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FOOTBALL/ ROAD TO Game on as take on Iran in crucial WC qualifi er Emotional clash expected after Fossati and Queiroz spar on eve of match over events in Tehran where Iran won

By Joe Koraith pers. I’ve never made those comments,” Doha he said yesterday. Queiroz also stressed that that inci- dent should be forgotten and asked for n the face of it, it will be Qa- today’s game to be played in a fair man- tar’s sixth match of their 2018 ner. “What happened in Tehran was not World Cup qualifying cam- something that you expect in a football Opaign when they take on Iran game. But that is history. The referee, today at the Jassim bin Hamad stadium. FIFA have all made their reports. Both But the plot runs so deep that one should teams have suff ered. And both teams expect no less than a no-holds barred need to learn from that. Football is not contest when the two teams face each war and should be a fair game. The play- other. ers of both teams want to play good Iran are, on paper, the superior football. They should play according to team with a FIFA ranking of 33. Qatar the spirit of FIFA Fair Play – fair and re- are ranked 51 places lower. The visi- spectful,” said the Portuguese yesterday. tors haven’t lost a game yet and with 11 After the loss to iran, Qatar also lost to points are leaders of Group A. The home – a match that they were ex- side have managed just one win and have pected to win. This loss cost then coach conceded six goals so far. And as a result Jose Carreno his job and Fossati was of which, they are fi fth in the standings. given the reins. Queiroz believes that it In the nine times that these two sides has been too short a time for Fossati to have met, Iran have won fi ve times and have had too much of an impact on the one match has ended in a draw. Qatar team. “The Qatar team has indeed Those are the statistics. Qatar coach (top left) and his Iranian counterpart address the media yesterday. At bottom, Qatar players train for today’s match. changed when the coach was changed. But this match is going to all about But at the end of the day he has had just emotions. Qatar had played the fi rst 3-4 months with the team. He cannot match of this campaign against Iran in produce a miracle. The players are the Tehran and they were up for the fi ght same, the culture of the players are the till a disastrous goalkeeping error from same. At the end of the day, it’s the play- Claude Amine gave the home side the ers who will be on the pitch and playing lead in the 94th minute. Two minutes the game,” said the 64-year-old. later Iran doubled their lead and Qa- Queiroz went on to express his un- tar had to leave empty handed. Not just happiness at his counterpart focusing on that, the tie ended on an ill-tempered the ‘fake news’. “Fossati shouldn’t have note with many players getting involved said what he said. What we needed was in a fracas. FIFA ended up having to sus- a fair play environment. The comments pend certain players from both teams for that he should emphasise on is that I that unruly incident. had congratulated Qatar on bringing the And then it was reported that Iran World Cup to this region. He should have coach Carlos Queiroz had questioned emphasised on the thanks that I gave to the team composition of the Qatar team. the Qatar offi cials for the eff ort they All of this meant that today’s match put in in bringing the World Cup to this could no longer be a straightforward tie country.” as emotions are going to run high. He then went on to praise Qatar for Qatar coach Jorge Fossati didn’t mince helping promote football not only in the words regarding the incident during region but all over the world. I want to say yesterday’s pre-match press confer- thank you to the Qatari leaders for eve- ence. “What happened in Tehran, after rything that they’re doing for the game. that Iran goal, didn’t start at that mo- When a football coach like me, with 36 ment. The atmosphere was created by years of experience, sees the facilities here my colleague (referring to Queiroz). He and the multitude of coaches working spoke badly about Qatar and about Qatar four players suspended. Iran have just I am sure the players will be ready for the quality to beat them,” said the 64-year- that they are 100 per cent ready to take with young kids here, I want to say ‘Thank Football Federation. This is not his issue two players. And that too just for one match,” said Fossati. old. on Iran. We will do our best to get the You’ to the Qatar Football Federation. I to talk about. He should ask the question match,” he added. Fossati also called upon Qatar fans With time running out, a good per- win. That much I can promise,” said the want to thank Qatar for the eff ort that they regarding his own country – Portugal. But the veteran coach was quick to to turn up in large numbers to sup- formance is a must for Qatar to grab val- Uruguayan. are putting in to improve football - not just Why does Portugal have so few players point out that now the players should port their side. “It’s time for our fans uable points. “It’s an important game for Iran coach Queiroz, as he had then in the country or the region but all over the born in their country,” said an animated focus on today’s game against a “diffi - to show their support. To show that us and there are many reasons for us to too, protested his innocence regard- world,” signed off Queiroz. Fossati yesterday. cult opponent” and put in a strong per- we have fans here who have lots of pas- take a win. We know that we’re playing ing the comments that was attributed The Iranian coach surely tried to ap- “I’m not one who supports violence. I formance to get that much-needed win. sion for football. The stadium must be against a very tough opponent and one to him. “Fossati should know, with the pease the situation. But at 7pm in Doha prefer not to speak about something that “That event occurred six months ago. full for this match. We will show on the of the favourites to qualify for the World experience that he has, that he shouldn’t today, one thing that the fans can be sure was very damaging for Qatar. We have But now we have to focus on this game. fi eld and outside of it that Qatar has the Cup. But I trust my players and know believe what’s written in the newspa- of is a feisty contest. Game on then.

BOTTOMLINE aim to lift fading campaign against Korea

Reuters after Gao Hongbo stepped down in Oc- know that,” added Lippi, who led Italy to against in Saitama last year but Ali Changsha, China tober, told reporters. World Cup glory in 2006. stressed that result counted for nothing “I have repeated that very often to the Iran travel to Doha to take on 2022 against Vahid Halilhodzic’s side, who players since day one and they have to World Cup hosts Qatar (four points), will be without injured captain Makoto hina coach has forget about all the pressure and fear. who are in fi fth place, with Carlos Quei- Hasebe. sought to bolster player con- “They are defending the honour of roz’s side aiming to maintain their un- “Football doesn’t believe in history... fi dence ahead of a do-or-die 1.4bn Chinese people. Once they put on beaten run in the campaign. what happened in the previous game is World Cup qualifying clash the jersey, they have to give their best. Syria (fi ve points), who are forced to in the past,” he said. “Football knows withC today as the Italian at- We are worse than no one in Asia as long play their home games in Malaysia due only one language: how prepared you tempts to encourage his squad to display as they play at their true level.” to the security situation in their country, are, how strong you are on the pitch, more self-belief. China, who have struggled for goals, will host a third-placed Uzbekistan side how much eff ort you give in the game. China have picked up just two points are eight points behind second-placed (nine points) poised to capitalise on any “And I think we always play our foot- in fi ve games to sit bottom of Group A in South Korea and nine adrift of leaders errors by the two teams above them. ball, always try to work hard, whether in AFC third round qualifying and defeat Iran as the top two teams advance to In Group B, the United Arab Emirates training or on the pitch. And that makes against Uli Stielike’s side in Changsha’s next year’s fi nals in Russia with a playoff will seek to complete home-and-away the diff erence in the team.” Helong Stadium would all but end any spot available for the third-place fi nish- wins over fi ve-time World Cup quali- Just two points cover the top four hope of a top-three spot for Lippi’s side. ers. fi ers Japan in Al Ain as coach teams in the group, with the UAE in “Tomorrow’s game is the most im- “If we want to keep our dream of attempts to keep his country’s quest fourth on nine points from their fi ve portant and our mentality is crucial,” South Korean players train during a practice session ahead of a World Cup qualifying for the next year’s World for a second appearance at the fi nals games, just a point behind leaders Saudi the 68-year-old former Guangzhou Ev- football qualifying match against China in Changsha, China’s central Hunan Cup alive, we have to win three points on track. The UAE won their opening Arabia, who take on last-placed Thai- ergrande coach, who took over the job province, yesterday. tomorrow and my players and I both game of the third phase of qualifying land (one point). Gulf Times 2 Thursday, March 23, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT TRIBUTE Liverpool mourn Argentina face Chile ‘Boot Room’ great Ronnie Moran test in World Cup race Liverpool won 11 league titles and AFP four European Cups. “It should never be forgotten Today’s other showpiece game in South America sees Brazil take on Uruguay that without people like Ronnie iverpool greats past and it would not have been possible present paid tribute to for us to achieve as much as we former captain, coach did,” Dalglish told the club web- and caretaker manager site. “My respect and my admi- LRonnie Moran on Wednesday ration for him are absolute and following his death aged 83. there are countless others who “RIP Ronnie Moran,” former feel the same way.” captain Steven Gerrard wrote on Moran was twice called upon Instagram. “Gave me some great to become caretaker manager, advice over the years. The reason following Dalglish’s resignation our club has a fantastic history is in 1991 and then during Graeme because of people like him. My Souness’s recovery from major thoughts are with his family at heart surgery in 1992. A regular this sad time.” visitor to Anfi eld and the club’s Moran spent his entire play- Melwood training ground, he ing career at Liverpool between was diagnosed with vascular de- 1952 and 1968, making 379 ap- mentia last year. pearances, and served as a coach Liverpool said the club were under managers including Bill “deeply saddened”, adding: “The Shankly, Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan thoughts of everyone at Liver- and Kenny Dalglish. Known as pool Football Club are with Ron- ‘Bugsy’, he had two spells as care- nie’s wife Joyce, his children, taker manager during the early family and many friends.” 1990s and had spent 49 years at Liverpool published a video on the club by the time he retired Twitter of the fi rst-team squad in 1998. Ian Rush, Liverpool’s holding a minute’s silence on one all-time leading scorer, tweeted: of the pitches at Melwood prior “It’s a sad day in Football! RIP to Wednesday’s training session. Mr. Liverpool #RonnieMoran Current Liverpool captain Jor- you will be greatly missed!” dan Henderson wrote on Insta- Moran’s son, Paul, announced gram: “The reason being captain on Twitter that he had died yes- of Liverpool Football Club is such terday following “a short illness”. a huge honour is because legen- Born locally in Crosby, Moran dary fi gures like Ronnie Moran joined Liverpool on a part-time held it before I did. I know I speak basis in 1949 and became an for all of the current players ever-present at left-back under when I say that we are all deeply Shankly, winning two league ti- saddened by Ronnie’s passing.” tles and the FA Cup. Liverpool manager Jurgen Shankly then invited Moran Klopp said: “Maybe more of us to join Liverpool’s coaching staff should try to be like him — and in and he became a member of the him we had the perfect role mod- fabled Anfi eld Boot Room, the el. “I am sure nobody can, or will, name given to the club’s coach- forget him. It’s a sad day, but on ing unit. the other hand it is a day where Argentina’s superstar Lionel Messi (right) shares a joke with teammates Ezequiel Lavezzi (centre) and Angel Di Maria during a training session ahead of their 2018 World Cup His time on the back-room everybody thinks about him and qualifiers against Chile in Buenos Aires, Argentina yesterday. (Reuters) staff coincided with the great- thinks about his very, very spe- est period in the club’s history as cial story.” AFP beat lowly Bolivia in their home game, tina coach is that oppo- who is injured. Jesus proved to be the , Chile as expected, Argentina could even fi nish nents Chile are grappling with their own catalyst for Brazil’s resurgence last year, the day further down the pecking order, set of problems, notably the suspension scoring fi ve goals in six games. outside of the fi fth-place playoff berth of Arturo Vidal and a fi tness concern sur- Though there is no obvious like-for- he unthinkable prospect of a they currently occupy. With a trip to face rounding Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez. like replacement, still has plenty of World Cup without Argentina or Bolivia in the thin air of La Paz awaiting Sanchez trained with the team in San- attacking options with a strike force led Lionel Messi could move a step them next Tuesday — where Argentina tiago this week despite suff ering an ankle by Neymar. Liverpool duo Roberto Firmi- closer to becoming reality today have rarely performed well — it means injury while on Arsenal duty last week- no and Philippe Coutinho could also pro- Tas the South American giants prepare to the two-time World Cup-winners can ill end. Today’s other showpiece game in vide attacking thrust. face arch-rivals Chile in a crucial battle aff ord to slip up against the Chileans. South America sees Brazil take on Uru- Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez admit- on the road to Russia 2018. Argentina defeated Chile in Santiago guay in Montevideo. ted he would have his hands full dealing Argentina, who last failed to qualify for earlier in the qualifi ers, winning 2-1 in Brazil have transformed their qualify- with Neymar. Asked how he planned to the World Cup in 1970, saw their progress March last year. ing campaign with six straight victories shackle the Brazil star, Tabarez replied: towards next year’s fi nals go awry in 2016 However since then Chile infl icted since new coach Tite took over last year “If I had a formula I certainly wouldn’t when back-to-back draws with Ven- another soul-destroying defeat on the following the Copa America Centenario share it.” ezuela and Peru were followed by defeats Argentines in a major fi nal, winning the debacle, where the fi ve-time World Cup Uruguay also have a problem in attack against Paraguay and Brazil. Copa America Centenario fi nal on pen- winners were eliminated in the group with Barcelona star Luis Suarez sus- Although they bounced back to beat alties last June, a year after an identical stage. The Brazilians are now motoring pended. That is likely to mean that Edin- Colombia 3-0 in a home qualifi er last outcome in the 2015 tournament. towards qualifi cation for Russia, four son Cavani will shoulder the goalscoring November, they remain outside the au- The Copa America Centenario de- points clear at the top of the standings threat for Uruguay with support from tomatic qualifying places in fi fth place, feat prompted the departure of Gerardo from second-placed Uruguay. Diego Rolan. with 19 points from 12 games. “Tata” Martino as Argentina coach in A seventh straight victory today will all Elsewhere today, Ecuador will attempt A defeat against fourth-placed Chile July, triggering the slump in form which but guarantee Brazil’s place at the fi nals to maintain their place in the automatic on Thursday in Buenos Aires would leave has left their World Cup qualifying cam- in Russia. Tite’s biggest headache will be qualifying spots as they travel to Asun- Argentina further adrift of the auto- paign in the balance. attempting to fi nd an adequate back-up cion to face Paraguay. Bottom team Ven- Ronnie Moran, also known as Mr Liverpool for his contribution to matic qualifying spots. And if Colombia The only consolation for new Argen- to Manchester City starlet Gabriel Jesus, ezuela host Peru. the club’s success for almost 50 years, has died aged 83.

FOCUS ROUND-UP Experience will be key for Qatar Death threats won’t aff ect in 2022 World Cup, says Asad Vardy, says Southgate Reuters ful to face the Germans. The away match against atar midfi elder Ali Asad believes Dortmund is followed on Sunday by a 2018 World that experience and an inventory Cup qualifi er against Lithuania at Wembley. “He of skills will be his assets as he as- (Sterling) has had a busy workload recently, so pires to be an ‘Al Annabi’ mainstay Qatar midfielder Ali Asad. ngland manager Gareth Southgate says I’ve got to balance what is right for Wednesday duringQ the 2022 FIFA World Cup™ on his the death threats Jamie Vardy received and what is right for Sunday, so we’ll keep moni- home soil. Talking exclusively to www.sc.qa in the wake of Claudio Ranieri’s sacking toring that,” added Southgate. ahead of facing Asia’s top-ranked team Iran will not aff ect the striker in Wednesday’s in Thursday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup™ quali- friendlyE away to Germany. BAYERN OPENS CHINA OFFICE fi er, the 24-year-old Al Sadd player called the In the international’s build-up, Vardy re- German powerhouse Bayern Munich opened a game at the home of his club “one of the most vealed his alleged role in getting Ranieri sacked offi ce yesterday in a bid to capitalise on important in my career” and added that he is at Leicester City has earned him death threats. China’s vast fan base and voracious hunger for prepared for even bigger occasions that will Vardy’s goals last season helped Leicester to the top-fl ight football training. beckon in the future. Premier League title under Ranieri and catapulted Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge an- “The 2018 FIFA World Cup could be the the 30-year-old into the England team. nounced the opening of its offi ce in the German last for some of my teammates if we qualify, But the Leicester star went public while in the Centre, a complex in Shanghai’s Pudong district, but I have age on my side and can play in England camp about the death threats he received with support from the China Football Association front of my countrymen in the dream-come- on Twitter, which were directed at both him and and Shanghai’s soccer and education authorities. true tournament in 2022,” said Asad, who his family. Southgate says Vardy has his full sup- “China is a massive market,” Rummenigge said has scored 10 international goals in 40 ap- port, but is convinced the striker will focus on through a translator. “Germany is a football pow- pearances. “Everyone in the QFA and Aspire his job of scoring goals against world champions erhouse. We hope we can provide some help in Academy are doing their best to prepare a but we can surprise them.” missed out totally against South Korea, both Germany in Dortmund. China... (and) through such cooperation we can good team for 2022 – which should contain The attacking midfi elder shed some light due to tactical reasons. External circum- Vardy’s vigour and form have returned since help China boost football overall.” a mixture of youth and experience. I will be on Qatar’s tactics ahead of the game. “We will stances aff ected our performance during the Craig Shakespeare replaced Ranieri and South- On the same day, German Bundesliga side 28 then, which is when midfi elders peak. As attack, as we need at least four points from draw in China in November, but I am now fo- gate forsees no problems on the pitch for the Wolfsburg also opened new offi ces in ’s 798 one of the experienced players in the squad, I the next two games to remain in contention cused for the immediate challenges ahead.” Three Lions. “I can understand why he (Vardy) art district. Club general manager Thomas Roett- will take on more responsibility and guide the for World Cup qualifi cation. A win at home The bigger challenge, Asad recognises, lies wanted to discuss it, it’s obviously a very seri- germann told AFP it was a “long-term project” youngsters.” is easier to achieve, even if the opponents are in surprising the world’s best teams in fi ve ous subject and we are very supportive of him,” for the club, adding that: “At the end of the day, Asad sees the fi xtures against Iran and then Iran, than claiming three points in ,” years’ time in Qatar. And he says he has given said Southgate. “I know the club (Leicester) and it’s such a huge market that every club which is Uzbekistan (on 28 March) as stepping stones he said. some thought to the nature of his prepara- the authorities are well aware of what is going on interested in playing internationally should be in towards showcasing Qatar as a fast-improv- Asad hopes that he can replicate his form tions. now as well, which is the most important thing. China in order to bring these billions of people on ing Asian side. He said: “We will compete from the most recent home qualifi er played “I would like to play in the English Premier But there will be no problem with his focus for the their side and also to earn some money there.” hard against Iran. We played well in Tehran by Jorge Fossati’s side. “I am happy to have League after 2018,” said the man noted for his game, as we have seen with his performances over These eff orts are the latest in a spree of Euro- in September and lost only because of a goal- contributed signifi cantly in the win against ball control and passing. “I have the skills to the last few weeks.” pean clubs seeking to cash in on China’s explosion keeping error at the death. Syria in October,” said the man who is equally fi gure in the starting 11 of many English sides When the nations last met in March 2016, of football investment. “Iran might be the highest-ranked team comfortable manning the central midfi eld and would like to test myself out against top- Vardy came off the bench to net a second-half Despite its 1.3bn population, China punches in Asia, but this bunch is not as good as their and the left wing. quality European sides before 2022. The ex- goal as England came from two goals down to well below its weight in football, reaching the side that came here for the 2014 qualifi ers and “Even more satisfying was that the per- posure will make me a better player in time beat Germany 3-2 in Berlin. Southgate also said World Cup only once in its history — in 2002, drew. Iran and South Korea have more expe- formance came after I had not started against for the biggest event that my country has ever Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling missed Eng- when the team lost all three group games without rience playing in these big-match situations, Uzbekistan in Doha in September, and then I hosted.” (sc.qa) land’s training session on Tuesday and is a doubt- scoring a goal. Gulf Times Thursday, March 23, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Too many rich clubs in Premier League: Mourinho Faced with the club missing out on Champions League football again, Manchester United’s manager makes the point that it is harder to buy success because power is divided among too many clubs

By Paul Wilson chester City. Which is precisely Mourinho’s and Liverpool on Sunday was great fun to The Guardian argument. watch, a knockabout caper immediately re- There are too many rich clubs in England at ceived as classic Premier League entertain- the moment to make life easy for anyone, not ment, it was so full of defensive errors it was oes Jose Mourinho have a point to mention well-run clubs such as Arsenal easy to see why one side has just joined the about power being divided in the and Spurs using either TV money or transfer other on the sidelines of European football. Premier League, or is the manager market savvy to acquire players of the calibre City were dumped out of the Champions of Manchester United simply trying of Alexis Sánchez and Dele Alli. Just to rein- League by Monaco, who fully exploited their Dto get his excuses in early? force the point the Premier League’s top scor- defensive frailties over two legs and deserved United still have a job on their hands to er, Romelu Lukaku, can presently be found to go through. Now Kylian Mbappé, Benjamin crack the top four this season, let alone get at the club in seventh place, outside the top Mendy and Tiemoué Bakayoko, some of the back to winning titles, and should a third sea- six and, evidently to his chagrin, outside the exciting young talents in that Monaco team, son in four arrive without achieving Champi- Champions League positions. are not only being drafted into the France ons League football questions are going to be Last season’s champions can, of course, squad but also interesting clubs such as Arse- asked about the eff ectiveness of his steward- be found three places above the relegation nal, Chelsea and Manchester City. ship in the light of all the money spent. Per- places, but that is another story. It is hard Which is intriguing, because no one ever haps in anticipation of that scenario, Mour- to know whether their experience disproves says the French league is the hardest in the inho has just observed that winning anything Mourinho’s theory or confi rms it, though it world. Or the most competitive, or exciting. in England is particularly diffi cult because all can surely be agreed that few other leagues Monaco, however, just happen to be all of the top clubs can aff ord to bring in big players. around Europe are as distinctively individual those things. It is a privilege to watch them “In England the clubs are so powerful eco- as our own. at the moment – those Monégasques don’t nomically that the market is open to every- “Everyone knows this is the hardest league know how lucky they are – and it will be a pity one,” he told France Football. in the world,” Tony Pulis said at the weekend to see the team broken up just to fortify the “No club in England can dominate. Power after West Brom beat Arsenal. But do they? clubs at the top of the Premier League. is divided and everything is harder: buying, Pulis has never worked anywhere else for a For if all the leading teams in England winning, building.” start, so how would he know? And getting the strengthen – and as Mourinho says, they are Historically that never used to be the case. jump on disorganised defenders at a couple of all in a fi nancial position to do so – where is In terms of league titles at least, power was corners – even Arsène Wenger said Arsenal the net gain? Who will then stand out? The shared between a remarkable number of were naive – hardly constitutes football at its competition next year may be absorbing, the teams through the 60s and early 70s, with 10 most riveting. struggle for top-four places tighter than ever, diff erent sides fi nishing on top of the old First Mourinho has worked in other countries, but it will essentially be business as usual be- Division in a little over a dozen years. Perhaps so his opinions carry more weight. While he tween the same big names. that was a result of the balancing eff ect of the is probably having a dig at Pep Guardiola or The dimension the Premier League has maximum wage years taking a while to disap- Carlo Ancelotti in dismissing the competi- been missing for most of the present cen- pear, though when Liverpool rose to domi- tiveness of German football – “Do you know tury is that of invention and development nance in the mid-70s it was not initially based when Bayern start winning the title every from within. Since Alan Hansen dismissed on big spending or fi nancial backing, just as- year? The previous summer, when they buy what would turn out to be Ferguson’s great- tute football judgment established over years Borussia Dortmund’s best player!” – even the est achievement at United with his infamous of stability and continuity. staunchest defender of Bundesliga standards line about not winning anything with kids, When Manchester United eventually man- would struggle to disagree. The strength of nothing new in terms of ideas has happened aged to knock them off their perch their out- squad and standard of football at the very top in English football. lay was modest by today’s standards – thanks of the German and Spanish leagues is excep- Nothing like Jurgen Klopp’s Dortmund ris- to Michael Knighton we know that the whole tional, which is why teams from those coun- ing to the heights with a high-energy press- club was valued at only £20m as late as 1989 tries are beginning to dominate the European ing and passing game. Nothing like Monaco – though by the end of the Sir competitions, though the argument always keeping PSG off the top of the French league years United had transformed into the enor- advanced in the Premier League’s favour is table by bringing through a new generation of mous money-making machine we know to- that it off ers more fi ght, entertainment and players. day. excitement all the way down. We had Leicester, of course, and we were For a while United’s pre-eminence in Eng- Yet if the Premier League is the hardest to all mightily relieved to discover we could still land went largely unchecked – Ferguson was play in and hardest to win, what does that ac- be so surprised, but it would be good to grow usually worried about only one major rival tually achieve, apart from handicapping Eng- something of our own that turns out to be a per season, be it Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool lish teams in Europe? Is it even a boast worth little more sustainable. Like Liverpool and or even Blackburn – but that sort of 20-year making when better football and better foot- United used to. The trouble with importing Jose Mourinho feels that the ‘market is open to everyone’ in England and that places the bigger-hitters ascendancy became more diffi cult through ballers are clearly being produced elsewhere? talent all the time, as Mourinho has admitted at a disadvantage compared with Europe’s other major leagues. (Reuters) the money pumped into Chelsea and Man- While the 1-1 draw between Manchester City in a roundabout way, is that anyone can do it.

FOCUS UEFA considers STALLED squad limits, transfer Contract Shirley Cruz — Costa Rican talks with market changes Sanchez, Ozil Lisbon: UEFA will consider introducing squad limits and dynamo and PSG star changes to the transfer system to prevent European teams are on hold: hoarding players and stem the growing gap between rich and AFP poor clubs, its president Aleksander Ceferin said yesterday. Wenger Paris The Slovenian lawyer, elected as the head of European soccer’s governing body last September, told a conference in The Guardian Lisbon that UEFA needed to address a “decrease in competi- London osta Rican Shirley Cruz never thought she would earn a liv- tive balance” within European club football. The last few years ing from football. But today she will lead out Paris Saint- have seen the increasing dominance of a few elite clubs like Germain for their Champions League quarter-fi nal against Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. rsene Wenger has said Bayern Munich. “In Costa Rica football is just a way of get- Europe’s smaller leagues complain that big teams cream off contract negotiations tingC an education,” she told AFP in the French capital, where PSG with Alexis Sanchez their players at a young age, only to immediately send them fans are haunted by the 6-1 humiliation of the men’s side at Barce- on loan elsewhere, while the likes of Ajax Amsterdam and and Mesut Ozil have lona in the Champions League earlier this month. beenA put on hold until the sum- Benfica, once major powers, have eff ectively become feeder “What happens is you go to the United States, attend college for clubs. “We do have to examine new mechanisms like luxury mer. The pair have just over a four years (on a sports scholarship), so you can get yourself a decent taxes and in particular sporting criteria like squad limitations year remaining on their deals career at the end of it all. I never thought I would end up being paid and fair transfer rules, to avoid player hoarding and excessive at Arsenal. “At the moment to play the game.” concentration of talent within a few teams,” said Ceferin. we have not got an agreement,” Cruz, 31, a national hero back home whose face adorns a post- “We do need to assess whether the transfer market as it Wenger said when asked about age stamp, is small and slight and looks anything but the midfi eld operates today is the best we can do? We cannot be afraid to Sanchez’s future. “We have de- dynamo she is for club and country. But it is what’s inside you that touch it.” Ceferin did not give any further details on what he cided to focus on the end of the counts, she says. “I have got the heart of a sports person and you meant by luxury taxes, but added that UEFA could work with season and talk about it in the have to to get to this level,” she said, adding with a grin in respect of global soccer body FIFA to change the transfer market or do summer. It is the same situation her muscular physique: “Look at my legs, you can see.” so via its own licensing regulations. with Ozil because once you don’t That heart belongs to Costa Rica, where she learned to play the However, he did not off er any concrete proposals as to how fi nd an agreement and it [the ne- game and which she hopes to represent in the 2019 World Cup host- this could be done, saying instead that UEFA needed to “as- gotiation] lasts, it is not good so ed by her adopted country France. sess and understand the current situation and some potential it is better you get it out and sit She arrived in France alone, aged 20, after scouts recruited her trends. “UEFA has a duty to protect the whole of football and down in the summer.” and off ered her a contract to play for Lyon, France’s most success- not just the elite and not just within our competitions,” he Sanchez is expected to leave in ful women’s team. “It was hard. The Latino heritage means we are added. A month before Ceferin’s election, UEFA announced the summer, having grown in- family-orientated,” she said. But there was no looking back, and no changes to its flagship Champions League competition, giv- creasingly frustrated at the club. regrets. I grew as a person and as a player,” she said. ing more places to teams from Europe’s biggest four leagues Wenger has said in the past he The football scout who brought her to Lyon had spotted her at a — Spain, England, Germany and Italy — and cutting those would rather let both players run youth tournament in Canada and opened her eyes to opportunities allocated to the rest. He did not specifically refer to this in down their contracts and go for in Europe. “Until that moment I didn’t know professional football his speech, though Ceferin has previously said he would not free in 2018 than sell them before existed,” she said. Born in the capital San Jose in a poor part of town, attempt to reverse the changes which will apply to the 2018- next season. Wenger is yet to re- Cruz found herself transplanted to Lyon in 2006, joining a club 21 cycle. He added that UEFA would set up a new division veal whether he intends to sign embarking on the path that would lead them to dominate women’s entitled “Protection of the Game” to tackle doping, corruption a two-year contract which is on football in Europe. violence and match-fixing. the table but it is understood he It was a good match and before long the midfi elder was the ful- is determined to stay on. crum of the team that won the Champions League in 2011 and 2012. MAN UTD TO KICK OFF US TOUR WITH GALAXY CLASH The manager, asked about Paris Saint-Germain, under new and ambitious Qatari ownership Manchester United will play Real Madrid, Barcelona and Man- his own future, said: “My news seeking European glory for both its men’s and women’s teams, chester City during a five-match pre-season tour of the United is that I have no news for you.” swooped for Cruz the following year. States which will kick off in Los Angeles in July. United will He added: “We suff er a lot at One of the game’s top women players, the PSG captain earns open their tour with a fixture against Major League Soccer’s the moment but when you take 10,000 euros a month. Nothing like the salary of her male counter- Los Angeles Galaxy at the team’s StubHub Center stadium on a little distance and put into part Thiago Silva’s 1.1mn euros a month, but “to be paid for doing July 15. The team will then face Real Salt Lake at the Rio Tinto perspective, we are two games what you love, it’s already pretty good,” she said. Stadium on July 17. Three days later United will line up against behind and in the semi-fi nal of In 2015 Cruz was in the PSG team that lost the Champions League Manchester City on July 20 at a venue to be determined. the Cup to prepare against Man- fi nal to Frankfurt. She hopes to go one better in 2017. The team start United manager Jose Mourinho will then come up against chester City so our season will be favourites to beat Bayern Munich Thursday in the fi rst leg of the tie Shirley Cruz today will lead out Paris Saint-Germain for their his former club Real Madrid at the home of the San Francisco decided on how well we respond in Germany. Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich. 49ers, Santa Clara’s Levi’s Stadium, on Sunday July 23. The now to the diffi cult period we ’s Rosengard play Barcelona, Fortuna of Denmark play tour will then wrap up with a fixture against Barcelona on have had.” Manchester City and Wolsburg of Germany meet Lyon in the other Then she plans to pick up her studies to become a physiotherapist, July 26 at Washington’s FedEx Field, home of the Washington The Gunners return to Pre- quarter-fi nal ties. Cruz is hungry to crown her PSG career by win- the profession she chose before realising she could live off football. Redskins. It is the first meeting of the two sides since United mier League action on Sunday, 2 ning the European title and then bringing down the curtain on her And, still homesick after all these years, she plans to reunite with her beat Barcelona 3-1 in California in 2015. April when they host Manches- career by leading Costa Rica into the 2019 World Cup in France. family and live back home in Costa Rica. ter City. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, March 23, 2017 SPORT

FORMULA ONE CRICKET Gambhir praises Australia for proving Mercedes look to critics wrong

Reuters New Delhi

make statement ustralia’s Test side deserve credit for impressive perform- ances in the ongoing four-matchA tour of India, prov- ing wrong a host of experts and pundits who predicted a white- wash for the home side, batsman in season opener Gautam Gambhir has said. Australia, who lost fi ve of their last six overseas Tests against Revised aerodynamics and fatter tyres are among a raft of technical changes that South Africa and Sri Lanka, faced the daunting task at the start of by an acrimonious row between pundits feel could bring the Silver Arrows back to earth the series against an Indian outfi t the sides after India accused that were unbeaten in 19 consec- Australian captain Steve Smith utive Tests. Former India spin- of seeking advice from his dress- Reuters ner Harbhajan Singh and captain ing room over the use of the De- Melbourne Sourav Ganguly predicted a se- cision Review System (DRS) in ries sweep for Virat Kohli’s men the second Test. but the visitors have fought hard However, Gambhir, who has eefi er cars and bulked-up driv- and the series is tied at 1-1 with played 58 tests for India, said ers will hit Albert Park circuit on the fi nal Test to come. sledging was part of the game Sunday for Formula One’s sea- “We should give credit to the and it was hard for players to son-opening Australian Grand Australian side which has played keep a lid on their emotions on PrixB where many fans will be hoping at remarkably,” Delhi opener Gam- the international stage. “It is fi ne least one team can strike an early blow bhir, who is not involved in the to play hard and do whatever you against dominant Mercedes. current series, told the Hindus- can to upset the opposition till Revised aerodynamics and fatter tyres tan Times. the time you don’t get person- are among a raft of technical changes that “Most players like Harbhajan al,” the 35-year-old left-hander pundits feel could bring the Silver Arrows (Singh) and Sourav (Ganguly) added. back to earth after they swept the drivers predicted a whitewash for India, “These are not robots play- and constructors’ championships for the but they have proved themselves ing the game, and when you are last three years running. brilliantly and with everything playing for your country and Ferrari’s strong performance during on the line, Australia will be a there are so many expectations winter testing has added to expectations tricky opponent.” on your shoulder, emotions can that the sport is in for a shake-up, even as The series was slightly marred take over sometimes.” F1’s new American managers seek to reju- venate a series plagued by inertia. And yet Mercedes, once again, appear Anderson concerned about future of Test cricket primed to ride roughshod over new-sea- son hopes for a changing of the guard. London: England fast bowler most days for Test matches,” Nico Rosberg vacated his Mercedes James Anderson is worried that the 34-year-old told Sky Sports. seat in a shock retirement from the sport test cricket is losing popularity “Obviously, it’s great to see shortly after winning the drivers’ world as attendances for the longer Twenty20 the way it is, drawing championship but his old teammate and format are declining, with crowds and getting young kids three-times champion Lewis Hamilton younger crowds preferring to into the sport, but there are still stands poised to take the title back. watch Twenty20. a lot of players out there who German Rosberg thwarted Hamilton’s Anderson, England’s all-time want to play Test cricket and bid for a third successive title and the leading test wicket-taker, said see it as the pinnacle. pair’s heated rivalry took its toll on both the launch of Twenty20 — the “In the future, it’s something drivers. first international was in 2005 — that has got to be looked at,” Rosberg’s Finnish replacement, Valtteri and its growing young fanbase he added. Anderson, recover- Bottas, is not seen as someone who will had hit crowds for test matches. ing from a shoulder injury, is create as many headaches for Hamilton, “There is a concern. I think if set to join Lancashire on the who will be going for his third victory in you look at attendances around county circuit for the next three Melbourne and 54th overall after winning the world, in test cricket they’re months before England host the last four races of 2016. on the decline and it’s probably the first Test against South “I think he’s one of those guys who is only in England that we sell out Africa in July. not going to be that diffi cult to manage, especially in the battle with Lewis,” Ros- berg said of former Williams driver Bottas in a video posting for Formula One spon- SPOTLIGHT sor UBS. “I don’t know if he will be able to chal- lenge Lewis or even beat Lewis. That re- mains to be seen.” Call for calm as Bookmakers have Hamilton a heavy fa- vourite to win at Albert Park, although the Briton has defl ected the hype onto Ferrari India tour and four-times F1 champion Sebastian Vettel. “I think Ferrari are bluffi ng and that ‘toxicity’ grows they are a lot quicker than they are show- ing,” Hamilton said at testing in Barce- lona. German Vettel has been busy playing AFP The rancour was infl amed in down expectations of a Ferrari renaissance A file photo taken on March 18, 2016, shows Mercedes British driver Lewis Hamilton motoring through the pits at the Formula One New Delhi the drawn third Test in Ranchi as and has become a master of it since cross- Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. Lewis Hamilton bids for a third race win in his Mercedes Silver Arrows with rivals Ferrari and Australia batted out the fi fth day ing to the ‘Scuderia’ from Red Bull in 2015. Red Bull expected to close the gap in the season-opening Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 26. for a draw and allrounder Glenn Great expectations followed he and team- leading Indian com- Maxwell was accused of mocking mate Kimi Raikkonen to Melbourne last Verstappen, seen as a champion-in-wait- ers yesterday when asked about their re- ter and stronger to cope with the driving mentator has hit out at Kohli’s shoulder injury. year after a similarly promising testing in ing, can keep their growing rivalry from lationship. “We try to keep it as amicable demands. the “toxicity” blighting Now the Daily Telegraph the leadup but neither driver won a race all spoiling their racing. as possible.” There will be plenty of intrigue as to the series against Aus- newspaper says Kohli is behav- season. Red Bull are the other team seen “We’ve been on six dinners already this With bigger tyres and more downforce, how the drivers and their tyres wear, with tralia,A and called for both sides ing like a bully and accused the snapping at Mercedes’ heels if they can week. He brought me breakfast yesterday the new cars are expected to be up to fi ve Melbourne’s changeable weather and the to show restraint before the win- Indian cricket board and match avoid reliability problems of the past and morning. We don’t share a room... not seconds quicker per lap in Melbourne and circuit’s tight corners adding to the air of ner-takes-all fi nal Test begins offi cials of letting him get away drivers Daniel Ricciardo and teenager Max yet,” Australian Ricciardo joked to report- drivers have had to hit the gym to be fi t- unpredictability. Saturday. it. Harsha Bhogle fears that the “Kohli has become the Don- glorifi cation of aggressive on- ald Trump of world sport,” Ben BOTTOMLINE fi eld behaviour by media on both Horne wrote in his column in the sides and passions boiling over Daily Telegraph. could harm Test cricket’s repu- “The Indian captain is a law tation with the series on a knife- unto himself with no one — not edge at 1-1. even the ICC or his own board — The latest barbs have seen In- holding him accountable for his dia skipper Virat Kohli dubbed continual perpetuation of fake Bottas out to make the most of “the Donald Trump of sport” in news.” one Australian newspaper and Horne was referring to Kohli’s former Test bowler Geoff Law- assertion, without off ering evi- son accusing Kohli of acting like dence, that Smith’s look up to “your worst behaved player”. the dressing room for guidance dream chance at Mercedes India’s newspapers fi red back in Bangalore over whether to re- with the Hindustan Times ac- view an lbw decision was not a Reuters Albert Park, however much he four, Hamilton is the clear cham- cusing Australian media of a one-off . Melbourne would love to. pionship favourite this season relentless “hate campaign” The ICC brought Smith and “That would be the perfect and expectations are high that throughout the series. Kohli together for a clear-the-air way to start a season and my ca- he will win the Australian Grand “Friends in Australia tell me meeting after that Test, where altteri Bottas is de- reer with Mercedes, but I’m not Prix for the third time on Sunday. they are perturbed by the tox- Smith claimed the incident was a termined to make the thinking about it too much,” he Bottas showed off one skill icity this series has generated. “brain fade”. most of his “dream” added. “Obviously, it’s the only advantage that he almost cer- Cricket lovers in India saying so And Lawson slated the In- opportunity after being thing I want, but I always want tainly has over his teammate too,” Bhogle said on Twitter. dian skipper for not displaying Vushered into the Mercedes seat to focus on my job and work as a when he took to the ice hockey “If we have to use toxicity and enough maturity. left vacant by the sudden retire- team and if we do our work per- rink with players from Mel- divisiveness to spread our game, “As a leader and as a captain of ment of Formula One champion fectly, if I do my job perfectly, it’s bourne Ice and Melbourne Mus- we are using a short-term ap- a cricket team where you’ve got Nico Rosberg at the end of last possible. tangs on Tuesday. proach that can only be harm- lots of responsibilities, you’ve season. “But yeah, defi nitely, the goal And the 27-year-old made ful,” added the veteran Indian TV got to show more gravitas and The Finn has proved his pace for me is to start a season in a clear he would not be moving cricket analyst. responsibility than this. These over 77 races with Williams but good way and get the results ear- over to let Hamilton through if “I am particularly perturbed sorts of actions are those of your knows he will be stepping up ly on and continue from there.” he got in front of the triple world by the fact that some of us in worst behaved player,” he told into the big leagues when he it’s kind of a dream come true for age of drivers waiting to re- Bottas has already been wel- champion on the Albert Park the media are promoting this Fox Sports. starts his fi rst race for the reign- me to be in a team like this. So, place him for 2018. comed with open arms by fellow track. divisiveness and taking sides to Bhogle said it was time the ing constructors’ champions it’s a big year ahead.” Although he fi nished fourth Mercedes driver Lewis Hamil- “I think Mercedes doesn’t spread ill-will.” media stopped fanning the at this week’s Australian Grand Expectations are indeed in the drivers’ championship in ton but the Briton’s history with have number one or number two Tensions have been ramped fl ames before lasting damage Prix. high at Mercedes, and if Bot- 2014 and has accumulated nine former team mates, including driver and that’s pretty much up up since Kohli stopped just short was done to Test cricket. “It’s a great challenge for tas fails to at least support podiums and 411 points over his Rosberg, suggests the bonhomie to me to perform,” he said. of accusing Australian captain “A lot of us entered this pro- everyone, but I think especially the team’s charge for a fourth career, Bottas has never won a would not last long if the Finn “That is to perform on the Steve Smith of cheating in the fession because we love sport for me,” Bottas told reporters in successive constructors’ ti- race. Melbourne has thrown up was a genuine title contender. track on the level where the car aftermath of the second Test in and had the opportunity to talk/ Melbourne.“This team has been tle with regular podiums and a few surprises but Bottas is not As the winner of 10 of the 21 should be. We’re all good and I Bangalore, which India won to write about it. We didn’t enter to winning the last three years and points there will be no short- banking on breaking his duck at races in 2016, including the last know I can do it.” level the series at 1-1. spread toxicity,” he tweeted. Gulf Times Thursday, March 23, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT 24 teams to take part in inaugural Qplays Golden Warriors win Sixes Gully Cricket Carnival 2017

By Sports Reporter ‘Curry Bowl,’ Aldridge Doha wenty-four teams will take part in the in- augural Qplays Sixes Gully Cricket Carnival T2017, which will be held today and tomorrow. leads Spurs rally The two-day event will be rules are improvised to suit the played with soft tennis ball nature of the gully cricket for- at the Asian Town Interna- mat. Each match at the Sixes ‘I think it was just a really physical game for everybody, it just kind of hit a flashpoint’ tional Cricket Stadium. The Gully Cricket Carnival will be event is organised by Qplays, played between two teams of in association with Ibn Ajayan eleven players each. AFP Projects, one of the leading A match consists of a maxi- Los Angeles facility management compa- mum of six overs, bowled by nies in Qatar and QECC – The each side. A team shall not be Largest Cricket Players Com- permitted to declare its innings tephen Curry scored 17 munity in Qatar. closed. To be eligible for the points to win his latest The tournament is managed Qplays Super 6 Series, play- on-court duel with elder by Qbiz Events. ers must be a minimum of 14 brother Seth on Tuesday as Today’s matches will begin years of age. A batsman must theS Golden State Warriors notched from 6pm and will continue retire not out upon reaching a a fi fth straight victory with a rout till 11pm, with the opening personal score of 30 runs, but of the Dallas Mavericks. ceremony scheduled at 8pm. may not retire before reaching The Western Conference Tomorrow’s matches will be 30 runs (except for injury). leaders were rarely in trouble as held from 7am to 11am and The Sixes Gully Cricket Car- they romped to a 112-87 win at then from 3pm to 9pm. nival has also been backed by the American Airlines Center in Winners will take home a number of brands like Grand Texas to improve to 57-14 in a cash prize of QR 5,000 and a Mart, Doha Rocks, Smile Hy- game dubbed the ‘Curry Bowl.’ trophy, while the runner-up will permarket, Lamborghini En- The game marked the sixth get QR 2,500 and also a trophy. ergy Drink, Sharaf DG and Al time the Curry siblings have Gully cricket is a popular form Wadi. The media partners for faced each other on an NBA of cricket, played in the streets the tournament are Q Tickets, court — and it was Warriors star and grounds by aspiring crick- BQ Magazine, Al Raza Solutions Steph who came out on top. eters around the world. and Clear Graphics on Print. “Just knowing that we were It’s always a sight to see Participating teams: Bannu going to be out there for extend- hundreds play this version of Cricket, Oasis CC, Diva KSD, ed minutes playing against each the game every Friday in Qatar CCRC Warriors, Barwa CC, other is a surreal kind of feeling; in almost any vacant patch of Doha Motors, Elite Cricket, seeing your brother, who you’ve land, be it labourers near their Doha Rangers, Doha Kanaya been battling with since you can accommodations, or others in Youth, Fighters Qatar, Bin You- remember, out on the NBA fl oor,” parking areas. suf Cargo, Smart Qatar, Royce Steph Curry said afterwards. The tournament is an ini- XI, KSD XI, PPL Super XI, Super “It’s amazing to see what he tiative from organisers to tap Giants, Qatar Riders, KPMG has done here in Dallas, taking into the talent at the grassroots knight Riders, Wakra Challeng- his game to the next level and level and give them a platform ers, Galaxy Cricket Club, Team showing them what he is really to excel on the big stage. Unlike Thoofan, Team Sapoorji, Al about.” the professional cricket, the Jasim Sports Club. Klay Thompson led a balanced off ense with 23 points, while Curry added nine assists to his US hands Japan fi rst loss to reach WBC fi nal points haul. But it was the Warriors’ de- Adam Jones delivered the Rico steamrolled through fensive display that left coach game-winning RBI in the the opposition in the first Steve Kerr beaming with pride. eighth inning as the US top- two rounds, before eliminat- “When you’re out on the road pled Japan 2-1 Tuesday to ing the Netherlands 4-3 in 11 you have to defend, you have to reach their first World Base- innings in the other semifinal maintain a really good defense ball Classic final, where they on Monday. After getting on to win road games, and I think will face undefeated Puerto the board first in the fourth we’ve done that,” Kerr said. Rico. The Americans made the on a rainy evening at Dodger “In the past several seasons Dallas Mavericks guard Seth Curry drives to the basket against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry during the second half at the final by knocking off a Japa- Stadium, the US had to bide our team has been in the top American Airlines Centre. The Warriors defeat the Mavericks 112-87. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports nese team accustomed to their time against a strong fi ve in the NBA defensively, and success, as they had a perfect Japanese pitching staff until obviously we’ve got plenty of points and 14 rebounds for Min- all you can ask for from your quarter. at a crucial time of the season. 6-0 record and were looking Jones was able to give them shooters and scorers.” nesota to complete his 53rd dou- team at this time of year,” Rap- But the Raptors fought back Miami, who face Toronto on to win their third title in just the lead by scoring Brandon The Dubs’ win keeps them ble-double of the season. tors coach Dwane Casey said. brilliantly with DeRozan crown- Thursday, are already without four tournaments. “It means a Crawford from third base. fi rmly in control of their destiny Lopez and Ibaka later played ing his performance with a go- injured guard Dion Waiters, who heck of a lot,” said outfielder Crawford roared home when at the top of the conference. Stormy clash down the exchange of blows that ahead basket in overtime. missed Tuesday’s game follow- Andrew McCutchen. “We got Japanese third baseman Nearest rivals San Antonio In the Eastern Conference, led to their ejections. ing an ankle sprain. a group of guys on this team Nobuhiro Matsuda bobbled improved to 54-16 with a come- DeMar DeRozan’s 42 points stole “I think it was just a really Sidelined? “Hassan, we’ll fi nd out,” Mi- who have dedicated this time Jones’ hot shot. By the time he from-behind win over the Min- the show as Toronto sealed a physical game for everybody, Elsewhere Tuesday Miami’s ami coach Erik Spoelstra said. to be able to try and win. regained possession the only nesota Timberwolves. 122-120 overtime win over the it just kind of hit a fl ashpoint,” Hassan Whiteside scored 23 “We’ll know more (Wednesday). Sacrifices had to be made and option left was to throw to LaMarcus Aldridge scored 26 Chicago Bulls. Lopez said. points but suff ered an injury as Those minutes that he played, he there are no egos when that first for the single out. Japan’s points as the Spurs fought back A stormy clash saw Chicago’s “He was playing physical bas- the Heat beat Phoenix 112-97. was extremely impactful.” door opens.” lone run came off a 376-foot from a nine-point halftime defi - Robin Lopez and Toronto’s Serge ketball and he got frustrated,” Whiteside was forced to leave “Everybody’s a superstar on solo homer to right field by cit to claim a 100-93 win. Ibaka both be ejected during the Ibaka said. “We started to push the game late in the fourth quar- RESULTS this team. But someone’s go- Ryosuke Kikuchi which tied Kawhi Leonard contributed third quarter after a brawl erupt- each other like always happens ter after an attempted block of Nets 98 Pistons 96 ing to have to hit seventh and the game 1-1 in the sixth. Tues- 22 points to back up Aldridge ed. Lopez fi nished the game with when there’s contact and then a Marquese Chriss shot left him Raptors 122 Bulls 120 (OT) someone’s going to have to day’s game was played for the while Spanish veteran Pau Gasol 12 points while Ibaka had 16 he threw the punch. Like man, nursing a nasty cut on his mid- Warriors 112 Mavericks 87 hit eighth.” The USA will need most part in a steady rain that scored 11 points off the bench points before the dismissals. I’m just going to defend myself.” dle fi nger. Heat 112 Suns 97 to beat another undefeated made for a soggy infield and as the Spurs claimed a second “It felt great, in the fact that The Bulls had appeared poised Whiteside later received 13 Pelicans 95 Grizzlies 82 team Wednesday to claim cooler than normal southern straight win. win, lose or draw, I felt we were to grab an important win after stitches in the wound, placing a Clippers 133 Lakers 109 their first WBC title: Puerto California temperatures. Karl-Anthony Towns had 25 scrapping, competing and that’s going 15 points clear in the third question mark on his availability Bucks 93 Trail Blazers 90

NHL Wild return to winning ways with 3-2 win over Sharks

By Michael Russo tory. The Wild improved to 9-1-1 caromed off Wild defenseman sigh of relief when Dumba sup- Star Tribune (Minneapolis) against the Sharks in the past 11 Marco Scandella’s leg and past plied the team with a 1-0 lead meetings in St. Paul, Minn. Dubnyk to tie the score with 2:03 on a power play 10:29 into the During a crazy rapid-fi re goal left in the second, the Wild had opening period. ight now, Bruce sequence late in the second pe- only one shot since the 5:58 mark. Eric Staal and Parise did the Boudreau couldn’t care riod, Charlie Coyle scored the It was all San Jose. heavy lifting by digging the less about the Wild’s eventual winning goal. Martin The tying goal seemed to puck from the wall, then Parise 12-game winning streak Hanzal also scored his fi rst goal awaken the Wild because 33 sec- made a beautiful pass to Dumba inR December, nor the six regula- with the Wild, Matt Dumba onds later, Hanzal gave the Wild in front. The off ensive defense- tion losses the Wild had in a 38- scored a power-play goal and their one-goal lead back after a man ripped it from the slot for game span during a torrid three- Zach Parise had two assists. strong forecheck with linemates his third goal in four games and month stretch. Devan Dubnyk won his fi rst Nino Niederreiter and Jason 10th, tied his career-high. The Wild coach is well aware game in eight starts with 21 Pominville. The Wild, who stymied the the Wild’s recent play isn’t up to saves. He matched the franchise Fifteen seconds later, after an Sharks on March 5 in an impres- snuff and won’t fl y come playoff record with his 37th win, which outstanding forecheck by Parise, sive win, outshot the Sharks 11-4 time, so, “To me, all that’s im- doubles as his career high. Coyle scored his second goal in the period, and considering portant is today.” Boudreau, who huff ed and in two games to give the Wild the team’s recent struggles, the That was said hours before the puff ed away from the Wild back- a 3-1 lead. It was one heck of a fans gave the team a nice ovation Wild beat the San Jose Sharks, drop after only two questions response, but just 15 seconds as it exited the ice for the fi rst in- 3-2, at Xcel Energy Centre. following Sunday’s loss to Win- later, Patrick Marleau scored on termission. The Wild snapped a five- nipeg, reaffi rmed his belief in his a rebound after Dubnyk lost the game losing streak and won for club Tuesday morning. puck in his skates while playing a RESULTS only the second time in nine He said once the Wild plugged dump-in. Penguins 3 Sabres 1 games. Two of the Wild’s three some leaks, it’ll be a better team Before Dubnyk could get back Capitals 4 Flames 2 wins in 11 games this month heading into April. “They’ve into the net, Marleau made it Senators 3 Bruins 2 are now against San Jose, the had a great year,” Boudreau said. Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba scores a goal against San Jose Sharks goalie Martin Jones during 3-2. So, after one goal in the fi rst Devils 3 Rangers 2 (OT) current Pacific Division lead- “We’ve had a bad two weeks. the first period at Xcel Energy Centre. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports 37:57 of the game, four goals Coyotes 5 Lightning 3 ers and last year’s Stanley Cup Eight games. I hope the guys still were scored in 63 seconds _ a Hurricanes 4 Panthers 3 finalist. believe in themselves and I hope homestand will cure the Wild’s minutes of hockey. The Wild period power play, the Wild Wild franchise record for fastest Red Wings 2 Canadiens 1 (OT) It was a strong two-way game the guys still think they’re a good ills. were 1-7 in that stretch. eventually had a 16-4 shot lead, four goals by both teams. Jets 3 Flyers 2 for the Wild, who swept the hockey club.” The Wild entered the game So Dumba’s early power-play one that ultimately became 18-6. Having given up the fi rst goal Wild 3 Sharks 2 Sharks in a season series (3-0) Perhaps Tuesday’s win during having had a lead for 15 minutes, goal was big. That’s only notable because by the in 10 of the previous 13 games, Canucks 5 Blackhawks 4 (OT) for the fi rst time in franchise his- the fi rst contest in a three-game 41 seconds out of the last 480 By the end of an early second- time David Schlemko’s point shot the Wild certainly had to take a Blues 4 Avalanche 2 Gulf Times 6 Thursday, March 23, 2017 SPORT

ARTISTIC TENNIS Wawrinka believes Federer on course Chinese girls shine to be oldest No 1

AFP Miami

oger Federer’s come- on day one of FIG WC back from injury has been so successful that his compatriot 2012 Olympic champion Krisztian Berki tops the Pommel Horse score sheets StanR Wawrinka believes he can become the oldest world number one in history at the age of 35. Federer beat Wawrinka in the fi nal of Indian Wells on Roger Federer with the media Sunday for his second win of at a player availability session the year following his triumph during the Miami Open in Key in the Australian Open — his Biscayne, Florida. (AFP) 18th grand slam title and his fi rst in four and a half particularly impressed by his years. movement. Those wins have propelled “From him nothing is a sur- the Swiss master to sixth in the prise, but for sure to see him world as he makes excellent moving that well at that age progress after a six-month it is something amazing. It is layoff caused by a knee injury. good for me to see that you can Compatriot Wawrinka be- be at the top (at that age). It is lieves that not only is Federer amazing to see how he is play- back in form but he is playing ing after a six-month injury.” in a noticeably diff erent manner Federer said he was well that gives him a chance to ahead of his target of reaching return to the pinnacle of the the top eight before Wimble- rankings. don and said he was enjoying “He’s playing really well, the very diff erent feeling of what is diff erent maybe is success late in his career. he is playing closer from the “At 25 I was winning 95% of baseline, preferring, using less my matches and eventually you his slice, he is using more top are just on this train where you spin, putting more pressure just keep rolling and you just all the time, returning better expect yourself to win a lot, that’s the diff erence I seem,” you play many more tourna- Wawrinka said Tuesday at the ments and you are just racing Miami Open. from one to the next, it was “For sure he has a shot for an incredible experience to be number one, he has just won able to keep that high level for the fi rst Masters fi nal. For sure so long and be beating so many he has a big shot,” he told other guys and win so many fi - reporters. nals in a row, I had some unbe- Andre Agassi holds the lievable records,” he said. record for being the oldest “It is defi nitely very diff er- player to hold the men’s No.1 ent, this year is very diff erent ranking, at the age of 33. to any other year that I have “It is going to be interesting had, last year was also very to see. Rafa (Nadal) is playing diff erent with the injury. well also and we will see when “But with the age, the Novak (Djokovic) and Andy comeback, I think this is very (Murray) are back from injury, it very special for me and I defi - is going to be really interesting nitely see things diff erently to for tennis fans,” Wawrinka said. how I ever have (in the past), it Wawrinka said it wasn’t is normal when you realise a shock to see Federer, who that you are not going to now has 90 career titles, back have another 15 years to play to such form but that he was on tour,” he said.

Tingting Liu of China in action on the during the 10th FIG Artistic Gymnas- tics World Cup at the Aspire Dome in Doha yesterday. Liu qualified second to the final, which will be held tomorrow. PICTURE: Jayan Orma Filip Ude of Croatia shows his moves during the Pommel Horse qualification round. Valverde bounces back with stage three win in Catalonia By Sports Reporter Chusovitina. failed to qualify for the fi nal. Results (ARM) 15.033; 4. Jingyuan Zou Doha The 1992 Olympic team gold Ahmed al-Dayani, who had fi n- Women’s (CHN) 14.966; 5. Ibrahim Colak Alejandro Valverde bounced back from the disappointment medallist had topped the ished a creditable seventh in the Vault: 1. Yan Wang (CHN) 14.566; (TUR) 14.866; 6. Dennis Goos- of losing the overall lead in the Tour of Catalonia overnight by event with a solid performance last year’s World Cup in Doha, 2. (UZB) sens (BEL) 14.633; 7. Marcel winning the third stage at the top of La Molina yesterday. hinese girls dominated in , where the last World was off -colour this time as the 14.249; 3. Emily Little (AUS) Nguyen (GER) 14.466; 8. Gen- The Spaniard and his Movistar team mates were handed a on day one of the FIG Cup series was held last week. Qatari came a distant 23rd in the 14.100; 4. (SLO) ichiro Kohzu (JPN) 14.366. one-minute penalty after race commissaires ruled that one of Chusovitina, however, had to Pommel Horse. Al-Dayani failed 14.100; 5. Tjasa Kysselef (SLO) them had been illegally pushed by another during the team World Cup at the Aspire settle for second place (14.249) to get into a momentum, while 13.549; 6. Zsofia Kovacs (HUN) Pommel Horse: 1. Krisztian time trial on Tuesday. DomeC yesterday. yesterday but will be aiming to also picking up a penalty as he 13.466; 7. Yuliya Inshina (AZE) Berki (HUN) 14.833; 2. Jingyuan Valverde jumped ahead of a group of leading riders in the The opening day of the four- clinch the top spot in the fi nal tallied 11.600 points. 13.149; 8. Chaimaa Zemzami Zou (CHN) 14.433; 3. Filip Ude final climb yesterday to beat Ireland’s Dan Martin (Quick Step day event saw qualifi cation tomorrow. The fast-rising Emi- In the same event, 2012 Ol- (MAR) 12.416. (CRO) 13.800; 4. Ruoteng Xiao Floors), with Briton Adam Yates (Orica Scott) coming home in held for fi ve apparatus – two in ly Little of Australia was third ympic champion Krisztian Berki Uneven Bars: 1. Huan Luo (CHN) (CHN) 13.666; 5. Artur Davtyan third position. women’s and three in the men’s, (14.100) and will be the one to topped the sheets with an excel- 14.433; 2. Tingting Liu (CHN) (ARM) 13.566; 6. Robert Tvorogal American Tejay van Garderen, who ended the stage in eighth with top eight qualifying for the watch out for the in the fi nal lent routine as the Hungarian 14.366; 3. Rianna Mizzen (AUS) (LTU) 13.366; 7. Kiichi Takenaka place, took the overall leader’s jersey from his BMC teammate fi nals. On the uneven bars, Chinese fi nished with 14.833 points. 14.133; 4. Zsofia Kovacs (HUN) (JPN) 13.266; 8. Ferhat Arican Ben Hermans after the Belgian failed to sustain the pace in the In both the women’s appara- had a 1-2 fi nish in the qualifi - Another Qatari in action, 13.733; 5. Georgia-Rose Brown (TUR) 13.066. last climb, a 5.6 km ascent at an average 5.6 % gradient. tus, China’s gymnasts topped cation. Huan Luo put in a solid Ahmed Mosa also came 23rd in (AUS)13.200; 6. Ivana Kamnikar Exercise: 1. Pablo Braeg- Van Garderen leads teammate Samuel Sanchez of Spain by the scoresheets to qualify for the routine to come fi rst with an the Floor Exercise. Mosa is com- (SLO) 12.433; 7. Lynn Genhart ger (SUI) 14.133; 2. Chia-Hung 41 seconds, with Team Sky’s Geraint Thomas three seconds fi nal. In the vault, 17-year-old aggregate of 14.433, followed by peting in his fi rst senior event (SUI) 12.366; 8. Vendula Merkova Tang (TPE) 14.000; 3. Marian further back in third after the Briton finished in the leading Yan Wang topped the qualifi ca- her compatriot Tingting Liu in and he will only get better after (CZE) 12.266 Dragulescu (ROU) 14.000; 4. pack with Tour de France runner-up Romain Bardet of France tion with a total 14.566 points. second (14.366). yesterday’s valuable experience. Ferhat Arican (TUR) 13.933; 5. and Spain’s Alberto Contador. The Rio Olympic bronze med- Rianna Mizzen of Australia Pablo Braegger of Switzerland Men’s Milad Karimi (KAZ) 13.866; 6. Britain’s Tour champion Chris Froome, who is short of racing allist in the team event, Wang’s was third (14.1330). was the best gymnast in the Rings: 1. Artur Tovmasyan Kiichi Takenaka (JPN) 13.800; 7. miles after taking a six-week break, was dropped in the finale, vault was better than of Uz- Hosts Qatar had a disappoint- event, picking up 14.133 points (ARM) 15.100; 2. Igor Radivilov Artur Davtyan (ARM) 13.733; 8. losing five seconds to Thomas, Bardet and Contador. bekistan’s 41-year-old Oksana ing day as its men’s gymnasts for his eff ort (UKR) 15.100; 3. Vahagn Davtyan Oskar Kirmes (FIN).

GHARAFA, RAYYAN ENTER BASKETBALL SEMI-FINALS

Al Gharafa’s Sammy Monroe Junior II (L) and El Jaish’s Mohamed Yousuf vying for the ball during their Qatar Cup quarter-final at the Al Rayyan Sports Club yesterday. Gharafa won 91-85. Al Rayyan defeated Al Wakrah 78-62 in their Qatar Cup quarter-final at the Al Rayyan Sports Club yesterday. Gulf Times Thursday, March 23, 2017 7 SPORT

IAAF DIAMOND LEAGUE Barshim, Schippers, Elaine to participate in Doha meet ‘We are very excited to welcome so many world-class athletes to Doha once again this year’

Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim in action during the high jump event at Lausanne last year. The Netherlands’ Dafne Schippers and Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson in action during the women’s 200m race in Zurich.

By Sports Reporter en’s 200m where 100m and 200m Ol- and 2013 World Champion, LaShawn crowned Olympic Champions. Doha ympic Champion, Elaine Thompson of Merritt. James, who became Grenada’s “There will be some enthralling ri- Jamaica, will face a showdown against fi rst-ever Olympic medallist, is one valries ensuring a thrilling evening of last year’s Diamond Race winner, 2015 of only nine athletes in history to win memorable athletics. With so many world-class fi eld of Olympic World Champion and 200m Rio 2016 World Championships at Youth, Junior nationalities represented, Doha’s di- and world champions will silver medallist, Dafne Schippers of and Senior level. verse community will all have athletes begin their outdoor season The Netherlands. Merritt, winner of last year’s Dia- to cheer on creating which promises to in Doha when the IAAF Dia- Thompson, who became the fi rst mond Race, is the sixth fastest man in create a phenomenal atmosphere for mondA League meet on May 5 at the woman since Florence Griffi th-Joyner history over 400m and is one of only people of all ages to enjoy. Qatar Sports Club. Tickets are on sale at Seoul 1988 to do the sprint double four men in history to have broken 20 “This is Doha’s tenth year of hosting now at www.q-tickets.com, organisers at the Rio 2016 , ran seconds for the 200m and 44 seconds world-class athletics events and we announced yesterday. a world-leading time of 21.78 in the for the 400m. aim to build on our past success and Qatar’s most successful-ever ath- 200m fi nal to edge ahead of Schip- The Doha Diamond League will pro- stage this year’s event to the highest lete, Mutaz Barshim, will ensure an pers and reverse the positions from the vide an early opportunity to see the possible level, getting the 2017 IAAF electric atmosphere as he returns to IAAF World Championships in Beijing form of both sprint sensations at the Diamond League series off to the suc- compete in front of a home crowd for 2015. beginning of a World Championship cessful and momentous start that it the fi rst time since winning silver at With the London 2017 IAAF World season. deserves.” last year’s Olympic Games. Championships on the horizon later Doha’s large Greek community will Doha fi rst staged a major athlet- The 2014 World Indoor Champion this year, both athletes will be eager to be able to cheer on their Olympic hero, ics event in 1997 with the Doha Grand cleared the second highest jump in stamp a strong early mark in their fi rst Rio 2016 Champion Katerina Stefanidi Prix, which was elevated to the Su- history in the 2014 Diamond League competition of the season. in the Women’s Pole Vault event. The per Grand Prix in 2005. In 2010, Doha season before claiming the 2014 and However, they will face further 2016 Diamond Race winner will face hosted the fi rst-ever IAAF Diamond 2015 Diamond Race titles. strong opposition from 2004 and 2008 tough competition from Rio 2016 sil- League fi xture which has continued to He lost the title to Erik Kynard of the double Olympic Champion and mul- ver medallist Sandi Morris of the USA grow in strength every year and pro- USA in 2016 and the two will go head tiple World Championships medallist, and 2015 World Champion, Yarisley vides an ideal opening to the outdoor to head once again in Doha this year in Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica, Silva of Cuba in what promises to be season. a bid to get their 2017 seasons off to a and Marie-Josee Ta Lou of the Ivory one of the most riveting events of the Doha’s hosting of world-class ath- successful start. Coast, who fi nished fourth in the Rio evening. letics events goes beyond the Diamond They will be challenged by Robbie 2016 200m fi nal. Speaking ahead of the Doha 2017 League season with further major Grabarz of Great Britain who shared The men’s 400m also promises to set IAAF Diamond League meeting, presi- events including the 2010 IAAF World the bronze with Barshim at London Qatar Sports Club alive with a thrilling dent of the Qatar Athletics Federation, Indoor Championships and the up- 2012, setting up another captivating head to head between London 2012 Dr Thani Abdulrahman al-Kuwari, coming 2019 IAAF World Champion- men’s high jump competition. Olympic Champion and 2011 World said: “We are very excited to welcome ships, which will be the fi rst-time that One of the most highly-anticipated Champion, Kirani James, and Beijing so many world-class athletes to Doha athletics’ fl agship event will be hosted Grenada’s Kirani James and USA’s LaShawn Merritt in action in the men’s 400m race events of the evening will be the Wom- 2008 Olympic Champion and 2009 once again this year, including freshly in the Middle East. during last year’s Eugene leg.

FOCUS Jamaican duo charged with anti-doping rule violation Commonwealth Games 400 Jamaica’s Spencer won gold metres hurdles champion at the Commonwealth Games Hansen wants Fredericks to step down Kaliese Spencer and world in Glasgow in 2014 and was championship relay medal- also a world championship sil- list Riker Hylton have been ver medallist in the 4x400m Reuters image in the eyes of its support- charged with breaching relay in Berlin in 2009. Berlin ers and the public.” anti-doping rules, Jamaican She did not respond to Former sprinter Fredericks, athletics off icials confirmed Reuters’ phone calls or text an International Olympic Com- on Tuesday. requests for comment. he head of European mittee member, stepped down “We have been advised by Hylton, who won a 4x400m athletics has called on two weeks ago as head of the IOC JADCO (Jamaica Anti-Doping bronze at the 2011 World Frank Fredericks to team evaluating bids to host the Commission) that athletes Championships in Daegu, told step down from the 2024 Games and has also removed Kaliese Spencer and Riker Reuters on Tuesday that he Tworld athletics’ (IAAF) fed- himself from the IAAF task force Hylton have been referred to had been notified of his provi- eration council pending an in- looking into doping in Russia. the Independent Anti Dop- sional suspension by JADCO. vestigation into allegations he French newspaper Le Monde ing Disciplinary Panel for a He said the anti-doping body accepted payments before the had reported that Fredericks re- hearing to be conducted in claimed he had declined to awarding of the 2016 Olympics ceived almost $300,000 from accordance with Article 8 of provide a sample for testing to Rio de Janeiro. Papa Massata Diack, the son of the JADCO Anti-doping Rules last year at the Stadium East A statement issued yesterday disgraced former IAAF President 2015,” the Jamaica Athletics field. Hylton, however, said by Svein Arne Hansen, who does Lamine Diack, prior to the elec- Administrative Association that he had not been properly not name Fredericks but clearly tion of Rio as the 2016 Olympics (JAAA) said in a statement. informed that he had been refers to his case, comes a day hosts back in 2009. “Both athletes are alleged to selected for testing and only after IAAF president Sebastian Fredericks has said he re- have violated article 2.3 of found out that he had been Coe said the Namibian would ceived the money but denied any the said rules which speaks to accused of declining to pro- stay on the council while the wrongdoing, saying it was for ‘Evading, refusing or failing to vide a sample after he had left ethics board decides if an inves- “services rendered” to promote submit to sample collection’.” the stadium. tigation is necessary. the sport in Africa and had noth- Under World Anti-Doping “Honestly they (JADCO) “In recent weeks the IAAF ing to do with the Rio vote. Agency (WADA) rules, “evad- never did their job properly Council has been confronted The IOC has also launched an ing, refusing or failing to because they were supposed with new and disturbing integ- investigation into the matter. submit to sample collection” to make the person know that rity-linked accusations related French prosecutors are inves- is one of 10 possible ways that you were selected to be drug to one of its members,” Hansen from all their sport-related du- Fredericks, is an IAAF Coun- en,” Hansen added. “However, tigating whether bribery was athletes or their support staff tested and they did not let me said in his statement yesterday. ties until the issue is resolved as cil member. “I want to empha- should the allegations turn out involved in the awarding of the can be charged with an anti- know that,” Hylton said. “In my personal opinion, any it is not good for the organisation sise that in the current case we to be true, they would reveal an 2021 world athletics champion- doping doping rule violation. JADCO has not responded to individual who fi nds themselves they serve.” are dealing with allegations extremely disappointing be- ships to the US city of Eugene The maximum penalty is a Reuters’ requests for under such suspicion now or As well as being in charge of and must always presume in- trayal of athletics and its values, and are also looking into several four-year suspension. comment. in the future should step aside European Athletics, Hansen, like nocence until they are prov- which would damage the sport’s other host city decisions.

Thursday, March 23, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

GOLDEN DOUBLE FOR QATAR

Qatar’s Hamad Jaber al-Behaih celebrates on the podium after winning the gold medal in the SK Speed Skating 222M race during the 11th Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria yesterday. This was second gold for Qatar after Abdulla al-Mannai (left in second picture) had come first in the SN Snowshoeing 200M race on Tuesday. Qatar also added a bronze medal with Saoud al-Sulaiti (third from left in second picture) finishing third in the SN Snowshoeing 200M race. More than 3,000 athletes from 110 countries, including 15 Arab countries, are participating in the Games. Qatar is participating in the Special Olympics World Winter Games for the fourth time in a row, having also sent athletes for previous editions in Japan, the United States and South Korea.

MOTOGP SPOTLIGHT LCSC partnership with QTA adds horsepower for future years

By Sports Reporter the Lusail Circuit attracts over Doha 17,000 spectators during the event, with spectatorship fi gures increasing each year. The part- or the tenth consecutive nership aims to capitalise on the year, Qatar will host the event’s strength to attract more fi rst round of the Mo- international visitors and fur- FtoGP World Champion- ther develop the growing sports ship under the brilliant fl ood- tourism sub-sector in Qatar. lights of the Losail International Saud al-Attiyah, President of Circuit. The Grand Prix of Qatar, LSCS added, “This partnership the only night race on the calen- is refl ective of the club’s ever in- dar and the fi rst to kick off the creasing commitment to devel- international race season, will be oping the sports sector in Qatar, held at the Losail Circuit Sports whether it be the motorsport in- Club (LCSC) this weekend from dustry directly or other key sub- 23rd to 26th March. sectors such as Sport Tourism, To join in welcoming the eyes to contribute to the nation’s goal of the motorsport world onto of developing a strong and eco- Qatar, Qatar Tourism Author- nomically viable sports cluster ALL LINED UP AND ity (QTA) has entered a two-year in Qatar. partnership with LSCS to host He continued, “Also, I hope the annual event. The partner- the tangible goal focused nature ship will leverage the MotoGP’s of the partnership hopefully international profi le and media signals to potential future event exposure to raise interest and partners, the commitment of the grow the number of interna- club to deliver value for partners READY TO FIRE tional visitors coming to Qatar going forward and in the proc- for the annual event in 2018 and ess, achieve the best event ex- As always the level of competition is very high. This year even so more. There are beyond. perience for the spectators, fans Commenting on the partner- internationally, the teams on seven to eight riders that will fight for win and for the championship: Valetino Rossi ship, Hassan al-Ibrahim, Chief the track, our partners and the Tourism Development Offi cer country.” By Joe Koraith during the Qatar test. Me and at QTA said, “Over the years, Tickets are available in the Doha the bike are getting more com- MotoGP has earned its position Grandstand, VIP Village and Lo- pact and I am confi dent that we as one of the marquee annual sail VIP Club categories for 200, will improve as the season goes sport events in the Qatari, GCC 2,250 or 2,500 and 3,250 Qatari fter the long break, and ahead,” he added. and international motorsport Riyals respectively. They can be all the winter testing, Vinales, the highlight of the calendars, attracting thousands purchased at Q-Tickets, Virgin the three timed tests, tests so far, is eager to transform of spectators to experience the Megastore’s in-store or online we fi nally have race his pre-season form into actual action against the backdrop of platforms, and at the Losail Cir- weekendA upon us. The fl oodlights results during the season. “At Qatar’s iconic assets.” He added, cuit Sports Club during the week at Losail International Circuit the moment it’s just the pre- “Sports and recreation tourism of the event. will shine upon a star-studded season. We have a good set-up has been identifi ed as one of the Visitors and residents are in- fi eld for the opening race of the and I’m feeling competitive. four priority tourism sub-sec- vited to head out to the circuit 2017 MotoGP season – the Qatar I’m trying to get that form from tors in the Qatar National Tour- and enjoy the adrenaline-rush Grand Prix. So who would you the pre-season into the season,” ism Sector Strategy (QNTSS) in free outdoor sports-related pick as your winner? said Vinales. and we are proud to join hands and cultural activities on off er at Let’s just help you with the The Spaniard also attributed with LSCS to build on this events the fan zone. Activities include statistics. There are ten world his successful switch from Su- growing popularity in attracting free Go-Karting, camel-riding, champions on the grid. Between zuki to Yamaha to the fact that more visitors.” falcon petting, Arabic coff ee- them they have won a total of 29 he didn’t have to change too According to MotoGP fi gures, making, and much more. world championship titles – a much. “The riding style didn’t new record. And then you can change so much. It’s a new team look at the lap times from the and I have to modify my way of testing to help you make a deci- working with them. But we have sion. Can you? done a good job,” he added. The MotoGP grid is so com- petitive this time around that “It has been a long winter. there are eight riders with a The preseason has been chance to grab the fi rst win of the Qatar’s Olympic bronze medallist and three-time Dakar Rally winner Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah gave some better than last year. I am season. And this is coming from pointers on skeet shooting to MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi at the Losail Shooting Range yesterday. happier and feel more none other than Valentino Rossi comfortable on the bike. himself. During the press con- The Spaniard has not had I am looking forward to ference yesterday the MotoGP the best of times on this circuit starting the 2017 season legend was asked who he thought but he is raring to give it his with a good weekend,” said had a chance to be on the top step all. “During pre-season all the Marquez yesterday of the Losail podium and he said, manufacturers have improved “All the riders on this podium. their level. Now it’s time for the His team-mate, a certain And (Andrea) Dovizioso.” And real thing this weekend. I know Rossi, will be hoping that he then when reminded so by Marc that this is one of the circuits can remain in the group that is Marquez, he added – “And (Dani) that I struggle during the sea- challenging for the wins. He has Pedrosa of course.” son. But it’s time to give our 100 not had a great pre-season but And that is not just brother- per cent.” nobody would want to rule him hood of the riders speaking. The For Lorenzo, the switch from out of producing a great run. tests have proven that Rossi’s Yamaha to Ducati hasn’t gone “As always the level of competi- Yamaha team-mate Maverick as smoothly as the switch for tion is very high. This year even Vinales has quickly adapted to Vinales. “It’s a little bit more so more. There are 7-8 riders his new machine. He has been diffi cult than I thought it would that will fi ght for win and for topping the charts consistent- Al-Attiyah and Rossi yesterday. PICS: Noushad Thekkayil be. It was a shock in Sepang the championship. I will try to ly. Jorge Lorenzo is still having but in the last day there I made stay in that group. It has been teething problems on his Ducati The spotlight will still be on to starting the 2017 season with a lot of progression. And then a diffi cult winter season. I was but he seemed to get a hang of Honda’s Marquez. The defend- a good weekend,” said Marquez the Qatar testing performances never strong. I am struggling it during the Qatar test. And he ing champion has not had the yesterday. makes me feel optimistic about to get the right feel. Now starts did win the race here in 2016 – best of testing but you can never “We made some big changes, this season,” said the Spaniard another long season and I hope on a Yamaha. This time with rule him out, the fi ghter that he especially on the engine side. who fi nished last season in third to be strong and competitive,” the straight-line speed of the is. “It has been a long winter. We are working hard to fi nd the place in the standings. signed off the legend. Ducati, he has a great chance of The preseason has been bet- best set-up. We know that as “This is a new era for me. I am Now to see who Losail the repeating that show. And which ter than last year. I am happier the season progresses, we will looking forward to start the sea- fl oodlights will crown as the is why his team-mate Dovizioso and feel more comfortable on get better and better. The base son. Step by step we’re getting fi rst king this season. In three is also a strong contender. the bike. I am looking forward level is not bad,” he added. better. We made a big progress days’ time we shall know.