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Wednesday, May 4, 2016 FOOTBALL Rajab 27, 1437 AH Ranieri proves nice GULF TIMES guys do not always come second SPORT Page 3

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE / PREVIEW Lekhwiya’s Flores to return against Bunyodkor ‘We respect our opponents but we will be focusing on the next matches we have in the competition’

AFC injuries or other players who didn’t Doha have a lot of playing time this season. I hope that we will give a good perform- ance and get a positive result.” panish defender Chico Flores Lekhwiya are guaranteed to fi nish will return to Djamal Belmadi’s in second place behind Iran’s Zobahan squad as Lekhwiya prepare to with Al Nassr third and Bunyodkor in take on Uzbekistan’s Bunyod- fourth, with the Uzbeks incapable of Skor in the fi nal round of group matches surpassing the Saudi Arabian side due in the 2016 AFC Champions League to an inferior head-to-head record be- today. tween the two teams. The former Swansea City man was Despite their disappointing cam- suspended for Matchday Five but is paign, though, Bunyodkor coach Sergey now available, although Lekhwiya will Lushchan is hoping his team can sign off be without midfi elder Ahmed Maq- their involvement in the 2016 competi- soud, who is serving a one-game ban. tion with a fi rst win of the campaign. Lekhwiya, who have already booked “We want to have a positive end to their place in the next phase as run- the competition. We want to put in a ners-up in Group B, will be looking to good performance despite the fact we bounce back from the disappointment have failed to qualify for the knock- of losing in the fi nal of the Qatar Cup Lekhwiya coach Djamel Belmadi; out stage,” he said. “The match will be on Friday against fellow AFC Champi- (right) defender Chico Flores (left) important to gain experience against a ons League participants El Jaish. makes a return after a suspension. strong team. “We are playing against Bunyodkor “We lost in the previous round against in a match which will not aff ect our will be focusing on the next matches Lekhwiya at home and hopefully the standing in the group as we have al- we have in the competition. players will have a good reaction tomor- ready secured our place in the knock- “The importance of the match is row. If we get the three points then it will out stage,” said Belmadi. that it will be a chance to prepare the be a positive end for our campaign in this “We respect our opponents but we players who recently recovered from year’s competition.”

REPORT Ahli’s win over Jaish not enough to reach Rd of 16

AFC Jeddah

arquinho and Osama Haw- sawi scored to earn Al Ahli a 2-0 win over Qatar’s El Jaish yesterday, but it was Mnot enough to secure Christian Gross’ team a place in the Round of 16 of the 2016 AFC Champions League. Al Ahli needed all three points while hoping Al Ain slipped up against Uz- bekistan’s Nasaf to have any chance of progressing to the knockout phase of the competition. But with the Emiratis picking up a 2-0 win over Uzbekistan’s Nasaf in the other game played in the group, Al Ahli’s points total of nine from six games left them one adrift as El Jaish and Al Ain booked their places in the next phase. Al Ahli started impressively and, with 16 minutes on the clock, Moham- ed al-Fatil headed just over the bar while eight minutes before the interval Muhannad al-Asiri also saw his head- ed attempt sail just over the target. In between, Wagner Ribeiro twice tried his luck from outside the area, only for both to be just off target. Al Ahli’s introduction of Greece international midfi elder Giannis Fet- fatzidis at the start of the second half turned the game decisively in the home side’s favour. It was from Fetfatzidis’ cross that Ali al-Zubaidi should have scored, but the defender planting his downward header too fi rmly into the turf before the ball bounced over the Marquino (right) of Saudi club Al Ahli vies for the ball with El Jaish’s Yousef Muftah bar in the 52nd minute. during their AFC Champions League group D match in Jeddah yesterday. (AFP) Six minutes later Marquinho’s tight turn took him past the El Jaish de- Mansoor al-Harbi on the left side of when he stooped to head the ball home fence before hitting a shot that was the penalty area and his cut-back from in the 85th minute following Fetfatz- well saved by Saoud Mubarak. Taiseer the bye-line was parried into the path idis’ corner from the left side, but in al-Jassem’s header soon after was of Marquinho by Mubarak and the the end it was not enough to maintain straight at the goalkeeper. midfi elder made no mistake. the Jeddah-based club’s interest in the Al Ahli fi nally broke through in the Former Al Hilal defender Hawsawi 2016 edition of the continental club 62nd minute when Fetfatzidis released ensured Al Ahli took all three points championship. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, May 4, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT IN SHORT Celebratory lunch for Leicester City’s Leicester City win title winning heroes the EPL title aft er

Leicester City’s captain Wes Morgan (C) is mobbed by fans as he a fairytale season leaves an Italian restaurant after having lunch with teammates. Leicester City’s triumphant “It was an amazing achieve- ‘I’m so proud. I’m happy for my players... and the Leicester community. It’s an amazing Premier League title-winners ment. We wanted to do were applauded by well-wish- something special, but no one feeling and I’m so happy for everyone. I never expected this when I arrived’ ers as they arrived at an Italian could have believed we would restaurant in the city for a do this. I was at home with my celebratory lunch yesterday. wife. Nothing more. I celebrate Italian manager Claudio Rani- with my wife and family.” eri, star striker Jamie Vardy Leicester’s 5,000-1 triumph and Thai chairman Vichai sent fans spilling into the Srivaddhanaprabha were all streets of the east Midlands in attendance at the San Carlo city, with around 1,000 assem- restaurant to celebrate the bling at the club’s King Power first title in the club’s 132-year Stadium. history. Captain Wes Morgan will be Vardy invited his teammates presented with the trophy round to his house to watch after Saturday’s final home Monday’s 2-2 draw between game against Everton. Chelsea and second-place “I am going to try to hold back Tottenham Hotspur, which the tears,” said Morgan, a handed Leicester the title. Jamaica international. “It is go- Ranieri, who watched the ing to be very emotional. match at home with his wife, “It hasn’t sunk in yet. It was a told Sky Sports: “I believed long night celebrating and I last night. Of course you feel am feeling a bit drained at the something, but I am a prag- moment. After the initial eu- matic man and I know football phoria a lot of people couldn’t well. Something strange could believe what had happened. happen. There were a few tears.”

Infantino hails Leicester’s ‘beautiful football story’ FIFA president Gianni Infan- fans because this is the magic tino yesterday hailed Leicester of football. City’s unlikely English Premier “So big, big, big congratula- League triumph as a “fairy- tions to the club, to (Claudio) tale” come true. Ranieri, to the players. They “It’s a fairytale. It’s one of have their place in the Cham- these beautiful football pions League on sporting stories that only football can merit.” write and no one would have Ranieri’s side, considered one of believed possible at the begin- the candidates for relegation at ning of the season,” Infantino the start of the season, clinched told reporters in Budapest. the English title on Monday “Not only does it make the when second-placed Totten- Leicester fans very happy and ham Hotspur failed to beat very proud but all football Chelsea to stay in the race. Leicester City fans celebrate with flags after their team won the Premier League title.

The Guardian his 96-year-old mother, Ranieri said: sacked yet, in keeping with his image, the “It’s the best feeling of my career ‘Phenomenal’ Leicester deserving London “I’m so proud. I’m happy for my players, Italian never returned fi re on his critics. and I couldn’t be prouder that it’s champions - Zidane for the chairman, for the staff at Leicester Instead, he quietly went about the job as part of this team. Everyone’s City, all our fans and the Leicester com- of transforming Leicester into title chal- worked so hard for this, nobody Real Madrid coach Zinedine one of the Premier League’s eicester City have completed one munity. It’s an amazing feeling and I’m so lengers, only admitting that they were in believed we could do it, but here Zidane hailed Leicester City’s elite left embarrassed as 5,000- of the most remarkable stories in happy for everyone. I never expected this the race four matches before the end of we are, Premier League champions remarkable Premier League 1 longshots Leicester sealed the the history of English football by when I arrived.” the season. He changed their targets step and deservedly so” triumph as a deserving reward first title in their 132-year history winning the Premier League title. It is an incredible tale on so many lev- by step, from getting to 40 points, quali- for “phenomenal” work done by after Tottenham Hotspur could LWritten off as relegation candidates at els, not least the fact that Leicester were fying for Europe and securing their place here we are, Premier League champions coach Claudio Ranieri yesterday. only manage a 2-2 draw at the start of the season, when the book- so nearly relegated from the Premier in the Champions League group stage, and deservedly so.” “Miracles don’t exist in football. Chelsea on Monday. makers made Leicester 5,000-1 outsiders League last season. They spent 140 days and now the fi nal box – doing the un- It is a narrative that belongs to a dif- They have had a phenomenal “I am happy for him and the to be crowned champions, they secured at the bottom of the table and looked set thinkable and winning the league – has ferent era – Nottingham Forest, in 1978, season, Ranieri has done a phe- players. It is the first time they the fi rst top-fl ight title in the club’s his- for an immediate return to the Champi- been ticked off . were the last fi rst-time winners – and nomenal job,” the Frenchman are champions,” added Zidane. tory after Tottenham were unable to beat onship until they won seven of their last The Leicester players celebrated the means that Ranieri, at the age of 64, has said ahead of Madrid’s Champi- “It is admirable what they Chelsea on Monday night. nine matches under Nigel Pearson to greatest night of their footballing lives at fi nally won a major league. He fi nished ons League semi-final, second have done. There are no mira- Spurs had to win at Stamford Bridge climb clear of the bottom three. Jamie Vardy’s house, in Melton Mowbray, second in the Premier League with Chel- leg against Manchester City. cles, so it is deserved what to extend the title race after Leicester’s When Ranieri took over from Pear- where they gathered to watch the Spurs sea in 2004 and was twice a runner-up Abu Dhabi-backed City were they have done.” point at Manchester United on Sunday. son in the summer his appointment was match. Their captain, Wes Morgan, said: in Serie A, and once in Ligue 1. Now the They drew 2-2, handing Claudio Rani- widely mocked. Ranieri mentioned only “It’s the best feeling of my career and man José Mourinho described in 2008 eri’s side the prize. a few weeks ago that he was aware he I couldn’t be prouder that it’s as part of as having “the mentality of someone Incredibles, History makers... How After fl ying back to England on Mon- had been installed as the favourite to be this team. Everyone’s worked so hard for who doesn’t need to win” has a Premier day night having had lunch in Italy with the fi rst Premier League manager to be this, nobody believed we could do it, but League title on his CV. the world reacted to this triumph

BOTTOMLINE Monk all praise for fantastic Foxes

AFP is followed fanatically in the cess can bring a quick switch in Bangkok kingdom. loyalties, Leicester can expect to “I am very pleased for my see a surge numbers. boss (Vichai)... Leicester’s suc- Shirts have already sold out he Buddhist monk who cess will make Thailand famous and Leicester’s owners are keen has blessed Leicester around the world,” Songkran to tap into a large domestic pool A man cycles past an advert on a bus stop in Leicester. City’s players and sta- Sae-Li, 38, a security guard told of potential fans with public dium said he prayed AFP. relations events and a Foxes’ Leicester’s fairytale win makes ‘Kings of England’ Tdeep into the night as the Foxes The majority of people in Thai- branded national academy. papers worldwide The Foxes’ dream run was pulled off one of the biggest ever land, which is six hours ahead of “I feel happy for Leicester... given a Shakespearean touch sporting shocks by winning the British time, were asleep as Spurs the team is small and it’s the fi rst ‘Leicester has achieved the by the Guardian, who declared English Premier League. threw away a two-goal lead in time that they are the champi- impossible’ the side with a picture of Phra Prommangkalachan, dramatic style to hand Leicester ons,” added Twin Wichaidith, France Football Richard III, whose bones are who has travelled to the Mid- the title. But workers were later who has supported the team for buried in Leicester. lands club several times with keen to wax lyrical on the famous fi ve months. ‘Europe’s biggest football its billionaire Thai owner, said title victory. “This will make Thais watch sensation - Leicester’s title ‘Fairytale finish for champi- he was praying during second- football more and the team will miracle is real’ ons Leicester placed Tottenham Hotspur’s SACRED WATER have more fans,” he added. Germany’s Bild The Times 2-2 draw at Chelsea, which gave Anan Sutchaliao, a Leicester Photographs lifted from so- Leicester the title. fan and motorcycle taxi driv- cial media of Leicester’s players ‘Leicester City’s Premier ‘Leicester’s miracle men “I prayed for them from 2am er, hailed Chelsea’s “miracle” wildly celebrating victory were League win much more than crowned Premier League till 4am (local time during the comeback from two goals down emblazoned across the a Thai a miracle’ champions’ Chelsea-Spurs match)... but to a seemingly rampant Spurs. fans’ Facebook page. The Sydney Morning Herald Daily Telegraph the victory does not come from “Thank you Chelsea for making Comments on the page, which me, it’s from the team and the Thai Buddhist monk Phra Prommangkalachan, who had blessed Leicester champions,” he said. has more than 500,000 follow- ‘What Does the Fox Say?’ The Incredibles The Mirror goodness of the owner,” he told Leicester City football players, pictured in Bangkok. The club has seen its Thai fan- ers, praised Vichai’s ownership. ‘Cha-Cha-Cha Champions’ AFP. base—known as the “Siamese But some in the devoutly reli- Norway paper VG (The Fox is a ‘Ole Leicester’ The Foxes, virtual unknowns the deeply superstitious coun- Bangkok for Saturday’s visit of Foxes”—grow from a smatter- gious country attributed the win Norwegian number one single Catalan-based sport daily in Thailand until they were try, many wearing lucky amu- Everton to the King Power Sta- ing of die-hards to everyone’s to the supernatural powers of by Ylvis) Marca bought by duty-free magnate lets and other talismans, have dium, where Leicester will hoist favourite second team. Buddhism. Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in fl ocked to screenings of recent the trophy. English Premier League giants “There goes the team that just ‘Zeroes into heroes’ ‘Leicester Miracle’ 2010, have seen their popularity matches at the vast downtown At the King Power complex in Manchester United, Liverpool won the league, the team that Metro, UK Mundo Deportivo skyrocket during the title run- headquarters of Vichai’s King Bangkok on Tuesday, staff spoke and Chelsea traditionally draw a got sacred water sprinkled from in. Power fi rm. of their joy at the Thai link to a strong following. a Thai temple,” Huge Boripat ‘History makers’ Daily Mirror ‘So Good!’ L’Equipe Several hundred supporters in Another party is expected in win in the Premier League which But in a country where suc- wrote in Thai. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 4, 2016 3 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Five sporting fairytales that can rival this Leicester triumph Five sporting fairytales to rival penalties. The might of world Leicester City’s against-the- champions Germany awaited odds Premier League triumph: in the final but Denmark rode their luck with goalkeeper NOTTINGHAM FOREST Peter Schmeichel proving Ranieri proves nice 1977-79 impregnable and goals from Brian Clough’s miracle men John Jensen and Kim Vilfort would seem to be the closest taking the team that had predecessors to Leicester’s failed originally to qualify for title triumph. But where the tournament to the most Leicester have billionaire Thai unlikely of victories. owners, Clough’s Forest once held cheese and wine events BORIS BECKER guys do not always to raise funds. Despite that, WIMBLEDON 1985 Clough led them to the Foot- When, in June 1985, a ball League championship at fresh-faced 17-year-old from the first time of asking with Germany won the grass-court four games to spare, and then Grand Slam’s traditional warm- two consecutive European up at Queen’s Club in London, Cups, dethroning the all-con- he was dubbed a “future quering Liverpool side of Bob Wimbledon champion” by the come second Paisley—the Barcelona of their media. Little did they realise day—in both competitions. the prediction would come With grace and an unshakable bond with his players the one-time ‘Tinkerman’ has Their record unbeaten run of true only three weeks later. 42 games (the equivalent of Unseeded, and with many proved his critics spectacularly wrong with Leicester City’s first top-flight title an entire season) stood until of his early matches going Arsenal’s Invincibles in 2004. largely unnoticed on outside By Owen Gibson, The Guardian courts, Becker battled to the fi- Leicester MUHAMMAD ALI nal where he overcame Kevin 1974 Curren. The South African Ali’s refusal to be drafted for had conquered both Jimmy laudio Ranieri? Really?” As much the Vietnam War had meant a Connors and John McEnroe of the planet now knows, with three-year exile from boxing in earlier rounds but couldn’t the world’s media descending in what should have been his cope with the teenager’s con- on Leicester, that was how Gary prime years. On his return he fidence and fearless approach LinekerC last summer received the news that lost to Joe Frazier and Ken as Becker won the first of his the veteran Italian had been appointed to Norton, meaning nobody but three titles at the All-England take charge of a side that narrowly escaped Ali himself thought he could club 6-3, 6-7, 7-6, 6-4. relegation the previous season. beat the fearsome George Now the charming 64-year-old has Foreman who had disman- BOB CHAMPION masterminded perhaps the greatest fair- tled Norton and Frazier both GRAND NATIONAL 1981 ytale in sporting history, proving a bat- inside two brutal rounds. But English jump racing jockey talion of doubters wrong and winning not Ali’s “rope-a-dope” tactics in Bob Champion was diagnosed only the undying gratitude of all those in the “Rumble in the Jungle” with testicular cancer in 1979 Leicester but admiration and no little in Zaire saw him knock out and given between six and love from around the world. an exhausted Foreman in the eight months to live. But he And now bookmakers are facing eighth round and win back the opted to endure the then new a £15mn payout to punters, includ- heavyweight title at the age and painful chemotherapy ing a lucky few who backed the side at of 32. treatment and was remarkably 5,000-1, and a diff erent sort of astonish- back in the saddle just a year ment abounds. DENMARK later. He had long believed In truth, the Italian’s CV is studded EURO ’92 that Aldaniti had the potential with huge achievement but undercut by Given a week’s notice to to win the “world’s great- a series of near-misses and a sense he has put a squad together when est steeplechase” over the tended to lay the foundations for others Yugoslavia were barred from gruelling four-and-a-half miles to claim the credit. No longer. the 1992 European Champi- of Aintree’s famous course, Having made his name at Cagliari, onships because of civil war, despite the horse being al- success at Napoli and Valencia eventu- the Danes—who had been most constantly being treated ally led him to Stamford Bridge, where he runners-up to the Yugoslavs for a variety of injuries. Their delivered the Champions League quali- in qualifying—were given little partnership and victory in the fi cation that convinced Roman Abram- hope. A 0-0 draw against 1981 Grand National was one ovich to buy the club. But he was sacked England and defeat to hosts of pure emotion and inspired one season later by the Russian following Sweden did little to dispel the the move “Champions” in a spectacular blow-out in the semi-fi nals notion, but a 2-1 win over fan- which John Hurt starred as of that competition. cied France put them into the the jockey. Now 67, Cham- With delicious irony his quicksilver Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri during a training session. semi-finals and they squeaked pion works tirelessly to raise counterattacking Leicester side travel to past the Netherlands on money into cancer research. Chelsea on the fi nal day of the season as squad that melds journeymen like Robert lona sides of the past 15 years Leicester From staff at Leicester Station to pen- champions with last season’s title-win- Huth and hitherto unsung heroes such have been resolute in defence and light- sioners at the market and tracksuit-clad ners languishing in mid table. as Danny Drinkwater with well-sourced ning quick to attack. teenagers on its shopping streets, all of- In an added twist José Mourinho, who bargain buys in Riyad Mahrez, Jamie Var- When they destroyed Manchester City fered up undying gratitude to the man who had replaced Ranieri at Chelsea fi rst time dy and N’Golo Kanté. 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium in February, one has masterminded a sporting miracle. Leicester City stand to gain up to around and publicly belittled Ranieri as In a Premier League where, historically, of several defi ning moments in this title In that initial withering assessment yesterday’s man when his Internazion- fi nishing positions have correlated almost race, they did so with only 35% possession. Lineker, whose delight and disbelief have $365 million windfall ale side beat Roma to the title in Italy fi ve exactly with wage bills, Ranieri’s band of As well as being a master tactician Rani- spiralled as the season has developed, said Leicester City have the chance ter’s success proves to be more years later, was sacked mid-season as brothers have reversed preconceptions. eri has also perfectly judged the psychol- Ranieri’s appointment was “uninspired”. of making anything between than a one-season wonder. Leicester began their unlikely ascent to But Leicester’s billionaire Thai owner, ogy. He kept things simple, lifting the pres- He could not have been more wrong. 150 million pounds ($220 mil- Leicester’s TV audiences have the summit. Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, has also in- sure from his side and focusing relentlessly Canny to the last, Ranieri even managed lion) and 250 million pounds soared by over 23% globally Since leaving England a decade ago vested heavily in the club’s infrastruc- on the next game, admitting only recently to negotiate a clause in his contract that ($365 million) from their this season and because of much liked but hardly revered Ranieri ture, ensuring the side want for little that the title was in sight with his “Dilly- guaranteed him £100,000 for every place sensational Premier League the excitement inspired by took Juventus and his childhood favour- when it comes to all the accoutrements ding, dilly-dong” rallying cry. his side fi nished above 18th and a reputed triumph, according to sports their run to the title, audiences ites, Roma, to second-place fi nishes in of modern performance analysis used to In the age of the individual’s veneration £5mn bonus for winning the title. marketing experts. in the UK have grown from Serie A and masterminded a revival at recruit and train players. Ranieri has said in football Ranieri, like Diego Simeone The arguments over whether Leices- With Leicester’s increasing 785,000 to over one million newly moneyed Monaco in France. But that it made his jaw drop when he arrived. at Atlético Madrid, has made teamwork ter’s triumph tops the exploits of Brian attraction to sponsors as the per game. by the time he arrived at the King Power In contrast to his nickname, Ranieri fashionable again. And, paradoxically, in Clough’s Nottingham Forest in a mod- champions of the Premier “Leicester’s media values have Stadium Mourinho’s withering assess- has resisted the urge to tinker with his the process he has made unlikely stars of ern era when money and global branding League, which possesses jumped by 30 percent globally ment of Ranieri was received wisdom. side and has had some luck along the way Vardy and Mahrez. have made the established order harder remarkable global appeal, it whilst in the US they have With typical good grace and a seem- with a lack of injuries to key players. His side kept their heads as all around to topple will rage long and hard in the could all be worth as much as grown by over 70 percent, ingly unshakable bond with his players Yet his interventions, both between and were losing theirs, ticking off a series east Midlands. 150 million pounds to the club, showing first-hand the in- the one-time “Tinkerman” has set about during matches, have often been decisive. of tight victories and answering every For now, supporters who could never in said the sports and enter- crease in value to current and proving his critics spectacularly wrong. Recognising that his Italian reputation question posed of them even as the wider their wildest dreams have imagined the tainment intelligence firm, potential sponsors,” Repucom Recognising the team spirit and fi tness for tactical complexity went before him, world kept expecting them to fade. season turning out this way – and who Repucom, yesterday. said. regime established by his pugnacious he told Il Corriere della Sera that he made At the King Power Stadium, where the have long lamented as many near-misses Other experts have put the Leicester’s first appearance predecessor, Nigel Pearson was second to a pact with his side on his arrival: “Al- stands have rocked all season, faith has and false dawns as Ranieri – know exactly estimates much higher with in the lucrative Champions none, Ranieri resolved to change little re- ways show me everything you’ve got and never wavered. For proof that Leicester whom to thank. some British media reports League will also make a vast garding the team’s preparation. every now and again I will explain a little has taken Ranieri to its heart, look no fur- As do those well beyond the city for suggesting that the figure could diff erence to their coff ers Much has been made of the £200m- football to you.” ther than the two-minute fi lm released whom he has come to personify a triumph be much nearer 250 million in the region of 36 million plus gulf in value between the Premier Eschewing the trend for possession last week of him welling up as he watched that cut through so much of the cynicism pounds, particularly if Leices- pounds. League’s self-styled elite and a Leicester football exemplifi ed by the great Barce- tributes from its streets. that clings to modern football.

BOTTOMLINE Opportunity, uncertainty await Leicester

“There is a fi nancial cost—they’ll The improbability of Leicester’s meanwhile, have grown by an estimat- and how do we plan for the future in a have to invest in players in order achievement in winning the world’s ed 23 percent. sustainable manner?” to compete in the Champions most popular domestic football cham- Leicester are unsurprisingly popu- Club vice-chairman Aiyawatt Sri- League, they’re going to pay out pionship, a year after narrowly avoiding lar in Thailand, home of owners King vaddhanaprabha, known as Top, is fi nancial bonuses for winning the relegation, is laid bare by the fi nancial Power, and are now well placed to ex- adamant that Leicester will not cede league—so it isn’t just upsides.” statistics. ploit the Premier League’s expansion their stars, telling Channel 3 television At around £57 million, their squad into new commercial realms such as the in Thailand that they are “not the team AFP cost an eighth of Manchester City’s— United States and, in particular, China. that will sell players”. Leicester the most expensive in the division— Claudio Ranieri’s men will get their Leicester may need to tweak the and their estimated wage bill of £48.5 fi rst taste of international exposure when shrewd recruitment model that saw million ranks 17th out of the Premier they tackle Barcelona and Paris Saint- Vardy and Mahrez acquired for a com- s Leicester City’s support- League’s 20 clubs. Germain during the star-studded Inter- bined fee of just £1.4 million, but Top ers awoke yesterday, fuzzy Their ticket prices are concordantly national Champions Cup friendly tour- said that the club had already contacted of head and bleary of eye af- low, with a BBC study last year reveal- nament in July and August. transfer targets. ter celebrating their fairytale ing that Leicester’s lowest-priced £22 But keeping their team intact will England’s last fi rst-time title-win- PremierA League triumph, the club were match-day ticket was the cheapest in depend on the club’s success in fend- ners, Brian Clough’s feted 1977-78 Not- already entering a new sporting and fi - the division. ing off interest in players such as Jamie tingham Forest side, famously went on nancial dimension. They were already guaranteed a slice Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, both of whom to lift the European Cup in the follow- It is estimated that Leicester’s of the Premier League’s eye-watering recently signed new contracts. ing two seasons. 5,000-1 success could be worth around new £8 billion television rights deal “Not only do we have more money But the last unfancied team to win £155 million ($227.5 million, 196.4 mil- and Champions League participation coming into the game from broad- the title, Blackburn Rovers in 1995, lion euros) in revenue to the modest will bring in up to £35 million, rising cast contracts next season, so Premier collapsed to seventh in the league the east Midlands club, up from £104.4 to around £50 million if they reach the League clubs will have more money following season, crashed and burned million for last year. File picture of Leicester’s Jamie Vardy celebrating with teammates . knockout phase. at their disposal than ever before, but in the Champions League and were rel- The title, the fi rst in Leicester’s 132- Leicester’s surge to the Premier you’ve also got the infl uence of a ma- egated four years later. year history, means Champions League commercially and you would expect “But there is a fi nancial cost—they’ll League summit saw their Facebook jor tournament in the summer (Euro Leicester’s ability to manage the football next season and access to lu- that they’ll be able to attract commer- have to invest in players in order to page grow by 540 percent, according to 2016),” said Bridge. fl ood of commercial opportunities crative global sports markets, but it also cial sponsors that previously weren’t compete in the Champions League, sports data and marketing fi rm Repu- “Transfer activity is likely to be the coming their way and resist the vul- brings with it a dizzying change of status. available to them,” Tim Bridge from they’re going to pay out fi nancial bo- com, which made it one of the fastest- highest in value terms that it has ever tures circling above their players will go “This is going to really elevate them, fi nancial consultants Deloitte’s Sports nuses for winning the league—so it growing accounts in global sport. been. The challenge for Leicester is, a long way towards determining which at least for one season, to the next level Business Group told AFP. isn’t just upsides.” Worldwide television audiences, how do we keep hold of those players example they follow. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, May 4, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Presidential Dortmund fans turn election still on skipper Hummels possible before Bayern’s chairman wants to agree a price for Hummels before German Cup final Euro 2016: UEFA Agencies essarily happen. AFP “Real disappointed love”, Budapest “Last year, we changed the Dortmund he added, referring to the club rules so, if necessary, we could motto “Echt Liebe” (Real Love). shorten the deadline from three Dortmund’s bosses have defend- uropean football’s gov- months to two months or one orussia Dortmund’s ed Hummels’ want-away wish. erning body UEFA says it month; that doesn’t imply we Germany star Mats “It was only a few of the fans who is still possible to hold a will. The change was made to Hummels is facing the did that. I found it shameful and presidential election be- give us fl exibility, to keep our op- wrath of his team’s an- hope it won’t be repeated,” said foreE Euro 2016 if its suspended tions open,” he said. gryB fans, bitter that their club’s Dortmund’s director of sport president Michel Platini fails to UEFA’s senior vice-president captain has admitted he wants to Michael Zorc. “We have a basic overturn his six-year ban from Angel Maria Villar, who chaired play for rivals Bayern Munich. rule at Borussia Dortmund that the sport. the Congress in Platini’s ab- Despite helping Dortmund to a no player in our jersey should be Platini was fi rst banned for sence, said UEFA was still hop- 5-1 rout of Wolfsburg, Hummels insulted or whistled.” ethics violations in October, ing for a reprieve for Platini. was booed and whistled by a sec- But Hummels can expect a leaving UEFA without a presi- tion of home fans in their 81,359 similar reaction from Dortmund dent, and the Frenchman has FRENCHWOMAN WINS sell-out stadium each time he fans for their last two league taken his case to the Court of Ar- LANDMARK UEFA VOTE touched the ball on Saturday. matches at Eintracht Frankfurt bitration (CAS) which has prom- Meanwhile, UEFA elected The 27-year-old told Dort- and home to Cologne, plus the ised to make a decision on his Frenchwoman Florence Har- mund last Thursday that he cup fi nal against Bayern on May case by May 9. douin as its fi rst female execu- wants to leave at the end of the 21. Bayern’s ex-president Uli Platini and former FIFA presi- tive member in a landmark vote season, with a year left on his Hoeness did not help matters on dent Sepp Blatter were banished at a congress. The 49-year-old contract, to join Bayern, who Friday when he said it was Hum- over a payment of two million Hardouin, French Football Fed- he left for Borussia in 2008. mels who had approached the Swiss francs ($2.08 million) eration (FFF) director general, Bayern’s chairman Karl-Heinz Bavarians, something Bayern made to the Frenchman by FIFA won by 33 votes to 21 against Rummenigge wants to agree a then denied on Saturday. with Blatter’s approval in 2011 her rival candidate, the former price with Dortmund for Hum- “On Friday there was oil for work done a decade earlier. Norwegian international Karen mels before the clubs meet in the thrown on the fi re from Munich,” Both have denied wrongdoing. Espelund, 55, who has been a co- German Cup fi nal on May 21. said Zorc in the wake of Hoeness’ UEFA, which held its annual opted member of UEFA’s Execu- But Dortmund’s fans made claims. “I don’t know what was Congress on Tuesday, said it tive Committee since 2012. their feelings known as they behind it, but you can come to would hold a meeting on May “My role will be both as a voice face up to the reality of losing some conclusions.” 18 which would either be a tri- of French football and of other a third star to Bayern in three To compound Hummels’ situ- umphant return for Platini, or federations,” Hardouin told AFP years. World Cup winner Mario ation, the German media has otherwise to plot its next steps after the result was announced. Goetze left for Bayern in 2013 to dragged up his comments from to fi nd a replacement. “We con- Both candidates had said the be followed by star striker Robert 2013, in reaction to Goetze’s de- sider the meeting either the pos- vote by UEFA’s 54 member asso- Lewandowski a year later. parture, implying it was moti- sibility to come back or the next ciations at its annual decision- Several signs at Dortmund’s vated only by money. “Everyone steps,” acting general secretary making event would be a key Signal Iduna Park stadium dur- has seen how good our team is, Theodore Theodoridis said. step in changing football’s ad- ing the Wolfsburg match simply I just think that there is little “UEFA has learned to live un- ministration in its most powerful read “Why?”—directed at Hum- reason to leave us from a sport- der unusual circumstances and regional confederation. mels. One huge banner on the ing perspective,” Hummels said for the moment we haven’t faced Hardouin told a press confer- stadium’s packed south terrace three years ago. major issues or major problems,” ence later that she did not aim read “The captain is the fi rst to But news of Hummels possi- he added. UEFA’s legal director to be a member of FIFA’s top go overboard - best to do it im- ble arrival at Bayern has not gone Alasdair Bell said that, following council as well. “I’m not a won- mediately!” and the loudest jeers down entirely well in Munich a change in the statutes last year, der woman, working for the FFF came from that area. either. Morocco captain Mehdi it was possible to stage the elec- and UEFA, that will be enough,” Hummels brushed off the Benatia, also a centre-back, has tion before the European Cham- she said. Her focus would be on whistles in post-match inter- threatened to leave should Hum- pionship starts in France on June continuing the development of views, but his face told a diff erent mels arrive and rejoin Roma. 10, although that would not nec- women’s football, she added. picture during the game. “I want Bayern paid Dortmund 37 to make it clear it wasn’t 80,000, million euros (US$42.63m) for more like 8,000 or probably even Goetze three years ago, while less,” he said. “I saw where they Lewandowski left on a free trans- (the whistles) came from.” fer. Dortmund chief executive Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels Hummels received some soli- offi cer Hans-Joachim Watzke has admitted he wants to play for darity from his Dortmund team- has said Bayern will have to “dig rivals Bayern Munich. (AFP) mates. “It wasn’t easy to hear for deep in their pockets” to meet the whole team, and must have the undisclosed asking price. certainly been harder for him,” Hummels has a market worth said Borussia defender Mar- of 38 million euros. cel Schmelzer. “Mats deserves praise for handling it well.” Hummels brushed off the Micky Beisenherz, a column- whistles in post-match ist for current aff airs maga- interviews, but his face told zine Stern and a Dortmund fan, a diff erent picture during wrote: “Dear Mats, you weren’t the game. “I want to make it really surprised by the mass tin- clear it wasn’t 80,000, more nitus (whistling) from the south like 8,000 or probably even stand, were you? less,” he said UEFA elected Hardouin Florence as its first female executive member

HISTORIC FIFA extend Sakho’s UEFA admits Kosovo in step toward World Cup anti-doping

AFP federation president told the congress ban to Budapest before the vote. “Sixty percent of the population of Kosovo are aged under worldwide 27. Can we really keep them away from EFA admitted Kosovo as its this privilege.” Switzerland, which has London: Liverpool and France 55th member in a narrow several ethnic Kosovar players in its defender Mamadou Sakho’s 30-day vote yesterday, boosting its national team, including Xerdan Sha- suspension for failing an anti-dop- hopes of competing in the qiri, Granit Xhaka and Valon Behrami, ing test has been extended world- U2018 World Cup despite warnings also opposed the vote. wide by world soccer’s governing from former ruler Serbia. The UEFA Though FIFA statutes would have body FIFA. congress voted 28 to 24 with two votes to be changed, Switzerland and Alba- The 26-year-old was banned declared invalid to accept Kosovo, nia fear they could lose players to the for 30 days by European football which will also have a team at the Ol- Kosovo national side. “It is unfair to governing body UEFA after testing ympics for the fi rst time at the Rio de put pressure on players,” said Swiss positive for an illegal substance Janeiro Games in August. Football Association general secretary following Liverpool’s Europa League FIFA will now decide at its congress Alex Miescher. tie against Manchester United on in Mexico City on May 13 whether to “They will not have to choose for a March 17. The new suspension cov- become the last major sporting fed- country, but against one,” he told the ered all games, including domestic, eration to admit Kosovo. congress. international, friendly and off icial The Kosovo Football Federation Kosovo was at the centre of a war fixtures, FIFA said in a statement, hopes that if FIFA gives its green light, between ethnic-Albanian and Ser- and came on top of UEFA’s original it will get a late place in a European bian forces in 1998-99 and declared European ban. qualifying group for the World Cup in its independence from Serbia in 2008. France’s RMC radio reported Russia in two years. “We are very hap- It is now recognised by more than 100 in April that the centre back had py today of course,” federation presi- countries, but it is not a member of tested positive for a fat-burning dent Fadil Vokrri told AFP. the United Nations. substance. His suspension is provi- “Now we have to wait and see what The Olympic appearance will be an- sional on an investigation by UEFA’s FIFA decides in 10 days in Mexico, other victory in its battle for interna- Control, Ethics and Disciplinary but we hope for the best, that we can tional recognition while the prospect body, which is yet to announce the compete in the World Cup.” of at least taking part in European club date of his hearing. There were also new celebrations and international tournaments could Sakho chose not to challenge the in Kosovo where the congress was see a new force emerge. “Kosovo has results of his original positive test broadcast live on four major TV chan- many football talents. We need to pro- and did not ask for an analysis of nels and by radio stations. vide them with proper infrastructure. his B sample. The player, who has President Hashim Thaci told AFP: I believe that Kosovo’s national team featured in 34 games for Liverpool “After three decades of isolation for will be among the best in Europe,” the in all competitions this season, was Kosovo football, Kosovo’s member- Delegation members of Kosovo celebrate their UEFA membership after the 40th UEFA Congress at the Hungexpo Fair Kosovo president said. dropped by the club as soon as it ship in UEFA marks a new page, a his- Center in Budapest, Hungary yesterday. (AFP) UEFA membership is only the fi rst was informed of the investigation toric day. I strongly believe that the stage of getting into the Champions by UEFA. next step will be Kosovo’s member- Box” with other breakaway regions statement. Serbian Sports Minister pled on,” added Marko Djuric, head League or the European Champion- Meanwhile, midfielder Emre Can’s ship in FIFA,” he added. applying for membership. In Belgrade Vanja Udovicic announced that the of the Serbian government’s offi ce for ship however. Its stadiums and clubs return to training this week has Passionate speeches were made for Serbia’s Minister of Foreign Aff airs country’s football federation would Kosovo. He insisted that “(Serbia’s) will have to be approved by UEFA’s handed Liverpool a boost ahead and against Kosovo’s membership at Ivica Dacic denounced the decision as challenge the decision at the Court of fi ght doesn’t stop”. club committee, while UEFA could of their crucial Europa League the congress. Serbia’s Football As- “clearly political”. Arbitration for Sport. But Vokrri said UEFA had to vote also decide to keep Kosovar and Ser- semi-final second leg against sociation president Tomislav Karad- “This is the result of massive po- “The law has been violated today in for footballers. “What message are bian teams apart in European compe- Villarreal tomorrow. zic said it would open up a “Pandora’s litical pressure,” he suggested in a Budapest, UEFA’s statute was tram- we sending the youth of Kosovo,” the titions. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 4, 2016 5 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Bale seeks to seal Real Madrid resurgence on biggest stage Bale is the man fit and in form as Real looked to seal their place in the final today when Manchester City visit them

Real Madrid players Marcelo (third left), Gareth Bale (centre), Mateo Kovacic (third right), James Rodriguez (second right) and Cristiano Ronaldo during a training session at Valdebebas training ground in Madrid yesterday, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg match against Manchester City. (AFP)

AFP For the fi rst time in his three years in Bale has already experienced Cham- Saturday morning declared: “The league Ronaldo fi t, Benzema, Madrid Madrid, the Welshman has stamped his pions League glory, scoring in the fi nal goes through Bale.” authority on the side to demonstrate he against local rivals Atletico Madrid to de- Whilst his talent was doubted by few, could prove to be Ronaldo’s successor liver Real’s treasured “La Decima” - a 10th the character, personality and leadership Casemiro out for year ago as Gareth Bale sneaked as top dog at the Bernabeu as president European Cup. Yet, even that didn’t shield shown by Bale in Ronaldo’s absence has out the side exit to Real Madrid’s Florentino Perez hoped when shelling out the 26-year-old from the criticism that surprised many in Madrid. Yet, his re- Santiago Bernabeu stadium he over 100 million euros ($114 million) to followed last season. surgence still lacks the kudos of a famous City clash: Zidane was engulfed by cat calls and in- secure his services from Tottenham Hot- Bale has often struggled to adapt to his Champions League night at the Bernabeu. sultsA by his own fans. They were infuriated spur. surroundings in the Spanish capital and Bale has yet to register a goal in this sea- Madrid: Real Madrid boss Indeed, Ronaldo could break at his inability to take a slew of chances By Bale’s own admission, his second the pressure that comes with being the son’s competition, whilst Ronaldo has 16 in Zinedine Zidane claimed three- his own record for goals in a as Madrid bowed out of the Champions season in the Spanish capital was one world’s most expensive player. He has yet 10 games—including a stunning hat-trick time World Player of the Year Champions League campaign League semi-fi nals to Juventus. to forget as Madrid ended the campaign to speak to the media in Spanish, although that turned around a 2-0 fi rst leg defi cit to Cristiano Ronaldo is 100 per- from two years ago of 17 hav- Twelve months on, Bale is the man fi t without a major trophy having promised he claims to be able to make himself un- Wolfsburg in the quarter-fi nals. “I thought cent fit for his side’s Champions ing hit 16 in just 10 appear- and in form as Real looked to seal their so much during a 22-game winning run derstood in the dressing room. as soon as La Decima was done, they’d be League semifinal, second leg ances this season. “It has been place in a 14th European Cup fi nal today from September to January. Yet, his image as an over-priced and in- happy,” Bale told The Times last week. But showdown with Manchester over a week and little-by-little when Manchester City visit the Bernabeu “Maybe last season I didn’t play to any- jury-prone luxury has been transformed in no, It’s just in the club’s nature, they want City today. Ronaldo missed last he has been recovering. He is with their semi-fi nal delicately poised a where near to my potential,” he said re- recent weeks as he led a fi ghtback from 2-0 to win the European Cup every year. It’s in- week’s 0-0 draw in the first leg a player like that, he recovers 0-0 after the fi rst leg. cently. “It’s good to have a bad season, you down to win 3-2 at Rayo Vallecano with a stilled in you and you go for it every year.” due to a thigh injury, but took a quickly,” added Zidane. Bale has stood up to be counted in the really do learn a lot about yourself and I double last weekend and followed that up Ronaldo is expected to return from a full part in training on Monday “We need Cristiano at 100 absence of injured three-time World Play- feel this season I took last season on board. with the winner as an under-strength Real thigh strain today, but City’s visit off ers and yesterday. percent because he is a dif- er of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo in recent “I understand the game a lot more over won a 10th consecutive La Liga game 1-0 Bale the chance to step out of his shadow However, Zidane confirmed ferent player, as his numbers weeks to keep Madrid’s hopes of a La Liga here and hopefully there is a lot still more at Real Sociedad on Saturday. and make his mark when it really matters that Madrid will be missing show. I would have liked Karim and Champions League double alive. to come in the future.” Madrid sports daily AS’s front page on at Madrid. two other key players in striker to be fit too, but it is not to be Karim Benzema and defensive and others will play.” midfielder Casemiro through In the absence of Benzema, ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE injury. “Cristiano is fine, he is Ronaldo is expected to play in 100 percent, that is why he a central striking role flanked trained this week and will be by the in-form Bale and Lucas there tomorrow,” Zidane said. Vazquez. “Karim and Casemiro are The balance off ered by Melbourne joins Sydney in knockouts another thing. In the scan Casemiro in recent months is a today Karim still has a problem more diff icult problem to deal Reuters the ball home from a corner. and we don’t want to risk him. with for Zidane to deal with as Melbourne Forward Kim Gun-hee scored a brace The same with Casemiro. He Toni Kroos is expected to play and Min Sang-gi added another for two- doesn’t have a serious injury in a deeper midfield role with time Asian champions Suwon at home but it is a dilemma and we also Isco coming into the side that irst-half goals from Besart Beri- against the Chinese club who also rested don’t want to risk him. We have started the first leg. sha and Archie Thompson pow- a few players having already secured pas- a suff icient squad so that the Zidane has inspired a ered Melbourne Victory to a 2-1 sage to the next round. rest can play.” huge turnaround in Madrid’s win over Japan’s Gamba Osaka The K-League club, whose hopes de- Zidane also claimed Ronaldo fortunes since taking charge yesterday,F paving the way for the club pended on a draw or a defeat for Mel- was 100 percent on the eve in January, winning 18 of his 23 to progress to the knockout stages of the bourne, fi nished on nine points in their of the first leg before the games in charge to lead Madrid Asian Champions League for the fi rst group, tied with Australian club, and Portuguese was finally forced to a sixth consecutive semi- time. Melbourne joined Shanghai SIPG three points behind Shanghai. to miss out after feeling the final and to within a point of from Group G in the last 16. South Ko- Defending champions Guangzhou Ev- recurrence of the muscle injury La Liga leaders Barcelona with rea’s Suwon Samsung Bluewings’s 3-0 ergrande, who were already out of reck- he picked up against Villarreal two games to play. win over Shanghai, who fi nished top of oning, bowed out with a 1-0 win at home two weeks ago. However, he admitted that it the group, was not enough to ensure pro- against Sydney FC in Group H with Gao However, having also sat would now be considered a fail- gression. Lin scoring in only the second minute out Real’s Gareth Bale-inspired ure for Real not to reach their Melbourne survived some nervous Daniel Gerogievski (right) of Melbourne Victory tackles Ademilson (left) of Gamba from a fi rst-time volley. 1-0 win at Real Sociedad on 14th European Cup final. moments in the closing stages to hold on Osaka during the AFC Champions League in Melbourne. (AFP) But the loss did not dampen Sydney’s Saturday, Zidane is confident “Until now we haven’t won to claim the runner-up spot ahead of the prospects as they still fi nished as group Ronaldo will be ready for an- anything. We are in good form, Bluewings having scored a crucial away club at the end of the campaign, doubled after being ruled out of contention. leaders with Japan’s Urawa Red Dia- other famous European night but our idea is to try to be goal in the 1-1 draw against them. the lead three minutes later by turning in The Japanese side put the hosts under monds drawing 1-1 at home against Ko- at the Santiago Bernabeu after at our best tomorrow to get Berisha gave the hosts the lead from Kosta Barbarouses’ cross at the far post. pressure in the second half after deciding rea’s Pohang Steelers. Urawa, with nine scoring a hat-trick to overturn through the tie. It is very dif- the spot after Oliver Bozanic’s shot The Melbourne club dominated the to take a more attacking approach and points, were the second team to advance a 2-0 first leg deficit against ficult, but it is a clear failure if struck the hand of Shun Nagasawa in fi rst half against Gamba, who had left pulled a goal back with six minutes re- from the group after fi nishing one point Wolfsburg in the quarter-finals. we don’t get through.” the box and Thomson, who will leave the numerous fi rst-team players back home maining as Brazilian Ademilson bundled behind Sydney. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, May 4, 2016 CRICKET SPORT

IPL Openers, bowlers script Delhi’s easy win over Lions Riding on an impressive 115-run opening partnership by Pant and de Kock, Daredevils chase down the total comfortably

Delhi Daredevils left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem (second right) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Gujarat Lions batsman Dwayne Smith during the 2016 Indian Premier League in Rajkot yesterday. (AFP)

IANS Chasing a target of 150, Delhi got off to a rol- out) and JP Duminy (13 not out) played sensibly er smashed one into the hands of Chris Morris adding 52 runs between them off 33 deliveries. Rajkot licking start, courtesy openers Pant and de to ensure the team got past the victory line with at long-on. The fi t again Aaron Finch (5) lasted Shami brought the partnership to an end with Kock. The duo helped the team score 61 runs ease. For Gujarat, Ravindra Jadeja and Shivil all of fi ve balls before a poorly executed shot saw a straight delivery when Karthik mistimed his without losing a wicket after the completion of Kaushik picked one wicket each. him off er an easy top edge to Rishabh Pant at shot as the ball clipped the top of off -stump. ishabh Pant (69) and Quinton de Kock powerplay. Earlier, asked to bat by the visitors, Gujarat short fi ne leg. James Faulkner (7) virtually gifted his wicket (46) produced a match-winning open- Both the left-handed batsmen, even after the were off to a poor start, losing their top or- With the hosts struggling at 24/3, Gujarat to Morris with some extremely poor shot selec- ing stand to guide Delhi Daredevils to a fi elding restrictions were over, kept on playing der within the fi rst four overs. Gujarat openers skipper Suresh Raina (24) and Karthik set about tion before Jadeja and Ishan Kishan (2) added 10 convincing eight-wicket victory over positively to bring up the 100-run partnership Brendon McCullum (1) and Dwayne Smith (15), bringing the innings back on track with a 51-run runs in the last over to take the total close to the GujaratR Lions in an Indian Premier League (IPL) for the fi rst wicket in the 12th over itself. who have built up an extremely successful com- partnership. 150-run mark. match at the Saurashtra Cricket Association But as the duo was looking comfortable to get bination, did not click for once. Raina seemed to be in good touch during his Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem was the Stadium here yesterday. the team over the line without losing any wick- Zaheer set things rolling when he dismissed 20-ball 24, even lifting Mohamed Shami over most successful among the Delhi bowlers with Batting fi rst, Gujarat posted 149/7 in 20 overs, ets, the home side struck in successive overs, in McCullum after the in-form Kiwi veteran mis- the third man boundary for a six. But he fell fi gures of 2/23 in three overs. thanks to a much-needed half-century by Di- the 13th and the 14th, to remove both of them. judged a delivery that moved in after pitching. when stepped out to attempt another big hit off BRIEF SCORES nesh Karthik (53). In reply, riding on an impres- Pant in his 40-ball innings struck nine fours and Nadeem then claimed two wickets in the next Mishra, only to miss complete as Quinton de Gujarat Lions 149/7 (Dinesh Karthik 53, Ravindra sive 115-run opening partnership by Pant and de two sixes while de Kock hit four boundaries and over to hand Delhi the early advantage. Kock whipped off the bails. Jadeja 36; Shahbaz Nadeem 2/23) lost to Delhi Kock, Daredevils chased down the total com- one six. The left-armer sent back Smith with the fi rst Ravindra Jadeja (36 not out) joined Karthik in Daredevils 150/2 in 17.3 overs (Rishabh Pant 69; fortably posting 150/2 with 16 balls to spare. But incoming batsmen Sanju Samson (19 not ball of the over when the West Indies all-round- the middle and the duo kept up the good work by Ravindra Jadeja 1-21) by eight wickets

ROUND-UP Tendulkar made ambassador for Rio Olympics Agencies telope, is popular with young people. Mukondiwa. India last visited Zimbabwe in Mumbai Tendulkar, widely revered in cricket-mad In- 2015. dia, played 200 Tests and 463 one-day-inter- nationals, knocking up a record 100 centuries in PAKISTAN REAPS $2.6MN ricket icon Sachin Tendulkar was both formats, before retiring in 2013. PROFIT FROM TWENTY20 LEAGUE named yesterday as one of India’s good- Pakistani cricket offi cials announced yesterday will ambassadors for the upcoming Rio INJURED MARSH LATEST an overall profi t of $2.6 million from the coun- Olympics following a furore over Hindi AUSTRALIAN TO LEAVE IPL try’s fi rst ever Twenty20 league. fiC lm star Salman Khan’s appointment, which Shaun Marsh has become the third Australian The fi ve-team franchise-based event was was slammed as inappropriate. Test player in three days to head home from the held in the United Arab Emirates earlier this year Tendulkar said he accepted an off er from Indian Premier League after suff ering a back in- in an attempt to boost Pakistan’s cricket stand- the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to work jury playing for Kings XI Punjab. ards, which have been badly hit by the suspen- alongside Khan, whose appointment triggered Marsh’s younger brother Mitchell pulled out sion of international tournaments since the a row over whether an actor was best suited to of the glitzy Twenty20 tournament with a side 2009 terror attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in promote sports people. strain on Sunday, with captain Steve Smith fol- Lahore. Pakistan Super League (PSL) chairman “I have had the privilege and honour of rep- lowing on Monday with a wrist injury. Left- Najam Sethi described the profi t as a welcome resenting our nation for 25 years and I continue handed batsman Marsh has been sore since a sign. “Fortunately we had a $2.6 million dollar to bat for India off the fi eld,” the master batsman six-wicket loss to the Kolkata Knight Riders on profi t but since the franchises incurred some wrote in a letter to IOA chiefs. “The welfare of April 19, Cricket Australia said on its website. losses we decided to give $2 million to them and sportspersons and encouraging them to give Marsh’s next chance of international duty is reduced our profi t to $0.6 million,” Sethi said at their best is dear to me.” Australia’s three-Test tour of Sri Lanka in July a news conference. The IOA named more ambassadors, including and August. His brother Mitchell and Smith are He said around $6 million was earned from ace Indian shooter Abhinav Bindra and Oscar- due to play a triangular one-day tournament in television rights and gate money. Islamabad winning musician AR Rahman, in the days after the Caribbean next month. beat Quetta to win February’s inaugural PSL, the controversy over Khan. Olympic wrestler which featured top international players such Yogeshwar Dutt had criticised Khan’s appoint- ZIMBABWE TO HOST INDIA FOR as Chris Gayle, Darren Sammy, Shane Watson, ment, saying the “Olympics is not a place to 3 ODIS AND 3 T20S IN JUNE Kevin Pietersen, Luke Wright and Shakib al- promote fi lms”. Indian sprint legend Milkha Zimbabwe will host India for three one-day Hasan. Singh had urged the government to intervene to internationals and three Twenty20 matches in Sethi said a sixth team was likely to be added overturn the decision. June, the home nation’s cricket union said yes- next year after negotiations. “PSL was success- Khan, who was cleared last year of killing a terday. All matches will be played at the Harare ful and there is huge demand to add one more homeless man in a hit-and-run crash, plays a Sports Club in the capital. Sachin Tendulkar team,” he added. wrestler in his upcoming movie “Sultan”. The “The ODI series will get the tour underway, Sethi said Pakistan’s young cricketers would IOA has defended its decision. with the three 50-over matches scheduled for “Action will continue with the T20I matches in India (BCCI), we are pleased to announce the benefi t from the PSL, just as the Indian Premier It says the 50-year-old actor, who currently 11, 13 and 15 June 2016,” Zimbabwe Cricket Un- set for 18, 20 and 22 June. After fi nalising all the incoming tour scheduled for this June,” added League had helped India, by allowing them to faces a charge of illegally shooting protected an- ion said in a statement. formalities with the Board of Control for Cricket Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Wilfred play alongside experienced international stars. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 4, 2016 7 SPORT

NBA Thunder edge Spurs in wild ending; Cavs clip Hawks ‘We played an okay game not up to our standards but we have to learn from our mistakes. The first game is always a feel-out one’

DPA Los Angeles Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (R) dribbles the ball as San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Danny Green defends in game two of the second round of the NBA he Oklahoma City Playoff s at AT&T Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Thunder pulled even with a big assist from the offi cials. TRussell Westbrook scored 29 points, Kevin Durant had 28 and the Thunder held off the San An- tonio Spurs 98-97 on Monday in a controversial ending to square their Western Conference semi- fi nal series at 1-1. “We were fortunate to win but it’s only one game,” said Thunder coach Billy Donovan, whose club rebounded from Saturday’s 124- 92 game 1 thrashing. With 13.5 seconds left and the Thunder ahead by one, OKC’s Dion Waiters attempted to in- bound the ball from midcourt. Unable to create space, he el- bowed closely-guarding Spurs Manu Ginobili but referees did not call an off ensive foul. Durant lost the ball to Danny Green and Ginobili passed to Patty Mills, who missed a wide- open three-pointer from the right corner with two seconds left. A mad scramble ensued and Spurs LaMarcus Aldridge lost the ball under his own basket as time ran out. “I was trying to pressure the ball but and he created room with his elbow,” explained Gino- bili, who fi nished with 11 points. “It’s a very awkward play and it doesn’t happen very often, so I guess they didn’t see it. We com- plained about that. Ginobili was unsure if a whis- tle should have been blown. “I don’t know what should have been called or if it anything off ensive foul been called, ref- Atlanta Hawks 93: LeBron Cleveland led by 18 points 3-pointer triggered the decisive rebounds. Tristan Thompson off career-high 27, including fi ve should be called,” he continued. erees said the ball would have James scored 25 points, Kyrie midway through the third quar- burst. Kevin Love hit two free grabbed 14 boards for the top- triples. Paul Millsap had 17 with “It doesn’t matter, it’s 1-1. We gone over to the Spurs. Irving had 21 and the Cavaliers ter but couldn’t sustain it. throws and James converted a seeded Cavaliers, who splashed 13 rebounds while Kent Baze- have to go to OKC and try to win Aldridge followed his 38-point closed on a 17-5 run to beat the Instead, the gritty Hawks key three-point play to open up down 15 threes and committed more netted 16. a game.” game one eff ort with 41 for the visiting Hawks for a 1-0 lead in stormed back to take a short- a 95-88 lead with 2:09 remain- only eight turnovers. Afterwards, referees were Spurs, who played from behind their Eastern Conference semi- lived 88-87 advantage on an Al ing and the Cavs pulled away for “When they made their run PLAYOFF RESULTS asked by a pool reporter what all game. “We had a chance to win fi nal series. Horford runner in the lane with their eighth consecutive victory we knew what we had to do and Eastern Conference they saw on the fi nal play. the game late but didn’t fi nish it,” “It’s a good start,” said James, 4:28 remaining. over the Hawks, including a 4-0 made shots when we needed to,” At Cleveland “On the fl oor we did not see a Aldridge said. “It’s not my job to who added seven rebounds and The Cavs responded with sweep of last year’s conference Love said. “We could have given Cleveland 104 Atlanta 93 foul,” lead offi cial Ken Mauer said talk about it (the missed call) but nine assists. “We played an okay lock-down defence. They fi nals. one away tonight especially on (Cleveland lead series 1-0) in a statement. “However, upon of course it’s frustrating.” game not up to our standards but forced three crucial turnovers “We kept our composure and our home court but we managed Western Conference review, we realize and we agree Game 3 shifts to Oklahoma we have to learn from our mis- and held the Hawks without a tried to get stops,” James said, to make it a 4-5 minute game. We At San Antonio we should have had on off ensive City on Friday. takes. The fi rst game is always a fi eld goal for the fi nal four min- “We just tried to stay in the mo- know we can get better.” San Antonio 97 Oklahoma City foul on the play. It’s a play we’ve Elsewhere: feel-out one and we look to be utes before meaningless triple ment and we were able to do Germany’s Dennis Schroder 98 never seen before, ever.” Had the Cleveland Cavaliers 104, better.” with 18 seconds left. A JR Smith that.” Love had 17 points and 11 topped the Hawks with a play- (Series tied at 1-1)

NHL Murray makes his mark as Pens beat Caps

The Sports Xchange in the fi nal minute as the Capi- Game 5 for his Game 2 hit to Pittsburgh tals tried frantically to rally. Matt Murray of the Pittsburgh Penguins makes a save the head of Penguins defense- However, it was not enough on T.J. Oshie of the Washington Capitals in Game Three man Olli Maatta, who sat out on as the 21-year-old Murray, the of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the Monday. he Pittsburgh Penguins youngest Pittsburgh goaltender 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff s at Consol Energy Center “I didn’t see him coming, do not have a goal yet in to ever win in the postseason, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Getty Images/AFP) (and) he hit me from the blind the series from Sidney improved to 5-1 in the playoff s. side,” Johansson said. “I just Crosby. Or a power-play “You come here for a split, looked at it (on video), and he left Tgoal. What they do have is a 2-1 you’re hoping for a split, they his feet and hit me in the head. lead over the Washington Capi- got one and now it’s our turn. That’s the kind of plays you want tals. Excuses are for losers, and we’re out of the league. It doesn’t look And a player who barely not losers and we’re going to try good.” played in the fi rst fi ve months of to improve in Game 4,” Williams Asked if Letang should also the season is the reason. said. receive a suspension, Johansson Rookie goalie Matt Murray Murray’s saves were the most said, “Yeah, I’d say so.” made 47 saves while stand- by a Pittsburgh goaltender in a Several Capitals players lat- ing up to Capitals’ avalanche of regulation-length playoff win. er went out of their way to hit shots, and the Penguins turned “That’s the way things are Letang, who was upset himself two goals a minute apart in the going to go sometimes,” Mur- after Nicklas Backstrom clipped fi rst period into a 3-2 victory on ray said of the Capitals’ huge him with a knee to the head fol- Monday in Game 3 of the Eastern shot advantage. “We can’t worry lowing Letang’s hit on Ovechkin Conference semi-fi nals. about it. We’ve got to keep going late in the second. “It’s about winning right now, forward and keep getting better “Certainly it does (make you and he is defi nitely playing well,” as we go along.” mad), when you see one of your Crosby said of Murray, who has Murray, who began the season own players on the ground, it’s won 12 of his last 13 starts. in the minors and played only going to upset you,” Backstrom Coach Mike Sullivan agreed, four NHL games until March, said. “We want to try to hit him saying, “I thought he (Murray) made the diff erence as the Pen- (Letang) all the time ... he played was terrifi c. They had the puck guins were outshot 49-23 yet 35 minutes the last game.” all night—and we didn’t. They still controlled the scoreboard However, while the Capitals outplayed us in a lot of aspects of even as the Capitals controlled were getting their shots, it was the game.” the stats sheet. Pittsburgh that took advan- Game 4 will be on Wednesday The Penguins, on the fringe tage of its best scoring chances. in Pittsburgh. of the playoff race much of the Hagelin made it 3-0 at 15:03 of Patric Hornqvist and Tom season, have won 20 of 24 games the second, knocking Nick Bon- Kuhnhackl scored before the since March 8 — with Murray in ino’s backhand pass to the crease midpoint of the fi rst period, and net for 11 of the wins—and are across the goal line. Carl Hagelin added a goal in the 6-2 in the postseason. “We got the lead early and second to make it 3-0 and the Capitals goalie Braden Holtby after two—yet Murray turned in Game 2 on Saturday, threw sure on, and this time a Letang cus Johansson with an apparent kind of sat back,” Letang said. Penguins, the NHL’s best team made 20 saves. away scoring chance after scor- the puck up ice to rookie Conor pass from deep in his zone began shoulder hit to the head, putting Or exactly what the Capitals over the last two months, held At least statistically, the Capi- ing chance. Penguins defense- Sheary to start a 3-on-2 break. a 2-on-1 break, with 39-year- Johansson out of the game brief- know they cannot do Wednes- on to top the Capitals, easily the tals were dominant from the man Kris Letang appeared to be Defenseman Trevor Daley’s slap old center Matt Cullen’s pass ly. “It’s the playoff s, it’s a lot day—sit around and expect goals league’s best team all season. start except in the number most in the center of everything, and a shot from the high slot defl ected from the left circle defl ecting more physical than the regular to come from a lineup fi lled with Alex Ovechkin scored his fi rst important: goals. pair of stretch passes by him led off Hornqvist’s stick and into the off rookie Kuhnhackl and past season,” Letang said. scorers. “We’ve got to score goal of the season against the They doubled up the Pen- to two goals in exactly a minute. net at 6:37 -- Hornqvist’s fourth Holtby. The hit angered the Capitals, more goals, and I’ve got a feeling Penguins in the third period, and guins in shots for most of the Letang, who played a remark- goal in eight games. Later in the period, Letang who are without suspended de- we’ll do it Wednesday,” Back- linemate Justin Williams scored fi rst two periods—it was 28-14 able 35:22 in Pittsburgh’s 2-1 win The Penguins kept the pres- leveled Capitals left winger Mar- fenseman Brooks Orpik through strom said. Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, May 4, 2016 SPORT

EL JAISH TO MEET AL RAYYAN IN EMIR CUP VOLLEYBALL SEMI-FINAL

El Jaish (in black) defeated Shamal 3-0 (25-19, 25-22, 25-21) in the Emir Cup volleyball quarter-final yesterday at the Ali Bin Al Rayyan (in red) defeated Al Sadd 3-0 (25-15, 25-17, 25-18) in the other quarter-final. Jaish and Rayyan will play Hamad Al Attiyah Arena. best-of-three semi-final playoff on May 7. PICTURES: Jayaram

MLB Royals’ off ense disappears again in 2-0 loss to Nationals ‘It’s hard to answer a question like that when you’ve lost five out of your last six’

By Rustin Dodd The Kansas City Star Washington Nationals relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon San Francisco Giants relief pitcher (R) is congratulated by catcher Jose Lobaton aft er Santiago Casilla throws against the the game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauff man Cincinnati Reds during the ninth inning he reprieve lasted just Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports at Great American Ball Park. The Giants 24 hours, one day of won 9-6. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports scoring before the Roy- als’ off ense turned back Tto nothing on Monday night at Kauff man Stadium. For the third time in four nights, the Royals were shut out, this time in a 2-0 loss to the Washington Nationals in the fi rst game of a three-game homestand. The team was back at home, the stadium more fa- miliar, but the template looked the same as it did on Friday and Saturday night in Seattle. Up and down the lineup, the Royals’ core is struggling. As of Monday night, only Seattle and Tampa Bay had scored fewer runs in the American League. On Monday night, the Royals mus- tered just fi ve hits against Wash- ington left-hander Gio Gonzalez and a cavalry of relievers. Gonzalez threw six scoreless innings, outdueling Royals start- er Edinson Volquez. The Royals dropped to 13-12 on the season. In the hours before the open- ing game of the series, Royals manager Ned Yost sat inside his offi ce at Kauff man Stadium and pondered the fi rst 24 games of his club’s season. The question hung in the air: How did he view his team’s opening month? The Royals began the season with eight victories in 10 games, lost nine of 13, then broke a fi ve- game skid with a victory in Seat- tle on Sunday afternoon. “It’s hard to answer a question like that when you’ve lost fi ve out of your last six,” Yost said. Second baseman Daniel Mur- “So, no, it’s not where we want phy, last seen facing the Royals in Dodgers pitcher Ravin banned 80 games to be, but we’re doing fi ne.” the World Series last fall, made Gonzalez needed a full 28 the score 2-0 on a ground-out Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Josh Ravin was banned for 80 games pitches to navigate through just to fi rst base. With sharper de- on Monday after testing positive for growth hormones, the Major four Royals batters in the bottom fense in right fi eld, the Nationals League Baseball team announced in a statement.Ravin, 28, said of the fi rst inning. First base- could have been limited to a lone supplements he had taken in order to accelerate his recovery from man Eric Hosmer worked a walk run. Instead, Volquez was on the a bout of flu were to blame for the positive test. “We are disap- with two outs and nobody on hook for two, and he appeared pointed to hear that Josh has violated Major League Baseball’s Joint base. Kendrys Morales saw eight determined to make up for the Drug Prevention and Treatment Program,” the Dodgers said. “The pitches before driving the ninth early nicks. Dodgers fully support MLB’s policy toward eliminating performance pitch - a 91 mph fastball - to deep He lasted into the eighth in- enhancing substances from the sport.” left fi eld. Off the bat, the ball ap- Cain attempted to steal third stood fi rm, coaxing consecutive to Nationals centre fi eld Michael ning, tossing zeros on the score- Major League Baseball said Ravin had tested positive for growth peared jolted and headed for the base on the second pitch. He was fl y balls from Alex Gordon and Taylor. He was let down by a board and fi nishing with seven hormone releasing peptide 2 (GHRP-2). Ravin’s suspension is eff ec- Royals’ bullpen in left fi eld. But thrown out by Washington’s Jose Salvador Perez. slight misplay by right fi elder strikeouts while throwing 114 tive immediately. In a statement released via the MLB Players Asso- the baseball did not carry, dying Lobaton, ending the inning. The Gonzalez, 30, entered Mon- Paulo Orlando. pitches. In the end, the off ense ciation, Ravin said he had taken the banned substance unwittingly. in the cool night air, falling into decision to run was confound- day with a 1.42 ERA in four starts The inning began with Taylor could not support its workhorse. “During 2016 Spring Training, I came down with a severe case of the glove of left fi elder Jayson ing. this season. After throwing 102 drawing a walk and third base- intestinal flu and strep throat,” Ravin said. “I was put on antibiotics Werth at the warning track. Gonzalez required just 23 pitches and allowing just four man Anthony Rendon singling to RESULTS and lost a total of 20 pounds (nine kilograms) in less than seven From that moment, the Royals pitches to traverse the fourth and hits over seven scoreless innings, centre fi eld. Volquez responded Chicago Cubs 7 Pittsburgh 2 days. To try and speed up my recovery, I took some supplements could do little to harass Gonzal- fi fth innings. He neutralized the he had lowered the mark to 1.15. by striking out Bryce Harper - Texas 2 Toronto 1 that I thought would help. Unfortunately, I was not as careful as I ez. And even when the oppor- Royals’ off ense with a 90 mph The quiet production from the who had, in that moment, struck NY Mets 4 Atlanta 1 should have been, and one of the supplements contained a banned tunities came, the struggles ap- fastball and a healthy dosage of Kansas City off ense nullifi ed a out fi ve straight times for the San Francisco 9 Cincinnati 6 substance. “This has been a very painful lesson for me... I take full peared self-infl icted. curveballs. solid eff ort from Volquez, who second time in his career. But a Milwaukee 8 LA Angels 5 responsibility for the consequences of my actions and my bad judg- Lorenzo Cain managed a two- The Royals’ attack once again allowed two runs while pitching moment later, Ryan Zimmer- Minnesota 6 Houston 2 ment,” added Ravin, who said he had no plans to appeal the sus- out single to left in the bottom applied pressure in the sixth into the eighth inning. man followed by lashing a liner St. Louis 10 Philadelphia 3 pension. Ravin’s positive test comes just days after Miami Marlins of the third before advancing after Hosmer and Morales con- The only damage came dur- to right fi eld. Orlando broke late Washington 2 Kansas City 0 batting champion Dee Gordon was banned for 80 games on Friday

to second on Hosmer’s second nected on back-to-back sin- ing the top of the fi rst inning. on the ball and it carried over his Seattle 4 Oakland 3 after testing positive for steroids. walk. With Morales at the plate, gles with one out. But Gonzalez Volquez paid for a leadoff walk head, scoring Taylor from third. San Diego 2 Colorado 1 Gulf Times Wednesday, May 4, 2016 9 SPORT

FOCUS S Korean head of 2018 Winter Games resigns

AFP gust 2014, when the event was strug- come have allowed us to achieve suc- Seoul gling with construction delays and sig- cess at our fi rst offi cial test events,” the nifi cant funding problems. statement quoted Cho as saying. Things got so bad at one point that “I am confi dent that the committee he chief organiser of the 2018 the International Olympic Committee and the new leadership will move for- Winter Olympics in South (IOC) fl oated the possibility of moving ward towards a successful 2018 Winter Korea resigned yesterday less some events to other countries such as Games,” he added. than two years before the Japan. Nominating Lee as the new organ- TGames begin, citing urgent problems The South Korean tycoon, who ini- ising committee head suggests a re- with his troubled shipping business. tially signed up for a two-year term, newed focus on the fi nancial side of the Cho Yang-Ho, the chairman of was widely credited with turning the Games. Hanjin Group and Korean Air, re- situation around and bringing in big- Unlike Cho, who led Pyeongchang’s signed with immediate eff ect due to name sponsorship, including some of successful bid for the Games and is a the “critical fi nancial issues” facing South Korea’s largest conglomerates former vice president of the Asian Ta- Hanjin Shipping, the Pyeongchang like Samsung and Lotte Group. ble Tennis Union, Lee has no experi- 2018 organising committee said in a The organising committee recently ence of sports administration. statement. said it had reached 70 percent of its However, his connections as a The statement said former trade funding goals. former trade minister could help fi ll minister Lee Hee-Beom had been The fi rst test events held in Febru- the remaining sponsorship gap. nominated as a replacement, with a ary were largely successful, although “We expect his wide range of expe- formal vote to ratify his appointment the International Olympic Committee rience will help us with the fi nal push expected soon. Hanjin Shipping—the Coordination Commission chair Gun- for venue construction and Olympic South’s top container carrier—applied illa Lindberg said the workload would operational preparations,” the com- for a debt restructuring plan last week “soon increase dramatically” with two mittee said. to avoid bankruptcy after reporting dozen test events scheduled for the “As a former bureaucrat with ex- mounting losses stemming from slow- next winter sports season. pertise in economics, he will also con- ing demand in China. “I can proudly say that (the organ- tribute to a frugal Olympics through Cho took over as president of the ising committee) has become a strong effi cient execution and management of Games organising committee in Au- team, and the challenges we have over- the budget,” it added.

SPOTLIGHT RUGBY Vatuvei on medical Flame lands in Brazil for leave over pill scandal

AFP 94-day relay to Games Wellington ew Zealand Warriors ‘What Brazil most needs now is unity, the very symbol of the Olympics’ winger Manu Vatuvei was placed on medi- cal leave Tuesday amid Na prescription drug abuse scan- Brazilian volleyball player Fabiana Claudino (L) and dal rocking the Auckland-based Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff hold the Olympic torch club. at Planalto Palace in Brasilia following the fl ame’s arrival The veteran is the most sen- in the country yesterday ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympic ior of a group of players from Games in August. (AFP) the club who allegedly took a cocktail of sleeping pills and energy drinks while on a night out last week. Six players were subsequently dropped from last week’s Warriors game in Aus- tralia’ National Rugby League and from international Test matches taking place this week- end. Warriors managing direc- tor Jim Doyle said Vatuvei, 30, was placed on medical leave after consultations with doc- tors. “Following medical advice received today, Manu is now on leave,” he said in a brief state- ment. “We would ask that every- one respects his and his family’s right to privacy at this time.” He said meetings were contin- uing with the other players, add- ing: “Our focus is on the welfare Brazilian sailor Felipe Rondina carries the Olympic flame on a speedboat at Lake Paranoa in Brasilia. of the six players involved.” Vatuvei, nicknamed “The Beast”, joined the Warriors in 2004 and is the only player in NRL history to score more than 10 tries in 10 consecutive sea- sons. He also has 28 Test caps for New Zealand. The other players involved are New Zealanders Ben Matulino and Bodene Thompson, Samoa representative Sam Lisone, as well as Tongans Albert Vete and Konrad Hurrell. Hurrell is reportedly the only one who has not admitted to taking drugs, saying he tagged along as the group’s driver. The mix of sleeping pills and energy drinks reportedly achieves an amphetamine-like high without breaching doping rules. Similar substance abuse was suspected during the 2013 Rug- by League World Cup, when the Kiwis lost the fi nal 34-2 to Aus- tralia in a lacklustre display. The latest incident came when the Warriors players went out Brazilian former footballer Lucio (R) and Brasilia’s governor Rodrigo Rollemberg receive the Olympic the day after their team’s 42-0 flame from fireman Haudson Alves at the field of the Brasilia National Stadium in Brasilia. (AFP) defeat to the Melbourne Storm last week. Reuters removed from offi ce before the opening great success in the coming months,” two Brazilian Air Force F-5 fi ghters. an opportunity to reduce tensions be- Brasilia ceremony in Rio. she said. The torch left the presidential palace tween our political parties and get on Scotland fly-half Jackson “Even though we are living through A swarm of police jogged alongside carried by Fabiana Claudino, who led with the rebuilding our economy.” signs for Harlequins a truly critical period in our history the fi rst torch runners, possibly to sep- Brazil’s female volleyball team to a gold While torch bearers carried the fl ame Scotland fl y-half Ruaridh resident Dilma Rousseff lit the and the history of our democracy, Bra- arate them from protesters in the crowd medal in the 2012 Games. around Brasilia on Tuesday, a sen- Jackson will leave Wasps for Olympic torch in Brazil’s capi- zil will know how to off er athletes and who held up banners, including one Hundreds of cheering Brazilian lined ate committee debated whether to put English Premiership rivals Har- tal on Tuesday and pledged visitors the best welcome at the Olym- reading “No to the coup.” the streets at the start of the relay and Rousseff on trial on charges of breaking lequins at the end of the season, that political turmoil engulf- pics,” she said. an Air Force aerobatics team swooped budget laws, fi led by the lower house of his current club announced. ingP her nation would not harm the fi rst Rousseff said the sports facilities Brazil has scrambled to prepare for over central Brasilia. Congress two weeks ago. Jackson, 28, has made 16 ap- Games to be held in South America. in Rio and the security measures to its second global sports event in two Some 12,000 torch bearers will carry Rousseff is likely to be suspended pearances for Wasps this season The Olympic fl ame was fl own into protect athletes, tourists and visiting years in the midst of the worst reces- the fl ame across South America’s larg- next week when the Senate votes on after recovering from an ankle Brasilia on Tuesday to start a three- heads of state were ready. sion since the 1930s and a massive cor- est country. In Brasilia, they will in- opening the impeachment trial. Vice ligament injury and won his 16th month relay through more than 300 In a brief speech at the torch-light- ruption scandal that shook the political clude a refugee from the Syrian civil President Michel Temer would replace Scotland cap during this year’s towns and cities that will end with the ing ceremony, Rousseff said the relay establishment and fueled demands for war, 12-year-old Hanan Daqqah, who her during a trial of up to 180 days, and Six Nations. “It was an extreme- opening of the 2016 Games in Rio de would put Brazil’s beauty on display, Rousseff ’s removal. Brazil is also fi ght- arrived in Brazil with her family in 2015. guide the country to elections in 2018 if ly tough decision to leave Wasps, Janeiro’s Maracaná stadium on Aug 5. but she also laced her comments with ing an outbreak of the mosquito-borne Torch bearer Gerard Moss, a Swiss- she is removed from offi ce. having loved my two years here,” A smiling Rousseff waved to crowds references to her fi ght for political sur- Zika virus that threatens to keep some Brazilian aviator and environmentalist, Offi cials in her government admit said Jackson, who signed from as she lit a green cauldron with the Ol- vival. athletes and tourists away from Rio. said the Games could help to calm po- her ouster is imminent. Rousseff said Glasgow in 2014. ympic fl ame on the ramp of Brasilia’s “I am certain that a country whose The Olympic fl ame, burning inside litical tempers. she hoped the Games would bring “It’s a club on the up, play- modernistic Planalto presidential pal- people know how to fi ght for their four golden lamps, arrived in Brasilia “What Brazil most needs now is uni- goodwill to her troubled country. “We ing great rugby, but I feel this ace. The president, who is facing im- rights and to protect their democracy is aboard a LATAM Airlines jetliner that ty, the very symbol of the Olympics,” he will infect our country with the Olym- move is the best decision for my peachment proceedings, will likely be a country where the Olympics will have was escorted inside Brazil’s airspace by said before his turn in the relay. “This is pic spirit,” she said. career.” Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, May 4, 2016 SPORT

TENNIS Nadal makes commanding start, Gael braves injury in win, Halep thrashes Knapp Fresh from title wins in Monte Carlo and Barcelona, Nadal is aiming for a record 50th career clay-court title in Madird

AFP Madrid

ourteen-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal stretched his perfect start to the European clay-court seasonF to 11 matches with a routine 6-3, 6-3 win over Russia’s Andrey Kuznetsov to reach round three of the Madrid Masters yesterday. Fresh from victories in Monte Carlo and Barcelona, Nadal will con- tinue his quest for a fi fth title in Ma- drid against American Sam Querrey or France’s Lucas Pouille tomorrow. Nadal is looking for a record 50th career clay-court title in the Span- ish capital and was rarely troubled by the world number 39 Kuznetsov. The Spaniard raced into a 3-0 fi rst-set lead and one break was enough to seal the set as he staved off break points in the fourth game. Kuznetsov made a more posi- tive start to the second to lead 3-2, but was blown away as Nadal, ominously for his rivals later in the week, found his rhythm to win the last four games. Nadal’s path to the fi nal was eased as his potential quarter-fi nal opponent Roger Federer withdrew due to a back injury on Monday. However, he could face Andy Murray in the semi-fi nals in a re- peat of last year’s fi nal as defending champion Murray gets his tourna- Spain's Rafael Nadal makes a ment underway against Czech vet- return during his 6-3, 6-3 win over eran Radek Stepanek. Russia's Andrey Kuznetsov at the Frenchman Gael Monfi ls con- Madrid Open yesterday. (AFP) tinued his fi ne form after losing to Nadal in the fi nal of Monte Carlo last month as he saw off Kevin An- there was a better day for the fa- Anderson after rolling his ankle. 19 winners and just eight unforced derson 6-4, 6-1. vourites after a series of high-pro- The 13th-seeded showman looked errors. He broke Anderson three Controversial Australian Nick fi le exits left just fi ve seeds left in to be in trouble after the incident in times and fi red fi ve aces. Kyrgios set up an enticing second- the draw. World number seven Si- the sixth game of the opening set. “I’ve not had any luck,” Monfi ls round clash with fourth seed Stanis- mona Halep thrashed Karin Knapp Monfi ls said that he considered complained. “I thought about giving las Wawrinka as he battled past Ar- 6-1, 6-1 to set up a third-round retiring but stayed the course for up but eventually the taping was fi ne gentine Guido Pella 7-6 (9/7), 6-4. clash with Timea Bacsinszky as the unlikely win over a South Af- and I was able to carry on. Due to the A dreadful week for Bulgaria’s the 10th seed overcame Ekaterina rican playing his fi rst match in two fast conditions in the altitude I was Grigor Dimitrov continued as he Makarova 6-4. 5-7, 6-4. and a half months after a pause for able to keep up my serve. This is not exited in the fi rst round 7-6 (7/3), Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro elbow surgery following the Aus- really an injury, more of a sprain… 6-3 to Pablo Carreno Busta two booked her place in the last 16 with tralian Open. these things happen, they are the days after defaulting in the fi nal of a 6-3, 6-2 win over Germany’s Sab- Monfi ls limped to the sideline risks that come with our job.” the Istanbul Open for a racquet- ine Lisicki. Sam Stosur and Anas- after his incident and was visited In other matches, Spanish smashing tirade. tasia Pavlyuchenkova also reached by the trainer, who had a chat with 15th seed Roberto Bautista Agut Simona Halep of And former US Open champion the third round without having to him but did not tape the injury. The advanced to the second round Romania beat Juan Martin del Potro scored an hit a ball as 11th seed Lucie Safarova Frenchman then resumed the bat- over Santiago Giraldo 6-3, 7-5, Italy's Karin Knapp impressive 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 win over and Camila Giorgi withdrew. tle, later getting taping on the joint; and American Jack Sock put out 6-1, 6-1. (Reuters) in-form 14th seed Dominic Thiem. Monfi ls survived an injury scare he carried on for a win in 68 min- Frenchman Benoit Paire 2-6, 6-2, In the women’s Madrid Open during his straight sets win over utes with a respectable showing of 7-6 (7-5).

SC INITIATIVE Two Generation Amazing pitches open in Nepal wo Generation Amazing (GA) forts of the GA ambassadors and mem- ambassadors who worked tire- bers of the local community.” lessly for 12 months to brave the For Lamichhane and his team, the destruction caused by a devas- journey has been long and arduous, but tatingT earthquake were present on April ultimately, rewarding. 28 to see the fi rst of four project funded First, there was the earthquake re- football pitches open in Nepal. lief to attend to. Then came the heavy Karuna Syangtan and Suman Kin- monsoon season when transportation gring—two of six GA ambassadors in of construction materials was prohib- Nepal—worked alongside Nabin Lam- ited by the Nepal government. ichhane, the GA Project Manager of Then came a fuel shortage following local delivery partner Mercy Corps, to the adoption of the country’s new con- deliver and launch the pitch in the vil- stitution in September. lage of Phaparbari. Isabel Gultresa, the head of SC’s The Phaparbari pitch is the fi rst of CSR division responsible for the GA the four earmarked by the GA project programme, told www.sc.qa: “That of Nepal. A second, in the district of the local community and stakehold- Makwanpur, was launched yesterday ers continued with the project under with the pitches in Kaski and Kai- extreme conditions speaks volumes lali scheduled for May 28 and June 4 about their commitment and also the administration,” he continued. “There- with fl ying colours we have thoroughly launches, respectively. relevance of the GA pitch towards re- fore, he was able to exert infl uence over enjoyed every minute of our challenging The earthquake—which struck the construction of aff ected human lives.” the merits of constructing the pitch on work,” Lamichane concluded. region on April 25 last year—meas- With an estimated 600,000 still liv- schedule which would ensure access to GA is the SC’s fl agship programme ured 7.8 on the Richter scale. A second, ing in temporary or unsafe housing a an important focal place to the various that uses the opportunity of Qatar measuring 7.2, followed a few days later year after the earthquake, the six GA stakeholders and community.” hosting the FIFA World Cup and the and the lives of more than 9,000 peo- ambassadors in Nepal continue to help The Generation Amazing pro- power of football as a catalyst for social ple were lost. A further 22,000 were with rehabilitation work and disaster gramme, owned by the Supreme Com- change to educate and empower the injured and 800,000 homes destroyed. management operations. mittee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), is next generation in Qatar and beyond. A year on, one of the key people in- During the construction of the managed by Right to Play and delivered Generation Amazing is targeted at volved in making the project happen Phaparbari pitch, Karuna and Suman by Mercy Corps in Nepal. migrant workers, schoolchildren and praised the eff orts of all involved, es- in association with Lamichhane coor- With the SC’s involvement in the vulnerable youth from diff erent com- pecially the young GA ambassadors. dinated the actions of various stake- project ceasing towards the later part of munities in Qatar and partner coun- “It is a miracle that we were able to holders including with the Village De- the year, the other stakeholders will take tries. It is delivered through three launch the pitch a year after the disas- velopment Committee, Shree Janata ownership of the pitch, thereby ensur- primary initiatives: Inclusive Genera- ter,” said Lamichhane. HS School, which owns the land where ing sustainability, one of the central pil- tion, Healthy Generation and Green “The pitch was only at the design the pitch is built, fi ve other neighbour- lars of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar. Generation designed to address the stage when the earthquake hit. There- ing schools, two local youth clubs and Lamichchane, Suman and Karuna, priority issues of Vulnerability, Health after, we have been caught in a series of the local community. meanwhile, can aff ord to look back in sat- & Wellbeing and Environmental Sus- humanitarian crises. This achievement “The father of one of the GA am- isfaction at the enormity of their achieve- tainability, thus enabling a positive under adverse circumstances was bassadors is the president of the pitch ment. “After the earthquake hit, priori- and sustainable generational change made possible only because of the ef- committee and he is also in the local ties changed. Not only have we come out through football. (www.sc.qa) Gulf Times Wednesday, May 4, 2016 11 SPORT

FOCUS RALLYING Al-Nuami heads into Jordan’s MERC Qatar to host 2 showdown with two-point lead

Agencies season in Jordan, Lebanon, Cy- Intercontinental Dead Sea, Jordan prus, Oman and Dubai. Saudi Arabia’s Rakan Rashed and Tur- key’s Vedat Diker will catapult 'It showcases our commitment to asser Saleh al-Attiyah themselves into contention with may be the fi rm favour- a good result this weekend along develop and positively impact futsal ite to win the Jordan the notoriously diffi cult, smooth Rally outright for a 10th and fl owing stages that make the in Asia, Europe and South America' Ntime at the Dead Sea this week, three-day Jordan Rally such a Cup futsal but there’s another equally as unique challenge. important competition running Jordan’s Husam Salem col- minutes behind the Qatari and lected fi ve championship points involving a whole host of the re- at the opening round in Qatar and gion’s leading drivers. missed round two in Kuwait, but The FIA Middle East Rally last year’s Jordan Rally Group N Championship’s Group N series winner and his female navigator has been renamed MERC 2 this Nancy Al-Majali will be aiming year and has already become a for another podium fi nish in their battle ground for drivers from Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX. Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, The MERC 2 entry in Jordan Italy, Turkey, Italy, Jordan and has strength in depth: Khaled Lebanon on the opening two ral- and Emad Juma add power to the lies in Qatar and Kuwait. home challenge and they will be Qatar’s Rashid al-Nuami cur- supported by the other Jordanian rently holds a two-point advan- crews of Ihab al-Shorafa and tage over fellow countryman Hazem Attiyat and Lina Hadidi Abdullah al-Kuwari in the MERC and Barkev Shadian in their re- 2 points’ standings, although spective Mitsubishi Lancer and Kuwait Rally runner-up Meshari Subaru Impreza. al-Thafi ri and Lebanon’s rising Teams complete the second star Rodolphe Asmar are fi ve and day of their reconnaissance of eight points behind, respectively. the special stages today, before “It’s important that we carry the event gets underway with a out an accurate recce and make ceremonial start and super spe- no mistakes,” said al-Nuami’s cial stage in Abdali, Amman’s Italian navigator Nicola Arena. new business, commercial and “These stages are tricky and can leisure hub, tomorrow afternoon. easily catch you out. The meat of the action takes “MERC 2 cars are not as strong place in the Dead Sea and Jordan and as forgiving as the R5s and Valley areas on Friday and Satur- Brazilian futsal great Falcao has been named the ambassador for the event. we need to drive quickly, but day. also keep one eye on not damag- retary Mansoor al-Ansari said at the draw out to be the best in history. ing the car. MERC 2 has become FIA MERC 2 standings (top six) held at Aspire yesterday. “This is a tournament we feel very very popular this year and we are 1. Rashid al-Nuami (QAT) 44 pts “We have the honour of organising proud about because it will be a model of looking forward to an exciting 2. Abdullah al-Kuwari (QAT) 42 pts this tournament in Doha for the next exemplary organisation never before seen fi ght with a string fi eld over the 3. Meshari al-Thafiri (KWT) 39 pts five years and it showcases our strong in the history of futsal,” Lozano said. next few days.” 4. Rodolphe Asmar (LEB) 36 pts commitment to not only develop but “The tournament will be a turning The series is still wide open 5. Yigit Timur (TUR) 29 pts QFA general secretary Mansoor al-Ansari speaks at the Futsal Intecontinental Cup also to positively impact futsal in the point as far as futsal is concerned because with fi ve rallies remaining this 6. Khalifa al-Attiyah (QAT) 24 pts Qatar 2016 Draw Ceremony at Aspire Dome yesterday. three continents, Asia, Europe and it’s the fi rst time it will be held in Asia,” South America, notably by bringing to- he added. By Sports Reporter place in 2013 and was won by Russian gether prestigious teams from all three One of the main attractions of the Doha club Dynamo Moscow FC after they beat continents,” he added. event will be the presence of Brazilian Brazilian club Carlos Barbosa 5-1. Al-Mansoori said the tournament is a great Falcao (Alessandro Rosa Vieira), Qatar will be represented by Al Rayy- great opportunity for Qatar to showcase widely considered the best futsal player atar will host the Futsal Inter- an, while the other teams in the fray are its excellent facilities besides its organi- in the world. continental Cup Qatar for fi ve Spanish futsal league champions Inter sational abilities. Falcao, who has been named the am- years beginning with the 2016 Movistar, FC Barcelona Lassa, Brazilian “We are proud to present the teams bassador for the event, has won several edition from June 24 to 29, or- giants Carlos Barbosa, Libertadores Cup with state-of-the-art facilities which titles with his national team as well as for ganisersQ announced yesterday. winners Magnus Futsal, Asian champions will encourage them to display their best various clubs around the world as a pro- The tournament brings together eight Tasisat Daryaei of Iran, Dynamo Moscow performance when aiming to win this fessional. of the world’s best futsal teams who will of Russia and Portuguese champions tournament. The Qatar Football Asso- “Qatar are the hosts of the FIFA World battle it out for the winners’ trophy at Benfi ca. ciation will spare no eff ort to ensure that Cup in 2022 and it is a great honour for two venues in Qatar — the Aspire Ladies “Hosting this tournament for the fi rst this event is organised to the highest of me to be named as the ambassador for the Sports Hall and the Ali bin Hamad al- time in Doha demonstrates the Qatar standards and has allocated Aspire’s La- Intercontinental Cup,” he said. Attiyah Arena. Football Association’s mission to be a dies Sports Hall as well as the recently “I would like to thank the QFA for or- The inaugural edition of the tourna- pioneer football association in the region opened Ali bin Hamad al-Attiyah Arena ganising this tremendous event which ment was held at Porto Alegre in Brazil by organising local, regional and inter- in Al Sadd.” will showcase some of the best teams in Rashid al-Nuami takes a two-point MERC 2 lead into this weekend’s in 1997 when Sport Club Internacional of national football championships that Javier Lozano, the president of LNFS the world,” Falcao, who helped Brazil win Jordan Rally. Brazil won the title beating FC Barcelona contribute directly to the development of (National Futsal League of Spain), who the Futsal world Cup in 2008 and 2012. In 4-2 in the fi nal. football, in this case more particularly the are collaborating with Qatar to organise 2004 and 2012, he was also declared the The last edition of the tournament took development of futsal,” QFA general sec- the tournament, said the event will turn best futsal player by FIFA. SPOTLIGHT All about Futsal Registration for AZF Futsal is a variant of football but is played on a smaller field and mainly indoors. Futsal is played between two teams of five players each, one of whom is the goal- keeper. Unlimited substitutions are permitted. The game is played on a hard court Ramadan Sports Festival surface delimited by lines; walls or boards are not used. Futsal is also played with a smaller ball with less bounce than a regular football due to the surface of the field. The surface, ball and rules create an emphasis on improvisation, creativity and opens tomorrow technique as well as ball control and passing in small spaces. Futsal comes from Spanish fútbol sala or fútbol de salón , which can be translated By Sports Reporter importance of exercise, the As- as “room football”. During the sport’s second world championships held in Madrid Doha pire Dome will be open for mem- in 1985, the Spanish name fútbol sala was used. Since then, all other names have bers of the Step into Health ini- been off icially and internationally changed to futsal. tiative as a walking venue every There are two periods of 20 minutes with time stopping at every dead ball. spire Zone Foundation day throughout Ramadan. Between the two periods there is a break of 15 minutes. Each team may use one (AZF) has announced time-out per half, which lasts one minute. Some lower leagues and tournaments that registration for the Outdoor activities include use 24 minute periods with running time. annual Ramadan Sports beach soccer and tennis FestivalA (RSF), which is tak- The Aspire Zone Sand pitch will The groups are displayed after the draw ceremony. ing place over two weeks during host a beach soccer tournament, Ramadan, from June 10 -24, will where 8 teams with 8 players per BOTTOMLINE open tomorrow. team will compete over 5 days. In line with the success of pre- The Foundation has also dedi- vious editions, AZF is this year cated three days for tennis com- off ering a unique programme petitions for adult and young of activities, including two new females. Fift y One East and Sony partner with sports, as part of its eff orts to facilitate the participation of as Cricket added as a new many members of the commu- edition…and remote-con- nity as possible. trolled car racing returns to QFA for sixth consecutive Emir Cup this year’s programme Futsal, football, basket- With every new edition of the ball, volleyball, table tennis, RSF, AZF introduces new sports By Sports Reporter to turn the tournament into an engaging and walking all in one place tournaments as part of its eff orts Doha and unique experience for everyone in the This year’s festival includes to accommodate wider segments country.” 11 sports-focused activities, of the local community and cater QFA general secretary Mansoor al-An- attracting a larger number of to their various interests. This ifty One East and Sony Middle sari said: “We are very pleased that Sony sports enthusiasts and catering year’s edition will feature the East and Africa, the prominent and Fifty One East are partnering with us to their various needs. introduction of a Cricket tour- consumer electronics brand, have for the sixth consecutive year. This part- Male sports competitions will nament, as well as the return further strengthened their sup- nership will enable innovative and excit- include: basketball, 12 teams of remote-controlled car rac- portF of the annual Emir Cup by their con- ing ways to bring excitement to our Emir with 8 players per team for 5 ing, following the great success tinuous partnership with the Qatar Foot- Cup fans in Qatar this year and will see days; football, 16 teams with 15 it achieved in the 2014 edition. ball Association (QFA), where Sony is the Sony and Fifty One East’s involvement in players per team for 8 days; vol- The cricket tournament will see Offi cial Sponsor of the Emir Cup for the Qatar’s most prestigious football tourna- leyball, 8 teams with 9 players six teams of nine battle it out sixth year consecutively. The association ment of the year through a comprehen- per team for 5 days. over two days, while the remote- reaffi rms their commitment towards the be the 44th edition of Emir Cup, and is have been strongly linked to signifi cant sive promotional campaign.” The Foundation has also in- controlled car races will feature country’s sports events in general, and played by the fi rst and second division clubs sports happenings in Qatar and the Emir’s Sony and Fifty One East are also setting cluded Futsal Competitions for two categories of contestants. this popular football event, in particular. of the Qatari football league structure. Cup tops off our track record. The tourna- up a dedicated fan zone within Lagoona juniors and AZF employees, Registration for the Ramadan Emir Cup is the country’s most popular Darwish Holding chairman and manag- ment has grown year on year to become the Mall from May 11-14, and inviting fans to which will take place in Aspire Sports Festival begins tomor- football event accompanied with various ing director Bader al-Darwish said, “We are most energetic sporting event in Qatar that participate in a PlayStation competition Dome, as well as a table tennis row and continues until the end activations creating a unique occasion for proud of our long term partnership with the brings together the entire community and and win fabulous prizes from Sony. In tournament for persons with of the month. Tournaments families to bring in their children to watch QFA to support the most prominent event promotes local talent.” addition to this; Sony and Fifty One East special needs in the multipur- will take place every day from a wonderful game and meet the amazing in Qatar, the annual Football Emir Cup, He added: “This is our sixth year in our also sponsor the ‘Most Valuable Player’ pose hall. 9:30pm until midnight and win- stars of football. knowing that football is the most popular partnership with the Qatar Football As- of the match award to be given after each In addition, and as part of its ners will be awarded prizes of Organised by QFA, the 2016 edition will sport in the region. Fifty One East and Sony sociation, who has invested a lot of eff ort game during the Emir Cup. eff orts to raise awareness of the varying values. Wednesday, May 4, 2016 GULF TIMES ATHLETICS

IAAF DIAMOND LEAGUE DOHA/ 2 DAYS TO GO Qatar’s Barshim, Ogunode among the star attractions REIGNING OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS TAYLOR, MERRITT, KEMBOI HIGHLIGHT INTERNATIONAL STAR CAST

By Sports Reporter Doha Olympic Triple Jump champion Steeplechase Christian Taylor of the US. champion Ezekiel Kemboi of Kenya. eigning Olympic champions Christian Taylor, Aries Mer- ritt and Ezekiel Kemboi will be among the stars who will kickR off their 2016 Diamond League campaigns when the international track and fi eld series commences in Doha this Friday (May 6). For the seventh straight year, Doha’s Qatar Sports Club stadium will host the opening competition of the IAAF Diamond League, the 14-meeting se- ries that this year takes on added sig- nifi cance as athletes prepare for Au- gust’s Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Taylor, a four-time winner of the series’ Diamond Race Trophy in the triple jump, notched his second world title last year with an 18.21m leap that elevated him to the No 2 position all time. His stand-out campaign, which saw him short-listed for world athlete of the year honours, began in Doha where he jumped beyond 18 metres only to fi nish second, two centimetres behind Cuba’s Pedro Pablo Pichardo in what was one of the fi nest triple jump com- petitions in the event’s history. This year Taylor will take on Teddy Tamgho of France, another member of the event’s exclusive 18-metre club. Merritt, the world record holder in the 110m hurdles, continues his come- back after undergoing a kidney trans- plant surgery last year just four days after taking bronze at the world cham- pionships. He’ll face Jamaican Omar McLeod (12.97 PB), the hottest hurdler in the world at the moment, who won the world indoor title in March and is the year’s fastest at 13.08. After clock- ing 9.99 in the 100m last month, the 22-year-old earned the distinction of The men’s programme also in- ennial speedster Silas Kiplagat who is In the 400m, local eyes will fall holder at 44.19 (2014), illustrated im- Kynard of the US, the Olympic silver being the only man to run under 10 cludes fi ve 2015 world championships, history’s fi fth fastest at 3:27.64. on Qatar’s latest hot prospect, the pressive early season form with a 19.78 medallist. seconds in the 100m and under 13 in 1,500m ace and Doha fan favourite As- Qatari hopes are high in several 19-year-old Abdalelah Haroun, career best and world lead in the 200m In a non-scoring 800m race, two- the 110m hurdles. bel Kiprop from Kenya among them. events. After equalling his own 9.91 who took silver at the World Indoor in Nassau on April 16. time Asian champion Musaeb Abdul- The fi eld also includes David Oliver The 2008 Olympic champion, who Asian record in the 100m last month, Championships in March. A prodi- The fi eld also includes London Ol- rahman Balla is looking to kick off his of the US, a former world champion and notched his third world title last year, Femi Ogunode will be among the fa- gious talent, Haroun set an Asian ympic silver medallist Luguelín Santos outdoor campaign with a fast time to meeting record holder (12.95) who’ll be is the fastest in the fi eld at 3:26.69, the vourites in the men’s 200m. He is also U20 record last year clocking 44.29, of the Dominican Republic and Machel make amends for his unfortunate race chasing a fourth Doha victory. third best performance of all time. A the Asian record holder in the 200 at the eighth fastest performance of the Cedenio (44.36 PB) from Trinidad & at the World Indoor Championships Meanwhile, Kemboi, a two-time two-time winner here, Kiprop is the 19.97. He’ll face strong challenge from year. Tobago. fi nal. He’ll face former world indoor Olympic gold medallist and four-time meeting record holder at 3:29.18, the Panama’s Alonso Edward, the Dia- He’ll face a daunting line-up in his In the high jump, local hero Mutaz champion Abubaker Kaki of Sudan. world champion in the 3,000m stee- fastest ever performance in the month mond Race winner in the event in 2014 fi rst Doha main stage debut lead by Barshim, the 2014 world indoor cham- And in the discus throw, world plechase, leads a traditionally strong of May. and 2015, Walter Dix of the US, the LaShawn Merritt, a former Olympic pion, will command the spotlight, in champion Piotr Malachowski of Po- fi eld which includes his Kenyan com- The strong fi eld includes Elijah meeting record holder, and rising US and two-time world champion. Mer- a fi eld that includes world champion land leads a reunion of the top three patriot Jairus Birech, the series winner Motonei Manangoi, the 2015 World star Ameer Webb who clocked 19.91 ritt, last year’s World Championships Derek Drouin of Canada, China’s world fi nishers from last year’s world cham- the past two seasons. Championships runner-up, and per- last month. silver medallist and the meeting record silver medallist Zhang Guowei and Erik pionships.

FOCUS All eyes on clash between Ayana and Cheruiyot By Sports Reporter Doha Kemi Adekoya of Bahrain will be among favourites clash between world champions in 400m hurdles. Almaz Ayana and Vivian Cherui- yot is expected to be among the chief highlights on the wom- en’sA programme at the IDL Doha 2016 meeting, the opening competition of the 14-meeting IAAF Diamond League series, this Friday (May 6). Ayana, who raced to 5,000m gold at last year’s World Championships in Beijing, and Cheruiyot, the 10,000m victor, will face off in the 3,000m, traditionally one of the strongest events at the Doha competi- tion which kicks off the series of the world’s fi nest one-day track and fi eld competitions for the seventh consecutive year. Cheruiyot’s triumph in Beijing was the fi fth at a World Championships for the 32-year-old Kenyan whose previous sea- champion Zuzana Hejnova of the Czech The 800m features a clash between 2013 son-long consistency on the track was re- Republic, who also struck Olympic bronze world champion Eunice Sum of Kenya, warded with Diamond Race Trophies in four years ago, will face Kemi Adekoya of a three-time Diamond Race series win- 2010, 2011 and 2012. Bahrain, this year’s surprise world indoor ner, and Caster Semenya, the 2009 world Meanwhile, Ayana, 24, is the Ethiopian 400m champion. champion who recently notched an im- national record holder in the 3000m, her The triple jump features another battle pressive 400m/800m/1500m triple vic- 8:22.20 set last season ranking her 11th of global champions, Olga Rypakova of Ka- tory at the South African Championships. fastest of all time. The pair is among six zakhstan, the 2012 Olympic champion, and Elsewhere on the infi eld, Sandi Morris of current world champions who will be mak- Caterine Ibarguen of Colombia, the 2013 the US leads the fi eld in the pole vault. The ing their 2016 international debuts at the and 2015 world champion, who has domi- 23-year-old, who fi nished second at the Qatar Sports Club. nated the event the past three seasons. World Indoor Championships in March, is Another is Dafne Schippers, who won the No stranger to Doha, Rypakova is un- unbeaten in four competitions outdoors this world 200m title last summer with a ster- beaten in seven indoor and outdoor com- spring and leads the world with a 4.81m leap. ling 21.63 run, a performance that elevated petitions in the Qatari capital dating back She’ll face a solid Greek 1-2 punch with the 23-year-old Dutchwoman all the way to 2008. Nikoleta Kiriakopoulou, the bronze medal- up to the No 3 position all time. Yulimar Rojas of Venezuela, the surprise list at last year’s World Championships and Schippers also took silver in the 100m in winner at the World Indoor Champion- 2015 Diamond Race winner, and her team- Beijing, the event which she’ll be headlin- ships, is also in the fi eld. mate Katerina Stefanidi (4.71m PB), who ing in Doha. She’s already off to a fast start, German Katharina Molitor, the world took World Indoor Championships bronze. having clocked 22.25 for 200m in Gaines- champion in the javelin throw, headlines Kiriakopoulou, who has a best of 4.83m, ville on April 22, the fastest in the world this her event as she targets her fi rst career vic- won in Doha two years ago. season so far. tory in Diamond League series action. And in the women’s shot put, Michelle World champions She’ll face Tori Bowie of the US, the 2015 She’ll face African record holder Carter of the US, who arrives in the Qatari Almaz Ayana of world bronze medallist and Jamaican Ve- (69.35m) Sunette Viljoen of South Africa, capital on the heels of her gold medal show- Ethiopia and Kenyan ronica Campbell-Brown, whose long list of the bronze medallist at the past two world ing at the World Indoor Championships, is Vivian Cheruiyot accolades include back-to-back Olympic championships, and Lu Huihui of China, the class of the fi eld. Her main challenge is (left) will face off in 200m titles in 2004 and 2008. the silver medallist from last year’s world expected from Anita Marton of Hungary, the 3,000m in Doha. In the 400m hurdles, two-time world championships. who took silver behind Carter in Portland.