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TENNIS Sharapova admits to failed drug test ‘I let my fans down, I let the sport down that I have been playing since the age of four and I love so deeply. I know with this I face consequences and I don’t want to end my career this way and I really hope I will be given another chance to play this game’ WHAT IS AND WHY DID MARIA USE IT Maria Sharapova addresses the media regarding her failed eldonium is also known as mil- • The decision to add meldonium to the sent out to athletes by ’s anti-doping drug test in Los Angeles. (AFP) Mdronate, the name by which Maria banned list was approved on September agency last September informing them of Sharapova knew the drug, having taken it 16 last year and it came into eff ect on the decision to ban its use. since 2006. But what do we know about January 1, 2016. WADA had spent the • Sharapova says she has been taking the the substance, why was the Russian taking previous year monitoring the drug before drug for 10 years after she was regularly it and why was it banned only this year? adding it to the banned list. falling ill. She had a magnesium deficiency • Meldonium is used to treat ischaemia: a • The drug was name-checked in the latest and family history of diabetes. lack of blood flow to parts of the body, par- investigative documentary on Russian • Several athletes have been suspended ticularly in cases of angina or heart failure. doping reforms by the German Hajo Sep- since the turn of 2016 after testing positive • It is manufactured in Latvia and only pelt on Sunday. The documentary referred for the drug. Abebe Aregawi, the 2013 distributed in Baltic countries and Russia. to a 2015 study in which 17% of Russian women’s 1,500m world champion, has It is not approved by the Food and Drug athletes (724 of 4,316) tested were found to been suspended after meldonium was Administration for use in the United States have meldonium in their system. A global found in her A sample. Endeshaw Neges- and is not authorised in the rest of Europe. study found 2.2% of athletes had it in their se, the 2015 Tokyo marathon champion, • It increases blood flow, which improves system. was also banned after reportedly testing exercise capacity in athletes. • It is classed as an S4 substance under positive for the same substance. Others • WADA found “evidence of its use by the WADA code, which addresses hor- include Olga Abramova and Artem Tysch- athletes with the intention of enhancing mone and metabolic modulators. cenko, two Ukrainian biathletes, Eduard performance” by virtue of carrying more • The standard ban under the World Anti- Vorganov, a Russian cyclist and Ekaterina oxygen to muscle tissue. Doping Code is four years. A memo was Bobrova, a Russian ice dancer.

By Les Carpenter in Los Angeles One of Sharapova’s biggest spon- was slowed immediately after she The Guardian sors, Nike, announced it had suspend- reached the world No. 1 ranking in ed its relationship with her while the 2006 with what became a long series investigation continues. of shoulder issues. In recent years she aria Sharapova has been “We are saddened and surprised by has battled forearm pain and leg ail- provisionally banned from the news about Maria Sharapova,” a ments. A few days ago she announced tennis after she revealed on Nike statement read. she would miss the BNP Paribas tour- Monday she tested positive However, Shamil Tarpishchev, presi- nament at Indian Wells in California Mat the Australian Open for a recently dent of the Russian Tennis Federation, because of a forearm injury. banned drug that she has been taking told the Russian news agency TASS he But even with her injuries Shara- for 10 years for health reasons. expected Sharapova to be available for pova has been a huge force in women’s The drug is called meldonium, this summer’s Rio Olympics after de- tennis. Her 6ft 2in frame allows her to though Sharapova said she had been scribing the positive test as “nonsense”. have one of the most powerful serves in using it under the name of mildronate Serena Williams, the top-ranked the game. She is also one of the hard- and was unaware of both the diff er- player in women’s tennis, said she was est hitters on the tour and is one of ent name and the fact that it is on the shocked to hear her friend had failed a the three best women’s players when World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned drug test, but she commended Shara- healthy. She has won each Grand Slam list until she received a letter notifying pova for showing courage in taking tournament once and has also won the her of the positive test 10 days ago. responsibility. “As Maria said, she’s a second time, in 2014. “I let my fans down, I let the sport ready to take full responsibility and I She has long been praised for not let- down that I have been playing since the think that showed a lot of courage and ting the attention she receives for her age of four and I love so deeply. I know a lot of heart,” Williams said yesterday . model-like looks distract her from the with this I face consequences and I Sharapova’s announcement is al- game. Where players like fellow Rus- don’t want to end my career this way most unprecedented for a top athlete. sian Anna Kournikova seemed more in- and I really hope I will be given another Most sports stars try to hide posi- terested in being celebrities than tennis chance to play this game,” she said. tive tests for performance-enhancing players, Sharapova has played with an Sharapova claimed she was pre- drugs, hoping news will not break until intense dedication, which has added to scribed meldonium by her doctor in a suspension is revealed. But few ath- her popularity with fans and advertisers. 2006 to deal with health issues such letes are like Sharapova who has made When Sharapova’s publicist fi rst as an irregular heartbeat and a history herself into the highest-paid female in announced Monday’s press confer- of diabetes in her family. But the sub- sport, earning more than $20mn an- ence on Sunday afternoon, speculation stance was added to the banned list nually, through a series of high-end turned to the player’s possible retire- in January of this year because WADA endorsement deals. ment. The press release called it a “ma- said there was “evidence of its use by The implication that Sharapova has jor announcement” and, given that she athletes with the intention of enhanc- been cheating can be a devastating has played in only three tournaments ing performance”. blow to those deals. By revealing the in eight months, many thought she “For the past 10 years I have been test results herself she is attempting to was ending her career at the age of 28. given a medicine called mildronate by take control of the story, hoping that by She acknowledged that belief at her my family doctor and a few days ago, being up front people will believe she is press conference before saying in a after I received the ITF letter, I found being honest and really was taking mil- sombre tone that she would not retire out that it also has another name of dronate for health purposes. in a downtown Los Angeles hotel. She meldonium which I did not know. Meldonium was developed years ago then looked down and added, “with “It is very important for you to un- in Latvia to treat patients with heart this ugly carpet”. derstand that for 10 years this medicine conditions brought on by a lack of Sharapova’s lawyer, John Haggerty, was not on WADA’s banned list and I oxygen in their blood. It has become told reporters that, while athletes use had legally been taking the medicine popular with athletes who use the oxy- meldonium for performance-enhanc- for the past 10 years. But on January 1 gen-enhancers to improve endurance, ing purposes, it is at higher levels than the rules had changed and meldonium especially when working out. Last year, Sharapova was taking. He did not say became a prohibited substance which WADA announced that it was carefully what that level was or reveal the name I had not known. I failed the test and I studying the drug, allowing athletes to of her doctor. take full responsibility for it. I made a take it with the warning that it could The punishment for a positive test huge mistake,” the Russian added. soon be banned. A few months into can be up to a four-year ban, though is The ITF said Sharapova, who now that study WADA said meldonium was seems unlikely that Sharapova would faces a ban from the sport, had been being moved to 2016’s banned list. get anywhere near four years for a fi rst informed of the positive test on March Sharapova has struggled with in- violation. Still, even a one or two-year 2 and she will be provisionally sus- juries through most of her career. Her suspension might make it hard for her to pended from March 12. meteoric rise as a teenage sensation return to tennis given her injury history. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, March 9, 2016 TENNIS

FOCUS Russian offi cials spring to Sharapova’s defence

AFP Sharapova said she originally be- Bobrova, Ukrainian biathletes Artem Ty- Moscow gan taking meldonium for a variety of shchenko and Olga Abramova and Ethi- symptoms, including a tendency to be- opian-born Swede Abebe Aregawi, the Capriati lashes out at Maria come ill often, an irregular EKG heart 2013 women’s 1,500m world champion. ormer Grand Slam champion taking the drug for health problems ussian offi cials threw their test and a family history of diabetes. Mutko warned that more Russian Jennifer Capriati lashed on medical advice since 2006, and backing behind tennis star Meldonium—manufactured in competitors could be hit by the meldo- Fout at Maria Sharapova on through her own negligence failed Maria Sharapova yesterday Latvia but not approved by US regula- nium ban and said he would summon Twitter on Monday after the Russian to realize it had been banned. after she admitted to failing a tors—is used to treat heart trouble, in- the country’s sports chiefs to discuss announced she had tested positive “What’s the point of someone tak- drugR test at the Australian Open. cluding angina and heart failure. the issue. for a banned drug at the Australian ing a heart medicine that helps your “I feel sorry for Masha. I hope that Sharapova said she was co-operat- “It seems that we are in for some Open in January. heart recover faster unless you have we will see her back on court and we ing with the ITF and did not yet know shocks because of this medicine,” In a series of tweets that didn’t a heart condition? Is that accurate?” are prepared to support her,” sports the extent of the sanctions she would Mutko said. “Unfortunately I think mention Sharapova by name, Capriati asked. minister Vitaly Mutko told state-run face. Her attorney, John Haggerty, said there will still be some more cases.” Capriati said she was “disappointed” “In my opinion (if) it’s all true every TASS news agency, using the Russian the positive test could carry a ban of up Russia is currently embroiled in a “I had to lose my career and never title should be stripped. This is other diminutive of Sharapova’s fi rst name. to four years, but that mitigating cir- separate scandal over allegations of opted to cheat no matter what,” people’s lives as well.” “She travels from tournament to tour- cumstances could see a lesser penalty. state-sponsored doping in track and Capriati tweeted. “I had to throw in At her induction into the Tennis nament and has a punishing schedule. Shamil Tarpishchev, head of the fi eld that has seen the country’s team the towel and suff er. I didn’t have the Hall of Fame in 2012, Capriati said she The people in her team should be look- Russian tennis federation, told TASS banned from international competi- high priced team of (doctors) that felt injuries had forced her to leave ing out for her.” he believed Sharapova would still have tion and facing the possibility of miss- found a way for me to cheat and the game sooner than she wanted. Sharapova announced on Monday a chance to play at the Rio Olympics in ing out on the Rio Olympic Games this get around the system and wait for She launched her career at 14, but that she had tested positive for meldo- August. In a statement released by the summer. science to catch up.” after winning Olympic gold at Bar- nium, a drug she said she had been tak- federation, Tarpishchev pledged to do Sharapova, who was born in Siberia During a quickly convened news celona in 1992 she was sidetracked ing since 2006 but that was only added “everything that is needed from our but left the country for the US aged conference at a Los Angeles hotel by off -court troubles, including to the banned list this year. side to help Masha”. seven, represents Russia in the Fed Cup on Monday, Sharapova said she arrests for shoplifting and marijuana The former world number one from “The Russian Tennis Federation and claimed silver for the country at tested positive for meldonium, a possession. She returned to tennis in Russia said a change in the World Anti- supports Masha and we are sure that the 2012 London Olympic Games. circulation-boosting drug used to 1996 and won the first of her three Doping Agency’s banned list for 2016 she will emerge with dignity from this She carried the torch into the sta- treat heart ailments that was added Grand Slams at the Australian Open led to an inadvertent violation, for trial,” the statement added. dium for the opening of the 2014 Win- to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s in 2001, adding the French Open which she will be “provisionally sus- A string of sports fi gures have tested ter Olympics in Sochi, an event that banned list this year. title and another Australian crown pended” by the International Tennis positive for meldonium this year, in- was championed by Russian President Sharapova said she had been before she retired in 2004. Federation. cluding Russian ice dancer Ekaterina .

FALLOUT Russians warn more athletes could test positive for meldonium

By Shaun Walker in Moscow Porsche follows Nike, The Guardian

ussian sports off icials have warned more athletes could Rtest positive for meldonium, the substance responsible for Maria Sharapova failing a drugs test at the Tag Heuer in cutting Australian Open. The Russian tennis player claimed she had been taking the drug for 10 years for medical reasons such as an irregular heartbeat and a history of diabetes in her family, though Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said the drug, which is manufactured in Latvia, was ties with Sharapova popular among the country’s athletes. “There won’t be a huge wave, but I suspect there could be several more ‘We are saddened and surprised by the news about Sharapova. We have decided to suspend our cases unfortunately. Maybe this will wake our trainers and federation up a relationship with Maria while the investigation continues. We will continue to monitor the situation’ bit. Unfortunately, a lot of athletes took this medicine,” Mutko said. “This medi- cine used to be allowed, it does not do anything major, it just helped a lot of Maria Sharapova celebrates on a people with their recovery times; it did bike after winning the WTA Qatar not off er any unfair advantages.” Open title in Doha in this file photo On Monday, former European ice dated February 24, 2008. (Reuters) dancing champion and Olympic gold medallist Ekaterina Bobrova told Russian media she had also failed a doping test in January over her use of meldonium. She and her partner Dmitry Soloviev are now ruled out of the World Championships in Boston later this month. The substance was added to the banned list in January this year, with the World Anti-Doping Agency finding “evidence of its use by athletes with the intention of enhancing performance”. Mutko said Russia’s anti-doping agency issued a warning last year that meldonium would be banned from Janu- ary 1, and that sporting federations, train- ers and doctors needed to show more responsibility towards their athletes. He said Russia needed “three to four years” to fully get its house in order after the recent wave of drugs scandals. WADA suspended the Russian anti-doping agency late last year, amid allegations that there had been a systematic cover-up of positive results involving collusion by the Russian agency and even top Russian off icials. Retired Russian tennis player Anna Chakvetadze also expressed surprise, saying: “It’s an unexpected blow. Until yesterday I thought that our sport was clean. I judged based on my own experience. I knew how much they’d tightened the anti-doping checks but thought everything should be fine. “It’s not just a blow to Maria Shara- pova, it’s a blow to the whole sport,” added the former World No. 5. She added that given the upcoming Olympics, she hoped there could be a compromise punishment. “The Olympics are soon and Maria is one of our main medal hopes, I hope she can play whatever happens. She By Jessica Elgot about Maria Sharapova,” the sports news about Maria Sharapova. Until and was worth almost £50mn. Russia is currently barred from in- admitted her guilt, I think there should theguardian.com brand said in a statement. “We have more details are known and we can Other endorsements for the former ternational competition after a major be leniency in the punishment. If she decided to suspend our relationship analyse the situation, we have decid- world number one include a three- doping scandal involving its athletes can perform in the Olympics it will be with Maria while the investigation ed to suspend planned activities (with year deal with Porsche, Avon, Evian last year, but hopes to meet anti-dop- great news for all fans.” ike and TAG Heuer have be- continues. We will continue to moni- her),” said Porsche in a statement. and Head tennis rackets. ing standards set by the International Dmitry Svishchev, head of Russian come the fi rst major spon- tor the situation.” The 28-year-old Sharapova, who The star also owns her own high- Association of Athletics Federations parliament’s committee on sport and sors to cut ties with Maria Swiss luxury watchmaker TAG has won fi ve Grand Slam titles in her end gummy sweet brand, Sugarpova, in time for the Olympics, though youth policy, hinted that there was a spe- Sharapova after the tennis Heuer, which has had a relationship career, signed a three-year deal to launched in 2012 and now sold in 22 many international observers believe cific targeting of Russian athletes by the Nstar revealed she had tested positive with Sharapova since 2004, said it had be brand ambassador for Porsche in countries, and had plans to launch this is unrealistic. global sports body, but also expressed for the banned substance meldonium. stopped negotiations with the tennis April 2013. The Russian also won the chocolate in a collaboration with Bar- Sharapova has also said she hoped anger with trainers for not following the The fi ve-time Grand Slam winner player, whose previous contract had WTA indoor tournament in Stuttgart, on Chocolates this year. she could eventually return to the new regulations regarding meldonium. announced on Monday that she failed ended on December 31. which is sponsored by the car manu- Russia’s tennis chief Shamil Tarp- sport, despite being plagued by in- “After the serious blow to Russia the drug test after she was knocked “We had been in talks to extend our facturers, in 2012, 2013 and 2014, with ischev called Sharapova’s failed drug juries. “I let my fans down, I let the last year, when top off icials spoke out out of the Australian Open in January. collaboration,” a spokeswoman said. the champion driving off in a brand- test “a load of nonsense” and said he sport down that I have been play- and our track and field athletes were She has been provisionally suspended “In view of the current situation, the new sports car. expected she would still compete at ing since the age of four and I love so banned, I would have thought this from the sport by the International brand has decided not to renew the In 2015, Forbes estimated that the the 2016 Olympics in Brazil this sum- deeply,” she said at the press confer- would have brought many athletes Tennis Federation. contract with Sharapova.” tennis player, the world’s highest- mer. “The sportsmen take what they ence. “I know with this I face conse- and trainers to their senses. Why put Nike, Sharapova’s most high- German luxury car manufacturers paid female athlete for the 11th year are given by the physiotherapists and by quences. I don’t want to end my ca- in all the work only to get banned? I profi le sponsor, said it would be sus- Porsche yesterday became the third running, had earned £16m in en- the doctors,” he said. “I think Sharapova reer this way and I really hope I will don’t know what they were thinking,” pending their relationship. “We are big-name sponsor to distance them- dorsements. Her lucrative eight-year will play at the Olympics, however, we be given another chance to play this Svishchev told Russian agencies. saddened and surprised by the news selves from Sharapova. “We regret the contract with Nike was signed in 2010 will need to see how this will develop.” game,” she added. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 9, 2016 3 SPORT

Lengthy ban DAVIS CUP GOLF for Sharapova would be Luiten, devastating, Fraser add says Bollettieri Murray, Djokovic to strong Reuters London Indian lengthy ban for doping would be devastating for Open fi eld A five-times Grand Slam primed for QF clash champion Maria Sharapova but AFP she would survive it, Nick Bollet- New Delhi tieri, the man who discovered her, said yesterday. “I think it would be devastating op golfers Marcus Fraser, if they didn’t allow her to come Joost Luiten and George Co- back,” Bollettieri, who spotted Rus- etzee have been added to a sian Sharapova’s potential when under Belgrade sun strong fi eld at the 52nd Hero IndianT Open 2016, which starts this she arrived in Florida with her father in 1994, told Sky Sports. month. The trio will join the list of “It’s up to the testing people. But There are murmurs the Serbs are considering staging the tie outdoors in the six golfers in the top-100 ranking I don’t think she should be banned with defending champion Anirban for life because of this. I think capital, which would not only put extra pressure on Djokovic to play, but lend Lahiri at 50th in the world chart. Maria will find a way to survive Australia’s Fraser is ranked 63rd, what is happening to her.” lustre to a dream showdown between the No. 1 and No. 2 players in the world Dutchman Luiten stands at the 77th Former world number one spot and Coetzee from South Af- Sharapova, who won Wimble- rica sits at the 78th position in the don as a 17-year-old, told a news world rankings. Tommy Fleetwood conference on Monday that she (England) at 81st and Marc Warren had made a “huge mistake”, saying (Scotland) at 87th are the others in that she had been taking the drug the top 100. Three-time major win- for 10 years to combat health prob- ner Padraig Harrington of Ireland is lems. Meldonium was only added the star attraction at the event. to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s The strength of the fi eld and pres- banned list on January 1. ence of so many top-100 players Bollettieri, who also nurtured the will also mean more world ranking likes of Andre Agassi and Monica points. These are essential for play- Seles at the academy he started in ers to qualify for this summer’s Rio Bradenton, Florida and later sold to Olympics, where golf will make a re- IMG, said Sharapova should not be turn after 108 years. judged too harshly. The fi eld has a host of other past “This will be devastating for winners, including Siddikur Rah- Maria,” he said. “She really has man (Bangladesh), Thaworn Wi- been an outstanding character on ratchant (Thailand), Mardan Mamat and off the court for all of these (Singapore) and Arjun Atwal (). years. I’m not trying to say she’s The annual event is scheduled right or wrong, but she doesn’t do to run from March 17-20 at the discos, no drinking sprees, she has Delhi Golf Club in New Delhi. The been an outstanding character on event, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and off the court all these years. and European Tour for the second Maria’s whole career has been one straight year, will carry an enhanced of dedication.” prize purse of $1.66 million. The failed drug test at January’s Australian Open, one of four an- Fowler ace nets cool $1 nual Grand Slam events, will prove to be costly for Sharapova at a time million for Els charity when sports bodies and sponsors are taking a tough line following a series of corruption and doping scandals. Sharapova earned $29.7 million Briton Andy Murray (left) last year, Forbes magazine reported, and Serbia’s Novak Djokovic. and most of it came from endorse- ments, appearances and royalties rather than her victories on court. By Kevin Mitchell in London And what of the Serb? He has shown “Andy can beat anyone—including mund and James Ward. She was the world’s highest-paid The Guardian physical frailty the past few weeks, Novak,” he says, refl ecting on the fact Smith said: “If he becomes available, female athlete last year for the 11th quitting during a match in Dubai with Murray’s two Grand Slam titles have it’s another high-quality player that consecutive year, and Forbes put an eye problem and nursing a sore come in fi nals against the Serb. “And we’ve got at our disposal—not that he her off -court career earnings at t could hardly be more ideal for the shoulder through the tightest of wins Davis Cup is diff erent. You see that would necessarily come into the team, more than $200 million. game and the competition if No- against Kazakhstan last weekend. with Novak (who credits leading Serbia of course, because there’s a bit of time “We’re now entering a zero vak Djokovic and Andy Murray, the Djokovic has yet to commit, and it to their only title, in 2010, as the turn- before the next tie. But he’s going to be Rickie Fowler made a $1 million tolerance era for sponsors,” said two best players in the world, duel could be that he will prioritise the Ol- ing point of his career). You see that a great addition to our squad, which is hole-in-one for charity at an event Iover the Davis Cup quarter-fi nal out- ympics in Rio in August, although it with performances like the one Kei put already really strong. Fingers crossed it hosted by Ernie Els in Florida on Rupert Pratt, co-founder of sports sponsorship agency Generate. doors at high summer in Belgrade, even would not be a great look in his home- out here. He got really close to Andy. goes his way.” Monday. Fowler, the fi fth ranked “It is now seen as not acceptable though that would present the Scot town, where nationalism is frighten- You have got your teammates on the If he is being kind to the rest of the player in the world, aced the 113- to ‘stand by your man’ because of with the toughest possible impediment ingly intense, if he were to leave an side of the court. squad, it is understandable. They are yard “bonus” 19th hole to claim the the amount of scrutiny corporates to leading Great Britain to a successful otherwise underpowered squad to “You have got home and away sup- a tight-knit unit, and Smith will be prize money for the Els for Autism are now under”. defence of the title they won in 2015 for fend for themselves against the de- port. Look at Novak’s match in Bel- watching their progress across the foundation. The American was im- Serena Williams, the top-ranked the fi rst time in 79 years. fending champions. grade [where Mikhail Kukushkinmight globe this week. “James is playing a mediately swamped by fans and fel- player in women’s tennis, declined The Scot is unequivocally up for it. There are murmurs the Serbs are have won had he not faded only in the Puebla Challenger, Kyle has squeaked low golfers, including Els and Rory to comment on Nike’s decision to After beating Kei Nishikori in fi ve sets considering staging the tie outdoors in fi nal set], it is never straightforward, is into the Indian Wells main draw, which McIlroy, and lifted into the air. cut ties with Sharapova. that took nearly as many hours in Bir- the capital, which would not only put it? It is an amazing competition. Funny is great. Aljaz has too. Andy leaves for “Pretty cool to be able to do that She said, however, that more mingham on Sunday to seal their open- extra pressure on Djokovic to play, but things happen.” Indian Wells, as do Jamie (Murray) and for Ernie and the foundation,” Fowl- generally, “in sport and in life, ing tie 3-1, Murray was visibly put out lend lustre to a dream showdown be- Smith might have an unexpected Dom (Inglot). Evo (Evans) leaves for er told the Golf Channel. “It’s a small there’s always a double standard.” when asked if he had carried the inten- tween the No. 1 and No. 2 players in the ace. Aljaz Bedene, the Slovenia-born the Drummondsville Challenger on target. No one really expects it be- Brian Socolow, an expert in sity of 2015 into the new campaign. ATP rankings. world No. 51 who trained with the Wednesday.” cause it’s kind of a shot in the dark.” sports law and a partner at Loeb “I just fought for four hours and 54 Djokovic, after all, has a 22-9 career squad all last week, goes before an eli- On Sunday the titans prevailed. Fowler has enjoyed a solid start & Loeb LLP, said it was no surprise minutes,” he said, curtly. “It was one of record against Murray, 11 of those ar- gibility panel of the International Ten- They nearly always do, whatever the to the season after capturing three Nike suspended its relationship the longest matches I have ever played riving in their past 12 matches. It is a nis Federation in Moldova on March struggle. The blockbuster confronta- worldwide titles in 2015. He held off with Sharapova, as it is especially in my life. I have been away from the dominance that would crush a lesser 20. If he wins his appeal he could fi gure tion in the next round was secured. In a strong fi eld to win the Abu Dhabi sensitive to doping allegations court for fi ve weeks. I don’t know if it is player than the Scot, but the man who in selection for Belgrade—which would July, a week after Wimbledon, the two HSBC Championship in Janu- after its experience with disgraced meant to be, but that sounds like a very knows him better than anyone outside please Smith and the nation, but might most awesome of them are scheduled ary, then suff ered a playoff loss in US cyclist Lance Armstrong. strange question.” He will be there for his family, Leon Smith, the Great Brit- be a blow to his rivals for a singles place to collide again, for honours unmeas- Scottsdale, Arizona in February be- as long as this fi ght takes. ain captain, does not see it that way. alongside Murray: Dan Evans, Kyle Ed- urable at the bank. fore adding a pair of top-10s since.

BOTTOMLINE Sharapova’s PR machine limits damage but still raises uncomfortable questions Sharapova’s front foot response nation and almost preternatural sense events in eight months and, while an email in December with a link de- Aregawi. Or that Russia’s anti-doping in major fi nals. The answer, which it was typical of the world’s richest of composure underpinning that bold still at seventh in the world rankings, tailing the updated banned substance federation warned all Russian athletes doesn’t take a genius to hash out, strikes female athlete and has largely response, all qualities that have in- seemed on her way out of the sport. list for 2016 but no one in her cadre of of the new list back in September. at the heart of white privilege. had the desired eff ect but such formed a decorated playing career Then she took the podium. agents, coaches, managers and per- Far less binary are the ethical issues Instead Sharapova, thanks in no slick media relations make that’s seen her become one of the high- The news itself was a far bigger sonal trainers apparently clicked it—so the episode raises. If you take a medi- small part to her media savvy and her team’s negligence over the est earning and most popular sports- surprise than her response to it: swift diffi cult to accept. cine or supplement that isn’t strictly comportment under fi re, will likely banned substance in question so women ever, were never more present and professional with just enough banned but which makes you feel bet- emerge from Monday’s announcement diffi cult to accept than Monday’s shock news conference tone-deafness to confi rm there was a The news itself was a far bigger ter on court and in general, is it wrong? with her reputation dented but intact. in downtown Los Angeles to announce real person back there. By issuing her surprise than her response to Sharapova admitted on Monday to Nike, the shoe giant who recently the positive drug test that threatens statement on Monday and fi elding it: swift and professional with having taken a drug for a decade that off ered two-times drugs cheat Justin By Bryan Armen Graham in London to cast doubt over the entirety of her questions from the press, Sharapova just enough tone-deafness the World Anti-Doping Agency has Gatlin a new deal, has suspended ties theguardian.com achievements. got out in front of the story and wrest- to confi rm there was a real banned after it was proven to enhance but will no doubt be on board for the The alert from Sharapova’s agent ed control of the narrative rather than person back there. By issuing performance considerably, a timeframe comeback tour. So passionate are her promised a “major announcement”, passively waiting for the news to leak. her statement on Monday and that raises a concern over what medical legion of fans that it’s hard to believe aria Sharapova was one prompting wide speculation the And so far it has worked. fi elding questions from the reasons justify such long-term use. Monday’s bombshell cost her any. month into a professional Russian-born superstar was calling The reaction from within the tennis press, Sharapova got out in That’s the question confronting the Nonetheless, now a 28-year-old career that would make her time on a 15-year career that’s includ- fraternity has been largely sympathetic— front of the story and wrested general public when asked to assess dogged by injury in recent years faces a the world’s richest female ed fi ve Grand Slam titles—more than with the conspicuous exception of Jen- control of the narrative rather whether Sharapova’s achievements and lengthy suspension—a four-year ban if Mathlete when a reporter from HBO’s any other active player besides the nifer Capriati, whose fi rst tweets in two reputation should be called into question. she is found to have taken meldonium than passively waiting for the Real Sports visiting Florida’s Bollet- Williams sisters—and hundreds of mil- months off ered unsparing invective— news to leak. And so far it has You can’t help wonder how diff erent intentionally to enhance performance, tieri Tennis Academy asked whether lions in prize money and endorsement and the feedback from the same public worked the reaction would be if it were Serena, two years if unintentionally—and faces she’d rather win Wimbledon or make deals with high-end brands including that devoured Lance Armstrong and the fi gure to whom her career is inextri- a pivotal turning point. $20m in endorsements. but not limited to Porsche, Evian, Avon Marion Jones has been oddly generous. It doesn’t help that other athletes cably linked by virtue of a numbingly fa- Either she disappears from compe- “I would choose to win Wimbledon,” and Tiff any. It’s just the sort of sophisticated, have been caught after testing positive miliar rivalry that’s seen the World No. 1 tition entirely or will dare to overcome the 13-year-old had said, “because One of only 10 women to have won obsessive management by committee for the same substance over the past win their last 18 matches over more than it all. But on the all-important front then the millions will come.” each of the sport’s four bedrock tour- that makes the negligence at the crux month, among them Ekaterina Bobro- 11 years, an astonishing run that includes of perception Sharapova showed that The self-belief and steely determi- naments, she’d played only three of Sharapova’s story—that she received va and middle-distance runner Abeba seven meetings at Grand Slams and three she’s still game. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, March 9, 2016 FOOTBALL

EPL FOCUS FFA to help fund marquee names in Wenger hits back A-League boost

AFP Lowy said the FFA recognised Melbourne the need to bring in more big names players to spark interest further. ootball Federation Aus- “Our strategic focus on the at ‘boring’ critics tralia yesterday said it A-League and its power to en- will provide fi nancial tertain underpins a related ini- backing to help lure mar- tiative we’re announcing today— ‘I always have to convince you that I am good enough. I worked for 35 years at the top level’ queeF players to the A-League as one objective that can’t wait is it outlined a new vision to boost to attract marquee players to the the domestic game. A-League,” he said. FFA chairman Steven Lowy “It is the task of clubs to re- said the sport had reached a crit- cruit those players. But FFA can Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger ical juncture and more resources help. would be pumped in to promote “Under this approach, FFA the competition, aware that will work with A-League clubs a bigger fan base will harness in targeting marquee players and greater commercial revenues. providing support, including fi - “This is the shop front and nancial backing.” the engine room of Australian The Sydney Morning Herald football week-in, week-out, and said the FFA would invest an FFA shares a common view with annual “seven-fi gure” sum into club owners that the A-League subsidising clubs’ cost of sign- is nowhere near reaching its full ing high-profi le international potential,” he said. names, which would expand to a “FFA will undertake a refresh Aus$10 million (US$7.4 million) of the A-League brand and com- pot once a new broadcast deal mit more resources to market- was secured, targeted for next ing.” year. The decision comes with the The FFA would also invest Chinese Super League throw- more in digital platforms to help ing huge amounts of money into increase brand awareness. the game with a record-breaking “Technology can help us make spending spree this year attract- connections, launch promo- ing players such as Alex Teixeira tions, turbocharge sponsors’ in- and Jackson Martinez. vestment in the game and open It also follows Socceroo star up countless new ways of engag- Tim Cahill blasting the FFA this ing with fans,” said Gallop. month for its perceived lack of He added that the FFA planned vision towards the domestic to “reach out to the football league. community, and where relevant Cahill was critical of the gov- beyond the football world, to erning body for failing to capi- harness the knowledge and re- talise on its past star players such sources of the many people who as Alessandro Del Piero, Shinji can add value to the board’s de- Ono and Dwight Yorke. liberations”.

Messi set to appear in 2018 qualifi ers for fi rst time

Lionel Messi, who has made a into an intercontinental playoff . brilliant start to the year for Bar- Martino included 33-year-old celona, will play his first 2018 Rosario Central defender Javier World Cup qualifiers this month Pinola, who won his only cap after being named in a 29-man in 2007 during the decade he Argentina squad yesterday. played for German club FC Captain Messi suff ered a knee Nuremberg. ligament injury early in the sea- Manchester City’s Sergio son and missed his country’s Aguero and Pablo Zabaleta are faltering start in the first four back having missed the No- qualifiers for the tournament to vember matches through injury be played in Russia. but Carlos Tevez and Fernando Messi has scored 21 goals in Gago miss out following Argen- AFP a joke” during their defeat to always sitting here after 19 Guardiola meets City bosses in Amsterdam all competitions in 2016 after tine champions Boca Juniors’ London Manchester United last month. years to face: ‘Do you think you finding the net in his last poor start to the year. Wenger, who is now the long- are good enough?’ If I am not, Pep Guardiola promised to focus solely on Bayern Munich in his four matches at the heart of “If Martino doesn’t call me up est-serving manager in Europe somebody will tell me.” final months in charge, but he apparently met the sporting direc- a Barca side on course for a I’m not going to be angry be- rsene Wenger has as he approaches 20 years at the While Arsenal haven’t won tor of future employers Manchester City in Amsterdam. second successive La Liga, cause I must improve my game launched a vigor- helm at Arsenal, takes his side to the title since 2004 and reached Clad in a grey winter hat, thick sweater and carrying a rucksack, King’s Cup and Champions to earn it,” Tevez was quoted as ous defence of his Hull in an FA Cup fi fth round re- their only Champions League the 45-year-old Guardiola looked like a tourist as he was photo- League treble. saying in La Nacion. achievements as Arse- play on Tuesday as they look to fi nal back in 2006, Wenger is graphed entering a luxury hotel in Amsterdam on Monday morn- Argentina, finalists in Brazil nalA manager as he hit back at the win the competition for a third adamant he will go about his job ing. British tabloid The Mirror and Dutch newspaper Telegraaf in 2014, began the 10-nation, “boring” critics calling for him straight season. of trying to deliver those tro- both claim Guardiola met City’s director Txiki Begiristain, who 18-match South American to quit. Asked if the way fans react to phies rather than focusing on was also photographed in Amsterdam on Monday, for two hours group with a 2-0 home loss to Wenger has become accus- him over the remainder of the what he cannot control. to discuss possible transfers. Ecuador followed by a 0-0 draw tomed in recent years to Ar- season would aff ect his thoughts “I cannot infl uence the be- Guardiola is reported to have defender Jetro Willems, 21, of PSV in Paraguay in October. senal supporters and pundits over signing a new contract at haviour of the fans. How can I Eindhoven and 19-year-old midfielder Riechedly Bazoer from Ajax They recovered with a 1-1 draw calling for him to resign and Arsenal, Wenger made it clear do that?” he said. “I am humble Amsterdam on his wish list of future City players. Begiristain and at home to Brazil and a 1-0 the Frenchman was under- he had no interest in what the enough every day to question Guardiola are good friends, who worked together at Barcelona. win in Colombia in November fi re again last week after three doubters say. “Look, I have myself, to accept my mistakes, This is not the first time Guardiola is reported to have jetted off and are in sixth place with five successive defeats dealt a ma- worked here for 19, 20 years and and believe me I do that. After from Munich to meet with key City figures. points, seven adrift of leaders jor blow to the team’s Premier I’m always sitting here having to that as well there is no coinci- German magazine Sport Bild claimed he flew to England with his Ecuador. League title challenge and justify that I’m good enough to dence that the people who own brother Pere shortly after announcing in February that he will Messi will lead Argentina away Champions League campaign. do the job,” Wenger told report- the club tell me to be here for coach City next season. to Copa America holders Chile Arsenal legend Thierry Henry ers on Monday. 19 years. Do you think they are Having won five titles so far in Germany as he approaches the in Santiago on March 24 and at claimed he has never seen the “I have no problem to cope more stupid than you or me? end of his third and final season in Munich, Guardiola’s Bayern is home to Bolivia in Cordoba five club’s fans as angry as they were with everything but I fi nd that “I am not on Twitter. I don’t still in the running to repeat the club’s 2013 triple of Champions days later. after a home loss to Swansea, a bit boring in the end. I always invite anybody to go out to din- League, Bundesliga and German Cup titles. The Bavarian giants The top-four teams at the end of while former Liverpool boss have to convince you that I am ner and be nice with them. I are five points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund, with the campaign in 2017 qualify for Graeme Souness called the good enough. I worked for 35 work and work and work and nine games left in Germany’s top flight, and are on course to be- the finals in Russia the following Gunners “weak and insipid” years at the top level. work. If it’s not good enough come the first club to win four consecutive German league titles. year, and the fifth-placed side go and claimed they “bordered on “What I fi nd just boring is someone will tell me one day.”

SPOTLIGHT Blatter vows to clear name in CAS appeal

AFP placed by Gianni Infantino as sleeve. Neither Michel Platini football, but when someone has Zurich the head of world football’s gov- nor I are liars, although we have spent 41 years of his life in foot- erning body FIFA, ending his 18- been painted as such. And that ball, you can’t just give it up,” he year reign. is what we certainly are not,” he said. “Football is far too impor- head of his 80th birth- In October, Blatter and fallen said. tant for me. day tomorrow, dis- UEFA president Michel Platini “We are people who have done “I will watch football and ac- graced former FIFA were suspended over a two mil- a great deal of things and when cept invitations that are sent to president Sepp Blatter lion dollar payment made by you have done a lot, mistakes can me.” hasA said his priority now is clear- FIFA to Platini. happen. Meanwhile, Blatter’s former ing his name at the Court of Ar- “But in any case, with regards salary as head of FIFA could be bitration for Sport (CAS). Blatter hopes to have his six- to fi nances, one can’t, and could disclosed later this month in the “I’m preparing the appeal to year ban from all football never, accuse me of something. body’s fi nancial report. CAS against my suspension— activities overturned by “I can’t be accused of hav- Blatter has never revealed his that’s very important to me,” the CAS when his appeal is ing done something wrong with salary, with some sources es- Swiss told SID, an AFP subsidi- heard in the coming months money. “Both FIFA committees timating he received between ary. have said: it was not corruption. 5 and 10 million Swiss francs “One can not just let things The pair were then slapped And the bans were reduced— ($5.03m-$10.06m) per year, but stand as they are. The truth must with eight-year bans by a FIFA what does that mean? the fi gure should be included in be told and justice will be given ethics court in December, a sus- “That means that the appeal the governing body’s fi nancial to those who have it on their pension that was reduced to six committee wasn’t sure whether report for 2015. side.” years last week by the appeals what I have been accused of is Blatter was re-elected for a Blatter hopes to have his six- panel, but Blatter is determined true. “I am convinced that eve- fi fth term as president of world year ban from all football activi- to clear his name through CAS rything will take care of itself in football’s governing body last ties overturned by CAS when his and says he has truth on his side. two months time.” May, but days later he called for a appeal is heard in the coming The Swiss says he has no new Blatter says he will not return fresh election because he did not months. evidence to support his appeal. to FIFA, even if he is cleared. feel he had “a mandate from the Last week, the Swiss was re- “I have nothing else up my “I will not return to organised entire world of football”. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 9, 2016 5 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Elegant enforcer Mikel steadies Chelsea ship

AFP the last two seasons. An unused sub- Those abilities prompted an ex- London stitute in both legs of the quarter-fi nal traordinary transfer tug-of-war be- in 2013-14, he was recovering from tween Chelsea, Manchester United knee surgery last season. and Norwegian club Lyn Oslo, his then nyone seeking to understand But he has already made his mark on employers, in 2005. Chelsea’s steady return to this season’s last 16 tie, having been Chelsea eventually agreed to pay form under interim manager the source of two goals in the fi rst leg at £12 million ($17.1 million, 15.5 million Guus Hiddink will fi nd a par- Parc des Princes. euros) to United and £4 million to Lyn tialA explanation in the unassuming fi g- for his contract, but not before he had ure of holding midfi elder John Mikel ‘I never get upset’ appeared at a press conference wear- Obi. The Nigeria international conceded ing a red United shirt with ‘MIKEL 21’ Having started just two of Chelsea’s the free-kick from which Zlatan Ibra- stamped on the back. fi nal 16 games under himovic put PSG ahead, the Swede’s Eleven years on, he has become part Jose Mourinho, Mikel has started nine shot defl ecting in off his foot, before of the Chelsea furniture and is one of of 12 under Hiddink in the only notable slamming home from close range to only two survivors—along with cap- non-enforced personnel change that earn Chelsea a precious away goal. tain John Terry—from Mourinho’s fi rst the Dutchman has made to the start- Mikel has scored only six goals in stint at the club between 2004 and ing XI. a Chelsea career spanning almost 10 2007. As well as being unbeaten in their 12 years, but he becomes a more expan- While it was Mourinho who made league games to date under Hiddink, sive player when he pulls on the green him a Chelsea player, Mikel has made Chelsea’s average number of goals number 10 shirt of his country, with no secret of his relief over Hiddink’s conceded per game has dropped from whom he won the 2013 Africa Cup of arrival as a replacement for the caustic 1.625 to 1, and Mikel’s defensive nous Nations. Portuguese. has been an important factor. It was for his playmaking qualities “Guus has come in again and settled “He’s the ideal player to bring bal- “He doesn’t do it in a very brutal Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas, kindling hope that they may yet suc- that an 18-year-old Mikel was awarded things down,” he said recently. ance to the team,” Hiddink said earlier way—he’s very, very elegant. What I Hiddink has used Mikel, 28, alongside ceed in overturning a 2-1 defi cit in the Silver Ball at the 2005 World Youth “Players feel free to play and free to this year. like to see very much is not just a qual- Matic—another leggy enforcer—and Wednesday’s Champions League clash Championship in the Netherlands, take responsibility and thrive on that, “He knows where the strength of the ity player, but a player who can defend moved Fabregas upfi eld. at home to Paris Saint-Germain. losing out on the top individual award but he’s done it in a very relaxed way, opponent is and he knows exactly how so smoothly. It’s beautiful to see.” It is a confi guration that has helped Mikel missed the two previous to a young Argentine forward called which is sometimes what players need. to cope with that. Whereas Mourinho habitually paired Chelsea climb to 10th in the league, Champions League ties with PSG over Lionel Messi. It feels great to be back in the side.”

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PREVIEW Benfi ca must use makeshift defence We are underdogs against Zenit

Reuters Moscow

enfi ca will fi eld a makeshift rearguard when they travel to against PSG, says one of their least favourite hunting grounds to defend a 1-0 Champions League lead at Zenit St Petersburg today. The Primeira Liga winners are missing three central defendersB plus goalkeeper Julio Cesar for the last-16 second leg at the Petrovskiy Stadium. Luisao and Lisandro Lopez are injured and Jardel is suspended. That leaves Victor Lindelof, who started the season as a reserve, as the only recognised central defender in the squad. Chelsea’s Hiddink Right back Andre Almeida is also banned while Julio Cesar will be replaced by fellow Brazilian Ederson because of a thigh injury. Benfi ca’s record of one win, two draws and four defeats in seven ‘We have regained confidence and have quality, but let’s be very tough underdogs’ visits to Russia hardly augurs well either. Their only victory came 20 years ago when they beat Lokomotiv Moscow 3-2 in the now- defunct European Cup Winners’ Cup. Chelsea’s Dutch manager Guus Hiddink leads a training session at Coach Rui Vitoria, however, is buoyed by Saturday’s 1-0 tri- Chelsea’s Cobham training facility in Stoke D’Abernon, southwest of umph at Sporting that sent his side to the top of the Portuguese London, ahead of their Champions League match against PSG. (AFP) league ahead of their neighbours. “It’s always better to work from the base of a win,” he said. Benfi ca have notched 13 victories in 14 matches this year with only a league defeat against arch-rivals Porto interrupting the se- quence. Vitoria has no worries in attack where striker Jonas has scored 28 goals in 35 games in all competitions and is enjoying the best season of his career at the age of 31. Zenit boss Andre Villas-Boas, who faced Benfi ca seven times as coach of Portuguese rivals Academica Coimbra and Porto, said the supporters could lift his side to victory and a fi rst-ever quar- ter-fi nal place. “We have the advantage going into the return leg, by this I mean our supporters,” said the former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur supremo. “I am sure the stadium will be packed and they will create an atmosphere which will help the team to a new level. “We are sure we can overcome the defi cit,” added the Portu- guese. “Reaching the quarter-fi nals of the Champions League is our dream and this could be a very important event for Russian football.”

Reuters Chelsea’s results have im- Chelsea, will always be the Terry misses training ahead of PSG clash London proved since Mourinho left in same,” the Brazil international December, losing only once—at said, “but I hope we can come Chelsea captain John Terry Kenedy and Pedro Rodriguez, PSG—in 18 matches in all com- out as winners there. remains doubtful for today’s who have been troubled by t is hard to imagine former petitions. A 1-0 win now will be “London was a city and a club Champions League clash with groin and hamstring problems boss Jose Mourinho ever enough to see them through on where I was very happy. I had Paris Saint-Germain after miss- respectively, were also present. calling Chelsea underdogs, away goals. some great moments there, but I ing Tuesday’s final pre-match PSG lead 2-1 ahead of the sec- but that’s how successor That is how they beat PSG in am focused on my work, which is training session. ond leg of the last 16 tie, which IGuus Hiddink has described the quarter-fi nals two seasons to play for PSG.” Terry, 35, sustained a ham- represents the third season in them before their Champions ago and how PSG eliminated PSG arrive on the back of string injury during his side’s succession that the teams have League Last 16 second leg clash them last season. With the tie some poor results after suff ering 5-1 Premier League win over met in the Champions League against Paris St Germain today. fi nely balanced that could well their fi rst Ligue 1 defeat in al- Newcastle United on February knockout phase. The French champions head be the outcome again. most a year when they lost 2-1 at 13 and has not featured since. Chelsea beat PSG on away to Stamford Bridge for the Chelsea will almost certainly Olympique Lyonnais last week- He did not take part in Tues- goals in the 2013-14 quarter-fi- third successive season, having be without injured skipper John end and drew 0-0 at home with day’s group training session nals, but the French champions knocked Chelsea out at the same Terry but striker Diego Costa Montpellier on Saturday. at Chelsea’s Cobham training claimed their revenge in the stage a year ago. should be fi t after missing Sat- Coach Laurent Blanc will base and was reported to be last 16 last season via the same They are again favourites ac- urday’s 1-1 draw with Stoke City probably have to replace key working alone in a bid to prove method. cording to Hiddink, following with a minor tendon injury. midfi elder Marco Verratti with his fitness. their 2-1 victory in the fi rst leg in Former Chelsea defender Argentine playmaker Javier Pas- With Kurt Zouma sidelined by Paris on February 16. David Luiz, who won the Cham- tore because Verratti has a re- a serious knee injury, Chelsea The wily 69-year-old Dutch- pions League with Chelsea curring groin problem. have lined up with Branislav man may well be playing mind in 2012 and scored for PSG at France midfi elder Blaise Ma- Ivanovic and Gary Cahill at games, but, he says, “We are not Stamford Bridge last season, told tuidi should be fi t after recov- centre-back in recent matches. the favourites. We have regained .com on Monday he will al- ering from a thigh injury, while Striker Diego Costa did take confi dence and have quality, but ways have an aff ection for Chel- Lucas is expected to start on the part in training, having missed let’s be very tough underdogs. sea after spending three seasons left fl ank of the attack instead Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to We need to be angry in a control- there. But he was determined to of Edinson Cavani, who scored Stoke City as a precaution due Benfica’s players take part in a training session on the eve of the led way on Wednesday, the play- see PSG knock them out. PSG’s winning goal in Paris three to a minor tendon problem. second-leg round of 16 UEFA Champions league match against ers must be fully concentrated.” “My respect, my love for weeks ago. Zenit at in St. Petersburg. (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, March 9, 2016 RIO GAMES

ATHLETICS SAILING World champ Willis loses Rio slot due to Ban Gatlin and Gay cancer treatment

Reuters Stephen Park, the sailing team London leader, said everyone was disap- pointed by the deselection. “As a team we knew we would ouble world champion be set a number of challenges in from Rio, says US yachtsman Elliot Willis this journey to Rio 2016 and this has lost his slot in Brit- is just one we have to deal with ain’s Rio Olympic sail- along the road,” he added. ingD squad due to ongoing treat- “Hopefully this doesn’t mark ment for bowel cancer, TeamGB the end of Elliot’s Olympic jour- said in a statement yesterday. ney and we look forward to see- The 32-year-old, who was di- ing him back in the boat soon.” agnosed in December after be- Britain is traditionally strong runner Montano coming one of the fi rst British in Olympic sailing and has won athletes to qualify for the Games, 55 medals, including 26 golds, had been due to compete in the since the sport made its debut at ‘These people just want to play the naive card and we’re too old for that’ 470 class with partner Luke Pa- the 1900 Paris Games. tience. Eleven British sailors have “Due to Elliot’s ongoing treat- been selected for Rio so far, with ment for bowel cancer, as a two fi ve of them announced on Tues- person crew, they are unfortu- day. TYSON GAY (L) AND JUSTIN GATLIN nately unable to follow the com- They include London 2012 bined training programme re- silver medallist Nick Dempsey, quired to maximise their chances who has been given a chance of success in Rio,” the statement to become the most successful said. men’s Olympic windsurfer in Selection trials for the 470 - history if he wins gold at his fi fth a 4.70m (15.4 ft) dinghy - will Games. continue and Patience, who won Double world champion silver in London 2012 with Stu- Dempsey, 35, also won a bronze art Bithell, said he aimed to re- in Athens in 2004 and will com- qualify with new partner Chris pete in the RS:X windsurfi ng Grube. class.

‘Fastest man in rugby’ eyes Rio track berth American rugby player Carlin Isles has launched an ambitious bid to represent the United States in two diff erent sports at a single Olympic games after deciding to resurrect his sprinting career. Isles—popularly known as “The Fastest Man In Rugby”—took up the seven-a-side version of the sport in 2012 after failing to make the US Olympic team for the London Games. The 26-year-old US international winger’s personal best for the 100m—a wind-assisted 10.12sec—would have been good enough for a semi-final place in the London Olympics four years ago. Now Isles, who is virtually certain to be selected for the US Sevens squad for Rio de Janeiro as rugby returns to the Olympics for the first time since 1924, is hoping to win a place in the American track and field contingent as well. Isles told reporters at the US Olympic team media summit on Monday he will race the 60m at the US National Indoor champion- ships in Portland, Oregon, this weekend as part of a bid to relaunch his sprinting career, skipping the Vancouver leg of the World Rugby AFP Montano, dismissed explanations both Sevens series which clashes with the meet. New York Gatlin and Gay had off ered over the years ALYSIA MONTANO “I’m trying to do track and field and rugby at the Olympics,” Isles for their positive tests. said. “I’m doing indoor at the Nationals. I’m supposed to go to Van- “Excuses are like — well, you know couver but my coach is letting me go, so I’m going to the Nationals. S distance runner Alysia Mon- what the saying is. Everyone’s got one,” I’m hoping to do the 100m in Rio.” tano believes proven dope cheats she said. “I think you are 100 percent The chances of Isles forcing his way into the US athletics team for should be banned from compet- held accountable for what you put in your Rio appear remote, with the leading American contenders for 100m ing at the Olympics—and that body. You can’t say ‘Oh someone gave me places all clocking personal bests considerably faster than the Uincludes probable track and fi eld team- a massage’ or ‘Oh I didn’t know’. winger’s best times. mates Justin Gatlin and Tyson Gay. “They have a list of what you can and The 29-year-old 800m and 1,500m cannot take. These people just want to ‘I’m still fast’ star is one of the biggest victims of the play the naive card and we’re too old for However Isles believes that added bulk acquired during his conver- Russian doping scandal which has rocked that. We’re not in pre-school. Sorry. ... I sion to rugby could give him an explosiveness capable of taking , estimated to have been don’t care if that’s a bold statement, it’s him under the 10-second barrier. robbed of four medals by rivals who later true.” “I’ve got a lot bigger than what I was in track and field before,” failed drug tests. Montano said she had been left stunned Isles explained. I’m hoping to go sub-10. It’s all about changing the Montano told reporters at the United last year after attending a music awards energy systems and peaking at the right time. It’s possible because I States Olympic team media summit on ceremony in which a convicted dope know a lot of areas that I’m weak in. I’m sure I can cut off a couple of Monday she believed US team bosses cheat had received praise. tenths of a second.” should take a zero tolerance approach to “I thought ‘What the hell is wrong with Explaining his decision, Isles said he was persuaded to take another athletes who had failed drug tests by bar- the culture of track and fi eld?’ Why can’t crack at sprinting after gauging his pace on the rugby field. ring them from selection. we recognize that we should not celebrate “I’m still fast. Rugby’s helped me a lot to keep in shape. I feel like I Gatlin, the 2004 Athens Olympic 100m old dopers? Once a doper always a doper,” can go faster. I’m always seeking to go deeper into my talent. I feel gold medallist has failed two dope tests she said. like I can push myself further and go faster,” he said. Isles would during his career but has returned to Montano fi nished fi fth in the 800m at join an elite band of athletes to compete in two diff erent sports at a competition and represented the United the 2012 Olympics, behind Russian gold single Olympic Games. However, he can take encouragement from States at the 2012 Olympics as well as the medallist Mariya Savinova and bronze compatriot Morris Kirksey, a member of the American rugby team World Championships. medallist Ekaterina Poistogova. Both which won the gold medal at the 1920 Olympics. At the same games Gay, who failed a drug test in 2013, re- women were recommended for lifetime in Antwerp, Kirksey also won a gold medal as a member of the turned to competition last year and com- bans from athletics after last November’s 4x100m relay team while also claiming a silver medal in the 100m peted at the World Championships in Bei- bombshell World Anti-Doping Agency behind Charlie Paddock. jing where he reached the 100m fi nal. report that documented systematic dop- Montano takes a dim view of the idea ing in Russian athletics. that Gatlin and Gay may well be her team- If confi rmed that could see Montano mates in Rio de Janeiro this August. elevated into a medal position. Asked if she believed they should be “What I get emotional about is the allowed to run, Montano told reporters: fact that these people are stealing the “No. I don’t think so at all. As a US ath- idea from our children of what the idea of lete I know ‘Support your team-mates’ amazing is when they see incredible per- and that. But my team-mates are clean formances—and that pisses me off ,” Mon- athletes. tano said.

FOOTBALL coach Sasaki faces chop over Rio fl op

AFP has yet to make any formal comment. day when beat 1-0. Tokyo Asian title holders Japan famously beat “I’m deeply sorry,” said captain Aya Mi- the mighty United States to lift the 2011 yama. “I’m full of regret and deeply apolo- World Cup under Sasaki and also took sil- gise for how pathetic we are.” apan look set to replace coach No- ver at the 2012 London Olympics, losing to Japan’s alarming slump in form had al- rio Sasaki after the former wom- the Americans in the fi nal. ready sparked dismay before their elimi- en’s world champions failed to Sasaki also led Japan’s “Nadeshiko”— nation, with former world player of the qualify for the Rio Olympic football who are named after a frilly pink carna- year Sawa accusing the players of lacking tournament.J tion said to be a symbol of femininity—to heart. Even a 6-1 thumping of Vietnam in Os- the fi nal of last year’s World Cup, where It is all a far cry from 2011 when Japan aka on Monday was not enough to keep Ja- they were once again beaten by the United stunned the United States to capture the pan’s qualifi cation hopes alive after other States. World Cup, using images of the deadly results went against them and Sasaki now But the relationship between the tsunami in the northeast of the country looks set to pay the ultimate price. 57-year-old coach and his players has earlier that year as motivation to fuel their “We will look to begin a new regime as cooled off over the past year following the astonishing title charge. soon as possible,” Japan Football Associa- retirement of superstar striker Homare Sasaki’s side instantly became a symbol tion (JFA) president Kuniya Daini told local Sawa. of Japan’s steely determination to recover media on Tuesday. from the disaster and resulting nuclear “The (JFA) women’s committee needs to ‘Pathetic,’ says captain crisis and followed that success with an- think about the steps we need to take and Sasaki reportedly complained the play- other dream run at the 2012 Olympics and what kind of coach we need. “We must ers showed him a lack of respect by call- a second World Cup fi nal appearance. look to the next World Cup and the To- ing him “Norio” and there was little sign “The failure to qualify is my fault,” said kyo Olympics,” he added. “We need to act of the team’s renowned fi ghting spirit Sasaki, whose fi nal game looks likely to be quickly.” over the past week as Australia and China Wednesday’s dead rubber against North Four-time Asian women’s coach of the claimed the two qualifying spots. Korea. year Asako Takakura appears to be the Having taken just one point in their fi rst “I have one more game, which might be front-runner to take over, although she three games, Japan’s fate was sealed Mon- my last, but we will still give it everything.” Gulf Times Wednesday, March 9, 2016 7 SPORT

BADMINTON OPINION Controversy and not video cameras Super Dan’s best gives football its still to come: Gade engrossing vitality ‘We have still to see the best of . He will come alive in a diff erent way for the Olympics. But whether he will open up now... we don’t know’

Crystal Palace’s Damien Delaney (L) fouls Liverpool’s Christian Benteke resulting in a penalty during their EPL game.

Michael Butler, The Guardian an offi cial’s life a bit easier, or London even prevent a manager from being sacked, but what about the 60,000-plus people in the t does not matter how many stands (and millions at home) times you watch Damien De- waiting for Marriner to remem- laney’s tackle on Christian ber the passcode to his iPad? Benteke during Liverpool’s Some people point to the use Icontroversial win at Crystal Pal- of video technology in tennis and ace on Sunday, there is no defi ni- cricket but these decisions are tive answer to whether it should absolute: if a ball bounced out- have been awarded as a penalty. side a tramline or pitched outside Jamie Carragher argued it was, leg. Fans of these sports will tol- “100%”. erate perhaps a minute of neces- Alan Pardew unsurprisingly sary faff – a bowler’s walk back to said the referee, Andre Marriner, his mark, Rafael Nadal mopping was wrong. After viewing the his brow at the end of each point incident via numerous replays, – for a few precious seconds of two former Premier League ref- action. It is similar in the NFL, erees, Mark Halsey and Graham equally enthralling and frus- Poll, held opposing views of the trating in its stop-start nature, incident in their newspaper col- where a match can last more than umns. three hours but have only 15 min- It goes to show there will al- utes of play. Rugby union, per- ways be incidents that are far haps closest to football in terms from clear-cut. The Benteke of the fl uidity of the game and penalty on Sunday was particu- the subjectivity of the referee’s larly timely in this regard, com- decisions, continues to have its ing the day after the Interna- rhythm blighted by the television tional FA Board announced plans match offi cial. Football would for a two-year trial of video tech- be better off copying rugby’s at- nology to help referees, to start titude towards referees, not its no later than the 2017-18 season. fl awed video review system. The provisional plan would, in Football has enough stoppag- eff ect, mean the referee would es – there is an average of about clarify an original decision via an hour’s play during a match in Lin Dan, twice an Olympic men’s singles gold medallist, is seeking his sixth All-England Open title at the age of 32. (Below) Malaysia’s Lee Chong-Wei a headset with another offi cial, Europe’s top fi ve leagues (2014’s hunched over a screen in a dark World Cup games clocked only AFP “We have still to see the best of Lin has however been impressively domi- room. If there is still uncertainty, 57.6 minutes) – and we do not Birmingham Dan,” Gade reckoned. “He will come nant since winning the fi rst of his two the referee will have a look on a need any more. Goalline tech- alive in a diff erent way for the Olympics, world titles in Copenhagen in mid-2014, tablet device on the side of the nology has proved successful I think. But whether he will open up now gradually gaining confi dence in his abil- pitch. because it is reliable, defi nite and he best of Lin Dan, twice an Olym- and we see his best this week, we don’t ity to succeed Lin as China’s pre-eminent If this testing is successful, does not obstruct the game. The pic men’s singles gold medallist know.” player. there could be video technology same cannot be said for all four and this week seeking a sixth All- Lin captured only two front-line ti- Chen has so far held the top ranking to decide the outcome of four de- of the defi ned “game-changing” England Open title at the age of 32, tles last year, and has won a mere eight for 16 successive months and will start fi ned “game-changing” scenari- scenarios. isT still to come, according to . since his last All-England triumph four as top seed in his bid to win his third All- os – when a goal has been scored, Pierluigi Collina, the head of Danish former All-England champion years ago, as well as taken two long England title. penalty decisions, sendings-off Uefa referees, has welcomed the Gade is the longest lasting top level play- breaks. Whether the 27-year-old is also the and possible cases of mistaken changes but holds reservations er of the modern era. But his dazzling combinations of all- genuine favourite may be learned sooner identity – in the Premier League about how some decisions may If Gade is right, the world’s oldest round technical excellence and tactical than later for he is in the same half as Lin by 2019 and the Football Asso- be implemented. “For example, tournament, which starts in Birmingham variations could bring yet more records. and the two dangerous Danes, Jan Jor- ciation has said it is keen to trial the intensity of a push or what today, could see one of its greatest leg- “Lin Dan still has ambition,” Gade as- gensen and . it in the FA Cup from 2017. counts as a punishable handling ends parading his unique skills in all their serted. “It’s very interesting from the cluded a victory over Lin in the China The latter beat him in the Super Series If that sounds awful, football off ence can be interpreted dif- unpredictable brilliance once more. fans’ point of view.” Open semi-fi nals in November, his fi rst fi nals in Dubai in December. should be a game of opinions, ferently whether in real time or Whether such a revival after three low- since January 2012 over the Olympic Meanwhile, Lee has a possible semi- of momentum. Controversy on video,” he said. “It’s best we er-key years does happen for Lin, known SENSATIONAL COMEBACK champion. fi nal with Kento Momota, the young is so often what makes talking don’t kid ourselves that this will as ‘Super Dan’, this week, or instead when , Lin’s closest rival for “I’m really surprised with my Japanese left-hander who hinted at a about the game enjoyable. Who magically fi x everything.” he is chasing a record-breaking third gold much of the past eight years, may also be progress,” Lee admitted. “I have come a breakthrough by winning the Super Se- wants to talk about which cor- Ifab’s proposals need a serious at the Games in Rio in August, is a burn- ready to challenge for another All-Eng- long way. ries fi nals. ner Benteke scored his penalty revision if they are to become a ing question. land title again. If Lee succeeds it would “It hasn’t been easy to get back to The women’s singles favourite is clear- in? But “did you see Pardew’s reality. Video technology has its “Lin Dan has had the Olympics in his be his fourth. where I am. If you had asked me nine er cut, with Carolina Marin, the 22-year- eyes popping out of his head in place to help referees be more mind for a long time, and a lot of things The light-footed Malaysian made a months ago if I ever dreamt of being old, two-time world champion from the post-match interview?!” informed but should be applied that have happened have been about sensational comeback from suspen- world number one again, I would prob- Spain top-seeded. “Yeah!” only to binary yes-or-no inci- that,” said Gade, who is now France’s na- sion and injury last year despite his 33 ably have told you that it’s not possible. Last year’s runner-up, Saina Nehwal of There is a brilliant sadism in dents. As for the rest of it, keep tional coach. years, extending an unbeaten streak to “Now I dare to dream again, and I’ll try India is seeded second with two former infl icting unmerited heartbreak, the subjectivity and the contro- By limiting travel and competition, Lin 21 matches while climbing from 182 to to regain the number one spot, hopefully All-England champions from China, Li as there is a child-like joy in be- versy, enjoy the relentless pace may have been preserving his 32-year- world number two. before the Olympics.” Xuerui and Wang Yihan, third and fourth ing lucky rather than deserv- and endure the mistakes. It is old body. This highly encouraging sequence in- The present incumbent, , respectively. ing. Video technology may make what makes the game great.

BOTTOMLINE Boxing will be bloodier. But will it be safer?

Male boxers in Rio will researchers Andrew McIntosh and De- In the long term, trading concus- quires ongoing education of boxers and fi ght without headgear. clan Patton used simulators to show sions for cuts is healthier. Cuts heal, referees,” said Abdelhamid Khadri of And while that could reduce headgear can be eff ective at diminish- with rare complications. For a profes- AIBA’s medical commission when the concussion the increase in ing the force of punches. sional boxer, leaving the ring with a initiative was launched. cuts may cause problems The study, published in the British cut isn’t a big deal. But the pros usu- At the grass-roots level, Muhammad Journal of Sports Medicine, drew fund- ally have months or at least several sees all sorts of added logistical issues Beau Dure, The Guardian ing from the International Olympic weeks until they fi ght again. Boxers in and expenses. “It’s sent a red fl ag to a London Committee. international tournaments such as the lot of state athletic commissions about But without headgear, do boxers get Olympics and Olympic qualifi ers often the blood exposure factor,” Muhammad punched less frequently? They have have a day or two. said. “Now you have an 14-year-old he bulky headgear associated better peripheral vision and can see “At the Olympic trials, I got cut on amateur boxer who has to have an HIV with amateur boxing is gone – punches coming. They’re less likely to the fi rst day,” says US welterweight test and hepatitis test.” at least for the men, who have feel invincible and more likely to work Brian Ceballo. “It was a pretty bad cut. Then fi gure on fi nding ringside doc- been fi ghting with bare heads on defense, not relying on headgear If we had headgear, that would’ve never tors who know how to suture bad cuts, Tsince 2013 – ending a 31-year era of that lets them absorb repeated blows. happened.” Ceballo won that bout and as well as insurance – in the US at padding. And headgear gets hot, draining fi ght- his next one, then faltered in his third least – to cover visits to the emergency Check with international federation ers’ energy more quickly. fi ght in three days. Two days later, he room. Muhammad would be happier AIBA, and you’ll get a rosy picture of the While the debate lingers on con- lost a split decision and was eliminated. with a limit on the number of bouts results. Several major tournaments have cussions, a more visceral problem has At least he was able to fi ght. Other box- without headgear – maybe only in the passed with no concussions, AIBA says. emerged – cuts. Without headgear, ers suff ered cuts that ruled them out of semi-fi nals and fi nals of elite men’s The federation also has star power with boxers are much more susceptible to the event. competition. a new special advisor –Julian Bailes, lacerations from well-placed punches, As for cuts, AIBA is trying to ad- AIBA was put on the defensive in a neurosurgeon recently portrayed by and headbutts have become the scourge dress the problem by getting boxers to 2014 after the Commonwealth Games, Alec Baldwin in the fi lm Concussion, of the sport. change their styles with an initiative when many boxers were cut and Aus- who says concussions are nearly 50% “There has been a sharp increase of called HeadsUp! tralian Daniel Lewis was forced out of less frequent since headgear was re- cuts due to the style of amateur box- The name isn’t subtle – referees are the competition. The federation insist- moved. The last two World Champion- A general view of boxing at the DC Armory in Washington, DC. ing – head down, bore in,” said Rodney being trained to get fi ghters to lift their ed the change was here to stay. ships, held without headgear, have also Muhammad, a veteran ringside phy- heads, limiting the danger of clash- Will that stance change if a cut stops seen fewer fi ghter stoppages – less than But it’s not quite an apples-to-apples so mismatches were rarer than in the sician and chairman of USA Boxing’s ing skulls and opening cuts. “We need a boxer with an Olympic medal within 5% of fi ghts in 2015, compared to more comparison – the 2015 tournament had past. Added to that, the concussion Medical and Safety Advisory Commit- to teach the correct way to box with a reach? We may well fi nd out this sum- than 10% with headgear in 2011. a more stringent qualifi cation process, question reemerged in July 2015, when tee. better stance – heads up – and that re- mer in Rio. Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, March 9, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Peyton Manning says goodbye to NFL

Reuters Manning was also hit by a recent allega- Denver tion that he had human growth hormone Denver Broncos sent to his house in 2011 while he was re- quarterback Peyton covering from neck surgery. Asked about Manning announces enver Broncos quarterback Peyton the sexual assault allegation that goes back his retirement at the Manning bid an emotional farewell some 20 years ago, Manning said: “This is UCHealth Training to the National Football League on a joyous day and nothing can overtake this. Center in Denver. Monday after an 18-year career “It’s sad that some people don’t understand (USA TODAY Sports) thatD established him as one of the game’s the truth and the facts. I did not do what has greatest quarterbacks. been alleged.” “Today I retire from the game of pro foot- Manning then returned to pleasant remi- ball,” Manning, who capped his brilliant ca- niscences of his NFL career, thanking team- reer by helping Denver win the Super Bowl mates from the Colts and Broncos and saying last month, told a packed news conference he would also treasure some of the rivalries in Denver. “It was the right time.” he had with opposing players. Manning also Manning, who battled back from a foot thanked his family, which represents NFL injury that cost him six games last season, quarterbacking royalty in his father Archie, said he would surely miss the game. “When a former New Orleans Saints standout, and someone thoroughly exhausts an experi- brother Eli, who won two Super Bowl MVP ence they can’t help but revere it. I love the honors in wins with the New York Giants. game,” he said. “So you don’t have to won- “There’s no way to measure or properly der if I’ll miss it. Absolutely. Absolutely, I express what a family like mine can mean,” will.” he said, with his mother, father, older Manning, who turns 40 later this month, brother Cooper and Eli all in attendance. retires as the NFL’s all-time leader in pass- “And (wife) Ashley, your support is as po- ing touchdowns and yards and as the only tent a motivator as any man can have. fi ve-time winner of the league’s Most Valu- “I’ll miss recapping the game with my able Player award. The cerebral signal-call- dad, and checking to see if the Giants won er left the football stage on a high-point, and calling Eli as we’re both on our team becoming the oldest quarterback to win a busses,” he added. “I’ll miss that handshake Super Bowl and fi rst to win with two diff er- with Tom Brady and I’ll miss the plane ride ent teams following the NFL crown he won after a big win with 53 teammates standing with the 2006 Indianapolis Colts. in the aisles laughing and celebrating during Manning, who became the face of the NFL the whole fl ight.” as a glamour quarterback and ubiquitous TV All that said, Manning was looking for- pitchman, has been hailed for his meticu- ward to his future and “a whole new world lous preparation and ability to fi nd holes in of possibilities.” opposing defenses as he surveys them at the Manning said he gave the NFL his all. line of scrimmage. “There were other players who were more Recently, however, he has come under talented, but there was no one who could fi re off the fi eld. He was among the athletes outprepare me, and because of that I have cited in a lawsuit fi led by a group of former no regrets. female students who are suing the Univer- “I fought a good fi ght and fi nished my sity of Tennessee over its handling of sexual football race, and after 18 years it’s time. assault complaints made against student- “God bless all of you, and God bless foot- athletes. ball.”

NBA NHL Capitals end Warriors set home Ducks’ run in shootout

Reuters set up the goal and also scored win streak record his 24th of the season early in Washington the fi rst period to help the Sharks ‘It is special to protect your home court for 45 home games in the regular-season’ (36-23-6) bounce back from a .J. Oshie and Nicklas 4-2 home loss to the Vancouver DPA Backstrom scored in Canucks on Saturday. Los Angeles a shootout to give the Washington Capitals AVALANCHE 3, COYOTES 1 Ta 2-1 victory over the Anaheim Matt Duchene had a goal and an ith one Chicago Bulls’ mark Ducks on Monday night in front assist, Semyon Varlamov made out of the way, the Golden of a sellout crowd of 17,174 at the 37 saves in his return to the net, State Warriors have their Honda Center at the National and the Colorado Avalanche beat sights set on a bigger one. Hockey League. the Arizona Coyotes 3-1 on Mon- WStephen Curry had 41 points with 13 re- Washington goalie Braden day night. Mikhail Grigorenko bounds, and the Warriors notched their Holtby grabbed two shots dur- also had a goal and an assist and NBA-record 45th consecutive home vic- ing the shutout and fi nished Shawn Matthias scored for Colo- tory, 119-113 over the Orlando Magic on with 27 saves. Andre Burakovsky rado, which got a valuable two Monday. Stephen Curry (centre) of the scored in regulation for the Cap- points against a struggling team. “This is special to protect your home Golden State Warriors shoots the itals (49-13-4), who earned their court for 45 home games in the regular- ball against the Orlando Magic in third victory in four games. KINGS 5, CANUCKS 1 season because it’s never been done be- Oakland, California. (AFP) Two third-period goals by Jeff fore,” said Curry, who knocked his record FLYERS 4, LIGHTNING 2 Carter and another one by Vinny 300th 3-pointer of the season. “Every Shayne Gostisbehere made more Lecavalier allowed the Los An- night it’s not pretty but we’ve been able franchise history on Monday and geles Kings to break open a close to get it done. Our fans are special. It’s a the Philadelphia Flyers snapped contest and cruise to a 5-1 victory special place to play, for sure.” the Tampa Bay Lightning’s nine- over the Vancouver Canucks on The defending NBA Champions, who game winning streak with a 4-2 Monday night at Staples Center. have not lost at Oracle Arena since Janu- victory at Wells Fargo Center. Carter scored at 11:39 of the ary 27, 2015, moved to 26-0 this season, Gostisbehere scored two third for a 3-1 advantage before snapping a tie with the Michael Jordan- markers to give him 14, breaking Lecavalier added his sixth this led Bulls of 1995-96. Behn Wilson’s record for most season on a breakaway 39 sec- Next up for the Warriors is the chase for goals in a season by a Philadel- onds later. Carter scored again— the Bulls’ all-time record of 72-10. “That phia rookie defenseman set in his 17th goal of the season—with record is still within reach we’re going to 1978-79, when he recorded 13. 3:57 left in the contest on an play for it,” Curry said. “If we get that it Earlier in the season, Gostisbe- empty-netter for the 300th of would be very memorable.” here set the point-streak record his career. Klay Thompson added 27 points for the by a Flyers rookie at 15 games. Warriors (56-6), who bounced back from Sunday’s 112-95 road loss to the lowly LA SABRES 4, MAPLE LEAFS 3 Lakers despite a season-high 24 turno- (SHOOTOUT) vers. Golden State built a 19-point cush- Sam Reinhart scored the shoot- ion and appeared to be coasting into the out winner as the Buff alo Sabres record books but got sloppy. The Magic edged the Toronto Maple Leafs took advantage and drew to within two 4-3 on Monday night at Air Can- on a layup and two free throws by Victor ada Centre. Oladipo with 1:13 left Buff alo has won both meet- The Warriors nearly turned the ball ings between the two clubs this over again when Draymond Green bob- season. Mark Pysyk, Jack Eichel bled a pass under the basket. But Thomp- and Evander Kane had the other son picked up the loose ball and buried a Buff alo goals while Chad Johnson 3-pointer from the right corner to open made 30 saves to improve to 3-0- up a 114-99 with 52.5 seconds left. and the short-handed Grizzlies upset the LaMarcus Aldridge had 23 points with 12 the Mavericks. German star Dirk Nowit- 1 all-time against the Leafs. On the ensuing play, Andrew Bogut host Cavaliers when Kyrie Irving missed a rebounds, and Kawhi Leonard also netted zki led Dallas (33-31) with 22 points. poked away a pass, leading to a Curry 3-pointer at the buzzer. 23 for the visiting Spurs (50-10), who shot BRUINS 5, PANTHERS 4 steal and easy layup. The reigning league The Grizzlies (38-25) won for the a season-low 35.4 per cent from the fl oor. CHARLOTTE HORNETS 108, (OVERTIME) MVP added three of four free throws to eighth time in the last 11 games despite MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES 103 Lee Stempniak scored with one seal the historic win as the jubilant 19,596 being without injured starters Zach Ran- CHICAGO BULLS 100, Kemba Walker erupted for 21 of his 34 minute left in overtime as the fans roared their approval as blue and gold dolph, Spaniard Marc Gasol, Mike Conley MILWAUKEE BUCKS 90 points in the third quarter, carrying the Boston Bruins earned a wild 5-4 confetti spilled down from the rafters. and Matt Barnes along with reserve Derrick Rose scored 22 points, Spaniard Hornets (34-28) to their fourth straight win over the Florida Panthers Afterward, an ailing Green (one point, Chris Andersen. LeBron James scored 28 Pau Gasol had his ninth career triple- win after trimming the visiting Timber- on Monday night at the BB&T nine rebounds and 10 assists), addressed points and Irving had 14 of his 27 in the double with 12 points, 17 rebounds, 13 wolves. Minnesota (20-44) was paced by Center. The Bruins, who also got the crowd at centre court: “Forty-fi ve fi nal frame for the Cavaliers (44-18)) who assists, and the Bulls (32-30) - playing Karl-Anthony Towns’ 28 points and 14 two goals from Patrice Bergeron, straight home wins is incredible. Without committed a season-high 25 turnovers, without All-Star Jimmy Butler (knee rebounds. blew a 4-1 lead before getting the you all, this would not be possible.” resulting in 30 Grizzlies points. soreness) - beat the visiting Bucks. Jerryd game-winner on Stempniak’s Aaron Gordon had 20 points and 16 Bayless topped the Bucks (26-38) with 20 NEW ORLEANS PELICANS 115, 17th score of the season. rebounds to pace Orlando (27-35), which INDIANA PACERS 99, points. SACRAMENTO KINGS 112 received 20 more from Brandon Jennings SAN ANTONIO SPURS 91 Anthony Davis had 31 points with 10 re- SHARKS 2, FLAMES 1 and Evan Fournier. Monta Ellis poured in 26 points, Paul LA CLIPPERS 109, bounds, and the Pelicans (24-38) stormed (OVERTIME) George added 23, including a three-point DALLAS MAVERICKS 90 from 17 down in the second half to beat Joe Pavelski scored 19 seconds Washington Capitals left wing MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES 106, play with 15.7 seconds left, and the Pac- Chris Paul scored 18 of his 27 points in the Kings. DeMarcus Cousins wasted a into overtime to give the San Jose Andre Burakovsky (65) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS 103 ers (34-30) stopped the Spurs’ eight- a decisive 33-16 third quarter, DeAndre 40-point, 16-rebound eff ort for Sacra- Sharks a 2-1 win over the Calgary celebrates after scoring a goal Tony Allen scored a season-high 26 game winning streak after nearly blow- Jordan added 23 with 20 rebounds, and mento (25-37), which led by 10 midway Flames on Monday at the Scotia- against Anaheim Ducks. points to lead a well-balanced attack, ing a 16-point fourth quarter cushion. the visiting Clippers (41-21) sailed past through the fourth frame. bank Saddledome. Brent Burns (USA TODAY Sport)s Gulf Times Wednesday, March 9, 2016 9 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS New Malinga steps down, Zealand planning WT20 Mathews to lead Lanka Crowe The panel of selectors were sacked and new line-up headed by was appointed tribute AFP Mumbai

ew Zealand captain Kane Williamson yes- terday said his side would pay tribute at Nthe World Twenty20 to legen- dary batsman Martin Crowe who died last week aged just 53. Crowe, who enjoyed a 13-year international career from 1982- 95, including four years as cap- tain, passed away in Auckland after a battle with a rare form of blood cancer called double-hit lymphoma. “Obviously it was a really sad time, particularly for Martin’s family and there’s some guys in the side who were very close to him,” Williamson said. “So conversations will be had certainly closer to our fi rst com- petition match around how we can best do that (pay a tribute). “At this stage there’s still a lot of time before that game but we will be acknowledging it,” he added at New Zealand’s opening press conference for the sixth edition of the World T20. New Zealand take on hosts In- dia in Nagpur on March 15 in the fi rst game of the 16-team com- petition’s Super 10 group stage. New Zealand, ranked fourth in the world in short-form T20 cricket, will be looking to cause an upset against the number one-ranked Indians. “No doubt India will be pos- Members of the Sri Lankan cricket team pose for a group photograph in Colombo yesterday, before their departure to India for the ICC T20 World Cup. (AFP) sibly the favourites for this tour- nament but I think all the teams AFP It also dropped Jeff rey Vandersay and Niroshan would be able to bowl in India but he was cool The upheaval in the captaincy and among the will come here thinking they can Colombo Dickwella, replacing them with about his chances of playing a full part. “He opted selectors is yet another headache for the team’s win it,” said Williamson. Twen- and . Malinga presided over a dis- to off er to step down as captain. We have kept him new coach Graham Ford, who started his second ty20 cricket is pretty fi ckle and mal showing by in the where in the squad so that he can play at least one match spell in charge last month. Sri Lanka’s formidable I think all sides are playing good efending champions Sri Lanka said Lasith they were beaten by the hosts, little-fancied Bang- in the tournament,” said Sumathipala, who insist- home record took a hit last year with series defeats cricket. We’ve got a tough match Malinga was stepping down as captain of ladesh, and only just scraped past the United Arab ed Sri Lanka could cause an upset in India. against the visiting Indian and Pakistan sides. fi rst up but we’ll be preparing as their World Twenty20 side yesterday af- Emirates. While Sri Lanka won the last World “We still believe we have a very good chance of The islanders then travelled to New Zealand best we can in these conditions ter the team’s disastrous Asia Cup show- Twenty20 in Bangladesh in 2014, the team has been winning the world cup with this combination,” he where they were outplayed in all forms of the game and it would be great to get off to ing,D with to skipper the team in badly weakened by the retirements of star batsmen said. “I think we still have a good chance of coming in a tour soured by allegations of drinking parties a good start and hopefully carry India. The announcement comes only hours after and . back as the champion T20 team.” and squabbling. Although they did win the fi rst a bit of momentum throughout Sri Lanka’s Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera They are eighth in the T20 rankings and few All-rounder Mathews is already the captain of game of a three-match series against India last the tournament,” he added. sacked the panel of selectors and appointed a new commentators have given them much hope of the Sri Lankan Test side, which is also struggling to month they were then outclassed in the next two A strong showing by New Zea- line-up headed by former player Aravinda de Silva. successfully defending their title in the sixth edi- cope since the departure of Jayawardene and San- rubbers. Sri Lanka are due to begin their defence of land on the subcontinent would In a press conference in Colombo, Jayasekera con- tion of the format’s world championship which gakkara, who has been appointed as a selector. the World Twenty20 trophy on Wednesday, March be a fi tting tribute to Crowe, who fi rmed that injury-plagued Malinga was also being begins later Tuesday in India. Malinga, who has Sangakkara said although the Sri Lanka squad 17, when they play one of the two minnows who are during his retirement devised replaced, but the president of the Sri Lankan board been struggling with a knee injury, only played was fi nalised only a few hours before the team left taking part in a preliminary round taking place this a new ultra-short form of the insisted it was the veteran fast bowler’s own deci- one match in the Asia Cup in Bangladesh where he for India, it should not be an issue. “Even in 2014, week. game called Cricket Max for his sion. hinted that he was considering retirement. when we won the T20 World Cup, we did not know SRI LANKA’S NEW 15-MAN SQUAD: Angelo Mathews new employer Sky Television. “Last night we fi nalised the new squad and in- The 32-year-old has a long history of injury who was in the squad until the night before we left (captain), (Vice captain), Tillakara- It helped lay the founda- formed the ICC (International Cricket Council). problems and gave up in 2010 as he (for the tournament),” Sangakkara said. tne Dilshan, Lahiru Thirimanne, Shehan Jayasuriya, tions for T20 cricket. Crowe We have appointed Mathews as captain and (Di- was unable to withstand the rigours of fi ve-day “What the team needs now is your support, love, , , Dasun had a Test average of 45.36 in 77 nesh) Chandimal as vice-captain,” said Jayasekera. matches. understanding and proper guidance,” Sangakkara Shanaka, , , Dush- matches and held a slew of New “Malinga will be the 15th in the squad,” he told re- Thilanga Sumathipala, president of Sri Lanka said. “There is a responsibility on the players to mantha Chameera, , Suranga Lakmal, Zealand records when he porters ahead of the team’s departure for India. Cricket, told reporters that he hoped Malinga make sure they execute.” and . retired.

REPORT PERFECT START Opener Sibanda powers Shahzad, Stanikzai script Afghanistan victory to easy win start only to lose the plot after the departure of their AFP Nagpur openers George Munsey (41) and Kyle Coetzer (40). AFP At 84 for no loss, Scotland looked set to over- Nagpur, India haul their target but spinners Samiullah Shenwari fghanistan got their campaign off to win- and Rashid Khan had other ideas. The leg-spin ning start on the opening day of the World duo shared three between them to hurt the pener struck a fl uent half- Twenty20 after beating a spirited Scot- Scotland chase by stifl ing the fl ow of runs amidst century to help Zimbabwe defeat a scan- land by 14 runs in Nagpur, Western India the growing run-rate. dal-hit Hong Kong by 14 runs in the open- yesterday.A In the second match of the day, favour- Though guilty of a few slip-ups in the fi eld, Af- ing group encounter of the World T20 in ites Afghanistan rode on an entertaining fi fty from ghanistan also produced a crucial run out in the 11th NagpurO yesterday. Stung by a corruption charge prior Mohammad Shahzad. Choosing to bat, Afghani- over as Scotland lost three of their batsmen in the to the start of the sixth edition of the tournament, stan built on an 82-run second partnership space of 10 deliveries. Matt Machan then tried hard Hong Kong had their moments in the game but failed between skipper Asghar Stanikzai (55 ) and to get the chase back on track with a hard-working to capitalise. Electing to fi eld, Hong Kong’s bowlers Shahzad (61) to post 170 for fi ve. 36, but Afghanistan kept their nerves to get an ex- made early inroads but Sibanda held fort with a 46- Wicketkeeper-batsman Shahzad brought the pected result in their favour. Bangladesh will play ball 59 to guide his side to 158 for eight. house down with his colourful strokeplay. His 39- Netherlands, while Ireland will meet Oman in the Sibanda’s 61-run fi fth wicket partnership with ball stay, laced with fi ve boundaries and three sixes, two Group A matches today. Malcolm Waller and a late blitz by Elton Chigum- gave the side enough momentum to keep the total BRIEF SCORES bura ensured the total remained beyond the grasp of out of the reach of Scotland, who could only muster Afghanistan 170 for 5 (Shahzad 61, Stanikzai 55 not Hong Kong who in turn could only manage 144 for 156 for fi ve in their 20 overs. out) beat Scotland 156 for 5 (Munsey 41, Coetzer 40, six in their 20 overs. The Tanwir Afzal-led side lost The Preston Mommsen-led side got off to a yingfl Rashid 2-28) by 14 runs a couple of early wickets, but opener Jamie Atkinson put up some fi ght with a gutsy 53 off 44 balls, includ- ing four boundaries and two sixes. A late fl ourish by Afzal (31 not out) gave the team some hope but the ever-increasing run rate proved too much for a side participating in just its second World T20. Hong Kong’s preparations were badly hit by the suspension of their all-rounder Irfan Ahmed in Janu- ary as part of an ongoing corruption investigation and the opening day loss has only added salt to their wounds. Afghanistan’s captain Asghar Among from the positives that Hong Kong could Stanikzai made an unbeaten gather from the outing was their near-perfect fi eld- 55 against Scotland. (AFP) ing that forced three run-outs and yielded some good catches in the Zimbabwe innings. The top sides from Group A and B will move in to the Super 10 stage in- volving the eight established teams of world cricket. BRIEF SCORES Zimbabwe 158 for 8 in 20 overs (V Sibanda 59, E Chigumbura 30 not out, T Afzal 2-19) beat Hong Kong 144 for 6 in 20 overs (J Atkinson 53, Tanwir Afzal 31 not Zimbabwe batsman Vusi Sibanda plays a shot during the opening match of the out; D Tiripano 2-27) by 14 runs T20 Cricket World Cup in Nagpur, Western India, yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, March 9, 2016 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Skipper Sammy Dhoni plays down hails Gayle as T20’s ultimate India’s favourites tag destroyer Since start of the year, Dhoni’s men have won 10 out of 11 Twenty20 internationals AFP month cast a doubt over their Kolkata appearance at the World T20 and AFP while the row has since been re- Kolkata solved, relations between players kipper Darren Sammy and board remain strained. hailed controversial star To make matters worse, all- ndian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni batsman Chris Gayle as rounder Kieron Pollard and off - sought to downplay expectations T20 cricket’s most de- spinner both with- yesterday about his side’s prospects structiveS player yesterday as he drew from the initial World T20 at the World Twenty20 despite start- insisted the West Indies’ trou- squad. Narine’s absence is a par- Iing as roaring favourites to win the title bled build-up to the World Cup ticular blow as he has been one of on home turf. would not undermine their pros- the standouts in the IPL but he Dhoni’s men have been on a roll since pects. Gayle was branded a sex- pulled out as he felt under-pre- the start of the year, winning 10 out of 11 ist after trying to fl irt with an pared after serving a suspension Twenty20 internationals, with the latest Australian TV presenter live on for a suspect action. being a comprehensive title-winning tri- air in January during the Big Bash But Sammy said all the off - umph at the weekend over Bangladesh in League and some Caribbean fans fi eld problems would be put be- the Asia Cup. Their recent form even led are unhappy he is often unavail- hind them. “Once you step out former opener Virender Sehwag to pro- able for national duty but then on the cricket fi eld you shouldn’t claim that the world’s number one team plays in big money Twenty20 be worryied about contracts or had a “99 percent” chance of winning the tournaments. other stuff . trophy for a second time. India won the But in a press conference af- “At the end of the day we are inaugural edition in 2007 and are gun- ter his team’s arrival in India for professionals but right now is ning to become the tournament’s only the World T20, Sammy said the the time to focus on cricket,” he two-time winners. 36-year-old Jamaican was ad- said. “It’s always diffi cult to re- Dhoni however refused to be pulled mired by his teammates for his place someone like Narine but down by the weight of expectations, fo- behaviour on and off the fi eld. we believe the players in the team cusing instead on taking one game at a “Chris is a massive fi gure for us, could still come and get the job time. “When it comes to expectations, not only on the cricket fi eld but done for us.” I don’t think it is any lesser than what it off the fi eld as well,” Sammy said was in the 2011 World Cup,” Dhoni, 34, in Kolkata. “To me he is the best UNCAPPED LEWIS REPLACES said, referring to India’s winning cam- T20 batsman, the most destruc- INJURED SIMMONS paign at home that year in the 50-over tive one in this game so he knows Meanwwhile, uncapped Evin format. his game inside out.” Lewis has been named to replace “We don’t think too much about the Like several other West Indies the injured Lendl Simmons in the expectations, the reason being it can put players, Gayle has become ac- West Indies squad for the World you under pressure,” he said at a press customed to playing T20 cricket Twenty20. The experienced conference in Kolkata. “We are look- in Indian conditions after ap- Simmons was ruled out of the ing to make a slow and steady progress, pearing regularly in the IPL over tournament due to a back injury. rather than think too far ahead,” said the the last decade. Gayle racked up Lewis has represented Trini- wicket-keeping batsman, who is widely the highest ever score in T20s dad & Tobago in the Caribbean expected to retire at the end of the tour- while playing for the Bangalore T20 and the Champions League nament. India's captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni during a press conference ahead of the World T20 tournament in Kolkata yesterday. (AFP) Royal Challengers in the Indian and impressed chairman of se- India, hosting the format’s world cup Premier League three years ago, lectors Clive Lloyd, who led West for the fi rst time, boast a string of players Dhawan have also hit a purple patch while though) I know the technology has gone India start their campaign against hitting an unbeaten 175 off 66 Indies to two 50-over World Cup in form, starting with captain-in-waiting the bowlers have impressed too, includ- into the eighth gear,” he quipped. “We New Zealand next Tuesday followed by a balls. He lit up the fi rst World triumphs. Virat Kohli. Kohli, who already captains ing the wily off -spinner Ravichandran have to keep our intensity up and focus much-awaited clash with archrivals Pa- T20 in 2007 by notching the for- West Indies, T20 world cham- India in Tests, has nine fi fties in his last 14 Ashwin. With the players looking well- should be there right from the very fi rst kistan in the northern hill town of Dhar- mat’s fi rst international century pions in 2012, arrived in Kolkata Twenty20 innings, and averages over 50 settled, Dhoni said he saw no reason to ball. I think everything is set. I don’t think amsala on March 19. and a recent 12-ball half-century on Monday after a two-week in the format. tinker with team strategy. there are any more gears left for us to op- The fi nal will be played on April 3 at in the Big Bash illustrated how training camp in the United Arab Openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar “We are running on the sixth gear (al- erate.” Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. his powers remain undimmed. Emirates. They have warm-up While the West Indies dominat- matches against India tomor- ed Test cricket in the 1980s, they row, and Australia on Sunday. are now one of the weakest teams The Caribbean team have been ROHIT DISMISSES PAK PACER AMIR, PRAISES BUMRAH in the fi ve-day game. drawn in Group 1 of the Super 10 But they remain a force in the stage along with England, South Kolkata: Expressing dismay over the hype surround- shortest format, winning the Africa, Sri Lanka and one of the ing Pakistan speedster , star India World T20 in 2012 and and are fi rst-round qualifi ers. opener Rohit Sharma yesterday heaped lavish praise currently joint second in the WEST INDIES SQUAD: Darren on his teammate pacer Jasprit Bumrah and hailed him Mohammad Amir (left) had dismissed world rankings, behind India. Sammy (captain), Samuel Badree, as a special cricketing talent. Rohit Sharma in Asia Cup T20. (AFP) The West Indies’ last visit to In- Sulieman Benn, Carlos Brathwaite, Interacting with the media, Sharma appeared dia ended in acrimony when the Dwayne Bravo, Johnson Charles, displeased when his views were sought on Amir who team fl ew back to the Caribbean Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Jason returned to international cricket recently following a in the middle of a tour after a Holder, Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, five-year ban after being found guilty of spot-fixing in bust-up over pay. Denesh Ramdin, Andre Russell, 2010. Another pay dispute last Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor. “Amir is not the only bowler, there are other bowlers doing well for them (Pakistan). There is so much hype surrounding him, I don’t think there is a need for that. He just returned to cricket, let him perform for at least a year then we can judge,” said Rohit. The flamboyant batsman also criticised people for comparing Amir with pace legend Wasim Akram. “He is talented, he is good, but then he needs to prove that over and over. I don’t think it’s appropriate to create so much of hype surrounding him. “People even have started comparing him to Wasim Akram, this is so very wrong. Let him at least achieve even a little of Akram’s exploits, then we can talk of him. He is just a normal bowler, it’s not that he blows away batsmen every time he bowls. I don’t think he deserves so much of hype,” said the Mumbaikar. Talking about the Indian bowlers, Rohit was all praise for old warhorse and the young- ster Bumrah. “Instead of Amir we should talk about Bumrah, a rare talent who has already started to make a mark. ability’ as a major weapon for Bumrah who so far has ing. In fact it is quite diff icult to pick him up during the net. “Of course he has long way ahead, but the way Bum- taken 15 scalps from 11 T20 internationals. “He has got everything in his bag, he has got a good rah has started, I think he will do something special for “The best thing about him is he is very unpredictable. bouncer, a good yorker and a slower ball, he has every- the country,” said Rohit. Rohit picked out ‘unpredict- You really don’t know what will he doing when he is bowl- thing what a modern day bowler needs,” added Rohit. West Indies captain Darren Sammy. (AFP)

OPINION Harris expects India to dominate on home soil

By Reuters tional level, told Reuters yesterday. place to play at. To play India in India will “Obviously they play each other and Melbourne “Having been there and experienced be very, very hard.” know each other really well, but to get it and watched those guys, they’re un- As big tournament hosts, India have that proper team environment needs believable in those conditions,” said the hardly struggled in front of home fans more than a couple of days or a couple of imilar to champions Australia 36-year-old, who played fi ve IPL tour- and won the 2011 one-day World Cup co- matches to get used to the format, know at last year’s one-day World naments from 2009-13 with the Deccan hosted with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. each other and get good at it.” Cup, hosts India must deal with Chargers and Kings XI Punjab. They made the semi-fi nals of the 1987 Harris added that South Africa was raging expectations from home “You bowl a good ball and you walk tournament co-hosted with Pakistan also an odd location for a warm-up tour, fansS to win the World Twenty20 but back and think ‘how has that gone there? and the last four in 1996, also co-hosted where Australia are involved in a three- should thrive in their own conditions, Exactly where he wanted to put it’. And by Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Harris felt match series currently tied at 1-1. “Why according to former Australia paceman that’s what you’ve got to accept as a another team from South Asia, like Pa- go to South Africa when we’re going to a Ryan Harris. bowler in those conditions, particularly kistan, would likely provide the biggest totally diff erent place?” he said. Harris, who retired from all cricket last over there,” he added. challenge to India’s hopes of becoming “I heard (captain) Steve Smith’s com- year, expects the March 8-April 3 tour- “You can’t really target any of their the fi rst team to win a second World T20, ments that it would have benefi ted both nament to provide plenty of excitement, guys. They bat down to seven or eight, adding to their triumph at the inaugural sides if they prepared slow, low wickets given most teams will boast players with you’ve got to make sure you’ve got them 2007 tournament in South Africa. in South Africa, but they’re not going to experience of local pitches having com- all covered. It’s a bit like Australia in the He felt less bullish about his home na- do that because people want to see what peted in the domestic Indian Premier World Cup last year. When you’re play- tion’s chances of winning the only piece they saw the other night,” said Harris, re- League. ing at home, the expectations are obvi- of global silverware still to elude them, ferring to Australia’s thrilling fi ve-wicket However, the quality of India’s bats- ously quite high. however. “The guys only come together win in Johannesburg on Sunday. men would make the hosts very hard to “They’re going to have billions of peo- a couple of days before a T20 match,” “I’m unsure why they had to go there. beat and ensure opposing bowlers were ple watching it and there’s pressure and he told Reuters of contests in the format We’re going from bouncy, fast tracks to in for a rough ride, Harris, who harbours all that stuff but you know you’re in your outside the major tournament environ- the slower, lower wickets over there (in ambitions to coach Australia at interna- own conditions and there’s no better ment. India).” Gulf Times Wednesday, March 9, 2016 11 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT IN SHORT Stallions Cricket Academy concludes first ever Intra Academy Ultra-modern fan Cricket Tournament acoustics for

Stallions Cricket Academy in we organised this event, we Qatar just concluded its first wish to continue in the future ever intra academy tourna- as well as we have seen a Al Bayt Stadium ment. With more than 250 tremendous enthusiasm from students in the programme, the young players, said Sidath Stallions is the leading cricket Tennakoon, the Head Coach of ‘With designs like this unique tent-inspired stadium, the noise and chants of the fans academy in Qatar today. The Stallions. tournament was conducted The tournament was conduct- are held inside in a controlled manner’ over a period of one month ed at the Pakistan Education with 14 matches being played. Center who was a partner in The tournament was designed providing the grounds for the for two age groups, Under 16 matches. We are planning two and Under 13. There were 6 more tournaments for the teams in total with almost 100 youngsters and a six a side players taking part. tournament for the parents in Our aim in this tournament the months of March and April. was to provide the much More details of Stallions needed playing experience to Academy can be obtained by our youngsters and give them calling 70030491 or by visiting exposure in match conditions. their website www.stallionsqa- This year being the first time tar.com

ATF launches the Asian Tennis Tour

As a new development “This tour is a great initiative aiming to provide a ATF initiative that aims development pathway to the to provide the much young Men’s players in Asia, needed boost to the the Asian Tennis Federation careers of the young launched the Asian Tennis Asian tennis players, who Tour after the meeting held have up till now found by the Board of Directors in it diffi cult to make the February 25th, in Doha. transition from juniors to This tour has been created the men’s circuit” By Sports Reporter tics and create an outstanding fan experi- Construction work is now entering Bedouin tents of the region. These tents with the specific objective of Doha ence,” said Mohemed Ahmed, SC Project the main phase as the fi rst concrete piles were traditionally on a hill to become enhancing opportunities for the men’s circuit.” Manager at Al Bayt Stadium – Al Khor have been laid, with the maximum depth more visible to travellers, and we have the young Asian tennis players Anil Khanna; President of ATF City. of these to reach 21 metres and piling recreated this eff ect here to raise the site to fill up the void between said: “The ATF would not only or the 60,000 fans who will walk “Previously stadiums were more open works to be fi nished by the end of 2016. up to 14 metres height. Spectators will the national and international prove to be a launch pad for up to the Al Bayt Stadium – Al in design, and this meant that some- The entire stadium is set for completion pass through a welcoming park area sim- professional Circuits. It will the young players but would Khor City for the semi-fi nals of times the atmosphere and the noise of by 2018, at which time fans will be treated ilar to what we have at Aspire Zone, and also help the professional play- also aim at strengthening the the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, a the fans could escape. With designs like to the most advanced stadium acoustics then will walk into the stadium and look ers to earn decent living of the match readiness of the Davis trulyF unique acoustic experience is being this unique tent-inspired stadium, the on off er after passing through the pre- down on the pitch. This bowl-shaped game enabling them to invest Cup is the face of professional developed which incorporates the Arab noise and chants of the fans are held in- cinct, which is to be fi lled with greenery design will naturally enhance acoustics in their journey of becoming circuit in their regions.” world’s culture and traditional hospital- side in a controlled manner. One focus of and parks. Upon entering into the stadi- in a way comparable to what fans at the an international tennis player. It is believed by the ATF Board ity. The stadium inspired by the Bedouin our architectural team is specifi cally on um, fans will look down onto the pitch in Alianz Arena in Munich or the Emirates Chairman of the Asian Tennis of Directors that with this new tent is taking shape on a 14-metre raised projecting and testing the decibel levels order to get maximum visibility from all Stadium in London experience.” Federation HE Nasser bin initiative, around 1,500 junior hill to replicate the traditional placement of sound in the stadium so we can design seating areas. On site as the build continues safety Ghanim al-Khelaifi stated : and professional tennis players of such tents in the past in order to make the PA system accordingly.” “We are working together with our continues to be the number one pri- “This tour is a great ATF initia- across Asia stand to benefit them more visible to welcome travel- German architects GMP are working partners from the Supreme Committee ority, with the SC Workers’ Welfare tive that aims to provide the from the tour. The first tourna- lers. Now that same eff ect will serve to on the stadium design with team mem- for and Legacy on this stadium Standards being implemented across much needed boost to the ment of this newly formed cir- enhance the acoustics as the stadium bers on site and a monthly workshop held in order to create an outstanding fan the project. Following the tournament, careers of the young Asian cuit would hit off in New Delhi, is placed in a bowl in the middle of the to continuously apply the most modern experience for spectators,” said Aspire the stadium will reduce the capacity tennis players, who have up till India, in April 18th 2016 at the raised area. aspects of stadium design and acoustics Zone Foundation Project Director Dr by half to 32,000 seats, with the upper now found it diff icult to make Delhi Lawn Tennis Courts, R.K “The way the stadium has been de- to the proposed future home of Al Khor Nasser al-Hajeri. “This starts with the tiers donated to countries in need of the transition from juniors to Khanna Tennis Stadium. signed is specifi cally to enhance acous- Sports Club. unique design inspired by the traditional sporting infrastructure.

BOTTOMLINE Sheikh Saud bin Ali al-Thani inaugurates Qatar University Air Sports Club

By Sports Reporter engineering. The Club comprises 29 “The establishment of the Club Doha members from colleges across QU. It is will contribute to translating our part of QU Student Clubs and Organi- students’ potential into tangible zations Section, which includes more projects atar Olympic Committee than 70 clubs and organisations. (QOC) Vice President Sheikh The ceremony included an air show ties and skills-based opportunities that Saud bin Ali al-Thani in- performed by QASC, Qatar Aeronauti- contribute to unlocking their potential, augurated Qatar University cal College (QAC), Qatar Flying Club, and to enhancing their civic responsi- (QU)Q Air Sports Club (QASC) on March and Internal Security Force of Qatar bility and spirit of teamwork which will 6 in a ceremony held under the patron- (Lekhwiya). It also included an exhibi- serve them in their future roles as Qa- age of QOC President HE Sheikh Joaan tion featuring booths by the Club, QU tar’s leaders.” bin Hamad al-Thani. College of Engineering, QASC, QAC, Al-Yafei said: “The establishment of The event was attended by QU Presi- Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, Qa- the Club will contribute to translating dent Dr Hassan Rashid al-Derham, tar Ministry of Social Aff airs, and The our students’ potential into tangible QU Associate VP for Student Life and Professional Hobbies. Visitors were projects. It will also help them enhance Services Abdulla al-Yafei, offi cials from provided with information on various their sporting and leadership skills by QU Student Activities Department and types of aircraft such as Aurora, Night off ering a wide range of opportunities Qatar Air Sports Committee (QASC), as Vision, Holly Copter, Code Copter, and activities in air sports. This will well as faculty, students and staff . F-15, Gyrocopter, Delta, Trick and Un- theoretical learning through hands-on contribute to driving forward our stu- The Club was established in De- manned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). They experiences in the fi eld of engineer- dents’ success in academic and leader- cember 2015 following several wins by also had the opportunity to register in ing, business and economics. It will ship areas.” QU students in international air sports aviation courses. also add value to the numerous student QU Air Sports Club head student competitions such as their 4th place In his remarks, Dr al-Derham said: clubs at QU, and will contribute to en- Abdulatif Ali al-Qahtani said: “The es- in the 2nd World Paramotor Cham- “The establishment of the new Air riching student life.” tablishment of the Club is a testament pionship held in July 2015. It will off er Sports Club at Qatar University aligns QU VP for Student Aff airs Dr Khalid to the enriching learning environment courses and training for air sports ama- with the organisation’s commitment to al-Khanji said: “At Qatar University, at QU which provides opportunities for teurs, and engage students in hands-on provide its students with opportunities we are demonstrating our commit- us to heightens our skills, creativity and activities beyond the classroom pro- and training courses that enable them ment to promote a culture of sports enthusiasm, and enhances our ability viding practical experiences in weather to practice a wide range of activities among students, and engage them in a to translate what we learn in the class- forecasting, aviation and mechanical from which they can benefi t and apply wide range of extra-curricular activi- room into practical experiences.”

Wednesday, March 9, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

CAMEL RACING FESTIVAL

HE the President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani honoured the winners of the main races of the Annual Camel Racing Festival at Shahaniyah Racecourse. The races were held in the presence of Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Rashid al-Maktoum and the chairman of race organising committee HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Faisal al-Thani.

QATAR STARS LEAGUE ATHLETICS Triple jump stars Taylor, Ibarguen and El Jaish looking Rypakova to open Diamond League to ‘RHR’ ahead of season in Doha Al Arabi match Central to Jaish’s rise this season has been the attacking trio of Romarinho, Rashidov and Hamdallah. Collectively they have had a say in 34 of Soldiers’ 41 goals in the QSL

By Sports Reporter Doha File picture of reigning Olympic triple jump champion Christian Taylor.

l Jaish take on Al Arabi on Friday evening at Lekhwiya stadium, By Sports Reporter record Jonathan Edwards set knowing that a victory will fur- Doha way back in 1995. The Ameri- ther strengthen their grip on the can reigning Olympic and World topE four places. Jaish are currently sec- Champion, whose 18.21m win- ond in the Qatar Stars League, and could n May 6 Doha will play ning mark last year at the IAAF be in line for their highest ever fi nish in host to the kick-off World Championships in Bei- the QSL. meeting of the IAAF jing awarded him his second Central to the solders rise this season Diamond League se- global title and elevated him to has been the attacking trio of Romarinho, riesO for a seven successive season the world’s No 2 spot, returns to Sardor Rashidov and Moroccan striker and as is always the case a large Qatar to snatch his second IAAF Abderrazak Hamdallah. Who have col- amount of the world’s elite ath- Doha Diamond League victory lectively had a say in 34 of El Jaish’s 41 letes have chosen to open their and reclaim the meeting record goals in the league so far this season. The outdoor campaign in the Suhaim he lost last year after a dramatic infl uencial trio has had their say in 82% Bin Hamad stadium. Among duel “combat” to Cuba’s Pedro of Jaish goals so far, QSL online to look at them, the reigning Olympic Pablo Pichardo. El Jaish’s ‘RHR’. triple jump champions, Chris- The 2015 triple jump competi- Romarinho joined El Jaish in the sum- tian Taylor and Olga Rypakova, tion in Doha was a real cracker, mer of 2014 from Corinthians and quick- as well as the two-time World producing for the fi rst time ever ly established himself as a key player in champion Caterine Ibarguen. two marks beyond 18m by two dif- Sabri Lamouchi’s side. Romarinho hit “Although the Doha 2016 co- ferent athletes on the same day. the ground running at Jaish, and bagged incides with the athletes’ Ol- Taylor leaped 18.04m a new per- an impressive 16 goals in 24 starts in his ympic preparations and is, as sonal best in his last attempt, but debut season. The Brazilian striker has always, held at the beginning fell short a mere two centimetres been utilized on the right wing for most of the outdoor season, we have of Pichardo’s 18.06m early lead. of the season, cutting in and linking up El Jaish’s Moroccan striker Abderrazak Hamdallah (R) in action during a Qatar Stars League match. invited and bringing on a large “That was a special day for me, with his strike partners to often devas- number of Olympic and World as I exceeded 18m for the fi rst time tating eff ect. Championships medallists, like in my career. I am really looking Striker Abderrazak Hamdallah was 5 Things we learnt in round 21 of the QSL Christian Taylor, Caterine Ibar- forward to returning to Doha and recruited this season, and boasts an im- guen and Olga Rypakova. This enjoy the meeting’s favourable pressive goal scoring record in stints in Rayyan deserved champions Madson were enough for the knights to are set to be relegated to the Qatar Gas early announcement already conditions which always help ath- Norway and China. Twenty fi ve goals Finally, after talking about the qual- seal all three points. League. Many people wouldn’t have giv- shows that the meeting will be of letes reach peak form. in thirty two starts for Chinese Super ity of Al Rayyan for the whole of the The vital win did come at a cost for en them much of a chance on Sunday a very high calibre with top ath- “2016 is a special year with League side Guangzhou R&F was enough 2015/2016 season, the Lions got their Khor, as it was confirmed that striker Ju- evening when they faced high-flying El letes competing. the Olympics ahead on schedule. to convince the El Jaish management to hands on the coveted QSL falcon shied. lio Cesar could be out for the next few Jaish, fresh from a big win in the AFC “By having in Doha elite ath- Triple jump has reached unprec- pay big money for the services of the Mo- Jorge Fossati’s side did it in some style weeks with a hamstring strain. However champions league. letes, we raise the awareness edented heights in recent years, roccan international striker. comprehensively beating Al Wakrah 5-0 this win has lifted Khor five points away However Rodion Gacanin’s side came for our sport and we continu- but I am looking for nothing less The move has been an unequivo- at Al Sadd stadium. from the drop-zone. from behind and equalized through a ously engage, inspire and moti- than a second Olympic gold. cal success for both player and team. So Thousands of passionate Al Rayyan cheeky chipped penalty from midfielder vate a growing number of young “What better way to start the far he has racked up sixteen goals in just fans joined the team in celebrating Bagdad Debut for Sadd Wajdi Bouazzi. Afterwards Jaish pushed athletes. The recent successful season, than going after that re- eighteen starts in the Qatar Stars League. the trophy win for the first time since Al Sadd fans where given a big boost on hard for a winner with Abderrazak Ham- campaign of our national team spectable meeting record. It would He is currently in second spot for the the 1994/1995 season. Afterwards the Monday evening, when winter signing dallah missing a host of chances. Yet at the Asian Indoors Champion- be a huge stepping stone in my QSL top scorer award. The attacker has squad toured around Doha in an open- Bagdad Bounjah made his long awaited Meisameer where not be denied their ships held in Doha confi rm the preparation towards the Olympic a poacher’s instinct along with plenty of top bus and revelled in their first falcon debut for the Wolves. The Algerian point with keeper Mohammed Ghanem rapid progress athletics enjoy in Games,” said Taylor who possesses composure in front of goal, which has led shield. Rayyan have broken records international has been out of action for pulling of a host of saves to give the Qatar”, stated the Qatar Athlet- four of the twelve achieved 18m+ to such a high tally of goals in this his fi rst seemingly on a weekly basis this sea- nearly 4 months with an injury, so com- Flames their first point of 2016. ics Federation President Dahlan jumps in the history of the event. season with El Jaish. son. Al Rayyan will now have to focus ing on for the final twenty minutes is a al-Hamad who also commented The women’s triple jump is Uzbekistan international Sardor Rash- up for the remainder of the domestic major lift for Jesaldo Ferrerias side. Race for the Qatar Cup is still on on the recent addition of Rabat not short of high calibre athletes idov was also recruited in the summer, season, and prepare themselves for the Bounjah could not help his side The battle for the top four places is to the Diamond League calendar: as well. London Olympic cham- the left winger comes highly rated in his Qatar & Emir cup competitions. register the win, after drawing 1-1 with heating up in the QSL. Al Sadd currently “I would like to take the op- pion and recently crowned Asian homeland. In QSL he certainly hit the Al Gharafa. However his timely return occupies the fourth place and have a portunity to welcome Rabat and indoor champion in the Aspire ground running, scoring a fi ne solo eff ort Al Khor take a big leap to QSL safety means that Al Sadd has some extra fire- four point cushion over Umm Salal. Morocco to the Diamond League Dome’s track, Olga Rypakova against Al Sailiya on his debut. Al Khor’s round 21 clash against Qatar power going into the last games of the Despite this the chasing teams of Umm family. The ‘International Mo- as well as the reigning World So far Rashidov has scored nine goals SC was billed as a relegation six pointer season, along with the Qatar & Emir cup Salal & Sailiya enjoyed positive results hammed VI’ meeting has been Champion Caterine Ibarguen for his side along with fi ve assists for his for both sides. Two seasoned coaches in competitions. in round 21. Umm Salal came from quite successful throughout all have already signed in for the team mates. This mixture of goals and as- Jean Fernandez and Sebastaio Lazaroni behind to secure a vital point against the years of existence and fully IDL Doha 2016 and lead a qual- sists has been crucial in consolidating El faced off in an interesting tactical con- First point of the year for Meisameer Lekhwiya whilst Sailiya ran out 2-1 win- deserves its inclusion to the top- ity line-up which also features Jaish’s dominance both domestically and test. However it was Al Khor who ran QSL’s bottom side registered a moral ners against Al Ahli. Both sides will be tier one-day events family.” the 2015 World Champs silver in the AFC Champions League. out deserved winners with a 3-1 victory. boosting point against El Jaish in round hoping that Sadd will slip up in the next Taylor, a four-time Diamond medallist Hanna Knyazheva- El Jaish will be hoping their attacking Three goals in the first half from Brazil- 21. The flames have been rooted to the few weeks to set up a grandstand finsh Race winner (2012-2015), came Minenko and the Common- trio of RHR will be on fi ne form when ian trio Julio Cesar, Marco Antonio & bottom of the league all season, and in the race to the Qatar Cup places. a measly 8cm away from break- wealth Games champion Kim- they entertain Al Arabi on Friday evening. ing the mythical 18.29m world berly Williams.