nations on 250 samples tak- “We keep samples for 10 cluding 15 medallists were appeal the ban. lifters – Olga Zubova, Olga Afa- in August. The IOC has also ordered en at the London Games are years so that the cheats know involved in the Sochi subter- The president of the Rus- nasyeva and Aleksey Kosov – The IAAF, provisionally that samples from the 2014 due “shortly” and mean the that they can never rest,” said fuge. sian weightlifting federation, also received bans for doping, suspended Russia in Novem- Sochi Winter Olympics be total failures could increase. IOC president Thomas Bach. Kremlin spokesman Sergei Syrtsov, confirmed to according to the vice president ber over a bombshell report retested following allega- More than 5,000 tests Bach called the new Dmitry Peskov called the al- R-Sport news agency that the of the Russian weightlifting fed- by a WADA independent com- tions that the Russian city’s were carried out in London, measures “another major legations “the slander of a de- 26-year-old athlete had been eration, Maxim Agapitov. mission that found evidence anti-doping laboratory was according to IOC figures. step to protect the clean ath- fector”. Rodchenkov is cur- suspended. Zubova, who was provision- of state-sponsored doping and “subverted” to help Russian About 4,000 tests were letes irrespective of any sport rently in hiding in the United Lovchev, who won gold ally suspended in December mass corruption in Russian athletes. carried out in Beijing. Just or any nation.” States. in the +105kg category at by the IWF after having tested athletics. Bolt undergoing QATAR NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL TEAM COACH PIAZZA MEETS PLAYERS hamstring treatment

AFP day’s meeting in Ostrava, the KINGSTON, JAMAICA Czech Republic, Mills said. Bolt is being treated JAMAICAN sprint superstar by Hans-Wilhelm Muller- Usain Bolt is undergoing Wohlfahrt, the Munich- treatment in Germany for based doctor who has treat- what his coach described as ed the athlete for years. an “aggravated hamstring Speaking after Satur- injury” following his first day’s race, Bolt, who is tar- race of the season, local ra- geting his third consecutive dio reported on Monday. victories in the 100m, 200m Glen Mills, Bolt’s coach, and 4x100m at August’s Ol- said the two-time Olympic ympics, said he was relieved 100m and 200m champion to have emerged from his had tweaked the hamstring season-opening race un- during Saturday’s Cayman scathed. Invitational meeting. “It wasn’t the best, but Bolt clocked a modest as long as I come out injury 10.05sec in the 100m, win- free, that’s the key thing,” ning ahead of American Bolt said. Dentarius Locke and train- “I didn’t feel as smooth ing partner Kemar Bailey- as I wanted to, but as I al- Cole. ways say, it’s hard to just “If you noticed in the come into your first race and race he was grimacing to- do extra well. wards the end,” Mills told “I am never worried. I’ve Jamaica’s Hitz 92fm radio been in worse situations. It’s station on Monday. just race rusty. I can tell. I Bolt’s injury is unlikely could feel the difference Qatar national volleyball team coach Roberto Piazza held a meeting with players on Tuesday. Qatar Volleyball Association President Khalid Ali al Mawlawi and other officials were to prevent the world record from when you are flying also present on the occasion. The team will begin training session on Thursday for the upcoming World League. holder from racing in Fri- from when you are not.” Sports Wednesday, May 18, 2016 31 Don’t know if I have hit the peak: Kohli

India captain says he wants to enjoy the phase and not think of anything else PTI am aiming for improvement GIVING IT HIS ALL generation of batsmen. I am NEW DELHI not just as a cricketer but also individually inspired by him as a person.” though I would like to create INDIA'S star batsman Virat In an interview to India “I respect the sport. Be it my own path,” said India's Kohli says he has not bat- Today, Kohli also gave an in- any match, I know I have Test captain. ted better than the last two teresting insight to his state of to give my 120 percent. He says he never wanted months but stopped short of mind before he takes the field It is probably because the to be average and that is evi- calling the ongoing phenom- in every game. struggles of the past dent from his commitment on enal phase as the peak of his “I check my heart-rate just remain fresh in my mind the field. Besides scaling new career. before I take the field. I try to and that is why I don’t heights with the bat, he has “I don’t know if if I have calm myself down if the heart also helped the team by build- reached my peak yet. It just is beating too fast as I feel I take anything for granted. ing a fitness culture that was feels that I have just started won't be able to give my best Playing this sport is all not seen earlier. in the last couple of months. that way. After that I just to I know.” “There has been a massive Coaches including in IPL ask look to start my innings and change in my fitness. I started me regularly whether I have explore,” he said. Virat Kohli lifting weights during the Sri hit peak or not. All I can say How does he manage to Lanka tour last year and that has is that I have been hitting the maintain his intensity on the pected. However, Kohli calls transformed my whole body. ball better than I have ever field after scoring tons of runs the comparison invalid. Credit goes to Shankar but I know this phase can't be for his team? “I respect the “It is embarrassing to Basu for working with me and taken for granted,” said Kohli. sport. Be it any match, I know be honest. It is not fair on the entire team,” said Kohli. Kohli’s breathtaking run I have to give my 120 percent. him (Tendulkar). He can't What is the way forward for began with the World T20 and It is probably because the be compared to anyone. You seemingly unstoppable Kohli? he has carried it well and tru- struggles of the past remain are talking about a batsman “My only aim in life is to ly into the IPL, where he has fresh in my mind and that is of a different caliber. I have grow as a person. You are a scored a record three centu- why I don’t take anything for strengthened my game where- cricket professional but the oth- ries and has become the high- granted. Playing this sport is as he was born to achieve all er aspects of life are equally im- est run-getter in a season. all I know,” said the champion that he has. I have been play- portant. I want to be a monk liv- “I would like to enjoy this batsman. ing well for two years while he ing in a civil world. On the field phase rather than think about With the form that he is served the nation with grace by the time I finish, I hope I have anything else. I have never in, comparison with his idol for 24 years. He is two lev- made a difference to the sport been this calm in my head. I Sachin Tendulkar is also ex- els above anyone else in this and Indian cricket,” he added. Virat Kohli during his last IPL innings in Kolkata on Monday. (PTI) Joe Root named England’s Test, ODI RPS dent Daredevils’ Cricketer of the Year IPL playoff chances

AGENCIES longed the lean patch of the re- VISKHAPATNAM turning Shreyas Iyer. In his next over, Dinda bounced Iyer out for AJINKYA Rahane’s patient 42 his fifth single-digit score in six steered Rising Pune Super- games this season. giants ahead in the chase and dented Daredevils’ chances SCORES of making the playoffs during their Indian Premier League Rising Pune Supergiants meeting at the ACA-VDCA 76 for 1 (Rahane 42*, Stadium on Tuesday. Su- Khawaja 19) pergiants’ 19-run win (their beat Delhi fourth of the season) via Daredevils 121 for 6 (Nair D/L method meant that they 41, Morris 38*, Dinda 3-20, dragged themselves off the bottom of the table, reports Zampa 3-21) by 19 runs ESPNCricinfo. (D/L method) Pace bowler Ashok Dinda knocked over the Delhi Dare- devils openers within five Nair began fluently with overs, before R Ashwin and drives and pulls against the Adam Zampa found sharp seamers before the advent of turn to smother Daredevils spin restored Supergiants' as- to 121 for 6. Karun Nair, who cendancy. showed considerable applica- Zampa worked Samson tion to top score with 41, later over, stumping him with a said that his team was 25-30 perfect legbreak, following runs short. Rain gave Dare- a brace of skiddy, quicker Joe Root during England’s training session ahead of the first Test devils two reprieves in their Ajinkya Rahane’s patient 42 not out ensured a 19-run D/L Method win for Rising Pune Supergiants balls. He went on to remove against Sri Lanka at Leeds, Headingley, on Tuesday. (REUTERS) defence, before the game was against the Delhi Daredevils at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday. (PTI) Rishabh Pant and Nair in his called off by midnight. next two overs. Daredevils IANS ings during last year's Ashes, Daredevils can still qualify matches in Visakhapatnam. of Daredevils' innings and Dinda got his first ball to were reduced to 70 for 5 in LONDON and the 25-year-old is steadily for the playoffs with 14 or 16 The conditions - both over- capped an otherwise sluggish swing prodigiously as he rapped 14.3 overs. building an incredible record in points, but their current net rate head and underfoot - and Su- innings with another muscled Quinton de Kock's pad with R Ashwin, who was intro- STAR batsman Joe Root has the game's longest format: in 39 of -0.125 means they may need pergiants' improved fielding six over midwicket. But the an inducker. This was heading duced in the 12th over, sent been named England’s Test Tests, he averages 54.93 with to win by a substantial margin in offered no breathing room for game was Supergiants' after down leg, but Dinda had the down a spell that read: 4-0-23- and One-Day International nine hundreds. their remaining two games. Daredevils until Morris blazed they kept Daredevils to 28 for South Africa opener lbw for 8 0. JP Duminy hung on for a (ODI) Cricketer of the Year at Despite having played just The pitch was the same away. He struck the first six 2, their third sub-30 score, in off 10, with a similar ball in his run-a-ball 14 before he scooped the England Cricket Board's 68 ODIs, Root already has one used for the last two of the match in the final over the Powerplay this season. second over. Dinda then pro- Dinda to short fine leg. annual awards. eight hundreds and trails only Root was on Monday also Marcus Trescothick (12) and voted men’s player of the year Kevin Pietersen (9) among by England fans for the second Englishmen on that list. year running. The supporters Among other awards hand- Injured Aussie Maxwell out of IPL Cozier’s life an ‘innings recognised his outstanding per- ed out on the night, Somerset’s formances which included a pair Anya Shrubsole won the Eng- AFP to prevent him playing in the Marsh (side strain), John of hundreds during a 3-2 home land women's cricketer of the SYDNEY West Indies tri-series, which Hastings (ankle) and Shaun well played’: CARICOM Ashes success, four ODI hun- year award for the first time. Australia open in Guyana on Marsh (back) also returning dreds across the voting period, Charlotte Edwards, who recent- GLENN Maxwell on Tuesday June 6 against South Africa. home early. IANS their glory days of the 1970s and a team-high 249 runs dur- ly announced her retirement became the fifth Australian to “From the information we Smith and Mitch Marsh GEORGETOWN (GUYANA) and 80s and their decline in ing the ICC World T20, in which after 20 years, won the women's pull out of the Indian Premier have so far, the injury doesn’t are also expected to be fit for recent decades. England finished runners-up to player of the year award voted League (IPL), but his injury is appear to be something that the West Indies while Hast- THE Caribbean Community His vast abilities spanned the West Indies. for by England fans. unlikely to keep him out of an will prevent Glenn from par- ings has been replaced by Scott (CARICOM) has hailed the the formats of radio, television Root beat off competition “It’s been a remarkable year upcoming West Indies tour. ticipating in this tour,” he said. Boland. Shaun Marsh was not late renowned cricket journal- and print, and he worked for from fellow nominees Stuart for our international teams. The hard-hitting batsman “But we are keen to give named due to the impending ist Tony Cozier, describing his nearly every major interna- Broad and Ben Stokes for the Each of the players honoured suffered a strain in his left ab- him the necessary time to re- birth of his child. illustrious career as “a running tional media entity including Test cricket award, with Jos tonight has made a big contribu- domen playing for the Kings cover before departing to the The round-robin tourna- commentary and a history the BBC, Channel Nine and Buttler and David Willey his ri- tion to England cricket, helping XI Punjab and is returning West Indies at the end of this ment will see teams play three of the game in the region for Sky, and also wrote extensive- vals for the ODI award, accord- to win matches and to inspire a home as a precaution. month.” matches against each oppo- more than 50 years”. ly for Caribbean and interna- ing to ecb.co.uk. Root's superb wider audience and deserves the Australia team physiother- Maxwell’s departure from nent, with the top two advanc- Cozier, widely known as tional papers. form with the bat also saw him highest praise,” ECB CEO Tom apist David Beakley said it did India follows Australian cap- ing to the final on June 26 in “the voice of the West Indies “While he represented his climb to No.1 in the Test rank- Harrison said on Monday. not appear serious enough tain Steve Smith (wrist), Mitch Barbados. cricket”, died last Wednesday country at field hockey as a in Barbados at age 75, follow- goalkeeper, he was an avid club ing a brief hospitalisation, re- cricketer and it was his passion ports CMC. for the game of cricket that in- “The Caribbean Com- fused his writings and his com- munity (CARICOM) mourns mentary,” LaRocque continued. England’s Vince determined to enjoy Test debut the passing of one of its most “A West Indian to the core, treasured sons, the iconic Mr Cozier spoke often of his sec- AFP Vince, 25, has been com- this team is very exciting. cricket journalist, Mr Tony ondary school days in Trinidad LEEDS pared to former England cap- “I had dinner last (Mon- Cozier,” CARICOM Secretary- and Tobago as a period which tain Michael Vaughan because day) night (with the team) and General Irwin LaRocque said solidified his regionalism.” ENGLAND’S Jmes Vince said of his batting style and there is that's sort of when it sank in, in a statement on Monday. “The body of work on on Tuesday he was deter- also the view that he too will really. It's great to be here and “For more than 50 years cricket left behind by Mr Coz- mined to enjoy his Test debut thrive in international cricket I can't wait to get going now. with pen and voice, Mr Cozier ier represents a running com- come what may at Headingley despite a solid rather than “Hopefully I get the chance chronicled the West Indies mentary and a history of the this week. spectacular county record. to play on Thursday and if I do cricket nationally, regionally game in the region for more The Hampshire batsman Now Vince, who has already get the chance to play it'll be a and internationally. than fifty years. For him it was is in line to fill the middle- played limited overs cricket for very proud moment.” “For many years his was a labour of love and it is a lega- order vacancy created by the England, is looking forward to Headingley holds happy the only the West Indian voice cy the Region would do well to shock retirement of James seeing if he can make the step memories for Vince as the on the airways from across the catalogue.” Taylor with a heart condition up to Test cricket. “I hope so, Hampshire captain he scored seas following the exploits of “The Community ex- last month, when the first of I'll soon find out," he said at a hundred there last month. the cricket team.” presses its condolences to his a three-Test series against Sri Headingley on Tuesday. "Coming here with some runs Cozier’s career spanned wife and children and to the Lanka starts at Yorkshire’s “I just want to try to enjoy under my belt should give me close to six decades in which Government and people of headquarters in Leeds, north- every second and do well, and Batsman James Vince during England team’s nets at Headingley, some confidence going into the time he covered nearly every Barbados. His was a good ern England, on Thursday. just to be here and a part of Leeds, on Tuesday. (REUTERS) game on Thursday,” he said. West Indies tour, highlighting innings well played.” 32 Wednesday, May 18, 2016 Sports

NBA WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS Gomes hits 3-run homer and 4 RBIs as Indians rally to beat Reds

Gomes, who came into the game batting .167, was 2 for 4 and had a sacrifice fly in the seventh

AP off Layne Somsen. CLEVELAND Tommy Hunter (1-1) pitched 1 2/3 innings for the THE Cleveland Indians finally win. had a breather on Monday John Lamb (0-1) couldn’t night, thanks to season highs hold the early lead. The left- in runs and hits. hander allowed seven runs in Yan Gomes hit a three-run four innings. homer in the sixth inning and Gomes, who also homered had four RBIs, and the Indi- Friday and Saturday, believes ans rallied from an early four- he’s ready to come out of his run deficit to beat the Cincin- early season struggles. nati Reds 15-6. “I’m hitting the ball hard, I Cleveland played 13 one- guess,’’ he said. “I know I can run games and had 11 decided hit. It’s just been one of those in the seventh inning or later things where my confidence going into Monday. has gotten a hold of me. It gets “We could always use frustrating.’’ those kinds of games,’’ Indians Brandon Phillips’ RBI manager Terry Francona said double, and home runs by after his team had multiple Adam Duvall and Eugenio big innings and erased a 4-0 Suarez gave Cincinnati a 4-0 deficit. “We did a real good job lead. tonight. Kind of picking up. Lindor’s two-run double, Not an easy way to win.’’ along with RBI singles by Na- Cincinnati scored four poli and Rajai Davis, tied it in times in the first three innings, the third. but Cleveland tied it with a Jose Ramirez doubled to four-run third, added three in lead off and Davis drew a two- the fourth and removed any out walk in the fourth. Kipnis’ doubt with a five-run sixth line drive fell in centre field to that also featured Marlon easily score Ramirez. Davis Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) battles for the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the third quarter in game one of the West- Byrd’s two-run homer. was originally called out by ern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California on Monday.(USA TODAY SPORTS) Gomes, who came into the plate umpire Paul Emmel, but game batting .167, was 2 for 4 the call was overturned after a and had a sacrifice fly in the replay review. seventh. Davis had two hits, break- “We needed that,’’ Gomes ing an 0-for-19 skid, and said of the offensive erup- walked twice. Westbrook stars as tion. “We had a nice little back Cody Anderson allowed and forth. To extend the lead six runs, including two hom- calmed us down a little bit.’’ ers, in 4 1/3 innings. The Francisco Lindor, who was right-hander has given up 10 3 for 5, Jason Kipnis and Mike home runs in 32 2/3 innings Napoli all had two RBIs for Phillips put Cincinnati Thunder stun Warriors the Indians, who had 19 hits. ahead in the first. Duvall hit Kipnis’ two-run single a solo homer in the second broke a 4-all tie and helped while Suarez added a two-run Westbrook dropped in 27 points as OKC overturned a 60-47 halftime deficit to snatch victory the Indians take a three-run shot in the third. lead in the fourth. The Reds “We scored enough runs to AFP otal role on defense, time interval a different side, with 17 seconds remaining, and said. “It will be a different sit- cut the lead to one in the fifth, win,’’ Lamb said. “Collectively OAKLAND, UNITED STATES and again using his blister- Westbrook leading the charge three more points sealed the uation for us to try to bounce but Gomes, homering for the as pitchers, that’s what we’re ing speed to pounce on stray to slash the Warriors’ advan- win as time ran out for the back at this point in the series third straight game, and Byrd, going to be thinking about RUSSELL Westbrook in- passes by the Warriors. tage with a virtuoso third Warriors. having a deficit. So I think who had three hits, unloaded when we go to sleep.’’ spired a second-half fight- “He’s probably the quick- quarter performance. Kerr bemoaned a loss of it’s fun to be able to have this back as the Oklahoma City est guard in the league,” War- Westbrook piled up 19 composure in the final quar- opportunity and show what Thunder came from behind riors coach Steve Kerr said of points in the third quarter to ter, when the Warriors made we’re made of.” to beat the Golden State War- Westbrook. help put the Thunder within only one of 10 attempted Thunder head coach Billy riors 108-102 in the opening “I thought when we lost three points of the Warriors three-pointers – way below Donovan meanwhile praised game of the Western Confer- our aggressiveness and our at 88-85 heading into the their normal levels of shoot- his side’s problem-solving ence finals on Monday. momentum offensively in the fourth quarter. ing accuracy. abilities after a first-half lit- Westbrook poured on second half, a lot of that had With Oklahoma City’s de- “There were a lot of quick tered with errors. 27 points as the Thunder to do with his speed and ag- fence successfully neutralis- shots, way too many quick “I thought in the second overturned a 60-47 halftime gressiveness,” the Warriors ing the threat posed by Cur- shots,” Kerr said. half we did a much better job, deficit to snatch victory in a coach added. ry, it was left to Durant and “Five minutes left in the took much better care of the pulsating clash between two Golden State looked to be Westbrook to take control. game and we’re down four basketball which enabled us of the most potent attacking sprinting away to a one-sided Oklahoma City opened points or whatever and we to get back in transition and units in the NBA. victory after blasting into a up a 101-93 lead in the final were acting like we had 20 play better defense,” Donovan Westbrook also chipped commanding early in the first few minutes but the reigning seconds left. said. “It’s one game and we’ll in with 12 assists and six re- half, converting a series of NBA finals champion Warri- “Five minutes is an eter- have to take a look at the film bounds while team-mate rash Oklahoma City turno- ors clawed their way back to nity. We know how we have and figure out how we can Kevin Durant finished with vers into points. within one point at 101-100. to play. We have to pass and play better on Wednesday. 26 points as the visitors si- NBA MVP Stephen Curry Just when it looked as if move and create rhythm for “We’re not a perfect team lenced the Golden State home – who finished with 26 points Golden State were poised to ourselves. but these guys really bat- crowd at the Oracle Arena. – rubbed salt into the wound pull off another Houdini act, “I just felt we took way too tle and fight and compete “It’s a game of two halves, on the stroke of half-time the Thunder regrouped and many quick ones which took -- when they see something man,” Westbrook said after with a trademark long-range edged clear once more. us out of our rhythm.” that’s a problem they really the win. “We’re a great team. three-pointer to give the The visitors received a Curry said the Warriors try to correct it.” We didn’t play our best game Warriors a 13-point lead. fortunate call when West- were ready to respond after Game Two in the best of but we came out with a win.” But the Thunder re- brook avoided being called the opening loss. seven series takes place in Cleveland Indians catcher Yan Gomes (10), first baseman Mike Napoli Westbrook played a piv- emerged after the halftime for traveling at 105-102 with “It’s a long series,” Curry Oakland on Wednesday. (26) and designated hitter Carlos Santana (41) celebrate Gomes’ three run home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Pro- gressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio on Monday. (USA TODAY SPORTS) Penguins beat Lightning 3-2, even Eastern series Andretti drivers sweep top 4 Sidney Crosby scored the winner in spots at 1st Indy 500 practice overtime for his fourth post-season goal AP Marco Andretti wasn’t the INDIANAPOLIS only big surprise at Indy. AP in as many games, but the Honda outdueled rival PITTSBURGH Lightning lost for just the AFTER Marco Andretti Chevrolet by taking each of third time in 12 postseason jumped atop the speed chart the top four spots and six PITTSBURGH’S Sidney Cros- games when Andrei Vasilev- during Monday’s first Indian- of the top eight. Colombia’s by scored just 40 seconds into skiy couldn’t handle Crosby’s apolis 500 practice, he tried to Carlos Munoz was second at overtime to give the Penguins wrist shot. Vasilevskiy played put the brakes on the expecta- 228.945, 2014 Indy winner a 3-2 win against Tampa Bay brilliantly at times while fill- tions. Ryan Hunter-Reay was third on Monday, squaring the ing in for injured starter Ben The 29-year-old driver at 228.033 and rookie Al- NHL Eastern Conference fi- Bishop, making 38 stops. from one of the world’s best- exander Rossi was fourth at nals series at 1-1. Game 3 is on Wednesday known and most cursed rac- 226.865. Andretti’s fifth driv- Crosby, who hadn’t scored in Tampa. ing families turned a fast lap er, Townsend Bell, finished since the opening round of the The Penguins pointed to of 228.978 mph on the 2.5- sixth at 226.724. playoffs, took a feed from Bry- an inability to generate qual- mile oval, leading the way for New Zealand’s Scott Dixon an Rust and buried it for his ity chances from in close as a a four-car sweep by Andretti had the best Chevy. The four- fourth goal of the postseason. major problem in Game 1. In Autosport drivers. time series champ from Tar- Matt Cullen and Phil Kessel danger of falling behind by “It’s definitely too early to get Chip Ganassi was fifth at also scored for the Penguins. two games for the first time get confident or to read into 226.835. Matt Murray overcame a in the postseason, Pittsburgh things,” Andretti said. “Today But the hardest part of de- shaky start to finish with 19 wasted little time trying to is a picture perfect day and ciphering what happens early saves as Pittsburgh improved make Vasilevskiy uncomfort- next week it’s going to be like in practice is figuring out what to 3-1 in overtime during the able, scoring a pair of early 83 or 84 (degrees) and that strategies teams are using. playoffs. goals on scrambles from in will change things completely, And with a 60 percent chance “They generated a lot front. Pittsburgh Penguins centre Matt Cullen (7) and centre Sidney Crosby (87) celebrate a sudden death game so you can’t read too much of rain Tuesday, Andretti and he still made some great Cullen pounded home winning goal by Crosby in overtime against the Tampa Bay Lightning in game two of the Eastern Confer- into this at all.” acknowledged his team did saves, kept us in it,” Crosby a rebound 4:32 in for the ence Final of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. (USA Andretti’s promising start things a little differently than said. 39-year-old’s fourth goal of TODAY SPORTS) was a dramatic change in what others might have. Tampa Bay’s Anton Stral- the playoffs. Just over five has been a challenging sea- “We moved things forward man scored in his return to minutes later Kessel darted in period was halfway complete. a pretty cross-ice feed from lead in half with 3:23 to go son. After five races, the son of on the test plan,” he said, not- the lineup from a fractured from the point and zipped one In the span of three min- Jonathan Marchessault and and Drouin’s knuckler from team owner Michael Andretti ing the gloomy forecast. “So left leg and Jonathan Drouin by Vasilevskiy to give the Pen- utes, Pittsburgh’s momentum lifted the puck over Murray’s the right circle tied it with 70 still has not qualified or fin- I think we’ll see how things picked up his second goal guins control before the first vanished. Stralman collected outstretched glove to cut the seconds remaining. ished in the top 10. shake out.” Sports Wednesday, May 18, 2016 33 Germany coach Loew keeps faith with Schweinsteiger, Podolski

Galatasaray’s Lukas Podolski reacts during a Turkish Super League match in Istanbul, Turkey, recently. (EPA)

AP debut in the friendly against example, that they can be re- BERLIN France in Paris on Nov. 13. placed. The collective is more “We’re fully convinced of important than the individual GERMANY coach Joachim each one. I’ve no tendency player.” Loew is giving captain Bastian toward striking anyone out,” Gundogan, a Borussia Schweinsteiger every chance Loew said at the presentation Dortmund midfielder, is out to prove his fitness for the Eu- at the French embassy in Ber- with a knee injury, while Bayer ropean Championship despite lin. Leverkusen midfielder Chris- the Manchester United mid- Loew, who picked 14 toph Kramer missed out after fielder’s knee injury. World Cup winners in the a poor season. Philipp Lahm, The 31-year-old Schwein- squad, will need to whittle Per Mertesacker and Miroslav steiger, who hasn’t played down his selection to 20 out- Klose all retired after Germa- since a partial ligament tear field players and three goal- ny’s World Cup win in 2014. in national team training on keepers by May 31. Besiktas forward Mario March 22, was named Tues- Despite an underwhelming Gomez is back in the squad day in Loew’s preliminary season at Galatasaray, Lukas after missing out on the World squad of 27 players for the Podolski was initially picked Cup win. tournament in France, along for what could be his seventh The 30-year-old Gomez with surprise inclusions Ju- consecutive tournament. The helped Besiktas to the Turk- lian Weigl of Borussia Dort- 30-year-old Podolski has made ish title with 26 goals and will mund, Julian Brandt of Bayer 127 appearances for Germany. most likely be playing at his Germany’s captain Bastian Scweinsteiger included in the country’s preliminary squad for the Euro 2016 Championship in France, Leverkusen and Joshua Kim- “Besides the sporting third European Championship Squad: Draxler (Wolfsburg), Sami Khedira (Juventus), Joshua mich of Bayern Munich. worth, the personality of the after 2008 and 2012. Switzerland, for its training The tournament starts Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Bernd Leno Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), The young midfielders players is important,” Loew Bayern Munich goalkeeper camp on May 24 before friend- June 10 and Germany plays its (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona) Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Emre Can Leroy Sane (Schalke), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Manchester have all been rewarded with said. “It’s something special at Manuel Neuer is the undis- lies against Slovakia in Augs- first game against Ukraine in (Liverpool), Jonas Hector (Cologne), Benedikt Hoewedes United), Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich), Julian Brandt their first Germany call-ups a tournament, it’s about more puted No. 1, with Leverkusen’s burg on May 29 and Hungary Lille on June 12. (Schalke), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund/Bayern (Bayer Leverkusen), Julian Weigl (Borussia Dortmund) after breakthrough seasons than just playing football, Bernd Leno and Barcelona’s in Gelsenkirchen on June 4. “We are confident but not Munich), Shkodran Mustafi (Valencia), Sebastian Rudy with their respective clubs. it’s about the team. This has Marc-Andre ter Stegen provid- The squad leaves for its tour- arrogant. We are strong but not (Hoffenheim), Antonio Ruediger (Roma) Forwards: Mario Goetze (Bayern Munich), Mario Gomez (Besiktas), Andre Schuerrle (Wolfsburg), Lukas Podolski Leroy Sane of Schalke was also helped us before, when players ing backup. nament base in Evian-les- unbeatable,” Loew said with a Midfielders: Karim Bellarabi (Bayer Leverkusen), Julian (Galatasaray) picked again after making his drop out, Ilkay Gundogan for Germany flies to Ascona, Bains on June 7. view to the tournament.

BIG OMISSIONS FOR EURO 2016 CHAMPIONSHIP France kick-off Euro 2016 Spain without Costa, Torres on Euro 2016 list preparations in Biarritz

AFP BIARRITZ, FRANCE

EURO 2016 hosts France kick off preparations for next month’s tournament with a first training camp from Tues- day in Biarritz on the south- western French coast. Coach Didier Deschamps, who comes from nearby Bay- onne, opted to bring his squad here for five days and four training sessions at the Stade Aguilera, which is home to lo- cal rugby team Biarritz Olym- pique. The camp on the Atlantic France’s head coach Didier coast is a first get together to Deschamps. regenerate after a gruelling Atletico’s Fernando Torres reacts during the Champions League 1st season, undergo tests and get and Patrice Evra) and Bayern leg semi-final match at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid, away from the national train- Munich and Borussia Dort- recently. (AP) ing centre at Clairefontaine, mund in Germany (Kingsley outside Paris, which will be Coman). tournaments in 2008 and fore the competition begins,” the France base during the Those players will link 2012, as well as the World Cup Del Bosque said. championship from June 10- up with the team at Claire- in 2010. The tournament begins July 10. fontaine from May 24 with “It’s never easy,” Del June 10, but Spain’s first game In theory, 16 players will Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Bosque said. “We have to do is against the Czech Republic be on Tuesday’s flight to Bi- Griezmann and Real Ma- what we think it’s best for the on June 13 in Toulouse. Its arritz -- Benoit Costil, Hugo drid’s Raphael Varane the team.” other Group D matches are Lloris, Alphonse Aréola, Lu- final pair to join Les Bleus Spain’s regular starters against Turkey on June 17 in cas Digne, Christophe Jallet, after the Champions League were added to the list, includ- Nice and Croatia on June 21 in Laurent Koscielny, Eliaquim final in Milan on May 28. ing Sergio Ramos, Gerard Bordeaux. Mangala, Bacary Sagna, Dji- The group will be com- Pique and Andres Iniesta. Spain has three warm-up bril Sidibé, Samuel Umtiti, plete for the first friendly on There were no surprises in matches scheduled before N’Golo Kanté, Moussa Sis- May 30 against Cameroon Atletico’s Fernando Torres reacts during the Champions League 1st leg semi-final match at the Vicente the goalkeepers picked by Del traveling to its training camp soko, Olivier Giroud, Dimitri in Nantes. The following day Calderon stadium in Madrid, recently. (AP) Bosque, although it remains in France. It will play Bosnia in Payet, Hatem Ben Arfa and the eight standby players unclear whether Iker Casil- Switzerland on May 29, South Alexandre Lacazette. -- Aréola, Sidibé, Ben Arfa, AP were 35-year-old Aritz Aduriz, Costa hasn’t played much las or David de Gea will get to Korea in Austria on June 1 and Forwards André-Pierre Lacazette, Schneiderlin, Ga- MADRID Manuel “Nolito” Agudo, Al- for Spain this season because start in France. Georgia on June 7 in Getafe. Gignac will join the squad meiro, Rabiot and Umtiti varo Morata and Real Madrid of injuries and is coming off a “We don’t have to make during the week from his -- will leave the side unless Spain preliminary quad: SPAIN coach Vicente del youngster Lucas Vazquez. muscle ailment sustained with this decision now,” the coach Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (FC Porto), David de Gea Mexican side Tigres UANL. called in to replace an injured Bosque left strikers Diego Cos- Young Atletico Madrid Chelsea. “We didn’t want to said. (Manchester United), Sergio Rico (Sevilla) Other players are still in- player. ta and Fernando Torres off his midfielder Saul Niguez and have too many players with Del Bosque won’t have Defenders: Marc Bartra (Barcelona), Juanfran Torres volved in Cup finals with their France’s final 23-man preliminary list for the Europe- veteran Villarreal captain Bru- doubts regarding their physi- many of his players available (Atletico Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Jordi Alba league sides -- PSG and Mar- squad will then fly to Aus- (Barcelona), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Dani Carvajal an Championship on Tuesday. no Soriano also made it, but cal condition,” Del Bosque for the team’s initial prepara- (Real Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea) seille in France (Blaise Ma- tria for a training camp until Del Bosque said he left Di- Valencia striker Paco Alcacer said. tions because not all teams are tuidi, Adrien Rabiot, Lassana June 4 with a final friendly ego Costa off because of un- was left off, as were defender Torres has been playing done for the season. Barcelona Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Mikel San Diarra, and Steve Mandan- that evening against Scotland certainty with his fitness fol- Mario Gaspar and midfielders well with Atletico and many and Sevilla will play the Copa Jose (Athletic Bilbao), Isco Alarcon (Real Madrid), Cesc da); Barcelona and Sevilla in in Metz before returning to Fabregas (Chelsea), David Silva (Manchester City), Thiago lowing a series of injuries, and Sergi Roberto, Santi Cazorla expected him to return to the del Rey final on Sunday, and Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Jorge “Koke” Resurreccion Spain (Jeremy Mathieu and Clairefontaine, four days be- that Torres didn’t make it even and Juan Mata. national team for Euro 2016. Atletico and Real Madrid will (Atletico Madrid), Bruno Soriano (Villarreal), Andres Iniesta Kevin Gameiro), Manchester fore the two-time European though he was among the play- The final squad for the The striker hasn’t been called be in the Champions League (Barcelona), Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid), Pedro United and Crystal Palace in champions kick off their cam- ers considered for the tourna- tournament in France must be up since Spain’s disappointing final on May 28 in Milan. Rodriguez (Chelsea) England (Morgan Schneider- paign against Romanian on ment. announced by May 31. Spain campaign in the 2014 World “It affects us a bit because Forwards: Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Aritz Aduriz (Athletic lin, Anthony Martial and Yo- June 10 in Stade de France, The forwards included by has won the last two European Cup in Brazil. He was in the we won’t be able to have every- Bilbao), Manuel “Nolito” Agudo (Celta Vigo), Lucas Vazquez han Cabaye), Juventus and before also facing Albania and Del Bosque in the 25-player list Championship titles. team that won the European body with us until six days be- (Real Madrid) AC Milan in Italy (Paul Pogba Switzerland in Group A. 34 Wednesday, May 18, 2016 Sports Sheffield Wednesday into Cahill back in revamped Australia Mizunuma brace leaves Sven's Championship playoff final squad for Greece games men seeing double NEWS LONDON: Sheffield Wednesday reached the Championship playoff SYDNEY: Former Everton striker Tim Cahill has been recalled to TOKYO: A superb brace by Kota Mizunuma rocked Sven-Goran decider after a 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion in the semi- the Australia squad for next month's friendlies with Greece after Eriksson's Shanghai SIPG as they lost 2-1 to FC Tokyo in the IN BRIEF final, second leg on Monday secured a 3-1 aggregate win to bring having to miss the Socceroos' upcoming match against England AFC Champions League Round of 16 first leg on Tuesday. a lucrative Premier league spot closer. Carlos Carvalhal's side will due to club commitments in China. Socceroos head coach Ange Mizunuma's cheeky free kick routine put the hosts ahead be at Wembley on May 28 to face Hull City or Derby County, with Postecoglou last week named a squad for the May 27 match just before half-time and he volleyed a stunning winner on 65 the former leading 3-0 ahead of Tuesday's home return leg. against England at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. minutes, after Wu Lei had briefly put SIPG level. Huge crowd turn out as Leicester parade EPL trophy thing special," Ranieri said. hundreds of blue and white Fans began congregating hours before the "This is because the team flags were waved by children played with their soul and with their faces painted in the scheduled 1700 GMT start of the parade their hearts. The people un- club colours. AFP maxed beneath sunny skies derstood this. With the streets so tight- LEICESTER 24 hours after the Foxes fin- "It's unbelievable. I can ly packed, some brave fans ished their campaign with a only say thank you to the peo- clambered onto rooftops to LEICESTER City's incred- draw at Chelsea. ple." get a better view and others ible Premier League fairytale After starting the season Fans began congregating hung out of windows to salute reached a joyous crescendo as 5,000-1 outsiders for the hours before the scheduled their heroes. as around 240,000 fans title, Leicester defied the odds 1700 GMT start of the parade Placards with images of turned the city blue while in stunning fashion and being as they packed streets along King Richard III's head edited revelling in the club's title hailed by a crowd estimated the route and massed at Vic- to fit a Leicester strip bobbed parade on Monday. by the local council at nearly a toria Park, where cheerleaders above the crowd. For two weeks since quarter of a million was a fit- and a gospel choir provided The re-burial of the king in Claudio Ranieri's side were ting finale for Ranieri's squad the entertainment on a stage 2015 was the last time the city crowned one of the most and the club's Thai chairman set up to welcome the players witnessed anything approach- unlikely champions in Eng- Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, at the end of the parade. ing these scenes, with some lish football history, the city who soaked up the celebra- Thousands of the partying speculating the former mon- of Leicester hasn't stop cel- tions with his family. hoards came decked out in the Leicester City players and staff celebrate with the trophy after winning the English Premier League during arch may have been a lucky ebrating and the party cli- "The city is here. It's some- team's blue home shirts, while an open top bus parade through Leicester city centre on Monday. (AP) charm for the team. Barcelona, Luis SET FOR THE SHOWDOWN Suarez lead AP Global Football 10 Barcelona beat Granada 3-0, with Suarez scoring a hat-trick to earn the player of the week AP Paulo Dybala, Mario LONDON Goetze, Robert Lewandowski, Aritz Aduriz and Antoine BARCELONA and Luis Sua- Griezmann complete the top rez led the Associated Press 10 players of the week. Global Football 10 on Tuesday Barcelona's second after the Catalan club won the straight Spanish league title Spanish league title. made it team of the week. Barcelona beat Granada "Even though their op- 3-0, with Suarez scoring a hat ponents weren't great, Bar- trick to earn player of the week celona still had to win away for the second straight week. from home against Granada "How can you not go for to make sure of the La Liga ti- Suarez and his season-ending tle, and they did that comfort- hat trick? It's amazing how ably," Marco Monteverde of players like him and (Lionel) News Corp. Australia said. Messi and (Cristiano) Ronaldo Arsenal was second to Bar- can rise to the occasion," Tom celona after its commanding Timmermann of the St. Louis 4-0 win over Villa, which also Post-Dispatch in the United meant it edged London rival States said. Tottenham into finishing sec- Gonzalo Higuain was sec- ond in the English standings. ond after scoring three goals Napoli is third after its for Napoli in its 4-0 victory Higuan-inspired win sealed over Frosinone. His hat trick second in Serie A and Cham- took his Serie A goal tally to pions League qualification for 36 in 35 games, breaking a next season. 66-year-old Italian record. Real Madrid was fourth "Alongside his hat trick, after beating Deportivo, while Napoli's Higuain eclipsed Southampton was fifth after its 4-1 win over Crystal Palace. Juventus, Bayern Munich, Gonzalo Higuain was sec- Toulouse, Newcastle and PSG ond after scoring three round out the top 10. goals for Napoli in its 4-0 ASSOCIATED PRESS GLOBAL FOOTBALL 10 Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp during the team’s training session at St. Jakob-Park, Basel, on Tuesday. (REUTERS) victory over Frosinone. Players: 1.Luis Suarez, 87 points. 2.Gonazlo Higuain, 70. Gunnar Nordahl's record of 3.Olivier Giroud, 64. 35 goals in a single Serie A 4.Cristiano Ronaldo, 56. season, set all the way back in 5.Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 47. Liverpool stand between 1950," Manos Staramopoulos 6.Paulo Dybala, 43. of Dimocratia in Greece said. 7.Mario Goetze, 36. Olivier Giroud was third 8.Robert Lewandowski, 31. 9.Aritz Aduriz, 26. for lifting Arsenal to a 4-0 win 10.Antoine Griezmann, 25. over Aston Villa in the Premier Sevilla and Europa treble League with three goals. Teams: In fourth was Cristiano 1.Barcelona, 79 points. Ronaldo after scoring both 2.Arsenal, 64. goals as Real Madrid beat De- 3.Napoli, 63. Klopp’s men are in their first European final since defeat by AC Milan in the 2007 Champions League portivo La Coruna 2-0 in the 4.Real Madrid, 62. 5.Southampton, 55. AFP Spanish league, and Zlatan Ib- 6.Juventus, 44. a great opportunity and we will SOME PAST WINNERS After Milan took revenge he added: "The fact that this is rahimovic was fifth after sign- 7.Bayern Munich, 43. BASEL take it." with a 2-1 Champions League our third consecutive final dem- ing off his final appearance for 8.Toulouse, 34. Liverpool's fans should be 2014/15 Spain Sevilla triumph in 2007, Liverpool now onstrates how focused and hun- 2013/14 Spain Sevilla 9.Newcastle, 30. Paris Saint-Germain with two LIVERPOOL midfielder Emre getting excited, but as the only 2012/13 England Chelsea have the chance to silver-line gry we have been to do well in goals in a 4-0 win over Nantes. 10.Paris Saint-Germain, 24. Can believes the Reds' legen- team to successfully defend 2011/12 Spain Atlético an encouraging first season for the Europa League, and win it." dary battling qualities can help the trophy on two occasions, 2010/11 Portugal Porto Klopp at Anfield. Kevin Gameiro, Sevilla's top end their 11-year wait for a con- in 2007 and 2015, and with a 2009/10 Spain Atlético With a Champions League scorer this season with 28 goals 2008/09 Ukraine Shakhtar Donetsk tinental trophy against treble- record four UEFA Cup/Europa 2007/08 Russia Zenit spot also offered to Wednes- -- including seven in eight Eu- chasing Sevilla in Wednesday's League titles, silky-smooth Se- 2006/07 Spain Sevilla day's winners, the German has ropa League outings -- believes Europa League final. villa are arguably under less 2005/06 Spain Sevilla pulled out all the stops. He ro- his side's past experiences will In their first European final pressure. 2004/05 Russia CSKA Moskva tated his entire starting XI for prove decisive. 2003/04 Spain Valencia since defeat by AC Milan in the Can wants to seize his 2002/03 Portugal Porto the 1-1 draw at West Brom on "Liverpool are an historic 2007 Champions League, Liv- chance in his first final with the 2001/02 Netherlands Feyenoord Sunday, meaning he welcomes club with great players," the erpool are bidding to scupper club, but says a collective show 2000/01 England Liverpool back the big guns. French striker told Sevilla's the Spanish side's bid for an of force will be required against 1999/00 Turkey Galatasaray Captain Jordan Henderson website. "It's exciting... and 1998/99 Italy Parma unprecedented third straight the tough La Liga side. 1997/98 Italy Internazionale could start after returning from they'll make life hard for us, Europa League title at Basel's "Sevilla know how to play in 1996/97 Germany Schalke a knee ligament problem at but we've been together for a St. Jakob-Park. the Europa League," Can told 1995/96 Germany Bayern West Brom, while Divock Origi, number of years and we know It brings Liverpool's breath- Liverpool's website. "They've 1994/95 Italy Parma preferred to Daniel Sturridge up how to play these games." 1993/94 Italy Internazionale taking journey through the won the last two Europa League 1992/93 Italy Juventus front in the Europa League, is Can, meanwhile, has one competition under new man- titles, and so it will be a very 1991/92 Netherlands Ajax available having come through extra incentive. He already ager Jurgen Klopp to a thrill- tough game, but if we show 1990/91 Italy Internazionale training unscathed on Monday owns losers' and winners' med- ing climax, following dramatic what we are able to do as a team following a spell on the sidelines als from Champions League wins over Manchester United, then we can win the final." Delfi Geli scored a 'golden goal' with an ankle injury. finals, but as part of Bayern Mu- Borussia Dortmund and Villar- Five-time European cham- own goal in extra time. Sevilla may have the added nich's squad the 22-year-old did real in recent months. pions Liverpool, who have also Four years later, Liverpool pressure of facing Barcelona in not even get to lace up his boots, After seeing his side sink won the Europa League and staged arguably the great- the Spanish Cup final on Sun- in 2012 and 2013 respectively. Villarreal brilliantly to reach its predecessor the UEFA Cup est comeback in Champions day, but coach Unai Emery He added: "I want to win the final, Klopp declared: "To three times, have often provided League final history by over- insisted: "We have the chance that final and my first trophy go to a final you need a little bit drama on the European stage. coming a three-goal half-time to play two finals and, despite with Liverpool. I will give my of luck in decisive moments, but In their last Europa League suc- deficit against AC Milan to force the difficulty our opponents best, the team will give its FC Barcelona’s Luis Alberto Suarez celebrates after scoring his third most of the time you need out- cess, in 2001, they triumphed the Italians into extra time then will cause us, the team is deter- best and then we want to win goal against Granada during a La Liga match at Los Carmenes sta- standing performances. after a nine-goal thriller against penalty kicks, winning their mined and determined to enjoy the game and hopefully we dium in Granada on Saturday. (AP) "Now we are there, and it's Deportivo Alaves only after fifth title 3-2 from the spot. it." In comments to uefa.com, will do it." Sports Wednesday, May 18, 2016 35

Tiger Woods watches the first of three ceremonial balls from the 10th tee during a Quicken Loans National golf tournament mediaavailability at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, on Monday. (AP) I’m progressing nicely, says Tiger

been playing friendly games which he's won twice. While "Do I want to go through up, I'll have the speed I used Woods, 40, hasn’t played since last August, and he’s at Medalist, his home club in Woods did not confirm that that whole process again of to have, which will be nice," Florida, but he's yet to play 18 he would be absent from those getting back? Some part of me Woods said. "... Guys who fallen to No. 524 in the world ranking holes, although he said he's events, he said it's frustrating said yes, some part of me said are on the shorter side have physically capable of playing a not to be able to play at places no. Because it is hard," Woods success, but when they're not AP more time. The last one cleared when are you playing? I get it all full round. where he's been successful. said. "Nerve pain — if you've quite on their game, they're BETHESDA (MARYLAND) the pond, but not by enough. the time. If I knew, I'd tell you, "Everything about my game "I want to play. Trust me, I never experienced it, man, it's missing cuts." It landed on a steep bank and because it'd be fun to know." is coming around. Now it's want to," he said. "The plan is something else." While sidelined, Woods TIGER Woods grimaced as rolled down into the water. Woods, who underwent just a matter of being consist- to get well, and whether that's He said he no longer has has watched admiringly as he took three warmup swings His efforts at Congres- two back surgeries last au- ent with it," Woods said. "And any nerve pain, although he's his friend Jason Day has so- after sitting in a chair for 30 sional — home to the Quicken tumn, said he's getting strong- then being able to do that not Woods, who underwent not pain-free. lidified his hold on the No. 1 minutes talking about his up- Loans National, which he er and hitting the ball better. only at home against the boys two back surgeries last Still, Woods believes he ranking. The two are in touch coming tournament at Con- hosts and which benefits his The tournament at Congres- at Medalist and trying to take can still generate the same frequently and Day, who won gressional on a cool, blustery foundation — put to rest most sional will be from June 23- their cash, but trying to come autumn, said he’s getting clubhead speed that he did the Players Championship on Monday morning. Hitting of the lingering questions 26, the week after the US out here and doing it against stronger and hitting the when he was younger, and he on Sunday, has spoken about a ceremonial shot from a for- about whether he'll be ready to Open, and it certainly appears the best players in the world is ball better. showed little interest in chang- the valuable advice he's gotten ward tee on the par-3 10th return to competitive golf any- that Woods will attend only in a completely different deal." ing his aggressive style of play from Woods. hole, he chunked his first at- time soon. a noncompetitive role. If he were healthy, June by next week or it's a year from to protect his body. "It's fantastic how he's tempt into the pond short of "I have been practicing Woods, 40, hasn't played would be a busy month for now, I don't know. My doctors "Ironically enough, my playing, how he's handling the green. at home, and I'm progress- since last August, and he's Woods, starting with the Me- don't know, I don't know." speed's higher than it's been in himself, how focused he is and He asked for another ball. ing nicely. I'm hoping to play," fallen to No. 524 in the world morial and then the US Open Woods also said he con- a few years. And I'm not trying. how committed to improving" That one splashed, too. With Woods said. "That's the over- ranking. He said he can't at Oakmont, where he tied for sidered walking away from the My technique just changed. he is, Woods said. "He prac- officials from his foundation riding question I keep hearing: spend nearly as much time second in 2007, followed by game after his first back surgery, That's a good sign. When I tices with purpose and you can egging him on, he tried one When are you coming back, practicing as he used to. He's the Quicken Loans National, a microdiscectomy in 2014. get stronger and I do crank it see it when he plays."

Park’s Rio ICE HOCKEY WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Wozniacki to miss French hopes boosted US reaches quarter-final at worlds Open due to injury by local AFP Sharapova is currently sus- Olympic boss despite loss to Slovakia PARIS pended from competitions for using banned drug Meldonium REUTERS FORMER US Open finalist reports TASS. “Sharapova’s sit- SEOUL The Amercians Caroline Wozniacki will miss uation is complicated. the upcoming French Open at The thing is that she ad- THE head of the Korea Olym- will face Czech Roland Garros because of in- mitted that she had taken Mel- pic Committee offered a glim- Republic in the jury, the WTA announced on donium. The case will not be mer of hope to Park Tae-hwan Tuesday. considered so long as the two on Tuesday as the former Ol- quarter-finals "@CaroWozniacki has with- laboratories do not study the ympic champion swimmer drawn from @RolandGarros preparation. I believe that’s not bids to force the KOC to ditch AP due to a right ankle injury," the going to happen earlier than a controversial doping suspen- ST. PETERSBURG WTA tweeted. June,” Tarpishchev said on sion and allow him back into The 25-year-old was already Monday. The Meldonium con- the national team. THE United States advanced to a doubt for the clay-court Grand centration in the blood sample Park, who has already the quarter-finals of the hockey Slam having missed recent of Sharapova exceeds the per- served an 18-month doping world championship on Tues- tournaments in Madrid and missible level, Russian sports ban imposed by swimming's day despite a 3-2 overtime loss Rome with the injury, which she minister Vitaly Mutko said on world governing body FINA, to Slovakia. suffered while training. April 27. is fighting to overturn a KOC Slovakia would have quali- The former world number “Masha’s case is more com- regulation that has tacked on fied instead of the Americans one, who reached the US Open plicated. The (Meldonium) con- an additional three-year sus- with a win in regulation, but final in 2009 and 2014, has centration in her blood is above pension, which would rule him the US earned a point for forc- tumbled to 34th rankings hav- the norm. Masha took the for- out of the Rio Olympics. ing overtime, enough to secure ing not played since losing in mula for several years on her The 26-year-old has fourth place in Group B. the third round in Miami al- doctor’s prescription. I am not lodged a case with the Court Slovakia took the lead on most two months ago. going to announce if she will of Arbitration for Sport but a first-period wrist shot from The French Open gets un- be able to avoid punishment or has instructed the Lausanne- Christian Jaros, but New York derway on Sunday. not. We just want her to restore based tribunal not to proceed Islanders forward Brock Nelson her position in sport,” Mutko until he has received a defini- tied it up off a pass from David Sharapova doping case stressed. tive answer from the KOC on Warsofsky. hearing not before June Early in March, Sharapova the rule. Nick Foligno gave the US Meanwhile, the hearing announced that her 2016 Aus- KOC President Kim Jung- a 2-1 lead early in the third but JT Compher of the US (right) fights for the puck with Slovakia’s Martin Reway (left) and Martin Bakos dur- of Russian tennis star Maria tralian Open blood sample haeng said at a lunch meet- Pavol Skalicky turned Tomas ing the Hockey World Championships Group B match in St.Petersburg on Tuesday. (AP) Sharapova’s doping case will contained Meldonioum, which ing on Tuesday that while Marcinko's shot into the net not take place before June, the World Anti-Doping Agency he would consider opinions to make it 2-2. Slovakia pulled Czechs beat Switzerland 5-4, in the quarters, even though the left in the tournament, and Russian Tennis Federation (WADA) had blacklisted as a from across the board on the goaltender Julius Hudacek in knocking the Swiss out. Americans lost their last group met late Tuesday to decide first president Shamil Tarpishchev prohibited formula as of Janu- case, he wanted to see Park an attempt to win the game in Switzerland fought back game to Slovakia 3-2 in over- place in Group B. has said. ary 1, 2016. swim in Rio. regulation and take the Ameri- from 3-1 down early in the time. Germany also advanced "Speaking on a personal cans' quarterfinal place, but the third, needing a win in regu- Slovakia would have quali- from the group. basis as a former athlete, I US held on. lation to qualify for the quar- fied instead of the Americans Also advancing from Group think it would be good if Park Marko Dano scored the terfinals. Also advancing from with a win in regulation, but A were Russia, Sweden, and went to the Olympics," the game-winning goal for Slova- Group A are Russia, Sweden Denmark. former judoka was quoted as kia as both teams finished the and Denmark. Switzerland, thoroughly saying by Yonhap News. preliminary round with 3-4 The Czech Republic topped Nick Foligno gave the US dominated by the Czech Re- "My response is based on records. Canada, Finland and Group A at the world ice hockey a 2-1 lead early in the public, fought back from 3-1 a question that asked for my Germany also advanced from championship by beating a flat- third but Pavol Skalicky down early in the third then personal opinion." Group B. tered Switzerland 5-4 on Tues- turned Tomas Marcinko’s 5-2, with a pair of late goals. Park won gold in the 400 The Canadians and Finns day. shot into the net to make Kazakhstan and Hungary metres freestyle at the Beijing are the only unbeaten teams Switzerland needed to win it 2-2. will be relegated from the top Games to become the first Ko- left in the tournament and will to advance. Instead, Denmark’s level of the world champion- rean to win an Olympic swim- play later Tuesday in a game spot in the quarterfinals was ship for next season. The Ka- ming medal but his reputation which will decide first place in confirmed for only the second the US earned a point for forc- zakhs’ relegation was assured was shattered when he tested the group. time. ing overtime, enough to secure last Saturday, while Hungary positive for testosterone ahead The United States will face The Czechs, seeking their fourth place in Group B. was condemned on Tuesday of the Asian Games in Septem- Group A winner Czech Repub- first title since 2010, learned The Canadians and Finns following Belarus’ 3-0 win over ber 2014. lic in the quarterfinals. The their will play the United States were the only unbeaten teams France. TO MISS ROLAND GARROS: Caroline Wozniacki. 36 Wednesday, May 18, 2016 Sports

WORLD STADIUM CONGRESS BEGINS

Louis Saha (right) delivers his lecture on his social media platform Axis Stars. Ooredoo representative gives his welcome remarks

Richard Keys during his welcome address. Delegates networking at exhibitors stand. Qatar leads global stadia innovations

JURGEN’S KEYNOTE Alles, Chief Architect from SCDL brings 300 experts from gmp Architekten von Gerkan; PREPARING THE WORLD FOR FUTURE Chris Dite, Associate Director, various fields at World Stadium FIFA WORLD CUPS Sport Venue Design and Ma- jor Events from Arup, as well Congress * Most of the FIFA World Cup require- as others for live and interac- ments could be delivered as temporary tive feedback. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK dium technology for modern solutions The breakout presenta- DOHA stadium and venue excellence * Spatial requirements, technical instal- tions concluded with athlete in preparation for 2022 FIFA lations (IT&T power, cabling, etc.) going speeches, meet and greets THE World Stadium Con- World Cup Qatar. beyond the legacy requirements of a and autograph sessions with gress, in partnership with the Following the welcome stadium former Manchester United Supreme Committee for De- remarks, Jürgen Müller, and French national team livery & Legacy, assembled Head of Planning & Infra- * FIFA provides the toolbox to expand world-famous striker Louis over 300 of the globe’s most structure and Head of 2022 regular stadiums for FIFA World Cups Saha and Qatari star and reputable stadium operators, FIFA World Cup Qatar from Olympic high-jump athlete architects and contractors, FIFA, delivered the first key- PPP (Public Private Partner- Mutaz Barshim. The day con- as well as federation direc- note presentation, empha- ship) projects, the Egyptian cluded with two Spanish sta- tors, government officials, re- sising stadium requirements government is planning and dium case studies from Bill nowned athletes and tourna- and specifications which ven- delivering a diverse pipeline Mannarell, Director, Àrea ment stakeholders. ues must adhere to in order of national stadium projects, Patrimonial, Espai Barça, Organised by IQPC, the to qualify and deliver suc- explored by Dr Sobhi’s and Dr on FC Barcelona’s landmark first day of the conference cessful FIFA World Cups. Azim’s research. venue Camp Nou, and Javier boasted an unparalleled, di- Key themes included The summit then proceed- Pérez, senior member archi- verse and prestigious speaker legacy, sustainability, fi- Jürgen Müller is seen talking about FIFA expectations during the opening day of the World Stadium Con- ed with multiple break-out tect from IDOM, on the in- faculty representing four con- nancial feasibility and FIFA gress in Doha on Wednesday. sessions, including a Dragon’s ternational award-winning tinents from a wide array of guidelines for football-fo- Den concept that allowed the Bilbao Arena. sport and stadia. cused stadiums. an effective World Cup prepa- dia, encouraging discussions The morning keynotes world’s most relevant stadi- As the Day One came to a Hosted by world famous Engineer Othman Zarzour, ration and execution. on innovative stadia design, concluded with a joint pres- um solution providers, such close, the gathering effectively sports broadcaster and jour- Competition Deputy Venues He said: “I’d like to thank construction and operation entation from Prof Dr Ashraf as EMC, the chance to ‘pitch’ and comprehensively covered nalist Richard Keys, the sum- Executive Director from the our partners and the organis- of major sporting venues and Sobhi, Deputy Minister, and their systems to the likes of stadium technologies, security mit commenced with an hon- Supreme Committee for De- ers for their hard work. This the legacy that will benefit the Dr. Tamer Abdel Azim, Tech- Tamim el Abed, Project Man- protocols, legacy programmes orary introductory address livery & Legacy, presented on summit brings together local, country’s communities in line nical Expert from the Minis- ager – Losail Stadium from and more – looking at both re- from Ooredoo Qatar, serving competition venues in Qatar regional and international with the Qatar National Vi- try of Youth & Sports, Egypt. the Supreme Committee for gional and global case studies as an advocate for smart sta- and laying the foundation for experts on sports and sta- sion 2030.” Through an ambitious slew of Delivery & Legacy; Florian and demands. Saha’s Axis Stars project a platform for financial security in future IKOLI VICTOR Gallas and numerous NBA for business collaborations in their post-career. The aim spotlight, so once they come DOHA players on its board. and sponsorship in Qatar to is to help drastically reduce out of the spotlight they re- The social network plat- back the project. “I have used a the terrifying statistics, which main in the light with opportu- RETIRED French football form offers insurance, bank- lot of my savings for this busi- show that around 50 percent nities ahead of them," Patrice star and former Manchester ing, lifestyle, physical thera- ness,” he said. “Now I am look- of sports professionals go said. United player Louis Saha isn’t pists, image rights, real estate, ing for investors to support the bankrupt after retirement. I “Those opportunities can taking his retirement lightly marketing & PR, sponsorship project. Before, everyone came am proud with what I’m doing be in sports like punditry, while speaking at the World and other career-related tips to me with the proposition and now in the last two years than ambassadorship for previous Stadium Congress in Doha on to athletes so that they can now I am the salesman. what have done in the last 15 clubs, emerging competitions, Tuesday. The owner of a social keep an eye on their club, “I would have loved to be years on the field.” knowledge and access to these network group Axis Stars in- sponsorship, endorsement able to master my job better Saha is working with Pa- people is often sought but not troduced his project that helps and insurance. when I was playing but now trice Arnera and Manches- always found. So we tend con- professional athletes manage Saha said the new platform I’ve retired and I still have a ter United’s former market- nect the dot and the key thing their financial futures and was designed to help sports huge role to play sharing my ing man Mike Farnan on the for us is whatever we connect avoid conmen. stars manage their careers experience with young play- project. He said in addition to our members with, there’s due The Axis Stars has been as- better even after retirement. ers. I wish I had a platform football stars, the platform has diligence involved,” Patrice sisting elite professional ath- “We have managed to bring like this when I was a player. attracted former NBA play- added. letes and sports stars, coaches the best services through our It would have helped me man- ers Nicolas Batum and Boris Saha, 36, who played for and agents and it has already social network platform. We age my career and plan for the Diaw, and has gained interest Fulham, Everton, and Man- got famous faces likes Didier have an independent ethical future a lot better. from those in the boxing and chester United, launched the Drogba, Gaizka Mendieta, Phil committee that helps monitor "This was why the Axis motorsport world. business in September last Neville, Florent Malouda, Rio opportunities before we un- Stars was designed not only to “We want to put them in year. He retired from football Ferdinard, Garry Neville, Gael dertake any venture.” help active professional play- touch with the right connec- in 2013 after being plagued by Louis Saha (right) presents his Axis Stars case study. Mofils, Samuel Eto’o, William Saha is currently looking ers and athletes but also those tion once they are under the injuries.