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Tuesday, December 29, 2015 CRICKET Rabia I 18, 1437 AH Boundary-hunter GULF TIMES Guptill smacks SL into submission SPORT Page 10

FRIENDLY Inter vs PSG is a sold out aff air tars of Inter Milan and PSG will be one-point lead in Serie A going into the playing to a full house at the Jassim winter break. They will be looking to use Bin Hamad stadium, home of QSL the training facilities in Qatar to propel side Al Sadd tomorrow. into a bigger lead going in the second half SThe match will conclude the winter of the season. training camps for both the sides. The Nerazzurri are fi ghting on two As many as 15,000 fans are set to pack fronts domestically, and will be looking to the Jassim Bin Hamad stadium, reminis- secure their fi rst scudetto since the 2009- cent of scenes last year when Juventus en- 10 season. tertained Napoli in the Italian Super Coppa fi nal. PSG HEAD STRAIGHT INTO TRAINING Match organisers are eager to stress the Paris Saint German dived straight into importance of fans arriving early to get the training after arriving in Doha. The team best seat possible to enjoy this game between had their fi rst training session at 10pm in two of Europe’s biggest sides. The ground Aspire, with the participation of all the top will be open to spectators from 5:30pm. players, including Swedish superstar Zla- The sold-out fi xture is set to give fans tan Ibrahimovic. The session was led by from around the GCC a footballing treat head coach Laurent Blanc, with two more with two sides, who are currently top their sessions scheduled for yesterday. domestic leagues, face off . Eight more players will join up the PSG currently have a handsome squad, including summer signing Angel Di 19-point lead in Ligue 1, and they will be Maria. using their winter tour to prep for their Talking about tomorrow’s friendly Champions League last 16 clash against against Inter, Blanc said, “The match Chelsea. against Inter will be a way of rounding off Meanwhile, Inter Milan have a slender three days of intense work in style.” PSG striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic (right) poses for photographs with fans after a training session yesterday. PICTURE: Anas Khalid Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, December 29, 2015 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Inter Milan arrive ‘We are defi nitely for PSG friendly capable of winning

Champions League’ Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini is greeted on his arrival. PSG goalkeeper Kevin Trapp believes that his team have it in them to lift the elusive title

By Joe Koraith Doha

hen you are playing for a team with many superstars, fi nding your share of the spotlight is a huge ask. Then Wwhen you raise the level of the team to that of Paris Saint-Germain the problem only magnifi es. And to add to it you are a goalkeeper in a team that currently has a goal diff erence of 39 in Ligue 1. But PSG’s fi rst choice goalkeeper Kevin Trapp is ensuring that while the big name strik- ers plunder up front, he keeps the ‘Goals Against’ column as low as possible. Con- sidering that he has conceded only nine goals this season, the lowest by any team in Ligue 1, he’s doing a good job so far. It has been just fi ve months since the German joined PSG in July from Eintracht Frankfurt on a nine-million Euro fee. But the goalkeeper hasn’t taken time settling in into a big club. “Frankfurt is a nice club but was not the biggest in Germany so it was a big diff erence between Frankfurt and Paris. PSG is one of the biggest clubs in the world. It was a new experience for me. The integration was easy because we have a nice team, nice characters in the team,” said Trapp yesterday when speak- ing to journalists here in Doha. “It was the fi rst time I played Champi- ons League and for the fi rst time I played with players like David Luiz and Zlatan (Ibrahimovic). I feel comfortable in the team. I am happy to be here,” he added. PSG goalkeeper Kevin Trapp during a training session at Aspire Park yesterday. PICTURES: Anas Khalid With such big names on the team ros- ter, the pressure on the youngster is im- PSG defeated Chelsea when the two mense but Trapp believes that sticking to Trapp says... teams met at the same stage last year the basics will bring him success. “You ON THE FACILITIES IN QATAR but they lost to eventual champions always have pressure. You always have to “The weather is perfect here. Barcelona. Trapp believes that his team perform. But it’s always the same work The pitches are perfect. The has what it to takes to land that elusive that I have to do. Anticipate well, catch a possibilities to train and to trophy. “Champions League is always ball, play with the team. At the end I try improve are perfect. Everybody difficult. Even Barcelona and Real Ma- to do my work and constantly look to im- is really nice and help a lot. It’s a drid don’t win every year. And there prove,” said the 25-year-old. perfect atmosphere to train.” are minute details that can decide the U23 “On the pitch I have to prove that I matches. We have a strong team but we want to play, that I want to be in the team. ON THE 2022 WORLD CUP have to improve little things. It’s pos- At the end it’s the coach who decides. My “It’s too far away. That’s a topic I sible to win and that’s our goal. But we job is to make sure that I prove myself on don’t want to speak about now. are definitely capable of winning it,” Ticket now available the pitch. That’s what I try every day.” But Qatar will do everything said Trapp. Trapp and his PSG teammates will take they can to prepare and be They defi nitely have the fi repower up on Inter Milan tomorrow and the keeper perfect.” front and if Trapp can bring in solidity PSG coach for the AFC U23 sees that as a match to test his team’s ability between the posts, then PSG’s dream can Laurent Blanc. against another European giants. “It’s not a ON COACH LAURENT BLANC defi nitely turn into reality. friendly match. Inter Milan is big team. We “The coach speaks a lot with C’ship Qatar 2016 want to win this match. It’s a perfect match the players. The results in the for us to see how far we are,” said Trapp. last few months say a lot. We PSG are on course to win a fourth con- didn’t lose even one match in secutive Ligue 1 title but it’s the Cham- the French championship. We pions League that’s their ultimate dream. lost against Madrid. But that And PSG will be playing their familiar was a match which we should rivals Chelsea in the Round of 16. Trapp have won. The relationship expects it to be a tough match despite between the coach and players Chelsea’s bad run of form in the English is perfect.” Premier League but believes in his team’s ability too. “Chelsea are a big team. But we don’t have to hide. We have proved every team. Our goal is to go as far as pos- already that we are a good team. We lost sible in the Champions League. It’s pos- against Madrid by just one goal but we sible but we know that it’s not going to be PSG’s star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic (C) during training. showed that we can play. We can beat easy,” said the German. Off icials pose during the launch of the off icial mascot Najim.

BOTTOMLINE By Sports Reporter U23 Championship off ers a win- Doha dow to the future of football in Asia, featuring tomorrow’s brightest Asian football stars. icket sales for AFC U23 The tournament is also a quali- Championship Qatar fying competition for the 2016 2016, Asia’s second big- Olympic Games in Rio de Ja- PSG want second part of the gest men’s national team neiro, which increases the stakes championship,T started yester- even further for Asia’s 16 best day. under-23 teams competing for The tournament will be played the continental title in January in Doha and it will feature 16 top in Qatar.” season to be great, says Matuidi U23 sides from Asia, includ- The aff ordable ticketing AFP tual winners Barcelona. Among the records the Paris- ing hosts Qatar and defending structure has been designed to Doha This time PSG will start as ians have a chance of breaking champions Iraq. The top three make the tournament accessible clear favourites not only because is for the most points in a Ligue teams from the tournament will to the local football fans and to of their irresistible form but be- 1 season—the current high is secure qualifi cation for the 2016 attract families in order to ensure aris Saint-Germain’s cause the English champions 89 held by PSG—and the most Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. a lively and festive atmosphere in Blaise Matuidi said have been dismal all season, los- games unbeaten, which current- The opening match on Janu- the stadia. yesterday the runaway ing nine matches and currently ly stands at 32, set 20 years ago ary 12 sees Syria take on Iran and Tickets for all the matches are French Ligue 1 lead- sit 15th in the English Premier by Nantes. hosts Qatar kick off their cam- available online from the Qatar Pers had set “high objectives” League. Midfi elder Matuidi has just paign against China on the same Football Association website: for 2016 and aimed to go as far PSG’s Qatari owners hope been named French footballer of day, at 7:30pm local time, at the www.qfa.qa.You can also buy as possible in the Champions the summer signing of Argen- the year 2015 by France Football Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium. tickets from Villaggio Mall and League. tina winger Angel Di Maria magazine and said he was “really The fi nal is played on January 30 City Center Mall in Doha from Speaking in Doha at the club’s from Manchester United can happy” about the award. also at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa January 2, 2016. Furthermore, winter tour in Qatar, Matuidi help propel them further in “It’s a real honour. I was voted Stadium. fans will be able to buy tickets said PSG were also looking to 2016, with president Nasser al- in by former award recipients so AFC General Secretary Dato’ on match days at the tournament break more records in the second Khelaifi declaring: “We are close I’m really happy about that. I’m Windsor John said: “The AFC stadiums. half of the season. to our dream.” very proud,” said the 28-year- “We have high objectives and The matches take place in old. Ticket categories and prices we do want the second part of February and March. PSG will play Italian league the season to be great,” he told Paris Saint-Germain’s French midfielder Blaise Matuidi. In France, the league is all but leaders Inter Milan in a friendly Category Opener Group QFs SFs Final reporters after a 90-minute won. PSG sit a massive 19 points in Qatar tomorrow before head- VIP QR100 QR50 QR50 QR50 QR100 training session in the Qatari league our goal is to go as far as season in a row in the Champi- clear at the top of Ligue 1 at the ing back to France. CAT 1 QR50 QR30 QR30 QR30 QR50 capital. we can.” ons League. halfway mark of the season with Among the players taking CAT 2 QR30 QR10 QR10 QR10 QR30 “We started really well, break- However he added: “There’s a Chelsea triumphed in 2014 51 points, a record for the French part were Zlatan Ibrahimovic Children Free Free Free Free Free ing a record but we want to break big game waiting for us.” but PSG gained revenge in last league. and Marco Verrati. The session Disabled Free Free Free Free Free more with the league and, of PSG have drawn English season’s competition, before They have won 16, drawn was overseen by coach Laurent To buy tickets, go to www.qfa.qa course, with the champions champions Chelsea for the third being knocked out by even- three and remain unbeaten. Blanc. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 29, 2015 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Late penalty helps Stoke beat Everton Man Utd give Van in seven-goal thriller Gaal respite in Chelsea draw

‘You’ve seen that the players are fighting for me. I am fully confident in the board and Stoke’s Marko Arnautovic (left) celebrates scoring their fourth goal. my players. There is no reason to resign. I thank my players for the performance’ AFP “It is very disappointing at London that point for us to lose a draw.” Results Mark Hughes’s side had beaten United thanks to goals by Bojan Arsenal ...... 2 Bournemouth ...... 0 arko Arnautovic Krkic and Arnautovic and that Crystal Palace ...... 0 Swansea ...... 0 scored a last-gasp duo were involved when the penalty as Stoke City visitors opened the scoring on a Everton ...... 3 Stoke...... 4 beat Everton 4-3 in a blustery Merseyside afternoon. Manchester Utd....0 Chelsea ...... 0 Mthrilling game at Goodison Park The game was just 16 min- Norwich ...... 2 Aston Villa ...... 0 yesterday. utes old when Bojan accelerated Arnautovic beat Tim Howard into the area down the left and Watford...... 1 Tottenham...... 2 from the spot as the match found Arnautovic, the big Aus- West Brom ...... 1 Newcastle ...... 0 moved into stoppage time after trian helping the ball on to leave West Ham...... 2 Southampton...... 1 the Austrian forward had gone Shaqiri with an easy fi nish for his down under a John Stones chal- fi rst Stoke goal. EPL Table lenge inside the area. Everton were only behind for It was a dramatic end to a six minutes, though, as Ross English Premier League table after humdinger of a game as Ever- Barkley and James McCarthy yesterday’s matches (played, won, ton came away with nothing combined to set up Lukaku, who drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, despite Romelu Lukaku scoring turned and fi red past Jack But- points): twice to take his tally to 11 goals land having been played on by in his last 10 games and go level Erik Pieters. Arsenal 19 12 3 4 33 18 39 with Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy Brendan Galloway shot just Leicester 18 11 5 2 37 25 38 atop the Premier League scorers’ wide and Seamus Coleman Tottenham 19 9 8 2 33 15 35 charts with 15 for the season. might have had a penalty when Man City 18 11 2 5 37 20 35 It was a second straight home he went down under a Pieters Crystal Palace 19 9 4 6 23 16 31 loss for Everton and a blow to tackle as the home side pushed Man Utd 19 8 6 5 22 16 30 their European hopes, while forward, but Stoke were back West Ham 19 7 8 4 28 23 29 Stoke followed their 2-0 win ahead thanks to a stunning goal Watford 19 8 5 6 24 20 29 against Manchester United on just before the interval. Boxing Day to go above their op- Bojan’s superb cross-fi eld pass Stoke 19 8 5 6 20 19 29 ponents and into eighth in the caught out the Everton defence Liverpool 18 7 6 5 21 22 27 table. and Swiss former Bayern Munich Everton 19 6 8 5 35 28 26 Everton boss Roberto Mar- star Shaqiri outpaced Galloway Southampton 19 6 6 7 26 23 24 tinez was furious with referee before beating Howard with West Brom 19 6 5 8 18 24 23 Mark Clattenburg for awarding a sublime fi rst-time chip that Chelsea 19 5 5 9 23 29 20 the penalty. sailed into the net. Norwich 19 5 5 9 22 32 20 “It is such a wrong call. Some- Again Lukaku struck to bring Everton level just after the hour Bournemouth 19 5 5 9 22 34 20 one with his experience should understand the game a bit more,” mark as he controlled a long ball Swansea 19 4 7 8 16 24 19 he said. forward from substitute Tom Newcastle 19 4 5 10 19 34 17 “Clearly John Stones gets a Cleverley before smashing past Sunderland 18 3 3 12 19 37 12 touch of the ball and from that Butland to make it 2-2. Aston Villa 19 1 5 13 15 34 8 point on you can see there is a It was his eighth goal in his last doubt from the referee. seven Premier League games at Manchester United’s English striker Wayne Rooney applauds to acknowledge the crowd after the final whistle during his team’s EPL match against Chelsea at Old Traff ord. “He does not give it straight Goodison and he was involved away, so he wants confi rmation, again as Everton took the lead for AFP terwards: “You’ve seen that the players was chanted by the away fans inside the Thibaut Courtois pushed it behind. and he waits for the linesman— the fi rst time on 71 minutes, fi nd- Manchester are fi ghting for me. I am fully confi dent ground. United’s level dropped as half-time ap- who is probably about 45 yards ing Barkley before the England in the board and my players. There is no proached and they survived a scare early away from the incident—to give man’s ball across goal was turned reason to resign. MATIC MOCKED in the second half when De Gea produced him his view. in by Gerard Deulofeu. anchester United bought “I thank my players for the perform- Rested for the 2-0 defeat at Stoke City, a fi ne double-save to thwart fi rst Pedro, beleaguered manager Louis ance. It gives a lot of hope for the fans.” Wayne Rooney was one of four play- teed up by the impressive Eden Hazard, van Gaal a measure of respite Chelsea also had their moments, ers brought in by Van Gaal and the cap- and then Azpilicueta. DELIGHT with an improved display in though, and might have given Guus Hid- tain set the tone for the hosts in the fi rst The home side were soon back on the Myesterday’s 0-0 draw at home to under- dink the fi rst win of his second spell as half with his confi dent probing and crisp attack and it took a tremendous refl ex performing Premier League champions interim manager had David de Gea not passing. stop from Courtois to prevent Ander Chelsea. saved smartly from John Terry, Pedro Playing up front, with Martial exiled to Herrera tucking away Martial’s drilled Super-sub Son sinks Van Gaal previously admitted that he Rodriguez and Cesar Azpilicueta or Ne- the left, the England captain set up two left-wing cross. was contemplating leaving Old Traf- manja Matic not blazed over when clean early chances for Mata and Morgan Sch- United’s fans’ hearts leapt into their ford after a wretched slump in form, through in the second half. neiderlin, the Spaniard slamming a shot mouths again moments later, however, 10-man Watford but although his team have now gone The result left Chelsea, unbeaten against the bar, the Frenchman drilling when from Pedro’s pass, Matic suddenly eight games without victory in all com- against United in nine encounters, three wide. found himself bearing down on De Gea, petitions, they avoided sinking to fi ve points above the relegation zone, while In between, United goalkeeper De Gea only for the Serbian midfi elder to hoist straight defeats for the fi rst time since their opponents are now fi ve points off produced a brilliant one-handed save af- his shot into the crowd, unleashing a December 1936. the top four and nine points below lead- ter Terry met Willian’s right-wing corner burst of mocking laughter around the In a performance that may give Unit- ers Arsenal in sixth place. with a bullet header. stadium. ed’s board reason to hope the Dutchman With Van Gaal’s future uncertain, But for most of the fi rst half it was one- The fi nal chance fell to Rooney, picked can steer the club out of their dip, the the spectre of Jose Mourinho, sacked by way traffi c, Martial driving a shot against out at the back post by substitute Cam- home side played with greater enter- Chelsea 11 days ago, continues to haunt the left-hand post in the 17th minute af- eron Borthwick-Jackson, but from inside prise than of late and hit the woodwork him. ter skinning Branislav Ivanovic. the six-yard area the United number 10 through Juan Mata and Anthony Martial, Mourinho’s face and ‘Special One’ Shortly before the half-hour, Rooney volleyed well over. but it was nonetheless their sixth 0-0 nickname adorned scarves in United’s picked up a loose ball and took aim from Frustrated, Rooney planted his studs home draw of the season. colours sold outside Old Traff ord by op- 30 yards with a shot that was arrowing into Oscar’s calf shortly after and was A defi ant Van Gaal told BT Sport af- portunistic stallholders, while his name into the top-left corner until the fl ying lucky to escape with a booking.

BOTTOMLINE Son Heung Min (left) celebrates scoring Tottenham’s second goal.

AFP previous home rout of Liverpool London to know that they could not be taken lightly. Watford had surpassed all ex- outh Korea forward Son pectations by climbing into the Inspired Ozil fi res Arsenal to top Heung-min hit a dramat- top 10 before the year was out. ic late winner for Totten- Survival appears a formality AFP the teams as Arsenal ground out Gabriel, in fact, was one of ham to earn a 2-1 victory for the promoted side. Spurs, on a crucial three points. four players brought into the Ar- overS 10-man Watford yesterday. the other hand, have loftier am- London Bournemouth, renowned for senal side by Wenger following Son came off the substitutes’ bitions. their attractive style of play, that miserable evening on the bench to backheel Kieran Trip- A Champions League fi nish is rsenal’s title challenge went into the game having not south coast, with Alex Oxlade- pier’s cross home in the 89th a minimum target but a fi rst top- is back on track follow- lost since early November, in- Chamberlain, Calum Chambers minute at Vicarage Road. fl ight crown since 1961 is cer- ing a 2-0 victory over cluding morale-boosting victo- and Kieran Gibbs also selected Erik Lamela had pounced on a tainly not beyond them. Bournemouth yester- ries over Chelsea and Manches- in a rare shake-up—and Lauren mistake to open the scoring be- To take another step towards dayA which sent them to the top ter United. Koscielny surprisingly left on fore Nigerian striker Odion Igha- achieving that aim, they would of the Premier League and saw Arsenal by contrast had seen the bench. lo scored for the sixth successive have to do what few sides have goalkeeper Petr Cech set a new their own six-match unbeaten Gabriel justifi ed that faith game to haul Watford level be- done and that would be to keep clean-sheet record. run brutally ended by South- as he hit the post with another fore half-time. Troy Deeney and Ighalo quiet. Goals from Gabriel and Mesut ampton in defeat at St Mary’s, header from another Ozil corner Tottenham looked set to be The most prolifi c pairing in Ozil, who was again Arsenal’s a result which almost instantly minutes later, the ball bounc- left frustrated despite having the the league have combined to key performer, were enough defl ated the euphoria which had ing back off the upright onto Per numerical advantage for much of devastating eff ect and that might for the Gunners to settle a few been building in north London. Mertesacker and dropping wide. the second half. have been behind Pochettino’s nerves following a shock 4-0 Arsenal’s German midfielder Mesut Ozil celebrates after scoring. Perhaps that is why the at- Gabriel was also outstanding Nathan Ake had been red- thinking as he switched to a defeat at Southampton two days mosphere at the Emirates was in defence and the game was ef- carded for a high challenge on three-man defence. earlier. fi xture, the result leaves Arse- Premier League has ever seen— so muted at the start of a match fectively over when the mercu- Lamela in the 63rd minute but Watford have been strong at The victory also marked an nal one point clear at the top of mighty Arsenal, 13-time cham- that Wenger’s side simply could rial Ozil played a delightful one- instead of driving the visitors on the other end but a glaring error important landmark for Cech the table—and goes some way pions, 12-time FA Cup win- not aff ord to lose. two with Olivier Giroud before it was Watford who appeared to from Craig Cathcart saw Lamela who kept his 170th clean sheet to answering criticism that Ar- ners and perennial Champions Gabriel’s header from an Ozil accepting the Frenchman’s rise to the challenge. give the visitors a 17th minute in the Premier League - most sene Wenger’s side were starting League participants against corner after 27 minutes, how- back-heeled pass and sliding the But Son had other ideas as he lead. of them in Chelsea colours - to to buckle under the pressure of a club that was playing in the ever, soon settled those nerves. ball home in the 63rd minute. netted to ensure Tottenham kept The Northern Ireland de- overtake the previous mark set trying to win the title for the fi rst fourth tier of English football Set-pieces have been Bourne- Arsenal now face struggling up their charge towards the top fender was caught in possession by David James. time since 2004. only 12 years ago. mouth’s Achilles heel all season Newcastle at home next week- of the Premier League. by Dele Alli and Lamela broke to With former leaders Leicester If you took only history into But there’s a lot more to Eng- and the Brazilian defender was end before potentially more dif- Tottenham manager Mauricio slot past Watford’s former Tot- due to play fourth-placed Man- account then this fi xture would lish football than that and there totally unmarked as he stooped fi cult fi xtures against Liverpool, Pochettino would have taken one tenham goalkeeper Heurelho chester City 24 hours after this be one of the most uneven the was not a huge chasm between to head home at the far post. Stoke and Chelsea. look at the video of Watford’s Gomes. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, December 29, 2015 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT IN SHORT Real Madrid lose final appeal over Spanish Cup expulsion

Real Madrid lost their appeal “The club respects, but does against being kicked out of not share this resolution by Benitez walking the Copa del Rey yesterday the Tribunal,” Real said in a but said they would still fight brief statement. the decision even if the coun- Real said that they would try’s Administrative Tribunal still pursue the matter in the for Sport (TAD) insisted it was courts and “other possible final. legal avenues are being The Spanish giants were examined”. thrown out of the competition However, TAD defended its the tightrope at for fielding an ineligible player, decision. Denys Cheryshev, in their tie “Each club is responsible for against third-tier side Cadiz verifying if their players are earlier this month. eligible for selection,” said the Cheryshev not only started committee. the match but also opened the TAD added that a register scoring in Madrid’s 3-1 win. exists which lists all ineligible But he shouldn’t have been players and the sanctions troubled Real on the field as he was due to available. serve a one-match ban in the “Real Madrid know of the cup after picking up three existence of this register and 2015 could finish in a bad way for Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez, who is yellow cards whilst on loan at did not consult it. So they are reportedly in danger - whether the whites beat Real Sociedad tomorrow or not Villarreal last season. liable for this omission.” Angola FA sacks football coach after post-holiday no show The Angolan Football Federa- months but had nonetheless tion (FAF) has sacked national travelled to the capital Luanda team coach Remeu Filemon, for the Angolan team’s prepa- the organisation said yester- rations on Saturday ahead of day, after he allegedly failed to the African Nations Champi- turn up for work following the onship (CHAN) tournament in Christmas holiday. Rwanda in January. Filemon, however, said he “Things have to be said with was present at the team hotel truth. And, on Thursday or in Luanda and that he would Friday, I will give a press con- hold a news conference ference to clarify what is really later in the week to clarify the going on,” Filemon said. reasons behind his dismissal Ranked 98th in the world, the on Sunday. Palancas Negras, or Sable Speaking to state-run Radio Antelopes, were knocked out Nacional de Angola, Filemon of 2018 FIFA World Cup pre- said he had not been paid a liminary qualifiers by South salary for more than eight Africa in October.

Messi, Barcelona win big at Globe Soccer Awards Barcelona and star player Barcelona won five titles in Lionel Messi triumphed at 2015 -- the Spanish league the seventh edition of the title, the Copa del Rey, Cham- Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai pions League, European Super on Sunday, taking home the Cup and the World Club Cup. prizes for best team and best Only the Spanish Super Cup player. eluded them with a loss to Messi had travelled from Athletic Bilbao. Argentina to attend the Belgian coach Marc Wilmots ceremony. was named best manager “It’s very nice to receive these while Benfica took the award awards, but I always say that for best club academy. the team makes it possible,” Italy’s Andrea Pirlo and Eng- said Messi. “It’s been an ex- land’s Frank Lampard were traordinary year.” lauded for their long careers.

File picture of Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez conducting a training at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, France. FOCUS DPA place, two points behind joint lead- cult opponents, but we will be trying to “Anything can happen in football, Madrid ers Barcelona and Atletico Madrid - has play our normal game and achieve some- you never know. We will be up done nothing to improve the image of the thing positive ... It is a good opportunity against diffi cult opponents, but we unpopular coach. to show how we have improved in recent will be trying to play our normal Sunderland will afa Benitez is just two days away Online polls taken by the AS and Marca weeks.” game and achieve something from receiving the judgement sports papers show almost 70 per cent of Later tomorrow, Atletico will make the positive ... It is a good opportunity of the Estadio Bernabeu about readers wanting to see the back of Beni- short trip south to face struggling Rayo to show how we have improved in seek recruits in his stormy six-month reign as tez. Reserve team coach Zinedine Zidane Vallecano. recent weeks” coachR of Real Madrid. appears to be the favourite replacement, Diego Simeone’s charges are deter- Benitez will not only be judged on how ahead of Jose Mourinho. mined to fi nish 2015 on a high note, after ter draws against Valencia and Deportivo January: Allardyce his expensive but stuttering team performs The two dailies said that the Real cap- crashing 1-0 at Malaga 10 days ago. La Coruna. Lionel Messi and company tomorrow against lowly Real Sociedad, but tains - Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Cristiano “We cannot aff ord to drop any more will receive a warm welcome from the also on how he is personally greeted by the Ronaldo and Pepe - have asked Perez to points at all,” veteran striker Fernando Camp Nou after their emphatic triumph disgruntled madridista fans. bring in Zidane as soon as possible. Torres said. at the Club World Cup. Real president Florentino Perez has re- Ramos, Marcelo and Toni Kroos are “We need to score more goals, it has Luis Suarez, who scored fi ve goals in portedly said he will listen to the Berna- doubtful for the clash with Sociedad who to be said. We have scored only 22 in 16 two games in Japan, is second in the Liga beu reaction before deciding whether to in 14th place are just two points above the games, and that is clearly not enough.” scorers’ chart behind teammate Neymar. sack him. 10 days ago, before the home relegation zone. In contrast, Real have banged in 42 Tomorrow’s other games are Levante match against Rayo Vallecano, there was “We are really looking forward to the goals and Barca 36. Torres, 31, has netted vs Malaga, Sevilla vs Espanyol, Eibar vs a cacophony of jeers when Benitez’ face trip to Madrid, we are really motivated only fi ve times since returning to Atletico Sporting Gijon, Getafe vs Deportivo Co- fl ashed up on the screen ahead of the for it,” defender Diego Reyes said. a year ago. runa, Celta Vigo vs Athletic Bilbao and march. “Anything can happen in football, you Also tomorrow, Barca will receive Real Las Palmas vs Granada. The Villarreal- The 10-2 win - which left Real in third never know. We will be up against diffi - Betis, keen to return to winning ways af- Valencia derby is scheduled for Thursday.

BOTTOMLINE Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce.

Reuters “We’ve got to get back to London being a resilient defensive unit... but the backline and ‘Man conversation’ with Klopp the goalkeeper have to be underland will look for the ones that ultimately se- overseas recruits during cure those clean sheets, so a the January transfer win- defender’s my fi rst priority, dow to tighten their leaky a central defender” helping me improve: Benteke defence,S manager Sam Allardyce said ahead of the Premier League “At the top end, we’re not Reuters “I want to start, of course. game against Liverpool. looking very clinical with the Liverpool Every player wants to play but The Black Cats have shipped 37 chances we had,” the former it is the decision of the manager goals in 18 games this campaign, West Ham United manager and I have to be ready.” the most in the league, and four said. hristian Benteke be- Liverpool are already missing successive losses have left them “We’re making far too many lieves Juergen Klopp is striker Danny Ings for the entire second from bottom in the table, mistakes at the minute.” the right manager to season due to a knee ligament fi ve points adrift of safety. Allardyce is likely to be with- help him develop into a injury and fi tness questions “Probably, it’ll have to be from out preferred centre-back pair- moreC potent attacking threat for hang over England international abroad, by the looks of what’s ing of Younes Kaboul, who is out Liverpool. Daniel Sturridge. about and available in this coun- for two months with a hamstring The Belgian striker scored the Klopp insisted on Saturday try,” Allardyce told British media. injury, and skipper John O’Shea winner in Liverpool’s 1-0 win that he would not rush to include “I think it would be very dif- for Wednesday’s game against over Premier League leaders Sturridge in his starting line-up, fi cult to secure a player from any Liverpool. Leicester City on Saturday after despite the former Chelsea for- club in the Premier League be- “Our defensive problems have coming on for injured compatri- ward taking to social media to cause I don’t think they’d want re-arisen with Younes being in- ot Divock Origi in the fi rst half. declare his fi tness. to let anybody go,” he added. jured for a period of time and it This was only his fourth goal “Perfect gift for Christmas “So, for me, it looks like it looks like John O’Shea has picked in 12 games since Klopp took from the boys getting a win. On might be from abroad, and then up a calf injury,” Allardyce told over as Liverpool manager from a sidenote, I’m back training and see where we go from there. reporters yesterday. Brendan Rodgers in October. good to go,” Sturridge said on “We’ve got to get back to being “It’s not too serious, it’s not as “I spoke with the manager a Twitter. a resilient defensive unit... but the serious as Younes, but he might few days ago about where I can File picture of Liverpool striker Christian Benteke (C) celebrating after scoring a goal during the English Eighth-placed Liverpool will backline and the goalkeeper have to miss Liverpool. I am erring on improve and what he is expect- Premier League match between Liverpool and Leicester City at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool. look to make it back-to-back be the ones that ultimately secure the cautious side. ing from me,” Benteke told Brit- wins when they take on Sunder- those clean sheets, so a defender’s “We’ve still got Wes (Brown), ish media. “I think I have to run more and pounds ($48.37 million), had “You could see against Leices- land on Wednesday. The Black my fi rst priority, a central defender.” but obviously Wes’s problem is “We had a good conversation. I have to be there for my team- gone six league games without a ter that I showed I understand Cats, who are second from bot- Allardyce said his side were how few games he has played. We had like a ‘man conversation’ mates.” goal before Saturday, with Klopp his message and now I have to tom in the table, are on a four- destined to be relegated if they But ... he has got a huge amount and I think it is going to help me Benteke, who moved from As- opting to start Roberto Firmino keep going like that,” Benteke game winless run. Now to see did not regain their killer instinct of experience that we hope he and help the team. ton Villa in July for 32.5 million and Origi in attack. said. what happens next. in front of goal. can use.” Gulf Times Tuesday, December 29, 2015 5 SPECIAL

FOCUS Tiger turns 40 with Nicklaus ‘To count him out of mark a distant dream that would be foolish’

AFP He told Time that chasing Nicklaus, now Washington 75, was about doing things at a younger age than when Nicklaus had achieved it. “It was all age-related,” Woods said. “To iger Woods reaches his 40th birth- me, that was important. This guy is the best day tomorrow, still recovering from out there and the best of all time. If I can beat a third back operation with no time- each age that he did it, then I have a chance table for another golf comeback and at being the best.” Trefl ective comments about ending his epic Nicklaus has one record, Snead another, career. and Arnold Palmer brought television to the Former world number one Woods has 14 sport. major titles, four shy of the all-time record But Woods rewrote the game, helping set by Jack Nicklaus, and 79 PGA victories, force longer courses, boosting the price TV three off the career best held by Sam Snead. would pay to show golf and the fi tness golf- But to become lost in the numbers is to ers would need to win, becoming the all- miss the point of what Woods has meant time top sports marketing pitchman before to golf, a unique talent who in his moment his sex scandal shattered his sponsorship might just have been the world’s greatest supremacy. sport star, the fi rst black man to win a ma- jor golf crown sparking “Tiger-mania” and MAJORS IN FUTURE PLANS generating a curiosity from fans beyond golf Nicklaus, for one, refuses to write off an 18th long after his greatest days were behind him. Woods major win, saying, “He has always There’s an old saying that life begins been a very focused young man with a great at 40. Time to set aside childish dreams, work ethic and is tremendously talented. To like matching a boyhood idol, and lift up count him out of that would be foolish. He your children as you revel in what you have certainly has a very good chance of doing achieved. that.” But Woods said last week he feels at times While the British Open has off ered up like a teen and at others far beyond his years some over-40 winners in recent years, the due to injuries. only over-40 winner of a US major since “Mentally, people who know me know I’m 1999 was Vijay Singh at 41 at the 2004 PGA like a fi ve-year-old. Physically, sometimes I Championship. feel old and sometimes I feel like a teenager,” And beyond age 40, only Old Tom Morris Woods said. won four majors—the British Opens in 1861, “I don’t like the polar opposites of the 1862, 1864 and 1867, the last of them at age two. I’d like to be somewhere in the middle 46, the same as Nicklaus when he won his where I feel 40.” last at the 1986 Masters. Woods has not won a major title since the Think Woods might have one more still 2008 US Open, in which he limped through in him at age 46 at the 2022 Masters? If that a playoff on a broken leg to beat Rocco Medi- sort of thing matters to him by then, well, ate. as Nicklaus said, “to count him out of that would be foolish.” NO LIGHT AT TUNNEL’S END? “Where do I see myself in the next fi ve He has been through four knee surger- to 10 years?” Woods said. “I’m still playing ies, three back operations and a messy sex golf at the highest level and winning tourna- scandal. Once-mighty shots might only be ments and major championships.” memories. Forget record runs. Just playing, let alone winning any event, seems a distant goal now. “There’s really nothing I can look forward TIGER FILES to, nothing I can build towards,” Woods said at his foundation’s Hero World Challenge Born - December 30, 1975 event earlier this month. “Where is the light Birthplace - Cypress, California, USA at the end of the tunnel? I don’t know. Height - 6-feet-1 (1.85m) “Pretty much everything beyond this will Turned Professional - 1996 be gravy. If that’s all it entails, then I’ve had Career US PGA Tour wins - 79 a pretty good run.” Major titles - 14 (1997, 2001, 2002, Woods will serve as an assistant captain of 2005 Masters; 2000, 2002, 2008 US the US 2016 Ryder Cup team guided by Davis Open; 2000, 2005, 2006 British Open; Love. But he has come to grips with the idea 1999, 2000, 2006, 2007 PGA Champi- he might never play again. onship) “It’s not what I want to have happen and PGA Tour Player of the Year - 11 (1997, it’s not what I’m planning on having hap- 1999-2003, 2005-2007, 2009, 2013) pen, but if it does, it does. I’ve reconciled PGA Tour Money Leader - 10 (1997, myself to it,” Woods told Time magazine. 1999-2002, 2005-2007, 2009, 2013) “Even if I don’t come back and I don’t Highest World Ranking - 1 (record 683 play again, I still want to have a quality of life weeks) with my kids. I started to lose that with the Current World Ranking - 416 other surgeries.”

The 14 major wins of Tiger Woods

1997 MASTERS: The first major victory was digits under par at 12-under par 272. at Augusta National. Chris DiMarco led after Woods would bogey 17 and 18 to fall into a the same course. in many ways the most sensational. A 21-year- 2000 BRITISH OPEN: Woods completed a the first and second rounds but Woods shot playoff but birdied 18 in the playoff for his 2007 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP: In extreme old Woods humbled Augusta National Golf career Grand Slam with an eight-stroke tri- 68 Saturday to seize the 54-hole lead by one fourth Masters green jacket. heat at Southern Hills, Woods shot a 63 in the Club for a record 18-under 270 over 72 holes umph at St. Andrews, the youngest to win all over Phil Mickelson. 2005 BRITISH OPEN: Woods leads wire-to- second round to match the low score ever to win by 12 strokes over Tom Kite in the four majors, two years faster than idol Jack 2002 MASTERS: Woods repeated as Masters wire at St. Andrews for his 10th major title and fired in any single round at any major and biggest blowout in Masters history. Woods’ Nicklaus. He finished at 19-under par 269 at champion, only the third back-to-back winner he completed a second career slam at age 29, equal Ray Floyd’s course record. Consecutive success was quickly followed by the course the Old Course, the lowest under-par score at Augusta after Nicklaus and Nick Faldo. the youngest ever to achieve either feat. weekend 69s were enough to hold off Woody being lengthened and a second cut being for any winner at any major until Jason Day Woods fired a six-under par 66 in the third 2006 BRITISH OPEN: At Royal Liverpool, Austin by two shots for the triumph. added. The terms “Tiger-mania” and “Tiger- won on 20-under at this year’s PGA. round to match Retief Goosen for the 54-hole Woods won his first major title since the 2008 US OPEN: In an epic at Torrey Pines, proofing” were born. 2000 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP: Woods and lead and shot 71 Sunday to beat the South death of his father Earl two months earlier. Woods limped to his most recent major win 1999 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP: Woods edged Bob May finished deadlocked after 72 holes African by three shots. He finished on 18-under 270 to beat DiMarco on a broken left knee, defeating Rocco Medi- Spanish teen Sergio Garcia by a stroke for his at 18-under par at Valhalla but Woods won a 2002 US OPEN: Woods became the first play- by two strokes. Woods put his head on the ate in sudden death with a first-hole par after second major title. Highlight reel moments at three-hole playoff to capture his fifth major er in 30 years to win the Masters and the US shoulder of caddie Steve Williams and wept an 18-hole playoff . He missed the rest of the Medinah from the final round include Woods title and third in a row. His birdie on the open- Open in the same year, joining a list to achieve after sinking the clinching putt. Not since year after knee surgery. Woods improved to pointing at the ball as it rolls into the cup and ing playoff hole was the diff erence as May the feat that included Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson in 1983 had a player repeated as 14-0 in winning majors when at least sharing Garcia running up the fairway and jumping made three pars and Woods parred the last Ben Hogan and Craig Wood with a three-stroke British Open champion until Woods took this the 54-hole lead, but has never won a major in the air to see the results of a diff icult shot. two playoff holes. Woods became the first victory over Mickelson at Bethpage Black. 11th career major win. by coming from behind on the last day. He Woods won three majors in playoff s but this PGA winner since 1937 to win again the fol- 2005 MASTERS: A dramatic final-day show- 2006 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP: Woods was beaten after sharing the 54-hole lead by was his only one-shot regulation major win. lowing year. Not since Ben Hogan in 1953 had down with DiMarco ended in a playoff . One matched the Medinah course record with a South Korean Yang Yong-Eun at the 2009 2000 US OPEN: In the most dominant per- a player won three majors in a year. of the most memorable shots in golf history 65 to share the 54-hole lead with Luke Donald PGA Championship at Hazeltine and an infa- formance at any major tournament, Woods 2001 MASTERS: Woods completed the came when Woods aimed 20 feet left of the then closed with a 68 to finish on 270, match- mous sex scandal erupted three months later. won by a record 15 strokes at Pebble Beach “Tiger Slam” of winning four major titles in a cup and used the sloping green to roll the ing his low aggregate score record for a PGA. Knee and back operations have followed and and became the first player to finish double row with a two-shot victory over David Duval ball into the 16th hole for a dramatic birdie. He became the first to win the PGA twice on dimmed his once-mighty game. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, December 29, 2015 SPORT

NBA OBITUARY Henderson should be remembered for Thomas tosses in fun-loving nature, postseason heroics 21, Celtics hold off DAVE HENDERSON New York Knicks ‘The whole game we just couldn’t make shots that we normally make’

By Larry Stone playing on a sub-.500 team. But DPA Elsewhere: Oklahoma City The Seattle Times there was a gravity behind the Los Angeles 122, Denver Nuggets 112: light-heartedness that I hope Russell Westbrook collected 30 people remember in the wake points, 12 assists and nine re- ave Henderson was im- of Henderson’s shocking, and ittle Isaiah Thomas came bounds, Kevin Durant had 26 mediately the centre of heartbreaking, death Sunday at up big when it mattered points with 10 boards, and the attention for any room the far-too-young age of 57. most. Thunder stormed past the vis- he entered, especially Ask anyone who was around Thomas scored eight iting Nuggets. Turkish-native theD clubhouses he populated for those great Oakland A’s teams Lof 21 points in the fi nal three Ennis Kanter scored 21 points off 14 years in an under-appreciated with marquee players like Mark minutes, Evan Turner added 19, the bench and Serge Ibaka added major-league career. McGwire, Rickey Henderson and and the surging Boston Celt- 19 for Oklahoma City (21-10), For one exalted moment, he Jose Canseco. Henderson, along ics held off the struggling New which shot a season-best 57.8 was nearly a demigod in Boston, with Dave Stewart and Carney York Knicks 100-91 on Sunday per cent from the fl oor en route giving them the 1986 pennant Lansford, were the unquestioned for their season-high fourth to its 10th victory in the last 12 with one epic homer and then leaders, the ones who drove the straight victory. games. Oklahoma City cut an coming oh so close to delivering team to pennant after pennant. “He loves to score,” said Turn- 11-point halftime defi cit to 97- an elusive World Series title to When Canseco retired in er of his 5-foot-9 backcourt 96 with 8:11 left to play before the Red Sox with another homer 2002, I called Henderson to get partner. taking control. in the top of the 10th of Game his perspective. He told of how “I think he knew we needed a Kanter netted seven points 6. The New York Mets rallied in Canseco “got lost” in the mid- couple of plays and stepped up.” to key a decisive 11-2 run as the legendary fashion in the bot- dle of his career and fell apart Jae Crowder netted 18 points Thunder went ahead for good tom of the inning, and the next as a ballplayer. And how he and and Kelly Olynyk had 11 with 109-102 with 4.5 minutes left day. If they hadn’t, Henderson Stewart and Lansford pushed nine rebounds for the host Celt- and stayed in front for its ninth frequently joked, “The Red Sox back hard when they felt Can- ics, (18-13), who are enjoying win in the last 10 home games. would be playing on Henderson seco was mentally absent in the their best start in fi ve seasons. Kenneth Faried had 25 points Way, not Yawkey Way.” 1990 World Series, a Reds sweep “We got it going a little bit with 11 points for Denver (12-19), For three seasons in Oakland, of the heavily favoured A’s. now,” Crowder said. Carmelo which was outscored 69-51 in he was the conscience behind the “We all thought he shouldn’t Anthony tossed in 29 points the fi nal two quarters for its fi fth Bash Brothers on a rollicking A’s have been playing if he didn’t while Latvian rookie Kristaps loss in last six outings. ballclub that brought him to three want to be there,” Henderson Porzingis had 16 with 12 re- Memphis Grizzlies 112, LA more World Series. Henderson told me. “He was bored, to put it bounds for the Knicks (14-17), Lakers 96: Mike Conley scored was a winner, but in his earliest bluntly €¦ Eventually that’s why who shot a frosty 37 per cent en 19 points, Jeff Green added 17 to days in Seattle, he was one of the he was traded. We all said, ‘Get route to their fourth straight loss. pace six teammates in double few beacons of hope on a Mari- him out of here.’ “ “The whole game we just fi gures, and the Grizzlies (17- ners’ team that did a lot of losing. That was Hendu -- blunt to a couldn’t make shots that we 16) routed the visiting Lakers He found a home here, though. fault. But when Canseco came normally make,” Porzingis said. in Kobe Bryant’s fi nal game in Henderson clashed with Mariners back to Oakland last year for the “We made that little run but we Memphis. Bryant, who already manager Dick Williams and got 25th anniversary reunion of the felt too short.” announced his plans to retire at traded to Boston in August 1986, 1989 championship A’s team, Boston led 88-78 midway the end of this season, scored 19 but he settled in Bellevue after his Henderson welcomed him warm- through the fi nal quarter be- points in three quarters for the career ended. ly. Bygones were bygones. That fore its guests made it interest- West-worst Lakers (5-26), who Henderson opened a batting was Hendu, too. His humanity ing. Anthony scored fi ve straight lost their third in a row. cage, raised a family, broadcast shined through above all else. points, including a triple, and Portland Trail Blazers 98, Mariners games for a decade, I fi rst met Henderson in 1986 Porzingis added two free throws Sacramento Kings 94: CJ and did noble work in pursuit of a when I took over the Mariners’ to cap a 7-2 surge, and the Knicks McCollum fi red in seven of his cure for Angelman Syndrome, the beat for The Journal-American, a were within 90-85 with 4:48 re- 35 points in the fi nal 2:40 to go neuro-genetic disorder that af- newspaper in Bellevue. He was a maining. along with a career-best 11 re- fects his son, Chase. delight to cover, a playful person- New York had three straight bounds and nine assists, and There was just something ality and an insightful interview chances to make it a one-pos- the Trail Blazers (13-20) - mi- about Hendu, as everyone called subject who took pity in the nerv- session game but came up empty. nus their top scorer Damian Lil- him. You gravitated toward him, ous kid feeling his way around a Instead, the mercurial Thomas lard (plantar faciitis) - stopped a toward that gap-toothed smile major-league clubhouse. scored on consecutive drives to fi ve-game road slide after beat- (don’t worry, he joked about it We both landed in the Bay push the lead to nine. ing the Kings (12-18), who wast- himself), toward the charisma Area the next year, me to cover After a Porzingis basket made ed DeMarcus Cousins’ 36-point that oozed out of every pore. the Giants and A’s, and Hender- it 94-87, Thomas sank free outing. Henderson signed all his au- son traded from Boston to San throws in the fi nal 2:06 to seal tographs, “Hendu, still having Francisco on September 1, 1987. the win. RESULTS fun.” A great Sports Illustrated Hendu arrived thinking he was “He’s tough, a little guy with a profi led by Steve Rushin in 1991 going to help the division-win- big heart,” Anthony said of Tho- Memphis ...... 112 LA Lakers .....96 began, “Dave Henderson’s smile ning Giants in the postseason, mas. Oklahoma City .122 Denver ...... 112 runs foul pole to foul pole.” only to fi nd out, much to his “We got to stay in front of him. Boston ...... 100 NY Knicks ...... 91 The irascible Williams, in fact, chagrin, the deal had been con- When he’s making shots, it’s Portland ...... 98 Sacramento94 Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (No 4) drives to the basket during the second half against the New always thought Hendu smiled summated too late for him to be hard to stop them.” York Knicks at TD Garden. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports a little too much for someone eligible for the playoff s.

NFL Victory over Giants puts Vikings in playoff s

By Matt Vensel themselves by halftime Sunday. for another fi rst down, the drive also returned from injuries, Star Tribune (Minneapolis) In the fi rst half, the Vikings stalled and Blair Walsh booted a getting the Vikings back to full held the Giants to 112 yards of 32-yard fi eld goal for a 3-0 lead. strength on defense for the fi rst off ense. They sacked Eli Man- The Giants went backward on time since their Week 11 loss to he real Vikings showed ning three times and they picked their next drive. Defensive end the Packers. up Sunday night. Now off Manning twice, one of which Brian Robison sacked Manning Peterson also started despite they are headed to the was returned for a backbreaking on fi rst down and the Giants lost an ankle injury suff ered in last playoff s. touchdown by safety Harrison another 13 yards on third down week’s win over the Chicago TFor the fi rst time in three Smith. when Manning couldn’t handle a Bears. He scored his 10th rush- prime-time games this season, While the Vikings off ense shotgun snap he might not have ing touchdown of the season in the Vikings on Sunday night got off to a slow start, their de- been expecting. the third quarter after corner- showed the football-watching fense kept the Giants, who were The Vikings off ense would back Captain Munnerlyn inter- American public their preferred without star wide receiver Odell again take advantage of excellent cepted Manning and returned it style of football, relying on a fast, Beckham Jr. as he served a one- fi eld position. Starting in Giants 32 yards to Giants 4-yard line. smothering defense and a care- game NFL suspension, under territory, they went 44 yards in Jerick McKinnon added the ful, calculated off ense to defeat wraps and continued to put the fi ve plays, with Bridgewater cap- fi rst two rushing touchdowns of a New York Giants team that had off ense in favourable starting ping off the touchdown drive his career, a week after he scored nothing to play for but pride at fi eld position. with a 28-yard strike up the his fi rst career TD on a reception. frigid TCF Bank Stadium. After the two teams ex- seam to tight end Kyle Rudolph. It was a complete perform- With the 49-17 rout, the Vi- changed punts early, the Giants The Giants got on the board ance in the “Sunday Night Foot- kings secured their fi rst playoff crossed into Vikings territory midway through the second ball” spotlight by coach Mike berth since 2012. They will head midway through the fi rst quar- quarter. A 50-yard screen pass Zimmer’s Vikings, who got em- into the regular season fi nale at ter. But safety Andrew Sendejo to running back Rashad Jennings barrassed in prime time in the Lambeau Field next weekend intercepted Manning after cor- set up a fi eld goal that made it season opener by the feeble San with a two-game winning streak nerback Xavier Rhodes defl ected 10-3. Francisco 49ers and lost a close and a chance to win their fi rst di- a pass intended for Giants wide- With four minutes remaining one to the formidable Arizona vision title since 2009. out Hakeem Nicks. in the second quarter, Manning Cardinals two weeks ago. The Vikings could have On New York’s next drive, overthrew Giants wide receiver They will be in prime time clinched a playoff berth before rookie defensive end Danielle Rueben Randle and was picked again next Sunday. The Packers, kickoff on Sunday, but the At- Hunter blew by Giants right off by Smith, who sprinted down who are also 10-5, got rocked by lanta Falcons beat the previously tackle Marshall Newhouse on the left sideline untouched for a the Cardinals 38-8 on Sunday, undefeated Carolina Panthers third down for his sixth sack of 35-yard score to put the Vikings which ensured that next Sun- and the Seattle Seahawks lost to the season. up 16-3. The interception return day’s game in Green Bay would the already-eliminated St. Louis The Vikings started their next for a touchdown was the fourth be for the NFC North title. The Rams, keeping alive the possibil- drive near midfi eld. Quarter- of Smith’s career, a franchise NFL announced it moved that ity of a three-way tie with those back Teddy Bridgewater made an record. game from noon to Sunday two teams that would keep the impressive throw on the run to Smith was back in the lineup night, too. Vikings out. wide receiver Jarius Wright for after a two-game absence. Out- So with the division on the New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (No 23) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings cornerback So the Vikings, specifi cally an 18-yard gain. After running side linebacker Anthony Barr line in prime time, will these Vi- Captain Munnerlyn (No 24) and linebacker Anthony Barr (No 55) during the second quarter at TCF Bank their defense, took care of it back Adrian Peterson rumbled and nose tackle Linval Joseph kings show themselves again? Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times Tuesday, December 29, 2015 7 SPORT

NHL SPOTLIGHT Leafs’ Grabner has fond memories of Lehtonen shuts out Islanders years

By Owen O’brien time and they gave me the op- Newsday portunity to play and when they give you the opportunity you just got to try to take it,” he said. hen the Maple Leafs’ “I had some great memories here St Louis Blues 3-0 Michael Grabner re- but that’s what it is -- memories. turned to New York So now I’m going to focus on my to face his former new job here with the Maple ‘He battled like crazy, he made great saves and we couldn’t get a goal for him’ Wsquad, he couldn’t help but no- Leafs and try to beat them to- tice the diff erence pregame. night.” “It’s not really a homecoming John Tavares was neighbors By Jeremy P. Rutherford in that way because the Coli- with Grabner on Long Island St. Louis Post-Dispatch seum was home,” he said in front and the two remain close. The of his Barclays Center visitor’s Islanders captain said he can locker after Sunday morning’s imagine the emotions Grabner he Blues are Dallas skatearound in preparation for must be going through. Stars are now even after the Islanders. “I can’t speak from experi- splitting the weekend But it was the fi rst time Grab- ence,” Tavares said, “but I know home-and-home se- ner, who had 90 goals and 54 a lot of guys who have played Tries. But it’s unlikely that these assists in 297 games with the here before or other players that two Central Division rivals are Islanders, faced the team that switch teams. Obviously, es- feeling even after several ex- traded him in September. Rather pecially when it’s so soon, you changes in Sunday’s heated re- than focusing on the departure, want to prove you were a part of match. Grabner was thankful for the op- the solution. You were someone Back home at American Air- portunity he had in New York. that was obviously a good player lines Center, Dallas claimed “They gave me a fresh start,” and they shouldn’t have gotten a 3-0 victory, off setting the Grabner said. “That’s where my rid of.” Blues’ shootout win Saturday at career really started.” Grabner was excited to see Scottrade Center. Grabner is a former 14th some former teammates, but it Two Dallas goals Sunday overall selection who bounced was especially those in the crowd came on the power play, includ- around before the Islanders that got him going. ing one from Stars captain Jamie claimed him off waivers for the “They have a good fan base,” Benn, whose 23rd of the season 2010-11 season and kept him he said. “They have some hard- reclaimed the NHL lead after he for fi ve seasons. Grabner’s pres- core fans and it’s going to be a lot had sat in a tie with the Blues’ ence was immediately felt as he of fun to play here. I think they Vladimir Tarasenko. scored 34 goals, which is still a are going to be loud and like I In a battle of backups, Brian career high, and gave Islanders said before, the memories I had Elliott was sensational for the fans a reason for optimism. before were great, so it’s going to visitors, making 35 saves, but he “They were rebuilding at the be a lot of fun to play here.” took the loss. Kari Lehtonen got the call for the Stars and earned the win despite being called on for only 22 saves. “I think the diff erence was their top players came to play, they set the tone for them ... that got us back on our heels,” Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said. “Our goalie was great. El- liott was outstanding. That’s the part that disappoints eve- rybody here. He battled like crazy, he made great saves and we couldn’t get a goal for him.” The Blues, who now sit nine points back of the Central Di- vision-leading Dallas, will con- tinue a stretch of games against the division. They return home to host Nashville on Tuesday Dallas Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen defends against St. Louis and Minnesota on Thursday. Blues center Paul Stastny (26) during the third period at the If the belief was that the sec- American Airlines Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports ond meeting of the back-to- back set with Dallas would be feistier, that proved to be cor- player on their team,” Bortuzzo to-back scoring chances by Jor- get even himself three minutes one, Bouwmeester replied: rect. And it proved to be a dif- said. “I’m trying to make things die Benn with three minutes to into the second period, but with “Yeah, I would say so. If they fi cult game to offi ciate with only as uncomfortable as possible. play. his fi rst chance at goal No. 23, he would call penalties both ways, referee, as Rob Martell was left I have a lot of respect for the “I felt good,” Elliott said. “I missed on a bad-angle attempt then for sure he did. One ref to call the game himself with guy. We’re just playing hard. made a couple of good saves to into an open net. tonight and the guy we got was Brad Meier unable to make it We were looking for something try to keep us in it. But with the The Stars outshot the Blues what he was, so that’s the way it due to travel delays. to get the engines going. That is less-than-24-hour turnaround, 29-12 through two periods, but goes.” Interestingly, a chippy re- something that our team in the it just looked like we didn’t have after Elliott robbed Ales Hem- It marked only the second match began with the NHL’s past has used to kind of kick- the same amount of gas as we sky of a goal with 6:18 left in the time this season the Blues had two highest scorers -- Vladimir start us.” did at home.” period, their lead remained 1-0 surrendered two power-play Tarasenko and Jamie Benn -- Benn hunched over in pain, On the opening face-off of heading into the third. Dallas goals in the same game. They exchanging shoves six minutes skating to the Stars’ bench, the second period, the Blues’ blew a 2-1 lead in the third frame got two power plays themselves into the game. There were a where he labored momentarily. Troy Brouwer dropped the Saturday against the Blues, but in the fi nal 10 minutes of regu- combined 44 goals sitting in But seconds later, he was smil- gloves with Dallas’ Antoine they wouldn’t waste another. lation, but couldn’t convert and the penalty boxes when the two ing and back out with the fi rst Roussel. That was followed A tripping call against the were shutout for the third time were whistled for roughing. unit on the power play, which seven seconds later by the Stars’ Blues’ Dmitrij Jaskin with 31 this season. The Blues pulled Dallas went on a power play picked up a goal from former Travis Moen taking on Bortuz- seconds left in the second pe- Elliott with 2:15 remaining and late in the fi rst period, and the Blackhawk Patrick Sharp. zo. It was obvious that Moen, riod kept the Stars on the power the Stars added an empty-net Stars converted this time. There Dallas defenseman Alex Goli- who skated past the Blues’ Ryan play early in the third. And just goal by Cody Eakin. was a delayed penalty against goski centered to Sharp, whose Reaves to get to Bortuzzo, was 20 second into the fi nal period, Scottie Upshall for interference initial shot hit the crossbar. The after the player who had dinged Jamie Benn gave himself some RESULTS in the works when some more puck parked in front, where Jamie Benn. extra space by cross-checking Ottawa ...... 3 Boston ...... 1 MICHAEL GRABNER extra-curricular activity broke Sharp banged it past Elliott for “That’s part of the game,” Blues defenseman Jay Bouw- Florida ...... 3 Columbus...... 2 out. Benn, again, was skating a 1-0 lead with 1:57 remaining in Bortuzzo said. “If you’re going meester. Toronto ...... 3 NY Islanders .....1 through the Dallas defensive the opening period. to walk that line, you’ve got to Sharp’s centering feed went Dallas ...... 3 St. Louis ...... 0 zone when the Blues’ Robert The Blues were outshot 16-5 answer the bell. (Benn) is obvi- off Bouwmeester, who was col- Carolina ...... 2 Chicago ...... 1 Bortuzzo hit him in the mid- in the period, and the only rea- ously a huge part of their team. lecting himself after the cross- Winnipeg ...... 1 Pittsburgh ...... 0 section with the butt-end of his son it was a one-goal game at Guys on our team would be do- check. Benn collected the puck Arizona ...... 2 Colorado .1 (OT) stick. the intermission was the play of ing the same thing.” and put it past Elliott. Anaheim ...... 4 Philadelphia .....2 “He’s obviously a high-end Elliott, who turned away back- Jamie Benn had a chance to Asked if Dallas got away with Calgary ...... 5 Edmonton ...... 3

FOCUS Lemon, star of ‘Harlem Globetrotters,’ dies at 83 Reuters games - the equivalent of more a basketball goal from a clothes the Globetrotters were playing then were stooge teams whose the criticism falling on Lemon. Scottsdale, Arizona than 92 NBA seasons - in some hanger and an onion sack and with the fl air that characterises primary job was not to get in the “I’m an athlete but athletes 100 countries before audiences using a tin can for a basketball. today’s NBA - acrobatic dunks, way as the Globetrotters put on are entertainers and entertainers that included everyone from After briefl y attending Florida behind-the-back passes, fl ashy their show. can be comedians,” Lemon told eadowlark Lemon, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth and A&M University and serving in dribbling and a showman’s sen- Lemon had a deep repertoire the Los Angeles Times in 2004. the court jester of Soviet Premier Nikita Khrush- the US Army, Lemon’s dream sibilities. stunts, including a hook shot “I’m all of the above.” the Harlem Globe- chev to three Popes. would be fully realised when he In addition to other independ- from mid-court and a routine in Lemon left the Globetrot- trotters basketball He was born Meadow Lemon joined the Globetrotters in 1954. ent teams, the Trotters played which he would get upset with a ters in 1979 but returned for 50 Mteam who delighted audiences III in Wilmington, North Caro- In 1958 he succeeded Goose college all-star teams and de- teammate and throw a bucket of games in 1994. He also started around the world for some 25 lina, and was unfamiliar with Tatum as the team’s main clown, feated the Minnesota Lakers, the confetti - the audience would be three comedy-basketball teams years with an array of trick shots, not just the Globetrotters but a position he held for 20 years. top pro team, in 1948 and 1949. expecting water - at him. of his own over the years but comedy routines and pure cha- the game of basketball until he Once the NBA began accept- none caught on like the Globe- risma, has died at the age of 83, saw a newsreel about the team at OPPORTUNITY FOR BLACK ing black players, the Globetrot- RUBBER-BAND BALL trotters. the team announced yesterday. a movie theater at the age of 11. PLAYERS ters’ talent pool became more Once a game, he would pre- In the 1979 movie The Fish Lemon, who had started a He was entranced by the sight of The Harlem Globetrotters be- shallow and they began to rely tend to suff er a grievous injury That Saved Pittsburgh, Lemon ministry and become a motiva- black men taking such a joyous gan in Chicago in the late 1920s, more on comedy and fl ash. Lem- and have to be helped to the played a basketball-playing tional speaker in his later years, approach to a game during a time organised by a white business- on was the focus of their appeal sideline. When he returned to minister and a few years later died on Sunday in Scottsdale, of segregation. man, Abe Saperstein, as a barn- as their following grew in the shoot his foul shot, he would started his own ministry. Arizona, according to the Globe- “They seemed to make that storming team. 1960s and ’70s. sneak in a trick ball that would In 2003 he was inducted into trotters website. ball talk,” Lemon said when in- It provided one of the few op- They would start the show return to his hand on a long rub- the Basketball Hall of Fame in Lemon was the undisputed ducted into the Basketball Hall portunities for black men who with a warm-up display of fancy ber band. Springfi eld, Massachusetts, and master of the long-range hook of Fame in 2003. wanted to play professional bas- passing and ball spinning in a He would then swap that ball cited for making signifi cant con- shot, rubber-band ball and other “I said, ‘That’s mine. This is ketball in the days of segrega- mid-court circle to their whis- with a weighted one to confound tributions to the game. crowd-pleasing tricks during for me.’ I was receiving a vision, tion, travelling the country and tled theme song “Sweet Georgia the referees. Lemon was married twice and the years he wore the Globetrot- I was receiving a dream in my taking on community teams. Brown.” The advent of the civil rights had 10 children. In 2015 his ex- ters’ star-spangled red, white heart.’” The forerunner of the Na- which gave the Globetrotters Once the game began, Lemon and black power movements of wife, who he divorced in 1977, and blue uniform. He rushed home from the tional Basketball Association their pick of elite black play- was a grinning, always-chatting the 1960s caused some to brand and 48-year-old son sued him The team’s website said he theater that day and started ful- was established in 1946 but the ers. While the NBA style of play ringmaster, harassing referees the Globetrotters as minstrel for $250,000 in child support played in 7,500 consecutive fi lling the dream by fashioning league was all white until 1950, was basic, deliberate and staid, and mocking opponents, who by show stereotypes, with much of they said he did not pay. Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, December 29, 2015 SPORT

FOCUS Coe asked when he knew of alleged doping cover-up

By Sean Ingle after Coe’s right-hand man Nick According to Eff ord, Davies e-mail Eff ord also urges Coe to explain in The Guardian Davies stood down as deputy general also appears to contradicts Coe’s tes- greater detail the links between his SEBASTIAN COE secretary of the IAAF pending a re- timony to parliament at the start of sports marketing fi rm Chime Sports view into his behaviour after he was December that the IAAF’s anti-dop- Media and the IAAF after Davies’ he shadow sports minis- accused of covering up Russian dop- ing unit was “hermetically sealed” email to Papa Massata Diack suggest- ter, Clive Eff ord, has writ- ing allegations. from the rest of athletics’ governing ed that they might use Coe’s political ten to Sebastian Coe asking Davies’ decision followed a leaked body. infl uence and CSM, as an “unoffi - the IAAF president to clarify e-mail that he wrote in July 2013 to Eff ord points out to Coe: “You de- cial PR campaign” to “stop attacks Thow senior fi gures in the organisation Papa Massata Diack, a marketing ex- scribed the IAAF’s anti-doping as a planned by the British press towards would have been able to allegedly ex- ecutive at the IAAF, which also sug- ‘hermetically sealed unit’ within the Russia”. tort money from Russian athletes in gested he would “sit down to talk organisation which you said was the Although Davies has said the strat- return for covering up positive drugs with the Anti-Doping Department way it should be. However this ar- egy that was set out in his e-mail to tests and when he fi rst knew about and understand exactly who are the rangement did not prevent several Diack was never implemented, Eff ord the situation. skeletons of Russians that are still in leading members of the executive notes that “the fact that he thought it The Labour MP has also asked Lord the cupboard, in relation to doping”. from being investigated for allega- was appropriate to even suggest this Coe to explain in more depth the links As Eff ord’s letter to Coe points out, tions of demanding money in return is surprising given his experience in between his marketing agency Chime “Mr Davies’s e-mail suggests that for covering up positive blood tests.” public relations and media manage- Sports Media and the International other people at the IAAF would have The shadow sport secretary also ment. Association of Athletics Federations to have been aware if such a com- notes with interest that Gabriel Dolle “For the IAAF to have a contract and warned him that athletics’ gov- plex strategy was to be implemented – the former chief of the IAAF anti- with a company that is associated erning body needs to ensure it up- relating to Russian athletes who had doping and one of the offi cials under with its Deputy President in any cir- holds “the highest degree of to pro- tested positive. Can you state when investigation for alleged fraud and cumstances must be handled with bity and transparency”. you were fi rst made aware of this covering up positive blood tests – is the highest degree of probity and Eff ord’s interjection comes days situation?” mentioned in Mr Davies’ e-mail. transparency,” he adds.

YACHTING SPOTLIGHT Russian federation contacts IWF over Comanche wins Lovchev case

AFP pain from a knee injury he was Moscow suff ering at the time of the tournament where he broke the clean-and-jerk and to- ussia’s weightlifting tal world records. The IWF line honours in ruling body have tak- has provisionally suspended en up world champi- Lovchev for “violation of anti- on Aleksey Lovchev’s doping regulations”. dopingR case with the Interna- Lovchev denies any wrong- tional Weightlifting Federa- doing saying he was innocent. tion (IWF), it said yesterday. He told Russian television sta- “We’ve sent an offi cial in- tion Match he was in a state of quiry about the testing of “absolute shock”. Sydney to Hobart Lovchev’s B sample and an in- “There’s too much ambigu- dependent hearing of his case ity in this case,” Petrov added. to IWF,” the federation’s vice- “This substance currently ‘It might have been marine life or flotsam, but it was a solid hit. It shook the boat’ president Alexander Petrov undergoes testing and does told R-Sport agency. not exist as a medical product. “The IWF will assign a day It’s absolutely unclear how AFP for the hearing by the federa- it could appear in Lovchev’s Hobart tion’s anti-doping committee, body.” while the laboratory in Mon- The latest scandal to hit treal will set the date for the B Russian sport comes hot on merican yacht Coman- Supermaxi yachts Comanche and sample testing.” the heels of Russian track che won line honours Perpetual Loyal during the Sydney to Lovchev, 26, who won gold and fi eld competitors being in Australia’s gruelling Hobart yacht race. (AFP) in the +105kg category at the banned after their athlet- Sydney to Hobart yes- world championships in Hou- ics federation was accused of terday,A staging a stunning re- ston last month, tested posi- state-sponsored doping. covery from damage which had tive for the banned growth The Russian anti-doping nearly ended her race. hormone Ipamorelin. authority and Moscow’s anti- The supermaxi was fi rst across He claims he had permis- doping laboratory were also the fi nish line in the 71st edition sion to use a medicine to ease suspended. of the 628-nautical-mile course in 2 days, eight hours, 58 minutes and 30 seconds, organisers said. ALEKSEY LOVCHEV The 100-footer blitzed the fi eld in one of the roughest rac- es of recent years, with more than 30 boats retiring after bad weather struck on the fi rst night. Co-owner Kristy Clark, the fi rst female owner to take line honours in the blue water clas- sic, said after the win there were many emotions at sea including “pure terror at one stage”. “It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done,” she added in Hobart, where she was met by co-owner husband, Netscape founder Jim Clark. Comanche had sustained damage in punishing winds which tore into the fl eet off the Tokyo Olympics to boost New South Wales coast on Sat- GDP: Bank of Japan urday night, shredding sails, merged object which broke one Comanche fi nished runner- hit. It shook the boat.” water; hitting you in the face, sea damaging rudders and hulls and of her twin rudders and a dag- up for line honours to Wild Oats But while Comanche kept ex- water, rain water—you couldn’t Tokyo’s 2020 Summer Tokyo staged Asia’s first breaking one yacht’s mast. gerboard. XI in her fi rst Sydney to Hobart tending her lead on Monday in tell,” Julia Cooney, on board Olympics could boost the Olympics in 1964, when A savage southerly blasted Skipper Ken Read had initially last year, and had been a hot fa- good conditions, the 88-footer Brindabella, told The Australian economy by as much as one the government pushed the yachts, resulting in 32 of the considered retiring but “decided vourite this year after setting a Rambler was slowed by a lack of newspaper. percent with construction public and private investment 108 entries which began the race to punch on through” and run- new 24-hour monohull record of breeze in the fi nal stages of the Ragamuffi n 100 was revealed and tourism helping to fuel projects. It also unveiled the from Sydney Harbour on Sat- ning repairs were made to the 618.01 nautical miles in July. race. Comanche crossed the line Monday as the latest of the su- growth, the Bank of Japan iconic Shinkansen, or bullet urday pulling out of the journey boat. Her biggest competition for some 50 nautical miles ahead permaxis to be damaged, with said Monday. train, that symbolised the down Australia’s east coast. “I don’t care if we limp over line honours had been from fel- of Rambler. In third position the port daggerboard completely Investment in Olympic-related country’s rise from defeat in Among the casualties were the line. We are going to fi nish low American yacht Rambler is Australian entry Ragamuffi n sheared off in the race organised construction, including a new World War II to its emergence two strong contenders for line this damned race,” he said ahead which also hit an object in the 100, followed by the Giovanni by the Cruising Yacht Club of stadium, will total 10 trillion as a major economic power. honours—eight-times fastest of the win. water on Saturday, sustaining Soldini-skippered Maserati, Australia. The race record, set yen ($83 billion) by 2020, with In recent years, however, fi nisher Wild Oats XI, forced Read praised his crew on Mon- similar damage. Chinese Whisper and Ichi Ban. by Wild Oats XI in 2012, is one a building rush peaking in Japan has struggled to stimu- back to Sydney after her mainsail day as hundreds gathered on the “We have no idea what we hit, Sailors returning to Sydney on day, 18 hours, 23 minutes and 12 2018, according to a report late its increasingly fragile ripped, and supermaxi Perpetual dock to welcome the yacht for we couldn’t see it,” the yacht’s Sunday spoke of the terrifying seconds. from the central bank. economy, which has suff ered Loyal with rudder damage. “just the fact that we got this navigator Andrew Cape said. conditions for this year’s race, Comanche is the fi rst Ameri- The BoJ said the number of years of deflation. Comanche was also damaged, thing here in one piece when, “It might have been marine with winds of up to 40 knots. can entry to take line honours foreign visitors to the country A rapidly ageing society— hitting an unidentifi ed sub- probably, we shouldn’t have”. life or fl otsam, but it was a solid “It was like hitting a wall of since 1998. was expected to reach 33 mil- lion in 2020, from 13.4 million It estimated that gross in 2014. domestic product in the It estimated that gross do- world’s number three mestic product in the world’s economy in 2018 -- the Toulouse rout Toulon to take newyear top spot number three economy in high point of Olympic- Toulouse bounced back from their shock len, who underwent neck surgery in July, before Fritz Lee’s 64th-minute try gave game’s only try. Stade face an increas- 2018 -- the high point of Ol- related impact—would European Cup exit with a 31-8 rout of was stretchered off with a head injury Clermont hope, only for Racing to resist ingly diff icult challenge to defend their ympic-related impact—would get a boost of as much as Toulon which took them to the summit of suff ered as he tried to prevent Medard’s a late onslaught from the home side. “It’s crown having won just four of 11 matches get a boost of as much as six six trillion yen, resulting the French Top 14 heading into 2016. 44th-minute try. “It was a great night, we hugely satisfying. Very few teams win this term, a series of results that has left trillion yen, resulting in a one in a one percent The four-try, bonus point victory over the showed pride and humility,” said Toulouse here,” said Racing coach Laurent Labit, the capital club just one place above the percent increase compared increase defending European champions allowed coach Ugo Mola who refused to get car- who kept star fly-half Dan Carter on the relegation spots. “We knew that given with overall GDP in 2014. Toulouse to end 2015 with a three-point ried away by the win. “Leading the table? bench until the final quarter of an hour. Oyonnax are playing for their survival But that uptick would gradu- more than one in four people lead over Clermont and Racing 92. What is important is to be in the top six “We made 12 changes, the replacements that they would be really up for it. We ally fade by 2020, the central are over 65 -- is also weighing It was a night to forget for Toulon’s World (play-off spots) when it matters.” did well. Our squad is rich in both quality committed lots of knock-ons and couldn’t bank said, warning that Japan on the potential for future Cup winner Ma’a Nonu whose intercepted Earlier, Racing 92 handed previous lead- and quantity. I’ve been here three years finish off our moves,” bemoaned Stade needs to create new demand growth. pass allowed Gael Fickou to score the first ers Clermont a 20-16 defeat. Racing hadn’t now and this season I feel there’s a diff er- coach Gonzalo Quesada. Stade fly-half so that the economic impact Japan’s economy saw a try after just 13 minutes. Maxime Medard won at Clermont since 1994 but second- ent mindset.” Defending champions Stade Morne Steyn and his Oyonnax counterpart of the Olympics can continue slight increase in the July- added a second try after a dazzling half tries from Johan Goosen and Henry Francais crashed to a seventh defeat of a Lespinas knocked over three penalties after the event ends. September quarter, growing run from Florian Fritz before Yacouba Chavancy, plus 10 points from the boot of testing season as they were beaten 25-12 apiece as the sides went into the interval Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a 0.3 percent—and reversing an Camara and Dorian Aldegheri piled on the Maxime Machenaud, handed the visitors by bottom side Oyonnax. Oyonnax were level at 9-9 on the artificial surface at the key salesman for Tokyo’s Ol- earlier forecast of a contrac- misery for Toulon whose only try came victory at the Stade Marcel-Michelin. coming off three successive lopsided Stade Charles-Mathon. South African Steyn ympic pitch, has been trying tion that had risked putting from James O’Connor on the hour mark. Clermont led 9-6 at half-time courtesy of losses but climbed off the foot of the table booted another penalty to give Stade a to beat deflation and revitalise the country into recession for Toulon’s problems were compounded three Morgan Parra penalties but Racing as the boot of Regis Lespinas accounted 12-9 lead early in the second half, but it was the economy since he took the second time in as many when South African No8 Duane Vermeu- responded with 14 unanswered points for 17 points with Jimmy Yobo scoring the all Oyonnax from that point onwards. off ice three years ago. years. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 29, 2015 9 CRICKET

DURBAN TEST SPOTLIGHT Imran Khan backs Amir’s return to England tighten Pakistan colours

AFP ‘Criminals are running the Lahore country, so it is irrational that someone who has completed his sentence is grip as S. Africa egendary Pakistan all- opposed on his return’ rounder Imran Khan yesterday said he backs an interview on Pakistan’s ARY convicted spot-fi xer Mo- channel. Amir was actually 18 at hamedL Amir’s return to interna- the time. tional cricket, urging sceptical “He has apologised to every- players and fans to support the one so I appeal to all those who tainted paceman. are opposing his return to stop suff er Steyn blow The 23-year-old Amir, who their moves against him,” he completed his fi ve-year ban added. Khan, a former Pakistan earlier this year, caused a stir captain turned opposition party With plenty of time remaining in the match, England were prepared to grind out their runs last week when he turned up leader, did not miss an oppor- for fi tness camp for prospective tunity to swing a punch at Paki- national players, with former stan’s leaders in the interview. Twenty20 captain Mohamed “Criminals are running the Hafeez and current one-day country, so it is irrational that captain Azhar Ali boycott- someone who has completed his ing training Friday. Left-armer sentence is opposed on his re- Amir is tipped to be selected turn,” he said. for next month’s limited-overs Before Amir’s ban, Khan had tour of New Zealand, almost six described him as “the hottest years after he and two others property in international crick- were banned and sentenced to et”, while another legendary six months in jail for arranging paceman, Wasim Akram, said deliberate no-balls during a Test Amir was better than him at age against England in exchange for 18. The Pakistan Cricket Board money. Khan, who led Pakistan meanwhile has asked former to its only World Cup victory and captain Shoaib Malik to take is revered among the country’s Amir under his wing in the forth- cricketing fraternity, said Amir coming Pakistan Super League had pled guilty before a court and (PSL), a Twenty20 league where deserved another chance. both will play for the Karachi “A 19-year-old boy commits Kings. The league is set to fea- a mistake and then did not lie in ture international stars like Chris the court, confesses his guilt and Gayle and Kevin Pietersen and completes his punishment, he will be held in the UAE in Febru- should play again,” Khan said in ary.

FOCUS Richardson defends ailing West Indies

Reuters could probably give a little bit England batsman Nicholas Compton plays a shot during Melbourne more at times but generally the third day of the first Test match against South Africa at speaking they always give their Kingsmead stadium in Durban yesterday. best.” ormer West Indies cap- West Indies have slumped to tain Richie Richardson eighth in world rankings and lost has defended the young their last fi ve test matches, even Caribbean team’s “laid- as some of their best players which was probably linked to bowling a back”F demeanour during their have made themselves unavail- AFP Durban SCORECARD long spell after a lengthy lay-off because struggles in Australia and called able for selection while playing of a groin injury. for unity from the region’s pow- in lucrative Twenty20 tourna- England, first innings, 303 0, Ali 25-3-69-4, Finn 15.4-1-49-2, Stokes Steyn injury -He had managed to get erbrokers. ments across the globe. ngland tightened their grip on South Africa, first innings 9-1-25-0 (1w), Root 3-1-11-0 through the fi rst innings but felt pain on West Indies slumped to an The West Indies Cricket Board the third day of the fi rst Test at (overnight 137-4) England, second innings Monday. innings and 212-run thrashing has been blamed for much of the Kingsmead yesterday against a S. van Zyl b Broad 0 A. Cook lbw b Piedt 7 The scan was inconclusive and Moosa- in Hobart in the series-opener malaise, for being riven with South African team weakened by D. Elgar not out 118 A. Hales c Abbott b Piedt 26 jee said he hoped Steyn would be able to against Australia and have been confl icting interests and failing anE injury to fast bowler Dale Steyn. bowl today. on the back foot during the cur- to provide adequate incentives H. Amla c Bairstow b Broad 7 N. Compton c De Villiers b Morkel 49 England built on a fi rst innings lead of A. de Villiers c Bairstow b Broad 49 J. Root not out 60 Off -spinner Dane Piedt took the fi rst rent test in Melbourne. to retain and nurture talent. 89, reaching 172 for three in their second F. du Plessis b Ali 2 J. Taylor not out 24 two wickets in the second innings, trap- While panned for their bat- Richardson, a team manager innings at the close of play, an overall lead T. Bavuma b Broad 10 Extras (b3, lb3) 6 ping England captain Alastair Cook leg ting, bowling and fi elding, local for Jason Holder’s side in Aus- of 261 runs. J. Duminy c Stokes b Ali 2 Total (3 wkts, 64 overs) 172 before wicket for seven before having pundits have slammed the tour- tralia, said West Indies cricket With plenty of time remaining in the K. Abbott c Taylor b Ali 0 Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Cook), 2-48 (Hales), Alex Hales caught at long-on for 26. ists for a perceived lack of com- could rise from the ashes and match, England were prepared to grind D. Steyn c Woakes b Ali 17 3-119 (Compton) The left-handed had Elgar batted reso- mitment on tour, with coach become a force in the game out their runs with risk-free batting in D. Piedt c Bairstow b Finn 1 Bowling: Steyn 3.5-0-10-0, Morkel 13.3-4- lutely for more than six hours while his Phil Simmons also bemoaning again. the second innings, scoring at just over M. Morkel c Root b Finn 0 19-1, Abbott 13.4-2-36-0, Piedt 18-3-65-2, teammates struggled, reaching his fourth the players’ poor body language. “If I didn’t think so I wouldn’t two-and-a-half runs an over on a slow, Extras (b4, lb3, w1) 8 Elgar 7-0-19-0, Van Zyl 7-2-12-0, Duminy Test century off 211 balls, with eight fours Richardson said the team he be here,” said Richardson, who dry pitch which made fl uent stroke play Total (81.4 overs) 214 1-0-5-0 and a six. captained for 24 Tests from 1991 will join the ICC’s elite referee diffi cult. Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Van Zyl), 2-14 (Amla), Match situation: England lead by 261 He did not add to his boundary count had also played with a “laid- panel after the third and fi nal Joe Root made 60 not out off 109 3-100 (De Villiers), 4-113 (Du Plessis), 5-137 runs with seven wickets remaining in the before running out of partners after fac- back” approach. test in Sydney. balls, while fi rst innings top-scorer Nick (Bavuma), 6-150 (Duminy), 7-156 (Abbott), second innings ing 246 deliveries. “But we were doing well so “You never say die,” he added. Compton survived two dropped catches 8-210 (Steyn), 9-214 (Piedt) Umpires: Aleem Dar (PAK), Rod Tucker “We didn’t get off to a very good start people saw it as being cool,” Ri- “We need a concerted eff ort before being caught down the leg side Bowling: Broad 15-6-25-4, Woakes 14-1-28- (AUS) and as the game went on the English took chardson told state radio ABC from everybody in the Carib- by wicketkeeper AB de Villiers off Morne quite a few of our wickets so the pressure yesterday. bean. We need to create that Morkel for 49. was on me to try to bat through,” said El- “Now the same sort of ap- culture we had many years ago. Both Compton’s chances were off Mor- gar. proach and attitude is ‘they’re “If we keep bashing each oth- kel, who also had Root dropped by a leap- But he warned that England could not bowling two balls of his fourth over. Elgar was the sixth South African to bat not interested’ and stuff like er, keep fi ghting and dividing ing De Villiers on six. aff ord to ease up. He returned to bowl three more balls unbeaten through a Test innings. that. the Caribbean—then we’re not Dean Elgar carried his bat for South Af- “We’ve seen over the fi rst three days before crying off again. He went for a scan Fellow left-hander Gary Kirsten was “There are times when the going to get anything. rica, making a fi ghting 118 not out, but he that a lot of wickets can fall in the fi rst and was off the fi eld for a lengthy period the most recent to perform the feat before guys look a bit down but gener- “We have to come together as had minimal support from his teammates session so we still need to play well to- before returning at the late afternoon Elgar, making 100 not out in a total of 239 ally in the training sessions the one. We need to unite. as the hosts were bowled out for 214. Stu- morrow to build on the lead we have now.” drinks break. against Pakistan in Faisalabad in 1997/98. guys are very lively and upbeat. “We need to realise that and art Broad and Moeen Ali took four wick- South Africa suff ered a blow early in South African team manager Mohamed Elgar admitted South Africa were on “We’re working hard to try come together as much as possi- ets each for England. the second innings when Steyn left the Moosajee said Steyn had experienced dis- the back foot with their poor series in In- and get things right. ble and stop bashing and divid- “It’s been a great day,” said Ali. fi eld with a right shoulder strain after comfort in his shoulder after the fi rst day, dia aff ecting their confi dence. “The guys try their best. They ing the people of the Caribbean.”

BOTTOMLINE Australia swell lead to 459 against Windies Australia crushed the Windies by an out again with 17 following his 28 in tury of the series after his 108 in Ho- AFP SCORECARD Melbourne innings and 212 runs in the fi rst Test in the first dig. bart, before he fell short slicing Pattin- Hobart and have lost only 10 wickets First-innings centurion Usman Kha- son to Smith in the gully. for 1,313 runs in three incomplete in- Australia 1st innings 551-3 declared (Roach), 9-239 (Taylor), 10-271 (Bravo) waja played some improvised shot- He faced 204 balls and hit eight fours ustralia amassed a formidable nings. (U. Khawaja 144, S. Smith 134 not out, Bowling: Hazlewood 21-6-49-0, Pattin- making for his breezy 56 off 61 balls in a disciplined innings that his team 459-run lead over the West Smith had Sunday’s third Test in J. Burns 128, A. Voges 106 not out) son 22.3-1-72-4 (4nb), Lyon 29-8-66-4, before he was caught behind attempt- badly needed after tumbling to 83 for Indies and were heading for a Sydney and the extra bowling workload West Indies 1st innings (91-6 over- Siddle 18-3-40-2 (1nb), Marsh 7-4-15-0, ing to paddle Holder behind the wicket. six. Bravo currently averages 52.57 in series victory with two days in mind when he decided not to put the night) Smith 3-0-21-0 But despite their dire position the overseas Tests, the highest among all leftA in the second Test in Melbourne Windies back in to bat. Australia 2nd innings Windies showed more resolve against West Indies batsmen who have played K. Brathwaite c Burns b Lyon 17 yesterday. The Australians went about chasing R. Chandrika lbw b Pattinson 25 J. Burns c K. Brathwaite b Holder 4 the odds on the third day. in at least 20 away Tests. After dismissing the outgunned tour- quick runs and lost wickets along the D. Bravo c Smith b Pattinson 81 D. Warner c Holding b C. Brathwaite 17 The tourists’ tail resisted for the fi rst Carlos Brathwaite’s luck ran out ists for 271 and a 280-run fi rst innings way. M. Samuels lbw b Pattinson 0 U. Khawaja c Ramdin b Holder 56 two sessions led by Darren Bravo top- when he spooned a high return catch lead, skipper Steve Smith did not enforce Both openers were gone by the 11th J. Blackwood c and b Lyon 28 S. Smith not out 70 scoring with 81 and all-rounder Carlos back to Lyon in the fi nal over before the follow-on, preferring to recharge his over as the Windies bowlers enjoyed D. Ramdin c Burns b Siddle 0 M. Marsh not out 18 Brathwaite adding 59. lunch, ending a dogged 90-run stand bowlers and bat a second time. their best spells of the series. J. Holder b Siddle 0 Extras (lb7, w2, nb5) 14 But James Pattinson fi nally ended with Bravo. By close on the third day, Smith had Skipper Jason Holder, sharing the C. Brathwaite c and b Lyon 59 Total (3 wickets; 32 overs) 179 the West Indian resistance in the last Brathwaite was earlier given out led the Australians to 179 for three with new ball with Jerome Taylor, had fi rst- K. Roach lbw b Pattinson 22 Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Burns), 2-46 over before tea, getting Bravo caught in twice only to be recalled both times for his virtuoso unbeaten knock of 70 off innings centurion Joe Burns caught by J. Taylor c Nevill b Lyon 15 (Warner), 3-123 (Khawaja) the gully to fi nish with four for 72. a front-foot no-ball by paceman Pat- 70 balls with the under-used Mitchell Kraigg Brathwaite at second slip for J. Warrican not out 11 Bowling: Taylor 3-0-24-0, Holder Off -spinner Nathan Lyon collected tinson. Marsh, elevated to fi fth in the order, four. Extras (b5, lb3, nb5) 13 11-1-49-2 (1nb), C. Brathwaite 6-1-30-1 four for 66 and now has 179 career Test Brathwaite swung lustily on 13 and chipping in with 18. Debutant Carlos Brathwaite followed Total (all out; 100.3 overs) 271 (1w), Roach 4-0-22-0 (1w), Warrican wickets. It was the Windies’ highest had his stumps scattered by Pattinson The Australians have been far supe- up with the prized wicket of David Fall of wickets: 1-35 (K. Brathwaite), 8-0-47-0 innings score in a Test at the Melbourne before an umpire’s check detected a rior and seemed intent on constructing Warner. 2-50 (Chandrika), 3-50 (Samuels), Toss: West Indies Cricket Ground since 1988 as they kept no-ball. The Barbados all-rounder was a huge overall lead and bowling out the Warner attempted to steer a lifter 4-82 (Blackwood), 5-83 (Ramdin), 6-83 Umpires: Marais Erasmus (RSA), Chris the dominant Australians in the fi eld again recalled on 50 after he was caught Windies for a fourth time in the one- behind the wicket only to be well (Holder), 7-173 (C. Brathwaite), 8-215 Gaff aney (NZL) for 100.3 overs. at fi ne leg only for replays to pick up an- sided series. caught by Holder in the gully to miss Bravo was in sight of his second cen- other Pattinson no-ball. Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, December 29, 2015 CRICKET

REPORT SPOTLIGHT Brutal Guptill McCullum lets Guptill smacks Sri Lanka provide the fi reworks

Reuters Lanka on Monday. into submission Christchurch “It was a superb innings. You can’t describe it,” McCullum said. “It’s something you witness After being dropped off the first ball he faced, Guptill went on the warpath ew Zealand captain only once or twice in your life. Brendon McCullum “There are very few guys in will have a nagging the world who can play like that. back injury re-assessed Martin is one of those guys. Ntoday after he left the fi eld dur- “I knew he struck the ball ing his side’s comprehensive cleanly the other day and jeez he 10-wicket victory over Sri Lanka struck it better today. He did it in their second one-day interna- with such composure and genu- tional on Monday. ine stroke making as well.” McCullum left the fi eld mid- Guptill had fl irted with AB de way through Sri Lanka’s innings Villiers’ world record of 16 balls at Hagley Oval in Christchurch for a half century, instead get- and with regular vice-captain ting bogged down from 46 to 50, Kane Williamson nursing a sore which he managed to pass on his knee, turned the captaincy over 17th delivery. to Ross Taylor. It still broke McCullum’s Test opener Tom Latham, New Zealand record of 18 balls, who was brought into the side as achieved earlier this year against cover for Williamson, played an England in the World Cup. anchor role in McCullum’s place Guptill, who scored 93 not as Martin Guptill fl irted with a out from 30 balls on Monday, is world record to smash his side to the world’s leading run scorer in their 118-run victory target in 8.2 one-day internationals in 2015, overs. moving to 1,459 with one match The 34-year-old McCullum to play in Nelson on Dec. 31. has been battling the back injury McCullum, who praised Gup- for years with it partially respon- till’s career-best year, said he sible for his decision to retire af- had asked his side to step up ter the Australia series in Febru- their performances throughout ary. the series as they eye Australia in “It’s not too bad. It’s a bit stiff February and would do so again so we will re-assess it tomorrow,” as they seek to seal the fi ve- McCullum said in a televised in- match series in the third game. terview. “I asked the guys to go up an- The aggressive right hander other gear and they certainly did had combined with Guptill in an that so... we get to the third game 108-run opening partnership in with an opportunity to close out a seven-wicket victory on the a series. same pitch two days ago, but said “We know we have to keep he had been happy to put his feet turning up and putting up our up to watch Guptill destroy Sri best performance.”

Sensational: Martin Guptill

held by South African AB de Villiers. AFP SCORECARD Christchurch “I got a couple of yorkers and couldn’t quite get it. But I’ll take the not out and a Sri Lanka (Chandimal), 5-56 (Mathews), 6-81 win than the fastest 50 and getting out,” he artin Guptill’s 93 off 30 balls D. Gunathilaka c Santner b Henry 17 (Siriwardana), 7-81 (Kapugedera), 8-81 said. smashed Sri Lanka into sub- T. Dilshan c Taylor b Henry 7 (Senanayake), 9-94 (Chameera), 10-117 Guptill did, however, break the New mission as New Zealand took L. Thirimanne c Henry b McClenaghan 1 (Kulasekara) Zealand record for the fastest 50, going one just 8.2 overs to claim the sec- D. Chandimal lbw Bracewell 9 Bowling: Bracewell 6-2-31-1, Henry 9.4- better than McCullum’s best. Mond one-day international by 10 wickets in McCullum did not open the New Zea- A. Mathews c Ronchi b McClenaghan 17 2-33-4, McClenaghan 8-0-32-3 (w1, nb1), Christchurch yesterday. M. Siriwardana c Nicholls b McClena- Santner 1-0-5-0, Sodhi 3-0-12-1 (w1) land innings after injuring himself when he Guptill went within a whisker of break- ghan 12 New Zealand crashed into the fence while trying to cut ing the world record for the fastest ODI 50 C. Kapugedera run out (Guptill/Nicholls/ M. Guptill not out 93 off a boundary. and was close to scoring one of the fastest sub(Worker)) 12 T. Latham not out 17 Instead Tom Latham took up the open- centuries when New Zealand wrapped up N. Kulasekera c Latham b Henry 19 Extras (lb2, w6) 8 ing duties and hit the winning run to be un- the game. S. Senanayake b Henry 0 Total: (0 wickets, 8.2 overs) 118 beaten on 17 from 20 balls while Guptill had New Zealand captain Brendon McCul- D. Chameera c Ronchi b Sodhi 9 Bowling: Chameera 2-0-41-0 (w4), faced 30 for his 93 not out. lum said Guptill was “superb” while Sri J. Vandersay not out 7 Kulasekara 2-0-19-0 (w2), Senanayake De Villiers also holds the record for the Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews described Extras (lb4, w2, nb1) 7 2.2-0-22-0, Vandersay 2-0-34-0 fastest ODI century, achieving the target in his side’s performance as “embarrassing” Total (10 wickets, 27.4 overs) 117 Result: New Zealand win by 10 wickets 31 balls in the same innings that he set the and “pathetic”. Fall of wickets: 1-20 (Dilshan), 2-29 Toss: Sri Lanka fastest 50 record against the West Indies in After being dropped off the fi rst ball he (Thirimanne), 3-31 (Gunathilaka), 4-54 Series: New Zealand 2-0 Johannesburg in January. faced, Guptill went on the warpath with a Monday’s entire game took exactly 36 brutal assault that included nine fours and overs for New Zealand to go 2-0 up in the eight sixes. wards, being dismissed for 117 in 27.4 overs. He took 14 off one over by Nuwan Ku- fi ve-match series. For Sri Lanka, it was a humiliating per- “It was embarrassing. Once again a pa- lasekera and 26 off the next over from When he won the toss and elected to bat, formance after they expressed a desire to thetic display by the whole batting unit,” Dushmantha Chameera as he raced to 46 Sri Lanka’s Mathews described the pitch as gain some pride from being thrashed in the Mathews said. from 12 deliveries. “good for batting”. fi rst ODI by seven wickets when New Zea- “We just couldn’t handle it. It didn’t His momentum was briefl y arrested by But his batsmen were unable to handle land knocked off the 189-run target with swing or seam or bounce. It was just bad some well-placed Kulasekera yorkers and Matt Henry, New Zealand’s chief destroy- 29 overs to spare. shot selection.” Guptill set about demol- it took another fi ve balls for Guptill to reach er in the fi rst match who again took four Matt Henry (L) of New Zealand celebrates taking the wicket of Sri Instead of getting better they went back- ishing the Sri Lanka attack. his 50, one behind the world record of 16 wickets. Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan.

BOTTOMLINE Sorry Sri Lanka fi nding capitulation easy

Reuters Instead, Sri Lanka were bundled out for 117 in swing or bounce. It was just bad shot selection. Christchurch 27.4 overs on Monday with none of the top order, “We couldn’t handle it and we lost too many including opener Tillakaratne Dilshan, who has wickets up front and we did not give our bowlers amassed more than 10,000 career one-day in- a chance to bowl at them.” ri Lanka have been so woeful in the fi rst ternational runs, scoring more than 17. The target of 118 was far too small on a pitch two one-day internationals of a fi ve- All-rounder Kulasekara led the way with 19. that should have produced more than 280 runs match series against New Zealand that The hosts, led by Martin Guptill’s blistering and with Guptill in imperious mood, the home the team’s leadership have been able to 93 not out from 30 balls, then completed the to- crowd were able to pack up their picnic baskets sumS up their displays in three simple yet damn- tal humiliation by racing to a 10 wicket victory and head home early. ing words. inside nine overs. Mathews, however, must now not only get his “Pathetic, Embarrassing and Sorry.” Such was the comprehensive nature of Mon- players to work on their technique but also try After being crushed by seven wickets in the day’s performance, the game was over before to lift their confi dence to get his side back into fi rst game at Hagley Oval, where only a 98-run the scheduled innings break. the series that shifts to Nelson for the third and seventh wicket stand between Milinda Siri- Captain Angelo Mathews did not pull any fourth games. wardana and Nuwan Kulasekara saved them punches in a withering assessment of his team’s “We will be speaking to the boys and trying to from total humiliation, coach Jerome Jayaratne eff orts. get the mindset right,” he said. issued a public apology. “It was quite embarrassing. It was a pathetic “It is really unfortunate we have not been able He then urged his experienced players, par- batting display by the whole unit,” Mathews told to compete in the fi rst couple of games (but) ticularly his top order to stand up to Brendon reporters. there are still three more games and hopefully McCullum’s side. Sri Lanka coach Jerome Jayaratne apologised for his team’s poor showing. “It was a belter of a wicket. It didn’t seam, or we can turn it around in Nelson.” Gulf Times Tuesday, December 29, 2015 11 SPORT

FOCUS Two years on, Schumi’s recovery continues away from public eye

DPA and could be reported on,” Damm because “for Michael in view of Damm said that questions Berlin told dpa. the severity of his injuries the will always remain because “you “But there is no such require- protection of his privacy is very won’t be able to say: I will make ment once the recovery starts important.” a statement and clear up all open ans from around the and the public is spatially ex- It also raised “false hopes” questions. world would love to hear cluded - it happened in a hospital for fans and well-wishers, she “Instead, every statement some good news, or some and now at home.” added. would lead to new questions.” news at all, on record The seven-times F1 champion There are many of those around While Schumacher recov- FormulaF One world champion Schumacher suff ered grave head the world as Schumacher remains ers his children are entering the Michael Schumacher and his re- injuries when he fell on a rock in a the most successful driver in the spotlight. covery from a life-threatening skiing accident in France on De- sport he competed in 1991-2006, His daughter Gina is a suc- ski accident. cember 29, 2013. and again 2010-2012. cessful western rider just as his Today marks the second an- He spent months in an induced Schumacher won a record sev- wife Corinna, and 16-year-old niversary of the accident in the coma, was moved from hospital to en world titles, a 1994 and 1995 son Mick Schumacher had his French Alps, and the Schumach- a rehabilitation clinic in June 2014, double with Benetton and then debut in Formula racing this year. er family and his manager Sabine with his rehabilitation continuing famously fi ve in a row with Fer- His fi rst Formula Four practice Kehm have released virtually no at home in Switzerland in Septem- rari 2000-2004. Also unrivalled sessions on the German track details on his condition over the ber that year. are his 91 race wins and 68 pole in Oschersleben generated huge months and years. Only the family and the closest positions in 308 Grands Prix he media attention, and he is ex- Privacy was always important friends know how Schumacher is competed in. pected to continue in the same for Schumacher in his racing doing shortly ahead of his 47th Kehm has always been reluctant series in 2016. days, and according to his media birthday on January 3. to raise any kind of hopes, speak- But no one will expect any lawyer, Felix Damm, the public It was only last week that ing of progress here and there but comment from him on his fa- has no right to information in the Kehm had to deny a magazine always highlighting the grave na- ther who continues his reha- fi rst place after his accident. report that Schumacher could ture of the injuries which even a bilitation at the family home on In this January 14, 2005, picture, Michael Schumacher is skiing in the northern Italian resort of Madonna “The accident itself was an walk again, saying speculation of helmet Schumacher wore on that Lake Geneva, far away from the di Campiglio. There has been virtually no information on the retired seven-time Formula One champion’s event of contemporary history this nature was “irresponsible” fateful day could not prevent. public eye. recovery since his December 29, 2013, skiing accident in the French Alps. (AFP)

A LOOK BACK ICSS experts have delivered numerous 2015: A LANDMARK international projects and forums to help enhance and YEAR FOR THE ICSS safeguard sport By Sports Reporter Doha

his has been a defi ning year for the world of sport. Corruption, sports betting, govern- ance and transparency issues, as well Tas major event safety and venue security chal- lenges, has changed the landscape of the sports industry and will continue to shape many events and organisations around the world. Established in 2011 by International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) president Mohamed Hanzab to help safeguard sport, over the last 12 months the ICSS and its global experts have continued to play an increasingly integral role in enhancing sport safety, security and integrity. This year alone, ICSS experts have delivered numerous international projects and forums alongside top international organisations to help enhance and safeguard sport. With 2016 round the corner, we look back on some of the ICSS’s main highlights over the last 12 months and some of the successes of the or- ganisation as it enters its fi fth anniversary.

SPORT SAFETY AND SECURITY Gathering global expertise in sport safety and security design, operations and training, the ICSS has this year been appointed by several high-profi le organisations to provide sport safety and security services. Of note, the ICSS signed a new safety and se- curity partnership by the Asian Football Con- federation (AFC) earlier in the year, which will see the ICSS help strengthen existing safety and security regulations in the AFC region, as well Qatar’s Minister of Youth and Sports HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali speaks at the Unesco-ICSS MINEPS V follow-up meeting in Doha. as developing training programmes to educate security staff and carry out risk assessments within the AFC Member Associations. Furthermore, ICSS safety and security ex- perts – led by Executive Director of Safety and Security, Malcolm Tarbitt - were also appointed this year as security advisers to Stadio Della Roma to support the development of the securi- ty strategy and design of AS Roma’s new 52,500 seater stadium, as well as the wider entertain- ment facility, which will be integrated as part of the new facility at the heart of the Italian capital. With numerous high-profi le major inter- national sport events taking place in 2016, the ICSS will look to build on these exciting client wins next year and continue to help leagues, clubs and federations develop a safe, secure and cost-eff ective environment for those attending their venues and events.

SPORT INTEGRITY Driving international policy in sport integrity and sharing its anti-corruption expertise with the world of sport and beyond, 2015 saw ICSS experts work on various international projects, including work located in Australia, USA, France, India, Switzerland, Spain and Portugal. Over the last 12 months, ICSS anti-corrup- ICSS EUROPE and the European Commission signing a new partnership. tion experts and investigators have also worked together with key international institutions, in- cluding Unesco, UNODC and the OECD, gath- ering world-leading experts at various forums to help strengthen policy in the area of sport in- tegrity and to combat corruption in sport. Jointly organised ICSS Sport Policy Forums in 2015 include: ICSS-UNODC side meeting at the 13th United Nations Crime Congress in Doha Unesco-ICSS MINEPS V follow-up meet- AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifah (left) and ICSS president Mohamed Hanzab at ing, also in Doha a conference announcing a new safety and security partnership earlier in the year. The Inter Regional Sports Policy Summit in Lisbon, Portugal tional policy in sport integrity as well as working match-fi xing cases. Financial Integrity and Transparency in on-the-ground protecting clubs, leagues and Despite 2015 being a landmark year for the or- Sport FORUM (FITS FORUM) other associations against corruption on and off ganisation, the work does not stop there for the Sport Integrity workshop hosted with the the fi eld of play. ICSS. With the curtains falling on 2015 and with Spanish Sports Council In particular, 2016 will see the ICSS an- 2016 marking the fi fth anniversary since the Conference on Sport, Youth and Human nounce the results of its much-anticipated glo- organisation was established, next year will be Rights hosted with the European Commission bal project looking at the Financial Integrity and another exciting period for the ICSS as it looks Building on these platforms, the ICSS and its Transparency in Sport (FITS), as well as fi nal- to safeguard sport and help more organisations global sport integrity experts will follow-up on ising the ICSS-UNODC Handbook which will confront the many evolving safety, security and this work in 2016, further enhancing interna- support law enforcement agencies investigate integrity challenges that sport now faces. Condoleezza Rice speaks at Securing Sport 2015.

Tuesday, December 29, 2015 GULF TIMES SPORT

CHESS / QATAR MASTERS OPEN FOCUS Carlsen and Giri Qatar’s Abu Issa aiming split points, 16 men for victory at Dakar 2016

ohamed Abu Issa, chase leading trio the international Qatari quad bike champion, heads to Mamedyarov and Sjugirov are joint leaders along with top seed Carlsen MDakar Rally aiming to come back home with his fi rst ever Dakar By Sports Reporter Rally title in January 2016. Doha In an exclusive interview with Red Bull, Abu Issa spoke about his history with Dakar and his orld Champion Magnus plans to win the title. Excerpts: Carlsen of Norway settled for another draw in the sev- Tell us about your history enth round, this time against with Dakar. Wthird seed GM Anish Giri of the Nether- My fi rst Dakar experience was lands, in Qatar Master Open. in 2014, not too long ago. I went Carlsen, who halved the point with GM in with an injury, which I sus- Wesley So the round before, is in joint tained 6 weeks prior to Dakar in lead with GM Sanan Sjugirov of Russia Morocco. It was a serious one; and GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov of Az- I’m talking about many broken erbaijan. bones and being in a wheel chair Mamedyarov and Sjugirov posted wins for 10 days. However, when I got over Indian GM Surya Shekhar Ganguly the acceptance to go for Dakar and Russian GM Dmitry Jakovenko, re- Rally, I didn’t want to waste this spectively. chance. So, with good healthcare Anish, playing with black, used the & hard work I managed to strap Sicilian Najdorf to neutralise Carlsen. my wrist pretty well and went While the draw didn’t get the Dutchman into Dakar Rally 2014. It was a closer, it did keep him within striking dis- great learning experience, and I tance. fi nished 4th overall, 1st in Junior “I played the Berlin for I don’t know category. how long. I had never played the Najdorf In 2015, I was more prepared in my life...I think I’m playing it quite physically and mentally, and was well in the games that I’ve played here, third overall closing in on the which is very surprising. I have no idea leader up until day 5 when my why,” Giri said after the game. quad bike faced a devastating I believe I have a natural talent Despite the recent success, Giri still mechanical failure that halted for off -road racing, and Dakar holds fondness for his bread-and-butter my race. is the ultimate challenge – The defense: “Najdorf is a great opening, This year, we have worked Iron Man On The Machine – be- when it works. Other times you pay for it. hard to improve the reliability of cause it is so tough! Racing for The Berlin is always a great opening.” the machine and we are aiming 9,000KMs and fi nishing the race Both players tried their best to com- Anish Giri (left) of the Netherlands contemplates a move during his game against Magnus Carlsen of Norway in the Qatar Masters for the win. on your own is a victory by itself. plicate the game. Giri even sacrifi ced an Open at Aspire Zone. The game ended in a draw. PICTURES: Jayaram It is this competition that drives exchange to get a solid central pawn ma- When it comes to your com- me to make the impossible pos- jority. But before things got out of hand petitors, who’re your top sible and make that title mine. Carlsen sacrifi ced the exchange back and ones? steered the game into calmer waters. My main competitor is the Any exciting plans for 2016, Grandmaster So also split the point desert and myself. In order to other than Dakar? with former world champion Ukrainian win, you have to cross the desert Well, if I win Dakar, then I GM Ruslan Ponomariov in 41 moves of all the way to the fi nish line, and would’ve reached a stepping- the Ruy Lopez opening to stay half a point that’s a big competition. As for stone in my life. I am also aim- off the pace. my fellow quad bike rally partici- ing for the FIM World Champi- Employing the Berlin against the pants, I consider the Patronelli onship in the Quads category. popular Spanish opening, So used his brothers from Argentina, and Ig- Overall, my target is Dakar tro- uncastled but active king to gain equal- nacio Casale my top ones. phy; as I have a stand in my house ity and later a slight positional advantage where it’s going to go. After win- but Ponomariov, who reigned as world How have you been preparing ning Dakar, I will be seriously champion from 2002 to 2004, opted to for Dakar Rally 2016? considering switching to racing play it safe and ignored the former’s ploy Last year, I really focused on cars category. to complicate matters. endurance training and I believe So and Ponomariov decided to draw it really helped me. However, my What would you like to tell when they could not fi nd anything out of strength and speed on the quad is your fans that support you? a closed position. The standoff sent So in a something that I lost back then. To be very honest, when you’re heavy 16-man chase pack with fi ve points So, this year I focused on my there alone racing day and night, apiece, half a point behind the leaders. strength and stamina, lost a lot all that you think of is who are If past games of Mamedyarov are any- of weight and spent long hours supporting you and that’s what thing to go by, then you can be relatively at the gym, yet I maintained my pushes you. I don’t want to even sure that the Azeri player has come to endurance training through cy- describe what you go through Doha in a creative mood. Creativity is not Russia’s Vladimir Kramnik won his game cling. I am ready. mentally alone for hours and days an unknown commodity when it comes to India’s Harika Dronavalli (right) beat Iran’s Khademalsharieh Sarasadat. against Yu Yangyi of China out there, and what keeps me go- Mamedyarov but his games at the Qatar Why Dakar? What makes it so ing is knowing that my fans are Masters Open 2015 have just surpassed wasn’t him but Ganguly who started the The Indian grandmaster also show- bishop endgame where Mamedyarov was special for you? supporting me and will celebrate all borders and lie somewhere on the edge madness with 7…Qd3!? This was a dream cased a lot of ingenious ideas, and the two pawns up. There were some techni- Obviously, I’m into all types of with me after my race. So, a big of insanity. Although in his defense it scenario for Mamedyarov who revels in advantage fl uctuated many times before cal diffi culties, but he converted the posi- racing. But, because Dakar is an thank you to all my fans; I won’t be must be said that in the seventh round it unusual positions. it settled down into an opposite coloured tion, nonetheless. off -road race, it is my favourite. able to do this without you.

QGA/DGC Junior Weekly Tournament Qatar Handball League

George Ascott picked up victory in the week nine of QGA/DGC Junior Weekly Tournament, sponsored by QatarGas, at the Doha Golf Club Action from the Qatar Handball League match between Al Ahli (in green) and Al Khor at Duhail Sports Academy Course. Ascott, with a gross score of 49 (stableford points 15), finished ahead of Sebastian Bartlett (gross score 56, stableford Hall yesterday. Ahli won the match 30-25. In other matches of the day, Al Quiyiada beat Qatar SC 41-32 points 10) in the nine-hole Handicap Stableford event. while Al Arabi and Al Wakrah played out a 27-27 draw. PICTURE: Shaji Thottathil