| Page 4 NBA | Page 5 Pakistan Wizards To Advertise here cruise to run past Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 victory Lebron-less over UAE Cavs

Tuesday, March 1, 2016 Jumada I 21, 1437 AH FOOTBALL Barcelona equal GULF TIMES unbeaten record with Sevilla win SPORT Page 3 SPOTLIGHT Olympics-bound Qatar riders gear up for Chi Al Shaqab Qatar has a strong squad built around four key riders who were the mainstay of the team last year

By Sports Reporter Qatar has a strong squad built around four Chi Al Shaqab is especially signifi cant compete for prizes totalling €1.2 million (QR 5 Shaqab and its state-of-the art facilities . Doha key riders who were the mainstay of the team for Sheikh Ali al-Thani. The 5 star million). Along with the competitions, mem- His Highness the Father last year, achieving a number of impressive show jumping rider said: “Chi Al bers of the public can look forward to a host of Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa results at championship level. Sheikh Ali bin Shaqab is the most anticipated annual entertaining activities planned throughout the al-Thani founded Al Shaqab in 1992 to preserve hi Al Shaqab International Equestrian Khalid al-Thani, Ali Yousef al-Rumaihi, Khalid equestrian event in the country. It’s a duration of the four-day event. and further develop the Arabian horse in Qatar. Competition 2016, which kicks off to- al-Emadi and Bassem Hassan Mohammed, all phenomenal opportunity to be able Meanwhile, Al Shaqab will be hosting an Al Shaqab is led by HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Ha- morrow at the magnifi cent Al Shaqab of whom will be competing at Chi Al Shaqab, to compete in this year’s event” Open Day on Thursday, 10 March 2016 at the mad al-Thani and encompasses an Endurance arena, is a unique occasion for the Qa- sealed the Olympic spot in the team event. Breeding and Show Department of Al Shaqab Team, a Breeding & Show division, and a Riding tar’sC Olympic show jumping team to experience The Qatar’s formidable four earned a place pated annual equestrian event in the country. starting from 5:30 p.m. Academy. a highly technical competition. It also gives at the Rio Olympic Games with victory at the It’s a phenomenal opportunity to be able to Every year, Al Shaqab organises an Annual In 2004, Al Shaqab proudly became a mem- them the opportunity to hone their skills in the second-leg of the Furusiyya 2015 series in Abu compete in this year’s event.” Open Day to enable Arabian horse enthusi- ber of Qatar Foundation. Al Shaqab’s mission various upcoming tournaments. Dhabi, in February last The fourth edition of the prestigious eques- asts to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of is to be global leaders in preserving, improving Chi Al Shaqab should help them gain more year. trian competition, sponsored by ExxonMobil, the Arabian horses kept in its stables. Fans and promoting the Arabian horse breed through confi dence in the run up to the Olympic Games Chi Al Shaqab is especially signifi cant for will see top-ranking local, regional and inter- from all over the world attends this open day setting the highest standard in breeding, show, that will be held in August this year in Rio de Sheikh Ali al-Thani. The 5 star show jumping national riders compete in show Jumping CSI 5* which provides a unique opportunity to the equestrian arts and equine welfare while en- Janeiro. rider said: “Chi Al Shaqab is the most antici- and CSI 4*, Dressage CDI 5* and Para-Dressage public to have a behind the scenes look at Al couraging community participation.

SPOTLIGHT Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al-Thani will be in action at the Chi Al Shaqab.

FOCUS Chi Al Shaqab to host opening event of Doha Tour By Sports Reporter Doha

hi Al Shaqab 2016 will play host to the opening event of the Doha Tour. The fi rst part of this prestigious competi- tionC will be at CSI3* level and will run concurrently with the other interna- tional competitions taking place in the spectacular arena here at Al Shaqab. Doha Tour is the fi rst of its kind in the Arab World. For the fi rst time, this year’s programme will involve three legs of the competition being staged at three diff erent venues. It is a com- petition open to riders from all over the world but is expected to attract a number of Qatari and Saudi competi- tors of diff erent skill levels. For Arab riders, it is part of the Arab League rankings for the 2016 World Cup Final to be held in Gothenburg, Champion horses have arrived from around the world to compete in the Chi Al Sweden at the end of March. The Doha Shaqab 2016, which will be held from tommorow. Tour features CSI3 *and CSI 4* com- petitions for elite riders but there is awarded to the overall winning rider port equestrian sport and the nation’s also a CSI2* competition for young who has won the most points over the equestrian athletes as well as encour- and up-coming riders to score points three events. aging new talents. Towards this end, and gain experience. Qatar is widely considered as an they have been delivering world class The Qatar Equestrian Federation emerging nation in the equestrian events and with Qatar qualifying for will host the second leg from 10th-12th world, particularly in the sport of the Olympic Games due to take place March which will off er a CSI2* and a show jumping. The Qatar Equestrian in Rio de Janeiro in August this year, CSI4* competition. The third and fi - Federation (QEF) was established in the number of such competitions held nal event takes place at Katara where, 1979 and recognized by the Interna- in Doha has increased. again, there will be a CSI2* and a CSI4* tional Equestrian Federation as the This is so that national riders can competition from 24-26th March. nation’s offi cial governing body. The gain maximum exposure to competi- The championship trophy will be QEF’s objective is to promote and sup- tions in the build-up to Rio 2016. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, March 1, 2016 FOOTBALL

AC Milan striker Niang Hiddink urges FA doctors Former Bayern president UEFA to name temporary Former Germany and involved in car accident to challenge packed fixture Hoeness released from jail successor for Infantino Cologne player Loehr dies

AC Milan striker M’baye Niang was involved in a Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has urged Bayern Munich’s former president Uli Hoeness UEFA will name a new temporary general secre- Former Germany international and Cologne’s car accident on Saturday night, but claimed it was doctors at the Football Association (FA) and was released yesterday after serving half of his tary on Friday to take over from former European all-time record goalscorer Hannes Loehr has died a minor incident in which he had been merely Premier League clubs to stand up against English prison sentence for tax evasion. His sentence was football number two Gianni Infantino, the new aged 73, the Bundesliga club said yesterday. Lohr a passenger. Earlier that evening he had helped football’s gruelling fixture list. Chelsea have to halved from three-and-a-half years under a provi- FIFA president, a source said yesterday. Greece’s scored 166 Bundesliga goals for Cologne and Milan beat Torino 1-0 at home in lashing and play four games in 12 days across three competi- sion allowing for reduction of prison terms, the Theodore Theodoridis would appear to be was part of the club’s successful sides which won relentless rain. “I and my driver are both in good tions after the club’s sixth-round FA Cup tie with Bavarian state ministry for justice said, without favourite for the job Infantino quit to take up his the championship in 1978 and the German Cup health. The car was aquaplaning, there was more Everton was scheduled for March 12. The Premier providing details of the release. Hoeness, new role with FIFA. UEFA’s executive committee three times. He earned 20 international caps and fear than harm. Ready for the rest of the season League champions visit Norwich City today and now 64, was convicted by a Munich court in will meet on Friday morning in Nyon to decide on played for Germany in the 1970 World Cup, finish- with Milan, Forza Milan,” the Frenchman, who host Stoke City on Saturday, before their Champi- March 2014 of evading taxes estimated at 28.5 the matter. The role is an important one as UEFA ing third. After retiring as a player, he managed does not have a driving licence, twitted yesterday. ons League last 16 second-leg tie at home to Paris million euros ($31 million at current exchange president Michel Platini is banned from all football Cologne and coached the West Germany team to Sky Sport had reported earlier he would be out Saint Germain the following Wednesday and the rates). He began his prison sentence three activities for six years, although he is engaged in the bronze medal at the 1988 Olympic Games. A for two months with ankle and shoulder injuries, FA Cup tie three days later. “Hopefully the PSG months later, but has been on day release from legal proceedings to have that ban overturned. cause of death was not given but Loehr suff ered and that he had taken a breathalyser test, which game doesn’t go into extra-time because players prison since early last year and was employed To this end, Platini is appealing to the Court of a stroke in early 2015. “Hannes Loehr was, in his proved negative. In February 2014, when he was need time when the intensity of the league is like during this period by Bayern as an assistant with Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Should Platini have his time as player, coach and off icial, always closely with Montpellier, Niang was given an 18-month it is,” Hiddink said. “The medical people at the FA the junior team. It is unclear if Hoeness will now ban overturned it will be then up to him to keep connected to FC (Cologne) without pushing suspended sentence for a road accident involv- and the Premier League should make this known. take on a new role at the club amid German the new number two or not. If Platini’s case is himself to the foreground,” club president Werner ing a Ferrari. The player had fled and denied the The doctors should stand up and say: ‘FA, televi- media speculation he could eventually return to unsuccessful, it will be up to the new president of Spinner said in a statement. “We will miss Hannes charges, before spending four days in custody. sion, whoever.... hey’,” Hiddink told British media. his former position as president. UEFA to decide. Loehr hugely and never forget him.”

PREMIER LEAGUE Juventus, AC Milan poised to qualify for Italian Cup fi nal It will take major surprises to prevent reigning champions Juventus, who visit Inter Milan, and AC Milan, Leicester look to edge tackling Alessandria, from qualifying for the Italian Cup final in May

DPA Rome

olders Juventus take a 3-0 lead closer to fairytale title over Inter Milan into this week’s Hsecond leg of the Italian Cup semi-finals that also see AC Milan hold a Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester City can continue their unlikely title charge by going five points narrower lead on surprising underdogs Alessandria. clear at the top with victory over West Brom in Premier League midweek action tonight The third-division side lost 1-0 at home to the Devils in late January and promise a brazen performance at the DPA Giuseppe Meazza tonight, with about 60 London buses of fans following them from the Piedmont town. Tomorrow, Inter’s task in the same eicester City will hope to steal a stadium looks tougher as their morale march on their rivals by edging sank on Sunday with another defeat to another step closer to what would the Bianconeri in Serie A action. be a fairytale Premier League title The in-form Italian champions won 2-0 byL beating West Brom tonight. at home to retain top spot, while the Ner- With their closest challengers, Tot- azzurri seem to have lost the brisk pace tenham Hotspur, not in action until of their early season form and sit now in tomorrow, victory over West Brom fifth place, the last granting a berth in the would put them fi ve points clear and next Europa League. Milan, meanwhile, pile the pressure on the chasing pack. closed within one point of their city rivals Leicester needed a late goal to beat thanks to a 1-0 defeat of Torino. Norwich City on Saturday but man- “Now we need to get back on track ager Claudio Ranieri said he was more immediately, we don’t have time to cry interested in results at this stage than about this result,” Inter’s Brazil mid- pure performance. fielder Felipe Melo said. “We must work “You can’t always play well,” he said in silence to bounce back. We’ve got the after Saturday’s win. “I’d sign today if Coppa Italia coming up against Juventus we can win 11 matches from tonight and we have to put everything into that without playing well. It’s not impor- even if it won’t be easy.” tant now whether we play well or not Defender Leonardo Bonucci, who - it’s important we take points.” opened the scoring at the Juventus Leonardo Ulloa, who scored the Stadium, said that the Bianconeri are not 89th-minute winner, is pushing for going to pull punches in Milan. a starting place but with Jamie Vardy “We’re now focused on Wednes- in such outstanding form, Ranieri has day,” the international said. “They’ll be the enviable job of keeping his squad looking for a response after (Sunday’s happy. defeat) and we need to start the match “Everyone would like to play, but stronger than they do.” it’s not possible,” he said. “They be- Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri, lieve in the project and they believe however, must be planning the usual their teammates are playing well. rotation for cup games, beginning with “For me it’s important to believe star goalkeeper Gianluigi Buff on, who on in them because, when I need some Sunday set a record with eight straight changes, they are ready. For this rea- A victory over West Brom tonight clean sheets in league action. son I’ve said many times we have a will help Leicester City steal a march Brazilian Neto is to keep goal, while fantastic dressing room.” on closest challengers Tottenham Simone Zaza should play up front with Al- Tottenham, alone in second after Hotspur besides piling the pressure varo Morata, who converted a penalty in the weekend, have a trip to sixth- on the chasing pack of Manchester each of the last two games against Inter. placed West Ham while Arsenal, fi ve City, Arsenal and Manchester United The defence of Inter coach Rob- points off the pace in third after los- erto Mancini, meanwhile, could have ing to Manchester United on Sunday, problems as Jeison Murillo and Brazilian host Swansea. for the trust of team in the way we are “We will get better and that’s how it Eight points from safety with 11 face Southampton in the other Miranda are suspended. Fourth-placed Manchester City working. We are not going to give up is. We have to go the hard way. Noth- games to go, things are getting des- matches. Milan’s Sinisa Mihajlovic should field will now be looking to build on their on the Premier League—we have to ing is easy in this moment, but we can perate for Villa and manager Remi Fixtures (22:45 Qatar Time) striker Mario Balotelli, who converted League Cup victory by pushing for a play for another 36 points. All teams see if we carry on working really hard Garde knows his side will need to be the winning penalty in Alessandria and third title in fi ve seasons, with Liver- will lose points so we will continue, then there is new light at the end of almost perfect to see off Roberto Mar- Playing Today: AFC Bournemouth vs also rely on his cup keeper Christian pool again their opponents tomorrow, try to win the next game against Liv- the tunnel. tinez’s side. Southampton; Aston Villa vs Everton; Abbiati. The grey-shirted Bears hope to this time at Anfi eld. erpool and go until the end.” “That’s really, really important and “It’s a tremendously important Leicester City vs West Brom; return to the cup final as they did back Manuel Pellegrini’s side are nine Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp that’s what we know. We will stay game for us in midweek,” he said. Norwich City vs Chelsea; in 1936, losing 5-1 to Torino. points behind Leicester but the man- said they had no option but to pick in the race, there is no doubt about “Picking up the three points would Sunderland vs Crystal Palace The May 21 final at Rome’s Stadio Ol- ager said his team would now try to themselves up and go again. this—but tonight we feel rubbish.” be vital for us. The hope is still there.” Playing Tomorrow: Arsenal vs impico carries a place for the next Europa carry the momentum through to the “Of course we will strike back - 100 Manchester United, now just three Second-bottom Sunderland meet Swansea City; Stoke City vs Newcastle League, which goes to the losers if the end of the season. per cent,” he said. “For this and the points behind City in fi fth, take on Wat- Crystal Palace, third-bottom New- United; West Ham vs Tottenham Hot- winners are already qualified for conti- “I am happy to have won a title in next time we are in a fi nal, you have to ford at Old Traff ord while at the bottom castle are away to Stoke, Chelsea spur; Liverpool vs Manchester City; nental action from a league placement. February,” he said. “It is important feel how it is when you lose. of the table, Aston Villa host Everton. are at Norwich and Bournemouth Manchester United vs Watford

Bayern continue important week against SPANISH PREVIEW Mainz, as Dortmund take on Darmstadt Rampant Barcelona planning to break Bundesliga top two mund with at least an eight-point There is a midtable duel be- Bayern Munich and lead and go on to win there,” said tween ninth and 10th when Ingol- Borussia Dortmund meet Philipp Lahm. “Then we’re stadt, the other promoted outfit, new record at lowly Rayo Vallecano on Saturday but must first 11 points clear, and that’s sets us welcome Cologne while bottom negotiate tricky contests well on our way. Then it’ll be very, club Hanover take on Wolfsburg There is no rest for runaway about to be overtaken by Lionel out defeat. “What I am proud struggling Las Palmas at home to separately tomorrow very hard to catch up with us.” in a local derby tonight. Spanish leaders Barcelona, Messi and company, in yet an- about is that my team never gives Getafe, who are just two points Mainz are not to be underesti- Thomas Schaaf earned his first who will visit lowly Rayo other demonstration that Barca up,” Rayo coach Paco Jemez said above the islanders. DPA mated though and are currently victory as Hanover coach against Vallecano on Thursday have clearly taken over from the after his side battled out a 2-2 Troubled Real visit Berlin fifth after an excellent 3-1 win over VfB Stuttgart on Saturday as the looking for their 10th straight Whites as the dominant force in draw at Real Betis on Saturday. bottom team Levante tomorrow, Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday. “It team ended a run of eight suc- league win—plus a new Spanish and European football. “We have tremendous charac- who will be without suspended was fun to see the team give eve- cessive defeats to move within Spanish record of 35 games “It is great to break records ter and spirit, and this will surely veteran defender David Navarro. undesliga leaders Bayern rything they could,” coach Martin four points of Werder Bremen in unbeaten in all competitions but the important thing for us help us against Barcelona.” “The game is very important Munich host Mainz tomor- Schmidt said after that match. the relegation play-off place. “We is to carry on winning,” said de- Barca are eight points above for us,” Levante coach Rubi said Brow while second-placed “We are happy going into our have never lost faith in our- DPA fender Gerard Pique, who scored Atletico Madrid, who will kick off after Sunday’s 3-0 meltdown Borussia Dortmund travel to regeneration and Bayern are wait- selves,” Schaaf said. “The victory Madrid the winning goal in Sunday’s 2-1 the 27th round of games tonight at Villarreal. “If we want to save Darmstadt before the big two ing for us. It will be a big game.” proves there’s life in the team.” home defeat of Sevilla. at home to a Real Sociedad side ourselves from relegation, then meet in a title crunch match on Dortmund struggled to a 3-1 Second-bottom Hoff enheim Barca looked a little weary to- who have moved into midtable things must really start to change Saturday. triumph over Hoff enheim on host Augsburg tomorrow while ne of the few records wards the end of the Sevilla match, safety under Eusebio Sacristan. Wednesday.” Bayern are in high spirits Sunday and now face a tricky trip Bremen, currently 16th, look to left for majestic Barce- which is understandable given Atletico are on cloud nine after Real will make the trip with- after grinding out a 2-0 win at to promoted Darmstadt, who are end a five-game winless run in lona to break is that of their hectic schedule this season. Saturday’s 1-0 win at neighbours out injury victims Pepe, Marcelo, Wolfsburg last weekend to start battling for top-flight survival. the league at Bayer Leverkusen the longest unbeaten Coach Luis Enrique will surely Real, who are four points behind Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale, runO for a Spanish team in all com- refresh his tired team by bringing them in third place. and in poor heart after that derby what coach Pep Guardiola has “It was a very important win by repeating a recent win there described as “one of the most and a good win”, coach Thomas in the German Cup. petitions. That particular record back Dani Alves, Javier Mascher- It will be Atletico’s third game defeat against Atletico. important weeks of the season”. Tuchel said after his side recov- Surprise packages Hertha will fall to them, as so many oth- ano, Andres Iniesta and Ivan in seven days, and coach Diego The other games tomorrow That victory maintained Bay- ered from being a goal down Berlin look to strengthen their ers have in recent years, if they Rakitic—all of whom were rested Simeone will be tempted to liven are: Malaga vs Valencia, Celta ern’s eight-point lead over pursu- at half time. Midfielder Ilkay grip on third place when they manage to avoid defeat on Thurs- against Sevilla—though he is things up by giving a rare start to Vigo vs Villarreal, Sevilla vs ing Dortmund but before the pair Guendogan could be considered welcome struggling Eintra- day at lowly Rayo Vallecano. unlikely to break up the dreaded reserves like Jesus Gamez, Oliver, Eibar and vs De- meet directly, the challenge of from the start after illness while cht Frankfurt while Borussia The imposing Real Madrid side ‘MSN’ forward line of Lionel Angel Correa and Luciano Vietto. portivo La Coruna, with Granada Mainz must be addressed. defender Mats Hummels will Moenchengladbach, in fourth, of Dutch coach Leo Beenhakker Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. Yannick Carrasco, Thomas and vs Sporting Gijon and Espan- “Our goal is to travel to Dort- hope to recover from injury. host Stuttart in the other games. went 34 matches unbeaten in the Rayo are fi fth from the bottom Stefan Savic are all out injured. yol vs Real Betis scheduled for 1988-89 season but that record is but have gone seven games with- Tonight’s other game will see Thursday. Gulf Times Tuesday, March 1, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

LIGUE 1 SERIE A Juve close in Lyon win 2-1 to end on fi ft h crown PSG’s unbeaten run as Milan, Roma ‘We were too average... Lyon were in a better state of mind. Were we not at our best? join CL queue

I don’t know, we must regroup. We expected a diff icult game, but not as hard. I took AFP Viola will be battling to maintain Rome their hopes of a top three fi nish off a player at half-time (Benjamin Stambouli), I could have made more changes’ and possible Champions League qualifi cation. 2-0 win over hapless In- Inter’s seventh defeat of the ter Milan saw champi- campaign had sporting director ons Juventus take a step Pierre Ausilio in a rage. “The play- towards a record-equal- ers really need to have a good look lingA fi fth successive Serie A title at themselves,” slammed Ausilio. on Sunday as AC Milan and Roma But their demise will be em- continued to dream of a place in braced by city rivals AC Milan, Europe. who went nine games undefeated Juventus saw a new club record on Saturday with a precious 1-0 of 15 consecutive wins end in a win over Torino at the San Siro. scoreless stalemate at Bologna Sinisa Mihajlovic’s men remain last week, then had to fi ght their sixth and sit 14 points behind way back to rescue their Cham- Juve, but the Rossoneri—looking pions League last 16 hopes in a to end a two-year absence from 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich on the Champions League—are only Tuesday. six points behind Roma, and one But Massimiliano Allegri’s behind Inter. champions were back to their “The lads’ work ethic was best in Turin on Sunday, when great,” Mihajlovic after seeing goals from Leonardo Bonucci and Luca Antontelli’s fi rst-half strike Alvaro Morata, from the spot, saw seal the points. the Old Lady go four points clear “Looking at the numbers, it’s of second-placed Napoli. fair to say we’re on the right track. Bonucci smashed a wayward But our next three league games header from Inter defender Dani- will tell us how much chance we lo D’Ambrosio past ‘keeper Samir have of qualifying for the Cham- Handanovic and into the roof of pions League. “I believe, but let’s the net on 47 minutes. take things one match at a time.” Inter had few real chances and AC Milan, however, are not another blunder at the death saw the only team interested in fi n- second-half substitute Morata ishing third. With Juve and Na- send Handanovic the wrong way poli expected to claim the top two from the penalty spot after he had spots at the end of the season, the been felled by fi ery Brazilian Joao seven-time European champions Miranda. face a stiff challenge from Roma, While Inter coach Roberto Fiorentina and Inter. Olympique Lyon’s Sergi Mancini decided not to talk to the Roma, the league runners-up Darder (left) celebrates media after seeing his side slip to the past two seasons, revived after scoring against Paris 14 points off the pace, Allegri was their hopes with an encouraging St-Germain in their Ligue 1 only too happy to signal the virtu- 3-1 win at Empoli that gave the clash on Sunday. (Reuters) al end of the Nerazzurri’s title bid. Giallorossi their sixth consecutive “We’ve taken one of our direct win for the fi rst time this season. rivals for the title out of the race,” Luciano Spalletti could lose Allegri said. third spot to Fiorentina on Mon- “Now, we’re in a position where day, but the Italian coach was de- we can win a fi fth consecutive lighted with a performance that title and that hasn’t happened saw Italian Stephan El Shaarawy since 1935.” hit his fi rst brace for the club. Napoli, who are gunning for “It was a superb result, one of their fi rst title since 1990, have our best performances so far,” been arguably Serie A’s most ex- said Spalletti, who is back for his AFP cluded,” he told Canal+. “Lyon were in a far corner to grab his third Ligue 1 goal. for Brazilian Lucas, who bent his shot just citing team this season but the second spell at the club after re- Paris better state of mind. Were we not at our The visitors are not used to being behind inside the far post. Azzurri face a diffi cult trip to placing sacked Frenchman Rudi best? I don’t know, we must regroup.” and their frustration boiled over when Lyon went straight up the other end Fiorentina on Monday when La Garcia last month. “We expected a diffi cult game, but not Thiago Motta appeared to strike Jordan and could have restored their two-goal yon stunned Paris Saint-Germain as hard. I took off a player at half-time Ferri in the face, with the Italian fortunate cushion, only for Ferri to side-foot wide. 2-1 on Sunday to end the defend- (Benjamin Stambouli), I could have made to escape with just a yellow card. It was by far the busiest outing for ing champions’ hopes of becom- more changes,” he admitted. On the day that Silva spoke of suff ering Trapp since his move to Paris last sum- Juventus forward Alvaro Morata ing the fi rst French team to avoid Lyon manager Genesio wants his a bout of depression in the aftermath of mer and the German made an excellent celebrates after scoring against Ldefeat for a whole league season. team’s display to help them kick on for Brazil’s World Cup thrashing at the hands point-blank save with his legs to keep out Inter Milan on Sunday. (AFP) Young forward Maxwell Cornet the rest of the campaign. of Germany two years ago, he was embar- Rachid Ghezzal. stroked Bruno Genesio’s men into a “The game counts for three points, but rassed by Darder in fi rst half injury-time. But last season’s runners-up closed surprise early lead and Lyon deserv- of course beating PSG makes it more sat- Despite Rafael’s cross being slightly out a fourth win in fi ve games with ease to edly made it two through Sergi Darder’s isfying,” he said. behind Darder, the Spanish midfi elder move into the third and fi nal Champions wonderfully-taken goal on the stroke of “What pleased me? The way we im- fl icked the ball over the head of centre- League place and become the fi rst team to half-time. plented the plan, with the will to press back Silva with his fi rst touch, and coolly beat PSG domestically in almost a year. Lucas Moura pulled one back for the them high. Certainly, we were up against steered home past Kevin Trapp with his Elsewhere, Monaco were held to a runaway league leaders, but Lyon held one of the best teams in Europe, but we second. goalless draw by in-form Nantes as on for a famous victory that moves them need to repeat this performance until the With the unbeaten run close to coming Caen reignited their unlikely Champi- into the top three. end of the season.” to an end Blanc responded by sending on ons League push with a 2-1 win at Saint- For PSG this was a fi rst league loss PSG were looking to extend their record Javier Pastore for Benjamin Stambouli at Etienne. since a 3-2 defeat at Bordeaux in March unbeaten league streak to 37 matches, but the interval. Monaco are eight points clear in sec- 2015, although they remain 23 points Lyon started the stronger at Parc OL and The substitute was instrumental in ond but the six teams directly below are clear of Monaco at the top of the table. they forged ahead in the 13th minute. creating space in the Lyon penalty area separated by just two points in the race Manager Laurent Blanc admitted that Alexandre Lacazette picked out as the away side pulled one back less than for third place. his side were off the pace and did not de- 19-year-old Cornet, who displayed good six minutes into the second period. Meanwhile, Marseille’s match away to serve to take anything from the game. footwork to cut inside Gregory van der Pastore was crowded out by a group of Gazelec Ajaccio was postponed due to “We were too average, myself in- Wiel, before curling confi dently into the home defenders, but the ball broke kindly the inclement weather in Corsica.

LA LIGA Barca equal unbeaten record with Sevilla win

AFP Kolodziejczak somehow blazed over from The Basques moved up to seventh in Barcelona point-blank range. with three goals in seven second- Barca nearly went in front in spectacu- half minutes at Mestalla. lar fashion as Messi’s audacious attempt However, Neville was furious at two arcelona came from behind to from a corner hit the post and Luis Suarez strong Valencia penalty appeals that equal a Spanish record of 34 then blasted the rebound off the crossbar. were waived away before the opener. games unbeaten in all compe- Sevilla did eventually make the break- “I thought the referee was a joke,” said titions by moving eight points through 20 minutes in thanks to a fi ne the former Manchester United captain. clearB at the top of La Liga with a 2-1 win breakaway as Benoit Tremoulinas’s cross “I’ve not blamed refs in every game, over Sevilla. from the left was slotted home at the but his management of the game was Sevilla were the last side to beat Barca back post by Vitolo. awful. Some of the things he did were in- back in October and deservedly struck However, as ever Messi came to the credible.” fi rst through Vitolo. fore when Barca needed him most and Sabin Merino headed the visitors in However, as so often of late, Barca re- the fi ve-time World Player of the Year front before Iker Muniain then doubled covered from a slow start thanks to Lionel levelled with a stunning free-kick high the lead to register his fi rst goal in 18 Messi’s brilliant free-kick and Gerard into the far corner 11 minutes later. months. Pique’s winner early in the second-half. Sergio Rico prevented Messi turning And compounded a Luis Enrique’s men have now matched the game around single-handedly before miserable afternoon for Neville by ris- Real Madrid’s record run from the 1988- the break with a great save low to his left. ing highest to head home Benat Exte- 89 season and in doing so moved 12 Barca upped the pace after the break barria’s corner for his 27th goal of the points clear of third-placed Madrid. and were rewarded when brilliant link- season. Atletico Madrid remain Barca’s clos- up play between Messi and Suarez teed Villarreal moved to within two points est challengers after beating Madrid 1-0 up Pique to tap home from close range. of Real Madrid by stretching their un- on Saturday. “We are in great form, but Sevilla still had the chance to take some- beaten league run to 13 games with a records don’t mean anything. At the end thing from the game when Claudio Bravo comfortable 3-0 win over Levante thanks of the day everything is judged by titles,” fl ew from his line to block Kevin Gameiro to goals from Leo Baptistao, Samu Cas- Pique told Movistar+. as the Frenchman bore down on goal. tillejo and Adrian Lopez. “Our season is well on track, but we Earlier, Valencia’s four-game winning Marcelino’s men should at least be as- need to fi nish it off .” run came to a sudden halt as Gary Nev- sured a place in the Champions League Sevilla were a constant threat on the ille’s men were beaten 3-0 by Athletic qualifi ers next season as they now counter-attack, but should have taken Bilbao in a dress rehearsal of their Europa lead Sevilla by 11 points in the fi ght for the lead from a set-piece when Timothee League last-16 tie. fourth place. Barcelona’s Arda Turan, Jordi Alba, Lionel Messi and Neymar celebrate a goal against Sevilla on Sunday. (Reuters) Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, March 1, 2016 SPORT

ASIA CUP PREVIEW Confi dent India face Sri Lanka today Malik, Akmal guide IANS the world event coming up next Mirpur month in India. Skipper Malinga, whose knee problem has again popped up, uoyed by two back-to- has put his participation in the back wins in the Asia tournament in doubt. Neverthe- Cup, India will aim to less, on Tuesday, Lanka have to extend their winning step up and give their best to stay Pakistan home Bstreak when they take on a de- alive for the fi nal berth. pleted Sri Lanka in their third On the other hand, despite a at the couple of injury concerns, the ‘We lost early but then we decided to forget about the run rate’ Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket 2007 World Twenty20 cham- Stadium here yesterday. pions look favourites on paper India defeated hosts Bang- to win the tie. Shikhar Dhawan ladesh by 45 runs in the opener missed the match against Paki- Pakistani players Shoaib Malik and followed up with a thumping stan as he was unfi t with a niggle (L) and Umar Akmal during their fi ve- win over arch-rivals in his left ankle. match against UAE in Pakistan on Saturday. This is the Skipper Mahendra Singh Mirpur yesterday. fi rst time the iconic tournament Dhoni, who is being bothered PICTURE: Surjeet Yadav/IANS is being played in the Twenty20 by back spasms these days, has format. All the earlier events missed most of the training ses- were One-Day International sions but is expected to be play- (ODI) editions. ing against Lanka. Form is on India’s side as they Besides Dhawan and Dhoni, have recently outclassed the is- opener Rohit Sharma was hit on land nation 2-1 in the T20I series his left toe by a speedy yorker at home. To add to it, Sri Lanka from pacer Mohammed Amir will come into the match after a during the match against Paki- humiliating 23-run defeat at the stan on Saturday. He was sent hands of Bangladesh on Sunday. for an X-ray but thankfully there But come Tuesday, it will be a was no fracture found. fresh start for both the teams as It can be rightly said that In- Sri Lanka will aim to keep aside dia will once again rely on an their poor show against India in-form Virat Kohli to do the job recently and hope to register a for the side alongside the expe- much needed win in the fi ve- rienced Suresh Raina and Yuvraj nation tournament. Singh in the middle-order. The defending World Twen- In the department, ty20 champions, despite hav- Dhoni will hope his young gun ing experienced Tillakaratne Jasprit Bumrah along with expe- Dilshan, Dinesh Chandimal rienced Ashish Nehra and spin- and Lasith Malinga, have failed ners Ravichandran Ashwin and to make an impact in the Asia Ravindra Jadeja will continue Cup, especially leading up to their good form.

SPOTLIGHT Mashrafe praises all-rounder Shakib

IANS for 13 against the United Arab Dhaka Emirates (UAE) in the following match. He took three wickets in those two matches. angladeshi star cricket- In the fi rst match against In- er Shakib al-Hasan has dia, he fl uff ed an easy catch at AFP Bangladesh call up Tamim for injured Mustafi zur “We knew it would be diffi cult to been out of sorts in the point to let Rohit Sharma off . Mirpur chase, we got some early wickets, but we last couple of matches Rohit then went on to smash a could not capitalise on that.” Bbut skipper Mashrafe bin Mor- match-winning innings. Shakib, Bangladesh yesterday called up opening also took the vital wicket of all-rounder India will face Sri Lanka today. taza says he never had any doubt however, took a fi ne catch at the batsman Tamim Iqbal for the remaining Thisara Perera. hoaib Malik and Umar Akmal about the all-rounder. same position to see the back of part of the Asia Cup as a replacement Tamim, who is a regular member of the each scored a half-century as Pa- SCOREBOARD Mashrafe lauded Shakib’s ef- stand-in Lankan captain Angelo for pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who was side, was allowed to skip the Asia Cup kistan survived an early innings UAE fort with both the bat and the Mathews on Sunday. ruled out with injury. to be with his wife, who gave birth to a jitters to beat the United Arab c Afridi b Sami ...... 1 ball against Sri Lanka in the Asia “I actually think of Shakib Team physio Bayjedul Islam said Mus- baby boy in Bangkok on Sunday. EmiratesS (UAE) by seven wickets in the Muhammad Kaleem b Amir ...... 1 Cup at the Sher-e-Bangla Na- as a human being, not as an al- tafizur complained of discomfort after Tamim returned home yesterday and Asia Cup in Dhaka yesterday. Mohammad Shahzad c Sarfraz b Irfan ..5 tional Cricket Stadium here on ien. Rough patches will come. It Sunday’s match against Sri Lanka and joined the training camp. Set a modest target after their bowlers c Sarfraz b Irfan ...... 46 Sunday, reports bdnews24.com feels good to see him step up. He an MRI scan and a report from the radi- “Our little bundle of joy has arrived! had restricted the UAE to 129-6, Pakistan Usman Mushtaq c Nawaz b Afridi ...... 9 Shakib scored a gritty 32 off is one of the best players in our ologist confirmed a strain on a right rib. By the Grace of Almighty, we’ve been lost three wickets in 17 runs before Malik Mohammad Usman b Amir ...... 21 34 balls in a crucial partnership team,” Mashrafe said. “He is under conservative treatment blessed with a baby boy early today,” and Akmal saw them home with solid bat- ...... 27 with Sabbir Rahman before bag- “He has always done what is and rest for next 48 hours. Following Tamim Iqbal wrote on his Facebook ting. not out ...... 10 ging two wickets to help Bangla- required for the team and is still that the rehab will begin,” Islam said in page, reports bdnews24.com Malik made 63 off 49 balls while Ak- Extras (lb 2 w7) ...... 9 desh earn their fi rst ever Twen- at it. He may not always succeed. statement. Bangladesh will face Pakistan in their mal added 50 off 46 balls as the pair Total (six wickets; 20 overs ) ...... 129 ty20 International win over Sri We also want him to always do “We are expecting that he will make a last league match of the tournament added 114 runs for the unbroken fourth Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Rohan) 2-5 (Kaleem), Lanka. The 28-year-old had well. But at the end of the day, quick recovery and resume bowling tomorrow. wicket partnership to steer Pakistan to 3-12 (Shahzad), 4-41 (Mushtaq), 5-72 scored just 3 against India in the he, too, is a human being and can soon.” The hosts, who have four points from 131-3 with eight balls to spare. (Shaiman), 6-118 (Usman) opener, before being dismissed make mistakes.” Mustafizur played a key role in Bangla- three matches, will qualify for the March UAE captain Amjad Javed took all three Bowling: Amir 4-1-6-2, Sami 4-0-28-1 desh’s 23-run win over Sri Lanka with 6 final if they can beat Pakistan in the Pakistan wickets as he trapped Sharjeel (w2), Irfan 4-0-30-2 (w1), Afridi 4-0-24-1 four tight overs for just 19 runs. He last match. Khan leg-before for four before inducing (w3), Nawaz 3-0-26-0 (w1), Malik 1-0-13-0 an edge from Khurram Manzoor’s bat for a duck in his fi rst over. cus on playing out the fi rst six overs. Shahid Afridi removed Mushtaq for nine. PAKISTAN Pakistan were in danger when Mo- “We bowled well in the fi rst six overs Anwar then launched a counter attack, Mohamed Hafeez c Fahad b Amjad ...... 11 hammad Hafeez gave a catch to Fahad but then we were a bit all over the place, fi rst hitting debutant Mohammad Nawaz Sharjeel Khan lbw b Amjad ...... 4 Tariq at cover for 11 in Javed’s next over. hopefully we will talk about it.” for a six and a four and then dispatching Khurram Manzoor c Patil b Amjad ...... 0 But Malik and Akmal staved off a fur- Shaiman Anwar made 46 off 42 balls for three successive deliveries of Afridi for Umar Akmal not out ...... 50 ther collapse with some cautious batting the UAE after the minnows suff ered a simi- fours. Irfan dismissed Anwar to fi nish Shoaib Malik not out ...... 63 mixed with calculated aggression. lar collapse at the start of their innings. with 2-30. Amir fi nished with 2-6 after Extras (w3) ...... 3 “We all know the fi rst six overs have Pakistan’s pace bowling trio of Mo- he bowled Mohammad Usman out for 21. Total ( three wickets; 18.4 overs) ..... 131 been crucial. If you survive, then you can hammad Amir, Mohammad Sami and Skipper Javed remained unbeaten on 27 Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Sharjeel) 2-11 (Khur- play shots and that is what we did,” said Mohammad Irfan each claimed a wicket to give the UAE a fi ghting chance against ram), 3-17 (Hafeez) man of the match Malik, who hit seven apiece in their respective fi rst spell to the former World Twenty20 champions. Bowling: Naveed 3.4-0-28-0 (w1), Amjad Bangladesh’s Shakib al-Hasan (3rd-R) celebrates with teammates fours and three sixes. leave the UAE struggling with 12-3. But Javed rued a lost opportunity. 4-0-36-3(w2) Shahzad 4-0-19-0, Raza 3-0- after the dismissal of Sri Lanka’s Shehan Jayasuriya during the Asia “We lost early wickets but then we de- Anwar and Usman Mushtaq off ered “We wanted about 120 but we got 10 20-0, Rohan 3-0-20-0, Fahad 1-0-8-0. Cup T20 match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in cided to forget about the run rate and fo- some resistance before Pakistan captain runs extra,” he said. Result: Pakistan won by 7 wickets. Dhaka yesterday. (AFP)

VOLLEYBALL World League fi rst target for new Qatar coach Piazza

By Sports Reporter “I know that Cichello had done a great job has set for him. “The World League is our Doha with the national team. I would like to ex- fi rst step. There are strong teams in Group 3 tend his good work. My main aim would be like Germany and Slovenia. Germany are the to maintain the current level,” the 48-year- European Games champions and Slovenia taly’s Roberto Piazza signed a one-year old Italian, who has replaced Argentine Juan fi nished runners-up. So our aim would be to Qatar team coaching contract with Qatar Manuel Cichello, said. prepare the team to be competitive and play Volleyball Association (QVA) yesterday. Talking about the new coach, al-Mawlawi good volleyball against such diffi cult rivals. “It’s a pleasure to be here. I’ve seen said, “We’re honoured to sign well-known This will also be a good chance for our players IQatar’s matches against Australia, China and coach Roberto Piazza for the Qatar team. We’ll to test themselves against quality opponents.” India (during the Asian championships). I be working with him for the development and Talking about the preparations for the have also seen the league matches and think growth of the national team. Our fi rst impor- World League, he said, “A strong team is a the players have the potential but there is tant event is the 2016 World League big word. But I feel a coach needs about 20 room for improvement,” Piazza, who has a “The second target is the AVC Asia Cup to good sessions in 20 days to reach a competi- coaching career of over two decades, said af- be held in India later this year. The coach has tive level. Of course, I need to examine all the ter signing the contract with QVA president suggested some names in the support staff Qatari players personally. Khalid Ali al-Mawlawi. and we’d provide the required persons so that “I may call a lot more players and after 10 Also present on the occasion were QVA he can do his job well,” al-Mawlawi said. days, we will focus on 15 players.” board member Ali al-Faihani and Qatar team “We do have targets for Piazza and I think He also said he would need more than a manager Mohamed Jassim al-Kuwari. the goals are both achievable and practical. In season to deliver the goods. Having helped Germany bag the European the World League, we just want to be strong “A coach really needs more than a season to Games gold medal in Baku, Azerbaijan, last and tough competitors. But in the Asia Cup, prove himself. I’ve seen in the past that Qatar year as a second coach to Vital Heynen, Pi- we’d like to fi nish better than the fourth place is improving fast. During the Emir’s Cup, I’ll azza moved to Greece to guide Olympiacos. that we got in the Asian championships (in get an ideal opportunity to see the national He will formally assume coaching duties in South Korea last year),” the QVA chief said. team players against some important players May after fi nishing his present term with the Piazza said he would like to go step-by- of the world. That is the right time for them Roberto Piazza (second left) signs a one-year coaching deal for Qatar volleyball team with QVA president Greek side. step in pursuit of the objectives that the QVA to learn something,” Piazza said. Khalid Ali al-Mawlawi (second right) yesterday. PICTURE: Jayaram Gulf Times Tuesday, March 1, 2016 5 SPORT

NBA FOCUS Curry kickstarts Jordan debate Wizards run past DPA Jordan could also shoot as Los Angeles evidenced by the 10 NBA scoring crowns but was more eff ective from mid-range and slashing his ot-shot Stephen way to the hoop. Curry is tearing up the The highly competitive Jordan NBA this season with was an intense defender, playing the defending NBA with a chip on his shoulder and LeBron-less Cavs championH Golden State Warriors had an arrogance of wanting to and his form is such that com- be the best player in the game. parisons are being made to the Curry is also fueled by the in- ‘It hurts off ensively and defensively because you have no floor balance’ great Michael Jordan. tense will to win but leads in a The reigning league MVP and quieter way. More importantly, current scoring leader Curry Jordan led his Bulls to six NBA put on another dazzling shoot- championships, while Curry ing display in three road wins has taken the Warriors to just in a week and his peers took to one, last season. Warriors coach Twitter to comment on another Steve Kerr, who played alongside mind-blowing performance. Jordan in Chicago, continues to “StephenCurry30 needs to be amazed by Curry. stop it man!!!” tweeted Cleve- “Steph has unlimited con- land Cavaliers star LeBron fi dence, he’s not afraid to fail,” James, considered by many to Kerr said on Thursday. “He’s do- be the best player in the game ing things that have never been today. “He’s ridiculous man! done before. Never before seen someone like “He’s having fun, nothing is him in the history of ball!” bothering him. It’s an incred- Curry fi red in 46, 51 and 46 ible belief in himself and in his points, including a 38-foot skills.” game-winning dagger with ESPN pundit Stephen Smith sixth-tenths of a second left in gave a ringing endorsement to the fi nal match of the trio as the Curry over both James and Jor- Warriors moved to league-best dan. 53-5 record. “Steph Curry is the best play- His fi nal triple against the er in the world,” he said. “I know Oklahoma City Thunder marked LeBron can do more on the de- the second straight contest with fensive end but LeBron can’t do 10 3-pointers, giving the long- what Steph can do off ensively. distance marksman 288 for the This dude is the greatest shooter year, breaking his own record set I have even seen in my life, he’s last season by two. on another level.” “He can’t be human,” Toronto Smith acknowledged Curry Raptors All-Star DeMar DeRo- can’t jump like Jordan or match zan tweeted. the other pair on defence. “Steph Curry is the best “But off ensively how are you shooter ever,” said Rudy Gay of going to stop him?” Smith asked. the Sacramento Kings. “This guy walks past half-court Led by Curry, the defending and you are shivering and shak- champions are taking serious ing in your proverbial boots be- aim at the all-time NBA-record cause this brother can pull up of 72 victories in a single season from 40 the way people can pull set by the 1995-96 Michael Jor- up from 10-feet away from the dan-led Chicago Bulls. basket. Though the comparisons “You are defi nitely petrifi ed have already started over which when Steph gets the ball. team is the best in league his- “Because of the level of para- tory, another debate is brewing noia, not just the effi ciency he over whether Curry is better instils in opponents that what than Jordan, regarded the best makes him comparable to MJ. Washington Wizards Otto Porter Jr. dribbles as Cleveland Cavaliers Richard Jeff erson (R) defends during the second half at Verizon Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports player to have ever laced up their “He is changing the complex- sneakers. ion of how basketball should be DPA just ignored it,” Porter said. “It RESULTS (31-28), who have lost three of •Atlanta Hawks 87, Char- Though fi ve-time league MVP played,” Smith added. “He is Los Angeles doesn’t matter who they sit out. four games. lotte Hornets 76: Kent Baze- Jordan was the better all-around special. Whoever they rest, we have to Washington 113 Cleveland 99 •Detroit Pistons 114, To- more scored 14 points, Al Hor- athlete Curry is by far the better “You don’t have to be 6-foot- come out with energy like we Atlanta 87 Charlotte 76 ronto Raptors 101: Reggie ford had 13 with a season-high shooter, especially from behind 6 and fl ying through the air. You uperstar LeBron James did today. I think we did a good Detroit 114 Toronto 101 Jackson scored 19 points, An- with 16 rebounds, and the host the 3-point arc, as well as dish- can be 6-foot-3 with a jumper was given the day off , job doing that.” Portland 111 Indiana 102 dre Drummond had 15 with 18 Hawks (33-27) beat the Hor- ing out assists and being a better and make noise in the NBA. It’s a but the Washington With arguably the best play- Orlando 130 Philadelphia 116 rebounds, and the Pistons took nets in the wire-to-wire win. ball-handler. beautiful thing to behold.” Wizards never took a er in the game watching from Dallas 128 Minnesota 101 advantage of Kyle Lowry’s ab- Marvin Williams fi nished with breatherS against the Cleveland the end of the bench, the Cavs Miami 98 NY Knicks 81 sence to top the visiting Raptors 16 points for Charlotte (30-28), Cavaliers. trailed 63-53 at halftime, and for their fourth straight win. which fell after cutting an early John Wall had 21 points with it got worse. Porter torched the The All-Star guard was rested 20-point defi cit to two with 13 assists, Otto Porter also net- Cavs for 15 points, including a eighth and fi nal playoff spot in for the fi rst time this season 7:22 remaining. ted 21, and the Wizards took trio of triples in the fi rst two the East, with 24 games remain- as Toronto had its four-game •Orlando Magic 130, advantage of James’ absence to minutes of the third quarter as ing. Kyrie Irving had 28 points, winning streak snapped. Ter- Philadelphia 76ers 116: Nik crush the visiting Cavaliers 113- the lead eventually swelled to 26. while Kevin Love fi nished with rence Ross led the Raptors (39- Vucevic and Victor Oladipo 99 on Sunday. James was rested “I was just moving to the open just 12 for the Cavs (41-17), who 19) with 27 points. Knotted at scored 28 points apiece, Aaron by head coach Tyronn Lue be- spot in the corner and knocking clearly missed their leader. 52-apiece, the Pistons used a Gordon added a career-high 22, cause of the Cavs’ heavy load of them down,” Porter said. “He gives us everything,” 37-point third-quarter on 14- and the host Magic (26-32) sent upcoming games. “We made the Lue threw up the white fl ag Love said of James. “He’s one of 18 shooting to open up an 89-72 the league-worst Sixers to their decision not to play LeBron af- by removing his starters and the those guys, and there are very cushion en route to the win. eighth consecutive setback. ter the Toronto game on Friday,” Wizards cruised to the lopsided few of them, that really makes •Miami Heat 98, New Jahlil Okafor scored 26 points Lue explained. “Just having win. “When your best player is everyone on his team better and York Knicks 81: Dwyane for Philadelphia (8-51), which three games in four nights, I just not playing it’s tough,” Lue said. play at a high level. So, yeah we Wade dropped in 26 points, Joe trailed 77-51 at halftime. felt today is a good game to get “It hurts off ensively and defen- defi nitely missed him today.” Johnson added 12 in his Miami- •Dallas Mavericks 128, him a break and give him a rest.” sively because you have no fl oor Elsewhere: •Portland Trail debut after being waived by Minnesota Timberwolves The Wizards weren’t con- balance. “You’re not scoring to Blazers 111, Indiana Pacers the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, 101: Chandler Parsons poured cerned that James was out, make Wall take the ball out of 102: Damian Lillard fi red in 20 and the visiting Heat (33-26) in 29 points to lead seven play- because they’re focused on a the basket instead of pushing it of his 33 points in the opening knocked off the Knicks. Carme- ers in double fi gures and the playoff push. “We were going up every time at full speed. So it quarter, sending the surging lo Anthony netted 25 points for Mavericks (32-28) won their to come out with a lot of in- hurts you at both ends.” Trail Blazers (32-28) past the the sliding Knicks (25-36), who sixth in a row against the visit- tensity whether LeBron played Bradley Beal added 17 points Pacers for their eighth win in were outscored 29-16 in the fi - ing Timberwolves. Minnesota or not,” Wall said. “It was a big for the Wizards (28-30), who the last nine games. Monta Ellis nal frame en route to their 14th (19-41) was led by Shabazz Mu- game against a tough team. We moved within two games of the had 18 points for the host Pacers loss in 17 games. hammad’s 24 points.

NHL Oilers score late goals to top New York Islanders

By Arthur Staple The Islanders had just killed RESULTS bad game. With the trade dead- Newsday off the fi rst Oilers power play of line approaching and Snow the night in the third when Ed- Chicago 3 Washington 2 watching his team from back on monton tied it up. Anton Lander St. Louis 5 Carolina 2 Long Island, Strome’s middling arth Snow has un- got off a quick wrist shot that Minnesota 3 Florida 1 season and poor game could til 3pm. Eastern time went in under Halak’s arm, a bit Tampa Bay 4 Boston 1 prompt the GM to pull the trig- Monday to decide of a changeup shot at 10:12 of the San Jose 4 Vancouver 1 ger on a scoring winger who whether to make a period. Just 55 seconds later, the Anaheim 4 Los Angeles 2 conceivably could take Strome’s Gmove or two before the NHL Islanders were behind. Edmonton 3 NY Islanders 1 place for key games down the trade deadline. The way his New When Halak was handcuff ed stretch. York Islanders played Sunday by Taylor Hall’s shot from the Ryan Pulock had a few good night might make him more in- side wall and dropped it a second forward combinations for the moments in his NHL debut. He clined to shake things up. or two later, Leon Draisaitl was rest of the period. The one that unleashed one big slap shot on The Islanders scuffl ed their there to stuff it home. clicked for a goal was a familiar the Isles’ lone power play in the way through their fi nal game The Islanders had consecutive one _ the old fourth line. second period, with the one- at Rexall Place, giving up two power plays early in the third as Cizikas won an Oilers-zone timer missing the net by a few goals in a 55-second span mid- they attempted to extend their draw and Cal Clutterbuck sent a inches. He fi red off a couple big way through the third period lead but had only three shots pass back to the point. Nick Led- shots on the last Isles power play and suff ering a 3-1 loss to the during the two advantages to go dy’s blast caught Oilers defense- with just under seven minutes Edmonton Oilers. They wound with a lot of stagnation once in- man Adam Clendening near the left, including one that appeared up 0-5-1 in their last six trips to side the Oilers’ zone. throat, sending him crumpling to hurt Talbot, though he stayed Edmonton. The Islanders held a 1-0 lead to the ice. With the puck still in the game. Jaroslav Halak was sharp after two periods thanks to the loose, the whistle didn’t blow, The fi rst period was eminently through two periods but gave work of Halak, who again was and Cizikas corralled it and forgettable, with the Islanders up a pair of tough goals, and the extremely sharp from the start. whipped a wrist shot past Talbot coming out a bit fl at and having Islanders could not convert on After a dismal opening shift to break the scoreless tie at 17:43 trouble with Connor McDavid’s three third-period power plays. in the second period from the of the second period. line. No shame in that, but the Casey Cizikas had the Isles’ lone Josh Bailey-John Tavares-Ry- The best of Halak’s 20 stops Isles had few moments of cohe- goal in the second period. Cam an Strome line, Jack Capuano through 40 minutes came off an sion and barely any time in the Talbot made 36 saves for the Oil- turned on the blender and egregious giveaway by Strome, off ensive zone through a score- The Edmonton Oilers celebrate a third period goal by defensemen Brandon Davidson against the New ers, 17 of them in the third. whirled through any number of who picked a bad time to have a less 20 minutes. York Islanders at Rexall Place. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, March 1, 2016 SPORT

GOLF FOCUS Woods looks ‘very Long road back healthy’: Nicklaus Reuters and he was able to stand over a Toronto putt and chip now without hav- ing any leg pain and so forth. We didn’t really talk a whole lot iger Woods seemed about it.” “very healthy” when he Despite the upbeat comments, attended a dinner par- Nicklaus said a return to com- to short putter a ty at the home of Jack petition was not imminent for TNicklaus, the 18-times major Woods, who underwent back champion said on Sunday. surgery in September and had a Nicklaus and wife Barbara follow-up procedure the follow- hosted the gathering for United ing month. States Ryder Cup hopefuls at There was a media report re- their Florida home on Thursday, cently that Woods had suff ered while the players were in town a setback from his most recent success for Scott for the PGA Tour Honda Classic. surgeries, and could not move Woods, who has not played well. competitively since August, was Woods responded by send- ‘I have made some nice progress in all areas and it paid off this week’ there in his capacity as a Ryder ing out a video that showed him Cup assistant captain. smoothly swinging a nine-iron Reuters “He looked very good,” the in a golf simulator. Los Angeles 76-year-old Nicklaus told re- “He doesn’t have a timetable porters on Sunday. for returning or anything,” Nick- “He looked very healthy and laus said. dam Scott’s one-shot victory at he really misses playing. So that’s Woods, 40, has won 14 major the Honda Classic in Florida on good. championships, second only to Sunday earned him not only a “He says he was feeling great, Nicklaus. 12th PGA Tour title but also the bestA possible validation that all his hard work on a revised putting technique is TENNIS now paying off . With a ban on anchoring putters to the chin or chest coming into eff ect at the start of this year, Scott had tried to wean US ‘tired’ of early himself off his beloved broomstick putter during his 2015 campaign but experi- enced several setbacks with that transi- Davis Cup exits, tion. The Australian returned to the com- forts of the longer putter in golf’s biggest says captain Courier events when the pressure was at its most intense before committing for good to the conventional stick at the Presidents Cup in October, when he again struggled. Gradually, though, the change bedded in and Scott, increasingly confi dent on the greens, produced three runner-up fi nishes in his last seven starts worldwide before at the Honda Classic ending a title drought of almost two years. “My game’s come into a really good spot the back end of last year and now starting out this year,” Scott told NBC Sports after carding a level-par 70 on the PGA National layout at Palm Beach Gar- dens to beat Spaniard Sergio Garcia by one shot. US have pinned their hopes on John Isner and Jack Sock (not in “We have been working hard to get it picture) in the singles rubbers against Australia. there because it was slipping a little bit, it was a bit loose last year. The consistency Reuters installed on the former Austral- wasn’t there. Melbourne ian Open venue’s centre court, “I have made some nice progress in all the tie has a fi ttingly nostalgic areas, especially noticeably on the greens, feel for two former tennis pow- and it paid off this week.” nited States captain Jim ers battling to return to the top of Scott’s putting statistics on the 2014- Courier is “tired” of the game. 15 PGA Tour made for miserable reading losing in the fi rst round The United States hold a as he fi nished 141st in total putting but of the Davis Cup but record 32 Davis Cup titles to this week on a very challenging Cham- saysU he feels no extra pressure second-placed Australia’s 28, pion Course at PGA National he oozed ahead of a tough away encounter but the hosts, captained by re- confi dence. against a resurgent Australia. cently retired Lleyton Hewitt, He began the fi nal round by sinking The United States have been are buoyant after reaching the a 15-footer to birdie the par-four fi rst, bundled out of the opening round semi-fi nals last year. and then buried a 10-footer at the fi fth to by Britain at the last two tourna- Boasting two of the game’s top move two strokes clear. ments and a third successive loss young talents in world number 20 Several other birdie attempts by Scott in Melbourne would be another Tomic and 27th-ranked Kyrgios, during the day narrowly slid past the edge bitter pill to swallow for the once- Australia can see a brighter fu- of the cup and golfi ng great Jack Nicklaus, dominant tennis nation. ture after years in the Davis Cup who re-designed the Champion Course The visitors have pinned their wilderness, and rowdy crowds in 1990, paid tribute to the Australian’s hopes on Jack Sock and John Is- can be expected throughout the putting on the NBC Sports telecast. ner at least breaking even in the March 4-6 tie at Kooyong. “His stroke is terrifi c,” said Nicklaus, Adam Scott of Australia poses with the trophy after his one-shot victory over Sergio Garcia following the final round of The Honda singles against young guns Ber- Both Tomic and Kyrgios bring an 18-time major champion. “He looks Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, on Sunday. (AFP) nard Tomic and Nick Kyrgios, injury concerns into the tie but great over the putter and he is making his with the Bryan brothers a better Hewitt expects both to be fi t share of putts. If you’re putting like that globe with an anchored putter, including Justin Thomas (USA) 69-69-68-69 John Huh (USA) 71-72-71-66, Brendan bet to win the doubles against enough to play. all day, you’re always going to make some his fi rst major at the 2013 Masters. 276 - Graeme McDowell (NIR) 71-69-67-69 Steele (USA) 74-68-70-68, Camilo Villegas John Peers and Sam Groth. Sock and Isner arrived early in putts.” “It feels very good, it’s been a great 277 - Vijay Singh (FIJ) 69-70-68-70, Rickie (COL) 72-69-69-70, Sean O’Hair (USA) “I’m tired of losing in the fi rst Melbourne to tune up on grass The last time Scott won a tournament transition certainly,” Scott said of his Fowler (USA) 66-66-74-71 69-72-69-70, Bronson Burgoon (USA) 72- round. The whole team is tired of and get accustomed to condi- with a conventional ‘short’ putter was successful return to the short putter. 278 - William McGirt 66-72-72-67, Billy 71-67-70, Sam Saunders (USA) 69-74-67-70 that,” Courier told reporters at tions, while their opponents are more than fi ve years ago at the Singapore Horschel (USA) 73-70-66-69 281 - Brett Stegmaier (USA) 72-67-74-68, Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club on yet to assemble for practice. Open. LEADING FINAL ROUND SCORES 279 - Kang Sung (KOR) 71-69-71-68, Luke Jeff Overton (USA) 72-69-72-68, Ches- Monday. But Courier felt Tomic, run- He then switched to a broomstick at 271 - Adam Scott (AUS) 70-65-66-70 List (USA) 73-65-70-71, John Senden (AUS) son Hadley (USA) 70-71-70-70, Alex Cejka “But we know in coming here ner-up in Acapulco on Sunday, the 2011 Match Play Championship and 272 - Sergio Garcia (ESP) 65-69-67-71 71-66-71-71, Scott Brown (USA) 70-67-70-72 (GER) 71-70-69-71, Greg Owen (ENG) if we’re playing anything less and Kyrgios, who retired hurt went on to win seven titles across the 275 - Blayne Barber (USA) 70-66-69-70, 280 - Andrew Loupe (USA) 71-68-74-67, 69-71-69-72 than our best we’ll be out of this with a back injury during his thing in the fi rst round again. semi-fi nal against Stan Wawrin- “I don’t feel any more or less ka in Dubai, would come into the PORSCHE GT3 CUP CHALLENGE MIDDLE EAST pressure. I certainly have expec- tie with confi dence regardless of tations on how I want our team their buildup. to perform but I’m also someone “I couldn’t say whether we who’s been through these battles have the advantage one way or enough to know that you can do another because confi dence is Dramatic climax expected for Frijns in Bahrain the best you can and leave it on pretty critical in these things,” the court.” said Courier, a Davis Cup winner Agencies ing rounds the Qatar-based driver is de- With a temporary grass court as a player in 1992 and 1995. Sakhir termined to put things right this weekend back where it all started. Speaking ahead of the final round, he father and son duo of Char- Charlie said: “I started the first race Canada’s Davis Cup hopes hit as lie (pictured) and Rob Frijns are of the season here in pole position and gearing up for a sprint fi nish over even if I had left with a position in the Raonic and Nestor pull out a dramatic fi nal weekend of rac- top 4 I would be a lot closer to third ingT as the seventh season of the Porsche place overall as it stands today. For me Canada’s Davis Cup hopes received a double blow yesterday GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East comes this is a chance to put things right at the when world number 13 Milos Raonic and top doubles player to an conclusion at the Bahrain Interna- Bahrain circuit and I know that a strong Daniel Nestor pulled out of next weekend’s first-round tie against tional Circuit. performance could give me a chance of France in Guadeloupe. Only one round and two races staged claiming one of the top 3 spots to finish Raonic withdrew from the March 4-6 world-group tie as he is still over March 4-5 on the challenging GP the series.” recovering from an adductor tear suff ered at the Australian Open circuit at Sakhir now stand between the In the Bronze category, veteran driver while Nestor, the number 12 ranked doubles player, ruled himself drivers and glory. The two Frijns will be and father Rob Frijns will be fi ghting for out due to a last-minute family matter. pushing for podium fi nishes in the over- gold as he currently sits 21 points behind “I am deeply saddened to not be able to join my team for the all drivers’ standings in their respective Bahraini leader Jaber al-Khalifa. How- Davis Cup tie in Guadeloupe,” said Raonic in a statement released categories. ever Rob cannot aff ord any mistakes in by Tennis Canada. “Davis Cup has always been and will continue Currently, UAE-based Jeff rey Schmidt the fi nal round, with third place Magnus to be a priority in my schedule. leads the overall driver standings and in- Ohman hot on his heels only 13 points be- “My body at this moment does not allow me to compete as the dividual glory in Bahrain would add to the hind. Everything could change between muscular tear I sustained in Australia has not completely healed.” team title secured by Schmidt’s team Al the top 3 in Bahrain this weekend and Rob Raonic has not played a match since suff ering the injury during Nabooda Racing during the penultimate the highest level. While for those in the Ryan Cullen, with Saudi’s Abdulaziz Al- is hoping he comes out on the right side the semi-finals in Melbourne in January, when he matched his round in Dubai. twilight of the careers, veteran gentlemen Faisal between the two in fourth. A strong of the results. career-best result at a Grand Slam. Speaking ahead of the fi nal weekend, drivers like Jaber Al Khalifa and Rob Fri- performance in Bahrain could see Charlie Talking ahead of the fi nal round, Rob He has already been forced to withdraw from the last two ATP Walter Lecher, series organiser said: jns, this fuels their passion for racing and push into a podium position in the overall said, “I am excited for the fi nal round of Tour events in Delray Beach and Acapulco. “For young home grown talent like Zaid Porsche.” drivers’ standings at the very last hurdle. the season. I will be pushing hard to try Tennis Canada said it would name replacements at a later date. Ashkanani, Abdulaziz AlFaisal and Saud For Charlie, very little separates the The fi rst race in season 7 at the Bahrain and take the number one position from The players currently with the team in Guadeloupe include Philip AlFaisal building their motorsport ca- talent, times, experience and points be- International Circuit proved a nightmare Jaber, but also very aware that any mis- Bester, Frank Dancevic, Vasek Pospisil and Adil Shamasdin. reers, the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge tween himself and the drivers sitting in start for the younger Frijns as he was takes could cost me the second posi- Team captain Martin Laurendeau has until one hour before the Middle East is a proven pathway into third and fourth position. Only 22 points forced to retire in Race 1. With some tre- tion with Magnus so close behind in the off icial draw on Thursday to finalise his team. world-class international motorsport at sit between Charlie in fi fth and third place mendous performances over the follow- standings. It should be a great race!” Gulf Times Tuesday, March 1, 2016 7 SPORT

FOCUS RALLYING Nissan Middle Doha Motors lift East confi rms title maiden IBQ support for Ha’il rally Masters Trophy Doha Motors beat Engineering Supplies by eight wickets

Event director Ahmed Mutabaghani and his team check the rally route.

Agencies a top class entry of motorcycles Riyadh and cars in less than two weeks’ time. Mutabaghani is delighted with the route and minor tweaks issan Middle East to the timetable and the format. has confi rmed its ti- “We have made a few little ad- tle sponsorship of the justments and some fi ne tuning Ha’il International of the timetable,” said clerk of the NRally, Saudi Arabia’s premier course Elie Semaan. “We have motor sporting event, for the moved the location of the super second successive year. The FIA- special stage to a place called sanctioned event will run under Mashar, about three kilometres the auspices of the Saudi Arabian from Maghwat. The stage will be Motor Federation for an 11th time 7.6km in length and is very sce- on March 9-14. nic. It runs between the moun- “The rally in Ha’il is one of the tains and will be far more chal- most popular in the Middle East lenging for competitors, with and continues to gain in popu- hairpins and deceptive corners.” larity,” said Nissan Middle East’s The Saudi Arabian Motor Fed- managing director Samir Cherfan. eration also confi rmed that 35 “It is well organised, off ers superb entrants had been received by the terrain and spectacular scenery end of last week, although reg- through the Kingdom’s northern istration remains open until the deserts and is an excellent test of end of this week and more entries the capabilities of Nissan’s range are expected. of four-wheel drive vehicles.” “Final preparations are pro- The Japanese manufacturer gressing well and we have now has won the event on two previ- identifi ed all the police and safe- ous occasions, but regularly has ty points along the route,” added a large number of Nissan Patrols Semaan. “The teams of marshals and Nissan Pick-ups running and local and international of- inside the top 10. Saudi Ara- fi cials have been confi rmed and bian star Yazeed al-Rajhi won everything is nicely on schedule.” outright in an Overdrive Nissan Administration and docu- Navara in 2009 and local driver mentation will take place at the Ibrahim al-Muhanna was victo- Maghwat Conference Centre in rious in his Patrol two years ago.” the outskirts of Ha’il on March 8 A party of senior rally offi cials, and scrutineering will follow on Chief guests IBQ’s Electronic Banking manager Bacchu Nazareth and Financial Institutions assistant relationship manager Cedric and other off icials pose with the captains of the headed by event director Ahmed March 9. Teams will then tackle a winning team Doha Motors and runners-up Engineering Supplies after the IBQ Masters Cricket Tournament final. Mutabaghani, have now com- super special stage and four days pleted another pass through the of competition through the An By Sports Reporter For Engineering Supplies, Sajeesh and desert tracks that will challenge Nafud desert. Doha QCA to conduct coaching, umpiring course Shajeer claimed a wicket each. Doha Motors all-rounder Munib, who The Qatar Cricket Association will or- The courses are free of charge but scalped three and scored an unbeaten 16, n the 11th IBQ Masters Cricket Tour- ganise a beginners’ course for coaches candidates will be selected after an was adjudged Man of the Finals. nament, Doha Motors earned their and umpires (Zero Level) in the first interview which will look into their ACC’s Firoz was given the Best Bats- maiden Championship victory when week of March. background, interest and contribution man of the Tournament award, while they defeated Engineering Supplies The names of the successful candi- towards the game. Rajneesh of Engineering Supplies was Iby eight wickets. given the Best Bowler. Hanan’s Imran was dates will be recommended to the Those interested can send their details Engineering Supplies won the toss and Asian Cricket Council for Level 1 course to the QCA administrator by e-mail adjudged the Best All-Rounder award, elected to bat. However, excellent bowl- in both disciplines. ([email protected] or qatarca@ while ACC’s Abrar was the Best Wicket- ing by Doha Motors restricted them to 50 The six-day course will be conducted hotmail.com) by today, according to a keeper. runs for the loss of 7 wickets in the fi rst 10 every evening (6 to 8pm) at the QCA release by Manzoor Ahmad, General At the fi nals prize distribution cere- overs, with their innings being wrapped Off ice by qualified instructors. Secretary, QCA. mony, IBQ’s Electronic Banking manager up for 88 runs in 19.5 overs. Bacchu Nazareth and Financial Institu- Ansar batted well to score 21 runs. tions assistant relationship manager Ce- The knock, that included a six, came For Doha Motors, Munib claimed 3 mandatory 12 balls. Shameem remained dric were the chief guests. to an end after Anuraj caught him off wickets, while Nilesh and Shameem took unbeaten at 21 runs with 2 sixes, and so A one-minute silence was observed as Nilesh. Sanaf remained unbeaten at 18 2 wickets each. Jaber, Siva and Akram were Nilesh (17 runs, 1 four) and Munib a mark of respect for Mohamed Nawas, runs (1 four). Namsheed was the only scalped a wicket each. (16 runs, 1 four). Doha Motors reached who passed away in Sri Lanka. Nawas was other batsman to reach double figures In reply, Doha Motors batsmen were their 89-run target comfortably losing the head of the Umpiring Panel of Qatar with 10 runs. cautious, most of them retiring after the only 2 wickets in 15 overs. Cricket Association. Emil Kneisser in his Nissan at the Ha’il International Rally.

BOTTOMLINE MotoGP riders prepare for fi nal pre-season test at Losail

he end of winter rapidly ap- in Phillip Island, the Italian remains in proaches; just one fi nal test doubt for the test after undergoing suc- remains before the season gets cessful surgery. underway. MotoGP World Ducati are pleased with the tyres, en- TChampionship will descend on the Lo- gine and the setting of their electronics sail International Circuit in Qatar from and will focus on fully understanding March 2-4 for their fi nal three days of the chassis on the 2016 bikes. Along- testing before the 2016 season gets un- side frame assessment, the Bologna derway at the same venue on the March factory will also continue working on 20. The Sepang and Phillip Island tests their fully seamless gearbox, now with have already thrown up a number of a seamless shift from fi fth to sixth. surprises; Qatar looks to be no diff er- From February 21-23rd, Yamaha ent. and Aprilia held a private test in Qa- Maverick Vinales was the stand out tar. While Yamaha had their test team performer in Phillip Island, the tal- there, both Stefan Bradl and Alvaro ented youngster leading the second test Bautista had their fi rst run on the all- on combined times and continuing his new 2016 Aprilia RS-GP. meteoric rise. Team Suzuki Ecstar will In Sepang, Michelin chose the profi le, continue to work on bike setting and or shape, of the tyres for 2016 and veri- getting the most out of their new en- fi ed this fi nding in Australia. The Qatar gine in Qatar. Both factory Suzuki rid- test will see all riders with an equal al- ers should also have a chance to test the location of these fi nalised tyres with the fully seamless gearbox, if engineers in correct compound applied for the Losail Japan are happy with reliability after an track. These new profi le tyres boast im- initial shakedown in Phillip Island by proved edge grip and have already shown the Japanese test team. great speed and potential in testing. With three riders inside the top ten Aside from tyres, electronics will of at Phillip Island, Honda appear to have course be a focus for all teams. Mag- eased many of their engine issues. The neti Marelli remain eager for teams to Qatar test will see the Repsol Honda do a full race run as no rider is yet to Team run the same engine as in Phil- complete one without interruption. lip Island as they feel it has made sig- The new spec ECU and software is not nifi cant progress and will likely be the adaptive and will require much more one they begin 2016 with. Electronics work from the riders, especially to- remain a key area for all Honda riders Movistar Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo (left) and Marc Marquez of Repsol Honda in action at the Losail International Circuit. wards the end of a race. Both Lorenzo to work on while both Dani Pedrosa and Rossi felt that MotoGP races will and Marc Marquez continue to develop volved which version of the M1 frame lip Island and both their M1s at Qatar will that both Andrea Iannone and Andrea squad will have two GP15 machines not only be much closer with the new their respective frames. they will run in 2016. Both Jorge Lorenzo be the same spec and the frames both Dovizioso will have two 2016 Ducati each for Scott Redding and Danilo rules, but also more physical and re- Much of the discussion around Yama- and Valentino Rossi felt they found the Lorenzo and Rossi will start 2016 on. Desmosedici GP bikes in their garage. Petrucci. With Petrucci having broken quire more fi nesse from a rider’s wrist. ha in Sepang and Phillip Island has in- direction they needed to follow in Phil- The Qatar test will be the fi rst time In turn, the Octo Pramac Yakhnich his second, third and fourth metacarpal (MotoGP.com)

Tuesday, March 1, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Lekhwiya look to bounce back against Iran’s Zobahan Lekhwiya coach Belmadi denies team's confidence has been dented by 5-0 thrashing at the hands of QSL leaders Rayyan

AFC Isfahan, Iran

obahan coach Yahya Golmohammadi will take nothing for granted when his team takes on Qatar’s Lekhwiya today as the former Iran defender looks to secure Zback-to-back wins in the 2016 AFC Champions League. Mehdi Rajabzadeh’s solitary goal in Doha last week earned Zobahan all three points against the Qatar Stars League champions and the teams meet again in Group B with Golmoham- madi’s side well rested after not featuring in do- mestic action over the weekend. “We had a good start to the AFC Champions League and earned a crucial win in Qatar,” said Golmohammadi. “We are ready to put on a good performance after having a good rest. I hope we play reasonably well tomorrow. We should be realistic about this match, there is no guaran- tee that we will win it and if we lose our focus against Lekhwiya we cannot expect to win the match. They are very professional. “We should remain focused in both defence and attack during the 90 minutes. We are in very good condition both mentally and psycho- logically. Lekhwiya is a well-known team in Asia and has professional players. We cannot aff ord to make any mistakes against them. We should not give them space. We should not give them free-kick opportunities. “In tournaments like this, the fi nal weeks are decisive. Lekhwiya collected only one point in the opening two weeks last season but fi nally qualifi ed from their group. We have a mara- thon ahead of us and it’s still too soon to predict which teams can qualify.” Lekhwiya coach Djamel Belmadi denied his side’s confi dence has been aff ected by their 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Qatar Stars League leaders Al Rayyan on Friday, the club’s fourth

FIXTURES TODAY Group A: Al Nasr v Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan; Al Ittihad v Lokomotiv Last season's Qatar Stars League champions Lekhwiya lost to Zobahan by a solitary goal in Doha last week in the group stage of the 2016 AFC Champions League. Group B: Bunyodkor v Al Nassr; Zobahan v Lekhwiya defeat in their last fi ve games. “Our domes- BUNYODKOR FACE AL NASSR ons will hope to bounce back away to Shandong was sent-off in the 1-1 draw with Jiangsu. Group E: FC Tokyo v Becamex Binh Duong; tic matches have nothing to do with the AFC Also in Group B today, Bunyodkor entertain Luneng in China. Buriram will, however, be Finally in Group A, Iranian champions Sepa- Jiangsu FC v Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors Champions League and the circumstances are Saudi Arabian champions Al Nassr after the without Suchao Nutnum after the captain was han will look to the double over Al Nasr of the Group F: FC Seoul v Sanfrecce Hiroshima; Shan- diff erent,” said the Algerian coach. sides shared a thoroughly entertaining 3-3 draw sent-off against FC Seoul and there is fi tness United Arab Emirates when they travel to Du- dong Luneng FC v Buriram United “The fi rst leg was only half of our showdown in Riyadh on Matchday One. doubts around striker Diogo. bai after their 2-0 win in Isfahan last Tuesday, TOMORROW against Zobahan. That game was closely con- AFC Young Player of the Year Dostonbek Also in the East, Group E’s early pace-setters while Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad will be aiming to Group C: Al Jazira v Tractorsazi Tabriz; Al Hilal v tested and Zobahan didn’t play open football, Khamdamov scored twice, but a late free-kick Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors will aim to build on a get their fi rst win of the AFC Champions League Pakhtakor which of course for a visiting side is natural. from veteran Hussain Abdulghani rescued a solid start to their campaign as the K-League campaign when they host Lokomotiv of Uz- Group D: Nasaf v Al Ahli; El Jaish v Al Ain “It’s diffi cult to predict tomorrow’s match point for Al Nassr. Classic champions travel to China to face Jiang- bekistan. Group G: Gamba Osaka v Melbourne Victory; and certainly both teams will play with diff erent Elsewhere, Korea Republic’s FC Seoul will su FC after their opening 2-1 win over FC Tokyo, Al Ittihad, though, will be without striker Shanghai SIPG v Suwon Samsung Bluewings FC strategies. We will try to be better than in the look to continue the form they showed in their while the Japanese capital city club will host Fahad al-Muwallad, while Lokomotiv’s Jasur Group H: Sydney FC v Guangzhou Evergrande; fi rst leg and our players have good experience eye-catching 6-0 win over Buriram United as Vietnamese champions Becamex Binh Duong. Khasanov is also ruled out through suspension Pohang Steelers v Urawa Red Diamonds and self-confi dence. We underestimate no team they entertain Japanese champions Sanfrecce Binh Duong, though, will be without Cameroon after the pair were both sent-off in the closing and this is what we are known for in Qatar.” Hiroshima in Group F, while the Thai champi- striker Christian Amougou after the forward stages of last Tuesday’s 1-1 draw in Tashkent.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Josoor Institute holds professional Qatar’s steeplechase champ development workshops Shaheen calls it quits AFP under the Qatari colours, including the 2003 and Nairobi 2005 World Championships. He was barred from competing in the 2004 Ol- ympic Games in Athens, after the International wo-time world 3,000 metres steeple- Olympic Committee (IOC) changed its rules, pre- chase champion and world record-holder venting athletes from competing for their new SAIF SAAEED SHAHEEN announced countries before a three-year lapse period. his retirement yesterday after failing to In his absence, Kenyan Ezekiel Kemboi won Tovercome a long-term achilles tendon injury. The the Olympic gold medal title, ahead of two other 33-year-old Kenyan-born athlete, who started compatriots, Brimin Kipruto and Paul Kipsiele running for Qatar in 2003, said the injury had tak- Koech. After failing to compete in the Olympics, en its toll on his career and he could not risk run- Shaheen went on to smash the world record stee- ning again. “It is time to call it a day. Running isn’t plechase record in September 2004, clocking the only thing that can occupy one’s life. There 7:53.63 in Brussels. are other things to do,” Shaheen told AFP from “It might take some time before the record is the Kenyan north-west town of Eldoret, where he broken once again,” said Shaheen. “Several run- has settled down to run a family business. “I tried ners, including Kemboi, have made attempts to to start training again last week, after taking a full break it recently but it might take a while.” year to recuperate, but the leg started swelling. Injuries prevented Shaheen from making a suc- There is no point of making a comeback.” cessful comeback, and though he sought treat- Shaheen, formerly known as Stephen Cherono, ment in Germany, the tendinitis in his patella was among the fi rst Kenyan athletes to change worsened and the achilles tendon injury failed to their nationality. He won several gold medals completely get healed.

By Sports Reporter at CAS - Qatar University are attending the with delivering the tournament infrastruc- Doha workshop. Other organisations from which ture for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. It ad- delegates come from, include – Supreme dresses the SC’s strategic goal to ‘build high Committee for & Legacy, Qatar quality talent and establish a centre of excel- osoor Institute, a centre of excel- Football Association, Qatar Stars League, lence’ and is designed to deliver world-class lence for the sports and events indus- Aspire, Aspetar, Ministry of Interior, Qa- education and training to the people of Qatar, tries, inspired and developed by the tar Foundation, BeIN Media Group and Al the Middle East and North Africa (Mena). Supreme Committee for Delivery & Jazeera Network to name a few. The Josoor Institute will train many of the LegacyJ (SC) kick-started yesterday its fi rst This is the fi rst workshop in a series of two people who will play an integral role in Qa- professional development workshop in part- professional development workshops to be tar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. nership with the College of Arts and Sciences delivered by Josoor Institute in partnership These individuals will then have the knowl- at Qatar University (QU-CAS). with CAS- QU. The second workshop will edge to deliver large-scale sporting and non- The two-day workshop titled “Marketing focus on the “Creating High Performance sporting events across the region long after and Public Relations (PR) for Sport and Ma- Sports Organisations” and it is scheduled for 2022. The Josoor Institute aims to be a cata- jor Events” discusses some relevant topics 2-3 March 2016. To learn more about Josoor lyst for transforming the sports and events and examines the role of marketing and PR Institute and its upcoming programmes, visit industries in the region and set new stand- in delivering organisational, commercial and www.josoorinstitute.qa. ards globally. business interests in sport and major events The Josoor Institute was inspired and de- To fulfi l its mission, Josoor Institute has industries. Over 80 delegates, including 35 veloped by the Supreme Committee for De- partnered with a broad array of industry and students from the Sport Science programme livery & Legacy (SC), the organisation tasked academic organisations.