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Friday, April 15, 2016 NBA Rajab 8, 1437 AH Hollywood farewell GULF TIMES as 60-point Bryant bows out SPORT Page 6 STARS LEAGUE Al Sadd take on El Jaish with second place at stake ‘Al Sadd we know is the biggest club in Qatar, big history and big support. We will go into this match hoping to win’

By Sports Rporter Fixtures Today At 6:15pm esualdo Ferreira’s Al Sadd will Al Wakrah vs Qatar SC be hoping to fi nish the 2015-16 Al Gharafa vs Al Khor campaign on a high by securing Al Kharaitiyat vs Umm Salal the second spot in the Qatar Stars Al Sadd vs El Jaish LeagueJ (QSL) standings but for that to Lekhwiya SC vs Mesaimeer happen, the Doha giants must beat El Jaish in the fi nal round later this week. Tomorrow Al Sadd, who have posted three At 6:15pm wins against one draw in their last four Al Arabi vs Al Sailiya matches, take on El Jaish - one of the most consistent sides in QSL - with At 8:30pm aims of fi nishing the season behind Al Ahli vs Rayyan champions Al Rayyan. Second-placed El Jaish, coached by Sabri Lamouchi, Standings have 47 points from 25 matches where- as Al Sadd - who fi nished second last CLUBS MP W D L +/- Pts season - are in third spot with a tally of Rayyan 25 20 2 3 47 62 46 points. Jaish 25 14 5 6 19 47 A draw won’t help Al Sadd but El Sadd 25 13 7 5 16 46 Jaish know they must not lose today at Lekhwiya 25 13 2 10 18 41 Qatar Sports Club Stadium. Umm Salal 25 9 11 5 4 38 Last week, Al Sadd fought back to Arabi 25 10 5 10 -3 35 claim a creditable draw against runa- Ahli 25 9 7 9 1 34 way champions Al Rayyan (62 points) Gharafa 25 9 7 9 -3 34 coached by shrewd tactician Jorge Fos- Sailiya 25 10 3 12 -7 33 sati. Trailing by two goals by the 71st Khor 25 8 6 11 -7 30 minute, Al Sadd hit back in the fi nal Wakrah 25 9 2 14 -11 29 moments of the tie through goals from Kharaitiyat 25 7 6 12 -8 27 Hassan al-Haydos and Mohammed Qatar SC 25 6 8 11 -20 26 Kasola to share the spoils in round 25. Mesaimeer 25 1 3 21 -46 6 Last week’s fi ghting 2-2 draw followed Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira (L) and El Jaish coach Sabri Lamouchi during the pre-match press conferences. PICTURES: Othman Iraqi after Al Sadd beat Al Kharaitiyat 1-0, downed Lekhwiya 3-2 and edged past lowing year in 2014, El Jaish went one doos and veteran winger Nadir Belh- The game will be preparation for the Qatar Cup, says Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira Al Sailiyah 3-2 to pick up key points in better to claim the second spot behind adj come to the party for the fi nal push the fi nal few weeks of the season. Lekhwiya but slipped to third in 2015. on April 15. The quartet has been ever Jesualdo Ferreira, the head coach of Al they will want to win both games.” pions League and get second place. Coach Ferreira replaced Hussein With just one round to go, Jaish knows present in Jesaldo Ferreira’s plans this Sadd, is aiming for the win today, “The “We had some big mistakes in the We have two more cups after this, so Amotta at the end of November fol- a second-place fi nish beckons even if season, and will need to be on fi ne form match is for the second position in the last match and we will work on our for us our season starts now,” said the lowing an unimpressive start of the Lamouchi’s side fi nishes with a draw at going into this must-win game. league. Our target is for the second defense in the next game,” added the Frenchman at the press conference on season. The Portuguese tactician will Qatar SC stadium on April the 15th. El Jaish striker Abderrazak Hamdal- position and El Jaish are also aiming Portuguese tactician. Wednesday. be hoping his players can deliver the With the top-placed Al Rayyan fac- lah- who scored two goals in a hard- for that. But we will seek the win no Sabri Lamouchi, the head coach of the Apart from the team’s targets, El Jaish goods against a very strong El Jaish ing off with the fourth-placed Lekhwi- fought 2-1 win over Umm Salal last week, matter what.” Soldiers is keen on getting the three also have a top contender for the side. ya in the fi rst semi-fi nal in the Qatar clearly holds the key for Lamouchi’s men Jesualdo Ferreira’s men may face El points in the last game of the season, golden boot in Abdelrazzak Hamdal- Since joining the QSL in the 2011- Cup, the focus shifts to who will fi n- in the fi nal round this year. Hamdallah is Jaish in the upcoming Qatar Cup but “This game is the last game of the lah. “The club wants to help Hamdallah 12 season, El Jaish have never fi n- ished second in QSL. So the battle for currently joint top goal scorer in the QSL the coach insists they will be diff erent league. If we don’t lose we will be in get the golden boot. When he plays ished outside the top four in the last second place will give the side ‘home’ with 20 goals this season, he will be cer- games altogether, “The game will be second place. Al Sadd we know is the around the box he is a killer and has six years, prompting many pundits to advantage when Al Sadd and El Jaish tainly looking to add to his haul and be preparation for the Qatar cup. Each biggest club in Qatar, big history and 20 goals this season. And if he gets the predict ‘QSL Falcon Shield’ glory in face each other in the second Qatar awarded with the top goal scorer award game is a diff erent situation in the big support. We will go into this match golden boot it will be good for him and the coming years. El Jaish grabbed the Cup semi-fi nal. at the QFA awards. league and that’s same in the cup.” hoping to win.” good for the team as he will have more second spot in 2012 in what was their Al Sadd will be hoping their midfi eld It promises to be a fascinating en- He also added that, “I think El Jaish will “For us the season is not finished. Our confidence to score,” added Lamouchi. maiden appearance in QSL, followed dynamo Xavi, U-23 star Abdulkareem counter between two of Qatar’s best play with their best players because target was to qualify for AFC Cham- Now to see what happens on the pitch. by a third-place fi nish in 2013. The fol- Hassan, reliable striker Hassan Hay- footballing sides.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Griezmann boots out of Europe AFP League era come to an end. time World Player of the Year’s desper- themselves in the fi nal half-hour as Madrid “The team wanted to retain the title, ation to get into the game. Atletico tired and Suarez tested Oblak it was one of our objectives and excited Atletico made the all-important with a fi erce eff ort from inside the area every Barca fan, but it isn’t to be,” said breakthrough nine minutes before half- that the Slovenian handled impres- tletico Madrid dumped holders Barca coach Luis Enrique. time when Griezmann’s header was sively. Barcelona out of the Champi- “We are fi nding it much more diffi - this time precise and powerful enough Suarez was lucky to escape a red card ons League at the quarter-fi nal cult than normal to score goals and suf- to beat Ter Stegen from Saul Niguez’s in the fi rst leg after clashing with Juan- stage for the second time in fering defensively too. brilliant cross. fran and Filipe Luis and got off lightly threeA seasons as ’s “We all have to improve and I’m the once more when he was just shown a double sealed a 2-0 win on Wednesday to fi rst one in that regard.” LATE CONTROVERSY yellow card for elbowing Uruguayan progress 3-2 on aggregate. Atletico will be joined by local rivals Ter Stegen ensured Barca went in at the international teammate Diego Godin. Griezmann put the hosts ahead on Real Madrid, Manchester City and Bay- break just one goal down as he held a Neymar was also booked for kicking away goals with a fi ne fi rst-half header ern Munich in Friday’s semi-fi nal draw. Carrasco drive at the second attempt out at Juanfran moments later as Barca before converting from the penalty spot Roared on by a vociferous before Niguez could follow in for the began to lose their cool. two minutes from time after Andres In- 55,000-strong crowd at the Vicente rebound. Iniesta was also lucky not to be sent- iesta had handled inside the area. Calderon, Atletico were worthy win- Atletico had two more chances to ex- off for denying a clear goalscoring op- Barca, meanwhile, were left to rue ners as Barca’s star front three of Li- tend their advantage early in the second portunity as he blocked Filipe Luis’s referee Nicola Rizzoli’s decision to give onel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar period as Koke’s cut-back was cut out pass into Griezmann’s path for the a free-kick on the edge of the box in were limited to precious few clear-cut by Gerard Pique with Griezmann wait- penalty. injury time instead of a penalty when chances. ing for a tap in. The French international kept his Gabi appeared to be inside the area as The home side were far the better team And then as Barca struggled to clear head to slot home the resulting spot- he was penalised for handball. before the break as captain Gabi fi red a corner, Niguez’s looping header came kick. “I am not left with just a place in the Atletico Madrid’s French forward Antoine Griezmann (L) vies with Barcelona’s over before Griezmann placed his fi rst big back off the crossbar with Ter Stegen However, there was still time for late semi-fi nals, I think it is much more im- Javier Mascherano (C) and Gerard Pique during the Champions League match. headed chance from Filipe Luis’s cross stranded. controversy as Rizzoli only awarded portant than that,” said Atletico boss too close to Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Griezmann had another chance to Barca a free-kick on the edge of the box Diego Simeone. ues that are important in life and once games after a 39-match unbeaten run Messi’s most signifi cant involvement give Atletico a cushion but fi red straight when Gabi handled. “This group displays values that are again we have won a tremendously dif- stretching back six months and sees in the fi rst 45 minutes saw him scurry- at Ter Stegen on his weaker right foot at Messi’s free-kick drifted inches over less and less common in society. We can fi cult game.” their quest to become the first side to ing deep into his own half to dispossess the end of a lightning counter-attack. and with it Barca’s chances of a second win or lose, but we believe in these val- Defeat is Barca’s third in four retain the trophy in the Champions Yannick Carrasco in a sign of the fi ve- However, Barca began to impose consecutive treble were gone. Gulf Times 2 Friday, April 15, 2016 QATAR STARS LEAGUE

SPOTLIGHT DIFFERENT STROKES Lekhwiya keen to win, Mesaimeer look Relegation looms to avoid bookings as Qatar SC take on Wakrah in key tie Lekhwiya coach Djamel Belmadi (L) and Mesaimeer coach Rodion ‘For us since January each game is a final and we are fighting in every game. It’s Gacanin during the pre-match press conferences. important to keep team spirit and important to do the best we can against Wakrah’ By Sports Reporter motivation in the end of the sea- Doha son but I believe you have to do your job till the end. If the play- ers want motivation for this last ekhwiya will play bottom match they need to think about side Al Meisameer at the the last match against Al Ahli, in Lekhwiya stadium today. which we conceded 5 goals and to This match is the last erase the memory of that,” added Lmatch of the QSL season for both the forty-year-old. teams. Mesaimeer have already been Lekhwiya have confi rmed a relegated from the QSL and will fourth place fi nish this season. ply their trade in the Qatar Gas Meaning the Red Knights will league next season. With only six compete in the Qatar Cup for an- points from twenty-fi ve games, other season. the Torches will hope to end the Djamel Belmadi, the head season with three points. coach of Lekhwiya hopes to get Rodion Gacanin, the head back to winning ways in the last coach of Al Mesaimeer, is con- game, “In terms of target there is cerned about getting yellow no target for us or them as Me- cards in the next match as many saimeer have been relegated. In players from his side might our last game we didn’t plan to face suspension, “For us all the lose against Al Ahli. Five goals are matches are diffi cult and we try a lot to concede and we need to to play our best. Many players change some things in the team from our team have yellow cards before our Champions League and I hope no player gets sus- game in Uzbekistan.” pended,” said the Croatian at the “In a meeting with our players press conference on Wednesday. we said we lack consistency. We Despite a disappointing season had some good periods as we had Gacanin insists that he is proud 9 wins in a row. Consistency has of his players, “We have shown been a big issue for us as our squad good character over the season. I was not prepared for playing in will not talk about quality of play many diff erent competitions,” just the character of the team added the Algerian tactician. has been great. Of course we lost Motivation is key in the last many matches but I am proud stages of the season as minds and of coaching this team and as for legs get tired. Belmadi believes next season we will have a meet- that the players must work un- ing with the club and we will de- til the end of the season till the cide if I stay in the team,” added job is done. “It’s diffi cult to fi nd the fi fty-two-year-old.

Qatar Sports Club coach Sebastiao Lazaroni (L) and Al Wakrah coach Mauricio Larriera during the pre-match press conferences at the Al Sadd stadium. TENSION By Sports Reporter think there is a chance for my team to go Qatar Sports Club have improved sig- tant to keep team spirit and important to Doha down. It’s is impossible.” nifi cantly since January and they are in do the best we can against Al Wakrah to- Speaking about the crucial match dire need of the three points if they are morrow,” added the Brazilian. ahead Larriera added, “We know well to stay in the QSL. Sebastiao Lazaroni’s Al Wakrah are also in the mix of the Kharaitiyat face Salal l Wakrah take on Qatar SC in a that it’s going to be a tough game against men are only one point behind Kharaiti- relegation battle as they might go down do or die match for the Kings in a team that is fi ghting to survive in the yat and they will need all the luck in order if they lose by fi ve goals. “It depends on the last round of the QSL. The league. It won’t be an easy task in the to survive. us to remain in the fi rst division. We need in crucial match match will take place today at light of Qatar SC’s recent positive results. Sebastiao Lazarori, the head coach of to score 5 goals for a straight rout, there theA Al Wakrah Stadium. We need to focus from the beginning to Qatar SC is demanding it all from his team is one percent chance of that happening Al Wakrah are eleventh in the table with the end of the game. We should bear in in this fi nal match of the league, “This is but it’s still a chance,” added the sixty- twenty-nine points from twenty-fi ve mind that Qatar SC won a great deal of the fi nal game that’s it in sports sometimes fi ve year old tactician. games. They still could be relegated if they points in the second half of the season.” you have good moment and sometimes bad The result of Al Kharaitiyat’s match lose by fi ve goals to Qatar SC. Whilst for Despite losing to Kharaitiyat by three moments but it’s important that you pre- against Umm Salal will have a big impact Qatar SC they need to win and hope rivals goals last week the Uruguayan tactician pare yourself to be the best. In this moment on Qatar SC. And Lazaroni is not con- Al Kharaitiyat drop points in their match believes that it’s all under control, “Our you need to prepare and have the confi - cerned about the result of that game, “We against Umm Salal to harbour any chance faith is in our hands and we need to fi ght dence to do the best you can.” don’t care about the result of Kharaitiyat. to beat the drop to the Qatar Gas League. to defend our chance of survival. There “For us since January each game is a All we care about is our match against Mauricio Larriera, the head coach of Al is a very slim chance for our team to go fi nal and we are fi ghting in every game. Wakrah. All we need is a professional Wakrah, believes that there is no chance down as there is a very small probability So let’s do the best we can. Until now in attitude and the result is important but of Al Wakrah losing by fi ve goals, “I don’t of losing 5-0.” my opinion we did a good job, it’s impor- only in the end of our match.”

BOTTOMLINE Kharaitiyat coach Amar Osim (L) and Salal coach Bulent Uygun

By Sports Reporter diffi cult team even more than Al Doha Wakrah. Umm Salal is 5th and Al Wakrah is 11th so to be 5th is a big achievement in this league.” l Kharaitiyat go head to Kharaitiyat’s position could Gharafa look to defeat Khor and head with Umm Salal be aff ected by the result of other in a bid to avoid rel- matches but their coach is not egation to the Qatar concerned about that, “I don’t GasA League. The match will take want to talk about the other place today at the Al Khor sta- games I just want to focus on end season with a victory dium. our match. We are all motivated By Sports Reporter in the QSL for next season as Kharaitiyat are twelfth and to win,” added the forty-eight- Doha they are tenth in the standings dangerously close to the drop year-old. with thirty points. zone as they are only one-point Umm Salal are in fi fth place Jean Fernandez, the head clear of Qatar SC. A win against in the QSL standings after their l Gharafa take on Al coach of Al Khor is wary of the Umm Salal will confi rm the defeat to El Jaish last week. The Khor in the last round threat his opponents poses, “It’s Thunders will stay in the QSL Orange Fortress has thirty-eight of the QSL. The match going to be a tough game against next season. points from twenty-fi ve games will be held at the Al Al Gharafa. They lost their pre- Amar Osim, the head coach and they will hope to end the AhliA Stadium today evening. vious match but they did well in of Kharaitiyat, is hoping that season on a high note. Al Gharafa are reeling from a the one before that and we need his team can step up and rise for Bulent Uygun, the head coach shock 3-1 defeat against Qatar to prepare well for this match. the challenge, “We hope we are of Umm Salal, had some words of SC last week and they will hope We expect a strong reaction ready for this challenge. We are encouragement for all the teams to end the season in a positive from Gharafa. They aim to fi nish working on it and we know that at the end of the season, “Our fashion with a win against Al the season in a good position we there is no possibility to repair game is a diffi cult as it’s the last Khor. The Cheetah’s currently also aim for the same.” things after this last game.” game of the season. We wish the sit eighth in the QSL standings Al Gharafa’s new acquisitions “The good thing about the best of luck for all the teams’ if with thirty-four points. have also received praise from game is that we know exactly they get relegated or stay in the Pedro Caixinha, the head Fernandez, “They are a good team what we need. If we want to de- league. Our games since the be- coach of Al Gharafa wants his and they have brilliant players cide our situation this time we ginning of the season have been team to bounce back from the like Krizstian Nemeth and Tamer know that if we win we are ok. tough and this game decides who disappointing result in their last Jamal and Vladimir Wiess.” In this context the situation is is relegated.” game, “This for us is an impor- “We need to end on a high clearer,” added the Bosnian tac- “I would like to thank our team tant match. First of all because position and next we need to tician. and Sheikh Faisal. Our game we lost the last match and we prepare for the emir cup.We Speaking about the upcoming should represent Umm Salal want to have a strong reaction came through several diffi culties match Umm Salal, Osim added, and all that this club stands for, in order to fi nish the league in throughout the season but we “I don’t think this is an easier I hope to win this game,” added the best position and I want the learned from them and I assure match. I hope it is. Umm Salal the forty-four-year-old at the players to be committed and re- Gharafa coach Pedro Caixinha (L) and Khor coach Jean Fernandez during the press conference. you that the team is better than will want to go up in the table and press conference on Wednesday. sponsible.” before,” added the Frenchman. for sure they will not go down. Uygun also highlighted Abdulaziz Ali will be replaced build from the back,” added the who is struggling. So I think in that there are some important Speaking about his ambi- They are a serious team and they Kharaitiyat’s weakness this sea- by Yousef Hassan in the Ghara- Portuguese tactician. football is all about regularity of lessons to be learnt, “Sometimes tions for next season Fernandez have played very well all season son, “Kharaitiyat is a good team fa goal. “We are changing the “We identifi ed a pattern in our results and performance,” said I’m sad that I lost the match but added, “We have same players long.” with strong players. They play keeper because he has some dif- team we had a great result against Caixinha at a press conference at the same time I’m happy that for several seasons and now we Kharaitiyat defeated Al Wak- well till seventy minutes but have ferent characteristics and one of Al Rayyan but we need regular- yesterday morning. we lost as it makes us realise our probably in need to sign new rah last week but Osim believes a problem in the last twenty min- them is that he can play with his ity. We win one game against a big Despite a disappointing last mistakes.” players to improve the quality of that Umm Salal is much stronger utes and we will try to capitalise on foot and we are team that like to team and then we lose to another game, Al Gharafa’s boss believes Al Khor has secured their stay the team.” opposition, “Umm Salal is a very this,” added the Turkish tactician. Gulf Times Friday, April 15, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Memories of Slumping Barca Madrid derby must bounce back, fi nal rekindled AFP turn a 2-0 fi rst leg defi cit to see Madrid off Wolfsburg on Tuesday 3-0 thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick. or the fi fth consecutive Ronaldo’s wish of a return to year two Spanish sides Portugal to face Benfi ca in the will contest the Cham- last four was ended as away goals says coach Enrique pions League semi-fi nals from Arturo Vidal and Thomas asF Real Madrid and Atletico Ma- Mueller ensured Bayern return drid eye a repeat of the Span- to the semis looking to made ‘We are finding it diff icult than normal to score goals and suff ering defensively too’ ish capital derby in the fi nal two amends for their thrashings at years ago. However, today’s draw the hands of Real and Barca in the in Nyon also off ers the tantalis- past two seasons. ing possibility of Bayern Munich “I know that Cristiano would boss Pep Guardiola facing his fu- have liked Benfi ca in the semi- ture employers Manchester City fi nals, I am sorry for him,” said Lionel Messi has failed to score in the English side’s debut at this Guardiola, who has now reached the last seven times Barcelona stage of the competition. the semi-fi nals in all seven of his have been eliminated from Atletico ended Barcelona’s campaigns as a coach. the Champions League, reign as champions with a 2-0 “We’ve achieved our objective while Neymar (right) too was win over the holders in an eerily and now we want to get to the disappointing at Madrid. (AFP) similar tie for Diego Simeone’s fi nal. From what I read in Ger- men to their passage to the last many it would seem that if I leave four two years ago when they without winning the Champions ousted Barca at the quarter-fi nal League my work will have been stage. The similarities to 2014 incomplete.” don’t end there as the fi nal four Despite bowing out to Spanish was made up of Atletico, Real, opposition in the past two years, Bayern and English involvement a visit to future employers City with City’s place then taken by could prove even more awkward Chelsea. for Guardiola than a return to his Real rolled over Guardiola’s homeland. Bayern 5-0 on aggregate in the The 45-year-old Catalan will semis before snatching Atletico’s assume his role at the Etihad fi rst ever European Cup away next season, but outgoing City from them with Sergio Ramos’s boss Manuel Pellegrini has again stoppage time equaliser in Lis- demonstrated he is a Champi- bon as they eventually ran out ons League specialist having also 4-1 winners after extra-time. guided Villarreal to their sole “We won’t have anything semi-fi nal appearance in 2006 easy. City have incredible fi nan- and Malaga to the quarter-fi nals cial power and Real Madrid and in 2013. Bayern are historic teams in this “To be in the semi-fi nals is a competition,” said Simeone. great achievement,” said Kevin “For Atletico to be among the de Bruyne, City’s match winner four best teams in Europe is an against Saint-Germain on important step, but just that, be- Tuesday. “But it is not done yet. cause we want more.” We are looking forward to the Real are relieved just to make semis. It is only two games away it to a record sixth consecutive from the fi nal. We will try to do semi-fi nal as they had to over- everything to reach the fi nal.”

AFP Sociedad to leave Atletico also breathing to accept defeat, we have other competi- drid and Bayern are historic teams in this Madrid down their necks just three points behind tions coming up that we can win. For any competition. in the title race with six games remaining. coach in the world to win two titles is a “For Atletico to be among the four best Enrique’s men will return to the Vi- successful season.” teams in Europe is an important step, but arcelona coach Luis Enrique ad- cente Calderon in May for the Copa del Victory ended Atletico’s seven-game just that, because we want more.” mitted his side are suff ering a Rey fi nal and he insisted a league and Cup losing streak against Barca dating back to Griezmann was Atletico’s hero as he slump in form after a third defeat double would still mean a successful sea- when the Madrid club sealed their La Liga took his tally for the season to 29 in all in four games saw them dumped son despite missing the chance to become title at the in 2014. competitions with a towering fi rst-half outB of the Champions League by Atletico the fi rst side to retain Europe’s top trophy Diego Simeone’s men also reached the header before sealing the tie from the Madrid. Antoine Griezmann struck twice since it became the Champions League in Champions League fi nal that season be- penalty spot two minutes from time. for Atletico in a 2-0 win Wednesday to 1992. “The team wanted to retain the ti- fore losing in heartbreaking fashion to lo- However, the Frenchman was quick seal their passage to the last four at Bar- tle, it was one our objectives and excited cal rivals Real Madrid in the fi nal. to laud the collective eff ort of his side as celona’s expense for the second time in every Barca fan, but it isn’t to be,” said Real lie in wait once more along with they shut out Barca’s fearsome front three three years, 3-2 on aggregate. Enrique. “We are fi nding it much more Bayern Munich and Manchester City in of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar “It is clear that we are not in our best diffi cult than normal to score goals and today’s semi-fi nal draw. Simeone is de- for their 29th clean sheet of the season. form, especially if you consider how we suff ering defensively too. We all have to termined Atletico’s journey towards a “Everyone works hard defensively and were playing before, but we need to lift improve and I’m the fi rst one in that re- fi rst Champions League title won’t end in tactically we are nearly perfect,” said ourselves,” said Enrique, whose side’s gard,” he added. the last four. Griezmann. “We are very happy tonight. dreams of a treble were dashed. “The objectives for Barcelona are al- “I don’t have any thought for the semi- I’m happy because I scored two goals and Barca had gone 39 games without tast- ways the highest possible. We should be fi nals other than winning,” he said. “We tomorrow we won’t talk about these two ing defeat before losing back-to-back proud that Barca are always favourites for won’t have anything easy. City have in- goals but the great eff ort of the team to be Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone reacts during Champions La Liga games to Real Madrid and Real everything. We understand that we have credible fi nancial power and Real Ma- in the semi-fi nals.” League quarter-final match against Barcelona. (Reuters)

PREMIER LEAGUE World in suspense as Leicester fairytale nears fi nal chapter

Reuters mune, with rapidly growing viewing riving passengers with adverts featur- man nature of Leicester, and veteran fi gures and Newsweek magazine giving ing Leicester players. goalkeeper Iker Casillas, now playing in up three pages to describe Leicester’s Market stalls in the Thai capital sell- Portugal, captured the mood last week quest for the “upset of the century”. ing unoffi cial replica shirts have begun when he tweeted: “Everyone is pas- he Premier League has always Various global Leicester fan clubs, to carry the blue of Leicester alongside sionate about their club, but everyone had worldwide appeal but in- which for years tootled along quietly their staples of Manchester United, feels like Leicester are one of our own. Tstead of Wayne Rooney and with a handful of dedicated members, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. INCREDIBLE!” Sergio Aguero taking top billing, Jamie have suddenly blossomed. has adopted Leicester’s Shinji Much of Italy’s interest is centred on Vardy and Riyad Mahrez now star in Typical are the New York Foxes, Okazaki as its new Premier League manager Claudio Ranieri, their much- Leicester City’s title challenge as it founded by twin brothers Jordan and hero. A Reuters reporter in last travelled and much-loved compa- nears its conclusion over the next few Jason Becker who became Leicester week was asked by his taxi driver the triot who has belied his reputation by weeks. fans in 1998 when American Kasey Kel- usual “Where are you from?” opening achieving success this season with one From seven points adrift at the bot- ler played in goal for the team. The club gambit and when he replied “England” of the most settled line-ups of the Pre- tom of the table and seemingly rel- now gathers, along with fans of a host the driver immediately asked the ques- mier League era. egation certainties a year ago to seven of other clubs, in The Football Factory tion on everyone’s lips: “What about Bar-room nostalgia in his native points clear at the top and in sight of cellar bar near the Empire State Build- Leicester? Can they win it?” Rome looks back to 1985 when Verona their fi rst English League title, Leices- ing to watch the club’s games. In , where all-conquering Par- came out of nowhere to claim their fi rst, ter’s turnaround has become one of “It used to be just a couple of us but is St Germain wrapped up the dullest only and similarly unlikely league title. the most talked-about stories in world we now connect with ex-pats and folks league in Europe weeks ago, fans and In South America, the trend also sport. Since joining the Football League coming over on holiday and now that media in search of drama have switched seems to draw comparisons with lo- in 1894, their best performance was a the club is raising its profi le, more and their interest across the channel. cal against-the-odds successes and in runners-up spot in the old fi rst divi- more people want to be around and Their focus is on Mahrez and N’Golo Brazil, where as many as fi ve Premier sion in 1929 and, until this season, their watch,” Jason Becker said. Kante as they wonder how the duo League games are screened live each chief claim to footballing fame, apart “I mean, how can you miss a game bumped along barely raising a rip- weekend, everybody is talking about from three League Cup triumphs, was right now - and Leicester is everyone’s Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez (top) have been phenomenal for Leicester City, ple for years at Le Harve and Caen but Leicester. the unique achievement of reaching second-favourite team now, everyone marshaling the team’s title charge. (Reuters) now, after eight months in England, the Chapecoense, a small club who were four FA Cup fi nals and losing them all. seems to be pulling for us.” bargain-buys-turned-internationals promoted in 2013 and have held their The Premier League is watched by His confi dence did not quite run to that other people had early in the sea- , home of club owner and are vying for the Footballer of the Year place in the top fl ight since in spite of audiences measured in the billions backing his team for the title pre-sea- son, but 7-1 is not so bad,” he said of a duty-free magnate Vichai Srivaddhan- award. Spanish fans brought up on dec- their tiny budget, were so impressed across more than 200 countries. Even son but he did not miss out entirely. bet he laid when most people were still aprabha, has taken Leicester to heart ades of dominance of Real Madrid and by Leicester’s achievements that they the United States is no longer im- “Sadly, I didn’t get the 5,000 to 1 odds predicting the bubble would burst. too and Bangkok airport now greets ar- Barcelona are also revelling in the little- invited them for a friendly via Twitter. Gulf Times 4 Friday, April 15, 2016 FOOTBALL

FA CUP FOCUS Brazil to open Van Gaal struck by Olympic bid against S. Africa

AFP fi rst round. The reigning world rational Rashford champions are in Group G along Sao Paulo with third-ranked France, New Zealand and Colombia. Rashford broke the deadlock in the FA quarter-final replay against West Ham osts Brazil will open Top ranked United States have their bid for a fi rst Ol- won three of the four titles since AFP ympic men’s football the women’s tournament was Manchester title against South Af- fi rst introduced at the 1996 At- ricaH after yesterday’s draw was lanta Games. Germany, ranked made in the Maracana Stadium. number two in the world by FIFA anchester United manager Brazil, three-time runners-up and three-time silver medallists, Louis van Gaal hailed Mar- including in 2012, have won eve- were drawn in Group F alongside cus Rashford’s startling self- ry title apart from the Olympics Canada, and Zimba- awareness after the 18-year- and are drawn in the same Group bwe. Brazil’s women’s team be- Mold striker’s memorable goal inspired A as South Africa, Iraq and Den- gin their campaign against Chi- his side to FA Cup victory at West Ham mark. “I’m very confi dent, I’m na at the Estadio Olimpico in Rio United. Rashford broke the deadlock in sure that Brazil will succeed in de Janeiro on August 3, while the the 54th minute of Wednesday’s quar- the Games,” said veteran Ro- men kick off against South Af- ter-fi nal replay, shimmying inside James naldinho, winner of bronze in rica at the Estadio Mane Garrin- Tomkins and arcing an unstoppable shot 2008, who attended the cha in Brasilia the following day. into the top-right corner. draw ceremony. Holders Mexico The top two teams in each Marouane Fellaini added a second and are in Group C along with Ger- group qualify for the knockout although Tomkins replied late on, visiting many, and Fiji while stage, with the top two third- goalkeeper David de Gea brilliantly held Group D includes Honduras, Al- placed teams also progressing. West Ham at bay to send United into the geria, Portugal and Argentina. last four for the fi rst time since 2011. European under-21 champions MEN’S DRAW Hailing Rashford, who has now scored Sweden were drawn alongside Group A: Brazil, South Africa, Iraq, six times in 11 games, Van Gaal said: “He’s Colombia, Nigeria and Japan. Denmark very focused on his work and that I ad- Contrary to the women’s Group B: Sweden, Colombia, mire when you are so young. competition the men’s teams Nigeria, Japan “There’s so much attention now be- are made up of under-23 players Group C: Fiji, South Korea, Mexico, cause he is scoring so many important with three players over that age Germany goals and you can cope with that atten- allowed. Clubs however are not Group D: Honduras, Algeria, Portu- gal, Argentina tion and focus on your next match. obliged to release their players “And when you have criticism, he can for the competition which does WOMEN’S DRAW cope with criticism also and he can say not appear on FIFA’s offi cial cal- Group E: Brazil, China, Sweden, about himself, ‘Yes manager, you are endar although the world body South Africa right, and I have to do that and that’. organises the event. Group F: Canada, Australia, Zimba- “I think it is fantastic because there are Three-time defending wom- bwe, Germany not a lot of players that can see their self- en’s champions the United States Group G: United States, France, image in the match.” were drawn against France in the New Zealand, Colombia After months of intense speculation about his position, Van Gaal will lead his side out to face Everton at Wembley later this month knowing that he is two victo- ries from a fi rst trophy as United manager. The Dutchman came in for a fresh wave of criticism after Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur, but he said that his record meant that he was worthy of the patience aff orded him by the United hi- erarchy. “I do my work, I do my utmost best and everywhere I have worked, I have won something,” he said. Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford celebrates after scoring against West Ham United during the FA Cup quarter-final. (Reuters) “A lot of things have been changed in all the clubs where I have worked and be- minutes, but that the result at White Hart the defeat against Liverpool. nal FA Cup game at the Boleyn Ground, cause of that I am here. I am selected by Lane had prevented him from saying so. “Two-zero in the Europa League which they will leave at the end of the Manchester United because of that. Not “We controlled the game,” he said. against our biggest enemy and the next season to move to London’s Olympic Sta- because I am a lousy trainer or manager.” “But I cannot say that when we lose 3-0. match was West Ham United and we were dium. Van Gaal went on to claim that United The next day it’s: ‘Man United has played 1-0 behind and fi ghting back (to draw 1-1, West Ham are vying with United and had exhibited a similar level of control very lousy.’ But it was not true. in their fi rst meeting). “You cannot deny Manchester City for a Champions League against West Ham as they had at Tot- “I’m very happy that in spite of that that my team has a lot of fi ghting spirit.” place and manager Slaven Bilic urged his tenham, where Mauricio Pochettino’s defeat, 3-0, we can have the spirit this Victory for United meant that West players to shake the disappointment out Brazilian footballer holds a slip showing ‘Brazil’ during side struck three times in six second-half evening again like we have showed after Ham signed off with a defeat in their fi - of their systems as quickly as possible. the draw ceremony held in Rio de Janeiro. (Reuters)

ROUND-UP Infantino defends 40-team World Benzema axed to avoid upsetting French ‘spirit’ Cup plan

AFP exchange for a possible reduction in sentence. Zurich: FIFA President Gianni Infantino Paris defended his controversial plan to expand the PORTUGAL’S COENTRAO World Cup to 40 teams on Wednesday, reject- RULED OUT OF EURO 2016 ing criticism the move would dilute the quality arim Benzema was axed from Portugal left-back Fabio Coentrao will miss of football’s showpiece event. France’s Euro 2016 squad so as not Euro 2016 with a thigh injury that will require In an interview with Fox Sports 1, the chief of to “disrupt the spirit” in the national surgery, his club Monaco announced. world football’s governing body pointed to the squad, French football chief Noel Le Coentrao, on loan from Real Madrid until expansion of teams at Euro 2016 as evidence KGraet told sports daily L’Equipe yesterday. the end of the season, sustained the injury that the 32-team World Cup could successfully The French Football Federation (FFF) during training last week and is expected to be accommodate more sides. president added that the Real Madrid striker sidelined for at least three months. “(UEFA) were criticised at the time by had “done something really stupid” over the The 28-year-old will head to Finland next people saying ‘That’s almost half of the teams, Mathieu Valbuena sextape aff air. week to undergo an operation, ruling him out the qualifiers will be as boring as ever, no-one The 28-year-old forward was indefi nitely of Portugal’s fi nals campaign where they have will be interested,’” Infantino told interviewer suspended from the France team in December been drawn alongside Austria, Hungary and Alexi Lalas. after he was placed under criminal investi- Iceland in Group F. “And the exact opposite came true—which is gation over an attempt to blackmail France that it was great from a sporting point of view teammate Valbuena in relation to a sex-tape. WEST HAM IN £2.5 MILLION-A-YEAR because many more teams have a chance to Benzema has been accused of complicity in OLYMPIC STADIUM DEAL qualify, which means many, many more teams the attempt. Legal restrictions barring Ben- West Ham move home to the Olympic Sta- have the dream to qualify. zema from coming into contact with Valbuena dium in August at a cost of £2.5million ($3.54 “It was great and it will be great for the were recently lifted, but on Wednesday the million) per year, it was revealed yesterday. World Cup in terms of popularity. Because you FFF announced that, even so, he would not be The Premier League side have taken up a will have more nations involved in the World selected for the June 10-July 10 tournament. 99-year tenancy agreement with The London Cup. There is enough quality—we see it in Le Graet, in an interview published on Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC). Europe,” said Infantino, citing the results of the L’Equipe’s website, said: “The deciding factor West Ham’s new landlords will meet running so-called minnows at the 2014 World Cup. was the way the squad got on during the train- costs for the centrepiece of the London 2012 “Look at the last World Cup—England and ing camp (in March). Games for areas such as the pitch, goalposts, Italy were kicked out by Costa Rica. This is “We felt there was a strong harmony. On fl oodlighting and corner fl ags. football,” he said. the pitch, we felt they were conducting them- The stadium is also to host the 2017 IAAF Infantino said exactly how the eight extra selves so well that it wasn’t worth taking the and IPC Athletics World Championships and spots would be distributed throughout the risk of disrupting that spirit.” there is a 50-year agreement for British Ath- world had yet to be confirmed. However he He reported that Benzema had been shak- letics to use the venue each July. indicated Africa would be the biggest benefici- en up at the decision when he was told of it West Ham won the bid to be lead tenants of ary, with two extra places, while Asia would by France coach . “After French striker . the 60,000-seat arena ahead of Tottenham also get an extra place and a playoff spot. speaking to Karim Didier told me he was very, and Leyton Orient. The transformation of the “There would be of course more spots for very, very sad,” Le Graet reported. Refl ecting team while he remains at the centre of the in- “As anxious as I am to move the case for- venue from its Olympic and Paralympic con- everyone,” Infantino said. “For example, two on the Valbuena case, Le Graet said: “I hope vestigation. ward toward trial, ongoing discovery and re- dition cost £272 million, with West Ham con- more Africans, one and a half in CONCACAF, fi rst of all that this aff air results in a dismissal lated complications, including the relatively tributing £15 million. half in South America, half in Oceania, one and of the charges for Karim. Let me repeat, I’ve a US JUDGE DEFERS SETTING recent arrival of some defendants, make the The Hammers will pay an annual rent of a half in Asia, we arrive at 39. And the last spot lot of aff ection for him. But here, all the same, FIFA TRIAL DATE selection of a trial date unrealistic,” Dearie £2.5 million for 25 matches - or £1.25 mil- should be played on the pitch somehow let’s he’s done something really stupid.” The US judge overseeing the sweeping FIFA said. He said the court will revisit the ques- lion if they fall out of the top fl ight - with a see how by the one who will deserve it in the According to investigators, Benzema was corruption scandal yesterday postponed set- tion of a trial date after June 30, by which time £100,000 fee for any additional match. best possible way.” approached by a childhood friend from Lyon, ting a trial date until after prosecutors share prosecutors plan to submit evidence in the Performance-related payments are in place Infantino meanwhile refused to be drawn on Karim Zenati, who asked him to persuade the bulk of evidence being collated in the case to the court. for positions from 10th (£25,000) to fi rst in the increasingly acrimonious dispute between Valbuena to pay money to have the tape de- massive investigation. But prosecutors also conceded Wednes- the Premier League. Finishing from fi rst to the USA’s World Cup-winning women’s team stroyed. Instead, Valbuena went to the police. Judge Raymond Dearie ruled after govern- day that while they expect to turn over evi- fi fth would result in a payment of £100,000. and American soccer . Three men were arrested and held in cus- ment prosecutors proposed an “aggressive dence currently in their possession by then, The Hammers, who are the sole benefi ci- Five members of the US team have filed a tody over the demands to Valbuena, but they but achievable” schedule that would have they expect more data to come in before and aries of ticket sales, are currently sixth in the lawsuit against the US Soccer Federation al- were subsequently released. Benzema has worked towards jury selection beginning Feb- after June 30. In all, 40 offi cials and market- Premier League. leging wage discrimination. Asked to confirm denied any wrongdoing but could face a fi ve- ruary 27, 2017 in New York. ing executives are accused of soliciting and A payment of £250,000 is required for whether he believed women players should year jail term if found guilty. But defense lawyers on Wednesday raised receiving tens of millions of dollars in bribes qualifying for the Champions League group be paid the same as men, Infantino replied: “I The aff air has gone right to the top of gov- numerous objections in a case that currently and kickbacks in a case that has sparked an stages - and £1 million for winning the Eu- think it is linked with many diff erent elements ernment in France, with Prime Minister has eight defendants already in the United unprecedented crisis at FIFA. ropean Cup. Winning the FA Cup or Europa that need to be discussed. There is not a Manuel Valls saying last month that Benzema States awaiting trial under house arrest and Fifteen individuals have pleaded guilty and League would cost £100,000; qualifying for straightforward answer to this.” should not be allowed to return to the national extradition requests pending for another nine. agreed to cooperate with US prosecutors in the Europa League also costs £100,000. Gulf Times Friday, April 15, 2016 5 CRICKET

IPL Childhood coach made me realise Gujarat Lions’ thrash Pune fi tness is key to success: Tendulkar

Mumbai: Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar yesterday said his to register second win childhood coach Ramakant Achrekar was instrumental in making him realise the impor- tance of fitness at the start of Finch’s 50 and McCullum’s 49 helped Gujarat chase down the target comfortably in Rajkot his career. “My coach (Ramakant Achrekar) was instrumental in making me realise that fitness Gujarat Lions Aaron Finch plays a shot is going to be a key factor. But as Rising Pune Supergiants captain he made things enjoyable for Mahendra Singh Dhoni looks on during me. I never once felt that why IPL match in Rajkot yesterday. (AFP) am I doing this,” Tendulkar said. “At the end of the day, my coach had to literally interrupt a net session and say, “That’s it, it’s too dark, you’ll get hurt. And that’s how he would stop our session. I didn’t feel like running though after that. That is how I felt I became strong and it’s not just about being physically fit.” Tendulkar said you need to push yourself mentally and physically to achieve success. “Once you learn to push the boundaries, then it also makes you mentally strong. “Because there have been times where I felt tired while playing international games. But it was the mental strength and training at a young age which sort of I could use and put that into practice,” Tendulkar said. About how he kept himself fit and the level of training during his long playing career, the 42-year-old said: “Fitness is from within. It’s not about how you look. What the body is actually able to do. Without any doubt, with more awareness, more knowledge, I think the team is really, really fit.” “So without realising I felt the foundation was becoming more and more solid for me and then after that there were number of marathon innings I played, at school level as well. When both Vinod (Kambli) and “I created the world record, I scored 326 not out, bowled little bit and hopped across to play another match because there were two matches go- ing on simultaneously in our school itself. So I went there and scored 178 not out again in that match, followed that with another triple hundred,” concluded Tendulkar. IANS nings to put his team in a comfortable position. He Pune skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni saw his deci- ion. The South African right-hander had smashed Following the release of the Rajkot was well supported in the other end by McCullum, sion justifi ed as openers Faf du Plesis and Ajinkya a four and six off the previous two deliveries. He teaser of his upcoming film who hit three boundaries and three sixes in his Rahane (21) gave the team a good Astart. went for a third consecutive bit shot, dancing “Sachin The Film”, Tendulkar 31-ball innings. But young leg-spinner Murugan With du Plesis going after the Gujarat bowl- down the track in an eff ort to hit the ball over the said acting is a more challeng- ujarat Lions produced an impressive all- Ashwin brought the much needed breakthrough ers, Rahane played a steady innings at the other long on fence. But he miscued his shot as Gujarat ing task for him than playing round performance to outclass Rising removing in-form batsman Finch in the ninth over end, with four well-timed hits to the fence. Pravin wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik pulled of a smart the game which comes to him Pune Supergiants by seven wickets in to put Pune back into the game. Tambe handed the hosts the breakthrough when stumping. naturally. their Indian Premier League (IPL) tie at McCullum, as he was looking good to reach yet Rahane missed the line of a delivery that kept Jadeja then sent back Steven Smith (5) early The teaser was released yes- Gthe Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium here another T20 fi fty, was removed by Ishant Sharma straight after pitching, only to see the ball hit him in the next over to put the brakes on Pune’s once terday and Tendulkar shared yesterday. in the 14th over to have Gujarat at 120/2. on the backfoot. soaring run rate. However, Dhoni (22 not out) pro- it through his Facebook and Batting fi rst, Pune posted 163/5 in 20 overs, But despite the openers getting out, the duo has Rahane’s dismissal did not bring any respite for duced a trademark strong fi nish, plundering 22 twitter page. thanks to Faf du Plessis’ 43-ball 69. In reply, riding done their job to help team stay on track for their the Gujarat bowlers as Kevin Pietersen (37) joined runs off 10 balls help Pune fi nish on a strong note. Mumbai-based production on Aaron Finch’s 50 and Brendon McCullum’s 49, second win of the tournament. du Plesis in the middle and the duo proceeded to Ravindra Jadeja (2/18), Pravin Tambe (2/33) were company 200 Not Out is mak- Gujarat chased down the total comfortably scoring New batsman Suresh Raina (24) and Dwayne lay the foundation for a competitive total. the pick of the bowlers for Gujarat. ing the film with London-based 164/3 in 18 overs. Bravo (22 not out) held on scoring runs at a good Bravo fi nally got rid of Pietersen with an in- BRIEF SCORES award-winning writer, director Chasing a challenging target of 164, openers pace to take team close to victory line. swinging slower delivery. He was completely Rising Pune Supergiants 163/5 in 20 overs (Faf du and producer James Erskine Finch and McCullum got Gujarat off to a yingfl But after the dismissal of Raina in the 17th over, fooled by the clever change of pace as the ball Plesis 69, Kevin Pietersen 37; Ravindra Jadeja 2/18, as the director and music was start scoring 62 runs in the powerplay. Bravo along with Ravindra Jadeja (4 not out) took crashed into the stumps. Pravin Tambe 2/33) vs Gujarat Lions 164/3 in 18 overs given by Oscar winner A R Finch took the initiative from the word go to hit team over the line with ease. Tambe struck another crucial blow for the Lions (Aaron Finch 50, Brendon McCullum 49; Murugan Rahman. seven boundaries and two sixes in his 36-ball in- Earlier, electing to bat fi rst on winning the toss, soon after by sending du Plesis back to the pavil- Ashwin 2-31)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Nottinghamshire Taylor retirement could act as wake-up set early pace call to cricket: England captain Cook By Ali Martin the fl ipside, at least it’s been detected The Guardian and we’re not talking about something with victory far worse. Hopefully the operation goes well and we’ll see him around off ering AFP extending his overnight century lastair Cook, the England Test his huge talent to the game in a diff erent Nottingham to 174. captain, believes James Tay- way.” Durham’s match against lor’s enforced retirement from Taylor appears to be remaining upbeat, Somerset at Chester-le-Street cricket due to a serious heart taking to social media on Wednesday to ottinghamshire were was abandoned shortly after the conditionA could serve as a “wake-up tweet a picture of himself in a wheelchair top of the First Divi- scheduled 1000 GMT start with call” to the game as a whole. outside City Hospital in Nottingham, sion after winning no play possible over the last two Taylor is set to undergo an operation at with his thumbs up, and writing: “First their opening Coun- days. the end of this week to have a defi brilla- bit of fresh air for a week, safe to say I’ve Nty Championship match on In the Second Division, Essex tor fi tted after tests on Monday showed taken this for granted!” Wednesday, a day when several hammered Gloucestershire by 10 his recent spells of light-headedness and Cook, also speaking to BBC Essex, con- matches ended in rain-aff ected wickets at Chelmsford. a high heart-rate were down to the con- fi rmed that the right-hander had been draws. Set 169 in their second England captain Alastair Cook genital heart condition arrhythmogenic set to continue his Test career against Sri innings at Trent Bridge, hosts was there at the fi nish for Essex, right ventricular cardiomyopathy. Lanka this summer, having returned to Nottinghamshire reached their the opener making 35 not out to While ARVC, which aff ects the cardiac the side against Pakistan in Sharjah last target in 42.4 overs for the loss of go with his fi rst-innings 105. muscle, precludes Taylor from continu- November following a three-year ab- seven wickets. No play was possible on the ing his career as a professional sports- Alastair Cook (left) is gutted that James Taylor’s career is cut short. sence and been part of the side that went Surrey were bowled out, on fi nal day at Wantage Road either, man, as was the case for former Bolton on to beat South Africa away. the stroke of lunch, for 389 in leaving Northamptonshire’s Ben midfi elder Fabrice Mumaba, it went un- “It’s another checkpoint for the ECB to hopes his former team-mate will return “We were just starting to see the best their second innings, with Arun Duckett stranded on 282 not out detected during his last heart screening make sure everything is in place. Will it to working in cricket in some capacity. of him,” the captain said. “He would have Harinath out for 137, including 18 against Sussex. back in 2013. be a wake-up call to make sure we can He said: “When I found out, it was a huge played in that fi rst Test match against Sri fours and a six. Meanwhile Worcestershire’s Captian Cook now sees the batsman’s do more and spend more money to make shock and a realisation just how lucky Lanka. It’s a great shock and very sad but Jake Ball led Nottingham- Second Division match against plight resulting in improved checks on sure players are looked after? Of course. we are that we are able to play this great if there’s a guy who is able to handle what shire’s attack with fi ve for 98. Kent at New Road was aban- professional cricketers, with the England One of the legacies that James could game. All our thoughts are obviously he’s going through, it’s him because of Elsewhere Liam Dawson and doned without a ball being and Wales Cricket Board having already leave might be to protect a number of with James and his family. He tweeted his character – that’s why he’d been such Adam Wheater helped Hamp- bowled on any of the four days, begun a review into its procedures prior other players.” his world has been turned upside down a successful cricketer. One of his great shire salvage a draw with War- a soggy outfi eld putting paid to to the Nottinghamshire batsman’s diag- Cook expressed his shock and sympa- and of course it has, but when I spoke to strengths was fi nding a way. He proved wickshire at Southampton after any hopes of play despite the nosis. thy for Taylor after learning the news on him he understood that he is lucky still to people wrong time and time again and the visitors’ Ian Bell bolstered ground being bathed in sun- “We’ve had heart scans. Can we do Monday evening, before it was publicly be here. was a great character to have around the his hopes of an England recall by shine. more? Of course,” said Cook on Sky. announced the following morning, and “It’s a career cut very short but on dressing room.” Gulf Times 6 Friday, April 15, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Hollywood farewell as 60-point Bryant bows out ‘Man, I can’t believe how fast 20 years went by, this is crazy. What can I say? Mamba out’ KOBE BRYANT BY THE NUMBERS

AFP 1: NBA Most Valuable Player Los Angeles award, in the 2007-08 season Kobe Bryant (top) of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts 2: NBA scoring titles, in 2005- while addressing fans following his fi nal game as a 06 (35.4 pts/game) and 2006- os Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Laker in their season-ending NBA western division 07 (31.6 pts/game) Bryant delivered a Hollywood matchup aginst the Utah Jazz in Los Angeles. (AFP) NBA Finals MVP awards ending as the curtain came down (2009, 2010) on his glittering 20-year NBA 5: NBA championships won Lcareer on Wednesday in a blockbuster with the Lakers in 2000, fi nale. 2001, 2002, 2009 and On a night of searing emotion at a 2010 packed Staples Center, the 37-year-old 8: First jersey number as signed off with a mammoth 60 points, a Laker, worn for his first including a fi nal burst of scoring to in- decade inthe league until he spire a 101-96 comeback victory over switched to 24. the Utah Jazz. 10: Number of coaches in A galaxy of A-list celebrities—from 20 seasons, including two Jack Nicholson to David Beckham— stretches with Phil Jackson. roared their approval from courtside as 12: Three-pointers made in a Bryant exited with a perfectly scripted January 7, 2003 game against fi nal act. Seattle, an NBA record since “Man, I can’t believe how fast 20 equalled by Golden State’s years went by, this is crazy,” Bryant Stephen Curry. told his adoring fans. “What can I say? 13: Overall selection by the Mamba out.” Charlotte Hornets in the 1996 A sell-out crowd of 19,060 fans had NBA Draft. He was traded to packed into the Staples Center to watch the Lakers 15 days later. Bryant lace up for the 1,566th and last 13.6: Scoring average for the time. United States in the 2008 and “Tonight was trying to go out, playing 2012 Olympics. hard and putting on a show as much as I 15: All-Star Game starts, the possibly could. It felt good to be able to most in history. do that one last time,” Bryant said. 18: Consecutive All-Star Game “The coolest thing is that my kids ac- selections (the longest streak tually saw me play like I used to play.” and second-most overall Tickets for the game were the most selections behind Abdul- expensive in basketball history, accord- Jabbar’s 19). ing to online exchange StubHub.com, 20: Seasons with the Lakers, which sold one pair of courtside seats the most for one player with for a staggering $27,500 each. one team in NBA history. Lakers legend Magic Johnson had act- 24: Jersey number from start ed as master of ceremonies for a lengthy of 2006-07 season, after pre-game tribute that featured video switching from No. 8. messages from some of the NBA’s most 50: 24 career 50 point games, recognizable fi gures. third most in NBA history “We are here to celebrate greatness behind Chamberlain (118) and for 20 years,” Johnson told the crowd. Jordan (31) “He’s not only a great and unbelievable 81: Points in a 122-104 victory sports icon but he’s already the greatest over the Toronto Raptors on to wear the purple and gold.” January 22, 2006 -- second- highest total in NBA history ‘Melancholy’ Nicholson behind Wilt Chamberlain’s Oscar-winning actor Nicholson—a 100-point game in 1962. regular presence at courtside during the 1,346: Regular-season games Bryant era—wrapped up a montage of played, along with 220 play- video messages. off games. “Kobe, goodbye, I think I might retire 5,640: Points scored in the with you, I’m not sure,” said Nicholson. playoff s, third-most in NBA Nicholson later described Bryant’s history behind Michael Jor- retirement as a “melancholy” moment. dan (5,987) and Abdul-Jabbar “It’s like anything—you don’t know (5,762) what you had until you don’t have it,” 33,643: Career regular-season Nicholson told NBA TV. “Fortunately team they had “witnessed history.” “It’s like a family member, we spent their memories under the trending “The City of Angels owes Kobe Bry- points, third on the NBA’s we do know what we had and he’s been “I hope they savor the moment. I $3,000 on two tickets, we are ready to hashtag “#MambaDay”, a reference to ant a debt of gratitude for sharing with all-time scoring list behind great all the way.” hope they realize that man gave every- spend a lot of money to see history,” one Bryant’s “Black Mamba” nickname. us 20 remarkable years of electrify- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Football icon Beckham meanwhile thing he could for 20 years and he gave it Lakers fan, Miguel, told AFP. As day gave way to dusk, Los Angeles ing dedication and commitment to the Karl Malone. expressed delight at the manner of Bry- again tonight,” Scott said. Los Angeles transport offi cials mean- City Hall was lit up in the Lakers’ iconic city, our fans and communities,” said 323.3: Million dollars, Bryant’s ant’s departure. Excitement for Bryant’s farewell game while got into the spirit of celebra- colors of purple and gold. Wesson. cumulative salary since his “Every wanted him to go out like this,” had built throughout the day, with the tion, renaming a metro station near the Announcing the gesture earlier in the “His work ethic, hustle and quest for NBA debut, including $25 mil- Beckham said. “The way he’s gone out streets surrounding the Staples Center Staples Center “Kobe Station” for the day, Los Angeles City Council President championships ensures his place in the lion for his final season. tonight is incredible.” transformed into a sea of purple and gold day. Herb Wesson declared the move a fi tting history books - there will never be an- Lakers coach Byron Scott told his as thousands of fans thronged the area. On Twitter, fans were invited to share tribute to the retiring star. other Kobe Bryant.”

FOCUS Bryant built career with tireless work ethic

Reuters ball-hog, though he has frequently excelled as a “I knew I had to be better because of Kobe Bry- Los Angeles facilitator and is unrivalled in the modern game ant,” said James. when it comes to basketball IQ. “I knew he was in the gym and I knew he “Every night you played, I couldn’t wait to watch was working on his game. And I knew he was or 20 long seasons, Los Angeles Lak- knowing that I would witness an unbelievable shot great. ers guard Kobe Bryant lit up the National or move that I had never seen on the court,” fellow “So every day that I didn’t want to work out or Basketball Association (NBA) with a work Lakers great Magic Johnson wrote about Bryant on every day I felt like I couldn’t give more, I always ethic and closing ability matched by very his website on Wednesday. thought of Kobe. Because I knew that he was get- fewF until he fi nally ended his stellar career on “I marveled at the skills and loved the energy ting better.” Wednesday. you brought to the game wearing that purple and At the age of 37, he realized that time was run- gold uniform. You never disappointed the city, ning out and last November he announced that the Laker fans and basketball fans worldwide. All you ‘Dear Kobe’ — NBA’s thank 2015-16 season would be his last as his battered cared about was winning games and champion- you letter to Bryant body was no longer able to withstand the rigors of ships and that’s why so many people love you. protracted campaigns. “Very few people have changed the game of bas- The National Basketball Association published a Five-time NBA champion and future Hall ketball but you will be recognized as one of them letter of gratitude to Kobe Bryant on Thurs- of Famer Bryant was sidelined for nearly eight alongside my ‘Dream Team’ teammates, Larry Bird day after the Los Angeles Lakers legend said months in 2013 with a torn Achilles’ tendon, then and Michael Jordan.” farewell to the sport with a fairytale 60-point played just six games during the 2013-14 season Named Kobe by his parents after they spotted performance. because of a severe knee injury. the popular Japanese cut of beef on a restaurant In a letter entitled “Dear Kobe” on The Players’ Last season, he played 35 games but increas- menu shortly before his birth, Bryant is a fi ve- Tribune website—where Bryant announced ingly suff ered soreness in his knees, feet and back, times NBA champion having won titles in 2000, his retirement in November last year—the NBA prompting coach Byron Scott to cut back sig- 2001, 2002, 2009 and 2010. praised the icon for his “passion, commitment, nifi cantly on Bryant’s playing time going forward He was drafted out of high school with the 13th and dedication to basketball.” while altering his on-court role. overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Charlotte “Thank you for giving and giving and giving,” His 2015-16 campaign has eff ectively been Hornets but was traded shortly after the Lakers for the letter read. a farewell tour, his time on court signifi cantly Serbian Vlade Divac. “Thank you for pushing through even when cut back though he ended up playing in 66 of 82 He has appeared in 18 All-Star games, was your body was screaming ‘no,’ but your mind games, particularly on the road, to give fans one named the Most Valuable Player for the 2007- and your heart kept saying ‘yes.’ last chance to say goodbye. 08 regular season and landed MVP honors in the “For the games that you refused to lose, and Popularly known as ‘Black Mamba’, Bryant 2009 and 2010 Finals when he led the Lakers to those that you always seemed destined to win. made a living by making the seemingly impossible consecutive championships. “Thank you for your endless drive ... For 20 possible for the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant has also won gold medals with the U.S. years you gave our game all you had, and we Until age fi nally caught up with him, he made a basketball team at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. are eternally grateful.” habit of draining game-winning shots despite be- Twice NBA champion LeBron James of the Bryant retired from basketball on Wednesday ing double or triple-teamed, establishing a repu- Cleveland Cavaliers, who is widely regarded as night, bringing the curtain down on a 20-year tation for being one of the best ever closers in the the best player currently competing in the league, career with a remarkable display in his final NBA as a shooting guard. pointed to Bryant’s work ethic as a signifi cant mo- match against the Utah Jazz. Kobe Bryant (R) of the Los Angeles Lakers goes up for a shot against Gordon Hayward of At times, Bryant has been accused of being a tivation for him. the Utah Jazz in the fourth quarter at Staples Center in Los Angeles. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times Friday, April 15, 2016 7 SPORT

NBA NHL Zatkoff brilliant as Penguins beat Curry drops in 46 as Rangers 5-2

The Sports Xchange Pittsburgh

eff Zatkoff stopped 35 shots in an unexpected and bril- Warriors notch 73rd liant playoff debut, Patric Hornqvist frustrated New York at both ends of the ice while scoring three times and the Pittsburgh Penguins fi nally found a way to beat theJ Rangers in the post-season, winning 5-2 on Wednesday. Hornqvist scored the game’s fi rst goal before the Rangers pulled star goaltender Henrik Lundqvist with an eye injury, set up Sidney Crosby for a breakaway goal in the second, and added two more goals in the third as the Penguins defeated win to surpass Bulls the team that eliminated them the last two postseasons. Pittsburgh was the NHL’s hottest team down the stretch, winning 14 of 16, but that was with Marc-Andre Fleury and ‘I’m shocked, I thought that record would stand forever. It’s amazing what they did’ Matt Murray in net. Neither goaltender played as Zatkoff , the No. 3 goalie who played once since Feb. 20, started when Fleury (concussion) DPA couldn’t go after taking part in the morning skate. Los Angeles Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Zatkoff shut out the Rangers on 22 shots over the fi rst two Curry (R) drives in for layup against periods as Pittsburgh led 2-0. Memphis Grizzlies forward Matt Barnes He gave up a Derek Stepan goal on a 5-on-3 power play ear- he Golden State Warri- during second quarter at Oracle Arena. ly in the third period and regrouped before rookie Tom Kuh- ors are no longer chasing PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports nhackl scored short-handed to end what would have been a history - they now stand four-minute Rangers power play. alone after notching an Stepan also scored twice—getting his second slightly more TNBA-record 73rd win of the sea- than two minutes after Hornqvist scored his second—on a son. power play, at 8:02 of the third. A 125-104 rout of the visiting Hornqvist later scored into an empty net, with Crosby Memphis Grizzlies on the fi nal picking up assists on Hornqvist’s third-period goals. matchday of the regular season The third playoff series in as many seasons between the gave them a fi nal 73-9 record to longtime rivals was supposed to feature the two winningest beat the 72-10 record of the 1995- goalies in this post-season. 96 Chicago Bulls. Fleury, though, wasn’t in uniform and Lundqvist—brilliant Reigning league MVP Stephen while winning seven of his last eight against Pittsburgh in the Curry led the way as he hit 10 tri- playoff s—was gone after one period. ples en route to 46 points. The Rangers, no doubt motivated at not having to face “We have a great group of guys Fleury and his 53 career wins, got off to a strong start, out- and everybody is trying to get shooting Pittsburgh 12-3 early on. better every single day, that’s But Rangers defenseman Marc Staal’s stick unintentionally what pushes us,” said Curry, struck Lundqvist in his right eye with 49 seconds left in the who won the league scoring title. fi rst period. “It’s been a great journey and I’m Lundqvist stayed in after being treated, but Hornqvist proud of everybody in this group.” scored only 31 seconds after play resumed. Conor Sheary shot Warriors coach Steve Kerr was the puck off the goalie’s right shoulder, and it defl ected into a member of that Bulls squad and the low slot to Hornqvist, who shot it between the goalie’s thought the record would never pads. be broken. Antti Raanta, who was 11-6-2 during the season to Zatkoff ’s “I’m shocked, I thought that 4-7-1, came on to allow Crosby’s goal on a breakaway set up record would stand forever,” he by Hornqvist’s block of Dan Girardi’s shot and subsequent said. “It’s amazing what they did. up-ice pass, Kuhnhackl’s fi rst career goal and Hornqvist’s I said it 20 years ago but I don’t second and third of the game. He made 16 saves. think this one will ever be broken. The Penguins clearly got a lift as Zatkoff stopped shot after “The Bulls were an amazing shot during the Rangers’ early surge and again as the Pen- group like this group is. The great guins didn’t get a shot off against Raanta until 9:30 into the thing is they won the title that second period. year. That’s obviously what we He twice stopped Mats Zuccarello during one New York want to do too.” surge, plus a Chris Kreider rebound attempt. Former Bulls great Michael Jordan said in a statement: “I want to congratulate the Warriors on an amazing season. The game his storied 20-year career and the set up a fi rst- round playoff East- Jodie Meeks scored 20 points zPortland 107, Denver of basketball is always evolv- Lakers (17-65) beat the visiting ern Conference matchup against and the visiting Pistons (44-38) Nuggets 99: Damian Lillard ing and records are made to be Jazz (40-42). Miami. edged the Cavaliers who rested scored 21 points and the Blaz- broken. The Warriors have been zHouston Rockets 116, zWashington Wizards 109, starters LeBron James, Kevin ers tuned up for the Clippers by a lot of fun to watch, and I look Sacramento Kings 81: James Atlanta Hawks 98: Ramon Ses- Love and Kyrie Irving. The game trimming the visiting Nuggets. forward to seeing what they do in Harden had 38 points and the sions scored 22 points and the was a preview of this week- In games without any play- the playoff s.” host Rockets (42-40)routed the playoff -eliminated Wizards (41- end’s matchup between eighth- off implications: Minnesota Klay Thompson tossed in 16 Kings to secure the fi nal Western 41) beat the Hawks (48-34), in seeded Detroit and top-seeded pounded New Orleans 144-109 points, Harrison Barnes added 15 Conference playoff spot. Sacra- what is being reported as Randy Cleveland. and promptly relieved T-Wolves for the Warriors, who will open mento’s George Karl is likely to Whitman’s fi nal game as Wash- zSan Antonio Spurs 96, interim head coach Sam Mitchell the fi rst round of the playoff s have coached his last game amid ington head coach. Dallas Mavericks 91: Serbian of his duties; and visiting Chica- against the Houston Rockets on reports he will be fi red after the zToronto Raptors 103, rookie Boban Marjanovic scored go dropped league-worst Phila- Saturday at Oracle Arena. Kings (33-49)failed to make Brooklyn Nets 96: Rookie Nor- a career-high 22 points with 12 delphia 115-105. “We’re talking best record ever playoff s for the 10th consecutive man Powell scored a career-high rebounds and the visiting Spurs and that doesn’t happen very season. 30 points, and the Raptors (56- - despite resting four starters RESULTS often,” said Warriors Draymond zBoston Celtics 98, Miami 26) beat the hosting Nets (21-61) - stormed from 18 down at half- Green after an 11-point, nine- Heat 88: Isaiah Thomas had while resting All-Star guards time to beat the Mavericks. The Boston 98 Miami 88 rebound, seven-assist outing. 21 points and the Celtics roared DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry. sixth seeded Mavericks (42-40) Brooklyn 96 Toronto 103 “Now we got to get into these back from 26 down to beat the The second-seeded Raptors will will face third-seeded Oklahoma Charlotte 117 Orlando 103 playoff s and do what we really set visiting Heat and sew up the open the Eastern Conference City (55-27) in a Western Confer- Cleveland 110 Detroit 112 (OT) out to do from the beginning.” fi fth playoff seed in the Eastern playoff s against number seven ence opening round matchup this Washington 109 Atlanta 98 Zach Randolph scored 24 Conference. Boston will open Indiana this weekend. weekend. Golden State 125 Memphis 104 points to lead Memphis (42-40) against fourth-seeded Atlanta, zIndiana Pacers 97, Mil- zPhoenix Suns 114, LA Clip- LA Lakers 101 Utah 96 who ended the season as seven while third-seeded Miami (48- waukee Bucks 92: Solomon Hill pers 105: Mirza Teletovic led Phoenix 114 LA Clippers 105 seeds and will face second seed 34) booked a weekend date with scored a season-high 25 points seven players in double fi gures Portland 107 Denver 99 San Antonio on the road in the number six Charlotte in the fi rst with seven triples and the play- with 22 points and the host Suns Chicago 115 Philadelphia 105 fi rst round. round of the playoff s. off -bound Pacers (45-37) beat the (23-59) snapped the Clippers’ six- Dallas 91 San Antonio 96 Elsewhere: LA Lakers 103, zCharlotte Hornets 117, Or- host Bucks (33-49) despite rest- game success. The fourth-seeded Houston 116 Sacramento 81 Utah Jazz 96: In storybook end- lando Magic 103: Al Jeff erson ing four starters. Clippers (53-29) face fi fth seeded Milwaukee 92 Indiana 97 Jeff Zatkoff (R) of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrates with ing, Kobe Bryant exploded for 60 scored 26 points and Hornets zDetroit Pistons 112, Portland (44-38) in a fi rst round Minnesota 144 New Orleans 109 Carl Hagelin (No 62) and Trevor Daley after defeating the points in the fi nal NBA game of (48-34) beat the Magic (35-47) to Cleveland Cavaliers 110 (OT): Western Conference series. New York Rangers in Pittsburgh. (Getty Images/AFP)

BASEBALL Jansen closes the door as Dodgers beat Diamonbacks

By Mike DiGiovanna his string of 11 straight batters to second was wide and hit “Absolutely.”Jansen, who has string of three or four games in Los Angeles Times retired snapped when pinch- Pederson for an error. Kendrick 145 career saves, said he would which they need a closer. hitter Phil Gosselin reached scored for a 2-1 lead. be open to four-out, fi ve-out or “You can’t predict the future,” on an infi eld single to open the With two on, Corey Seager even six-out saves. But he had Jansen said. “Sometimes if I’m t would have come off as an eighth. Pedro Baez got Nick hit what should have been an never recorded a save of more fresh, I can pick up my team- act of desperation had Los Ahmed to line out to center but inning-ending double-play than four outs until Wednesday. mates ... but you can’t panic and Angeles Dodgers manager walked Jean Segura. grounder to second. But Gold- “Doc knows I’m willing to do use me as a savior all the time. I Dave Roberts not expressed In came Jansen, who struck schmidt squeezed his fi rst base- that,” Jansen said of Roberts. “I need these guys all year to set the Ithree hours before the game his out pinch-hitter David Peralta man’s mitt too soon while at- make sure I stay sharp, in shape bridge up. They’re more impor- willingness to do exactly what he swinging through a 93-mph cut tempting to catch Ahmed’s relay and get plenty of rest, so when- tant than me closing that ninth, did in the eighth inning Wednes- fastball and got the dangerous throw, and the ball squirted out ever he needs me for two innings because they need to build that day night. Paul Goldschmidt to fl y to deep of his mitt, allowing Pederson to or a four-out save, I’ll be ready.” bridge from the sixth to the With two on, one out and the left to end the inning. score for a 3-1 lead. Roberts isn’t so sure about ninth.” Dodgers clinging to a two-run Jansen retired the side in or- The bullpen was torched for six-out saves, but he can envi- Results lead over Arizona, Roberts sum- der in the ninth to end a wild and 16 earned runs in 14 innings of sion using Jansen in what he NY Mets 2 Miami 1 moned Kenley Jansen for what somewhat chippy game that in- the previous fi ve games, suff er- called “unorthodox situations,” LA Angels 5 Oakland 1 he hoped would be the fi rst fi ve- cluded four replay reviews, three ing three losses and three blown like the ninth inning Tuesday, Seattle 4 Texas 2 (10 innings) out save of the closer’s career _ in hit-batsmen, all of them Dodg- saves, including Tuesday’s when Coleman turned a 2-1 defi - Washington 3 Atlanta 0 the ninth game of the season. ers, three errors, all by the Dia- Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Alex Wood delivers a pitch meltdown in which Baez, Chris cit into a 4-1 defi cit, rendering Detroit 7 Pittsburgh 3 It’s an indication of just how mondbacks, two home runs and against the Arizona Diamondbacks during a MLB game at Dodger Hatcher and Louis Coleman gave the Dodgers’ run in the bottom Philadelphia 2 San Diego 1 bad the Dodgers bullpen has one surprise winning pitcher. Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports up four runs in the fi nal three in- of the ninth moot. Toronto 7 NY Yankees 2 been that few would question Wood did not appear to be nings of a 4-2 loss. “We can use Kenley when Boston 4 Baltimore 2 the move, especially after Jansen long for the game, not after the pitches to complete the next Howie Kendrick and Joc Ped- Roberts said Tuesday that it we’re down a run to keep that Cleveland 4 Tampa Bay 1 doused that eighth-inning fi re left-hander needed 54 pitches four innings. The Dodgers tied erson singled to open the fi fth, was too soon to shake up bullpen defi cit right there,” Roberts said, Chicago Cubs 9 Cincinnati 2 and pitched a scoreless ninth to to navigate the fi rst three in- the score, 1-1, in the fourth when Kendrick taking third on Ped- roles. But when asked Wednes- “or in a tie game when you might White Sox 3 Minnesots 0 preserve a 3-1 victory in Dodger nings and gave up a home run to Adrian Gonzalez hit a full-count erson’s hit. Wood struck out at- day afternoon if he would con- not conventionally use a closer.” Kansas City 4 Houston 2 Stadium. Alex Wood, who was Ahmed in the third. But he found 97-mph fastball from Rubby De tempting to bunt. Chase Utley sider extending the role of The problem with using Milwaukee 6 St. Louis 4 superb over seven one-run, fi ve- his bearings and turned into a La Rosa into the right-center grounded to the shortstop hole, Jansen, who pitched twice in the Jansen in nonsave situations is Colorado 10 San Francisco 6 hit innings to earn the win, had model of effi ciency, needing 47 fi eld seats for his fi rst home run. but Ahmed’s off -balance throw fi rst eight games, Roberts said, that the Dodgers could play a LA Dodgers 3 Arizona 1 Gulf Times 8 Friday, April 15, 2016 RUGBY

ANNOUNCEMENT FOCUS Coetzee’s Springbok nod raises Super Kruis, Itoje extend derby stakes

AFP Going for Gold Singapore The Sharks, beaten at home in the past two weeks by the Canterbury Crusaders and Li- Saracens deals llister Coetzee’s ap- ons, head to New Zealand to face pointment as the new the Auckland Blues who put on Springbok coach has a much improved display last ‘I am lucky to call Sarries home, and I am delighted to extend my contract for three years’ added spice to tomor- weekend when they went close row’sA showdown to upsetting the Chiefs. between South African glamour Sharks coach Gary Gold sees sides the Western Stormers and the match-up as ideal for his Golden Lions. side to unleash their attacking A week ago, the Stormers and credentials. Lions knew they were battling “When we have possession, George Kruis (left ) with Maro Itoje for South African supremacy as it’s for us to make the very best the leading sides in the two Af- of it, to build the phases and put rica conferences. them under pressure,” he said. Now they have the added “One thing about the New pressure of impressing the new Zealand teams is that they don’t Boks coach who has laid out his want to come out and defend, blueprint for reviving South Af- they much prefer being on the rica’s fortunes and needs the attack.” backing of the Super franchises. The Northern Bulls, second Round eight is much less de- to the Stormers in the Africa 1 manding in New Zealand, where conference, are at home to the leading lights the Waikato Chiefs who knocked and Otago Highlanders have the over defending champions the week off , and in Australia where Highlanders last weekend for the usual hype around a Brum- their fi rst win of the season. bies-Waratahs derby has been Argentina’s Jaguares, having watered down by the under- rested captain Agustin Creevy performing ‘Tahs. and a host of other players over But in South Africa, Coetzee the past two weeks, have made has stepped into his new role nine changes as they return to preaching an attacking philoso- nearly full strength to start the phy and with only seven weeks weekend against the Crusaders before their fi rst Test against in Christchurch on Friday. Ireland. The Crusaders, aiming for a Attacking rugby and Coetzee sixth straight win for the fi rst were rarely used in the same sen- time since 2011, have Israel Dagg tence when he guided a defence- in their line-up for the fi rst time based Stormers to the Super this year with the former All Rugby play-off s four times in Black fullback having recovered six seasons, including the 2010 from a shoulder injury. fi nal. The ACT , fresh off a But having seen New Zealand bye and a thrashing by the Chiefs win the last two World Cups the week before that, have been with an expansive game, Coetzee forced to reorganise their back accepts that is the way forward row following the two-match and believes he has the backing suspension of and of the Super coaches to get there. the retirement of Ita Vaea over a “It is great to see that all life-threatening blood clot con- coaches at Super Rugby level dition. have this awareness that we need Jarrad Butler will start the to brush up on our attack,” he match at openside fl anker with said, while adding that did not Jordan Smiler at number eight. mean an end to South Africa’s Kurtley Beale is expected to trademark physical game. return for the Waratahs, who The Stormers, with fi ve wins have lost their last two home from six games, remain strong matches at Allianz Stadium. The defensively having leaked only last time they lost three suc- eight tries this year compared cessive matches at home was to 18 by the Lions who are four in 2007. In other matches this from six. weekend, the Melbourne Rebels Attacking statistics favour the host the Wellington Lions, who have scored 21 tries and the Central Cheetahs are at to 17 by the Stormers. home to the Sunwolves. AFP Kruis and Itoje, who both tional honours are on the hori- racens is a club that is in my Saturday, for which an impres- London came through the Saracens zon and Itoje said: “I am lucky heart, and I didn’t hesitate to sive 77,000 tickets have already youth set-up, were two of the to call Sarries home, and I am sign a new deal to stay here. been sold. outstanding players in this sea- delighted to extend my contract “I owe so much to the club, “They (Itoje and Kruis) have Sonny Bill says trophy giveaway is no big deal ngland locks George son’s Six Nations. for three more years. and I am really looking forward been in superb form this season Sonny Bill Williams has played down his latest random act of kind- Kruis and Maro Itoje Itoje produced a brilliant “It was an easy decision from to my future at Allianz Park. for both club and country,” said ness, saying giving away his Hong Kong Sevens runners-up trophy have both signed new all-round display in England’s the outset, as I’ve really en- What’s really important to me is Saracens director of rugby Mark to an eight-year-old fan was no big deal. Code-hopper Williams, long-term deals with win over Wales at Twickenham joyed my rugby so far, and I am that as a young group of players McCall. “They are only going to who also handed his World Cup-winner’s medal to a stunned fan in PremiershipE leaders Saracens, last month, while the consist- incredibly grateful for the help we are all committing our fu- get better and better as players, London last year, said most of his team-mates had done the same the London club announced ent Kruis starred throughout and guidance I have received tures to the club together. and we’re excited about them in Hong Kong. “It’s blown out of proportion. Most of the boys gave yesterday. the tournament. The Saracens since arriving at the club as a “I am playing alongside my doing it here at Saracens. their cups away from the Hong Kong tournament, so I don’t see it as The second row duo will re- duo are now set to be England’s 14-year-old. best mates and working along- “Maro’s progress over the last a big deal,” he told reporters ahead of the Singapore Sevens. main with Saracens until at least fi rst-choice lock-pairing when “The club is hugely ambitious side them day-in, day-out, and few seasons has been phenom- Eight-year-old Cooper Rodda posted a YouTube video thanking Wil- 2019. Kruis, 26, and Itoje, 21, coach Eddie Jones takes the and has been competing at the that means a lot to me. We’ve enal. He has experienced a lot of liams for handing over his silver runners-up tankard, unasked, after both played signifi cant roles in side to his native Australia for highest level for some time. already achieved so much as a big games for the club already, posing for a selfie on Sunday. “He’s, like, one of the most nicest guys England’s Six Nations title suc- a three-Test series against the “As a player, you want to be group of players, and there is has played for England and is in the world,” the young fan said of Williams. Williams is bidding to cess earlier this season that saw Wallabies in June. playing in the big games, and still so much more to come from still only 21 years old, which is make New Zealand’s Olympic sevens team and after being sidelined the team win its fi rst grand slam once again we are well placed in us. I am delighted to be staying incredibly exciting. with a knee injury, he started to hit form in their run to the Hong since 2003. ‘Easy decision’ both the Aviva Premiership and here.” “In George, we have one of Kong final. But he said gelling with team-mates is his primary con- The European Champions With reigning champions Sa- European Champions Cup this The announcement of Kruis the fi nest lock forwards around, cern as he keeps his focus fixed firmly on the Rio Games in August. Cup semi-fi nalists announced racens top of the Premiership season. It’s a special club to play and Itoje’s new contracts came a player who has shown consist- “For myself, it’s just been about fitting in with the team. The team that 21-year-old Itoje and Kruis, table and in the semi-fi nals of for, and I’m really happy to be ahead of Saracens’ league clash ent improvement year on year comes first, there’s a lot of talk that goes on outside of this group 26, will remain at Allianz Park the European Champions Cup, staying.” against London rivals Harle- and still has so much more to here and I don’t worry about it,” he said. until at least 2019. further club as well as interna- Meanwhile Kruis added: “Sa- quins at on come.”

SPOTLIGHT Humble McCaw gets New Zealand’s top honour

AFP McCaw, who led New Zealand McCaw becomes the young- Wellington to back-to-back World Cups in est holder of the title, eclips- 2011 and 2015, described himself ing former prime minister Former New Zealand All Blacks as “an ordinary Kiwi” and was and World Trade Organisation captain Richie McCaw ll Blacks legend Richie pleased to keep the pomp and director-general Mike Moore, (R) poses with his fi ancee Gemma McCaw said he was ceremony to a minimum. who was 50 when he was made a Flynn aft er receiving the Order of humbled to receive Still just 35 and less than six member. New Zealand during an investiture New Zealand’s top civic months into his retirement from Others on the list include an- ceremony in Wellington. (AFP) honourA yesterday, but also re- international sport, McCaw said other former All Black captain lieved he does not have to adopt he would have faced a ribbing Brian Lochore, director Peter the title “Sir Richie”. from friends if he became Sir Jackson and former prime min- McCaw was bestowed with Richie. ister Helen Clark, who is now in the Order of New Zealand (ONZ), “As a young man you still want the running to become United which recognises “outstanding to be able to integrate yourself Nations secretary-general. service” to the country and is re- with your mates as normal and McCaw’s citation said he was stricted to 20 living members at not having a title like that actu- “regarded as New Zealand’s fi n- any one time. ally makes it somewhat easier,” est rugby player”. It sits higher in the honours he told reporters. During a 15-year career, the system than a knighthood—but “The fact that it didn’t come fl anker played a world record 148 does not include the title “Sir” with the title of ‘Sir’ sat with me Tests and only tasted defeat 15 and is not awarded with a cere- a lot more comfortably.” times. He said he was relishing monial tap on the shoulder with He said the honour ranks retirement, piloting helicopters a sword. alongside the best of his stellar in New Zealand’s South Island Instead, the world’s most career, because it was recogni- and last week completing a gru- capped international rugby tion from his fellow New Zea- elling fi ve-day adventure race player simply bowed his head landers. for charity. as Governor General Jerry “This would be right up at the “I’ve probably got myself bus- Mateparae hung the order’s top, you can’t get any bigger than ier than I intended straight away, modest badge around his neck in this. To be recognised by your but there’s things I want to do Wellington. country, it’s pretty cool,” he said. that I fi nd enjoyable,” he said. Gulf Times Friday, April 15, 2016 9 SPORT

WEIGHTLIFTING SPOTLIGHT Budapest unveils 2024 bid logo Vegetarian Ilyin AFP Budapest

ungarian offi cials un- veiled Budapest’s of- fi cial Olympics logo in its bid to host the 2024 eyes third gold games,H a design comprising the city’s iconic Statue of Liberty and a “reimagined” set of Olym- pic rings. The Hungarian capital, hoping to have the Olympics for the fi rst time, is up against Los Angeles, Paris and Rome, all of whom have medal at Olympics already revealed their logos. The winner will be chosen next year The 27-year-old is now training to win a third Olympic title at the Rio Games in August in Lima. Budapest’s motif was present- billion euros ($2.7 billion) after which would entrench his reputation as ’s most successful athlete of all time ed at a ceremony beside the 1947 cities were encouraged by the Soviet-era Statue of Liberty atop International Olympic Commit- a hill by the river Danube in a cer- tee (IOC) under its Agenda 2020 Ilya Ilyin: Perhaps the only emony involving the city’s mayor strategy not to go overboard with champion and the head of the Hungarian their infrastructure. who is a vegetarian. Olympic Committee. This makes the bidding proc- The designers, whose stylised ess “tailor-made for Budapest”, creation beat off around 200 Balazs Furjes, head of the 2024 other entries, said it “perfectly bid committee, said at the cer- refl ects the qualities of Buda- emony. Otherwise, “Budapest pest: optimism, vitality, moder- would have no chance,” added nity, and a young creative ap- Zsolt Borkai, president of the proach”. Hungarian Olympic Committee. Los Angeles has chosen an an- Budapest has bid unsuccess- gel leaping in rays of Californian fully several times to host the sunshine, Paris a dayglo Eiff el Olympics, including for the Tower and Rome the Colosseum fi rst modern games in 1896. So in the red, white and green of the far Moscow, in 1980, is the only Italian fl ag. eastern European city to have Budapest has announced a hosted the four-yearly athletics modest budget of around 2.4 extravaganza.

Brazil crisis will not aff ect Games, says International Olympic Committee

Reuters, Rio de Janeiro: own work in spite of the The political and economic complicated political and crisis engulfing Brazil will not economic atmosphere and aff ect preparations for Rio de that has not had an impact Janeiro’s Olympic Games in because the preparations are August as venues are being on schedule,” El Moutawakel completed on time, organisers said after a three-day visit to said yesterday. the host city. The lower house of Congress She said there was still last- votes on whether to impeach minute work to do but was President Dilma Rousseff on confident the games, in one of AFP ter feeling in my body. It is not easy for “I also promised our president that I “I often had to look for him in back al- Sunday, in the latest chapter the world’s most picturesque me to digest meat. would win at the Games and I’m set on leys,” said Pak. “Sometimes I had to drag of a crisis that has divided the cities, will be a success. “I waste too much energy in digesting keeping my word.” him by the hand and take him to prac- South American nation and “The last stretch is always the meat and that’s why I get my proteins Kazakhstan has had most Olym- tice. I’m glad this was not all in vain.” plunged its economy into the hardest,” she said. “We believe aised in the far-fl ung steppes from other products. pic success in boxing and weightlift- Ilyin, the son of a hairdresser and a deepest recession in decades. that Rio 2016 will make the of Kazakhstan, Ilya Ilyin wants “I like beans and other legume plants ing, winning 17 boxing medals and 10 machinery plant worker, began weight- Despite political turmoil, host nation proud.” to become the most successful very much. I need a lot of ‘live’ products weightlifting medals since the 1996 At- lifting at the age of six. His older brother venues are on schedule and The relative calm contrasts weightlifter in history and he such as fruit and vegetables. lanta Games. Alexei won national titles in his age cat- organization has been good with the last-minute rush Rhas already made his mark as probably It has become a very important aspect The country has won fi ve weightlift- egory. so far, the chairwoman of the before Brazil hosted the 2014 the fi rst vegetarian beefcake to win a in my preparations.” ing gold medals. The two won by Ka- Ilyin won his fi rst national title at 13 International Olympic Com- World Cup. Several stadiums world title. Ilyin, who has a worldwide follow- zakh men—at the London and Beijing and his fi rst world title at 17 at the 2005 mittee’s Coordination Com- were finished late, and many The 27-year-old is now training to ing, had already given up meat when he Games—belong to Ilyin. world championship in Doha. He has mission, Nawal El Moutawakel, of the promised infrastructure win a third Olympic title at the Rio de won the men’s 105kg title at the 2014 Ilyin, who was named weightlifter of won four world titles as well as the Bei- told reporters. projects have still not been Janeiro Games in August which would world championships in his native Ka- the year four times by the International jing and London Olympic titles. “We are advanced with our finished two years later. entrench his reputation as Kazakhstan’s zakhstan. Weightlifting Federation, holds Olym- Pavel Novikov, vice-president of Ka- most successful athlete of all time. The IWF said that many Indian lift- pic records in the 94kg category with his zakhstan’s National Olympic Commit- Ilyin gave up eating meat after the ers are vegetarians but “nobody has yet clean and jerk of 233kg and overall total tee, told AFP that his country views Il- London Olympics, when he had spoken been able to name a vegetarian who ever of 418kg at the 2012 Games in London. yin’s participation in a third Olympics as OPINION about the benefi ts of eating chicken and won a world title.” Ilyin grew up in the southern city a success in itself. horsemeat. “My main goal is to become the most of Kyzylorda. His youth coach Vilory He said he it would be an extraordi- He admits that his coaches had mis- successful weightlifter in history,” Ilyin Pak said weightlifting kept Ilyin off the nary achievement for Ilyin to get a third givings, but said: “I just have much bet- told a recent press conference. streets. gold. Putin says using

SWIMMING meldonium is not ‘doping’

AFP ‘It does not impact McEvoy, Campbell spearhead results at all. It simply Moscow keeps the heart muscle in good condition resident Vladimir Putin under high strain’ defended the use of the Aussies, but no Magnussen banned drug meldo- Union, where the drug is widely nium, saying athletes’ available. that is the unfortunate reality we are in,” useP of the performance-boosting WADA, which said Wednesday AFP Adelaide Verhaeren told reporters. drug does not constitute doping. it had recorded 172 meldonium “At the orientation camp we will treat “This drug has nothing to do case since the substances was them like equal athletes. But the reality is with doping,” Putin said during banned, declared that athletes wice world champion James they are not there.” an annual call-in show. “It does could escape a ban for taking Magnussen missed out when the The transitional Australian team, de- not impact results at all. It simply meldonium because it does not Australian swimming team was veloped by Dutchman Verhaeren, is head- keeps the heart muscle in good know for sure how long it takes named after the Olympic selec- ed by Cameron McEvoy and Cate Camp- condition under high strain.” the substance to leave the body. Ttion trials but he could yet still feature in bell, who both dominated the sprints at Since tennis star Maria Shara- WADA said in a notice pub- the freestyle relay team for Rio. the meet. pova admitted last month that lished Wednesday it “considers Magnussen, 25, was the notable omis- McEvoy claimed the fi rst-ever sprint she tested positive for meldo- that there may be grounds for no sion when the 34-strong squad was treble at an Australian swimming cham- nium at the Australian Open, a fault or negligence on the part of announced on the pool deck after the pionships in the 50, 100 and 200m free- number of high-profi le Russian the athlete”. completion of the eight-day Australian style events. athletes—including Olympic WADA also said action could Championships in Adelaide. Campbell narrowly beat home her swimmer Yulia Efi mova—have be suspended if between one and Magnussen, who was pipped by just younger sister Bronte in both the 50m and also tested positive for the drug. 15 micrograms of meldonium are one-hundredths of a second for the 100m events with sizzling times. Russian sports minister Vitaly detected and the test was taken 100-metre freestyle gold medal at the Verhaeren, who once mentored Dutch Mutko said earlier this month before March 1. The agency said 2012 London Olympics, failed to fi nish in Olympic champions Inge de Bruijn and that 40 Russian athletes had this is because studies are needed the fi rst two places in the 50m and 100m Pieter van den Hoogenband, spoke glow- tested positive for the drug since to determine when a substance events at the trials. ingly of Australia’s freestyle strength a World Anti-Doping Agency was taken. Australia’s 4x100m freestyle relay team ahead of the August Olympics. (WADA) ban came into force on In a separate scandal a report has yet to qualify for Rio but their entry “This is defi nitely one of the best (free- January 1. by a WADA independent com- is expected to be confi rmed by the May style) teams I have ever seen,” he said. The minister said up to 90 mission published in November 31 deadline and Magnussen, Matthew Australia also has strong medal chanc- percent of Russian athletes who alleged state-sponsored doping Abood and James Roberts will be put for- es with backstroke world champion tested positive for meldonium and mass corruption in Russian ward by Swimming Australia for nomina- Mitch Larkin, distance freestyler Mack had underestimated how long athletics, prompting the Inter- tion in the team. Horton, world champion backstroker it takes for the drug to leave the national Association of Athletics Australia is vying for one of four relay Emily Seebohm and rising star freestyler body. Federations (IAAF) to provision- places at Rio after failing to make the 2015 Emma McKeon. Putin said he did not think ally suspend . fi nal at last year’s Kazan world champi- Emma and her brother David are the WADA’s decision to ban the drug, Moscow has vowed to revamp onships. fi rst sister-brother combination to repre- fi rst produced in Latvia during its scandal-ridden anti-doping Head coach Jacco Verhaeren said Mag- sent Australia in swimming at an Olym- the Soviet era, had “political im- system in time for its track and nussen and his relay teammates would pics since John and Ilsa Konrads at Rome plications”. fi eld stars to compete at this join a team camp in Adelaide this week- in 1960. Other Russian offi cials, in- summer’s Rio de Janeiro Olym- end despite not being offi cially confi rmed Even if Magnussen, Abood and Roberts cluding Foreign Minister Sergei pics. as members. are subsequently added to the team Aus- Lavrov, have hinted that the ban The IAAF is expected to make “They will be acknowledged but not Cameron McEvoy smiles after winning the men’s 50m freestyle final on the tralia will be sending a smaller team to Rio on meldonium unfairly targets a decision on Russia’s participa- offi cially announced (at the team camp) - penultimate day of the 2016 Australian Olympic swimming trials in Adelaide. than four years ago in London. athletes from the former Soviet tion in the Games next month. Gulf Times 10 Friday, April 15, 2016 GOLF

SPOTLIGHT GOLF Day seeks to put more distance Table tennis ace between No. 1 and 2 Ma targets fi rst Olympic medal Ma was overlooked for the London 2012 singles event despite being considered one of the best table tennis players in the world at the time AFP derboard through the round, Hilton Head, USA with what Jordan did on 12, it was a little frustrating, but for Ma Long of China eyes the ball during the the most part it wasn’t all disap- men’s singles final against Fan Zhendong of orld number one pointment. China at the Asian Table Tennis Jason Day heads “I actually played pretty de- Qualification Tournament for the 2016 Rio into this week’s PGA cent. I’m happy with how the Olympic Games at the Queen Elizabeth Tour RBC Heritage week went.” Wat Hilton Head, South Carolina, Day will tee it up on Thursday Stadium in Hong Kong. hoping to put even more distance at Harbour Town Golf Links in a between himself and second- group with Brandt Snedeker and ranked Jordan Spieth. Bill Haas. This is the fi rst time The 28-year-old Australian Day will play the Heritage as the shot back into the top spot after top dog. The last time he partici- consecutive victories last month pated he was 26, had just one win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational on the Tour and was ranked 26th and the World Golf Champion- in the world. ships Match Play. “It’s a bit of a long week but He followed that up by fi nish- I’m trying to win the tourna- ing tied for 10th at the Masters ment, and that’s what I’m focus- on Sunday. ing on right now,” said Day, who Spieth, meanwhile, is taking arrived on Monday. this week off after a back nine zAustralian Minjee Lee and meltdown at the Masters which Thai Moriya Jutanugarn took saw him go from a fi ve-shot lead advantage of their morning tee to fi nishing in a tie for second. times to share the fi rst-round “Just thinking about it, I’m lead on four-under-par 68 at the just trying to work and trying to LOTTE Championship in Hawaii get better each and every week,” on Wednesday. said Day. Lee, 19, a former world number “I know that winning takes one-ranked amateur who won in care of everything else. The big- her rookie LPGA season in 2015, gest thing for me is just trying to mixed six birdies with two bo- extend that gap between one and geys on the Ko Olina course in two, and if I can do that I’ll stay Kapolei on the island of Oahu. ahead of the game. Jutanugarn, the 2013 LPGA “But if you want to become a Rookie of the Year, managed dominant player you have to be seven birdies, along with a bogey consistent, but you also have to and a double bogey, as the pair consistently win. coped with challenging morning “And showing that over the winds that became even stronger half of last year and early on this during the afternoon. year, as well, but I want to make Michelle Wie had a morning sure that I keep that level of play she would rather forget in her up.” hometown event, struggling to Day didn’t do as well as he had an 80. hoped at The Masters, but he “I hit a lot of good shots. Just emerged from the fi rst major of got a little bit unlucky, a couple the year feeling there were no real of unlucky bounces,” the 2014 problems with his game. champion told reporters. “Hope- “If you’re out of position at fully tomorrow will be a better Augusta National, it’s very dif- day.” fi cult to get any sort of mo- Wie, the 2014 US Women’s AFP work harder,” he told AFP after the match. spots to be allocated in May based on world two Ding Ning, also from China, but had to mentum,” he said. “I just really Open champion, is coming off Hong Kong He said the four-yearly event was the rankings. bow out in a semi-fi nal contest with Ishi- couldn’t get anything going on an injury-plagued season that most important in his sporting career. Among the women, it was China’s reign- waka due to injury. the last day. left her languishing 49th on the Ma is among 10 table tennis players— ing Olympic singles champion Li Xiaoxia In Southeast Asia, Singapore dominated “And the changes in the lea- money list. fi ve men and fi ve women—to earn a spot who came out on top Thursday, triumph- the entire fi rst stage, with Feng Tianwei, orld number one Ma Long of at Rio 2016 after the fi rst stage of the Asia ing 4-0 over Japan’s Kasumi Ishikawa. ranked seventh globally, nabbing an Ol- China earned a spot at the Rio qualifi ers in Hong Kong, which saw one At number fi ve Li is one spot behind ympic place among the women and fellow FOCUS Olympics after eliminating male and one female player selected from Ishiwaka in the world rankings, but the Singaporean Chen Feng being selected for Fan Zhendong at the Asian East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, 28-year-old showed no mercy in the fi nal the men. qualifiW ers in Hong Kong Thursday in a dra- West Asia and Middle Asia. match. In the South Asia group, only India was matic showdown between the compatri- A Chinese quartet consisting of the She is now set to defend her title at the involved, with Soumyajit Ghosh selected Aspetar to ots. world’s top four men competed, but upcoming Rio Games, which she said for the men’s Olympic singles and Manika The 27-year-old star overpowered Fan number three Xu Xin was stunned by Tai- would likely be “the perfect end” to her ta- Batra for the women’s. four games to one in the fi nals, bringing wan’s unheralded Chuang Chih-yuan in ble tennis career. Qatar’s Li Ping and Lebanon’s Mariana organise fi rst GCC him one step closer to his fi rst Olympic the quarter fi nals while reigning Olym- Earlier in the qualifi ers there were some Sahakian were respectively successful in medal for men’s singles. pic singles champion Zhang Jike, ranked shock upsets among the female players, the men’s and women’s qualifi ers for West Ma was overlooked for the London 2012 fourth in the globe, was beaten by Ma in with 19-year-old Hong Konger Doo Hoi Asia, while in Middle Asia it was Nima Sports Medicine singles event despite being considered one the semis 4-2. Kem defeating China’s world number one Alamian and Neda Shahsavari—both from of the best table tennis players in the world Another six men’s and six women’s sin- Liu Shiwen in a nail-biting match that Iran. at the time. gles places will be up for grabs in the sec- ended 4-2 and marked Doo’s fi rst ever vic- Table tennis has been part of the Olym- Conference But he is now bouncing off a stellar 2015 ond stage of the qualifying event kicking tory over a Chinese player. pics since the 1988 Seoul Games but has during which he bagged the World Cham- off Friday and open to the remaining play- She went on to knock out South Korea’s been dominated by China. QNA The experts and consultants pionship, World Cup and World Tour ers. feisty Jeon Jihee but was beaten by Li in the The Asian giant sealed its second Doha participating in the conference grand fi nals titles. Xu told AFP the Chinese team would not semi-fi nals. straight clean sweep of all four table tennis include Prof. Tawfik bin Ahmad “The Olympics is diff erent from the be competing in the second stage but are Another teenager, Japanese Ito Mima, gold medals for the second Games running Khoja, director general of the other competitions so mentally I need to hopeful for their share of further Olympic aged just 15, overpowered world number in London 2012. spetar, in collaboration Executive Board of Health Min- with the Health Minis- isters Council for GCC States; ters’ Council for GCC Dr Saleh al-Harthi, chairman NFL States, is organising the of the Medical Committee of fiA rst GCC-wide sports medicine the Saudi Football Federation; conference on April 23 and 24 at Dr Qasim al-Muaidi, presi- the Torch Hall in Aspire Zone. dent of the Saudi Federation of The fi rst of its kind conference Sports Medicine; Dr Mohamed aims to strengthen ties between al-Katan, assistant professor GCC sports medicine provid- in the College of Physical Edu- Los Angeles Rams land fi rst ers and facilitate the exchange of cation Sports Department in scientifi c knowledge and practi- Kuwait University, Dr Reema cal theory between Gulf experts al-Hosany, vice chairman of and specialists and their inter- the Medical Committee in the national counterparts, in addi- UAE Football Federation; Dr draft pick in deal with Titans tion to helping them keep abreast Rami al-Murbati, senior physi- AFP The trade is the fi rst involv- Marcus Mariota, last year’s sec- The Rams, meanwhile, are Russell with the fi rst pick, but with the latest developments in otherapist in the Bahrain Na- Los Angeles ing the number one overall se- ond overall selection. hoping to land a quarterback Russell never lived up to expec- sports medicine regionally and tional Sports Medicine Centre; lection since 2004, when the In return for surrendering who can be the face of the fran- tations, compiling a 7-18 record internationally. Dr Badriya al-Haddabi, assist- New York Giants acquired Eli the top pick and their fourth- chise for seasons to come. in three seasons in Oakland. Participating in the confer- ant professor at the Oman Uni- he newly relocated Los Manning from the San Diego and sixth-round selections to The Rams have suff ered from That’s just one of the fl ops ence is a group of experts and versity. Angeles Rams are mak- Chargers. the Rams the Titans receive the a lack of stability at the posi- that litter the history of the researchers from the GCC and Participating experts from ing a splash in the NFL “It is not often that you have chance to choose a wealth of tal- tion. The Rams were 29th in to- draft, tales of woe that include around the world, who will Aspetar include: Dr Mohamed even before their fi rst the number one overall pick and ent with the Rams’ 15th-overall tal off ense last season and 32nd the Cleveland Browns’ selec- present various lectures and Ghaith al-Kuwari, acting direc- Tgame back in Southern Califor- we hope to not be in this posi- selection, two second-round in passing off ense. They still tion of Tim Couch in 1999 — he workshops related to the health tor general of Aspetar; Dr Scott nia, making a blockbuster deal tion again, but we tried to use selections and a third-round se- managed to post a 7-9 record, lasted fi ve seasons before exiting of athletes. Gillogly, chief medical offi cer of yesterday to acquire the top pick that pick as currency to work lection. thanks largely to a talented de- the league. The lectures will cover a wide Aspetar; Prof Roald Bahr, head in the 2016 draft from the Ten- the draft and maximise player Tennessee will also get the fense. Meanwhile superstars have number of topics, including the of the Aspetar Sports Injury nessee Titans. acquisition,” fi rst-year Titans Rams’ fi rst- and third-round However, the bold move to emerged from among lesser se- management of groin injuries, and Illness Prevention Program; The Rams are expected to use general manager Jon Robinson selections in 2017. give up so much with the aim lections. Tom Brady, who has led preventing sudden cardiac deaths, besides other experts and re- the selection to draft a quarter- said. “We now have the ammu- “Being able to acquire six picks of targeting a particular player the New England Patriots to four imaging in sports medicine, the searchers from the hospital. back, either Jared Goff of the Uni- nition to work the draft and ac- in the top 76 this year and ad- who has yet to prove himself in Super Bowl titles, was a 199th prevention of sports injuries and Aspetar plays a key role in versity of California or Carson quire players that are good for ditional picks next year not only the professional ranks remains selection, while Seattle’s Su- exhaustion. The workshops will enriching sports medicine and Wentz from North Dakota State, this football team.” helps our depth but gives us am- fraught with uncertainty. per Bowl-winning quarterback explore nutrition for elite athletes, science in order to help improve when the NFL holds its annual in- The Titans already have their munition to move in this year’s In 2007, the Oakland Raid- Russell Wilson was taken 75th clinical examination of injuries sports and athletic performance take of new talent April 28-30. quarterback of the future in draft and next,” Robinson said. ers took quarterback JaMarcus in 2012. and ECG interpretation. in GCC states. Gulf Times Friday, April 15, 2016 11 SPORT

FORMULA ONE/ CHINESE GRAND PRIX Hamilton sees fi ve-place grid penalty as a Rosberg seeks sixth ‘chance to rise ’ straight win, Hamilton slapped grid penalty Rosberg can upstage Hamilton if he gets a sixth straight win in China, with Hamilton’s best Reuters streak standing at five wins. The reigning champion has won the race four times in the past Shanghai

DPA up, coming second in Australia riple world champion Lewis Hamilton Shanghai and third in Bahrain, after being looked for positives at the Chinese hit by the Williams of Valtteri TFormula One Grand Prix yesterday after Bottas. a five-place grid penalty wrecked his hopes of a ico Rosberg aims to Hamilton will face another third successive pole position this season. continue his winning recovery mission in Shanghai The Briton, who has won at the Shanghai streak at the Chinese because he has to take a fi ve- circuit for the past two years, collected the Grand Prix where he place grid penalty over a gear- penalty after Mercedes decided to change his onceN earned his fi rst career top box change. car’s gearbox ahead of Sunday’s third round of spot, with the prospect of fi nally Hamilton said earlier he the season. “For me a challenge is an opportu- upstaging Mercedes teammate hopes for “the turning point” nity to rise,” said Hamilton, who has the words Lewis Hamilton in one major in Shanghai where he has won a ‘Still I Rise’ emblazoned on his helmet and Formula One statistic. record four times, and insists he tattooed across his back. “I love racing so I get Briton Hamilton has more is not intimidated by Rosberg’s to race this weekend rather than be at the front world titles (3-0), more race strong start into the season. and have less of a race.” wins (43-16) and more pole po- “If you can have two bad Hamilton qualified on pole in Australia and Bah- sitions (51-22) than his German races and still come away with rain but suff ered poor starts in both races, which rival. two podiums, that bodes pretty were won by German teammate Nico Rosberg, But if Rosberg wins on the well. I’ve come back from worse, who now has a 17-point lead in the standings. Shanghai International Circuit that’s for sure!” he said. “There The reigning world champion has not won a on Sunday he will have won six are no real fl aws in our proce- race since he clinched his third title last October races in a row, moving ahead of dure and how we’re working, so in Texas, with Rosberg now chasing his sixth Hamilton whose best run is fi ve I know it’s going to come good. successive victory, and had to fight back from successive victories in 2014. “On a personal level too, I’m seventh at the end of lap one to third in Bahrain. Rosberg would join com- in the best place I’ve ever been Hamilton recognised it would be a tough week- patriot Michael Schumacher psychologically. There’s very end but said fighting through the field reminded (2000/2001) in fourth place little, if anything at all, that can him of his karting days, when others had better overall with half a dozen wins. penetrate that. There’s a long, equipment and he had to make the diff erence. Schumacher (2004) and Alberto long way to go, so I’ll just keep “Actually, the last couple of races, being a little Ascari (1952/1953) have also working as hard as I have been.” further back has been really exciting,” he added. won seven straight races while Mercedes are tipped to domi- Mercedes have won 34 of the last 40 races Sebastian Vettel leads the way nate again but Rosberg warned and, with Hamilton starting no higher than with a staggering nine victories that “We haven’t seen the real sixth, Rosberg will be favourite to add to the in a row from 2013. Ferrari yet” although Vettel tally and stretch his overall lead. Rosberg topped the last came third in Australia and Kimi The German will needed no reminding of three 2015 races after Hamilton Raikkonen second in Bahrain. 2014, however, when he was 29 points clear of clinched the title in late Octo- The Scuderia will hope to Hamilton at one stage but still lost out to his ber, and carried the momen- get both cars to the fi nish line team mate in the end. “It hasn’t really changed tum into 2016 with fi rst place for the fi rst time in 2016 after my approach at all,” Rosberg said of the Briton’s in Australia and Bahrain which Raikkonen went out in Australia setback. “A Hamilton that starts sixth is still going showed that he no longer wants and Vettel’s Bahrain race ended to challenge for the win and we know that.” to play second fi ddle. before it started—in the forma- Mercedes said Shanghai, a circuit where The results have boosted Ros- tion lap. Hamilton has won four times and more times berg’s confi dence, and further Ex-champion Fernando than any other driver, was the best place to success in China would add to Alonso, meanwhile, was pro- take the penalty after the gearbox was dam- the momentum although noth- visionally cleared by doctors to aged in Bahrain. A driver must use a single ing is decided yet in the 21-race race again after they vetoed the gearbox for six consecutive events or take a campaign—with Rosberg a mere participation of the McLaren mandatory penalty. 17 points ahead of Hamilton. driver in Bahrain in the wake of a “It’s great to start the season heavy crash in Australia. Alonso cleared for China return in such a positive way. But I’m The former world champion Former world champion Fernando Alonso just taking things step by step, will have to undergo another has been provisionally cleared to return for race by race and targeting a lot check after today’s fi rst practice McLaren at this week’s Chinese Grand Prix. The more wins to come. It’s impor- for the fi nal go-ahead. double world champion, who suff ered a sicken- tant to enjoy times like these,” “Back to the car… 26 days of ing crash at the season opener in Australia, will he said. resting initially and hard work undergo further tests after today’s first free “I’m going to China now until now. Thank you all for the practice to determine his “further eligibility”. knowing I can fi ght for the win support, also to my family, doc- Alonso insisted he was “120 percent ready” ... Shanghai is a track with good tors, trainers and close friends. to compete in Shanghai. “I feel good,” said the memories for me. I took my fi rst Now let’s do it!” Alonso said on Spaniard, who sat out the Bahrain race two pole and win there back in 2012, Instagram. weeks ago with a fractured rib after failing a so I head into this weekend on a Tomorrow’s Qualifying will medical. “I was mentally 100 percent in Bahrain massive high.” meanwhile see the return to but physically in a lot of pain,” added the Rosberg at least partly prof- the 2015 format after a change 34-year-old. “I was ready to try and see if the ited from good getaways in the to an elimination format in the pain was manageable with the rib broken, but fi rst two races as the pole sitter fi rst two races generated little now I’m mentally 120 percent and physically Hamilton had problems on each excitement and prompted criti- 100 percent. The pain level is zero.” occasion and had to play catch- cism from teams and drivers.

TENNIS Murray, Nadal survive scares to make quarters AFP Milos Raonic in today’s quarter- in the third set that was the case Monte Carlo fi nal after the Canadian defeated so much. It was a good one to get Bosnian Damir Dzumhur 6-3, through because I could have eas- Sharapova still has to face 4-6, 7-6 (7/5). Murray stands ily lost today. ndy Murray fought 5-4 over Raonic, and defeated the “Conditions were pretty quick meldonium hearing, says ITF though a roller-coast- Canadian in an Australian Open conditions. It wasn’t wasn’t er fi nish while Rafael semi-fi nal in January. windy down on the court, not too aria Sharapova will get a The WADA said on Wednesday that Nadal had to hold off a Murray made a recovery from hot. It was all right,” he added. hearing over a positive test athletes with a meldonium level of youngA pretender as both seeds a set and two breaks down in Paire ended with 52 unforced Mfor the now-banned medicine below 1 microgram per millilitre could managed wins into the quarter- the second set against Paire as errors and 47 winners as he and meldonium, the International Tennis be cleared if they submitted the tests fi nals of the Monte Carlo Masters he turned the tide in stuttering Murray faced off for the rstfi time. Federation confirmed yesterday. before March 1. Reports indicate it is yesterday. fashion against the Frenchman, Murray is under pressure this “In light of the recent notice from not clear how long Latvia-developed Murray, seeded second and who admitted this week that his clay season, with title defences in WADA regarding the process for deal- meldonium actually stays in the body. target man of the week after the tennis is plagued by doubts and a both Munich and Madrid fast ap- ing with cases involving meldonium, That technicality could eventually second-round elimination of serious case of nerves. proaching. the ITF can confirm that the Tennis be enough to see five-time Grand Novak Djokovic, scratched out a He proved that point by dou- The 28-year-old has shown Anti-Doping Programme case involv- Slam winner Sharapova back on narrow 2-6, 7-5, 7-5 win over Be- ble-faulting for the eighth time only modest results so far in ing Maria Sharapova will proceed to court later in the season. noit Paire. on a Murray match point to end 2016, a season interrupted for al- a hearing in accordance with WADA’s Sharapova is among more than Nadal, the eight-time tour- the struggle after more than most a month by the birth of his recommendations,” a statement from 170 athletes who have tested positive nament winner, had to save 15 two and a half hours. The 22nd- daughter in February only a few the sanctioning body said. for the substance. WADA said in a break-points against Dominic ranked Paire also served twice for days after losing the Australian “The ITF does not intend to make statement that “a finding of no fault Thiem to avoid a second upset victory without success. Open fi nal to Djokovic. any further statement until comple- or negligence” could now be made in loss this season to the 22-year- The Scotsman called his victory Murray remains the highest tion of this process due to the confi- certain circumstances. old Austrian talent. “a big win”. seed in contention this week in dentiality of the Tennis Anti-Doping The sharp reversal of policy reveals The Spanish fi fth seed fi nally “To win from 6-2, 3-0 down, the Principality after Djokovic Programme.” that scientists remain at a loss over prevailed 7-5, 6-3 in two hours two breaks, when you’re not play- was knocked out in his opening Sharapova, marquee player of the how long it takes meldonium to exit the to put behind a semi-fi nal loss he ing particularly well, it’s a great match by Czech Jiri Vesely. WTA, revealed six weeks ago that she body through urine (weeks or months). took against Thiem two months eff ort. These matches are impor- Murray, a 2009 and 2011 semi- had tested positive during January’s Sharapova, the highest earning ago in Buenos Aires on clay. tant. It would have been easy to fi nalist, is into his third quarter- Australian Open for the medicine, woman in all of sport, produced very Nadal will next play fellow lose today and get down on myself. fi nal of the season. which was banned by the World Anti- low levels of the substance, which Roland Garros champion Stan But I kept fi ghting right the way He has now won his last 11 Doping Agency (WADA) from January she said she had taken for a decade Wawrinka, who put away French- through to the end,” said Murray. matches against Frenchmen 1. She was then suspended from the under strict medical supervision and man Gilles Simon 6-1, 6-2. Mur- “The second set was a lot of since losing to Simon in Rotter- Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates a point during his match against sport with immediate eff ect. on order of her personal physician. ray will take on the big serve of ups and downs. I didn’t feel like dam quarters in February, 2015. Austria’s Dominic Thiem in Monte Carlo yesterday. (AFP)

Friday, April 15, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Zman Awal makes Loyalty Cup her own ‘She has never disappointed me. Whenever she lost, there has always been one or the other problems, but today she was on top of her game and she came through beautifully. I had confidence in her going into the race, and she proved me right’

By Mikhil Bhat Doha

fter a win eluded her on three previous runs, Zman Awal was guided to her second win this season by Marco MonterisoA in the Loyalty Cup – The Late Yousef Al Romaihi, yesterday’s feature race at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC). Monteriso chose the right moment for Mohannad al-Yaqout-schooled Du- bawi progeny to pick up pace and the fi ve-year-old did well to win the Class 2 race for thoroughbreds rated 80-100. Ahmed Kobeissi-trained Crescent fi nished second, with Ibrahim al-Mal- ki’s charge Beach Samba fi nished third. “I am extremely happy. She is re- ally a special fi lly. She is one of the best horses I have ever trained,” exulted al- Yaqout.“She has never disappointed me. Whenever she lost, there has al- ways been one or the other problems, but today she was in good shape and on top of her game and she came through beautifully. I had confi dence in her go- ing into the race, and she proved me right.She has beaten some really good competition in this race, champions, colts, fi llies,” al-Yaqout told Gulf Times. Monteriso, who had won the 2013 edition of the race with Julian Smart’s Mu’Azzaz, said: “Today I knew I had a good chance. My only concern was the distance being a bit short and I didn’t know how she would react to the ground considering it rained an hour before the race. But she has shown that nothing could stand in her way today.” Al-Malki’s Crafted raced to his fi rst victory this season when Evert Pheiff er rode him to a win in the Thoroughbred Handicap event for horses rated 80-100. Crafted stuck to his inside line off Gate 2 behind Fast, ridden by Alberto Sanna in the colours of Injaaz Stud. As the action moved on the fi nal straight, Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) general manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi with the guests and winners after Mohannad al-Yaqout-trained Zman Awal won the Loyalty Cup—The Pheiff er had Crafted squeeze past Fast Late Yousef Al Romaihi at QREC yesterday. (Below) Jockey Marco Monteriso rides Zman Awal to victory in the Loyalty Cup—The Late Yousef Al Romaihi yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim on the inside, even as Power Play, rid- den by Richard Mullen, began his surge early on. Coming on to the fi nal bend, Fadgam al-Hajri & Sons. on the outside. Crafted held on well for Al Khattaf, Bahia Du Barthas and Ain- Trainer: Salem al-Hajri. his fi rst win since February last year. hoa Munjili began their chase. Race 3: 1. Gadab (Gaetan Faucon), 2. Power Play, owned by Sheikha Ayi- Saab’s blistering run early on took Chanson Du Soleil (Xavier Ziani), 3. sha bint Mishal bin Hamad al-Thani, its toll in the fi nal two furlongs and the Verracruz (Alberto Sanna). 4. Rawaa fi nished second, ahead of Jassim Ghaz- race transformed into a competition (Richard Mullen). Won by: ¾, Hd, 2. ali-traiend Fast. between Al Khattaf and Richard Mul- Time: 1:46.87. Owner: Umm Qarn. Courtofversailles followed up a len’s ride Bahia Du Barthas, with Al- Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. handicap victory last month with an- berto Sanna’s Ainhoa Munjili coming Race 4: 1. Al Khattaf (JP Guillambert), other one yesterday when Darren Wil- threateningly close. Eventually, Bahia 2. Bahia Du Barthas (Richard Mullen), liams rode Rashid al-Jehani-trained Du Barthas settled for second place 3. Ainhoa Munjili (Alberto Sanna), 4. colt to a win in the event for horses ahead of Ainhoa Munjili. Saab (Adnan Hawa). Won by; Shd, Nk, rated 65-85. In the fi rst race of the day, Halak 3 ½. Time: 1:44.68. Owner: Abdullah Williams had the four-year-old Saab shed his maiden status on his fi fth Mohamed al-Kuwari Sons. hold the inside line in the 10 furlong start with Marco Monteriso riding Mo- Trainer: Jassim Ghazali. run even as Al Jasra Stud’s Northern hamed Hussain-trained colt to victory Race 5: 1. Rijm (Marvin Suerland), 2. Water led the pack early on. On to the in the Local Thoroughbred Maiden Dark Light (Stephan Ladjadj), 3. Jubilan- fi nal straight, Courtofversailles tried Plate event. te (JP Guillambert), 4. Polaris (Richard squeezing past Hilal Kobeissi’s charge The four-year-old colt, who had fi n- Mullen). Won by: ½, Nk, ½. Time: 1:35.50. on the inside but shut down. ished third in the Derby in December, Owner: Mubarak Abdulla MB al-Moadhi. Williams then had his ride step out- fi nished a length ahead of Majed Seifed- Trainer: Zuhair Mohsen. side and move ahead for a fi ne win. dine’s charge Waeed, while Afl aton Bu Race 6: 1. Courtofversailles (Darren Zuhair Mohsen-trained Crisscrossed Thaila fi nished third on his debut. Williams), 2. Northern Water (Xavier fi nished third. It took 12 starts and Qatari jockey Ziani), 3. Crisscrossed (Stephan Ladj- Mohsen’s charges completed a one- Yousef al-Hajri for Charme Secret to adj), 4. Bnedel (Marvin Suerland). Won two in the Thoroughbred Handicap shed his maiden status. by: 1, 1 ½, Nk. Time: 2:02.22. Owner: event for horses rated 55-75. The Class Salem al-Hajri-trained colt was Khalid Rashid al-Qashash al-Mohanadi. 5 event over a mile saw Marvin Suer- ridden by the Qatari jockey for the fi rst Trainer: Rashid al-Jehani. land guide Rijm to his second career time and the duo did well to earn a win Race 7: 1. Crafted (Evert Pheiff er), 2. victory, with Dark Light fi nishing sec- in the Thoroughbred Maiden Plate Power Play (Richard Mullen), 3. Fast ond under Stephan Ladjadj. event. (Alberto Sanna), 4. Rising Dawn (Cedric Ghazali-trained Jubilante, ridden by The young jockey kept his ride right jockey Gaetan Faucon to pick up his As the post approached, Osama al- 3. Aflaton Bu Thaila (Seb Sanders), 4. Segeon). Won by: ¾, 2 ½, 1 ½. Time: JP Guillambert, completed the top three. at the front of the 12-strong fi eld, and fi rst career win in a big 16-strong fi eld. Dhafa-trained Chanson Du Soleil and Mahbooba (Darren Williams). Won by: 1:22.34. Owner: Ibrahim Saeed al-Malki. Champion trainer Ghazali swept the then with a furlong and a half to go, had The Umm Qarn colt had stayed at the Ghazali Sr’s Verracruz mounted a chal- 1, 2 ½, Hd. Time: 1:25.69. Owner: Ahmed Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki. top three spots in the Purebred Arabian Charme Secret surge ahead when Al back of the pack as Deborah Mountain- lenge from both the sides, but Gadab held Khalil Othman al-Tamimi. Race 8: 1. Zman Awal (Marco Graduation Plate with Guillambert Fouz, under Alberto Sanna, closed in. trained Nada led early on under Stephan on just enough to shed his maiden status. Trainer: Mohamed Hussain. Monteriso), 2. Crescent (Seb Sanders), riding Abdulah Mohamed al-Kuwari Mohamed Jassim Ghazali-trained colt Ladjadj. At the half way mark in the Race 2: 1.Charme Secret (Yousef al- 3. Beach Samba (Cedric Segeon), 4. Vic- Sons’ Al Khattaf to a close victory. fi nished second ahead of Mohannad al- 1200m race, Faucon had his ride move Hajri), 2. Al Fouz (Alberto Sanna), 3. tory Laurel (Yanis Aouabed). Won by: 1, The mile-long run saw Majed Yaqout’s Digital Rebellion. forward on the outside, and the Amer RESULTS Digital Rebellion (Pier Convertino), 4. 3/4, Hd. Time: 1:19.90. Owner: Mohamed Seifeddine’s charge Saab, with Adnan In his shortest run so far, Gadab colt duly obliged, getting alongside the Race 1: 1. Halak Saab (Marco Atlantic Sea (Xavier Ziani). Won by: 1, bin Hamad Khalifa al-Attiyah. Hawa at the helm, take a massive lead showed some amazing pace under leaders within a matter of a furlong. Monteriso), 2. Waeed (Pier Convertino), 2 ½, 1 ¼. Time: 1:22.67. Owner: Salem Trainer: Mohannad al-Yaqout. Caribbean Olympic Committees join Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) Agencies lowing last week’s formal launch in Madrid, Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago) as well as the support received in the region from the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee. he Caribbean Association of National “CANOC Board fully recognises the severe Olympic Committees (CANOC) has threat impacting the purity and virtue of Tannounced that it has become a new sport. One of CANOC’s mandates is to pro- member of the Sport Integrity Global Alli- mote the highest standards of good govern- ance (SIGA) and expressed its full support ance among our membership and CANOC and commitment in the further develop- will be motivating all of our member NOCs ment of the alliance. to become signatories to the Statement CANOC joins over 40 international or- of Intent. This will be tabled at the Annual ganisations from all sectors of the industry General assembly in October,” said Steve already part of the new independent Stoute, CANOC President. alliance, which will work to drive forward “We thank the team from SIGA for travel- key reforms across good governance and ling to the Caribbean to facilitate this action (From left) Keith Joseph (General Secretary, St Vincent and the Grenadines (From left) Brian Lewis (President, Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee), integrity in sport. and interface with the CANOC board. We Olympic Committee), Brian Lewis (President, Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Steve Stoute (CANOC President), Keith Joseph (General Secretary, St Vincent and Yesterday’s announcement is a major boost pledged to work closely with SIGA in eff orts Committee), Steve Stoute (CANOC President), Elton Prescott (Secretary, CANOC) the Grenadines Olympic Committee) and Elton Prescott (Secretary, CANOC) to SIGA and builds further momentum fol- to achieve the proposed goals,” he added. and Emanuel Medeiros (CEO, ICSS EUROPE) at the agreement signing ceremony.