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Wednesday, September 28, 2016 GOLF Dhul-Hijja 26, 1437 AH Ryder Cup extra GULF TIMES special for McIlroy under captain Clarke SPORT Page 9 SPOTLIGHT Asian congress scrapped aft er FIFA protest vote ‘This has been an eventful morning — and an eventful few weeks. But the congress has spoken with one voice and that has been clear for us all to see. FIFA president, Gianni Infantino... I think you can see the strength of opinion in the room’

AFP Panaji

n Asian football congress was scrapped after just 20 min- utes yesterday as members rejected its agenda in protest Aat FIFA barring a Qatari offi cial from elections to its powerful new council. Asian Football Confederation (AFC) delegates flew from all over the region to a luxury hotel in Goa, India to elect three new members to the FIFA Council, only for the extraordi- nary congress to be declared closed after just 20 minutes. The 42-1 vote against adopting the congress’s agenda will be seen as a re- buke to FIFA president Gianni Infan- tino, who was among those present at the short-lived gathering. “This has been an eventful morn- ing — and an eventful few weeks,” said AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Eb- rahim al-Khalifah, who stood against Infantino in FIFA polls in February. “But the congress has spoken with one voice and that has been clear for us all to see. “FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, I am not sure if you have been at a short- er congress but I think you can see the strength of opinion in the room.” Various delegates told AFP that the agenda was rejected because a senior offi cial from Qatar, hosts of the 2022 World Cup, had been barred from standing for the FIFA Council. Scandal-plagued FIFA’s ethics com- mittee last month recommended a two-and-a-half-year ban for Saoud al- Mohannadi, vice-president of the Qatar Football Association, for refusing to co- operate with a corruption investigation. Mohannadi denies any wrongdo- ing and had initially been cleared to stand, before the AFC announced late Members of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) hold up ‘NO’ voting cards during the AFC Extraordinary Congress in Goa yesterday. Members voted 42 to one against supporting the agenda at the meeting. on Sunday that he’d been ruled out of the process by FIFA. executive committee meeting, according AFC general secretary Windsor John ing for three seats on the FIFA Council, Ahkter of Bangladesh and North Ko- When people fi le nominations I think FIFA has not revealed the subject to an AFC statement. told reporters that postponing the which was set up under anti-corrup- rea’s Han Un-Gyong to be the AFC’s at that stage it’s better if they know of the corruption inquiry, but it is not “Football in Asia is united and that congress “was a clear message with tion reforms earlier this year in a bid designated female representative. whether they are going to be able to connected with allegations related to is down to you — the members — and I one voice”. for greater transparency. Praful Patel, president of the All In- contest or not,” he added. Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 World Cup. thank you for sending out such a strong “The executive committee just de- Three male candidates — Zhang Jian dia Football Federation, said he wished FIFA boss Infantino has promised message that we stand united.” cided that we will convene a new ex- of China, Iran’s Ali Kafashian Naeni the election had been handled diff er- a clean-up of FIFA after a series of ‘CLEAR MESSAGE’ According to offi cials, it will be traordinary congress after we have and Zainudin Nordin of Singapore — ently. “It was not the right way to go corruption scandals and bribery al- “Today the AFC and Asian football has months before another congress is held, checked all the timelines with FIFA and were set to compete for two of the seats about things. I wish this process had legations plunged the body into crisis shown solidarity and unity. The message with the AFC needing to give at least 30 with our statutes,” he said. in Tuesday’s vote. been done much earlier,” he told AFP. and left senior offi cials including ex- has been clear to everyone both inside days’ notice and FIFA also taking up to Six candidates from Asia, including Former Australian footballer Moya “It’s only fair that elections take president Sepp Blatter banned from and outside Asia,” Sheikh Salman told an four months to approve candidates. China and North Korea, were stand- Dodd was favourite to beat Mahfuza place in a way that is fair and just. football.

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL Al Ain in driving seat aft er 3-1 win over El Jaish

AFC what could prove to be a vital away that Douglas strained to head home. come in the second half as the Qataris Al Ain goal, although Caio’s late third for Al Al Ain were in total control and their pulled themselves back into the game. Ain puts the 2003 champions in the dominance reaped the reward it de- Seydou Keita and Rashidov both threat- driving seat going into next month’s served in the 21st minute when Omar ened before Isamil Ahmad’s handball in mar Abdulrahman was in in- second leg. Abdulrahman doubled his side’s lead the 51st minute had referee Peter Green spirational form as former Al Ain started with Colombian wing- with an exquisite free kick that curled pointing to the spot and Uzbek interna- winners Al Ain moved a step er Danilo Asprilla on the bench and and dipped over the defensive wall tional Rashidov confi dently converted. closer to the fi nal of the 2016 Mohamed Abdulrahman on the left, from 25 yards out to give Ababacar no Asprilla, on in place of Mohamed AFCO Champions League yesterday but it was the elder Abdulrahman who chance. And with seven minutes to go Abdulrahman in the second half, found evening with a 3-1 victory over Qatar’s was the diff erence between the sides as in the half, Caio went close to adding a the side netting and Douglas was de- El Jaish in the fi rst leg of their semi- Omar impressed yet again. third before shooting just wide. nied by Ababacar in the fi nal 10 min- fi nal at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium. HIs 10th minute free kick was fum- utes as Al Ain sought to restore their The United Arab Emirates midfi elder, bled by El Jaish goalkeeper Khalifa Aba- SECOND-HALF COMEBACK two-goal cushion, and with the game in seeking to steer Al Ain to the fi nal of the bacar, almost allowing Caio to open the El Jaish struggled throughout the injury time they fi nally claimed a third continental championship for fi rst time scoring only for the Brazilian to snatch opening 45 minutes but, on the stroke when Omar Abdulrahman’s ball into since 2005, set up Douglas to score with at his shot and fi re high over the bar. of halftime, Sabri Lamouchi’s side al- the centre was fumbled by Ababacar a header before netting with a fi ne free Six minutes later, though, Al Ain most pulled themselves back into the and Caio converted from close range. kick inside the fi rst 21 minutes as Zlatko were in front. Omar Abdulrahman game through Romarinho, only for the Jaish will now have to hope for a Dalic’s team took command of the tie. surged into the penalty area, taking the Brazilian’s curling free kick to come strong start during the return leg in Sardor Rashidov’s 52nd minute pen- Al Ain’s Omar Abdulrahman ball to the bye-line before standing up back off the woodwork. Doha. That match will be held on Oc- alty kept El Jaish in the contest with a cross at the far post with his left foot That, though, was a sign of things to tober 18. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, September 28, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Qatar football player Serigne Abdou succumbs to cancer 1995 - 2016 I believe Qatar can still qualify for Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla had visited the late Serigne Abdou (R) in London where he was being treated

Qatar football player Serigne Abdou succumbed to cancer yesterday. The 21-year-old was a part of the Qatar youth team, having come through the ranks at the Aspire Academy. Abdou 2018 WC: Fossati was also a part of the Qatar Stars League Al Khor side. Qatar national team coach Jorge Fossati expressed his sadness at the loss of such a young player. “I am very sad about this news. It’s ‘If I did not believe in this team’s chances then I would have told QFA that it’s not very sad to know that a very young player has passed away,” said possible. The players need someone who will get them to believe that it’s possible’ Fossati during the press conference yesterday.

OPINION Asian boss says Qatar too soon for 40-team World Cup

AFP teams from 32 to 40 but it’s still I Panaji think a bit early,” Sheikh Salman told AFP in Goa, India. “We have to look to see if it sia’s football chief makes sense and if it’s benefi - yesterday said he was cial for us and for everyone, then against expanding the why not? World Cup from 32 to “I don’t think it will be done 40A teams when Qatar hosts the in time for Qatar. I think 2018 tournament in 2022, adding that (Russia) and 2022 shouldn’t be any growth should be put on touched. If there are any chang- hold for a decade. es it should be from 2026 on- FIFA president Gianni Infan- wards,” he added. tino has discussed increasing Disgraced ex-FIFA chief Sepp the number of teams but Asian Blatter was a supporter of more Football Confederation (AFC) World Cup spots for Asia, and boss Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Infantino’s move would be sure al-Khalifa said Qatar was too to secure more berths for the soon to shift to 40. world’s most populous region. The comments appear to dash “To have extra slots for Asia, Asian hopes of an early increase to I’m sure it would be positive,” the region’s current allocation of Sheikh Salman said. four World Cup spots, plus a place “(But) we need to talk about Qatar national team coach Jorge Fossati instructs the players during a training session which was held yesterday. in an intercontinental play-off . the slots not just for Asia but “They (FIFA) have talked for all confederations,” the By Joe Koraith coach of Qatar. level. And I believe, the most important because it doesn’t depend on just our re- about increasing the number of Bahraini added. Doha “It feels a bit strange replacing my aspect is the mentality. With the right sults. By mathematics, it’s logical to aim for compatriot (Daniel Carreno) and it’s not attitude, you can overcome anything. qualifi cation through the third-place play- something that I wish for but this is the Without that even the smallest of hur- off . But I hope that we can do it the direct NO PROBLEM he one thing that strikes you fi rst nature of football and especially that of dles can cause you to stumble,” said the way.” when you meet Jorge Fossati is the our profession. They have done a good Uruguayan. Qatar have arranged for a friendly to be calming infl uence that he has on job so far and I have to continue the good But Fossati also said that the results played tomorrow against Serbia, which people. He automatically fi ts the work,” he added. in the next two games will still not be a will be the fi rst game that Fossati will be FIFA boss Infantino father-fiT gure mould and you believe that Qatar lost their fi rst two games, the fi rst comprehensive indicator of what’s going in charge of. The Uruguayan plans to use he has the ability to make things right. one against giants Iran but the second de- to happen. “The lack of time is the big- that game to pick players and the strat- That’s exactly what the Qatar Football As- feat was against Uzbekistan – a match ger worry. We’re trying to do everything egy. “We have arranged a Serbia friendly. undeterred by sociation will be hoping from the highly- where they were expected to do better. we can, inside and outside the fi eld, to It wouldn’t have been needed otherwise. respected Uruguayan when they handed They are currently at the bottom of Group get the players ready. I know the next two But it’ll help me make conclusions about him the reins of the national team. A. With eight matches still to go, Qatar games will be very important. But from which players to pick and which strategy Asian congress snub Having led Al Rayyan to the Qatar Stars can still make a fi ght out of it. And Fossati my point of view, they will not be de- to use for the next game. These decisions League title in emphatic fashion last reiterated that he believed it was possible. fi nitive in any way. From now we have 24 are easier to take in friendly games.” AFP season, Fossati has been roped in to sal- “If I did not believe in this team’s chances points. And you don’t need 24 points to Qatar and Fossati go a long way back, Panaji vage Qatar’s 2018 World Cup qualifying then I would have told QFA that it’s not qualify. I prefer to go game by game,” said having also coached the national team campaign. And the 63-year-old believes possible. The players need someone who the 63-year-old. during the 2010 World Cup qualifi cation that he can still guide Qatar to achieve a will get them to believe that it’s possible. The two giants in Group A are Iran and campaign. “I took this job because I love IFA president Gianni In- historic slot in the Russia edition of the I know that it’ll be very diffi cult. But with South Korea. Qatar will have to put in a Qatar. I cannot forget when Qatar opened fantino played down an World Cup. confi dence and faith in God we will give it really strong performance to usurp one of the doors for me at the end of the 2005 embarrassing rebuke by “It’s a big honour and big responsibil- our best,” he said. them. Another option available for Qatar season. And from that moment on, I have Asia’s football body yes- ity. I have taken this responsibility be- Qatar will play next against South Ko- is to qualify through the third-place play- had a very good relationship with many terdayF after it scrapped elections cause I believe in the quality of the play- rea on October 6, in an away match and off s. And that’s what Fossati has set as his people here. Every day I feel the love and to the world body’s new council ers. Despite the two bad results so far, I then take on Syria on October 11. With target. “In our current scenario, qualifi ca- respect the Qatari people give me. For me in protest at the barring of a can- believe that qualifi cation is still possible. two crucial matches, within such a short tion through the third-place play-off is a this is essential in life. “ didate. The FIFA boss watched It will be very, very diffi cult but I’m op- interval, Fossati stressed that the right more probable reality. We have played two Qatar is expecting Fossati to deliver as Asian Football Confedera- timistic about our chances,” said Fossati mentality would be the key in delivering games and got zero points. But the group is this miracle of qualifi cation. And if he tion (AFC) delegates voted 42-1 during the press conference yesterday the results. “It’s essential for our play- very, very equal. Maybe this situation will can achieve that, his status will be el- against adopting the agenda for where he was offi cially unveiled as the ers to be at a good physical and tactical change for the better in the next 3-4 games evated into the legendary category. their extraordinary congress in Goa, halting the meeting after FIFA President Gianni Infantino just 20 minutes. (L) and President of the Asian BOTTOMLINE The move, in protest at FIFA’s Football Confederation (AFC) late decision to bar a candidate Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al from Qatar, leaves the world gov- Khalifa pose during the AFC erning body’s new council — in- Extraordinary Congress in Goa. tended to help wipe away years of corruption — three Asian mem- years. A few months more or a bers short. few months less will not make United Asia: message loud and “It’s what democracy is about. a diff erence in the great scheme We are going through a reform of things but we will do things process in FIFA. The confedera- right,” he said. tions are going through a reform process as well,” Infantino told ‘PERIOD OF TURBULENCE’ clear, says Sheikh Salman reporters. Infantino was elected in Febru- Reuters Al-Mohannadi, vice-presi- exchanged momentoes before “This takes discussions, this ary promising to clean up FIFA Panaji dent of the Qatar Football As- the agenda vote and the Bahraini takes time, this takes meetings, after the departure of his dis- sociation, had cleared the nec- is clearly enthusiastic about this takes postponements of graced predecessor, Sepp Blatter. essary FIFA integrity check but some of his Swiss former rival’s meetings as well. This is simply But his tenure has hit early sia’s stunning rebuff of was barred “based on the report reform agenda. part of a normal process that foot- problems. FIFA yesterday was a of the Investigatory Chamber of Infantino made a 40-team ball is going through these days. FIFA audit and compliance “loud and clear” mes- the FIFA Ethics Committee”. World Cup a key part of his “In that point of view whatev- chief Domenico Scala quit in sage that the continent A FIFA ethics investigator campaign before his election in er can contribute to make foot- May, accusing Infantino of try- wasA united in its determination last month recommended al- February and recently suggested ball progress, be it at FIFA level, ing to compromise the organisa- to defend its interests, Asian Mohannadi be banned from the that broadening the World Cup confederation level, at AFC, is tion’s independent committees Football Confederation chief game for at least two-and-a- fi nals from its current 32 teams always welcome.” and acting with an authoritarian Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al- half years for refusing to cooper- could come about in 2026. Asian delegates were angered streak. Khalifa told Reuters. ate with an inquiry. Sheikh Salman said if all stake- that FIFA barred Qatar Football In August, FIFA’S ethics com- “The members spoke in one Al-Mohannadi denies any holders could come to an agree- Association vice-president Saoud mittee cleared him of ethics vio- voice and delivered a loud and wrongdoing. Disquiet over the ment, an expanded World Cup al-Mohannadi from standing for lations after investigating him clear message,” Sheikh Salman lateness of the move, which should be benefi cial. “If all the one of the council seats. over his use of private jets, per- said in an interview soon after- prevented any new candidates confederations feel that it can be Scandal-plagued FIFA’s ethics sonal expenses, hiring methods wards. “Everyone present here AFC Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa (L) during the AFC declaring, was the main talking presented in a positive way, eve- committee last month recom- and a contract dispute. and across the world witnessed Extraordinary Congress in Goa yesterday. point in the corridors of the con- rybody will agree,” he said. mended a two-and-a-half-year And this month, he was ac- that Asia is united.” gress hotel on the eve of the vote “There are lot of concerns ban for al-Mohannadi for refus- cused of helping Slovenia’s Ale- Sheikh Salman, a member of scandals. The new 36-member dent and three other members and the mood of the delegates whether it’s from the profes- ing to cooperate with a corrup- ksander Ceferin win the vote to the Bahraini royal family, was de- FIFA Council, charged with set- from Japan, Malaysia and Kuwait. was made clear yesterday. sional clubs or from certain na- tion investigation. head European body UEFA. feated by Infantino in the vote to ting the overall strategic direc- Seven candidates had been “We shouldn’t forget the tional teams, about the players Infantino said the incomplete FIFA has also come under fi re succeed the disgraced Sepp Blat- tion of world football, replaces announced for three additional elected members to the FIFA concerned or longer duration of FIFA Council would go ahead this week for scrapping its anti- ter as FIFA president in February. the largely discredited Executive Asian spots, one of which must council are also going to be Asia’s the tournament. with its fi rst meeting next month racism task force. Infantino has since embarked Committee. go to a woman, bud Qatari Saoud representatives,” Sheikh Salman “If we can guarantee that their as planned, adding that he was “There are many challenges and on a campaign of reform aimed Asia already have Sheikh Sal- al-Mohannadi was suddenly Salman added. “We must ensure concerns are met and everybody unfazed by a delay in fi lling all we’re going through a period of at digging the body out of the man on the Council by virtue of disqualifi ed from the contest on that justice is done.” is happy then why not? It will be the seats. some turbulence generally in foot- mire of 16 months of corruption his position as a FIFA vice presi- Sunday, two days before the vote. Sheikh Salman and Infantino benefi cial for everyone. “FIFA has a history of 112 ball governance,” Infantino said. Gulf Times Wednesday, September 28, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOCUS Bayern Munich out No fear for Gladbach to settle Spanish against Barca

AFP absence, Luis Suarez and Ney- Monchengladbach, Germany mar came to the fore at Gijon, who played the fi nal 10 minutes with 10 men, as Suarez opened score in Madrid orussia Monchenglad- the scoring before Neymar net- bach coach Andre Schu- ted twice in the closing stages. bert says his side have Javier Mascherano, Jordi Alba, nothing to fear against Ivan Rakitic and Andres Iniesta Atletico have won 25 of their last 30 home European games at home Ba Barcelona team shorn of the were all rested at Sporting and injured Lionel Messi for today’s the quartet are expected to re- AFP Champions League clash. Bar- turn in Germany. With Rakitic Berlin celona opened their assault on and Iniesta returning to the mid- Europe a fortnight ago with a 7-0 fi eld, Turkey international Arda drubbing of Celtic at the Camp Turan is likely to move forward to fter three consecutive semi- Nou while the Germans suff ered accompany Suarez and Neymar. fi nal defeats against Spanish a 4-0 defeat at Pep Guardiola’s For the German hosts, Brazil- clubs in the Champions League, Manchester City. ian forward Raff ael and winger Bayern Munich head to Atletico But Schubert, whose contract Patrick Herrmann are expected MadridA for today’s group match with a has been extended until 2019, in- to return after injuries. Both To- point to prove. “We want to show that we sists his side need not be intimi- bias Strobl (thigh) and Alvaro can do better than in the last few semi- dated. “There is no reason to be Dominguez (back) will be absent, fi nals. We certainly have a score to settle awestruck. We will approach the but there are no fresh injury con- there,” said Bayern forward Thomas Mu- game with energy, joy and a will- cerns for Gladbach. eller before the team jetted off to Madrid. ingness to fi ght,” Schubert said. Captain Lars Stindl says his After the highs of beating Borussia Schubert’s new deal, an- team is looking forward to meas- Dortmund in the 2013 Champions League nounced yesterday, is recogni- uring themselves against one of fi nal came Bayern’s lows of semi-fi nal tion for steering Gladbach from the world’s best. “Barcelona is exits to Real Madrid, Barcelona and then bottom of the Bundesliga when something special, one of the Atletico in each of the last three seasons he took over in September 2015 biggest teams in the world,” said under Pep Guardiola. to Champions League qualifi ca- the attacking midfi elder. “We Atletico have won 25 of their last 30 tion by fi nishing fourth. want to contain them and seek home European games making the Es- The show of faith in the our own fortune.” tadio Vicente Calderon something of a 45-year-old coach is a timely Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre cauldron. Last season’s semi-fi nal exit boost ahead of the visit of Luis ter Stegen will return to the club at the hands of Diego Simeone’s Atletico Enrique’s Barcelona, who are where he started his career be- was particularly painful for Bayern, who without groin-injury victim fore joining the Spanish giants won the return leg 2-1 in Munich after Messi. “We’d liked to have seen in 2014. “Borussia is my fi rst love losing 1-0 in Madrid as the Spanish side Lionel Messi at Borussia Park,” and that will always be the case. reached the fi nal on away goals. said Schubert. “We always like My farewell really was over- “In the last three years, we played three to play against very, very good whelming,” said the 24-year-old times against Spanish teams and always teams, but the best player in the Germany shot-stopper, who lost there,” said Bayern chairman Karl- world will be missing. Barce- won the 2015 Champions League Heinz Rummenigge. “We saw how strong lona are very dangerous going with Barca in Berlin. “My return Atletico are last season and you can’t get forward. We have to be brave to Gladbach has defi nitely come much more of a tougher test. “Now we enough to play our own football sooner than expected and I ab- have the chance to show with Carlo (An- against this team. We want to be solutely cannot wait for it. I had celotti) that we can get at least a point true to our own style, but also re- a great time there and spent my there — or even three.” act well tactically.” entire career there apart from After Guardiola failed to steer Bayern Messi, 29, missed Saturday’s the last two years. But Barcelona to the Champions League fi nal, his suc- 5-0 thrashing away to Sport- was one of the few clubs I just cessor Ancelotti is the Bavarian giants’ ing Gijon and is due to also sit couldn’t turn down. I’m sure the not-so-secret weapon. Two years ago, out their forthcoming Spanish Borussia fans can understand the Ancelotti’s Real Madrid won the 2014 league match at Celta Vigo. In his decision that I made.” Champions League fi nal with a 4-1 extra- Atletico Madrid’s players joke during a training session at the Football City in Las Rozas near Madrid yesterday, on the eve of their time win over Atletico. Champions League football match against Bayern Munich. (AFP) “I really like Madrid and I’m looking forward to going back, I had two wonder- tricky task against one of the top favour- off six times in his career. At minnows “well advised to restrain himself”. ful years there,” said Ancelotti. Sightsee- ites to win the Champions League”. Carl Zeiss Jena, he struck a Jena defender FIXTURES ing will be the last thing on the Italian’s Meanwhile, Rummenigge has defended on the head, but escaped punishment, (all kick-off s 1845 GMT) programme, with Ancelotti more con- Franck Ribery after the latest in a string of while vying for the ball in a 5-0 German Group A cerned about French forward Antoine off -the-ball incidents. Cup romp at the end of August. At Sofia: Ludogrets Razgrad (BUL) v Paris Griezmann, whose goals knocked Bayern The fi ery Ribery will be under the spot- In the pre-season German Super Cup Saint-Germain (FRA) out of Europe last May. “He could play at light today in Madrid and Bayern’s senior fi nal he shoved his elbow in the face of At London: Arsenal (ENG) v Basel (SUI) any big club in Europe,” said Ancelotti. fi gures have warned him to keep his cool Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Passlack, Group B Bayern smashed Russian side Rostov in the cauldron of the Calderon. which earned him a yellow card, and At Istanbul, Turkey: Besiktas (TUR) v Dynamo 5-0 in Munich in their opening Group D “Everyone has spoken to him (about it), pushed over Inter Milan’s Felipe Melo in Kiev (UKR) match, the same night Atletico won 1-0 at the coach, his fellow players,” said Rum- July’s pre-season tour of the USA. At Naples, Italy: Napoli (ITA) v Benfica (POR) PSV Eindhoven. But the German team’s menigge. “But one shouldn’t overplay it. Uli Hoeness, who is set to be re-elected Group C players know they will be in for a much What happened on Saturday was exag- as Bayern’s president in November, says At Moenchengladbach, Germany: Borussia sterner challenge today. gerated out of proportion.” Ribery is being targeted. “It is obvious Moenchengladbach (GER) v Barcelona (ESP) “It will be a diffi cult fi ght in Madrid The 33-year-old former France winger that the opponents now want to provoke At Glasgow, Scotland: Celtic (SCO) v Man- and we have to at least get a few goals,” pinched the face of opposition striker him into a red card,” Hoeness told broad- chester City (ENG) said Bayern captain Philipp Lahm. Bayern Nicolai Mueller in Saturday’s 1-0 Ger- caster Sport1. “But it is not always easy. Group D defender Mats Hummels, who trained on man league win at Hamburg, which saw He is always challenged in an incredibly At Madrid: Atletico Madrid (ESP) v Bayern Monday after limping out of Saturday’s him booked. hard and brutal manner and he is a very Munich (GER) 1-0 win at Hamburg with a knee injury, It was the latest in a number of inci- emotional person.” At Rostov-on-Don, Russia: Rostov (RUS) v Monchengladbach’s coach André Schubert (right) and capitain says the Bundesliga leaders have a “pretty dents involving Ribery, who has been sent Hoeness said the Frenchman would be PSV Eindhoven (NED) Lars Stindl address a press conference yesterday. (AFP)

SPOTLIGHT Wenger warns against complacency ahead of Basel clash

Reuters fi rmly on the periphery after a career Walcott hasn’t looked back since, London that once promised to make him a glo- starting all six Premier League matches bal star. and playing the full 90 minutes four Faced with the possibility of being times after frequently being substitut- rsenal must guard against sold by Arsenal and forgotten by Eng- ed due to his slumping fi tness levels in complacency against dark land, Walcott decided on a summit the past. horses FC Basel in their meeting that laid the foundations for Crucially, Walcott fi nally seems to Champions League clash, his recent renaissance. He sat down have come to terms with Wenger’s managerA Arsene Wenger said, as the with Wenger and his lieutenant Steve preference to play him as a right winger Premier League side look to secure Bould to work out how to get back on rather than a striker. their fi rst victory in the competition track and the advice he received was For years, Walcott pined for a central this season. simple and to the point — get tougher role in Wenger’s attack, but whenever The Swiss champions, who drew 1-1 physically and mentally. he played there both Arsenal and the against Ludogorets in their opening Walcott took the talk to heart wannabe forward underwhelmed. The group fi xture, have tasted defeat just and worked with a personal trainer diff erence in Walcott this season was once in 10 Champions League matches throughout the close-season in a bid never clearer than in Saturday’s Pre- against English teams, and are unbeat- to signifi cantly improve his fi tness and mier League clash against Chelsea. en in 12 games this season. strength, even working on many of his In a fi xture that had developed into However, Arsenal have triumphed days off to stay ahead of schedule. a psychological nightmare for Arsenal in all four previous encounters against Those gruelling sessions through the after years of losing to their London ri- Swiss opponents, conceding just one dog days of summer, when he could vals, Walcott led the charge as Wenger’s goal, and will look to carry forward the have been sunning himself in Miami, side won 3-0. Walcott proved a con- momentum from their 3-0 win against Dubai or any other millionaires’ play- stant menace for the Chelsea defence Premier League rivals Chelsea when Arsenal’s midfielder Theo Walcott (second right) and teammates take part in a training session at club’s London Colney ground frequented by his peers, un- and swept home the second goal before they host Basel today — the fi rst time training ground yesterday, ahead of their UEFA Champions League Group A match against Basel. (AFP) derlined to both Walcott and Wenger earning cheers for a rare tackle in de- the sides have met in a competitive fi x- that his commitment to excellence re- fence to deny Eden Hazard. ture. “They have beaten everybody in forced off in the fi rst half of Arsenal’s able. He is suspended because he was at the end of a miserable campaign mained strong. It was a performance that confi rmed England — Man United, Chelsea and win over Chelsea on Saturday. The sent off at PSG,” he said. “He is a doubt that appeared to shatter the winger’s The transformative aff ect on Wal- Walcott’s return to prominence and Liverpool,” Wenger told reporters yes- 25-year-old Frenchman missed around for Sunday. We will see.” dreams of ever cementing himself as a cott’s psyche was clear to see as soon prompted Wenger to pay tribute to terday. “They have strong results in two months of last season with a knee key fi gure for club or country. as Arsenal’s players returned for pre- the winger’s resurgence. “I always felt Europe.” injury, but Wenger played down fears of WALCOTT REVIVAL GIVES Now, just months later, ahead of Ba- season training. He was once again the there is character and intelligence in Arsenal, who are attempting to reach a recurrence. ARSENAL A EURO BOOST sel match, he has reestablished himself vibrant presence that burst onto the this boy,” Wenger said. the round of 16 for the 17th time in a “Francis Coquelin is out for the game Out of favour with Arsenal and exiled as one of Arsenal’s main men thanks Premier League stage after joining Ar- “What was a big blow for him was row, began their group-stage campaign tomorrow — it should be a short-term by England, Theo Walcott reached a to a desperate close-season bid for re- senal from Southampton as a teenager. not to go to the Euros. He is a guy with with a 1-1 draw against French cham- injury. The scan was quite positive and crossroads at the end of last season and demption. At 27, Walcott should have Out-shining many of his team-mates a good assessment of his performances pions Paris St Germain. But midfi elder I think it will be three weeks out.” he his emphatic response looks to have been in his prime, but somehow it thanks to his fi ne-tuned body and re- and qualities. He is 27, a very important Francis Coquelin will not be involved. said. Wenger added that striker Ol- saved a career in danger of imploding. seemed appropriate that a player with newed desire to prove himself, Walcott age. I said many times at the start of He is expected to be out of action ivier Giroud, who was sent off against Walcott started only one of Arsenal’s electric pace but a frustrating habit was back in Wenger’s good books and the season that we would see a diff er- for three weeks following a knee in- PSG, is a doubt for the league game at fi nal 14 matches last term and lost his of failing to deliver the telling cross back in the team for the season-opener ent Theo Walcott. I could see he made a jury, Wenger confi rmed. Coquelin was Burnley this weekend. “He is not avail- place in Roy Hodgson’s England squad or clinical fi nish, now found himself against Liverpool. decision and stuck to it.” Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, September 28, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Messi, Bolt pay Francesco Totti at 40: tribute to Totti

AFP the eternal man Milan arcelona’s Lionel Messi and Jamaican sprinter Francesco Totti was born in 1976, joined Roma in 1989, made his debut for the club in 1993, Usain Bolt joined a long list of sports stars in of- became their captain in 1998 and last scored for them on Sunday against Torino feringB birthday tributes to Roma legend Francesco Totti. Totti, By Omar Saleem who made his Roma debut in The Guardian Francesco Totti celebrates after scoring March 1993 and hit his 250th against Torino on Sunday. (AFP) goal for the club on Sunday, cel- ebrates his 40th birthday yes- he Eternal City has hosted some of the terday. Barcelona and Argentina game’s all-time greats – among them star Messi said in a special video: Bruno Conti, Falcão, Giuseppe Signori “Hi Francesco, I just wanted to and Giorgio Chinaglia – but none of them wish you a very happy birthday. Tare greater than Roma’s current captain and sym- I hope you have a wonderful day. bol, Francesco Totti: a man who was born in 1976, I’ve always admired you, and joined the club in 1989, made his debut in 1993, even more so on the day I met has been their captain since 1998 and last scored you. A big hug!” for them on Sunday. He has been one of Europe- Totti, who has spent his entire an football’s greatest talents and, on skill alone, career at Roma, is in his 25th and Totti is one of the fi nest players in the history of the likely last season with the ‘Gial- sport. lorossi’ (yellow and reds). Al- What he has brought to Roma is unique and will though reduced to mostly sub- be everlasting but, strangely enough, that romance stitute appearances over the past may never have blossomed. Totti’s mother turned two seasons, Roma’s number 10 down a lucrative off er from Milan so that he could — considered “Italy’s greatest” join his hometown club, a dream that was real- by former teammate Antonio ised in 1989. As Totti puts it: “When you are a kid Cassano — is still hitting goals in Rome, there are only two possible choices: You and creating assists with im- are either red or blue. AS Roma or Lazio. But in our pressive regularity. family, there was only one possible choice.” Silvio Totti his scored six times in his Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani saw Totti as one last 11 league games and is cur- for the future – a player who would go on to join rently fi fth in the league’s assists Fabio Capello’s invincible Milan team of the early table despite playing only one 1990s – but they were left to wonder what might full game in six outings this sea- have been. son. Bolt met Totti last year, and Like so many geniuses, his career is fl awed: yesterday the Jamaican posted a blotted by moments of madness. Controversy has special birthday message. followed Il Bimbo d’Oro (the Golden Boy) and his “Hi Totti, this is Usain Bolt. psyche remains one of the most intriguing and I just want to wish you a happy unpredictable in the game. But he’s still here: still birthday, from one legend to giving match-winning performances and scor- another. It was an honour when ing memorable goals, still bringing hope to a city I met you,” Bolt said. “Stay besieged with socio-economic and cultural chal- up, keep staying strong. I’ll be lenges, still giving hope to the thousands of chil- watching, alright. Peace.” dren who dream of becoming the next monument Totti is one of only two play- in Italian football, still keeping alive the romantic ers to have hit 250 goals in Serie dream of the classic fantasista. He still relies on A, although he remains 24 short technique, vision and precision – much like he did of Silvio Piola’s all-time Serie on 28 March 1993, when he made his debut as a A record of 274. But his loyalty 16-year-old in an unremarkable 2-0 away victory to Roma means he is among a against Brescia. “dying breed” of footballers, His genius lies in his three unrivalled skills: the according to former club-mate ability to create something from nothing off either Sebino Nela. “Totti is a one-club foot, his supreme, deadly fi nishing – which has man, a dying breed in modern brought him 306 Serie A goals – and his confi - football and that’s what makes dence (who can forget his Panenka against Holland him such an asset for the club,” at Euro 2000). His feet are natural – touching a ball said Nela, who played for Roma and striking it perfectly with ease is second nature for more than a decade between – but his mind is what separates him from the rest. one of the greatest chips scored in calcio history. ments. This club, this city, has been my life.” Shoe in 2007 and World Cup winner’s medal. Fac- 1981 and 1992. He thinks ahead. He’s the enigma who has carried Sadly, having suff ered a career-threatening injury But why would he ever move? He is the soul of tor in his fi ve Italian Player of the Year awards and Totti took the captain’s arm- his hometown club for over two decades and won a a few months later, many thought they had seen Roma, lauded as their saviour and aff orded hero he will no doubt sleep easy. band from Brazilian defender World Cup along the way. the last of Totti at the very top of the game. status – and he loves the adulation. Roma was the The defi nition of success is subjective. Ask Alan Aldair under pioneering Czech Some managers have tried to negate his infl u- But his love for football helped him recuperate in ideal foil for him to fi nd his way to superstardom. Hansen and he’ll tell you it’s about the number coach Zdenek Zeman in 1998, ence. Luis Enrique notably paid the price. Not nec- time to be selected by Marcello Lippi for the 2006 The relationship is of mutual benefi t. Roma need of trophies you have in your cabinet. Ask Paolo and never looked back. Two sea- essarily because he lost his job, but because Roma World Cup in Germany, where he played every their captain to galvanise the team and Totti needs Maldini or Steven Gerrard, however, and they sons later, he helped end Roma’s lacked invention, skill and unpredictability. Per- match and – having contributed four assists and a major stage to shine on – it’s not diffi cult to see might factor in the achievement of supporting, 18-year wait for the Serie A title. haps Fabio Capello best laid the blueprint on how the crucial last-minute penalty against Australia why he remains motivated and hungry to carry on. loving and playing for a great club for decades. When Roma weren’t winning, to use Totti back in 2001: don’t stop using him. in the second round – was one of the protago- Thankfully for the world of football, Totti’s mother Totti has given more back to the people of Rome he was stunning rivals with an Make him the focal point of every attacking move nists in the victorious Azzurri side. That was some made the right decision to turn Milan down when than any trophy can. He’s given them loyalty and astonishing array of skill and and let him carry the burden. comeback and his will to continue playing a decade he was a child. He hasn’t looked back since. hope – he has become a “monument”, as Lippi calls goal-scoring. Totti has goaded His statistics are sublime: Totti has played later deserves nothing but respect. He’s had off ers. Real Madrid came and were po- him. He’s given them the chance to live each game rival teams with provocative more than half of his footballing career as a clas- At 40, he can’t drift around like he used to, espe- litely ushered away. Manchester United tried their through a man who wandered the same streets as messages on T-shirts and last sic trequartista and yet he has managed to outscore cially in the channels, but his ability to fi nd space luck in 1999 and 2000 as Alex Ferguson spoke they did as boy. Most importantly, he’s kept their year hit the headlines after cel- great forwards such as Alessandro Del Piero, Rob- in key areas ensures he remains one of the game’s openly of his admiration for Totti’s talent. Perhaps identity alive. ebrating a brace against bitter erto Baggio and Gabriel Batistuta. He scored his most dangerous players. For a man who many con- his desire to turn away suitors and remain in Rome In an Italy where identity and social segrega- city rivals Lazio by running to 250th goal in Serie A on Sunday – only Silvio Piola sidered to be past his best when Luis Enrique took is what leaves some quarters of the English media tion has become an increasingly prominent and the ‘Curva Sud’ and using a tele- has more and he retired in 1954. charge in 2011, he has grown yet again. from truly understanding him. But Totti will ulti- contentious topic, he’s united the people of vari- phone to take a selfi e with thou- Who can forget Totti’s 113th strike, against Inter People spend plenty of time asking Totti why he mately judge his career on what he’s given back to ous clubs and groups through his undoubted talent sands of fans in the background. at the San Siro in 2005, when his majestic chip from never left Roma in search of trophies? He replies: the Romans, who he calls “his people”. and application. And as he celebrates turning 40, Totti also helped Italy to their outside the box sailed over a stranded Francesco “Rome is my family, my friends, the people that I Trophies are a bonus and the 2001 Scudetto will he off ers a wonderful glimpse into a bygone era of fourth World Cup triumph in Toldo? That goal, one of his personal favourites, is love. Rome is the sea, the mountains, the monu- surely sit proudly alongside his European Golden success at Roma and for the wider Italian game. 2006.

We’ve moved on from Higuain ROUND-UP departure: Napoli’s Jorginho Kattner challenges FIFA sacking

Naples, Italy: Napoli midfielder Jorginho insists behind 2-1 win at Dynamo Kiev in Napoli’s Group Agencies 53, joined Derby on a three-year contract his team have moved on from Gonzalo Higuain’s B opener. Zurich during the close season. shock departure to Juventus as they prepare to Those early achievements have already assured Seen as promotion contenders prior to the face Portuguese giants Benfica in the Champions Milik legendary status at Napoli — at the food stalls season, Derby are currently 22nd in the 24- League. lining the San Paolo, fans can now buy a ‘Milik’ IFA’s disgraced former secretary team table with one win from nine matches. Napoli, runners-up to Juventus in Serie A last sandwich along with those usually only named af- general Markus Kattner (right) Pearson strongly criticised his players fol- season, host Benfica at the San Paolo in Group ter the team’s big stars. While Napoli were winning has begun legal action to challenge lowing last Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Black- B today looking to continue their bright start to in Kiev, Benfica were held to a 1-1 draw at home by his “unjustifi ed” sacking, a source burn Rovers, saying they were “paralysed by Fclose to the German told AFP yesterday. fear”. this season’s competition. And while some fans Besiktas, who had on-loan Benfica mifielder Ander- may still regret the absence of Higuain, who hit a son Talisca to thank for the sensational last-gasp The 46-year-old, who was also FIFA’s Serie A record of 36 goals for the southerners last free-kick that earned them a share of the points. fi nancial chief, was fi red with immediate BRAZIL CALL UP UNCAPPED DUO season, Jorginho says Napoli have fully digested But coach Maurizio Sarri will not be taking Ben- eff ect on May 23 after the discovery of a Brazil coach Tite has called up uncapped the Argentine striker’s move to Turin. “We’re not fica lightly. He has studied all their recent matches secret bonus scheme that paid out millions pair Wendell and Rafael Carioca to re- thinking about him,” Jorginho said. “Our focus is and believes their build-up and possession game of dollars over a period of years. Football’s place injured Real Madrid duo Marcelo and on ourselves and how to improve. We would have could give Napoli problems, not to mention the scandal-plagued ruling body revealed in Casemiro for upcoming World Cup qualifi - the same approach if he (Higuain) were here, but “amazing talent” that is teenage winger Goncalo June that former president Sepp Blatter, ers against Bolivia and Venezuela. Marcelo we’re doing well and we can do even better.” Guedes. “Benfica are a strong side with good ex-secretary general Jerome Valcke and his has a calf injury while Casemiro suff ered a Napoli have so far adapted to life without technique and they love to have possession during successor Kattner had skimmed off $80mn PEARSON SUSPENDED BY DERBY leg fracture that will see him out for up to a Higuain rather well as they embark on a first games,” said Sarri. “They like to build from the in “a coordinated eff ort” to “enrich them- Nigel Pearson has been suspended as man- month. Champions League group-stage campaign since back and it won’t be easy to win the ball back and selves” between 2011 and 2015. ager of Derby County, the English second- Marcelo is replaced by Bayer Leverkusen 2013, when they were eliminated behind Borussia force them to make mistakes.” “Mr Kattner has begun legal proceed- tier club announced yesterday, without left-back Wendell, 23, with Atletico Mineiro Dortmund and Arsenal despite the Argentine scor- Rui Vitoria’s men gave Bayern Munich a fright ings before the competent court in Zurich providing an explanation. The move came midfi elder Rafael Carioca, 27, taking Casem- ing four goals. in last season’s quarter-finals before the Germans as he believes his dismissal to be unfair,” a following a meeting between Pearson and iro’s place, the Brazilian Football Confeder- The Partenopei are undefeated after six games secured their last-four ticket thanks to a 3-2 aggre- source close to Blatter’s former right-hand club chairman Mel Morris, with Derby re- ation (CBF) said. “It’s the biggest thing for in Serie A, boast a league-leading 14 goals (along gate win. Benfica’s 1-0 first-leg loss in that fixture man told AFP. “Since his dismissal in May, leasing a statement a matter of hours before me. Every Brazilian dreams of being allowed with Roma) and are just one point behind leaders was their last defeat of any kind. Mr. Kattner has not received any reason their Championship game at Cardiff City. to play for the Selecao,” said Wendell, ahead and champions Juventus. To boot, Polish interna- They are now 17 matches unbeaten in all from FIFA justifying his dismissal without “Derby County can confi rm that man- of Leverkusen’s Champions League clash at tional Arkadiusz Milik has made a blistering start competitions. “They are a top European side who notice,” the source continued, adding that ager Nigel Pearson will not be carrying out Monaco yesterday. to life as Higuain’s replacement after signing for a gave Bayern (Munich) a scare last season,” added the payments that the German had received his duties at tonight’s game at the request Brazil host Bolivia on October 6 before reported 35mn euros from Ajax. The 22-year-old Sarri. Asked about the threat of Guedes, a 19-year- were “compliant with FIFA’s code and ap- of the club,” the statement read. “Assistant travelling to Venezuela four days later. The has hit four league goals and, while Higuain hit a old winger who has been described as ‘the new proved by the compensation committee”. manager Chris Powell will take charge of the Selecao currently sit second in the South blank in a scoreless draw at home to Sevilla two Cristiano Ronaldo’, Sarri admitted: “I’ve seen him Contacted by AFP, FIFA said they had team for this evening’s Sky Bet Champion- American qualifying group, one point be- weeks ago, Milik headed a brace in the space of play in a few of Benfica’s games. He’s an amazing “not received any information” concern- ship match at Cardiff City. The club will hind leaders Uruguay. Only the top four 11 first-half minutes to help secure a come-from- talent.” ing the action taken by Kattner at the labour make no further comment at this time.” CONMEBOL fi nishers in the 10-team group court in Zurich. Former Leicester City manager Pearson, earn an automatic place at Russia 2018. Gulf Times Wednesday, September 28, 2016 5 FOOTBALLSPORT

SPOTLIGHT Allardyce leaves England job aft er one game in charge An FA statement said Allardyce's conduct "was inappropriate" and Gareth Southgate will take temporary charge

By Dominic Fifield The Guardian Sam Allardyce and the FA felt his position was untenable after he was caught making a series am Allardyce’s tenure as the England man- of controversial comments in an embarrassing ager has been terminated after 67 days in newspaper sting. Manager’s England tenure charge following allegations he had off ered lasted a solitary game and 67 days. (Reuters) advice on how to circumvent the Football Association’sS rules on player transfers. Allardyce, who had suggested the national manager’s role was his “dream job” on his appoint- ment as Roy Hodgson’s successor in July, has left his position by mutual consent after two months and one game, the World Cup qualifying win over Slovakia. He and his agent, Mark Curtis, attended a meet- ing with the FA’s chairman, Greg Clarke, and the chief executive, Martin Glenn, at Wembley stadium yesterday with the hierarchy having been left dis- mayed by comments the 61-year-old had made to undercover reporters from the Daily Telegraph. An FA statement read: “The FA can confi rm Sam Allardyce has left his position as England manager. Allardyce’s conduct, as reported today, was inap- propriate of the England manager. He accepts he made a signifi cant error of judgment and has apolo- gised. However, due to the serious nature of his ac- tions, the FA and Allardyce have mutually agreed to terminate his contract with immediate eff ect. “This is not a decision that was taken lightly but the FA’s priority is to protect the wider interests of the game and maintain the highest standards of conduct in football. "The manager of the England men’s senior team is a position which must demonstrate strong leader- ship and show respect for the integrity of the game at all times. “Gareth Southgate will take charge of the men’s senior team for the next four matches against Malta, Slovenia, Scotland and Spain while the FA begins its search for the new England man- ager. The FA wishes Sam well in the future.” Allardyce, who was contracted through to the 2018 World Cup fi nals, had been fi lmed appearing to off er advice to the undercover reporters on how to circumvent the FA’s rules on player transfers. The Daily Telegraph released the relevant tran- scripts from two meetings, held in Manchester and London over the past month, to the FA with a con- He stated an unnamed group had been “doing it trite Allardyce understood to have conceded his po- for years” and “you can still get around it” suggest- sition had been left untenable. ing they employ the player’s agents to compensate Southgate had been reluctant to take up the helm for the fact they are no longer allowed to profi t from WHAT EXACTLY IS ALLARDYCE ACCUSED OF? in the summer, when he considered himself to be each transfer directly. “You get a percentage of the lacking in the relevant experience for the job, but player’s agent’s fee that the agent pays to you, the Caught on Camera a possible £400,000 deal. When did third-party ownership first will stand in with just fi ve days remaining before company, because he’s done that new deal at the The new England manager, who replaced emerge? Allardyce was expected to announce his squad for club again or they sell him on, and you’re not get- Roy Hodgson after the Three Lions were What are the rules banning third-party Third-party ownership is a practice which the forthcoming games. ting a part of the transfer fee any more, because you knocked out by Iceland in the last 16 at the ownership of footballers? takes place in may countries, particularly in The former Sunderland, Bolton and West Ham can’t do that,” he is fi lmed explaining. “But, you Euro 2016, has been caught on camera giv- The controversial practice, which has been South America. It became an issue in the UK manager, accompanied by Curtis and his fi nancial get, because of the size of the contracts now, the ing advice to reporters posing as Far East likened to slave ownership, was outlawed in 2007 after West Ham United’s controver- adviser Shane Moloney, had been recorded com- contract will be worth £30mn, £40mn, at 10% and businessmen on how to “get round rules” in the UK in 2008. Last year FIFA, the world sial deal to buy the Argentinia stars Carlos menting on a variety of subjects from England play- you’ve done a deal with the agent where you’re get- about third-party ownership of players. governing body, imposed a worldwide ban Tevez and Javier Mascherano. Under the ers to regulations, Hodgson and the FA’s decision to ting 5% of the agent’s fee, which is massive for do- In footage, filmed by undercover Tel- on the practice. The bans are intended to agreement, Tevez was brought to West Ham redevelop Wembley stadium. ing about two hours’ work.” egraph reporters, Allardyce says it is “not a stop third-party owners, such as companies from the Brazilian club Corinthians in order Iit was his comments on third-party ownership, Allardyce earned around £3mn-a-year, plus bo- problem” to bypass the rules introduced by or agents, profiting from players being to put him in the shop window, and his inves- and whether he was off ering advice on bypassing nuses on the contract he signed in July that was his employer, the Football Association, in sold on the transfer market. In 2014 it was tors could eff ectively decide when he was “ridiculous” FA and FIFA rules, which have caused to run up to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and 2008. He told the reporters he knew of cer- revealed that an internal FIFA report found sold, to which club and for how much. It led real alarm. He is fi lmed telling the undercover re- appeared to be using his position to negotiate a tain agents “doing it all the time” and added: that third-party ownership trapped clubs in a the Premier League to ban third-party own- porters, posing as businessmen, it was “not a prob- £400,000 deal to address investors in a south-east “You can still get around it. I mean obviously “vicious cycle of debt and dependence” and ership outright but its use as a means for lem” to get around FA rules imposed in 2008 that Asia fi rm. The England manager had stressed he the big money’s here.” Allardyce goes on to posed risks to players and to the integrity of clubs in Spain and Portugal to buy players prevent parties “owning” players’ economic rights. would “have to run it past the powers that be” be- talk about going to the Far East to negotiate the game. they might not otherwise be able to aff ord. Fifa has since adopted a similar stance. fore committing to any deal.

PREMIER LEAGUE ROUND-UP Record-signing Hendrick breaks Chelsea must improve Burnley duck as Watford beaten defensive record: Hazard

AFP lied, that’s the best way to de- Reuters frame on the Tottenham Hotspur striker’s return Burnley, United Kingdom scribe it. We got bullied all over London to action, manager Mauricio Pochettino said. the pitch to a man. Fair play to Kane scored the winner in Spurs’ Premier Burnley. They had a game plan, League clash against Sunderland before being ecord-signing Jeff Hen- stuck to it and delivered. I’m helsea must improve their defensive so- carried off in the 87th minute after turning his an- drick scored his fi rst very disappointed. We’ve had the lidity if they are to challenge for silver- kle while making a tackle. There was speculation goal for Burnley as they highs of the last couple of weeks ware this season, winger Eden Hazard the England international, last season’s Premier beat Watford 2-0 in the and if you don’t match those high has said. Despite coach Antonio Conte’s League top scorer, could face two months on the PremierR League at Turf Moor on standards, people have every Creputation of building teams around a solid de- sidelines. Monday. Irish midfi elder Hen- right to ask questions.” fensive unit, Chelsea have conceded nine goals drick signed from second-tier Burnley looked the likeliest to this season, including three against Arsenal on ARSENAL, LEICESTER Derby County last month for a break the deadlock, with Deeney Saturday, the fi rst of which came from an error by TICKETS AMONG MOST EXPENSIVE IN CL reported 10mn pounds ($13.1mn, receiving little service up front. Gary Cahill. Premier League champions Leicester City and 11.8mn euros) on a three-year His best chance came when his The London club have kept just one clean sheet Arsenal are among the fi ve clubs charging most contract. near-post shot was saved by in six league games this campaign. “Every week- for Champions League tickets this season, ac- And the 24-year-old opened England goalkeeper Tom Heaton. end at the moment we having to come back and cording to spread-betting fi rm Spreadex (www. the scoring in the 38th minute The game looked as if it would score. We did it at Leicester (League Cup) but spreadex.com). Arsenal set prices starting at when he headed home Steven still be deadlocked at 0-0 come against Arsenal, who were playing at home, it was 37 pounds ($47.97) for a ticket, while watching Defour’s corner and the Bel- half-time, when Dean Marney not possible,” Hazard said. Champions League football at Leicester costs at gian set up a second goal when got on the end of a Johann Berg “There are no excuses (for Arsenal defeat). It least 35 pounds. Italian giants Juventus are the Michael Keane nodded in fi ve Gudmundsson shot to force a was not good. We lost too many duels.” Chelsea, most expensive team to watch at home with tick- minutes after the break. This was corner. Defour’s cross then found without a win in their last three league games, ets starting at almost 39 pounds, ahead of La Liga promoted Burnley’s second win Hendrick, who forced a header in are eighth in the standings, eight points adrift of champions Barcelona (38 pounds). of the season after their shock over the line as Watford protest- leaders Manchester City. Scotland’s Celtic (33 pounds) charge more than victory over Liverpool. ed the corner had drifted out of They face champions Leicester City and Man- reigning champions Real Madrid (30 pounds), “I thought the lads were terrif- play on its way into the box. chester United in two of their next three games. Bundesliga side Bayern Munich (26 pounds) and ic tonight and fully deserving of Burnley’s second came early in “We need to be better. In the last three games in Manchester City (25 pounds). the win,” Burnley manager Sean the second half, when a Defour the league there have been nine points available Tottenham Hotspur off er tickets for as little Dyche said. “If you keep clean corner came back to him and his and we have got one. It is disappointing,” Belgian as 23 pounds following their temporary move to sheets, you’re going to have a cross saw Keane rise above the Hazard said. “We need to go away and work on Wembley Stadium. At other stadiums on the con- chance in games. We did well last Watford’s Isaac Success (right) and Burnley’s Jeff Hendrick Watford defence. Defour tried what we are doing wrong ahead of the big matches tinent, Sevilla, who feature in the top fi ve, charge time round,” he added. battle for the ball during the English Premier League match at Turf to get on the scoresheet himself that are coming up.” Chelsea travel to Hull City on a minimum of 34 pounds while Paris St Germain “We didn’t score many but if Moor in Burnley, north west England, on Monday night. (AFP) with a 20-yard strike that Wat- Saturday. charge at least 24 pounds. you look at the goals against we ford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes At four pounds, Ukraine’s Dynamo Kiev of- did pretty well for a team that top third of the pitch and that’s Troy Deeney said his side had beat away. Watford substitute KANE’S ANKLE SCANS fer the cheapest tickets in Europe. The average had just come up and had a big our big challenge. But we’ve had been “bullied”. “I have to watch Isaac Success slid a shot across POSITIVE: POCHETTINO price of the cheapest ticket to watch Champions challenge on our hands. We know a real solid start to this season.” my words so I don’t get in trou- goal but that was as close as the The results of scans on Harry Kane’s injured an- League football in the group stages is 26 pounds, we’ve got to be productive at the Disappointed Watford captain ble,” Deeney said. “We got bul- Hornets came to a revival. kle were better than expected but there is no time the study revealed. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, September 28, 2016 SPORT

MLB With 3 mound visits and a win, Marlins say goodbye to Jose ‘If someone’s struggling, pick them up. We’re going to find a way to do this. I love you guys’

By Tim Healey Sun Sentinel

hen the tears paused and a lead grew Monday night, the Miami Marlins got Wto honouring Jose Fernandez by playing baseball the way he did: successfully, and with a smile. The Marlins beat the New York Mets, 7-3, in a game that was so much more. A day after the sudden death of Fernandez, their ace and friend, in a boating accident off Miami Beach, the Marlins began wading together through the early stages of un- imaginable loss, when nobody is sure what to do or when to do it but you wake up and do your day anyway. At Marlins Park in Little Ha- vana, that included baseball. “Jose would not want us sit- ting around. That’s what every- one always says, right?” Marlins president David Samson said in the home dugout on Monday af- ternoon. “But the fact is we have to play today. We’re going out and doing the best we can as an organisa- tion, with heavy hearts and with an eye toward what matters, and that is honoring Jose – and that is not just today, win or lose, but moving forward.” Fernandez, gone forever, was everywhere. The Marlins, all wearing black No. 16 Fernandez jerseys, made three mound visits to say good- bye. The fi rst came before the game, at the end of an emotion- ally intense pregame ceremony that pushed the fi rst pitch to 7:16 p.m. It included a moment of silence and a slideshow of Fern- andez photos set to a slow ver- sion of “Take Me Out to the Ball- game.” The eight Miami starting position players stood on either side of the mound. After the national anthem, the Mets crossed the fi eld to greet the Marlins, sharing hugs and handshakes and tears. If emotions started to set- sky, it all came out. “I just kept looking over at “Just Jose. Saying bye,” Mat- “There was strength. Strength their drinks, shouted Fernan- Then the Marlins gathered tle once the game began, that “It took forever. It seemed like the video board, kept seeing his tingly said. came tonight,” Stanton said. dez’s name one last time, and around the mound, kneeling to relief was brief. Then Dee Gor- it took forever,” Gordon said. “I name,” Gordon said. “It’s his spot. It’s just his “We all dug as deep as we poured one out for their fallen touch the dirt and rub it on their don stepped to the plate in the was just trying to get back to my “I just kept saying, ‘How is he spot.” could and we gave it all that we friend. Foam seeped into the pant leg, the way Fernandez al- bottom of the fi rst inning. On teammates as fast as possible. I not here? How did he not show The Marlins removed their had. It’ll take time.” dirt. Somewhere, someone ways did to help keep dry the the fi rst pitch he saw from Mets couldn’t do that.” up today?’ Every time I see his hats and tossed them to the The third mound visit came fl ipped a switch. right arm on which the organi- right-hander Bartolo Colon, he Sobbing, he continued to the number and name I keep hearing ground, a seemingly fi nal salute when almost nobody was watch- The stadium went dark. sation dreamt and built. When stood in the right-handed bat- Marlins dugout, hugging Mar- his voice.” of sorts to Fernandez. ing. Midnight neared as the they huddled on the infi eld grass, ter’s box, a nod to Fernandez. cell Ozuna, then Martin Prado, The second mound visit came To cheers from most of the Marlins, in a mostly empty Mar- RESULTS Giancarlo Stanton spoke. On the third pitch he saw, Gor- then Barry Bonds, then Chris- hours later. After the Marlins 26,933 fans that remained for lins Park, returned from the club- Arizona 14 Washington 4 “If someone’s struggling, pick don – switched to his normal side tian Yelich. He walked down won, they circled around the those initial postgame moments, house to the mound, beers in hand Chicago Cubs 12 Pittsburgh 2 them up,” he said in a moment – took his fi rst swing. His only four steps into a mob of team- bump, linked by arms over the the team walked off the field, and Fernandez still on their minds. NY Yankees 7 Toronto 5 caught on television cameras. home run of the season landed in mates, all rubbing Gordon’s head shoulders of the teammate – through the dugout and into They stood together, some Cleveland 7 Detroit 4 “We’re going to fi nd a way to do the right-fi eld upper deck. or patting his back. Utility man the brother – standing next to their clubhouse. still wearing No. 16, for about Miami 7 NY Mets 3 this. I love you guys.” Gordon tried to hold it in Derek Dietrich and baserunning them. They prayed. Ozuna pat- In the clubhouse, Fernandez’s 16 minutes, talking and sipping Milwaukee 8 Texas 3 Each player chose his own as he rounded the bases, but coach Lorenzo Bundy helped ted the orange and black “16” locker remained largely un- and even occasionally laugh- Seattle 4 Houston 3 (11 inns) walkup music for the night. when he slowed to a walk, Gordon to the end of the dugout. painted into the dirt. Man- touched. A lone rose was tucked ing. When they were done – not White Sox 7 Tampa Bay 1 Some went with silence. Stanton crossed home plate, tapped Gordon retreated down the ager Don Mattingly kissed the into the collar of the jersey he ready to move on, but maybe Cincinnati 15 St. Louis 2 picked Jay Z’s “Forever Young.” his chest and pointed to the tunnel for a moment to himself. ground. was supposed to wear Monday. ready to go home – they raised LA Angels 2 Oakland 1

NBA Walton is a good fi t for young Lakers roster

By Tania Ganguli age of 25, including 19-year-old Brandon What about Nick Young? Los Angeles Times Ingram, 20-year-old Russell and 21-year- Despite rampant speculation this off - old Julius Randle, and should help their season that the Lakers would trade or development. Whatever progress the waive Young, he appears headed to train- franchise that has expected ex- Lakers make will depend on those play- ing camp. He’s stayed in good shape this cellence for most of its history ers’ growth. It’s the most important task off season, and was around the team fa- now heads into a transitional before Walton. cility for unoffi cial off season practices. period that demands patience as Will center Timofey Mozgov and for- Russell and Young were the subject of last itA rebuilds. ward Luol Deng be worth the investment? year’s fraught drama over the publication The Lakers fi nished last season 17-65, Early in free agency, the Lakers signed of a video Russell fi lmed in which Young the worst record in franchise history, four Mozgov, 30, to a four-year deal worth $64 was seen talking about women other than games worse than the previous mark set million and Deng, 31, to a four-year deal his fi ancee, rapper Iggy Azalea. just one season earlier. worth $72 million. Both are considered The two seem to be co-existing. Rus- The road back won’t be quick or easy. positive locker-room presences and their sell said he and Young talk on the court, But patience will work only if coupled veteran experience will be important for but haven’t discussed the incident. And with progress. the team’s young players. Beyond that, he maintains that he did not release the These fi ve questions face the Lakers as they could fi ll important transitional roles video and has no idea how it became pub- they head to training camp. for the Lakers. lic. Young has been quoted by TMZ asking How will Coach Luke Walton’s ap- Deng will serve as the starting small others for leniency for Russell. proach help the team’s young core de- forward until Ingram, the No. 2 over- What is Jim Buss’ future with the or- velop? all pick in the NBA draft, is ready to step ganization? The early marks for Walton’s relation- into that role. Mozgov could play a role in In April 2014, Buss, the Lakers’ co- ship with his young team have been ex- Walton’s system that is similar to Andrew owner and executive vice president of ceptional. Point guard D’Angelo Russell, Bogut’s with the Golden State Warriors. basketball operations, told The Times: “If entering his second season, gushes about When will Ingram be ready to take a this doesn’t work in three to four years, if Walton every chance he gets. He gave more prominent role? we’re not back on the top – and the defi - Walton a standing ovation during a news The small forward out of Duke has nition of top means contending for the conference this off season. quickly grown weary of questions about Western Conference, contending for a At 36, Walton is the NBA’s youngest his weight. At 6 feet 9, Ingram weighed championship – then I will step down be- head coach. Only four years removed from only 190 pounds when drafted and imme- cause that means I have failed.” his NBA playing career, he relates to his diately set to work bulking up his frame. This is the third season following that team in a way older coaches might not. That process will take time, as will his declaration. Co-owner and team Presi- That’s especially important given a ros- transition to the NBA. Walton has no in- dent Jeanie Buss has the ultimate author- ter that features eight players under the tention of rushing Ingram’s development. ity to decide her brother’s fate. Gulf Times Wednesday, September 28, 2016 7 SPORT

NFL Clippers put themselves in title discussion The widely held assumption is that the Los Angeles Clip- pers and every other team Freeman, Coleman lift in the NBA saw the gap be- tween them and the Golden State Warriors widen over the summer. Never mind that the Clippers still have their core of Chris Paul, Blake Griff in and DeAndre Jordan. Or that the Clippers added quality and Falcons past Saints 45-32 depth to a reserve corps that already included sixth man of the year Jamal Crawford ‘Everything clicked, and we got it done. It’s a real big win for us to beat this team here’ and Austin Rivers. And that the Clippers have one of the best coaches in the NBA in The Sports Xchange Doc Rivers. New York The Warriors signed one of the NBA’s best players in free agent Kevin Durant att Ryan threw two and put him on a team with touchdown passes, two-time NBA most valuable Tevin Coleman ran player Stephen Curry and for three and line- All-Stars Klay Thompson and Mbacker Deion Jones returned an Draymond Green. The sense interception 90 yards to power is that a Warriors team that the Atlanta Falcons to a 45-32 lost in the NBA Finals to the victory over the New Orleans Cleveland Cavaliers only got Saints on Monday. stronger. The Falcons (2-1) scored But that doesn’t mean the touchdowns on fi ve consecutive Clippers are going to back possessions and added a fi eld down just because the War- goal on their sixth drive to build riors are being called the a 38-25 lead late in the third league’s new super team. quarter. Then with the Saints “I think we can play with moving into position to cut the anybody, and we don’t feel defi cit to six, Brian Poole jumped like there’s a gap,” Doc Rivers a slant route and defl ected Drew said at the Clippers’ media Brees’ pass intended for Michael day in Playa Vista. “But that’s Thomas. what we have to prove and I The ball bounced high into the think everyone has to prove air and Jones, who played his high that. I know history very well school ball in New Orleans, raced in this league and there have 90 yards for a score, putting the been a lot of super teams put Falcons up 45-25 with 13:37 together – quote, unquote left. Before that play, Brees had super teams – and I know thrown 305 passes without an the history. I feel comfortable interception, the fourth-longest where we’re at.” streak in NFL history behind Rivers and his players also Tom Brady (359), Alex Smith said they feel comfortable (312) and Bernie Kosar (308). speaking out about the social New Orleans (0-3) closed the issues of the day. gap to 45-32 with a 5-yard swing They have discussed how pass to Mark Ingram with 10 the Clippers as a whole will minutes left. Ryan fi nished 20 of approach the protest against 30 for 240 yards. Devonta Free- racial injustice that has taken man led Atlanta with 152 yards on new meaning since San on 14 carries. Brees had to throw Francisco 49ers quarterback 54 times, completing 36, for 376 Colin Kaepernick has begun yards and three touchdowns. taking a knee during the The Falcons marched to four Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (R) makes a throw against the New Orleans Saints in the second quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports national anthem. consecutive touchdowns in the “It’s a very relevant and fi rst half to grab a 28-17 halftime important issue,” Rivers said. lead. Ryan threw a 13-yard pass FOCUS “Whatever we do, we’ll do as in the left fl at to Freeman, who a group and we’ll do together was wide open, and a shovel pass hopefully. But I’m happy to wide receiver Justin Hardy that we’re having those that went for four yards and an- discussions. I think they’re other score. important discussions and I Coleman had the other two love the fact that we actually Falcons’ touchdowns in the fi rst Eagles a fi tter team in the trenches are talking about things other half on two-yard runs. than basketball.” “It was real fun. Everybody was By Bob Ford ball, by shutting down opposing running of defensive coordinators who, given a up against a team that was good up front. Said veteran guard JJ Redick: doing their job and everybody The Philadelphia Inquirer games and then getting pressure in pass- Fletcher Cox at their disposal, would The run game didn’t look good early, but “I think it’s important that ath- was playing for each other,” Cole- ing situations. Every NFL game is a phys- keep the man on the fi eld. Schwartz used the O-line had said all week, ‘We can letes recognise that they have man said. “Everything clicked, ical battle, and the Eagles are undefeated him for 41 snaps and nine defensive line- run the ball on these guys,’ and we kept a voice. There’s this old saying and we got it done. It’s a real big s much as the start of the season in those as well. It’s not a coincidence. men got into the game, including a few pounding and stuck with the script. We like athletes should just stick win for us to beat this team here.” has unfolded like a well-worn “Being physical in camp, making camp snaps for Stephen Means near the end. stayed patient.” to sports or whatever and Ryan completed 15 of 20 pass- fairy tale for the Eagles, a story as hard as I can ... I just think it builds a Sizable chunks of playing time went to They ran for 32 yards in the fi rst half stay out of politics, stay out of es for 137 yards in the fi rst half that should include dragons and mind-set,” Doug Pederson said Monday. “I Marcus Smith, Beau Allen, and Destiny and 93 in the second half. A lot of that is social issues and all that. But and the Falcons had to punt only wandsA and a lanky young prince, there is felt our guys took control off ensively and Vaeao, and no one had to take more than because they had the lead and stopped I think today’s athletes realise, once. Even when they did, the absolutely nothing magical about what is defensively up front. The D-line and the O- the 47 snaps given to Connor Barwin. throwing the ball, but a lot of it is be- whether it’s through social Falcons turned that into points happening along the line of scrimmage. line was able to control the game that way.” It’s great if it works, and it has worked cause the runs were successful, too. This media or whether it’s through as De’Vante Harris and Tom- Both the off ensive and defensive lines Where their domination is most ap- so far in getting the defense off the field. season, the Eagles haven’t trailed by media coverage ... that we can mylee Lewis ran into each other have been dominating opponents, par- parent – and where the true test of Additionally, the defense stays fresh be- more than four points and have only been kind of control and sort of get while trying to fi eld the punt at ticularly after halftime. It is leg-grinding, conditioning is found – is in the second cause the off ense remains out there. The behind for a total of 11 minutes. That has our message and our narra- the New Orleans 11, leading to back-bending work and the Eagles have halves of the three games. Even though Eagles are averaging 6.3 plays per drive allowed Pederson to call balanced games tive out there, and I think the Atlanta’s fi rst score. been getting the best of it. There is some they have held leads, they are averaging this season, a signifi cant improvement (96 runs, 106 passes called) and keep op- more active that athletes are, The Saints took a 7-0 lead irony there. After getting rid of a coach more than 19 minutes of possession after over Chip Kelly in two regards: more posing defenses honest. The off ensive the better it is for everyone.” with a 75-yard opening drive who preached conditioning and wearing halftime. They have outscored the oppo- plays and more time between plays. (The line isn’t being constantly beaten up by Perhaps the best news of the capped by Brees’ two-yard pass out the other guy, but succeeded only in sition 57-10 in the second half, including 49ers are averaging 4.7 plays per drive pass rushes and blitzes. day, before the Clippers open to tight end Coby Fleener in the wrecking his own team, the Eagles have 43-3 in the third quarter. The starting and are 29th in the league in time of pos- “We keep getting better and hopefully training camp Tuesday at back of the end zone. Brees tied a new coach who worked the players hard defensive line is probably the most tal- session. Big surprise.) we will be able to keep building on this UC Irvine, is that both Griff in the score at 14 early in the sec- in training camp and that philosophy has ented single unit on the team, so maybe The remarkable side of things has re- and keep improving,” center Jason Kelce (left quadriceps tendon) and ond quarter with a three-yard been rewarded so far. the success there isn’t any surprise. But ally been the off ensive line. Those guys said. That brings us to the dragon portion Paul (broken right hand) are slant to Thomas. The Eagles lead the league in time of what has allowed the line to fl ourish in don’t get to take plays off and there were of the tale, and the real possibility that the 100 percent sound after suf- The Falcons struck for back- possession at 36 minutes, 47 seconds per the start of the season is defensive co- plenty of question marks when the sea- young prince will have to fi ght some bat- fering season-ending injuries to-back touchdowns to extend game, and they have done it by giving ordinator Jim Schwartz’s willingness to son began. “I can’t say enough about the tles without the same help soon. If right against the Portland Trail Blaz- their lead to 28-14, but the Saints Carson Wentz time to pick apart defenses keep everyone fresh by trusting heavily off ensive line and how it played tonight,” tackle Lane Johnson begins to serve his ers last April in the playoff s. got a 57-yard fi eld goal from Wil with his precision short- and medium- in the backups. Pittsburgh took 65 of- co-ordinator Frank Reich said after the 10-game suspension, as is expected, the Los Angeles Times Lutz to end the fi rst half. range passes, and, on the other side of the fensive snaps on Sunday. There are a lot Steelers game. “We knew we were going off ensive line will be changed in two spots.

SPORTS MEDICINE ACSM, Aspetar experts exchange knowledge

By Sports Reporter al-Kuwari, Acting Director General of Aspetar, Doha said: “We are pleased to welcome so many inter- nationally acclaimed experts in the fi eld of sports medicine in our symposium. spetar, the world renowned Orthopaedic “Not only did this event serve as a platform to and Sports Medicine hospital in Qatar, connect participants during the lecture presenta- successfully brought together a number tions and panel discussions, it also helped enrich of the world’s leading sports medicine our doctors’ knowledge on topics related to ethical expertsA on Thursday as it concluded the Aspe- considerations facing doctors, and latest techno- tar-ACSM Symposium on New Developments in logical advances to treat common sports injuries.” Sports Medicine in Doha. Dr Bill Dexter, former ACSM president, and re- Organised in partnership with the American cipient of the Maine Governor’s Council on Physi- College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the sympo- cal Activity Lifetime Achievement Award as well as sium brought together fi eld experts from Aspetar the EATA Moyer Award, said: “Aspetar has shown and the USA to exchange knowledge and partici- time-and-time again its commitment to strength- pate in a range of panel discussions. en collaboration among medical professionals and The one-day event, which took place at Asp- to aid in the exchange of knowledge between ex- etar’s Auditorium, featured award-winning US perts in the fi eld. This event was no exception, and Primary Care Sports Physicians Dr Bill Dexter, in we look forward for the continuation of the col- addition to Dr Rob Johnson, Dr Robert Sallis and laboration between ACSM and Aspetar.” Dr Bert Fields. Together with a faculty of experts The symposium was organised in line with Asp- from Aspetar, they tackled issues around Ethics, etar’s commitment to provide the world’s best in- Decision-making, Teamwork, Common Injury tegrated medical education and training to its staff Management, and Medical Considerations in Ath- and participants, helping clinicians practice at the lete Care. highest level of sports medicine and improve ath- Commenting on the event, Dr Mohamed Ghaith letes’ health and performance. Sports Physician Dr Bill Dexter speaking at the symposium on new developments in sports medicine. Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, September 28, 2016 SPORT

RUGBY MOTORSPORT BMW joins Andretti in Formula E Ashton still dreams Reuters example.” London BMW are already involved in the city-based electric se- ries as offi cial vehicle provider MW will work with and supplier of the safety and the US-based Andret- medical cars with the fully- ti Formula E team this electric i3 and plug-in hybrid season before a pos- i8 models. of England recall Bsible factory involvement in The Bavarian manufacturer the electric series from 2018, withdrew from Formula One in the German manufacturer said 2009. The batteries in Formula yesterday. E cars are unable at present Formula E’s third season to last for a full race distance, starts in Hong Kong on Oct. 9. with drivers having to pit and The championship has at- switch cars. tracted growing manufacturer That is due to change by despite bite ban interest, with Jaguar making season fi ve, with the result its debut this year and Renault, of a battery tender due to an- Citroen’s DS brand, Audi and nounced imminently by the ‘I would like to thank publicly Saracens for their support during these times’ India’s Mahindra already in- sport’s governing body, the volved. FIA. “Over the coming years, “We are in a great position the cooperation with Andretti now. We are going to be rac- Formula E will primarily fo- ing in the heart of Hong Kong cus on familiarising ourselves in only a few days...with teams with the procedures and proc- like Jaguar, Audi, Renault, esses, and on intensifying our Citroen DS, BMW,” Formula E knowledge,” said BMW motor- chief executive Alejandro Agag sport director Jens Marquardt told Reuters. in a statement. “I think we are doing pretty “Our works driver Antonio well already now, but year fi ve Felix da Costa will be in action is going to be a very visible year behind the wheel. A works in- of the consolidation of the very volvement is then conceivable long term series that is here to as of the series’ fi fth season.” stay.” “The premise for all these The Andretti Formula E steps is the further positive team is run by Michael An- development of the series, dretti, the 1991 CART cham- which includes increasing the pion and son of 1978 Formula capacity of the batteries, for One champion Mario.

U-turn as New Zealand teen star axed over assault

Wellington: New Zealand Wellington Rugby, which rugby off icials yesterday holds Filipo’s contract, had terminated the contract of a more than 1,000 negative teenage star who viciously as- comments on its Facebook saulted four people including page. two women, following a pub- By early evening it released a lic outcry after he escaped statement saying the organi- conviction. sation and Filipo “have mutu- After initially supporting ally agreed to the termination winger Losi Filipo, rugby of his contract”. administrators performed “The parties agreed that the a U-turn following a heated termination of his contract reaction that even saw Prime was the best outcome for all,” Minister John Key drawn into it said, describing the situa- the debate. tion as “unfortunate”. Filipo, 18, dodged conviction Filipo’s defence did not because a judge said he did dispute the facts of the not want to derail his career, unprovoked late-night attack sparking accusations the in central Wellington last year court system in rugby-mad involving the player and his Chris Ashton’s 13-week ban follows his 10-week punishment back in January for making contact with the eye of an opponent New Zealand gives sports brother. stars special The teenager stamped on AFP due to a 10-week ban for mak- ban by the RFU, my second sig- He was not chosen for the old Dulin, who has 24 caps, since treatment. the head of one of the male London ing contact with the eye of Ulster nifi cant ban of 2016,” Ashton summer tour to Australia and taking over the role following “If it was anyone else on the victims as he lay prone on the centre Luke Marshall in January, told Saracens’ offi cial website. was picked instead in the Saxons the 2015 World Cup, prefer- street, they wouldn’t be let off ground, leaving the man un- Ashton will now miss the No- “I told the disciplinary panel squad for the trip to South Af- ring instead his former charge at for any of this — for attacking able to work for eight months. aracens wing Chris Ash- vember internationals as well. that I did not bite the North- rica, but he pulled out. He will be Toulouse, Maxime Medard, and four of us — punching two Odell, a model, said she will ton says he is still hoping But he still hopes to add to ampton prop, just as I had told available for Saracens again just South African-born Scott Sped- females,” Kelsey Odell, one of require plastic surgery to her to win an England recall his 39 England caps, the last of the panel in January that I did before Christmas. ding. And even though Spedding his victims, told TV3. face after Filipo hit her. despite his 13-week ban which came in June 2014. not make contact with the eyes Meanwhile, Bath have signed pulled out of this week’s three- Key also weighed in, telling The other woman was forS biting Northampton’s Alex “My clear ambition is fi rst to of the Ulster centre. the Crusaders’ centre Rob- day France training camp, Noves reporters: “Violence is unac- punched in the throat. Waller. regain my place in the Saracens “Both panels chose to accept bie Fruean, who will join at the still didn’t bring in Dulin, saying ceptable anywhere, it doesn’t In sentencing, judge Bruce Ashton was suspended by the team and then to regain my place the opposing version of events. end of October. He will link up his Racing 92 side was already matter what your profession.” Davidson said such a serious English Rugby Football Union in the England side,” said Ash- I did not agree with either ver- again with the club’s director depleted enough by four other New Zealand Rugby (NZR), attack would normally attract last week following his clash ton, who is free to play again on dict but I must and do accept the of rugby, Todd Blackadder, who international call-ups. which was criticised last an 18-month jail term but with Waller during Saracens’ December 19. sanctions.” moved from New Zealand in the “I really do watch his matches month over its handling of a conviction would hinder Premiership victory over North- “It may seem a long journey “There is no place for biting summer. The former Gloucester and follow his progression,” said sexual assault allegations Filipo’s chances of playing ampton on September 17. back from the despair of last or gouging in rugby, and World prop Shaun Knight has signed a Noves, who coached Toulouse against Waikato Chiefs play- professionally. The 29-year-old was found week’s judgement but I will do Rugby are 100% correct in seek- short-term cover after the loss for 22 years before taking over ers, had argued that Filipo “I have to ask myself, are the guilty in an RFU hearing, with everything in my power to get ing to eradicate these actions.” of David Wilson to Newcastle. the France reins. “His name has was dealt with by the court courts truly in the business Saracens opting not to appeal back to where, in my heart, I feel “I would like to thank publicly come up but there are also teams system and should not be of destroying people’s career the ruling. I belong.” Saracens for their support dur- Noves says France door playing in the Top 14 who have shunned. prospects?” he asked. Ashton continues to maintain While admitting his frustra- ing these times.” open to ousted Dulin lots of players involved, so I “We believe young men, like Several All Blacks have also his innocence, but yesterday said tion at his latest sanction, Ash- Ashton, who last played for France coach Guy Noves in- don’t want to pillage the clubs.” Losi, are better off with rugby avoided convictions after fac- he will no longer contest the is- ton also paid tribute to the faith England in the summer of 2014, sisted on Tuesday the door is “But if Spedding is out (of the in their lives,” NZR chief Steve ing criminal charges, includ- sue as he focuses on fi ghting for shown in him by Saracens. was recalled to the England still open for full-back Brice Du- November tests), there’s a good Tew said in a statement. ing Julian Savea (domestic his international future. “It would be an understate- squad for this year’s Six Nations, lin to force his way back into the chance Brice Dulin will join us However, the issue domi- violence) and George Moala After blowing his bid for a Six ment to say I was disappointed only for his 10-week ban to rule national set-up. with Max Medard, so he’s not nated radio phone-ins and (assault). Nations recall earlier this year last week to be handed a 13-week him out of the tournament. Noves has not picked 26-year- been ditched at all.”

BOXING SPOTLIGHT Lambie ready to play aft er Klitschko poised for title three months of headaches

Reuters me, I saw a few neurologists, Pretoria had a few courses of medica- tion and I’ve come right now.” bout against Joshua “Everyone has cleared me outh Africa fl yhalf Pat and they’re all happy that I’m AFP also due to be held in Manchester — hav- Lambie, who woke up playing again. There is no risk Berlin ing pulled out of their July 9 bout with an with a headache every of me being more susceptible to ankle injury. day for three months concussion than there was be- The British fi ghter is reportedly seeking afterS being knocked out against land in Cape Town in June but fore,” he added. “I’ve had a hit fter his world title rematch with professional help. Ireland in June, said he was was pole-axed early on by a out with the Sharks, I’ve ticked Tyson Fury was again postponed, Boxing’s respective governing bod- ready to return against Aus- tackle and has since played a all the boxes and I’ve been ex-champion Wladimir Klitschko ies could strip Fury of the WBA and WBO tralia on Saturday. single, provincial rugby match cleared to play a full game or as is on the verge of sealing a new belts he won when he beat Hamburg-based “I’m thrilled to be back, very for the Sharks. much as I’m needed.” heavyweightA bout against IBF belt-holder, Klitschko on points in Duesseldorf last excited to be included in the He said migraines he had af- Lambie might not make the Britain’s Anthony Joshua. November. group again. I’ve missed being ter the knock from Irish fl anker starting line-up, to be named “Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn and I “From our side, when Wladimir Kl- part of the Springboks, so it is CJ Stander left him listless and on Thursday, but looks likely have actually agreed things fi nancially,” itschko and Anthony Joshua could box for wonderful to be back,” Lambie bereft of energy. to play some part in the game, Klitschko manager Bernd Boente told SID, the WBA and IBF belts on November 26, we said ahead of the Rugby Cham- “The thinking was that the possibly off the bench. an AFP subsidiary. would like to take the fi ght,” said Joshua’s pionship test at Loftus Versfeld. trauma and the stress of the “To me it was always a ques- “It now depends a bit on the world or- promoter Eddie Hearn. “It has been quite frustrating knocks against my head trig- tion of Pat letting me know ganisations, but we would like to see the The 26-year-old Joshua, the super heav- sitting on the side, especially gered a constant or chronic when he was 100%. As soon as fi ght go ahead.” Wladimir Klitschko. yweight champion at the 2012 London Ol- for how long it took to get bet- migraine. I had a low grade you are cleared and have that The pairs’ broadcast partners, Britain’s ympic Games, has won all 17 of his fi ghts by ter again. But thankfully I’ve migraine for, I guess, three confi dence back,” Coetzee said. Sky Sports (Joshua) and RTL in Germany the British fi ghter’s International Boxing knock-out since turning pro in July 2013. been looked after well off the months,” Lambie said. “He is an experienced player (Klitschko), are said to be “very interested” Federation (IBF) belt on the line. The British fi ghter was a sparring part- fi eld,” he told a press confer- “I was waking up every in the squad and part of the in the fi ght, which would most likely take Last Friday, Fury pulled out of a planned ner for Klitschko two years ago. ence on Monday. morning with a headache, sore leadership group. He will be place in Manchester. bout against Klitschko for the second time. The 40-year-old Ukrainian has won 64 Lambie was picked by new eyes, low energy and really not part of the plans going forward Joshua’s camp has already booked the Fury’s camp says he is medically unfi t to of his 68 fi ghts and his defeat to Fury was coach Allister Coetzee for his feeling up to much. But thank- this weekend in terms of selec- Manchester Arena for November 26 with fi ght Klitschko on October 29 — which was his fi rst for a decade. fi rst test in charge against Ire- fully the doctors looked after tion.” Gulf Times Wednesday, September 28, 2016 9 GOLF

RYDER CUP FOCUS Pleading Bubba Garcia, McIlroy named a vice-captain for US Ryder Cup team

Reuters However, Love opted to discard the Chaska, Minnesota merits of a seven-times PGA Tour champion who has twice won the Mas- fi re back at Love’s ters, choosing Rickie Fowler, JB Holmes ne way or another, Bubba and Matt Kuchar as his fi rst three wild- Watson always wanted to be card picks before adding Ryan Moore as a part of the United States his fourth late on Sunday. Ryder Cup team this week Moore earned the fi nal selection af- andO his pleas to be an assistant captain ter a red-hot run of form since the PGA fi nally met with success on Monday. Championship in July, highlighted by a Notably overlooked as a wildcard victory at the John Deere Classic in Au- best-ever US talk pick by US captain Davis Love III de- gust and a playoff loss to Rory McIlroy spite being ranked seventh in the at the season-ending Tour Champion- world, Watson was offi cially appoint- ship on Sunday. ‘...you don’t win Ryder Cups with your mouth. You win them on the golf course’ ed as one of fi ve vice-captains for the “It was a tough decision,” Love said hosts ahead of this week’s competition of his fi nal pick. “Bubba obviously dis- AFP at Hazeltine National. appointed not to be on the team. Chaska, Minnesota “Bubba has off ered a couple times to “We waited until the last minute to come and be one of our assistant cap- catch a hot player, and Ryan week af- tains, and I told him we had an extra red ter week after week after week was the ergio Garcia and Rory McIl- cart and we’d love to have him,” Love hottest player... he’s just been right roy fi red up European pas- said during a joint news conference on there at the forefront for us. He’s a sions yesterday at the Ryder Monday with his European counter- great addition to our team. Obviously Cup, taking exception to US part, Darren Clarke. playing great.” captainS Davis Love’s contention that “He adds a lot of fun, he adds a dif- Watson fi rst presented his case to be an his Americans might be the best team ferent personality, he brings a great assistant after he was overlooked as one ever. heart.” of the fi rst three wildcard selections. “At the end of the day, you don’t win Left-hander Watson joins Tiger “And then he off ers, if you don’t pick Ryder Cups with your mouth,” Garcia Woods, Steve Stricker, Jim Furyk and me (on Sunday), I would like to be as- said. “You win them out there on the Tom Lehman as assistants to Love. sistant captain, before he even played golf course and that’s where we’ll see Renowned for his booming drives the Tour Championship,” Love said. which team is the best.” and creative short game, Watson has “And then I called him and told him European teams have won three played in the last three Ryder Cups that I was going a diff erent direction consecutive Ryder Cups, seeking an and would have been the third-highest again, and he immediately said, ‘I still unprecedented fourth in a row this ranked American in their 12-man line- want to be a part of this team, if you’ll week at Hazeltine, while the Ameri- up if selected for the 2016 edition. have me.’ Incredible gesture.” cans have lost six of the past seven and eight of 10. But with a new task force bringing stronger organisation and commit- ment, Love felt confi dent enough in his roster last Friday to tell a golf radio interviewer, “We’re a great team. This Sweden’s Henrik Stenson (third from right), Great Britain’s Lee Westwood (right) and Spain’s Rafa Cabrera Bello (second from is maybe the best golf team maybe ever right) look on as Great Britain’s Danny Willett (third from left) and European team vice-captain Padraig Harrington of Ireland assembled.” (left) tease Spain’s Sergio Garcia about his hair during team photos at Hazeltine National Golf Course yesterday. (AFP) Those words added inspiration for a Europe side not lacking for it to start spirit and battling the way in which he The Americans have four of the McIlroy said. with. did was wonderful,” Europe captain world’s top 10 in Johnson, Jordan Spi- “I don’t think it’s hard for us to fi nd “They are pretty much motivating Darren Clarke said of his Northern eth, Patrick Reed and Rickie Fowler motivation. Whether it be the sea of factors,” Garcia said. “You know what Ireland compatriot. “That was a very and all 12 players are ranked in the red (US supporters) you see on the golf they say opinions are like — we all have enjoyable thing for all of us to watch.” world’s top 31. course or comments made by the US one. Everybody is allowed to have their McIlroy tossed his own barbs at the While Europe counters with fi ve of team or captain, that gives us so much own opinions. That’s what they think. US notion of Ryder Cup supremacy the world’s top 12, including Garcia in motivation already. We know what we have.” before Friday’s opening tee shots. 12th, half the European squad is ranked “Whenever we are going up against World number three McIlroy, Eu- “I’ve followed everything and I’ve below Ryan Moore, the captain’s pick one of the greatest teams ever assem- rope’s top-ranked player, is coming off had a bit of fun with it, the task force who is the lowest-ranked US player. bled, that’s motivation enough. How a victory at the US PGA’s season-end- and greatest team ever assembled and McIlroy noted that in terms of good a victory would this be if we go ing Tour Championship. It brought whatever else they are talking about,” worldwide victories this year, Europe out and beat these guys on home soil?” $1.5mn plus a $10mn season points McIlroy said. players have taken 12 to nine by the Clarke passed on his chance to dig bonus he swiped from the pocket of “If Europe were in the same po- Americans, the majors split even at into Love about the best-ever notion, Vice-captain Bubba Watson of the United States sits in a golf cart at Hazeltine US Cup rival Dustin Johnson, the US sition as what America have went two for each roster. saying, “About going up against the National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota, yesterday. (AFP) Open champion ranked second in the through over the past few Ryder Cups, “So our team is good. Our team is best team in the world, that one you world. we would be probably doing the same more than ready to handle the occa- should ask Davis. I’m very pleased “To see Rory showing that fi ghting thing and searching for answers.” sion, to handle what we need to do,” with our team.” SPOTLIGHT

McIlroy, Day, Scott among Player of Year fi nalists Ryder Cup extra special Rory McIlroy, who captured the Rookie of the Year award, joined Day won three times this year as well, Champions and Dean and Deluca season-ending US PGA Tour Cham- by Argentina’s Emiliano Grillo and taking the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Invitational. for McIlroy under Clarke pionship last weekend to win a $10 American Smylie Kaufman. World Golf Championships Match Stenson’s only win of the year came mn playoff bonus, was among the six Both awards are determined by a Play and The Players Championship. at the British Open for his first major finalists named yesterday for PGA vote among players who competed Johnson won his first major at the US title but it came with a record 72-hole Reuters had been taken by his father, Gerry, to Player of the Year. in at least 15 events this past season, Open and also took the WGC Bridge- low major score of 264. He also took Chaska, Minnesota play golf as a treat on his 10th birthday. The finalist lineup includes the six with balloting ending October 7 and stone Invitational and the BMW a silver medal at the Rio Olympics By chance, he ended up practising leaders in the world rankings — Aus- results expected to be announced Championship before settling for behind England’s Justin Rose after a his chipping very close to Clarke and tralia’s world number one Jason Day the following week. second behind McIlroy in the season memorable last-day duel. ory McIlroy has added mo- the two struck up a conversation. and sixth-ranked Adam Scott, British Northern Ireland’s third-ranked McIl- points chase. He led the US PGA Tour Kim, 21, won the Wyndham Cham- tivation playing for Europe “I remember I got a new wedge, the Open winner Henrik Stenson of roy, a leader for holders Europe this money list and took the Byron Nelson pionship and was one of only two captain Darren Clarke at this Cleveland Rusty Wedge,” McIlroy, 27, Sweden, US Open champion Dustin week against the United States at the Award with the low scoring average rookies to reach the Tour Champion- week’s Ryder Cup, having fi rst recalled during a news conference at metR his fellow Northern Irishman by Hazeltine National. “So I was chipping Johnson and two-time major winner 41st Ryder Cup, won the Deutsche of 69.172 strokes. ship, the other being Grillo, 24, who Jordan Spieth. Bank Championship playoff event as Scott won the Honda Classic and won the Frys.com Open last season. chance on his 10th birthday 17 years around the chipping green, and that’s South Korean Kim Si-Woo was among well as the Irish Open last May on the WGC Cadillac Championship while Kaufman, 24, won the Shriners Hospi- ago. where Darren was. three finalists named for the tour’s European Tour. Spieth took the Tournament of tals Open. While McIlroy readily concedes that “He had been on a great run, was like he has been lucky to represent his con- a top-10 player in the world, and it was tinent under three superb Ryder Cup my fi rst time to meet him. It was a great captains in Colin Montgomerie, Jose birthday for me. I was then part of his BOTTOMLINE Maria Olazabal and Paul McGinley, he Foundation to try and nurture the tal- says this week at Hazeltine will be extra ent in Ireland. special. “My relationship goes back a long “I’ve been very fortunate, everyone way with Darren... now here we are, in US Ryder squad wants to honour Palmer: Spieth in Europe has been very fortunate, the biggest stage of the game, and I’m to play under some great captains,” able to play under him as a Ryder Cup McIlroy said yesterday before heading captain. I’m very much looking for- AFP off for team practice with Englishmen ward to that.” Chaska, United States ‘Made diffi cult look easy’ Chris Wood and Andy Sullivan and A four-times major champion who Palmer set a standard for himself Spaniard Sergio Garcia. has represented a triumphant Europe to give back to the people who paid to “McGinley at Gleneagles (Scotland, in the past three Ryder Cups, McIlroy wo-time major winner Jordan come watch him, whether with a smile in 2014) was the best captain that I had relishes his expanding role as one of the Spieth says the US Ryder Cup or personal attention. An autograph, ever played under. I had a very special team’s leaders. team is looking to pay tribute a handshake or just a moment of his relationship with Paul,” he said of of “At Gleneagles last time, I embraced to Arnold Palmer this week attention made him the role model the Irishman. that more and I took more responsibil- Tafter his death and bringing home the some could immitate but none could “I’ve always wanted the win for the ity on,” said the world number three, trophy would certainly qualify. duplicate, even today’s most beloved captain, but probably even more so this who comes into this week in sizzling The Americans have lost three in a shotmakers. year just because of Darren and the re- form after winning twice in his last row, six of seven and eight of the past “We all try but we never live up to lationship that we have.” three PGA Tour starts. 10 Ryder Cup showdowns to Europe his standard,” fi ve-time major winner His relationship with Clarke dates “I relish that role. I understand it’s a ahead of Friday’s start of the 41st bi- Phil Mickelson said. “He made the dif- back nearly two decades ago to the Val- big responsibility but I feel like I’m now ennial matches at Hazeltine. fi cult look easy.” ley Course at Royal Portrush in North- ready to take that on my shoulders and “As Team USA, we’re all looking to do Spieth, 23, was born in 1993, the ern Ireland where the young McIlroy hopefully lead by example.” something to honor him this week,” Spi- same year Palmer collected his last eth said. “We all learned a lot from him. tour victory of any sort at the Cham- We would not be who we are on and off pions Tour Skins Game. But Palmer the course if it were not for him.” Flags fly at half-staff in honour of Arnold Palmer prior to the 2016 Ryder Cup at was able to pass along lessons about The US fl ag fl ies at half staff over the Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota, on Monday. (AFP) golf and life to the younger stars. suburban Minneapolis course to pay “He’s just a man who has inspired me homage to Palmer, who died Sunday at He had a love for the game. It showed much he contributed to golf. This will personally,” said Spieth, who shared the age 87 of heart issues. to the end.” be a tough loss for golf going forward.” locker Palmer uses in the Augusta Na- Palmer was the fi rst superstar of Black and white video highlights of Reactions from those trying to work tional Champions Locker room. American golf, the fi rst true celebrity Palmer in his prime, a US sports-TV on their putting on a windy Monday at “I don’t feel worthy. He should have sportsman. He attracted passionate staple since his death, fail to capture Hazeltine were grief-fi lled. his own. I feel very fortunate to have supporters known as Arnie’s Army the go-for-broke style that made him “It’s just sadness,” two-time major something in common with him.” and lifted golf into the television age popular or the fan-friendly manner winner Zach Johnson said. “He was Europe Ryder Cup captain Darren and beyond, serving as an inspiration and charm that made the seven-time such a great person. I don’t believe you Clarke said both teams are preparing to many of today’s top stars. major winner iconic for how he played can quantify or put into words what he to honour Palmer both with a worn “He was the fi rst cool guy to play in addition to how well he played. has done for golf.” emblem as well as their performances. golf,” said US Ryder Cup player Jimmy “All athletes owe him a debt. He Europe star Lee Westwood of Eng- “Whatever happens this week, it Walker. “Nobody did anything more paved the way for us,” Spieth said. “He land put it in simple terms: “Profes- will be another great chapter in Ryder for golf than Arnie did. He was one of was a role model and golf’s greatest sional golf is what it is today because Cup history,” he said. “And one that Europe team captain Darren Clarke (left) and Rory McIlroy talk before the the greatest personalities in golf ever. friend. I still think it’s underrated how of Arnold.” honours Mr. Palmer.” team photo at Hazeltine National Golf Club yesterday. (USA TODAY Sports) Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, September 28, 2016 SPORT

TENNIS Kerber survives scare in fi rst match as number one Muguruza was the second seeded casualty of the day after Roberta Vinci fell to Yaroslava Shvedova 7-5, 6-2 — her second defeat at the hands of the Kazakh this year. SPOTLIGHT Wuhan boss says Serena absence ‘unfortunate’

AFP become bedevilled with injury Wuhan, China problems, witnessing a series of retirements. Six players retired mid-match erena Williams’ with- in the fi rst two days of this year’s drawal from the Wuhan tournament, while another fi ve Open was “unfortunate”, suff ered the same fate last year Sthe tournament’s di- — including Garbine Muguruza rector said yesterday, after the in the fi nal. American star ruled herself out “We are towards the end of of the injury-hit tournament for the season and we know the the second year in a row. players have played a lot and we The 22-time Grand Slam know that some of them are very champion pulled out of the Chi- tired,” said Chouquet. nese event — and next week’s “A player never retires by China Open in Beijing — with a pleasure. They retire because shoulder injury, robbing it of its they have to.” best known player. Women’s Tennis Association “It’s unfortunate but we un- (WTA) chief Steve Simon has derstand. It’s the nature of the vowed “fundamental changes” sport,” Fabrice Chouquet told to the sport’s gruelling schedule, AFP. “We hope to see her here in which has added eight tourna- 2017.” ments in China since 2008. Williams has only made it to “The circuitry structure the hot and humid Wuhan Open is on the agenda,” Chouquet once, in 2014, when she retired said, adding that there could be from her fi rst match against Al- changes to the schedule by the ize Cornet with illness. 2018 season. Last year, she was also injured “It’s always a very fi ne line and skipped the entire Asian (between) giving playing op- swing, a busy period which cul- portunities to players and over- minates in the season-ending loading a calendar... (and for) WTA Finals in Singapore. these top tournaments to re- The Wuhan Open, held just ceive the player fi eld they de- after the year’s fi nal Grand Slam serve for the investment they tournament, the US Open, has put (in).”

Darvish’s brother found guilty in Angelique Kerber of Germany in action against Kristina Mladenovic of France in Wuhan yesterday. Below, Garbine Muguruza of Spain reacts during her second round match against Jelena Jankovic. Japan over gambling

AFP Kuznetsova of Russia. The pair have not AFP, Tokyo: A brother of Texas Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish was Wuhan met on court since 2009. found guilty yesterday for his role in an illegal gambling ring that American Madison Brengle fell to placed bets on US and Japanese pro baseball games, local media Kuznetsova 6-0, 6-4 in the second round, reported. ngelique Kerber survived a as eighth seed Madison Keys beat Caroline The Osaka District Court gave Sho Darvish, 27, a suspended prison scare in her fi rst match as world Garcia 6-3, 6-4. sentence since his gambling activities were limited and had no links number one while French Open Former Wimbledon quarter-fi nalist to gangsters, the Sankei Shimbun and Kyodo News said. champion Garbine Muguruza Barbora Strycova downed Japan’s Misaki The defendant was involved in collecting bets worth 110mn yen Acrashed out in Wuhan yesterday. Doi, while Daria Kasatkina of Russia beat ($1.1mn) from customers through the messaging app Line last year, The US and Australian Open champion, fellow qualifi er American Louisa Chirico. the court ruled. who had a bye in the fi rst round, made a Up-and-coming Russian Karen Immediate confirmation of the reports was not available. convincing start before missing two set Khachanov felled 7th-seeded Joao Sousa Gambling in Japan is generally illegal, including most sports betting. points and allowing Kristina Mladenovic of Portugal at the ATP Chengdu Open to Darvish’s older brother was a star in Japan’s professional league to take the fi rst set in a tie break. advance to the second round. before joining the Major League Baseball team. But the German then swept through the The 20-year-old, 1.98m (6’6”) right- It was not clear if any of the bets involved Texas Rangers’ games. rest of the match, winning 6-7 (4/7), 6-1, hander powered past Sousa 7-6(3), 6-3 Earlier this year, US media reported that Major League Baseball has 6-4 to set up a third-round meeting with in 77 minutes to face Frenchman Adrian determined that Yu Darvish had no involvement with his brother’s two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Mannarino in the second round. gambling operation in Japan. Kvitova. “It’s a very good match for me,” Khach- “I was trying to fi nd my rhythm because anov said, according to an ATP report. I was not playing my best in the fi rst set,” “I’m very happy with my performance. top seed Kerber said after the match. I like the court, I like the crowd, so I was WINTER OLYMPICS Meanwhile, Muguruza just couldn’t enjoying playing the match.” master former world number one Jelena Thirty-year-old South African Kevin Jankovic, pushing her to a tie break in the Anderson smoothly dispatched Jordan second set but still coming up short at Thompson of Australia 6-2, 6-4. He will Pyeongchang 2018 6-4, 7-6 (7/2). face Australia’s Nick Kyrgios, the second “I felt like I was in control of the match, seed and number 15 in the ATP rankings, in but the last shot was not there. I made the next round. celebrates 500-days maybe too many mistakes against Janko- Serbian Dusan Lajovic fought back from vic,” she told reporters. a dropped fi rst set to beat Federico Del The Spaniard bagged her fi rst Grand Bonis of Argentina 1-6, 6-3, 6-4. milestone; most Slam title at Roland Garros this year and In the second round he will face third rose to a career-high ranking of two, but seed Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria, now the early round loss at Wuhan puts her ranked 21st in the world. venues ready qualifi cation for the eight-player WTA Fi- Former Australian Open fi nalist Marcos nals in Singapore in doubt. Baghdatis of Cyprus traded hard-fought Muguruza was the second seeded casu- sets with Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta DPA Bach and the IOC coordination alty of the day after last year’s US Open when the match was suspended in the fi nal Berlin committee chaired by Gunilla fi nalist Roberta Vinci fell to Yaroslava Sh- set due to rain. AFP Lindberg visited Pyeongchang vedova 7-5, 6-2 — her second defeat at the Sixth seed Benoit Paire of France last week, with Lindberg say- hands of the Kazakh this year. took two hours to defeat Georgia’s Nikoloz he 2018 Winter Ol- ing: “We see great progress in Briton Johanna Konta had a tough battle Basilashvili 6-7(5), 7-5, 6-3 at the ATP ympics host city of Pyeongchang ... keep the enthu- to oust home crowd favourite Zhang Shuai Shenzhen Open yesterday, carrying him Pyeongchang cel- siasm, keep the energy!” in two sets, 6-3, 6-3, while world number into the second round. Tebrated the 500-day But Lindberg had also warned four Agnieszka Radwanska romped into He will next face 32-year-old Serbian milestone until the opening cer- last month that the legacy pro- the third round when she downed Russia’s Janko Tipsarevic, who bested the China emony yesterday, entering the gramme needed to be strength- Ekaterina Makarova.Radwanska will next native and wildcard Ze Zhang in the fi rst operational phase and facing a ened and that the hosting of 28 meet an in-form Caroline Wozniacki, who round 7-6(3), 6-4. host of test events over the next test events between October and defeated qualifi er Kateraina Siniakova In his fi rst match since the US Open, the months. April was “very ambitious.” 6-4, 6-4 on Tuesday, in the third round of eighth seed Jiri Vesely of the Czech Re- The February 9-25, 2018 Pyeongchang has so far the $2.6mn hardcourt event. public notched 13 aces in his 6-2, 7-6(8) Games are the fi rst on snow and only staged two test events, The former world number one beat Po- victory over Pablo Andujar of Spain, as the ice in mainland Asia. Organizers in alpine and freestyle skiing. land’s Radwanska in the semi-fi nals of last 1.98m (6’6”) lefty showed good form after have said that 88 per cent of the Pyeongchang was elected host week’s Pan Pacifi c Open in Tokyo, en route trying not to think about Kerber’s new bit diff erent. But I think if I’m on the court, an injury forced his early exit from the US venues are ready and that a key by the IOC in 2011, and has seen to her fi rst title of the year. status as world number one, formalised I don’t really think about that,” she told re- Open. high-speed railway connecting budget problems and construc- “We always (have) long battles against when the rankings were updated after porters. Qualifi er Ryan Harrison of the US won a the host city with the capital of tion delays in the buildup to the each other, especially on the slower sur- this month’s US Open, when they play on Seven-time Grand Slam champion Ve- second round berth after beating Guiller- Seoul and Incheon International Games. The organising commit- face (such) as here,” Radwanska said of Wednesday. nus Williams downed Yulia Putintseva of mo Garcia-Lopez 7-5, 6-4, while Japanese airport is to be completed in June. tee POCOG has seen changes at Wozniacki. “(It) will be for the fi rst time... that I will Kazakhstan 6-3, 6-2, and will next play wildcard Akira Santillan fell to Spaniard International Olympic Com- the helm, with Lee Hee Beom its Kvitova meanwhile said she would be play her as a number one, which is a little fellow tour veteran 10th-ranked Svetlana Inigo Cervantes in 78 minutes. mittee (IOC) president Thomas third president. Gulf Times Wednesday, September 28, 2016 11 SPORT

FOCUS PAK VS WI, 3RD T20I Qatar honours Pakistan whitewash national hero West Indies in Twenty20

AFP won the toss and decided to bowl fi rst. Mutaz Barshim Abu Dhabi Marlon Samuels scored 42 not out while Kieron Pollard made an unbeaten 16. ‘...he is yet to reach his peak, therefore we all expect more medals’ akistan downed world cham- Pakistan wiped off the target in 15.1 pions West Indies in the third overs, with Shoaib Malik (43 not out) By Sports Reporter and fi nal Twenty20 interna- and Babar Azam scoring an unbeaten Doha tional by eight wickets in Abu 27. PDhabi, achieving their fi rst-ever clean Pakistan won the fi rst two matches sweep in the shortest format yesterday. by nine wickets and 16 runs respective- ation’s sole 2016 Olympic Left-arm spinner Imad Wasim ly — both in Dubai. Games medallist and the chipped in with 3-21 — nine wickets in The two teams will now play a three- only Qatari ever to col- the series — as West Indies crawled to match one-day series starting in Shar- lect two Olympic medals, 103-5 in their 20 overs after Pakistan jah on Friday. NMutaz Essa Barshim, along with his coach and mentor Stanisław Szczyrba, enjoyed a warm and historic welcome by the country’s leading sporting authorities upon their return to Doha. Barshim was thrilled and over- whelmed by the emotional recep- tion. Qatar Olympic Committee vice- president Sheikh Saoud bin Ali al- Thani, Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF) president Dahlan al-Hamad, QAF secretary general Mohamed Jassem al-Kuwari, and QAF assist- ant secretary general and Qatar’s fi rst ever Olympic medallist Mo- hamed Suleiman were present at the Hamad International Airport to greet the nation’s hero. Sheikh Saoud described Barshim’s achievements as huge, while al-Hamad praised the ath- lete’s overall exploits throughout all these years. “We are privileged to have in our ranks such a rare talent like Mutaz. What he did in Rio was outstand- ing, but he is yet to reach his peak, therefore we all expect more med- als and honours from him in the Qatar Athletics Federation president Dahlan al-Hamad felicitates Mutaz Barshim at a banquet organised by QAF in Doha. near future,” said al-Hamad. Barshim, who ranked second in the men’s high jump Olympic fi nal after a dramatic and close contest at Joao Havelange Olympic Sta- dium, as well as coach Szczyrba, were also the guests of honour at a banquet organised by QAF in Doha. The curtain is about to fall on a long and demanding season which saw Barshim fi nish second at the Pakistani player celebrate a wicket during the 3rd T20I match against West Indies Olympics and the Diamond Race, at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi yesterday. (AFP) Abdalelah Haroun snatching a sil- ver medal at the IAAF World In- door Championships and nation’s Scorecard young guns winning two gold and a bronze at the IAAF World Junior WEST INDIES 20-0, Malik 2-0-11-0, Raees 3-0-10-0 Championships. All athletes will J. Charles b Wasim 5 now enjoy a short break and a few A. Fletcher run out 9 PAKISTAN relaxing moments before they will C. Walton b Wasim 0 S. Khan c Fletcher b Williams 11 put their training suits back on and M. Samuels not out 42 K. Latif b Williams 21 commence their preparations to- D. Bravo b Wasim 11 B. Azam not out 27 wards the new challenges 2017 is N. Pooran c Malik b Nawaz 16 S. Malik not out 43 about to bring out, with the IAAF K. Pollard not out 16 Extras (lb 4, w 2) 6 World Championships in London Extras (lb 3, w 1) 4 Total (two wkts; 15.1 overs) 108 being the pinnacle event of the up- Total (for five wkts; 20 overs) 103 Fall of Wickets: 1-36 (Sharjeel), 2-40 coming season. Al-Hamad (right) with Barshim and the latter’s coach Stanisław Szczyrba. FoW: 1-12 (Charles), 2-12 (Walton), 3-17 (Latif) (Fletcher), 4-31 (Bravo), 5-66 (Pooran) Bowling: Taylor 2-0-19-0 (1w), Wil- Bowling: Wasim 4-1-21-3, Tanvir 4-0- liams 4-0-15-2 (1w), Bravo 4-0-31-0, AUS VS IRL 22-0, Nawaz 3-0-16-1 (1w), Amir 4-0- Narine 4-0-21-0, Brathwaite 1.1-0-18-0

Khawaja, Smith peerless in Ireland rout SPOTLIGHT

AFP Peter Chase off Barry McCarthy, but India recall Gambhir as Benoni, South Africa played a stylish 77-ball innings, hit- ting eight fours and two sixes. Rahul ruled out of series sman Khawaja and captain SCORECARD Steve Smith shared an un- IRELAND AFP beaten 126-run partnership W. Porterfield lbw b Zampa 24 New Delhi as Australia romped to a P. Stirling c Zampa b Boland 30 Unine-wicket win in a one-day interna- J. Anderson lbw b Boland 39 tional against Ireland at Willowmoore G. Wilson c Wade b Worrall 14 eteran opener Gautam Gam- Park yesterday. Khawaja made 82 not S. Terry run out (Smith) 0 bhir was yesterday recalled out and Smith an unbeaten 59 as Aus- K. O’Brien lbw b Zampa 23 to the Indian Test squad after tralia chased down a modest target of S. Poynter b Marsh 11 two years in place of the in- 199 with 19.5 overs to spare. Vjured Lokesh Rahul for the remainder G. Dockrell b Zampa 8 It was a second heavy defeat in a B. McCarthy c Bailey b Hastings 13 of the Test series against New Zealand. row for Ireland, who lost by 206 runs T. Murtagh c Bailey b Hastings 15 The 34-year-old Gambhir, who last against South Africa at the same venue P. Chase not out 0 played a Test in 2014 against England, on Sunday, but set the scene for what Australia’s Usman Khawaja (left) plays a shot during the ODI match against Extras (lb2, w19) 21 has been picked in the 15-member Smith expects to be a tough fi ve- Ireland at the Willowmoore ground in Benoni, South Africa, yesterday. (AFP) Total (43.5 overs) 198 squad after a good showing on India’s match one-day series between South FoW: 1-47 (Stirling), 2-72 (Porterfield), domestic circuit. Africa and Australia, starting at Cen- careless Terry did not get back into his in the end,” said Smith. “We need to 3-121 (Anderson), 4-123 (Wilson), 5-123 Rahul suff ered a hamstring strain in turion on Friday. crease and the ball defl ected to Smith, work on the way we started with the (Terry), 6-146 (Poynter), 7-158 (Dock- the fi rst Test and will not be available Ireland let slip a promising start, whose throw from slip ran out the new ball but we came back nicely to bowl rell), 8-178 (O’Brien), 9-198 (McCarthy) for the next two matches, said a state- collapsing from 121 for two in the 24th batsman. them out. We gave them too many Bowling: Worrall 10-0-43-1 (1w), Hast- ment from the Board of Control for over to 198 all out. “We lost our way there,” said Ireland freebies and we can’t aff ord to do that ings 7.5-0-31-2 (2w), Boland 8-0-42-2 Cricket in India (BCCI). The solid foundation laid by Wil- captain Porterfi eld. “It was diffi cult to against South Africa.” (3w), Marsh 8-0-43-1 (5w), Zampa “The All-India Senior Selection liam Porterfi eld (24), Paul Stirling (30) come back from that.” David Warner got Australia off to a 10-1-37-3 (2w) Committee has named Gautam Gamb- and John Anderson (39) was destroyed Leg-spinner Adam Zampa was rapid start, dominating a 73-run fi rst AUSTRALIA hir as Rahul’s replacement for the next when they lost three wickets for two Australia’s most successful bowler, wicket stand with fellow left-hander D. Warner c and b Murtagh 48 two Test matches,” the BCCI said. runs in the space of seven balls. taking three for 37. He made good use Khawaja. Warner hit 48 off 30 balls, with U. Khawaja not out 82 The left-handed Gambhir, who re- Anderson was leg before wicket to of his variations, taking two wickets fi ve fours and two sixes, before pushing S. Smith not out 59 corded 356 runs in the recent Duleep Scott Boland before new cap Daniel with googlies and one with a fl ipper. back a slower ball from Tim Murtagh Extras (nb1, w9) 10 Trophy domestic championship, has was also ruled out of the second Test Worrall claimed his fi rst internation- Zampa apart, a largely inexperienced to be caught and bowled. Murtagh was Total (1 wkt, 30.1 overs) 199 played 56 Test matches for India since starting Friday in Kolkata. al wicket when he had Gary Wilson Australian bowling attack looked in the only Ireland bowler able to impose FoW: 1-73 (Warner) making his debut in 2004 against Aus- Off -spinner Jayant Yadav has been caught behind. need of more work ahead of the series a measure of control over the batsmen, Bowling: Chase 5-0-55-0 (1nb, 1w), Mc- tralia. named as Sharma’s replacement. Worrall appealed unsuccessfully for against South Africa. They sent down 13 taking one for 21 in six overs. Carthy 7-0-57-0 (2w), Murtagh 6-0-21-1 Meanwhile pacer Ishant Sharma, India lead the three-match series 1-0 leg before wicket when his next ball wides, costing a total of 19 runs. Khawaja was dropped twice, on (1w), O’Brien 7-0-30-0 (4w), Dockrell who missed the fi rst game due to the after a 197-run triumph against New struck Sean Terry on the pad. But a “It was a pretty good performance eight and 73, both times in the deep by 5.1-0-36-0 (1w) mosquito-borne disease chikungunya, Zealand in Kanpur.

Wednesday, September 28, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS ASIAN BEACH GAMES Qatar handball team beat India 2-0 Doha 2016 QNA Da Nang, Vietnam UCI Worlds atar’s handball team beat India 2-0 in fi fth Asian Beach Games 2016 in Da Nang, Vietnam, on Monday. The national handball team is sign deal Qpooled in group A alongside, Pakistan, Bahrain, Thailand and India, while group B includes hosts Vietnam, Oman, Japan, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. The handball squad was scheduled to lock with Aspetar horns against Thailand in their second match later yesterday. By Sports Reporter sports medicine facilities in the On other hand, Qatar’s beach volleyball teams Doha world, with Aspetar playing a key continued their winning streak by defeating role in the continued develop- China Taipei 2-0 and beating hosts Vietnam 2-1. ment of sport in Qatar. Aspetar On the same track of victory, Qatar’s beach he UCI Road World will provide competing athletes basketball team recorded two victories over Laos Championships Doha with medical care by some of the 21-12 and China 17-16. 2016 Organising Com- world’s best sports medicine ex- In these prestigious Games, Qatar sport teams mittee yesterday formal- perts. Aspetar’s services will be are competing in seven games including football, isedT an agreement with Aspetar present at all races at this year’s handball, volleyball, basketball, athletics, wres- as the Offi cial Medical Services UCI Road World Champion- tling and swimming. Provider. ships.” An estimated 3,000 athletes from 45 countries The agreement-signing cer- Commenting on the occasion, and territories, including 350 competitors from emony was attended by UCI Dr. al-Kuwari said, “We’d like Vietnam, across 14 categories are competing in Road World Championships to thank the Championship’s these Games. Action from the Asian Beach Games handball match between Qatar (in maroon) and India on Monday. (Twitter/QOC) Doha 2016 Organising Commit- organising committee for plac- tee chairman Sheikh Khalid bin ing such great confi dence in As- Ali al-Thani and Aspetar’s acting petar’s capabilities. As we sign director general Dr. Mohamed this agreement today, Aspetar is FINA AIRWEAVE SWIMMING WORLD CUP Ghaith al-Kuwari. ready to deploy all its capabilities Speaking about the upcom- to ensure the continued success ing UCI Road World Champion- of this major international event. ships, Sheikh Khalid said, “We We are ready.” are about to embark on another This year’s UCI Road World impressive step in Qatar’s jour- Championships will see more ney in sport. The world’s top than 5,700 athletes and delegates cyclists will descend on Doha, during the Championships. where we will be the centre of the Meanwhile, Aspetar will be 16 Qatari swimmers world of cycling for more than a providing a minimum of 17 expe- week. During this time, we will rienced medical staff , including show thousands of riders, del- sports medicine specialists and egates and fans our famous brand emergency medical technicians of Qatari hospitality.” and ambulances. Aspetar will He added: “An integral part of also be providing a medical stand our preparation is ensuring the equipped with the latest medical to compete in Doha safety and health of the world’s technology for emergency diag- best cyclists. Qatar is home nosis and intervention proce- 2016 World Cup to some of the most advanced dures, should they be necessary. ‘This shows how Qatari swimming continues to go from strength to strength’

By Sports Reporter Despite his young age, al-Nabet will Doha compete in the Swimming World Cup for the second consecutive time, after com- peting in the 2015 edition in the 100m and uilding on the legacy of previous 50m freestyle, 100m and 50m backstroke editions of the FINA airweave events. The up and coming athlete, who Swimming World Cup, 16 prom- started swimming at the age of nine, has ising young Qatari swimmers are competed in various GCC champion- slatedB to compete in the upcoming 2016 ships. edition, which will be held in the Hamad Another notable member of the Qatari Aquatic Centre from October 8 to 9. swimming team in this year’s FINA air- The majority of the Qatari swimmers weave Swimming World Cup is 15-year- are still teenagers and also include Olym- old Abdulaziz al-Obaidly, who holds the UCI Road World Championships Doha 2016 Organising Committee pians fresh from the Rio 2016 Games — Qatari national records for the 100m and chairman Sheikh Khalid bin Ali al-Thani (left) and Aspetar’s acting di- Noah al-Khulaifi , 17, and Nada Arakji, 21. 200m backstroke, the former remains rector general Dr Mohamed Ghaith al-Kuwari at the agreement-sign- Arakji became the fi rst ever Qatari female untouched since 2011. ing ceremony yesterday. athlete to compete in two Olympic Games Al-Obaidly, who joined the national after her debut in London 2012. team aged 6 and started swimming at age Speaking about Qatar’s participation in 3, competed in last year’s FINA airweave SPOTLIGHT the World Cup, Qatar Swimming Federa- Swimming World Cup in the 50m and tion president Khalil al-Jabir said, “We 100m freestyle, and 50m backstroke. are pleased that so many young Qataris Speaking ahead of the Swimming are competing in this year’s World Cup. World Cup, al-Obaidly said, “I’m very We welcome This shows how Qatari swimming con- excited to compete in the FINA airweave tinues to go from strength to strength and Swimming World Cup again. Last year it is events like this that help to develop was a great experience for me and I’m and grow swimming in Qatar. Competing always looking to learn more. Compet- Turkey’s request to in a world-class event in front of a home- ing in front of my friends and family feels crowd is extremely valuable experience Olympian Noah al-Khulaifi will also compete in the FINA airweave Swimming World Cup. amazing, it gives me an extra boost to do for all our young swimmers as they build all that I can during a race.” join MERC: FIA vice for the future. We wish them all the best 2015 edition in the 50m breaststroke and I was able to do my best, give my all and The average age of the Qatari athletes of luck and we hope that this year’s World 400m freestyle events. make my country proud is something re- competing in the FINA airweave Swim- Cup will further raise awareness of swim- Arakji returned to the Olympic pool in ally amazing and it’s something that I will ming World Cup 2016 is just 15 years old. president al-Attiyah ming in Qatar and the region and inspire Rio 2016 after becoming one of Qatar’s always look back at.” This points to the immense impact that more young athletes to take up the sport. fi rst ever female Olympians in the London Arakji competed in the 2014 and 2015 hosting the Doha leg of the World Cup Agencies lying elite contributes to the suc- We encourage everyone to get their tick- 2012 Olympic Games. Arakji competed in editions of the FINA airweave Swimming has had on encouraging youth to take Kuwait City cess of the championship techni- ets and come down and support them.” the women’s 100m butterfl y in Rio and World Cup in Doha where she took part up swimming, and is a positive sign of cally and administratively. Al-Khulaifi , whose two younger broth- looks to build on her Olympic experience in the 50m freestyle and 50m butterfl y the promising future for Qatar’s athletes “Since taking over as FIA vice ers Yacob, 15, and Yousef, 11, are also tak- in the Hamad Aquatic Centre pool during events respectively. moving forward. IA vice president Nasser president in 2013, I have worked ing part in the FINA airweave Swimming the Swimming World Cup. Other members of Team Qatar that will To support the young Qatari swimmers bin Khalifa al-Attiyah towards promotion of motor- World Cup, competed in the Men’s 100m Speaking about her experience in Rio take part in the Swimming World Cup from the stands of the Hamad Aquatic welcomed Turkey’s re- sport in Mena, and addition of backstroke in Rio 2016, marking his fi rst 2016, Arakji said, “It felt amazing to have this year include teenagers Mohamed centre, purchase your tickets through quest to join the Mid- Turkey is yet another step in that ever Olympic appearance. The 2016 edi- been in Rio – it was a great experience Mohamed, 13, Abdulrahman al-Kuwari, Q-tickets.com - prices are set at 20 QAR dleF East Rally Championship direction.” tion of the FINA airweave Swimming and everyone was so supportive. See- 17, Naser Yaser, 17, Yousef Mohamed, 14, per person per session. Given this year’s (MERC) in 2017. Al-Attiyah, who is also the World Cup marks the second participa- ing other world class athletes makes you Abdulaziz al-Obaidly, 15, and Mesalam stellar line up of athletes, be sure to book Talking about the develop- FIM deputy president, fi nished tion of al-Khulaifi , who competed in the want to do more, and just knowing that al-Nabet, 15. your ticket well ahead of time. ment, the Qatari said, “First of a meeting with FIM board mem- all, I would like thank the man- bers in Geneva on Monday and agement of Turkish Automobile said the meetings saw positive Sports Federation for their posi- outcomes. CYCLING tive initiative to join the MERC.” He now heads to Paris to attend Al-Attiyah added: “Turkey’s the FIA general assembly and addition to the competition only other meetings on the sidelines. strengthens it, as Turkish drivers Al-Attiyah praised FIA president Anti-doping system open to abuse: Froome have experience in rallies. Also, Jean Todt for his prominent role participation of Middle East ral- in pushing motorsport ahead.

AFP WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) need corticosteroid triamcinolone on the eve London to urgently address. of the 2011 and 2012 Tours de France and “At the same time, there are athletes 2013 Giro d’Italia. who not only abide by the rules that are in Triamcinolone has been described by our de France champion Chris place, but also those of fair play. several former dopers as one of the most Froome has responded to the “I have never had a ‘win at all costs’ ap- eff ective performance-enhancing drugs drug-taking controversy sur- proach in this regard. I am not looking to and it is believed to help athletes lose rounding Bradley Wiggins by push the boundaries of the rules. weight without losing power, postpone Tclaiming sport’s anti-doping rules are “I believe that is something that ath- fatigue and aid recovery. open to abuse. letes need to take responsibility for them- The disgraced Lance Armstrong tested Froome took to Twitter to vent about selves, until more stringent protocols can positive for it at the 1999 Tour but used a the issues with doping controls after two be put in place.” bogus TUE to avoid an anti-doping viola- offi cially approved Therapeutic Use Ex- Chris Froome (left) and Bradley Wiggins Athletes are able to take some banned tion. emptions (TUE) earlier in his career were substances as medication if they are Wiggins, a life-long asthma suff erer revealed by hackers earlier this month. that to set a good example both morally cleared by the authorities and Froome with an allergy to pollen, hasn’t broken Froome, who won his third Tour de and ethically. said he has never pushed the boundaries any doping rules and told the BBC on France title in four years in July, said: “I “It is clear that the TUE (therapeutic of what is allowed. Sunday that he was not seeking “an un- take my position in sport very seriously use exemption) system is open to abuse British star Wiggins, a fi ve-time Ol- fair advantage” when he used the drug, and I know that I have to not only abide and I believe that this is something the ympic champion, received three TUEs for but was trying to “level the playing fi eld by the rules, but also go above and beyond UCI (cycling’s governing body) and intramuscular injections of the powerful so he could compete at the highest level”.