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Saturday, May 21, 2016 FOOTBALL Sha’baan 14, 1437 AH Dortmund out to GULF TIMES spoil Pep’s farewell game for Bayern SPORT Page 3 SPOTLIGHT Lekhwiya rally to down Sadd, lift their fi rst Emir Cup trophy After Sadd score two goals in five minutes to take the lead, Lekhwiya respond with a 7-minute brace of their own to take the match into penalties, where the Wolves miss two of their shots to give Red Knights a thrilling victory

Lekhwiya players celebrate after defeating Al Sadd via a penalty shootout and winning the 2016 Emir Cup. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed & Noushad Thekkayil

By Joe Koraith Doha

here are straightforward wins and then there are those where a team pulls off a great turna- round and produces a win thatT remain etched in the memories of players and fans alike for long. Yesterday, Lekhwiya did something similar, scripting a great recovery act that saw them defeat Al Sadd and lift their fi rst-ever Emir Cup trophy. With just 23 minutes and a little bit of injury time left in the second half, Lekhiwya were despairingly staring at a two-goal defi cit and the Emir Cup Lekhwiya coach Djamel Belmadi. trophy slipping away fast. A high tempo fi rst half of the fi - nal played at the Al Sadd stadium had yielded no goals and with half of the second half gone, neither team were able to break the shackles. But then a great piece of individual eff ort gave Sadd the lead. Bounejah Baghdad got to the end of a long ball from the deep, fended off Chico Flores and fi red the volley into the far corner to give his team the lead in the 62nd minute. Five minutes later Abdelkarim Hassan scored with a header off a free- kick and Sadd colours were fl ying high in the stands. But this seemed to be the trigger that Lekhwiya were waiting for. It was Lekhwiya goalkeeper Claude Amine celebrates after making a save during the Lekhwiya’s Chico Flores (L) and Nam Tae-Hee (centre) scored during regulation their turn to score two goals in seven penalty shootout yesterday. time to bring their team back into the game yesterday. Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira. minutes to wrestle back parity. It be- gan with Flores heading in the ball off the goal. Lekhwiya’s stand-in skipper ebrations on the Lekhiwya bench. Sadd players react after a corner kicked in by Nam Tae-Hee. Karim Boudiaf could have fi nished it Sadd players could not believe that losing the penalty shootout. Then it was the turn of the South Ko- off in the 92nd minute but his header they had come so close but let the Emir rean himself to produce the best eff ort was acrobatically saved by Sadd keeper Cup slip through their hands. Before of the match. Saad al-Sheeb. the match, there was a lot of talk about Having received the ball inside the Sadd survived this onslaught and how the recent 4-0 defeat to Jaish in the box, Nam Tae-hee did a stepover and were able to take the match into pen- Asian Champions League would aff ect fi red a lovely curler into the far corner alties. Sadd skipper Xavi converted his the Lekhwiya players during this fi nal. to which Lekhwiya goalkeeper Claude attempt to give his side the advantage. But coach Djamel Belmadi had said Amine had absolutely no chance. Four Alain Dioko brought Lekhiwya on that his players would show their true goals in 15 minutes and the match was par with his strike. Khalfan Ibrahim character in this game. And for sure now in full fl ow. stepped up but his shot was saved by they did. Lekhwiya had entered this fi nal hav- Amine. Luiz Martin didn’t miss his This was one trophy that had eluded ing scripted a 2-1 turnaround victory shot. Nadir Belhadj had a chance to Lekhiwya despite their stellar success in over El Jaish. And having drawn level, score and put some pressure on Le- recent seasons and now they can proudly the Red Knights were now eager to fi n- khiwya but the midfi elder ended up add the Emir Cup to their cabinet. As for ish off their opponents. shooting wide. Sadd, they came very close to getting a Alain Dioko got a great chance in the Tae-Hee then calmly sent al-Sheeb hat-trick of titles but couldn’t sustain 78th minute but his eff ort went over the wrong way to kick-start the cel- the eff ort till the very end. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, May 21, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FIFA recommends two-year ban for Niersbach

AFP cil, and attended last week’s Congress FIFA offi cial Jack Warner. 2016 World Cup. The DFB inquiry, car- Zurich in Mexico, as well as being on UEFA’s Along with Beckenbauer, FIFA’s in- ried out by the law fi rm Freshfi elds, executive committee. house prosecutors are investigating outlined a money trail linking Becken- He said he would vigorously contest three other ex-DFB offi cials for “pos- bauer and former Adidas chief Robert IFA’s ethics committee yester- the sanction. “It’s a matter of honour sible undue payments and contracts Louis-Dreyfus. day recommended a two-year and defence of my rights to oppose this to gain an advantage in the 2006 FIFA A central issue in the German bid ban from all football activi- request with all possible legal means,” World Cup host selection”. They are was a 10-million Swiss franc (6.7-mil- ties for Wolfgang Niersbach, Niersbach said in an interview with Theo Zwanziger, a former German fed- lion euro/ $8.0-million, according to formerF president of the German Foot- German news agency SID, a subsidi- eration president; Horst R Schmidt, an the exchange rate at that time) pay- ball Association (DFB), over an alleged ary of AFP. “The penalty is incompre- ex-DFB secretary general; and Stefan ment that Spiegel said was borrowed corruption scandal around the right to hensible. Especially when compared to Hans, the DFB’s former chief fi nan- by the DFB from the late Louis-Drey- host the 2006 World Cup. other cases where the Ethics Commis- cial offi cer. Helmut Sandrock, another fus. It said the money was to buy the FIFA’s adjudicatory chamber said sion has not made such harsh judge- former DFB secretary general, is along votes of four Asian members of FIFA’s they had received a fi nal report from ments in cases of personal advantage with Niersbach being probed for alleg- 24-strong executive committee. world football governing body’s eth- and corruption.” edly failing in his “duties of disclosure”. In 2000, Germany won the bid to ics committee investigatory chamber “In my case, the charge is based The launch of a fresh corruption stage the 2006 World Cup, beating and decided to proceed with formal solely on the fact that I did not speak lion, according to the exchange rate at cused of “not reporting the violation of investigation comes as FIFA’s new South Africa by 12 votes to 11, with one proceedings against Niersbach. “The soon enough about things related to that time) in 2000 to buy the right to the (FIFA) ethics code” by others. president Gianni Infantino is trying to abstention. Separately, 39 people and investigatory chamber recommends the 2006 World Cup,” Niersbach con- host the 2006 World Cup fi nals. The FIFA ethics committee inquiry turn the page on the scandal-ridden two companies have also been charged a sanction of a two-year ban from all tinued, adding his “resignation from FIFA opened a probe on March follows the release of a report commis- administration led by Sepp Blatter, with corruption by the US justice de- football-related activity and a fi ne of the presidency of the DFB in November 22 targeting six people including sioned by the DFB into the 2006 World whose presidency ended in disgrace partment, including many of Blatter’s CHF 30,000 (27,000 euro, $30,000),” 2015” should suffi ce. Niersbach and Franz Beckenbauer, the Cup bidding. That report, released on last month. former top deputies. the judging body said. Niersbach, 65, had resigned from the German football legend and World Cup March 4, said it could not rule out that German football has been roiled by Blatter, and his one time heir appar- Niersbach, vice-president of the German federation amid accusations organising committee chief, over their Germany bought votes to secure the allegations, fi rst levelled by magazine ent Michel Platini, have been banned 2006 World Cup organising commit- the DFB used a slush fund of 10 million roles in the bidding process, amid al- tournament, and linked Beckenbauer Spiegel last October that the DFB used from football for six years over ethics tee, is still a member of the FIFA Coun- Swiss francs (6.7 million euro, $8 mil- legations of bribery. Niersbach is ac- to a “mysterious” deal with disgraced a slush fund to buy votes to secure the violations.

ITALIAN CUP FOCUS Beckham asks Real management to be Plenty of woes for patient with Zidane

Reuters for the fi rst time this season, Valencia, Spain following a six-game winning month which helped the team get back into title contention. avid Beckham be- Real trailed Barcelona by 10 Milan ahead of title lieves Real Madrid points and closed that gap to should give his former just one heading into the fi nal teammate at the club, weekend of the campaign. ZinedineD Zidane, time to suc- “I wasn’t born to coach but ceed even if the French great Zizou, yes,” Beckham said. fails to inspire them to victory “Zizou, who won everything, in the Champions League fi nal was chosen the best player in later this month. the world several times and he clash against Juve Zidane fell just short of experienced fi rst hand many steering the club to La Liga situations. There is no former glory, with Real fi nishing one player who garners more re- Milan, the seven-time European champions, are now a pale shadow of the club that point behind Barcelona, but spect and admiration. It was can claim his fi rst title since only natural that he would brought their owner Berlusconi no fewer than five Champions League titles between replacing Rafa Benitez earlier end up coaching the team. At this year in the May 28 Cham- this time, they (Real) must be 1989 and 2007. Now increasingly frustrated at Milan’s slow decline, Berlusconi has put pions League fi nal against city very happy with Zizou. His rivals Atletico in Milan. job in any case is very diffi cult the club up for sale, recently signing negotiating rights with a Chinese consortium “Madrid needs stability because in the last fi ve years, and continuity,” Beckham said Madrid have had to face the in an interview with Span- best Barca in history.” ish magazine Semanal XL. “It Real have failed to win La would be good if Zizou (Zi- Liga since the 2011-12 cam- dane) continues for some time paign while Barca celebrated and that they maintain the their sixth league title in eight players they have today. Even if seasons last weekend. they don’t win the Champions “Barca is a monster, a well League, it would be good to let thought out and constructed Zizou work. Stability is key, team, with youngsters that are not just in every aspect of life promoted from the youth team but in business.” and with (Lionel) Messi, who Former England captain is from another planet,” Beck- Beckham played with Zidane ham said. “When you com- at Real from 2003 until 2006 pete against a team like that before the French great retired one, everything becomes more from football. “Besides being complicated.” a great friend, he is the person Beckham refused to wade that is most passionate about into the “senseless debate” football and Real Madrid that over who is the better player I have met and the best player between Real’s Cristiano Ro- I’ve ever played with,” Beck- naldo and Barca’s Messi: “Both ham said. are unique, just like Zizou in Zidane was Carlo Ancelot- his day. They have marked ti’s assistant in 2013 when Real an era. We will remember the won the Champions League Messi and Cristiano years and and had been coaching Real’s both at the same time! No one reserve team, Castilla, in the had ever maintained that level third division before being throughout for so long. Who- named Real’s 11th boss in 12 ever knows them, they always years. He was named La Liga’s highlight their persistence ‘Manager of the Month’ for and hunger to get better. They April, picking up the award want to be the best.”

AFP frustrated at Milan’s slow decline, have set up large screens in the wishes for a match which eff ec- time lead on their way to a 4-3 de- Milan Berlusconi has put the club up for Tuscan town for thousands of tively brings the curtain down on feat to Sassuolo, and some Milan sale, recently signing exclusive fans to witness their possible and the Italian club season. detractors still claim his sacking negotiating rights with a Chinese historic entry into European foot- Yet Milan will need a miracle if was the fi rst step in their steady ncertainty over the fu- consortium. ball. Although a season without they are to shock a Juventus team decline. ture of AC Milan (pic- The potential new owners, as the revenues from the lucrative that, despite sitting only a handful Juventus midfi elder Paul Pog- tured above) hovers much as Berlusconi, will have Champions League can be crip- of points above the relegation zone ba, however, said the magic of a over the stricken Italian a keen eye on tonight’s fi nal at pling, Milan’s failure to qualify for in the autumn, were still too good Cup fi nal could spring a surprise. Ugiants as they look to avoid the Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, where Europe’s second-tier club event for the rest in Italy’s top fl ight. “We can’t go there thinking we’re ignominy of a season without Eu- league champions Juventus could would leave a bigger stain on their Juventus fought their way back favourites. We have to remain ropean football by wresting the become the fi rst Italian club to reputation. into contention thanks to a defi - humble, because it’s not always Italian Cup from Juventus tonight win successive league and Cup Former Juventus, Middles- ant 26-game unbeaten run, and the strongest that wins,” said the (21:45 kickoff Qatar time). doubles. brough and Derby striker Fabrizio secured a record-equalling fi fth Frenchman. “It’s a fi nal, and Mi- “It would be a huge victory The winner will earn direct Ravanelli blames Milan’s man- successive title with three games lan aren’t going to Rome to hand for the team but also in terms of entry to the Europa League, agement and recruitment depart- to spare. Still, coach Massimil- us the win.” sealing direct entry to the Europa meaning if Juventus triumph the ment, which is run by CEO Adri- iano Allegri is taking nothing for Allegri will be without injury-hit League,” club owner and presi- qualifying spot for Europe’s sec- ano Galliani. granted. German midfi elder Sami Khedira dent Silvio Berlusconi told the ond-tier competition goes to Se- “There’s been just too many “I’m not worried, but we have due to a calf injury, while Juve are players at their training ground rie A’s sixth-place fi nisher. changes made by Milan’s man- to have a maximum of respect for also without defender Leonardo earlier this week. On the fi nal day of the season, agement. They’ve changed them. Milan have a tradition of Bonucci (suspended) and midfi eld Milan, the seven-time Euro- Milan were thumped 3-1 at home coaches too many times and had winning the Cup,” said Allegri, creator Claudio Marchisio (knee). pean champions, are now a pale by Roma, while Sassuolo stunned no consistency,” Ravanelli told who is unlikely to have much The defending champions are shadow of the club that brought 10-man Inter Milan 3-1 to fi nish Premium Sport. sympathy for his old club. likely to adopt a 3-5-2, with Mario Berlusconi no fewer than fi ve four points ahead of the Rosson- In keeping with pre-Cup fi nal Allegri was sacked by Milan in Mandzukic set to be given the nod Champions League titles between eri in sixth. tradition, both teams met Pope January 2014 after the Rossoneri over Spanish striker Alvaro Morata David Beckham (right) played with Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid 1989 and 2007. Now increasingly Unsurprisingly, town offi cials Francis yesterday and received his threw away a three-goal half- to partner Paulo Dybala in attack. from 2003 until 2006 before the French great retired from football. Gulf Times Saturday, May 21, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

GERMAN CUP SCOTTISH CUP Cup glory won’t top promotion, Dortmund out to says Rangers boss AFP tion at stake. The winners will Glasgow have that access to Europe and there’s no doubt that will help us. We need our potential angers manager Mark players to buy into the bigger spoil Pep’s farewell Warburton says win- picture, but there’s no doubt ning the Scottish Cup European football is an incen- Rfi nal against Hibernian tive. For us it would be a great today wouldn’t compare to the end to what’s been a good sea- euphoria of securing promotion son. Now we have to focus on back to the top fl ight. fi nishing on a high.” Warburton’s side clinched Hibernian manager Alan the Championship title to Stubbs says clinching the game for Bayern claim a place in the Scottish Scottish Cup would help ease Premiership for the fi rst time the pain of a disappointing since they were forced to start season. The Edinburgh club Victory over their main rivals at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium tonight would give Bayern life again in the country’s bot- face a third consecutive sea- tom tier following liquidation son in the Championship after the league and cup double before Guardiola leaves for Manchester City next season in June 2012. their promotion hopes were The Glasgow giants, who ended last week following a have also won the Challenge 5-4 aggregate defeat to Falkirk Cup this season, now have the in the play-off semi-fi nal. chance to win the Scottish Cup Stubbs and his players also for the fi rst time since 2009 suff ered the heartache of los- when they face second tier ing the League Cup fi nal to Hibs at Hampden Park. Ross County back in March at However, Warburton, whose the national stadium. How- side defeated Old Firm rivals ever, Stubbs says leading Hibs Celtic in the semi-fi nal, says to a fi rst Scottish Cup victory victory against the side they since 1902 would go some way pipped to the Championship to easing the pain and he urged would simply be a bonus. his players to grab the oppor- “There’s nothing more im- tunity to become part of the portant than achieving pro- Easter Road side’s history. motion,” he said.“There’s no “They may never have an- doubt that was our main pri- other opportunity to play in a ority. This has to be a bonus— cup fi nal,” Stubbs said. “I hope the focus for us was always the they do, I would love them to league this season. play in two, three or four cup “We had to win the league fi nals but the likelihood is they and win it in style, and we de- may not. livered. The boys’ work ethic “That’s why on Saturday was outstanding and the cups they have to crawl off that have been bonuses for us. To pitch in the end. Give every- win the semi-fi nal gave us thing they have got in order great belief and we want to get to try to win it. I know a lot the job done now.” of fans would take a Scottish A win for Rangers would see Cup win over promotion this them earn a spot in the Europa season. It’s such a momentous League qualifi ers and end their occasion and what the events four-year exile from continen- of it could possibly lead to... tal competition. And Warbur- that makes it, for our fans cer- ton admitted the prospect of tainly, such a unique game.” European football could help “It’s 114 years now and a him recruit potential signing lot of them, on Saturday, may targets to the club. get an opportunity to see “It’d be a fantastic achieve- something that they probably ment,” he said. “There’s a thought they may never see,” place in European competi- Stubbs added.

Bayern Munich’s Spanish head coach Pep Guardiola (second left) and his Dortmund counterpart Thomas Tuchel (second right) pose with the German Cup on the eve of tonight’s final at the Olympic stadium in Berlin. Also seen are Bayern and Dortmund defenders Jerome Boateng (left) and Marcel Schmelzer. The game kicks off at 21:00 Qatar time. (AFP)

AFP Dortmund have “no desire to lose for a The German league’s top three strikers Franck Ribery wants no repeat of the deba- Berlin third time in succession in Berlin”. will be also be shooting it out. Top-scorer cle four years ago to risk dampening their Bayern’s captain Philipp Lahm says Lewandowski, the fi rst foreigner to score party spirit. Guardiola has not only improved the qual- 30 Bundesliga goals in a single season, will “In 2012, we were second three times orussia Dortmund aim to ruin ity of Bayern’s football, but helped develop partner Bayern’s Thomas Mueller, who (in the Champions League fi nal, the Bun- Bayern Munich’s plans to farewell each member of the star-studded squad. netted 20 league goals. desliga and German Cup fi nal), that was a Pep Guardiola with a seventh title Now Lahm says the squad must raise their But Dortmund’s Gabon striker Pierre- disaster for my holiday,” joked the French in three years when Germany’s game to win one last title before Carlo An- Emerick Aubameyang, who hit the net 25 winger. “In 2013, we won the treble and topB teams meet in tonight’s crunch Ger- celotti takes over as head coach next season. times in the Bundesliga, has predicted he that was a super holiday. We have a great man Cup fi nal (21:00 kickoff Qatar time). “We have to improve, we weren’t so will score twice in the fi nal. chance and we should use it, as you never Rangers Victory over their main rivals at Berlin’s impressive in our last few games,” said “We don’t see ourselves in the favour- know what will happen next season.” manager Mark Olympic Stadium would give Bayern the Lahm. “We are up for Berlin and we want ites’ role, it is a fi nal against a team who Dortmund lost the 2014 fi nal 2-0 in Warburton. league and cup double before Guardiola the double to show that we have had a very were up with us right until the end of the extra-time after they had been denied a leaves for Manchester City next season. good season.” Bundesliga season,” said Lahm. goal—headed by Hummels of all people— After Bayern lifted the Bundesliga title There is plenty of spice in the Olympic “We know what’s coming our way and in normal time and the Ruhr Valley club last weekend, for a record fourth season in Stadium showdown with a sell-out crowd that Dortmund will be a tough nut to has clearly not forgotten. succession, Dortmund now want the cup of 74,322 expected. crack,” the Germany coach added. “The last few fi nals against Bayern were to compensate. “We will do everything to “This is actually the best fi nal that one In Germany, there is a tradition of the decided by wrong decisions,” said director win,” promised Guardiola, who admits it can imagine in Germany,” enthused World winning team toasting their victory with a of sport Michael Zorc. will be tough against “the best Borussia Cup-winning coach Joachim Loew. ‘beer shower’, throwing over-sized glasses Bayern will be without injured winger (team) in history”. Mats Hummels will be playing his fi nal of beer over each other after the fi nal whis- Arjen Robben. Centre-back Javi Martínez Borussia fi nished 10 points behind Bay- game before becoming the third Borussia tle. But the German FA (DFB) has banned is struggling with an ankle injury, while ern in the league and want to avoid los- Dortmund star to join Bayern in the last the celebrations, partly because the teams Xabi Alonso should be fi t after recovering ing their third straight German Cup fi nal. three years, after Mario Goetze and Robert are sponsored by rival beer manufacturers, from bruised ribs. Dortmund controversially lost the 2014 Lewandowski. The Dortmund captain ex- neither of which is a sponsor of the gov- Dortmund are missing defensive mid- fi nal 2-0 to Bayern, after extra time, and pects a diffi cult afternoon: “It’s a strange erning body. fi elder Ilkay Gundogan, who is recovering were beaten 3-1 by Wolfsburg in last year’s feeling. Every mistake I make will be end- Dortmund thrashed Bayern 5-2 in the from a dislocated knee, but winger Marco fi nal. As midfi elder Sven Bender put it, lessly dissected.” 2012 German Cup fi nal and Bayern’s star Reus should play after getting over a cold.

FRENCH CUP Departing Ibra hoping to sign off with Cup glory AFP will look to bow out with his reputation The club never recovered from the Paris enhanced yet further. bombshell departure of Marcelo Bielsa Although the 34-year-old has in August and fi nished 13th, their low- missed training with a sore calf this est position since the 2000-01 sea- latan Ibrahimovic (pic) will week, there is no question the Sweden son, having embarked on an unwanted aim to lift one fi nal trophy as star will spearhead the PSG attack one record of 15 home games without a win. the curtain comes down on his fi nal time at the Stade de France. However, winger Romain Alessan- record-shattering Paris Saint- “It’s a bit of a sad moment, but the drini believes taking on the French ZGermain career in tonight’s French Cup project continues. So does Zlatan’s ca- champions can bring the best out of an fi nal (22:00 kickoff Qatar time) against reer. You have to go through moments underperforming OM side. bitter rivals Marseille. like this to move forward,” said Blanc, “We’re up against a very good PSG Ibrahimovic, who obliterated Pau- refl ecting on Ibrahimovic’s profound team that is used to winning trophies, leta’s club goals record earlier this season impact on the club. so we have nothing to lose,” Alessan- and now stands on 154 from 179 games, “Zlatan has brought the club on drini, who was part of the Rennes side announced he will leave Paris when his enormously, beyond expectations. He beaten 2-0 by Guingamp in the 2014 contract expires at the end of June after a has had one of the best seasons as a fi nal, told OM.net. trophy-laden four years in France. footballer and it’s been a huge pleasure “It’s up to us to do everything to The Swede will look to fi re Laurent to work with him.” win this match, to enjoy it and to bring Blanc’s side to a second straight do- Saturday will also mark the fi nal ap- the cup back to Marseille. There’s an mestic treble which would send PSG pearance for Gregory van der Wiel, eternal rivalry between the two clubs. level with Marseille as 10-time winners with the Dutch defender set to move It’s going to be rather intense to say of the French Cup. on having joined PSG in 2012, the same the least. If we win, it’ll be an incred- Ibrahimovic notched his 37th and summer as Ibrahimovic. ible day for us. Our best two matches 38th league goals in last Saturday’s 4-0 Midfi elder Marco Verratti underwent this season, despite the results, were thumping of Nantes in his fi nal appear- surgery on Monday and the Italy interna- against PSG so I think it’ll a high qual- ance at the Parc des Princes to surpass tional will not only miss the fi nal but his ity match,” he added. Argentine striker Carlos Bianchi’s 37- country’s Euro 2016 campaign as a result. Marseille could welcome back goal mark set during the 1977-78 season. For Marseille, who have gone 27 years Georges-Kevin Nkoudou after the Having been crowned France’s ‘Play- since their last French Cup title, to- winger recently returned to training er of the Year’ for a record third time, night’s showdown is a chance to salvage following a thigh injury picked up in before modestly declaring “I came like what has been nothing short of a cata- last month’s 1-0 semi-fi nal victory a king, left like a legend”, Ibrahimovic strophic season. over Sochaux. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, May 21, 2016 SPORT

Shakespeare, Walsh pen new Manchester United to Australia can win World Juve, Milan players meet Ibra hopes off icial song will Leicester coaching deals hold AGM in Philadelphia Cup, says Mat Ryan Pope ahead of Cup final boost squad at Euro 2016

Leicester assistant managers Steve Walsh and English football giants Manchester United will stage Valencia goalkeeper Mat Ryan said yesterday that Football stars should speak out about their moral Sweden’s off icial Euro 2016 song was released Craig Shakespeare have both penned new coach- their 2016 annual general meeting in Philadelphia reigning Asian Cup champions Australia can go and religious beliefs so that they may be ethi- yesterday after securing a stamp of approval ing contracts with the newly-crowned Premier on June 23, the club announced yesterday. The Pre- beyond being the best in the region to one day win cal role models for their fans, Pope Francis said from team captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic who hoped League champions, the club confirmed yesterday. mier League side are owned by the US-based Glaz- the World Cup. “It’s not only to be the best in Asia, yesterday giving an audience to Italian league it would lift the national football team to new Foxes boss Claudio Ranieri had said he was keen er family. United face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup we want to one day be up there mixing it up with football players. Juventus and AC Milan teams were heights. “The song is like I play, it has pulse and to see improved contracts for the two men, who final at Wembley today as they bid to end a season the best, if not be the best in the world and win the granted an audience at the Vatican, along with tempo,” Ibrahimovic said in a video clip on the have been instrumental in both Leicester’s return that has seen them fail to qualify for the Champi- World Cup one day,” the Australia national team Serie A football league executives, on the eve of Swedish Football Association’s website. to the top flight and this season’s title success. ons League with a trophy. The Old Traff ord future goalkeeper said. “We want to go as far as we can squaring off for tonight’s final of the Italian Cup in The hiphop-style song titled Mitt Team, which Shakespeare and Walsh have been on the coach- of manager Louis van Gaal has been a source of in that competition, if not all the way,” he added, Rome’s Stadio Olimpico. “You should simply show translates as My Team, was composed by Frej ing staff at Leicester since November 2011 with repeated speculation all season amid reports the speaking on the sidelines of Valencia’s visit to Singa- that each one of you, before being a footballer, is Larsson and Joy M’Batha. It gives “a lot of their new deals believed to run until the summer Dutchman could be replaced by former Chelsea pore. “I know that it is a big call but look at Leicester a person with its own faults and virtues, but above adrenaline and energy... you want to give 200 per of 2018. Walsh and his scouting team have un- boss Jose Mourinho. But off the field United, one of City this year, who would have said that they could all with its conscience, which I hope will always be cent for your team,” Ibrahimovic said. An accom- earthed stars such as Riyad Mahrez, Jamie Vardy world sport’s best-known brands, are on course to have won the Premier League?” Australia, currently illuminated by a connection with God,” Francis said. panying video features images of locations and and N’Golo Kante while Shakespeare has played a become the first British club to earn more than half ranked 50th in the world, face England and Greece “Be champions is sport, but above all champions in people from all over Sweden, including the odd pivotal role in maintaining the bond between the a billion pounds in a single year. Earlier this month, in upcoming friendly games. The Socceroos are in life, and do not be afraid of revealing to your fans celebrity. Sweden play Ireland, Italy and Belgium players and staff following last summer’s depar- United announced a record underlying pre-tax third the same group as heavyweights Japan for the final the moral and religious principles which you would in the group stage of the European champion- ture of former manager Nigel Pearson. quarter profits of £44.9 million ($64.7 million). stage of regional qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. like your life to be inspired by,” the pontiff added. ships next month.

FOCUS Ex-France star Ginola improving aft er quadruple heart bypass

Palace history weighs AFP Monaco

ormer French international star David Ginola was described as F“awake and improving” after un- dergoing a quadruple heart bypass heavily on Pardew yesterday, Professor Gilles Dreyfus, who carried out the operation, told AFP yesterday. The 49-year-old ex-PSG and Newcastle star suff ered a suspected heart attack on Thursday while playing football before a celebrity golf tournament in the afternoon ahead of FA Cup fi nal heat at Mandelieu, west of Cannes in southern France, and was airlifted to hospital in Monaco. ‘I feel the weight of the history of not winning something. We take one final which we lost into “He’s getting better. He’s awake and conscious. He didn’t have a the game, so this group of players have an opportunity to put something permanent there’ heart attack. He had a heart rhythm disorder,” explained Dreyfus. He said Ginola “had recovered AFP completely and is expected to re- London main in hospital for 10 days”, adding the former player could “resume his activities in several weeks”. rystal Palace manager Alan The surgeon added that Ginola Pardew said he felt the had been “very lucky” with the quick “weight of history” on his intervention of emergency services. shoulders as he tries to lead “After a scan it was decided to theC south London side to the fi rst ma- operate urgently and have an emer- jor trophy in their 111-year existence. gency quadruple bypass.” Palace have the chance to claim A tweet on Ginola’s Twitter account that long-awaited piece of silverware moved to reassure his fans after the when they face Manchester United in operation. today’s FA Cup fi nal at Wembley. “Hello world, never slept better. I’m The match is a repeat of the 1990 fine, just need to rest a bit. Thank you fi nal when a Palace side featuring so much all of you for your magnifi- then central defender Pardew were cent support,” he wrote. beaten by United in a replay after the Ginola fell ill and was taken to Mo- fi rst match fi nished 3-3 following ex- naco’s Princess Grace Hospital, where tra-time. his condition was initially described “I feel the weight of the history of as “unconscious but stable”. not winning something,” Pardew said The former player blamed playing yesterday. “We take one fi nal which football in the afternoon heat. we lost into the game, so this group “Footy match in the midday sun, of players have an opportunity to put not very clever. Now having some something permanent there—a fi rst tests done,” Ginola tweeted. major trophy for Crystal Palace. The news prompted an outpour- “One or two of these players will ing of support on social media, with never play in a fi nal again and this is a post on Newcastle’s off icial Twitter an opportunity to get a winner’s med- account reading “Get well soon”. al, which is so hard. Like the Leices- After leaving France for England ter players (who won the Premier in 1995 and spending two years in League), winning the FA Cup would the northeast, Ginola played at Tot- mean the same for us.” tenham for three seasons where he Pardew completed an unwanted was voted PFA Player of the Year and ‘double’ in 2006 when he was man- Footballer of the Year in 1999. ager of the West Ham side beaten in He then turned out for Aston Villa that year’s FA Cup fi nal by Liverpool. and Everton briefly before retiring in He has now turned to Steve Coppell 2002. He also played 17 times for his and Alan Smith, Palace’s manager and country between 1990 and 1995, but assistant manager respectively back his international career was over- in 1990, for advice. shadowed by a 2-1 defeat to Bulgaria “Steve Coppell was here; I’ve leant which saw France fail to reach the on him in a couple of bits,” former 1994 World Cup, with Ginola singled Newcastle manager Pardew ex- out for criticism by then-coach Ger- plained. “I’ve spoken to Alan Smith, ard Houllier. looked at the history of 1990 and of had. We’re all very close friends, it doubt all the pressure was on Louis (Bobby) Charlton, (Eric) Cantona... He added: “It’s a special feeling for Since his playing days, Ginola has the history since. bonded us. It made this club to a de- van Gaal’s men following their failure They take a diff erent history into the me and my family, but I’ve tried to turned his hand to presenting and “It’s a club with a certain DNA. It gree, that cup fi nal. Friendships—I’d to qualify for the Champions League. game. (We are) street football—play- distance ourselves from 1990 a bit. working as a television pundit in both would be good for the club and for our prefer those friendships to have car- “The pressure is on them all the ers from diff erent roots, from non- We do carry some staff who talk about England and his native France. history for us to win something. ried through as winners. That’s the time,” Pardew said. “They’re Man league and Paris St Germain. Put it all the time. It’s nothing to do with He is due to work as a television “(There was a) great camaraderie in message I’ll give to my players.” United: a historic club, the colour, the those ingredients together and it’s this era. There’s no revenge of ‘putting pundit for the Euro 2016 champion- that (1990) group. I hope this group United will start today’s match history, with names we haven’t got. quite an exciting blend and an excit- it right’. It’s about this team getting to ships in France. has that same ongoing history as we as favourites and Pardew was in no (Sir Alex) Ferguson, (George) Best, ing team.” the cup fi nal, and trying to win.”

NEW MAN AT HELM New Celtic coach Rodgers targets European success

AFP take them to the group stages after an absence of “He’s very experienced, well organised, a good Glasgow two years under Deila. motivator, a good man-manager. He’s a man- “The club has been in magnifi cent shape in re- ager of the highest quality,” said Warburton. cent years and has collected silverware regularly “He’s worked in the Premier League and came cottish champions Celtic yesterday during this time,” added the Northern Irishman. within a slip of winning it, so there’s no doubting named former Liverpool boss Brendan “My objective now, of course, is to continue this Brendan’s qualities.” Rodgers (pic) as their new manager with work, to keep us at the top and again make our Rodgers came close to masterminding Liver- the target of translating their domestic mark in Europe. pool’s fi rst English title since 1990 in 2013/14, successS into solid European progress. “I have followed Celtic all my life and to be only for their challenge to slip away. Rodgers, 43, replaces Ronny Deila who given this fantastic opportunity and to be part of Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell described stepped down at the end of a two-year spell such a truly great football club is a dream come Rodgers as “a special manager”. which brought in two league titles and a League true. I will give my new role everything I have He said: “We wanted to bring one of the big- Cup crown but just frustration on the continent. and do all I can to bring our supporters exciting, gest and best names to the club to match our own Rodgers, who has penned a 12-month rolling entertaining and winning football. aspirations and those of our supporters. We be- contract, was previously in charge at Swansea, “I know what a magnifi cent support Celtic en- lieve, in appointing Brendan, that we have done Reading and Watford while he spent three years joys and I can promise our fans one thing—that I this,” he said. at Liverpool before being sacked in October. will be doing everything I can to give you a team “We have appointed a special manager and “I am absolutely delighted to be named Celtic that you can be proud of and a team that delivers. we are sure he can bring some special times to manager,” said Rodgers. “This is genuinely a I can’t wait to be in Celtic Park with our team and Celtic. Brendan is a highly-sought after man- huge honour for me. I have followed Celtic all my our fans as we all get to work.” ager and we are pleased that we have been able to life and to be given this fantastic opportunity and Rodgers will also face the challenge of old ri- bring such a high calibre individual to Celtic. He to be part of such a truly great football club is a vals Rangers as the Ibrox club will return to the has a huge and genuine aff ection for the club. I dream come true.” top fl ight for the fi rst time four years. Rangers know Brendan feels privileged to be named Celt- Rodgers’s fi rst games will be the Champions boss Mark Warburton knows Rodgers from their ic manager and I know he will give us everything League qualifi ers in mid-July and he will look to time together at Watford. he has to be successful at Celtic.” Gulf Times Saturday, May 21, 2016 5 TENNIS

FRENCH OPEN DRAW ‘Young’ Nadal unfazed by advancing years Djokovic and Nadal Paris: Rafael Nadal insisted he progress from a potential yesterday he still feels “young” quarter-final against home ahead of his 30th birthday as hope, and two-time semi-final- the Spaniard looks to regain ist, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. the French Open crown he sur- Djokovic has the edge at rendered last year. The record 26-23 after winning the last lined up for 50th clash nine-time champion will turn seven meetings -- Nadal’s last 30 on June 3, which falls during victory came in the 2014 final the second week of Roland Gar- in Paris -- but victories at Monte ros, but stressed he remains as Carlo and Barcelona last month devoted as ever after an under- have reinvigorated the world whelming 2015 campaign. number five. “I don’t want to at Roland Garros “No, I’m not feeling old. On compare (this year to 2015). I court it is true that I had a lot am well into 2016 now, and I of years here on the tour, but in played a few good events in a terms of mentality and in terms row. So I hope to continue play- Serena, bidding for a fourth Paris title, starts against Slovakia’s Rybarikova of life I feel myself young,” said ing well here,” said Nadal. Nadal. “I don’t think about go- “That’s all my goal: keep ing to be 30. going the same way that I am Something that I don’t -- even playing, and if it’s possible to if I don’t think is a real thing,” play even a little bit better and he added, while smiling. “You better. But I’m happy the way I know, time never stops. No- have played since Indian Wells. body stops the time. That’s not A lot of tournaments in a row a good thing, but at the same playing well. I need to just keep time, I am happy with my life. I going.” enjoyed all these years on the Nadal was bounced out by tour, and I hope to keep enjoy- Djokovic in straight sets a year ing the next couple of years.” ago in the quarter-finals at For just the third time in his Roland Garros, but the Spaniard career Nadal heads into the said it felt no diff erent coming tournament not as the man to into the event without the title beat, but instead a challenger to defend. “Well, it’s better to in search of a 10th French Open be here defending your title title that would see him surpass than not. But at the same time, Martina Navratilova’s nine Wim- it’s obvious that it’s impossible bledon singles crowns. to have the same feeling every Nadal, promoted to the year. I had that feeling a lot of fourth seed after Roger Fed- times in my career, but I’m not erer’s withdrawal, will face big- arriving with this feeling this serving Australian Sam Groth year. At the same time, I am in round one and arguably has excited. The goal is still always the toughest draw of the top the same if you are defending men. He is on a semi-final colli- or you are not defending. It sion course with world number doesn’t make a big diff erence one Novak Djokovic should on what you want to do.”

Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns the ball during a training session ahead of the French Open, yesterday at Roland Garros stadium in Paris. (AFP)

AFP Wimbledon quarter-fi nals in 2010. lying in wait in the round of 16. Williams, just one short of Steffi Graf’s Paris Djokovic is seeded to face Tomas Ber- Murray, fresh from beating Djoko- Open era record of 22 majors, could face dych in the last-eight while he could vic in the Rome Masters fi nal, will meet 2010 champion Francesca Schiavone in tackle volatile Australian Bernard Tomic a qualifi er in the fi rst round with a po- the third round. Former world number ovak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in the fourth round. tential quarter-fi nal against Japan’s Kei one and two-time Australian Open win- could meet for the 50th time Tomic was accused by the Serb of lack- Nishikori. Murray has been handed a rel- ner Victoria Azarenka is a potential after they were placed on a ing commitment after a tame exit at the atively smooth path although a mouth- quarter-fi nal foe for the 34-year-old French Open semi-fi nal colli- Madrid Masters last month. watering clash with Nick Kyrgios of Aus- American. Fifth seed Azarenka, a semi- sionN course yesterday. Nadal, who lost to Djokovic in the tralia is a potential last-eight match-up fi nalist in 2013, opens against Italy’s Ka- World number one and top seed Djoko- quarter-fi nals in 2015, had originally been should Nishikori stumble. rin Knapp. vic, who turns 29 on the opening day of set to be seeded at fi ve until 2009 cham- The Japanese fi fth seed has never got Second seed Agnieszka Radwanska is the tournament tomorrow, needs a Ro- pion Roger Federer withdrew through in- past the quarter-fi nals in Paris but was scheduled to face 2014 runner-up Simo- land Garros title to complete a career jury on Thursday. Nadal starts his French runner-up to Nadal this year on clay in na Halep in the last eight. Grand Slam after losing three fi nals in Open against big-serving Sam Groth of Barcelona and a semi-fi nal loser to Djok- Radwanska, yet to get past the quar- four years, including last season to Stan Australia with a potential quarter-fi nal ovic in Madrid and Rome. ter-fi nals, takes on Serbia’s Bojana Jo- Wawrinka. against home hope, and two-time semi- Nishikori starts against Italian veteran vanovski fi rst up. Australian Open cham- Should Djokovic and nine-time French fi nalist, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Simone Bolelli. Wawrinka opens against pion Angelique Kerber, the third seed, is Open champion Nadal meet in the last- With his 30th birthday just around the Lukas Rosol, the Czech who shocked lined up for a last-eight duel with 2015 four it will be their 50th career clash in corner, Nadal has arguably the toughest Nadal at Wimbledon in 2012, while his semi-fi nalist Timea Bacsinszky. Kerber a rivalry which began in 2006 at Roland draw of the top men but will be buoyed potential last-eight rival would be Cana- starts against Dutchwoman Kiki Bertens. Garros. Djokovic has the edge at 26-23, by a recent return to form which saw him da’s Milos Raonic. Wimbledon fi nalist Garbine Muguruza claiming the pair’s last seven encounters. claim the Monte Carlo and Barcelona In the women’s draw, defending cham- and US Open runner-up Roberta Vinci is Fourth seed Wawrinka is scheduled titles. Italy’s Fabio Fognini, who came pion and top seed Serena Williams, bid- the other potential quarter-fi nal if seed- to take on second seed Andy Murray in back from two sets down to beat Nadal at ding for a fourth Paris title, starts against ings go to plan. the other semi-fi nal. Top seed Djokovic, the US Open last year, is a possible third Slovakia’s Magdalena Rybarikova, the The women’s tournament is missing bidding for a 12th career major, starts his round opponent. world number 76. The 27-year-old Slo- two-time champion Maria Sharapova Rafael Nadal of Spain takes a break during a training session at campaign against Taiwan’s Lu Yen-Hsun, ‘Rising Austrian Dominic Thiem, the vak has never made it beyond the second who is serving a doping suspension and Roland Garros stadium in Paris. (AFP) the world number 100 who made the man who knocked Federer out in Rome, is round in Paris. the injured Caroline Wozniacki.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Murray has one eye Serena relaxed about French Open title defence on Hibs’ fortunes AFP - the fi rst in 2002 and then a long gap un- Paris til 2013 and 2015. AFP Murray, rated among the fa- Williams could come up against Paris vourites for a fi rst French Open former world number one and two-time crown after his straight sets win erena Williams said she was Australian Open champion Victoria Aza- over top seed Novak Djokovic in feeling relaxed about her hopes renka, who defeated the American at ndy Murray is hop- the Italian Open fi nal last Sun- of defending her French Open Indian Wells in March, in the quarter- ing for a timely French day, said that he expected it to be crown yesterday and drawing fi nals. However, a pair of former cham- Open morale-booster a tight aff air at Hampden Park. levelS with Steffi Graf’s Open Era record of pions lie in wait beforehand with 2010 from his favourite foot- “Hopefully they (Hibs) win, 22 Grand Slam singles titles. winner Francesca Schiavone a potential ballA team Hibs who will be look- but there are two teams play- The 34-year-old, whose two previ- third-round opponent and Ana Ivanovic, ing to smash a more than a cen- ing tomorrow. One of them has ous attempts to retain the title at Roland who claimed her lone Grand Slam on tury-old Scottish Cup fi nal jinx to lose,” he said. “But the most Garros ended prematurely, will begin her Court Philippe Chatrier in 2008, a pro- against Rangers in today’s fi nal important thing is to try to make defence against Slovakia’s Magdalena spective last-16 foe. in Glasgow. the most of it and give your best Rybarikova, the world number 76, who Williams arrives in the French capi- The Murray family, though eff ort the whole way through- has yet to make it beyond the second tal full of confi dence and on the back of based in Dunblane, have strong out. Because if you do that, you round in Paris. “I think in the past there a fi rst title in nine months after knock- ties to the Edinburgh outfi t and can obviously be disappointed was,” said Williams, who beat Lucie Sa- ing off compatriot Madison Keys in last both Andy and big brother Jamie if you lose, but you come away farova in last year’s fi nal, when asked weekend’s Rome fi nal. “It felt good to win are both huge fans, regularly with no regrets. I think as an whether she approached tournaments in Rome, obviously. I was feeling pretty charting the team’s fortunes as athlete, that’s hard to deal with.” where she was the defending champion confi dent, I think, just going into some of they travel the globe. Murray, who turned 29 last with a diff erent mindset. those matches. Especially the last few I Today’s s match will be no Sunday in Rome, won the sec- “I think now it’s diff erent because I felt a lot better. Even if I’d have lost, I feel exception with Hibs’ last win in ond of his two Grand Slam titles want to win more than I think most peo- like some of those matches really gave me the Scottish Cup dating back to at Wimbledon three years ago, ple ever, but also I think it’s diff erent now the match play that I needed.” 1902. Since then they have lost but such has been his progress because I don’t have anything to prove Williams has played sparingly since a succession of heartbreak fi nals on clay, previously deemed to be and I don’t have anything - it’s just a dif- losing out on a chance at the calen- notably going down 5-1 to city his weakest surface, that he har- ferent feeling. dar Grand Slam at last year’s US Open, rivals Hearts four years ago. bours realistic hopes of winning “Whereas fi ve, ten years ago, oh, I’m featuring in just four tournaments this Already there has been more in Paris. He defeated nine-time defending and I feel that pressure. Now season but reaching the fi nal in three of heartache for Hibs recently los- French Open champion Rafael it’s like I’m defending, I’m in Paris, it’s those. ing out to Falkirk in the playoff s Nadal in the semi-fi nals in Ma- cool, and I’m having, you know, the time “I guess when you win all the time, if to get back into the Scottish Pre- drid before his stunning 6-3, 6-3 of my life. I’m just happy to be here.” you go a couple of tournaments and don’t miership from which they were win over Djokovic in Rome. With The top-ranked American is launching win them it’s like you’re in a drought,” she relegated in 2014 and only a win Roger Federer sidelined due to a third bid to match Steffi Graf’s major said, with her victory in Italy the 70th of over Rangers can salvage another injury, Murray has benefi tted record, although just three of Williams’ Serena Williams is launching a third bid to match Steff i Graf’s 22 majors record, her career and fi rst since triumphing in tough season for them. from a generous draw. 21 Grand Slam titles have come in France although just three of Williams’ 21 Grand Slam titles have come in France. (AFP) Cincinnati last August. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, May 21, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT OPINION Muirfi eld ban on women members McIlroy looks to tarnished golf’s image: McIlroy orld number three about including everyone,” McIl- Rory McIlroy be- roy, 27, told British media. silence Masters lieves Muirfi eld’s “The girls are going to get so decision not to ad- much exposure from being in Wmit women members has tar- the Olympics with the men. It’s nished golf’s image and backs the 2016. Time moves on... Everyone move to drop the course from the should have the opportunity to list of venues for Britain’s Open join a club if they want to. championship. “Especially when we are try- Muirfi eld, close to Edin- ing to break out of this stuff y old champion Willett burgh, has retained a male-only image, this is not what we need... membership policy since it was In this day and age it is a little founded in 1744 and a vote to ad- disappointing to see. I think the ‘The golf course is tricky, as there is a lot of crosswinds while the rough is a little bit mit women members fell short of R&A made the right decision,” the required two-thirds majority said the Northern Irish golfer. juicy so the key is hitting fairways, and if you don’t, you find yourself out of position...’ on Thursday. Four-times major champion “The damage to golf’s image McIlroy was two strokes behind is more important than us los- US Masters winner Danny Wil- ing an Open course.We have such lett, who fi nished with 65, after a strong ladies tour. We have the the fi rst round of the Irish Open Olympics coming up, which is all on Thursday.

SWIMMING FINA lift s Efi mova’s meldonium suspension: coach

AFP the body. Moscow Efi mova, who had been sus- pended for 16 months and stripped of fi ve European titles wimming’s world gov- after testing positive for an ana- erning body FINA has bolic steroid in 2013, could face a lifted the provisional lifetime ban if found guilty of a suspension on world second career doping code vio- championS breaststroke spe- lation. cialist Yuliya Efi mova, the head Russian sports minister Vi- coach of the Russian national taly Mutko said earlier on Friday team said yesterday. that all Russian athletes who had Efi mova was handed a provi- tested positive for meldonium – sional ban in March after test- except Efi mova and tennis star ing positive for the banned drug Maria Sharapova – had been ex- meldonium. onerated. “The provisional suspension WADA said in March that it has been lifted, I can confi rm will launch an investigation into that information,” head coach doping in Russian swimming af- Sergei Kolmogorov told R-Sport ter British newspaper The Times news agency. claimed Sergei Portugalov, the “FINA still has to make a fi nal doctor said to be the master- decision on Efi mova’s case, but mind behind doping in Russian I think everything is moving in athletics, had pushed swimmers the right direction.” on Russia’s national team to take Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy watches his tee shot at the 5th hole during the first round of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at The K Club, County Kildare, Ireland. The 24-year-old, who won a performance-enhancing drugs. bronze medal in the 200-metre Russia meanwhile is working AFP with back-to-back birdies at his 13th and 4mn event. “But if you look at the leader board breaststroke at the 2012 London to overturn a ban by the Inter- Dublin 14th holes but then dropped the fourth “I am very pleased with a 66 given the I’m only one shot off the lead. I have Games and who is current 100m national Association of Ath- shot of his round at his 16th to fall back golf course is tough, and the conditions a couple of rounds under par but breastroke champion, conced- letics Federations (IAAF) that into a tie with Warren who had fi nished today moreso,” he said. then it would have been nice to ed she had taken meldonium could see its track and field ournament host Rory McIlroy his round ahead of the Augusta National “I would have taken anything rounda- shoot something in the 60s but I felt for medical reasons before the stars sidelined from the Rio knows he will need to silence the champion. bout the 70 mark this morning but then I controlled my game pretty well” World Anti-Doping Agency’s Olympics in August. challenge of Masters champion “A 71 is not too bad as it was pretty the greens were absolutely pure this (WADA) ban on the drug came The country was provision- Danny Willett if he’s to capture a steady, but then scrappy at times,” said morning, so delighted to take advantage ple of rounds under par but then it would into eff ect on January 1. ally suspended in November Tfi rst Irish Open title. Willett. of that.” have been nice to shoot something in the WADA said in April that ath- over a WADA independent McIlroy added a second round two- “The golf course is tricky, as there is a McIlroy is confi dent he’s fi nally turned 60s but I felt I controlled my game pretty letes could escape a ban for tak- commission report that found under-par 70 to his opening score of 67 lot of crosswinds while the rough is a lit- around an indiff erent season as he seeks a well. ing meldonium because it does evidence of state-sponsored to move within a shot of the leading duo tle bit juicy so the key is hitting fairways, fi rst success since last November in cap- “I made a few more mistakes today, not know exactly how long it doping and mass corruption in of Willett and Scotland’s Marc Warren on and if you don’t, you fi nd yourself out of turing the European Tour season-ending and it was pretty tricky with the wins but takes for the substance to leave Russian athletics. the Palmer Course at the K. Club. position and you’re going to have to get DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. then a 70 is as decent score. Willett has bounced back from missing up-and-down for par. The current World No3 grabbed fi ve “And with my tournament host cap the cut in last week’s Players Champion- “I did drop a couple of silly shots out birdies in his round of 70 and none better on, it’s great to see Danny up there. I was CYCLING ship, adding a 71 to his opening score of there, but eight under par is not too bad, than holing a 30-footer at his last. very pleased that he committed to come 65 as the Englishman seeks to win for a I’m tied for the lead and in a good posi- However, McIlroy also posted three and play. third occasion this season. tion heading into the weekend.” bogeys, something he says he needs to “Anytime you have a current Major Warren’s score is his lowest in some In contrast, Warren has not been in eradicate if he’s to win for a fi rst time as Champion up there near the top of the Sky’s Nieve soloes to six months and the fi rst occasion in 10 position for victory since capturing the a professional in Ireland. leader board, always makes for a better events this year, including six where he 2014 Made in Denmark title, and his “There was still a little bit of frustra- tournament.” has missed the halfway but, where the fourth Tour title. tion out there as I felt I could have been The leading trio were three shots clear stage victory 35-year old will have strung together However, the Scot is not about to be better today,” he said. of the the South African pair of Richard back-to-back four round showings. overawed given he and Willett will be “But if you look at the leader board I’m Sterne (68) and Jaco Van Zyl (72) who AFP Willett had moved to nine under par partnered over the third round in the euro only one shot off the lead. I have a cou- shared fourth place on four under par. Cividale del Friuli, Italy

BOTTOMLINE panish climber Mikel Nieve soloed to victory on stage 13 of the Giro d’Italia on Friday putting aS smile back on Sky team’s face after they lost their leader Mikel Landa to illness this week. American Hoge one off the pace The overall pink leader’s jer- sey switched hands again after a Reuters fi rst start on the US. mid-range putts,” the 22-year- tough mountain run, Movistar’s Texas circuit since his shocking col- old Spieth told reporters. Andrey Amador taking charge lapse at last month’s Masters. “Lost a little control with my after the Costa Rican rider fi n- He also fi nished his opening iron play on some pretty easy ished alongside race favourites ittle-known American round at the TPC Four Seasons shots that I will look to improve and climb kings Vicenzo Nibali Tom Hoge parred his last Resort on Thursday, mixing sev- on but other than that I’m pretty and Alessandro Valverde. Spain’s Mikel Nieve of team Sky four holes to sit just one en birdies with a lone bogey to pleased. Overnight leader Bob Jungels in action during the 13th stage stroke off the lead when surge up the leaderboard. “Fortunately the forecast made a valiant eff ort to keep hold of the 99th Giro d’Italia. Lthe weather-delayed opening “Solid start to the tourna- looks good so it should, by the of the pink jersey only to fail nar- round of the AT&T Byron Nel- ment. Took advantage of the weekend, get at least a little fi rm rowly and is now second in the ter Nibali’s attack and avoided son in Texas was completed yes- easier holes and made a couple of back to where it normally is.” standings by 26 seconds. a complete meltdown, but was terday. Having been part of an early 51sec adrift of Nibali’s group. Hoge, whose best PGA Tour Scoreboard 25-rider escape group, Nieve Ahead of Saturday’s much fi nish was a tie for fi fth at last launched his assault on the day’s awaited mountain stage in the year’s Canadian Open in his Scores from the US PGA Tour (US) 65 Martin Flores (US) 65 toughest climb 34km from home Dolomites, seen as a potential rookie season, carded a six- Byron Nelson Championship at Charles Howell III (US) 65 and held on for a welcome vic- Tour decider, Nibali is third at under-par 64 in rain-softened the par-70 course yesterday in -4 Adam Hadwin (Canada) 66 tory for the British team. 41sec, Valverde fourth at 43sec conditions at the TPC Four Sea- Irving, Texas HUSn Swaff ord (US) 66 Chad Also in the original escape and Majka sixth at 1min 37sec. sons Resort in Irving. -7 Sergio Garcia (Spain) 63 Campbell (US) 66 Jon Curran Giovanni Visconti tried to bridge jm/dmc/dj Cividale del Friuli, That put him level with fellow Danny Lee (New Zealand) 63 (US) 66 Will MacKenzie (US) the gap but fi nished 43 seconds Italy, May 20, 2016 (AFP) - Re- Americans Dustin Johnson, Wes Johnson Wagner (US) 63 66 Jason Dufner (US) 66 Bryce off the pace. sults and standings after the 13th Roach, Bud Cauley and home- -6 Fredrik Jacobson (Sweden) Molder (US) 66 Sean O’Hair Race favourite and 2013 win- stage of the Giro d’Italia, a 170km town favourite Jordan Spieth, 64 Dustin Johnson (US) 64 Jor- (US) 66 Jeff Overton (US) 66 ner Nibali made a sudden turn mountain run from Palmanova to and Swede Freddie Jacobson. dan Spieth (US) 64 Tom Hoge Cameron Percy (Australia) 66 of pace on the last climb but Val- Cividale del Friuli on Friday: Spaniard Sergio Garcia, New (US) 64 Wes Roach (US) 64 Bud Bryson DeChambeau (US) 66 verde and Poland’s Tinkoff rider Zealander Danny Lee and Amer- Tom Hoge plays his shot from the seventh tee during Round Two at Cauley (US) 64 -3 Tyler Aldridge (US) 67 Hiroshi Rafal Majka, the Astana man’s Overall standings (Top 5) ican Johnson Wagner led on 63, the AT&T Byron Nelson yesterday in Irving, Texas. -5 Brooks Koepka (US) 65 Matt Iwata (Japan) 67 Rhein Gibson chief contenders, held on to fi n- 1. Andrey Amador (CRC/MOV), 2. all the three having completed Kuchar (US) 65 Ben Crane (US) (Australia) 67 Ian Poulter (Brit- ish at the same time, as did Ama- Bob Jungels (LUX/ETI), 3. Vincen- their rounds on Thursday when morning thunderstorms. Open champion Spieth, who 65 James Hahn (US) 65 Scott ain) 67 Patrick Rodgers (US) 67 dor. zo Nibali (ITA/AST), 4. Alejandro two-and-a-half hours of sched- Most eyes this week, however, missed the cut at last week’s Piercy (US) 65 Robert Garrigus Robert Allenby (Australia) Jungels, who had been in pink Valverde (ESP/MOV), 5. Steven uled play were wiped out by will be fi rmly focused on US. Players Championship in his for three days, paced himself af- Kruijswijk (NED/LNL) Gulf Times Saturday, May 21, 2016 7 SPORT

NBA Cavaliers rip Raptors for 10th playoff victory in a row James scores 23 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and passed out 11 assists as the Cavaliers seized a 2-0 lead in the play-off s

AFP the fl oor for LeBron. He can take Washington a game over,” Lue said.”The bet- ter the team performs, the easier it is on him.” ith LeBron James The playoff victory was Cleve- producing an- land’s 17th in a row over foes other overpower- from the same conference, the ing performance, longest such NBA streak since Wthe Cleveland Cavaliers routed 1970-71.”I don’t think it feels like Toronto 108-89 on Thursday, a streak,” James said.”We won Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James (right) stretching their playoff record one game. How do we get bet- drives past DeMarre Carroll of Toronto to 10-0 and moving closer to an ter the next game? We haven’t Raptors during the game two of the NBA Finals return. overlooked any steps. That’s why Eastern conference finals of the NBA James scored 23 points, we’re in the position we are. Playoff s at Quicken Loans Arena in grabbed 11 rebounds and passed We’ve enjoyed the process.” Cleveland. (USA TODAY Sports) out 11 assists as the host Cava- James, seeking a sixth consec- liers, who swept through the utive trip to the NBA Finals after fi rst two playoff rounds, seized four years with Miami and last a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven year, is hitting 18-of-26 from the Eastern Conference fi nals with fi eld, dominating Toronto inside. game three tomorrow at Toron- “Great teammates are getting me to. “We’re just a well-balanced, open,” James said.”I’m trying to (well-)oiled machine,” James be aggressive, see what the de- said.”You have to do multiple fense is giving me. Everyone is things depending on how the se- feeding off one another.” ries and the games go and we’ve James had his 15th career “tri- been able to do that.” ple double” - double-fi gure sta- Kyrie Irving scored a game- tistics in three categories - and high 26 points and Kevin Love passed Shaquille O’Neal to reach added 19 for Cleveland, whose fourth on the NBA career play- run is one shy of the NBA record off scoring list. “It’s a tribute to playoff start of 11-0 achieved by the player LeBron has been,” Lue the Los Angeles Lakers in 1989 said.”When you are a winner like and 2001. “It’s always diffi - LeBron, you have to expect mile- cult to deal with me,” four-time stones.” NBA Most Valuable Player James The Cavaliers closed the sec- said.”It adds even more when you ond quarter with a 16-2 run to have two all-stars with you who seize a 62-48 half-time edge. command multiple eyes every “We made some adjustments, possession. They are in such changed our defense, got a little a great rhythm I can do other more physical - that was a big things to help us win. This is the spark,” Lue said of that stretch. best I’ve felt in a while. When James had 17 points, eight assists you have two guys like this to and seven rebounds in the fi rst help you, it takes a lot of things half. “All great players are going off you.” to be playing at that level at this The Cavaliers are two wins time of year,” said Raptors coach from facing the Western Confer- Dwane Casey.”He’s not doing ence champion, either Oklahoma anything we didn’t expect.” City or defending NBA champion The Raptors, led by DeMar Golden State, in the NBA Finals DeRozan’s 22 points, suff ered that begin on June 2. Cleveland their fi rst back-to-back losses lost to Golden State in last year’s of the playoff s. Kyle Lowry, who NBA Finals, but Love was out scored 43 against the Cavaliers in with an injury and Irving went a regular-season game, had only down with an injury in game one. 10 points on 4-of-14 shooting “We just do a great job of hav- Thursday but vowed he would ing each other’s backs,” said bounce back. Irving.”We missed our chance “I’ll fi nd ways,” Lowry said.”I last year and we want to make the know I can be more eff ective and most of this time.” I will be more eff ective on Satur- The Cavaliers have led Toronto day. Their defense is active and by 10 or more points throughout rotating but I’ve been missing the second half in both games shots I won’t be missing any- and Cleveland’s Tyronn Lue, the more.” fi rst NBA coach to win his fi rst 10 And he remains optimistic the playoff games, credits Irving and Raptors can reach the fi nals. “I’m Love for helping ease the load on super confi dent,” he said.”I’m James. “When Kevin and Kyrie not down on myself. I don’t need are playing at a high level it opens much motivation on Saturday.”

FOCUS Jaguars confi rm Ramsey sustained knee injury King James still the best, says coach Lue New York: Fifth overall pick thinks he can be on the field Jalen Ramsey has a small with the team when sessions Reuters In a statement, the Bucks revealed that meniscus tear in his right knee kick off Tuesday. Washington they learned Monday that Internal Rev- and the Jacksonville Jaguars ------enue Service (IRS) tax forms were pro- are evaluating options for ad- With second-round draft pick vided to an unknown person who faked dressing the injury. Ramsey’s Robert Aguayo all but assured eBron James may have ceded being team president Peter Feigin. preseason injury stirs remind- of winning the kicking job this some of the NBA spotlight to “On May 16, 2016, we discovered our ers of 2015 first-round draft pick season, the Tampa Bay Buc- Stephen Curry recently but re- company was the victim of an e-mail Dante Fowler, who never played caneers waived kicker Patrick mains the best player in the spoofi ng attack that occurred when a re- last year. Fowler, a defensive Murray. Murray, 24, did not Lworld, Cleveland coach Tyronn Lue said quest was recently made by an unknown end, went down in off season play in 2015 after being waived on Thursday. impersonator of our president for 2015 workouts with a torn anterior before the season. Speaking after the Cavaliers had employee W-2s,” the Bucks statement cruciate ligament and went on ------romped to a 108-89 victory to take a 2-0 said. “Unfortunately, that information injured reserve. Former Detroit Lions running series lead over Toronto, Lue spoke not was provided by an employee before it ------back Jahvid Best is attempting only of James’ ability, but also of how the was determined that the request was A poll conducted by the Wash- to qualify for the 2016 Olympic other two members of the “big three” made from a spoofed e-mail address.” ington Post found that 90 per- Games in Rio de Janeiro as a help him shine. Reports said the scam was successful cent of Native Americans aren’t sprinter. Best was a first-round James had a triple-double - 23 points, on April 26, meaning almost three weeks off ended by the nickname of pick in the 2010 NFL Draft and 11 rebounds and 11 assists - and with a lapsed before the breach of security was the Washington Redskins. played two seasons for the supporting cast headed by guard Kyrie uncovered. The Bucks told the IRS and The Post said it polled 504 Lions, rushing for 945 yards Irving (26 points) and forward Kevin FBI about the breach and vowed to work Native Americans from around and six touchdowns in 22 Love (19 points), the Cavaliers looked with authorities on their investigations. the country. It also found that games, but had his career cut almost unstoppable, seemingly headed But the fi nancial details for such Bucks 78 percent of the people polled short by concussions. Now 27, to the NBA Championship series against players as Greek forward Giannis An- don’t consider the name to be Best is trying to make the St. either Golden State or Oklahoma City. tetokounmpo and Venezuelan forward an important issue. Lucia team. He needs a time of “When Kyrie and Kevin are playing at Greivis Vazquez as well as employees The Redskins have been 10.16 seconds or better in the a high level, it opens the fl oor for LeB- in other areas of the club were revealed, under fire in recent seasons 100 meters at the St. Lucian ron,” Lue told reporters. Cleveland coach Tyronn Lue including names, addresses, US Social to change the name as many national championships on July “We know LeBron is the best player in Security numbers, birth dates and total people find the nickname to 25-26, according to St. Lucia the world. There are going to be times he carry, and the Cavaliers succumbed in six sion. They’re in such great rhythm right compensation packages. be a term that is derogatory to News Online. takes the game over... games against the Curry-led Warriors. now, I’ve been able to pick my spots and “We take this incident, and the privacy Native Americans. ------but he understands the bigger picture. Curry has continued to captivate the do other things to help us try to win ball and security of our employees, very seri------The National Football League He understands the more the team plays, basketball world this season with his games while those guys take the load. To- ously,” the Bucks said.”We immediately Likely starting quarterback said on Thursday that multiple the more the team performs, the easier it astonishing long-range shooting, but night was an example of them giving me launched an investigation, which is ag- Mark Sanchez is pushing to cities are interested in hosting is for him. We know any given night he James has hardly faded into obscurity. a little more space and I just tried to make gressive and ongoing. return from surgery on his left the Pro Bowl but that it was too can go out and score 40 if he has to, but Now, with Love and Irving seemingly some plays.” “We quickly notifi ed impacted indi- thumb for the start of organ- soon to say if the annual exhibi- the style we’re playing, he understands healthy and taking some of the pres- viduals and are arranging for these in- ized team activities with the tion of all-stars will move from if we get everybody else involved... then sure off James, there is a feeling in the BUCKS FALL FOR E-MAIL SCAM, dividuals to have access to three years Denver Broncos next week. its traditional home in Hawaii. everybody will be okay and ready to play.” Cleveland air that an NBA championship REVEAL FINANCIAL DATA of credit monitoring and non-expiring Sanchez was projected A report claimed that the Love missed the entire champion- might fi nally be in the offi ng. A Milwaukee Bucks employee was identity restoration services. We believe to miss all of OTAs after a Pro Bowl would be moving to ship series against Golden State last year “It’s always diffi cult to deal with me,” tricked by an e-mail scam and handed this incident arose as a result of human procedure May 14 to repair a Orlando from Honolulu but the with a dislocated shoulder, while Irving James said. “It adds even more when you over fi nancial data of players and other error and are providing additional priva- ligament in his non-throwing nfl said that discussions were fractured a kneecap in Game 2. Their ab- have two All-Stars with you, two guys employees to a hacker, the NBA club ad- cy training to our staff and implementing thumb but said Wednesday he still continuing. sence left James with too heavy a load to that command multiple eyes any posses- mitted on Thursday. additional preventative measures.” Gulf Times 8 Saturday, May 21, 2016 SPORT

ICE HOCKEY MLB Sox’s Sale Champs Canada to meet keeps Astros in USA in world semi-fi nals check Reuters Finland see off Denmark 5-1, while the USA beat Czech Republic 2-1 and Russia down Germany 4-1 Chicago hris Sale is more effi - cient this season, and it showed in the Chi- cago White Sox’s 2-1 winC to conclude a series against the Houston Astros at the Major League Baseball on Thursday. Sale (9-0) led the way by throwing his second consecu- tive complete game and earned his ninth straight win to start the season, becoming the fi rst pitcher in the majors since Bran- don Webb in 2008 to win his fi rst nine starts. After throwing a complete game in 99 pitches for a win at the New York Yankees on May 13, Sale needed just 107 pitches to beat the Astros in nine innings. It was a needed win for the White Sox, who had lost a season-high four straight games and avoided being swept for the fi rst time. Sale gave up one run on four hits and no walks with nine strikeouts. He moved past Doc White and tied Ted Lyons for eighth in career strikeouts among White Sox pitchers (1,073).

INDIANS, 7, REDS 2 Carlos Santana hit a pair of two-run homers and Josh Tom- lin remained undefeated on the season as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Cincinnati Reds in the fi nale of a four-game home- and-home interleague series at Great American Ball Park. Mark Scheifele (right) of Canada scores a goal Cleveland (21-17) swept their past Sweden goalkeeper Jacob Markstrom during interstate rivals in a season series the Ice Hockey World Championship quarter-final for the fi rst time. Joey Votto hit a at St. Petersburg, Russia. (Reuters) two-run homer for Cincinnati (15-26) who have lost four of the past fi ve games played against the Indians at Great American Ball Park. AFP ton Bruins and Max Domi also scored in the second while the 18-year-old Matthews was the hero for coach Kari Jalonen said.”We had to pay the price. Moscow to give Canada a commanding 4-0 lead. the USA as he scored the American team’s winner. Denmark had a great tournament here. It was BREWERS 5, CUBS 3 Mark Stone and Derick Brassard completed the “I just wanted to open his legs, go fi ve-hole,” tough to break their defence. But I think we won Junior Guerra struck out a career rout of Sweden in the third. Matthews said about his shootout goal.”I was able deservedly today.” high 11 batters and Chris Carter eigning world champions Canada boosted “It was much closer than the score indicates,” to sneak it in there, so it worked out.” In the second Moscow quarter-fi nal Russia also and Kirk Nieuwenhuis hit home their hopes of retaining their title as they Canada’s manager Bill Peters said.”If you look at In the opening quarter-fi nal in Saint Peters- came from behind to beat Germany 4-1 to record runs as the Milwaukee Brewers thrashed Sweden 6-0 at the ice hockey the situation in the second and the third, we had burg Finland cruised comfortably past Denmark, their 13th win in 14 meetings at the worlds since beat the Chicago Cubs. Guerra world championship quarter-fi nals in a couple of bounces and at times, they had us in recording their eighth win in as many matches as 1993. Vadim Shipachyov collected two goals and an (3-0) became the fi rst Brew- RSaint Petersburg on Thursday. trouble. “But our goaltender had a really good they bid for their fi rst world title since 2011. assist to consolidate his lead in the event’s scoring ers pitcher with double-digit Canada joined Finland, the United States and bounce-back game (after a defeat at the hands of Finland outshot the Danes 11-4 in the opening chart with 16 points (fi ve goals and 11 assists) so far. strikeouts since Mike Fiers had Russia in the semi-fi nals which will be played in Finland) and so did our team.” period but scored only once at 14:29 through Min- Patrick Reimer put Germany in front 4:45 into 10 last July 23 against Arizona. Moscow today after Finland saw off Denmark 5-1, In the match for a place in the fi nal Canada will nesota Wild centre Mikael Granlund. Jarno Ko- the match but in the second Shipachyov scored Guerra gave up a leadoff home while the USA beat Czech Republic 2-1 in a penalty meet neighbours the USA, who battled back from skiranta and Patrik Laine added a goal apiece in the twice, while Yevgeni Dadonov added another run to Dexter Fowler in the fi rst shootout and Russia downed Germany 4-1. a goal down to notch a shootout victory in the fi rst second period, while Montreal Canadiens centre goal to fi re Russia 3-1 ahead. Alexander Ovechkin inning and an RBI single to Winnipeg Jets centre Mark Scheifele and Ottawa Moscow quarter-fi nal. Tomas Zohorna put Czech Lars Eller scored a powerplay goal for Denmark. rounded off the scoring with his fi rst goal at the Miguel Montero in the second Senators winger Mark Stone both had a goal and Republic into the lead with a penalty shot 15:23 into The Danes substituted their goalie for a sixth tournament 2:45 into the third. but just three hits and two walks two assists, while Cam Talbot produced 24 saves to the match, but Auston Matthews cancelled it out fi eld player with 2:18 remaining and Jussi Jokinen “We started well but conceded a careless goal on in his fi nal fi ve innings to claim chalk up his third shutout at the event. 1:27 into the second period. took full advantage by scoring an empty-netter. the counter-attack,” Russia’s skipper Pavel Datsy- his third victory in four starts Scheifele put Canada 1-0 up with 1:21 remain- After a goalless third period and overtime the Granlund rounded off the scoring with his sec- uk said. “Luckily, after the break we calmed down. this season. ing before the fi rst interval, while Minnesota Wild winner was decided in a penalty shootout. The ond of the match with 1:53 to go. “We knew there Shipachyov and his line-mates have all been very blueliner Matt Dumba, Brad Marchand of the Bos- Czechs squandered all three of their attempts, were no free tickets to Moscow,” Finland head productive today.” MARINERS 7, ORIOLES 2 Adam Lind continued a solid May with a three-run homer and NHL Nathan Karns made his seventh straight start without a loss as Seattle beat Baltimore. Lind now has two homers during a mod- est six-game hitting streak and Hertl and Jones help Sharks top St.Louis Blues three overall after he began the season at.059 in 17 at-bats. Reuters His home run on a 3-2 pitch San Jose, California from Tyler Wilson (2-2) in the sixth inning gave the Mariners a 5-1 lead. Karns (4-1) allowed omas Hertl scored twice and Martin Jones became one run and four hits with fi ve the fi rst Sharks goalie to record consecutive play- strikeouts in fi ve innings. off shutouts as San Jose beat the St.Louis Blues 3-0 on Thursday. By virtue of their Game 3 victory, the PIRATES 8, BRAVES 2 TSharks won a sixth straight game on home ice to take a 2-1 Jeff Locke gave up two runs and lead in their best-of-seven Western Conference Final se- struck out six in seven innings, ries against the off ensively-challenged Blues. Jones made 22 and Gregory Polanco hit a homer saves on the heels of his 26 saves in St. Louis on Tuesday in and a triple as the Pittsburgh Game 2. Game 4 is today in San Jose. Pirates won for the fourth time Hertl scored his second of the game and fi fth of the play- in their past fi ve gamess. Locke off s 6:09 into the fi nal period, a goal that chased Blues raised his record to 2-3. starting goalie Brian Elliott. Center Joe Thornton noticed Starling Marte, in his fi rst Hertl unmarked and fi red a perfect pass from the left corner game back from paternity leave, along the boards to his teammate. drove in two runs for Pittsburgh. Hertl patiently walked out front and pushed a soft goal Right-hander Wilfredo Boscan, through the pads of Elliott, who surrendered three goals on making his major league debut, 14 shots. Jake Allen, St. Louis’ starter for most of the sea- gave up a single and struck out son, appeared for the fi rst time since Game 6 in the previous two in pitching the fi nal two in- round against Dallas. The Blues pulled Allen for an extra at- nings for the Pirates. tacker with 5:43 left and didn’t put him back in until 19:15. The Sharks scored the only goal of the second period to take CARDINALS 13, ROCKIES 7 a 2-0 lead into the third. Matt Carpenter drove in a ca- San Jose’s Joonas Donskoi created a turnover by poking reer-high six runs with two a pass from Blues rookie Robby Fabbri out of the San Jose doubles and a three-run homer, zone where teammate Logan Couture started the transi- leading St. Louis past Colora- tion. Couture waited for Donskoi to join the rush, creating do. Carpenter’s second double a 3-on-2 break, hit him with a drop pass and the rookie left knocked in two during a six-run wing blasted his fourth goal of the postseason by Elliott at fourth inning, the most runs the 11:44. Cardinals have scored in an in- San Jose failed to capitalize on an early-period power ning this season. play, managing one shot on goal. But the Sharks also killed a Couture high stick of Patrik Berglund late in the period as NATIONALS 9, METS 1 Jones’ shutout streak stretched for more than 130 minutes Anthony Rendon, Wilson Ra- by period’s end. The Blues dominated much of the opening mos and Ben Revere each had period until the Sharks struck with a quick transition play two-run hits during a seven- following a critical St. Louis turnover. run third inning as Washing- Joe Thornton picked off rookie defenseman Colton ton routed New York. Stephen Parayko’s outlet pass and hit Joe Pavelski at center. Strasburg (7-0) struck out 10 The Sharks’ captain slid a feed to Hertl, whose slap shot batters over six innings for the from the top of the left circle beat Elliott. Nationals, who won the fi nal two Hertl’s fourth goal of the playoff s at 15:53 came on only games of the three-game series San Jose’s fourth shot of the period. Elliott came out of his Tomas Hertl (centre) of the San Jose Sharks celebrates with teammates Justin Braun, Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Joe Pavelski and Joe Thornton after to remain in fi rst place in the Na- net to challenge, but was no match for Hertl’s blast. scoring his second goal in game three of the Western Conference Finals against the St. Louis Blues during the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff s. (AFP) tional League East. Gulf Times Saturday, May 21, 2016 9 CRICKET

HEADINGLEY TEST Fledgling UAE T20 league vows to clear Anderson and Broad overdue wages

Reuters Dubai

he CEO of a fledgling Twenty20 bundle out Lanka for cricket league for retired greats Tin the UAE yesterday promised its players will receive their final wages that were due more than two months ago and vowed the competition would return next year. The Masters Champions League 91 aft er Bairstow ton (MCL), which boasted West Indies bats- men Brian Lara and Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan among its ranks, Bairstow’s superb 140 lifted England to 298 in their first innings before James Anderson and staged its maiden season in Dubai and Sharjah from January 28 to February 13. Stuart Broad took nine wickets between them in favourable conditions to put the hosts on top The MCL sold six franchises for a combined $90 million, with each team named after an astrological sign. This AFP sextet pledged about $5.5 million Leeds England pace bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad (right) took five and in player wages, but only one team, four wickets respectively to skittle out Sri Gemini Arabians, has paid its players ames Anderson recorded his Lanka for 91 in their first innings on the in full, MCL chief executive Zarah Shah best Test fi gures at Headingley second day of the first Test at Headingley told Reuters. as Sri Lanka were made to fol- in Leeds yesterday. (Reuters, AFP) The other teams’ players are owed low-on on the second day of the their final wage packet, which was due Jfi rst Test against England yesterday. 30 days after the tournament finished, Sri Lanka were dismissed for just said Shah. 91 in reply to England’s fi rst innings Clubs receive a share of gate money, 298, a defi cit of 207 runs. Ander- central sponsorship revenues and son, England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker, took fi ve for 16 in 11.4 broadcast income, plus prize money, overs including a spell of four for one and are responsible for players’ salaries. in 29 balls. That surpassed his previ- “It’s late and will be a bit delayed still. ous Headingley best of three for 91, We’re working with the team owners to also against Sri Lanka, two years ago. get it resolved as speedily as possible,” New-ball partner Stuart Broad had said Shah. fi gures of four for 21 in an innings that She said the delay was because the was completed inside 37 overs. clubs had cash flow issues and were Only Sri Lanka captain Angelo most likely waiting for money from Mathews (34) and Lahiru Thir- sponsors. “They’re looking for more imanne (22) off ered some resistance time, that’s the communication we’ve with the bat. Wicket-keeper Jonathan Bairstow had,” said Shah, declining to predict held fi ve catches after scoring 140— when the wages would be paid. his fi rst Test century in England—on The Federation of International Crick- his Yorkshire home ground earlier in eters’ Associations (FICA) criticised the the day. Sri Lanka were one without MCL’s failure to settle its wage bill. loss off two balls in their second in- “Cricket is a career, and just like other nings when bad light forced an early professionals, players make decisions close despite the fl oodlights being based on the contracts they sign,” FICA switched on. executive chairman Tony Irish said in a That single had come via a leg- statement. bye, with Dimuth Karunaratne “We hope that given the potential of sweating on a pair overnight, and this event, MCL pay the outstanding Kaushal Silva both nought not out. Broad, now the world’s top- amounts to players immediately.” ranked Test bowler, made the initial MCL’s Shah vowed the 2017 tourna- breakthrough as forecasts that a Sri ment would take place but organisers Lanka top order missing retired bat- would try and avoid the logistical prob- ting greats Kumar Sangakkara and lems faced this year due to a clash in Mahela Jayawardene would struggle dates with the inaugural Pakistan Super in typically overcast English condi- League (PSL), which used the same tions proved all too accurate. venues as the MCL and was staged from Coming from round the wicket, February 4-23. Broad had Karunaratne out for a Anderson move past India great Kapil tual score—when Nuwan Pradeep A Cook c Chandimal b Shanaka ...... 16 K Mendis c Bairstow b Broad ...... 0 With the two events overlapping for duck as the left-hander edged an Dev’s tally of 434 Test wickers and into dropped a caught and bowled chance A Hales c Chameera b Herath ...... 86 D Chandimal c Vince b Stokes ...... 15 10 days, it caused diff iculties on some excellent delivery that nipped away sixth place in the all-time list. off a checked drive. N Compton c Thirimanne b Shanaka ..0 A Mathews lbw Anderson ...... 34 match days as venues had to host back- to Bairstow. Silva was then caught Test debutant Dusan Shanaka Hales and Bairstow took their J Root c K Mendis b Shanaka ...... 0 L Thirimanne c Finn b Broad ...... 22 behind off a sharply rising ball from then fell for a golden duck, caught sixth-wicket stand to 141 but there J Vince c K Mendis b Eranga ...... 9 D Shanaka c Bairstow b Anderson ...0 to-back contests. Anderson for 11. behind by Bairstow, to leave Ander- was no maiden Test century for B Stokes c Mathews b Pradeep ...... 12 R Herath c Stokes b Anderson ...... 1 “The crowds were divided, we had to Kusal Mendis, like Karunaratne, son on a hat-trick. Rangana Herath Hales. The opener was out for 86 J Bairstow c Pradeep b Chameera.... 140 D Chameera c Finn b Broad ...... 2 go every day back-to-back and most fell for a duck when he fell to the blocked the next ball but he too fell when, losing patience after nearly M Ali c K Mendis b Chameera ...... 0 S Eranga c Bairstow b Anderson ...... 1 days had double headers,” said Shah, Broad/Bairstow combination. Sri to Anderson, with Ben Stokes hold- fi ve-and-a-half hours of concentra- S Broad b Chameera ...... 2 N Pradeep (not out) ...... 0 adding the two leagues’ schedules will Lanka were then 12 for three. ing a head-high catch at fourth slip. tion, he holed out to left-arm spin- S Finn st Chandimal b Herath ...... 17 Extras (nb-5) ...... 5 not clash next year. Mathews—whose Test-best 160 Broad then dismissed Dushmatha ner Herath. J Anderson (not out) ...... 1 Total (all out, 36.4 overs) ...... 91 Ahead of the league’s launch, she pre- laid the platform for Sri Lanka’s win at Chameera and Thirimanne with the An overthrown three saw Bairstow Extras (lb-8, nb-3, w-4) ...... 15 Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-12, 3-12, 4-43, dicted it would generate $500 million Headingley two years ago that clinched aid of diving low catches by the 6ft to his second Test century and fi rst Total (all out, 90.3 overs) ...... 298 5-77, 6-81, 7-83, 8-90, 9-91, 10-91 revenue over 10 years and would break their fi rst series win in England—defi - 7in Steven Finn at mid-off and mid- in England following the Yorkshire- Fall of wickets: 1-49, 2-49, 3-51, 4-70, Bowling: J Anderson 11.4-6-16-5; S even in year three. antly cut Broad through point for four. on to leave Sri Lanka 91 for nine. And man’s 150 not out against South 5-83, 6-224, 7-231, 8-233, 9-289, 10-298 Broad 10-1-21-4 (nb-2); B Stokes 7-2-25-1 She declined to reveal its turnover But the all-rounder eventually fell lbw that became 91 all out when Eranga Africa at Cape Town in January. His Bowling: S Eranga 19-4-68-1 (nb-2, w-1); (nb-1); J Vince 1-0-10-0; S Finn 7-0-19-0 to Anderson, roared on by the crowd was caught down the legside by 183-ball innings, including 13 fours N Pradeep 19-7-56-1 (w-1); A Mathews (nb-2) for this year, saying the final figures despite playing for Lancashire, York- Bairstow off Anderson. and a six, ended when he holed out 11-2-31-0 (nb-1); D Chameera 17-0-64-3 Sri Lanka (2nd innings) had still to be calculated, but described shire’s traditional rivals. England, who lost the toss, re- off Chameera to Pradeep at mid-on. (w-1); D Shanaka 13-3-46-3 (w-1); R Her- D Karunaratne (batting) ...... 0 Sharjah attendances as good. Dur- Replays suggested the ball may have sumed on 171 for fi ve. Alex Hales was ath 11.3-1-25-2 K Silva (batting) ...... 0 ing the final three days in Dubai, the pitched outside off stump but, af- 71 not out, with Bairstow unbeaten Sri Lanka (1st innings) Extras (lb-1) ...... 1 25,000-capacity International stadium ter consulting Thirimanne, Mathews on 54. Bairstow, however should Scoreboard D Karunaratne c Bairstow b Broad ...0 Total (no loss, 0.2 overs) ...... 1 was about half-full. opted against a review. His exit saw have been out for 70—half his even- England (1st innings; overnight 171-5) K Silva c Bairstow b Anderson ...... 11 Bowling: J Anderson 0.2-0-0-0

IPL Nair keeps Delhi afl oat with match-winning knock

Agencies powerplay overs but still man- boundaries off the last two balls to Raipur aged to put on 46 before Carlos see his side over the line, and keep Delhi Daredevils batsman Karun Nair in Brathwaite produced an inspired their playoff hopes alive. full flow during his unbeaten of knock of piece of fi elding to send Dhawan Nair was rightfully adjudged the 83 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their arun Nair hit the winning back for 10. Man of the Match for his match- IPL match in Raipur yesterday. (AFP) runs off the fi nal ball for Warner battled on and brought up winning knock. “I have no words the Delhi Daredevils as yet another half-century as he put to describe the feeling. My best IPL they beat Sunrisers Hy- on a 39-run stand with countryman knock so far... I’m still getting used Kderabad by six wickets in their IPL Moises Henriques. JP Duminy would to adjusting from the longer for- clash in Raipur yesterday to keep be the man to end the stand as Hen- mats,” said Nair. their playoff hopes alive. riques walked back for 18. Daredevils skipper Zaheer was The Daredevils went into their Warner eventually got to 73 be- all praise for his team: “Dug-out clash needing to win their last two fore Brathwaite took his second was like thunder monkey out there! matches, and they are one step wicket of the innings. Naman Ojha Everyone wanted this win badly. I closer to that, but their fi nal group- and Bhuvneshwar Kumar produced said irrespective of the result, we stage opponents are the Royal Chal- cameos of 16 and 13 respectively to are going to smile out there. Great lengers Bangalore, which sets up a get their side to 158. fi ght... Few situations not going our potentially mouth-watering clash The Daredevils’ response got off way. This season is all about having to see who makes the playoff s. to a stuttering start as Quinton de that young energy around. Good The Sunrisers, meanwhile, aren’t Kock, the Sunrisers’ leading scorer things are in store for us.” guaranteed of their place in the in the tournament, struggled to a Losing skipper Warner blamed his playoff s yet, but their net run rate nine-ball two. There were no such side’s fi elding: “We were sloppy on holds them in good stead, and a vic- diffi culties from there however, as the fi eld today, and I’m also respon- tory in their fi nal group game will Rishabh Pant and Nair put up a 73- sible for that. We felt 150 was par. earn them a spot in the top two. run stand to get their side in a com- Karun played an excellent knock.” The Daredevils, in sweltering manding position. conditions in Raipur, won the toss Pant was run out for 32 and the Brief scores and sent the Sunrisers in to bat. nerves showed from there as Du- Delhi Daredevils 161 for 4 in 20 Openers David Warner and Shikhar miny and Brathwaite fell for 17 and overs (K Nair 83*, R Pant 32; Sran Dhawan, who have been very eff ec- 10 runs respectively, but Nair pro- 2-34) beat Sunrisers Hyderabad tive throughout the tournament, duced the best IPL knock of his 158 for 7 in 20 overs (D Warner 73; weren’t at their brisk best in the career so far to hit back-to-back Brathwaite 2-27) by six wickets Gulf Times 10 Saturday, May 21, 2016 SPORT

FOCUS MOTOGP Iannone fastest in Putin off ers ‘every free practice for Italian MotoGP

AFP the Italian race four times in the Luco di Mugello, Italy last fi ve years. assistance’ to WADA “In the last run, with the same tyres, I improved the lap time taly’s Andrea Iannone of even more, so the feeling, start- Ducati posted the fastest ing with this setting, is good. To- time following the fi rst two morrow, I think we can improve free practice runs yesterday everything a little bit more and Iahead of tomorrow’s Italian Mo- go faster.” doping probe toGP at Mugello. Two-time world champion Iannone clocked 1min Marquez admitted that weather 47.696sec to edge out world conditions -- wet and cold in WADA chief urges Russia not to obstruct anti-doping investigators champion and 2016 series leader the morning followed by drier Jorge Lorenzo on a Yamaha. running in the afternoon -- had Agencies Honda’s Marc Marquez, cur- made it a testing. Moscow rently second in the champion- “We’ll see how it goes tomor- ship, was only fi fth fastest while row, as today was a special day Valentino Rossi, third overall in because of the wet track in FP1,” resident Vladimir Putin yester- the standings, was down in sixth, said the Spaniard. day said Russia will give “every 0.644sec off the pace. “However, the times in the sec- assistance” to World Anti-Dop- “I set a 1:48.4sec on the fi rst ond session were good. Let’s see ing Agency (WADA) inspectors run so that is a good lap time at if we can gradually become more Pprobing allegations of organised doping this track on this bike with these consistent, because the feeling at among its Olympic athletes. tyres,” said Lorenzo who has won the moment is pretty good.” “If there are any doubts, they need to be eliminated,” Putin said during a tel- evised news conference in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. “I have instructed the sports ministry and all the Russian government agencies and institutions to provide WADA in- spectors with every assistance in organ- ising their work.” WADA is investigating sensational claims published in an interview with The New York Times with the former head of Russia’s anti-doping laboratory Grigory Rodchenkov, as well as allegations made by Vitaly Stepanov, a former employee of Russian anti-doping agency RUSADA. Rodchenkov, who has fl ed to the United States, gave details of an organised dop- ing campaign including at least 15 med- allists during the Sochi Games, with the Italian rider Andrea Iannone steers his Ducati during the second Free close involvement of the sports ministry Practice session ahead of the Italian MotoGP at the Mugello racetrack and the FSB security service. yesterday. (AFP) Putin said that the investigation into Russian athletes’ use of performance- enhancing drugs comes “against a back- FORMULA 1 drop of politically motivated restrictions In this March 9, 2016, picture, WADA president Craig Reedie speaks at a Tackling Doping in Sport 2016 conference in London. (AFP) in respect to our country”, referring to Western sanctions over Ukraine. Russia meanwhile is scrambling to The statement comes after WADA foreigners because they are home to na- “But I hope that WADA’s actions are reform its scandal-ridden anti-doping president Craig Reedie urged Russia to tional security installations. Red Bull's Ricciardo not in any way linked to this,” the Kremlin programme in time for its track and fi eld give WADA drug testers unfettered access Reedie, who has been criticised in strongman said. stars to compete at the Rio Olympics in to athletes in its so-called ‘closed cities’. some media for appearing to take a soft Russian prosecutors said Thursday August. Reedie wrote to Sports Minister Vitaly line towards Moscow on the issue, said that they have launched an inquiry into Athletics’ international governing Mutko two weeks after a German WADA Russia was dragging its feet over improv- struggling to put doping allegations involving athletes body, the IAAF, provisionally suspended offi cial was threatened with deportation ing its anti-doping system and ruled out who competed at the Olympic Games in Russia in November over a bombshell re- by Russia’s FSB intelligence service for compliance in time for the Rio Olympics, Beijing, London and Sochi, and would be port by WADA independent commission trying to test a Paralympic athlete in the which start in August. Spain behind him requesting information from WADA. that found evidence of state-sponsored closed city of Tryokhgorny, according to “We are having to deal very fi rmly with The announcement came after the In- doping and mass corruption in Russian a report in the Times of London. a never-ending set of issues in Russia.” ternational Olympic Committee (IOC) athletics. “These kinds of actions are totally un- “I think it highly unlikely they will Reuters him down to fourth. said that 31 athletes from 12 countries had The IAAF will rule on Russia’s partici- acceptable and full access to these ‘closed be compliant by the time of the Olym- London He has now had four fourth failed doping tests following new exami- pation at the Rio Games at an extraordi- cities’ must be guaranteed,” Reedie told pic Games. Our roadmap could take two places in fi ve races, with 11th in nations of samples taken during the 2008 nary Council meeting in Vienna next the Times. The term refers to towns years to implement at the current rate,” Russia. Beijing Olympics. month. where Russia restricts the movements of he said. ustralian Daniel Ric- “I don’t feel we’ve got the most ciardo says he is still points that we could have,” said struggling to move on the Australian. “But defi nitely in WADA seeks more independence for Russia wants to question former Afrom the disappoint- terms of competitiveness we’re ment of losing last weekend’s better than we thought. Spanish Grand Prix, won by his “I think we can fi ght for a lot Sochi investigation team anti-doping offi cial who fl ed to US 18-year-old Dutch team make more podiums this year.” Max Verstappen. Ricciardo said he was happy The World Anti-Doping Agency named is funded by the International Olympic Russia’s top investigative agency said him,” Russia’s federal Investigative “I think the outcome of the Red Bull were winning again for Richard McLaren to lead an independ- Committee. yesterday that it wants to question a Committee spokesman Vladimir Markin race was frustrating,” the Red the fi rst time since his 2014 Bel- ent investigation into allegations of a Grigory Rodchenkov, the former head former anti-doping off icial who fled to said in comments carried by state news Bull driver said in a video inter- gian Grand Prix victory but he doping cover-up at the Sochi Olympics of Russia’s anti-doping agency who said the United States to expose alleged agency TASS. view conducted by the Formula wanted to be the one on the top on Thursday following concerns about that the Sochi lab tampered with sam- widespread abuse of performance- Russia has a problem with perform- One team ahead of next week’s step. a conflict of interest. ples, Vitaly Stepanov, the whistleblower enhancing drugs by Russian Olympic ance-enhancing drugs, but this is a glo- Monaco Grand Prix, a favourite “It’s a tough one,” he said. The Canadian law professor and sports who gave key evidence in the Russian athletes. bal problem, Markin said. He suggested that he has yet to win. “Part of me is happy that every- lawyer was a member of WADA’s three- athletics scandal, and Beckie Scott, Grigory Rodchenkov, a former director that rival countries might be singling “Is it easy to move on? I one is super-motivated and con- person independent commission which chair of WADA’s athletes committee, all of an anti-doping laboratory, said in out Russia to tarnish its athletes. wouldn’t say easy. Can you move fi dence is high... from a personal last year which exposed widespread expressed a need for transparency. an interview published by The New “My absolutely clear impression is that on? Absolutely. side, it’s massively frustrating. doping and corruption in Russian “Given the sentiments expressed by York Times last week that he helped our ‘sworn friends’ want to completely “But yeah, it’s been a few days “Sure, it’s a team sport but athletics. many of a perceived conflict of inter- provide performance-enhancing drugs compromise Russian sport and show since the race and I still wake up you are doing it for yourself as WADA president Craig Reedie appoint- est, we did what’s necessary to follow to athletes and switch out drug-tainted the whole world that allegedly all with it on my mind. I am going to well and it’s as individual as it is ed McLaren after at least three people through on our commitment to get to testing samples with clean ones. achievements by Russian athletes are bed with it off my mind but I’m team (eff ort) and that balance is a voiced concerns about a conflict of the bottom of these allegations; while, “To examine those statements that based on doping,” Markin said. waking up with it on my mind. It tricky one to manage.” interest given that the allegations relate seeing that impartiality and transparen- Rodchenkov made on the pages of The The Times interview said Rodchenkov will take a bit of time,” he added. The Australian said Verstap- to the Sochi Olympics and that WADA cy prevail,” Reedie said in a statement. New York Times, we need to question had fled to Los Angeles. Verstappen was making his pen, the youngest ever race win- debut for the former champions ner, provided a new and big chal- after moving up from Red Bull- lenge. owned Toro Rosso in a swap with “Max is a serious F1 driver and SPOTLIGHT Russian Daniil Kvyat. that’s actually really good for Ricciardo felt his results in me,” he said. the last three races had been less “I think in a way it is good that than he deserved, with the Aus- he is having this success. If I can tralian leading nearly half of the get on top of that then it is only Kabaddi league goes biannual aft er early success Spanish Grand Prix before strat- good for me and probably for egy and a late puncture dumped both of our careers.” Reuters six months is the right way for kabaddi.” Mumbai VIABLE CAREER The organisers believe doubling the com- hree successful seasons of the petition would directly benefi t the players, Pro Kabaddi League have con- making kabaddi a viable career option, and vinced its organisers that the they seem to have a point. At last week’s tournament has carved its place auction, Mohit Chillar, a right-corner de- Tin India’s sporting landscape and time is fender and a clerk by profession at the In- ripe to go biannual. dian Railways, went for 5.3 million rupees The success of cricket’s Indian Premier (about $78,542) to the Bengaluru franchise. League spawned similar city-based com- In comparison, Rakesh Kumar had got petitions in several sports in the country the highest bid of 1.28 million rupees and kabaddi, a mixture of team tag and when the previous auction was held be- wrestling, jumped on the bandwagon in fore the inaugural season in 2014. 2014. The league’s growth has prompted Telu- Bankrolled by Rupert Murdoch’s Star gu Titans raider Rahul Chaudhuri to give up TV and Mashal Sports, which counts In- his job with Air India, quite a feat for a sport dia’s Mahindra group chairman Anand which is popular in villages but maintains a Mahindra among its promoters, the Kabaddi, which is a mixture of team tag and wrestling, and is very popular in villages low profi le in cricket-mad India. league has since transformed the indig- but maintains a low profile in cricket-mad India, has seen a spike in popularity with Pro “A second league gives us more op- enous sport into a high-octane televised Kabaddi League, which began in 2014 and is bankrolled by Rupert Murdoch’s Star TV tions, it will bring in more players and spectacle. and Mashal Sports. (Pro Kabaddi League) more fans,” Chaudhuri told Reuters. Stadiums across eight cities have of- For someone who played the game in ten been packed and the second season tion this year from June 25 to July 31 and “The viewers need to see it more of- relative obscurity, Chaudhuri said he now witnessed a 20 percent rise in viewership, the franchises do not mind either. ten,” he added, pointing out that most has to often agree to requests for selfi es and the third edition which concluded last “How do you build a sport if it’s go- leagues across the world run for over fi ve with fans at airports. “Now I just hope month saw a further 35 percent increase. ing to be in the viewer’s mind for only months. the sport gets into the Olympics while It was encouraging enough for the or- six weeks a year?” Ronnie Screwvala, the “That’s when you get the momentum I am still playing and I get to win a gold ganisers to announce a second competi- Mumbai franchise owner, said. and the sport picks up. Six weeks every medal for India.” Gulf Times Saturday, May 21, 2016 11 SPORT

HORSE RACING TAEKWONDO Brother of Brussels Nyquist poised for bomber wins European title

AFP Montreux, Switzerland

Preakness assault elgian Mourad Laachraoui, the young- er brother of one of the A year after American Pharoah claimed the first Triple Crown in 37 years, Nyquist Brussels airport bomb- ers,B has won gold in the European is now dreaming of similar glory following his Derby victory Taekwondo Championships and will compete in this summer’s Ol- AFP ympics. Washington Mourad Laachraoui, brother of Najim Laachraoui, beat Spaniard Jesus Tortosa 6-3 in the -54kg fi - he Triple Crown hopes of Kentucky Derby nal in Montreux, Switzerland on winner Nyquist will be on the line today as the Thursday night. unbeaten colt aims to complete the second leg A silver medallist at the Sum- of American horse racing’s Holy Grail with mer Universiades in 2015, the Tvictory in the 141st Preakness. 21-year-old has qualifi ed for the turned (to terrorism). We didn’t Just one year after American Pharoah galloped into Rio Games in August. see any change when he became the hearts of US sports fans by claiming the fi rst Tri- Najim Laachraoui, 24, was one radicalised,” he said, explaining ple Crown in 37 years, Nyquist is now dreaming of of the two suicide bombers who that his sporting career had dis- similar glory following his Derby victory. struck Brussels airport on March tanced them over the years. Nyquist’s impressive win in the Derby at Churchill 22, while a third attacker blew “It’s crazy, they were born Downs has prompted bookmakers to install the bay himself up at on a metro train, into the same family, they re- three-year-old as the short odds favourite for the with the two attacks killing 32 ceived the same education and Preakness. people. one turns everything white and The shorter distance of the Preakness — which is Two days after the Brussels at- the other black, even very, very run over nine-and-a-half furlongs — is expected to tacks, Mourad Laachraoui said he black,” Mourad Laachraoui’s favour Nyquist, who has won all eight of his races to had been “devastated” by what lawyer said after the attacks. date, including fi ve Grade One stakes events. had happened. He said he not “He’s not responsible for the Trainer Doug O’Neill was purring with pleasure had contact with his older broth- actions of his brother.” after watching the horse go through his paces on er since the latter left for Syria in Prosecutors have also linked Wednesday at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. February 2013. Najim Laachraoui to Novem- “He looked great,” O’Neill said. “He’s giving off “You don’t choose your family,” ber’s attacks in Paris in which great vibes and we’re eager for Saturday to come. He he told a press conference at the 130 people died, saying his DNA went around a full two times and couldn’t blow out a time, adding not to draw “any par- was found on a suicide vest and match when he came back — fi t, happy, ready. allels” with his family who were a piece of cloth at the Bataclan “We’re just looking for him to continue what he has trying to “turn the page”. concert hall where 90 people been doing here since he’s been in Baltimore — keep “I have no idea why my brother were killed. his appetite up, stay injury-free and stay loose.” Owner Paul Reddam was reluctant to dwell on the possibility of Nyquist emulating American Pharoah as COMMENT a Triple Crown winner. However, Reddam admitted that a victory in the Preakness would send excitement soaring. “We have more wood to chop. We all realize that,” Reddam told US media. No quick fi x to “It’s kind of weird that we didn’t have a Triple Crown winner for 30-some years and we could have back-to-backs. “But we have to win the Preakness fi rst. If he were to sport’s troubles, win the next leg, there would be a lot of excitement.” One man well placed to judge Nyquist’s Triple Crown credentials is Bob Baff ert, the trainer who masterminded American Pharoah’s campaign last Johnson says year. Baff ert, who has trained six Preakness winners, likes what he sees. Reuters “He’s really fast,” said Baff ert. “He stays out of Raleigh, North Carolina trouble. He has a winning attitude. Horses like that, they’re tough to — it’s like: ‘Pass me to win.’” The biggest threat to Nyquist’s hopes could come thletics could have its from Exaggerator, who fi nished second in the Ken- greatest show ever at tucky Derby. the Rio Olympics but Exaggerator trainer Keith Desormeaux is optimistic that would do little to about his horse’s chances. resolveA the many problems fac- “Exaggerator has much more racing experience, ing the scandal-plagued sport, therefore fi tness and the attribute of recovering world 400 metres record holder quickly,” Desormeaux said. “So I think I have the fi tter Michael Johnson told Reuters. horse and, to tell you the truth, the fresher horse going The 48-year-old retired into Saturday.” American sprinter, one of athlet- Despite Desormeaux’s bullish assessment, the fact ics’ all-time top performers, said remains that Exaggerator has fi nished behind Nyquist he did not know where the sport on four occasions so far in his career. was headed and that the main Nyquist will start third from the rail today while focus should be on restoring ath- growing up, that not only are Exaggerator begins from the fi fth position in the letics’ credibility. they not inspired to participate 11-horse fi eld. “Nothing that happens in Rio in athletics because maybe you Stradivari, the third favourite at 8-1, starts on the with athletics is going to snap can’t trust what you are seeing... outside. Japanese-bred Lani, ninth in the Derby, will back the credibility in the sport,” but they may think you have to be start sixth. Johnson, the only man to win the doping to be in that sport.” The fi eld also includes Cherry Wine, Uncle Lino, 200 and 400 metres gold medals According to Johnson, athlet- Awesome Speed, Collected, Laoban, Fellowship and Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist trains on track for the 141st running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in at the same Olympics, said in a ics must become truly profes- Abiding Star. Baltimore, Maryland, on Thursday. (AFP) telephone interview. sional. A $20,000 grant because “That is going to take some someone is in the top 10 in the time and there has to be a con- world in their event is not the WRESTLING sistent and ongoing eff ort to re- answer, said Johnson. establish credibility. The sport’s biggest star, Ja- “I never expected this and maican sprinter Usain Bolt, for never would have imagined that example, ranked only 73rd on US Olympians shine under Times Square lights things would have been revealed Forbes magazine’s list of the to be this bad.” highest-paid athletes for 2015. Widespread doping problems, “(Athletics) has got lots of Reuters Games after taking London gold at 66kg, allegations of bribery to top ath- problems that need to be ad- New York was wrestling outside for the fi rst time. letics offi cials and a drop in both dressed, but I think the mistake “I worried about outside being cold, spectators and sponsorships would be for leaders of the sport worried about injury,” he told Reuters are among key issues currently to focus on those things because restling took over Times through an interpreter. “But there is no plaguing the sport. those are easier to talk about and Square in rush hour on injury so I’m happy and Times Square Johnson spoke while launch- easier to deal with than the scan- Thursday as Rio-bound was awesome.” ing a new charity to assist young dals and the credibility issues,” Americans grappled with Olympic champion Jordan Burroughs, men and women in developing Johnson said. WIranians, Canadians and a South Korean making his sixth appearance in the fun- athletic and leadership skills “You have to continue to let Olympic champion in a benefi t for city- draiser, closed the competition with an that can be used in their troubled fans and potential new fans know area youth taking up the sport. 11-2 win over Iran’s Asian champion Pey- communities globally. that we understand the problem Hundreds of spectators crowded man Yarahmadi in the 74kg freestyle. Reaching out to youth is just that we have with this sport from around the outdoor mat built on the slen- “You might see this as an exhibition,” one area where athletics must a credibility standpoint and we der concrete island between Broadway Burroughs said. “I see it as a legacy builder. put an emphasis on, Johnson are not ignoring it. We are deal- and 7th Avenue, including a lively con- A lot of people out here are seeing me for said. ing with it.” tingent of Iranian supporters waving na- the fi rst time, maybe for the last time. I Last year an independent Long an advocate of tougher tional fl ags. want to give them something to remember.” commission for the World Anti- sanctions for dopers, including Beat the Streets chairman Mike Burroughs said he planned to provide Doping Agency revealed wide- missing an Olympics, Johnson Novogratz, in welcoming remarks for the a memorable follow-up to his London spread, state-sponsored doping said educating athletes on the ill fundraiser, hoped political leaders might Games victory. in Russia. The commission re- eff ects of doping is important. take notice of the subtext of the event. “I feel like a lot better wrestler now leased a second report in January He also feels governing bodies “The whole idea of this event was... than in 2012,” he said. “I’m not just look- that accused the International must work uniformly in handling that we would teach our kids that you can ing to replicate, I’m looking to dominate.” Association of Athletics Federa- doping cases. get together, you can bash each other on American women, including three- tion of having “embedded cor- “The local federation is say- a mat, but then you’ll shake hands and time world champion Adeline Gray, won ruption” at the very top of the ing one thing and then the global you’ll hug and you’ll break bread later on. two matches against Canadian oppo- organisation under former presi- federation is saying something “We’d like our world leaders to pay at- nents. dent Lamine Diack. else, the IOC (International Ol- tention.” Gray, who beat Canada’s Pan-Am “Before all of this scandal ympic Committee) is saying The American men won fi ve of six champion Justin Di Stasio 11-0, said she broke... athletics was already in something else,” he said. matches against Iran, though the coach of had been inspired by a pep talk from two- trouble and had been on a down- “You have got to have a con- the Olympic wrestling powerhouse was Mark Hall (blue) of the US faces off with Ahmad Bazrighaleh of Iran as they wrestle in time Super Bowl winner Ray Lewis, a high ward spiral for many years in sistent process that is an ex- still enthusiastic of their chances ahead the junior men’s freestyle 74 kg “Beat the Streets” event in Times Square, New York, on school wrestling champion who had act- terms of popularity, in terms of pedited process that does not of Rio. Thursday. (Reuters) ed as honorary coach. sponsorship, in terms of profes- stretch out over 18 months.” “It was a great experience to be in this “There was a little girl on the side of the sionalism of the sport and the And above all, there must be open environment. It was absolutely ex- some time losing.” twinkling lights, glaring neon and giant street that said she’s a wrestling fan now,” doping issues as well,” said the transparency in the sport. citing for them. That was awesome,” Ira- South Korea’s London 2012 Greco- video screens with victory over American Gray said. straight-talking Texan. “For a long time we thought nian coach Akbar Dodangeh said. “That’s Roman champion Kim Hyeon-woo had world bronze medallist Andy Bisek. “I think that plants dreams to dream “It’s been a big problem for certain things, only to fi nd that we wrestling. Sometimes you are winner, opened the featured competitions under Kim, moving up to 75kg for the Rio bigger.” many years that young kids were being lied to,” Johnson said.

Saturday, May 21, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

OCA Regional Forum for West and Central Asia

Qatar Olympic Committee secretary general Dr Thani al-Kuwari speaks at the Olympic Council of Asia Regional Forum for National Olympic Committees of West and Central Asia at Wyndham Grand Regency Hotel here yesterday. The forum is one of the biggest OCA events and will bring together 19 countries from the region. The number of participants reached 76 representatives, including 43 participants from Olympic Committees and 33 participants from Organising Committees of Combined Games. The International Olympic Committee is being represented by Olympic Solidarity Commission in the three-day forum that concludes tomorrow. PICTURES: Othman Iraqi

ATHLETICS Van Niekerk to train with Bolt to boost Rio hopes

Reuters Cape Town

Bolt wins 100m at outh African 400 metres world champion Wayde Svan Niekerk will train with sprint king Usain Bolt in Jamaica next month in a bid to shave vital fractions of a second off his time in a chase for Olympic gold in Rio de Janeiro. Ostrava in 9.98sec Van Niekerk, the only man in history to run under 10 seconds in the 100 metres, sub-20 in the ‘I didn’t get the power through the first 40... had to work a bit harder at the end’ 200 metres and below 44 in the his personal best of 43.48, the 400 metres, is the second fast- fourth-fastest time in history AFP est sprinter over his specialist that won him the World Champi- Ostrava, Czech Republic distance this year behind Kirani onships gold in Beijing last year James from Grenada. ahead of LaShawn Merritt of the Van Niekerk hopes training with USA and James. sain Bolt won the 100 metres at Bolt, world champion in the 100 “I’m very confident and comfort- the Czech Golden Spike event and 200 metres, and another Ja- able in the position I’m in,” Van in 9.98 seconds on Friday, in his maican sprint champion, Yohan Niekerk says of his Olympics second race this season in the Blake, will boost his gold medal build-up. “I am excited to see Urun-up to August’s Rio Olympics. prospects in Rio. what lays ahead of me. Bolt said he was not “fully happy,” “I’m excited to go out there and “I doubt any of the top three blaming a poor fi rst part of the race on train with them, it’s the world guys are going to Rio not to failing to meet his plan of 9.8 seconds in best Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake win the gold medal, that is the eastern Czech city of Ostrava. and Warren Weir,” Van Niekerk certainly my vision and goal for “My fi rst 40m was kind of sluggish,” he told Reuters. “I feel I can learn a the Olympics. I am not thinking said after beating Ramon Gittens of Bar- lot from them and can improve about any other medal at the bados by 0.23 seconds and third-placed myself as an athlete. moment, but obviously I need to Hassan Taftian by 0.27. “Going out there and competing go there healthy and put in my “My reaction was good, I think the against these guys, and training best performance.” only problem I had was support behind with them, will give me a boost Van Niekerk has backed the In- the start was not there, I didn’t execute, I as an athlete to get better.” ternational Olympic Committee didn’t get the power through the fi rst 40.” Van Niekerk received the invita- decision to re-test drug samples “So I had to work a little bit harder at tion from sprint coach Glen from previous Olympics to root the end to get up the speed. If I can im- Mills, who played a leading role out the cheats. prove that it should be OK,” Bolt said. in the development of Bolt into “It’s great. I’m going out there Bolt had to see his German doctor ear- the fastest man alive. and competing, trying to stay lier this week over a tight hamstring he “I have got quite close with as clean as possible and it’s nice had picked up at the Cayman Invitational coach Mills in the last few knowing the game is going to Meet last week when he clocked 10.05 months after we spent a lot be fair,” he said. seconds. of time together at lunch and The 23-year-old has also backed But he said the injury had no impact on supper tables (at events) and he compatriot Caster Semenya to his performance at Ostrava. eventually threw the idea out make a successful comeback in Looking at his prospects for Rio, the there and said, ‘wouldn’t you Rio after almost two years on 29-year-old Jamaican said he felt like he like to come out and train in the sidelines with injury. The was “getting there.” Jamaica’. Obviously I jumped at 800-metres runner, who won a “As long as I stay injury-free and I con- Usain Bolt poses with the fans after winning the 100m race at the Golden Spike meeting in Ostrava, Czech Republic, yesterday. (Reuters) the chance.” silver medal in London in 2012, tinue pushing myself, continue executing Before that, Van Niekerk will is the quickest in the world over like that, I’ll be fi ne,” said Bolt, who owns grab three consecutive Olympic golds in 100-metre track at Ostrava, but Eaton Olympic season.” compete at the Diamond that distance so far this year. the 100m world record at 9.58 seconds the three events. pulled out of an earlier long-jump com- In a clash of Olympic gold contenders, League event in Rome and later “I’m really excited about Caster, and the world 200m record of 19.19. Before the Caymans meet, Bolt took a petition with an unspecifi ed injury and French pole vaulter Renaud Lavillenie head to Boston. He will also she has been working really “I’m defi nitely going to win in Rio, as long break from racing following the Bei- failed to show up for the sprint. equalled his season best as he cleared 5.83 have a major tune-up for the hard. I’ve been touring with her long as I get everything right and every- jing World Championships last August, “During the second jump I felt some- metres, beating Canadian world champi- Olympics at the African Athlet- and I’ve seen the struggle she thing goes smoothly I should be OK, you where he won the 100m and 200m races thing happened in my left quad,” said on Shawnacy Barber who managed 5.70. ics Championships to be staged went through. I’ve seen how know what I mean?” he added with a wink. in addition to helping Jamaica dominate Eaton, defending Olympic champion in “I’m happy about the win. I was ex- in Durban from June 22. diff icult it has been for her to get Bolt will defend his 100m, 200m and the 4x100m relay. decathlon. pecting more today, but I’m happy about He has so far run the 400 back to fitness and she is in such 4x100m titles from 2008 and 2012 in Rio, Bolt was set to take on decathlon “I don’t know what happened but making 5.70 and 5.83 at the fi rst attempt,” metres in 44.11 this year, off good form,” he said. seeking to become the fi rst athlete ever to world record holder Ashton Eaton on the I don’t want to take a risk in the Lavillenie said.

GCC football officials meet in Doha

Qatar Football Association vice president Saoud al-Mohannadi poses with the representatives of the football associations from across the GCC in Doha yesterday. PICTURE: Mamdouh