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Thursday, January 14, 2016 CRICKET Rabia II 4, 1437 AH De Villiers confi rms GULF TIMES ‘bit of truth’ in his retirement rumours SPORT Page 9 AFC U23 CHAMPIONSHIP, DOHA Defending champions Iraq beat Yemen, make ideal start ‘Most importantly we scored and we won and we got the three points as that was the objective and the target for tonight’

AFC Doha

li Faez and Ali Hisny scored quickfi re goals at the end of the fi rst half as defending champi- ons Iraq made the ideal start to theA AFC U23 Championship with a com- fortable 2-0 win over Yemen at Suhaim Bin Hamed Stadium yesterday. Centre-back Faez opened the scor- ing from the penalty spot after 36 minutes of the Group C opener before midfi elder Hisny added a second from close range just three minutes later. And despite Humam Tareq seeing a second half penalty saved for Iraq, who beat Saudi Arabia 1-0 in the fi nal of the AFC U-22 Championship two years ago, Shahad Abdulghani’s side claimed a deserved three points. “At the beginning, as with all open- ing games, the match was full of ten- sion and at the beginning we were a little tense against a Yemen opponent who are not easy opponents. But I am satisfi ed with the performance and most importantly we scored and we won and we got the three points as that was the objective and the target for to- Iraq’s Ali Hisny (second left) celebrating his goal against Yemen yesterday in a unique way . PICTURES: Mamdouh Centre-back Ali Faez scored the first goal yesterday through a penalty. night,” said Iraq coach Abdulghani. “We played well in the second half had conceded possession. “We played well in the second and going for the goal, but the turning And Iraq doubled their advantage half and going for the goal, but SYMMETRY IN MOTION point was the missed penalty and the just three minutes later as Hisny was the turning point was the missed performance after the penalty went on hand to follow up from close range penalty and the performance down. We as the technical staff also after Yemen goalkeeper Al Harsh had aft er the penalty went down. changed some of the players to allow parried Tareq’s low angled drive from We as the technical staff also them to rest as some of the players are the edge of the area. changed some of the players to not at the top level to allow them to The defending champions contin- allow them to rest as some of the prepare for the next matches.” ued to dominate at the start of the players are not at the top level After a tentative start which was second half as the lively Tareq fi red to allow them to prepare for the edged by Iraq, it took until the 24th straight at Al Harsh just before the next matches.” minute for the defending champions hour mark before the 19-year-old was to register a eff ort on target as a snap again denied by the Yemen custodian “We played a tough match against a shot on the turn from the edge of the soon after, this time following a dart- very diffi cult and strong opponent. We penalty area by Tareq was comfort- ing run into the penalty area played well and I am satisfi ed with my ably gathered low to his right by Yemen And Al Harsh again got the better players and their performance. They goalkeeper Salem al-Harsh. of Tareq seven minutes after the hour played well, but the turning point in But Iraq were able to fi nd the break- mark as the Yemen goalkeeper guessed the fi rst half was the penalty given to through before half-time as Faez con- right to save the midfi elders penalty Iraq which changed the whole match,” fi dently converted from the penalty after the teenager had been fouled in- said Yemen coach Amin al-Sunaini. spot nine minutes before the break af- side the area. “We had some chances, and two def- ter Aymen Hussein had been bundled But despite the missed chance, and inite chances were in the second half, over inside the area while attempting a stronger fi nish from Yemen, Iraq had but we lacked the luck to score. We will to convert a cross from Amjad Attwan done enough to claim all three points in try and build on this performance in Kadhim after Yemen’s Alawi Fadaaq the Group C opener. the coming games from now.”

BOTTOMLINE Football’s scandal-plagued FIFA dumps its once-powerful secretary general Valcke

Reuters “Jerome Valcke is proud of all that Last week FIFA’s ethics judges an- “Jerome Valcke is proud of all Zurich was accomplished for the game of foot- nounced they had opened formal pro- that was accomplished for the ball during his long tenure as Secretary ceedings against Valcke, who has de- game of football during his long General, including two of the most suc- nied wrongdoing in the past. tenure as Secretary General, orld soccer body FIFA cessful World Cups in history in South Valcke was placed on leave by FIFA including two of the most said yesterday it had fi red Africa and Brazil,” he said. in September following the allegations successful World Cups in history Secretary General Jerome “He remains confi dent that he will be and initially suspended for 90 days in in South Africa and Brazil,” said Valcke, a move that comes fully vindicated and history will recog- October when the ethics committee Jerome Valcke’s lawyer yesterday Wamid alleged corruption involving nise all of his contributions to the sport started its investigation. That suspen- World Cup ticket sales and a number of he loves.” sion was extended for another 45 days credit card fi rms MasterCard Inc and swirling scandals at the sport’s govern- Valcke was once one of the most last week and a ban from all soccer ac- Visa Inc. ing authority powerful men in FIFA and responsible tivities remains in eff ect. His case has been overshadowed by “The FIFA Emergency Committee for ensuring that preparations for the The secretary general’s duties will the turmoil which has engulfed FIFA in decided, on 9 January 2016, to dismiss last two World Cups, in South Africa continue to be carried out by Acting the last year, with criminal investiga- Jerome Valcke from the position of FIFA and Brazil, were completed in time. Secretary General Markus Kattner, tions into the sport in both the United Secretary General with immediate ef- An ethics investigation into the FIFA said. States and Switzerland. fect,” the Zurich-based organisation case recommended a nine-year ban Valcke has now been sacked twice Altogether, 41 people and sports en- said in a statement. for the Frenchman, former right- by FIFA. He joined the organisation tities, including top FIFA offi cials, have It gave no reason for the dismissal but hand man to FIFA President Sepp in 2003 as marketing director but was been indicted by US prosecutors for of- Valcke’s lawyer in New York, Barry Berke, Blatter who himself has been banned fi red in December 2006 for his part in fences including corruption, fraud and was defi ant on behalf of his client. for eight years. botched sponsorship negotiations with money laundering. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, January 14, 2016 AFC U23 C’SHIP, DOHA

SPOTLIGHT DOUBLE Chang-jin brace Pinyo’s late equaliser helps helps South Korea Thailand hold Saudi Arabia defeat 10-man Uzbekistan 2-1 AFC Doha

npinit Pinyo’s 84th minute equal- iser salvaged a deserved point as Thailand claimed a 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia in the teams’ Group B Iopener at the AFC U23 Championship at Grand Hamad Stadium yesterday. Inpinit’s late strike cancelled out Mo- hammad al-Saiari’s 71st minute header while Kiatisuk Senamuang’s side also had goalkeeper Somporn Yos to thank after saving a penalty in the fi rst half. Somporn pulled off a fine save in the 12th minute after referee Mohammad South Korea’s Moon Chang-jin (C) Abdulla Hassan had pointed to the spot following Adison Promrak’s foul on al- Saiari, only for Mustafa al-Bassas to see oon Chang-jin scored 20 minutes as Moon confi dently his attempt from 12 yards pushed onto a goal in each half converted from the penalty spot the crossbar. as Korea Republic after the strikers’ attempted cross The Thais, though, had more than edged out 10-man from the left was adjudged to have enough opportunities to put themselves MUzbekistan 2-1 yesterday to make been handled by a sliding Otabek Action during the match between Saudi Arabi and Thailand played at the Al Arabi Stadium yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil on the scoreboard, with Inpinit twice a winning start to Group C at the Shukurov. unable to fi nd the back of the net in a Mohammad AFC U23 Championship. The East Asians continued to fi ve minute spell that also saw Thitiphan al-Saiari scored Pohang Steelers midfi elder pour forward at will as the half Puangjan shoot across the face of goal. for Saudi. Moon netted a 20th minute pen- progressed, although Uzbekistan Somporn was again on hand to res- alty to open the scoring at Suhaim did start to fi nally come into the cue the Thais in the 27th minute when Bin Hamad Stadium before dou- contest towards the end. he somehow managed to move across bling the South Koreans’ lead with But Korea Republic did not wait his goal to keep out Fahad al-Muwal- a close-range fi nish at the start of long after the restart to double lad’s close range eff ort after Mohamed the second half. their lead as Moon was on hand Kanno’s low curling cross unlocked the And despite AFC Youth Player to sweep home high into the net South East Asian side’s defence. of the Year Dostonbek Kham- from a tight angle at the far post Pakorn Prempak should have done damov reducing the defi cit for from Hwang’s pull back across the better with his attempt from the edge of Uzbekistan just before the hour face of goal. the penalty area while at the other end mark, a red card for defender Jam- Uzbekistan, though, found a Abdulmajeed al-Sulayhim turned the shid Boltaboev with just under 20 quick response as Khamdamov Thai defence only to fi re over the bar. minutes remaining saw Korea Re- squeezed a low skidding shot from Chenrop Samphaodi missed the tar- public hold onto their advantage the edge of the area past the dive get with two more eff orts in the opening to join Iraq at the top of Group C of keeper Kim Dong-jun and the half of the second period, and they were after the defending champions post in the 57th minute. opportunities that the Thais were to rue earlier recorded a 2-0 win over A far more open contest en- spurning when al-Saiari headed home Yemen. sued after the goal with both sides in the 71st minute to give the Saudis a Korea Republic started the con- knowing the next goal would be barely deserved lead. test at a fast pace and both Jin crucial, but with 19 minutes re- But with just six minutes remaining, the Seong-uk and Hwang Hee-chan maining Uzbekistan’s chances Thais fi nally found the back of the net as had chances inside the opening were dealt a blow as Boltaboev Inpinit raced in on Ahmad al-Harbi’s goal six minutes. was shown a straight red card for before slotting his shot into the bottom And Shin Tae-yong’s side were a challenge on Lee Chang-min in corner to send the Thai fans delirious. rewarded for their quick start after the centre circle. Gulf Times Thursday, January 14, 2016 3 AFC U23 C’SHIP, DOHA

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Determined Aussie defender Donachie Ueda’s early strike ready to roar in Doha

AFC “It would mean everything Doha [to qualify for the Olympics], that’s what we’re here to do. “The Olympic Games in Rio ustralia defender James is something you want to be gives Japan win Donachie is in buoyant at. We’d be pretty excited if mood ahead of the Oly- we get there roos’ AFC U23 Cham- pionshipA opener against the UAE Coach John Aloisi] so I feel pretty today despite having recently sharp” fallen down the pecking order at Donachie, who has made over club side Brisbane Roar. 60 appearances for the Queens- Last season, Donachie fea- land-based side since making over North Korea tured in four AFC Champions his debut against Gold Coast League fi xtures as well as 18 United in March 2012, was part Hyundai A-League matches but of the Young Socceroos squad at ‘We felt at the beginning that we had a good mentality. There was a feeling of nervous has played just 12 minutes of the the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup, 2015/16 campaign, in addition starting in the 2-1 defeat to hosts apprehension about playing the first game but we were able to get over that hurdle’ to a FFA (Football Federation Turkey in their fi nal Group C Australia) Cup match against match (pictured). 2014 ACL winners Western Syd- And having already had a taste ney Wanderers as team-mate of top level international tourna- Daniel Bowles emerged as the ments, Donachie is keen for more fi rst choice of Roar coach John with the 22-year-old determined Aloisi. to playing his part in Australia Despite this, Donachie refuses fi nishing in the top three at the to be downbeat and believes that AFC U23 Championship to earn the competition for places at club their ticket to the 2016 Olympic level still stands him in good stead Games in Rio. as the Olyroos look to add the AFC “The main core group has been U23 title to AFC Asian Cup the around each other for a long time Socceroos won last January. so we know each other pretty “I feel good, mentally and well,” Donachie continued. physically,” Donachie told FFA “It would mean everything [to TV. “If you’re lucky enough to qualify for the Olympics], that’s play Olyroos and in your club what we’re here to do. team as well then good on you “The Olympic Games in Rio is but sometimes it’s not that easy something you want to be at. We’d as I’ve found out. be pretty excited if we get there. “But I feel good, training has “I’m pretty confi dent we’ll do been good at Roar with [Head pretty well.”

UNVEIL AFC introduces offi cial match ball

Naomichi Ueda (R) celebrates with his bench after scoring against DPR Korea in their AFC U23 match at the Al Arabi Stadium yesterday.

AFC the target with their attempts to double Doha their advantage. Kubo hit the post 10 minutes after the restart when he latched on to Yamanaka’s AFC keep Asia’s rising stars at their aomichi Ueda scored the only cut-back before disappointing eff orts Doha optimal paces, and the fuse- goal of the game as Japan from Ri Un-chol and Pak Myong-song welded synthetic leather ‘off ers notched up a 1-0 win over DPR left DPR Korea chasing the game. prime touch and response, help- Korea to pick up all three points Kubo then thought he had doubled Ja- ike’s latest generation ing accuracy of passes’. Nin their AFC U23 Championship opener pan’s lead when he steered the ball over match ball - the Ordem AFC Tournament Director at Grand Hamad Stadium yesterday. the line only for the eff ort to be ruled out 3 - was at the centre of Shin Man Gil said: “The Nike Ueda scored from close range after just for an infringement in the build-up, but the action on Tuesday Ordem 3 has been very well re- four minutes to give Japan the perfect it was to prove academic as Japan held on Nwhen the AFC U23 Champion- ceived and we are eagerly wait- start as they attempt to secure a sixth to take all three points. ship Qatar 2016 kicked off in ing to see it in action in the consecutive appearance at the fi nals of “Today was a very important match in Doha on with matches between opening match on Tuesday. A the Olympic Games football tournament. the group stage and our players did their Syria and IR Iran as well as the good match ball is essential to “We are really relieved we won this best to win the game, but we lost 1-0 and hosts Qatar and China PR. ensure the quality of the game is game,” said Japan coach Makoto Te- place at London 2012, did just enough utes later when Kim Yong-il’s shot from I think both sides played well,” said DPR The Ordem 3 is Nike’s latest in at its highest level, and I have no guramori. “We really felt at the beginning to see off a resilient DPR Korea side, who outside the area was collected by goal- Korea coach Yun Jong-su. “But we still a long line of “high quality balls doubt we will see some brilliant of the game that we had a good mental- were backed by a vociferous band of more keeper Masatoshi Kushibiki while Yun Il- have two more matches left if we want to that provides accurate fl ight, performances here in Doha.” ity today. There was some tension and a than a thousand supporters. gwang blasted narrowly over the bar from qualify for the last eight and we have to thanks to its Nike Aerowtrac Gary Arwin, SEA EKIN – Prod- feeling of nervous apprehension about But while Japan’s fans might have been distance seconds later. do our best, we have to do more. grooves”, according to the sports uct Specialist of Nike said: “Nike playing the fi rst game but we were able to outnumbered, it was the four-time Asian The Japanese controlled much of what “We shouldn’t have conceded the goal company. is proud to partner with the AFC get over that hurdle. champions who had the most to cheer remained of the half but struggled to turn in the fi rst fi ve minutes because that af- The participating teams have U23 Championship Qatar 2016 “There were a lot of things we had when Ueda struck in the fourth minute their command into goal-scoring oppor- fected the psychology of the players, but been training in Doha with the which showcases the rising stars to think about to get to this point in the when the DPR Korea defence failed to tunities before So Kyong-jin thumped his they overcame the diffi culty and they offi cial match ball ahead of the of Asian football. The competi- game, but now that we have been able to react to Ryosuke Yamanaka’s corner, shot just wide of Kushibiki’s goal. played well. tournament. The manufactur- tion provides an excellent plat- win we have more confi dence that we will leaving the Kashima Antlers defender to In the dying minutes of the half Japan “So, in the next match we will have to ers say that the ball’s high-per- form, helping us to reach the vast be able to progress to the next round.” side-foot the ball into the back of the net. pushed for a second, only for Musashi be extra cautious in the fi rst fi ve minutes formance graphic design helps and passionate football fan base of The Japanese, who fi nished in fourth DPR Korea almost responded 10 min- Suzuki, Yuya Kubo and Ueda to fail to fi nd not to concede any goals.” players to see it faster, helping to the continent.”

BOTTOMLINE Tough opener for Australia against UAE

AFC of the teams have a good chance to win “It will be tough game for us, but Doha and we are one of the teams coming to we have prepared the way we compete for this tournament and we have and we’re concentrating on expect the matches to be very tough. what we have to do as a team and urelio Vidmar will send Aus- “I cannot comment on the readiness I’m very comfortable with where tralia out to face the United of the team now, the preparation de- we are now” Arab Emirates in their fi rst pends on the quality of the team, but we game of the AFC U23 Cham- respect the Australians, they are one of more quality, but we will try our best pionshipA today knowing the Gulf side the best teams in the tournament. with solidarity and team spirit.” will present a serious challenge to the “I have seen some of their matches Jordan, meanwhile, fi nished third Olyroos and their hopes of progressing and it’s always the luck of the UAE to at the AFC U22 Championship in 2014 to the quarter-fi nals. play against Australia. But we have a after edging out Korea on penalties fol- The UAE were one of Asia’s three good team and we can do well in this lowing a goalless draw after 120 min- representatives for the 2012 Olympic match.” utes. Games in London having progressed Vietnam, meanwhile, will be making “We all have the same chances,” said from a qualifi cation group that also their fi rst appearance at the AFC U23 Jordan coach Jamal Amad. “Vietnam contained Australia. Championship when they take on Jor- are one of the 16 teams and they have On that occasion, the pair shared a dan at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium in a good team. It’s not about theory and goalless draw in Adelaide before a soli- the day’s fi rst game. paper, it’s about the fi eld of play and tary goal from Omar Abdulrahman set- “We’re happy to come here to partic- following instructions and the cir- tled a tight contest in Abu Dhabi, with ipate in this qualifi cation in Qatar,” said cumstances inside the fi eld of play. The the Olyroos eventually fi nishing at the Coaches of teams in Group D pose for a photograph during the pre-match press conference held yesterday. Vietnam coach Toshiya Miura main thing is to have luck during our foot of the table without a win. “We have qualifi ed for the fi rst time matches and to win. “We know the UAE very well,” said “When we played our qualifi ers for still is now. I see the group now in the Misfi r’s current crop will look to build and we will try to enjoy it. We have “We respect Vietnam and we take Vidmar, who guided Australia to the 2012 in London we had the UAE in our same sort of form. It will be tough game on the success of the senior national many young players and it will be good into consideration that they quali- quarter-fi nals of the AFC U22 Champi- group, so we have some sort of connec- for us, but we have prepared the way we team at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup as to have this experience and we will do fi ed for this tournament and it means onship at the start of 2014. tion there. It’s going to be a very tricky have and we’re concentrating on what Mahdi Ali’s side fi nished third in Aus- our best. They have a high desire and they are a strong, good team. We have “Our country has had a long history game for us. They have some excep- we have to do as a team and I’m very tralia. passion to play tomorrow and we’ll try to have a good mental performance of games against the UAE, even if it’s tionally talented players. comfortable with where we are now.” The level of all the 16 teams will be our best. to pass through this game, especially our senior team, and there’s a great re- “If you look back to their last genera- The UAE were joined in London by very high,” said Misfi r. “We expect huge “If I compare ourselves to the other for teams who have never played a lot spect between the two teams. tion that was an incredible group and it Japan and Korea Republic and Abdullah competition between all the teams. All teams, they have more experience and against each other.” Gulf Times 4 Thursday, January 14, 2016 FOOTBALL

DEVELOPMENT Neymar asked to give evidence in transfer case AFP tion was launched by the Brazilian fraud linked to the signing. ished third in FIFA’s Ballon d’Or for the Madrid investment fund DIS, which held 40 The scandal over the concealed best player in the world on Monday. percent of Neymar’s sporting rights transfer fee led to Rosell’s resigna- However, it has cast some doubt over when he played at Santos, at the court tion as president in January 2014 with his future at the club with his father arcelona’s off -fi eld strife de- in June 2015. then vice-president Bartomeu taking Neymar Sr saying he would seek tax spite their on-fi eld success Bartomeu has been called on Feb- charge. assurances before signing an extension continued yesterday as Brazil- ruay 1, whilst Barcelona and Santos It is alleged the overall fee was split to his Barcelona deal, which expires ian star Neymar was called to will also have to give evidence via rep- between a number of diff erent con- in 2018, amid interest from Premier giveB evidence by Spain’s national court resentatives on February 9 and Febru- tracts between Barcelona, Santos and League giants Manchester United. on February 2 for alleged fraud sur- ary 1 respectively. Neymar himself. In doing so, Barce- Neymar isn’t the only Barca star rounding his transfer to the Catalan DIS has claimed it was cheated of its lona stand accused of defrauding the in trouble with the Spanish authori- giants in 2013. real share of the benefi ts of 23-year- Spanish taxman of 12.7 million euros. ties as recently crowned Ballon d’Or Neymar starred as Barca won fi ve old Neymar’s transfer because part of Prosecutors are seeking a pris- winner Lionel Messi faces trial on trophies in 2015, but the manner in the transfer fee was concealed by Bar- on sentence of two years and three tax fraud charges along with his father which his transfer from Santos came celona and Santos. months for Bartomeu and nearly seven for allegedly failing to declare 4.16 mil- about has become a legal nightmare for The deal was originally valued at years for Rosell, as well as a 22.2 million lion euros ($4.69 million) in taxes re- the club, the player and his family. 57.1 million euros ($62.1 million) by the euro fi ne for the club. No date for a trial lated to his image rights between 2007 Barca president Josep Maria Bar- Catalan club, 40 million of which was has been set so far. and 2009. tomeu, his predecessor Sandro Rosell, paid to the N&N company owned by A Brazilian court has also taken ac- Yet, the series of legal scandals en- Neymar’s parents and two directors of the player’s father with Santos receiv- tion freezing $47 million in assets be- gulfi ng the club did less damage to Santos have also been called to declare. ing just 17.1 million. DIS received 6.8 million euros ($7.7 transfer payments. longing to Neymar over tax evasion al- Bartomeu’s standing amongst Barca Public prosecutors fi led for action However, Spanish judicial authori- million) out of the total 17.1 million that In a separate lawsuit, a judge in May legations between 2011 and 2013. fans than expected as he comprehen- to be taken against all the parties af- ties have estimated the amount to be at Barcelona paid to Santos, but claims it 2015 ordered Bartomeu, Rosell and the Neymar’s fi scal problems haven’t sively won club elections in July to re- ter a complaint of fraud and corrup- least 83.3 million. may also be due a share of the overall club itself to stand trial over alleged tax aff ected his form on the fi eld as he fi n- tain his mandate until 2021.

SPOTLIGHT Baba Rahman ‘frustrated’ by lack of playing Hiddink says Chelsea time at Chelsea By Ed Aarons in London theguardian.com

helsea defender Baba Rahman has admitted he are short of strikers, Cis growing frustrated by his lack of playing time since moving to England. The Ghana left-back, who joined in August from Augsburg for an initial £14 million, has made just four Premier League appear- ances so far after failing to edge could make a signing ahead of first-choice full-backs César Azpilicueta and Branislav ‘We have to have good competition, good double occupation in every position. When there is good shape Ivanovic. “As a young player, of course, and the double occupation is there, then we are OK but we must not go into this danger when something you have to get used to such a big club and a world-class happens with one or two strikers. I don’t deny that it would be a concern if Costa or Rémy were injured’ league. For me the fi rst half of the season was pretty ok but in the second half I really want to play more” Speaking to German magazine Sport Bild, the 21-year-old admit- ted he has found the transition diff icult but with Chelsea having already ruled out sending him on loan for the second half of the season, Rahman is determined to prove himself at Stamford Bridge. “Of course it’s frustrating for any footballer to sit in the stands. Chelsea interim coach It’s not something I’ve experi- Guus Hiddink feels that enced a lot of,” he said. the team is short in terms “As a young player, of course, of options up front you have to get used to such a big club and a world-class league. For me the first half of the season was pretty ok but in the second half I really want to play more. Chelsea are one of the best clubs in the world,” the Ghanian added. Rahman, who caught Chelsea’s eye after his performances in Augsburg’s unlikely fifth place fin- ish in the Bundesliga last season, is understood to have settled in well to life in London off the pitch despite the club’s tumultuous season so far. He was signed by José Mour- inho, only for the Portuguese to use him sparingly in the opening two months of the season as the reigning Premier League champi- ons struggled. But Rahman insisted he has nothing but respect for his former manager, who has been replaced by Guus Hiddink. “He always gave me tips on how to improve both defensively and going forward,” he said. “I liked him right from the first moment. Every player would ben- efit from working with him.”

By David Hytner in London he brought on as a late substitute in would be a concern if Costa or Rémy message but are also coming to enjoy next step and get even more fi t. At the The Guardian Sunday’s FA Cup win over Scunthorpe were injured. it, to see the training and have lunch or moment, no [Remy will not leave]. He United, as a possible option but he “I am thinking. And it’s not good a cup of coff ee with the players.” will stay until the end of the season.” said that Patrick Bamford, who has talk when you are thinking in this case Chelsea have been linked with a Falcao, who is on loan from Mo- uus Hiddink has admit- returned from a diffi cult loan spell at because, why shall we go public? If, host of strikers, including Saido Be- naco, last appeared on October 31 as ted that Chelsea are short Crystal Palace, had “to prove himself suppose something is going on, it can rahino, but, unsurprisingly, Hiddink a substitute against Liverpool. The in terms of options up front fi rst of all with the under-21s”. be harmful when you go public. Theo- was tight-lipped when the West Brom Monaco vice-president, Vadim Vasi- and has made it clear that Hiddink talked about the need to retically, that’s what I’m saying at the player’s name came up. “The window lyev, has said the Colombian would be Gthe club are considering a move for a have two quality players for every po- moment.” opens and the mouth shuts,” he said. out for “six to eight weeks” and there striker this month. sition and, when Costa and Rémy are Roman Abramovich, the club’s It was plain that Hiddink intends to appears to be no prospect not only With Radamel Falcao out with a fi t, the situation does not overly con- owner, was at Cobham on Monday rely on Rémy, who has enjoyed a stop- of Falcao returning to Monaco this thigh injury and Hiddink unable to cern him. But it was obvious that Hid- and Tuesday, and watched Hiddink’s start season, and that the France play- month but of him moving anywhere. put a time-frame on his return, the dink would prefer to sign somebody squad train. er would not be going anywhere this “It’s not easy [to leave in January] interim manager has only Diego Costa as cover. “I have good contact here with the month—a clutch of clubs have made if you are injured and a long-time and the fi t-again Loïc Rémy as estab- “We are thinking,” Hiddink said. technical board and others,” Hiddink enquiries about him. injury,” Hiddink said. “Everyone is lished players to call upon. “We have to have good competition, continued. “They are open to discuss “Because we have this multitude of intelligent and that’s not a reason to Rémy has been back in full training good double occupation in every po- all the options. That does not say it has games, I hope Remy picks it up,” Hid- get a player back. If he is declared fi t, for two days after a calf problem, and sition. When there is good shape and to be done or it’s done but it’s open. dink said. “I hope he will deliver if he then it will take time to get him game he is expected to be in the squad for the double occupation is there, then People come here and watch training is needed. It’s short [the options up fi t. I don’t know how long it will be the visit of West Bromwich Albion. we are OK but we must not go into this and have normal conversations. I like front], that’s true. I hope they will stay in weeks. He is not on the [training] Hiddink name-checked the danger when something happens with it very much when people in charge of fi t. When we have Costa and him— pitch so he is completely in the doc- 20-year-old Bertrand Traoré, whom one or two strikers. I don’t deny that it this club are not just always having a that’s why I hope Remy can make his tors’ and physios’ hands.” Gulf Times Thursday, January 14, 2016 5 FOOTBALL

Garcia fired by Roma, Ancelotti learning German Mondragón in hospital Jermaine Pennant prepares Put resigns as Jordan Spalletti on verge of return ahead of Bayern arrival after ‘suicide attempt’ for Stag do in Singapore coach due to health reasons

Italian Serie A side Roma confirmed the sacking Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti is already learning Former Colombia goalkeeper Faryd Mondragón Former Arsenal and Liverpool winger Jermaine Paul Put has resigned from his role as Jordan’s of coach Rudi Garcia yesterday with former German ahead of taking over Bundesliga cham- was taken to hospital on Tuesday after report- Pennant says he has rejected more lucra- national football team coach due to health boss Luciano Spalletti reportedly set to return pions Bayern Munich next season, club chairman edly attempting to commit suicide. The Valle tive off ers from South Korea, Australia and concerns, Jordan’s football association (JFA) an- as his replacement. “On behalf of myself and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said yesterday. “I’m del Lili clinic in his home town of Cali confirmed Malaysia, and is poised to sign for Singaporean nounced yesterday. The JFA said that assistant everyone at AS Roma, I’d like to thank Rudi certain that he will already be able to speak a bit that Mondragón, who became the oldest-ever side Tampines Rovers. “You can expect some coach Abdallah Abu Zema had been appointed Garcia for all of his hard work since joining when he comes to Germany in summer,” Rum- player at a World Cup in 2014, was admitted af- news very soon,” the Englishman, who turns caretaker boss, adding that 59-year-old Put had the club,” president James Pallotta said in a menigge said at an event at Bocconi University in ter suff ering from a “metabolic imbalance”. The 33 tomorrow, said yesterday. Former England stepped down following a health setback that statement. “We’ve all enjoyed some great mo- Milan. The 56-year-old Ancelotti has already been hospital later stated that the 44-year-old under-21 winger Pennant has been looking for would require him to seek constant medical ments during his time at Roma but we believe confirmed as replacement for current coach “is in good condition and under medical a new club since leaving Wigan Athletic in June care and supervision. Last month, the Jordanian that this is the right time for a change.” Roma Pep Guardiola who will leave when his contract observation pending their evolution”, although following their relegation to the third tier of FA suspended Put pending “clarification” of a have won only one of their last 10 games in all expires at the end of the season. While Ancelotti it did not say when he may be released. The English football. The newspaper said Pennant prison sentence in his native Belgium for match- competitions and suff ered an embarrassing is working on his language skills, Rummenigge news came hours after Mondragón posted a would be taking a 70 percent pay cut to join fixing. A Belgian appeals court sentenced Put to home exit to Spezia in the Italian Cup. They added that he has not prepared a wish-list of concerning message on Instagram post, which “the Stags”. “The monetary hurdle has been a two-year jail term and ordered his immediate are currently fifth in Serie A. Spalletti, 56, has transfer targets. “I have telephoned him but he has since been deleted. “There is only me who crossed long ago. I knew before I flew here I arrest for allowing a Chinese businessman to reportedly signed a contract until 2017 after has not sent me a shopping list for summer,” he can judge my life, and I’m tired of being judged would have to take a big pay cut but you must bribe players when he was coach of Lierse. Put meeting Pallotta in Miami. His first term at the said. “We have a quality team and he knows that.” by others without the possibility of defending look at the bigger picture,” Pennant said. “If you was one of more than a dozen managers, play- club was from 2005 until 2009. He led them to Rummenigge expressed admiration for Napoli myself,” he wrote. Reports in the Colombian do well for the S.League and Singapore football, ers, coaches and agents charged in connection three runner-up finishes in the Serie A and two striker Gonzalo Higuain, though he played down media suggested he had taken a large dose of you will be rewarded in diff erent ways and, in with a huge match-fixing scandal dating back to Champions League quarter-finals. the possibility of a transfer. anti-depressants. the long run, it may be a no percent pay cut.” 2004-2006.

PREMIER LEAGUE Slick United show some razzle-dazzle against Newcastle

Reuters Newcastle hold London anchester United finally produced a swashbuckling display worthy of Mtheir great name in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Newcastle United on Tuesday, former Old Traff ord favourites Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand said. “Boring, boring United” suddenly became “scoring, scoring, United” as Louis van Gaal’s men threw caution to the wind in a Rooney-inspired game being hailed as one of the best Pre- mier League matches of the season. Surrounding Wayne Rooney with young, energetic forwards could be the key that unlocks a complete turnaround in United’s fortunes, according to Ferdinand. Rooney was like a firecracker up front, producing a dynamic performance that could have yielded a bucketful of goals for him and his team. United; Villa win The 30-year-old England striker scored twice, a first-half penalty and a venomous right-foot shot from 20 metres into the top ‘We don’t speak any more about Wayne Rooney. You have criticised him, I didn’t’ corner late in the game, and laid on another goal for Jesse Lingard with some clever approach play. Reuters Lingard and Marouane Fellaini also London missed open goals as United carved out chance after chance. Operating alongside the 23-year-old Lin- ston Villa beat Crystal Palace 1-0 to gard and the 20-year-old Anthony Martial in win a Premier League match for the the forward line seemed to liberate Rooney. fi rst time since August while a late “It was a real confident, immaculate-look- goal from Paul Dummett earned a 3-3 ing Wayne Rooney tonight,” former England drawA for Newcastle United against Manchester defender Ferdinand told BT Sport. United on Tuesday. “The Chelsea game,” he added in refer- Joleon Lescott’s second-half header, fum- ence to last month’s 0-0 draw with the bled in by keeper Wayne Hennessey, handed league champions, “and this game, when Villa manager Remi Garde a fi rst victory in he’s played something like we’ve seen be- charge, the bottom club’s fi rst in the league at fore, each time he had runners (alongside). home this season, and ended a run of 19 games “Wayne Rooney needs runners. He’s not without a win. the player he was before where he could be Wayne Rooney’s 79th-minute strike, his running beyond people. He needs people second goal of the game, put United 3-2 up running beyond him where he can pull the at Newcastle but Dummett struck in the last strings,” explained Ferdinand who made 455 minute for the relegation-threatened hosts appearances for United between 2002-14. who had battled back from 2-0 down. Sixth-placed United have been pilloried West Ham United moved above Manchester for their lack of adventure this season and United into fi fth place after coming from a goal the criticism is not unwarranted. At Old Traf- down to win 3-1 at Bournemouth, Enner Va- ford, for example, they have not scored a lencia netting twice for the London side. first-half goal for the last 10 matches. Villa, still eight points from safety, were gift- Fans of the triple European champions ed victory when Hennessey allowed defender have been fed a constant diet of swash- Lescott’s 58th-minute eff ort to squirm through buckling football for decades with the likes his hands. of George Best, Cristiano Ronaldo, Bobby The home team had appeared to be in for Charlton, Denis Law, Eric Cantona and Ryan another 90 minutes of struggle when Palace’s Giggs oozing style and panache. Wilfried Zaha struck Villa’s post inside the The pressure has been mounting on opening minute but Garde’s men held fi rm. Van Gaal and doubts were raised about his The Villa players, abused by their fans after future when United recently went eight drawing with fourth-tier Wycombe Wander- matches without a victory. ers in the FA Cup at the weekend, this time re- Scholes, Ferdinand’s former team mate ceived a standing ovation as they left the pitch. with club and country, has been among the “We suff ered so much in the previous weeks harshest critics of the Dutchman. and today we are very happy. Defi nitely the “Every time I come to Old Traff ord it’s players showed pride and we deserved to win,” negative football, I would be depressed if I Garde told Sky Sports. “It was a nice feeling was part of that performance,” said Scholes to feel the crowd behind the players, it’s very after Van Gaal’s side struggled to beat third important. We cannot be happy too long—we tier Sheff ield United 1-0 in the FA Cup third have to build on this one.” round last Saturday. Newcastle remain in the relegation zone, “The players are bored, fans are bored, one point behind 17th-placed Swansea City, everyone’s bored. You look across at the but manager Steve McClaren was delighted his bench and Van Gaal looks bored as well.” side had shown “what we are about”. Scholes was considerably more upbeat McClaren’s side trailed 2-0 after Rooney after United’s display at Newcastle. converted a ninth-minute penalty and laid on “Loads better,” he said. “To go and watch the second for Jesse Lingard following a swift Manchester United, whether it’s home or counter attack. away, is entertainment, it’s goals—whether Aleksandar Mitrovic nodded down for you concede goals or whether you can Georginio Wijnaldum to pull a goal back just score goals. Tonight that was like watching before halftime. a Manchester United team. Okay, they didn’t Serb Mitrovic then levelled from the spot win but they should have won, really ... now after 67 minutes when Chris Smalling was pe- they have to try and transfer this type of nalised for pushing. form to Old Traff ord.” Rooney’s neat fi nish put United back in front Rooney felt his side’s 3-3 draw showed but Dummett lashed the ball in from the edge that they need to find the right balance of the box to earn his side a point. between attack and defence. “People said Manchester United were boring “After going 2-0 up, we were in control of and we lacked character but we kept fi ghting the game, and then we’ve let them back into until the end and we have got a goal that feels it. To then get our third goal and concede like a winner,” McClaren said. “People thought again was disappointing from us,” Rooney it would be a 0-0 and it was a classic at 3-3.” told in-house television channel MUTV. Dimitri Payet kickstarted West Ham’s come- Manchester United captain and striker Wayne Rooney (left) celebrates “They were silly goals to concede on our back at Bournemouth after they had trailed to a with midfielder Juan Mata after scoring his second goal, and the behalf and they were avoidable. They have fi ne fi rst-half strike from Harry Arter. team’s third, in their English Premier League match against Newcastle cost us two points, so we’re disappointed. West Ham lost striker Andy Carroll to injury United on Tuesday. The match ended in a 3-3 draw. (AFP) “We can’t keep going on conceding three early on but Payet levelled midway through the goals every game, so we have to work on that second half with a sublime free-kick. and create the chances without giving goals The French midfi elder then set up Valencia second goal for Jesse Lingard with some clever criticised him, I didn’t,” said a stony-faced Van a victory for Van Gaal’s side. away. You can score as many goals as you to make it 2-1 in the 75th minute and the Ec- approach play. Gaal as he got up from his chair and brought The United striker also became England’s want, but if you keep conceding goals, then uadorean striker thumped in a free-kick to seal As well as the assist, Rooney scored with a proceedings to an abrupt end. record scorer when he grabbed his 50th inter- it’s a problem. We have to keep trying to get victory nine minutes later. penalty and a venomous long-range eff ort to The England captain became the second national goal in a 2-0 Euro 2016 qualifying win that balance right and keep creating chances, Rooney was in no mood to celebrate his take his tally to 241 goals in 505 appearances for highest Premier League goal-scorer of all-time over Switzerland in September. scoring goals and keeping them out.” moving closer to a goal-scoring milestone, the the club, eight adrift of Charlton, who netted when he was on target against Swansea City He scored his 51st in a friendly against France Rooney hopes that United’s rediscovered striker instead admitting he was frustrated his 249 times in 758 matches. earlier this month and is now 70 goals behind in November. attacking edge will be on display again side had failed to secure the win. Manager Louis van Gaal has consistently Alan Shearer’s record haul of 260. at Anfield. “We’re always trying to create Rooney has responded well to criticism of defended his captain and was clearly irked by Then he ended a run of 553 minutes without Results chances,” said the England striker. “Obvi- his below-par performances earlier this sea- a question about the 30-year-old striker dur- a goal for his club by deftly fl icking in a cross Bournemouth 1 ...... West Ham 3 ously we know that’s our aim, that’s what we son and was back to his best at relegation- ing a post-match news conference. “We don’t to secure a 2-1 triumph against Swansea that Aston Villa 1 ...... Crystal Palace 0 work on every day at the training ground.” threatened Newcastle, also laying on United’s speak any more about Wayne Rooney, you have halted a sequence of six league games without Newcastle 3 ...... Man United 3 Gulf Times 6 Thursday, January 14, 2016 SPORT

NBA NFL Rams return to LA aft er owners James rallies Cavs approve move

AFP Raiders had a rival plan for a sta- Los Angeles dium in suburban Carson that was backed by an owners com- mittee earlier but failed to obtain to eighth straight, FL team owners ap- the 24 votes needed from own- proved the return of the ers. Los Angeles Rams from After a preliminary vote fa- St. Louis on Tuesday, vored the Rams option by a 20- Nrelocating the club to end a 21- 12 margin, the Raiders backed year NFL drought for the South- out of the relocation process and ern California metropolis. will remain in Oakland. The NFL announced that own- The move back to Los Ange- past Mavs in OT ers voted 30-2 to support Rams les for the Rams came exactly 70 owner Stan Kroenke’s move for years to the day after NFL own- the 2016 season and proposal for ers approved the team’s move a 70,000-seat stadium in sub- from Cleveland to Los Angeles. ‘We all got frustrated at times but we never lost the task at hand and urban Inglewood, a $1.86 billion The Rams are expected to return complex that could crack $2 bil- to the Los Angeles Coliseum as lion before its 2019 completion. a temporary home until the new that was just trying to get a win. And we were able to accomplish that’ “This is the hardest under- stadium is complete. taking I’ve ever faced,” Kroenke Goodell said the Chargers said. “It is a diffi cult process and could possibly play in Los An- Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron it is bittersweet. We understand geles as soon as next season, as James (23) dunks the ball over Dallas the emotions of our fans. It’s not could the Raiders if the Charg- Mavericks guard Devin Harris (34) dur- easy to do these things. It’s pur- ers pass on their chance quickly ing the second half of their game on posefully made hard.” enough within the 12-month Tuesday. The Cavaliers defeat the Mav- Three teams were looking to time frame they have to decide. ericks 110-107 in overtime. PICTURE: relocate to Los Angeles as early as The Chargers, should they de- Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports next season, but while the Rams cide to relocate to the new sta- will move for the 2016 campaign, dium, would have to negotiate another team could join them lease terms with Kroenke that later. could include being a tenant at The San Diego Chargers have the stadium or a partner in the up to one year to decide if they project that derailed their own want to join them in the new sta- plan. dium. If not, the Oakland Raid- “This has really been excruci- ers then will get a year to decide ating,” Chargers chairman Dean about making the same move. Spanos said. “I’m going to look While LA fans were overjoyed, at all our options. We do have St. Louis NFL supporters were options. It’s very diffi cult to say heartbroken, stung again after now I’m going to do this or do luring the Rams from LA in 1994 that.” after having lost the Cardinals to Spanos said the NFL has Arizona in 1988. granted $100 million in assist- “The NFL ignored the facts, ance in the event a new stadium the loyalty of St. Louis fans who solution can be placed before supported the team through San Diego voters. far more downs than ups and a “I will be working over the strong market and viable plan next several weeks to explore the for a new stadium,” St. Louis options that we have now creat- mayor Francis Slay said. ed for ourselves to determine the But NFL commissioner Roger best path forward,” Spanos said. Goodell has long warned cit- Raiders owner Mark Davis, ies that modern venues mean whose team has no lease any- more than loyal ticketbuyer sup- where for next season, said the port when it comes to providing outcome did not ensure the proper support for NFL teams. Raiders would stay in Oakland, “Relocation is a painful proc- where the stadium is the last to ess,” Goodell said. “It was a dif- be shared by NFL and baseball fi cult decision for the ownership teams. but we also recognized this was “We’ll see where the Raider our opportunity.” Nation ends up,” Davis said. “For All three hopefuls had previ- our fans, don’t feel bad. We’ll get ously been based in LA, the Rams it right.” DPA The Cavaliers wiped out an early Elsewhere: to-back triples to spark a game-breaking and Raiders leaving in 1994 to Since the NFL last relocated a Los Angeles 16-point defi cit before a ferocious two- •San Antonio Spurs 109, Detroit Pis- 19-5 run midway through the fourth begin the city’s NFL drought. franchise, when the former Hou- handed dunk by James with 20.9 seconds tons 99: Frenchman Tony Parker poured quarter, and the visiting Rockets (20- “Welcome home,” tweeted ston Oilers moved to Tennessee left tied the contest at 95-95. in a season-high 31 points, LaMarcus 19) rolled the Grizzlies (21-19) for their former Los Angeles Rams star in 1997, the NBA has seen three eBron James worked overtime The Mavs turned to German Dirk Aldridge had 22 points with 13 rebounds fourth straight win. rusher Eric Dickerson mere min- clubs change home cities and to keep the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Nowitzki on the fi nal play in regulation and the visiting Spurs (34-6) extended •New York Knicks 120, Boston Celt- utes after the news was made baseball and the National Hock- winning streak alive. but Iman Shumpert stripped him of the their season-high winning streak to ics 114: Latvian rookie centre Kristaps public. ey League have each had one club James scored 27 points, includ- ball while shooting to force overtime. nine after topping the Pistons (21-17). Porzingis scored 26 points, Arron Affl alo The Chargers and Oakland relocation. Ling the go-ahead layup in the extra ses- “It’s not an uncommon situation for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope paced the added 20 of his 24 in the second half, and sion and assisted on Kyrie Irving’s game- Dirk to get the ball in the middle of the Pistons (21-17) with 25 points. the Knicks (20-20) beat the visiting Celt- sealing triple with 13 seconds remaining foul line because of his great sense and •Oklahoma City Thunder 101, Min- ics for their fi fth win in six games despite Raiders in limbo aft er NFL nixes LA move Tuesday, rallying the Cavaliers past the feel to be able to maneuver himself for nesota Timberwolves 96: Kevin Durant losing All-Star forward Carmelo An- Dallas Mavericks 110-107 for their eighth a good look,” Blatt said. “Iman made a scored 12 of his 30 points in the fi nal thony to a right ankle sprain early in the Oakland: The Oakland Raiders He was speaking after NFL own- straight win. great play on the ball to knock it away three minutes, and Russell Westbrook third quarter. Isaiah Thomas tossed in are uncertain which city they will ers voted for the St. Louis Rams “We just never lost our composure,” from him and save us there.” added 22 with 11 assists as the visit- 34 points for the Celtics (19-19), losers of call home in 2016 after the failure to move to Los Angeles, and also said James, whose club trailed most of the In overtime, Nowitzki knocked down ing Thunder (29-12) sent the sliding T- four n a row. of their bid to move back to Los gave the San Diego Chargers an game. “We all got frustrated at times but a pair of early triples and a layup from Wolves (12-27 to their seventh straight •Indiana Pacers 116, Phoenix Suns 97: Angeles, owner Mark Davis said option to relocate as well, freez- we never lost the task at hand and that Chandler Parsons helped the Mavs to a loss. Paul George scored 21 points as the Pac- on Tuesday. ing out the Raiders and sending was just trying to get a win. And we were 105-104 advantage. •Milwaukee Bucks 106, Chicago Bulls ers (22-16) used a dominant 36-21 fourth The franchise’s lease at Oakland them back to the drawing board. able to accomplish that.” But the Cavs weren’t done as James’ 101: Giannis Antetokounmpo had 29 quarter to hand the Suns (13-27) their Coliseum, where they have The league says it will contribute Kevin Love fi nished with 15 points and waltzed in for the go-ahead layup with a points with 10 rebounds, and Greg Mon- eighth straight road loss. played since moving north from $100 million towards the cost of 11 rebounds, and Matthew Dellavedova minute left. After a missed three-point- roe hit the go-ahead three-point play •LA Lakers 95, New Orleans Pelicans Los Angeles 1995, has expired building a new stadium for the netted 12 for the Cavs (27-9), who moved er by Deron Williams, James, who added with 2:58 remaining, as the Bucks (16-24) 91: Lou Williams scored 19 points, and and the city has not expressed three-time Super Bowl champi- to 3-0 on their six-game road trip. 10 rebounds and seven assists, found a pulled away from the visiting Bulls (22- Julius Randle got the go-ahead layup willingness to contribute public ons, a figure that did not impress “We didn’t start well and it didn’t go wide-open Irving for the dagger triple to 15) despite Jimmy Butler’s game-high with 43 seconds left as the Lakers (9-31) money for a new stadium. Davis. away fast but our guys displayed a winning make it 109-105. 30 points stopped a four-game slide by edging the “I don’t know where we’ll be “I don’t believe that’s going to fill attitude,” Cavs coach David Blatt said. “It’s just the confi dence I have in him •Houston Rockets 107, Memphis Griz- visiting Pelicans (11-26), minus All-Star (in 2016),” Davis told reporters. the gap that we have right now,” “We just stayed in and we didn’t lose our and the confi dence I know he has in zlies 91: James Harden scored 25 points, forward Anthony Davis, because of a “We’re trying to figure that out.” he said. way.” himself,” James said. Terrence Jones added 20, including back- bruised back.

NHL Shaw the hero as Blackhawks edge out Predators

The Sports Xchange in a 4-0 loss to Philadelphia on Ben Bishop stopped 21 shots for relinquish. Buff alo snapped a six- New York Saturday. Thomas Greiss recorded his second shutout of the season, game losing streak on Sunday in 18 saves as the Islanders moved Steven Stamkos had two goals and Winnipeg, and has now won two in a into a tie for second place in the Tampa Bay beat Colorado. row. Ryan Suter scored shorthanded ndrew Shaw scored two Metropolitan Division with the Ondrej Palat and Tyler for Minnesota and added an assist goals and the Chicago New York Rangers heading into Johnson also had goals. Vladislav when Thomas Vanek got a goal late. Blackhwaks held on for Thursday’s game between the Namestnikov and Victor Hedman Blues 5, Devils 2 a 3-2 win over Nashville longtime rivals at Barclays Center. had two assists each for the Patrik Berglund scored two APredators on Tuesday. Coyotes 4, Oilers 3 (OT) Lightning. Stamkos notched his power-play goals to lead St Louis Brent Seabrook also scored for the Max Domi had his fi rst career hat- fi fth multi-goal game of the season over New Jersey. The Blues posted Blackhawks. Marian Hossa added trick and Oliver Ekman-Larsson and 54th of his career. their fi rst regulation victory since two assists as Chicago extended its scored a power-play goal with 8.9 Sharks 4, Jets 1 Dec. 22, a span of 10 games. season-long winning streak to eight seconds remaining in overtime in San Jose’s two third-period goals Ty Rattie, Scottie Upshall and games. Arizona’s victory over Edmonton at propelled it past Winnipeg. David Backes also scored for the Mike Ribeiro and Filip Forsberg Gila River Arena. Joe Pavelski and Joel Ward scored Blues. The Devils got goals from scored for the Predators, who lost Ekman-Larsson, who scored late to seal the win after Chris Bobby Farnham and Lee Stempniak. their fourth consecutive game. from the left point, has six game- Tierney and Joe Thornton scored Hurricanes 3, Penguins 2 (OT) Islanders 5, Blue Jackets 2 winning goals this season for the fi rst-period goals for the Sharks. Jeff Skinner scored a power-play Brock Nelson collected his fi rst Coyotes, who overcame a two- Nikolaj Ehlers scored the Jets lone goal with 1:58 remaining in overtime NHL hat-trick and the New York goal defi cit in the third period to goal. as Carolina defeated Pittsburgh at Islanders snapped out of a two- win their fourth straight. Ekman- Sabres 3, Wild 2 PNC Arena. game off ensive slump with a 5-2 win Larsson also had three assists. Buff alo used a trio of fi rst- Eric Staal and Kris Versteeg over the Columbus Blue Jackets at Leon Draisaitl, Benoit Pouliot period goals to spur a victory over scored earlier for the Hurricanes, Barclays Center. had a goal and an assist for the Minnesota. who matched their season-high Ryan Strome scored the game’s Oilers, and Jordan Eberle had three Jamie McGinn, Rasmus mark with a three-game winning fi rst goal and Brian Strait scored in assists. Justin Schultz also scored Ristolainen and Brian Gionta all streak. Cam Ward made 22 saves for the third period for the Islanders, for Edmonton. scored in the opening stanza, as the Carolina, which is 6-7 in overtime Andrew Shaw No 65 of the Chicago Blackhawks breaks up the ice against the Nashville Predators who only managed 20 shots on goal Lightning 4, Avalanche 0 Sabres built a lead they would not games. at the United Center in Chicago on Tuesday. Gulf Times Thursday, January 14, 2016 7 SPORT

NFL Panthers pleased with growth of ‘little brother’ Funchess ‘It doesn’t matter if I’m a rookie or a 10-year vet. I’m going to do what I want to do’

By Jonathan Jones The Charlotte Observer

hroughout the NFL sea- son the league has told you through advertise- ment after advertise- Tment that “football is family.” If that’s so, then there’s no doubt Panthers rookie receiver Devin Funchess is the little brother on the off ense. At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, he’s a big little brother, but a lit- tle brother, nonetheless. Funchess is the one who gets playful ribbing from quarterback Cam Newton in news conferenc- es and in the locker room. He’s the one everyone has watched grow from organized team activities and adjusting to the speed of the game to learning how to better play the receiver position in the NFL. He also has the classic little brother syndrome of not want- ing to act like the little brother. “I’ve never really understood,” Funchess said, “just like when I came in as a freshman (at Michi- gan), ‘Oh you’ve got to do that because you’re a freshman.’ It doesn’t matter if I’m a rookie or a 10-year vet. I’m going to do what I want to do.” This season, Funchess bat- tled through a hamstring injury in training camp that stunted his growth when — after second- year receiver Kelvin Benjamin was lost for the season with a knee injury — the Panthers needed him more. He struggled with dropped passes through the fi rst half of the season but learned to calm down, trust his hands more and better use his large frame against smaller defensive backs. The result has been 31 catches for 473 yards, the fi fth-most for a Panthers’ rookie receiver. And his fi ve touchdowns are tied for second in franchise history for a fi rst-year receiver. at Michigan in a dysfunctional where he could have gotten some sharper so he could use his body Ginn said. “I can’t get him away Funchess in his rookie season shield the smaller cornerback. “I’m just taking advantage of program while being moved quality reps, especially when to shield an undersized defender. from me.” than Carolina’s last game of the Newton hit Funchess in stride the opportunities that I have,” from tight end to receiver and we had Miami in town (for joint Carolina’s X receiver position, “Hell yeah,” Newton yelled regular season, against NFC at the 7, then the rookie shrugged said Funchess, whose team plays back meant he needed polishing. practices), but we didn’t,” Rivera or the No. 1 receiver, uses those from a locker nearby. “He ain’t South rival Tampa Bay. off the defender and dove for the host to Seattle in the divisional That’d normally come dur- said. kind of routes — like slants — lying, either.” On third-and-11 from the end zone as a second Buccaneers round of the playoff s Sunday. ing a month in Spartanburg for “Initially it was slow and ini- frequently. “We sit next to each other in Tampa 16, Funchess was sup- defender came for him. “Go in there, do my job, hope- training camp, but the hamstring tially he was frustrated because When Ted Ginn Jr. is at the meetings,” Ginn continued. posed to run a route that calls for “Those are things that you’re fully it’s a good day and if not do injury delayed his development. he wanted to play more. But X, not only is he sharp but fast, “Everything we do is me and going seven steps and breaking starting to see from him on a my job in the run game. What- He didn’t get the reps against at that point he didn’t know which makes it tough for de- Funchess. It speaks volumes of, inside. more consistent basis,” Rivera ever I can do to get the W. I don’t NFL competition that Panthers enough. fenders to keep up. But if Funch- even though we were raised to But Funchess recognized said. care if I have a big role or small coach Ron Rivera wanted. “Probably Week 6-7-8 he ess isn’t sharp on his cuts, a cor- hate each other (as college ri- Tampa was sending a blitz. “Going into the playoff s, a role.” So when Benjamin tore his showed us he knew enough and nerback could undercut a route vals), we really love each other. The Bucs sent seven defenders young guy like that making The Panthers liked Funchess ACL, fans and observers clam- you started to see the growth. and defend a pass. He’s a great guy. He’s taken this and there was no way Newton plays, could be one of those so much coming out of Michigan ored for Funchess to replace The more he got on the fi eld, the Funchess grew on the fi eld and year on. would have enough time to wait guys — I don’t want to say X fac- that they traded up in the second him. He’s big and tall, too, so better he played. Competition in the fi lm room. He and Ginn “It’s been fast for him, but he on the route to develop. tor — but someone no one really round to get him as other play- why can’t he just be inserted to makes everybody else better. You have buried their past as former picked it up and he’s been doing The safety had left his zone accounts for because he’s still a ers with fi rst-round grades fl ew the spot? can see it.” members of rivals Michigan and everything we’ve asked.” to rush after the quarterback, so rookie and still learning and de- off the NFL draft board. Funch- “You wish he could have had Over time, Funchess learned Ohio State. There’s no better evidence Funchess took steps and broke in veloping, but makes the kind of ess had raw ability, but his time them all through training camp to make his in-breaking routes “He’s like my little brother,” that things are clicking for sharply while using his body to plays that help bolster you.”

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Kuwait sues IOC powerbroker Irvin, who helped integrate Ahmad over suspension

AFP If the suspension remains, it will prevent Ku- Kuwait City wait from qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. Sheikh Ahmad is fi ghting an appeal against a baseball, dies at 96 six-month jail term for insulting the judiciary. Reuters uwait’s government is seeking hundreds Sheikh Ahmad and his brother are nephews Austin, Texas of millions of dollars in damages from of Kuwait’s ruler Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Sheikh Ahmad Fahad al-Sabah, one of al-Sabah. In a separate development, FIFA sanc- the most powerful men in sport, over the tioned Kuwait over its unplayed Asian Zone Group aseball Hall of Famer Monte Irvin, a Negro League star who GulfK state’s isolation from international sport. G World Cup 2018 qualifi er against Myanmar became one of the fi rst black players in Major League Baseball The sheikh, a member of the FIFA executive scheduled for November 17 last year. and a mentor to Willie Mays, died on Monday at his home in committee, a top International Olympic Commit- World football’s disciplinary committee fi ned Houston at age 96, MLB offi cials said on Tuesday. tee member and head of Asia’s Olympic body, is Kuwait 10,000 Swiss francs ($10,000, 9,140 eu- BIrvin made his debut with the New York Giants at age 30 in 1949, one of a number of Kuwaiti offi cials targeted in a ros) and declared the match should be forfeited. two years after Jackie Robinson broke the colour barrier with the lawsuit fi led on Tuesday. A FIFA statement explained: “The decision was Brooklyn Dodgers. The suit accuses Sheikh Ahmad, who also faces reached after a thorough analysis of all relevant “The National Pastime has lost a pioneer with the passing of Mon- a separate six-month jail term, his brother Sheikh information pertaining to the case, in particular te Irvin, and the Hall of Fame has lost a devoted family member and Talal Fahad al-Sabah and 13 other offi cials of de- the fact that the KFA has been suspended since 16 friend,” Jane Forbes Clark, chairman of the National Baseball Hall of liberately causing the suspension of Kuwait from October 2015.” Fame and Museum, said on the organization’s website. international sport. An outfi elder who could hit for power and average, Irvin played FIFA and the IOC suspended Kuwait in Octo- most of his eight big-league seasons with the Giants. In 1951, he took ber over laws that allow government interference Mays, a rookie, under his wing. Mays went on to become one of base- in sports. Sixteen other international federations ball’s all-time greats. have also blacklisted Kuwait, which risks missing Irvin helped the Giants stage one of baseball’s biggest comebacks out on taking part in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in overtaking the Dodgers for the 1951 National League pennant, and Irvin’s minor league contract and eventually chose Robinson. in August. The government is demanding tempo- played on the Giants’ 1954 World Series championship team. “Jackie Robinson is the real hero and the real pioneer. I was just so rary damages of $16,500 (15,200 euros), which if He batted .293 with 99 home runs in the Major Leagues after a stel- happy he was successful, and it made it much easier for all of us who granted by a court will allow authorities to seek lar career in the Negro League, where he had a career average of .354, came after him,” MLB.com quoted Irvin as saying in 2010. After retir- greater damages of $1.3 billion, according to Al- according to Baseball Reference. ing, he became a scout for the New York Mets and spent 17 years as a Rai newspaper. Irvin served for three years during World War Two, putting his public relations specialist for the baseball commissioner’s offi ce. The government says in the lawsuit that it has baseball career on hold after he was drafted into the US Army. His unit Irvin was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973, becoming the spent more than $1.3 billion on local sports in the was deployed to the secondary line during the “Battle of the Bulge,” fourth Negro Leaguer elected following Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson past fi ve years. The Kuwaiti government has re- the Hall of Fame said. and Buck Leonard. peatedly said the country’s laws are in line with Negro League owners had recommended to then-Dodgers General “Today is a sad, sad day for me. I lost someone I cared about and ad- international sports charters. It is the third time Manager Branch Rickey that Irvin would be the perfect candidate to mired very, very much; someone who was like a second father to me,” since 2007 that FIFA and the IOC have suspended break the colour barrier, MLB.com said. Rickey had trouble buying out Mays was quoted as saying on the MLB.com website. Kuwait for alleged government interference. Gulf Times 8 Thursday, January 14, 2016 SPORT

ATHLETICS RUGBY Beaumont junior gets call to new-look There was no IAAF England squad

Reuters a smile on their face and to en- London joy it.” Sale’s Beaumont is a power- ful number eight in the mould osh Beaumont, son of of his father, a lock forward cover-up, says Coe former captain Bill, was and one of England’s most one of seven uncapped iconic players who led them players included in Ed- to the grand slam in 1980 and ‘I don’t think it was a huge surprise that we were concerned about Russia’ dieJ Jones’s fi rst England squad captained the British and Irish on Wednesday as the Austral- Lions the same year. He is cur- ian called for his team to start a rently chairman of the Rugby AFP new era by playing with smiles Football Union. London on their faces. Jack Cliff ord, who has taken While Jones ushered in a over as openside fl anker at wave of new, young players, Harlequins from Robshaw, is mbattled IAAF president Se- he also culled several regulars up against Gloucester’s Matt bastian Coe has insisted that his of the previous regime follow- Kvesic for that position. organisation did not cover up ing England’s pool stage exit Jones criticised Robshaw positive drugs tests by Russian at the World Cup. Chris Rob- during the World Cup as being a athletes,E in television interviews aired shaw, captain throughout Stu- “six and a half” player and joked yesterday. art Lancaster’s near-four-year about the reference on Wednes- Claims have emerged that the IAAF (In- reign, was retained but will be day by saying: “Chris has been ternational Association of Athletics Fed- competing for the blind-side doing exceedingly well at six, erations) was aware of illegal and danger- fl anker berth. with half a number off his back.” ous levels of doping in Russian athletics as Jones named a 33-man Jones said he would not far back as 2009. Elite Player Squad, effec- name his new captain until he A second report by a World Anti-dop- tively his squad for the Six has decided on his starting XV ing Agency (WADA) independent com- Nations championship start- for the Scotland game. mission to be published today will shine ing next month with England Among the new faces hop- further light on doping in Russian athlet- visiting Scotland in their ing to break in are Wasps cen- ics, but Coe says that the IAAF has noth- first game on February 6. tre Elliot Daly, who has a good ing to hide. “I’m looking for these guys chance in the absence of in- “I don’t think it was a huge surprise to bring enthusiasm, energy jured Henry Slade, and Sam that we were concerned about Russia,” he and a lot of hard work,” Jones Hill, Paul Hill, Ollie Devoto told Sky News. told a Twickenham news and highly-rated former Eng- “The escalating number of posi- conference. land under-20 captain lock/ tive tests that the IAAF Council com- “We want them to play with fl anker Maro Itoje. mented on during my time was clearly a concern. “But the issue is simple: were all ab- normal readings followed up? The an- Spieth dethrones Tiger in Golf swer is yes. Were sanctions imposed and Digest money ranking made public? Yes. Was there a cover-up? No.” Reigning Masters and US Open champion Jordan Spieth topped The fi rst WADA independent commis- the Golf Digest 50 money list revealed Tuesday while Tiger sion report, published in November last Woods, who topped the first 13 lists, settled for third place. year, led to the IAAF banning Russian Woods, whose run to 14 major titles from 1997 to 2008 boosted athletes from taking part in international prize money and television rights fees, has struggled with injuries competitions. and turned 40 two weeks ago with a back injury and no timetable Its second report is expected to also fo- for his return to competition. World number one Spieth, 22, made cus on corruption at the highest levels of more than $53 million in combined winnings and endorsement the IAAF. deals to top the magazine’s list of 2015 golf revenue producers, Lamine Diack, who Coe succeeded as with $30 million from sponsor Under Armour boosting Spieth’s IAAF president last August, is under in- total. Spieth had five PGA triumphs, including the two major wins. vestigation by French prosecutors over At $48.5 million with only $551,000 in prize money, Woods trailed allegations that he took bribes to hush up 45-year-old Phil Mickelson and finished just ahead of 26-year-old positive tests by Russian athletes. Northern Ireland star Rory McIlroy. Arnold Palmer, the 86-year-old Last week three senior IAAF offi cials, legend whose popularity and skill made him a pioneer in golf including Diack’s son, Papa Massata endorsement deals and branding, was fifth with fellow retired icon Diack, were banned by the IAAF’s eth- Jack Nicklaus sixth. Australia’s Jason Day was seventh with Ameri- ics commission for blackmailing athletes can Rickie Fowler eighth. Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama was 22nd, 12 and covering up positive drugs tests. spots ahead of countryman Ryo Ishikawa. In an interview with CNN, Coe was asked if he was confi dent that the second report would contain no direct allegations against him. FOCUS “Look, the (IAAF) ethics board has al- ready made its enquiries,” he replied. “The WADA report we will wait for to- morrow (Thursday), the French police... I Aspire, STRI set up a have been, as the president of the IAAF, in total cooperation with all these enquiries. So that is where we are.” strategic alliance Asked if he had considered standing aside as president, he replied: “No, be- cause the day-to-day duties of a presi- idea that I don’t know that these are dark having to deal with was taking place. But when asked how many more rev- dent is to make sure that the sport is in days. Of course they’re dark days. Our responsibility now is to make those elations were likely to come to light in the safe keeping.” “The crisis, actually, was probably two changes and to take the sport into safe second WADA report, he replied: “I don’t He added: “Don’t run away with the or three years ago when what we’re now territory.” know.” Kenya’s Kiplagat seeks $1mn in prize money lost to drugs cheats Kenyan two-time world marathon cham- Marathon Majors, a series comprising big- several other top runners have cast a pall More than 40 Kenyan runners have failed pion Edna Kiplagat wants $1 million dollars city marathon events in New York, London, over athletics in recent years. The sport drugs tests in the past few years. Jeptoo, to be retrospectively awarded to her as Chicago, Boston, Tokyo and Berlin. has also been hit by allegations of corrup- who won Boston and Chicago marathons, the rivals who pipped her to two lucrative “My talent is being wasted. I don’t have any tion within the world governing body, the was the highest profile Kenyan runner to World Marathon Majors series titles have motivation,” Kiplagat said in Eldoret, some IAAF. fail a test during this period. since been banned for doping. 350km northwest of the capital Nairobi. Kiplagat, 36, said she will not run any road Kiplagat, the winner of London and New Russia’s Liliya Shobukhova beat Kiplagat “Shobukhova and Jeptoo have been races this year as she was focused on win- York marathons, said many Kenyans are Acting CEO of Aspire Zone Foundation Mohamed Khalifa al-Suwaidi to scoop the $500,00 series jackpot in suspended but I have not been paid what ning a spot on Kenya’s marathon team for worried the east African nation’s reputa- with STRI Group CEO Dr Gordon McKillop. 2010/2011, and the Kenyan runner finished was due to me.” the 2016 Rio Olympics. tion has been tarnished. second in the rankings to compatriot Rita Race organisers and World Marathon Ma- “My major marathon is set for April to “We want to change the image Kenyan By Sports Reporter make natural turf sustainable Jeptoo in 2013/2014. Both women were jors off icials have tried to get prize money enable me qualify for Olympics. This year’s athletics acquired last year following a few Doha across the region. Qatar’s foot- later suspended for doping. back from Shobukhova and Jeptoo, but it Olympics remain my main goal,” she said, cases of doping,” she said. ball industry will be the main Kiplagat said her drive has been dented was not clear if they have done so. without elaborating which marathon she “We want to bring back our (good) benefi ciary but we also expect by losing out to drugs cheats in the World Failed tests by Jeptoo, Shobukhova and will be running in April. image.” riven by its vision to golf, tennis and equestrian become the reference courses to benefi t from our re- in sports excellence search and service off erings. worldwide by 2020, “This alliance will help us DAspire Zone Foundation (AZF) develop Qatar and the region’s SPOTLIGHT has inked a partnership with the expertise in the design and STRI Group to establish a Centre management of natural turf, of Excellence for natural sports allowing AZF to benefi t from ICSS president, advisory board member recognised turf research and development, STRI’s world leading skills in which will service Qatar’s sports research and consulting exper- facilities. tise,” Al-Suwaidi added. within top 100 most infl uential in business ethics According to the partner- Lee Penrose, STRI Group Di- ship agreement, the venture rector added: “We are delighted By Sports Reporter The Ethisphere Institute, a leading in- industry, it is clear that sports organisa- will include a 1 hectare outdoor to have agreed a strategic part- Doha ternational organisation that defi nes and tions must now recognise their respon- turf research facility and a fully nership with AZF and keen to advances the standards of ethical busi- sibility to ensure stronger ethics in the equipped laboratory to develop start working with Qatar to not ness practices that fuel corporate char- way they do business and develop a cul- natural sports turf solutions only improve natural turf sur- CSS president Mohamed Hanzab acter, marketplace trust, and business ture of accountability and compliance tailored for local and regional face design, but also develop the and ICSS advisory board member success. is adopted throughout their governance weather systems, which require country’s sports turf manage- Michael Hershman have been recog- One of the only fi gures from the Arab structures. specifi c technology and exper- ment capacity, as this will help nised as two of the most infl uential region to make the Ethisphere Institute’s “With the ICSS celebrating its fi fth an- tise.Together AZF and STRI will Qatar to cement its position as Ipeople in the world of business ethics - 2015 list of 100 Most Infl uential in Busi- niversary in 2016, I have full confi dence explore ways to improve the ef- the primary sports destination according to a new list published by The ness Ethics, ICSS Founder and President, that my team will continue to make a real fi ciency of natural turf surfaces for the region.” Ethisphere Institute. Mohammed Hanzab, said: diff erence in safeguarding sport from and create optimal conditions in He concluded, “With more Following a turbulent year for the world “This achievement doesn’t belong just the many threats it now faces this year, Qatar’s new stadiums and other than 80 years of experience, of sport, the nomination of the Founder to me, but to the whole of the team at the as well as continuing to be a leader in sports facilities, even in harsh including at the last two World and President of the ICSS, Mohamed ICSS, who continually strive to enhance strengthening international policy and weather. Cups and Olympic Games STRI Hanzab, as well as ICSS advisory board sport safety, security and integrity and developing leading research to combat Commenting on the agree- work alongside AZF to deliver member and co-founder of Transparency safeguard the world of sport. I thank sport corruption.” ment, Mohamed Khalifa al- the same creative but practical International, Michael Hershman, is a them all for their valued support. The international honour for the ICSS Suwaidi, Acting CEO of Aspire solutions for design, establish- great honour and a signifi cant develop- “2015 was a dramatic and turbulent president arrives at a time where the or- Zone Foundation, said: “Guided ment and management of sports ment for the ICSS as the organisation cel- year for sport. Corruption, money laun- ganisation is increasing its infl uence on by QNV 2030, and our mission surfaces that we have been pro- ebrates its fi fth anniversary in 2016. dering and security issues aff ected many the world stage as it aims to become a to enhance sports performance, viding for sports clubs and or- The annual list - which recognises 100 organisations and major sport events global reference in sport safety and se- comes this step, which marks ganisations around the globe.” individuals that have made a material around the world. curity, sport integrity as well as playing the latest expansion of Qatar’s AZF and STRI will provide impact in the world of business ethics “Looking ahead to what will be a de- an increasingly leading role in the fi ght booming sports industry, in or- training in the region to con- and compliance – has been compiled by fi ning 12 months for many in the sports against match-fi xing and illegal betting. ICSS president Mohamed Hanzab der to support our ambition to tractors and civil servants. Gulf Times Thursday, January 14, 2016 9 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS India skipper ‘not convinced’ by DRS De Villiers says aft er wrong call ‘bit of truth’ in quit rumours ‘Every now and then I find I am not enjoying myself as much as I should be. I’ve been talking to a few people and obviously that’s leaked’

AFP Johannesburg

ew South African captain AB de Villiers said yesterday he was fully committed to leading the team in the next two Tests Nagainst England, but confirmed there was “a bit of truth” in rumours he was considering retirement. “For two or three years I’ve been searching for the right answers to play a little less cricket in one way or another, to keep myself fresh and enjoying the game,” he said. De Villiers, 31, admitted: “Every now and then I find I am not enjoying myself as much as I should be. I’ve been talking to a few people and obviously that’s leaked.” De Villiers was speaking ahead of the third Test against England which starts at the Wanderers Stadium today—the first time he has spoken directly to journalists since an article appeared in a local newspaper claiming he was thinking of quitting. “I’m still very committed to the job,” he said. “The two Test matches now is all that I am focusing on. There’s a nice big break of six months before we play Test cricket again. Lots of things can happen before then. But for now I am as committed as I can be and very hungry to make a success of these two Test matches.” De Villiers acknowledged that big-money Twenty20 tournaments around the world were tempting for Bailey celebrates his century on Tuesday after being reprieved off players. the first ball he faced because of the absence of the Decision Review “I think it’s a going concern for the ICC (International System due to India’s opposition. Cricket Council) to find the right sort of structure to keep all the guys fresh. International cricket is AFP came in the fi fth over of Aus- the main cricket you want to play, especially Test Perth tralia’s innings when Bailey ap- cricket. peared to glove his fi rst ball down “There are big tournaments going on around the legside to Dhoni off debutant world and some of them you can’t ignore because kipper Mahendra Singh paceman Barinder Sran. financially they make a huge diff erence in our lives. Dhoni says he remains Television replays confi rmed “But international cricket comes first and one or two unconvinced by the mer- the contact between ball and things will have to happen in the future in order for its of the Decision Review glove, but with no DRS technol- SystemS despite India appearing ogy in place for any series involv- that to happen.” De Villiers said although he hoped to instill his own to get a wrong decision in their ing India, the visitors were un- brand of energy into the team, the atmosphere in opening one-day international able to challenge umpire Richard the camp remained “normal” following the resigna- loss to Australia. Kettleborough’s decision of not tion of Hashim Amla as captain after the second India’s lack of faith in the use out. Test last week. of DRS proved costly as George When asked by broadcaster “I’m very excited but we’ve got a very stable team Bailey overcame what should Channel Nine about a potential culture so not much has changed in the team set- have been a fi rst-ball dismissal DRS reversal, Bailey said: “We’re up.” He said being 1-0 down in the four-match series late Tuesday to help Australia not the team that doesn’t want added to the pressure “to make a play” but said he reel in the tourists 309 for three it.” looked forward to the challenge and said that extra with four balls and fi ve wickets to When asked to clarify whether responsibility made him feel more motivated. The spare in the Perth one-dayer. he thought India was being pun- nice thing about captaincy is you are completely Bailey went on to score 112 ished for their refusal to embrace focused on the team. Your personal performance is off 120 balls and man-of-the- DRS by fi nishing on the wrong put aside and that is a good thing, more often than match Steve Smith hit 149 from side of line-ball decisions, Dhoni not,” he said. De Villiers said he felt there had been 135 balls as the Australians eas- said with a smile: “I may agree a momentum shift when South Africa fought back ily ran down India’s total, which with you.” for a draw in the second Test in Cape Town. was boosted by an unbeaten 171 The DRS uses ball-tracking “I’ve played enough series to know that a little by Rohit Sharma and captain Vi- and thermal imaging to verify momentum shift like that doesn’t just happen. It’s a rat Kohli’s 91. umpires’ decisions. It was made big thing in a big series so it’s up to us to make sure “It could have (changed the optional, rather than compul- that we maintain that kind of momentum.” outcome of the game),” Dhoni sory, at India’s insistence. He said he had looked at the Wanderers pitch and said of the Bailey incident. India, which accounts for the although it seemed drier than usual following a “But at the same time, we need lion’s share of global cricket drought, he expected a fair contest between bat to push the umpires to make the revenues, has been suspicious and ball. In addition, he hinted that home-town fast right decision. of DRS since making a number bowler, the strongly-built Hardus Viljoen, 26, might “You have to see how many of unsuccessful referrals dur- win his first Test cap. “He excites me quite a lot. He 50-50 decisions (don’t) go in our ing the 2008 Test series with Sri bowls at very good pace, has got good control and favour, and it always happens Lanka, when the technology was has taken 10 wickets in two matches in a row for his and then you have to take it. on trial. franchise team.” “But I’m still not convinced on But most other cricketing na- DRS.” tions including England and The match’s pivotal moment Australia support the system.

BOTTOMLINE Dhoni unable to put positive spin on blunt attack

Reuters Dhoni keeps wickets Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja using a ners who will have a very bad day and Dhoni tried part-timer Rohit Shar- Perth as Steve Smith bats tight line to prevent the Australian the others will have to share that re- ma too, but the off-spinner gave away on Tuesday. batsmen from scoring freely as they sponsibility,” he added. 11 runs in the only over he bowled. chased down a target of 310 for vic- “It’s a tricky one. If you see the The Australian duo picked up sin- ndia captain Mahendra Singh tory. bowling department, the fast bowlers gles and twos with ease and the occa- Dhoni lamented a “very bad day” However, both spinners were pow- did a very good job; it was the spin- sional boundaries kept their required for his spinners after the tourists erless to prevent Steve Smith and ners who could have bowled better if run rate well under control as India failed to defend a big total on a George Bailey from blasting vital they could have just avoided the easy failed to exert any pressure. docileI Perth pitch in the five-wicket hundreds as they stitched together boundary deliveries.” “I think they batted really well,” defeat to Australia in their opening a 242-run stand for the third wicket Debutant fast bowler Barinder Dhoni said of the opposition. “They one-day international on Tuesday. that took the match out of India’s Sran gave India, who tallied 309 for played a few big shots but other than Injuries to fast bowlers Mohamed hands. three batting first, an ideal platform that, they were rotating (the strike) Shami and Mohit Sharma have blunt- “When I was speaking about shar- by dismissing both Australia openers well and they were still getting more ed India’s attack for the five-match ing the load yesterday, I was speaking cheaply to reduce the hosts to 21-2. than six an over. series and on the eve of the first about when the fast bowlers don’t But Bailey (112) and Smith (149) “That was an area where there was contest, Dhoni spoke of the need for have a very good day then I will have then shut the Indians out with off- a lot of pressure on us because the someone to step up to the mark if one to use the spinners,” said Dhoni, who spinner Ashwin, who picked up two spinners also went for quite a few of his bowlers had an off day. retired from the Test arena at the end wickets at the end of Australia’s in- boundaries. I felt that was a phase Dhoni had also banked on his of 2014. nings, and Jadeja going for 129 runs in where we could have maybe bowled frontline spinners Ravichandran “I never thought it will be the spin- their 18 overs. slightly differently.” Gulf Times 10 Thursday, January 14, 2016 SPORT

OPINION S. Africa’s captaincy switch is a gamble that could work against England Amla certainly seemed a little lost during the opening days at Cape Town, as anyone might when marshaling a callow attack against such an assault. It was strange to see Amla give the second new ball to the debutant Chris Morris rather than Morne Morkel late on the first day, and stranger still to see him persist with Morris the morning after

By Andy Bull The Guardian A.B. de Villiers (L) is expected to last weekend. Zampa was bowling to be more pro-active than his Dwayne Bravo, who struck a drive back predecessor Hashim Amla (R). down the ground. The ball hit the bat of uch as, often as not, the an- Bravo’s partner Peter Nevill, ricocheted swer to any Trivial Pursuit once into Zampa’s nose, then again into question about British poli- the non-striker’s stumps . And all Zam- ticians seems to be ‘Win- pa was worried about was whether he stonM Churchill’, so, when searching for a had taken a wicket or not. source for old aphorisms, the best guess As for Nevill, he didn’t realise he was is often Abraham Lincoln. Who is sup- out until the umpire told him. “Geoff posed to have said, variously, “you can’t Joshua had to tap me on the shoulder fool all the people all the time”, “better and say, ‘by the way mate you’re out.’ My to remain silent and be thought a fool primary concern was Zamps, as soon as than to speak and remove all doubt”, and I’d seen what happened and the sound “don’t swap horses in mid-stream”. The that it made was pretty sickening, my last quote is one of the rare ones which primary concern was how he was doing.” we can be sure really did pass from his “I can’t remember what he [Nevill] lips, in an address given on 9 June 1864. said,” Zampa admitted afterwards, “but Lincoln attributed it to an “old Dutch I think I need to say sorry because he was Farmer”. The saying has grown so well being sympathetic and I just brushed worn since that it was used for a run- him off .” ning gag about tired campaign slogans in Barry Levinson’s political satire Wag THE COMEBACK The Dog . Swapping horses in mid-stream is, of To the south-east corner of Pakistan, course, exactly what South Africa have then, and the city of Hyderabad. Site just done. One-nil down with two Tests of the Niaz Stadium, and, this week, a to play, Hashim Amla has quit the cap- game between the Federally Adminis- taincy, and AB de Villiers has taken over . tered Tribal Areas and the Water and So they’ve broken Lincoln’s maxim. And Power Development Authority. Un- in cricket circles, too, few would ever remarkable in all regards but one - it is have said that such a switch was a sign of the fi rst match back for both Salman anything other than a team in some dis- Butt and Mohamed Asif. Butt, still only array. It smacks of uncertainty. The Eng- 31 even after his fi ve-year ban from the lish, inevitably, have made something of sport, opened the batting and made 135 a habit of it. They used three diff erent of Wapda’s total of 277. Asif, 33, then captains against the West Indies in 1966, opened the bowling, and soon dismissed swapping MJK Smith for Colin Cow- both Fata’s openers. He fi nished with drey, and then Cowdrey for Brian Close. fi gures of 6-0-22-2. Their team won by Then a generation later they went one 141 runs. The two men have been eligible better, and famously used four for the to play since last September, but had to West Indies’ 1988 tour, Cowdrey’s son wait a little longer because the PCB in- Chris among them. More recently, they sisted that they each complete a rehabil- used two against the South Africans in ment. He plans a lot but does things and you can’t help but wonder whether without their being that air of defeatism the team . He will be happier now, and itation program before they make their 2003, when Nasser Hussain made way instinctively.” that was because he had fi nally decided about him.” Brearley later said: “With- more motivated too. comebacks. for Michael Vaughan, and again in 2008, Amla certainly seemed a little lost - midway through the match - that he out doubt, and whatever Botham’s view And ominously for England, De Vil- Asif, who recently had to abandon an when Vaughan made way for Kevin Pi- during the opening days at Cape Town, was going to give up the captaincy. “It may be, it was a relief to him to be cap- liers has always seemed to succeed at attempt to launch a second career as a etersen. as anyone might when marshaling a cal- is,” he admitted in his post-match press tain no longer.” No one needs to be told everything he turns his hand to, wheth- fi lm star, is unequivocal about his in- The common theme being that they low attack against such an assault. It was conference, “a bit of a relief”, because he what happened in the next Test , when er wicketkeeping, attacking batting, tentions: “International cricket is my didn’t win any of those four series, strange to see Amla give the second new had been stewing over the decision be- Botham was back in the ranks. blocking, or even, on occasion, bowling target.” Butt, who has been training with their best result being the two-all draw ball to the debutant Chris Morris rather fore the start of the series. Now he is free There is a fl ip-side, too. If being freed . He also plays golf off a handicap of two, Mohamed Yousuf, is a little more cir- Vaughan’s England managed to salvage than Morne Morkel late on the fi rst day, to think about his own game, his mind of the captaincy can bolster some play- was a member of South Africa’s national cumspect about his intentions. “There in 2003. History suggests some hope, and stranger still to see him persist with uncluttered by the myriad issues that a ers, so being appointed to it can boost junior tennis team, turned down an off er will be negative opinions as well and then, for England this time around. Or Morris the morning after. By the after- captain has to concentrate on. others. Especially those who aspire to to join the Blue Bulls as a fl y-half, and with respect to them I will not reply to perhaps not. Consensus seems to be noon, Amla had lost control altogether. Amla wouldn’t be the fi rst man whose what Don Bradman called “the high- has written, performed, and released his them. My target is to work hard. I hope that South Africa will likely be a better If, as Domingo suggests, De Villiers is form improved once relieved of the bur- est honour which the game has to be- own album of MOR rock ballads . things will get better, no complaints and team now with De Villiers as skipper . more deft, better able to react to the den of leadership. It happened, most ob- stow.” As, they say, De Villiers does. He All of which means that this may be I will look towards Allah and things will “Sometimes change is good,” says head changing rhythm of a match as it un- viously, to Ian Botham, when he quit af- has described it as the “fulfi lment of a one of those rare instances when Honest fall into place fi nally.” Their teammate coach Russell Domingo. “Hashim has folds around him, then South Africa will ter two Tests of the 1981 Ashes, and was lifelong dream”. De Villiers’ form hasn’t Abe’s advice is all wrong. and co-conspirator, Mohamed Amir, has done a great job but it might just be the be stronger for it. The biggest benefi t, replaced by Mike Brearley. Botham had slumped anything like as low as Amla’s, just been called up to Pakistan’s limited change that can trigger something.” De though, won’t necessarily be in the fi eld, become so brooding that he was hold- but he only scored the one century in the QUOTE OF THE WEEK overs squad for their tour of New Zea- Villiers, Domingo says, will be a more but at the batting crease. ing back his own team. As Graham Dil- eight Tests he played in 2015, and that land. Head of selectors Haroon Rasheed proactive captain. “He is more of a In 2016, Amla only scored 251 runs in ley remembered: “I don’t think we were was against the West Indies, way back in “As soon as it hit the stumps I said has said that he wants to see Butt and spontaneous leader. Hashim might be a eight Tests, with a top score of just 63 ever going onto the fi eld thinking we January. Before this series he was start- ‘how’s that? That’s out’” - Adam Asif complete a full season of domestic little bit more methodical and thought- and an average of 23. He made almost as were going to win a game. Botham found ing to grumble about his workload; some Zampa, after being hit on the nose cricket before he will consider them for ful. AB is very much spur of the mo- many in a single innings at Cape Town, it very diffi cult to get his points across said he was even contemplating quitting while playing in the Melbourne derby the international team.

SPOTLIGHT Darren Clarke will use the Eurasia Cup to set out his captaincy stall

By Ewan Murray golfi ng circles that a full-blown merger going on in the back of my mind with Clarke to be part of the team. The Guardian between the tours of Europe and Asia possible pairings, but fi rst and fore- Other members of Clarke’s Eurasia Darren Clarke: gearing could be announced in the not-so most, it’s this week. We as Europe, contingent are worthy of attention for up for the Ryder Cup distant future. That aside, the Eurasia we’re here to try and win, as Jeev diff erent reasons. Shane Lowry, Andy Cup off ers scope to showcase golf out- Milkha Singh is, with his Asian team. Sullivan, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Danny Europe’s Ryder Cup side of the occasionally all-consuming The thoughts and everything I’m try- Willett and Bernd Wiesberger should environment of the United States. ing to do is towards this week.” be eyeing Ryder Cup places. This captain is not taking Clarke, you sense, has had a burning For the players themselves, events marks an opportunity for the captain the tie against Asia desire to become immersed in a cap- in Malaysia will carry weight. For not only to see how that group play in tain’s role. The notion that he will lack all the appearance of Westwood and diff erent formats but how they inter- lightly and has called the attention to detail of Paul McGinley Poulter should prove invaluable to act with team-mates. upon the experienced is fl awed; the Northern Irishman is a those without anything like a similar “It’s a bit of a strange one because perfectionist, in the past actually to level of team experience, the English it’s a young team but you’ve then got heads of Ian Poulter the detriment of his own golf game. duo have an ongoing battle on their Westwood and Poults who have been and Lee Westwood Clarke is taking the Eurasia Cup as a hands to display Ryder Cup worth. in Ryder Cups and have played a lot key step on the Ryder Cup pathway, of Nothing lasts forever, teams cannot of team golf,” Willett acknowledged. that there is no doubt. be picked entirely on the basis of his- “And I think Darren did that for a rea- hen Ian Poulter and Lee How he manages his team, even in tory; relative struggles by Westwood son, more so to get them involved and Westwood were mak- what is essentially a laid back compe- and Poulter in recent times mean their in and around the team room to tell ing grand plans for 2016, tition, will prove fascinating in itself. positions at Hazeltine in September stories of what they have achieved and it can surely be assumed For all Europe has a template which has cannot be taken for granted. Just as what they have done.” Wthat the Eurasia Cup didn’t feature produced success after success at Ry- they know that, Clarke has given them In opposition, Asia have some for- highly in their thoughts. And yet, the der Cup level, it would only be natural a clear and smart nod of encourage- midable players. Kiradech Aphibarn- pair’s involvement this week in Kuala for Clarke to impose his own theories ment by turning to their tried and rat, Byeong-hun An and Anirban La- Lumpur is just one fascinating strand and policies when in charge of play- tested specialism for the Eurasia Cup. hiri can hold their own in any golfi ng of an event which has been aff orded ers. He will learn from what transpires In theory, away from home and company. Thongchai Jaidee, at 46, re- high signifi cance by Darren Clarke. in Kuala Lumpur, positive and other- against a United States team brimming mains one of the toughest competitors Since his appointment as the Ryder wise. with the urge for revenge, Westwood on the European Tour. Stifl ing heat and Cup captain, Clarke highlighted the “I’ve thought about this long and and Poulter are precisely the kind of humidity could also prove problematic importance of this January meeting hard, this past while,” Clarke ex- players Clarke should need. But fi rst, to Clarke and his team. between Europe and Asia. That much plained. “I’ve put a lot of work into it. he requires them to make a basic play- Friday will see six fourball matches, is of benefi t to the event itself, which So hopefully my choices are going to ing case for inclusion. The pair seem with day two comprising of the same witnessed a tie upon its fi rst playing be proven correct, we shall see. Bar- to have taken Eurasia Cup inclusion number of foursomes ties. In true Ry- back in 2014 after the Royal Trophy ring any last-minute changes, I’m in appropriate, positive light with der Cup style, 12 singles matches will had been superseded. pretty set on what I’m going to do. their commitment not in doubt from take to the course at the Glenmarie Rumours continue to circulate in “Obviously there’s Ryder Cup stuff the moment they were approached by Golf and Country Club. Gulf Times Thursday, January 14, 2016 11 TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT SYDNEY OPEN Halep shows good ‘Perfect’ Djokovic health in run to semis raises hopes of Golden Slam

‘It’s been tough playing in an era with Novak, Roger and Rafa but to have guys like Simona Halep hits a return against Karolina Pliskova yesterday. that to always be trying to catch up to and beat them, it’s a huge challenge’ DPA seed Bernard Tomic reached the Sydney quarters of the ATP-WTA tour- nament as he thrashed teenaged compatriot Jordan Thompson op seed Simona Halep 6-2, 6-2 in 49 minutes, losing just showed no sign of the seven points on serve in the rout. Achilles problem which “It was not that easy as I’ve gave her a scare 24 hours barely hit with him and have not Tearlier as the world number two trained with him for a few years,” powered past Karolina Pliskova the winner said. “It was diffi cult 6-4, 7-5 and into the semi-fi - to get into the match. nals of the Sydney International “I’m happy with my form, I yesterday. Halep overcame the played consistently last week in Czech, who produced the most Brisbane and I’m very confi dent. aces last season on the WTA, for That’s an important thing. the third time without loss after “Sydney is my favourite event, defeating her twice in 2015. it’s where it all got started for me Romania’s Halep next faces (with his debut title in 2013).” Russian double grand slam win- Tomic next plays Teymuraz ner Svetlana Kuznetsova, who Gabashvili, a winner over Fed- put out Italian Sara Errani 7-6 erico Delbonis 6-3, 6-3. (7-1), 6-0. “It was a tough match,” Halep Key Results said. “She plays very strong, hits very hard and has a great serve. I MEN had to try everything to win today. Nicolas Mahut (FRA) bt “I’m happy to win in two sets,” Andreas Seppi (ITA x5) 6-3, Halep added after eliminating 1-6, 6-3 last year’s fi nalist. “It’s my fi rst Grigor Dimitrov (BUL x4) bt semi-fi nal this season. Pablo Cuevas (URU) 7-6 (7/2), “I’ve played Kuznetsova 6-4 many times and I expect a tough Jeremy Chardy (FRA x6) bt match. She has another style but James Duckworth (AUS) 7-6 I’ll be ready.” (7/5), 6-4 Swiss eighth seed Belinda Ben- Aleksandr Dolgopolov (UKR cic broke new ground to secure a x8) bt Alexander Sarkissian fi nal-four appearance through (USA) 7-6 (8/6), 6-2 a defeat of Ekaterina Makarova Viktor Troicki (SRB x3) bt 6-0, 2-6, 6-4 while Puerto Rican Tommy Robredo (ESP) 6-1, 6-4 qualifi er Monica Puig continued Bernard Tomic (AUS) bt Jor- a fairytale week by beating Aus- dan Thompson (AUS) 6-2, 6-2 tralian warrior Samantha Stosur Novak Djokovic of Serbia smiles as he waits to receive his trophy after beating Rafael Nadal of Spain in the final of the Qatar Open. 6-4, 6-4. WOMEN Halep was broken in the eighth Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) bt AFP Acknowledging his form, the 28-year- have to improve to try and beat them, it’s Nadal has won once in Australia, over game of the second set after Sara Errani (ITA) 7-6 (7/1), 6-0 Melbourne old said in Doha: “I’m hoping that I can a huge challenge.” Federer in a classic fi ve-set fi nal in 2009, holding an early break of her Simona Halep (ROM x1) bt actually peak and play as well as I did to- Murray carries the baggage of losing and has had some of his career low points own but produced a re-break of Karolína Pliskova (CZE x5) day in Melbourne.” four Melbourne fi nals—three of them to with tournament-ending injuries in Pliskova for 6-5 before serving 6-4, 7-5 ovak Djokovic is hitting ever A strong performance looks likely in Djokovic—but is continuing his dogged Melbourne. out victory a game later on her Monica Puig (PUR) bt Saman- greater heights ahead of the Melbourne, Djokovic’s most successful pursuit of a breakthrough. But he maintains he can do well as he second match point. tha Stosur (AUS) 6-4, 6-4 Australian Open—posing prob- Grand Slam where he has won fi ve out “I’m doing everything I can to try and pursues his comeback from a disappoint- In men’s play, Australian top lems for his rivals, and rais- of fi ve fi nals, including last year against win here,” said the 28-year-old Scot, who ing 2015, when he failed to any Grand Ning distant hopes of the fi rst ever men’s Andy Murray. has promised to leave early if his wife Kim Slam titles. “Golden Slam”. But the 10-time major champion will Sears gives birth. “I am playing well, and I’m gonna keep Picking up where he left off after a not be looking too far beyond the year’s “My number one goal is to try and win working hard to try to be ready for Aus- Sharapova fully fit for Australian blistering 2015, Djokovic destroyed Ra- opening Grand Slam, which starts on here. It’d mean a lot because of how many tralia. And I think I will be. I am motivat- Open challenge fael Nadal in last week’s Qatar Open fi - Monday. times I’ve been close.” ed for it,” the Spanish left-hander said. nal, in a performance the Spaniard called “My thoughts are only directed to Mel- Federer, as the third seed on rankings, Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka will also Multiple grand slam champion been really beneficial,” Shara- “stratospheric”. bourne and what I need to do there,” he could face either Djokovic or Murray in be a contender after he conquered Djoko- Maria Sharapova has declared pova was quoted as saying by “I played against a player who did eve- said. the semi-fi nals as the 17-time Grand vic on the way to winning the 2014 Aus- herself fully fit and ready for Australian Associated Press rything perfect. I know nobody playing Slam champion looks to win his fi rst ma- tralian Open, and beat him again in last next week’s Australian Open on Wednesday. tennis like this ever,” said the 14-time ‘IT’S A HUGE CHALLENGE’ jor title since Wimbledon 2012. year’s French Open fi nal. after having her preparations The 28-year-old, who missed Grand Slam-winner. Murray, who will be in the bottom half of The world number four tuned up by hampered by a forearm injury. the U.S Open last year No male player, and only Steffi Graf on the men’s draw and seeded to face Djoko- CLASSIC FINAL beating Croatia’s Borna Coric for a third The Russian world number because of a leg injury, was the women’s side, has ever achieved the vic in the January 31 fi nal, sees the Serb as The Swiss maestro has won four Aus- straight Chennai Open title in India last five was forced to withdraw among a quartet of top play- “Golden Slam”: winning all four major a huge challenge. tralian Opens, but lost to Djokovic at last week. from the Brisbane Internation- ers who were a doubt for Mel- titles and Olympic singles gold in a single “What Novak is doing... last year he year’s Wimbledon and US Open fi nals. At Outside the top fi ve, Japan’s world al last week with the ailment, bourne because of nagging year. had an incredible year,” he said. “Final of 34, he is running out of time to add to his number seven Kei Nishikori will be look- sparking fears she might miss ailments. Last season Djokovic fell just one vic- every tournament bar one. all-time record haul of Grand Slam titles. ing to get past the quarters for the fi rst the first grand slam of the year World number one Serena tory short of the fi rst calendar-year “It’s been tough playing in an era with “Of course, Novak is the favourite for time in Melbourne. which begins on Monday. Williams (knee), Simona Halep Grand Slam since Rod Laver in 1969, af- Novak, Roger (Federer) and Rafa (Nadal) the Australian Open. Plus he’s played Meanwhile, local interest will focus on The 2008 Australian Open (Achilles) and Garbine Mugu- ter losing the French Open fi nal to Stan but at the same time to have guys like well there historically,” Federer said last the antics of talented but wayward young champion and last year’s ruza (foot) all pulled out of Wawrinka. that to always be trying to catch up to, to week. Aussies Bernard Tomic and Nick Kyrgios. runner-up opted to arrive in matches last week but Shara- Melbourne early to practice pova said it was understand- rather than seek matches at able for players to be wary BOTTOMLINE one of the other warm-up ahead of a major. tournaments taking place “I think everyone sees the across the country this week. bigger picture and that’s one “The injury was a bit of a of the things that I thought roadblock but the great thing about—you want to do what is that I’ve been healthy the you can to be healthy and be three days and everyone’s a part of the grand slam so Escape artist Serena will struggle been away playing so I’ve had sometimes that’s a decision a lot of court time which has you have to make.” to match 2015 feats, says Evert Kyrgios brushes off injury fears ahead of Open Reuters tralian Open, said in a confer- particularly the likes of a rejuve- London ence call. nated Victoria Azarenka. Nick Kyrgios will be fit for next said the Australian had a soft “She’d get it when she got The Belarus player, twice an week’s Australian Open de- tissue inflammation and that mad in the second set. She Australian Open champion, spite pulling out of his Kooy- he would be fine with rest and erena Williams (right) would fi nally pull these matches breezed to the Brisbane title last ong Classic match against ice packs. must stop giving oppo- out. I would like to see her start week without losing a set and David Goff in with a foot injury “It was there a little bit this nents head starts if she is out from the fi rst point and play appears to be benefi ting from yesterday. morning when he hit up to come anywhere near some motivational tennis, then some time off towards the end of The outspoken Australian had before the match,” Hanna was emulatingS last season’s feat of I think she won’t put herself in last year when she worked on her called for a medical time out quoted as saying by Australian winning three of the year’s four those dangerous positions. movement. at 3-2 in the first set of the ex- Associated Press. grand slams, according to former “She can’t have another year Evert says the world number hibition event before winning “He got to 2-3 in the first set world number one Chris Evert. like she had last year. She nar- 16 will be one of the chief threats it in a tiebreaker against his and said he noticed it a bit Williams, 34, has hardly rowly escaped so many matches, to Williams in Melbourne. Belgian opponent and called more and that’s why he called struck a ball in anger since a down a set, down a set and a “I think she’s a player we for the trainer again at 1-1 in me out.” shock semi-fi nal defeat by Ital- break. It can’t happen again like should be talking about and fo- the second. Kyrgios, 20, is in good form, ian Roberta Vinci at last year’s that. That would be like immortal cusing on right now,” Evert said. The world number 30 carried having helped Australia win U.S. Open dashed hopes of a rare for that to happen,” Evert added. “She certainly loves Australia. on briefly but opted to quit the mixed-team Hopman calendar year grand slam. Williams, who beat Russian She’s won it twice. She defi nitely at the next changeover while Cup event in Perth last week, The American will begin as Maria Sharapova to win last last year played really well, but trailing 3-2. where he beat British world favourite for next week’s Aus- found herself behind in matches. Heather Watson. year’s Australian Open, decided kept bumping into Serena. She “Hate withdrawing, so sorry to number two Andy Murray. tralian Open, despite slight con- At the French Open she fought “There’s so many matches in to call time on her season after challenged her more than any everyone @KooyongClassic,” The Australian Open, the first cerns over a niggling knee injury, back from losing the opening set the fi rst set she played like list- losing to Vinci. other player. Kyrgios posted on Twitter. grand slam of the year, begins but Evert believes she cannot af- four times on her way to the title less tennis, lethargic, like she While she is used to lengthy “She’s got to be one of the two “I just have to make sure I’m in Melbourne on Monday with ford the slow starts to matches while at Wimbledon, where she was going through the motions breaks as she manages her or three favourites for winning right for next week & I will be.” Kyrgios aiming to improve on that were a feature of 2015. went on to claim her 21st grand with no energy,” Evert, who schedule, Evert says Williams the Australian Open. I always Kooyang Classic tournament his quarter-final appearance Despite compiling a 53-3 win- slam crown, she fl irted with a will be commentating for U.S. will fi nd it increasingly tough thought she has a champions’ physiotherapist Rob Hanna last year. loss record last year, she often fourth-round defeat by Briton broadcaster ESPN at the Aus- to keep the chasing pack at bay, mentality.”

Thursday, January 14, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

DAKAR RALLY FOCUS Qatar’s Amro seeks victory in Dubai 24hr Peterhansel takes with MARC Cars big step towards win Major trouble for Carlos Sainz and Qatar’s Nasser al-Attiyah

Peugeot’s driver Stephane Peterhansel and co-driver Jean Paul Cottret, both from France, compete during the 2016 By Sports Reporter a hard fought second place on Dakar Rally yesterday. (AFP) Doha the podium. Just a few weeks ago, Amro took a class victory in the CN2 class in the Gulf 12hr he prestigious Dubai endurance race in Abu Dhabi. 24hr International En- “This will be my second entry durance Series fi res up into the 24 hours of Dubai and the new year racing cal- my fourth endurance race since Tendar this weekend for Qatar’s I started this type of circuit rac- only International circuit driver, ing, I have been fortunate so far Amro al-Hamad, who is con- to work with such a professional testing one of the world’s most team as MARC cars and they grueling 24hr endurance races, have a great competitive package representing Qatar in this race so I’m hopeful we can do a good for the second consecutive year, job again,” commented Amro. at Dubai Autodrome. “My goal for this year is to This is the fi rst International enter more endurance races endurance race of the new year with large professional teams to for GT’s, touring cars and 24H gain more experience and raise Specials, with one of the largest the Qatar fl ag on the podium. grids in the world, with a record We continue to work with our breaking 100 cars entered this marketing plan to raise aware- year, making competition even ness about this sport in my own tougher than previous years. country to attract sponsors and In just a few days time the Du- also to International compa- bai 24hrs will start at 2:00pm lo- nies. Without support it will be cal time on Jan 15th and fi nish on impossible to continue at this Saturday 16th at 2:00pm after high level, as we become more 24hrs of non-stop racing. competitive and more success- Amro will pilot car No 92 ful we need to push harder and alongside Australian drivers Jake that takes investment. So we are Camilleri and Morgan Haber and talking to professional compa- Dutch driver Milan Dontje. nies who seek this level of ex- Amro has joined forces again, citing partnership, to join us on for the third time, with the for- this historical journey for Qatar midable MARC Cars Team from motorsport,” commented Amro Australia. With two team cars ahead of the event. entered in the competitive SP2 Qualifying takes place to- class, they run with 500bhp morrow and the race will be 5.0Ltr Ford Focus V8’s, special- televised Live in Europe on Mo- Motorsports.com Sainz, meanwhile, was 20 minutes ized for endurance racing. Amro tors TV and in the Middle East La Rioja slower than his French rival. last raced this same car to vic- on GearOne TV. The 24hseries But it all came to a sudden end for the tory in the Zandvoort 12hr race will stream the live broadcasting Spaniard, who stopped with a broken in May last year. And in last years also on their live website. www. tephane Peterhansel took a giant gearbox case 213km into the stage. Dubai 24hr race the team gained live.24hseries.com. step towards victory in the 2016 Peterhansel reached the fi nish in Dakar Rally after winning yes- 4h13m32s, beating Peugeot teammate terday’s 10th stage as both Carlos Despres by 5m40s and Toyota’s Vladimir SainzS and Qatar’s Nasser al-Attiyah hit Vasilyev by 12m56s. QATAR BASKETBALL LEAGUE major trouble. Peterhansel said: “We had a terrible Peterhansel started the day in second start to the special. We got lost at km 32 place in the standings, behind Sainz, but and wandered around for at least 15 min- the Spaniard’s chances vanished when he utes. I blew a fuse because I thought I’d stopped with mechanical problems near lost everything. the end of the day. “We took risks and threw caution to At the time of writing, the Spaniard the wind. We pushed very hard because was still waiting for assistance. we knew today was the decisive stage. It Al-Attiyah, third at the start of the was a stage with very tricky navigation, day, lost over 52 minutes after rolling his off -track sections, drainage channels... X-raid Mini. Everything that makes rally raid hard. As The day included a 278-km special, usual, this is where you see huge gaps. with a mammoth connection of 485km “I had a fl at tyre and started scream- from Belen to La Rioja. The start was ing my head off , I was a bit out of my slightly delayed because of the rising of mind today. However, when we got go- a river. ing, we were fast. We took a huge leap in Al-Attiyah’s day got off to a poor start the overall. It’s also good to know we’ve when he rolled his Mini less than six km got Cyril right behind us to give us a into the stage. Nasser al-Attiyah of Qatar drives his hand. He’s helping us out even though he Although he eventually managed to Mini during the Dakar Rally. (Reuters) wasn’t supposed to do that at the start, continue, the Qatari lost over 28 minutes it’s awesome.” to Peterhansel at the fi rst control point. Meanwhile, Australian Toby Price has Al-Attiyah said: “We did a barrell roll make it to the fi nish. The ceiling and the and Mikko Hirvonen - lost time early on won the ninth stage of the Dakar Rally after we hit an embankment 10 km into cooling system were broken, and we had after getting lost in the dunes, although for motorbikes, which was halted af- the special, and it took us a while to put to stop several times to check whether that did not stop the Frenchman from ter 179km of the planned 436km run on the car back upright. everything was in order. emerging as the quickest driver by nearly Tuesday. “We had to take risks today... After “Despite the adversities, we limited six minutes at CP1. The stage around Belen in Argentina that things got tricky because the car was our losses to Giniel and Mikko. We’re Peterhansel also set the pace at the was halted due to the extreme heat, but it Action from the Qatar Basketball League match between Al damaged and we had to fi nish the stage second overall, and now we have to try second control point, increasing the gap was completed on Wednesday and Price, Khor and Qatar Sports Club. Al Khor won 100-76. In the second without further problems. and defend this position.” to his closest pursuer - Cyril Despres - to on a KTM, was declared the winner as he match of the day, Al Sadd defeated Al Arabi 92-75. “At the end of the day, I’m happy to Peterhansel himself - and also Sainz nearly nine minutes. extended his overall lead.

HORSE RACING

HE Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser bin Khalid al-Thani (left) receives a memento from Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club chair- man HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Faleh al-Thani in the presence of QREC general manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi at the Jockey Harry Bentley rides Radwah, owned by HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani and trained by Julian Smart, to QREC yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim victory in the Umm Taqa Cup at the QREC yesterday.