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Wednesday, June 8, 2016 FOOTBALL Ramadan 3, 1437 AH Tearful Di Maria GULF TIMES inspires Argentina at Copa America SPORT Page 2 QSL ROUND-UP Qatar’s Youssouf Al Shahania set to sign clinches 800m Tunisian striker Khalifa silver Doha: Qatar’s IDRISS OUSA YOUSSOUF missed out on a gold The former Marseille player is expected to sign a one year deal with the side medal once again and had to set- tle for sliver in 800m at the 17th By Sports Reporter Asian Junior Athletics Champion- Doha ships at Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam yesterday. Youssouf had clinched a silver medal in the 1,500m on ewly promoted Qatar Stars League Tunisian striker Saturday. Yesterday, the Qatari side Al Shahania are set to sign Tuni- Saber Khalifa. middle-distance runner came sian striker Saber Khalifa. The former second in the 800m as he clocked NMarseille player touched down in 1:52.28 seconds behind the winner Doha on Monday night, ahead of negotiations Jacob Pa Amoj from India. and a medical. Khalifa is expected to sign a one Amoj provided a strong kick year deal with the side. The club is currently in the closing metres of the close looking to add further professional players to race and managed to win it in their ranks as Shahania prepare for their second 1:51.82. Iraq’s Mohammed Raheem ever season in the QSL. Albzaznah pocketed the bronze The squad, who are managed by Spanish coach medal with a time of 1:52.78secs. Miguel Lotina are now set to focus on pre-season With Youssouf’s another medal, training for the 2016/2017 QSL season. Qatar finished in the eighth spot in Al Shahania will be ramping up their prepara- the medals tally with two gold and tions by heading to Germany for a training camp, as many silver medals. ahead of the start of the QSL season on the 15th Japan topped the medals table of September. with 13-10-4 figures and China followed them with 22 medals, QATAR SC SEASON BY NUMBERS including 11 gold and 7 silver. It was a season to forget for Qatar SC, as they got India also produced a fine per- to relegated to Qatar Gas League for the fi rst time formance and were third, securing in their history. After a slow start to the season seven gold, four silver and six Qatar SC rallied and registered 27 points, includ- bronze medals. ing six wins and nine draws. Malaysia had three gold and However, it wasn’t enough to see them beat as many silver in their seven- the drop, eventually losing out on goal diff erence medal haul, while Chinese Taipei in the fi nal game of the season. Qatar SC scored completed the top five with 2-3-4 third least number of goals in the QSL with 31, figures, the same by Thailand. also conceding the second most in the league Hosts Vietnam finished ahead with 51 goals. The fact that their top scorer this of Qatar with their athletes clinch- term was Mouchine Iajour with eight goals, a ing two gold, three silver and two player who left in January tells its own story. bronze medals. Iraq (1-2-3) and A lack of defensive concentration was evident South Korea (1-0-2) were placed Qatar SC this term and frustratingly they con- ninth and tenth, respectively, in ceded 9 goals in the fi rst fi fteen minutes of games, the medals list. meaning that Sebastaio Lazaroni’s side never In all, 17 countries won one gave themselves the best chance in QSL games. or more medals in the five-day South Korean international Kook Han Young was championships, with Kyrgyzstan the Kings stand out player in an otherwise mis- and Pakistan getting one bronze erable season. The all action midfi elder lead the medal apiece. way with the most passes over the course of the season with 1,281 this term. Whilst in the fi nal third he provided the highest amount of assists than any other Qatar SC player. However it was Kook’s running which really impressed this term. Han covered an impressive 313km of running over the course of the season. That equates to an average of 12km per game. Indeed, Han covered 13km of running an impres- it will be a summer of overall at one of Qatar’s bin Khalaf Vice Chairman of Qatar Insurance that won the league title; the only exception is sive fi ve times this season, just highlighting the biggest clubs. The question is now can the Kings Company. Mohammed Jumma who will be returning to par- impressive work rate of the South Korean. return to the Qatar Stars League at the fi rst time Speaking at the signing, Sheikh Saud was glad ent club El Jaish.” Another player who had an impact for the Qa- of asking. to continue the sponsorship agreement with the Salem bin Khalaf Vice Chairman of Qatar In- tar SC was defender Rafi k Halliche. The impos- QIC; “I am pleased to conclude this deal, Qatar surance Company wished the club success in the ing defender was strong in the air and good in the AL RAYYAN RENEWS QIC SPONSORSHIP. Insurance Company is one of the most prestig- defence of their QSL title. “I would like to con- tackle; however injury curtailed his playing time QSL Champions Al Rayyan has renewed their ious and oldest companies in Qatar. Our success gratulate Al Rayyan on their fantastic season, and in January. The former Algerian international sponsorship agreement with Qatar Insurance on the pitch this season is in part thanks to our wish them the best for their title defence.” came back into the side towards the end of the Company for a further three seasons. The deal relationship with our sponsors.” The Al Rayyan squad will now break for the season, which saw the side improve defensively, was signed on Sunday evening at Al Rayyan Sheikh Saud also addressed questions in re- summer, before starting their preseason training ultimately it was too little too late for Qatar SC. Sports Club, in the presence of Al Rayyan Chair- gards to players leaving the squad this season. ahead of the start of the QSL season on the 15th Now facing a season in the Qatar Gas League, man Sheikh Saud bin Khalid al-Thani and Salem “We will be keeping the majority of the squad of September.

SPOTLIGHT QIGC completes CMAE Management Development Programme

By Sports Reporter with the internal management and staff which sponse has been phenomenal with 34 delegates Doha will in turn fi lter down through the golf club signing up - this is a record for CMAE and just and provide a world-class facility for our mem- shows the appetite amongst the club industry bers. It has been even more rewarding to be one in the Middle East for high level education. atar International Golf Club’s (QIGC) of the fi rst Qatari members to take part in the “CMAE’s mission is to advance the profes- Deputy General Manager, Mohamed programme.” sion of club management throughout Europe al-Naimi, was amongst four GCC The week long programme which took place and the Middle East, promote best practice QNationals who completed the Club from 29th May to 2nd June 2016 saw spokesper- in the club industry, and provide a certifi ca- Managers Association of Europe’s (CMAE) sons Mike Braidwood, Darshan Singh and Jason tion programme which recognises and rewards Management Development Programme Part 1. Koenigsfeld educating and informing delegates those club managers that can demonstrate the The course was attended by 34 delegates on standardising best practices in golf clubs highest standards of knowledge and compe- from across the GCC, Asia and Europe, all em- across the world, including the 10 core compe- tence in club management. The staging of our barking on the Club Management education tencies of a modern club manager such as Club fi rst programme in Dubai is signifi cant in help- path which aims to help club managers better Governance, Strategy & Leadership, Risk Man- ing us achieve our mission.” secure the continued success of their clubs. agement and Facilities Management. QIGC is a landmark project for Qatar, off er- After completing the course, Mohammed al- Dubai Golf’s Chief Executive Christopher ing a revolutionary and holistic approach to Naimi, Deputy General Manager, QIGC said: “It May CCM commented, “We are delighted to growing the game of golf. The innovative facil- has been an extremely valuable learning experi- see the huge interest in the fi rst CMAE Manage- ity, which will be located in Qatar Education ence to take part in a programme that is recog- ment Development Programme to be held in the als taking their fi rst steps down the Club Man- ees.” Mike Braidwood, Director of Education, City, has been designed to support every mem- nised globally for enhancing and developing the Middle East. It is the largest MDP 1 course held agement education path, which is a positive for CMAE, added: “CMAE started the Manage- ber of society regardless of age or ability – from professionalism of club management. anywhere to date, with delegates from Europe, the industry in the region. A range of excellent ment development programme in Europe in complete beginners to the world’s leading pro- “At Qatar International Golf Club we strive Asia, Africa as well as the Mena region. speakers covering all core competencies in what 2011. To bring the programme to Dubai has been fessionals – and focusses on accessibility and to provide the highest level of quality, starting “ It is encouraging to see four GCC Nation- proved to be a very valuable week for all attend- a long term plan of the Association and the re- enjoyment. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, June 8, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Globe-trotting Tearful Di Maria Perez shines for Panama

AFP Perez has seen plenty of diff er- inspires Argentina Orlando, Florida ent dressing rooms having played for 16 clubs in eight countries. After debuting in his home- anama striker Blas Pe- land, he has performed in Uru- rez has certainly seen guay, Mexico, Colombia, Spain, his share of the world, the United Arab Emirates, the playing in eight diff er- United States and Canada where Pent countries in his career, but he currently plays for Ma- at Copa America somehow he always seems to jor League Soccer’s Vancouver save his best for his homeland. Whitecaps. Goals in each half from the “He is a man that represents ‘I wanted to play, my grandmother was so proud that I played for the national team’ 35-year-old gave Panama a 2-1 a lot of things on and off the over Bolivia in the Copa American fi eld,” Gomez said. “He has had AFP Centenario on Monday — a win his share of heaven and hell but Santa Clara, United States hailed as “historic” by Panama- again, he was out there demon- nians given they had never faced strating his qualities for 90 min- South American opponents in a utes, running and fi ghting. grieving Angel Di Maria was competitive match before. “He scored two very impor- the inspiration as Argentina Certainly, judging by the reac- tant goals tonight. This group shrugged off the absence of Li- tion of Perez, who collapsed to loves him and he transmits a onel Messi to defeat holders the ground and was mobbed by lot of important things to the ChileA 2-1 in their opening Copa America his team-mates after striking the group. We have supported him, Centenario game here Monday. 87th minute winner, the victory even through his diffi cult times,” Paris Saint-Germain star Di Maria — was more than just a good start Gomez added. “He has great ex- reeling from the death of his grandmother to their Group D campaign. perience, he is a great man and only hours earlier — scored one goal and “We are enjoying this one,” Panama loves him.” set up another as the two-time world Perez told reporters after the Panama has never reached a champions avenged their defeat to Chile game. “It is our fi rst time in the World Cup fi nal and while the in last year’s Copa America fi nal. Copa and it is a joy.” improving nation certainly has a Di Maria opened the scoring on 51 min- The brace took Perez’s career chance for Russia 2018 that may utes and emotionally held a T-shirt up to tally for his country to 41 goals come too late for Perez. the sky emblazoned with the message: in 106 appearances and will have That will make the upcoming “Grandma, I will miss you so much.” surely ended any debate over two games in Group D, against Moments later Di Maria then set up whether coach Hernan Dario Argentina and Chile, even more Argentina’s second for Ever Banega, Gomez was right to stick with the special for the Panama City born to complete a man-of-the-match per- forward despite his age. forward. formance. “Blas works so hard, does so “Argentina will be hard, Chile “I had to play, I wanted to play, my much running and he knows how too,” Perez said. “But our coach grandmother was so proud that I played to score,” Panama keeper Jaime just told us — now go and enjoy for the national team,” Di Maria said dur- Penedo told AFP. “He is also a this Cup.” ing a post-match television interview be- great guy, a real leader in the Judging by the smile on his fore breaking down in tears. dressing room,” he added. face, Perez needs no invitation. Argentina coach Gerardo Martino re- vealed afterwards Di Maria had kept his loss a secret from him. “I just learned that fi ve minutes ago that his grandmother died,” Martino said. “He didn’t tell me anything, he was feel- ing well to play.” Di Maria’s virtuoso display secured a deserved three points for Argentina, who will now fancy their chances of topping Group D with games against Panama and Bolivia to come. Argentina’s Angel Di Maria (centre) and Ever Banega (right) vie for the ball with Chile’s Marcelo Diaz (left) during their Copa America Chile substitute Jose Fuenzalida match in Santa Clara, California, on Monday. (AFP) scored an injury time consolation for the holders. victorious Copa America side, gradually lease Di Maria, whose quick low shot fl ew Chile’s Argentina-born coach Juan Injured Argentina captain Messi grew into the game. past Claudio Bravo and into the bottom Antonio Pizzi bemoaned mistakes which watched from the substitutes’ bench at Chile came closest to breaking the fi rst corner as the Chile goalkeeper struggled cost his team goals. Levi’s Stadium after failing to recover in half deadlock in the 30th minute, when to get his body into position. Twice Chile ceded possession cheaply time from a sore back suff ered in a friend- Alexis Sanchez burst onto a layoff from Eight minutes later it was 2-0, Di Maria in midfi eld, leading to Argentina’s two ly win over Honduras last month. Arturo Vidal to go in on goal. turning creator this time with a deft pass goals. But the Barcelona superstar’s absence The Arsenal forward picked his spot to Banega whose low shot took a slight “The mistakes were crucial,” Pizzi said. was barely noticeable, with Nicolas and shot low but Argentine keeper Sergio defl ection off Mauricio Isla to deceive “They cost us two goals.” Gaitan slotting into Argentina’s attack Romero was equal to the challenge, sav- Bravo. It was Chile’s third straight defeat — and making an instant impression, hit- ing brilliantly to deny Chile. The game continued to have an edge but Pizzi was bullish about his team’s ting the woodwork with a header after Sanchez drew another save from with Di Maria and Gary Medel both re- chances of coming back. only two minutes. Romero in a bright Chilean start to the ceiving yellow cards for an off -the-ball “We believe we’re going to get into the second half but it was Argentina who scuffl e shortly afterwards. next round,” he said. “I know we have dif- SLICK COUNTER-ATTACK opened the scoring six minutes after the In injury time Fuenzalida grabbed a late fi cult games ahead of us, but we’re going Argentina dominated the early exchanges break. consolation with a headed goal from a to continue working hard and we have be- before Chile, fi elding the core of their A swift counter-attack saw Banega re- free-kick but it was too little too late. lief to move to the next round.” Panama’s Blas Perez Ortega celebrates after scoring against Bolivia during their Copa America match in Orlando, Florida, on Monday. (AFP)

Spain prosecutors seek Neymar corruption trial COMMENT

Spanish prosecutors want Brazilian 40mn of which was paid to the N&N Brazil’s Santos and its president to be star Neymar tried over fraud allegedly company owned by the player’s father. tried for “fraud.” Mistake to hold committed during his 2013 transfer Santos — where Neymar started his Neymar’s mother Nadine, meanwhile, to FC Barcelona, a judicial source said career — received 17.1mn, 6.8mn euros of could also be tried for having profited yesterday. which went to DIS. financially from the alleged fraudulous Centenary Copa in Prosecutors from Spain’s top criminal However, Spanish judicial authorities transfer. court accuse the striker, his father, have estimated the number of simulta- The Brazilian star has already given Barca’s ex-president Sandro Rosell and neous deals in the transfer amounted evidence to a judge in Spain as part of US: Uruguay FA chief the club itself of concealing the cost to at least 83.3 million euros — with the the probe, as has his father. of the multi-million-euro transfer from diff erence allegedly going to Neymar Rosell and current Barcelona president Brazilian investment fund DIS. and his family, and Santos. Josep Maria Bartomeu were also called Reuters oldest in the world, South Amer- DIS held 40 percent of the 24-year-old’s The Brazilian football star and his father to testify in February but refused, insist- Sao Paulo, Brazil ican football, here in the United sporting rights when he played at Bra- have in the past defended themselves in ing instead on the version of events they States where yesterday it became zil’s Santos club and has claimed it was the media. had given for a previous hearing. very clear that it is arranged for cheated of its real share of the transfer “Before saying nonsense — that we hid Investigators in Brazil have also he head of Uruguay’s Mexico.” due to parallel contracts that Barcelona this, or hid that — they should prove it,” launched proceedings against the foot- football association, As one of the CONMEBOL of- and Santos allegedly used to hide the Neymar told Brazilian TV station Globo ball star and his father over the same Wilmar Valdez, says it fi cials behind the hosting deci- total cost. in February, when he was called to give case. was a mistake to play the sion, Valdez admitted he shared TCentenary Copa America in the responsibility for “the mistake”. The case first came to light after fans evidence to a judge in Madrid. Brazil’s federal prosecution service has and members of Barcelona launched an “My father is doing everything to ensure Prosecutors want Neymar, his father accused them of forging contracts to United States and that the tour- He off ered no evidence to back internal complaint, leading eventually to that I can just focus on playing football. Neymar Da Silva Santos, Rosell and FC pay less tax. nament had been arranged to fa- his claim that the tournament the resignation of Rossell. He handles the books. But in the mo- Barcelona itself to be tried for “private Last September, Brazilian authorities vour Mexico, who beat Uruguay had been set up to favour Mexico. The transfer deal was originally valued ment when you see someone you love corruption among individuals”. froze $47mn worth of the player’s assets 3-1 in their opening game. “South American football is at 57.1mn euros ($64.9mn) by Barca, suff ering, it starts to hurt.” They also wants Rosell, FC Barcelona, pending investigations. In a bad-tempered encounter passion,” Valdez said, adding in Phoenix on Sunday, Uruguay that the United States did not had a man sent off in the fi rst share it. “It’s a diff erent culture, half and conceded two goals in with lots of positive things. But BOTTOMLINE the last nine minutes. That came it’s a country where they don’t after organisers had played the feel football. wrong national anthem for Uru- “They are not like South guay before the match. Americans and that causes prob- Campaign group sees ‘same old’ FIFA under Infantino Valdez told Uruguayan radio lems.” station Sport 890 that the South Mexico beat Uruguay in front Reuters basis of Gianni Infantino’s fi rst 100 days, entities indicted in the United States. been decided and would be less than 2mn. American Football Confedera- of 60,000 fans in Phoenix on London we believe he is heading the same way,” he While Infantino has promised a fresh New FIFA Now co-founder Bonita tion (CONMEBOL) should not Sunday. said in a statement issued at a Westmin- start, and drawn praise from some quar- Mersiades said the appointment of FIFA’s have chosen the United States to Uruguay were a goal down af- ster media briefi ng. ters, he has not had a smooth ride. fi rst female secretary general, Fatma host the 100th anniversary of the ter just three minutes and had a IFA president Gianni Infantino “Nothing has changed and it never Swiss businessman Domenico Scala Samba Diouf Samoura of Senegal, was to world’s oldest continental com- man sent off just before half time deserves to be shown a red card will if (FIFA are) left to their own devices. quit as head of audit and compliance last be commended but questioned the proc- petition fi rst played in Buenos but fought back to level the score, on the evidence of his fi rst 100 FIFA is incapable of reforming itself,” he month after the FIFA Council was given ess of appointing someone with no prior Aires in 1916. only to see Mexico grab two late days in offi ce, campaigners seek- added, repeating calls for an independent power to appoint or dismiss members of experience. The tournament has been goals. ingF reform of the world football body said FIFA reform commission. independent bodies, such as the ethics Mersiades also highlighted campaign boosted to a 16-team format for The Uruguayans surrounded yesterday. Infantino replaced banned compatriot committee. promises of more money to confedera- the fi rst time with the inclusion the referee after the match and British parliamentarian Damian Collins, Sepp Blatter, with FIFA battling to haul Infantino’s proposed pay also made tions and a 40-team World Cup which of six teams from CONCACAF, Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio a co-founder of the ‘New FIFA Now’ group, itself out of the worst graft scandal in its headlines, with the Frankfurter Allge- she said were “aimed at keeping the ‘fam- which governs soccer in North later complained he was threat- said the Swiss had delivered “smoke and history. meine Zeitung reporting leaked details ily’ happy”. and Central America and the ened by Uruguay defender Jose mirrors, but not a great deal of substance” The Swiss-based body has been of FIFA Council meetings that it said “In other words, it’s business as usual. Caribbean. Gimenez. since his election in February. embroiled in crisis since last year with showed he had been angered by an of- The deckchairs on the Titanic may have “CONMEBOL got it wrong,” Uruguay’s next game is against “We already know that FIFA has failed 42 people, including former FIFA fer of 2mn Swiss francs ($2.07mn) a year. diff erent stripes, but they’re still deck- Valdez said. “It erred in celebrat- Venezuela tomorrow, while Mex- football over the past decades. On the executive committee members, and The FIFA president said his salary had not chairs on the Titanic.” ing a tournament like this, the ico play Jamaica. Gulf Times Wednesday, June 8, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

CAUTIOUS SPOTLIGHT Deschamps sets Conte plays down sights on more host nation glory

AFP Azzurri hopes as Paris aving scaled the in- ternational football heights as a player, Didier Deschamps nowH has his sights set on leading France to European Champion- ship glory on home soil as coach. Belgium looms Deschamps was captain of the French team that won the World Euro and I am focused exclusive- Cup at home in 1998 and also led ly on that.” ‘We’ve won two friendlies, but with Belgium... we have to work on our tactical play’ Les Bleus to glory at Euro 2000, Schooled at Nantes under the so could hardly be better placed legendary coach Jean-Claude AFP to handle the pressure and ex- Suaudeau, ‘DD’ was part of the Montpellier, France pectation that comes with being France side that famously suf- in charge of the Euro 2016 hosts. fered a gut-wrenching last-gasp When asked by sports daily loss to Bulgaria to miss out on oach Antonio Conte has played L’Equipe if he felt France — also qualifying for the 1994 World down Italy’s Euro 2016 chances winners in 1984 — could lift Cup in the United States. after ending preparations for the the Henri Delaunay trophy for The heartache marked a gen- tournament with friendly wins a third time in July, Deschamps eration, with the exception of againstC Scotland and Finland. said: “We will go into it with that Deschamps, who recovered to Italy, trounced 4-0 by Spain in the objective. We can be humble and lift the World Cup at the Stade de Euro 2012 fi nal, arrive at their Montpel- ambitious.” France in 1998 and then the Euro lier base today on the back of a patchy 1-0 The 47-year-old who hails two years later. win over the Scots in Malta and Monday’s from Bayonne, the capital of the He won the last of his 103 caps 2-0 win over Finland in Verona. French Basque Country and very in September 2000 and retired The Azzurri kick off the tournament much rugby territory, has been from playing a year later at the against Belgium in Lyon on June 13, with building towards the Euro cli- age of just 32, bringing a prema- further Group E games against Sweden max. ture end to a glittering career as a on June 17 in Toulouse and the Republic Exiting the 2014 World Cup in defensive midfi elder. of Ireland on June 22 in Lille. Brazil at the quarter-fi nal stage Once described by Eric Can- But two years after exiting the World was accepted, especially as some tona as a “water carrier”, he cap- Cup at the fi rst round for the second suc- of the performances were en- tained Marseille to Champions cessive edition, Conte admitted Italy are couraging and there was none League glory in 1993 and won still a work in progress. of the off -fi eld problems that the trophy again with Juventus “We have to keep our feet on the marred previous major tourna- in 1996. ground,” he said. “We’ve won two friend- ments for the French. His coaching CV is remark- lies, but with Belgium on the horizon we But an exciting young team is able too, featuring a Champions now have to get to work on our tactical now expected to deliver at Euro League fi nal appearance with play.” 2016. Monaco in 2004 and a French Juventus striker Simone Zaza started It has not been all plain sail- title triumph with Marseille in up front alongside Ciro Immobile be- ing for Deschamps, who has had 2010. fore being replaced by Southampton’s to deal with a sex-tape blackmail He departed OM under a cloud Graziano Pelle in the second half at Ve- aff air involving Karim Benzema. in 2012, though, and might have rona’s Bentegodi stadium. “Nothing shocks me any- done the same from the nation- He believes Italy’s recent wins have re- more,” he said, but he must hope al team until a dramatic play- stored faith and confi dence, but admitted Italy’s Daniele De Rossi heads the ball to score the decision to drop the Real Ma- off win over Ukraine saw them Belgium — ranked second in the world against Finland during their match Bentegodi drid striker from the squad does snatch qualifi cation for the last behind Argentina — will be a tough nut stadium in Verona, Italy, on Monday. (Reuters) not come back to bite the nation- World Cup. to crack. al federation. “If we had been eliminated in “We’re feeling pretty confi dent af- second half, the Paris Saint-Germain Cup in 2014, following defeats to Costa summer’s showpiece in France, says team Nevertheless, public opinion the play-off s against Ukraine I ter these two friendlies. We played well midfi elder was whistled off the park by Rica and Uruguay, prompted the resigna- harmony will be a plus although he ex- appears to back the decision and would undoubtedly have a diff er- (against Finland), but we know we can do unhappy fans. tion of coach Cesare Prandelli and shone pects nothing less than 100%. Deschamps has plenty of other ent life today,” he told L’Equipe. better,” he said. “We have to believe that “Some players are a little bit behind in the spotlight on the increasing failings of “I have a great group of guys under me, attack options. Deschamps has always been we can challenge Belgium, but we know terms of condition,” said Conte. “Thiago the four-time World Cup winners. they’re all good men and excellent play- Unless things go badly wrong, considered as having luck on his they’re a great side.” Motta played 60 minutes but he still has Among the many complaints cited in ers. That’s important because in these Deschamps will be in charge side. Michel Platini once won- After a messy win over the Scots, Italy room for improvement.” the media was the lack of team harmony, tournaments they all have to get along through to the 2018 World Cup dered if he had been “blessed — using Conte’s preferred 3-5-2 forma- De Rossi only made Conte’s 23-man arguably brought on by Italy’s compara- with one another,” he said. in Russia, even though he has with holy water when he was tion — produced a far more convincing squad following injuries to Claudio Mar- tive isolation at their Mangaratiba base “We will now get down to working hard hinted at missing the day-to-day born”. display against Finland in Verona, where chisio (Juventus) and Marco Verratti near Rio de Janiero. in training... the lads know I will expect rush of club management. France were certainly handed Lazio wide man Antonio Candreva gave (Paris Saint-Germain). In France, Italy will be based in the them to give me everything they have.” “I am fl ourishing,” he told a fortunate draw for the Euros, the Azzurri a 27th minute lead from the But Roma’s midfi eld general seized his middle of Montpellier, where they will L’Equipe recently when asked if fi nding themselves in the same penalty spot. chance only eight minutes after his ar- initially train at the facilities of the town’s RESULTS he were still enjoying himself. group as Romania, Switzerland Roma midfi elder Daniele De Rossi rival with a glancing header from Can- French Ligue 1 side. Iceland 4 Liechtenstein 0 “I am privileged. I would like and Albania. started on the bench and when he re- dreva’s inswinging cross. Conte, who will take charge of Pre- Italy 2 Finland 0 to spend more time with my Supporters of Les Bleus will placed Thiago Motta 18 minutes into the Italy’s fi rst-round exit from the World mier League giants Chelsea following this Poland 0 Lithuania 0 players, as would all national hope that the lucky breaks fall for coaches, but I live very well with Deschamps all the way to the fi - my duties. My objective is the nal on July 10. BOTTOMLINE FOCUS Loew’s Germany seek path Casillas hails healthy back to triumphant stability competition with De Gea

AFP Paris

t is almost impossible to believe that a team with Thomas Mueller, Toni Kroos and Mesut Ozil look vulner- able but Germany will really have to Ilive up to their reputation of raising their game for the big occasion at Euro 2016. The team that beat Brazil 7-1 as they marched to a World Cup triumph in 2014 have lost seven games since and stum- Spain’s goalkeepers David de Gea (left) and Iker Casillas take part in a bled toward the European Championship training session in Las Roza, Spain, on Monday. (Reuters) fi nals where they have a tricky Group C start against Poland, Ukraine and North- Reuters team begins its campaign against ern Ireland. Madrid the Czech Republic in Toulouse. Their 2-0 win against Hungary in their Asked if he thinks he will start fi nal warm-up was Germany’s fi rst clean at Euro 2016, Casillas said, “That sheet for a year. pain captain Iker Casil- is a question for Del Bosque.” “It was important to keep them down las believes David de Gea De Gea, 25, made his senior to nil, the win gives us a bit of stability is “no longer a future debut in June 2014 in an interna- and a good feeling for next week,” said a prospect but a strong tional friendly and was included relieved coach Joachim Loew after Sun- contender”S to play in goal for the in Spain’s World Cup squad but day’s game. national team at Euro 2016. did not feature. Loew takes his team to France with in- Germany’s Bastian Schweinsteiger Porto goalkeeper Casillas has He has made eight appear- jury worries. and Thomas Mueller take part in a been the country’s fi rst-choice ances for Spain but only started Captain Bastian Schweinsteiger played training session at Stade Camille keeper since 2002 but De Gea is in three Euro 2016 qualifi ers for only 23 minutes against Hungary and said Fournier in Evian-les-Bains, considered favourite to start af- the European champions, with he doubts he will be able to play all of the France, yesterday. (Reuters) ter a solid season for Manchester Casillas as the preferred number opening game against Ukraine on June 12. United. one in the last two years. Key defender Mats Hummels is doubt- Kroos has been a key player at Champions But the match against a Poland Mykhaylo Fomenko has to keep the team “De Gea is no longer the future There is a lot of attention on ful with a calf injury. Winger Marco Reus League winners Real Madrid while Ozil’s side starring Bayern Munich’s Robert united. The run-up to the fi nals was marred but a strong contender,” Casil- Casillas and De Gea in the Span- was left out of the squad because of a passing was back to its brilliant cheeky Lewandowski is almost a fi nal in itself. by a clash between star player Andrey Yar- las told Cadena Cope radio. “It’s ish media. However, Casillas groin injury. best against Hungary. Having beaten Germany in their quali- molenko of Dynamo Kiev and Shakhtar clear that all of us that are here, says that there is a healthy com- Germany follow Ukraine with a dif- And Germany are known for saving fying group, a 2-2 draw with Scotland Donetsk’s Taras Stepanenko. Yarmolenko we think that we can play. petition in the team. “What I re- fi cult encounter against Poland — whom their best for major tournaments. They probably cost the Poles top place in the was upset at the way Stepanenko celebrat- “We are 23 players that play as ally like is that, besides being 35, they lost to in the Euro qualifying cam- did not start the World Cup as favourites. group. Their 33 goal tally was the highest ed a goal and kicked him. starters for important clubs and I have the same hunger, enthusi- paign. “We’re extremely motivated and want of any team in the qualifi cation contest. Northern Ireland may have shocked we all believe that we can help asm and I continue to compete,” When an under-strength Germany lost to go as far in the tournament as possi- Lewandowski said beating Germany themselves in topping their qualifying the national team but deciding he said. “Now I’m with De Gea 3-1 to Slovakia last week, it should have ble,” said Mueller of the latest challenge. last year had “opened our eyes to the group after Greece’s collapse. who starts is the coach’s job.” and with (Sevilla goalkeeper) been a sign of crisis. “We want to go for the title. We have team’s potential”. Despite their courage and work ethic, Spain coach Vicente del Sergio Rico and it’s going well.” But Germany are still the most valuable a great spirit so there shouldn’t be any Ukraine, co-hosts in 2012, qualifi ed Group C could be a struggle for Michael Bosque will not make a deci- Asked about his future in the squad in Europe and Mueller is favourite problems with motivation. We’re not go- for the fi nals for the fi rst time in reach- O’Neill’s team and his captain Steven sion of who will play between national team, Casillas said, “I will to top the scorers’ rankings in France. ing to France for a holiday.” ing France. The talent is there but coach Davis. the posts until June 13, when his decide after the tournament.” Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, June 8, 2016 FOOTBALL

Totti to play 25th season Ventura to coach Italy O’Neill and Keane extend Cannavaro to coach Son gets Spurs go-ahead with Roma: club after Euro 2016 Ireland deals Tianjin Quanjian for Rio Olympics

Iconic Roma captain Francesco Totti has signed a Giampiero Ventura, a 68-year-old who has never Ireland coach Martin O’Neill and assistant Roy Fabio Cannavaro will return to China to coach South Korea striker Son Heung-Min yesterday said new one-year contract to play a 25th season with won a major title, was named yesterday as the Keane have extended their deals through to Tianjin Quanjian FC, the off icial Xinhua news his club, Tottenham Hotspur, had given him the the Serie A side, the club announced yesterday. next Italy coach to replace Antonio Conte after the 2018 World Cup. “I am delighted (CEO) John agency said yesterday on its Twitter account. green light to play the Rio Olympics, although it Totti, who turns 40 in September, began his Serie Euro 2016. Ventura’s appointment was confirmed Delaney and the FAI (Football Association of The former Italy defender, who captained his wasn’t clear exactly when he would be released. A career with Roma in 1993, playing 601 matches on the Italian national team’s Twitter feed. Conte Ireland) board have extended our contracts country to World Cup victory in 2006, has Son’s availability is a boost for South Korea, the for the club — only surpassed in the Italian top will to take over at English Premier League club for the World Cup campaign,” O’Neill said. “It already got Chinese experience under his 2012 Olympic bronze medallists. “I was told that I flight by Paolo Maldini’s 647 with AC Milan and Chelsea after the Euros. Ventura has enjoyed a has been an absolute privilege to have been belt following a one-year stint as coach of would definitely be allowed to play in the Olympics. Javier Zanetti’s 615 for Inter Milan. Totti has had long, steady coaching career in Italy although, in charge ... these last 30 months and we go to Guangzhou Evergrande that ended last summer. What’s important is when,” Son, 23, said. “I would a tense relationship with coach Luciano Spalletti apart from one season at Napoli, he has never France tomorrow in good spirits with a strong He went on to manage Saudi Arabian club Al- love to join my team-mates (in the Olympic team)... in recent times. But his hopes of earning a final worked at any of the big clubs such as Inter desire to do well in the next few weeks.” O’Neill Nassr in Riyadh, but was sacked from his role in I’m trying to join them as soon as possible.” Son year’s deal were boosted late in the season when Milan, AC Milan or Juventus. He has never won took over in November 2013 and guided Ireland February for “bad results” just four months after arrived in Seoul yesterday after South Korea’s 6-1 he came off the bench to score crucial goals for Serie A or the Coppa Italia, although he led Lecce to the European Championship via a playoff taking charge. Xinhua did not specify when the defeat to Spain last week and Sunday’s 2-1 win over Roma as they finished third in Serie A. to the third tier Serie C title in 1996. victory over Bosnia. Italian would begin his new Tianjin post. the Czech Republic in Prague.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Ibrahimovic Ex-Chelsea doctor takes a swipe at settles case against French president ‘The club... apologises unreservedly Mourinho to her and her family for the distress’

AFP London

ormer Chelsea doctor Eva Car- neiro yesterday agreed a deal to settle a case against Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho forF alleged discrimination for an undis- Swedish player Zlatan Ibrahimovic (centre) is congratulated by two closed sum, Chelsea said. children at the end of his press conference for the presentation of his “The parties agreed to the settlement sportswear brand A-Z in Paris yesterday. (AFP) of this dispute on confi dential terms,” a representative of the club said at the start AFP “I pay my taxes and help this of a brief hearing at a London employ- Paris country. I could even make him ment tribunal. popular (Hollande) — it’s just Carneiro said she was “relieved” to I’m not sure I want to,” he said have concluded the tribunal case, calling ormer Paris Saint-Ger- of the deeply unpopular Social- it an “extremely diffi cult and distressing main striker Zlatan Ib- ist leader. time for me and my family,” in a state- rahimovic said yesterday New polls last week showed ment issued after the announcement. he did more for France Hollande only had a 14-per- The club said it was “pleased” that an Fthan President Francois Hol- cent approval rating after three agreement had been reached. lande simply by paying the top months of sometimes violent “The club regrets the circumstances rate of tax on his earnings. demonstrations against the gov- which led to Dr Carneiro leaving the club “Ibra came and took power in ernment’s controversial labour and apologises unreservedly to her and France,” the Swede, who is pre- reforms. her family for the distress caused,” said a paring for Euro 2016 after win- Despite being among the most club statement. ning won four league titles, three unpopular French post-war Mourinho made an unexpected ap- League Cups and two French leaders, Hollande is considering pearance alongside Chelsea chairman Cups in four seasons at PSG, told whether to stand for a second Bruce Buck at the London South Employ- Le Monde newspaper. term in next May’s presidential ment Tribunal in suburban Croydon yes- The former Ajax, Juventus, elections. terday, shortly before the announcement Milan and Barcelona striker said When asked if he was on the of the settlement. he earned more than 20 million left or right of the political spec- The tribunal was examining a claim of euros ($22.7 million) in the fi rst trum, Ibrahimovic said he didn’t constructive dismissal against Chelsea Former Chelsea club doctor Eva Carneiro leaves the Croydon Employment Tribunal in London on Monday. (Reuters) half of 2015, and claimed he paid like to talk politics because he and a connected, personal legal action 75 percent of it in tax. didn’t know anything about it. against Portuguese boss Mourinho, who meaning son of a w****, and had done so lish Premier League, a 2-2 draw at home “In running onto the pitch to treat a “I help this country more than “I’m a man of the people, nei- left the Blues in December, for alleged throughout the match in question last to Swansea on August 8. player, who requested medical attention, he (Hollande) does because I ther left nor right,” he said. victimisation and sexual discrimination. August. Mourinho angrily berated her after she I was following the rules of the game and continue to pay it (the top rate),” The 34-year-old has been Carneiro alleges Mourinho shouted A skeleton argument submitted to the and physio Jon Fearn went on the pitch to fulfi lling my medical responsibilities.” Ibrahimovic said. “I can tell you linked with a move to Manches- “fi lha da p***” at her — Portuguese for tribunal on behalf of Chelsea and Mour- treat midfi elder Eden Hazard, obliging Chelsea accepted that the doctor had as I do my own tax returns. ter United. daughter of a w**** — after she ran on inho said Carneiro had been “made an him to leave the fi eld of play before being “always put the interests of the club’s the pitch during a match. open off er of £1.2mn ($1.73mn, 1.52mn readmitted. players fi rst”, calling her a “highly com- An extract from a statement by Mour- euros) to settle her claims”. Carneiro defended her actions in her petent and professional sports doctor”. inho was read out on Monday. Mourinho dropped Carneiro as Chel- statement, saying “my priority has always “Jose Mourinho also thanks Dr Carnei- Inexperience may cost Vardy Euro In it he claimed he was known for sea’s fi rst team doctor after the Blues’ been the health and safety of the players ro for the excellent and dedicated support regularly using the term “fi lho da p***”, opening match of last season in the Eng- and fulfi lling my duty of care as a doctor. she provided,” it added. 2016 starting spot: Wenger

Britain warns Euro 2016 stadiums could be terror targets Britain yesterday warned its citizens potential targets for terrorist attacks,” The 25-year-old man had a huge arsenal 2016 tournament for fans. It’s not a travelling to the Euro 2016 football it said. of weapons and was planning to attack change in terms of the advice about championships in France that stadiums, “You should be vigilant at all times, espe- a string of locations in his home country, whether or not to travel,” she said. fan zones and transport hubs “represent cially in areas hosting Euro 2016 events Ukraine’s security services said. She also said that more counter-terror- potential targets for terrorist attacks”. and follow the advice of local French But Prime Minister David Cameron’s ism off icers would be deployed on trains “There is a high threat from terrorism,” authorities,” it added. spokeswoman told reporters the new to France and on Britain’s borders but the foreign ministry said in a travel advi- Ukraine said Monday it had arrested a advisory was “not a response to a new did not give further details. sory for supporters. suspected far-right French extremist or specific threat or to yesterday’s The United States last week warned its “During Euro 2016, stadiums, fan zones, who was allegedly planning to attack the arrest”. citizens that the tournament and related venues broadcasting the tournament Euro 2016, adding to security fears over “It’s to provide further information on events across France and Europe pre- and transport hubs and links represent Europe’s showcase football tournament. the risk of terrorism during the Euro sented “potential targets for terrorists”.

FRIENDLIES Stunning long-range goal as Greece beat Australia

AFP and Sainsbury headed home from close eicester City striker Jamie level to say the whole tourna- Melbourne range. Vardy’s lack of experi- ment will depend on Vardy,” But Greece could not be denied their Lence at major internation- Wenger told beIN Sports. fi rst win over Australia since a 1-0 victory al tournaments means he will Vardy is preparing for Euro 2016 idfi elder Giannis Maniatis in Adelaide in 1978. not be an automatic starter for in France, which starts on Friday, scored a spectacular 60-me- It was Australia’s fi rst home defeat England at Euro 2016, Arsenal at England’s training base in tre goal as Greece beat Aus- since losing to Kuwait in 2009. manager Arsene Wenger has Chantilly. Roy Hodgson’s side tralia for the time in 38 years “They got a jump on us and we didn’t said. The 29-year-old forward, open their Group B campaign Min Melbourne yesterday. react well particularly in the fi rst half, we who has scored three goals in against Russia on Saturday be- The Greeks won 2-1, with Olympiacos got sucked into playing their game a little seven internationals, was the fore facing Wales and Slovakia. midfi elder Maniatis netting a stunning bit,” Postecoglou said. joint second-highest scorer goal over the head of stranded Australian “We became frustrated, we gave away with 24 goals in the Premier VARDY IMPORTANT FOR goalkeeper Adam Federici in the fi rst half. silly fouls and diving in and we lost our League during Leicester’s first LEICESTER: TAGGART Greece took the game to the Socceroos composure. From there we were chasing title-winning season and was Losing Vardy to Arsenal could from the kick-off and found the net af- the game. the Football Writers’ Associa- spark an exodus of players ter just eight minutes against a sluggish “It was always going to be diffi cult to tion player of the year. from Leicester, former de- home defence. get back into it. Yeah, it was disappoint- Arsenal, runners-up last sea- fender Gerry Taggart has said, Mark Milligan was dispossessed deep ing.” son, are trying to sign Vardy, adding that the move could be inside Greece’s attacking half and Ben- It was Australia’s fi nal match before triggering a release clause in catastrophic for the Premier fi ca’s Andreas Samaris gave AEK Athens Ioannis Maniatis (centre) of Greece is congratulated by teammates after scoring their opening Asian World Cup qualify- his contract with a bid of about League champions. midfi elder Petros Mantalos space on the against Australia during their international friendly in Melbourne yesterday. (AFP) ing game against Iraq at home on Sep- 20 million pounds ($29.1 mil- “If Vardy goes then one or two right. tember 1. lion), British media reported. . others might want to leave as Mantalos beat Federici into the bottom net for a stunning goal and a 2-0 lead af- than during their tentative 1-0 loss to “I don’t think that he will be a well,” Taggart, who made over left corner for his fi rst international goal. ter 21 minutes. Australia in Sydney on Saturday. RESULTS starter. I don’t say this because 100 appearances for Leicester, But it was Maniatis who left Federici The Socceroos went in at half-time Defender Trent Sainsbury pulled a Australia 1 Greece 2 he does not have the quality, told the BBC. “For the good of red-faced when he spotted the home two goals down, their worst half since goal back for the Socceroos 13 minutes China PR 0 Kazakhstan 1 but because he doesn’t have the whole team and the club it goalkeeper well off his line. His lob from Ange Postecoglou took over as coach. after the resumption when skipper Tim Canada 2 Uzbekistan 1 enough experience at that is important Vardy stays.” well inside his own half bounced into the Greece were a far diff erent proposition Cahill headed on Aaron Mooy’s corner Iran 6 Kyrgyzstan 0 Gulf Times Wednesday, June 8, 2016 5 CRICKET

FOCUS ‘I’ll remain captain as long as BCCI wants me to’ Agencies in Harare in the tour starting June 11, cricket board (BCCI) said the ability to “One of the most important things Mumbai with as many as fi ve uncapped players communicate in an Indian language I believe is he should understand our in the 16-man squad. was desirable but not mandatory. culture. More than the language, one “I think it will be a very diff erent ex- “We do not face much problem with who understands our upbringing and ndia’s Mahendra Singh Dhoni perience (for me),” Dhoni told report- communication,” Dhoni said. “With culture will be better with us,” he add- has said he will remain captain as ers in his pre-departure press confer- the kind of players coming in these ed. “The coaches who have understood long as the country’s cricket board ence in Mumbai yesterday. days, English I don’t think is a big bar- us in the past... we have seen the dif- sees fi t, ahead of a tour of Zimba- “The reason being you keep playing rier. There are also other players who ference on the fi eld.” Ibwe this month. with almost the same group of players, take the initiative to help anybody in Dhoni had formed a formidable Dhoni’s future as captain was called so you know the roles and responsibil- the team who does not understand.” partnership with South African coach into question after India’s lacklustre ity. There will be quite a few players Players in the Indian team often Gary Kirsten and the duo led India showing in the World Twenty20 but in this bilateral series whom I will be come from diff erent parts of the coun- to the top of the World Test rankings the limited-overs skipper has showed playing with for the fi rst time.” try, speaking diff erent languages and while also winning the 2011 50-over no sign of surrendering to his critics. With quite a few Indian Premier having diverse cultures. World Cup at home. Former Team Director Ravi Shas- League performers like leg-spinner Former teammates Shastri and San- New Zealander John Wright was also tri recently backed Test skipper Virat Yuzvendra Chahal and medium-pac- deep Patil have applied for the position a successful coach for India. Kohli to lead the country in all formats, ers Barinder Sran and Jasprit Bumrah with New Zealand ex-captain Daniel Like Shastri, Patil is also eyeing a saying Dhoni should be allowed to en- in the line-up, Dhoni is banking on Vettori’s name also in the frame for one second spell in charge of the team, joy the game as a player, free from the his bowling department. “Overall they of the most demanding jobs in inter- having coached them in 1996. Patil has responsibility of captaincy. have been good on paper, both the bat- national cricket. The BCCI has put as- also coached Kenya, guiding them to “It’s not that I don’t enjoy the game, ting and the bowling. You may say that sistant coach Sanjay Bangar in charge the 2003 World Cup semi-fi nals, and this decision (on captaincy) will be bowling has had a bit more exposure to for the tour of Zimbabwe. Oman. Test captain Kohli last month taken by the BCCI (Board of Control international cricket than our batting,” “What’s important is what the team said he had a chat with his Royal Chal- for Cricket in India), it’s not up to me to said the wicketkeeper-batsman. requires. We need to select the best lengers Bangalore coach Vettori re- decide on that,” Dhoni said in response The captain, who had a forgettable ferent because it is still a form of do- recruiting a new coach, applications that is available,” said Dhoni, who garding the job. to Shastri’s comments. IPL season with newcomers Rising mestic cricket,” he said. “The moment for which close on June 10. has led India to both the 50-over and The BCCI has formed a cricket With big guns including Kohli, Rohit Pune Supergiants, believes that per- you are told that you are representing India have been without a full-time Twenty20 World Cup titles. advisory committee comprising Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh formances in the cash-rich league are India, there is a diff erent pressure.” coach since Ravi Shastri’s two-year “A number of international coaches former players Sachin Tendulkar, Raina rested, Dhoni will have the tough not always the best judge of a player’s Dhoni also said that India’s next tenure as team director ended with the have a problem with the amount of Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman who task of inspiring a bunch of youngsters international worth. coach should have an understanding hosts’ defeat in the semi-fi nals of this cricket that we play in a year keeping are expected to pick a new coach before in the African nation. India will play “I have always said IPL is a platform of the “culture and upbringing” of the year’s World Twenty20. In the adver- in mind the family commitments and the team’s tour of West Indies begin- three one-day internationals and T20s where you identify talent. It is very dif- nation. The BCCI is in the process of tisement for the coach’s job, the Indian other factors,” he added. ning on July 6.

SPOTLIGHT Records tumble in English county game

Reuters London

he record books were rewritten McCullum stands by twice in an astonishing run spree Tat Nottinghamshire’s Trent Bridge ground on Monday which saw a record English one-day partnership and the most aggregate runs scored in a List A match. By the close in the Royal London One-Day Cup game between Notts and Northamptonshire, statisticians were Cairns evidence, wants checking to see if there had ever been a day like it anywhere in the world. The big hitting began from the start with Nottinghamshire’s Riki Wessels and Michael Lumb sharing a record one-day partnership in England of 342 from 39.2 overs. Wessels eventually departed for a career-best 146, from 97 balls, while Lumb ‘more professional’ ICC went on to make 184, also his best and a record for the county, as Nottinghamshire posted 445 for 8, the second highest ‘How can the game’s governing body expect players to co-operate with it when it is then responsible score for a List A match in the world. The runs continued to flow when for leaking confidential statements to the media? I think players deserve better from the ICC and that, Northamptonshire chased down what would have been another record for in the future, the evidence gathering exercise has to be much more thorough, more professional’ a team batting second. But they fell short despite 128 from Rory Kleinveldt. Their total of 425 gave Nottinghamshire AFP victory by 20 runs in a game which saw London an unprecedented 870 runs scored in the day, three more than Surrey and Glamorgan managed in 2002. he International Cricket Afterwards Lumb joked: “It was a bit Council (ICC) said yesterday twitchy. What a great game of cricket! they had improved their pro- Former New Zealand Never in doubt. I was surprised they took cedures for handling evidence captain Brendon it that deep but it’s credit to them. Rory Tof match-fi xing after coming under McCullum (right) with Kleinveldt was unbelievable. It was an un- fi re from Brendon McCullum. England cricketers believable game. I don’t think we could do The former New Zealand captain, Steven Finn (left) and too much more. I’m proud of all the boys.” delivering the MCC Spirit of Cricket Eoin Morgan at Britain The Nottinghamshire stand beat the Cowdrey Lecture at Lord’s on Mon- Horse Racing Investec previous record in England of 318 by day, recalled his anger that the evi- Derby Festival, Epsom Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid for dence he gave against his old inter- race course. (Reuters) India against Sri Lanka at Taunton in national teammate Chris Cairns in a the 1999 World Cup. Lumb and Wessels’ match-fi xing court case in London English record is the third-highest part- last year was leaked prior to trial. nership in List A games, behind the 372 “How can the game’s governing which Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels body expect players to cooperate with took off Zimbabwe in the 2015 World it when it is then responsible for leak- Cup. The record for the highest team ing confi dential statements to the total is held by Surrey, who made 496-4 media?” McCullum, now playing for against Gloucestershire in 2007. List A Lord’s-based Middlesex in English matches are played over 40-60 overs. cricket’s domestic Twenty20 compe- tition, asked. Gillespie risks sponsors’ The legal case ended with Cairns found not guilty and McCullum said wrath with vegan stance he should have been given more warn- Yorkshire’s Australian coach Jason ing from the outset of fi rst giving evi- Gillespie has risked the wrath of his dence to the ICC in 2011 that he could English county’s sponsors by claiming be called as a witness in a court action. the “disgusting” dairy industry should be “I think players deserve better from shut down. Yorkshire are sponsored by the ICC and that, in the future, the Wensleydale Creamery, but that hasn’t evidence gathering exercise has to be dissuaded Gillespie, who is a vegan, from much more thorough, more profes- revealing his opposition to the business. sional. In my opinion a person taking a The 41-year-old former Australia statement should ensure that the wit- pace bowler, who has led his team ness is advised about what may oc- to two County Championship titles, cur,” the Kiwi said. was conducted by the ICC’s Integrity had been harshly treated in receiving here at ‘the Home of Cricket’ (Lord’s), cricket ground anywhere in the world,” made it clear he is prepared to stand Responding to McCullum’s address, Working Party (IWP), which included a life ban from the England and Wales to confi rm that I stand by every- said McCullum. “He can never watch by his opinions in an interview with the the ICC acknowledged his stance but independent corruption experts. Cricket Board (ECB) after admitting to thing said in my statements and the his children play at any level.” Yorkshire Post yesterday. Asked about insisted they had not been the source “All the recommendations of the spot-fi xing—deliberately under-pe- evidence I gave at Southwark Crown McCullum led New Zealand to the fi - any possible conflict with the company of the leak. IWP were reviewed and adopted by forming to stage a betting coup during a Court,” McCullum, 34, said. nal of last year’s World Cup and bowed whose logo appears on Yorkshire’s shirts, “The ICC commended Brendon Mc- the ICC Board during the 2015 ICC game—in county matches. Players are told that failure to report out of international cricket by scoring he said: “Yes, they are a sponsor. But it Cullum two years ago—and continues Annual Conference in Barbados. Every The ECB ban was applied world- an approach is almost as serious as the fastest-ever Test hundred, off just doesn’t mean I agree with what they do. to do so today—for his brave, coura- event or incident provides an organi- wide and McCullum said: “I struggle any off ence itself. McCullum added he 54 balls, against Australia at Christch- My wife and I often talk about it, because geous and principled stand against cor- sation with opportunities to review its with the severity of this when a player did not report Cairns’s approach until urch in February. He was also praised she’s vegan as well. I feel like I’m looking ruption in cricket,” the global governing structures and measure its operations has cooperated fully and accepted 2011 because he felt “scared”, and was for the sporting way in which he cap- through eyes without blinkers on.” body said in a statement. against best practice. responsibility. It is vital that players later taken back by the “very casual” tained New Zealand, with the team “We treat animals like s**t, we really do... “The ICC also understood and “This is exactly what the ICC has found guilty of off ences having ac- manner in which his allegations were abandoning “sledging”—verbal abuse and in my opinion there’s no justification shared his dismay at the leak of done in this particular case—it be- knowledged wrongdoing are shown noted, but not recorded, by a member of opponents—under his leadership. for that. It’s cruel and it’s speciesism at its his confi dential statement, which lieves the outcome has been proc- a degree of clemency—failing which of the ICC’s anti-corruption and se- “In changing the way we ap- very worst and I don’t want to be part of prompted a thorough and detailed in- esses, procedures and resources there seems to be very little incentive curity unit (ACSU). proached the game, and respected the it. I hope one day the dairy industry can vestigation by the ICC. which have been further bolstered and for them to come forward.” McCullum then made two more opposition, we wanted to be true to be shut down. I think it’s disgusting and While the probe proved that the strengthened. McCullum further said he stood by statements, another to the ACSU and our national identity,” McCullum said. wrong on so many levels,” he added. origin of the leak was not from within “The ICC reconfi rms that it is do- the evidence he gave against Cairns. to London’s Metropolitan Police. Re- “In terms of that, New Zealanders As for Yorkshire’s shirt deal, he added: the ICC, it failed to establish beyond ing absolutely everything in its power Charges were brought against Cairns calling he was “hammered” by Cairns’ identify with strong silent types. “It’s out of my control, just like the fact doubt the actual source. Nevertheless, to fi ght the threat of corruption in the after he sued then Indian Premier lawyer for making three statements, “Perhaps our greatest hero is Sir Ed- that cricket balls are made of leather. the ICC has already put strong meas- sport and will continue to do so. It also League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi McCullum said someone at the ICC mund Hilary, the fi rst person to climb I’ll have it out with people, I don’t care. ures in place to ensure this type of in- reaffi rms its commitment to gain and for libel in 2012 over a 2010 tweet in should have realised his evidence Mount Everest. He never spoke boast- There’s nothing wrong with standing up cident is never repeated.” retain the complete trust of cricketers, which the administrator accused him might one day be used in court. Mc- fully about his remarkable achievements. for what you believe in.” The statement added: “In 2014 (and and to work in close co-operation with of match-fi xing. Cullum’s evidence was then leaked to We wanted to be a team that people could Responding to Gillespie’s remarks, a unrelated to the leak of confi dential all stakeholders in cricket.” McCullum, as he had done in court, Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper. be proud of; and if in doubt we wanted to spokesman for Wensleydale Creamery information), a comprehensive review The ICC were not the only cricket said “former hero” Cairns had ap- Vincent, who also gave evidence play the game aggressively, not fear fail- said: “That’s a very bold statement, and of the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit was authority in McCullum’s sights. The proached him to fi x matches—allega- against Cairns, was banned from crick- ure. I have been given too much credit for I need to understand a bit more about carried out to review its processes, hard-hitting batsman said Lou Vincent, tions Cairns denies. et for life in 2014. “Perhaps the worst what we achieved... Everyone brought what he’s actually trying to say there.” functions and resources. The review another former New Zealand teammate, “I think it is appropriate, standing part is that Lou is unable to go to a into it and lived it and breathed it.” Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, June 8, 2016 SPORT

FOCUS Ramprakash tells England to ‘fi nish the Broad has no issues job’ against Lanka playing against Amir ‘I don’t think any feelings will be dragged into this Test from that one. I think he’s served his time. For quality of bowler, I don’t think there is much doubt that he is up there with anyone. I’ve not played him for six years, but in 2010 he was a constant threat. It swung round corners for him”

Sri Lanka coach Graham Ford (left) and captain Angelo Mathews during the team nets at Lord's cricket ground in London yesterday. (Action Images via Reuters)

AFP London

ngland batting coach Mark Ramprakash has called on the side Eto be ruthless as they go in search of a 3-0 series clean sweep of Sri Lanka at Lord’s this week. Convincing wins by an innings and nine wickets at Headingley and the Riverside respectively, have seen Alastair Cook’s men surge into an unbeat- able 2-0 lead in the three-Test campaign. But recent contests have seen England lapse late on, losing the second and final Test of last year’s home series in a 1-1 draw and going down in the fifth Test after the Ashes had been won as Australia reduced their losing margin to 3-2. It was a theme that was repeated earlier this year in South Africa, where England had won the series by the time of their heavy 280-run defeat at Centurion. Ramprakash, speaking to reporters at Lord’s yesterday, said the side were conscious of their habit of slipping-up late on. “I think the players are very much aware of that,” he said. “I’m sure it will be reiterated over the next couple of days,” the former England batsman added. But Ramprakash, who started his career at Lord’s with Middlesex, said he hoped the occasion of a Test at the ‘home of cricket’ would help every England player raise their game. “A Test match at Lord’s is the pinnacle of your career, or certainly one of the starting at Lord’s on July 14. up there with anyone. I’ve not played I still scored those runs and (I’m) still highlights,” he said. “So all the players have AFP Stuart Broad London Team offi cials are optimistic the him for six years, but in 2010 he was a on the honours board,” he said. plenty to play for individually, and that will 24-year-old will receive his British constant threat and man-of-the-se- Nevertheless, he added: “I think at the England team’s nets help collectively as a team. visa in the next couple of days fol- ries. It swung round corners for him.” the result was devalued. We couldn’t “It should come from within. I hope les- tuart Broad has insisted he lowing a special request for leniency However, citing the reaction of celebrate—we didn’t celebrate—it sons will have been learned because this won’t have any issues play- from the Pakistan Cricket Board. spectators at Lord’s to England all- was all a very strange time. The one- ing against Mohamed Amir That the 2010 match, which Eng- rounder Ben Stokes’ controversial day series that followed was quite group of players have come unstuck in the should the convicted spot- land won by an innings, is now best dismissal for obstructing the fi eld in unpleasant, and the crowds refl ected last Test, most recently in South Africa. That fiS xer make his Test return at Lord’s remembered for the spot-fi xing a one-day international against Aus- the bad feeling.” wasn’t a good feeling, so we hope the guys next month. controversy rather than Broad’s tralia last year, Broad said spectators The ongoing England-Sri Lanka will want to finish the job off this week.” Lord’s was the venue six years ago impressive 169—his lone Test hun- at the ‘home of cricket’ may not wel- series has seen Broad displaced as Heading into tomorrow’s match, top-or- when left-arm quick bowler Amir dred—could rankle with the England come Amir back with open arms. the world’s top-ranked Test bowler der batsman Nick Compton has arguably and his two Pakistan teammates fast-medium bowler. “The crowd might be a diff er- by new-ball colleague James An- the most to prove after admitting before were involved in the deliberate bowl- But Broad, speaking at an event or- ent story. There was a lively reaction derson. Anderson’s 18 wickets in the second Test he needed runs to secure ing of no-balls as part of a newspa- ganised by England sponsor Hardy’s to Ben Stokes’ dismissal last year to the opening two matches have been his England place. per ‘sting’ operation to demonstrate wine yesterday, said: “I don’t think Mitchell Starc, and it looked like a central to England going 2-0 up in Compton only managed nine in the the trio’s willingness to take part in any feelings will be dragged into this nasty atmosphere for a while,” he said. a three-match series ahead of this first innings at Durham but was 22 not out spot-fi xing. A teenager at the time Test match from that one. There are As for his 2010 hundred—which week’s third Test against Sri Lanka at and one of world cricket’s undoubted only four players in (this) England surpassed the highest Test score Lord’s starting tomorrow. second time around as England eased rising stars, Amir was sent to jail by team from then, and Pakistan had a achieved by his father Chris, a “It’s a lovely accolade for our part- their way to a dominant victory. an English court and banned from all huge change-over. So I don’t think former England opening batsman— nership that we’ve both managed to “I thought there were good signs at cricket worldwide for fi ve years. any ill-feeling or negativity from the Broad does not feel it was tainted by climb up the rankings like that,” said Durham,” said Ramprakash of England’s He has now served that ban and, players will have carried through.” the spot-fi xing furore. Broad, who has now dropped down number three bat. “He has something to unlike 2010 Pakistan captain Salman Turning to Amir’s possible return, “I do look back at it, and I’m very to third place in the standings. build on, I thought he was very composed Butt and fellow paceman Mohamed Broad said: “I think he’s served his proud of scoring a hundred at Lord’s— “It’s great to have a little bit of in the second innings there. I hope that Asif, Amir has now been included time. For quality of bowler, I don’t and beating my dad’s highest score. competition, and we are both really will carry over into this game.” in the squad for a four-Test series think there is much doubt that he is It’s certainly not devalued in my mind. competitive guys.”

GOLF Woods to pen memoir of 1997 Masters triumph AFP Woods’ fi rst book came out in 2001. ninth after rounds of 68 and 69, and ican professional Rob Oppenheim, also Los Angeles Titled How I Play Golf, it was written will compete for one of fi ve spots avail- with scores of 67 and 70, and fi nish top with the editors of Golf Digest maga- able in a sudden-death playoff in Pow- of the sectional qualifying in Summit, zine. The 1997 Masters was the fi rst of ell, Ohio. New Jersey. hile Tiger Woods’s par- Woods’ 14 majors. His most recent was Most of the 103 players at the Wedge- Two-time US Open champion Lee ticipation in next week’s the 2008 US Open, and Woods hasn’t wood and Kinsale courses consisted of Janzen (72-70) missed out on one of the US Open still remains in played a tournament since undergoing PGA Tour players, who competed at six spots in New Jersey. doubt, the 14-time major two separate surgical procedures late the nearby Memorial last week. Players will return to the course in Wchampion has announced he has an- last year to alleviate back pain. There were 13 spots available. The Jacksonville, Florida, for the play-off other project on the go. He said in May that he hoped to re- 22-year-old DeChambeau had gained a after play was suspended due to dark- Woods said in a statement on his turn to competition in June, but it’s US Open exemption when he won last ness. Vijay Singh is in the hunt for one website yesterday that he is writing a unclear if he would make it back in time year’s US Amateur but forfeited that of the qualifying spots. book about his historic victory in the for the second major of the year, the US spot when he turned professional a 1997 Masters, which will be published Open at Oakmont from June 16-19. week after the 2016 Masters. Victorious McGirt jumps by Grand Central Publishing next year. DeChambeau (70-63) fi nished joint up world rankings to 44th The still untitled work, to be co-au- DeChambeau books Open second in the Ohio sectional, one shot thored by Canadian golf writer Lorne behind Carlos Ortiz (66-66). ourneyman William McGirt rock- Rubenstein, will include insights from spot, Donald in playoff Erik Compton, the 2014 US Open Jeted 58 spots up the golf world rank- the golfer not only on his spectacular ookie Bryson DeChambeau earned runner-up, Aaron Baddeley and Cami- ings after grinding out his fi rst PGA 12-stroke victory at Augusta National Ra spot in the US Open on Monday lo Villegas were among those who Tour victory, as the top remained un- but also on the two decades since then, after coming through the fi nal stage of failed to qualify. KJ Choi withdrew changed with Jason Day leading the the publishing fi rm said. qualifying but former world number after an opening 71, as did Stuart Ap- pack. The 36-year-old McGirt surged “Woods will open up about his rela- one Luke Donald has to go through a pleby after a 74. up to 44th with his victory on Sunday in tionship with father Earl Woods, dis- playoff to qualify. The fi nal 55 spots for Former PGA Championship win- a sudden death playoff at the Memorial pel previous misconceptions and will the June 16-19 US Open at Oakmont ner David Toms (66-69) was one of tournament, where world number three candidly reveal many more stories that was one of the most important tour- “A lot of people know generally Country Club, just outside of Pitts- 10 qualifi ers in Memphis, Tennessee. Rory McIlroy fi nished fourth. Austral- have never been told before,” according naments in my life for many reasons. about that tournament, but this gives burgh, are up for grabs at 10 sectional Houston Open winner Jim Herman ian Day was a disappointing 27th at to a press release. I think about the hug with my dad and me a chance to tell in detail what hap- sites across the country. posted rounds 67 and 70 for a nine-un- Dublin, Ohio, where world number two Added Woods: “The 1997 Masters all the events that went on that week. pened on and off the course.” Donald fi nished in a six-way tie for der total to tie with 36-year-old Amer- Jordan Spieth was down in 57th. Gulf Times Wednesday, June 8, 2016 7 SPORT

NBA Warriors’ Klay Thompson backed up by dad By Diamond Leung The Mercury News

ychal Thompson agrees with his son Klay that the Cavs look to get tough MWarriors are better than the Showtime Los Angeles Lakers. “We shot eight 3’s a game,” Mychal said Monday on the ESPN LA radio show he co-hosts. “They make eight 3’s a quarter. Golden State would outscore us 50-15 on 3’s. So how are we against wary Warriors supposed to win? So I agree with Klay. I think they would beat us. We couldn’t keep up with them of- ‘We have to play with some fight and energy. We have to do whatever it takes to win’ fensively because of the way they could score so quickly. “I am a man secure in my legacy, AFP secure in my accomplishments. I Cleveland don’t have to be, ‘Oh, we are better LeBron James (No 23) of the Cleveland Cavaliers than them.’ I’m not that grumpy controls the ball against the Golden State Warriors old man even though I sound like hile the Golden in Game 2 of the NBA Finals in Oakland. that many a time. But I can admit State Warriors (Getty Images/AFP) with someone who I think the new fi ght to avoid com- era is better than something else placency after two or has changed from the time I Wlopsided wins to start the NBA played. And the way they play, we Finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers would have a hard time keeping hope playing at home will help up because like I said, our game them fi nd toughness they have wasn’t shooting 3’s, which theirs so far lacked. are. And three beats two.” The defending champion Mychal said Klay was probably Warriors would reach the brink joking when he said it after the of a repeat crown with a victory Warriors’ win in Game 2 of the NBA Wednesday in the best-of-sev- Finals on Sunday, as it was Mychal en series. who won two championships play- “We’re feeling confi dent ing for the Lakers. but we’re not getting ahead of But Mychal also went through the ourselves,” Warriors star guard matchups. While coughing, he said Stephen Curry said. the matchup between Magic John- “It’s a trap to think we’ve son and Klay would be even. He fi gured things out and that we gave the Warriors the edge with have the perfect formula to beat Stephen Curry over Byron Scott, Cleveland and they have no Draymond Green over A.C. Green, chance in the series.” and Andre Iguodala over himself. Only three teams have over- He gave the Lakers the edge with come 2-0 defi cits to win the fi - James Worthy over Harrison nals - the 1969 Boston Celtics, Barnes and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 1977 Portland Trail Blazers and over Andrew Bogut. 2006 Miami Heat - and no team “I’d move my feet very well for a trailing 3-0 has ever rallied to big man - as a compliment myself win an NBA playoff series. - but when I think about switching “The guys are not discour- out on Steph Curry, I break out in aged. More (angry) than any- hives,” Mychal said, laughing. thing,” Cavaliers coach Tyronn “I grew up on an island (the Baha- Lue said. mas). Talk about being isolated “We’ve got to be tougher. on an island out there stuck out That’s the main thing. Got to with him as he goes through his play more physical and live little dance. I would hate to be out with the results.” there.” The Warriors beat Cleveland how we can be better. We’ve got Told that listeners were responding 110-77 in game two, the fewest to bear down.” Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors that he was giving the Warriors too points allowed by the Warriors reacts in the second quarter of Game 2 of the much credit and that he had lost in a playoff game since 1975. Turnovers deadly for Cavs NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers his mind, Mychal reminded them They have beaten the Cavaliers The Cavaliers have to avoid in Oakland. (Getty Images/AFP) that he played for the Lakers. seven consecutive times - three giving the ball away. In two “Why do they doubt me?” Mychal in last year’s fi nals, two this games, they have committed a said. season and twice more in the combined 35 turnovers leading “I was there, man. This team is fi nals. to 51 Golden State points. James for real. See, there you go. Once “I don’t think there’s a hurdle has 11 total turnovers. again, people out there not giving for them at all,” Golden State’s “Can’t turn the ball over the Warriors full credit. It’s weird. Draymond Green said. “We against a great team and expect I think it’s because the Warriors, don’t go in thinking, ‘We’ve to win,” James said. “I had a lot they all look too quiet or boyish or beat these guys seven times. of uncharacteristic unforced something. Maybe that’s why peo- We’ve got them. That’s not our turnovers. It resulted in them ple don’t think that this team is for mindset at all. Once that be- getting some easy baskets. real. They all look like they’re choir comes you’re mindset you will “We can’t have as many boys. Steph, Klay with no tattoos, lose. Our mindset is we took mental lapses. These guys put they don’t scowl. care of home court. Now let’s you in so many mental posi- Harrison Barnes looks like he get one on the road. tions where you have to fi gure it should be taking political science “At this point, everything you out and they make you pay for it courses as opposed to being one get is really hard and it’s about to when you don’t.” of the best young players in the get even harder. They will prob- Cleveland’s defenders have game.” ably play with a little more en- had success at times, but laps- Mychal later reiterated his beliefs ergy. They will be playing with a es in long stretches have led in a radio interview with Fox Sports sense of desperation.” to Warrior runs the Cavs have 910 Phoenix. Golden State won the fi rst never been able to match. “Magic and Kareem, they’ll prob- two games by a combined 48 “We have to play with some ably disagree with me,” he said. points, the most lopsided start fi ght and energy,” Cleveland’s in 70 NBA Finals. “We under- Tristan Thompson said. “We have home atmosphere and the way Confident, not comfy NBA crowns with the Chicago “There’s a long way to go so Mychal said Klay was prob- stand the situation we’re in. to do whatever it takes to win.” the fi rst two games have gone, Golden State’s Steve Kerr Bulls and two with San Anto- we’re not celebrating,” Kerr ably joking when he said it We know we’ve got to play a lot It’s also a character builder you would expect Cleveland to could become only the second nio as a player, knows James said. aft er the Warriors’ win in better in order to get this series for Golden State, a chance to come out with a lot of energy.” coach in NBA history to win ti- can carry the Cavaliers on his “We’re confi dent we can Game 2 of the NBA Finals turned around,” Cavaliers star put a struggling rival on the Added Warriors center Andrew tles in his fi rst two campaigns, back and has vowed to bring a beat anybody, but we’re defi - on Sunday, as it was Mychal LeBron James said. brink of elimination. Bogut of Australia: “We still matching the feat of John title to long-suff ering Cleve- nitely not comfortable playing who won two champion- “We’re still here. We have “How we show up in Cleve- have a lot of work to do in this Kundla of the then-Minneap- land fans who have lacked a against LeBron. He’s one of the ships playing for the Lakers a chance to turn this series land will be a big test for us,” series. We don’t want to coast olis Lakers in 1949 and 1950. major sports champion since greatest players in the history around. We have to fi gure out Curry said. “They have a great into game three on the road.” But Kerr, who won three 1964. of the game.”

NHL/ STANLEY CUP Penguins close in on crown with win over Sharks

AFP his fi rst goal of the series and fi fth of 2011 only to lose the next three games, Los Angeles the playoff s nine seconds after Melker and did the same against the New York Karlsson of the Sharks was sent off Rangers in the second round in 2014. for interference at 2:28 of the second “We’ve earned an opportunity, and he Pittsburgh Penguins de- period. Malkin had an easy tap-in as he that’s it,” Pittsburgh forward Matt Cul- feated the Sharks 3-1 in San Jose slipped behind the Sharks defense on len said. on Monday to move within one the far post, where teammate Phil Kessel “We haven’t done anything yet and victory of capturing their fourth hit him with a perfect feed from above it’s easy to get far ahead of yourself.” TStanley Cup championship. the left circle. Sharks coach Peter DeBoer said the The Penguins used their suff ocat- “Malkin’s overall game was really Penguins’ quick starts were putting San ing speed to overcome the Sharks, tak- good, at both ends of rink,” Sullivan Jose under pressure and he again shuf- ing a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven NHL said. “(He’s) so hard to defend. The fl ed personnel on his forward lines. championship series. puck follows him. It’s one of his strong- “When you have the lead, you can “This is the hardest hockey I’ve wit- est games.” play diff erently and feel more comfort- nessed in all the years I’ve been in this Karlsson spoiled Pittsburgh goalie able getting into a four-line rhythm,” league,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan Matt Murray’s shutout bid with his DeBoer said. “You can put your guys out said. “You’ve got to work for every inch fourth goal of the playoff s, picking up there, trust them, because there’s not of ice.” a rebound of Brenden Dillon’s blocked that pressure we have to create a chance Pittsburgh will have a chance to seal shot and beating Murray to make it 2-1 and score a goal.” the title when they host game fi ve on at 8:07 of the third. Sharks forward Chris Tierney said Thursday, while the Sharks will be bat- But Murray fi nished with 23 saves San Jose must be quicker off the mark tling to force a game six. and Eric Fehr scored his third goal of if they want to have a chance to rally in The Penguins opened the scoring the playoff s for the Penguins at 17:58 of the series. for the fourth straight game, when de- the fi nal frame to send Pittsburgh home “We’ve got to get the fi rst goal,” Tier- fenseman Ian Cole threw a Phil Kessel with a commanding series lead. ney said. “It’s huge. We’re good when rebound past Sharks goalie Martin Jones we have the lead and they’re good when at 7:36 of the opening period. Opportunity they have the lead.” The goal not only was Cole’s fi rst of The Penguins are well aware, how- But Tierney insisted the Sharks have the playoff s, but his fi rst in 105 games, ever, that their lead is not insurmount- plenty of fi ght left. “This group doesn’t including regular season and playoff s. able. They built a 3-1 edge over Tampa get too frustrated,” he said. “We just Evgeni Malkin (No 71) of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrates after scoring against the San Jose Sharks in the second Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin scored Bay in the fi rst round of the playoff s in have to keep going.” period of the game four of the NHL Stanley Cup final in San Jose. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, June 8, 2016 SPORT

MLB RUGBY Itoje set to replace Robshaw for England Chicago Cubs’ Lester in Brisbane test

Reuters here and do what England have Brisbane done before. “That mantra of doing something diff erent is what we ormer England captain are trying to do. Pick a diff er- silences Phillies in Chris Robshaw is likely ent team to what has been done to miss out on a starting and that is the kind of philoso- Fplace for the fi rst test phy we will take into it.” against Australia on Saturday, Uncapped convert Ben Te’o, with head coach Eddie Jones who missed training because appearing to favour Maro Itoje of “muscle soreness” could to start as blindside fl anker. also make his England debut The 21-year-old Itoje, who at inside centre in the stadium eight shutout innings has played most of his rugby at where he played rugby league lock, trained in Robshaw’s po- for the Brisbane Broncos in the sition in the backrow on Mon- NRL from 2009-12. ‘There are guys that are knocking on the door. If you’re not cutting it, we’ve got to make a change’ day, as Jones looks to shake up The New Zealand-born his strategy in the three-match 29-year-old, who will join series against the country of Worcester Warriors from Irish his birth. province Leinster next season, Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester pitches during The switch would allow Joe has completed just two ses- the fi rst inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Launchbury, who was man sions with England but is ex- Citizens Bank Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports of the match in England’s 27- pected to be fi t for the fi rst test. 13 victory over Wales in last “He’s made the decision to month’s warm-up at Twicken- come here on the England tour, ham, to partner George Kruis he’s not with Ireland or back in the second row. England de- with Australia,” Gustard add- fence coach Paul Gustard said ed. “I think he has shown his the management was looking for allegiance by putting his foot a fresh approach to the series. in the camp.” “If we sit back and allow Jones will announce his them to play, we will come un- team tomorrow. The second stuck pretty fast,” Gustard told test is in Melbourne on June 18 British media. “Bodyline was with the fi nal match in Sydney about saying we can’t come on June 25.

Australia’s Robinson retires aft er eye injury

Veteran Australia prop Benn Robinson announced his immedi- ate retirement yesterday after a seemingly innocuous poke in the eye left him seriously injured. The 31-year-old recently underwent surgery to repair his vision after he was accidentally poked in his right eye while playing Super Rugby for the New South Wales Waratahs in April. But after initially thinking the injury was not serious and he could resume playing, doctors advised Robinson to quit. He promptly announced his decision on Tuesday through the Rugby Union Players’ Association, which he serves as president. Current Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said Robinson’s contri- bution to Australian rugby would be felt for years to come. “Every player who has the honour of playing for the Wallabies has a responsibility to leave their own special mark on the jersey for the next generation to shape and build on, which Benn has certainly done,” Cheika said. By Matt Gelb in a pressure situation. They’ll homer in the ninth. Tommy that Morgan fi red past the Cubs start against a fi rst-place team “He should be incredibly proud of what he achieved in his career, The Philadelphia Inquirer take that because there is little to Joseph followed with a solo shot. shortstop. It was Morgan’s 30th scheduled for Sunday in Wash- and excited about what lies ahead.” remember Thursday night about By then, the game was over. pitch of the fi rst inning and his ington. Lester, in eight shutout Robinson’s former team-mates also paid tribute to his achieve- the off ense. Joseph, at least, is 9 for 24 most important of the night. innings, silenced the Phillies ments. or Adam Morgan, his The Phillies had one runner (.375) with two homers and a Morgan lugged a 7.07 ERA into with ease. He retired 13 in a row “He’s probably a little upset that his time is ending a little pre- urgent task was not so reach second base in eight innings double since replacing Ryan the game. Both pitcher and team before Joseph’s single in the sev- maturely,” said former Wallaby and Waratahs colleague Adam simple. The Phillies left- against Cubs left-hander Jon Howard in the lineup. Howard had been up front about the need enth. Maikel Franco followed Ashley-Cooper, now playing with French Top 14 with Bordeaux. hander faced the best Lester. That was in the second in- is scheduled to start Tuesday for rapid improvement. with a 5-4-3 double play. “But that’s football and life and every rugby player can attest to teamF in baseball, the Cubs, for the ning, when Peter Bourjos dropped for the fi rst time in more than a “It’s always under consid- For much of the night, a man it being a bit cruel sometimes. second time in 11 days. The Cubs, down a two-out bunt that pushed week. eration,” Phillies manager Pete seated near the broadcast booths “I have no doubt that he will get through it and come out to be who had won 39 of their fi rst 55 Tyler Goeddel to second. Howard, pinch-hitting and Mackanin said before the game. yelled, “We want a hit!” when successful on the other side.” games. The Cubs, who battered The ball rolled toward Lester, representing the tying run, made “There are guys that are knock- the Phillies batted. After 3 hours NSW captain Dave Dennis said Robinson would be sorely missed Morgan for six runs in four in- who backed away from it. The the last out with a grounder to ing on the door. If you’re not and 5 minutes between a re- by the Waratahs. nings at Wrigley Field last month. ace pitcher, cursed with the yips, fi rst. cutting it, we’ve got to make a building team and an elite one, “As a playing group we are all disappointed for Benn, having to Morgan pitched Thursday avoids all throws to fi rst base. The adversity arrived right change. I’m pulling for him.” that man left with a sore throat end his career as a result of his eye injury,” Dennis said. night for his rotation spot. It is reasonable to wonder: away for Morgan. Chicago led, Morgan erred in the fourth in- and not enough hits. “Benn has been the cornerstone of our scrum for over a decade The Phillies lost, 6-4, but they Was the best chance at scoring 1-0, three batters into the game. ning, when he hung a change-up RESULTS and has been a loyal servant in the Waratahs jersey.” learned something about the against Lester to bunt the ball The Cubs loaded the bases with to Jason Heyward, who needed Chicago Cubs 6 Philadelphia 4 A powerful loosehead prop and scrummager, Robinson made 26-year-old starter. four times in a row? Those are one out. Morgan’s pitch count a hanging change-up to escape Baltimore 4 Kansas City 1 his Wallabies debut against South Africa in Johannesburg in He endured a 30-pitch fi rst the morose thoughts about a rose and the chances of a Phil- an interminable slump. He hit a NY Yankees 5 LA Angels 2 2006 and played his last Test in 2014 against England at Twick- inning that teetered toward dis- limp lineup. lies win dipped. Then, Morgan two-run homer. The Cubs made Detroit 11 Toronto 0 enham. His 72 caps are the second most accumulated by an aster to complete six innings The Phillies scored only when responded. hard contact for much of the Texas 6 Houston 5 Australian prop. against a powerful off ense. He Lester departed. Freddy Galvis, He struck out Javier Baez on night, but Morgan survived for a Tampa Bay 6 Arizona 4 He also made 148 Super rugby appearances, a record for the made mistakes, as a fi fth starter 0 for his last 22 and saddled with three pitches. He battled Ad- quality start. San Diego 7 Atlanta 2 Waratahs, and was a key member of the team that won the on a rebuilding team is wont to three strikeouts in three at-bats dison Russell for seven pitches, That should buy him some Cleveland 3 Seattle 1 tournament in 2014. do, but he showed improvement Thursday, crushed a three-run the seventh a 94-mph fastball time, with his fourth straight Colorado 6 LA Dodgers 1

FOCUS Ireland need to lay down marker in the south

Reuters chance in the three-test series, starting cans who pride themselves on their Cape Town at Newlands on Saturday. “We have to strength,” he said. Key Bok Vermeulen puts country above club accept the injuries and have to adapt,” “We are trying to fi nd solutions to Easterby said. beating the Springboks. Being smart Loose forward Duane Vermeulen said must release players for internation- taincy. It is not my decision and these ictory over a southern hemi- “The players understand that it is go- about how we go about our business is he had no hesitation to answer a call als in June. But Toulon owner Mourad are issues outside of my hands,” the sphere powerhouse away from ing to be diff erent to what we are used really important.” to play for South Africa in this month’s Boudjellal threatened not to pay any 29-year-old said. home is a breakthrough Ireland to. The Six Nations Championship is a Clever tactics enabled Ireland to win three-test series against Ireland, even player who was absent during the “It is ultimately the decision of the must achieve if they want to do credible tournament with a lot of pa- their last meeting with South Africa though he misses his club Toulon’s bid month. coach and SA Rugby who they feel Vbetter at World Cups, Ireland forwards rochial rivalries but down here we are a 29-15 in Dublin at the end of 2014 be- to win the French title. Vermeulen will miss the final stretch the right man for the job is and I think coach Simon Easterby said yesterday. long way from home. fore going on to win the Six Nations the “There was never any question about of French rugby’s Top 14 competition, Adriaan Strauss is a good choice. I “It’s important we beat a southern “We want to come and lay down a same season. But they lost their crown the fact that I would be here,” the starting with the semi-final against support him 100 percent and if he hemisphere side away from home if we marker and make a statement over the this year. “We stuttered a little bit at number eight told a news conference Montpellier or Castres on June 17. needs any help from us other senior want to do better than getting to the next three weeks. The squad will want to the start before settling into our stride. yesterday ahead of Saturday’s first The back-row forward is one of only players, then we will always be there quarter-fi nal of the next World Cup. We leave here feeling like we have achieved But the players here are in a better place test at Newlands. three overseas-based players brought to help.” have to beat them outside of Dublin,” something.” now,” Easterby said. “I said from the beginning that I back for the series but his chances of Vermeulen is expected to be named in Easterby told a news conference after the Ireland also play the Springboks in Ireland’s last match away against one wanted to keep playing tests and becoming the new Springbok captain the starting XV by new coach Allister Ireland squad arrived on South Africa. Johannesburg on June 18 and Port Eliza- of the three southern hemisphere pow- represent my country, irrespective of were quashed when South African Coetzee when the team is unveiled on “We need to start to build that now, beth on June 25. Easterby said a level of ers was a record 60-0 defeat in Ham- where they are playing. Everything is Rugby said the skipper had to be Thursday. not three years time when it comes to physical intensity and some “out of the ilton by the All Blacks four years ago. inside the contract and I just want to home-based. The Springboks play further tests the World Cup. It has got to be some- box thinking” would be needed to bring Their last win was at the 2011 World play.” Vermeulen had been heavily fancied against Ireland over the following two thing we are striving towards now. It’s a success. Cup in New Zealand when they beat According to the rules of international to get the job. weekends in Johannesburg and Port fantastic challenge for everybody.” “You need to play right on the edge, Australia. The Irish have never won a governing body World Rugby, clubs “I have no problem about the cap- Elizabeth. Injury-ravaged Ireland are given little especially against the South Afri- test in South Africa. Gulf Times Wednesday, June 8, 2016 9 TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT OPINION Murray Del Potro advises Nadal should reunite not to rush wrist recovery with Lendl: McEnroe ‘Wrist suff ers when you play and train, If you are not feeling at 100 per cent than you need to wait’ Reuters London

rench open runner-up Andy Murray should consider re-hiring Ivan Lendl as his coach ahead ofF Wimbledon, according to American seven-times Grand Slam champion John McEnroe. The two parted company in March 2014 after a successful three-year relationship in which Murray won the 2012 US Open, 2012 Olympic gold and the 2013 Wimbledon title. He has not added to his two Grand Slam ti- tles since and the 29-year-old split with coach Amelie Mau- resmo this year. “I think clearly my old rival Ivan Lendl made a positive dif- Unseeded Argentine wildcard Del Potro beat ference with Andy,” the Ameri- Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria 6-4, 6-2 in the first can told the Daily Telegraph. “I round in Stuttgart yesterday. am not sure if the baggage that took place when they broke up. I don’t know if that was really mutual or if it was Andy or Ivan. I don’t know if it is like going back out with your ex-wife or ex- girlfriend. But it would not sur- prise me and it might even make sense. It might not work. But it is an interesting thought.” Murray currently has former British player Jamie Delgado in his entourage, but many of the top-ranked men work with so- called ‘super coaches’. World number one Novak Djokovic has six-times major winner Boris Becker in his cor- DPA ners in Roger Federer, himself and Marin Cilic. ner, Kei Nishikori works with Stuttgart The Argentine spent just over an hour on court former French Open cham- as he returned to Stuttgart for the fi rst time since Federer to face fearless teen Fritz pion Michael Chang and Milos winning the title on clay in 2008. He improved to Raonic will tap into McEnroe’s uan Del Potro of Argentina stepped onto 9-5 this comeback season and next plays Australian Stuttgart, Germany: Teenager Taylor Fritz gles and teaming with (Juan Martin) Del Potro grasscourt knowledge for Wim- grass for the fi rst time since 2013 and beat John Millman, who upset French eighth seed Lukas earned the chance to face his hero Roger Fed- in doubles (this week). I cannot remember the bledon. former hot hand Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 6-2 Pouille 6-7 (3-7), 6-3, 6-4. erer after the American defeated an unranked first time I heard the name of Federer or saw Even 17-times Grand Slam yesterday to reach the second round of the “I’m surprised with my level,” Del Potro said. “I French qualifier yesterday to reach the second him on TV. But it’s amazing to play him in the champion Roger Federer has MercedesJ Cup in Stuttgart. didn’t expect to play that well. Now I have another gone down the same route, pre- round in Stuttgart. next round. I grew up in the generation when The longtime wrist injury victim whose troubles chance to get a few more matches. I’m just glad to Federer will be playing his first match in he was just dominating everyone. It’s crazy to viously working with Stefan Ed- began in 2010, also warned good friend Rafael Nadal be playing tennis again. I have the chance to make nearly a month after recovering from back pain be stepping onto the court with him, I never berg. “It’s been a win-win for not to rush his own recovery from a left wrist drama a start in the grass court season for the fi rst time in and skipping the French Open, as he ramps up thought that would happen.” Boris and Novak,” McEnroe said after the Spaniard was forced to withdraw during a long time. My body has responded, I played for his preparations for Wimbledon. Unseeded Argentine wildcard Del Potro of Djokovic’s partnership with the fi rst week of the French Open. more than one hour, that helps to get ready for the Number 65 Fritz has had time on court with posted a victory over Grigor Dimitrov, with the German. “My advice is just to take your time,” Del Potro next round,” the Argentine added. the Swi ss legend – a Wimbledon training ses- the 6-4, 6-2 result marking the fourth straight McEnroe even said he would said. “Don’t push yourself and don’t risk. The wrist sion a year ago – but booked his place into the first-round loss for the one-time Bulgarian have been interested in working suff ers when you play and train, If you are not feel- FIRST ROUND RESULTS match of his life with a 3-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-1 win phenomenon. The former world number four with Murray. “Andy is extremely ing at 100 per cent than you need to wait.” Juan Martin Del Potro (Argentina) beat Grigor Dimitrov over Fabrice Martin on the grass at the Weis- next plays Australian John Millman, who beat professional. He won a couple of Del Potro called his Spanish rival “a great fi ghter. (Bulgaria) 6-4 6-2 John Millman (Australia) beat 8-Lucas senhof Club. French eighth seed Lukas Pouille 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, majors. So you’re talking about I’m sure he will be back on the courts very shortly.” Pouille (France) 6-7(3) 6-3 6-4 Denis Kudla (U.S.) beat Fritz, 18, said he will not worry with nerves 6-4. Czech qualifier Radek Stepanek, still going the cream of the crop,” he said. Speculation indicates that the 30-year-old Nadal Dusan Lajovic (Serbia) 6-0 6-2 Radek Stepanek (Czech when he faces one of the best players on the strong at age 37, booked into the second round “When you look at someone could miss Wimbledon in order to ensure fi tness for Republic) beat Denis Istomin (Uzbekistan) 7-5 3-6 6-3 planet. The teenager said he had watched as he beat Denis Istomin 7-5, 3-6, 6-3. who’s that good, you’re always the Rio Games in August. Taylor Fritz (U.S.) beat Fabrice Martin (France) 3-6 and admired Federer as a boy aged 11. “I never Viktor Troicki became the first seed to exit, to interested...(but) I don’t recall Del Potro is playing Stuttgart on a wild card and 7-6(6) 6-1 Florian Mayer (Germany) beat 6-Viktor Troicki thought then that I’d be playing Federer in sin- German Florian Mayer 6-4, 7-6 (7/4). ever getting a call. There was headlines a fi eld featuring three Grand Slam win- (Serbia) 6-4 7-6(4) never any discussion.”

ROUND-UP FOCUS I’m a better coach than player, My pairing with Bopanna India’s best medal hope at Rio: Paes Becker says aft er Djokovic win IANS Bhupathi has been a long-standing issue for Indian New Delhi tennis. Bopanna says the bitterness that had devel- AFP oped between him and Paes in the build-up to the Berlin 2012 London Games is “long gone and over” and he eteran doubles specialist Leander Paes was not averse to playing with the Kolkatan again said yesterday his partnership with Ro- for the sake of the country. erman tennis legend Boris Beck- han Bopanna will be India’s best bet for a Paes won the recent French Open mixed dou- er has said he considers himself medal at the Rio Olympics. It will be Paes’ bles title with his Swiss partner Martina Hingis, a better coach than player after Vrecord-setting seventh appearance at the mega his 18th Major victory. But his mixed doubles form overseeing Novak Djokovic’s vic- event for his country. didn’t translate into success in men’s doubles with Gtory in the French Open. But his dream has seen a potential roadblock af- the 42-year-old losing in the quarter-fi nals of the “I have to admit that I am now better as ter falling down the men’s doubles rankings in re- major event. a coach than a player,” said the 48-year-old cent times. He moved up fi ve spots to 46 in the lat- Paes, however, remains positive in his approach Becker, who won six Grand Slams (2 Aus- est men’s rankings but that wasn’t enough to get a and said his fi rst-ever mixed doubles trophy at Rol- tralian Opens, 1 US Open and 3 Wimbledon direct qualifi cation berth for Rio. land Garros was a career highlight and showed he titles) during his playing career. Bopanna grabbed that berth after gaining a place has still got it. “This French Open trophy is very The 29-year-old Djokovic, who took in the top 10 rankings and has the luxury of choos- special, we have shown the world that Indians can Becker on as a coach for the 2014 season, ing his partner from among Paes and fi ve other for be world beaters,” he added. captured his fi rst French Open on Sunday to the Rio Games. “Without a shadow of doubt, Rohan His advancing age has forced him to face uncom- become only the eighth man to complete a and me are the best team for a medal at Rio. I am fortable questions regarding his future and willing- career Grand Slam. More impressively, he is sure that AITA (All India Tennis Association) will ness to retire, but Paes remained coy to make a call, just the third man to hold all four majors at send the best team in doubles for Rio,” Paes said. playing the guessing game when asked again. “One the same time and the fi rst since Rod Laver Bopanna has a history of bitter relation with Paes day curtains gonna come down, maybe at Rio, may- back in 1969. That is something even his after refusing to partner him during the London be after another Grand Slam, may be after another eternal rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nad- 2012 Games. Paes’ relationship with Bopanna and 2-3 years...the day I feel am done,” he said. al have failed to achieve. Asked about the possibility of Djokovic Leander Paes won French achieving a calendar Grand Slam which has Open mixed doubles title only been achieved three times – by Don with Martina Hingis, his 18th Budge in 1938 and Laver in 1962 and 1969, Major victory. Becker told Bild newspaper: “We will con- Novak Djokovic, who took Boris Becker (right) on as a coach for the 2014 season, won his tinue to fi ght. “I’ve already reserved my first French Open to become only the eighth man to complete a career Grand Slam. (AFP) seat for Wimbledon. We are aware of this historical opportunity. The Olympic Games overtaken Maria Sharapova as the world’s million amounts to more than twice as much are also a big focus for Novak, it’s clear, and highest-paid sportswoman. as any other sportswoman’s. that’s why I’ll also be in Rio to support him.” Williams earned $28.9 million over the However, Sharapova dominated in en- Becker said his coaching prowess came to past 12 months, the fi nancial magazine re- dorsement profi ts before companies includ- the fore in his ability to “analyse opponents ported in an article posted on its website. ing Nike, American Express, Porsche and and matches” and also put himself in the Russian tennis star Sharapova had held the TAG Heuer distanced themselves after she position of a player to help broach diff erent title for the past 11 years. tested positive for the recently banned drug scenarios. Williams, 34, has dominated her sport meldonium earlier this year. for more than a decade. She won her second Sharapova earned $21.9 million over the SERENA TOPS SHARAPOVA AS Grand Slam in 2002 before going on to win past 12 months, down almost $8 million HIGHEST PAID SPORTSWOMAN 19 more since then. from the previous year, Forbes said. Ameri- Two days after her stunning loss to Garbine After falling at Roland Garros on Satur- can mixed martial arts star Ronda Rousey Muguruza in the French Open fi nal, Serena day, she vowed to keep trying to equal Steffi was third on the list with $14 million, just Williams scored a diff erent win on Mon- Graf’s Open-era record of 22 Grand Slam ti- ahead of NASCAR stock car driver Danica day, when Forbes Magazine reported she has tles. Williams’s career prize money of $77.6 Patrick, who earned $13.9 million. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, June 8, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT IN SHORT Malaysia’s Lee on right track for Rio, says national coach Hendrawan After picking up a sixth Indo- games of his career against nesia Open title on Sunday the Dane, said national coach Gold would be and guaranteeing a return Hendrawan. to the top of the badminton “The Indonesia Open final was world rankings, Malaysia’s one of Chong Wei’s toughest Lee Chong Wei is on the right matches because Jorgensen track for the Rio Olympics but was at his very best,” Hendraw- there is still work to be done, an told southeast Asian media. his coach said. “This win definitely puts Lee, who lost the last two Ol- Chong Wei on the right track sweet for factory ympic singles finals to China’s in his preparation for the Lin Dan, beat Denmark’s Olympics, with two more Jan Jorgensen in the final months to go. in Jakarta and will leapfrog “We still have to work on tac- China’s Chen Long when the tics, physical training and how world rankings are released to handle the pressure.” this week. Lee returned to action in May The 33-year-old, who has last year after a backdated girl Ratchanok withdrawn from this week’s eight-month doping ban for Australian Open, the last testing positive for dexam- major tournament before the ethasone, an anti-inflamma- ‘That time, I didn’t feel good after losing. I felt I didn’t want to play badminton again. Olympic Games, had come tory drug, at the 2014 world But I had support. My family, who love me, just said that it’s okay, you still have time’ through one of the hardest championships. Australian champion shooter’s Rio hopes in limbo Australia’s most decorated The trap shooter is currently Olympic shooter Michael Dia- ineligible while he has criminal mond pleaded not guilty to fire- charges hanging over his head. arms and drink-driving charges Magistrate Caleb Franklin yesterday in a case which has adjourned the case until left his hopes of making the Rio Friday to give Diamond’s legal Games in limbo. team time to estimate how Diamond, who is aiming for long the hearing would take, his seventh Olympics, was but indicated he would need charged last month after an convincing to speed it up. alleged domestic incident with “If I’m asked to push back his brother. other people including those The 44-year-old double Olym- in custody... I’ll need some pic gold medallist fronted the persuading,” Franklin said, Raymond Terrace Local Court, according to the Australian north of Sydney, where he Broadcasting Corporation. denied the off ences, includ- Diamond won trap shoot- ing having a shotgun and 150 ing gold at the 1996 Atlanta rounds of ammunition in his and 2000 Sydney Olympics, car, reports said. and finished just outside the His lawyer pleaded for the medals in fourth at London case to be expedited so it four years ago. He is also could be completed before a five-time Commonwealth the July 4 selection cut-off Games gold medallist. Now to date for the Olympic team. see what happens next.

Olympic veteran Pechstein loses doping case in German court A top German court yester- day ruled against speed skat- ing icon Claudia Pechstein in her bid to seek compensa- tion from the International Skating Union over a two- year doping ban. The Berlin-born policewoman is the most successful Olympic speed skater of all time, having Thailand’s badminton player Ratchanok Intanon (R) is pictured alongside her coach Xie Zhuhua during a practice session at the Australian Badminton Open in Sydney. won five Olympic gold, two silver and two bronze medals. Reuters “But I think I lost with the experience, Ratchanok had an unusual route Her tournament winnings and en- The 44-year-old has competed Sydney because that time I was still young and into badminton, being handed a dorsements have been enough to help her in six Olympics (1992, 1994, she was also good, world class. racquet at the age of six and told to parents start their own food business, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2014), but “So maybe... mentally she was better go play outside the factory where while her achievements have won her missed the 2010 Vancouver s the humble daughter of facto- than me. That time, I didn’t feel good her parents worked making sweet friends in high places. Games after a two-year ban ry workers at a Bangkok sweet- after losing. I felt like I didn’t want to Thai desserts After becoming Thailand’s fi rst world (2009-11) for blood doping. “We sportspeople are maker, badminton was a ticket train again. I felt I didn’t want to play number one, Ratchanok played a game Pechstein has always con- obviously second-class out of poverty for Ratchanok badminton again. world number one ranking in April. with Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha tested the ban, saying the citizens. What I’ve heard Intanon,A who hopes winning gold at the “But I had support. My family, who She has since conceded it to Spain’s during a visit to government house. blood anomalies were caused today is defi nitely not Rio Olympics might inspire more Thai love me, just said that it’s okay, you still two-time world champion Carolina During the meeting she asked him if by an illness, and sought com- acceptable for me,” said girls to chase their dreams. have time. Just learn more.” Marin but her brief spell at the top sent her Chinese coach’s application to be- pensation of five million euros Pechstein aft er the court’s The 21-year-old will be among Thai- Ratchanok did not wallow for too long. Thailand into a frenzy. come a Thai citizen could be expedited, from the ISU, skating’s world ruling in Karlsruhe land’s main medal hopes in Brazil and The following year, she became bad- Rather than shy away from the hype, local media reported. governing body. one of the chief threats to China’s minton’s youngest world champion at Ratchanok has embraced the expectation. Xie Zhuhua, who once battled China’s “We sportspeople are obvious- (the Supreme Civil Court of chances of defending their astonishing the age of 18 when she stunned Olympic “I hope that I can get the gold medal current head coach Li Yongbo during ly second-class citizens. What Germany) in the case of the sweep of all five badminton titles at the champion Li Xuerui in the fi nal of her for Thailand,” said Ratchanok, standing competition in the 1990s, has coached I’ve heard today is definitely German Speed Skater Ms. London Games. home tournament in Guangzhou. on a terrace at her hotel adjacent to Ol- Ratchanok since her junior days and is not acceptable for me,” said Claudia Pechstein,” it said in a Ratchanok is spurred by a painful Ratchanok may face Li this week at ympic stadiums built for the 2000 Syd- seen as key to her ability to unlock the Pechstein after the court’s rul- statement. memory of London, where, as a teenage the Australian Badminton Open, the last ney Games. games of her Chinese rivals. ing in Karlsruhe. “The ISU has always had great sensation set to rock the Chinese estab- major meeting before the Olympic tour- “It’s not too diffi cult for me and I be- “He just takes care of me like I’m his The speed skater said she confidence in and respect of lishment, she choked in a quarter-fi nal nament starts Aug. 11. lieve that I can do it.” daughter, because he also doesn’t have could now take her case to the the Bundesgerichtshof, its when poised to defeat the tournament Ratchanok has had injury troubles Ratchanok had an unusual route into (one),” Ratchanok said of their special re- German consitutional court, competence, wisdom and second seed, Wang Xin. and dips in form since her world title but badminton, being handed a racquet at the lationship. also broaching the creation of legal professionalism. “Actually I think I had a chance to win has been in ominous condition in recent age of six and told to go play outside the “He loves me like a daughter and takes a union for sportspeople. “The international fight or (be) close to the medals,” said Ratch- months, capturing three consecutive factory where her parents worked making care of me. For me, he’s like a second fa- “It will still last a few years. But against doping is greatly anok yesterday. Superseries tournaments to rise to the sweet Thai desserts. ther, so I just do my best.” I have the endurance and I’ll supported and this fight must fight until the end,” she said. be strengthened in particular, The ISU welcomed the ruling taking into consideration all SWIMMING by the Bundesgerichtshof. the recent events revealing “The International Skating organised doping.” Union... has welcomed with The German court ruling also satisfaction the decision backed the authority of the of the Bundesgerichtshof Court of Arbitration for Sport. Australia’s ‘Missile’ Magnussen Brazil sports minister plays down Zika fears for Rio

Brazil’s Sports Minister Leon- the situation had significantly ardo Picciani expects there to improved. gets Rio Olympic relay spot be almost no cases of the Zika “We hosted 43 test events in virus during the 2016 Rio de Rio with 7,000 athletes and AFP the lead-up to Rio. travelling to Brazil would fulfi l a Janeiro Olympics, adding that we have not had any case of Sydney He fi nished fourth in the life-long dream. the country is prepared for the Zika or dengue,” he told BBC 100m freestyle at the Australian “I think I’ll be one of the old- Games, despite health con- Rio de Janeiro. trials behind Cameron McEvoy, est Olympic rookies in swim- cerns and political instability. “We had 4,300 cases in April, wo-time world cham- Kyle Chalmers and Roberts. ming ever,” he said. The World Health Organiza- which fell to 700 in May and pion James Magnussen Abood fi nished fi fth. The three new additions take tion’s Emergency Committee there will be another signifi- was yesterday added Australia’s swimming team to 37. on Zika will meet in the com- cant reduction in June or July, to the Australian team LOOKING FORWARD They took a team of 44 to the ing weeks to evaluate the risks and in August it will be very forT the Rio Olympics, securing “I’m really looking forward to last Olympics. associated with the event. close to zero. a place in the men’s 4x100m contributing to this relay team The Rio relay is a chance of More than 150 health experts, “All the mechanism of freestyle relay after initially to the best of my ability,” said redemption for Magnussen, who in a public letter, have also prevention and protection being omitted. Magnussen. “I love swimming in boasted he was his own biggest called for the August Games are guaranteed. I would say Magnussen, 25, missed out on relays and think this team has a competitor in the 100m freestyle to be postponed. to any athlete, to any visitor the 34-strong squad announced lot of talent and potential.” in London — before losing out to U.S. health off icials have planning on coming to Rio, in April after he failed to fi n- Magnussen, dubbed “The America’s Nathan Adrian. concluded that infections you do not have to worry, Rio ish in the top two places in the Missile”, and Roberts were part Magnussen was also in the by the mosquito-borne Zika and Brazil have prepared for 50m and 100m at the Australian of the relay team which fi nished 4x100m medley relay team virus in pregnant women can this moment.” swimming trials. a disappointing fourth at the which fi nished third in London, cause microcephaly, a birth Golfer Jason Day became the But he and fellow London 2012 London Games. in what was a disappointing defect marked by small head latest athlete to cast doubt Olympian James Roberts, 25, But the team’s blistering swim and controversial Games for the size that can lead to severe over his participation in Rio, were named along with Games at the national championships Australian swimming squad. developmental problems in after U.S. cyclist Tejay Van debutant Matt Abood, 29, af- File photo of Australian swimmer James Magnussen. was the third fastest time in the An offi cial review later de- babies. Garderen withdrew from the ter Australia’s spot in the relay past 18 months, behind only scribed a “toxic” culture in the However, Picciani, who Games over concerns that the event in Brazil was confirmed Magnussen, who was pipped medal in London, had shoulder France and Russia. squad, including problems with was appointed by interim outbreak could present risks when the qualification period by just one-hundredths of a sec- surgery in 2015 and said he was Abood, who will be the old- alcohol, prescription drugs, bul- President Michel Temer, said for his pregnant wife. ended on May 31. ond for the 100m freestyle gold feeling stronger by the week in est swimmer on the team, said lying and breaking curfews. Gulf Times Wednesday, June 8, 2016 11 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT BOXING Lack of federation hurting Indian Like punching a boxing, says Kom

Reuters Olympics, seven qualifi ed, now Bengaluru only one. They have a last quali- fi cation. If none qualify after that then we only have one.” he lack of an effective Kom, who won India’s fi rst mountain: Khan Indian boxing federa- Olympic medal in women’s box- tion has damaged the ing in London four years ago, will competitiveness of the not be able to represent India Tsport and contributed to the at the Rio Games as she needed decline of boxing in the coun- to reach the semi-fi nals of the try, women’s Olympic fly- world championships but lost in weight bronze medallist M.C. the second round last month. Mary Kom said yesterday. The five-times world cham- recalls Ali bouts With no athletes represent- pion’s only remaining hope of ing India in women’s boxing at getting to the Olympics was this year’s Olympics in Rio de through a wildcard but AIBA ‘During the event Ali shouted out to the audience and said, ‘Is there anybody who will Janeiro, Kom said not enough spokesman Nicolas Jomard said was being done to promote the there would be no wildcards for box with me in India? Nobody was standing up. So I stood up, put my hand in the air...’ sport in the country. boxing events in Rio. “There is no federation (in In- “It is very painful. The thing dia)... there is no proper organ- about the training time, the ised national (event) for the last schedule, the struggle, three- two-three years. So no competi- four months away from the fam- tion. If we have more competi- ily... So all the hard work I would tion every boxer will train regu- say has been wasted,” said Kom.. larly,” said Kom. Last year, Kom said she wanted “Even other categories too to retire from boxing after the Rio but now the competition is get- Olympics but the 33-year-old ting tougher and tougher. It’s has not decided on her future. not easy to qualify,” added Kom, “I have not yet decided. Maybe whose life inspired a Bollywood the plan can change. I have not biopic in 2014. announced whether I will retire “Even men’s boxing also. Last or not,” Kom said.

German TV documentary to make new claims on Russia doping A new television documen- In a response on June 1 the tary by Germany’s ARD to be task force said the findings broadcast today will claim of the research was a “very to strengthen suspicions of serious matter” and a “grave state-backed doping in Russia. concern.” Previously unpublished docu- ARD has been at the forefront ments claim to show Sports of research into doping in Rus- Minister Vitaly Mutko prevented sia and international athletics the publication of a failed dop- in general. ing test by a Russian footballer IAAF will decide on June 17 in the country’s top league. on whether to continue or lift Westdeutsche Rundfunk the suspension of the Russian (WDR), a member of the ARD athletics federation imposed consortium, said Tuesday in November, a decision the documentary also has will have ramifications for footage showing track and the 2016 Olympics in Rio de field coaches who have been Janeiro in August. banned over doping still work- It followed a report from the ing with top athletes. World Anti-Doping Agency The task force of the inter- (WADA) commission which national athletics federation spoke of systematic doping IAAF has been presented with and cover-ups of positive dop- the ARD’s research, WDR said. ing tests in the country. Former Indian amateur boxer Haroon Khan leafs though a photo album of his bouts with his idol and boxing legend Muhammad Ali.

AFP up, put my hand in the air and said, ‘I will and keeps fi t with a punchbag in his In the third round Ali displayed some Two Russian 2008 medallists tested Mumbai accept the challenge, I will box you.’” home, remembers thinking that because of his famously quick footwork, but Khan, a national bantamweight cham- he was an amateur and Ali was a profes- slipped and fell at one point. positive for doping: TASS cites coach pion in 1964, had always been a massive sional he must be on his game. A photograph in Khan’s album shows B-samples of two Russian Evstyukhina won a bronze ormer Indian amateur boxer Ha- fan of Ali, who died on Friday aged 74 “I felt I couldn’t just joke around so I him smiling, standing over Ali after the fall. female weightlifting medal- medal at the same Games. roon Khan bubbles with excite- after health problems complicated by a fought a serious fi ght. Ali was surprised “At the end he held my arm up and lists from the 2008 Olympics “The B-sample has tested posi- ment and bravado as he recalls long battle with Parkinson’s disease. by how good I was but when I punched praised me to the crowd.’I like this boy, I have tested positive for tive for turinabol,” Shainova’s his two bouts with his hero, the In his tiny south Mumbai fl at, Khan re- him it felt like I was hitting a mountain.” like his guts,’ he said. He was a gentlemen banned substances, TASS coach Vladimir Shainov told lateF boxing legend Muhammad Ali, three moves a photo album from a plastic bag “Nothing happened. He didn’t move boxer. I felt so lucky, happy and proud to news agency yesterday TASS.”We haven’t decided yet decades ago. that he says holds his “treasure” — pho- at all. He just kept grinning. I wondered have boxed him.” quoted the coach of one of what to do... now, certainly, Khan, now 72, went along to a charity tographs and newspaper reports docu- what sort of man is this? How much pow- Two years later Khan saw a newspaper them as saying. her medal will be taken away fi ght night in India’s Mumbai in January menting that fi rst bout with Ali. er does he have to take these punches?” advert saying that Ali would be the star Marina Shainova won a silver and she will be diqualified. 1980 hoping merely to catch a glimpse of Ali, a three-time heavyweight world guest at an exhibition fi ght in the United medal at the 2008 Olympics Evstyukhina is in the same ‘The Greatest’ in action. ‘AREN’T YOU SCARED OF ME?’ champion, was past his prime by 1980 Arab Emirates so he went along seeking a in Beijing, and Nadezhda situation.” Instead, he got closer to his idol than “When I put my hand up Ali kept saying, but was still a year away from retirement. second bout. he could ever have imagined, going blow ‘You want to box with me? You want to He went easy on Khan during the fi rst Khan said he approached Ali at a press for blow with ex-heavyweight champion box with me? Aren’t you scared of me?, round of their exhibition bout, but the conference and he agreed to another Russian swimming star Popov Ali in the ring for three rounds of three Aren’t you scared of me?” Khan explains. Indian boxer soon experienced the full three-round fi ght. minutes each. “I said, ‘No, I’m scared of Allah but I’m force of Ali’s powers. “I was better prepared this time. I believes risk is high for Olympic ban “Beforehand my dad and I were just not scared of you. I’m Haroon Khan, I’m “After the fi rst round people started knew how he boxed. I kept guard, I cov- Russian four-time Olympic not only the athlete and the joking but he said, ‘If you get the chance from India. You’re a boxer, I’m a boxer, so shouting at him saying, ‘You’re not box- ered myself,” Khan proudly recalls, add- swimming gold medallist coach; it harms the reputation then box him,’” said Khan, his eyes wide let’s box.” ing. We want to see a fi ght.’” ing that the two of them went for dinner Alexander Popov says there is of Russian sports,” Popov said. and grinning at the memory. “Ali was fooling with me. He asked, “In the second round he started to get the next day. a high risk that the country’s Russia is awaiting a decision “Then during the event Ali shouted out ‘What do you box, oranges or bananas? I serious. He was so fast. He started jab- Khan says he was heartbroken when track and field team will be on June 17 regarding its ath- to the audience and said, ‘Is there any- replied that I box boxers and I’m ready to bing me and within a minute-and-a-half his son called him on Saturday to say Ali banned from the upcoming letes’ participation in the Rio body who will box with me in India?’ box you.” a whole side of my face was swelling,” ex- had died. “Tears just started to stream Olympics in Rio because Olympics in August. “Nobody was standing up. So I stood Khan, who now coaches youngsters plains Khan, mimicking Ali’s moves. down my face.” of abuse of performance- Many athletes from Russia and enhancing drugs. elsewhere in the former Soviet Popov, 44, who won the men’s Union have tested positive for BOTTOMLINE 50-metre and 100-metre performance-enhancing drugs freestyle in the 1992 and 1996 in recent months, in some Summer Games, is widely cases jeopardizing victories at considered one of the all-time previous Olympics. greatest sprint swimmers and Popov said Russia’s athletes is a member of the Interna- should know as soon as Bhokanal’s amazing journey to Rio tional Olympic Committee. possible whether they can “The risk is high the Russian participate because the psy- Reuters depart for South Korea, his moth- “I want to do something track and field athletes may not chological pressure could be Mumbai er suff ered brain damage in a fall to solve the water crisis in participate in Rio,” said Popov. detrimental to the training. resulting in almost total amnesia. my village. I will surely do However, Popov insisted that “These athletes who are train- “It was difficult for me to something to at least solve the problem with perform- ing for the Olympics are wait- ndian rower Dattu Bhokanal concentrate during the event,” the problem of drinking ance-enhancing drugs should ing for a decision. They are has battled adversity to se- Bhokanal said. “I was worried water for my people” be considered on an individual being kept between heaven cure Olympic qualifi cation about what was happening basis and not based on the and hell, and that makes the and his journey to Rio has back at home. was far from smooth. team as a whole. pressure even greater. The Ibeen made even more remark- “Then I told myself ‘I can’t go He initially kept toppling out “What we see now is in- sooner the decision is made, able following a childhood bout on worrying about whatever is of the boat and was fairly cer- dividual behaviour. But it the better for the athletes,” of aquaphobia and fears for his happening back home and must tain it was a task that did not suit undermines the reputation of Popov said. mother’s health during his fi nal focus on the job at hand’.” him. preparations. Bhokanal, the eldest of three Undeterred, he continued to Hailing from a drought-hit brothers, tried to call his mother train and a fi fth-place fi nish in Brownlee brothers lead British region in the Western Indian after securing qualifi cation for the double sculls at the 2014 Triathlon challenge state of Maharashtra, the daily the Olympics but was told she Asian Games convinced him he fi ght for the treasured commod- had slipped into a coma. had a future in the sport. For Jonny Brownlee his Olym- said of his 28-year-old sibling ity led him to develop a fear of He rushed back to attend to The next year, he won a sil- pic target is simple — beat his who needed surgery on his water as a youth and it was not her but the positive news that ver medal in single sculls at the older brother and gold should Achilles tendon last year. until he joined the army in 2012, she had regained consciousness Asian Championships in China. be his. The 26-year-old was “I’m a bit stronger, fitter, clev- that he learned to swim. was soon negated by the fact she Bhokanal is confi dent of named alongside Alistair, the erer. But we very much go into His phobia conquered, the could not recognise him with bringing back a medal for his Olympic champion, in Britain’s these races as if it’s us two 25-year-old Bhokanal booked doctors saying her recovery was country from Rio and wants to six-strong Triathlon squad for against the rest of the world. his ticket to Rio after winning likely to take at least six months. do something for his villagers, the Rio Games yesterday and When we get to the hard bit of a silver medal in the men’s sin- “She still does not recognise who still have little access to he will be hoping to turn the the run then we start racing gle sculls event at the Asian and me as her son,” an emotional drinking water. tables having finished with a against each other.” Oceania Olympic Qualifi cation Bhokanal said. “I want to do something to bronze medal in London four “This is a strong and very Regatta at Chung-ju in South File picture of Indian rower Dattu Bhokanal. Standing an imposing 6 solve the water crisis in my vil- years ago. experienced team. Arguably Korea in April. foot 4 inches (1.95 metres) tall, lage,” he said.”I will surely do “The way Alistair’s training at we’re in a stronger position Bhokanal gave up his stud- and his qualifi cation can also be tragedy, which almost derailed Bhokanal was encouraged to something to at least solve the the moment, if I beat him then going into the Games than we ies to support his family after regarded as a reward for his abil- his Olympic dreams. take up rowing in the army but problem of drinking water for I think it should be gold,” he were four years ago.” his father died of cancer in 2011 ity to perform through another Shortly before he was due to his transition from land to water my people.”

Wednesday, June 8, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT MOTORSPORT Ooredoo sponsors SC holds workshop Qatari racing drivers for potential turf management fi rms

Nine Qatar-based landscaping companies participated in the introductory workshop, Ooredoo signs sponsorship with Abdulrahman Ahmed Fakhroo and the first of a series designed to identify and train experienced local contractors Ahmad Shaheen al-Muhannadi By Sports Reporter drivers from across the Middle By Sports Reporter Doha East and Europe. Doha Ooredoo’s sponsorship of Ab- dulrahman Ahmed Fakhroo and oredoo has yesterday Ahmad Shaheen al-Muhannadi he Supreme Committee for De- announced that it is is a part of several initiatives the livery & Legacy (SC) has organ- sponsoring two Qatari company has undertaken to en- ised a turf management intro- racers in the country, courage sports education and duction workshop for potential asO part of its commitment to de- inspire more young people to Tlandscaping partners ahead of the 2022 velop Qatar’s sporting talent and take-up sport. The company is a FIFA World Cup Qatar. promote sports. major supporter of sport across Held at the SC offi ces at Al Bidda Tower, The sponsorship agreement all levels, grass-root, national the main objective of this workshop was to will see drifting champion Ab- and international. impart the methodology behind creating, dulrahman Ahmed Fakhroo Ooredoo has a history of pro- maintaining and managing the grass to be and karting sportsman Ahmad viding support for racing drivers, laid out in the proposed host venues for Shaheen al-Muhannadi spon- previously sponsoring bikers, 2022, six of which are currently under vari- sored by the company for a year. Mashel al-Naimi and Fahid al- ous stages of construction. The competitors will receive Sowaidi – The Ooredoo Racing Nine Qatar-based landscaping com- Ooredoo branded vehicles, hel- Team, and supporting its brand panies participated in the introductory mets and jumpsuits as part of the ambassador, racing driver Nasser workshop, the fi rst of a series designed sponsorship. al-Attiyah. to identify and train experienced lo- Drifting competitor Abdul- Ooredoo has also sponsored cal contractors. The future turf partners rahman Ahmed Fakhroo has the Brawn GP Formula One Team will help to oversee all aspects of turf been participating in drifting at the Abu Dhabi F1 GP, the FIM management including the identifi ca- motorsport professionally since Endurance World Championship tion of the best type of grass from those 2015, and recently won the Qatar and Qatar Racing Club. currently being tested at the SC’s unique Redbull Car Park Drift Champi- For more information on state-of-the-art Research and Develop- onship. Ahmad Shaheen al-Mu- Ooredoo’s sponsorship’s or de- ment Centre at the Aspire Zone. hannadi is a Qatari karting racer tails of special off ers visit www. SC Manager for Landscape & Sport who has competed with elite ooredoo.qa Turf Management Yasser al-Mulla told www.sc.qa: “The turf management in- dustry is unique in that there are very few CYCLING / CRITERIUM DU DAUPHINE contractors globally who have the exper- tise needed for growing and managing the turf. Through these workshops, our target is to enable Qatar-based turf man- Herrada grabs win agement contractors to deliver interna- tional standards. The contractors can then fi nd business opportunities in other in second stage, lead countries in the future.” “The SC workshop helped to give Al-Mulla highlighted the importance authenticity and clarity to such in- of the workshops in light of the 2022 FIFA formation. Authentic information stays with Contador World Cup legacy planning: “The work- is hard to fi nd and SC has provided shops are unique. We are not just asking this with these workshops” the potential partner to run our turf man- agement programme. We will be getting ricultural & Industrial Complex (SAIC) them to understand the whole spectrum who participated in the introductory of the industry including the processes workshop said: “I must thank the SC for that govern our own programme defi ned in organising this workshop. It was very our research and development centre. We unique. I have proven experience in the are engaging in unique knowledge transfer industry having worked as a partner and thereby getting Qatar-based contrac- of Aspire Zone for more than six years tors delivering internationally accepted from 2008 and I have a lot of informa- standards. We are helping them to emerge tion gained on the job. However, the SC as internationally recognised experts in the workshop helped to give authenticity and industry before and after 2022.” clarity to such information. Authentic Saleem Waigh Mohamed, a landscape information is hard to fi nd and SC has project manager at the Al Sulateen Ag- provided this with these workshops.”

BOTTOMLINE Jesus Herrada (R) celebrates as he crosses the finish line.

AFP “It’s always interesting to Chalmazel, France have the yellow jersey, but it wasn’t our priority. As the team’s in good shape, we Will Smith, Lennox Lewis to be pain’s Jesus Herrada pa- were working. The day was tiently waited and then very fast, right to the end” pounced to win yester- day’s Criterium du Dau- Porte in second at 6s. phineS second stage as his com- Herrada, sixth overall almost pallbearers at Ali’s funeral patriot Alberto Contador held on half a minute adrift, hailed his to the overall lead. Movistar team as “the best in the Reuters kids he works with so they could Movistar’s Herrada over- world with Nairo and Alejandro”. Louisville learn about Ali’s message. hauled France’s Tony Gallopin “But when they aren’t around, “People might not like it, but and two other riders in the clos- we’ve got chances. As for the over- if you stand up for what you ing stages of the 168km ride from all win, we’ll take it day by day.” ctor Will Smith and believe in, then you won’t be a Creches-sur-Saone to Chalma- Contador refl ected: “It’s al- former heavyweight pushover,” Richardson said. zel-Jeansagniere in the Loire. ways interesting to have the champion Lennox The 25-year-old champion yellow jersey, but it wasn’t our Lewis will be among PLANNED IT FOR A DECADE of Spain in 2013 bided his time priority. As the team’s in good theA pallbearers for Muhammad Ali, who suff ered from Parkin- before usurping Gallopin, who shape, we were working. The day Ali’s funeral on Friday, joining son’s disease for many years, hung on to take second, and fel- was very fast, right to the end.” a list of notable athletes, enter- and his family had planned his low escapees Fabrice Jeandesboz France’s Romain Bardet saw tainers and politicians to mourn funeral for a decade. and Serge Pauwels (third). his chances of making an impact the boxing legend. Official events start with a “I had to wait on their wheels in the race evaporate. Former US president Bill Clin- private ceremony tomorrow, until the end. I didn’t want to Placed seventh in the standings ton, Turkish President Tayyip followed by an Islamic service waste my energy before, I stayed going into Tuesday’s ride, he lost Erdogan and comedian Billy for the public at Freedom Hall, calm until the fi nal 500m,” he said. over 40sec in a minor bump with Crystal were among those previ- the site of Ali’s last profession- While Herrada can race freely team-mate Alexis Vuillermoz. ously announced as participat- al fight in Louisville, where he in the Dauphine, unhindered by Today’s 187km third stage ing in public events as the world defeated Willi Besmanoff on the absence of his team leaders from Boen-sur-Lignon to grieves the loss of the boxer, Nov 29, 1961. Alejandro Valverde and Nairo Tournon-sur-Rhone features a showman and antiwar activist The service will be led by Quintana, the Tinkoff team and short but steep climb 21km from who captivated global attention Imam Zaid Shakir of California. Sky concentrated on their re- the line. in the 1960s and 1970s. On Friday, Ali’s family will spective headmen Contador and One of the transcendent fi g- gather for prayers, to be fol- Chris Froome. Overall Classifi cation ures of the 20th century, Ali died lowed by the funeral procession Sky pressed for control of on Friday at age 74. through Louisville. the stage with two of its riders, Classification from Criterium Family spokesman Bob Gun- The route will include a boul- Michal Kwiatkowski and Sergio du Dauphine after Stage 2 nell announced the details of the evard bearing Ali’s name on the Heano, kicking clear of the pack memorial services on Monday. way to the Cave Hill Cemetery. in the fi nal climb to try and catch 1. Alberto Contador (Spain / Smith played Ali in the 2001 The main service will take the breakaway group. Tinkoff ) 8:53:14” movie of the same name, earn- This combination of file photos shows world heavyweight champion, Lennox Lewis and actor Will Smith. place at the KFC Yum! Center But the plan failed, with Po- 2. Richie Porte (Australia / ing an Oscar nomination and They will serve as pallbearers together with six other people during Muhammad Ali’s funeral. on Friday afternoon, when Clin- land’s 2014 world champion BMC Racing) +6” becoming a family friend. ton and Crystal are scheduled Kwiatkowski quickly running 3. Chris Froome (Britain / London-born Lewis, who went They will be joined by rela- be distributed to the public for side Ali’s childhood home for a to deliver eulogies. In addition, out of gas. Team Sky) +13” on to represent Canada in the tives and family friends in car- two memorials scheduled for memorial led by Islamic lead- Fischer announced an “I Am Ali” Froome fi nished eighth, gain- 4. Daniel Martin (Ireland / Olympics, is one of three boxers rying the casket through Ali’s Thursday and Friday in sports ers, a dance group and Louisville Festival today with program- ing four seconds on leader Con- Etixx - Quick-Step) +21” along with Ali and Evander Holy- home town of Louisville, Ken- arenas in the city. Mayor Greg Fischer. ming for children. tador, leaving the two-time Tour 5. Julian Alaphilippe (France / fi eld to have held the heavyweight tucky on Friday. About 300 fans who could not Dwight Richardson, 32, a All in all, it will be a fi tting de France winner third overall Etixx - Quick-Step) +24” title three times. More than 30,000 tickets will wait gathered on Monday out- youth counselor, brought seven farewell for the legend. at 9sec, with Australia’s Richie