FOOTBALL | Page 3 FFOCUSOCUS | Page 11 Brazil held Generation by Ecuador, Amazing To Advertise here Peru down opens football Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 Haiti pitch in Nepal

Monday, June 6, 2016 ATHLETICS Ramadan 1, 1437 AH pays GULF TIMES tribute to Ali in record style SPORT Page 9

Serbia’s poses with the trophy after winning the French Open final at Roland Garros in Paris yesterday. (AFP) DjokoDjoko SlamsSlams it,it, fifi nallynally

Austin in 1937, remains with two Dumusois for refusing to have a point re- the second seed carried on a running argu- Serb becomes only third man in history to titles as he failed to become the fi rst Brit win- played at 15-0 as Murray served for the fi rst ment with the umpire over the positioning of ner of the French Open since Fred Perry 81 set. the overhead camera. hold all four Majors at the same time after years ago. But the Serb was horribly out of sorts even The Serb broke to love for 5-2 and history “What Novak’s achieved in the last 12 before that spat with his 13 unforced errors was just moments away. However, there was winning French Open on his 12th attempt months is phenomenal, winning all the Grand proving fatal. still time for a twist as he cracked when serv- Slams in one year is an amazing achievement. The world number one had to shake off a ing for the title before fi nally sealing the tri- It’s so rare in tennis, and for me personally, it break point in the opening game of the second umph after three hours on court. AFP victory when Murray netted a backhand. s*** to lose the match,” said Murray. set before Murray obligingly imploded, drop- Paris “It’s a very special moment, the biggest of Before a ball was hit, spectators stood to ping serve to fall 2-0 behind. my career,” said Djokovic, one of only eight applaud after an image of the Djokovic misread the geometry on a drop- Leading Major winners men to complete the career Grand Slam and legend, who died Friday, appeared on shot which would have given him a double ovak Djokovic captured a fi rst who had lost his previous three fi nals in Paris. the giant video screen high up on the Philippe break in the fourth game but he was soon 4-1 17: (SUI) French Open at the 12th time of ask- “I felt today something that I never felt before Chatrier court. to the good. 14: Pete Sampras (USA), ing yesterday, becoming just the at Roland Garros, I felt the love of the crowd.” The top seed remained ruthlessly dialled- (ESP) third man in history to hold all four Djokovic imitated former three-time STRESSFUL ENDING in, broke again for 5-1 and levelled the fi nal 12: Roy Emerson (AUS), Novak Djokovic GrandN Slam titles at the same time. champion Gustavo Kuerten by drawing a gi- Djokovic admitted to a pre-match TV inter- when Murray dumped a service return into (SRB) The world number one downed old rival ant heart in the Paris clay before collapsing viewer that it was certain to be an emotional the net. 11: (AUS), Bjorn Borg (SWE) 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 to claim a inside it. afternoon although he was quickly into his Djokovic, with the Paris crowd loudly on 10: Bill Tilden (USA) 12th career major and join Don Budge in 1938 “I drew the heart on the court, like Guga stride, breaking Murray to love in the fi rst his side for the fi rst time in four fi nal appear- and Rod Laver, in 1962 and 1969, as the only who gave me permission to do. My heart will game and shrugging off having to play fi ve ances, broke for 2-1 in the third set which be- Djokovic’s path to the title players to simultaneously possess the French always be with you on this court.” days in the last six. came 4-1 off a sublime running, backhand, Open, , US Open and Wim- Playing in his 20th fi nal at the majors and The British star broke back to level before cross-court drop-shot. 1st rd: bt Lu Yen-Hsun (TPE) 6-4, 6-1, 6-1 bledon trophies. Djokovic, 29, also put him- sixth in succession, the Serb superstar is the reeling off the next four games for a 4-1 lead The Serb saved four break points to go to 2nd rd: bt Steve Darcis (BEL) 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 self halfway to the calendar Grand Slam, last fi rst man since Jim Courier in 1992 to win the as Djokovic’s game quickly and unexpectedly 5-1 before securing the set against a weary- 3rd rd: bt Aljaz Bedene (GBR) 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 achieved by Laver 47 years ago. Australian and French Opens back-to-back. unravelled. looking Murray who had spent fi ve hours 4th rd: bt (ESP x14) But he did it the hard way as the fi nal Victory also allowed Djokovic to stretch his Murray remained in charge, fi nding time to longer on court than Djokovic and played two 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, 7-5 reached a tense conclusion, being broken in winning record over 29-year-old Murray to loudly berate a French television interviewer fi ve-setters in the opening rounds to get to his QF: bt Tomas Berdych (CZE x7) 6-3, 7-5, 6-3 the eighth game of the fourth set as he served 24-10 overall and 8-2 in Grand Slams. for climbing uninvited into his player’s box fi rst French Open fi nal. SF: bt Dominic Thiem (AUT x13) 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 for the title and then squandering two cham- Murray, the world number two and the fi rst overlooking the court. Djokovic kept his foot on Murray’s throat, F: bt Andy Murray (GBR x2) 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 pionship points in the 10th before he sealed British man in the fi nal in Paris since Bunny Djokovic then argued with umpire Damien breaking in the fi rst game of the fourth set as Gulf Times 2 Monday, June 6, 2016 TENNIS

FOCUS Numbers game keeps Serena on the edge

Reuters upward to the all-time record of 24 held against fourth seed Muguruza, who Paris by Australian Margaret Court, who strad- Williams beat at Wimbledon in 2015 to dled the amateur and professional eras – win title number 21. is still very much on the agenda. The previous day Williams appeared s a serial winner, Serena “You can see blockages and mental to view the Graf landmark with an un- Williams has broken records problems. I see neither,” he told re- easy mixture of fatalism and indiff er- without a backward glance porters in the Roland Garros players’ ence, telling reporters “(there’s) noth- Athroughout her career, but lounge after Saturday’s defeat. “I see ing I can do about it”. since September there is one milestone how diffi cult it is to win a Grand Slam, But in her fi nal match in Paris—per- that has loomed ever larger in halting how diffi cult to set all-time records... haps in contrast to New York and Mel- her progress towards the game’s pan- It will take the time it takes. It was bourne—it did not appear to weigh her theon. tough to win the 17th, the 18th, it will down. She came up against someone It is marked ‘Total Grand Slam Wins’, be hard to win the 22nd and the 23rd who, in a high-octane fi nal in which and frames a debate about who to con- but we will do it.” neither woman gave ground, played sider the greatest woman player of all Williams could not have racked up the better tennis and beat the Ameri- time. One name on a very short list of numbers 19 to 21 any quicker, how- can at her own power game. candidates is Serena herself and an- ever, as she won the fi rst three majors Widely tipped after her win as the other is Steffi Graf, who holds the pro- of 2015, putting her on course for the future queen of the sport, 22-year-old fessional-era record of 22 singles titles calendar Grand Slam that only Graf, Muguruza will take some catching. at the game’s four blue riband events. Court and American Maureen Con- Does Williams, who turns 35 in Sep- The American is one behind that and, nolly have achieved. tember, have enough left in the tank to back in September when she seemed as But Williams unravelled in the US give chase? dominant as at any time since turning Open semi-fi nal against unseeded Her coach believes she still has the professional in 1995, looked odds-on to Italian , a player she had game and, just as importantly, the pas- tie the record at the US Open. not conceded a set against in four pre- sion to do just that. “If she was indiff er- But, revealing a fragility few had an- vious meetings. In January’s fi nal of the ent about making history in her sport ticipated, she fell short there and did Australian Open, the American again that would be a concern,” Mouratoglou so again in the fi nals of the two sub- failed to cross the fi nishing line, los- said. “When there is tension and when sequent majors, most recently against ing to German who the (opponent’s) level of play is higher Spaniard Garbine Muguruza in Paris won her fi rst major having previously there are no more solutions. If (Serena’s) on Saturday. beaten Williams once in fi ve meetings. game wasn’t good enough to win this For Williams’ coach, Patrick Moura- Chance number three to draw level Roland Garros we have to do better next toglou, winning number 22 – and thence with Graf came on Saturday in Paris, time.”

SPOTLIGHT Federer, Del Potro to test injuries on Stuttgart grass

AFP off ice, with tournament director Stuttgart Edwin Weindorfer making sure the main court grandstand was able to accommodate an ad- Muguruza tipped to oger Federer and Juan ditional 1,500 seats. Martin del Potro will test will be Rinjuries as the Wimbledon one of two Germans along with run-up period begins today at Jan-Lennard Struff directly into the Stuttgart Open grass event. the field after negotiations broke The former clay week down with rising youngster switched surfaces a year ago in Alexander Zverev, who won a an edition won by Rafael Nadal. round at Wimbledon last year rule women’s game Though the Spaniard is out of on his debut. The ATP number action with a wrist injury and 41 from Hamburg had report- was not entered, his absence edly made financial demands ‘My dream is to continue and win more tournaments, similar tournaments, and will be more than made up by which were considered too rich the arrival of Federer. by tournament organisers and to dominate. When I am on the court I want to dictate my game and bring more The 34-year-old Swiss prac- would not bend despite having ticed on Sunday on the courts been awarded wildcards into the of these cups back home... This win is like a new pulse given to women’s tennis’ laid a year ago by Wimbledon event for the last two editions. specialists and given the unoff i- “I’m a bit disappointed, it cial seal of approval in 2015 after would have been nice if Sascha John McEnroe had a hit on them would have played. But we have during dedication ceremonies at financial limitations. Perhaps the Weissenhof Club. next year...,” said Weindorfer. Federer wisely skipped what Federer and the other top was the wettest and coldest four seeds—Croatian Marin French Open in decades to let Cilic, French open semi-finalist back pain subside, with tourna- Dominic Thiem and Frenchman ment organisers saying he has —all have byes into trained in Switzerland and is the second round. Federer will arriving fit. play the winner from American Del Potro won Stuttgart in teenager Taylor Fritz and a qual- 2008, the first of his 18 career ifier while 2014 US Open winner trophies, when it was played on Cilic faces either a qualifier or clay; he has chosen the venue . for his first match in five weeks Thiem, holding a top-10 since losing in the ranking for the first time after second round to Jack Sock. The his deep run in Paris, starts with Argentine has been dealing Australian Sam Groth or Illya with a wrist injury, playing only Marchenko of the Ukraine. Wild 13 matches in 2016. card Del Potro will be tested The Federer eff ect is ex- from the first round by Grigor pected to be massive at the box Dimitrov.

DOUBLES Lopez & Lopez break Grand Slam duck

Reuters ning, before Feliciano closed out Paris the match in the third with a love service game. “We won the match against arc Lopez and Feli- the best in the world. You can’t ciano Lopez made expect anything better than Saturday in Paris that,” said Feliciano, who as a Reuters on the run throughout the fi nal. Her power- 34-year-old Williams would stay on Mu- key sometimes, especially in a Grand Slam a day to remember singles player enjoyed moder- ful fi rst serve allows her to dictate play from guruza’s radar for quite some time. “It where you’re very nervous and excited.” Mfor Spain as they beat American ate success at the Slams having Paris the baseline and she spanks winners with shows how hard it is to win a Grand Slam, Other factors were at work in the Mugu- twins Bob and , the reached the quarter-fi nals at her forehand or backhand with equal ease. to equal records. It will take the time it will ruza brain cells as she prepared to face up most successful doubles pair- both Wimbledon and US Open. onsidering she won her maiden Muguruza also learnt to control her emo- take, it was tough to win the 17th, the 18th, to a player many consider to be the greatest ing in Grand Slam history, to “There is no doubt that this Grand Slam title on the surface that tions, which overwhelmed her in last year’s it will be hard to win the 22nd and the 23rd of all time. win the French Open crown. is one of the most beautiful suits her game the least, Garbine Wimbledon fi nal. “I’m convinced she was but we will do it,” Patrick Mouratoglou told Firstly, despite losing in straight sets to Hours after compatriot Gar- wins in my career. For the past Muguruza is being tipped as the panicking a bit in the inside, but she man- reporters. “It’s a matter of time.” the American at Wimbledon she was far bine Muguruza notched up her 18 months I have been playing playerC who will end up ruling women’s tennis. aged these moments very well,” said her Muguruza said fi xing her mindset and from disgraced, putting up a strong show- maiden major title on the same the doubles, and at that time I The 22-year-old Spaniard claimed the coach, Frenchman Sam Sumyk, who also getting rid of all the unnecessary emotions ing behind her big serve. Philippe Chatrier showcourt didn’t think that I would be in a French Open by defeating guided Belarussian to her were key to her winning her fi rst Grand Slam And then there were the upset wins over with a straight sets defeat of position to win a Grand Slam so in straight sets on Saturday, 11 months af- fi rst major title at the 2012 Australian Open, title. On the face of it, her match-up with Williams by Roberta Vinci in the US Open holder Serena Williams, Lopez quickly. It’s quite unexpected. ter losing the Wimbledon fi nal to the world and to the top of the world rankings. defending champion Serena was an experi- semi-fi nals and Angelique Kerber in the and Lopez took their fi rst major It’s a great reward,” he added. number one. Muguruza, whose hard-hit- She had four match-points on Williams’s ence mismatch. The 34-year-old American Australian Open fi nal. too, going the full distance in ting game is at its devastating best on fast serve, which the American saved, but Mu- had played 26 Grand Slam fi nals and won 21 “Yeah, I thought about it. I thought about winning 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-3. Garcia and Mladenovic courts, will jump to second in the WTA guruza ended the contest on her fi fth at- of them. The Spaniard, 12 years her junior, it yesterday. I’m like, ‘Come on. You can do While the win women’s doubles rankings going into the grass season when tempt with a lob that landed on the baseline. was playing in just her second having lost it’,” she said. “When you see people that are were seeking their 17th Grand the list is updated today. “She’s number two after this, only one last year’s Wimbledon fi nal to Williams. winning and there’s new faces, makes you Slam title having won their French fi fth seeds Caroline “My dream is to continue and win more more step to be number one and I am sure Plenty of reasons then for Muguruza, think like, I can be one of those faces. Hey, if fi rst, also in Paris in 2003, the Garcia and Kristina Mladen- tournaments, similar tournaments, and to she’s going to win many more Grand Slams,” who has suff ered from nerves in the past Kerber can I can, or whoever is there. Yeah, Spaniards teamed up at the ovic won their fi rst Grand Slam dominate,” the Venezuela-born Muguruza former Spanish player Conchita Martinez, to get stressed out. But Sumyk has been for sure, it helps to see new faces.” start of 2016 for the Australian women’s doubles title yester- told reporters after her 7-5, 6-4 victory on the 1994 Wimbledon champion and 2000 working on her mental approach and that It is just a matter of trying to get more Open. The Americans also won day with a 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 vic- Court Philippe Chatrier. Roland Garros runner-up, told reporters. was what she kept fi rmly in the back of her consistency into her game and avoid form at Roland Garros in 2013. tory over Russian duo Ekaterina “When I am on the court I want to dictate “She’s a great player on any surface, she is a mind in Paris. slumps like the one she underwent earlier More mobile than the faster- Makarova and . my game and bring more of these cups back complete player. Spain is very lucky to have “I have been saying during the whole this year. “I think I’m ambitious. I think I serving Americans and more Garcia and Mladenovic only home... This win is like a new pulse given to this unbelievable tennis player.” week to be less emotional. To believe more have a strong character and I like competi- inclined to chance their arm at teamed up this year with a women’s tennis,” added the Spaniard, who Williams, who was aiming to equal that I’m here because I deserve my place tion. I like to compete. I like to play against the net, the Spanish pair—who target of playing at the Olym- became the second player after Australian Steffi Graf’s professional-era record of 22 here. I earned it,” she said. “You know, I the best players,” she said. are not related—took the fi rst pics but have now won four Open champion Angelique Kerber to beat majors, was the favourite to win her third played well. I earned to be here in the fi nal. “This is a source of motivation for me. set after breaking Bob’s serve in titles after Charleston, Stutt- Williams in a Grand Slam fi nal this year. Paris title in four years but she fell one win I think just to don’t think about other stuff . I’m very happy, because today I proved to the fi rst game. gart and Madrid. Seventh seeds Muguruza, who had never won a title on short of the target—just as she had done at Just give it all in the court and doesn’t myself that I can play really well, that I can The Bryans bagged the second Makarova and Vesnina won the clay before Saturday, proved that she had the Australian Open in January. matter who’s in front, which round it is. manage my stress and win against one of set on a tiebreak their opponents 2013 French Open and 2014 US very few weak points as she kept Williams Her coach, however, warned that the Just to control the emotions I think is the the best players in the world.” came within two points of win- Open titles. Gulf Times Monday, June 6, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

COPA AMERICA CENTENARIO SPOTLIGHT US investors take control Brazil held by Ecuador, of Swansea

AFP

consortium headed by Peru down Haiti American businessmen Jason Levien and Steve AKaplan has purchased a ‘I saw it 25 times on video and the ball never went out completely - maybe 65 percent but not completely’ controlling stake in Swansea, the Premier League club announced yesterday. AFP The deal, concluded after lengthy Los Angeles negotiations, will see Huw Jenkins remain in an executive role and charged with the day-to-day run- controversial refereeing de- ning of the club. cision spared Brazil’s blushes “Jason and Steve have vast expe- at the Copa America Cente- rience in running sporting franchis- nario on Saturday as the fi ve- es in America,” Swansea said in an Atime world champions opened their offi cial statement on their website. campaign with a goalless draw against “Jason is managing general owner Ecuador. of MLS side, DC United while Steve Ecuador looked to have taken a sen- is the executive vice-chairman of sational lead at the Pasadena Rose the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. Bowl midway through the second half “Both see the takeover of Swan- when Brazil goalkeeper Alisson fum- sea City as an exciting opportunity bled a cross from Miller Bolanos into for long-term growth in the club in his own net as he stooped to gather at every area.” the near post. Levien has also held roles at the But as Ecuador’s bench and players Grizzlies and Philadelphia 76ers celebrated, the match offi cials whis- and also works as an advisor to In- tled for a goal kick, after ruling that the ter Milan majority owner and presi- ball had gone out of play shortly before dent Erick Thohir, who co-owns DC Bolanos crossed into the six-yard box. United with him. Replays of the incident appeared to It is understood that the Ameri- suggest the ball was fractionally still can duo has acquired around 60 per in play and that Brazil had been saved cent of the club, which fi nished 12th, from a losing start to Group B by an of- on 47 points, last season under new fi ciating error. Italian coach Francesco Guidolin. Brazil’s players left the fi eld to scat- The deal is subject to offi cial rati- tered boos from the 53,158 crowd at fi cation by the Premier League. the Rose Bowl, scene of the South The move is the latest in a spate of American giants’ 1994 World Cup fi nal foreign investment in the lucrative triumph. English topfl ight with the biggest “I saw it 25 times on video just now success story involving Leicester and the ball never went out completely City. - maybe 65 percent but not complete- Thailand’s shopping magnate Vi- ly,” said Ecuador coach Gustavo chai Srivaddhanaprabha paid £39mn Quinteros. ($60mn) for the club in 2010, over- “The linesman is so sure of himself seeing the greatest rags to riches even though he is 50 metres away,” the story in football when his 5,000-1 Bolivian complained. shots sealed the Premier League title Brazil manager said he hadn’t last month. been close enough to judge whether Swansea’s fellow Welsh side Car- the goal should have been allowed. diff were taken over by Malaysian “From the angle I was at it was dif- billionaire Vincent Tan six years ago. fi cult to see if the ball went out,” Dunga Relegated Aston Villa were the said. “The players who were closer said The ball bounces off the shoulder of goalkeeper Alisson Becker of Brazil and bounces into the goal during the second half against Ecuador but the goal was not al- latest club to change hands when it did.” lowed during 2016 Copa America Centenario Group B match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. (Getty Images/AFP) they were bought by Harvard-edu- cated Chinese owner Tony Xia last Peru sink Haiti grees Celsius) and the energy-sapping month. In the day’s other Group B game, conditions contributed to a lacklustre American interest in the Premier Peru got off the mark with a 1-0 vic- spectacle. Paraguay’s Argentine coach League is already well established, tory over Haiti in Seattle which saw Ramon Diaz slammed the decision to with Stanley Kroenke the largest striker Paolo Guerrero surpass Teofi lo schedule kick-off at a time when tem- stakeholder at Arsenal, John Henry Cubillas as his country’s leading inter- peratures are known to be at their most owning Liverpool and the Glazer national goalscorer. fi erce. Family well embedded at Manches- Guerrero, 32, the top goalscorer “It was crazy to play at the time we ter United. Sunderland meanwhile in the past two editions of the Copa played,” Diaz told a post-game news are in the hands of Irish-American America, headed home his 27th in- conference. businessman Ellis Short. ternational goal in the 61st minute at “I would have liked them (the or- CenturyLink Field, home of the Seattle ganisers) to take into consideration the Seahawks NFL team. players themselves, they are the main The win was just about deserved for part of the show after all,” he added. Peru, who created the better chances “The kick-off times should be made but struggled to break down a well- with players in mind. I know there organized Haiti defense. are commitments with TV and so on Peru looked to be cruising to three but the conditions took their toll,” he points but had a scare in the dying added. seconds when Haiti’s Kervens Bel- Most professional club games held fort somehow headed wide from close in Florida during the summer, includ- range with the goal at his mercy. ing those of local Major League Soccer The Peruvians now face Ecuador on team Orlando City, are scheduled for Wednesday while Brazil travel to Flor- the mid-evening when temperatures ida to play Haiti in Orlando at the Cit- have dropped. Peru’s Paolo Guerrero (L) celebrates rus Bowl, the venue for the other game Asked if he had ever been involved next to Alejandro Hohberg aft er on Saturday, a drab 0-0 draw between in a game played in such conditions, scoring against Haiti during their Costa Rica and Paraguay in Group A. Diaz, who performed in Argentina, It- Copa America Centenario match in The match kicked off in swelter- aly and Japan during his playing career Seattle. (AFP) ing late afternoon temperatures of said: “Never. I really think the players around 92 degrees Fahrenheit (33 de- should be respected.” Jason Levien

FOCUS FIFA chief blasts critics, says salary not decided

Reuters or dismiss members of independent stolen anything. And everything Bern bodies such as the ethics committee that I have earned in my life has been and the audit and compliance com- thanks to me work. I was not born mittee. Domenico Scala, who as head with a silver spoon in my mouth.” IFA president Gianni In- of the audit and compliance had led Infantino said he had only learned fantino accused the man the reforms of FIFA, quit his post of Scala’s resignation after return- who masterminded reforms hours later, saying the committees ing from a FIFA Congress in Mexico, Fof soccer’s global body of were no longer independent of the even though the two were on the “playground” behaviour and told Council and that reforms had been same fl ight. Swiss newspapers that his salary, undermined. He described some of Scala’s still to be confi rmed, would be less The Frankfurter Allegemeine Zei- comments in the media as a “piece than 2 million Swiss francs ($2.05 tung last month said that leaked of theatre”, adding: “This is childish million). details of FIFA Council meetings behaviour worthy of the playground. Infantino, elected three months showed that Infantino had been an- I do not want to pay more attention ago to haul FIFA out of the worst gered when the compensation com- to it.” graft scandal in its history, said his mittee, which Scala also sat on, of- He rejected the suggestion that the “enemies” wanted to make him look fered him a salary of $2 million Swiss FIFA Council could now infl uence greedy after a newspaper leak said francs a year. ethics committee investigations. he had been angered by a suggested “My contract is being negotiated “The facts prove it and will do so package. and this is not the place to unveil the in the future,” he said. “Domenico FIFA has been embroiled in cri- outlines,” Infantino said in the inter- Scala is mistaken in his analysis. sis after several dozen soccer of- view, published in French-speaking “He thinks that football can be fi cials were indicted in the United Le Matin and German-speaking managed with the same principles as States last year while its own ethics Sonntagszeitung. a pharmaceutical company or pesti- committee has banned several top “However, once signed, I will cides’ manufacturer. fi gures, including former president show you with pleasure all the de- This is a major error of assess- . tails and you will see that it will be ment, because it underestimates the Infantino promised a fresh start less than the 2 million that the media passion of football as well as its geo- but ran into problems of his own has mentioned.” political dimension.” when last month’s Congress gave “My enemies want to make me Scala could not immediately be the FIFA Council power to appoint look greedy,” he added. “I have not reached for comment yesterday. Gulf Times 4 Monday, June 6, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT COMPLAINT Furious Diaz can’t Schweinsteiger, stand the heat at Copa Hummels a worry for coach Loew File picture of Paraguay’s coach Ramon Angel Diaz. AFP in Argentina, Italy and Japan Orlando during his playing career said: Schweinsteiger played the last 23 minutes in Gelsenkirchen after three months “Never. I really think the players should be respected.” sidelined by a torn medial knee ligament, while Hummels is out with a calf tear araguay’s Argentine The Copa America tourna- coach Ramon Diaz ment is the biggest interna- slammed the decision of tional soccer event to be held in PCopa America organis- the United States since the 1994 ers to schedule Saturday’s game World Cup. against Costa Rica during the Orlando was a venue for that day as “crazy” after a 0-0 draw tournament and drew attention played in intense heat. after a group game between the The temperature at the 5pm Republic of Ireland and Mexico local kick-off time in the Cit- was played at mid-day in a tem- rus Bowl was around 92 degrees perature of 105 degrees fahrenheit. Fahrenheit (33 degrees Celsius). Costa Rica forward Bryan Diaz “It was crazy to play at the agreed with his namesake. time we played,” Diaz told a “On the pitch it felt even worse post-game news conference. than you can imagine. You have “I would have liked them (the to change the way you play. Nor- organisers) to take into consid- mally we like to press more but eration the players themselves, we just couldn’t do it. If we go 40 they are the main part of the metres up fi eld and then back 40, show after all,” he added. it is very diffi cult in that temper- “I’ve been in the game a long ature,” he told AFP. time and very few times are the The Sporting Lisbon striker players taken into consideration. said competition organisers “The kick-off times should needed to start to listen to the be made with players in mind. players about kick-off times in I know there are commitments hot conditions. with TV and so on but the con- “It eff ects the show, you can ditions took their toll,” he added. put on a better game for the fans Most professional club games when you are playing in better held in Florida during the sum- conditions,” he said The game mer, including those of local Major drew a low crowd of 14,334 in League Soccer team Orlando City, the 65,000 capacity stadium in are scheduled for the mid-evening which Orlando City regularly when temperatures have dropped. draw crowds around 36,000. Asked if he had ever been in- Some local fans took to social volved in a game played in such media to blame high ticket-pric- conditions, Diaz, who performed es for the poor attendance.

AFRICA CUP Lowly Guinea-Bissau ’s Joachim Loew reacts during his team’s international friendly against Hungary in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

AFP when asked if Schweinsteiger will play in A fi rst-half own-goal by Hungary de- major tournaments. reach their fi rst fi nals Gelsenkirchen, Germany the world champions opening game. We fender Adam Lang and a second from “We started well and let the ball run have to see how Hummels gets on.” Thomas Mueller sealed the Germans’ for us, perhaps a bit too much,” said AFP the penalty for Congo only for But Loew is confi dent both Sami win, but the biggest boost was seeing Germany defender Boateng, whose su- Johannesburg Ayub Timbe to equalise soon af- ermany coach Joachim Loew Khedira and Jerome Boateng, who had to Schweinsteiger play his fi rst football perbly floated cross led to their second ter and Eric Johanna scored the says his priority is getting be treated on the pitch in Gelsenkirchen, since injury in March. goal by Mueller. second-half winner for Kenya. captain Bastian Schwein- will be fi t to face Ukraine. “It was good to get the fi rst 25-odd “After the break, we gave the ball away uinea-Bissau secured a Captain Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew steiger and key defender Mats “We took Sami Khedira off at the start minutes under my belt, but I don’t hon- too much, but all in all it was a good per- place at the Africa Cup opened the scoring as Ghana tri- GHummels fit for Euro 2016, following of the second half as a precaution, Boat- estly think I can play the 90 minutes of formance. I believe we can be happy, we of Nations for the fi rst umphed 2-0 in Mauritius to also Saturday’s 2-0 confidence-boosting eng had a pressed nerve, but was able to our fi rst game,” admitted Schweinsteiger. played better than in our previous game.” time yesterday after qualify for the Cup of Nations. friendly win over Hungary. play on,” added Loew. “That said, I could do much before this Hungary play Austria in their fi rst Gclosest rivals Congo Brazzaville The Swansea City midfield- Schweinsteiger played the last 23 min- Germany’s head coach was pleased to Euro than I could two years ago before the Group F match on June 14 in Bordeaux, lost 2-1 in Kenya. er and son of former Ghana utes in Gelsenkirchen after three months leave Gelsenkirchen with no signifi cant World Cup,” he added, having carried an before also facing Portugal and Iceland, Congo, needing at least a superstar Abedi ‘Pele’ Ayew sidelined by a torn medial knee ligament, injuries. Just as he did for the 2014 World ankle injury before Brazil 2014, but went and their German coach Bernd Storck draw to keep alive hopes of win- struck from close range after while Hummels is out with a calf tear. Cup, Loew had to strike off winger Marco on to produce a commanding perform- was pleased, despite the defeat. ning Group E, suff ered a sur- 71 minutes in Belle Vue on the United star Schwein- Reus from his fi nal squad last Tuesday, ance for Germany the Rio de Janeiro fi nal. “We had a few good attempts to play prise defeat despite taking the Indian Ocean island. steiger admits he is unlikely to play the this time with a groin injury after torn Having toyed with playing a three-man from the back, but of course it’s very dif- lead through a controversially Two Mauritians failed to cut full 90 minutes of Germany’s open- ankle ligaments ruled the Borussia Dort- defence, Loew reverted to the 4-2-3-1 fi cult against such a good opponent,” said awarded penalty. off a cross and Ayew controlled ing Group C game at Euro 2016 against mund winger out of Brazil. which won Germany the title in Brazil. Storck. “It was obvious that we would be Guinea Bissau, who beat Zam- the ball before fi ring a left-foot Ukraine in Lille on June 12 before facing This was the fi rst time Germany had He started with Cologne’s Jonas Hec- under pressure, but we did our best and bia 3-2 Saturday with a goal from shot past outstanding goalkeep- Poland four days later, then Northern kept a clean sheet in the last year and tor at right-back for the fi rst-half, then gave a good account of ourselves. Brito six minutes into stoppage er Kevin Jean-Louis. Ireland on June 21. Loew was grateful for the win after an Liverpool’s Emre Can for the second, in “Our strength is how compact we are time, have an unassailable four Dominant Ghana sealed vic- Hummels has said he does not expect experimental side was humbled 3-1 by the only defensive position still to be de- in defence and that is just how we’ll be point lead with one round left. tory three minutes later through to be fi t until at least their second game Slovakia in Augsburg last Sunday. cided before the Euro starts. against Austria. The team from the tiny former Chelsea midfi elder Christian against Poland in Paris on June 16. “It was important to keep them down to This was no more than a satisfactory “We picked up some good insights Portuguese colony in West Af- Atsu, who was voted the out- “He hasn’t got any playing rhythm at the nil, the win gives us a bit of stability and a performance from the world champions, ahead of the Euro and that will help for rica were considered no-hopers standing footballer of the 2015 moment, so we’ll have to see,” said Loew good feeling for next week,” added Loew. who have a habit of raising their game for our fi rst group game.” by pundits when qualifying Cup of Nations. kicked off last June. Mauritius were battling to But solitary-goal home and contain Ghanaian raids on the BOTTOMLINE away victories over Kenya three left fl ank and from one the ball months ago lifted them to the was cut back for Atsu to score top of the table after Congo and with a hard, low shot. Zambia drew twice. Although they never threat- Ranked 31 in Africa and 115 ened to breach the Black Stars in the world, Guinea Bissau defence, Mauritius were a much never previously came close to improved team from that humil- Copa curse as injuries hit stars reaching the biennial African iated 7-1 in Ghana last June. football showcase. Ghana have 13 points, Rwanda AFP Uruguay’s opener against Mex- lem. I don’t want to think about Many of the team coached by and Mauritius six each and Mo- Santa Clara, United States ico on Sunday, still troubled by the negative, let’s be positive and local Baciro Cande play in Por- zambique four with one match- a hamstring problem sustained hope he plays.” tugal and favour Brazilian-style day to come in September. during Barcelona’s Copa del Colombia striker Carlos Bacca football names. Morocco, Algeria, Cam- he Copa America Cente- Rey final victory. admitted losing Rodriguez would The real name of Brito, who eroon, Egypt and Senegal have nario is facing a mounting Real Madrid star Rodriguez be a blow for “Los Cafeteros”. is with top-flight outfit Sport- also qualified for the January injury crisis involving its is the latest to suff er an injury “I hope we have good news be- ing Clube de Braga, is Piqueti 21-February 12 tournament biggest stars after James scare, having been substituted cause it is our captain, he’s an im- Djassi Brito Silva. while Gabon are automatic RodriguezT joined Lionel Messi and in the second half of Colombia’s portant player for us,” Bacca said. Prince Oniangue converted participants as hosts. Luis Suarez amongst the ranks of 2-0 win over the United States in As well as Messi, Rodriguez the walking wounded. Santa Clara on Friday. and Suarez, the Copa America — A tournament billed as a gath- Rodriguez left the fi eld which is being held in the United ering of world football’s biggest clutching his shoulder. States to mark the tournament’s Captain Ayew scores as Ghana qualify names has been hit by a series of He was later seen being fer- 100th anniversary — Costa Captain Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew Dominant Ghana sealed injuries and withdrawals with ried away from the team’s Rica’s Real Madrid goalkeeper opened the scoring as Ghana victory three minutes later the 16-team competition being changing room at the Levi’s Keylor Navas has also been ruled triumphed 2-0 in Mauritius through Chelsea midfielder held in the United States only Stadium on a motorized buggy, out through injury. yesterday to become the sixth Christian Atsu, who was voted two days old. with what looked like a prob- Brazil have also been affl icted qualifiers for the 2017 Africa the outstanding footballer of Argentina captain Messi is lem to his left arm. by injuries and absentees. Cup of Nations. the 2015 Cup of Nations. the biggest name hampered by Striker Neymar pulled out of The Swansea City midfielder Mauritius were battling to injury, with the Barcelona su- CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC the tournament in order to play and son of former Ghana contain Ghanaian raids on the perstar struggling to shake off Colombia’s Argentina coach Jose in the Olympics while fi ve mem- superstar Abedi ‘Pele’ Ayew left flank and from one the ball a back problem sustained dur- Pekerman was cautiously opti- bers of Dunga’s squad have been struck from close range after was cut back for Atsu to score ing a friendly win over Hondu- mistic that Rodriguez’s injury forced to withdraw because of 71 minutes in Belle Vue on the with a hard, low shot. ras last month. would not keep him out of Tues- injury, including Kaka and Bay- Indian Ocean island. Although they never threat- Messi is regarded as doubtful day’s game with Paraguay at the ern ’s Douglas Costa. Two Mauritians failed to cut ened to breach the Black Stars for Argentina’s opening Group D Pasadena Rose Bowl. Other players ruled out through off a cross and Ayew control- defence, Mauritius were a game against Chile at the Levi’s “I hope that it’s not a compli- injury include Ricardo Oliveira led the ball before firing a much improved team from Stadium today. cated situation,” Pekerman said. Santos, goalkeeper Ederson and left-foot shot past outstanding that humiliated 7-1 in Ghana Messi’s Barcelona team- James Rodriguez #10 of Colombia is looked by the medical staff of “I hope as time goes by we will Barcelona midfi elder Rafi nha. A goalkeeper Kevin Jean-Louis. last June. mate Suarez is also in doubt for Columbia during the Copa America match against USA. have a clearer idea of the prob- big blow to the fans. Gulf Times Monday, June 6, 2016 5 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT INTENT Vardy wants to join Hosts France show Arsenal, says Giroud Reuters ESPN quoted a source close to London Arsenal as saying Vardy was due to undergo a medical on Sunday. “I am happy with competition. rance and Arsenal for- We have always had fantastic ward Olivier Giroud has strikers at Arsenal and I want the fuelled speculation that best for this club. Hopefully he that they are ready Jamie Vardy is on his way is going to help us win this title,” Fto the Gunners by saying he has said Giroud. heard the Leicester City striker is “The boss (Arsene Wenger) keen to move. wanted to sign at least one or “I have been told that Jamie two strikers, so I expected a top wants to join us and it’s very striker and I think it will benefi t good news for us,” the striker told the club and hopefully he is going Sky Sports after scoring twice in to score a lot of goals like he did for Euro 2016 France’s 3-0 friendly win against at Leicester.” Scotland on Saturday. Vardy, 29, is due to travel to British media reported on France on Monday with the Eng- ‘This was good for confidence. We showed we are capable of scoring goals and we Friday that Arsenal, runners- land squad for the Euro 2016 fi - up to champions Leicester last nals starting on Friday. didn’t concede any. It is positive but we are not getting carried away...’ season, had triggered a buy-out He scored 24 Premier League clause in Vardy’s contract with a goals last season as Leicester won bid of around 20 million pounds the top-fl ight crown for the fi rst ($29.04 million). time in their history, and was cho- There was no immediate com- sen as Player of the Year by the ment from Thai-owned Leices- Football Writers’ Association. ter, although Italy’s Gazzetta Arsenal have not won the dello Sport newspaper quoted league since 2004 and fi nished manager con- second this season, 10 points be- fi rming Arsenal had made a bid. hind Leicester.

PREDICTION Mourinho to deliver United title glory in two years: Carvalho

AFP for children in danger. London The former Chelsea boss had agreed to manage an ‘’ team consisting of former in- ew Manchester United ternationals, musicians, actors manager Jose Mourin- and other celebrities, against a ho will deliver the Pre- Rest of the World team coached mier League title with- by Leicester chief Claudio Nin two years, predicted defender Ranieri and featuring a host of yesterday. retired legends. “Jose will have something to But, following his move to prove after what happened at United, Mourinho could instead Chelsea,” the Portuguese interna- decide to save his fi rst game on tional who was coached by Mour- the home bench for the Premier inho at Chelsea, Porto and Real League club’s clash with Everton Madrid and now plays for Mona- in ’s testimonial co, wrote in The Sun newspaper. on August 3. “I think he will make Man- Carvalho believes Mourinho, chester United better and in who has won the Premier League the next two years they will be title three times, has something champions.” to prove after his tricky time at Carvalho’s comments come Chelsea. “He is a great coach and France’s midfielder N’Golo Kante (L) congratulates France’s forward Olivier Giroud during the friendly between France and Scotland in Longeville-lès-Metz, Eastern France. on a day when Mourinho could now he is in a great club - United make his fi rst appearance at Old are one of the biggest in the world. AFP pean Championship. Les Bleus have also won nine of 10 line-up appears to be in attack, where Traff ord since being named as “I have no doubt that he can Metz, France “We will be ready. We have been pre- games going back to September, the sole Dimitri Payet and Anthony Martial are Louis van Gaal’s successor in bring trophies back to United paring for two years,” said Deschamps, exception being the 2-0 defeat to Eng- contesting one place. Sunday’s prestigious Soccer Aid again and that he will make whose side kick off their Euro bid against land at , played in a diffi cult Meanwhile, Leicester City sensation charity match. them champions. espite a troubled build-up to Romania at the Stade de France on Friday. context just days after the November N’Golo Kante looks set to start against Just nine days after the offi - “I don’t know if it will be in Euro 2016 off the field, France “This was good for confi dence. We Paris terror attacks. Romania after an impressive display re- cial confi rmation of Mourinho’s the fi rst year, the second year or showed that they are ready on showed we are capable of scoring goals placing the injured Lassana Diarra in the appointment, the 53-year-old the third, but Mourinho will win it by brushing aside Scotland and we didn’t concede any. We could GIROUD ANSWERS CRITICS holding midfi eld role. will be in Manchester to give his the title again. 3-0D in Metz in their last pre-tournament have scored more in the second half. It Watching from the stand in Metz, Romania “Everything about his performance support to Unicef, who use the “My prediction is that it will friendly on Saturday. is positive but we are not getting carried assistant coach Viorel Moldovan can only was good,” said Deschamps, whose team friendly fi xture to raise money be in the second year.” A brace from Olivier Giroud and a away and neither are the players. have admired France’s attacking strength, will also face Albania and Switzerland. header from his Arsenal colleague Lau- “The diffi culty will come on Friday as the maligned Giroud followed up his goal “Everything seems simple and easy for rent Koscielny, all in the fi rst half, sepa- against Romania but this was our last in last Monday’s 3-2 defeat of Cameroon in him. I have played in that position and COMPLAINT rated the teams at the Stade Saint-Sym- preparation game and it is always good to Nantes with a brace. sometimes you fi nd yourself catching your phorien, and France could have won by a end on a high note.” “He already answered (the critics) in breath. He sticks to what he knows and he far greater margin. Despite the absence of Real Madrid Nantes. He scored and scored again, and does that very well. He doesn’t say much, If the country itself has been marred star Benzema, sidelined due to his impli- the other players are behind him,” said just smiles. He has no anxiety, no fear.” Poor pitches hurting by social strife and miserable weather cation in the Mathieu Valbuena sextape Deschamps of a player who has seven Kante himself added: “For my fi rst and weighed down by terrorism fears, Di- blackmail scandal, this is a team bristling goals in France’s last seven outings. match in that position it went well. It is dier Deschamps’ team have had a diffi cult with attacking potential. “When a player is in diffi culty they not my usual position. I need to learn to Australia’s World Cup build-up due to the Karim Benzema aff air Against Scotland, France may only are all with him. He was not so much in get forward less. But overall I am happy and injuries to key players in defence. have won by three but they could eas- diffi culty but he was being heckled from with myself. However, the reality is that ily have won by double that margin, and outside. I have confi dence in him and so “Obviously I hope to start against Ro- hopes: Postecoglou France merit their tag as one of the pre- they have now netted 13 times in four do his team-mates.” mania next Friday. Everyone wants to tournament favourites to win the Euro- matches in 2016. The only doubt regarding Deschamps’ play. In any case, I will be ready.” Reuters Melbourne EURO 2016 ubstandard Australian soccer pitches are “cheat- ing” local fans and could derail the country’s World CupS ambitions, according to Soc- In-form Spain look to win title ceroos coach Ange Postecoglou. Postecoglou and his players lamented the playing surface at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium on Australian football coach Saturday after Australia defeated Ange Postecoglou. for a third consecutive time Greece 1-0 in a friendly courtesy DPA pions League fi nal between the form Nolito, of a late Mathew Leckie strike. sential part of the spectacle. Madrid capital’s top teams. who scored four times in the The pitch, which had hosted a “If that’s not good then we’re Ramos, who captained Real 3-1 and 6-1 defeats of Bosnia and rugby league match on Wednes- cheating people.” to glory in the Milan final, de- South Korea last week. day, was cleared for play by the Australia kick off the next olders Spain complete nied he was tired after a gruel- “I’m just trying to enjoy this match referee despite the del- round of Asian qualifying for the their preparations for ling schedule. moment,” the 29-year-old Celta uge of rain that fell on Sydney 2018 World Cup in Russia with a Euro 2016 with what “It has been good to have a Vigo striker said. throughout Saturday. home game against Group B ri- should be a comforta- whole week away from football. “I really don’t know if I’m go- Greece-born Postecoglou said vals Iraq on Sept. 1 and host re- Hble friendly at home to minnows Now I feel recovered mentally ing to be the fi rst-choice striker he felt “embarrassed” about the gional Japan the Georgia tomorrow. and physically, and I’m really (at the Euros). All I can do is play conditions. “We’ve got an in- following month. La Roja are bidding to become looking forward to the Euros.” as well as possible, and keep my ternational team here that we’re Postecoglou said scratchy the fi rst country to win three The incorporation of Juanfran fi ngers crossed.” hosting and we’re supposed to be home pitches were hindering his consecutive Euros, having tri- and Ramos means that Del Bosque Del Bosque will have to decide the sporting nation of the world,” team’s ability to play good foot- umphed in sumptuous style in will fi nally be able to fi eld his fi rst- between youngster Alvaro Mor- he told reporters. ball, which could have conse- 2008 and 2012. choice defence – of Juanfran, ata and veteran Aritz Aduriz to “The crowd were fantastic quences for their hopes of reach- “We know it is going to be dif- Ramos, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba accompany Nolito in attack. (but) I felt sorry for them... it’s ing Russia. “Our whole World fi cult (to win for a third time), – in front of either Iker Casillas or The game will be played in just not good enough. Cup qualifi cation could hinge on but we are confi dent about our David de Gea. Getafe, a southern suburb of Ma- “I can tell you what the Greek it,” said the 50-year-old. chances,” said Real Madrid de- Del Bosque has reportedly de- drid in a state of mourning follow- players were saying when they “Do we not want the condi- fender Sergio Ramos. cided in favour of De Gea as his ing the relegation of their team af- were coming off the pitch, and tions to suit us? To present a “Everyone wants to beat the fi rst-choice keeper for the Eu- ter 12 years in the top fl ight. they’re too polite to say anything pitch that suits our style of game champions, that always happens ros, thus relegating the veteran “I hope this match is going to publicly. We have world-class to get that advantage? in football. But we are in good Casillas to the bench after 14 cheer our people up a bit. Things venues, world-class atmos- “I’m sure when we play in Ja- form and looking forward to it.” Spain’s coach Vicente del Bosque gestures during a training session. long – and largely successful – have been a bit fl at around here pheres, our supporters are sec- pan they will, so we shouldn’t Ramos is one of the four play- years as Spain’s number one. for the last couple of weeks ond to none — we love our sport. have to prove we’re some sort ers from Real and Atletico - fran and Koke - now available Bosque, after taking a week off to Leading the Spain attack or so,” Getafe president Angel “But in our game and our game of pedigree before we get what I along with Lucas Vazquez, Juan- to Spain manager Vicente del recover from the May 28 Cham- against Georgia will be the in- Torres said. alone, the pitch is actually an es- think our nation deserves.” Gulf Times 6 Monday, June 6, 2016 SPORT

NBA FOCUS Magic need to fi ll vacancy at Iguodala stealing power forward

By Brian Schmitz if the Magic have traveled this Orlando Sentinel road, it is because they have. Anderson became collat- eral damage during the Dwight n the pursuit of a big Howard rebuild, dealt by GM show for Warriors forward to complement Rob Hennigan in a four-year, center Nik Vucevic, the $36 million sign-and-trade IMagic should be on Al to New Orleans. This time ‘It’s just keeping my composure and continue to try to do things for my team to help us win’ Horford’s crowded doorstep around, Anderson will per- the minute free agency opens haps command twice as much July 1. The line will be long. money. They might also need to In the summer of 2014, express their love for 3-point Hennigan’s biggest free-agent shooting forwards Ryan An- signing was Channing Frye derson and Chandler Parsons. – supposedly the epitome of The Magic fi gure to have a bet- a stretch four. But Frye never ter shot at signing either one of quite fi t and he was traded him them over Horford. to Cleveland this season to Horford, Anderson and create more cap space. Parsons all have one thing in Hennigan had cap room in common that could benefi t the mind, too, when he dealt Tobi- Magic: The club won’t have as Harris, who also spent time to sell them on the virtues of at both forward spots. Florida. At least Anderson, 28, and Horford and Parsons played in Parsons, 27, are younger than Gainesville, Fla., for the Gators Frye, now 33. True, they’ve – and in fact, Parsons is from each had some signifi cant in- Casselberry, Fla., and a Lake juries: Anderson had neck Howell grad. Anderson played surgery in 2014 and Parsons for the Magic for three seasons, is recovering from the second named the league’s Most Im- surgery on his right knee. But proved Player in 2011-12. the Magic also signed Frye two The Hawks can off er Hor- years after he missed a season ford - who turned 30 on Friday with a heart condition. - the most money (a fi ve-year, The Magic have only two $150 million max deal.) The players on their depth chart question is whether they fi nd who fi t the job description at it fi nancially feasible and they the 4: Ersan Ilyasova and An- might not. Atlanta reportedly drew Nicholson. And they can is talking with Philadelphia both become free agents on about dealing Jeff Teague for July 1. Nerlens Noel, who could re- Nicholson is looking for his place Horford. fi rst big payday. It’s doubtful Like other suitors, the Magic the Magic will invest signifi - could pay Horford around $110 cant money, if any, in a player million. They’d surely jump at who has made just eight starts the chance to land an All-Star the past three seasons. anchor next to Vucevic after Ilyasova has a contract at failing to pry Horford’s team- $8.4 million for next season, mate, Paul Millsap, out of At- but it’s not guaranteed. The lanta last summer. Magic would have to pay only Free agents prefer to sign $400,000 of it if they decide to with winners, and that’s still let Ilyasova walk. the weakest part of the Magic’s The Magic have a vacancy recruiting pitch. sign on their starting power- They can make runs at forward spot. Whether they fi ll “stretch” forwards Anderson, it in the June draft, during free 6-foot-10, 240 pounds, or agency or by making a trade, Parsons, 6-10, 230. If it feels as they need to make a move.

AL HORFORD Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (L) and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love go for a loose ball during the second quarter in game one of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

Reuters midway through the series. of protecting the ball.” Dellavedova struck him in the fensively, getting the ball out and Los Angeles One year later, the Warriors Many off ensive players have groin while committing a foul. just beginning to play faster.” veteran is up to his old tricks in a tried unsuccessfully against Ig- “You’ve got guys who’ve got The Cavs managed just 89 title rematch with the Cleveland uodala, who helped snatch the to get a little dirty, got to be a lit- points in Game One and were he NBA Finals might Cavaliers. As sharpshooters Cur- Western Conference Finals for tle physical, to make a life and to often deliberate as they tried to have been billed as a ry and Klay Thompson fell ice cold Golden State when he was put feed their family, so I can only attack Golden State with post- showdown between the in Game One on Thursday, Iguo- into the starting lineup for the respect that,” Iguodala said on ups in the paint. At times they game’s top two players, dala helped lead a Golden State Game Seven decider win over Saturday. appeared more like last year’s TStephen Curry and LeBron James, bench that outscored Cleveland’s Oklahoma City. “For me, it’s just keeping my injury-depleted team, which but sneaky Golden State reserve 45-10 en route to an opening vic- “(He guarded) Kevin Durant composure and continue to was forced to try to slow the pace Andre Iguodala is stealing both tory.Iguodala fi nished with a ver- last series, LeBron this series,” try to do things for my team to against the Warriors, rather than headlines and possessions, not satile stat line of 12 points, seven said Warriors guard Shaun Liv- help us win.” The Cavaliers are one now loaded with a healthy for the fi rst time in the champi- rebounds, six assists, one blocked ingston. “He’s our most valuable searching for their own spark for Irving and Kevin Love. onship series. shot and one steal. piece on the team, with Steph Game Two, as they try to avoid “It’s a fi ne line,” James said. Iguodala took home one of the On two key plays, he stripped and Draymond (Green).” falling behind in the series 2-0. “I think when you keep the ball more unlikely NBA Finals MVP the ball away from James and Iguodala, 32, has been called Coach Tyron Lue wants more on one side for too long and awards in 2015 for his smother- Kyrie Irving to start a Warriors’ “the adult in the room” by Gold- speed from his off ense. you’re pounding and pounding ing defense on LeBron James fast break. “He’s great at doing en State coach Steve Kerr, and he “I told LeBron I need him to and pounding, then that can - and burst of energy after being that, for sure,” James told report- kept his typical cool in the open- play faster,” Lue said. “I need too much of that won’t result in inserted into the starting lineup ers. “(I) just got to do a better job er when Cleveland’s Matthew him to pick up the pace for us of- good basketball.

TRIBUTE LeBron, fellow players praise Ali for his infl uence

Reuters ers on the eve of Game Two of he was but that was only 20 per- Los Angeles the best-of-seven NBA Finals cent (of what) made him as great against the Cleveland Cavaliers. as he was. He ended up in jail be- Golden State won the fi rst cause of his beliefs. “That was he death of boxing great game on Thursday. a guy who stood up for so many Muhammad Ali was a “I met him once in Phoenix at diff erent things at a time when it huge talking point on a Suns game very briefl y. It was a was diffi cult for African-Ameri- Saturday for players thrill. He was one of the few peo- cans to even walk the streets.” Tcompeting in the NBA Finals, ple on earth who had that pres- James added that Ali sacri- and prompted the Golden State ence where you just got nervous fi ced so much in his life knowing Warriors to begin their morning just being in his presence, being it would benefi t the next gen- practice with an Ali tribute song. there in the same room. It was eration. “I give all credit to (Ali), “We started our practice with quite an experience.” because he was the fi rst icon, the the old song from the 70s, ‘Catch Kerr’s counterpart Lue also greatest of all-time and it had Me If You Can’,” said Warriors paid tribute to the late boxer, as zero to do with his accomplish- coach Steve Kerr, referring to did James. “That was the fi rst ments inside the ring. the hit single ‘Black Superman’ guy I idolized,” Lue said of Ali. “I’ve spoken up on a lot of is- which was released by British “Muhammad Ali was a big sues that other athletes might singer Johnny Wakelin and the reason why I was able to achieve not speak upon, but feel it’s my Band in 1975. so much in my life. I was honored duty to carry on the legacy of the Ali, who died on Friday aged and had the privilege to meet guys who did it before me.” 74, reportedly did not like the him a few times and it meant the Jerry West, who was a cham- song, but it nonetheless became a world to me.” pion NBA player with the Los number one hit in Australia while Angeles Lakers in the same era as also charting high in Britain, the PAVED THE WAY Ali, spoke about what it was like United States and elsewhere. Four-times NBA Most Valu- to be in Ali’s presence. On a day when Cleveland Cav- able Player James said that Ali “You almost felt a God-like aliers star forward LeBron James paved the way for African- presence around him,” said West, and his team coach Tyronn Lue American athletes. 78, who is now a board member also spoke eloquently about Ali, “Without Muhammad Ali, with the Warriors. Kerr joined in with the heart-felt I wouldn’t be sitting up here “He had IT. He had IT. Certain tributes. talking to you guys, I wouldn’t people are courageous in doing “(Ali was) probably the most be able to walk in restaurants, what no other athlete probably infl uential athlete in the history wouldn’t be able to go anywhere would have dared to have done, of our country, so as a team, as where blacks weren’t allowed particularly a black athlete. an organization, we’re thinking back in those days,” James said. “He was a magnifi cent person. about him,” Kerr told report- “We knew what a great boxer I loved that guy.” Gulf Times Monday, June 6, 2016 7 SPORT

NHL Sharks strike late to claw back into Stanley Cup series ‘It was a great game, we never gave up. I think this was our best game so far so we had the confidence to keep going’

Reuters San Jose

he San Jose Sharks fl ipped the script on the Pittsburgh Penguins with a game-winning Tovertime goal that gave them a 3-2 win on Saturday and pulled them back into the Stanley Cup Final series. Finnish forward Joonas Don- skoi scored at 12:18 in OT to snap a 2-2 tie and bring the SAP Center crowd to life, cutting the home team’s defi cit to 2-1 in the best-of-seven game series. San Jose, who dropped the fi rst two games on late Pitts- burgh goals, had appeared to be on the brink of elimination before Joel Ward made it 2-2 at 8:48 in the third period. Donskoi completed the come- back in the extra session where he skated around the back of the net, then fl ipped a shot be- hind Pittsburgh goaltender Matt Murray. “It was a great game, we never gave up. I think this was our best game so far so we had the con- fi dence to keep going,” Donskoi told reporters after his sixth goal of the playoff s. “Just keep sticking, that’s how we want to play.” The Sharks have waited 25 years to reach the franchise’s fi rst ever Stanley Cup Final, but it threatened to be a short stay there as the Penguins twice took the lead in Game Three. Pittsburgh, who has outshot San Jose by a combined 113 to 74 through three games, drew fi rst blood in the opening period where Ben Lovejoy gave the visi- tors a lead. San Jose’s Justin Braun struck back at 9:34 in the fi rst to tie the game, but Patric Horn- qvist reestablished Penguins’ control at 19:07 in the second. Ward delivered a lengthy ty- ing blast for the Sharks just as time was expiring on their pow- er-play and sent them into the locker room with renewed Joonas Donskoi of the San Jose Sharks celebrates his game winning goal optimism. against the Pittsburgh Penguins during overtime in Game Three of the 2016 “It was a huge turning point NHL Stanley Cup Final in San Jose. (Getty Images/AFP) for us in the series,” San Jose vet- eran Joe Thornton told reporters recording 40 saves to keep his the game,” said Pittsburgh coach the United States paid tribute to Penguins to refl ect on one of the Earlier in the day, Sharks friends up to his room and gave after fi nishing with two assists team afl oat. The Penguins, who Mike Sullivan. Muhamed Ali. Ali, the former best-known fi gures of the 20th coach Peter DeBoer had summed them autographed Korans. and four shots on goal, including had their four-game playoff “We didn’t get the result, but champion known century. The arena’s jumbotron up the way Ali had touched the “It was an unbelievable life close calls in the overtime. win streak snapped, are trying we played hard and had some as much for his political activism fl ashed an image of the former lives of so many people he en- experience for me,” DeBoer said. “Our coach was saying ‘hey, to seize their fi rst Stanley Cup great opportunities to score. It as his boxing brilliance, died at boxer and displayed one of Ali’s countered when he shared a “I think, considering the cir- we’ve been on the other end of since 2009. They can still take was a fairly even game.” the age of 74 on Friday. many enduring quotes. story about a meeting the boxer cumstances, how this guy tran- this a couple times this postsea- commanding control with a vic- Earlier NHL led the way with a The crowd at the SAP Center “Champions are made from while a teenager. scended not just boxing and son; it’s our turn.’ And it was.” tory in Game Four on Monday in moment of silence prior to Game in San Jose rose to their feet something they have deep in- They crossed paths in a hotel sport, but how many people he’s Sharks goaltender Martin San Jose. Three of the Stanley Cup Finals prior to the encounter between side them: a desire, a dream, a lobby and Ali invited a 17-year- touched, it’s an appropriate sto- Jones was a critical reason why, “I liked a lot of things we did in as professional sports around the Sharks and the Pittsburgh vision.” old DeBoer and a few of his ry to tell.”

MLB Miller helps Yankees hold off Orioles 8-6

By Andy Vasquez On Saturday morning, the Yankees But Girardi gave Refsynder the start The Record (Hackensack, N.J.) found out they lost Teixeira to torn car- against the Orioles. tilage in his right knee. Teixeira, who “I like the way he’s swinging the bat,” left Friday night’s loss with knee pain, is Girardi said of Refsynder, who got a fi rst nother tough day for the Yan- aiming to avoid season-ending surgery. baseman’s mitt a few days ago and had kees looked like it was about to “That is our hope,” manager Joe Gir- never played fi rst base professionally be- get a lot worse. ardi said. “Through some treatment, and fore replacing Teixeira on Friday night. The Orioles were rallying, rest, it’ll get better.” “Let’s fi nd out what he can do.” ACamden Yards was buzzing. And then But even Teixeira himself acknowl- Refsynder, a middle infi elder by trade, Andrew Miller came jogging out to the edged he’s not sure if rest and treatment looked capable at fi rst base for the sec- mound to change all that. will fi x the problem. ond straight game Saturday. And he used After losing Mark Teixeira to the 15- He plans to meet with team doctors his bat to help spark the Yankees off ense day DL - and perhaps much longer - the Monday in New York to formulate a plan. to an impressive night. Yankees squandered a big lead in Balti- Teixeira, who said he’s also dealing In the fourth inning, Refsynder ripped more. But Miller bailed them out of a jam with a bulging disk in his neck, is in the a two-out RBI double to give the Yankees with two perfect relief innings in an 8-6 midst of a dismal season, averaging .180 a 4-0 lead. Refsynder scored moments win Saturday. with only three homers and 12 RBIs in 48 later, when Romine singled him in from Ivan Nova seemed on his way to an games. second. easy victory at the start of the seventh But the Yankees will still miss him. The Yankees took a 7-0 lead into the inning with the Yankees ahead, 7-0. But “It’s a big loss,” Girardi said. “I know bottom of the seventh. The game seemed Nova allowed a leadoff home run to Mark his numbers aren’t where we expect well in hand, Nova had allowed only Trumbo and a two-run shot to Pedro Al- them to be, but at any point we felt that three hits in the fi rst six innings. varez to make it 7-3. he would get hot and do his thing.” After a walk and a base hit, Nova was His absence will be felt especially on RESULTS pulled without getting an out in the defense, where there are few options to Chicago Cubs 5 Arizona 3 seventh. But reliever Nick Goody im- replace his trusty glove. Milwaukee 6 Philadelphia 3 mediately gave up a towering three-run Dustin Ackley, who appeared in 12 Pittsburgh 8 LA Angels 7 homer off the bat of Adam Jones. games at fi rst this year, had season-end- Boston 6 Toronto 4 Six runs in. No outs. One run game. It ing shoulder surgery Friday. Greg Bird, Detroit 7 Chicago White Sox 4 was bedlam at Camden Yards as Miller who shined as a rookie, won’t play this NY Mets 6 Miami 4 jogged to the mound. year because of shoulder surgery. And Houston 6 Oakland 5 (12 innings) But the left-hander went through the with Brian McCann nursing a hyperex- Cincinnati 6 Washington 3 heart of the Orioles’ lineup, retiring all tended elbow for the next few days, the Tampa Bay 7 Minnesota 4 six batters he faced in the seventh and Yankees can’t use him or backup catcher Cleveland 7 Kansas City 1 eighth. Austin Romine at fi rst base. NY Yankees 8 Baltimore 6 Alex Rodriguez added an insurance That leaves Girardi with two options St. Louis 7 San Francisco 4 run with an RBI single in the ninth, and for the near future: Rob Refsnyder and Texas 10 Seattle 4 Aroldis Chapman got the save _ securing Chris Parmelee. Parmelee was called up LA Dodgers 4 Atlanta 0 New York Yankees catcher Brian McCann (L) celebrates with relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman after defeating the a much-needed boost for the Yankees. Saturday to replace Teixeira on the roster. San Diego 4 Colorado 3 Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 8 Monday, June 6, 2016 SPORT

GOLF CYCLING Contador stuns Froome to win Final hole bogey Dauphine prologue AFP I hope to keep the momentum Les Gets, France till the Tour de France.” Starting in the fi nal fi ve rid- ers, Tinkoff ’s Contador set an lberto Contador laid incredible pace and took the down a Tour de France lead before Froome was also marker by storming to beaten by his former Sky team- puts Kuchar in victory in the opening mate Porte, now with BMC. Aprologue of the Criterium du It was, by contrast, a miser- Dauphine yesterday. able day for several potential Two-time Tour winner Dauphine winners and Tour Contador set a stunning time challengers with Italy’s Vuelta a of 11 minutes 36 seconds in the Espana champion Fabio Aru fi n- 3.9km uphill time-trial to win ishing 36th at 1:08 and French- by six seconds from Australian man Thibaut Pinot 17th at 52 Richie Porte. seconds, both well off the pace. 3-way tie for lead But perhaps more impor- Contador has not won the tantly, the 33-year-old Span- Tour since 2009—he was iard beat reigning Tour cham- stripped of his 2010 victory ‘I love this course, this is the highlight for me of the year. Certainly got great memories here. pion Chris Froome into third after failing a doping test—and by 13 seconds. last year fi nished a disappoint- I’ve had a lot of success here... I’ll certainly be looking forward to tomorrow’s round of golf’ Contador, who has never ing fi fth. His best result in the won this race before, suggest- Dauphine was second in 2010 ed on the eve of the Dauphine and 2014 but while last year he Reuters that he was unsure of his form arrived at the Tour following a Dublin, Ohio and was more interested in im- victory in the Giro d’Italia, this proving his physical condition year he has been 100 percent than eyeing overall victory. focussed on the Grand Boucle. ormer champion Matt Kuchar surren- “It’s a bit of a surprise to He had not raced since win- dered the outright lead with a bogey beat Froome and Porte but I ning the Tour of the Basque on the tricky par-four 18th to con- knew that I could do well. I Country two months ago. Be- clude the third round of the weather- didn’t think that I could win,” fore that he had been in fi ne hitF Memorial tournament on Saturday, setting said Contador. form, fi nishing second at the up the prospect of a fi nal-day shootout. Yet he mastered the tough the Tour of Catalonia and Kuchar had stormed a stroke clear of a prologue course which, al- Paris-Nice, as well as third at tightly bunched leaderboard with a run of though short, at a 9.7 percent the Tour of the Algarve—the four birdies in fi ve holes from the 11th but average gradient was as tough latter two won by Froome’s stumbled at the last after fi nding a bunker as any climb the riders will Sky teammate Geraint Tho- off the tee and the right rough with his sec- face on the race this year and mas while Nairo Quintana tri- ond to card a two-under-par 70. a useful gauge to who has the umphed in Catalonia. That left American Kuchar at 14-under best climbing legs a month out Froome has not raced since 202, level at the top with compatriots Wil- from the start of the Tour. a disastrous Tour de Romandie liam McGirt (64) and long-hitting Gary Froome, who won the Dau- in April where a puncture on Woodland (69) after another intriguing day phine in both 2013 and last the second stage left him well of fl uctuating fortunes at Muirfi eld Village. year—the same years he won out of contention, although he First-round leader Dustin Johnson (68) the Tour—set the early pace did fi ght back to win the pe- was a further shot back in a tie for fourth with a time of 11:49 having de- nultimate stage. with fellow American Jon Curran (68), Ca- cided to go out early over con- Quintana has been in good nadian Adam Hadwin (67) and Argentina’s cerns it might rain later in the form, winning the tours of Emiliano Grillo (70), with another eight afternoon. Catalonia and Romandie while players no worse than three off the pace. “It was tough. I was running fi nishing third in the Basque Among those was Australian world out of legs,” he said before Con- Country and Tour de San Luis. number one Jason Day, who mixed seven tador and Porte had fi nished. He is skipping the two tradi- birdies with a bogey and a double at the last “I’m happy with that. Just the tional Tour de France warm- for a 68 to trail by three in the prestigious feeling makes me happy. I feel up events—the Dauphine and PGA Tour event hosted by Jack Nicklaus. like I’m in good shape now. I Tour of Switzerland—to con- Kuchar had mixed feelings after bogey- still have some work to do and centrate on altitude training. ing the 18th, having lost his back nine mo- mentum with just three holes left when play was suspended for just over two hours due to the threat of lightning in the area. Matt Kuchar watches his tee shot on the second hole during the third round of the Memorial tournament in Dublin on Saturday. (AFP) “It’s part of the deal,” the 37-year-old told reporters about the weather suspen- that could shoot me back into contention hole, so made some birdies easier to do,” said sion. “We do it a lot during the year. It’s and hopefully win the tournament.” Icher, who had nine birdies without a bogey, something that you kind of better get ac- and reckoned her longest birdie putt of the customed to. I came out and hit a not very Level-headed Fitzpatrick on course day was 10 feet. The world number 58 said good shot on 16, made a nice up-and- ngland’s Matthew Fitzpatrick kept his she didn’t know until the fi nal hole that she down. A couple of really good shots on 17. Ehead to see off a triple challenge and had tied the single-round scoring record for It’s never fun to bogey 18, but almost felt extend his lead to fi ve shots after three the tournament achieved previously by Lau- glad to bogey 18 at the same time.” rounds of the Nordea Masters in Stock- ra Davies, Kang Ji-Min and Jennifer Johnson. Kuchar, who won the 2013 Memorial holm on Saturday. The overnight leader, “I just try to play easy and not look at the tournament and has recorded four top-10s who started the day three shots clear, had scoreboard, because it doesn’t serve me,” in his last fi ve PGA Tour starts, relished the been pegged back by the midway point at she said. “I try to play shot after shot, then prospect of challenging for the title in the the Bro Hof Slott Golf Club, but played a it’s possible to become like a game to make fi nal round at one of his favourite venues. superb back nine to record a four-under- as many birdies as possible.” She teed off “I love this golf course, this is the high- par 68 and move to 15 under par. on 10 and after four birdies in her fi rst nine light for me of the year,” he said. “Certainly Defending champion Alex Noren of holes she birdied fi ve coming in. got great memories here. I’ve had a lot of Sweden, who shot 67, and Nicolas Col- While Icher is seeking her fi rst LPGA success here... I’ll certainly be looking for- saerts (70) were Fitzpatrick’s closest chal- tour title, Nordqvist is chasing the fi rst ward to tomorrow’s round of golf.” lengers. Belgian Colsaerts had wiped out successful title defense of her career. She Journeyman McGirt, bidding for his fi rst Fitzpatrick’s overnight advantage by the hasn’t won since her victory here last year, PGA Tour victory in his 165th career start, mid-point of his round, holing three bird- when she trailed Morgan Pressel by one put himself in contention with a strong fi n- ies to match the Briton’s 11 under-par at shot heading into the fi nal round. ish as he birdied three of the last fi ve holes. the turn. But their fortunes changed on the “I feel like I hit a lot of good shots and “My biggest thing right now is I want fi rst of the back nine, Colsaerts dropping a Sparkling 62 lifts Icher to LPGA lead a lot of good putts today,” Nordqvist said. to win a golf tournament,” he said. “Don’t shot while his playing partner made birdie. rance’s Karine Icher tied a tourna- “Greens were pretty bumpy and some of really care which one it is. But to have a Then, at the par-fi ve 13th, the 21-year- Fment record with a nine-under par 62 my putts even airborne. You’ve just got to chance to win here at Jack’s place would be old Fitzpatrick, who claimed his fi rst Eu- on Saturday to take a one-stroke lead after stay patient and tomorrow we are just go- extra special.” ropean Tour victory in the British Masters two rounds of the LPGA ShopRite Classic ing to have more similar conditions. So I’m Day, who clinched his third PGA Tour last October, conjured up a brilliant recov- in Galloway, New Jersey. The 62 was also a excited to go for it tomorrow.” victory of the season at the Players Cham- ery while Colsaerts missed his par putt af- career-low round for the 37-year old Icher, Nomura, who has won twice this season, pionship last month, was also contemplat- ter fi nding the water. who had a 36-hole total of 12-under par 132. said her experience winning in San Fran- ing the prospect of a Memorial win. England’s Lee Westwood, a former world She was one stroke in front of South Ko- cisco in April may stand her in good stead “I did close the gap on that lead a little bit number one, failed to make a move and re- rea’s Choi Na-Yeon, who carded a 64 and if predicted stormy weather hits the course. too, so that’s a positive, and I’m pretty sure mained fi ve-under including a double-bo- Japan’s Haru Nomura, who signed for a 66. “Maybe tomorrow very bad weather, so we’re going to have some tough conditions gey in a round of 72. Swede Henrik Stenson, Defending champion Anna Nordqvist was like Swinging Skirts on last day,” she said. Spanish rider Alberto Contador celebrates on the podium after tomorrow,” said the Ohio-based Austral- the world number six, picked up two shots a stroke back on 132 after a 68. “So I keep my patience. Everybody is in the winning the first stage of the 68th edition of the Dauphine ian. “If I can play some good golf tomorrow, to card a 70 and fi nish on four-under. “I made a lot of second shots close to the same conditions, so I’ll try to play.” Criterium cycling race in Les Gets, French Alps, yesterday. (AFP)

SWIMMING Phelps stumbles again in Austin ahead of US trials

AFP 4:11.51. Allison Schmitt defeated Missy Franklin Los Angeles for the second straight night, triumphing in the Michael Phelps swims during the 200m 200m free in 1:56.87 to Franklin’s 1:57.78. Franklin freestyle heat at the Austin Elite Invite won the 200m backstroke in 2:09.45. swimming meeting on Saturday. (AFP) ichael Phelps, aiming to add to his At the Indianapolis Pro Swim, American David tally of 18 Olympic gold medals at Plummer notched the fastest time in the world the Rio de Janeiro Games, was beaten this year in the 100m backstroke, winning in a again on Saturday at an invitational sizzling 52.40sec. “We’ve been working a ton Mswimming meeting in Austin, Texas. on holding tempo, trying to get that to The 30-year-old US superstar came straight where it needs to be and just holding it right at the from hard training into the tune-up meet for the quickest tempo I can hold,” Plummer said. “I feel Olympic trials in Omaha this month. like it’s really starting to come around.” He fi nished fourth in the 200m freestyle won At the Pro Swim in Santa Clara, California, by Townley Haas in 1min 47.86sec, with Phelps Emma McKeon won the women’s 50m free in clocking 1min 48.73sec. 24.85, leading an Australian one-two fi nish ahead The setback came a day after Phelps won the of Brittany Elmslie. Aussie Emily Seebohm won 100m free and fi nished second to Singapore’s the 100m backstroke in 58.96. Joseph Schooling in the 100m butterfl y. The China’s Sun Yang, who won the men’s 200m meeting is one of three elite events this week- free on Friday with the fastest time in the world end where US swimmers are warming up for the this year, topped the qualifying times for the demands of trials, and overseas competitors are 400m free on Saturday in 3:43.55—second best prepping for the Rio Games themselves. of 2016 behind the 3:41.65 of Mack Horton at the In other Austin action, American Chase Kalisz Australian Olympic trials in April. posted the third-fastest time in the world this Sun scratched the fi nal, which was won by year in the 400m individual medley, winning in American Conor Dwyer in 3:46.09. Gulf Times Monday, June 6, 2016 9 SPORT

ATHLETICS SPOTLIGHT Pearson says she is on track for Rio Farah pays tribute Reuters Ghribi receives World, London Olympic gold medals

lympic 100 metres hurdles champion Sally Pearson fi nished seventh on her Dia- to Ali in record style Omond League return in Birming- ham yesterday but vowed to be at her best for Rio after an agonis- ‘It was a tribute definitely to Mohamed Ali. My sympathy goes to his family, he was a ing year recovering from injury. “I’m not disappointed by great man. He was a real influence on me as I wrote in my biography, I looked up to him’ today, it’s not nice seeing a 13 seconds in front of your name but this is my fi rst real race in AFP just over a year now so I can’t Birmingham, Great Britain’s Mo Farah strikes really complain,” the Austral- a boxing pose after winning ian told BBC television. the men’s 3000m race at the “I wasn’t running 100 per- unisian long-distance run- ritish athletics great Mo Diamond League meeting in cent out there. That’s not an Tner Habiba Ghribi was Farah paid a handsome Birmingham yesterday. excuse, it’s just I wanted to be offi cially presented with the tribute to the late box- (Action Images via Reuters) out there so badly so I was go- Olympic 2012 and World 2011 Bing legend Mohamed ing to risk not getting a great 3,000-metre steeplechase gold Ali yesterday as he broke David position and a great time,” medals yesterday. The med- Moorcroft’s 34-year-old British added the 29-year-old. als were stripped from Russian 3000 metres record at the Birming- American Keni Harrison Yuliya Zaripova for doping. ham Diamond League meeting. won in a time of 12.46 seconds, The presentation came several The 33-year-old two-time with Pearson—whose personal weeks after the Court of Arbi- Olympic champion and quin- best is 12.28—crossing the line tration for Sport (CAS) ruled in tuple world champion struck a in 13.25. favour of the International Asso- boxing pose as he celebrated his The Australian had clocked ciation of Athletics Federations win at the Birmingham Diamond 12.75 in a local meet on the (IAAF), which had challenged League meeting paying his re- Gold Coast last month, her what it considered to be leni- spects to Ali, who died of septic fi rst run-out since she shat- ent sanctions handed out by the shock aged 74 on Friday. tered her wrist when she fell in Russian anti-doping agency (Ru- “It was a tribute defi nitely to a Diamond League meeting in sada). Zaripova had fallen foul of Mohamed Ali,” said Farah, who Rome last June. doping rules due to anomalies in last year withdrew from the meet- She had feared her lower left her biological passport. ing because he felt drained by the arm might have to be amputat- The presentation to Gh- coverage of the doping allegations ed after that injury, and an old ribi took place in Rades, near against his coach Alberto Sala- Achilles problem further ham- Tunis, during the under-23 zar, who denies all wrongdoing. pered her preparations for Rio, Mediterranean Games with “My sympathy goes to his family, where she will be competing at International Olympic Com- he was a great man. He was a real her third Olympics. mittee vice-president Nawal el infl uence on me as I wrote in my Yesterday’s race marked a Moutawakel in attendance. biography, I looked up to him.” return to proper competitive Ghribi, 32, was visibly The meet had been interrupted action and she said she felt moved by the presentation as earlier for a minute’s applause good, despite the odd niggle. her national anthem rang out. to honour Ali, a former heavy- “It’s just so nice to be back and “I’m acquiring two medals weight champion and Olympic being in a competitive envi- that are very prestigious for gold medallist. ronment. For me it’s just taking me and for Tunisia,” she said. Farah, who timed 7min one race at a time. I’ve got fi ve “To share this here, at home, 32.62sec to take a 10th of a sec- in about two weeks so today with my parents, my family, ond off Moorcroft’s record, is the fi rst one of many,” she the sports family, athletics, the added he wanted to go and make added. Olympic community...” history at the Olympics in Au- “We always go out onto the El Moutawakel, herself an gust by defending his 5,000 and track wanting to win but some Olympic champion from the 10,000m titles. days it’s just not our day. I’m 400m hurdles in Los Angeles “I’m in great shape. I’ve just going to make sure that I do in 1984, said: “It’s very impor- got to believe in myself,” said the everything that I can in my tant to present this Olympic Somalia-born athlete. “I want power to be at my best at the medal, that is so well deserved, to make history in Rio. It’s never Olympics,” she added. to Habiba, here in her country.” been done before and I know I’m going to have to dig deep.” A couple of other Olympic gold BADMINTON medallists from London suf- fered diff erent fortunes. Sublime Kenyan 800m champion David Rudisha won a thrilling 600m Lee gets Rio boost whilst Britain’s Greg Rutherford suff ered his fi rst defeat in the long jump since July 2015—Buf- with Indonesian win falo Bills wide receiver Marquise Goodwin winning. AFP was leading 19-17, I was pre- Rudisha was pushed really Jakarta paring myself to lose,” he said. hard in the rarely-run 600m by Jorgensen said he was “very Frenchman Pierre-Ambroise disappointed” at his loss. “I Bosse but repelled him in the dy- ee Chong Wei beat felt that I had the game in my ing metres to win in 1min 13.10sec, Denmark’s Jan O Jor- hand and I think I should have just outside the world record of term of 3min 29.33sec. but this is my fi rst race in over a And Caterine Ibarguen’s ex- 100m, timing 10.11sec. “As you gensen in a hard- won it,” he said. 1:12.81 set by Johnny Gray in 1986. Kendra Harrison left a top year,” said Pearson, who broke two traordinary run of 34 straight get older you have to be wiser and fought fi nal to win the The victory will be a boost “I had my eye on the world notch 100m hurdles fi eld in her bones and dislocated her wrist at victories over four years came to taking care of the body is a little LIndonesia Open yesterday, for Lee as he heads to Rio this record, but I lost it in the last wake as the American—who had a Rome Diamond League meeting an end in the triple jump. The Co- bit more tricky,” said Collins. raising hopes the Malaysian summer, where the 33-year- 100m,” said Rudisha. “However, run a stunning 12.24 last weekend in June last year. “This is the fi rst lombian two-time world champi- The women’s 100 went to the badminton ace may be on old will again try for Olympic this is great preparation for my in the Prefontaine Classic Dia- of many races for me in the next on lost out to Kazakhstan’s Olym- US’ English Gardner, who made course for Olympic victory. gold. At the last two Olympics, Olympic bid as running over this mond League meet, the fastest few weeks and I want to give it my pic title-holder Olga Rypakova, the most of world silver medal- World number two Lee bat- Lee lost in the fi nal to his arch- distance sharpens my speed.” time in 28 years—timed 12.46sec. best in defending my title in Rio.” who reserved her best hop, skip list Dafne Schippers’s poor start tled back from one set down to rival, China’s Lin Dan. His compatriot Asbel Ki- Australia’s defending Olym- There were to be rare reverses and jump for her last eff ort, post- which left the Dutch girl fuming. defeat Jorgensen 17-21, 21-19, In another boost for the Ma- prop coasted home in the men’s pic champion Sally Pearson was for two female giants of the fi eld ing a mark of 14.61 metres. “I had a really bad race, what can 21-17 in a thriller featuring a laysian, Lin was knocked out 1500m, the 26-year-old 2008 never at the races in what was her events. New Zealand’s two-time Kim Collins continues to defy I say? A very poor start and then series of long rallies and dra- of the Indonesian Open earlier Olympic champion and three- fi rst competitive race in over a shot put Olympic champion the years as the 40-year-old I was chasing the leader,” said the matic smashes. in the tournament, losing in a time world champion recording year, fading to fi nish second last. Valerie Adams had to make do 2003 world champion edged 23-year-old Dutchwoman, who Fifth seed Jorgensen domi- shock defeat to unseeded In- the fastest time ever run in Brit- “I’m not disappointed, obvi- with second behind the United American Michael Rodgers and won world 200m gold last year nated in the early stages of the donesian Jonatan Christie. ain and the best in the world this ously not nice to run over 13sec States’ Tia Brooks. Briton CJ Ujah in an exciting but fi nished second to Gardner. men’s singles fi nal and ap- Top seed Chen Long of peared to be heading for vic- China withdrew, blaming an tory as he took the lead in the injury. Despite his loss in the second set. But second seed fi nal, Jorgensen’s impressive Lee fought back doggedly, performance will be a boost for Almanzor denies Aga Khan Derby double at Chantilly winning a series of tough ral- the Danes, coming hot on the AFP lies to cling on. heels of their maiden Thomas Chantilly, France By the fi nal stages of the Cup victory last month. third set, Lee was fi rmly in In the women’s singles fi - control, winning point after nals, unseeded Tai Tzu-ying lmanzor, trained by Jean-Claude Rouget, point as Jorgensen’s initial of Taiwan beat fourth seed won the Prix du Jockey-Club at 20-1 to confi dence faded. Wang Yihan of China 21-17, Adeny the Aga Khan a famous Derby dou- Lee said he was “very hap- 21-8, capping a miserable ble at Chantilly yesterday. py” to win his sixth Indone- badminton tournament for The Aga had celebrated English Derby glory sia Open title after the tough China. Chinese players were with Harzand at Epsom 24 hours earlier but had match, that lasted one hour also beaten in the fi nal of the to settle for second with Zarak (7-1) in the French and fi ve minutes, but admit- women’s doubles and men’s version at Chantilly. ted he did not play well at the doubles, although a Chinese For Rouget, year in year out one of the most start. “In the second game he pair won the mixed doubles. numerically successful trainers in France, this was a second success in the premier French clas- sic after Le Havre in 2009. Almanzor, ridden by veteran Jean-Bernard Eyquem, took command in the straight with Zarak, trained by Alain de Royer-Dupre, valiantly press- ing him all the way to the line. Dicton took third. “He won easily,” a tearful Rouget told French television LCI. “And it’s wonderful for Jean-Ber- nard, at 40 years old.” “To win races like this is why we all get up every morning. This is the best moment of my career, I’ve finally won the Derby at 40!” added the winning rider. Rouget appeared on paper to have better prospects with Mekhtaal, sent off as one of the favourites. “Compared to Mekhtaal, who was never in the race, I’d trained Almanzor especially for today and he was well drawn in stall seven.” A strong overseas challenge, headed by the Frankie Dettori-ridden 4-1 favourite Foundation, failed to make an impact. Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia shows his medal after winning the men’s singles title at the Indonesian Open in Jakarta yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times 10 Monday, June 6, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT GIVING IT BACK ‘Proud Brit fi ghter’ Khan wants success Ali casts shadow for Pakistan, too over lacklustre heavyweight ranks The death of Ali was a sharp reminder of a glittering era of heavyweight boxing that Amir Khan (C) poses for photographs with fans in Rawalpindi. contrasts starkly with the insipid state of the sport’s marquee division today AFP ed” in Khan for seeking to repre- Islamabad sent Pakistan, given that it was his 2004 Olympic silver for Great Britain that launched his career. oxer Amir Khan has de- The 29-year-old stands at a nied betraying his Brit- critical juncture in his career ish upbringing after be- following a stinging loss to Saul ing criticised for saying “Canelo” Alvarez last month, Bhe would represent Pakistan at that took his career record to 31 the Rio Games, insisting he only wins and four losses. wanted to boost the sport in his “I feel great. I feel young, parents’ country of birth. fresh. I mean, the Alvarez fi ght, But the Bolton-born fi ghter everything was going fi ne until I also admitted he would not be got caught with the big shot and willing to face an accompany- that’s boxing for you sometimes. ing two-year ban from the World One punch can change the fi ght. Boxing Council (WBC) that You can be winning the fi ght would jeopardise his professional quite comfortably and I’ve seen career, making an Olympic ap- it happen to the best of us. pearance unlikely. “So, I’m gonna go back to the Speaking to AFP in Islamabad, drawing board and not make where he launched his fi rst box- those mistakes. I know that my ing academy on Saturday, Khan off ence was amazing in that said he was a “proud British fi ght. But maybe tighten up a few fi ghter” who had represented his little areas.” country at the Athens Olympics and would therefore not want to HUNTING FOR CHAMPIONS deprive fellow Britons of a ticket No longer the brash youngster to Rio De Janeiro. who was known for his fast cars “I’m not doing it because I’m and fl ashy lifestyle, Khan now not happy being British. I’m a speaks passionately about the proud British fi ghter, but it’s the need to give back to those less way people took it out of context fortunate — a trait he says he and calling me a traitor — I meant learned from his idol, the late it in a way that I’d rather give Muhammad Ali. someone else an opportunity Last year, he travelled to the instead because Pakistan has no Greek island of Lesbos to lead a boxers,” he said. charitable drive for Syrian refu- “But, you know, at the moment gees, while his current trip to Pa- we are just waiting and seeing. I kistan has seen him raise money don’t think I’ll be allowed to do and pledge wells for the residents that anyway because obviously, of Thar, a drought-ridden south- the WBC, they won’t allow it.” ern district home to some of the WBC president Mauricio Su- country’s most destitute people. laiman has denounced a rule Ali, he says, was “not just a change by the International champion but a people’s cham- A mural with the image of boxing legend Muhammad Ali is seen in Louisville, Kentucky. Boxing Association (AIBA) al- pion and that’s how I want to be”. lowing professionals to com- His academy in Islamabad — AFP heavyweight champions in famed Madison Britain’s Lennox Lewis foreshadowed a “We waited fi ve years for pete in the Olympics where modelled after the one he found- Los Angeles Square Garden with seemingly the whole European grasp on the division guaran- that...#underwhelmed,” “Iron” Mike they would face amateurs, call- ed in Bolton, northwest England world watching and taking sides. teed to dull interest in America. Tyson tweeted, after a fi ght that will go ing the move dangerous. — will seek out talent in a coun- Frazier absorbed tremendous punish- Certainly the erudite approach of Vi- down in history not for what happened He vowed to impose a two- try which only boasts sporadic he death of Muhammad Ali was a ment but relentlessly out-worked Ali and taly and Wladimir Klitschko never set inside the ropes but for the colossal year ban on any professional success in cricket. sharp reminder of a glittering era dropped him in the 15th round to win by the hearts of US fi ght fans racing, and amount of cash it generated. fi ghter who chose to go amateur He said: “I really believe in the of heavyweight boxing that con- unanimous decision and launch an epic Britain’s Tyson Fury, who out-pointed Mayweather and Pacquiao have both for the Games. talent we have here, just like I did trasts starkly with the anaemic trilogy capped by the “Thrilla in Manila”. Wladimir Klitschko in November to seize since retired, Pacquiao pursuing his po- Amir’s announcement was in the UK. I believed in talent in stateT of the sport’s marquee division today. In between there was the “Rumble in the Ukrainian’s titles has alienated fans litical career in the Philippines as May- also met with consternation by the UK and I produced amateur Ali, who died of septic shock on Friday at the Jungle” in Kinshasa, where underdog with sexist, anti-semitic and homopho- weather appears to mull a match with some fans on social media and world champions and European the age of 74 after decades of battling Par- Ali’s now famous “rope a dope” strategy bic remarks. Conor McGregor, a star of the mixed his former promoter Frank War- champions and gold medallists kinson’s disease, was the cornerstone of a saw Foreman punch out his energy and martial arts stage that is taking bites out ren, who wrote on boxingscene. and national champions. I want heavyweight triumvirate that also included Ali pounce for an eighth-round knockout #UNDERWHELMED of boxing’s fan base. com he was “a little disappoint- do the same for Pakistan.” and , whose of his previously unbeaten foe. In recent years it’s been left to the little It would be a social media circus wor- fl air and ferocity kept boxing at the fore- It would be a decade before another guys to add lustre to the sport. thy of fabled boxing promoter Don King front of the cultural conversation. heavyweight erupted on the scene with Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacqui- — and a far cry from the dazzling de- WBC They were themselves the heirs of Joe such force, but the chaos surrounding ao can lay claim to boxing’s most recent struction promulgated by Ali and his Louis and Max Schmeling, Rocky Mar- Mike Tyson extended beyond the ring “Fight of the Century.” greatest rivals. ciano and Sonny Liston. and eventually doomed a reign that mat- But their 2015 bout in Las Vegas failed But then , who trained And amid the the social turmoil of tered less and less to the general populace to pack the visceral punch fans expected Ali for two decades, noted that “Moham- Vargas keeps title aft er their age they made the heavyweight as a confusing array of sanctioning bod- from two fi ghters long considered the ed ruined us for everybody”. world crown relevant worldwide. ies proliferated and niche-marketed pay- best pound-for-pound performers of “He was great outside (the ring); he Even the names of the bouts still reso- per-view became the norm. their generation. was great inside,” Dundee said before his slugfest with Salido nate: Ali-Frazier 1, known as “The Fight Tyson’s meetings with Evander Holy- The Hollywood celebrities and sports death in 2012. We got so accustomed to it, of the Century” pitted the two undefeated fi eld came too late, and the emergence of stars jetted in, but left unsatisfi ed. we thought we deserved it.”

BOTTOMLINE Defeat to Ali was best sporting

moment of my life, says Dunn Francisco Vargas (R) lands a right to Orlando Salido.

AFP “It was just a good fi ght. He ‘the fi fth’. AFP I am looking for more challenges.” London was the best man on the night However, Dunn just remem- Los Angeles Rightly so. Vargas then added and that was it. I had no argu- bers him as a hugely impressive he needs some time to “relax” ments with it.” person. “He had charisma, style, and recuperate. fi fth round stoppage Dunn, who became president panache,” he said. bloodied Francisco Var- In November, Vargas got off by boxing legend Mu- of his local Parkinsons UK branch “He had everything and he gas retained his WBC belt the canvas and recovered from hammad Ali in a world out of respect to Ali, had endured knew how to work a crowd, he Saturday by battling to a getting badly cut to take the belt title fi ght remains the traditional smart talk from his knew exactly what to do.” draw with fellow Mexi- from Japan’s Takashi Miura by formerA top British boxer Richard opponent just weeks before the Dunn, who lost his subse- canA Orlando Salido in a match that ninth-round technical knockout Dunn’s favourite sporting mo- fi ght on English Television when quent two bouts prompting him could earn him a second straight to win the fi ght of the year. ment he told the Press Associa- the American referred to his ex- to retire from the ring, saw Ali fi ght of the year award. Vargas will need time to heal as tion yesterday. perience in the British Army. again when he came for a four The 31-year-old Vargas and Sa- he had deep cuts over both eyes, Dunn, 71, proved to be the “So you’ve taken 67 parachute day visit to Newcastle in the lido went toe-to-toe in a 12-round but still managed to land heavy late Ali’s last British opponent drops,” Ali said on the ITV pro- north east of England in 1977. slugfest for the world super feath- punches on Salido as the two in his fi nal bout in Europe when gramme ‘This is Your Life’. “I’ll never forget him. I con- erweight championship at the pummelled each other right up he pummelled the then Brit- “Well, I want you to mark this sidered him a friend,” said Dunn. StubHub Center stadium. to the fi nal bell. ish, Commonwealth and Euro- down now: you have one more “I’ve got the original tape of Vargas improved to 24-0-1 Two offi cials scored the bout pean champion sending him to big drop to come, a big hard our fi ght. It’s locked away in the with 17 knockouts as he had to 114-114 while the other had it the canvas fi ve times including drop, it’s going to be the longest bank. I’m not going to lose it so go the distance despite suff ering 115-113 for the champion Vargas. twice in the fi fth round in Mu- Muhammad Ali (L) punches Richard Dunn while fighting for the sharp drop you’ve ever had.” I’ve had copies made and given bad cuts over both eyes which he Salido thought he did enough nich before the referee stopped WBC & WBA Heavyweight Title in Munich, May 24, 1976. Ali predicted to a T how the those out.” claimed were the result of head to win on Saturday in front of a the bout in May 1976. fi ght would go, for when he Dunn, though, won’t be mak- butts from Salido. crowd of 7,300 at the outdoor However, Dunn in paying would not swap that experience “I think it was the best sport- handed his gloves over to the ing his way to Louisville for Fri- “It was a great fi ght that the fans facility in south central Los An- homage to Ali — who died of for anything. ing moment of my life. Even get- promoter after the bout so they day’s public memorial service in liked,” Vargas said.”Unfortunately geles. “I felt I won. It was a close septic shock on Friday at the age “It goes on forever, that ting there and walking down to could be sold to help a boxer, honour of the great man. the cuts are always with the head. margin and a tough fi ght, but I of 74 after decades of battling night,” Dunn told the Press As- the ring and waiting for him to who had lost an eye, inside one “I’ll say goodbye in my own But I never gave up. feel I won,” he said. But the deci- Parkinson’s disease — said he sociation. come in was phenomenal. was ‘Ali wins’ and in the other way,” said Dunn. “I am very happy that I won and sion was in favour of Vargas. Gulf Times Monday, June 6, 2016 11 SPORT

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Aspire Academy, Generation Amazing SAP partner to drive youth development programme opens programmes By Sports Reporter innovating with Aspire Academy Doha will leverage global best practices in sports analytics and science, starting from the development spire Academy, one level,” said Stefan Wagner, senior of the world’s leading vice President and Global general football pitch in Nepal youth athlete acad- manager of the Sports and En- emies, and the global tertainment Industry at SAP. technologyA company SAP have The partnership is being ‘...football has the power to unite people and bring about social change’ decided to work together to drive touted to be the fi rst time that Qatar’s youth sports development a national sports academy has programmes, thanks to a partner- signed with a global technology ship announced yesterday. company. Aspire Academy aims The Aspire Academy coaches, to become the world’s leading sport scientists, athletes, and youth sports academy by 2020 management will be able to eas- and is expanding with the launch ily access real-time data on ath- of Qatar’s fi rst national centre for lete performance development, football in 2017. sports science, and sports opera- Qatar is rapidly developing its tions management on any mobile national teams in line with be- devices, supporting global best coming a global sporting hub, as practices in youth athlete devel- the country is hosting the IAAF opment. World Athletics Championships On one platform, users can ac- Doha 2019 and the 2022 FIFA cess data such as match results, World Cup. development summaries, com- “Qatar has high expectations petition plans, and sports sci- for sport, but a small talent pool. ence profi les from Aspire Acad- By becoming a global leader in data emy’s clubs and leagues. Aspire management and analytics using Academy and SAP will also ex- SAP HANA, Aspire will continue plore innovations in feedback to deliver unparalleled coaching visualisation, predictive analyt- and training for Qatari youth, and ics, and cognitive training. players across our worldwide net- According to a recent study by work of clubs, in order to develop the University of Toronto, the glo- Qatar’s sporting culture and com- bal sports analytics market is set petitive sporting advantage,” said to grow from USD $125 million in Aspire Academy director of Strat- 2014 to USD $4.7 billion in 2021, egy Markus Egger. which demonstrates a strong po- SAP will share expertise from tential for the partnership. its SAP Sports One solutions in “Aspire Academy is at the Big Data analytics, which has forefront of transforming youth been used by the German Na- development with analytics, as tional Football team to help win coaches can optimize line-ups the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Clubs on tablets, players can review and leagues co-innovating with match highlights on smart- SAP include City Football Group, phones, and trainers can track FC Bayern Munich, and TSG player fi tness and fatigue. Co- Hoff enheim among others.

SC assistant secretary general Nasser al-Khater speaks at the off icial inauguration of the pitch in the village of Bhandardhik.

he power of football has travelled our opportunity to give something back tire country as it looks to develop its own football tournament for the community from Qatar to Kaski as the Su- to the communities in Nepal when Nepal football infrastructure. as a result of the experience. preme Committee for Delivery & has given so much to us. He said: “Today we celebrate this occa- “I can’t really say enough about what Legacy (SC) opened a new com- “Today is what the World Cup is all sion with the launch of this new pitch. It this programme means and the experi- Tmunity football pitch in Nepal. about. To see the sheer joy that football is a great day for the community but it is ence it has given me,” she said. Nestled in the foothills of the breath- can bring to people’s lives is why we bid only the beginning. “I became an Ambassador in 2014 after taking Himalayas, SC assistant secretary in the fi rst place. We have always said “This pitch, this stadium will become undergoing a wide community selection general Nasser al-Khater joined Nepal’s football has the power to unite people and a vital facility for the community. It will process and I was lucky enough to go to Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun at the bring about social change. This is living get bigger and better. Football can inspire Qatar and travel to Brazil during the 2014 offi cial inauguration of the pitch in the proof of that belief.” in so many ways and I hope this pitch can FIFA World Cup. I am grateful that the SAP senior vice president Stefan Wagner at Aspire Academy. village of Bhandardhik. The Generation Amazing programme help do that for our people. community, my school and my parents all Located in the Kaski region, the facil- was borne as a result of the original Qatar “Nepal has strong ties with Qatar and supported me in this epic adventure. ity was funded by the SC and opened in 2022 Bid Committee. By the end of 2016 we are thankful for the work and contri- “Thank you to Generation Amazing for NEW BEGINNING conjunction with partners Right To Play a total of 12 community pitches will have bution of the Supreme Committee for this opportunity. It is an experience that I and Mercy Corps as part of the fl agship been launched in Nepal as a result of the Delivery and Legacy. Today is a day to re- will never forget.” CSR programme Generation Amazing. It Generation Amazing programme. member.” The facility will be run and used by the is the third pitch to be opened in Nepal in On Saturday the initiative was taken When the drills were over, two mixed Adarsha Youth Club – whose main offi ce Aspire Academy, 2016. A fourth will be launched on Friday to a whole new level as the village of teams created their own piece of history showcases a framed picture of a Genera- in nearby Kailali. Bhandardhik ground to a halt to wit- as the fi rst football match on the new tion Amazing programme nestled among Addressing an audience of around ness the arrival of their Vice President pitch got under way. their silverware. QF to launch junior 2,000 people, al-Khater spoke with and participation of a number of foot- Watching on was Rakshya Pandit, Laxmi Prashad Bhandari, president pride as he refl ected on the impact the ball personalities, including former Ne- an 18-year-old Nepali girl whose life of the Adarsha Youth Club, struggled to 2022 FIFA World Cup is already having pal national goalkeeper Upendra Man changed forever in 2014 when she became hide his emotions as he refl ected on what football league throughout Asia. Singh. a Generation Amazing Youth Ambassa- had been a monumental day for his club. He said: “I was honoured to be involved In 2015, the region was devastated by an dor. She joined fellow Youth Ambassa- He added: “So many people have worked in this event and open the pitch with the earthquake – but on Saturday there were dors Sudarshan Shrestha, Muna Pangali, hard for this moment. This has been our Vice President of Nepal. There are around only smiles and laughter as the commu- Dipesh Khadka, Karuna Syangtan and dream and our vision for such a long time. 500,000 Nepalese people living in Qatar. nity felt the positive impact of football. Suman Kingring. We are thankful to the Supreme Committee They are a huge part of our country, help- Praising the work of the SC and its Rakshya travelled to Qatar and the 2014 for Delivery and Legacy for helping to make ing to build our country and prepare for partners Right to Play and Mercy Cops, FIFA World Cup in Brazil as part of the this happen. This facility will be here for- the World Cup. Bahadur Pun promised the pitch was just Generation Amazing programme – and ever. It will change people’s lives and I am “This programme and these pitches are the start for the community and the en- subsequently started running her own proud to be part of that.” (SC.qa)

BOTTOMLINE UAE, Qatar sign agreement for motorsport

Agencies Sulayem for his support in this.” Dubai The agreement, which was signed at The MoU was signed by Aspire Academy deputy director general Ali the ATCUAE’s offi ces in Dubai, outlines Salem Afifa and Mohamed al-Soud, head of Recreation Services, QF collaboration across many aspects of Facilities and Community Services. utomobile and Touring Club of motorsport in UAE and Qatar, including the UAE (ATCUAE) and Qatar coordination of the annual events calen- By Sports Reporter “Aspire Academy and Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federa- dar of both countries to enable maximum Doha Foundation both play a central tion (QMMF) yesterday signed competitor participation in each other’s role in the realisation of the Qa- aA collaboration agreement for motorsport events, at both the national and interna- tar National Vision 2030. Both in the two countries. tional levels. spire Academy and entities actively support and The agreement was signed by ATCUAE Another point of co-operation is in re- Qatar Foundation for contribute to the Human Devel- president Mohamed Ben Sulayem and gards to the launch and inaugural season Education, Science and opment Pillar, through sports QMMF president Abdulrahman bin Ab- of the new UAE Formula 4 Championship, Community Develop- and community development dulatif al-Mannai in the presence of Lo- which will feature teams sponsored by both mentA (QF) have signed an agree- respectively,” Afi fa said. sail Circuit Sports Club general manager the Emirati and Qatari federations. ment to launch a junior football Al-Soud added: “We, at Qatar Khalid bin Hassan al-Rumaihi and Abu Furthermore, both federations will league for school children in Qatar. Foundation, are delighted to be Dhabi Motorsport Management chief ex- work together in the area of offi cial’s The Memorandum of Under- joining forces with Aspire Acad- ecutive Al Tariq al-Ameri. safety training for motorsport volunteers standing (MoU) was signed by emy. This junior football league Commenting on the agreement signa- and offi cials in both countries, as well as Aspire Academy deputy director represents our ongoing commit- ture, Ben Sulayem said: “We are pleased exploring the possibility of delivering general Ali Salem Afi fa and Mo- ment to creating a sports-loving to sign this agreement with the QMMF, The agreement was signed by ATCUAE president Mohamed Ben Sulayem and QMMF joint motorsport offi cial’s safety train- hamed al-Soud, head of Recrea- society and to encouraging the which will contribute to the development president Abdulrahman bin Abdulatif al-Mannai. ing projects worldwide in their mutual tion Services, QF Facilities and community to live healthy, ac- of many aspects of motorsports in both capacity as FIA Institute-appointed Re- Community Services, yesterday. tive lifestyles from a young age. countries. The UAE and Qatar both hold to uniting the eff orts of both countries to championships, so closer cooperation gional Training Providers. As part of the agreement, As- Together, we are using football as prestigious positions and world class promote and grow motorsport through- is vital in ensuring that we continue our The agreement also supports under- pire Academy will host the tour- a platform for change.” infrastructures to organise and attract out the region.” mandates of growing sustainable motor- taking joint research projects within the nament, to run from October to This agreement demonstrates international events like the Abu Dhabi Al-Mannai added: “This landmark sport. Competitors are our fi rst priority, motorsport industry, such as economic June, giving children in age groups two key national institutions Desert Challenge, a round of both the FIA agreement between our two federations by coordinating our annual calendars we impact studies, volunteer and offi cials Under-7 to Under-11 the opportu- joining forces to position Qatar Cross-Country Rally World Cup and the is key, not only for Qatar and the UAE, will make it easier for them to participate welfare, and offi cials and competitors nity to play on some of the world- as a centre of excellence for the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Cham- but for motorsport across the entire Gulf. in events taking place in Qatar and UAE, safety between the federations and in class football pitches and facilities development of sports, in par- pionship. This agreement will contribute We already share many competitors and and I would like to thank Mohammed Ben conjunction with the FIA and FIM. available at Aspire Zone. ticular, football.

Monday, June 6, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS Qatari swimmer Arakji heads to her second Olympics

By Sports Reporter campaign across its social media chan- uated this year ahead of Rio 2016, walks a seen what it’s like. I have an idea of Doha nels with the aim of showcasing Qatar’s fi ne line to fi nd the balance between her what the atmosphere will be like in Rio. athletes and their incredible feats. The education and her swimming career. My goals for the Olympics Games are to Olympic Dreams fi lm series will profi le “Balancing between swimming and be the best I can be and defi nitely to get atari swimmer Nada Arakji each team and athlete, and explore the my studies is hard, but since I’m pas- a personal best time. With all the train- will become the fi rst female highs, lows, motivations and dreams of sionate about both it’s all about organ- ing I’ve done I hope that I’ll be able to athlete to represent Qatar Qatar’s Olympians. ising your time. I think that’s the key improve my times and for everyone to twice in the Olympics when “I did basketball, netball, ballet and thing to success,” Arakji said, adding, be happy,” Arakji said. theQ Rio Games begin. Arakji wrote her- swimming obviously. My favourite one “Nothing’s going to get in your way if Arakji has high hopes that her par- self into the history books at the Lon- was swimming and I felt the most con- you love what you do.” ticipation in the Olympic Games for the don 2012 Games when she became Qa- nection with that sport. Everything else It is Arakji’s love and passion for her second time will inspire young Qatari tar’s fi rst-ever female Olympian. felt ok but it didn’t feel right. But when sport that led her to the London 2012 girls to take up sports and to challenge Rio 2016 will mark the fi rst time the I started swimming I felt this is for me.” Olympic Games. the status quo. “I defi nitely hope to Olympics are held in South America For Arakji, sport runs in the family – “The historic moment being the fi rst inspire more young athletes to take up and will see over 10,000 athletes from her father Mohamed Wafa Arakji was Qatari female to represent my country sport, especially women. I encourage 206 nations compete in Rio de Janeiro. Qatar’s national football team goal- in the Olympics was really something all the girls out there to not be afraid The best athletes from around the globe keeper in the 1970s and ‘80s, as well as big for me. Competing in the London and take risks. It doesn’t have to be will challenge themselves to the abso- a player for iconic Qatari club Al Sadd. 2012 Olympics was a dream come true,” sports. Whether it’s education or sports lute limit of their ability before a global It was this early exposure to sport that she said. “It gives me such honour that or other things,” Arakji said, adding “I TV audience of 4.8 billion people. laid the framework for the 22-year-old I will carry with me forever and I’m just think they should be confi dent and do Qatar will send its biggest delegation swimmer. really proud and happy.” what they love.” to the Olympic Games since its debut “It’s pretty great having a football With her university graduation be- Arakji will be competing in the in Los Angeles 1984. Thirty six athletes player as a father. He gives me a lot of hind her, Arakji continues her tireless 200m freestyle and 100m butterfl y at will compete across seven sports – ath- advice and he keeps me motivated. So Her love of swimming soon permeat- “Being able to meet her in the Olympics training in the state-of-the-art Hamad Rio 2016. You can follow her Olympic letics, swimming, shooting, handball, that’s one of things that keeps me go- ed her life, with Arakji creating a school was, honestly, something quite amaz- Aquatic Centre, and she hopes to uti- Dreams on the Qatar Olympic Twit- equestrian, table tennis and judo. ing and he tells me all these experiences presentation on her idol, Italian Olym- ing for me.” lise her previous experience when she ter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube To support its athletes on their jour- that he’s had and things that he’s done pic gold medallist Frederica Pellegrini, Arakji, who was accepted into Carn- competes in Rio. channels under the hashtag #YallaQa- ney in Rio, Qatar Olympic Committee so it’s pretty interesting to know and who she then had the opportunity to egie Mellon University Qatar right before “My experience in London has tar. The Rio 2016 Olympic Games take (QOC) has launched the #YallaQatar relate with that.” meet when competing at London 2012. she competed in London 2012, and grad- helped. I’ve gone to the fi rst Olympics, place from August 5-21.

MOTOGP CRICKET Amir included in Rossi hails ‘one of Pakistan squad for England Tests

AFP my best’ at sombre Lahore ast bowler Mohamed Amir has been named ‘This is a great, great victory, one in Pakistan’s Test squad to face England in a of the best of my career. It is for Ffour-match series starting next month, six years after he re- Salom and for his family’ ceived a spot-fi xing ban against Catalunya the same opponents. The 24-year-old, who also AFP served a custodial sentence for Barcelona the off ence, is expected to re- ceive his British visa in the next couple of days following a special alentino Rossi gave his MotoGP request for leniency from the Pa- world title prospects a massive kistan Cricket Board. boost with success in the Grand Amir along with then-Paki- Prix of Catalunya yesterday at stan captain Salman Butt and Va sombre Montmelo circuit reeling from new-ball partner Mohamed Asif, the tragic death of Luis Salom. were found guilty of arranging Motorcycling’s headline act got the deliberate no-balls in return for better of a gripping dogfi ght in the clos- money during the Lord’s Test ing laps with pole sitter Marc Marquez, against England in August 2010. who crossed in second to take the cham- In addition to receiving custo- pionship lead. dial sentences, all three players Masood, who has played seven Jorge Lorenzo lined up leading the Mo- were banned for fi ve years. Tests, and Sami Aslam, who has toGP standings but came away pointless Since returning from his sus- played one. after being wiped out by Andrea Iannone. pension last September, Amir Aslam, 20, however, starred Marquez now leads the championship has been a regular feature in Pa- against England during a Paki- after this seventh leg of the season on 125 kistan’s one-day and Twenty20 stan junior team tour in 2013, points from Lorenzo on 115 points and sides but has yet to make his re- when he hit three centuries. Rossi in third on 103 points. turn to Tests. Pakistan’s batting will also Salom suff ered fatal injuries in a crash His good form makes him an be tested but the experienced in Friday’s practice for the Moto2 Grand automatic choice for the team. Younis Khan — who toured Eng- Prix won earlier yesterday by Johann Zar- Barring any visa problem or injury land in 2001 and 2006 — will be co, who like Rossi and Moto3 winner Jorge he is set to open the bowling for their mainstay. Navarro dedicated victory to Salom. Pakistan when they take the fi eld Besides Younis, Azhar Ali and Salom was honoured by a minute’s si- for the fi rst Test on July 14 at Lord’s Hafeez are the only two who have lence before racing. — the same venue where he com- played previously played Tests in The stricken Spaniard was only eight mitted his off ence six years earlier. England before. years old when Rossi notched up his fi rst Chief selector Inzamam-ul- Wahab Riaz, Rahat Ali, So- world championship win in 2000. Haq said Amir would receive a hail Khan and Imran Khan will Sixteen years later the 37-year-old visa. “Amir is expected to get round out the pace attack while Italian veteran posted his 114th career visa in the next couple of days leg spinner Yasir Shah and left- victory and 88th in the top division after Second-placed Repsol Honda rider Marc Marquez (left) applauds first-placed Movistar Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi on the podium and (Mohamed) Hafeez is also armer Zulfi qar Babar are the two employing all his skill, nerve and experi- after the MotoGP race of the Catalunya Grand Prix at the Montmelo racetrack near Barcelona yesterday. (AFP) cleared by medical staff so we spinners. ence to shake off a determined Marquez. have included him,” Inzamam The squads for fi ve one-day Given the diffi cult circumstances, world championship prospects. told a press conference. internationals and a single Twen- there was a touching moment when the After this seventh leg of the season, the The Test squad will be led by ty20 will be announced later. riders dismounted as Rossi and Marquez 20-year-old from Valencia moves on to Misbah-ul-Haq, who took on The team are likely to leave shook hands, drawing a line under their 103 points, 44 points adrift of standings the captaincy in October 2010, a for the tour on June 18 and hold a bitter rivalry from 2015. leader Binder. few months after the spot-fi xing training camp in Hampshire be- “This is a great, great victory, one of “I’m feeling emotional,” said Navarro. scandal. fore their fi rst match against Som- the best of my career. It is for Salom and “This win is for Luis.” Opener Hafeez was selected erset starting on July 5 and another for his family,” said the Yamaha star. subject to his full recovery from against Sussex from July 8. By lap fi ve Rossi had fought his way up GRAND PRIX OF CATALUNYA RESULTS a knee injury sustained two to second from fi fth on the grid, and he MotoGP (top ten) months ago, with selectors de- Squad: Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), then pushed past teammate Lorenzo, who 1. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) 44:37.589 ciding to include him after team Mohamed Hafeez (subject to fit- slipped back to fourth. 2. Marc Marquez (Honda) at 2.652 medics said he would regain fi t- ness), Shan Masood, Sami Aslam, Lorenzo’s hopes of a third straight win 3. Dani Pedrosa (Honda) 6.313 ness in the next few days. Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Asad after Le Mans and Italy disappeared when 4. Maverick Vinales (Suzuki) 24.388 Regular opener Ahmed She- Shafiq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Sarfraz an impetuous Iannone tried an ill-fated 5. Pol Espargaro (Yamaha Tech3) 29.546 hzad was not selected over dis- Ahmed, Mohamed Rizwan, Yasir and dangerous overtaking move with nine 6. (Honda LCR) 36.244 ciplinary problems, leaving the Shah, Zulfiqar Babar, Mohamed laps left. 7. Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati) 41.464 opening positions to the inexpe- Amir, Wahab Riaz, Rahat Ali, Lorenzo was clearly furious at the 8. Alvaro Bautista (Aprilia) 42.975 rienced left-handed pair of Shan Sohail Khan, Imran Khan. Ducati rider’s antics. The stewards sent 9. Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Pramac) 45.337 Iannone to the back of the grid for the 10. Hector Barbera (Ducati Avintia) 46.669 next race, the Dutch TT at Assen on June MotoGP standings (top three) 26, and imposed two penalty points. 1. Marc Marquez (Honda) 125 points Two riders die on opening day of As the defending world champion 2. Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) 115 Isle of Man TT races trudged back to the stands, Marquez went 3. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) 103 in hot pursuit of his arch rival Rossi. Two motorcycle riders have died in separate accidents on the The two-time world champion nudged MOTO2 RESULTS (TOP THREE) opening day of the annual Isle of Man TT races, organisers said. his Honda up the inside of Rossi’s bike to SAG Team Moto2 Spanish rider Luis Salom’s motorbike is parked in the box after a trib- 1. Johann Zarco () 42:31.347 ACU Events said in a statement that locally-based Australian take a look with fi ve laps remaining, only ute for the rider yesterday. (AFP) 2. Alex Rins (Kalex) at 4.180 Dwight Beare, 27, was killed in Saturday’s sidecar race while his for Rossi to close the door. 3. Takaaki Nakagami (Kalex) 9.313 passenger Benjamin Binns was in a stable condition with a frac- Two laps later Marquez muscled his KOed my mentality changed.” with all the riders together thinking of Moto2 standings (top three) tured ankle. way past, and it was nip and tuck between Rossi claimed his seventh race here but him,” the Frenchman said. 1. Alex Rins (Kalex) 116 points English solo rider Paul Shoesmith, 50, died in evening practice in the pair until Rossi regained the lead to fi rst since 2009. He will be encouraged This was his third win of the season 2. Sam Lowes (Kalex) 108 an accident on the Sulby Straight, with the session then aban- pull away and take the win by over two by the fact that 15 of the last 19 Catalonia and it moved him up a place into third 3. Johann Zarco (Kalex) 106 doned. and a half seconds. winners have gone on to clinch the title. on 106 points behind new leader Rins on Saturday’s action also saw Northern Irish rider Michael Dunlop “I knew it would be hard, I was worried Earlier, Zarco won the Moto2 race from 116 and Briton Sam Lowes, who came in MOTO3 RESULTS (TOP THREE) record the first sub-17 minute lap on his way to winning the RST because when I was in front I was push- pole. sixth, on 108. 1. (Honda) 42:18.228 Superbike race. ing a lot, but not enough to escape from After holding off Kalex teammates Alex Spaniard Jorge Navarro thrilled his 2. Brad Binder (KTM) at 0.564s The TT races around the island off the north-west coast of Eng- Marc,” said Rossi. Rins and Japan’s Takaaki Nakagami, the home fans with a debut success in the 3. Enea Bastianini(Honda) 0.817 land between Britain and Ireland have been run since 1907 and Marquez, like Rossi and third-placed defending world champion’s thoughts Moto3 category. Moto3 standings rank among the most dangerous in motorsport. Dani Pedrosa wearing shirts in tribute to turned to his departed Spanish colleague. The Honda rider’s win at his 33rd at- 1. Brad Binder (KTM) 147 points Including the Manx Grand Prix races, held later in the year, there Salom, said: “Of course this battle is for “This victory was for Salom. I give it to tempt over South Africa’s Brad Binder 2. Jorge Navarro (Honda) 103 have been 250 rider fatalities to date on the Snaefell course. Salom.” He added: “When I saw Lorenzo him. Now I will celebrate on the podium and Italian Enea Bastianini boosted his 3. Romano Fenati (KTM) 80