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Monday, February 15, 2016 Jumada I 6, 1437 AH Wily Ashwin GULF TIMES spins India to series win against Lanka SPORT Page 3 TENNIS/ QATAR TOTAL OPEN Safarova eyes repeat of 2015 feat By Sports Reporter straight sets for the Qatar Total Open title-- Qatar Total Open is a very nice and well or- Doha her very fi rst Premier-level title. ganized event. I’ve been coming here for the “I have great memories here Despite being unseeded at last year’s tour- few years now. In fact, my fi rst victory on the from last year and it’s great nament, Safarova trounced three seeds, No. 5 WTA Tour actually happened here in Doha. to be back in Doha. My fi rst or World No. 10 Lucie Safarova, a seed , No. 6 seed Andrea “It was my fi rst time to beat Azarenka and return to Doha for the 2016 Qatar To- Petkovic and No. 9 seed Carla Suárez Nav- it was such a big experience. To hold the tro- tournament this year is tal Open is something she has been arro, en route to the fi nal. phy above my head that night is a memory actually the Qatar Total Open, eagerly waiting for a long time. And although she out-ranked Azarenka, I will keep for life. I am looking forward to so I decided to come here early FAfter all, this is where her journey to the the comparison was misleading--Azarenka start great this year again. and train in preparation for the top 10 in the WTA rankings and a very suc- is a former World No. 1 and had won all six of “Every year there have been improvements tournament and get back in cessful 2015 season—where she had her their previous meetings. and it is obvious that tennis is growing in Qa- highest ranking while also making it to the “I have great memories here from last year tar and the facilities are really great. I say a shape” fi nal of a —began. and it’s great to be back in Doha. I’ve been big thank you to the Qatar Tennis Federation The defending champion in Doha is the injured and sick for a long time. I missed the for allowing me to train here.” fi rst to arrive in the country ahead of the Feb- and a couple of other tourna- About the strong fi eld which includes ruary 21-27 tournament. ments. My fi rst tournament this year is actu- World No. 1 of the USA, the Since landing here last Sunday, the ally the Qatar Total Open, so I decided to come Monaco resident said: “It’s always a strong 29-year-old, 5ft 10in-tall Czech has been here early and train in preparation for the fi eld here in Doha. Tennis is a very strong enjoying the serene atmosphere in the Qatari tournament and get back in shape,” the ex- competition now and each of the matches capital while pressing ahead with her train- cited left-handed player told qatartennis.org. will be tough. The presence of Serena will ing at the impressive Khalifa International “I am looking forward to a repeat of last defi nitely add extra spice to the competition. Tennis & Squash Complex. year’s success. The whole thing kicked off I’ll take the matches one at a time and see Having missed the season-opening Grand here and I am excited to be back where it how it goes.” Slam, the 2016 Australian Open and some all began and, hopefully, it will be a start of Safarova, however, wants the fans to troop other tournaments due to injury, the 2015 greater things to come this year too,” she out as usual in large numbers to cheer and French Open fi nalist is hoping to kick-start added. show their support to the players during the her season with a repeat performance of last Speaking about the organization and the seven-day competition organized by Qatar year where she defeated in tournament in general, Safarova said: “The Tennis Federation and Total Qatar. Gulf Times 2 Monday, February 15, 2016 CRICKET

BIG FEAT Voges cashes in on umpire’s blunder

Reuters Windies colts shock Wellington ustralia batsman Adam Voges (pic below) has ample reason to thank the cricketing gods for Asecond chances. Bowled for seven by New Zealand paceman Doug Bracewell late on Friday, Voges was reprieved by a wrong no-ball call and finally gave up his for 239 yesterday, having put his team in complete control of favourites India for the first Test in Wellington. New Zealand, who were skittled for 183 in their first in- nings, were reduced to 178-4 in their second at the close of day three at the Basin Reserve, still 201 runs adrift after Voges drove the tourists to a mammoth 562. The hosts face an improbable task to save the match. Voges’ double-century was the second of his short international career. He has now scored 1,267 runs to U-19 World Cup title average 97.46 since making his debut at the age of 35 in the Caribbean last year. “I thought I was out,” he told reporters of his non-dis- Spirited West Indian side’s mix of high-speed hustle with the ball and patience with the missal on Friday. “But to have that bit of luck and then capitalise on the second opportunity I’m very happy.” bat help them beat pre-tournament favourites India for their maiden U-19 WC trophy Though the umpire called it a no-ball, television replays later showed it was a legitimate . Voges admitted that New Zealand had a right to “feel West Indies players take aggrieved”. “It was a bad leave and I turned around a 'selfie' with the U-19 and looked at the stumps, went to walk off and saw the World Cup trophy after (umpire’s) arm out. Yeah, little bit of luck... It has been a beating India in the final, great day to get to 200 and get us into a great position in Dhaka yesterday. (AFP) is a very satisfying feeling. You’re not leaving it if you hear a no ball called, I would have thought." Until his dismissal yesterday, his Test average was 105, higher than the 99.94 of the great Don Bradman, revered as the best batsman of all time. In fact, he has already been nicknamed “The Don” by his teammates. “That doesn’t sit too comfortably with me to be honest. The boys have been having some fun and taking the mickey out of me a little bit in the changing rooms but it’s all good. A bit of fun,” Voges said of the comparisons with the former Australia . “I’m probably happy that I’m out now and it’s gone back under (100). It was never going to stay there. It won’t stay there. I know that,” he added. Voges became the oldest player to score a Test century on debut with his unbeaten 130 against West Indies last June, another second chance grabbed with both hands. He was named in Australia’s Test squad in 2006 after the retirement of Damien Martyn but never played and spent the next nine years as a bit player in limited-overs international sides. Age and experience helped him take his impressive form in first-class cricket into the Test arena, he said. He knew his game, studied the opposition bowlers and knew how he could combat their plans for him. “I’ve got an idea of how I want to go about my innings,” he explained. “It comes with confidence as well being able to trust your ability, trust your defence and then be- ing able to attack when the opportunity presents.”

Agencies could manage a double-digit score third ahead of Sri Lanka, won the Dagar struck twice in consecutive popped a simple catch to mid-off Dhaka and it was only Sarfaraz Khan’s 51, man-of-the-tournament prize. overs soon after, sending Springer off the bowling of John. his fi fth half-century in six match- “We weren’t supposed to be and Jyd Goolie (3) packing. Soon the India's woes deepened further es, that gave some respectability to champions but we came up on top,” West Indies were 77-5. But Carty when Armaan (5) was soon dis- est Indies stunned their innings after they were asked Hetmyer said. “The pacers used and incoming batsman Paul held on missed to reduce them to 50/5. overwhelming fa- to bat fi rst. the pitch to their advantage, they under pressure, without losing an- Sarfaraz, however, kept his fo- vourites India to West Indies’ Alzarri Joseph and stood out for us.” ymore to take them home. cus intact and inched closer to a clinch their maiden Ryan John claimed three wickets While chasing, the West Indies Earlier in the day, sent to bat fi rst half-century. Mahipal Lomror (19) WICC Under-19 World Cup title af- each in a dominant pace bowling got off to a disappointing start, on a greenish pitch, India got off to came in and gave good support to ter Keacy Carty’s unbeaten half- display by their team. losing both openers Gidron Pope a worst possible start, losing open- Sarfaraz but his stay was short- century helped them chase down a India made a spirited eff ort to (3) and Tevin Imlach (15) inside er Rishabh Pant (1) to the fourth lived. As the lower order batsmen tricky target for a fi ve-wicket vic- defend their modest total and in- eight overs to be reduced to 28-2. ball of the innings. came in, Sarfaraz had no other op- tory in a tense fi nal yesterday. jected some excitement into the The two incoming batsmen, From there on they found it re- tion but to pile on some quick runs At a time when their seniors are contest by reducing West Indies to Shimron Hetmyer (23) and Carty, ally diffi cult to score as the pacers and while looking to do that, he engaged in a protracted contrac- 77-5 in the 29th over. held on after fall of the two wickets used the helpful wicket to good fell leg-before-wicket to John. His tual dispute with their board ahead Carty, however, was unper- in consecutive overs. They guided eff ect. India's aim to recover after dismissal ended India's hopes of of next month’s World turbed and the right-hander added the team from there on. the fi rst wicket ws dealt two con- getting to a respectable total. Cup in India, Shimron Hetmyer’s 69 runs with (40 not But in the 27th over it was left- secutive blows as No. 3 batsman team chased down a 146-run vic- out) to end India’s 15-match win- arm spinner (3-25) Anmolpreet Singh (3) and skipper Brief scores tory target with three balls to spare. ning streak since losing to England who brought the much-needed Ishan Kishan (4) fell in a space of India 145 all out in 45.1 overs (S It was their sharp bowling unit in the quarter-fi nal of the previous breakthrough for India. Hetmyer, four overs to leave them struggling Khan 51, R Batham 21, M Lomror which laid the foundation for victo- edition in the UAE two years ago. looking to hit a six, was caught at at 27-3 in the seventh over. 19; Joseph 3/39, John 3/38, Paul ry after dismissing the Indian team, Carty, who was 52 , was long-off by Armaan Jaff er. The West Sarfaraz (51 off 89) along with 2/17) lost to West Indies 146-5 in coached by great Rahul adjudged man-of-the-match Indies were 67-3 in the 23rd over. Washington Sundar (7) looked to 49.3 overs (K Carty 52 not out, K Dravid, for 145 runs in 45.1 overs. while Bangladesh captain Mehedi The dismissal gave Indians the stick on after three early wick- Paul 40 not out, Hetmyer 23; Dagar None of India’s top four batsmen Hasan Miraz, whose team fi nished confi dence they were looking for as ets. But in the 15th over, Sundar 3/25) by 5 wickets

1ST TEST/ NEW ZEALAND vs AUSTRALIA Voges hits 239 as Aussies inch closer to victory AFP also happy with his own contribution. 97.46 from 19 innings, after being ahead Scoreboard Wellington “I’m giving myself every chance to of Don Bradman’s all-time record of get in each time I bat and when I do get 99.94 before his wicket fell. New Zealand (1st innings) ...... 183 in I’m hungry to score big runs. To get to His double century—coupled with Australia (1st inngs; overnight 463-6) itchell Marsh ruined New 200 today and get us into a great posi- Usman Khawaja’s 140—also ensured a J Burns c Watling b Southee ...... 0 Zealand’s hopes for a Bren- tion is a very satisfying feeling.” record fi rst-innings lead for Australia D Warner c Watling b Southee ...... 5 don McCullum salvage New Zealand were annoyed to lose against New Zealand in an innings U Khawaja lbw Boult ...... 140 mission after Adam Voges’ McCullum, but batting coach Craig where six Australians failed to reach S Smith c&b Craig ...... 71 Mrecord-breaking double century put McMillan said it would make them double fi gures. A Voges c&b Craig ...... 239 Australia fi rmly in command of the fi rst more determined. Latham and Guptill saw off the new M Marsh c&b Boult ...... 0 Test in Wellington yesterday. “It’s a blow when you lose any wicket ball but just as they looked comfort- P Nevill c Watling b Anderson ...... 32 At stumps on the third day, New Zea- in the last over. You prefer to have that able, Guptill tried to smack off -spinner P Siddle c Anderson b Bracewell ...... 49 land were 178 for 4 in their second in- extra wicket especially when it’s Bren- Lyon out of the ground and was caught J Hazlewood c Southee b Bracewell ..8 nings, requiring a further 201 to make don McCullum,” he said. by Marsh. N Lyon c&b Anderson ...... 3 Australia bat again. “But we’ve got six wickets left to Hazlewood, Australia’s chief de- J Bird (not out) ...... 3 Test debutant Henry Nicholls was fi ght and make it as diffi cult as we can stroyer in the fi rst innings, tempted Extras (b4, lb3, w2, nb3) ...... 12 batting on 31 with McCullum lbw to over the next two days,” he added. Williamson to prod at a ball outside off Total (all out, 154.2 overs) ...... 562 Marsh in the fi nal over of the day for 10. Martin Guptill (45) and Tom Latham and it was nicked through to wicket- Fall of wkts: 1-0 (Burns), 2-5 (Warner), 3-131 Voges’ 239 was in part testament to put on 81 for the fi rst wicket, New Zea- keeper Peter Nevill. (Smith), 4-299 (Khawaja), 5-299 (Marsh), how docile the pitch had become since land’s best opening stand against Aus- It was a chance for Nevill to make 6-395 (Nevill), 7-494 (Siddle), 8-508 (Hazle- New Zealand were rolled for 183 inside tralia since 1993. Kane Williamson fell amends after he had dropped Latham wood), 9-532 (Lyon), 10-562 (Voges) two sessions on the fi rst day. for 22 while Latham grafted away for 63 when the opener was on 31. Bowling: Southee 31-5-87-2 (w1), Boult But there were still wickets to be had, before he tried to sweep Lyon to the leg A huge defi cit is a situation New Zea- 33-6-101-2, Bracewell 33-4-127-2 (nb2), as Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood side and skied the ball to Usman Kha- land know well at the Basin Reserve, Anderson 18-0-79-2 (w1, nb1), Craig 35.2- found. waja at mid-off . where they request a green wicket to 2-153-2, Williamson 4-0-8-0 For New Zealand there were memo- It was Voges, though, who ensured suit their strike bowlers. But if they lose New Zealand (2nd innings) ries of being on the ropes against India Australia had a fi rm grip on the match. the toss, the advantage goes to the op- T Latham c Khawaja b Lyon ...... 63 at the same ground two years ago and He resumed the third day on 176 and position. Two years ago it required Mc- M Guptill c Marsh b Lyon ...... 45 being rescued by McCullum’s triple added a further 63 before his mara- Cullum’s 302 to secure a draw against K Williamson c Nevill b Hazlewood ....22 century. thon 504 minutes in the middle ended India after New Zealand trailed by 246 H Nicholls (batting) ...... 31 The usually big-hitting captain was caught and bowled by Mark Craig. on the fi rst innings. B McCullum lbw Marsh ...... 10 New Zealand captain showing every sign of looking to dig in He had scored 614 runs since his pre- Last year New Zealand were 135 be- Extras (b1, lb4, nb2) ...... 7 Brendon McCullum for a long stay with his 10 coming off 31 vious dismissal, in the pink-ball Test hind Sri Lanka after the fi rst innings Total (4 wickets, 62.3 overs) ...... 178 walks off after being deliveries before he was out with three against New Zealand at Adelaide in and ended up winning by 193 after Wil- Fall of wkts: 1-81 (Guptill), 2-121 (William- dismissed for 10 during balls remaining in the day. November, easily bettering the record liamson (242 not out) and Watling (142 son), 3-157 (Latham), 4-178 (McCullum) Day 3 of the first Test “To get McCullum (in the) last over of 497 runs between dismissals set by not out put on 365 for the sixth wicket Bowling: Hazlewood 17-3-42-1, Bird against Australia of the day, the changing room’s pretty India’s Sachin Tendulkar in 2004. in the second innings and Mark Craig 11-2-26-0 (nb1), Siddle 8-0-30-0, Marsh yesterday. (AFP) happy,” Voges said while adding he was It also left Voges’ Test average at spun Sri Lanka out on day fi ve. 9.3-1-40-1, Lyon 17-6-35-2 Gulf Times Monday, February 15, 2016 3 CRICKET

PAKISTAN SUPER LEAGUE Afridi has a ball as Peshawar thrash Quetta By Anil John of Ahmed Shehzad (21) and Kumar San- hit those couple of boundaries, he really occasional bursts of magic from fl am- Sharjah gakkara for nought. showed his promise,” Islamabad cap- boyant blades of the likes of a Shahid The veteran made an immediate im- tain Misbah said. “The bowlers bowled Afridi or Kieron Pollard. pact by getting rid of Akbar-ur-Reh- really well on this pitch. It has been a Asif, realizing the danger of lingering ove him or hate him, you can’t man, who mistimed an intended shot good confi dence boost for us.” around and propelled by instinct rather ignore him. If ever you can get through cover and holed out to Shahid With the UAE becoming a very busy than calculation, hit three sixes—one away with such a cliché, it’s on Yousuf at point. Afridi then dismissed cricketing centre, more so in recent off Bopara and two off Mir Hamza in the special occasions like these when Asad Shafi q by running him out in his years, the tracks have lost much of their 19th over to fi nish off the match. aL certain Pathan becomes the centre of next over before claiming the wickets of life with the result that often there are The Karachi batting eff ort earlier was the cricketing universe for his fans. Mohamed Nawaz and Sarfraz Ahmed as periods when even Twenty20 matches led by Bopara, whose 45 was the top There he was last night, not hoicking Quetta stumbled to 66 for 6. acquire a new dimension—they begin score, and a 27-ball 32 by Bangladesh sixes on one leg to cow cover, but never- The Peshawar skipper was not done to mimic Test matches. star Mushfi qur Rahim. theless sending his fans into a thrall and yet as he sent Mohamed Nabi and Elton This has been the case especially in Left-arm spinner Imran Khalid of Is- the opposition into a pitiable free-fall. Chigumbura packing with two succes- Sharjah in the . lamabad took the man-of-the-match When Shahid Afridi is on song, with bat sive deliveries to collect a rare fi ve-for Three days ago, the Karachi Kings beat honours with fi gures of two for 19 off four or ball, this is pretty much what you get. which would perhaps remain etched in the Qatar-owned Lahore Qalandars overs, bowled in two two-over spells. Can he not produce such gems on a the record books for long. with England all-rounder Ravi Bopara Karachi paceman Mohamed Asif saw regular basis, his fans would often won- But for some spunky batting by New claiming six wickets for next to nothing. action again after missing two matches der. But then, what is the point of being Zealander Grant Elliott, who made 40 The shortest format of the game and bowled his full quota of four overs Shahid Afridi? off 29 balls with three sixes and two doesn’t allow medium-pacers much for 21 runs, claiming the wicket of An- At the Sharjah Cricket Stadium yes- fours, the Gladiators would have not scope to unleash their full range, but dre Russell. Islamabad’s star allrounder terday, Afridi perhaps returned the most even crossed the 100-mark. Bopara swung the match in Karachi’s Shane Watson left the squad after suf- lethal fi gures in Twenty20 history to lay Peshawar were wary of the pitfalls favour with reverse swing, catching La- fering an abdominal injury and would the foundation for ’s of chasing a low score, but Hafeez and Peshawar Zalmi’s Shahid Afridi in action during yesterday’s PSL clash against hore by surprise. The scruffi ness of the be missing the World Twenty20 to be eight-wicket win over Quetta Gladiators Malan put together 60 runs for the fi rst Quetta Gladiators in Sharjah. The leggie took 5 wickets for 7 runs. (PSL) pitch and the outfi eld no doubt played played in India next month. in the Pakistan Super League. wicket to make the team’s task easier. a part in that match and yesterday, too, Brief scores On the slow wicket that Sharjah is Hafeez’s dismissal for 36 had little Islamabad seal win with a six the batsmen struggled because bowlers notorious for, the leg-spinner took fi ve impact on the Peshawar chase as Malan themselves hoarse in celebration after kept taking the pace off the ball. Misbah Karachi Kings: 128 for 5 (Ravi Bopara wickets for seven runs in four overs to and Kamran Akmal put on 54 runs for Earlier, in the fi rst match of the day, Is- their team beat the Karachi Kings by scored 38 off as many balls before be- 45 (50b, 4x4), Mushfiqur Rahim 33 (27b, make a mockery of the Gladiators’ batting the second wicket to ensure that victory lamabad United left it late, but sealed fi ve wickets to boost their chances of coming the fi fth Islamabad batsman to 4x2, 6x1); Imran Khalid 2/4) lost to as they collapsed to 128 all out in 18 overs. was a mere formality. it with a six. As far as Twenty20 cricket qualifying for the playoff s. lose his wicket, falling to Bopara. : 131 for 5 in 18.5 Zalmi then raced to the target in 18.4 Peshawar now top the standings with goes, this was as intriguing as it could get. Set what was thought to be a paltry Bopara couldn’t replicate his match- overs (Misbah-ul-Haq 38 (38b, 4x5), overs with Dawid Malan coming good 10 points from seven matches and have A stuttering start, a tense, gritty eff ort target of 129, Islamabad, who chose to winning eff ort against Lahore three days Khalid Latif 33 (35b, 4x1, 6x3), Asif Ali 31 again with an unbeaten 60 off 52 balls qualifi ed for the playoff s along with at stabilization with the ever-reliable bat second, lost three wickets with just ago but still fi nished with one wicket for (17b, 4x1, 6x3) by 5 wickets. with the aid of six fours and a six after Quetta who also have the same number Misbah-ul-Haq taking charge with Kha- 47 runs on the board before solid 30s 22 runs from his three overs to go with Quetta Gladiators 129 all out in 18 opener Mohamed Hafeez had hit 36 off of points. The race for the remaining lid Latif, and a sprint to the fi nish thanks by Misbah, Latif and Ali saw them seal his 45 runs off 50 balls, again striking a overs (GD Elliott 40 (29b, 4x2, 6x3; 29 balls to set their innings rolling. playoff spots is between Islamabad, to Asif Ali’s unbeaten 31 off 17 balls gave only their third win in seven matches. blow for that breed of cricketers who are Afridi 5/7) lost to Peshawar Zalmi 130 When Quetta batted, captain Afridi Lahore and Karachi and the positions the spectators their money’s worth. “It’s a good win, Asif really fi nished tailor-made for Twenty20 set-up but for 2 in 18.4 overs (Dawid Malan 60* introduced himself in the sixth over af- would be clearer after the league phase But in the end it was the Islamabad the game well. The game became a little still fail to catch the imagination of fans (52b, 4x6, 6x1), Md Hafeez 36 (29b, 4x5, ter paceman Wahab Riaz had disposed ends on Feb 17. United supporters who were shouting diffi cult (when I got out), but the way he who throng stadiums mainly to see the 6x1) by 8 wickets.

5TH ONE-DAYER/ SOUTH AFRICA vs ENGLAND 3RD T20I/ INDIA vs SRI LANKA Wily Ashwin spins India to series win De Villiers hits ton as against Sri Lanka Reuters The wily spinner struck an- Visakhapatnam other blow with the fi rst ball of his second over when rival captain Dinesh Chandimal ndia gave themselves a holed out in the deep. SA clinch ODI series boost before next month’s Sri Lanka’s fi rst 21 runs cost Twenty20 World Cup at them their top half and only home as Ravichandran Dasun Shanaka (19) and Thisara IAshwin grabbed four wickets Perera (12) managed double- in their series-clinching nine- digit scores in their abject bat- wicket victory over Sri Lanka ting capitulation against the in the third and fi nal Twenty20 Indian spinners who claimed international yesterday. seven of the 10 wickets. with fi ve-wicket win The off -spinner claimed To make it worse for them, three wickets in his fi rst seven the tourists were also handed deliveries and fi nished with out a couple of poor decisions ‘I’ve been a bit off my game in the last month or so, so it’s nice to finish like that. It’s an 4-8, best by an Indian bowler with Asela Gunaratne and integral part of being a captain, you’ve got to lead from the front, you can’t just chip in with in this format, as Sri Lanka Sachithra Senanayake given folded for 82, their lowest total caught out even though re- small performances. I didn’t think we were that far off in the first two ODIs so the belief was in Twenty20 Internationals. plays did not suggest any con- Chasing the small target, tact between bat and ball on still there, we just had to find a little bit of confidence and that’s where things turned around’ India romped home with 6.1 either occasion. overs to spare to seal the series Defending the paltry score, 2-1 at Visakhapatnam’s ACA- Dushmantha Chameera dis- VDCA Stadium. missed Rohit Sharma for 13 but Opener Shikhar Dhawan Dhawan and Ajinkya Rahane (22 top-scored for the hosts with not out) steered India to victory an unbeaten run-a-ball 46 to ensure they remain the top- but it was Ashwin’s guile that ranked team in this format. Ash- laid the foundation for India’s win, who claimed nine wickets comprehensive victory. in three matches, grabbed both Put in to bat, Sri Lanka got man-of-the-match and man- off to a nightmarish start with of-the-series awards. Ashwin opening the attack for India. The spinner drew Brief scores Niroshan Dickwella forward Sri Lanka 82 in 18 overs (MD with his third delivery to get Shanaka 19; R Ashwin 4/8, S him before trapping Raina 2/6) lost to India 84-1 Tillakaratne Dilshan leg-be- in 13.5 overs (S Dhawan 46*, A fore wicket with the sixth. Rahane 22*) by 9 wickets

Off -spinner R Ashwin grabbed 4 wickets for 8 runs, the best spell by an Indian bowler in the T20 format. (BCCI)

South Africa captain AB de Villiers celebrates his century in the fifth and final ODI against England in Cape Town yesterday. De Villiers’ 24th ODI ton came off 94 balls with 11 fours and a six. (Reuters)

Reuters that,” De Villiers said at the post-match tourists lost wickets at regular intervals. S Broad c de Villiers b Tahir ...... 13 Cape Town presentation. Hales put on 61 for the second wicket R Topley (not out) ...... 1 “It’s an integral part of being a captain, with (27) and 70 for the fourth Extras (b-4, lb-8, w-11) ...... 23 you’ve got to lead from the front, you can’t with Stokes, but there was little else of Total (all out, 45 overs) ...... 236 outh Africa captain AB de Vil- just chip in with small performances.” substance as captain (2) again Fall of wickets: 1-15, 2-76, 3-85, 4-155, 5-156, liers smashed an unbeaten 101 in The Proteas are the fi rst team since failed to deliver. 6-181, 7-183, 8-192, 9-223 his 200th one-day international Pakistan in 2005 to come back from 2-0 “We were outplayed here today,” Mor- Bowling: K Abbott 9-0-28-1 (w-1); K Rabada to lead the hosts to a five-wicket down in an ODI series and claim victory, gan said. “We did have chances in previous 9-1-34-3 (w-3); I Tahir 10-0-53-3 (w-1); C Mor- victoryS over England and a 3-2 series and just the fourth in the history of the 50- games to wrap up the series but we weren’t ris 8-0-59-0 (w-4); D Wiese 9-0-50-3 (w-2) win. over game. good enough. The chances probably would South Africa England spluttered to 236 all out in 45 “I didn’t think we were that far off in the have been taken if we had more experience, Q de Kock c Buttler b Topley ...... 4 overs after being sent in to bat at Newlands fi rst two ODIs so the belief was still there, but we are growing and learning as a side.” H Amla st Buttler b Ali ...... 59 yesterday despite a second ODI century of we just had to fi nd a little bit of confi dence F du Plessis b Topley ...... 0 his career for opener Alex Hales. and that’s where things turned around,” Scoreboard R Rossouw c Hales b Topley ...... 4 South Africa slumped to 22-3 in reply De Villiers added. England A de Villiers (not out) ...... 101 but a magnifi cent fourth-wicket stand of Man-of-the-Series Hales had scored J Roy lbw Tahir ...... 8 F Behardien c Stokes b Rashid ...... 13 125 between De Villiers and Hashim Amla half-centuries in each of the four previous A Hales c Rossouw b Rabada ...... 112 D Wiese (not out) ...... 41 (59) steadied the ship and the captain matches but fi nally converted to three fi g- J Root lbw Tahir ...... 27 Extras (nb-1, w-14) ...... 15 was there at the end to fi nish it off as they ures, to his obvious relief. E Morgan c de Kock b Wiese ...... 2 Total (5 wickets, 44 overs) ...... 237 reached their target with 36 balls left. His 112 came from 128 balls and included B Stokes b Rabada ...... 29 Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-14, 3-22, 4-147, 5-166 De Villiers’ 24th ODI century came from 14 fours as he showed admirable patience. J Buttler b Rabada ...... 0 Bowling: S Broad 9-1-34-0 (w-1); R Topley 94 balls with 11 fours and a six. The next highest score in the England M Ali c Behardien b Abbott ...... 12 7-1-41-3 (w-4); C Woakes 5-0-32-0 (w-1); B “I’ve been a bit off my game in the innings was a brisk 29 from C Woakes c Abbott b Wiese ...... 0 Stokes 5-0-34-0 (nb-1, w-2); A Rashid 10-0- last month or so, so it’s nice to fi nish like as indiff erent shot selection ensured the A Rashid c Rabada b Wiese ...... 9 59-1 (w-6); M Ali 8-1-37-1 Gulf Times 4 Monday, February 15, 2016 SPORT

RALLYING SPOTLIGHT Logano leads Team Penske 1-2 in Masterful Ogier Daytona practice

Reuters Motorsport.com. “That’s what Daytona Beach, Florida we usually do. Brad, Joey and I fi gure out how we can run to- gether - a little three-car - to see wins in Sweden eam Penske showed its how they draft up. strength late in the fi nal “You can’t tell much but you practice session for next can see where you’re at and ‘Two wins from the first two rallies — it can’t get any better’ Sunday’s Daytona 500 where they’re loaded down with Twhen Joey Logano and Brad Kes- extra drafting help. That was elowski jumped to the top of the kind of the plan, to line up there leaderboard at Daytona Interna- at the end. tional Speedway on Saturday. “As far as overall raw speed, Logano, who won last year’s I think we need to fi nd a little Daytona 500, clocked the fastest bit more, but I don’t feel like we speed of 195.933 mph as he led a need too much more. I feel pretty draft involving Keselowski and good about tomorrow.” Ryan Blaney on his fi nal run of Logano, 25, was in prime form 29 laps. all day and ran second to twice Keselowski, packed in the Daytona 500 champion Dale middle of the draft, fi nished a Earnhardt Jr. in the fi rst practice close second at 195.848 mph session for the Great American with Blaney of Wood Brothers Race, NASCAR’s season-open- Racing, a Team Penske affi liate, ing event. third at 195.797 mph. Kurt Busch rode high on the lea- The trio had formed a strategy derboard for most of the two prac- for Blaney, who has to qualify tice sessions before being eclipsed for the Feb. 21 Daytona 500 on late in the day to fi nish up fourth- speed, to put down a fast practice fastest at 194.877 mph. time in the unlikely event that Reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup rain washes out Sunday’s quali- Series champion Kyle Busch was fying. fi fth best in the closing session at “We had a plan,” Blaney told 194.696 mph.

FOCUS Rio hopeful Schippers clocks 60m season’s best

Sebastien Ogier drives Volkswagen Polo R during the FIA World Rally Championship 2016 in Karlstad, Sweden, yesterday.

ebastian Ogier led from start to career-best result on his debut in Hy- fi nish to secure his third Rally undai’s new i20 and became the fi rst Sweden victory yesterday and non-European driver to fi nish on the preserve his maximum points Sweden podium. startS to the 2016 FIA World Rally Cham- He survived a late scare after hitting a pionship. wooden post metres from the fi nish of the The reigning world champion drove his last stage. Volkswagen Polo R to a 29.8sec success in The impact damaged the radiator, and the Karlstad-based snow and ice rally to Paddon and co-driver John Kennard AFP Evergreen Kim Collins of Saint add to his 2013 and 2015 triumphs. fi lled a small hole to stem a fl uid leak be- Berlin Kitts and Nevis, who turns 40 in Ogier also claimed full bonus points for fore driving cautiously on the 85km liai- April, clocked his season’s best winning the fi nal Power Stage and after son section to the fi nish. 6.53secs in the men’s 60m fi nal. two of the 14 rounds the Frenchman has Mads Ostberg completed the podium afne Schippers (pic- South African Henricho Bru- maximum championship points. in a Ford Fiesta RS, 25.8sec behind Pad- tured) ran a world intjies ran a personal best of 6.62 A big thaw before the start threatened don and 15.2sec ahead of fellow Norwe- leading seven seconds to fi nish second. the season’s only pure winter rally as the gian Andreas Mikkelsen. Mikkelsen ran dead on Saturday to There was a surprise in the frozen gravel roads turned to mud. By the as high as second but a time-consum- winD the women’s 60m at Berlin’s men’s pole vault as reigning Ol- time the cold weather returned, nine of ing spin on Saturday ended his podium Indoor meeting and lay down a ympic champion Renaud Lavil- the 21 speed tests in Sweden and Norway hopes. marker for the Rio Olympics. lenie lost to Brazilian Thiago Braz had been axed, but up to 10cm of snow Ott Tanak and Dani Sordo completed The 23-year-old, who won da Silva, 22. and temperatures as low as -10˚C en- the top six in a Fiesta RS and i20 respec- 200m gold and 100m silver at the French world record holder sured the event went ahead. tively, a front left puncture ending the world athletics championships Lavillenie cleared 5.85m, but his Ogier’s dominance was challenged latter’s top three challenge. Henning Sol- in Beijing last year, had already Brazilian rival, the 2012 junior during Saturday’s second leg when he berg and Craig Breen, driving Citroën’s run 7.04secs, the previous best world champion, managed to had to sweep fresh snow from the roads DS 3 for the fi rst time, were next up with time for the season, in the fi rst clear 5.93m. to create a cleaner line for those behind. WRC 2 winner Elfyn Evans and Teemu round. Olympic discus champion His half-minute lead was slashed to less Suninen completing the leaderboard. The Dutch sprinter is a medal Robert Harting made his return than 10sec by Hayden Paddon before he Jari-Matti Latvala (driveshaft), Thi- hopeful for the Rio de Janeiro after missing the world champi- reasserted his authority. erry Neuville (transmission) and Kris Games which starts on August 5. onships last year with a knee in- “Two wins from the fi rst two rallies – it Meeke (suspension) all fi nished down the Britain’s Shara Proctor jumped a jury with victory after throwing can’t get any better. Yesterday was a lit- Frenchman Ogier speaks to reporters after winning Rally of Sweden. (Reuters) order after opening day problems. personal best of 6.91m, but it was 64.81m. tle bit too crazy and I took risks like I had The championship heads to gravel for not enough to win the women’s “I have to keep practising. never done in my life,” said Ogier, who concern after the Power Stage an impressive job so that we had a good the fi rst time next month when Leon long jump as Germany’s Alexandra We’ll have to see what comes survived a massive sixth gear slide. “Conditions were terrible at the begin- rally.” hosts Rally Guanajuato Mexico (March Wester leapt a season’s best 6.95m at the end of the summer,” said A holed radiator gave Paddon cause for ning of the week but the organisers did New Zealand’s Paddon matched his 3-6). (Red Bull) in front of her home crowd. Harting.

ATHLETICS Olympic runners-up Rupp, Kefl ezighi reach Rio Olympics

AFP Desiree Linden was second, 34 seconds 1998, became the oldest American Ol- Los Angeles adrift, with Shalane Flanagan, who col- ympic marathoner and the fi rst to reach lapsed just after crossing the fi nish line, the Games three times in the event. third in 2:29:19 to take the last Rio spot. The 2009 New York Marathon and ondon Olympic 10,000-metre “Finishing fourth, looking back on 2014 Boston Marathon winner made runner-up Galen Rupp won his it, was something that was so good for his Olympic debut in 2000 at Sydney marathon debut Saturday to me,” Cragg said. “It made me so deter- in the 10,000, took second in the mara- book a Rio Olympics berth while mined as an athlete. I’m just so thrilled thon four years later and placed fourth L40-year-old Meb Kefl ezighi qualifi ed to be going to Rio.” in 2012. for his fourth Olympic trip. Rupp, who turns 30 in May, fi nished “As a 40-year-old to make it, I’ve Rupp won the US Olympic Marathon second to Britain’s Mo Farah at the 2012 been blessed more than I could ever Trials in Los Angeles in an unoffi cial Olympics at 10,000m for the fi rst US think possible,” Kefl ezighi said. time of 2hrs 11mins 13secs, becoming medal in the event since Billy Mills won Cragg, 32, and Flanagan are train- the fi rst American since 1968 to quali- in 1964. ing partners, and helped each other fy for the Olympics in his debut at the through diffi cult moments in Satur- 26.2-mile distance. OLYMPIC DOUBLE BID FOR RUPP? day’s race. “I was very happy with the way it Rupp was also seventh at 5,000m at “She was instrumental,” said the went,” Rupp said. “It was a big change London but this time he spoke con- 34-year-old Flanagan, the 2008 Games running the marathon but there is no fi dently of an Olympic marathon- 10,000m bronze medallist who booked bigger honour than representing your 10,000m double in Brazil next August. a fourth Olympics berth. “There was a country at the Olympics.” “I think it’s defi nitely a do-able dou- point I thought, ‘I’m dying. I can’t do Eritrean-born Kefl ezighi, the 2004 ble,” Rupp said. “There’s plenty of time it,’ and she talked me through it.” Athens Olympic silver medallist who to recover in between. I think it’s pos- Linden, 32, failed to fi nish in the turns 41 in May, was second in 2:12:21 sible.” London Olympic women’s marathon with Jared Ward third in 2:13:00 to The men’s marathon is August 21, due to a leg stress fracture. qualify for his fi rst Olympics. the last day of the Olympics, while the “I feel like it has been this Sisyphean On the women’s side, Amy Cragg men’s 10,000 is August 13. Rupp would task where every time the rock comes bounced back after being the fastest have to qualify for the 10,000 at the US down,” Linden said of her fi ght for a sec- fi nisher not to qualify for the 2012 Ol- Olympic athletics trials on July 1. ond Olympic chance. “When I get to the ympics by winning the trials in 2:28:20. Kefl ezighi, who became a US citizen in fi nish line in Rio, it’s going to be great.” Galen Rupp crosses the finish line to win the US Olympic Team Trials men’s marathon in Los Angeles on Saturday. (AFP) Gulf Times Monday, February 15, 2016 5 TENNIS

PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT Nishikori to face US teen Fritz in Halep heads Dubai Memphis fi nal

AFP hitting deep and fl at and I was Memphis on defense all the time. I found my rhythm in the second set, was hitting balls deep and the hree-time defend- tactics were working.” Championships fi eld ing champion Kei After splitting the fi rst two Nishikori advanced to sets with only one service the ATP Memphis fi - break for each, Nishikori broke ‘I’m not sure. Now that I’ve started to play good tennis, I don’t want to stop again’ Tnal by beating US fourth seed again for a 2-1 lead in the third , setting up a title set when Querrey netted a showdown with history-mak- backhand. ing teen prodigy . Querrey had a break point in Top seed Nishikori rallied the eighth game, but Nishikori to beat Querrey 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 blasted a backhand winner to for his 16th consecutive Mem- save it and start a run of six phis victory over four years points in a row that took him while Fritz, an 18-year-old to triple match point. Quer- American wildcard in only his rey rescued the fi rst two break third tour-level event, ousted points but Nishikori hit a fore- Lithuania’s Ricardas Berankis hand winner for the triumph. 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. Fritz, last year’s US Open Fritz fi red 17 aces in becom- junior champion, made his ing the youngest American in ATP debut last year at Not- an ATP fi nal since a 17-year- tingham, beating Carreno old Michael Chang won at Busta before a second-round Wembley in 1989. exit. He lost to compatriot And he shattered the US in fi ve sets in the fi rst mark for fewest tour-level round of last month’s Austral- events needed to reach a fi - ian Open. nal, the 10 tournaments taken A double fault by 102nd- by Jimmy Connors and Andy ranked Berankis handed Fritz a Roddick. 2-1 edge in the last set. After starting the week 1-2 The European broke back in ATP play, 145th-ranked for 4-4 with a service return Fritz has won four matches winner only to double fault on and would crack the top 100 by break point again in the ninth taking the title. game. “It feels incredible,” Fritz Fritz held to take the match said. “It’s crazy what win- in a wild fi nal game that saw ning four tennis matches can him squander four match achieve. I’m so happy.” points, then deny two break Seventh-ranked Nishikori chances before Berankis net- downed Querrey for the fourth ted a backhand to fi nally end meeting in a row, improving to matters after one hour and 40 5-3 in their career rivalry by minutes. eliminating him in the semis “It’s incredible,” Fritz said. as he did last year. “After the fi rst set it wasn’t “It was a tough start for looking too good. I was getting me,” Nishikori said. “He was beaten every way possible. But playing really good tennis, es- I was able to turn it around and pecially with his serve. He was that makes it twice as good.”

AFP lina Pliskova all needed wild cards network this week selling 45-dollar Dubai into the draw. cardigans to her fans. Venus vanquishes Doi to claim The presence of Halep was a par- “I’m disappointed to have to ticularly close call, with the Roma- withdraw from the Dubai Ten- inaugural Taiwan title older is nian originally planning to miss the nis Championships,” she said in a American multiple grand defeating the tournament back to head a fi eld at the outdoor hard court tournament to statement. “I have come down with slam champion Venus second seed. Dubai Tennis Champion- have surgery on her nose. the fl u and I am not at 100 per cent, Williams collected the 49th Williams’s 49 career titles, ships which has been se- At the time she made the deci- so I need to take this time to recu- title of her illustrious career including seven grand slam riouslyH weakened by the late with- sion in the wake of a fi rst-round perate.” by defeating Japan’s Misaki singles championships, drawals of Serena Williams and loss at the Australian Open to Chi- Williams last appeared at the Doi 6-4, 6-2 in the final of leave her seventh on the Australian Open champion Angel- nese qualifi er , the tournament in a semi-fi nal two the inaugural Taiwan Open all time list as she closes in ique Kerber. choice seemed logical. years ago, losing to Alize Cornet. yesterday. on Monica Seles (53) and What had looked to be a strong But a Fed Cup win this month Kerber, who beat Williams for The 35-year-old Californian, (55). start to the post- sea- over Kvitova suddenly gave Halep the Australian Open title in a ma- who was beaten in the first leads son began deteriorating last week hope and she has now postponed jor shock, said: “I am very sad to rounds of the Auckland Clas- the way on 167 titles, while as the pullouts due to various ali- her procedure indefi nitely. announce that I have to withdraw sic and Australian Open last Williams’ younger sister and ments and injuries mounted prior The world number three said that from this great tournament in Du- month, won the $500,000 current world number one to Monday’s fi rst day at the Avia- she felt fi ne during the Fed Cup, so bai due to an injury of my right up- hard court tournament in Serena, who pulled out of the tion Club. why bother to pause: “I’m not sure. per thigh.” Kaohsiung without dropping Dubai Championships this In addition to world number Now that I’ve started to play good Halep will await a second-round a set. week with flu, has 69. one Williams and Germany’s Ker- tennis, I don’t want to stop again. opponent as former number one “It’s wonderful to have wom- ber, other absentees include 2012 “I’ve had long breaks before, faces Australian Daria en’s tennis here. It’s been champion Agnieszka Radwanska, many antibiotics, and I have to stay Gavrilova while Wimbledon fi nal- too long, it’s the first time in Russian star and a little bit away from them. And then ist Muguruza will play the winner 22 years,” the top seed and 2011 winner . we’ll see—maybe this year I have to from a qualifi er and world number 12 said in a Halep, second seeded Garbine do it, because it’s better for me.” of the Ukraine. courtside interview. Muguruza, her fellow Spaniard Rising Swiss takes “It’s my first time in Taiwan, Carla Suarez Navarro and number Serena’s third withdrawal the fi fth seeding ahead of last year’s so thank you for making me four Petra Kvitova all have byes into Williams, whose pullout was her fi nalist Pliskova. Italy’s US Open feel so welcome and thank the second round. third in four years on short notice fi nalist and Dubai- you for making me feel at of Japan returns a shot to Sam Querrey of the Due to late decisions and changes in Dubai, was most recently seen on based Russian home,” Williams added after United States during their semi-final match of the Memphis Open of heart, Halep, Kvitova and Karo- an American television shopping round out the seeds. at the Racquet Club of Memphis in Memphis. (Getty Images/AFP)

FOCUS Nadal crashes out to Thiem in Buenos Aires

AFP The 29-year-old Spaniard fought off a break Buenos Aires point in the seventh game of the second as the big- hitting Thiem, the youngest member of the world top 20, threatened to run away with the contest. efending champion suf- But the 14-time major winner, who won the fered another setback Saturday when he pair’s only other meeting against at Roland Garros squandered a match point before losing in 2014, made the most of his lifeline to break in the 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7/4) to Austria’s Dominic 10th game to level the semi-fi nal. ThiemD in the Argentina Open semi-fi nals. Thiem, who once trained for his matches by car- Top seed Nadal, playing on his favourite clay rying tree trunks on his back to beef up his phy- surface, fi nally wilted in the 32-degree heat in Bue- sique, nipped ahead for 2-0 in the decider. nos Aires after two hours and 50 minutes on court But back came Nadal to level at 2-2 before Thiem against Thiem, the world number 19, who goes on saved a match point in the 10th game. to face Nicolas Almagro in fi nal. In the tiebreak, however, it was Thiem who “It was a tough match. I had a chance to win and proved the stronger, stretching to a 6/1 lead. missed it but Thiem played well,” said Nadal, whose Nadal saved three match points but the fi fth- claycourt title total remains on 47. seeded Austrian held his nerve to give himself a “I’m not worried. I just lacked consistency and shot at a fourth career title on Sunday in what will need to make fewer unforced errors, but that’s be his fi fth fi nal, all of which have been on clay. nothing.” “Bamos defeated Vamos!,” wrote Thiem on his Nadal now heads for Rio next week where he will Facebook page. “I cannot believe it! I fought off a again be top seed and where he was champion in match point and managed to gain a win over one 2014. He is expecting similarly gruelling conditions of the best clay courters. To beat such a player in the Olympic host city. is insane, I will never forget that moment in my “I struggled a bit to adapt to the extreme condi- life.” tions here. I felt more tired than usual. I know that Almagro, who put out third seeded Jo-Wilfried in Rio de Janeiro it’s not going to be better, so I must Tsonga in the quarter-fi nals, went one better in the continue to adapt.” semi-fi nals by defeating second seeded Spanish On Saturday, Nadal, in his fi rst tournament since compatriot 6-4, 7-5. his shock fi rst round exit at the Australian Open, Ferrer had to complete his rain-delayed quarter- dropped serve in the ninth game of the opener to al- fi nal earlier Saturday, seeing off Uruguay’s Pablo Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts after missing a shot during his semi-final match against Austria’s at the ATP Argentina Open in low 22-year-old Thiem to serve out for a one-set lead. Cuevas, the eighth seed, 6-4, 1-6, 6-3. Buenos Aires. (Reuters) Gulf Times 6 Monday, February 15, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Ex-NBA player banned for life in Philippines

AFP Meralco Bolts on Saturday when a dominant role in the highly- Twitter account. But he later Manila Johnson was ejected for two competitive PBA. But Johnson, appeared contrite, apologising IVAN JOHNSON technical fouls. However an an- 31, had already been in trouble, to Narvasa and his fans for the gry Johnson contested this, Mar- having previously been sus- incident. he Philippines’ profes- cial told AFP. pended for one game earlier this “Maybe he should refl ect sional basketball league “That is when he stood up. He month for fi ghting with players on what happened. Maybe he has banned former NBA was told to calm down. But that of an opposing team. should undergo anger manage- player Ivan Johnson for was when he said the F-word The six-foot, eight-inch (two ment. It is a shame. He is a good Tlife after he cursed at its com- and that is to a commissioner, metre)-tall power forward was player,” said Marcial. Many fans missioner during a game, a the highest offi cial of the PBA,” previously banned for life by expressed shock and anger over spokesman said yesterday. Marcial recalled. the Korean Basketball League in the speedy decision. Johnson, who plays with local Narvasa then convened a 2010 for making an obscene ges- “Banned for life in the PBA... team Talk ‘N Text Tropang Tex- technical committee at the ture at a referee and also had a Without due process from the ters, was banned mid-game after game’s halftime and had John- controversial career in the NBA. PBA commissioner’s offi ce? he used “the F-word” in an argu- son banned and fi ned 250,000 Johnson, who played with the My goodness,” one angry fan ment with Philippine Basketball pesos ($5,600) even before the Atlanta Hawks from 2011-2013, tweeted. Ex-New York Knicks Association (PBA) commissioner game was over, said Marcial. was initially defi ant over his and Denver Nuggets player Re- Chito Narvasa, said PBA media Foreign imports are highly- latest ban, posting “the devil is naldo Balkman was banned and offi cer Willie Marcial. valued in the basketball-crazy working overtime,” and “what’s fi ned by the PBA after he choked Talk ‘N Text were playing the Philippines where they can play the hate against me?” on his a teammate in 2013.

NBA Thompson dethrones Curry in All-Star 3-Point Shootout ‘I’ve never been on a team with someone who shoots it better than me, so it’s a privilege to work with him every day’

DPA Los Angeles

uperstar Stephen Curry is the best shooter in the NBA. But on All-Star Saturday Night in To- ronto, he wasn’t even the best shooterS on his own team. In a spectacular fi nal, Curry was dethroned as champion of the Three- Point Shootout by Klay Thompson, his fellow All-Star and backcourt mate with the defending champion Golden State Warriors. The youngsters of the Minnesota Timberwolves captured the other con- tests as Zach LaVine soared above Or- lando Magic forward Aaron Gordon to defend his title in a highly competitive Slam Dunk Contest and rookie center Karl-Anthony Towns was the surprise winner of the Skills Challenge. But despite sub-zero temperatures outside the Air Canada Centre, Curry and Thompson - known as the “Splash Brothers” - heated up very quickly. “We love to shoot against each oth- er,” said Thompson, who was beaten by Curry in last year’s fi nal. “I’ve never been on a team with someone who shoots it better than me, so it’s a privi- lege to work with him every day. He makes me that much better.” The reigning MVP, Curry is on a record pace with 245 three-pointers while Thompson is a distant second with 161. But the gap between them appears to have narrowed. Golden State Warriors player Klay Thompson went fi rst in the opening Thompson celebrates aft er winning the round and put up 22 points. Curry went three-point contest during the All-Stars last and needed to make his last two Saturday Night at Air Canada Centre in shots to squeeze into the fi nal round Toronto. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports with 21. They were joined by Phoenix Suns 19-year-old rookie Devin Booker, a late addition who notched 20 points, before winning a tiebreaker with Hou- ston Rockets All-Star guard James Harden and Los Angeles Clippers guard JJ Redick. Booker went fi rst in the fi nal round and put up a 16. Next was Curry, who ball before hammering it home for a 50, made his fi rst eight shots and his last forcing sudden death. Silver eyes All-Star Game in Europe but not soon six to score a 23, putting pressure on After each had another perfect score, his teammate. Gordon received a 47 for a driving dunk NBA commissioner Adam Silver likes the idea of he has had on the global expansion of the NBA,” But Thompson responded. He from the baseline where he put the ball playing a future NBA All-Star Game in Europe, but Silver said, citing Bryant’s blogs to fans in China and drained eight straight shots early in his over his head, rocked it downward and emphasised such a move was at least five years away. social media outreach. “Kobe has been at the center round, lost his rhythm, then caught fi re then up again. Sensing an opening, La- On the eve of the 65th NBA All-Star Game in Toronto, of that.” again as he sank his last seven shots for Vine did another fl ying dunk from the the first to be staged beyond US borders, Silver said Yao, an eight-time All-Star forced to retire in 2011 a 27, unseating Curry as champion. foul line, this time putting it through the extra distance to Asia compared to Europe would after severe foot injuries, was at the All-Star Game for “It was like deja vu last year,” his legs for his fourth straight perfect have him looking across the Atlantic Ocean for an youth clinics and coached handicapped children in a Thompson said. “I got nervous when score and the win. overseas host rather than the Pacific. game where victories were measured in smiles. he hit his fi rst eight, and I didn’t think “We did some crazy stuff , man. This “It’s something we would love to do one day,” Silver “He is truly a global basketball icon,” Silver said. “His he was going to miss. But it was excit- is ridiculous,” LaVine said. “I’ve nev- said. “It’s not going to happen in the next two, three, career was cut short. He didn’t achieve everything he ing. ... Back-to-back years for Splash er even tried half of them. I know he four years but it’s something that down the road wanted on the court, but over a long life he’s going to Brothers. It’s pretty cool.” hasn’t tried some of them.” could be really exciting for the NBA. have as great an impact on the game as anyone who LaVine was an easy winner of last The night began with the Skills “We’re always talking about it. It’s logistically more ever played.” year’s Slam Dunk Contest as a rookie. Challenge, which featured big men diff icult than it seems.” Stars align for salary cap? This time, he was pushed to the limit for the fi rst time in its 14-year history. A week-long break for the All-Star Game would have Rich new television deals will send team salary caps by Gordon, a second-year forward who Towns, the fi rst pick in the 2015 draft, to be stretched for an overseas event so players soaring next season, a move that could lead to su- relied on power and creativity to coun- bested Boston Celtics All-Star guard could recover from the extra travel and time zone perstar players clustering on certain clubs once free ter LaVine’s long-distance leaping and Isaiah Thomas, the last pick of the 2011 issues. agency starts in July to better compete for a title. athleticism. draft. “Players will need additional time to readjust their “Whether that will happen this summer is unclear Gordon began the fi nal round by “This is bigger than me,” the 7-foot sleep patterns and get reacclimated when they to me,” Silver said. “We would prefer our All-Stars be leaping and grabbing the ball from the Towns said. “This is for all the bigs out come back to the States,” Stern said. “If we leave the distributed around the league but we will see what Magic’s mascot - appropriately named there, with the game changing the way country for All-Star, it puts pressure on the rest of the happens. There will be unintended consequences “Stuff ” - who was spinning on a hover- it is, to show that bigs can stand up schedule.” from all this extra cap room. I just don’t know what board. He cuff ed the ball and slammed with guards, skill-wise.” Silver dashed hopes China or Japan would play host NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks during a those unintended consequences will be.” it for a perfect score of 50 from the The fi nal was heated, with Towns before areas such as Britain or Germany. press conference before NBA All-Star Saturday Night Silver said he expects a memo next week will be sent fi ve-judge panel of George Gervin, and Thomas racing through the obsta- “I think getting to Asia during an All-Star break would at Air Canada Centre in Toronto. (Getty Images/AFP) to discourage players from jumping on rivals for fouls Dikembe Mutombo, Tracy McGrady, cles and rushing three-pointers before be that much more diff icult than getting to Europe,” to save time on the clock at the end of games. Shaquille O’Neal and Magic Johnson. Towns drilled one and was mobbed by Silver said. “Absolutely due to the additional number “Mexico City is a market we’re particularly focused He also said the league is strongly considering a rule LaVine countered with 360 cuff the other big men. of miles we would have to travel to get to Asia. That on,” Silver said. “Mexico City is a market in the short change regarding players deliberately fouling poor windmill slam of a bounce lob for a There was a light moment after- would be the only reason.” term we’ll be looking to do more in.” free throw shooters after such instances jumped 5.5 perfect score. ward when actor and comedian Kevin The NBA played some regular-season games in Japan Retired Chinese NBA star Yao Ming and retiring Los percent so far this season compared to last season. Gordon was perfect again after Hart challenged Golden State Warriors as recently as 2003 and staged six games since 2011 Angeles Lakers star guard Kobe Bryant were both No change would come before next season. jumping over the mascot, grabbing the All-Star forward Draymond Green to in London, most recently last month. Two months cited by Silver for their off -court contributions to the “I’m beginning to feel a change needs to be made,” ball from him and putting it through a three-point shooting contest - and ago, Mexico City hosted its third NBA regular-season NBA’s global growth. Silver said. “It’s early days. We’re just beginning to his legs before dunking. LaVine took actually tied Green by making eight game. “He has punched way above his weight in the impact formulate what an alternative would look like.” off from the foul line and rocked the shots. Gulf Times Monday, February 15, 2016 7 SPORT

RUGBY GOLF Magical Mickelson moves two ahead Joseph hat-trick at Pebble Beach

Reuters “But I was able to get up and Pebble Beach down, miss it in the right spot and salvage a lot pars on some diffi cult holes today.” hil Mickelson, aiming An early morning fog delay powers England to to end a PGA Tour title gave way to unbroken sun- drought of 31 months, shine at Pebble Beach before relied on his magical Iwata, Jacobson, England’s Pshort game to move two shots Justin Rose and Kang held a clear after the third round of share of the lead at 13 under the Pebble Beach National midway through the round. Pro-Am in California. Mickelson then made it a The American left-hander, fi ve-way tie at the top when he big win in Italy chasing a record-equalling chipped in for birdie from just fi fth victory in the pro-am off the back of the green at the event held on the picturesque par-fi ve 18th, his ninth hole of ‘We got our rhythm and it was a pretty good performance’ Monterey Peninsula, fi red a the day. fl awless six-under-par 66 on The American seized con- the Pebble Beach host course, trol after the turn, his run of Reuters one of three venues being used three birdies from the fi fth Rome for this event. putting him two ahead of the Mickelson broke clear of a chasing pack before he safely congested leaderboard with parred the eighth and ninth to hat-trick of tries by three consecutive birdies on remain on course for his fi rst centre Jonathan Joseph his back nine on the way to PGA Tour win since the 2013 and a storming sec- a 16-under total of 199, two British Open. ond-half performance ahead of Japan’s Hiroshi Iwata, “It really does feel good to sweptA a previously stuttering who carded a 69 at Spyglass fi nally get the scores out of England to a 40-9 victory over Hill. Swede Freddie Jacobson, it, to know that I am play- Italy yesterday that took them after a 68 at Monterey Penin- ing well,” said Mickelson, top of the Six Nations standings sula Country Club, and South who is aiming to equal Mark after back-to-back away wins. Korean Kang Sung-hoon, who O’Meara’s record fi ve wins at England were clinging to an returned a 70 at Pebble Beach, Pebble Beach. 11-9 lead courtesy of a fi rst-half were a further stroke back at 13 “I know that, as I look back George Ford try but struggling under. on those other victories here, to build any cohesive attacks as “I fought hard today,” the how special they were ... I’ve Italy, with three Carlo Canna 45-year-old Mickelson told got a little bit of work to get my penalties in the bag, were hold- Golf Channel. “The golf ball striking back to that level ing their own. course was playing much more that I need it to be for tomor- Joseph, however, was gifted an diffi cult with the fi rm greens row’s round. But it’s fun to be interception try after 53 minutes and the wind picking up. back in the thick of it.” and grabbed his second fi ve min- “There were a lot of holes World number one Jordan utes later to completely change I just had to fi ght for pars. I Spieth again struggled with the game. probably didn’t strike it as well the pace of the greens as he He completed his treble with as I have been striking it this carded a 74 at Pebble Beach for a driving run and Owen Farrell, year, or even in the fi rst couple a one-under total, making the who also landed three penalties, of rounds. cut right on the number. added an excellent fi fth as the game followed the pattern so fa- miliar in the previous 21 encoun- ters, all won by England. “We thought we’d get our Schwartzel cruises to points in the last 20 minutes and Tshwane Open victory that’s how it turned out,” Jones told ITV. “We got our rhythm South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel claimed an 11th European Tour and it was a pretty good per- title as he cruised to an eight-shot victory at the Tshwane Open formance. We tried to put pace in yesterday. the game and get them fatigued.” Leading by one shot overnight, the 2011 Masters champion The fi rst half was the usual stormed to the win with seven birdies and an eagle in a final arm-wrestle that this fi xture round 63 to post a 16-under-par total for the tournament. so often throws up with Ford’s “I played well the whole week, today was a bit iff y at stages, but sharp try in the corner a rare the diff erence was I putted really well,” Schwartzel said at the highlight. trophy presentation. Although Canna landed three “I spent a lot of hours on the practice greens in the last few days penalties, Italy’s old failing of and it was a good time to find something.” poor goalkicking hurt them again Only 20 players finished under-par for the tournament and as he missed a straightforward Schwartzel said it was testament to the challenge that the tough shot soon after the restart that Pretoria Country Club course presents. would have put them ahead— “I’ve had some great success here. I’ve always liked this course... and the hosts paid a heavy price. now I like it even better. It was in great shape and even though Under no real pressure, Leon- it’s old, it makes you think a lot (about your game) and gives you ardo Sarto fl oated a calamitous a lot of options. It’s a big test.” pass 15 metres in front of his own Denmark’s Jeff Winther produced the best round of his short posts that Joseph picked off for a tour career with a 64 to take second place on eight-under-par. gift of a try. It was a best ever European Tour finish for rookie Winther, who Within fi ve minutes he got his had not made the cut in his five previous events. second from even closer range, England Jonathan Joseph beats Italy’s Leonardo Sarto (R) and Edoardo Padovani to score the fourth try for England and complete his hat trick South African Anthony Michael (70), who led after Friday’s scooping up a grubber by re- in Rome yesterday. (Reuters) second round, finished third. placement scrumhalf Danny The Tshwane Open was Schwartzel’s second victory of the Care. With the win in the bag winning a second cap. way through three tacklers and delivered the “good hiding” wins and return to action in two European Tour season, after he claimed his third Alfred Dunhill England coach Eddie Jones felt More forward pressure then score his third. Great passing Jones had demanded after open- weeks at home to Ireland, while Championship title in December. able to empty his bench and give got the ball to Joseph but this then opened the way for Farrell ing their account with victory in Italy host Scotland in what al- It is the fifth and final tour event of the season to be staged in debuts to Maro Itoje and Paul time he had to use all his strength to score a superb fi fth as Eng- Scotland last week. England join ready looks likely to be the usual South Africa. Hill, with fl anker Jack Cliff ord and determination to force his land, in the second half at least, France on four points from two wooden spoon decider.

NHL TENNIS Dallas Stars hold off Klizan repeats turnaround Capitals for 4-3 win magic to win Rotterdam title

By Mike Heika the club lose for the 13th time in 14 games. Agencies fi ls, who however was forced to save 11 of for a few more years, she said: “Two, three The Dallas Morning News “I’m a realist,” Yeo said. “You can’t lose every Rotterdam a barrage of 16 break points. Klizan was years? No. One more, maybe. Why not?” game and expect to think that there are not going broken only once. Klizan becomes the fi rst World number one duo to be changes.” Slovak to win the event, while Monfi ls was and extended their winning n the good side, the Dallas Stars dis- Yeo was in his fi fth season as coach of the Wild, artin Klizan reversed a los- the fi rst Frenchman to play fi nal since Julien streak to 40 matches after they beat Vera patched the Washington Capitals, 4-3, having 173 wins in 349 games. Minnesota reached ing course yet again yesterday, Benneteau in 2013. Klizan has been on a run Dushevina and Barbora Krejcikova 6-3 6-1 Saturday night, handing the best team in the playoff s the past three seasons after a ve-fi against Gael Monfi ls to claim of form over the past fortnight, reaching in the doubles fi nal. the NHL only its 10th regulation loss of year absence. “I would like to thank Mike for the the ABN-AMRO World Tennis the Sofi a semi-fi nals before his trophy per- theO season. On the bad side, the Stars had to hang hard work and dedication he provided behind the Mtitle with a 6-7 (1-7), 6-3, 6-1 defeat of the formance in the Dutch port city. Kerber loses track of on during a frantic third period for the third con- bench,” Fletcher said. Frenchman. Australian Open trophy sother. Seguin scored twice to push his total to 30 Yeo, 42, was hired by the Wild organization after Klizan performed what are becoming his Vinci ends three-year title drought by A fortnight after winning the Australian on the season. serving as an assistant coach for the 2009 Stanley trademark heroics for a third consecutive triumphing in St. Petersburg Open fi nal to claim her fi rst Grand Slam ti- That’s why his health is a pretty important ques- Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins. He coached match as he took just under two hours to lift tle, is still waiting for her tion for this team. With Dallas already down two a developmental team until being promoted to his the fourth trophy of his career. Italy’s Roberta Vinci captured her 10th trophy to arrive back in Germany. forwards in Jason Spezza (upper body) and Travis fi rst NHL head coaching job when Todd Richards The number 43 came to the fi nal after WTA singles title yesterday after she out- After her shock win over Serena Williams Moen (lower body), they’ll call at least one player was fi red in 2011. saving fi ve match points in his quarter-fi - classed Swiss teenager Belinda Bencic 6-4 in Melbourne, the 28-year-old did not want up from the AHL. If it’s more, Ruff said he feels Minnesota has not won a home game since De- nal against Robert Bautista Agut and three 6-3 to win the St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy. to carry the Daphne Akhurst Memorial confi dent. cember 28, dropping eight in a row. With 23 wins more as he beat in a semi- The U.S. Open fi nalist, who had previ- Cup, which weighs 10 kilograms (22lbs), in “I thought the whole game was positive. I and 56 points from 55 games, the Wild share ninth fi nal - both also in comeback eff orts. ously announced that she would quit tennis her hand luggage on her long fl ight back to thought we played a heck of a game. I thought our in the Western Conference with Vancouver and Ar- Monfi ls, ranked 18th, has not won a title at the end of 2016, showed that she still had Germany. She opted to have it sent back to compete, our energy ... I really liked our game,” Ruff izona—all three points behind Nashville for the last in two years and stands 5-18 in ATP fi nals. the weapons to compete with her younger Europe—except it still has not arrived. “It’s said. “When you’re executing at full speed, and playoff berth in the West. The 29-year-old Monfi ls took an hour to rivals as 18-year-old Bencic failed to cope somewhere in the air in a plane or on a ship. pucks our on the tape, we’re a good team. These last RESULTS win the opening set, running away with the with the second seed’s attacking tactics. I don’t know where it is,” the 28-year-old two games, they’re good teams, and we won them New Jersey 2 Philadelphia 1 (OT) tiebreaker. But Klizan then lifted on cue to Vinici, who ended Serena Williams’ bid told broadcaster ZDF. both. I’m pleased with that.” Boston 4 Minnesota 2 start turning the tide at the Ahoy Stadium, to complete a calendar grand slam in 2015 “It weighs 10 kilos and I preferred to leave Nashville 5 Florida 0 taking a 5-3 lead in the second set on a break by beating the American in the U.S. Open it behind rather than bring it back from Wild fire Yeo as coach after 8th loss in a row Carolina 6 NY Islanders 3 and fi nishing off the set to quickly level the semi-fi nals, broke Bencic three times in the Melbourne in my hand luggage. “I have a Mired in an eight-game losing streak, the Na- Columbus 4 Ottawa 2 contest. The Slovak ran away for 5-0 in the fi rst set and once in the second to win her tracking number and I hope it will arrive tional Hockey League’s Minnesota Wild fired Toronto 5 Vancouver 2 third. Instead of closing it out in the next fi rst title since 2013. back to me in the next few days.” coach Mike Yeo on Saturday after falling 4-2 at Dallas 4 Washington 3 game as he served for the win, the Slovak Ending her title drought also raised the Since returning to Europe, Kerber, the home to the Boston Bruins. Wild general manag- Anaheim 3 Chicago 2 (OT) was broken, but he quickly righted the situ- possibility that the 32-year-old Vinci may world number two, says she has not even er Chuck Fletcher announced the firing without Winnipeg 2 Edmonton 1 (SO) ation with a break-back to take victory. reconsider her decision to retire at the end had time to use the tracking number to naming any interim replacement after watching San Jose 4 Arizona 1 The winner was out-aced 12 to 7 by Mon- of the season. Asked if she now plans to play check exactly where her trophy is. Gulf Times 8 Monday, February 15, 2016 SPORT

AL KASS INTERNATIONAL CUP SOUTH ASIAN GAMES Gloves on Reysol fi nish fi ft h as Pakistan women boxers while Estudiantes make history

AFP Javed was scheduled to take Shillong, India to the ring for the fi rst time later yesterday against India’s Pooja prevail over Aspire Rani in the 75kg category, while hree Pakistani women Parveen will glove up against Sri are making history this Lanka’s M. Vidushika Prabadhi weekend as they step in the evening. Japanese beat Saudi team Al Ahli 4-1, while Argentines won in a penalty shootout into the boxing ring at The trio only took up boxing in Tthe South Asian Games in India, early 2015 and have been trained By Sports Reporter the fi rst time the Islamic republic by their coach Nauman Karim— Doha has fi elded women boxers inter- a bronze medallist at the 2003 nationally. World Boxing Championship— Khoushleem Bano, Rukhsana for the South Asian Games. studiantes de la Plata beat Aspire Parveen and Sofi a Javed say to They credit India’s Mary Kom, Academy 4-2 in a penalty shoot- achieve their dream of compet- a fi ve-time world champion who out to claim seventh place in the ing they had to battle conserva- is also competing at the 12th Al Kass 2016 rankings, following tive groups in Pakistan who South Asian Games, including a aE rather sterile contest - lit up by a stun- believe women should not par- biographical fi lm of the Olym- ning individual goal from Aspire’s Khalid ticipate in the sport. pic bronze medallist as inspiring Mansour - that ended 1-1 in regulation “It was not an easy path for them to take up the sport. time. us when we shared our idea of “My only dream was to repre- In the second match of the day, three women taking up the macho sent Pakistan. I only want to make goals in a ten-minute period put Kash- sport in a conservative country my country proud in the fi eld of iwa Reysol in charge of their fi fth/sixth like Pakistan. There were a lot of the sport. I have achieved the fi rst placement match against Al Ahli with the anti-groups who didn’t accept step despite all odds,” Bano said. Japanese eventually winning 4-1. us,” 23-year-old Bano said in the Parveen was formerly a mem- Forward Shunta Nakamura got the northeast Indian city of Shillong. ber of the Pakistan World Cup scoreboard ticking for the Japanese in the Bano’s hopes of winning a team for Indian wresting-style 29th minute, while captain Riku Tanaka medal were cut short on Satur- sport kabaddi, with the team double their lead seven minutes later. day night when she lost her fi rst winning bronze in 2014. Ryosuke Asakura scored the third goal fi ght to Nepal’s Minu Gurung in The 60kg category boxer from just two minutes later to leave their Saudi the fl y-weight (51kg) category. Multan in Punjab province said opponents reeling. “It was a good experience for she took up the challenge after Moments from half-time, Ahli captain me. I will come back stronger learning that Pakistan “had no Hani Ismail Alsibyani made the most of a next time,” Bano told AFP. woman boxers”. long free kick pulling one back for his team. After going into the break on a high, Ahli started the second half with a re- newed vigour trying to make inroads Neureuther halts Kristoff ersen’s into the Reysol defence but came up with nought. charge in Japan Takumi Onodera scored the only goal of the second half but that was enough to put the match beyond the reach for Ahli. Aspire had started the tournament with a hugely impressive 6-1 thrashing of Shanghai Greenland, ensuring that Action from the match between Estudiantes de La Plata (in red and white) and Aspire Academy yesterday. they had already qualifi ed for the knock- out stage before suff ering a 3-0 reverse to Inter Milan. However, the local side fell short in the quarter-fi nals against a highly accomplished Red Bull Salzburg, before going down 4-2 to Kashiwa Reysol. The Argentines had suff ered a narrow defeat in their opener against Celtic, and then eclipsed Red Bull 1-0 to seal a place in the knockout phase. However, Estu- diantes then succumbed 2-0 to a tough Inter Milan side in the quarters, before coming off second best on penalties against Al Ahli. Germany’s Felix Neureuther (pictured, centre) produced a The Argentines were operating with clinical second run to claim his first World Cup slalom victory of three centre backs and two wing-backs, the season in Japan yesterday. and the deployment of an extra defender The 31-year-old Bavarian clocked 59.96 seconds in the afternoon meant that close attention was continu- for a combined time of one minute, 50.93 seconds, edging out ally paid to Aspire’s frontline, who found Sweden’s Andre Myhrer (pictured, left) by just five hundredths. progress diffi cult. Equally, the forma- Austrian Marco Schwarz (pictured, right) was third in 1:51.17. tion allowed Estudiantes to commit extra It was Neureuther’s 12th career World Cup victory, 10 of them numbers forward as required, and this coming in his specialist slalom discipline. strategy paid dividends on the half hour, Henrik Kristoff ersen’s hot streak of four successive wins was when the Argentines broke the deadlock snapped as the Norwegian could only finish seventh in 1:51.63 in unusual circumstances. but still increased his lead at the top of the slalom World Cup Franco Avila chased down a high pass standings. through the inside right channel. As As- Kristoff ersen improved to 716 points while his nearest rival, Aus- pire keeper Marwan El Din rushed from tria’s Marcel Hirscher, was disqualified after straddling a gate on his goal to intercept, the ball struck (Left) Kashiwa Reysol’s Shunta Nakamura was adjudged MVP of the Match in the encounter against Al Ahli; (Right) Aspire Academy’s the upper part of the course, leaving him with 500. Neureuther the advancing midfi elder on the back, Khaled Mansour was given the award in the match against Estudiantes. has 323 points. and Ivan Erquiga quickly gathered and Germany’s Fritz Dopfer, who led after the first run as he had in squared inside for Franco Rodriguez to Picking up the ball 10 yards inside the but with neither side putting fi nishing increased when Abdulaziz al-Hasia saw Saturday’s giant slalom, took fourth just under half a second fi re home, with the keeper stranded. opposition half, he sprinted forward, touches to them, the game drifted to- his poor eff ort saved. With the shootout behind Neureuther’s combined time. On balance, Estudiantes were good value evading two tough challenges before ex- wards the inevitable penalty shootout. score at 3-2 to Estudiantes, Pablo Corroto Hirscher saw his advantage in the overall World Cup standings for their lead at this stage, but the complex- ecuting a superb chip from the right of The fi rst two spot kicks were scored had the chance to win it for the Argen- cut after yesterday’s race. ion of the tie altered with fi ve minutes of the penalty area that nestled in the far before Aspire’s Ahmad Sebaie’s power- tines. He did so with aplomb, executing The Austrian still leads with 1,045 but Kristoff ersen now has 957, the half remaining, when Mansour notched corner. ful eff ort cannoned back off the crossbar, an impish ‘Panenka’ kick to consign As- with fellow Norwegian Aksel Lund Svindal on 916. one of the goals of the tournament. The game then saw a few close chances handing Estudiantes an advantage that pire Academy to eight place.

SKIING Johaug racks up 14th season win in Falun, Ustiugov prevails

DPA had already won the 5 km clas- on 1,651. Weng lies third after 25 Falun, Sweden sic style on Saturday and easily out of 36 events this season, with wrapped up victory yesterday in Johaug well set to break Bjoer- 23 minutes 28.0 seconds. gen’s record. orwegian cross-coun- “I wanted to push really hard Ustiugov prevailed in 31.42.5 in try skiier Therese Jo- from the beginning today and a sprint to the line and punched haug triumphed in the see how many were able to come the air in delight as he crossed 10-kilometre women’s with me,” Johaug said. “It’s been the line. Francesco De Fabiani was Nmass start yesterday to extend her an amazing season so far. I really next, 0.3 seconds behind with lead at the top of the World Cup can’t believe I have won so many Sundby having to settle for third, standings while there was more races.” 0.4 adrift. Russian success among the men. Team mates Heidi Weng and Sundby was still smiling in the World Cup leader Martin John- Astrid Jacobsen placed second overall standings, moving on to srud Sundby had been in the run- and third, 8.8 and 13.9 seconds 1,792 points with nearest rival ning for another Norwegian vic- behind, in another Norwegian Finn Haagen Krogh only com- tory in the men’s 15 km race but sweep. ing fi fth to notch 1,065 and Pet- Sergey Ustiugov burst back to Weng said: “I was nervous for ter Northug, 10th on the day, on snatch glory and a third straight the mass start with all the others 1,031. victory for Russia, with team- but Therese started like it was a In other Nordic action on Sun- mate having sprint so there weren’t many of us day, the ski-jumpers had a third won Saturday’s classic style race, from the beginning. competition on the Norwegian and Nikita Kriukov top in Thurs- “I tried to stay with her as long fl ying hill in Vikersund. day’s sprint in Stockholm. as I could but my legs started to Johaug’s 14 wins in a season get stiff and I just focused on my means she ties compatriot Bente technique to make sure that I still Norway’s Therese Johaug is Skari, who also managed the feat got to the fi nish in second place.” chased by her compatriot Heidi in 2002-03. Only Marit Bjoergen Johaug has marched on to 1,859 Weng during the women’s 10 km has won more in one season, 17 in points in the overall World Cup mass start competition at the 2011-12 and 15 last season. standings, well ahead of team FIS Cross-Country World Cup in champion Johaug mate Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg Falun, Sweden, yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Monday, February 15, 2016 9 SPORT

QATAR BASKETBALL LEAGUE QATAR RUGBY SEVENS Camels teams stay undefeated aft er Fight for basketball second round

By Sports Reporter DRFC Hurricanes. The Camels Doha second side started of brilliantly and looked like they may run league title reaches away with the match scoring 2 he second round of the quick tries before half time to 2016 Qatar Rugby Sev- lead 12 -5. ens had six matches DRFC looked like a diff er- played last Saturday ent outfi t to the one playing last Tnight at the Aspire Warm Up and week with an improved defensive purpose-built Rugby pitch. The line. Their attack up the middle business end exceptionally cool evening af- and one-handed offl oads were fected the fundamentals of the pretty to watch. They had more game but not the scoring ability ball possession and willing to Holders Rayyan, El Jaish, Al Sadd and Al Gharafa reach semi-finals of a few teams. swing the ball from left to right The Camels 1 continued their and back again in the same set winning streak and high scoring of play. Their risk-taking strat- performances posting two huge egy to fl irt with the cool breeze wins. In their opening match almost won them their match against the College of North however a missed conversion Atlantic (CNAQ) they romped in the dying minutes was heart a thundering 54 points to 5. To breaking for them. The fi nal their credit the college boys be- score 17-17. came the fi rst team to cross over DRFC captain and player Issac the Camels line so far in this Banks later said, “The Camels competition. surprised us with their willing- Al Khor was the next victim for ness to use the ball. Two sloppy the Camels as they went on an- errors by us resulted in tries other scoring spree 42-0. As ex- to them and while we had the pected the young bay boys were chance to win the game in the high spirited and full of vital- fi nal few minutes we couldn’t ity knowing they were up against convert.” some of the top national players Talal Mujalli Camels 2 captain including the Fijian trio. was a little disappointed saying, After the match Al Khor Cap- “We had them at half time and tain Allen O Halloran said, “We we should have continued our knew we were facing the best momentum in the second half. players in Qatar but that only But we made many mistakes two made my boys more determined of which were defi nite tries. We to play. Playing against high cali- need to work on our basics.” bre players can only improve our The Blue Falcons second game.” match was against Camels 2 who Camels captain and Fijian rug- proved to be too good for the by sensation Iliesa Rakabu was at French boys beating them 26-0. Al Rayyan coach Koufos Stergios (second from left), Al Rayyan manager Aljlan Anezi (centre), QBF secretary general Mohamed Ali Houbash al-Marri (third from right), El Jaish his best playing and sharing his DRFC Hurricanes also had a manager Khalid al-Mohannadi (second from right) and El Jaish coach Dragoslav Milovanovic during a press conference yesterday. PICTURES: Mamdouh tries with his teammates. He said, surprising 26-0 victory over the “It’s really good to be playing rug- Lions. By Yash Mudgal by in Qatar and help in developing The Hurricanes are also ru- Doha the sport’s profi le. I enjoy playing moured to have signed former Shamal brush aside with my new team-mates and we Filipino rugby sevens interna- slow start for a win enjoy winning together. The other tional Mark Chatting who should olders Rayyan will take on a de- Doha teams, even though they are add more fi re power in the for- pleted El Jaish, while Al Sadd over Khor fi nding it tough to play against us wards pack. will face Al Gharafa in the semi- now, will improve over the long The Qatar Rugby Federation in fi nal stage of the Qatar Basket- Al Khor could not sustain their early run. That is evident in the Qatari its capacity to promote and en- Hball League at the Al Gharafa Indoor Hall boys.” courage outstanding play hand- momentum as they lost their Qatar starting tomorrow. Men’s Basketball League match to Al Earlier in the evening, Al Khor ed out prize money to six of the Fifteen-time champions Rayyan, who Shamal 75-65 yesterday. In the only managed to block out the Blue best players adjudged Man of the topped the preliminary round with a 16-2 match of the day, Charles Abouo Falcons 26-0. The bay boys Match. win-loss card, will face fourth-placed was the top-scorer in the game at Al dominated from the outset and QRF boss Yousef al-Kuwari Jaish in the fi rst of a best-of-three semi- Gharafa Sports Club with 28 points, controlled the game well. The said, “It’s hard to pick 6 best fi nal at 7pm. but he couldn’t save his team from a Blue Falcons, with many of their players from 105 individuals. The Rayyan coach Koufos Stergios was 10-point loss. Khor, aided by Abouo top players out, tried aimlessly to best player on the fi eld does not cautious about his team’s chances at a and Patrick Ronald Rembert (23 take advantage of a few rare op- necessarily always come from press conference yesterday. Al Sadd coach Zoran Kreckovic (left) and Al Gharafa coach Koussay Hatem points), had gone into a 17-8 lead portunities. the winning team. It’s important “We have played some very good within the first seven minutes of the The best match of the night to be fair and just and reward the games in the fi rst phase of the league and ers are nursing injuries,” Milovanovic, for the fi fth consecutive year and it in- game. Shamal then changed gears ended up in a draw when the players that are doing their best I am hoping for a very good show in the who led Jaish to their only league title in dicates our consistency. I think it is a big and kept on decreasing their deficit Camels 2 played host to the regardless of the result.” semi-fi nals from the boys, but past is the 2007-08 season, said. achievement,” Hatem, one of the long- and by half time, they only trailed past. We have to start afresh in the play- “My team is not in a very good physi- est-serving coaches in the country, said. by a solitary point at 36-37. Coming off ,” Stergios said. cal condition for the semi-fi nal against a The Iraqi coach, said his team are doing back from the break, Khor increased “All four teams are playing good bas- big team like Rayyan, but we are mentally well, but admitted they are lacking a bit the lead to 39-36 but a 14-point ketball and as they have qualifi ed for the ready for the fi ght,” the Serb said. in attack. scoring run by Shamal players got semi-fi nals it shows their strength,” the Rayyan defeated Jaish in the last year’s “We are doing well as a team. Our de- them into the lead for the first time Greek, who helped Rayyan become the league fi nal. fence is very good, but I think we need to in the match. They eventually held fi rst Qatari side to win the Arab Club Rayyan manager Aljlan Anezi, while tighten up our attack for the crucial play- on to their lead and finished with a Championship in November, said. talking about his team’s philosophy, said: off matches,” he said. 10-point win. For Shamal, Mohamed However, Jaish coach Dragoslav Mi- “We believe in staying at the top. We will Gharafa will also start its campaign to- Kamal Hachad was the top-scorer lovanovic said his team was not in a prop- never be satisfi ed with second position. morrow against Al Sadd, who have won with 24 points, while Abdulqadir er shape as they were dealing with injury We have played superb in the fi rst phase 16 out of 18 matches this season and are Kosar and Mildon Ambres pitched in issues. Two crucial players Mansour Atif and hope to fi nish the league on top,” he eyeing to regain the title they won in 2013. with 16 and 14 points respectively. Elhadary and Fadi Hani Abilmona are said. “We are ready for the semifi nals show- nursing injuries. Gharafa coach Koussay Hatem, whose down. We have a well-settled team,” “Our season started early this year as team is eyeing their second league title, Sadd coach Zoran Kreckovic said. better as we have enough gap between we took part in the World Military Games said he is satisfi ed with his team’s per- While talking about scheduling of the matches,” he said. in Korea and then took part in a Dubai formance. Gharafa, who won the league matches, he said it’s better this time. QBF secretary general Mohamed Ali tournament. So we have already spent al- in 2014, are placed second ahead of Al “Last year we played six matches in Houbash al-Marri and QBF assistant most six months on the court and it took Sadd after the preliminary rounds. nine days… That was very hectic for the secretary general Mohamed al-Subaei Camels 1 (in red) beat CNAQ 54-5 in their match on Saturday. its toll on the players as most of the play- “We have qualifi ed for the semifi nals players. But this time scheduling is much also attended the press conference.

FOCUS Al Adaid Desert Challenge Josoor and QU to deliver workshops on sports and events

By Sports Reporter both marketing and PR indus- Doha try perspectives. The second workshop, ‘Creat- ing High Performance Sports Or- osoor Institute has begun ganisations’ will take place from registration for two pro- March 2 – 3, 2016. The workshop fessional development is developed around the themes workshops that are being of organisational eff ectiveness, deliveredJ in partnership with change and innovation, and trains Qatar University. professionals working for sports Josoor is a centre of excellence organisations to face the rapidly for the sports and events indus- changing and competitive sports tries, and is inspired and devel- environment, and to increase the oped by the Supreme Committee performance of their organisation for Delivery & Legacy (SC). by embracing innovation. The first workshop, titled Both workshops are a unique ‘Marketing and PR for Sport learning opportunity and a major and Major Events’ is set to career development step, espe- take place from February 29 cially tailored to address the chal- – March 1, 2016, and will ex- lenges from the local and regional amine the role of marketing context. In Qatar, sport has already and Public Relations (PR) in been embraced as part of the na- the success of the sports and tional identity, and the sports and events industries in Qatar and events industries are used as vehi- the Mena region. The work- cles for development and branding shop will focus on emerging for the country. (From left) Ooredoo-Qatar Community and Public Relations director Fatima Sultan al-Kuwari, Qatar Cyclist Centre chairman Dr Abdulaziz al-Kuwari and Dr Jamal al-Khanji trends, challenges and oppor- The application deadline is speak at a press conference giving details of Al Adaid Desert Challenge, a mountain bike event to be held on February 19. Around 180 mountain bike riders are expected tunities faced by professionals February 28, 2016. More details to feature at the one-day event. The event will start at Sealine Beach Resort and end at Al Adaid. Ooredoo are Platinum Sponsors of the event. PICTURE: Jayaram working in sports PR and mar- are available at www.josoorin- keting, and is presented from stitute.qa. Gulf Times 10 Monday, February 15, 2016 FOOTBALL

SERIE A Resurgent Milan beat Genoa to eye European berths Drives from Carlos Bacca and 64 with a fierce drive before Keisuke Honda sealed AC Riccardo Montolivo volleyed Milan’s 2-1 Serie A win over against the left post. Genoa yesterday to put the Former Milan winger Alessio Rossoneri within two points of Cerci came on and tapped in Zaza strike downs the Europa League places. a rebound for Genoa in stop- Milan are now sixth in the page time. Italian top flight on 43 points In other action, midtable from 25 games. City rivals In- Torino rallied to win 3-1 at ter Milan sit on 45 before their Palermo with a Ciro Immobile late game at Fiorentina (46) brace and own goal from Gian- while Roma are third on 47 carlo Gonzalez after Alberto after Friday’s 3-1 win at Carpi. Gilardino gave the hosts an Napoli as Juve go Colombia forward Bacca net- early lead. ted his 13th goal of the season Bologna won 1-0 at Udinese for the hosts in the fifth with Mattia Destro’s second- minute, controlling in the box half winner, while Sampdoria to fire past Mattia Perin, who and Atalanta drew 0-0 with a minute earlier had superbly the home side hovering above saved from Honda. the drop zone. The goalkeeper also denied top of the table Bacca on 31 minutes and Results: AC Milan 2:1 Genoa, Giacomo Bonaventura in Palermo 1-3 Torino, Sampdo- the 61st, but inspired Japan ria 0-0 Atalanta, Udinese 0-1 ‘Compared to last year at this point we have one point less, so the title fight will be forward Honda beat him on Bologna tight and there won’t be just Napoli but also Inter and Fiorentina’

AFP LA LIGA Turin

taly Euro 2016 hopeful Simone Zaza Neville seeks produced a dramatic late strike as champions Juventus went one point clear at the top of Serie A with a 1-0 momentum from Iwin over Napoli on Saturday. Napoli, suff ering only their third defeat of the campaign, travelled north looking fi rst Valencia win for a league double over the champions for the fi rst time since the 2009-2010 campaign. But just as the match looked to be heading for a draw, Zaza fi nished off a great Juve counter in the 88th minute with a powerful shot from 22 yards that took a slight defl ection before beating Pepe Reina in the Napoli net. “I hope this turns out to be a title- winning goal,” said Zaza, who was one of several Italy fringe players being watched by Azzurri coach Antonio Conte in Turin. Juve are now top of the table with Na- poli, who are seeking their fi rst title since 1990 when Diego Maradona steered the southern club to just their second title, now second and a point adrift. File picture of Valencia’s British coach Gary Neville (R). After applauding the “solid” defence that kept a tight rein on Napoli’s 24-goal AFP “Hopefully we’ll push on hero Gonzalo Higuain, Juve coach Mas- Valencia from this. That is what I similiano Allegri admitted: “We got our want, what I hope for,” said revenge.” Neville. “It’s not a night for But he expects a tight battle with Mau- alencia boss Gary Nev- any celebration whatsover, rizio Sarri’s men in the title run-in and ille is hopeful his fi rst not a night to get carried added: “Compared to last year at this win in 10 La Liga games away. We need to gain some point we have one point less, so the title in charge of Los Che confi dence from the result” fi ght will be tight and there won’t be just Vwill be the confi dence boost his Napoli but also Inter and Fiorentina. young side needed to turn their “The most incredible bit was “Despite the fact we’ve put together 15 season around. the fans stayed with us, every consecutive wins, Napoli were always in The hosts came from behind single player stayed with me,” he front of us.” to beat Espanyol 2-1 on Satur- added. Napoli coach Sarri all but admitted Juventus players celebrate after scoring a goal during the Italian Serie A match against Napoli. day thanks to goals in the fi nal “It’s not down to tactics, it’s Juve’s defence had been key: “We were 20 minutes from Alvaro Negredo not down to the coach, it’s down lacking something in the fi nal 20 yards, refl ex save from Raul Albiol’s close-range placing Leonardo Bonucci and Zaza com- “We were lacking something in and Denis Cheryshev to ease Va- to the fans and the way they re- which is only normal when you’re up volley from a corner. ing on for Alvaro Morata. the fi nal 20 yards, which is only lencia’s fears of being dragged sponded after the goal. against such a strong side. Higuain then held the ball up well to fi nd Zaza’s impact was almost immediate, normal when you’re up against into a relegation battle and the “We’ve had to come back so “Eight months ago they were 24 points Lorenzo Insigne with a blind pass, only for the Italian battling for possession deep such a strong side. Eight months pressure on Neville’s job. many times in league games: behind us, now we’re almost tied.” the Italian to over-hit his return as the Ar- on the right to set up Dybala on the edge ago they were 24 points behind us, “Hopefully we’ll push on from Getafe, Rayo (Vallecano), (Real) Juve fans, however, will be hoping for gentinian rushed to the back post. of the area before the Argentinian was now we’re almost tied” this. That is what I want, what I Madrid, Deportivo (la Coruna). vast improvements against Bayern Mu- Napoli resumed where they had left off closed down. hope for,” said Neville. “It’s not new for them to come nich in the Champions League last 16 in and Juve looked asleep as the diminutive Minutes later Pogba, from deep on the Frenchman hit a shot that bobbled to- “It’s not a night for any cele- back. They’ve showed spirit just over a week’s time. Insigne somehow muscled his way across left, set up Dybala at the same spot but wards a thankful Reina. bration whatsover, not a night to many times and tonight they The chances for both sides were few the left byline to force a block from Buff on the striker fl ashed his fi rst-time eff ort Allegri appeared to have signalled that get carried away. We need to gain showed it again.” and far between in a nervous opening half in the opening minute after the restart. just over. he was happy with a share of the spoils some confi dence from the result. Neville also announced that in which not conceding a goal seemed to Juve won a corner and a well-worked Finally, the Juve crowd were up on their when he replaced Dybala with Brazilian “There is a good feeling in the former Liverpool assistant man- be the order of the day. move saw Claudio Marchisio send a high feet but it took the hosts another quarter- defender Alex Sandro in the dying min- dressing room and we need to ager Pako Ayestaran will join his Juan Cuadrado and Paul Pogba, with ball over the defence to Sami Khedira, hour—in between seeing Napoli midfi elder utes. take that forward.” coaching staff from next week. a 25-yard freekick, had come closest for but Patrice Evra blasted the cutback over Marek Hamsik fi re a 25-yard strike just But after an exchange of passes, Zaza Neville has been severely And despite the relief of a fi rst Juve in an opening half in which Napoli from six yards. wide—to produce their next chance. took two strides ahead of his marker to criticised by some quarters of league win, Neville acknowl- really only came to life on the cusp of the But home manager Massimiliano Al- Pogba held off several players on a unleash the shot from outside the area the Spanish media with many edged he still has a long way to interval. legri seemed alert to the danger and soon pacey run up the middle, but despite that left Reina powerless, and sent Juven- suggesting his friendship with go to prove he is worthy of stay- First, Gianluigi Buff on produced a fine made two changes, Daniele Rugani re- Cuadrado screaming for service, the tus Stadium into raptures. Valencia’s Singaporean owner ing on at the Mestalla beyond the Peter Lim as the only reason he end of the season. hadn’t been sacked before this “The media and fans are well BUNDESLIGA weekend. within their rights to say what However, he thanked the they want, I’d be saying them as club’s famously demanding fans a journalist or as a fan. for sticking with the side after “I’m not expecting to be they fell behind for the 10th time shielded or protected, I thrive on in as many league games since it. From my point of view I know he took over early in the second- I’m in a fi ght” Another Lewandowski double half to Oscar Duarte’s header. Now to see what happens. helps Bayern down Augsburg Sevilla and Real Sociedad score Liga home wins DPA clear of Dortmund who won 1-0 loan from Gladbach to the hosts Berlin against bottom side Hanover since last month, aimed right at Sevilla continued their good not looked back since Eusebio Saturday. Augsburg are 14th. goalkeeper Yann Sommer from form in the Spanish Liga yes- Sacristan took over as coach SV Hamburg rose to 11th and a promising position but that in terday with a late 2-0 home from David Moyes in Novem- obert Lewandowski six points away from the dan- fact set up the opening goal at defeat of lowly Las Palmas, on ber, and are now 10th. got his fourth brace in ger zone with a fi rst win in sev- the other end some 20 seconds goals from Ever Banega and “Some people are now talking fi ve games yesterday en games in the other Sunday later, Fabian Johnson tapping Kevin Gameiro. about us getting into the Eu- as Bundesliga leaders game, 3-2 against number seven home in the 14th. Banega broke the deadlock in ropa League for next season,” BayernR Munich overcame the Borussia Moenchengladbach But Gladbach allowed the the 70th minute with a fierce Eusebio said. “I prefer to keep latest Holger Badstuber injury who lost for the third time in hosts back into the game with drive that went in off the post, my feet firmly on the ground, shock with a 3-1 victory at Ba- their four 2016 games. poor defending. and Gameiro wrapped up mat- and take this thing game by varian rivals Augsburg. Augsburg meanwhile caused Martin Hinteregger defl ected ters five minutes later after be- game. Yes, we are improving, Lewandowski was on target two of Bayern’s eight league de- a speculative shot from Gideon ing cleverly set up by Vitolo. but we still have a long way in the 15th minute and 64th as feats under Guardiola and only Jung into the net in the 38th Sevilla - who cruised into the to go.” he moved past Borussia Dort- lost the fi rst season meeting on a after they failed to clear in the Spanish Cup final Thursday Granada are second last on mund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubam- last minute disputed penalty. area; Artjoms Rudnevs was giv- at the expense of Celta Vigo - 20 points, three more than eyang to the top of the scorers’ But on a rainy Sunday they en space after a long clearance have picked up 14 points from bottom team Levante, but one chart with 21 goals. created little danger against from goalkeeper Rene Adler six matches and are fifth, eight behind Las Palmas and two off Thomas Mueller got the third Joshua Kimmich and David Al- three minutes later; and Ivo Ili- points below fourth-placed “safe” Espanyol. for a season tally of 15, the fi rst aba, chosen as central defenders cevic, back after a club suspen- Villarreal. “Today we did not play badly man apart from Lewandowski to by coach Pep Guardiola. sion over a training bust-up, was Earlier Sunday, Real Sociedad in general but we made a score for them since the January Munich took the lead on their allowed an unmarked header for cruised up into midtable lot of serious mistakes in restart; and Raul Bobadilla a late fi rst big opportunity, Mueller the third in the 80th. Raff ael’s safety with a 3-0 trouncing of defence,” Granada coach consolation goal. feeding Lewandowski who turned got a late Gladbach second. lowly Granada, with a brace Jose Sandoval said. “We are Lewandowski has six of Bay- File picture of Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski. around two defenders and fi red “That was a deserved vic- from promising teenager going to have problems until ern’s seven goals in the period, home into the left corner. tory. We showed a lot of passion. Mikel Oiarzabal. we learn to defend with more and also struck twice in a 3-0 third sidelined central defender, game, and fans unfurled banners Lewandowski got the one-on- That’s exactly how we have to Oiarzabal, 18, scored his first clarity and security.” cup win at second tier VfL Bo- joining Jerome Boateng and Javi saying “always continue, never one against goalkeeper Marwin present ourselves,” Hamburg league goal last week and now chum in mid-week. Martinez. give up Holger.” Hitz after a defence-splitting midfi elder Aaron Hunt said. has three to his name. Socie- Results: Deportivo La Coruna Victory came a day after Bad- Bayern players wore t-shirts The defensive crisis could un- pass from Thiago, and Douglas dad’s other goal was put away 2-2 Real Betis, Real Sociedad stuber broke his ankle in train- with the writing “We are with dermine Bayern’s ambitions to Costa then set up Mueller for the Results: Hamburger SV 3-2 by Brazilian striker Jonathas. 3-0 Granada, Sevilla 2-0 Las ing for his fourth major injury you, you will make it again” in get a title treble, but in the Bun- third with 12 minutes left. Borussia M.Gladbach, Augsburg The San Sebastian side have Palmas since December 2012. He is the honour of Badstuber before the desliga they remain eight points In Hamburg, Josip Drmic, on 1-3 Bayern Munich Gulf Times Monday, February 15, 2016 11 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Welbeck writes his own fairytale to Van Gaal turns spoil Leicester’s Man Utd’s eyes to Europa League ‘If Wayne has said it will be diff icult for us to finish in the top four, then I agree with him. It’s going to be very diff icult now with the gap. It’s still possible, but very diff icult’ Danny Welbeck celebrates scoring the second goal for Arsenal. Reuters injury time to win the game. AFP London “It’s the fi rst time in my career Manchester that I’ve missed so much football in a period of time and it was a rsenal’s Danny Wel- diffi cult moment,” Welbeck told ouis van Gaal admitted that beck proved Premier Sports. “And to get that win- Champions League qualifi ca- League fairytales are ning goal, it’s a beautiful feeling.” tion will be “very diffi cult” after not simply the preserve Walcott reckoned Welbeck’s a shock 2-1 defeat at second-bot- ofA Leicester City as the forgotten belated intervention showed his Ltom Sunderland increased the pressure striker returned to give the Lon- fellow forward’s importance. on the Manchester United manager. don side’s title push a fantastic “It’s going to boost everyone A late own goal from goalkeeper David last-gasp fi llip yesterday. without a doubt,” he said. “... it’s de Gea at the Stadium of Light on Satur- After scoring the 95th minute special players who come out in day condemned United to a fi rst loss in winner with the last kick of a 2-1 games like this. That (goal) could the league on Wearside for 19 years. triumph over the 10-man league be massive, massive.” It leaves the 20-time English champi- leaders, England forward Welbeck, Wenger only gambled on ons six points adrift of the top four with back after 10 months out with putting Welbeck on the bench at 12 games remaining after a display de- knee problems, was given an emo- the last moment having been im- scribed by captain Wayne Rooney as “not tional tribute by his team mates. pressed by his fi nal two training good enough”. Arsenal manager Arsene sessions. With the forward hav- Anthony Martial’s 10th goal of the sea- Wenger revealed that when ing played only 45 minutes for the son pulled United level before half-time, Welbeck returned to the dress- under-21s this term, Wenger had cancelling out Wahbi Khazri’s opener, ing room, the rest of the team earmarked a return next week. but Sunderland were worthy winners. sang his name to salute the tal- “It was a great decision (to Their success will intensify the uncer- ented striker who has had to live name him among the substitutes) tainty over Van Gaal’s future, with spec- through “an eternity” watching because Danny Welbeck is a great ulation mounting that former Chelsea forlornly from the sidelines. player. Everybody chanted his manager Jose Mourinho is set to replace With Arsenal now two points name (afterwards) because the the beleaguered Dutchman at the sea- behind Leicester at the top of the players know a year out is like 10 son’s end. table, Welbeck’s colleagues be- years in normal life for a football Van Gaal conceded that a top-four fi n- lieve the 25-year-old’s return to player.” ish is the “minimum requirement” for bolster the Gunners’ fi repower Wenger said Arsenal’s title bid a club of United’s stature and vast re- could prove hugely infl uential was back on track, praising his sources. in their push for a fi rst league team’s “intensity” in pursuing But with that now looking increasingly championship in 12 years. a winner. “We knew a draw was unlikely, he said: “We needed so much In Welbeck and Theo Wal- not good enough, and in the end the points, so in the circumstances we’re cott, Wenger was able to bring on it paid off , down to the mental in, this is very disappointing. I can’t say it two England forwards, who both desire of the team,” he said, ex- any other way. scored, at the Emirates Stadium plaining that the team had not “If Wayne has said it will be diffi cult and the Frenchman believes this seen Vardy’s penalty award com- for us to fi nish in the top four, then I agree ‘super sub’ power could make a big ing in a fi rst half they had domi- with him. It’s going to be very diffi cult diff erence in such a tight title race. nated in terms of possession. now with the gap. It’s still possible, but It was a moment of high “We were eight points behind it’s very diffi cult. emotion for Welbeck when, Leicester at halftime... A loss to- “We needed to win this game. We want within 10 minutes of being day would have been massive. This to be in the top four and now it will be introduced, he had flicked on will strengthen our belief that we very diffi cult. That’s our aim, the mini- Mesut Oil’s free kick deep into are in the fi ght,” Wenger said. mum requirement for a club like this. You can’t close your eyes to this.” Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal reacts during his team’s match against Sunderland. United can also qualify for the Cham- CRUSHED pions League by winning the Europa and won three of their last 13 top-fl ight The seeds of Sunderland’s fi rst victory ning goals today and that’s terrifi c,” said League. matches. in fi ve games were sown in the January manager Sam Allardyce. They travel to Danish side FC Midtjyl- “We couldn’t deal with the aggressive transfer market. “It’s a terrifi c ask of these players to get land in the last 32 of the competition on pressure from Sunderland,” Van Gaal Khazri, a £9 million ($12.8 million, 11.8 this level of performance after coming in Humiliated Garde Thursday and Van Gaal added: “You can said. “We knew the danger they posed million euros) buy from Bordeaux, de- during January. They’re on their knees in say OK, that’s the other way to qualify. from set-plays, but we were very bad for ceived De Gea to open the scoring with a the dressing room because the pace is so But there are some very good sides left in the fi rst 25 minutes. third-minute free-kick from an improb- much quicker than they’re used to play- apologises for Villa’s that competition.” “It’s not a question of being let down able position near the left-hand touch- ing in France. Van Gaal, who revealed that defender by the players. They want to deliver. Be- line. “It was a really good performance with Matteo Darmian had suff ered a dislocat- cause they didn’t deliver today (Satur- The winner arrived when the United the right result. We’ve got a couple of complete collapse ed left shoulder after being forced off be- day), you’re disappointed and frustrated, goalkeeper failed to deal with a header weeks break now to get some of the in- fore the interval, admitted that his play- but we’re working together. We’re pulling from Lamine Kone, a £5 million signing jured players back. ers had failed to cope with Sunderland’s at the same strings. from Lorient, with Martial’s attempted “It’s pleasing that the squad showed physical approach. “Unfortunately, Darmian is a disloca- goal-line clearance hitting the Spaniard me it’s good enough and united enough United have taken just six points from tion and he’s out for several weeks. We and going in. for the big push to try to get out of the the last 21 available in away league games don’t have any more full-backs.” “Our new boys have provided the win- trouble we’re in.”

BOTTOMLINE Chelsea coach Hiddink pleads

Aston Villa manager Remi Garde.

Reuters former Villa winger James Mil- for Friday night Euro relief ner doubled their lead with an London inswinging free kick eight min- AFP better to have three or four days’ a good team. They have shown utes later. London rest. It’s his hamstring, but to- that. But if you see they haven’t iverpool pushed As- Villa collapsed midway morrow there will be a scan and lost since August, that’s a tre- ton Villa even closer to through the second half conced- I will know more.” mendous record. But we have to relegation when they ing four goals in 13 minutes with helsea manager Guus Hiddink added: “We have go there and play with the confi - crushed the Premier Emre Can starting the blitz with Hiddink pleaded with to consider when the Premier dence we showed today,” he said. LLeague’s bottom club 6-0 yes- a 25-metre shot that beat keeper the Premier League to League clubs have to play in Eu- On Saturday, Diego Costa terday leading to a mass exodus Mark Bunn after 57 minutes. introduce Friday night rope, if they can play on an ear- opened the fl oodgates with an of home fans long before the fi nal Divock Origi burst through footballC in an eff ort to maximise lier date to gain another day’s early goal before Pedro’s double whistle at Villa Park. to make it 4-0 a minute after his side’s chances of Champions recovery. and further strikes from Wil- It was Aston Villa’s heavi- coming on as a substitute be- League success. “The second day after an in- lian and Bertrand Traore sealed est home defeat in the top fl ight fore England defender Nathaniel Hiddink’s team face Paris tense performance is a day for Chelsea’s biggest league win of a since they lost 7-1 to Arsenal in Clyne made it 5-0 with a tap-in Saint-Germain in the French rest and small recovery. But we traumatic campaign. 1935 and the fi rst time they had and Kolo Toure headed a sixth in capital on Tuesday in a tough have to prepare on that second While Chelsea go to Paris, conceded six at home in a league the 70th. last-16, fi rst-leg match-up hav- day. I’m strongly in favour, if you Newcastle will instead use an 18- match since Arsenal infl icted an- “I understand the fans’ frustra- ing played on Saturday evening have to play on Tuesday, then day spell without a match to have other thumping in 1983. tion,” Garde added. “I don’t know when they romped to a 5-1 win we should play on Friday. I know a training camp in La Manga. Villa remain eight points from who has let down who in this foot- over Newcastle United. there are commercial reasons Manager Steve McClaren the relative safety of 17th place in ball club. I am trying to concen- The veteran Dutch coach be- not to do so, but sports have to defended that decision after a the Premier League having taken trate on my job and working with lieves playing their league fi x- be on top of that.” match in which he claimed he just 16 points from 26 matches. the players who want to fi ght.” ture on a Friday would have pro- Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink during a press conference. Hiddink admitted that PSG was not embarrassed by the na- “I feel humiliated,” Villa man- Liverpool’s win ended their vided a crucial extra 24 hours to are favourites, but that his ture of the heavy defeat. ager Remi Garde told Sky Sports. run of fi ve games without a vic- prepare for such a high-profi le ksandar Mitrovic and eventually coming up. After an intense team’s mindset has been bol- “That’s been questioned. It “I am sorry for the fans who tory in all competitions. European adventure. had to go off after 37 minutes. game, two days for teams hav- stered by Saturday’s command- could be pouring down where came to Villa Park. Before the “It does not happen too much It would also allow time for “Midweek is already Tuesday, ing to compete in Europe is not ing 5-1 win—his fi rst at home in we’re going,” said McClaren. game you could expect the two where as a manager can enjoy the injuries to heal, especially in so we just have two days to re- enough. We’d want at least three the league, as Chelsea remain “We have to dust ourselves teams were not on the same lev- last 20 minutes. A very clear re- the case of skipper John Terry cover. Teams need at least three days. But it’s good to go with a unbeaten under the Dutch man- down and be realistic, and can’t el, but after 15 minutes, I don’t sult in the end,” Liverpool boss who suff ered a “small muscular days, but we don’t have that. win. ager since he took over from Jose let this derail us as much as peo- know what happens.” Juergen Klopp told Sky Sports. problem” in Saturday’s game at We’ll see what the outcome of “Tomorrow will be an exami- Mourinho in December. ple want it to. There’s enough Liverpool went ahead when “We broke the opponent after Stamford Bridge. Terry’s scan is tomorrow (Sun- nation with John, who might— “Last year PSG kicked Chelsea fi ght in that dressing room, and Daniel Sturridge, who has been the third or fourth goal. After Terry was involved in a col- day),” said Hiddink. hopefully—have a small mus- out of the Champions League. we have to demonstrate it,” add- injured for most of the season, that they could not come back lision with Newcastle’s Ale- “We have two big games cular problem, but it would be They are favourites. They have ed McClaren. headed in after 16 minutes before into the game.”

Monday, February 15, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE FOCUS Qatar 2022 WC will be exceptional not Arsenal blow title only for the players but also for the fans, race open; Spurs says Eff enberg climb to second ‘There’s a long way to go, we play a lot of big teams. But we had a bad spell where we couldn’t win for four games and have now won two on the bounce’

Former Bayern Munich Champions League winning captain Stefan Eff enberg has also played for Al Arabi in QSL’s 2003 season.

By Sports Reporter It will be a unique Doha tournament and very interesting. Of course there are always negative voices, ayern Munich’s former which were the case before Champions League win- South Africa, before Brazil. ning captain Stefan Eff en- But I am convinced that the berg was one of a number possibilities which Qatar ofB legends who played in Qatar in has will lead them to put the 2003 season, pulling over the on a tournament where shirt of Al Arabi in a season when everyone says: That was the likes of Pep Guardiola, the De exceptional” Boer brothers, Gabriel Batistuta or Fernando Hierro were also playing Chicago and then our game down in the country. in Dallas. Not only the many “When I came to Doha in 2003, fl ight hours, but also the climate it was a big experience,” the Bay- was completely diff erent, and a ern Munich legend recalled in game like that is diffi cult to play. an interview with www.sc.qa. In Doha every team will fi nd their “Now they are working to put place, to train in privacy and be on a tournament which will be optimally prepared.” exceptional not only for players Looking back at his accom- but also for the fans. It will be a plished playing career for the unique tournament and very in- club he captained and where he teresting. Of course there are al- earned the nickname of ‘The Ti- ways negative voices, which were ger’, Eff enberg said he saw a cur- the case before South Africa, be- rent and a former Bayern Munich fore Brazil. But I am convinced player who resembled his style of that the possibilities which Qa- play in midfi eld. tar has will lead them to put on “My way of playing was not Christian Eriksen (L) celebrates with Harry Kane after scoring the second goal for Tottenham during their EPL match against Manchester City yesterday. a tournament where everyone un-modern. I do see players like says: That was exceptional.” myself today, when I see Vidal DPA Results - we must say well done.” Having played 35 times for the at Bayern Munich then he is the London Tottenham took the lead early in the German national team and rep- type of player who through his Arsenal 2 Leicester 1 second half through a contentious Har- resented his country at a FIFA aggressive style of play and his Aston Villa 0 Liverpool 6 ry Kane penalty, awarded for handball World Cup fi nal, Eff enberg said personality can place a signal rsenal blew the title race open as Manchester City 1 Tottenham 2 against Raheem Sterling. there were tangible benefi ts from for his teammates. But there are they edged out 10-man leaders Kelechi Iheanacho equalized 16 min- Qatar’s compact hosting plans: others, like Schweinsteiger, the Leicester 2-1 yesterday, cutting utes from time with a powerful fi nish but “It of course has advantages. If I type of players who are very im- the gap at the top of the Premier at half-time, though Wenger was an- Christian Eriksen won it for Spurs in the compare it to the World Cup in portant because they can lead the LeagueA to just two points. noyed at what he felt was a foul on Mesut 83rd minute as City lost at home again a the USA where we had our base in way for others.” Substitute Danny Welbeck, who came Ozil in the build-up to the foul on Vardy week after a 3-1 humbling by Leichester. on in the 83rd minute for his fi rst ap- by Nacho Monreal. Bottom side Aston Villa are looking pearance in 10 months because of injury, Vardy slammed in the penalty but after more and more helpless after they were headed the winner to deny Leicester a Simpson was sent off , Leicester were un- humbled 6-0 at home by Liverpool. IN SHORT - QATAR STARS LEAGUE point. der the cosh and Arsenal equalised on 70 Daniel Sturridge, starting his fi rst The win pushed Arsenal up to second minutes when Walcott volleyed the ball game under Juergen Klopp because of for a few hours but Tottenham overtook home after a perfect cushioned header by injury, opened the scoring with a header Coach Sami Trabelsi set for new them after a 2-1 win at fourth-placed Olivier Giroud. after 16 minutes. Sailiya deal: al-Hanzab Manchester City in the day’s late match. Kasper Schmeichel made a string of James Milner, Emre Can, Divock Origi, Leicester took the lead just before half- outstanding saves but Welbeck then Nathaniel Clyne and Kolo Toure scored Al Sailiya head coach Sami time through a Jamie Vardy penalty, his fl icked home a header from Ozil’s free- the others to give Villa their worst home Trabelsi is set to sign a new 19th league goal of the season. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. kick to win it for Arsenal. defeat in 81 years. contract with the Peregrines. But the sending off of Danny Simp- “This man hasn’t played for nine Liverpool climbed to eighth, three The Tunisian, who took over son early in the second half for a second cause the mathematics meant it could be months and to get into the mix like that, points behind the top fi ve, while Villa are at Sailiya in 2013, is currently yellow card gave Arsenal hope and they eight points or it could be two points,” he special players come into into big games. still eight points short of safety. negotiating a new deal with equalised through Theo Walcott on 70 told the BBC. “That is a great change. That could be massive,” Walcott told Sky “I feel humiliated,” Villa manager Remi the club according to Head of minutes to set up the big fi nale. “There’s a long way to go, we play a lot Sports. Garde said. “I am sorry for the fans who Football Adbullah alHanzab. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who of big teams. But we had a bad spell where Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri came to Villa Park. Sailiya currently sit seventh said the team chanted Welbeck’s name we couldn’t win for four games and have questioned the red card but said they “I was not expecting this kind of match in the QSL after losing 3-2 in when he returned to the dressing room, now won two on the bounce. We have were still in a strong position. and we have to go for the next win now. their round 18 encounter with said the win was crucial to their title come out of that bad spell and still have “We are still top of the table, got two Until we have little hope, we will still be- Al Wakrah. Al-Hanzab said: hopes. a good chance.” points more - we must carry on and lieve. After a game like today, it is diffi cult “We value the role Trabelsi has “It was a pivotal moment today be- Leicester were good value for their lead smile,” he said. “We lost to our opponents but we won’t play Liverpool every day.” played in improving our club over reigning champions and are in the final stages of Lekhwiya. negotiating a new contract He added: “We have a tough QATAR STARS LEAGUE with him. Trabelsi has added a game against Umm Salal lot in the last few years and we coming up. Our objective is to hope to make an announce- break into the top four and we ment very soon.” Al-Hanzab still have a chance to achieve said Sailiya must learn from that.” Al-Hanzab said the their disappointing defeat to departure of striker Abdulga- Qatar SC shock Sadd, Gharafa Wakrah. “The players lacked dir Ilyas, currently on loan at concentration and fighting Umm Salal, had aff ected the spirit. They didn’t take the team. coach’s instructions on board “Ilyas is a quality player and and suff ered a harsh les- there is no doubt that his snatch 2-2 draw against Jaish son. We must learn from our departure has left a gap in mistakes ahead of the final our forward line. However, eight games of the season.” we have Carlos Preciado, By Sports Reporter Results Al-Hanzab said Sailiya weren’t who is also a good player and Doha complacent against Wakrah grabbed two goals against El Jaish 2 Al-Gharafa 2 following the round 17 victory Wakrah.” Qatar SC 1 Al Sadd 0 atar SC added to Al Rayyan skipper Tabata out for two Sadd’s woes by beat- ing the former cham- In the 72nd minute, substitute weeks with hamstring tear pions 1-0 in their Romario Ricardo Silva fi red home QatarQ Stars League (QSL) clash a free-kick that went through the Al Rayyan captain Rodrigo yesterday. hands of Al Gharafa goalkeeper Tabata will be out for up to Emiliano Gabriel scored the Qasem Abdulihamed Burhan. two weeks after suff ering a only goal of the match off a pen- After a few tense exchanges, Al hamstring tear during his alty kick in the 80th minute. Al Gharafa found the back of the El side’s 1-0 victory over Al Khor. Sadd have now gone four match- Qatar SC’s Emiliano Gabriel Jaish net when Nemeth wrapped a Tabata was forced off midway es without a win in QSL. celebrates after scoring. neat move orchestrated by Abul- through the first half after be- In the match played at Su- rahmman Fayez Alrashidi. ing pressured by Khor’s Abdul- haim Bin Hamad Stadium, Qa- Action during the match between Sadd and controversy-marred round 18 The goal immediately sparked lah Al Yazidi and will definitely tar SC picked up three points Gharafa. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed clash. shoving and pushing among Al miss Rayyan’s round 19 match with a feisty show. Al Sadd’s Krisztian Nemeth slipped one Gharafa and El Jaish players. The against Al Arabi on Saturday. went surgery after suff ering Salem recklessley brought down home from close range to help referee and match offi cials had to Tabata is the latest Rayyan a leg fracture during a Qatar Qatar SC’s Gamal on the edge seven matches. Qatar SC coach Qatar SC have 14 points from 18 Al Gharafa equalise in the 87th intervene to keep tempers at bay. star to be hit by injury. Gas League game against Al of the box in the 79th minute. Sebastiao Lazaroni celebrated matches. minute of the tense match At In a game that El Jaish should Spanish striker Sergio Garcia Kharaitiyat. The referee correctly pointed to the fi nal whistle with his hands Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. have won now sees the Sabri and South Korean Koh Myong- Rayyan, who are currently 16 the spot kick. A calm collected raised towards the night sky. NEMETH HELPS GHARAFA Earlier, Abderrazzaq Lamouchi’s men at second spot jin are both spending time in points clear at the top of the Emiliano scored off the penalty Al Sadd with 29 points are in DRAW AGAINST JAISH Hamed-allah opened the in the QSL points race. the treatment room, along QSL, will resume training on kick, going to the right of the fi fth place behind Al Rayyan (51), Earlier in the day, former cham- scoring for El Jaish in the 7th El Jaish have 36 points from with Mohammed Salah Al Monday as they look forward to diving Al Sadd goalkeeper. El Jaish (36), Lekhwiya (34) and pions Al Gharafa grabbed a point minute. Nemeth equalized for 18 rounds while Al Gharafa are Neel, who recently under- facing Gianfranco Zola’s men. It was Qatar SC’s fi rst win in Al Arabi (30). Thirteenth-placed off second-placed El Jaish in a Al Gharafa in the 61st minute. in 10th place with just 22 points.