CYCLING | Page 4 NBA | Page 6 Kruijswijk Cavaliers keeps pink, rebound Trentin to rout wins stage Raptors

Friday, May 27, 2016 FOOTBALL Sha'baan 20, 1437 AH Ronaldo fi t and GULF TIMES ready to fi re Real to more European glory SPORT Page 3

SPOTLIGHT Mourinho signs United contract

Atletico will win Agencies fantastic time with him at Inter and we said when I left that we might work together again,” he said. Asked whether he had spoken to ose Mourinho has signed Mourinho in the past week, Ibrahi- a contract to take over as Man- movic answered: “I have spoken to chester United’s manager, with Mourinho every day since I left Inter. Champions League the club expected to make a We talk a lot. He is the man to bring formalJ announcement today. Manchester United back to the top. If The Portuguese and his agent, you want action, you get Mourinho. Jorge Mendes, have been in talks He is a winner.” with Ed Woodward, United’s executive vice-chairman, throughout the week and the 53-year-old finally put pen to paper yesterday. fi nal, predicts Xavi The length of the contract is believed to be three years and Mourinho travelled to Manchester ‘They deserve it because of the work they are doing. Of course it is yesterday to take off icial photographs for the announcement. not the philosophy of play that I like the most, because they speculate Manchester United sacked Louis van Gaal on Monday after two largely and wait in defence, but I think this is the moment of Atletico Madrid’ unsuccessful years at Old Traff ord, giving Mourinho the chance to take over at the club that had been his first choice since he left Chelsea in December last year. The Portuguese has already dis- cussed transfer targets with the Old Traff ord hierarchy with Andre Gomes, John Stones, Alvaro Morata, Mauro Icardi high on the manager’s wish list. Mourinho will have a minimum of £150m to spend on new players with Zlatan Ibrahimovic a potential signing on a free transfer. United have already held initial talks with the 34-year-old Sweden striker but both parties want to have a bit more time before they make a decision. Zlatan said yesterday that he had “concrete off ers from clubs in as well as Italy and from sides outside Europe” and talked of his admiration for Mourinho. “I had a

FOOTBALL All four international recruits to stay with Al Rayyan next season By Sports Reporter son,” he informed. “Uruguayan player Gonzalo Viei- ra, whose contract ended after one season, there is an agreement to ex- fter a great season, QSL tend his contract and we wish him champions Al Rayyan have and all the players luck in the coming further reasons to cheer for season,” he added. the coming season. He said the coach will take a call AYesterday, the club announced on the local players. “We are wait- that it had secured the services of ing for the vision of the coach to see their four foreign players for the next which players he needs for the next season. The team will be heading to season. We are here to support his vi- Spain for a training camp from July sion. We would also like to thank the 28 to August 20. fans for their support this season and After winning the Falcon Shield, we hope the same kind of support to and winning the maximum number spur us on again next season.” of awards at the Football As- Ali Salem further informed that sociation awards ceremony earlier the club will hold its training camp in this month, the club’s Head of Foot- Spain. “The camp will take place in hen Xavi Hernandez sits philosophy of play that I like the most, Modric, Isco, James, Bale, Cristiano, “This has been shown in China with ball, Ali Salem Afi fa, told QSL that Spain and it will be from the 28th of down to talk about foot- because they speculate and wait in de- Benzema… All of them are spectacular their investment in players. The Chi- he’s expecting the 2016-17 season to July until the 20th of August. There ball, he gestures with the fence, but I think this is the moment of players and we will see a fantastic fi nal. nese push has surprised me, it is very be a tough one. will be some friendly games as well as same precision, passion Atletico Madrid. I will watch it at home in Barcelona, and strong and they are going above eco- “The 2015-16 season was a very technical and physical training. The Wand rhythm he once passed with on “Football always gives you a second am looking forward to it.” nomic levels even of Europe. So I think special season for our club. Al Rayy- team will start its training in Qatar some of the most important football chance, and it is the same fi nal as two Having recently concluded his fi rst Asian sides can compete in the future an won the league after 21 years and from the 10th of July.” pitches in the world. years ago in Lisbon. Now we have the season in Qatar, Xavi said he would also with European clubs at the FIFA Club broke many records in the QSL,” he Football is all in the mind, he ex- fi nal in Milan and I think this is the time love to lift the Asian equivalent of the World Cup.” said. “I am expecting the next season plains. Control, control, control. Pass, of Atletico Madrid.” continental club competition. Although the legendary Catalan mid- to be more diffi cult, and we must pre- Qatar juniors down pass, pass. A hand motion to his head is The midfi elder, who has played and “Why not in the future win an Asian fi elder has started to develop his coach- pare in the best way since Al Rayyan Stade de Reims 2-0 followed by a number of swift sideways scored in numerous El Clasico matches, Champions League with Al Sadd? It is ing side at Qatar’s Aspire Academy, he are going to be participating in the movements left and right, replicating added that Real Madrid have the slight very diffi cult, the Chinese and the Japa- insists his ambitions on the pitch are AFC Champions League next season.” atar junior football team beat his irrepressible distribution of the ball advantage of more fi nal experience to nese compete there. There are Iranian not yet over. He is still looking to add On whether there are going to be QFrench side Stade de Reims to his teammates. draw upon: “The favourite in terms of sides, the Saudis and the Emiratis. They further titles to the 28 trophies he has any changes in the squad for next 2-0 in a friendly match in Paris on Those same hands have also lifted the history could be Real Madrid, as they are teams with a lot of history behind amassed with Barcelona and Spain. season, Ali Salem said: “We have re- Wednesday. Coached by Oscar Cano, greatest trophies in the game—includ- have more experience in fi nals and these them and an economic level which is “I never got tired of lifting trophies,” newed (coach Jorge) Fossati’s con- the squad is in France to prepare for ing the 2015 UEFA Champions League situations. So they have the edge in that important, but why not Al Sadd in the he says, smiling. “I am competitive by tract. He will provide the club with his the AFC Under-19 Championship to fi nal, in Berlin, as the winning captain regard. But I still believe and think that future again?” Xavi asks. nature and I like to win. I love to com- needs in terms of players and it will be be played in Bahrain this October. of FC Barcelona. it will be Atletico Madrid this time.” The 2010 FIFA World Cup and two- pete and I have had the luck to be in Bar- co-ordinated with the club board.” Qatar are the defending champions “I believe that Atletico will take home Discussing some of the players he time UEFA European Championship celona for so many years and win a lot of He added that the club would be of the event when they beat North Ko- the trophy,” said Xavi, in an interview most enjoys watching from each side winner also feels he has witnessed a sig- trophies—in the Spanish national team retaining its four international play- rea in the fi nal in Myanmar in October with www.sc.qa in Qatar, as he looked in tomorrow’s fi nal, Xavi added: “In nifi cant improvement in Asian football. as well with one of the best generations ers. “The four international players 2014. Bassam Hissam and Ahmed al- ahead to tomorrow’s fi nal in Milan be- Atletico Madrid’s team you have Koke, “I think there has been important im- Spain has seen. will be returning including Spain’s Mohannadi scored the two goals for tween Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. Saul, Griezmann, Fernando Torres… provement in Asian football in the last few “We won so many titles and trophies, Sergio Garcia, Paraguayan Caceres, the Qatar juniors. Coach Cano made “I think this is the moment of Atletico.” These are players with natural talent years, and it will keep growing because and I was privileged in that regard and I South Korean Koo Myung and Uru- numerous changes to the squad to “They deserve it because of the work who can change a match in a moment. the economic side is strong and they can want to bring that level of competitive- guayan Gonzalo Vieira. All of them give the players maximum opportu- they are doing. Of course it is not the “At Real Madrid you have Kroos, bring in football players of a high level. ness here to Qatar.” (www.sc.qa) will continue with Rayyan next sea- nity of getting match practice. Gulf Times 2 Friday, May 27, 2016 FOOTBALL

ERROR PENALTY ON TOP APPOINTMENT HEARING Kaka denied penalty as Liverpool handed second Man U top all-time Premier Empoli name Martusciello Messi to give tax fraud Orlando draw with Union UEFA fine in less than a week League prize-money chart as head coach testimony on June 2

US rookie defender Ken Tribbett equalised in Liverpool have been hit with a second UEFA Manchester United have earned the most prize After serving as assistant to the past three Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi will the 75th minute to give the Philadelphia Union fine in less than a week for their fans letting off money since the ’s inception in Empoli coaches, Giovanni Martusciello was give evidence along with his father for allegedly a 2-2 draw with visiting Orlando City in a Major fireworks during their Europa League quarter- 1992, and will go through the one billion pound unveiled as the new head coach of the Italian defrauding Spain’s tax off ice of over four million League Soccer match on Wednesday. final against Borussia Dortmund in April. The mark next year if they match their fifth-place top-flight outfit yesterday. The 44-year-old has euros ($4.5 million) in unpaid taxes on June 2, Aided by Brazilian striker Kaka missing on a club were handed an 11,000 euros ($12,300) fine finish of 2015/16, according to spread-betting been on the coaching staff for 10 years, but this a court source confirmed yesterday. The trial, penalty kick for Orlando, the Eastern Confer- by UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body firm Spreadex. United have earned 870.3 million will be his first stint in the hot seat as he seeks which is expected to last four days, will start on ence-leading Union stretched its unbeaten for incidents during the 4-3 win over the Ger- pounds ($1.28 billion), ahead of Arsenal with to build on a 10th-place Serie A finish. He takes May 31, but Messi is not obliged to attend the streak to six games, with two triumphs and four man side at Anfield. Liverpool were fined 57,000 842.8 million and Liverpool on 815.4 million, over from Marco Giampaolo, who left the club full hearing as Spanish prosecutors are seeking draws in the run. The Union improved to 5-3 euros by European soccer’s governing body on according to the study that collated payments after just one season in charge. As a midfielder a jail sentence of less than two years. with four drawn for 19 points, two better than Tuesday over their fans’ misconduct, including to every team over the past 24 years. This year’s Martusciello helped Empoli gain promotion The five-time World Player of the Year and his New York City FC. Former AC Milan and Real Ma- illicit chanting, during the Europa League last-16 champions Leicester City are 25th on the list, from the third tier in 1996 and from the second father, Jorge Horacio Messi, are accused of drid standout Kaka failed from the spot in the tie against Premier League rivals Manchester with earnings of 247.7 million pounds, of which tier a year later. The new boss is due to host using a chain of fake companies in Belize and 37th minute as his right-footed shot was saved United. UEFA has also charged Liverpool over 93.2 million was won in this season alone. a news conference on today. Empoli finished Uruguay to avoid paying taxes on 4.16 million from the bottom left side of goal by Union goal- their fans’ behaviour during the Europa League Depending on where they finish clubs will next 10th in Serie A this season but will be without a euros of Messi’s income earned through the keeper Andre Blake. final defeat by Sevilla in Basel last week. season receive between £100-£150 million each. number of familiar faces next term. sale of his image rights from 2007-09.

SPOTLIGHT CONTRACT Benitez signs 3-year deal to stay at Midfi elder Delph relegated Newcastle

Reuters “I am extremely pleased London to be staying at Newcastle United,” Benitez, a Champions League winner with Liverpool afael Benitez has in 2005, said in a statement on set to miss Euros signed a three-year the club website (www.nufc. contract to stay on co.uk). as Newcastle United “The love I could feel from manager,R after agreeing to lead the fans was a big infl u- their quest for an immediate ence for me in my decision to return to the Premier League, stay, as was my relationship the club said on Wednesday. with (managing director) Lee Benitez, who began last sea- Charnley and all the staff .” aft er groin injury son in charge of Real Madrid, While Benitez was unable to was hired by Newcastle in prevent Newcastle falling out March to try to extricate them of the top fl ight, he won over ‘It means he (Delph) probably won’t be with us in final 23, unless of course we have injuries’ from the relegation zone, a feat the club’s fans by rapidly im- he just failed to achieve. proving performances. The 56-year-old Spaniard He led Newcastle to a six- won three of his 10 games in game unbeaten run and ended England manager Roy Hodgson (R) and Jordan Henderson charge, but Newcastle fi nished the season with a comprehen- during a press conference yesterday. (Reuters) 18th, two points adrift of their sive 5-1 victory over Totten- local rivals and Premier League ham Hotspur. survivors Sunderland in 17th. “He has captured the hearts Benitez, who took over from and minds not just of the Steve McClaren, had a clause fans, but of everyone who has in his contract that allowed had the pleasure of working him to leave St James’ Park if with him at the club thus far,” Newcastle were relegated to Charnley said. the second tier Championship, “As a world-class manager but he has signed a new deal we had no doubt in our minds that will keep him at the club as to the importance of retain- until 2019. ing him at Newcastle United.”

FOCUS Sweden’s Celtic connections relishing Irish challenge

Reuters Stockholm

weden’s John Guidetti and Mikael Lustig have been roared AFP With Liverpool striker Daniel choose between Sturridge, Rash- Jedinak wants to take out frustrations on England on by legions of Irish fans at Scottish club Celtic but they London Sturridge also struggling with ford and possibly one other.” cannot count on that support against Ireland in their Euro a calf strain, Hodgson revealed Sturridge has had another captain Mile Jedinak plans to take out his FA Cup final 2016 opener. Manchester United sensation injury-hit season at Anfi eld and S Although former Sweden striker Henrik Larsson is also revered frustrations on England in today’s friendly at the Stadium of Light. ngland manager Roy Marcus Rashford is set to make has barely played for England Jedinak was given an extra day off before linking up with his Soc- at Celtic, who were founded in 1887 to help reduce poverty among Hodgson revealed yes- his England debut. since 2014, but Liverpool mid- ceroos teammates as he recovered from Crystal Palace’s 2-1 defeat Irish immigrants in Glasgow’s East End, and the sympathies of terday that Manchester It is only three months since fi elder Jordan Henderson has against Manchester United at Wembley last weekend. Palace were their fans will mostly be with the Irish in Paris. City midfi elder Fabian the 18-year-old striker made backed his Reds teammate to within touching distance of winning the Cup for the first time after “There’s going to be a lot of fans there, there’s going to be a DelphE is set to miss Euro 2016 his senior club bow, but he will prove his fi tness. great atmosphere. I’m really looking forward to it,” Guidetti, 24, taking a late lead against United, but the Manchester giants equal- after suff ering a groin injury. probably lead the line in the sec- “He’ll be disappointed, obvi- ised to force extra-time and won it through Jesse Lingard’s brilliant told Reuters at Sweden’s team hotel in Stockholm, where they have Delph did not travel with the ond of England’s three warm-up ously he’ll want to be playing volley, despite having Chris Smalling sent off . Jedinak was frustrated gathered for a pre-tournament training camp. squad to Sunderland as Eng- fi xtures, with Jamie Vardy and some part in the next couple of to come so close to a historic achievement and then miss out, but “A lot of Irish people support Celtic, but maybe some of them land prepare for today’s friendly Harry Kane rested. games before the tournament now he is focused on leading Australia in their first meeting with old will support Sweden during the summer!” with Australia at the Stadium Rashford has netted eight but he’s got to make sure he’s do- sporting rivals England since a 3-1 win in 2003. Now at Celta Vigo, Guidetti netted eight goals in 24 games on of Light. And Hodgson believes times in 18 appearances in all ing everything he can to get fi t,” “I was given an extra day to recover and I’m very thankful for that,” loan at Celtic from Manchester City during the 2014/15 season. the 26-year-old, who has nine competitions for United and England international Hender- Jedinak told reporters yesterday. “It was nice to be involved in Defender Lustig is now in his fi fth year there after joining from England caps, is unlikely to be Hodgson has no doubts he can son said. yesterday’s training session and see everyone chomping at the bit Norwegian side Rosenborg in January 2012. fi t to play any part in France, cope with the pressure of trying “Hopefully he can be involved and I’m no diff erent. “Once I got into camp I got it out of my system. “I know that some Celtic fans love Ireland more than Scotland, which means he won’t be in- to win a Euro 2016 place. in the game tomorrow and, if There’s no better way than to be around these boys, my team-mates and they are probably going to cheer for Ireland in the Euros,” cluded when the fi nal 23-man not, the next one (against Portu- and the staff . Lustig said. “There’s a real strong bond between the Celtic fans squad is named by the May 31 Detective work gal on June 2).” “You’ve been given the honour and privilege to be called up for and Ireland.” deadline. “Daniel has a calf strain, he’s With three of England’s 26- your national team and there’s no better place that I want to be Also drawn with Italy and Belgium in Group E, Sweden can ex- “It means he (Delph) probably had that since he joined up with man provisional squad set to right now and I had to put that one behind me and look forward to pect a tough but enjoyable opening clash versus Ireland, the 29- won’t be with us in the fi nal 23, us. We’d been hoping it would miss out on a seat on the fl ight to tomorrow.” year old said. unless of course we have inju- get better, we will see tomorrow France, Hodgson is keeping his Australia manager , who has British-based players “We’ll see if Ireland try to keep it on the ground or play a bit ries,” Hodgson told reporters. (Friday),” Hodgson said. options open until the last minute including Preston’s , of QPR and more ‘British’ football down the channels, but for sure it’s going “I have put him on the standby “If Sturridge isn’t fi t tomor- as he weighs up who to axe. Celtic’s at his disposal, is relishing pitting his Asian Cup to be a brilliant atmosphere. It’s going to be a party,” Lustig said. list, which he understands and row then I think you’ll all work “As far as the 23 is concerned holders against one of the contenders for the Euro 2016 crown. The two sides will be keen to make amends for disappointing accepts. I don’t think it is going to out he (Rashford) is going to it’s simple, I will leave it as long Apart from a 2-0 defeat to Jordan in October, the Socceroos domi- showings at Euro 2012 where both lost their fi rst two group games be a long-term injury for him, so start the game. I’m happy with as possible. A lot of things can nated their last World Cup qualifying group, winning seven and got knocked out early. if I need him and want him to that, I’m more than content he happen in football,” Hodgson games.“We’re preparing for our World Cup campaign ahead,” Not normally shy about making predictions, Guidetti declined come along with us it is easy for can handle the situation. added. Postecoglou said. “Over the last 12 months we’ve had the first phase to call the Ireland game but he promised a great spectacle. me to call him and ask him to do “It doesn’t take a lot of de- “There’s no reason for me of qualifying and come through that strongly but it’s been against “I think it’s going to be a great game for the whole tournament so. tective work to work that out, whatsoever to talk about who Asian opposition and we don’t get many windows in which we because the fans are going to be loud, singing and proud of their “I have said to him, with the with me wanting to rest Vardy may or may not go. I have until can play against opposition outside of our confederation and test country,” he said. situation we have with the other and Kane. There was no doubt midnight on Tuesday, until that ourselves away from home.” “So put on your tellies, watch your phones, come to Paris and 25 players, it is unlikely.” that my original intention was to time I’ll keep my powder dry.” we’ll see (who wins)!” Gulf Times Friday, May 27, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL/PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT Secret to Zidane’s Ronaldo fi t and ready to success is charm, not fi re Real to more glory tactics Reuters ‘Real Madrid would be making a smart decision if they off ered me a new contract’ Barcelona n little more than four months Reuters in charge, Zinedine Zidane has Barcelona pulled Real Madrid back from the brink to where they feel they Ibelong: the European Champions ristiano Ronaldo says he will League fi nal. be “100 percent” in tomor- Guiding Real to victory over Ma- row’s Champions League fi - drid rivals Atletico from the dugout nal as he attempts to fi re Real on May 28 would earn Zidane anoth- CMadrid to a record-extending 11th Eu- er place in the club’s record books to ropean Cup and further torment their go with his history on the pitch. city rivals, Atletico. Zidane’s success may owe more to The prolifi c Portuguese set alarm his manner and aura than his abilities bells ringing on Tuesday when he end- as a coach. He succeeded Rafael Be- ed training prematurely with a knock nitez in January after just 18 months but was fi t to train again the following in charge of the club’s reserve team day. – with unconvincing results – and a Although Ronaldo scored the fi nal season as assistant to Real’s previous goal in Real’s 4-1extra-time win over coach, Carlo Ancelotti. Atletico in the 2014 fi nal in Lisbon, He stood out only for his legacy as he has admitted he was far from at his a player, above all his winning volley best due to a hamstring problem and is against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2002 determined to put in a better perform- Champions League fi nal. But it did ance at Milan’s San Siro tomorrow. not take Zidane long to get results. “Cristiano always appears in the Not only is he taking Real to their games that matter. I’ll be at 100 per 14th European Cup fi nal – he has cent. On Saturday, I’ll be in better form also picked up more points over the than I was in Lisbon,” Ronaldo told fi rst 20 league games than any other Spanish television channel La Sexta. coach in the club’s history – winning “In Lisbon, my hamstring was hurt- 17, drawing two and losing one. ing me. It was pretty bad. It was terri- That gave Real more points over ble because you know that in certain the period than eventual La Liga moments you could give more but champions Barcelona. Real fans were you can’t because your body doesn’t left wondering what might have respond.” been had Zidane and not Benitez Ronaldo has scored – and been on succeeded Carlo Ancelotti last sum- the winning side – in both the Cham- mer. Zidane’s era began with an im- pions League fi nals he has played in, pressive 5-0 thrashing of Deportivo having also won in 2008 with Man- La Coruna and big wins over Sport- chester United. ing Gijon and Espanyol. But he was He is top scorer in this season’s forced to rethink his approach after a tournament with 16 goals and is one derby defeat to Atletico. strike away from equalling the record Since that day, Real have won tally of 17 he set in 2013/14. their fi nal 12 league games, although Real’s all-time top scorer also gave they rarely matched those early the club a lift before the fi nal by de- performances. Their path to the fi - claring he wants to stay at Real for the nal gave them little to brag about long term. - they survived a potential elimina- “Real Madrid would be making a Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo smiles as he addresses journalists during the club’s open media day in Madrid. (AFP) tion to Wolfsburg and only got past smart decision if they off ered me a new Manchester City in the semi-fi nals contract,” he added. thanks to an own goal. Zinedine Zidane’s men are without Bale feels right at home in Madrid Just as Benitez did, Zidane looked defenders Raphael Varane and Alvaro to Brazilian midfi elder Casemiro to Arbeloa for the game, while Atletico It took more than two seasons ues for many years.” have improved. Despite being provide greater balance in midfi eld, have a clean bill of health. but Gareth Bale finally feels After scoring an equaliser in limited to 30 appearances curbing the infl uence of fl air players It’s a far cry from the dishevelled settled at Real Madrid and the Champions League final in all competitions for Real, James Rodriguez and Isco. But he has state in which Diego Simeone’s team is dreaming of big things to in 2014 in Lisbon, which saw he has scored 19 goals and managed to avoid the criticism that arrived at the 2014 fi nal, when they come. Real beat Atletico Madrid 4-1 provided 10 assists. dogged Benitez for the same moves, struggled with fi tness after a long sea- The Wales international will in extra-time, Bale found his “I think my performances which says a lot about his enduring son and suff ered key injuries. play his second Champions second season abroad more have been very good this appeal. “He’s a legend of the club and On their way to that Madrid show- League final with Real in three challenging. season but I can still improve a that makes you more motivated when down Atletico won 1-0 at the San Siro. seasons in Milan on Saturday. Injuries and a drop in form lot,” he said. you train with him,” said Sergio Ra- Real, on the other hand, have never Bale, who moved to Real from saw the winger end the 2014- “My plan is clear: improve mos, Real’s captain. Zidane has also won a competitive game at the stadium Tottenham in September 2013, 15 campaign with 17 goals in each season and raise the won over the player that matters the in 13 attempts. lifted the European Cup in 48 games for Real. level of my performances. most at Real – Cristiano Ronaldo. Defender Diego Godin says Atleti- his first year with the Spanish Some critics believed the club “I want to be better each sea- “We’ve always been behind Zi- co are in better shape than last time giants. had paid too much money in son and win many titles along dane because he is a humble person around, and thinks his side’s team “I feel much more comfort- his 91 million euro transfer. the way. who likes to listen, and that always ethic, instilled into them by the char- able this year, it’s true,” Bale “It’s true that I went through “I hope on Saturday I can makes things easier,” Ronaldo said. ismatic Simeone, could prove key to said to Marca newspaper. a diff icult spell here but wrap up a great season in the Zidane has often underplayed winning their fi rst European Cup. “You can notice that on the everything has changed,” the best possible way but knowing his achievements. He highlights Godin told Uefa.com: “Our big se- pitch. 26-year-old Bale said. that I can still improve.” the work of the players and has said cret is the eff ort the team puts in. The “I feel more integrated, I have “Now I feel that the fans are As for his long-term future, more than once he will earn the right way the whole team works to help the more personal relationships with me and that they know Bale said, to stay at the club only by winning defence is incredible. with my teammates and that that I’m giving my all. “I’m very happy in Madrid and trophies.Delivering the club’s 11th “The forwards - Fernando Torres, always gives you more happi- “I think I’ve proved this sea- I have three years left on my European Cup would assure both his Antoine Griezmann or Yannick Car- ness and that reflects on my son what I’m capable of and contract. We will see what hap- immediate future and his place in rasco - are always with us, defending game. the fans are happy with me.” pens in the future but my idea Madridistas’ hearts. in our box. “That shows how commit- “I’m enjoying myself a lot in Bale has struggled with is to continue here because He will still have a way to go, how- ted we are as a team, and how much we Madrid and I hope this contin- injuries again but his numbers I’m very happy.” Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale during a training session. (Reuters) ever, before he is considered among believe in our style of play.” the coaching elite.

FOCUS CL trophy would complete Simeone revolution

Reuters two years later. “Diego Simeone record as the club’s most suc- Barcelona is the perfect coach for Atletico cessful manager. Madrid,” said the club’s presi- Simeone is the longest-serv- dent, Enrique Cerezo, who had ing of all current coaches in La iego Simeone has overseen 52 managerial changes Liga and looks set to continue turned Atletico Ma- before appointing the Argentine. his stay. drid from a team tee- “Football is his life and passion.” He has signed a contract until tering on the brink Cerezo once said he wished 2020 and, barring any surprises, ofD relegation into European Simeone could have the same will lead the club into La Peineta heavyweights. impact on his club as Alex Fergu- stadium at the start of the 2017- Avenging their 2014 Cham- son had with Manchester Unit- 18 season. pions League defeat by Real Ma- ed. Simeone may still be a long But perhaps Simeone’s most drid tomorrow would complete way off Ferguson’s 27 seasons at impressive achievement has the transformation. The former Old Traff ord, but he has already been converting the team to his Atletico midfi elder inherited a carved out his own legacy with brand of high-intensity football. team that had just suff ered early Atletico. Now his players vigorously de- elimination from the King’s Cup With 173 league games under fend their hard-nosed style. when he succeeded Gregorio his belt, Simeone is the club’s “We’re a group of players Manzano in December 2011. second-longest-serving coach who’ll fi ght to the death for our Five months later, Simeone behind the late Luis Aragones. coach,” defender Diego Godin led them to a fi fth-place fi nish Halting Real Madrid and Bar- said. “We believe in what we do in La Liga and lifted the Europa celona’s decade of dominance and we train hard to compete League, the fi rst of fi ve trophies in La Liga by leading Atletico to with the biggest teams.” the team would win. Only the the title in 2014 is his greatest “Every ball is a war we have to Champions League remains. achievement so far. win, and I don’t see that as a bad Atletico Madrid’s coach Diego Simeone at In 2014, a header by Real Ma- Masterminding the club’s thing,” midfi elder Saul Niguez Madrid airport yesterday. (AFP) drid’s Sergio Ramos during in- fi rst-ever success in European said. “We’re a strong team and jury time snatched that prize football’s premier competition we fi ght for every ball like it’s our from Atletico. It is testament would surmount that. Victory last. That’s how we manage the to Simeone’s management that in Milan would give Simeone a toughest games and that’s how he has led them to another fi nal sixth trophy and equal Aragones’ we’ve got to where we are.” Gulf Times 4 Friday, May 27, 2016 SPORT

F1/ MONACO GRAND PRIX CYCLING Trentin wins stage, Ricciardo fastest Kruijswijk keeps pink on day of crashes Ricciardo laps twisty harbourside circuit in a quickest time of one minute 14.607 secs, 0.606 faster than Lewis Hamilton with championship leader Nico Rosberg coming third

AFP beat Brambilla in a sprint and I Pinerolo, Italy just didn’t see Trentin closing in. I had no idea he was that close. I saw him pass me 200 atteo Trentin metres from the line and it was took a brilliant just too late,” he lamented. victory on the Giro Dutchman Kruijswijk com- d’Italia 18th stage fortably monitored any po- Mas race leader Steven Kruijsw- tential threats to his lead and ijk comfortably held onto the fi nished in the group of overall pink jersey yesterday. contenders some 13 minutes Italian Trentin was part of adrift of the winner. a four-man chase group be- He maintained his three- hind Etixx teammate Gianluca minute lead over Esteban Brambilla and Moreno Moser Chaves in the overall stand- coming into the fi nish. But as ings, while Spaniard Alejan- Brambilla played the team game dro Valverde is third ahead of sitting in Moser’s wheel, Tren- former winner and 2014 Tour tin made up a 15-second defi cit de France champion Vincenzo before fl ying straight past the Nibali of Italy. two leaders with less than 300 Today’s stage features some metres left to take the victory. challenging climbs, includ- It was the fi rst Giro victory ing a 21km ascent of the Col in the 26-year-old’s career, d’Agnel to an altitude of 2,744 although he won stages on metres, followed with a 13km the Tour de France in 2013 and ascent to a summit fi nish at the 2014. “Moser is very fast in the French ski station of Risoul. sprint and when I realised that The overall leader Kruijsw- Brambilla wouldn’t be over- ijk seemed relaxed about the taking him, I went for it. It’s energy-sapping altitude at my fi rst win in Italy,” he said. the end of a long tour and also It was a painful moment for about the climbs. “I’ve been Moser, who admitted he had training for major climbs,” said not seen the coup coming. “I the 28-year-old.”And I felt Infiniti Red Bull Racing’s Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo pit stops during the second practice session at the Monaco circuit yesterday, ahead of Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix. (AFP) let a wonderful opportunity good last Saturday when we slip there. I felt certain I could were at 2200m.” Reuters four tenths slower than Hamilton. With Monaco the paddock rocked by news that the fam- Bianchi family plans legal action against F1 ily of the late French driver Jules Bianchi FOCUS were taking legal action against Formula Reuters International Automobile Federation (FIA), ustralian Daniel Ricciardo set One, his former Marussia team and the Monaco the defunct Marussia team who are racing the pace for Red Bull in Monaco governing FIA after his death last year, under new ownership as Manor, and the Grand Prix practice yesterday, safety was a talking point. Formula One Group. Ferrari not feeling with crashes and a loose drain A series of crashes saw the virtual safe- he family of the late French Formula Stewarts said errors were made in the coverA putting safety back in the spotlight ty car deployed three times in the morn- One driver Jules Bianchi are plan- planning, timing, organisation and conduct at Formula One’s showcase race. ing before the session was stopped when Tning legal action against the sport’s of the race and the family felt the actions the heat, says Vettel Ricciardo lapped the twisty harbourside a loose drain cover damaged Rosberg’s car governing body, his former Marussia team of one or more of the named parties may circuit in a quickest time of one minute and Jenson Button’s McLaren. and Bernie Ecclestone’s Formula One have contributed to the fatal accident. AFP not everything worked,” said 14.607 seconds, 0.606 faster than triple Photographs showed a sizeable piece Group, they said in a statement yesterday. “The Bianchi family are determined that Monaco German Vettel. “Overall it was champion Lewis Hamilton in the closest of metal had been dislodged, fortunately “We seek justice for Jules, and want to this legal process should require those a bit of a scrappy day. I think it’s Mercedes with championship leader Nico without consequences for Button or any- establish the truth about the decisions involved to provide answers and to take OK. The pace is in the car, but Rosberg third. one following behind. Track workers were that led to our son’s crash at the Japanese responsibility for any failings,” said Stew- ebastian Vettel insist- we just struggled to get it out.” Hamilton was fastest in the morning deployed to Sainte Devote to weld down Grand Prix in 2014,” his father Philippe arts’ partner Julian Chamberlayne. ed that Ferrari are not He rejected suggestions that with a lap of 1:15.537 on the new ultrasoft the off ending cover. said in the statement issued by British firm “This is important if current and future feeling the heat from the team were struggling under Pirelli tyres making their debut this week. Brazilian Felipe Massa, who was hit on Stewarts Law. drivers are to have confidence that safety increased pressure and pressure created by expecta- The Briton, who collided with Rosberg the head and seriously injured by bounc- Swill bounce back after scrappy tions of victory. “There’s always “As a family, we have so many unan- in the sport will be put first. If this had in Spain 11 days ago and lags the German ing debris at the 2008 Hungarian Grand swered questions and feel that Jules’ ac- been the case in Suzuka, Jules Bianchi opening practice sessions at the pressure each race, the desire to by 43 points after fi ve races, is seeking to Prix, had crashed out earlier when he cident and death could have been avoided would most likely still be alive and compet- Monaco Grand Prix. The four- do well, which you could call end his teammate’s run of three succes- skewed his Williams into the barriers at if a series of mistakes had not been made.” ing in the sport he loved today.” time world champion wound pressure,” he said. “But it’s the sive Monaco wins but Ricciardo could be the fi rst Sainte Devote corner. Mexican Bianchi, 25, died in hospital in his home There was no immediate response from up only ninth after yesterday’s reason why we’re here. We’re a threat to both. Esteban Gutierrez stopped his Haas be- town of Nice last July after suff ering seri- the FIA, whose report into the accident second practice session, two not here to race for eighth or Red Bull had targeted Monaco as their fore Portier with electrical problems, and ous head injuries when he crashed into a said that the Frenchman had not slowed places behind Ferrari team- fi fth. We’re here to win.” best chance of victory this season, before then Renault’s British rookie Jolyon Palm- recovery crane at Suzuka during the Oc- suff iciently under warning flags before mate Kimi Raikkonen, and he He added that he felt Fer- Dutch teenager Max Verstappen won in er crashed at Tabac. tober 2014 race. He was the first Formula crashing. The report found Bianchi’s car also survived two brushes with rari’s position was not a true Spain on his debut for the team. Ricciardo “Sorry guys,” Palmer, whose Danish One driver to die of injuries sustained hit the tractor at 126kph and said medical the barriers on the unforgiving refl ection of their potential. has a new specifi cation Renault engine for teammate Kevin Magnussen also crashed during a race since Brazilian triple world services were not at fault in their handling Mediterranean street circuit. “If you look at the stand- Sunday’s race, which Verstappen will not in the afternoon, said over the radio. champion Ayrton Senna in 1994. of the aftermath. Both men were unable to lap ings, we don’t belong there. get until the next race in Canada due to Yellow warning fl ags were also waved Stewarts Law, representing the family Chamberlayne said it had been “surpris- within 1.5 seconds of the pace We should be a lot better. To- a shortage of parts. Verstappen was fi fth when Brazilian Felipe Nasr’s Sauber went in the English legal system, said formal ing and distressing to the Bianchi family set by fastest driver Australian day, it was not the main focus and fourth in the respective sessions. off at Sainte Devote. Indonesian rookie pre-action letters of claim had been sent that the FIA panel in its conclusions, whilst Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull, to rank high up, but the run- Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, who spun at Rio Haryanto crashed his Manor in the this week ahead of the Monaco Grand noting a number of contributing factors, who was quickest ahead of the ning we had was a bit scrappy. Mirabeau and hit the barrier after lunch, second session at the tunnel exit, coming Prix. The recipients were the governing blamed Jules”. two Mercedes. We tried a couple of things and had been third fastest in the morning but to rest unhurt in the escape road. “I tried a lot of things, but some of them didn’t work!”

GOLF Seven-under Hend sets early pace at Wentworth

AFP blemish in his round came at fi rst time. slip back to level par, where he Luke Wentworth, United Kingdom the par-four 15th which he bo- He has slumped to 76th and fi nished. Donald geyed. Hend, who was out in 31, is in danger of missing out on a Another Korean, Jin Jeong had accelerated after the turn with spot in the European Ryder Cup a nightmare start to his week ustralia’s Scott Hend birdies at the 10th, 12th and 13th team for the second time in a when he triple-bogeyed the par- was the early pace- but had course specialist Don- row, but a good display at Went- four fi rst, followed up with a setter at the European ald breathing down his neck, worth could rocket him into the double-bogey six at the third and PGA Championship although the Englishman gave top-50 and contention for the further dropped shots left him at atA Wentworth yesterday as he back a shot when he left his ball match against the United States 15-over par with two to play. headed the fi eld with an open- in a bunker on the 15th. and a fi fth appearance for his Spain’s Miguel Angel ing seven-under par 65. Hend, who came into the continent at Hazeltine. Jimenez, winner here in 2008, Two-time champion Luke week ranked 85th in the world, “The last two years have been slumped to a 78, but there was Donald also put himself in the won in in March and a tough and I have struggled to better news for Simon Khan, the hunt with a 68, whilst South birdie at the short 10th gave him gain confi dence but I have felt 2010 champion, who was three- Africa’s Jaco van Zyl was in the a two-stroke lead over the pack. more comfortable the last couple under after 17 holes despite two clubhouse on fi ve-under 67. Irishman Shane Lowry and of months. If you look at history dropped shots in succession. Hend was out in 31 and had a Chile’s Felipe Aguilar were both here, playing well in the fi rst round Italy’s Edoardo Molinari fi n- chance of going even lower but safely home in 69, a shot ahead means good things for the rest of ished with a 72 and ’s he could only par the fi nal two of Scotland’s David Drysdale. the tournament,” Donald said. Maximillian Kieff er was strug- holes, both par-fi ves although Former world number one Last year’s winner Byeong gling to make the weekend after his birdie putt lipped out at the Donald won this tournament Hun An of South Korea had a 78. Masters champion Danny last from 35 feet (10 metres). in 2011 and 2012 when he was a run of four birdies from the Willett, Lee Westwood and Mat- With half the fi eld still out challenging the best in the fourth, to head the leaderboard, thew Fitzpatrick were amongst on the course, Hend fi nished world, with his fi rst win getting but he dropped four shots in the afternoon starters in the Eu- with eight birdies and the only him to the top of the tree for the seven holes from the 10th, to ropean Tour’s fl agship event. Gulf Times Friday, May 27, 2016 5 SPORT

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT IOC taking Tokyo Sherbini regains bribery scandal ‘seriously’: Coates

AFP Tsunekazu Takeda, the same Tokyo man who fronted the Tokyo 2020 authority in World bid team — ordered its own probe after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe senior International ordered unfettered cooperation Olympic Committee with French prosecutors. (IOC) offi cial said yes- Tokyo 2020 bid leaders have de- terday allegations of il- nied any wrongdoing with Takeda legalA payments to help Tokyo win insisting the payments were “a le- Series squash fi nals the 2020 Games were being tak- gitimate consultant’s fee”. en “very seriously” but insisted there would be no independent BLAZING ROW ‘Amr Shabana always says ‘step by step’ and I’m managing to do that’ IOC probe. Coates, who on a visit to inspect John Coates, chairman of the venues last year became em- AFP IOC’s Tokyo 2020 co-ordination broiled in a blazing public row Dubai commission, welcomed the two over the spiralling cost of Tokyo’s separate investigations currently Olympic stadium, said: “I’ve being conducted by French pros- no reason to doubt Mr Takeda’s orld champion Nour El ecutors and Japanese offi cials. statement.” Sherbini rescued herself “The IOC takes the allegations Last year, the IOC launched from a fi rst day setback with in respect with the bid very seri- its so-called “consultants regis- a calm and authoritative vic- ously,” Coates told reporters in ter” in an attempt to help control Wtory over Camille Serme, advancing to Tokyo. “We have a zero tolerance the cost of bidding for an Olym- the last four of the PSA World Series fi - approach with regards to cor- pics and make the process more nals yesterday. ruption in the bidding process. transparent. Sherbini’s 11-4, 11-6 success against “We are pleased that they’re “We were concerned about the the Frenchwoman, last year’s British being investigated at that level,” cost of consultants,” said Coates. Open champion, enabled her to qualify he added. “We share the same “It was clear from the two lead- from her group in second place after her concerns as the Japanese public ing bids (of Tokyo and Istanbul) opening loss against Egyptian compa- do about corruption, but we have from last time that they had triot Raneem El Welily, and to approach decided we won’t conduct a par- spent money on consultancies. the knockout stages in a sounder frame allel investigation.” We worry about the need for of mind. Controversy has once again consultants.” So far it has also been a personal suc- cast a shadow over Japan’s prep- Allegations that the payments cess for the diffi dent 20-year-old, who arations for the 2020 Games af- — made in 2013 to a Singapore- has experienced new and increasing ter French authorities launched based consultant Ian Tan Tong pressures after grabbing the top ranking an investigation into payments Han’s fi rm Black Tidings — were for the fi rst time this month, becoming a of $2 million allegedly paid into improper, fi rst reported by Brit- target for all her rivals, and being loaded a Singapore bank account, said ain’s Guardian newspaper two with public relations commitments. to have been given to the son of weeks ago, sent shock waves “I’ve managed to stay calm and be fo- disgraced former athletics chief through Japan. cussed,” Sherbini said after a perform- Lamine Diack. Tan, said to be an associate of ance in which she mixed adroit volleying Coates refused to be drawn Diack’s son Papa Massata Diack, and nice front-court touches with char- when asked if he felt Tokyo’s declined to comment yesterday acteristically imposing drives. preparations would be aff ect- when he was contacted by AFP “I really didn’t want to lose, so I needed Nour El Sherbini's 11-4, 11-6 ed or if the city could even be via his Singapore mobile phone to focus from the beginning and I man- win over Camille Serme ena- stripped of the Olympics if found number. aged to do that. I was helped because my bles her to qualify from her to have acted illegally. Tokyo has been hit by a series opponent made some mistakes, but my group in second place. (AFP) “I certainly hope not,” he said. of controversies since it won the aim was to qualify (for the semi-fi nals) “There’s a range of remedies and bid to host the event in September and I’m pleased to have done that. study very soon afterwards for exams in ier also qualifi ed for the semi-fi nals, win- covering the court well, so I had it tough. sanctions that can be considered 2013. Prime Minister Abe pulled “When I first arrived here I wasn’t re- media management. ning all his three matches. “But I’m pleased to stay a hundred per- but I’m not going to speculate on the plug on the original plan for laxed and I had a lot of stuff to do, but Yesterday, though, she looked in bet- He had to pull out a few extra tricks cent, and would really like to win this title those until we know the outcome the new Olympic stadium last now it’s better. Winning this tourna- ter form, but much tougher tests should though to prevail 7-11, 11-8, 11-1 against again,” added Gaultier, who has won the of these two investigations, which year amid public anger over its $2 ment would be a nice end to the season happen from now on when she will Omar Mosaad, yet another high level World Series fi nals twice before, but not we are closely monitoring.” billion price tag. Then organisers but I’m not allowing myself to think compete with the customary best of fi ve Egyptian. for seven years. The Japanese Olympic Com- ditched their 2020 Games logo af- about that. games scoring instead of the truncated Although Gaultier’s progress to the last mittee (JOC) — headed by ter allegations of plagiarism. “Amr Shabana always says ‘step by best of three used in the group matches. four had already been already assured and RESULTS step’ and I’m managing to do that,” Sher- Sherbini was left to wait and see who Mosaad’s exit confi rmed, the match had Men (Group B): 8-Cameron Pilley (AUS) bini concluded, referring to the words she will face in the semi-fi nals while her tangible drive and tension, probably de- bt 6-Simon Rosner (GER) 11-2, 11-7; 2-Gre- of the popular four times former world conqueror on Tuesday, Raneem El Wel- riving from it being a repeat of the World gory Gaultier (FRA) bt 4-Omar Mosaad champion who is now Egypt’s team di- ily, fi nished top of group B with a 100 per Open fi nal six months ago in Seattle. (EGY) 7-11, 11-8, 11-1 rector. cent record after a 15-13, 11-9 victory over “I had to play a hundred percent,” said Women (Group B): 4-Raneem El Welily Sherbini’s progress since last month’s her best friend and compatriot Omneya the Frenchman. (EGY) bt 6-Omneya Abdel Kawy (EGY) world title triumph in Kuala Lumpur has Abdel Kawy. “In other matches he was struggling 15-13, 11-9; 2-Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt been further hampered by the need to Men’s world champion Gregory Gault- with his movement but this time he was 7-Camille Serme (FRA) 11-4, 11-6

Swiss anti-doping chief backs Russian whistleblower

AFP from a psychological perspective: what Saugy said the “weak link is the person Beijing Games are being tested there. Lausanne could Rodchenkov have to gain from who receives the samples”. The results are expected to be an- inventing such a story,” Saugy told AFP. “We’ve seen in , because it’s nounced in early June. “I was in Sochi, in the analytical depart- already been shown, that you can have Russia has acknowledged that 14 of the he head of the Lausanne’s ment alongside around 20 scientists. exchanges or manipulation which takes cases are Russian competitors. anti-doping laboratory where Very clearly, not one of the experts there place at the point of interchange, all the Saugy will next month take over an anti- John Coates (left), chairman of the IOC’s Tokyo 2020 co-ordination TOlympic samples are kept, Martial had any suspicions. interfaces are vulnerable.” doping research centre in Lausanne to commission, and Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori attend a press Saugy has told AFP that Russian doping “For all the experts in Sochi, this claim Saugy, who has also worked with the help sporting federations. The new centre briefing in Tokyo yesterday. (AFP) whistleblower Grigory Rodchenkov is on the one hand shocking and a com- International Cycling Union on detecting was inaugurated on Wednesday night. would have no reason to lie. plete surprise.” the banned blood booster EPO, and with Olivier Niggle, future director general Former head of the Moscow anti-doping Asked if it was possible for the scientists FIFA on the use of anabolic steroids, of WADA, said at the inauguration that CHANGE laboratory, Rodchenkov, has gone into to see doping samples being switched, indicated that corruption is possible. everyone would have to wait for the hiding in the United States after alleging Saugy, who was at the 2010 Winter “The weakness is perhaps based on how results of the agency’s inquiry before that Russian secret service and govern- Games in Vancouver and Sochi, said: big the proposed envelope (bribe) is,” deciding action. ment off icials subverted samples at the “No, I wouldn’t have been able to see it he said. “We will see if this is just anti-doping or Kenya passes 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics to hide because the laboratory scientists aren’t “Before we worked quite a lot on the whether it goes further because you failed tests by Russian athletes. there to monitor the interaction at the good faith of the staff . You need to have to keep things in perspective,” said Russia has strongly denied the claims reception (of the samples). systematically have a double check — a Niggli. “Anti-doping organisations will anti-doping law but the World Anti-doping Agency “The organising committees, even the camera that films. In the anti-doping bat- never be able to fight equally with the (WADA) is investigating. IOC, don’t ask us to do that job. We’re tle we need to push the boundaries.” power of a state or its secret services.” “I know Gregory Rodchenkov well and there to scientifically validate results — es- All doping samples from Olympics are According to the New York Times, US amendments deep down, rather than from a techni- sentially, we are there to make sure there stored at the Lausanne laboratory. The prosecutors are also investigating Rus- cal perspective, I ask myself a question are no false positives or false negatives.” 31 suspected new failures from the 2008 sian doping in international sport. AFP Kenyan athletes from an Ol- Nairobi ympics ban threatened by IAAF president Sebastian Coe. “Sport is very critical to this BOTTOMLINE enyan lawmak- country and the athletes have ers passed yesterday added a lot of value in this coun- amendments to an an- try in terms of marketing,” oppo- ti-doping bill to avoid sition lawmaker Chris Wamalwa Cheika names 10 uncapped players for England series Ka possible Olympics ban after said in parliament, while criti- being ruled non-compliant by cising the sports ministry for the World Anti-Doping Agency not ensuring a law accepted by Reuters in fi ne form for the , was “Our fi rst week in camp will target a (WADA). WADA passed the fi rst time. an expected inclusion but ACT Brumbies high intensity training attitude, building A new anti-doping law drafted Many in Kenya fear doping is back-up halfback Joe Powell, who has on combinations within that environ- in consultation with WADA was rife among their top-class run- played just seven matches, ment. We want to build on the identity passed last month, but the agen- ners, who have been the source ustralia coach was a major surprise. we’ve worked hard on establishing over cy later said “inconsistencies” of enormous national pride. sprung a number of surprises Also unexpected was a call-up for Reds the past 18 months.” meant it fell short of strict inter- “They have been the ambassa- in his 39-man training squad winger Eto Nabuli with other uncapped After the fi rst test at Lang Park, the national standards and declared dors of this country and it is the for the next month’s three-Test players being Western Force fullback Wallabies will face England in matches in Kenya “non-compliant with im- highest time to assure our sports seriesA against England yesterday, recall- Dane Haylett-Petty and lock Adam Cole- and Sydney on the following mediate eff ect.” people particularly the youth ing former captain James Horwill and in- man as well as ACT Brumbies prop Allan weekends. Lawmakers were therefore that we have their interests at cluding 10 uncapped players. Alaalatoa and second row . recalled for a special sitting in heart,” Wamalwa added. Lock Horwill, who missed out on the Apart from inside centres SQUAD: Backs - , Bernard Fo- parliament yesterday for the bill Some 40 Kenyan athletes have World Cup squad last year, was one of and , who are injured, and ley, Nick Frisby, Mike Harris, Dane Haylett- to be put back before them to ap- been involved in drug scandals in four overseas-based players included incumbent number 12 , who Petty, , , Samu prove the amendments needed. the last three years and athletics along with uncapped loose forward is involved in the French playoff s with Kerevi, , Christian Leali- Aden Duale, leader of the par- supremo Isaac Mwangi has been Leroy Houston, stalwart tighthead prop Toulon, the squad retains the nucleus of ifano, Luke Morahan, Eto Nabuli, Taqele liamentary majority, thanked suspended for alleged corrup- and hulking winger Taqele the side which reached the fi nal of the Naiyaravoro, Nick Phipps, Joe Powell. lawmakers for coming back from tion involving doping cover-ups, Naiyaravoro. World Cup last year. Forwards - Allan Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, holiday for the vote to make sure drawing a sharp rebuke from Houston and Naiyaravoro were simul- After a training camp on the Sunshine , , , the country’s athletes “are not WADA. taneously announced to have signed for Coast, Cheika will winnow the squad down Liam Gill, James Hanson, Greg Holmes, locked out.” The bill must now pass before the Queensland Reds and New South born centre , who is consid- to 30 players for each test, the fi rst of which Michael Hooper, James Horwill, Leroy Changes to the legislation the Senate for approval before Wales Waratahs respectively, while Kepu ered by some pundits as the answer to takes place in Brisbane on June 11. Houston, Sekope Kepu, Ben McCalman, were needed for Kenya to avoid being signed into law by Presi- and Horwill are both eligible under the Australia’s lack of fi t centres, and former “We’ve been working with an initial Sean McMahon, Stephen Moore, Dean exclusion of its world-beating dent Uhuru Kenyatta, who has “Giteau Rule” having already won 60 or rugby league international Karmichael squad of 60 players we identifi ed, which Mumm, , , Tatafu distance runners from this sum- put his weight behind ensuring more caps for Australia. Hunt, who plays at fullback. has been reduced to 39 for this camp,” he Polota-Nau, Rob Simmons, , Will mer’s Rio de Janeiro Olympics. the bills is passed so that Kenya Among the uncapped players were - Scrumhalf Nick Frisby, who has been said in a statement. Skelton, , . The bill is intended to save can attend the Olympics. Gulf Times 6 Friday, May 27, 2016 SPORT

NHL NBA Cavaliers rebound Sharks reach fi rst at home to rout Raptors 116-78

AFP the two losses in Toronto. Washington “We had our aggression today from the start. It started with Kevin and we followed his lead,” Stanley Cup fi nal eBron James tallied 23 James said. “He is a big reason points and the Cleveland why we were able to play as well Cavaliers moved within as we did today. ‘These guys (fans) have been waiting 25 years for this’ Lone victory of reach- “When Kevin is aggressive like ing the NBA fi nals with a 116-78 we saw then we want to keep giv- AFP blowout home triumph over the ing him the ball. He was spec- Los Angeles Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. tacular.” James, who is seeking his sixth Cleveland have outscored the straight appearance in the NBA Raptors by 88 points in their he San Jose Sharks advanced to championship series, also had three home games. their fi rst Stanley Cup fi nal in six rebounds and eight assists for James thinks the Cavaliers can franchise history Wednesday by the Cavaliers, who lead the best- land another knockout punch on fending off the St. Louis Blues of-seven Eastern Conference fi - Friday, but there is no margin for T5-2 in game six of their Eastern Confer- nals three games to two. error when they face the Raptors ence series. “I am a very experienced play- on Canadian soil. Joel Ward scored two goals and Martin er. I’ve been here a long time,” “It is going to be extremely Jones stopped 24 of 26 shots as the Sharks James said. “I was able to be very diffi cult,” he said of game six. eliminated the Blues four games to two calm these last 48 hours under- “Playing in that beast of an are- in front of a crowd of 17,500 at the SAP standing that it is a big game. na, we’ve got to be composed and Center arena in San Jose. “I’ve been in some pressure we got to be tough.” “It is awesome,” said forward Joe situations before and I wanted The contest was all but over Thornton, who has won gold at the Ol- to have that confi dence around after the fi rst quarter, when ympics, World Cup and World Jun- these guys who have never been Cleveland’s 37 points were the ior Championships but doesn’t have a in that situation before, and it most they’ve scored in any quar- Stanley Cup ring. paid off .” ter in this series. “It is pretty sweet to do it at home. Kyrie Irving added 23 points Toronto trailed by 18 after one These guys (fans) have been waiting 25 in the Cavaliers’ most lopsided period, and they didn’t pass 37 years for this and some of us have been playoff victory in franchise his- points until the early stages of waiting a long time too. So it is pretty tory, eclipsing their 31-point vic- the third quarter. sweet. tory at home in the series opener. The Raptors’ 65-34 halft- Joe Pavelski, Joonas Donskoi and Lo- Game six is today in Toronto. ime defi cit was the fi rst time in gan Couture also scored in the clinching The Raptors must win or else franchise history they trailed by game for the Sharks, a team that joined Cleveland will advance to next at least 30 points in any game, the league in 1991. month’s NBA fi nals to face ei- regular season or playoff s. By virtue of winning the NHL semi- ther the Oklahoma City Thunder Kyle Lowry had 13 points and fi nal series, the Sharks advance to their or defending champion Golden six assists, and DeMar DeRozan fi rst appearance in the league champion- State Warriors. scored 14 points for the Rap- ship series after missing the post season The Cavaliers delivered a stun- tors after they totalled 67 points the previous year. ning blow on Wednesday by fl ip- in Toronto’s game four win at San Jose will open the Stanley Cup fi nal Joel Ward (foreground) of the San Jose Sharks celebrates after scoring his second goal against St. Louis Blues in game six of the ping the script on the Raptors, home. The backcourt partners against the winner of Thursday’s game Western Conference Final during the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff s in San Jose, California, on Wednesday. (AFP) who won back-to-back home shot a combined seven-for-20 in seven between Tampa Bay Lightning and games to level the series 2-2. game fi ve. the Pittsburgh Penguins. goalie Brian Elliott. third shutout of the series when Vladimir said some of his players were simply James said containing those The Sharks have had some close calls in “The third goal was the killer,” said Tarasenko fi nally tallied his fi rst point of worn out. FAITH IN LOVE two was crucial. the playoff s before and some monumen- Blues coach Ken Hitchcock. the series with a goal at 11:39. Tarasenko “We had individuals that were strug- Cleveland’s faith was also re- “You have got to keep two guys tal meltdowns. In 2014, they had a 3-0 Donskoi clinched it with his fi fth scored again at 16:25. gling,” he said. “We made some tired de- stored in forward Kevin Love, in front of them all the time. series lead before losing in game seven to goal of the playoff s fi ve minutes later by The Sharks scored the only goal of the cisions late in periods and shifts that we who scored a team-high 25 Make them see four hands and the Los Angeles Kings. converting another Couture feed. And fi rst period as Pavelski bagged his NHL hadn’t made.” points on eight-of-10 shooting keep them off the free throw Ward scored his second goal of the Couture capped a three-point evening playoff -leading 13th goal on a wrap- Thornton said he is not picky about after making just fi ve-of-23 in line,” he said. game and sixth of the playoff series with an empty-net marker with 19 sec- around four minutes into the game. who the Sharks play next. three minutes into the third period onds left. The Blues were playing their 20th “I will play both teams. If they want to by defl ecting a Couture pass by Blues The Blues snapped Jones attempt at a game of the postseason and Hitchcock dress 40 guys I will play them both.”

MLB Arrieta maintains winning streak despite rough game

Reuters He has not lost in the regular season Los Angeles since July 25, 2015, though the 30-year- old did drop one game in the post-season last October. hicago Cubs pitcher Jake Arri- “We’ll ride it out and see where it goes,” eta’s phenomenal streak of con- Arrieta said. “The way we’re swinging the sistency put him in the record bats and the way I’m capable of throw- books on Wednesday. ing on an extended period, I think we can Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James dunks during the third quarter CArrieta, the reigning National League keep it going a little longer.” against the Toronto Raptors in game five of the Eastern conference Cy Young winner, tossed fi ve innings to finals of the NBA Playoff s on Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports) lead Chicago to a 9-8 victory over St. RESULTS Louis, their 23rd successive regular sea- NY Mets 2 Washington 0 son win in a game started by the right Philadelphia 8 Detroit 5 SPOTLIGHT hander. Minnesota 7 Kansas City 5 Atlanta also won 23 successive games Chicago Cubs 9 st. Louis 8 from 2010-2012 behind Kris Medlen. Texas 15 LA Angels 9 “He’s on a nice run now, a historic run,” Cleveland 4 Chicago White Sox 3 Off the boil Curry is Cubs manager Joe Maddon told reporters. San Francisco 4 San Diego 3 (10 innings) “I will take a moment to sit back and think Pittsburgh 5 Arizona 4 about what I’ve been watching this whole Toronto 8 NY Yankees 4 fi ne, says coach Kerr time. I have to understand I’m watching Boston 10 Colorado 3 something really signifi cant right now.” Miami 4 Tampa Bay 3 Valuable Player is no more than Arrieta was far from perfect on Wednes- Milwaukee 3 Atlanta 2 (13 innings) 70 percent healthy, though Kerr day, allowing seven hits and four runs, but Houston 4 Baltimore 3 later dismissed the report. he improved to 9-0 and captured his 20th LA Dodgers 3 Cincinnati 1 Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta throws during the game against the “Nobody has said anything consecutive regular season decision. Seattle 13 Oakland 3 St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports) about Steph being 70 percent to me not the training staff , rela- tives, friends or sources with knowledge of our teams think- NFL ing,” Kerr told reporters. “I know he’s not injured. If he were in- jured, he would not be playing.” Curry has played in six games Patriots urge judges to hear Brady’s ban appeal since returning from injury and has appeared to have struggled in his last two, making only a com- AFP “But the impact of the majority opin- bined 13 of 37 shots. New York ion is not limited to professional football. “The last couple of games he It threatens to undermine vital principles hasn’t played as well as he can. governing arbitration of collective bar- He looked great in Game Two he reigning Super Bowl cham- gaining agreements throughout the na- and he got free. Is he bothered a pion New England Patriots fi led tional economy. little bit by the layoff ? Perhaps,” a federal court brief Wednesday “From the outset of this matter the Kerr added. Tasking the US Second Circuit league’s conduct refl ects less a search for Reuters “He went three weeks without Court of Appeals to hear Tom Brady’s the truth than pursuit of a pre-determined Los Angeles playing a game. He may not be ‘Defl ategate’ suspension appeal. result and defence of a report which, de- quite where he needs to be, but Brady faces a four-game ban at the start spite no direct evidence of tampering or its not an injury. That’s the im- of the 2016 NFL campaign for the quar- Mr. Brady’s involvement, was relied on to olden State Warriors portant thing to know. terback’s supposed role in the under-in- impose penalties with no precedent or cor- coach Steve Kerr has “This is the playoff s. Every- fl ating of footballs for the 2015 American relation to the alleged off ence.” played down sugges- body has injuries and you have to Conference championship game. If the court refuses to hear the case, tions that point guard play through that stuff .” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell im- Brady’s only other option would be to ap- GStephen Curry is nursing an The Warriors will try to fend posed the four-game ban on Brady last peal the case to the US Supreme Court, injury that is hampering his per- off elimination on Thursday as year following a league investigation that which could postpone a fi nal verdict for formances in the Western Con- they return home for Game Five declared Brady was generally aware of the years. ference Finals. and Kerr said that was all they lower than regulation air pressure in balls If the suspension stands, Brady will The Warriors, who set an NBA were focusing on. used by the Patriots in the playoff contest. miss the Patriots’ opening games against record of 73 wins in the regular “We feel very confi dent,” Kerr But Brady took the league to court and the Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, season, trail the best-of-seven said. “We have three games, two the ban was overturned by US District Houston Texans and Buff alo Bills. series 3-1 against the Oklahoma of them at home and we knew Court Judge Richard Berman, allowing gaining agreement with players to sus- the Patriots supported with their brief, Brady, among America’s most high- City Thunder, who have over- after we lost Game One that we Brady to start on time in a season that pend Brady for four games. team lawyer Daniel Goldberg saying the profi le sports fi gures, was plunged into powered the defending champi- would need to win one in OKC ended with him claiming a record-tying On Monday, Brady fi led an appeal to NFL probe into the matter was a “sham” controversy after New England routed ons. (Oklahoma City). fourth career Super Bowl crown. overturn his four-game ban, asking for a and its fi ndings were fl awed. Indianapolis in last year’s playoff s. Curry injured his right knee “We failed in our fi rst two The NFL made its own court appeal hearing by the full appeals court, not just “The Patriots stand to lose their All- The Patriots were accused of delib- last month and website Ya- chances but we’ll take care of and last month, a circuit court panel of the three-judge panel. Pro quarterback for 25 percent of the erately manipulating the air pressure of hoo Sports, citing an un- business at home and have one judges ruled 2-1 that Goodell was within Seven of 13 judges must agree that the upcoming regular season based on a se- balls used in the fi rst half in order to make named source, reported early on more chance down there and see his rights under the NFL collective bar- hearing is necessary and that’s the cause verely fl awed process,” Goldberg wrote. them easier to grip, grab and throw. Wednesday the reigning Most what happens.” Gulf Times Friday, May 27, 2016 7 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Mathews says Woakes gets England it’s time Sri nod for second Test Lanka came Durham all-rounder Stokes had already been ruled out of the match due to knee injury on in the cold AFP Chester-le-Street, UK

ri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews (right) said the “weather can be a factor but it can’t be an excuse”S as his side looked to draw level in their Test series against England. Mathews’ men were thrashed by an in- nings and 88 runs in the fi rst Test as they went 1-0 down in the three-match series at a cold and grey and Headingley ground in Leeds, last week. Similarly miserable condi- tions have greeted Sri Lanka in Chester-le-Street, with rain preventing any meaningful outdoor practice on Wednes- day and yesterday ahead of the start of today’s second Test at north-east county Durham’s Riverside ground. It’s all a far cry from the searing heat of Colombo and Mathews, speaking to report- ers, said: “It’s the coldest weather I’ve known playing cricket. It was extremely cold ple, the fi rst thing we have to yesterday (Wednesday),” add- do. The more we think about it, ed Mathews, who saw his side the more disappointed we get. run round the outfi eld with Obviously, you can’t erase it -- players clad in bobble hats and but we have to move on. That’s several sweaters. what we’ll do. Tomorrow is go- “Today it’s a bit better, and ing to be a fresh start. To stay I’m hearing it will stay that way alive in the series, we have to for the next three days.” win. It’s a mental adjustment More than the actual tem- we need, and I hope the boys perature, it was the overcast will be fi ne,” Mathews added. conditions which aided swing The Sri Lanka captain took movement and were superbly some heart from 21-year- exploited by England spear- old top-order batsman Kusal head James Anderson, who had Mendis’s battling fi fty in the match fi gures of 10 for 45, that second innings at Heading- proved Sri Lanka’s undoing ley. “It’s his fi rst time in a Test in Leeds. A pitch with a tinge in England, and he showed a of green also helped Stuart lot of character when the ball Broad, Anderson’s new-ball was seaming and swinging England all-rounder Chris Woakes kicks a ball as his teammates look on during the training session in Chester-le-Street, north east England yesterday. (Reuters) partner in crime, to seam the around,” said Mathews.”It says ball off the surface at Headin- a lot about the player. AFP marked his inclusion in the squad on Monday by taking a the fi rst Englishman to score 10,000 runs in Tests. gley, where all-rounder Math- He can take a lot of encour- Chester-le-Street, United Kingdom fi rst-class best nine for 36 for Warwickshire against Dur- Nick Compton, out for a duck at Headingley, has spo- ews’s Test-best 160 set up Sri agement out of that, and so can ham at Edgbaston and earlier this month he scored a hun- ken openly of how he feels under pressure for his place af- Lanka’s series-clinching win the rest of the batters.” dred in the County Championship. ter a modest tour of South Africa following 85 in the series two years ago. But Mathews admitted that hris Woakes will replace the injured Ben Stokes “Chris Woakes is going to come in for Ben Stokes,” said opener at Durban. “You’re always under pressure when Similar conditions could facing Anderson and Broad, in England’s side for the second Test against Sri Cook. “He’s going to bat at eight, Jonny and Mo are going you’re playing for England,” said Cook. well lie in wait at the Riverside, who have taken a combined Lanka, skipper Alastair Cook said yesterday. to push up.” “He (Compton) played some good innings in South Af- but Mathews is determined 646 wickets in 84 Tests as a C Durham all-rounder Stokes had already been Asked why Woakes had been chosen ahead of Ball, Cook rica, certainly at the start of the tour -- that 80-odd, he there won’t be a similar out- pairing, in helpful conditions ruled out of the match at his Chester-le-Street home said: “We enjoyed playing with the balance of this side.” battled hard and set up a good win. And he’s scored two come. “The weather can be a was no easy task. “They are ground starting today after suff ering a knee injury during Woakes has had a stop-start Test career since making (Test) hundreds already. So he can play at this level. Like factor, but it can’t be an excuse world-class bowlers, especial- England’s crushing innings and 88-run win in the fi rst of his debut in 2013 and only averages 21 with the bat and an all of us, he’s only a score away, and he needs a score, but you have to compete, regard- ly in these conditions.” a three-match series at Headingley last week. expensive 63 with the ball. “I don’t think we’ve seen the he’s in a really good place to do that.” less of the conditions,” Math- Despite their ultimately Warwickshire’s Woakes, a similar player in that he is a best of him yet in an England shirt,” said Cook. England have won all fi ve of their previous Tests at ews said. heavy defeat, Sri Lanka did re- pace-bowling all-rounder, comes into the side in the only “But he’s in fi ne form for Warwickshire – a nine-for Chester-le-Street, including an Ashes-clinching success “When they (England) come duce England to 83 for fi ve at change to the England team that won inside three days at and a hundred in the last two weeks. It’s disappointing wrapped up by paceman Stuart Broad in 2013. out to Sri Lanka it’s going to Headingley. And Mathews was Yorkshire’s headquarters last week after seeing off a chal- for Ben...He’s got that ability to win or change games of But with Durham some £5 million in debt and strug- be hot and yes they struggle, adamant they could win at the lenge from uncapped Nottinghamshire seamer Jake Ball, cricket very quickly. But injuries are part and parcel of a gling to sell tickets this week, Friday’s fi xture could be the but you have to compete re- Riverside and end England’s who once again was kept waiting for a Test debut. side and we need to learn how to play without him.” last Test at the ground. “We’ve always had great support gardless of the conditions. You perfect run of fi ve wins in as Cook, speaking to reporters at a rainy Chester-le-Street For all that England won convincingly, they were 83 for here,” said Cook. can’t control the weather, but many Tests at the ground. yesterday, said England’s batting order would be adjusted fi ve before Bairstow and opener Alex Hales, with a Test- “When Stuart took those wickets in 2013, the noise and we can try to control our per- “It’s defi nitely possible,” slightly with wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow, who made best 86, turned the innings around. “It was tough condi- the atmosphere was brilliant. We need to keep playing formances. It was an embar- said Mathews.” 140 batting at seven at Headingley, moving up to number tions,” said Cook. at each end of the country so people can keep watching rassing defeat. We’ve had a few If we play to our poten- six and all-rounder Moeen Ali promoted to number seven ”One false shot and you were out. The way Alex and Test cricket. I don’t know the ins and outs of it. But Dur- days to think about it, and talk tial, and don’t think about the with Woakes in at No.8. Jonny played was outstanding. A few of us could do with a ham have a great record of bringing players through, so it about strategies. We have to weather too much...We have This will be the 27-year-old Woakes’s seventh Test. He score,” added opener Cook, still 20 runs shy of becoming would be a shame.” forget Headingley. That’s sim- the skill and the talent.”

ROUND-UP Hyderabad, Gujarat eye Bangar named India coach for Zimbabwe tour maiden IPL fi nal spot New Delhi: Gujarat Lions will early impact on the game. IANS just recovered after being sidelined since look to extend their impressive Veteran Yuvraj Singh has New Delhi November with a foot fracture. debut campaign when they contributed in bits and pieces The upcoming tour of Sri Lanka will face Sunrisers Hyderabad, who but the 30-ball 44 he scored see the Australian bowlers embrace the are also eyeing their maiden on Wednesday will give him ormer India all-rounder Sanjay “torpedo technology”, using “smart al- Indian Premier League (IPL) confidence. Bangar was yesterday appointed gorithms” planted in a wearable tracking final berth, in the second quali- A lot will also depend on national head coach for the lim- device, to track and reduce injuries to the fier here today. Australian all-rounder Moises ited overs tour of Zimbabwe, pacemen. Gujarat topped the league Henriques. startingF June 11 while ex-domestic crick- Sports scientists at Australian Catho- stage and were pipped by In the bowling department, eter Abhay Sharma was named fi elding lic University’s School of Exercise Sci- Royal Challengers Bangalore in Mustafizur Rahman (16 wick- coach. India will play the fi rst One-Day ence developed the algorithms and have the first qualifier by six wickets. ets) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar International (ODI) on June 11. The Ma- recommended in a report in the British But they will join RCB in the (21 wickets) have ensured hendra Singh Dhoni-led young Indian Journal of Sports Medicine that cricket final if they beat Hyderabad at that Hyderabad don’t bemoan brigade will take on Zimbabwe in three coaches use them. the Ferozeshah Kotla Stadium. the absence of veteran pacer ODIs and as many T20Is in Harare. “These ‘smart algorithms’ rely on Hyderabad, who finished Ashish Nehra, who underwent Bangar, 43, had previously worked the interaction of the accelerometers, fourth in the league standings, a right knee surgery in London with the national team as the batting magnetometers and gyroscopes housed shrugged off two-time cham- on Tuesday. coach when former skipper Ravi Shastri within the wearable unit - the same pions Kolkata Knight Riders on Gujarat’s batting will centre was the director before their contracts Sanjay Bangar has also worked with Kings XI Punjab in the IPL since 2014. technology used to navigate submarines, Wednesday by 22 runs. around West Indian Dwayne ended with the World T20 championship guided missiles and spacecraft,” the re- The Sunrisers franchise, play- Smith (323 runs), former New in March-April. Indian board had said it successful reign as New Zealand coach until 2015. While the majority of the port’s co-author Dr Tim Gabbett said. ing in the IPL since 2013, is yet Zealand skipper Brendon Mc- would put together an interim coaching with a contract extension that takes him side remain intact, top order batsman Existing methods of measuring the to reach the final of the IPL. Cullum (322), Australian Aaron team for Zimbabwe; June 10 is the dead- through until after the 2019 World Cup in Kane Williamson has succeeded the re- workload of the bowler only take into ac- They defeated Gujarat in Finch (343 runs) and skip- line for candidates to apply for the role of England. tired Brendon McCullum as captain for count the number of deliveries bowled both the matches in the league per Suresh Raina (398 runs). India’s full-time head, and the appoint- Since taking over as coach in 2012, all three formats of the game. New Zea- and not the intensity and eff ort required. phase and those victories, due Stumper Dinesh Karthik (309 ment process will be completed before Hesson has overseen a marked improve- land’s next international assignment is “Tagging individual balls with an inten- to the success of the bowlers, runs) and all-rounders Dwayne India leave for the West Indies in July. ment in New Zealand’s standing in inter- their tour of southern Africa in July and sity measure provides both immediate will give them a mental edge Bravo and Ravindra Jadeja will Bangar represented India in 12 Tests national cricket and they are now ranked August, where they will play two Tests analysis such as identifying eff ort balls, coming into today’s contest. add enough firepower in the and 15 ODIs. Bangar has also worked with number one in Twenty20, second in one- each against Zimbabwe and South Africa. or potentially a drop in performance Led superbly by David Warn- lower order. Kings XI Punjab in the IPL since 2014, day internationals and fi fth in Tests. due to fatigue, or longer term workload er, Hyderabad are a batting The bowling department the fi rst Indian to head the coaching Team manager Mike Sandle, batting AUSSIES EMBRACE GUIDED MISSILE analysis,” Dean McNamara, the other co- heavy team with the Australian has the likes of medium pacer staff at an IPL franchise. In his fi rst sea- coach Craig McMillan and strength and TECHNOLOGY IN ASHES QUEST author, added. captain (686 runs) and Shikhar Dhawal Kulkarni (18 wickets), son coaching the often under-achieving conditioning coach Chris Donaldson Australia are resorting to guided missile “Measuring bowling intensity for in- Dhawan (473 runs) both featur- who has been a revelation in team, they made the fi nal, however, this have also extended their contracts. technology to help their fast bowlers re- dividual balls or sessions provides con- ing in the top-10 run-getters in this edition, Praveen Kumar (9 season they fi nished last. New Zealand reached the fi nal of the claim the Ashes from England next year. text for the acute and chronic workload this edition. wickets) and Bravo (15 wickets). 50-overs World Cup last year and the Steve Smith’s team have been grap- of the individual bowler, and ultimately Gujarat Lions need to get rid Left-arm spinner Jadeja has NZ COACH HESSON EXTENDS semi-fi nals of the World Twenty20 in pling with injuries in their pace attack the preparedness of the bowler for the of the Hyderabad openers as also contributed with eight CONTRACT UNTIL 2019 March, having gone unbeaten in seven with Peter Siddle and James Pattinson maximal workload of the immediate quickly as possible to have an wickets so far. Mike Hesson has been rewarded for his Test series home and away from 2013 out of action, while Mitchell Starc has competition.” Friday, May 27, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

FRENCH OPEN SPOTLIGHT Sharapova Djokovic and Nadal named in Russian Olympic team reach milestones as AFP ommendations on how to deal Moscow with cases involving meldonium. Russia is poised to send its four highest-ranked players to ussia have included compete in the singles event at Maria Sharapova in the Rio Olympics, which as of their Olympic tennis Monday were Sharapova, Svet- Serena eases on Rteam despite the star lana Kuznetsova, Anastasia player being suspended over a Pavlyuchenkova and Ekaterina positive test for the banned drug Makarova. meldonium, the country’s tennis If Sharapova cannot compete, Top seed Djokovic claims his 50th win at the Roland Garros federation said yesterday. Tarpischev said, the team would “By the end of the fi rst week select the fi fth highest-ranked of Roland Garros, the question player in the WTA rankings, of Sharapova’s participation at 19-year-old Daria Kasatkina. the Olympic Games should be Russia has been rocked by a resolved,” Shamil Tarpischev, the series of doping scandals, in- head of Russia’s tennis federa- cluding recent allegations by the tion, told R-Sport news agency. former head of Russia’s national “She has been put on our Olym- anti-doping lab, Grigory Rod- pic application. It has to be sub- chenkov, about a doping cover- mitted by June 6.” up scheme that involved at least Sharapova, who won silver at 15 medallists at the 2014 Sochi the 2012 London Olympics, was Games, as well as the sports suspended in March after she ministry and the FSB secu- admitted she had tested positive rity service. The country is also for meldonium at the Austral- striving to reinstate its athletics ian Open in January. Since then, federation, suspended in No- a string of high profi le Russian vember over evidence of state- athletes – including Olympic sponsored doping and mass swimmer Yulia Efi mova – also corruption in Russian track and tested positive for meldonium. fi eld, in time for Rio. But the World Anti-Doping The International Association Agency (WADA), which had only of Athletics Federations (IAAF) banned the Latvian-made drug is set to rule next month on Rus- from January 1, said in April that sia’s participation in the Games. athletes could escape a ban for The International Olympic taking meldonium because of Committee (IOC) is expected uncertainty about how long it to soon announce the number takes for the substance to leave of failed doping tests from the the body. Many athletes who had 2012 London Olympics that have been suspended for testing posi- been found during the retesting tive for meldonium have since of samples. The IOC has already been absolved. revealed the existence of 31 new In April, the International suspect cases from the 2008 Bei- Tennis Federation (ITF) said that jing Games, 14 of which involve Sharapova’s case would be heard Russian athletes, Russia’s Olym- in accordance with WADA’s rec- pic Committee has said.

Maria Sharapova

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic returns the ball during his win over Belgium’s Steve Darcis in the second round of the French Open in Paris yesterday. (AFP)

AFP 6-0, 6-3. Nadal, 29, dropped the fi rst equal the modern day record of 22 held by over Portugal’s 26th seed Joao Sousa. Paris two games against Bagnis but then won Steffi Graf. “Today I played very well and But going out was Australian 20th seed 18 of the next 22 to ease into a last-32 I am happy to have won,” said Williams Bernard Tomic, beaten 3-6, 6-2, 7-6 clash against Spanish compatriot Marcel who fi red 31 winners to just six for her (7/4), 7-6 (8/6) by Croatian 19-year-old orld number one Novak Granollers. outclassed opponent. The 34-year-old Borna Coric. Djokovic and nine-time “The most important thing is a victory American will next go up against either Germany’s Alexander Zverev, the only FOCUS winner Rafael Nadal racked in the second round more than the 200 France’s Kristina Mladenovic or Timea other teenager left in the draw, made the up Grand Slam milestones victories,” said Nadal, who now has a 72-2 Babos of Hungary. last 32 of a major for the fi rst time by beat- Wat the French Open yesterday as Serena win-loss record at Roland Garros. Roger Venus Williams was to follow her sis- ing 36-year-old Frenchman Stephane Williams coasted into the third round. Federer, missing from the French Open ter on Court Suzanne Lenglen against Robert 6-1, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. Serbian 14th Williams sisters Top seed Djokovic, looking for a Roland this year, tops the all-time list of Grand 20-year-old compatriot Louisa Chiri- seed Ana Ivanovic, the 2008 winner, de- Garros title to complete a career Grand Slam matches won on 302. Djokovic is co who came through qualifying. Also feated Japan’s Kurumi Nara 7-5, 6-1. Slam, claimed his 50th win at the tourna- sixth with 216 after his win yesterday. reaching the third round on Thursday Dutchwoman Kiki Bertens followed up take similar routes ment by seeing off Belgian qualifi er Steve Top seed and defending women’s were 2010 semi-fi nalist Tomas Berdych, her fi rst round win over Australian Open Darcis 7-5, 6-3, 6-4. It was the Serb’s champion Williams cruised into the last the seventh seeded Czech, who defeated champion Angelique Kerber by beating Reuters champion told reporters. “But third win in three career meetings with 32 with a 6-2, 6-1 win over Teliana Perei- Malek Jaziri of Tunisia 6-1, 2-6, 6-2, 6-4. Camila Giorgi of Italy 6-4, 6-1. Swiss Paris right now we have to be focused Darcis, a player nicknamed ‘Shark’ who ra of . It was a routine victory for Latvia’s Ernests Gulbis, who beat Fed- eighth seed Timea Bacsinszky, a semi- on what we want to do in go- dumped Nadal out of Wimbledon in 2013. the world number one that keeps her on erer on his way to the semi-fi nals in 2014, fi nalist last year, defeated Canada’s Eug- ing out there and winning the But it was a far from a smooth dis- course to win a 22nd Grand Slam title and made the last-32 with a 6-2, 7-5, 6-3 win enie Bouchard 6-4, 6-4. ame court, same score- match.” play from the 11-time major winner and line - the Williams sisters Serena, who has lost fi ve games three-time French Open runner-up who followed each other into in two matches, will next take on committed 42 unforced errors. “He plays FRENCH OPEN RESULTS Sthe third round of the local favourite Kristina Mladen- with a lot of speed, is good from the base- French Open in ruthless fashion ovic, the 26th seed, or Hungary’s line and it was not easy for me to play the Men’s second round: Novak Djokovic (GER) bt Stéphane Robert (FRA) 6-1, 3-6, 6-1, Navarro (ESP x12) bt Wang Qiang (CHN) 6-1, yesterday. Defending champion Timea Babos.She started con- points the way I wanted,” Djokovic said of (SRB) bt Steve Darcis (BEL) 7-5, 6-3, 6-4; 6-4; Dominic Thiem (AUT x13) bt Guillermo 6-3; Dominika Cibulkova (SVK x22) bt Ana Serena and her elder sister Ve- fi dently, winning the fi rst four 32-year-old Darcis. “He has a lot of talent Aljaz Bedene (GBR) bt Pablo Carreno-Busta García-López (ESP) 7-5, 6-4, 7-6 (7/3); David Konjuh (CRO) 6-4, 3-6, 6-0; Yulia Putintseva nus, seeded ninth, respectively games, only for her 81st-ranked and it was tough. I am happy to have won (ESP) 7-6 (7/4), 6-3, 4-6, 5-7, 6-2; Borna Coric Goff in (BEL x12) bt Carlos Berlocq (ARG) (KAZ) bt Andrea Petkovic (GER x28) 6-2, beat Brazilian Teliana Pereira and opponent to pull one break of in three sets.” (CRO) bt Bernard Tomic (AUS x20) 3-6, 6-2, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4; Nicolas Almagro (ESP) bt Jirí 6-2; Karin Knapp (ITA) bt Anastasija Sevas- American Louisa Chirico 6-2, serve back. Djokovic next takes on Britain’s Slove- 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (8/6); Roberto Bautista (ESP Veselý (CZE) 6-4, 6-4, 6-3; Ernests Gulbis tova (LAT) 6-3, 6-4; Kiki Bertens (NED) bt 6-1 on Court Suzanne Lenglen. But Serena simply upped her nian-born Aljaz Bedene who reached the x14) bt Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA) 7-6 (7/5), (LAT) bt João Sousa (POR x26) 6-2, 7-5, Camila Giorgi (ITA) 6-4, 6-1; Darya Kasatkina World number one Serena went performance and claimed eight third round of a major for the fi rst time 6-4, 6-1; Pablo Cuevas (URU x25) bt Quentin 6-3; Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA x6) bt Marcos (RUS x29) bt Virginie Razzano (FRA) 3-6, fi rst but she did not stay to watch of the last nine games before with a 7-6 (7/4), 6-3, 4-6, 5-7, 6-2 win Halys (FRA) 7-6 (7/4), 6-3, 7-6 (8/6); Tomas Baghdatis (CYP) 6-7 (6/8), 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 6-1, 6-3; Madison Keys (USA x15) bt Mariana her sister. ending a one-sided match on her over Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta. Berdych (CZE x7) bt Malek Jaziri (TUN) Women’s second round: Serena Williams Duque (COL) 6-3, 6-2; Venus Williams (USA “I think we’re unfortunately second match point. Nine-time champion Nadal became 6-1, 2-6, 6-2, 6-4; Rafael Nadal (ESP x4) bt (USA x1) bt Teliana Pereira (BRA) 6-2, 6-1; Eli- x9) bt Louisa Chirico (USA) 6-2, 6-1; Pauline really focused on our match. Venus, who was barely both- just the eighth man to record up 200 Facundo Bagnis (ARG) 6-3, 6-0, 6-3; Marcel na Svitolina (UKR x18) bt Taylor Townsend Parmentier (FRA) bt Irina Falconi (USA) 6-3, And I say unfortunately be- ered by compatriot Chirico, will Grand Slam match wins as he saw off Granollers (ESP) bt Nicolas Mahut (FRA) (USA) 6-3, 6-0; Ana Ivanovic (SRB x14) bt 6-1; Timea Bacsinszky (SUI x8) bt Eugénie cause in a few years we’ll be like, take on either local favourite Al- Argentina’s world number 99 -- and fel- 6-3, 6-2, 1-0 - retired; Alexander Zverev Kurumi Nara (JPN) 7-5, 6-1; Carla Suarez Bouchard (CAN) 6-4, 6-4 Wow, that’s a great moment,” ize Cornet or German Tatjana low left-hander -- Facundo Bagnis 6-3, the 21-times singles grand slam Maria.

AL SHAQAB CELEBRATES GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR EQUINE EDUCATION STUDENTS

Al Shaqab yesterday celebrated the graduation ceremony for the first group of students, who received equestrian training at Al Shaqab. The impressive ceremony was attended by HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad al-Thani, Sheikh Shaikh Al-Qa’qa bin Hamad al-Thani and HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani. Sheikh Thani honoured the students, who had attended practi- cal trainings and theoretical classes throughout the academic year that began in September 2015. The students who were feted had proved their merit and skills in the Al Shaqab arena in diff erent competi- tions that were organised by the equine education Department and the Qatar Equestrian Federation. During the ceremony, Al Shaqab also announced the setting up of a complete Qatari equestrian cur- riculum for aspiring professionals in equestrian sports in line with the heritage and culture of Qatar.