Qatar Retain Bronze at World Championship

WEDNESDAY, JulY 20, 2016 VOluME XI ISSuE NO.24 QR2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

P 6 | FOOTBALL P 26 | motorsport PRIZE SCALP PROUD ON PODIUM QATAR’S FIRST Lekhwiya rope in Moroccan striker QMMF Racing Team’s Spanish ENGLISH SPORTS Youssef El Arabi from La Liga club rider Julian Simon finishes third WEEKLY Granada on a three-year contract. in Moto2 at the German Grand Prix.

COUNTDOWN PAGES 16-25 BEEN THERE DONE

THATPAGES 14-15

P 20 | POSTER NADA ARAKJI

EXCITEMENT NOW JUST A TOUCH AWAY

OutlookThe writer can be contacted at [email protected]

QOC’s National Partners offer our sports stars a timely boost

ĈĈIt’s really heartening to see a their pursuit of glory. I’m happy to note that their worth QR72bn in sports sector over the next seven few companies coming forward number is slowly growing and, some of them, years. This include event management and pro- to support our sportspersons like Ooredoo, Qatar Airways and Qatar Insurance motion, construction, operations and mainte- in their pursuit of glory Group have decided to play bigger roles by signing nance of facilities, sports goods and equipment up as National Partners with the Qatar Olympic marketing, and sports tourism. With the govern- NLY 16 days are left for the Olympic flame Committee. ment making Qatari companies’ involvement to be lit at the Maracana Stadium in Rio Ooredoo has been supporting iconic sports- mandatory in such projects, several local busi- Ode Janeiro. The Games is the ultimate men like Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and Mutaz Essa ness houses stand to gain a lot. stage, where everyone will look to be on. Qatar Barshim for some time now and the international I hope more private firms will come forward to should also make a strong presence there. telecom major must be complimented for its con- support the sports sector, thereby complement- Sport has been a way of life in our country. tinued commitment towards sports development ing our government’s efforts, more so at a time It has helped us achieve social cohesion and in our country. Qatar Airways and Qatar Insurance when there’s a fall in State revenue due to slump inspired most of us to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Group also deserve all the praise for their efforts. in oil prices. We’ve been fortunate to have a sports-loving I take this opportunity to commend these com- leadership, which has realised its role in nation- panies for their plans to showcase our culture, building as well as branding so much so that heritage and passion for sport through various everything related to it in our country has been events, on the sidelines of the Rio Games. a government subject. It may be recalled that at a recent business forum It’s equally heartening to see a few companies in Doha, the country’s Ministry of Economy and Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi coming forward to support our sportspersons in Commerce identified investment opportunities Editor-in-Chief

Qatari youngsters can led to the downfall of Pakistan cricket learn from Ronaldo (Doha Stadium Plus, July 13). INBOX The men in green looked the team Your editorial ‘Qatari youngsters to beat when they won the World can follow Ronaldo’s mantra of suc- Cup in 1992 and, though the South Doha Stadium Plus Editor-in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi P.O. Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar cess’ ( , July 13) Asian nation continues to produce Tel: +974 44138065, Fax: +974 44138597 was interesting to read. talented youngsters, their game Managing Editor Kumar Ravi WEDNESDAY, JulY 13, 2016 VOluME XI ISSuE NO.23 QR2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com P 22 | FOOTBALL P 24 | boxing BACK TO THE FUTURE QATARI PUGILIST RIO-BOUND QATAR’S FIRST Playing formations and systems never go Thulasi Tharumalingam becomes the second Cristiano Ronaldo puts in a lot suffered mainly due to lack of Test Senior Editor/Writer ENGLISH SPORTS totally obsolete as coaches always add boxer from Qatar, after Hakan Erseker, to Aswin Abraham finer points from them to their plans. book his berth at the Rio Olympics. WEEKLY Editorial: Tel: +974 44138522, Fax: +974 44138593 FOLLOW US Senior Sports Writer of hard work and it makes him stay action on home soil. N Ganesh e-mail: [email protected] Sports Writers at the top. Imran Raza, Doha. Sajith B Warrier Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 Mohammad Amin-ul Islam e-mail: [email protected] sweet Having won everything in club and Sarath Pookkat Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 football, the Portuguese needed Peerless performer e-mail: [email protected] Photographers Mohan sourPAGES 6-19 a major trophy with his national Vinod Divakaran team to make his cabinet complete. What a career Serena Williams has P 20 | POSTER PORTUGAL 2016 EURO Fadi Al Assaad CHAMPS He missed out most of the Euro made! The 34-year-old won her sev-

DSP SPECIAL STORY Mohammed Dabboos P 26 | CRICKET final after pulling out injured, but enth Wimbledon to draw level with Look-back P 28 | TENNIS in agony Andythesis! DSP Graphics/ Joice Michael Joice DSP Graphics/ Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution A K BijuRaj UK £1, Europe €2 | Oman 200 Baisas | Bahrain 200 Fils | Egypt LE 2 | Lebanon 3,000 Livre | Kuwait 250 Fils | Morocco Dh 6 | UAEDh 5 | Yemen 75 Riyals | Sudan 1 Pound | KSA 2 Riyals | Jordan 500 Fils | Iraq $1 | Palestine $1 | Syria LS 20 he kept inspiring his team-mates, Steffi Graf’s Open Era record of 22 Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko who put up a gritty display and pre- Slams (Doha Stadium Plus, July 13) P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. Publishing and Distribution Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 Gopakumar K Printed at ASPIRE Printing Press sented him with the trophy. and she looks capable of deliver- Joice Michael Rui Gomez, Doha. ing more. e-mail: [email protected] www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus Technical support Abdul Naser M The American has been ruthless Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar e-mail: [email protected] www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar Letting down Pakistan in beating her opponents and many pundits believe she is the best the www.facebook.com/dohastadium www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar © Stories and photographs appearing in this publication may not be reproduced without the permission of Former all-rounder Abdul Razzaq was sport has ever seen. ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution. right in saying that mismanagement Mark Elliot, Doha. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 3

OutlookThe writer can be contacted at [email protected]

QOC’s National Partners offer our sports stars a timely boost

DSP SPECIAL STORY Mohammed Dabboos P 26 | CRICKET final after pulling out injured, but enth Wimbledon to draw level with Look-back P 28 | TENNIS in agony Andythesis! DSP Graphics/ Joice Michael Joice DSP Graphics/ A K BijuRaj UK £1, Europe €2 | Oman 200 Baisas | Bahrain 200 Fils | Egypt LE 2 | Lebanon 3,000 Livre | Kuwait 250 Fils | Morocco Dh 6 | UAEDh 5 | Yemen 75 Riyals | Sudan 1 Pound | KSA 2 Riyals | Jordan 500 Fils | Iraq $1 | Palestine $1 | Syria LS 20 he kept inspiring his team-mates, Steffi Graf’s Open Era record of 22 Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko who put up a gritty display and pre- Slams (Doha Stadium Plus, July 13) Publishing and Distribution Gopakumar K Printed at ASPIRE Printing Press sented him with the trophy. and she looks capable of deliver- Joice Michael Rui Gomez, Doha. ing more. www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus Technical support Abdul Naser M www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar The American has been ruthless www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar Letting down Pakistan in beating her opponents and many pundits believe she is the best the

© Stories and photographs appearing in this publication may not be reproduced without the permission of Former all-rounder Abdul Razzaq was sport has ever seen. ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution. right in saying that mismanagement Mark Elliot, Doha. 4 Wednesday, July 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 5 Extra time

It’s a very exciting time for the Qatar Olympic Committee. We’re MCLAREN’S KEY FINDINGS thrilled to have our country’s three leading companies — Ooredoo, The surprise result of the and both Moscow and Qatar Airways and Qatar Insurance Group — as national partners investigation was the Sochi laboratories. revelation of the extent ahead of the Rio Games. Our athletes have been workinghard and of state oversight and The Moscow laboratory directed control of the personnel did not have this support will motivate them in the final stages of their training. Moscow laboratory in a choice in whether to Dr Thani Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, QOC Secretary General. processing, and covering be involved in the State WU LEI up urine samples of directed system. Russian athletes from virtually all sports before The State implemented and after the Sochi a simple failsafe strategy. Games. If all the operational IN LIMBO! precautions to promote STAR OF THE WEEK The Moscow laboratory and permit doping by International Olympic Committee defers its decision on banning operated, for the Russian athletes proved protection of doped to have been ineffective Russia from Rio Olympics after an independent report accuses the Russian athletes, within for whatever reason, the a state-dictated failsafe laboratory provided a system, described failsafe mechanism. country of systematic and state-run doping programme. in the report as the Disappearing Positive The State had the ability Methodology. to transform a positive ĈĈ IOC to explore legal analytical result into a options about possible ban The Sochi laboratory negative one by ordering operated a unique that the analytical ĈĈ Awaiting outcome of sample swapping process of the Moscow methodology to enable laboratory be altered. CAS hearing on Russian doped Russian athletes to ‘We’ll do well at athletes compete at the Games. After the completion of the 2013 Moscow World Qatar World Cup’ ĈĈIOC to take disciplinary The Ministry of Sport Athletics Championships, action against Russian directed, controlled the laboratory held ALENTED footballer Wu Lei, and oversaw the a number of positive officials manipulation of athletes’ samples that needed to 25, believes China will not only analytical results or be swapped by removing Tqualify for the 2022 World Cup ĈĈNo major international sample swapping, with the cap and replacing the in Qatar, but put up a fighting display. winter sports events to go the active participation athlete’s urine before the Wu’s 88th-minute goal at home against ahead in Russia and assistance of the samples were shipped to Russian secret service another laboratory. Qatar in March helped his nation clinch a berth in the third round of the 2018 World Cup qualification, where they will Brian Homewood šĈRichard McLaren face the Gulf nation again in Group A. The Shanghai SIPG playmaker spoke justice,” an IOC statement said. and compiled by Canadian lawyer to www.sc.qa about his plans. It added that the committee would Richard McLaren, revealed evidence USSIA’S participation in the have to take into consideration the of widespread state-sponsored doping ЂЂHow vital was the win against Rio Olympics remained in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) by Russians and extensive cover-ups, Qatar? Rbalance on Tuesday after the decision due on Thursday concern- particularly in the 2014 Winter Olympic ЃЂIt was the most significant in our recent International Olympic Committee ing the International Association of Games in the Russian city of Sochi. history. We didn’t reach the third round Not only does the evidence (IOC) said it would ‘explore legal op- Athletics Federation (IAAF) rules, as The IOC said it had started discipli- Boyers REUTERS/ Andrew of the previous three World Cups and tions’ for banning the country from well as the World Anti-Doping Code nary action against officials and that implicate the Russian Ministry had to win against Qatar. And we did it. the Games. anyone implicated would not be given of Sport, it also states that We’ll approach the November 15 game At an emergency IOC Executive Board accreditation for Rio. there was active participation against Qatar with a lot of confidence as and assistance of the Federal meeting in Switzerland, the day after an With regard to the Given the report’s details of exten- we emerged winners at home. However, independent report detailed a system- sive cover-ups of positive tests in Sochi, Security Service and the MISBAH-UL-HAQ just as with all our opponents, we’ll treat atic and state-run doping programme in participation of Russian the IOC has ordered the immediate re- Centre of Sports Preparation of Qatar with respect. Russia, members fell short of an imme- athletes at Rio, the IOC testing of all Russian athletes who took National Teams of Russia. AKISTAN captain Misbah-ul-Haq fast-bowler Mohammad Amir after a six- wryly referred to the pre-tour ‘army- ЂЂWhat’re your current priorities? diate ban but they did issue a series of will evaluate the report. part, as well as a full enquiry. Craig Reedie, WADA President. measures relating to the report. It also instructed all interna - last week proved age is just a year ban for spot fixing. style’ training camp the squad had at the ЃЂI’m now focusing on the 2018 third- number as, at 42 years and 47 days, Misbah’s joy was palpable as he raised Pakistan Military Academy. “With regard to the participation of tional Winter Olympic Winter Sports The findings of the report show a P round qualifiers. It’s tough and we start he became the oldest player to score a his hand in a salute to celebrate the three- “Obviously when you’re playing Russian athletes in the Rio Olympic (WADA) and the Olympic Charter. Federations to freeze their prepara- shocking and unprecedented our campaign against South Korea. It’s century since England’s Patsy Hendren figure mark. competitive cricket, you don’t just think Games, the IOC will carefully evaluate the CAS is due to rule on the dispute tions for major events in Russia. attack on the integrity of important to qualify for Russia — we report. It’ll explore the legal options with between Russia, 68 of its athletes and It also said it would not back the made it at 45 in 1934. He also performed a series of press-ups, about your age. These records are always haven’t played a World Cup since 2002. sport and on the Olympic regard to a collective ban of all Russian IAAF over their Rio participation. European Games, scheduled for the His patient 114 laid the foundation for which were aimed at those who said he something special, but the main thing is It’s a bit early to talk about 2022, but foot- Games. Therefore, the IOC athletes versus the right to individual The report, commissioned by WADA country in 2019. Pakistan’s 75-run win against England was too old for international cricket. to perform for your team and country,” said ball is improving rapidly in China and will not hesitate to take the in the first of the four-match Test series The gesture, which was repeated Misbah, who has never toured England we’ve a good chance of putting together toughest sanctions available at Lord’s, which also saw the return of after the victory on the fourth day, also since his debut in 2001. a good show in Qatar. against any individual or organisation implicated. Russia crack the whip on erring officials Thomas Bach, IOC President. Inside

Now we are witnessing a USSIA suspended a raft of senior deputy head of Russia’s state-funded Mutko said his own suspension was dangerous relapse of politics’ sports officials on Tuesday after Sports Preparation Centre, and two not being discussed and that no alle- interference into sports. Yes, Rthe World Anti-Doping Agency other officials. gations had been made against him. formats of such interference (WADA) said they were heavily involved Canadian sports lawyer Richard Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov have changed but its essence in a state-backed cheating scheme at McLaren, who headed the WADA inves- said Mutko had not been named in the 8 27 31 is the same -- to make sports the 2014 Sochi winter Olympics. tigation, said Zhelanova and Rodionova WADA report as being directly involved an instrument of geopolitical Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko told had worked closely with Russian Deputy in the cover ups. pressure, of forming a negative the R-Sport news agency he had sus- Sports Minister Yury Nagornykh to cover “My suspension isn’t being consid- image of countries and nations. pended his anti-doping advisor Natalia up positive doping tests by Russian ered. It’s a matter for the president and Zhelanova as well as Irina Rodionova, sportspersons since 2011. prime minister to decide,” said Mutko. Vladimir Putin, Russian President. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 5

It’s a very exciting time for the Qatar Olympic Committee. We’re thrilled to have our country’s three leading companies — Ooredoo, Qatar Airways and Qatar Insurance Group — as national partners ahead of the Rio Games. Our athletes have been workinghard and this support will motivate them in the final stages of their training. Dr Thani Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, QOC Secretary General. WU LEI

STAR OF THE WEEK

‘We’ll do well at Qatar World Cup’

ALENTED footballer Wu Lei, 25, believes China will not only Tqualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but put up a fighting display. Wu’s 88th-minute goal at home against Qatar in March helped his nation clinch a berth in the third round of the 2018 World Cup qualification, where they will face the Gulf nation again in Group A. The Shanghai SIPG playmaker spoke to www.sc.qa about his plans.

ЂЂHow vital was the win against Qatar? ЃЂIt was the most significant in our recent history. We didn’t reach the third round

REUTERS/ Andrew Boyers REUTERS/ Andrew of the previous three World Cups and had to win against Qatar. And we did it. We’ll approach the November 15 game against Qatar with a lot of confidence as we emerged winners at home. However, MISBAH-UL-HAQ just as with all our opponents, we’ll treat Qatar with respect.

AKISTAN captain Misbah-ul-Haq fast-bowler Mohammad Amir after a six- wryly referred to the pre-tour ‘army- ЂЂWhat’re your current priorities? last week proved age is just a year ban for spot fixing. style’ training camp the squad had at the ЃЂI’m now focusing on the 2018 third- Pnumber as, at 42 years and 47 days, Misbah’s joy was palpable as he raised Pakistan Military Academy. round qualifiers. It’s tough and we start he became the oldest player to score a his hand in a salute to celebrate the three- “Obviously when you’re playing our campaign against South Korea. It’s century since England’s Patsy Hendren figure mark. competitive cricket, you don’t just think important to qualify for Russia — we made it at 45 in 1934. He also performed a series of press-ups, about your age. These records are always haven’t played a World Cup since 2002. His patient 114 laid the foundation for which were aimed at those who said he something special, but the main thing is It’s a bit early to talk about 2022, but foot- Pakistan’s 75-run win against England was too old for international cricket. to perform for your team and country,” said ball is improving rapidly in China and in the first of the four-match Test series The gesture, which was repeated Misbah, who has never toured England we’ve a good chance of putting together at Lord’s, which also saw the return of after the victory on the fourth day, also since his debut in 2001. a good show in Qatar. Inside 8 27 31 6 Wednesday, July 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 7 Football Qatar Airways renews Barcelona partnership

ATIONAL carrier Qatar Airways opportunity to remain standing side and Spanish giants Barcelona by side with the club. This new agree- PRIZE SCALP! Ndecided on Tuesday to renew ment shows the world how strongly their partnership until June 30 next year. we stand behind FC Barcelona, and Lekhwiya rope in Moroccan Youssef El Arabi from La Liga’s Granada Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive we look forward to a great upcoming Akbar Al Baker said, “Three years ago, season together.” in one of the biggest signings of Qatar Stars League this season. the joining of FC Barcelona and Qatar The deal means the carrier’s name Airways was truly history in the making, will continue to be displayed on Barca’s as this was the first time we entered into jerseys. The airline will also feature ĈĈThe 29-year-old signed a the Arab region. I’m eager to win many senior career in 2008 with Caen, where such a landmark sports partnership. the team in its very own safety video, three-year deal titles during my stay at this club,” said he made 75 appearances. He joined “We feel very proud of the milestones shown to all passengers before depar- Youssef, who joined his new team-mates Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in 2011, but his achieved by the team during the last few ture, which also became a hit across ššAkbar Al Baker, left, shakes hands with Barcelona’s Marketing and Communication at their overseas training camp in Bad Gulf spell did not last long. The fol- years and it’s a great honour to have the all social media channels. DSP Vice-President Manel Arroyo after renewing the deal. N Ganesh Haring, Austria, last Monday. He will be lowing year, he moved to Spain, with officially presented to the media after Granada, and enjoyed a four-year spell. the team’s return to Doha on July 30. Belmadi will expect Youssef to gell He is likely to be the only foreign pre- with the team quickly and deliver. His Abdulrab moves EKHWIYA managed one of the season recruit of Lekhwiya as they had gamble to make young Qatar interna- QNB and Trabzonspor sign deal biggest pre-season signings in announced that defender Chico Flores tional Mohammed Muntari the spear- to Jaish on loan Lthe Qatar Stars League (QSL) so head at the start of the season back- far this when they roped in Moroccan- fired while winter signing Dioko too IDDLE East and North Africa heights with our recently-selected board time for this sponsorship following its ATAR Cup winners El Jaish, striker Youssef El Arabi from Spanish I’m very happy to have turned out to be a flop. region’s leading financial in- members, professional managers, a entrance into the Turkish market through who have qualified for the AFC La Liga club Granada on a three-year Lekhwiya have also signed centre-back Mstitution Qatar National Bank renovated technical team and a tal- Finansbank’s acquisition. QChampions League quarter- deal last week. joined Lekhwiya, one Vivien Koua from Al Kharaitiyat while (QNB) became the main sponsor of ented pool of players. We’re honoured “Trabzonspor are considered one final, signed midfielder Mohammed The 29-year-old signed the contract of the leading clubs midfielder Abdulrahman Mohammed is popular Turkish club Trabzonspor last and happy to be going forward with an of the deep-rooted Turkish clubs with Abdulrab from Al Kharaitiyat on a in the presence of club Vice-President in the Arab region. back after playing two seasons on loan at week. esteemed partner such as QNB. a rich legacy, great future ambitions season-long loan deal. Khalifa Khamis and General Secretary Al Wakrah. Gharafa’s goalkeeper Qasim As per the deal signed in Istanbul “We’re celebrating our 50th anniver- and a wide support base, and that’s Abdulrab joined the Armymen’s train- Adnan Al Ali. Burhan will join Lekhwiya on a season- by QNB Group Communications sary this year, and our first and fore- why we chose to support this distin- ing session last Sunday. Youssef replaced Congolese striker (Spain), attacking midfielders Youssef long loan deal, with Ivanildo Rodriquez General Manager Yousef Darwish and most target is to become the champi- guished club. The move isn’t new for The former Al Sadd player is Jaish’s Alain Dioko, who left the club after a Msakni (Tunisia) and Nam Tae-Hee moving in the opposite direction. Trabzonspor President Muharrem Usta, ons of the Turkish League. I would like the QNB Group, as it’s one of the main third recruitment of the pre-season, disappointing six-month spell follow- (South Korea) would all stay at the club. In Austria, Lekhwiya will play friend- the bank will become the club’s jersey to thank QNB for sharing this vision sponsors of French football club Paris following the loan deals of defender ing his move from Al Gharafa. The management had also retained lies against Turkey’s Caykur Rizespor sponsor for three years and have access and excitement with us,” he added. Saint-Germain, the Indonesian League, Dame Traore and midfielder Ahmed “I’m very happy to have joined coach Djamel Belmadi. (July 22), Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal (July to advertising rights, public relations Darwish said, “We consider sports as and many other tournaments.” Maqsoud, both from Lekhwiya. DSP Lekhwiya, one of the leading clubs in Born in France, Youssef started his 25) and Spain’s Eibar (July 29). DSP co-operation, social media and digi- one of the main pillars of its Corporate QNB’s presence in the Turkish mar- š ĈAhmed Al Saadi tal rights. Social Responsibility and one of the pre- ket is considered an important step for Commenting on the agreement, Usta ferred channels for its brand strategy, the group on its path toward global said, “We’re endeavoring to reach new and has thus chosen this as an optimal expansion.DSP Al Saadi keen to make a mark

EKHWIYA’S young player Ahmed Al Saadi, a member of Qatar’s LAsian Under-19 winning team in Myanmar in 2014, said their prepara- tions for the new season were going well in Austria. ššMohammed Abdulrab “We’re preparing well and we seek to achieve the required readiness in time for the start of the season,” said Al Saadi. Aspetar shares “I joined Lekhwiya’s first team midway through last season. I would’ve views in Vienna liked to be on the pitch more, yet I’m ššYousef Darwish, third right, and Muharrem Usta hold a team jersey at the Press conference. satisfied with what all achievements I ATAR’S orthopaedic and sports could make with the team,” he added. medicine hospital Aspetar re- The midfielder said he wanted to Qcently participated in the 21st Sheikh Saoud bin Khalid Al Thani will leave a big impression on the team Sheikh Saoud continue as the president of Al Rayyan Arabi sign keeper Mubarak European College of Sport Science next season. Sports Club after being re-elected for (ECSS) Congress in Vienna. “I’m a young player and my ambi- stays as Rayyan the post at the General Assembly last Qatar Stars League side Al Arabi The ECSS Congress was aimed at tion is to prove myself and play more Sunday. signed goalkeeper Mohammed providing a platform for exchange of and leave an impression in the team’s president “I extend my thanks to the members Mubarak from relegated Qatar knowledge. victories in the coming season. The of Al Rayyan who voted for me. God Sports Club last week. Aspetar’s specialists including Assistant willing, we’ll continue to build on the league is getting tougher every year, The Qatar international keeper Director of Exercise and Sports Science success of last season,” said Sheikh inked a one-year deal with but our goal is to regain the shield. Saoud. the Reds. Mubarak is the third Shaima Al Khaldi, Health Researcher “I hope we present a better level Sheikh Saud was a strong presence in player to be roped by Arabi Abdulla Al Mohannadi, Research than last season and avoid commit- Rayyan’s successful Qatar Stars League Scientist Dr Julien Periard and Senior şĈYoussef El Arabi, left, with his new this summer, following the Lekhwiya strike partner Mohammed ting some of the mistakes we made,” campaign, which saw them regain the accusations of Mohammed Juma Sports Dietitian Dr Richard Allison rep- Muntari. added Al Saadi. DSP title after a two-decade gap. DSP and Rami Fayez. DSP resented the hospital. DSP www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 7

Qatar Airways renews Barcelona partnership

ATIONAL carrier Qatar Airways opportunity to remain standing side and Spanish giants Barcelona by side with the club. This new agree- Ndecided on Tuesday to renew ment shows the world how strongly their partnership until June 30 next year. we stand behind FC Barcelona, and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive we look forward to a great upcoming Akbar Al Baker said, “Three years ago, season together.” the joining of FC Barcelona and Qatar The deal means the carrier’s name Airways was truly history in the making, will continue to be displayed on Barca’s as this was the first time we entered into jerseys. The airline will also feature such a landmark sports partnership. the team in its very own safety video, “We feel very proud of the milestones shown to all passengers before depar- achieved by the team during the last few ture, which also became a hit across ššAkbar Al Baker, left, shakes hands with Barcelona’s Marketing and Communication years and it’s a great honour to have the all social media channels. DSP Vice-President Manel Arroyo after renewing the deal.

Abdulrab moves QNB and Trabzonspor sign deal to Jaish on loan

IDDLE East and North Africa heights with our recently-selected board time for this sponsorship following its ATAR Cup winners El Jaish, region’s leading financial in- members, professional managers, a entrance into the Turkish market through who have qualified for the AFC Mstitution Qatar National Bank renovated technical team and a tal- Finansbank’s acquisition. QChampions League quarter- (QNB) became the main sponsor of ented pool of players. We’re honoured “Trabzonspor are considered one final, signed midfielder Mohammed popular Turkish club Trabzonspor last and happy to be going forward with an of the deep-rooted Turkish clubs with Abdulrab from Al Kharaitiyat on a week. esteemed partner such as QNB. a rich legacy, great future ambitions season-long loan deal. As per the deal signed in Istanbul “We’re celebrating our 50th anniver- and a wide support base, and that’s Abdulrab joined the Armymen’s train- by QNB Group Communications sary this year, and our first and fore- why we chose to support this distin- ing session last Sunday. General Manager Yousef Darwish and most target is to become the champi- guished club. The move isn’t new for The former Al Sadd player is Jaish’s Trabzonspor President Muharrem Usta, ons of the Turkish League. I would like the QNB Group, as it’s one of the main third recruitment of the pre-season, the bank will become the club’s jersey to thank QNB for sharing this vision sponsors of French football club Paris following the loan deals of defender sponsor for three years and have access and excitement with us,” he added. Saint-Germain, the Indonesian League, Dame Traore and midfielder Ahmed to advertising rights, public relations Darwish said, “We consider sports as and many other tournaments.” Maqsoud, both from Lekhwiya. DSP co-operation, social media and digi- one of the main pillars of its Corporate QNB’s presence in the Turkish mar- tal rights. Social Responsibility and one of the pre- ket is considered an important step for Commenting on the agreement, Usta ferred channels for its brand strategy, the group on its path toward global said, “We’re endeavoring to reach new and has thus chosen this as an optimal expansion.DSP

ššMohammed Abdulrab

Aspetar shares views in Vienna ššYousef Darwish, third right, and Muharrem Usta hold a team jersey at the Press conference. ATAR’S orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital Aspetar re- Qcently participated in the 21st Sheikh Saoud bin Khalid Al Thani will Sheikh Saoud continue as the president of Al Rayyan Arabi sign keeper Mubarak European College of Sport Science Sports Club after being re-elected for (ECSS) Congress in Vienna. stays as Rayyan the post at the General Assembly last Qatar Stars League side Al Arabi The ECSS Congress was aimed at Sunday. signed goalkeeper Mohammed providing a platform for exchange of president “I extend my thanks to the members Mubarak from relegated Qatar knowledge. of Al Rayyan who voted for me. God Sports Club last week. Aspetar’s specialists including Assistant willing, we’ll continue to build on the The Qatar international keeper Director of Exercise and Sports Science success of last season,” said Sheikh inked a one-year deal with Saoud. the Reds. Mubarak is the third Shaima Al Khaldi, Health Researcher Sheikh Saud was a strong presence in player to be roped by Arabi Abdulla Al Mohannadi, Research Rayyan’s successful Qatar Stars League this summer, following the Scientist Dr Julien Periard and Senior campaign, which saw them regain the accusations of Mohammed Juma Sports Dietitian Dr Richard Allison rep- title after a two-decade gap. DSP and Rami Fayez. DSP resented the hospital. DSP 8 Wednesday, July 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 9 Football Leicester boy Kante is Chelsea’s new signing

league games and made most overall Ken Ferris tackles and interceptions in the competition. His efforts saw him named in the Professional Footballers’ Association HELSEA signed France midfielder Team of the Year. N’Golo Kante from Premier “My first season in English football CLeague champions Leicester was very special and now I hope to go CONTETIONS! City on a five-year contract, the Lon- on to achieve even more during my New Chelsea manager Antonio Conte emphasises right team spirit and good organisation on pitch. doners said last week. time as a Chelsea player,” said Kante. Kante, 25, is new manager Antonio His campaign contrasted with Conte’s second acquisition, following Chelsea’s dismal season as they N HIS first Press conference as Bridge, but he believes the overall suc- I want to transfer this to my players, CONTE FACT FILE Olympique Marseille’s Belgium striker finished 10th and failed to qual- Chelsea manager last week, An- cess of the side will be determined by and also to my fans because I suffer Full name Antonio Conte Michy Batshuayi, and arrives after play- ify for Europe. Itonio Conte discussed the tactical more significant factors. during a game. Date of birth July 31, 1969 ing at Euro 2016. Place of birth Lecce, Italy nous and unbridled passion which he “I think every manager has his own “I want my players to see this and Playing position Central midfielder “I’m so happy to have signed for one displayed at Euro 2016. methods, philosophies and ideas,” said also the fans to see this because we CAREER of the biggest clubs in Europe. It’s a Conte opted to deploy a wing-back Conte. “I want to transfer my meth- work very hard during the week to CLUB dream come true for me,” said Kante. The chance to work with 1985-91 Lecce system with three central defenders ods to the players and it’s important reach our targets. When that doesn’t 1991-2004 Juventus “The opportunity to work with Antonio Conte and some of the during three years of trophy-laden suc- to work on different aspects. We need happen, I’m not happy, but I fight with NATIONAL TEAM Conte, a brilliant coach, and some of best players was simply cess at Juventus, and then with his the mentality to become a difficult all my strength to reach victory with 1994–2000 Italy ‘The small flame the best players in the world was sim- too good to turn down. national team this summer. team during the game. my players.” TEAMS MANAGED ply too good to turn down.” 2006 Arezzo It worked to great effect during both “It’s also important to have players Above all, there is one word that 2007 Arezzo can grow into a The clubs did not disclose financial spells leaving pundits and supporters who give you great identity to bring stands out for Conte when he con- 2007-2009 Bari details, but media put the fee at £32m. Technical Director Michael alike to speculate whether he would your ideas and methods. To have play- siders what he can do to bring suc- 2009-2010 Atalanta blazing inferno’ Kante was Claudio Ranieri’s first sign- Emenalo said, “N’Golo is a fan- 2010-2011 Siena implement a similar formation at ers ready to fight, to play good football, cess in a league renowned for push- 2011-2014 Juventus ing at Leicester, joining for £6m after tastic signing. He’s a perfect fit in terms Chelsea. Conte had a clear answer. and transfer our passion and emo- ing players to their limits. 2014-2016 Italy HELSEA’S new manager two seasons at Caen. of Antonio Conte’s philosophies. “Usually when I arrive at a new team, “I’m a worker. I know only this road 2016- Chelsea Antonio Conte said he was He had a successful season last term, “For a player of his age, he has already I search to find the right position for to win, to get this club competing very Cborn with pressure and the helping the 5,000-1 outsiders win the built up a wealth of experience and his the players,” said Conte. I’m a worker. I know only soon, to play in the Champions League, new challenge excited him. title for the first time before joining up exceptional quality will without doubt “When I was in Italy, I liked to say the to win the title. I know only this verb “I’m excited for this moment and with France. be a great addition to the team.” coach is like a tailor. You must build this road to win, to get — work, work, work. to start a new season with Chelsea. Kante played in the opening match, Born in Paris, Kante played for ama- the best dress for the team. You’ve to this club competing very “Usually, if you’ve great organisa- It’s a new chapter in my life, for my but was banned for the quarterfinal, teur side Suresnes until he was 19 when respect the characteristics and talents soon to win the title. tion and talent of the players, and career, for me and for my family,” came on towards the end in the semi- he moved north to join Boulogne. He of the players, and then you decide. you also run more than the oth- said Conte. final and was an unused substitute in was spotted by second-tier Caen and “In the past, I started my season with ers, then you’ve more probabil- “I’m very happy to start working the final, which the hosts lost 0-1 to moved to the Normandy club and helped other teams with one idea of football, tion to the fans is the most important ity of winning. For this reason, in a fantastic country and fantas- Portugal in extra time. them earn promotion to Ligue 1 in his and then I changed it because I saw the thing,” he said. I like to work on all aspects tic league. I think that this league Kante played in all but one of Leicester’s first season. ššN’Golo Kante system for these players wasn’t good. Anyone who saw Conte in France — tactical, technical, phys- is the most difficult in the world “Three at the back, four at the back as he impressively guided his nation ical and mental. because there’re six or seven teams — it’s not important. What’s impor- to the last eight of the tournament “The Premier League is that can win the title. Chelsea are tant is the right spirit and to give good would not have missed his animated very tough in a physical a great team and I’m very proud to organisation and good training on tac- demeanour on the sidelines. aspect, with high inten- be their new coach. Terry to remain tical and physical aspects. I think I can “I don’t know if it’s a good thing or a sity. It’s very strong com- “It’s the right challenge and I’m improve my players a lot,” he said. bad thing, but I’m this,” he said. “I’ve pared to the other tour- sure with the players and club, all as Blues captain Conte is renowned for his tactical great passion for football, for my team, naments, so if you want together we can achieve satisfaction acumen, and ability to make changes for my work during a game. to win, you must play at the end of the season,” he said. ONG-SERVING defender John to formations and playing styles when “During the training session, I love to good and attrac- With the Blues having finished Terry will remain Chelsea’s cap- the need arises. Having used a three- stay with my players, to train together, tive football, but 10th last season, there is a desire Ltain in the coming season, new man defence with Italy at the Euro, it to play with them, to win with them, also you must’ve a to return to the European stage, in manager Antonio Conte said last week is perhaps natural to assume he will to lose — I hope not so much — with good physical con- particular the Champions League. at his first news conference since join- adopt a similar approach at Stamford them. I’m this. I’ve this passion and dition,” he added. Conte insisted his pressure came ing the Premier League club. from within, and explained why Terry, 35, signed a new one-year con- Willian signs new he was relishing the challenge of tract at Stamford Bridge in May to end improving the team’s fortunes. speculation that he was going to leave five-year contract WHAT CONTE SAID “The pressure for me isn’t impor- the London club after more than 700 tant because I was born with pres- appearances. He remains a firm favour- Brazilian playmaker Willian has agreed a new four-year contract with ON KANTE ON HIS FIRST MATCH ON ULTIMATE GOAL ON CUADRADO sure,” he said. “It’s normal because ite with the club’s fans. Chelsea, the Premier League club said I’m very happy the club The game against Rapid We’ll work very hard Cuadrado is a Chelsea when you’re a player or manager of “John Terry is captain of this team. last week. bought him. He’s a good Vienna was the first for because we want to player. He’ll come back a great club like Chelsea, you must He’s a great player with a great person- The 27-year-old, voted the London player and has great us, but I knew it would be come back and compete very soon. I’, very happy play to win the title or compete with ality and charisma. He knows the club. club’s Player of the Year last season technique, fantastic very difficult after three for the title until the end to have him and train other teams to win. For this reason, We take all decisions together with the by fans and team-mates, said it was “a stamina. To win, you need days of double training. I of the season. I know around. I wanted him dream to continue”. this type of players — don’t like to lose and it’s there’s a lot of work to do, when I was at Juventus. the situation excites me. club and I’m very happy John signed,” “We know this year won’t be easy said Conte. “Over the next four years, I’ll try to Kante, (Nemanja) Matic, the same for my players. but we’re ready. He’ll train and play with help the team win more trophies,” he and (John Obi) Mikel — We could learn a lot from us. for us. We must think about the pre- “I’m very pleased. I spoke with him added. who work hard for the it. sent and work hard to achieve some- (Terry) many times. And for me, the Willian joined Chelsea in 2013 and team. thing important for us, the club and most important thing was that when was the standout performer last fans,” he added. he signed, John was very, very happy,” season in what turned out to be a ššJohn Terry added Conte. wretched campaign for them. 8 Wednesday, July 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 9 Football Leicester boy Kante is Chelsea’s new signing

league games and made most overall Ken Ferris tackles and interceptions in the competition. His efforts saw him named in the Professional Footballers’ Association HELSEA signed France midfielder Team of the Year. N’Golo Kante from Premier “My first season in English football CLeague champions Leicester was very special and now I hope to go CONTETIONS! City on a five-year contract, the Lon- on to achieve even more during my New Chelsea manager Antonio Conte emphasises right team spirit and good organisation on pitch. doners said last week. time as a Chelsea player,” said Kante. Kante, 25, is new manager Antonio His campaign contrasted with Conte’s second acquisition, following Chelsea’s dismal season as they N HIS first Press conference as Bridge, but he believes the overall suc- I want to transfer this to my players, CONTE FACT FILE Olympique Marseille’s Belgium striker finished 10th and failed to qual- Chelsea manager last week, An- cess of the side will be determined by and also to my fans because I suffer Full name Antonio Conte Michy Batshuayi, and arrives after play- ify for Europe. Itonio Conte discussed the tactical more significant factors. during a game. Date of birth July 31, 1969 ing at Euro 2016. Place of birth Lecce, Italy nous and unbridled passion which he “I think every manager has his own “I want my players to see this and Playing position Central midfielder “I’m so happy to have signed for one displayed at Euro 2016. methods, philosophies and ideas,” said also the fans to see this because we CAREER of the biggest clubs in Europe. It’s a Conte opted to deploy a wing-back Conte. “I want to transfer my meth- work very hard during the week to CLUB dream come true for me,” said Kante. The chance to work with 1985-91 Lecce system with three central defenders ods to the players and it’s important reach our targets. When that doesn’t 1991-2004 Juventus “The opportunity to work with Antonio Conte and some of the during three years of trophy-laden suc- to work on different aspects. We need happen, I’m not happy, but I fight with NATIONAL TEAM Conte, a brilliant coach, and some of best players was simply cess at Juventus, and then with his the mentality to become a difficult all my strength to reach victory with 1994–2000 Italy ‘The small flame the best players in the world was sim- too good to turn down. national team this summer. team during the game. my players.” TEAMS MANAGED ply too good to turn down.” 2006 Arezzo It worked to great effect during both “It’s also important to have players Above all, there is one word that 2007 Arezzo can grow into a The clubs did not disclose financial spells leaving pundits and supporters who give you great identity to bring stands out for Conte when he con- 2007-2009 Bari details, but media put the fee at £32m. Technical Director Michael alike to speculate whether he would your ideas and methods. To have play- siders what he can do to bring suc- 2009-2010 Atalanta blazing inferno’ Kante was Claudio Ranieri’s first sign- Emenalo said, “N’Golo is a fan- 2010-2011 Siena implement a similar formation at ers ready to fight, to play good football, cess in a league renowned for push- 2011-2014 Juventus ing at Leicester, joining for £6m after tastic signing. He’s a perfect fit in terms Chelsea. Conte had a clear answer. and transfer our passion and emo- ing players to their limits. 2014-2016 Italy HELSEA’S new manager two seasons at Caen. of Antonio Conte’s philosophies. “Usually when I arrive at a new team, “I’m a worker. I know only this road 2016- Chelsea Antonio Conte said he was He had a successful season last term, “For a player of his age, he has already I search to find the right position for to win, to get this club competing very Cborn with pressure and the helping the 5,000-1 outsiders win the built up a wealth of experience and his the players,” said Conte. I’m a worker. I know only soon, to play in the Champions League, new challenge excited him. title for the first time before joining up exceptional quality will without doubt “When I was in Italy, I liked to say the to win the title. I know only this verb “I’m excited for this moment and with France. be a great addition to the team.” coach is like a tailor. You must build this road to win, to get — work, work, work. to start a new season with Chelsea. Kante played in the opening match, Born in Paris, Kante played for ama- the best dress for the team. You’ve to this club competing very “Usually, if you’ve great organisa- It’s a new chapter in my life, for my but was banned for the quarterfinal, teur side Suresnes until he was 19 when respect the characteristics and talents soon to win the title. tion and talent of the players, and career, for me and for my family,” came on towards the end in the semi- he moved north to join Boulogne. He of the players, and then you decide. you also run more than the oth- said Conte. final and was an unused substitute in was spotted by second-tier Caen and “In the past, I started my season with ers, then you’ve more probabil- “I’m very happy to start working the final, which the hosts lost 0-1 to moved to the Normandy club and helped other teams with one idea of football, tion to the fans is the most important ity of winning. For this reason, in a fantastic country and fantas- Portugal in extra time. them earn promotion to Ligue 1 in his and then I changed it because I saw the thing,” he said. I like to work on all aspects tic league. I think that this league Kante played in all but one of Leicester’s first season. ššN’Golo Kante system for these players wasn’t good. Anyone who saw Conte in France — tactical, technical, phys- is the most difficult in the world “Three at the back, four at the back as he impressively guided his nation ical and mental. because there’re six or seven teams — it’s not important. What’s impor- to the last eight of the tournament “The Premier League is that can win the title. Chelsea are tant is the right spirit and to give good would not have missed his animated very tough in a physical a great team and I’m very proud to organisation and good training on tac- demeanour on the sidelines. aspect, with high inten- be their new coach. Terry to remain tical and physical aspects. I think I can “I don’t know if it’s a good thing or a sity. It’s very strong com- “It’s the right challenge and I’m improve my players a lot,” he said. bad thing, but I’m this,” he said. “I’ve pared to the other tour- sure with the players and club, all as Blues captain Conte is renowned for his tactical great passion for football, for my team, naments, so if you want together we can achieve satisfaction acumen, and ability to make changes for my work during a game. to win, you must play at the end of the season,” he said. ONG-SERVING defender John to formations and playing styles when “During the training session, I love to good and attrac- With the Blues having finished Terry will remain Chelsea’s cap- the need arises. Having used a three- stay with my players, to train together, tive football, but 10th last season, there is a desire Ltain in the coming season, new man defence with Italy at the Euro, it to play with them, to win with them, also you must’ve a to return to the European stage, in manager Antonio Conte said last week is perhaps natural to assume he will to lose — I hope not so much — with good physical con- particular the Champions League. at his first news conference since join- adopt a similar approach at Stamford them. I’m this. I’ve this passion and dition,” he added. Conte insisted his pressure came ing the Premier League club. from within, and explained why Terry, 35, signed a new one-year con- Willian signs new he was relishing the challenge of tract at Stamford Bridge in May to end improving the team’s fortunes. speculation that he was going to leave five-year contract WHAT CONTE SAID “The pressure for me isn’t impor- the London club after more than 700 tant because I was born with pres- appearances. He remains a firm favour- Brazilian playmaker Willian has agreed a new four-year contract with ON KANTE ON HIS FIRST MATCH ON ULTIMATE GOAL ON CUADRADO sure,” he said. “It’s normal because ite with the club’s fans. Chelsea, the Premier League club said I’m very happy the club The game against Rapid We’ll work very hard Cuadrado is a Chelsea when you’re a player or manager of “John Terry is captain of this team. last week. bought him. He’s a good Vienna was the first for because we want to player. He’ll come back a great club like Chelsea, you must He’s a great player with a great person- The 27-year-old, voted the London player and has great us, but I knew it would be come back and compete very soon. I’, very happy play to win the title or compete with ality and charisma. He knows the club. club’s Player of the Year last season technique, fantastic very difficult after three for the title until the end to have him and train other teams to win. For this reason, We take all decisions together with the by fans and team-mates, said it was “a stamina. To win, you need days of double training. I of the season. I know around. I wanted him dream to continue”. this type of players — don’t like to lose and it’s there’s a lot of work to do, when I was at Juventus. the situation excites me. club and I’m very happy John signed,” “We know this year won’t be easy said Conte. “Over the next four years, I’ll try to Kante, (Nemanja) Matic, the same for my players. but we’re ready. He’ll train and play with help the team win more trophies,” he and (John Obi) Mikel — We could learn a lot from us. for us. We must think about the pre- “I’m very pleased. I spoke with him added. who work hard for the it. sent and work hard to achieve some- (Terry) many times. And for me, the Willian joined Chelsea in 2013 and team. thing important for us, the club and most important thing was that when was the standout performer last fans,” he added. he signed, John was very, very happy,” season in what turned out to be a ššJohn Terry added Conte. wretched campaign for them. 10 Wednesday, July 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 11 Football

EIGHT TALKING POINTS

TEAM SELECTION AND TACTICS striker. The Africa Cup of Nations will remember he had broken into winner also displayed his technique, the first team midway through Where do you start with this? The particularly during a moment in last season, but an injury suffered manager appeared to favour a fluid the first half when he knocked the during the FA Cup fifth-round win at 4-2-3-1 formation which the players ball over a defender’s head, spun Shrewsbury Town in February ruled looked more than comfortable and controlled it before distributing him out for the remainder of the ‘n’ against the Championship to another team-mate. It was a campaign. opposition. It has been used before, small moment of class. Henrikh of course, but Mourinho admitted Mkhitaryan also caught the eye BOYS BUILD UP THEIR BODIES Short sweet! he was pleased by the little nuances during his first-half outing for the What did the players do this that his players had already adopted club, creating an early chance for summer? Judging by their ššJose Mourinho from his 10 training sessions. New manager Jose Mourinho is off to a winning start at Manchester United Dutch winger Memphis Depay. appearances in Wigan, it seems JOSE LIKES TO BE CLOSE that Adnan Januzaj and Tim Fosu- A SHAW STUFFED WITH POSITIVES Mensah spent theirs in the gym, United fans will no doubt have OSE Mourinho’s first game as The game, arranged at short notice much to the work put in by Mourinho MOURINHO SPEAKS This was a sight to behold following working hard on building up their enjoyed the sight of Mourinho Manchester United manager to give Mourinho extra competition on the training ground with his new Shaw’s long rehabilitation from bodies. Both looked like they have watching the entire match from his Jended in a short trip and comfort- prior to his team leaving for a tour of charges. Jose Mourinho was understandably the double leg fracture that he matured. Well done lads! technical area. The 53-year-old was delighted after seeing his Manchester suffered while playing against PSV able 2-0 victory over newly-promoted China, was predictably low-key. A well-worked free-kick saw Mata dressed casually in a club tracksuit United side beat Wigan Athletic in his Eindhoven in the Champions League PHIL’S NEW HAIR STYLE Championship side Wigan Athletic at But it still represented a winning start pick out Ander Herrera in the Wigan and did not sit down once, virtually first game in charge. This is what he last September. The 21-year-old has Okay, so this is not exactly a major their DW Stadium. to his reign as United manager as the penalty area and, after his shot was kicking every ball. had to say. worked hard on his comeback and talking point to stir debate. In case Goals early in the second half from 5,500 United supporters in attendance blocked, Brazilian Pereira was handed SUMMER SIGNINGS IMPRESS his reward was a start at the DW you did not know, Phil Jones had Will Keane and Andreas Pereira secured welcomed him by chanting his name the simple opportunity to sweep the Stadium and his performance was dyed his hair blond in a throwback KICKING OFF WITH A WIN Ivory Coast international victory for United who parted company within the opening minute. ball in from a dozen yards. stuffed with positives. Welcome to his early seasons at United. with former manager Louis van Gaal Otherwise, the game was a typical I’m very happy. The result is obviously Eric Bailly produced back, Luke! a commanding AWAY FANS ARE AWESOME after winning the FA Cup on their last pre-season affair, with Mourinho mak- not the most important thing, but it’s performance at centre- A BIG DAY FOR KEANE always important. I’m happy because Around 7,000 United fans completed competitive outing two months ago. ing seven half-time substitutions, and back and comfortably Goals early in the second there were things we tried in training It was a mere tap-in past a stranded the short journey to the DW Stadium It was a weakened United line-up at swapping all 11 players before the end extinguished the fire of around some principles of our play goalkeeper, but Will Keane’s second- and that is worth celebrating. the disposal of their new manager, given half from Will Keane and of the 90 minutes. Will Grigg, the much- ššHenrikh Mkhitaryan defensively and offensively, and I half goal would have meant a lot to Mourinho was the subject of most Andreas Pereira secured serenaded Wigan and that 14 players who represented their Interestingly, Ivory Coast defender could see them. They weren’t perfect, the striker following his frustrating chants and he was more than happy Northern Ireland countries in the European Championship victory for United. Bailly, a new arrival from Villarreal, played of course, because the conditions spell on the treatment table. Fans to respond with a customary wave. and Copa America this summer were longer than any other outfield player, aren’t the best with only 10 days of Mkhitaryan fast unavailable, and have yet to return to seeing out 82 minutes of the contest training, accumulation of fatigue and no sharpness, so it takes time. training. The victory will doubtless have pleased as Mourinho presumably attempts to But I could see things that showed settling down Nevertheless, it is a sign of the strength Mourinho even if the opening goal was acclimatise him to the English game. the players were starting to think in in depth that Mourinho will have at his a gift from veteran Wigan goalkeeper But the Special One will neverthe- the way I think about football. That NE of the positives from call this season that the starting line-up Jussi Jaaskelainen, who made an appall- less have gained satisfaction, and infor- pleased me. Everybody played the Luke back and Shaws promise! Manchester United’s win over he selected still boasted summer signing clearance directly to Juan Mata who mation, from the game with new play- match and everyone had a positive OWigan Athletic was the first- ings Eric Bailly, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and squared for Keane to convert after 48 maker Henrikh Mkhitaryan, the first performance. half performance of Henrikh Mkhi- England left-back Luke Shaw, return- minutes. Armenian to play in the Premier League, THUMBS-UP FOR NEW BOYS OSE Mourinho paid tribute to go step by step.” taryan, who impressed supporters ing after 10 months out of action with Ten minutes later, United doubled their particularly bright in the exchanges. England left-back Luke Shaw Shaw, 21, looked composed and fit, with a menacingly creative display. Henrikh Mkhitaryan is a top-class a broken leg. advantage with a goal that clearly owed Jas he continued his comeback even in such low-key surroundings, The Armenian, Jose Mourinho’s sum- player. He’s magnificent in the way he from a 10-month injury lay-off in the and is clearly relishing the challenge mer signing from Borussia Dortmund, şšManchester thinks about the game. It’s so sweet United’s Memphis how he touches the ball. He can play new Manchester United manager’s of re-establishing himself in the United started as a No.10 and quickly created Depay, right, vies in different positions behind the first game in charge. line-up. an excellent opportunity for Memphis with Wigan’s Craig striker. He doesn’t have the sharpness Morgan. Shaw, out since suffering a double “I’m just looking forward and to carry Depay, before missing the target him- yet, but his performance was very leg break in a Champions League tie on doing what I did last year from the self when meeting a cross. positive. With Eric Bailly, the way the at PSV Eindhoven, came through the He was taken off at half-time as fans showed how much they liked his first 45 minutes against Wigan. one of seven planned substitutions performance when I substituted him is enough. Of course, he’s a very young “When I found Luke at the ground, it He sacrificed his holiday, and Mourinho praised his unofficial boy coming from a very different was a surprise for me because I thought debut after the match, describing him environment, but you could see what he couldn’t be ready to train without stayed in Manchester as a top-class player with a magnifi- he’s at this moment. I’ll give him any type of limitation, but he did fan- and was at the training cent brain. everything to try to make him better, tastic in the summer,” said Mourinho. ground every day. Mkhitaryan said, “I would say it was like I did with other central defenders “He sacrificed his holiday, stayed in a good game. The first half was a little I’ve had in my hands. Manchester and was at the training bit difficult because we couldn’t score FANTASTIC SUPPORTERS ground every day, putting himself in start,” said Shaw. a goal. But whatever, we made a good Best of all was something that I condition. Of course, you lose a bit of “Everyone helped me from the club, game and thank you to my team-mates. never had before — a friendly match sharpness and confidence, that’s nor- and my family and friends played a I was trying to feel comfortable.” which I could call a training session mal, but he’s trying hard. massive part in helping me through. Asked about how he is settling in at against opposition and yet there “He was mad to play for more than So a big thanks to all them. his new club, the 27-year-old said, “I’m were so many supporters who gave just 45 minutes. But, for me, it’s bet- “I don’t want to put things in my mind. trying, because the first days are always permanent support to the team. ter 45 safe minutes than more, so let’s I’m going to take it as it comes,” he added. ššLuke Shaw very difficult. You’ve to get to know There was the manifestation of happiness from them about a few your team-mates and their qualities. things they could see in the team. So I’m trying to learn everything very Zlatan Ibrahimovic has set a social six most popular Instagram posts. quickly. Game by game it’ll be better. YOUNGSTERS DELIVER Red-hot media record at Manchester United, Furthermore, nine of a much- Of course, we’re getting ready for the You can play 90 minutes or one after confirmation of his arrival at changed top 10 all include new new season, so we’re trying to do eve- minute and sometimes one minute Ibra sets Old Trafford became the club’s most recruits in the form of Ibrahimovic, rything the coach is asking from us”. is enough. With Axel Tuanzebe, 10 popular Instagram post of all time. manager Jose Mourinho and the club’s The victory at the DW Stadium was social media The photo of the Swede holding latest signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan. minutes is enough! The potential is cheered by around 7,000 United fans there, you could see it immediately. aloft his Reds shirt has earned over half Topping the Instagram chart is not You know him better than me as record a million ‘likes’ since it was posted on the first benchmark Ibrahimovic has and Mkhitaryan was grateful to play you’ve known him for a few years. July 1, which was the day he signed his set during his short time with the in front of such support. “It’s always a Andreas Pereira has lots of talent. He contract at the Aon Training Complex. Reds, after he broke the club’s power pleasure to see fans during the away has incredible vision and technique. Four entries involving Ibrahimovic record during his medical earlier this games. So I’m happy and I thank them

Reuters/ Lee Smith Reuters/ That’s just talking about two players. are now among Manchester United’s month. for coming,” he concluded. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 11

EIGHT TALKING POINTS

NE of the positives from Luke back and Shaws promise! Manchester United’s win over OWigan Athletic was the first- half performance of Henrikh Mkhi- OSE Mourinho paid tribute to go step by step.” taryan, who impressed supporters England left-back Luke Shaw Shaw, 21, looked composed and fit, with a menacingly creative display. Jas he continued his comeback even in such low-key surroundings, The Armenian, Jose Mourinho’s sum- from a 10-month injury lay-off in the and is clearly relishing the challenge mer signing from Borussia Dortmund, new Manchester United manager’s of re-establishing himself in the United started as a No.10 and quickly created first game in charge. line-up. an excellent opportunity for Memphis Shaw, out since suffering a double “I’m just looking forward and to carry Depay, before missing the target him- leg break in a Champions League tie on doing what I did last year from the self when meeting a cross. at PSV Eindhoven, came through the He was taken off at half-time as first 45 minutes against Wigan. one of seven planned substitutions “When I found Luke at the ground, it He sacrificed his holiday, and Mourinho praised his unofficial was a surprise for me because I thought debut after the match, describing him he couldn’t be ready to train without stayed in Manchester as a top-class player with a magnifi- any type of limitation, but he did fan- and was at the training cent brain. tastic in the summer,” said Mourinho. ground every day. Mkhitaryan said, “I would say it was “He sacrificed his holiday, stayed in a good game. The first half was a little Manchester and was at the training bit difficult because we couldn’t score ground every day, putting himself in start,” said Shaw. a goal. But whatever, we made a good condition. Of course, you lose a bit of “Everyone helped me from the club, game and thank you to my team-mates. sharpness and confidence, that’s nor- and my family and friends played a I was trying to feel comfortable.” mal, but he’s trying hard. massive part in helping me through. Asked about how he is settling in at “He was mad to play for more than So a big thanks to all them. his new club, the 27-year-old said, “I’m just 45 minutes. But, for me, it’s bet- “I don’t want to put things in my mind. trying, because the first days are always ter 45 safe minutes than more, so let’s I’m going to take it as it comes,” he added. ššLuke Shaw very difficult. You’ve to get to know your team-mates and their qualities. So I’m trying to learn everything very Zlatan Ibrahimovic has set a social six most popular Instagram posts. quickly. Game by game it’ll be better. Red-hot media record at Manchester United, Furthermore, nine of a much- Of course, we’re getting ready for the after confirmation of his arrival at changed top 10 all include new new season, so we’re trying to do eve- Ibra sets Old Trafford became the club’s most recruits in the form of Ibrahimovic, rything the coach is asking from us”. popular Instagram post of all time. manager Jose Mourinho and the club’s The victory at the DW Stadium was social media The photo of the Swede holding latest signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan. cheered by around 7,000 United fans aloft his Reds shirt has earned over half Topping the Instagram chart is not record a million ‘likes’ since it was posted on the first benchmark Ibrahimovic has and Mkhitaryan was grateful to play July 1, which was the day he signed his set during his short time with the in front of such support. “It’s always a contract at the Aon Training Complex. Reds, after he broke the club’s power pleasure to see fans during the away Four entries involving Ibrahimovic record during his medical earlier this games. So I’m happy and I thank them are now among Manchester United’s month. for coming,” he concluded. 12 Wednesday, July 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 13 Football

Shevchenko new Van Gaal favourite to manage Ukraine coach KRAINE’S former striker Andriy Shevchenko was appointed na- Belgium’s special generation Utional team manager last week BIG SAM ON POLE to replace Mykhailo Fomenko, who quit after Euro 2016. Sunderland’s Sam Allardyce is the favourite to ššAhmed Musa ELGIUM will look to appoint a environment because the players he’s communicator,” added Van Puyvelde. Shevchenko, 39, Ukraine’s record scorer coach with proven international working with are used to working at a “It doesn’t have to be a Belgian. We’re and who also played for Dynamo Kiev, succeed Roy Hodgson as England manager. Bexperience, their football as- high level. in an open process. I think we’ll get top AC Milan and Chelsea, was officially pre- Keen to cut rivals sociation said last week as they begin “We’ve a special generation and they candidates for the job because we’re sented by the country’s football head the search to replace Marc Wilmots. need to be allowed to also take deci- No.2 in the world.” Andriy Pavelko. AM Allardyce looks to be in that this process is causing and bring down to size! Former Manchester United boss Louis sions of their own.” Former international goalkeeper Michel Fomenko resigned after pole position to become the about a swift resolution to the matter.” van Gaal has been linked with the job Belgium’s Euro 2016 squad featured Preud’homme, who led Club Bruges to Ukraine finished bottom of Snext England manager after his Allardyce, who apart from an Irish and Belgian FA president Francois de some of the continent’s best talents such the Belgian championship in May, was Group C without a point at club Sunderland revealed last week championship with Limerick City in Steve Madeley Keersmaecker said he would be a “poten- as Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard, keeper among the early favourites. Euro 2016, having failed they granted at his request permission 1992 has never won a major domes- tial candidate” if he chose to apply. Thibaut Courtois and Manchester City His club president ruled him out of to score a goal in their to speak to the Football Association. tic trophy, is one of several names who The world’s No.2 ranked team began winger Kevin de Bruyne, yet they exited the running, however, saying he would three matches in The 61-year-old Englishman, who have been linked with one of the trick- the task of searching for a new coach meekly in a 1-3 defeat to Wales. France. was interviewed for the England job 10 iest jobs in the sport. EICESTER’S record signing Ahmed after Wilmots was sacked in the wake “We also want someone who is an open years ago but lost out to Steve McClaren, A fellow former no-nonsense central Musa admits the best decision he of Belgium’s Euro 2016 quarterfinal exit I think we’ll get top spoke with the three-man FA panel defender Steve Bruce, now manager of Lever made was giving up goalkeep- to underdogs Wales. candidates for the job about succeeding Roy Hodgson, who Hull, young Englishman Eddie Howe, ing to become a striker so feared that An exacting criteria has been put in Kluivert takes up resigned after England were beaten by who has impressed at Bournemouth, he is looking to make an immediate place by the Belgian FA (KBVB), whose because we’re currently Iceland in the Euro 2016 last-16 clash. impact on the Premier League. Technical Director Chris van Puyvelde ranked No.2 in the world. PSG director’s job Sunderland, who Allardyce saved The 23-year-old Nigeria international said they were looking for someone to from relegation last term, made clear Allardyce generally moved to the King Power Stadium for get the most from a “special genera- RENCH champions Paris Saint- they wished the situation to be resolved £16.5m from CSKA Moscow earlier tion” of players. have to respect his contract with Bruges. Germain have appointed former engenders respect as quickly as possible so they can pre- this month and, having given up his “It’s an open process; I expect my mail- At a news conference where Wilmots’s FDutch international Patrick Kluiv- pare for another tough campaign in and is seen as a great goalkeeping ambitions as a school- box is going to be flooded,” said Puyvelde, departure was confirmed, a reporter ert as the club’s director of football, the the Premier League. motivator of players. boy because of his diminutive stature, who will oversee the selection process. asked KBVB President Francois De Ligue 1 side said. “The Football Association contacted the 5ft 7in tall forward has no worries “We want a candidate to have expe- Keersmaecker if Van Gaal, who was The former Ajax and Barcelona striker Sunderland AFC to seek permission to about coping with the physical chal- rience and to have already achieved sacked by Manchester United in May, had a coaching stint at Curacao and was speak with our manager as part of what and former manager Glenn Hoddle lenge of the English top flight. results in international football. He was a candidate for the job. an assistant for Louis van Gaal with the was supposed to be a confidential dis- have all figured in talk about the job. Musa became a striker while still at must play modern football. He must “Van Gaal might be a potential Netherlands national team. cussion process with potential candi- Allardyce looks the frontrunner despite school when he decided to hang up show tactical acumen and flexibil- candidate,” De Keersmaecker said. “I’m extremely honoured to join such dates for the position of England man- not winning anything significant in his his goalkeeping gloves. ity to adapt because no one game or “We’ll see if he puts himself for- a great club as Paris Saint-Germain and ager,” read a statement from Sunderland. managerial career with among others “I was a goalie between 10 and 12,” no opponent are ever the same. He ward as a candidate. If he does, then to take on the role of director of foot- “At Sam Allardyce’s request, we agreed Bolton, Newcastle, Blackburn and West he revealed. must also deliver a high-performance we’ll evaluate his candidacy.” ball,” said Kluivert. “I’ll conduct my to this. Ham, he generally engenders respect and “But changing was the best decision mission with great ambition and rigor. “Sam is very much key to our plans. is seen as a great motivator of players. of my life because I would never have “We’re all in Paris to reach the very After what was an extremely challeng- Since Swede Sven-Goran Eriksson been good enough to become a pro- high objectives set by the club and meet ing season, we’re keen to see a period guided England to the 2006 World Cup fessional goalkeeper. the expectations of the players and sup- of stability, both on and off the field, quarterfinal, losing to Portugal on pen- “It was difficult at first, but then you First El Clasico to Balotelli can leave: porters alike.” and we want him to remain as man- alties, they have either failed to qualify get used to the fact you aren’t very big. PSG appointed former Sevilla boss ager of our football club. for a championship — Euro 2008 which A lot of people used to tell me ‘Musa, be in December Liverpool manager Unai Emery as coach last month. “The ongoing speculation over cost McClaren his job — or failed to get you’re too small to be a striker. Sam’s position is extremely damag- past the first knockout stage in the sub- “But I said, ‘It doesn’t matter what PANISH football’s El Clasico IERY Italian striker Mario Balo- ing to Sunderland AFC, particularly at sequent two Euros and two World Cups size you’re, it’s what you can do that encounters between Barce- telli’s unhappy spell at English this crucial time of the season and we under the autocratic Fabio Capello and matters’. I think I’m like (Jamie) Vardy. Slona and Real Madrid, two of FPremier League side Liverpool Injured Robben set urge the FA to respect the disruption then Hodgson. ššSam Allardyce I’ve speed, I like to work hard,” he said. the most-anticipated games of the is over, with manager Jurgen Klopp 2016-17 league season, will happen saying last week that he should find to miss six weeks in December and April. a new team. LEADING CANDIDATES FOR ENGLAND JOB Defending champions Barca host Balotelli, 25, scored only four times AYERN Munich winger Arjen Real on December 4 at the Camp Nou. for Liverpool since Klopp’s predeces- Robben has been ruled out for SAM ALLARDYCE EDDIE HOWE STEVE BRUCE GLENN HODDLE The reverse fixture will take place on sor Brendan Rodgers bought him from Baround six weeks after sustaining a SUNDERLAND BOURNEMOUTH HULL UNATTACHED April 23 at the Bernabeu stadium, the Manchester City in 2014 and was loaned groin muscle injury in last week’s friendly The one surefire candidate as his club The young buck greatly admired for what Similar in mould to Allardyce, another For a man ridiculed over his beliefs, Spanish Football Federation confirmed out to AC Milan last term. against lower division side Lippstadt. helpfully revealed last week he had held he has achieved with limited resources at former rugged centre-back, although he including on reincarnation, this would be after the draw. He was not any more productive there Ba suffers horror The 32-year-old, who made only 15 talks with the three wise men on the FA Bournemouth in not only guiding them won considerably more silverware as a supreme vindication on every level. It would As the La Liga season kicks off, Barca either and was sent back to Liverpool league appearances in an injury-hit 2015- panel. The 61-year-old — inevitably dubbed to the Premier League for the first time, player at Manchester United. The 55-year- be his second incarnation as England will begin their title defence at home where the squad is undergoing pre-sea- leg break in China 16 season, scored once in Bayern’s 4-3 ‘Big Sam’ — is as uncompromising in his but keeping them up. The football he old has, like Allardyce, had a fair few clubs boss after the first ended 17 years ago to Real Betis on August 21. son training. win in manager Carlo Ancelotti’s first Former Chelsea striker Demba Ba has coaching style as he was as a central advocates has also won him admirers, but during his managerial career. But unlike the not because of poor results, but because Prior to that, the Catalan giants take “He’s (Balotelli) not at the stage game in charge, but was forced off defender, although he did modify his at just 38 his inexperience — despite being older Englishman, Bruce has come within a of remarks about disabled people. No suffered a horror leg break while playing direct approach a bit when asked to at a manager for seven years — will probably hair’s breadth of winning a trophy, his Hull doubting the 58-year-old has an acute on Sevilla in the two-legged final of of his career where he should be for Shanghai Shenhua in a Chinese Super after 35 minutes. West Ham. He rejected accusations from make the FA hesitate. His chances would side being beaten by Arsenal in extra-time football brain — which transferred neatly the Spanish Super Cup. battling with four or five play- League derby against Shanghai SIPG last “FC Bayern will be without Jose Mourinho that his team played “19th improve were he to keep Bournemouth up of the 2015 FA Cup. He has also managed to from his glorious playing days — but he has The opening leg will be played on ers for one or two posi- Sunday. Arjen Robben for the next Century football”. Has never won any again in the forthcoming season. On the regain their Premier League not held a managerial position August 14 at the Sanchez Pizjuan tions,” said Klopp. “So The 31-year-old Senegalese collapsed month-and-a-half after silverware in England, but is respected for other hand, the FA may feel that having status after just one for 10 years, since he was in Stadium while the return match will it’s clear we need a in the 63rd minute of his side’s 2-1 victory the Dutch winger sus- his ability to get the best out of players tried the foreign route and then the season in the second charge of Wolves. Has been a happen three days later in Barcelona. solution. There’ll after a challenge from Sun Xiang, with tained a groin muscle his left leg giving way beneath the knee even with limited ability. Question is: experienced hand in Fabio Capello tier. However, while TV pundit since and that — as League runners-up Real Madrid be a club who injury in the friendly Is he a better manager now than he and Hodgson — and seen them fail engaging and no fool, several have found, is not easy as he fell to the ground. was 10 years ago when he was also at major championships — why not there are question to transfer from the kick off their campaign, in what would be happy “It could end his professional career,” away to Lippstadt,” the interviewed for the top job and lost take a leap into the unknown with marks over his ability studio to the dugout. will be Zinedine Zidane’s first full to have the Shenhua coach Gregorio Manzano told club said in a state- out to Steve McClaren? a younger, to step up to the season in charge, away to Real new Mario reporters. “I would rather lose the game ment on its website English man. very top level. Sociedad. Balotelli.” than lose Ba.” (www.fcbayern.de). www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 13

Shevchenko new Van Gaal favourite to manage Ukraine coach KRAINE’S former striker Andriy Shevchenko was appointed na- Belgium’s special generation Utional team manager last week to replace Mykhailo Fomenko, who quit after Euro 2016. ELGIUM will look to appoint a environment because the players he’s communicator,” added Van Puyvelde. Shevchenko, 39, Ukraine’s record scorer coach with proven international working with are used to working at a “It doesn’t have to be a Belgian. We’re and who also played for Dynamo Kiev, Bexperience, their football as- high level. in an open process. I think we’ll get top AC Milan and Chelsea, was officially pre- sociation said last week as they begin “We’ve a special generation and they candidates for the job because we’re sented by the country’s football head the search to replace Marc Wilmots. need to be allowed to also take deci- No.2 in the world.” Andriy Pavelko. Former Manchester United boss Louis sions of their own.” Former international goalkeeper Michel Fomenko resigned after van Gaal has been linked with the job Belgium’s Euro 2016 squad featured Preud’homme, who led Club Bruges to Ukraine finished bottom of and Belgian FA president Francois de some of the continent’s best talents such the Belgian championship in May, was Group C without a point at Keersmaecker said he would be a “poten- as Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard, keeper among the early favourites. Euro 2016, having failed tial candidate” if he chose to apply. Thibaut Courtois and Manchester City His club president ruled him out of to score a goal in their The world’s No.2 ranked team began winger Kevin de Bruyne, yet they exited the running, however, saying he would three matches in the task of searching for a new coach meekly in a 1-3 defeat to Wales. France. after Wilmots was sacked in the wake “We also want someone who is an open of Belgium’s Euro 2016 quarterfinal exit I think we’ll get top to underdogs Wales. candidates for the job An exacting criteria has been put in Kluivert takes up place by the Belgian FA (KBVB), whose because we’re currently Technical Director Chris van Puyvelde ranked No.2 in the world. PSG director’s job said they were looking for someone to get the most from a “special genera- RENCH champions Paris Saint- tion” of players. have to respect his contract with Bruges. Germain have appointed former “It’s an open process; I expect my mail- At a news conference where Wilmots’s FDutch international Patrick Kluiv- box is going to be flooded,” said Puyvelde, departure was confirmed, a reporter ert as the club’s director of football, the who will oversee the selection process. asked KBVB President Francois De Ligue 1 side said. “We want a candidate to have expe- Keersmaecker if Van Gaal, who was The former Ajax and Barcelona striker rience and to have already achieved sacked by Manchester United in May, had a coaching stint at Curacao and was results in international football. He was a candidate for the job. an assistant for Louis van Gaal with the must play modern football. He must “Van Gaal might be a potential Netherlands national team. show tactical acumen and flexibil- candidate,” De Keersmaecker said. “I’m extremely honoured to join such ity to adapt because no one game or “We’ll see if he puts himself for- a great club as Paris Saint-Germain and no opponent are ever the same. He ward as a candidate. If he does, then to take on the role of director of foot- must also deliver a high-performance we’ll evaluate his candidacy.” ball,” said Kluivert. “I’ll conduct my mission with great ambition and rigor. “We’re all in Paris to reach the very high objectives set by the club and meet the expectations of the players and sup- First El Clasico to Balotelli can leave: porters alike.” PSG appointed former Sevilla boss be in December Liverpool manager Unai Emery as coach last month.

PANISH football’s El Clasico IERY Italian striker Mario Balo- encounters between Barce- telli’s unhappy spell at English Slona and Real Madrid, two of FPremier League side Liverpool Injured Robben set the most-anticipated games of the is over, with manager Jurgen Klopp 2016-17 league season, will happen saying last week that he should find to miss six weeks in December and April. a new team. Defending champions Barca host Balotelli, 25, scored only four times AYERN Munich winger Arjen Real on December 4 at the Camp Nou. for Liverpool since Klopp’s predeces- Robben has been ruled out for The reverse fixture will take place on sor Brendan Rodgers bought him from Baround six weeks after sustaining a April 23 at the Bernabeu stadium, the Manchester City in 2014 and was loaned groin muscle injury in last week’s friendly Spanish Football Federation confirmed out to AC Milan last term. against lower division side Lippstadt. after the draw. He was not any more productive there Ba suffers horror The 32-year-old, who made only 15 As the La Liga season kicks off, Barca either and was sent back to Liverpool league appearances in an injury-hit 2015- will begin their title defence at home where the squad is undergoing pre-sea- leg break in China 16 season, scored once in Bayern’s 4-3 to Real Betis on August 21. son training. win in manager Carlo Ancelotti’s first Former Chelsea striker Demba Ba has Prior to that, the Catalan giants take “He’s (Balotelli) not at the stage suffered a horror leg break while playing game in charge, but was forced off on Sevilla in the two-legged final of of his career where he should be for Shanghai Shenhua in a Chinese Super after 35 minutes. the Spanish Super Cup. battling with four or five play- League derby against Shanghai SIPG last “FC Bayern will be without The opening leg will be played on ers for one or two posi- Sunday. Arjen Robben for the next August 14 at the Sanchez Pizjuan tions,” said Klopp. “So The 31-year-old Senegalese collapsed month-and-a-half after Stadium while the return match will it’s clear we need a in the 63rd minute of his side’s 2-1 victory the Dutch winger sus- happen three days later in Barcelona. solution. There’ll after a challenge from Sun Xiang, with tained a groin muscle his left leg giving way beneath the knee League runners-up Real Madrid be a club who as he fell to the ground. injury in the friendly kick off their campaign, in what would be happy “It could end his professional career,” away to Lippstadt,” the will be Zinedine Zidane’s first full to have the Shenhua coach Gregorio Manzano told club said in a state- season in charge, away to Real new Mario reporters. “I would rather lose the game ment on its website Sociedad. Balotelli.” than lose Ba.” (www.fcbayern.de). 14 Wednesday, July 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 15 Olympics countdown

4-1-4 ‘More girls must Qatari athletes won four take up sports gold, one silver and four bronze at the Hiroshima in our country’ Asian Games in 1994

DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod The awareness of the positive effects HOUGH multi-discipline event of physical activity is on the rise in our triathlon has been an Olympic community, but it isn’t enough. Many Tsport since the Sydney Games in parents are still reluctant to send their 2000, it is not yet popular in Qatar. It is daughters to stadiums/indoor halls. I considered as a real test of an athlete’s hope this attitude changes. I want to endurance as the Olympic triathlon see more girls coming forward to take comprises three tough segments — up sports,” said Suleiman. 1.5km open water swimming, 43km cycling and a 10km run. Barring the Islamic Triathlon or a The Qatar Athletics GCC-level event, no championships are regularly held in the country. The Federation is directly International Triathlon Union (ITU) Attitude factor involved in the was formed in 1989, but Qatar is yet development of girls. to form a separate national federation Qatar’s first-ever Olympic medal winner for this sport. However, there is good news for tri- Mohammed Suleiman says the new generation’s lack of right “As you’re aware, we’ve a separate athlon fans as the Qatar Military Sports body (Qatar Women’s Sports Committee) Federation has decided to give a big attitude has halted the country’s progress to the pinnacle of Asian athletics. under the Qatar Olympic Committee boost to the sport. to manage our sportswomen. There’re “We, at the military sports federation, quite a few track-and-field stars among have formed a team which will repre- beyond with remarkable success. He’s also young, like some of his peers, used to train and rest. There was a dis- them. The Qatar Athletics Federation Many parents are sent Qatar in future international com- Kumar Ravi “Yes, we all have to change with the and could’ve had fun. But he didn’t lose ciplined lifestyle. Proper rest and sleep is directly involved in their develop- still reluctant to send petitions. We’re also planning to con- times, I agree. But the goal shouldn’t his direction. His eyes are firmly set on are very important for any sportsperson. ment, with our coaches and technical their daughters to duct regular competitions to further change — to reach the top. And remem- his goals. I’m sure, in Rio, he’ll improve Nowadays there’re too many distractions experts supporting them,” he added. stadiums/indoor popularise this sport,” said Mohammed ber, there’s no short cut to success. Hard on the bronze he won at London,” said — WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, etc. Four women represented Qatar at halls. I hope this Suleiman, who works as a Colonel with ALENT means a lot in anybody’s work and discipline are fundamental Suleiman. I would say half the information they the London Olympics in 2012, with attitude changes. the Qatari Armed Forces. DSP path to success, but it is not every- to it, for everybody. These’re the basic The winner of five gold medals at three gather from the internet is damaging shooter Bahiya Mansoor Al Hamad I want to see more Tthing. It alone does not guarantee ingredients and I’m disappointed that Asian Games, Suleiman said, compared them. The other day I heard the story being the flag bearer. Swimmer Nada girls coming forward triumph unless a person shows the right we could win only one more bronze to the past, present-day athletes were of a young athlete telling his coach that Mohammed Wafa Arkaji, athlete Noor to take up sports. mentality. Mohammed Suleiman, win- medal (by long jumper Mutaz Bashim getting more support from the national his training methods were wrong and Al Malki and table tennis player Aya ner of Qatar’s first-ever Olympic medal at the 2012 London Olympics) since federation, Qatar Olympic Committee that the internet offered better options! Majdi were the others. DSP Mohammed Suleiman (a bronze in 1500M at the Barcelona and other sources, but there were hardly “I’m not saying everything is bad with Games in 1992), feels it is the lack of a few who would make the most of these new technology. There’re positives too, right attitude among the new generation Those athletes who favourable conditions. but my appeal to the youngsters is not that has stalled the country’s rise to the “Our sport is more professional now, to get distracted. I want them to stay pinnacle of Asian athletics. stayed motivated and there’s more money in it, and has better focused on their goals and work hard. In an exclusive interview with Doha committed have always coaches and improved facilities. National I hope in future we’ll have an academy ‘We were lucky to be together’ Stadium Plus, Suleiman spoke at length ended up successful. federation and clubs are organising more exclusively for athletics, on the line of about the need for new crop of athletes competitions and providing better expo- Aspire, so that our young talents are to show more professionalism in their sure. The Schools Olympic Programme nurtured in the best possible manner,” ALKING about Qatar’s golden 1998 Bangkok. the 1980s and 90s. Look, we had a approach, golden era of Qatar athlet- I won the country’s first way back in also unearths new talents, but once they he concluded. DSP era in Asian athletics, say from “Perhaps our best haul was at the great football team in 1981 when ics, his dream of an exclusive academy 1992,” said Suleiman. reach 16-17 years or say complete school- Tmid-1980s to mid-1990s, Moham- Hiroshima Asiad, in 1994, where Talal we finished runners-up at the for track-and-field practitioners, and The first Asian to win a gold medal ing, their attention gets diverted. Only med Suleiman felt a great generation won the 100-200 double, Ibrahim the FIFA World Youth tournament. BIG PRIZES increased support to women athletes. in the IAAF World Cup, at Havana in a few are willing to work hard. The following is a list of major medals won by of athletes were lucky to be together gold in 400M and bronze in 200, I won Then came a long gap and we “I don’t think it’s fair to compare one 1992, Suleiman said those who stayed “They don’t realise the value of being a Mohammed Suleiman. during a particular period. the 1,500 and Ahmed Ibrahim the silver qualified for the final again only generation with another, but I would say motivated and committed have always world champion. Most of them want to OLYMPICS “Talal Mansoor, Ibrahim Ismail, Bilal in 5,000... altogether four gold, one sil- after 34 years in 2015! 1992 Barcelona Bronze 1,500M the present one isn’t showing the right succeeded irrespective of their times. take up some easy job. I’m disappointed IAAF WORLD CUP Sadd and myself emerged almost at the ver and four bronze in athletics,” said “In athletics, however, there was mentality. That’s why we’re not able to “Look, Mutaz is a new-generation that most of the parents don’t encour- 1992 Havana Gold 1,500M same time,” said Suleiman. Suleiman. some continuity even after we all build on the solid foundations provided athlete. He’s 100 per cent professional age their children to pursue a career in ASIAN GAMES “We were all Asian champions in He said Qatar achieved success in other retired. We had Abdulla Sheeb and 1990 Beijing Gold 1,500M by stars of our time,” said Suleiman, in his approach and shows total com- sports. This mentality has to change. 1990 Beijing Gold 5,000M our disciplines. Talal won the 100M sports disciplines as well in the past. the Al Noobi brothers Mubarak and who along with sprinter Talal Mansoor mitment. No wonder he has reached “The rapid change in our lifestyle has 1994 Hiroshima Gold 1,500M gold in three consecutive Asian Games “I would say we were lucky to be Abdulrahman to keep the Qatari flag and one-lap expert Ibrahim Ismail, kept the top. If there’s no pain, there’s no also adversely affected the growth of 1998 Bangkok Gold 1,500M (1986, 1990 and 1994). I won the 1,500- there together at the same period. I flying high. But then we really had a the Qatari flag flying high in Asia and gain. Look at the sacrifices he makes. budding talents. During my days, we 1998 Bangkok Gold 5,000M 5,000M double in 1990 in Beijing and think other sports too achieved a in big gap,” said Suleiman. DSP www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 15 Olympics countdown

4-1-4 ‘More girls must Qatari athletes won four take up sports gold, one silver and four bronze at the Hiroshima in our country’ Asian Games in 1994

DAY after Saudi Arabia announced it would send four A women to next month’s Olym- pics in Rio de Janeiro, Qatar Athletics Federation Assistant General Secretary Mohammed Suleiman said he would Military federation like to see more Qatari girls taking up to give triathlon a sports. “There’s an increasing number of big boost in Qatar girls practising different sports in Qatar. The awareness of the positive effects HOUGH multi-discipline event of physical activity is on the rise in our triathlon has been an Olympic community, but it isn’t enough. Many Tsport since the Sydney Games in parents are still reluctant to send their 2000, it is not yet popular in Qatar. It is daughters to stadiums/indoor halls. I considered as a real test of an athlete’s hope this attitude changes. I want to endurance as the Olympic triathlon see more girls coming forward to take comprises three tough segments — up sports,” said Suleiman. 1.5km open water swimming, 43km cycling and a 10km run. Barring the Islamic Triathlon or a The Qatar Athletics GCC-level event, no championships are regularly held in the country. The Federation is directly International Triathlon Union (ITU) involved in the was formed in 1989, but Qatar is yet development of girls. to form a separate national federation for this sport. However, there is good news for tri- “As you’re aware, we’ve a separate athlon fans as the Qatar Military Sports body (Qatar Women’s Sports Committee) Federation has decided to give a big under the Qatar Olympic Committee boost to the sport. to manage our sportswomen. There’re “We, at the military sports federation, quite a few track-and-field stars among have formed a team which will repre- them. The Qatar Athletics Federation Many parents are sent Qatar in future international com- is directly involved in their develop- still reluctant to send petitions. We’re also planning to con- ment, with our coaches and technical their daughters to duct regular competitions to further experts supporting them,” he added. stadiums/indoor popularise this sport,” said Mohammed Four women represented Qatar at halls. I hope this Suleiman, who works as a Colonel with the London Olympics in 2012, with attitude changes. the Qatari Armed Forces. DSP shooter Bahiya Mansoor Al Hamad I want to see more being the flag bearer. Swimmer Nada girls coming forward Mohammed Wafa Arkaji, athlete Noor to take up sports. Al Malki and table tennis player Aya Majdi were the others. DSP Mohammed Suleiman

‘We were lucky to be together’

ALKING about Qatar’s golden 1998 Bangkok. the 1980s and 90s. Look, we had a era in Asian athletics, say from “Perhaps our best haul was at the great football team in 1981 when Tmid-1980s to mid-1990s, Moham- Hiroshima Asiad, in 1994, where Talal we finished runners-up at the med Suleiman felt a great generation won the 100-200 double, Ibrahim the FIFA World Youth tournament. of athletes were lucky to be together gold in 400M and bronze in 200, I won Then came a long gap and we during a particular period. the 1,500 and Ahmed Ibrahim the silver qualified for the final again only “Talal Mansoor, Ibrahim Ismail, Bilal in 5,000... altogether four gold, one sil- after 34 years in 2015! Sadd and myself emerged almost at the ver and four bronze in athletics,” said “In athletics, however, there was same time,” said Suleiman. Suleiman. some continuity even after we all “We were all Asian champions in He said Qatar achieved success in other retired. We had Abdulla Sheeb and our disciplines. Talal won the 100M sports disciplines as well in the past. the Al Noobi brothers Mubarak and gold in three consecutive Asian Games “I would say we were lucky to be Abdulrahman to keep the Qatari flag (1986, 1990 and 1994). I won the 1,500- there together at the same period. I flying high. But then we really had a 5,000M double in 1990 in Beijing and think other sports too achieved a in big gap,” said Suleiman. DSP 16 Wednesday, July 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 17 Olympics countdown Pugilist pair keep feet on ground

The pair, who are elated but keeping Sajith B Warrier their feet firmly on the ground, headed to Cuba last week for a fortnight-long training camp before moving to Rio. AIMING high! “To compete at the Olympics arena Qatar, which will send its biggest-ever contingent to Rio, is eager to improve on its show at London Games. OR every athlete, competing at an is in itself a great honour. To have come Olympics is a dream, yet realising through a tough qualifying process and Fit at a young age can present you reached thus far increases my confi- ĈĈHandball team is Qatar’s younger, but he is second to none when with an overwhelming feeling. dence a lot. In Venezuela, it was a case biggest medal prospect it comes to commitment and hunger Come August 5, two Qataris in their of now or never for me. I’m happy to

for honours. Divakaran DSP/Vinod 20s will create history by becoming the have made it,” said Thulasi. ĈĈThe nation pins hopes also The presence of swimmer Nada ššYousuf Ali Al Kazim first to represent the country in box- He feels equally pleased with the on Nasser and Mutaz Mohammed Wafa Arakji reflects the ing at a Games. efforts of Hakan, his training partner role the country is playing in the empow- for the past eight years. erment of women while youngsters, be Al Kazim sets modest goal “We know each other well. During N Ganesh it swimmer Noah Al Khulaifi or mid- Thulasi and Hakan, who training sessions, we exchange a lot of dle-distance runner Abubaker Hayder are elated, headed to ideas. To have him along with me in Rio (an ASPIRE Academy product), signify EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW It’s not something that happened over- is a good thing. I thank the Qatar Boxing that Qatar’s future is bright. They will night. We’ve been working on this for Cuba last week for a Federation for the facilities and sup- S QATAR gets ready to send its try to make the most of their Rio out- the last three years and the results are fortnight-long camp. port they’ve provided all these years,” biggest contingent so far to ing to toughen themselves in time for HE Qatar Boxing Federation showing up finally,” said Al Kazim. added Thulasi. AOlympics, its hopes are soaring the next Games, which will return to (QBF), on a high following the The official said Olympic qualifica- In his lean frame, Hakan may not higher than ever. the Asian soil, at Tokyo in 2020. Tqualification of its two pugilists, tion would help the world change the Hakan Erseker, 22, made the cut by have the looks of a boxer, but he has Till date 38 athletes have qualified in šĈNasser Saleh Al Attiyah Qatar’s Chef De Mission šĈHE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani wants to make the occasion memorable. perception about Qatar boxing. reaching the quarterfinal of the Olympic the talent and desire to excel at the 10 disciplines — athletics, beach vol- Mohammed Fadalla has already “We aren’t expecting any miracle from “Our boxers could’ve made the qualifying event in Baku, Azerbaijan, highest level. leyball, boxing, equestrianism, hand- reached Rio. our boxers in Rio, but I’m sure they’ll Olympic cut long back. We came close while Thulasi Tharumalingam, 25, made “Looks can be deceptive. It’s all about ball, judo, shooting, swimming, table “It’s too busy a time for HE Sheikh Joaan help us hold our heads high with their to doing it in the qualifying events in it by virtue of his semifinal win in the talent and self-confidence. I’ve both tennis and weightlifting — for the Rio Nasser is second to me, putting everything China and Azerbaijan. But I feel the ref- final qualification championship in in abundance and I hope to put them Games, to be held from August 5 to 21, none when it comes in place,” Fadalla told to head Qatar’s erees were biased against us. The gen- Vargas, Venezuela. to good use in Rio,” said Hakan. DSP and the number is expected to go up. Doha Stadium Plus eral assumption is that we’re a small The Gulf nation, however, will not to commitment and before leaving for delegation to Rio country and has no boxing background. ŠšThulasi hunger for honours. We’ve been working on Tharumalingam, settle for that record alone, but look the Brazilian city The qualification of Thulasi and Hakan left, and Hakan to improve on its best Olympic haul of last week. DSP ATAR Olympic Committee this for the last three should silence the critics,” he said. Erseker. two bronze medals at the 2012 London (QOC) President HE Sheikh years and the results are With many international competitions Games. QJoaan bin Hamad Al Thani showing up finally. lined up next year, Al Kazim believes High jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim Abdulrazzaq Murad, Rafael Kapote will head the country’s delegation to the country will produce more com- and shooter Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and Zarko Markovic, and managed by the Rio Games. petitors. finished on the podium back then, but Spanish legend Valero Rivera, is prepar- QOC Secretary General Dr Thani performances,” QBF President Yousuf “Our second and third string of box- the bar will be further raised this time, ing in earnest and recently beat Japan Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, federation Ali Al Kazim told Doha Stadium Plus. ers are getting ready. They just need with the country aspiring to win its first in back-to-back friendlies at home. heads Dahlan Al Hamad (athletics), He dwelled further on the positives. some more time to graduate to the next gold medal. World indoor record holder Mutaz Khalil Ahmad Al Mohannadi (table “At a time when many traditionally- level. For sure, I can say with pride that The handball team, which finished as is peaking in time for the Games, and tennis), Mohammad Yousef Al Mana strong countries struggle to book even the future of Qatar boxing is looking runner-up at the World Championship last month he cleared a world-lead- (weightlifting), Mohammed Ali Al one berth at the Olympics, we’re sending bright,” Al Kazim concluded. DSP in Doha last year, is Qatar’s biggest ing 2.40M in the festival of jumping Ghanim (shooting and archery), Ahmad two boxers. It’s a reward for our hard medal prospect. The side, at Opole, Poland. Mohammed Abdulrab Al Shaabi (hand- work and determination. » e-mail: [email protected] boasting the likes of At 45, Nasser may not getting any ball), Mohammed Ahmed Al Sulaiti (judo), Khaleel Al Jabir (swimming), Khalid Ali Al Mawlawi (volleyball), Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah ŢĈQatar’s handball team. šĈMutaz Essa (equestrian), Yousuf Ali Al Kazim (box- Barshim ing), and a host of other officials will accompany him. DSP ‘There’s a new wave of optimism’

UBAN coach Juan Carlos Gon- (Tharumalingam). There’s a new wave raise the sport’s profile in the coun- zalez, who took charge of Qatar of optimism in our camp now,” said try,” he said. Cin 2013, is impressed by the Gonzalez. Gonzalez also justified the rationale steady progress made by the country’s The 56-year-old is in his second stint behind moving the boxers to Cuba for boxers over the years. with the national team, having spent a two-week camp. “Even a year ago, I wasn’t expect- an eight-year spell starting in 1999. “Cuba is virtually the home of boxing. ing much from them. But things “Those were the days when the sport It would be good to train there as the have changed dramatically over the was just picking up. Now people are conditions in Rio, especially weather, last one month. First Hakan (Erseker) taking it up seriously. Last year’s World are more or less going to be similar

DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod made the Rio cut and now Thulasi Championships in Doha also helped to that of Cuba,” he concluded. DSP www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 17 Olympics countdown Pugilist pair keep feet on ground

The pair, who are elated but keeping Sajith B Warrier their feet firmly on the ground, headed to Cuba last week for a fortnight-long training camp before moving to Rio. “To compete at the Olympics arena OR every athlete, competing at an is in itself a great honour. To have come Olympics is a dream, yet realising through a tough qualifying process and Fit at a young age can present you reached thus far increases my confi- with an overwhelming feeling. dence a lot. In Venezuela, it was a case Come August 5, two Qataris in their of now or never for me. I’m happy to

DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod 20s will create history by becoming the have made it,” said Thulasi. ššYousuf Ali Al Kazim first to represent the country in box- He feels equally pleased with the ing at a Games. efforts of Hakan, his training partner for the past eight years. Al Kazim sets modest goal “We know each other well. During Thulasi and Hakan, who training sessions, we exchange a lot of are elated, headed to ideas. To have him along with me in Rio EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW It’s not something that happened over- is a good thing. I thank the Qatar Boxing night. We’ve been working on this for Cuba last week for a Federation for the facilities and sup- the last three years and the results are fortnight-long camp. port they’ve provided all these years,” HE Qatar Boxing Federation showing up finally,” said Al Kazim. added Thulasi. (QBF), on a high following the The official said Olympic qualifica- In his lean frame, Hakan may not Tqualification of its two pugilists, tion would help the world change the Hakan Erseker, 22, made the cut by have the looks of a boxer, but he has wants to make the occasion memorable. perception about Qatar boxing. reaching the quarterfinal of the Olympic the talent and desire to excel at the “We aren’t expecting any miracle from “Our boxers could’ve made the qualifying event in Baku, Azerbaijan, highest level. our boxers in Rio, but I’m sure they’ll Olympic cut long back. We came close while Thulasi Tharumalingam, 25, made “Looks can be deceptive. It’s all about help us hold our heads high with their to doing it in the qualifying events in it by virtue of his semifinal win in the talent and self-confidence. I’ve both China and Azerbaijan. But I feel the ref- final qualification championship in in abundance and I hope to put them erees were biased against us. The gen- Vargas, Venezuela. to good use in Rio,” said Hakan. DSP eral assumption is that we’re a small country and has no boxing background. ŠšThulasi We’ve been working on Tharumalingam, The qualification of Thulasi and Hakan left, and Hakan this for the last three should silence the critics,” he said. Erseker. years and the results are With many international competitions showing up finally. lined up next year, Al Kazim believes the country will produce more com- petitors. performances,” QBF President Yousuf “Our second and third string of box- Ali Al Kazim told Doha Stadium Plus. ers are getting ready. They just need He dwelled further on the positives. some more time to graduate to the next “At a time when many traditionally- level. For sure, I can say with pride that strong countries struggle to book even the future of Qatar boxing is looking one berth at the Olympics, we’re sending bright,” Al Kazim concluded. DSP two boxers. It’s a reward for our hard work and determination. » e-mail: [email protected]

‘There’s a new wave of optimism’

Ping-pong! Li is Qatar’s big hope

ORLD No.28 Li Ping will carry Qatar’s hopes in Wtable tennis, which has been dominated by the Chinese and China- born players for quite a few years. China won the men’s and women’s singles as well as team titles at the 2012 London Games. El Jaish player Li qualified for Rio Olympics by beating Saudi Arabia’s Making waves ššNoah Al Khulaifi Abdulaziz Al Abbad 4-0 in the Asian Qatar’s talented swimmer Nada Mohammed Wafa Arakji expresses confidence that her experience in Olympic Qualification Tournament in Hong Kong in April. London will come in handy as the 22-year-old gets ready for her second straight Games. Teenager Noah ready Li, who won a mixed doubles gold ĈĈNada had competed in wildest dreams. Olympics was an eye-opener for me. It me such honour that I’ll carry with me The competition will’ve 50M freestyle at London However, all that changed in 2011 was a great feeling. It was an honour forever and I’m just really proud and for splash in Rio pool when she was selected to the Qatar to represent my country at the world’s happy.” top players from across national team. A year later, she became top sports competition. When she was younger, Nada had the world, but I’ll try my Mohammad Amin-ul Islam the first woman swimmer to represent Nada created history as Qatar fielded tried many different sports such as bas- WIMMER Noah Al Khulaifi is of workout in the gym. best to win a medal. Qatar at the Olympics when she com- women athletes for the first time at ketball and netball, but the one sport excited about the chance of “When I clock a good time and win a peted in 50M freestyle at the London an Olympics in London, with shooter she had the most connection with was Sbecoming the youngest-ever medal, it motivates me a lot,” he said. Olympics. Bahiya Mansour Al Hamad, sprinter swimming. Qatari Olympian at the Rio Games. Eldest of a trio of swimmer broth- with Cao Zhen for China at the 2009 HEN she joined the Tidal And Nada has made the Rio Games Qatar Swimming Association President Noah, 17, is looking forward to set ers, Noah joined the national team at World Championships, Japan, is aware Waves club in Doha at the cut as well. The 22-year-old, who will Khaleel Al Jabir was also upbeat about a personal best times and gain some val- the age of eight. of the tough challenge at Rio, where he Wage of nine, swimmer Nada try her luck in 200M freestyle and 100M It gives me such honour good show from Nada at the Olympics. uable experience at the world’s biggest “I like the feel of the water. I like the will have to cross swords with several Mohammed Wafa Arakji’s aim was to butterfly, hopes her London experi- “We don’t expect her to win a medal, “We don’t expect Nada stage, which he hopes will act as the way one can control the body through it. Chinese stars. do well at the local and international ence will come in handy. that I’ll carry with me but she’s capable of achieving a good (Mohammed Wafa Arakji) stepping stone for a possibly succes- That’s why I decided to do swimming,” “The competition will’ve top play- competitions. Making it to an Olym- “My experience at the London Games forever, and I’m just result. She’s a symbol of women’s swim- to win a medal, but she’s ful outing at the Tokyo Games in 2020. said Noah, who will graduate from the ers, but I’ll try my best to win a medal,” pics was not even in her will be of great help. I’ve seen what an really proud and happy. ming in Qatar. We expect more girls to capable of achieving “It feels incredible as a teenager to Qatar Academy next year. said Li, who is 20th in the Olympics Olympics is like. I’m keen on achieving join her soon,” said Al Jabir. a good result. She’s a be going to my first Olympic Games. Noah has dominated GCC compe- ranking. my personal best,” Nada told Nada said she would try to do it. symbol of women’s It’ll be a great experience. My goals titions, but some of his records were The Chinese trio of Ma Long, Fan Doha Stadium Plus. Noor Al Malki and paddler Aya Majdi “I definitely hope to inspire more swimming in Qatar. We will be to clock personal best times. I broken by his brothers Yacoub, 15, and Zhendong and Xu Xin, who lead the “The London being the other three. young athletes, especially girls, to take up expect more girls to join look forward to the event, where I’ll be Yousef, 11. world rankings in that order, are the “The historic moment of being one the sport. I encourage all girls out there her soon. competing against top swimmers from “When you’ve a brother or sister top three seeds. of the first Qatari females to represent to not be afraid and take risks. I think across the world,” said Noah. competing with you, it pushes you to However, Li exuded confidence that Khaleel Al Jabir, Ţ my country at the Olympics was they should be confident and do what His training schedule includes 10 do well. You can’t be laidback because his experience at the top level would ĈNada Mohammed Qatar Swimming Association Wafa Arakji really something big for me. they love,” said Nada, for whom sport swimming sessions at the Hamad you know you’ve someone right behind help him achieve his goal. Competing in the London runs in the family. Her father Mohamed President. Aquatic Centre and four rounds you,” added Noah. DSP “My experience will surely help. A 2012 Olympics was was a goalkeeper for Qatar’s leading bit of luck is also needed,” said Li, who a dream come club Al Sadd and national team in the helped Jaish win four domestic titles true,” she 1970s and 80s. last season. DSP said. “It “It’s pretty great having a football gives player as a father. He gives me a lot of advice and he motivates me. That’s An inspiring journey of a family one of things that keeps me going and he tells me all the experiences that he has had and things that he has done, T A TIME when Qatar is pro- so it’s pretty interesting to know and moting healthy lifestyle among relate with that.” DSP Aits residents in a big way, Noah Al Khulaifi’s journey to the Olympics should inspire the country’s youth to take up the sport. “The priority was to make them fit and give them a chance to reach their

I want to go abroad. I’ll choose a college which’ll 2 also allow me to pursue ššAl Khulaifi brothers Yacoub, left, and Yousef with father Abdulaziz and mother Cornelia Carr. categories — 200M my swimming career. freestyle and 100M butterfly — will Nada After winning a bagful of medals at “I want to go abroad for higher studies. take part in at Rio potential. Noah’s Olympic qualifica- the GCC Championships in Doha last I’ll choose a college which’ll also allow tion makes us really proud,” said father year, the Al Khulaifi brothers are seen me to pursue my swimming career,” Abdulaziz. as the future of the country swimming. said Noah. The unstinted support from the Al When most youngsters of Qatar find Mother Cornelia Carr endorsed it. Khulaifi family helped Noah and his it tough to balance studies and sport, “Their lives revolve around swimming two brothers Yacoub and Yousef excel they are showing how it could be done and education. I hope they’ll continue ššLi Pang DSP Photo in the sport and move to the next level. so easily. doing both in future,” said Carr. DSP www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 19 Olympics countdown

Ping-pong! Li is Qatar’s big hope

The competition will’ve for splash in Rio pool top players from across the world, but I’ll try my WIMMER Noah Al Khulaifi is of workout in the gym. best to win a medal. excited about the chance of “When I clock a good time and win a Sbecoming the youngest-ever medal, it motivates me a lot,” he said. Qatari Olympian at the Rio Games. Eldest of a trio of swimmer broth- with Cao Zhen for China at the 2009 Noah, 17, is looking forward to set ers, Noah joined the national team at World Championships, Japan, is aware personal best times and gain some val- the age of eight. of the tough challenge at Rio, where he uable experience at the world’s biggest “I like the feel of the water. I like the will have to cross swords with several “We don’t expect Nada stage, which he hopes will act as the way one can control the body through it. Chinese stars. (Mohammed Wafa Arakji) stepping stone for a possibly succes- That’s why I decided to do swimming,” “The competition will’ve top play- to win a medal, but she’s ful outing at the Tokyo Games in 2020. said Noah, who will graduate from the ers, but I’ll try my best to win a medal,” capable of achieving “It feels incredible as a teenager to Qatar Academy next year. said Li, who is 20th in the Olympics a good result. She’s a be going to my first Olympic Games. Noah has dominated GCC compe- ranking. symbol of women’s It’ll be a great experience. My goals titions, but some of his records were The Chinese trio of Ma Long, Fan swimming in Qatar. We will be to clock personal best times. I broken by his brothers Yacoub, 15, and Zhendong and Xu Xin, who lead the expect more girls to join look forward to the event, where I’ll be Yousef, 11. world rankings in that order, are the her soon. competing against top swimmers from “When you’ve a brother or sister top three seeds. across the world,” said Noah. competing with you, it pushes you to However, Li exuded confidence that Khaleel Al Jabir, His training schedule includes 10 do well. You can’t be laidback because his experience at the top level would Qatar Swimming Association swimming sessions at the Hamad you know you’ve someone right behind help him achieve his goal. President. Aquatic Centre and four rounds you,” added Noah. DSP “My experience will surely help. A bit of luck is also needed,” said Li, who helped Jaish win four domestic titles last season. DSP An inspiring journey of a family

T A TIME when Qatar is pro- moting healthy lifestyle among Aits residents in a big way, Noah Al Khulaifi’s journey to the Olympics should inspire the country’s youth to take up the sport. “The priority was to make them fit and give them a chance to reach their

I want to go abroad. I’ll choose a college which’ll also allow me to pursue ššAl Khulaifi brothers Yacoub, left, and Yousef with father Abdulaziz and mother Cornelia Carr. my swimming career.

After winning a bagful of medals at “I want to go abroad for higher studies. potential. Noah’s Olympic qualifica- the GCC Championships in Doha last I’ll choose a college which’ll also allow tion makes us really proud,” said father year, the Al Khulaifi brothers are seen me to pursue my swimming career,” Abdulaziz. as the future of the country swimming. said Noah. The unstinted support from the Al When most youngsters of Qatar find Mother Cornelia Carr endorsed it. Khulaifi family helped Noah and his it tough to balance studies and sport, “Their lives revolve around swimming two brothers Yacoub and Yousef excel they are showing how it could be done and education. I hope they’ll continue š in the sport and move to the next level. so easily. doing both in future,” said Carr. DSP šLi Pang NADA ARAKJI

Wednesday, July 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

22 Wednesday, July 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 23 Olympics countdown

Mayor predicts Can’t imagine more spectacular incredible event backdrops, says El Moutawakel IO Mayor Eduardo Paes says that after years of preparation, Rnext month’s Olympic Games IO de Janeiro is ‘ready to welcome sportsmen and women to showcase a reduction of sewage pouring into will be incredible, but that he cannot the world’ when the Olympics their talents to a watching world,” said Guanabara Bay where there is much wait for them to end. Rstart, said Nawal El Moutawakel, El Moutawakel. improved water quality levels, had “I’m anxious for them to get started, the International Olympic Commit- The Games will be the first hosted been satisfactorily addressed, RACE but also for them to finish,” said Paes. tee’s (IOC) Head of Co-ordination for by a South American city. Brazil’s Olympic chief Arthur Nuzman Having spent much of the last seven the Games. Brazil is in the midst of a painful reces- promised to “deliver great Games.” years getting ready for the first Games El Moutawakel said a final pre-Games ever in South America, Paes will be glad visit showed that sporting venues and when the mayor of Tokyo, host of the the athletes’ Olympic Village were set A final pre-Games visit 2020 Games, appears at the Closing for the starter’s gun. Ceremony at the Maracana Stadium “From views of the Corcovado showed that venues and for the symbolic handover. and Sugar Loaf Mountain to the the Olympic Village were “Then I’ll go and get sloshed. I’ll go new state-of-the-art facilities set for the starter’s gun. AGAINST listen to samba,” he said. in Barra or Deodoro and the Paes, a youthful looking 46-year- iconic Maracana Stadium old, has become one of Brazil’s most and Copacabana beach, I sion and a political crisis that could see recognisable politicians, thanks to can’t imagine more spec- President Dilma Rousseff removed the Olympics. He is seen as presi- tacular backdrops for from office in an impeachment dential material in a country cry- the world’s top vote just days after the Closing ing out for a fresh face in the Ceremony. capital. There are crime and MONEY MATTERS Paes says the Olympics have health issues. However, brought changes to Rio like the IOC said that all TIME! a big metro line extension, of them, including Troubled Rio gives finishing touches to the first the revitalisation of the is the total cost rundown port area, and a $12BN of the Games Games ever to be held in South America. new tramway and land- scaping in the centre of the city. He has boasted The local organising committee that Rio can emulate Financial (LOC) for the Rio Games is running Barcelona’s renewal $ bN $ BN 4.5 7.5 deficit a deficit of between $121m to $151m, stemming from the is the overall is spend on legacy a source with direct knowledge of 1992 Olympics. the committee’s finances said. budget for the investments, mostly “Even in my dreams, looms Any shortfall in the committee’s watched event will be breathtaking: sail- cosmetic changes,” said Felipe, a 32-year- I could never have imag- sporting side of in transport projects, large finances could negatively impact Sebastian Smith the Games, with with more than half the experience of both fans and ors dueling below Sugarloaf Mountain, old lifeguard on the Copacabana beach. š ined such a big transfor- šEduardo Paes three-fourth of the bill being athletes, and take away from the sprinters battling under the gaze of Rio has defied doomsayers to open gets out of a bus mation of the city,” he said. lustre Brazil hopes to project to a the Christ the Redeemer statue, and all the sporting facilities on time. But after a tour of the of it being footed by the global audience and further weigh venues. beach volleyball players scrambling there have been worrying hiccups. Brazil’s team mascot — was shot dead generated taxpayer and on strained public finances. IO de Janeiro hosts the Olympic on the sands of Copacabana. Construction of the velodrome was after getting loose at a ceremony. from private rest by private The deficit represents about six per cent of the LOC’s Games from August 5, but crime Given Rio’s brilliance, the Opening so delayed following bankruptcy of the When Brazil was awarded the Games funds investors Rand economic crisis mean the Ceremony at the famed Maracana main contractor that authorities had to in 2009, it was one of the world’s boom- budget .and over one party-loving Brazilian city is glum and Stadium is likely to be spectacular. scrap a full-scale test event at the facility. ing economies, headed by the charis- per cent of the total projected cost to struggling to find its vibe. But violent crime, 11 per cent unem- A much-touted coastal cycle path, matic and hugely popular leftist presi- A tale of four host it. Stadiums are just about ready and ployment, fears about the mosquito- part of the city’s Olympic-legacy beau- dent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. local businesses, hammered by Brazil’s borne Zika virus, and embarrassing tification, collapsed when it was hit by Now Brazil is on the economic ropes, deep recession, look forward to the stumbles during infrastructure prep- an Atlantic wave, killing two people. Lula is one of dozens of politicians facing different hubs! arrival of an estimated 500,000 tourists. arations have many Brazilians grum- corruption charges as is the case with ŠŠAn aerial Some 10,500 athletes will compete bling that the Olympics are little more his successor Dilma Rousseff. view of the Olympic Park. over 19 days in 42 disciplines, with than a costly distraction. Some 10,500 athletes Internationally the biggest concern ROM the glorious Maracana and wrestling events. Brazil targeting a top-10 place in the “The Olympics soak up the money is over the Zika virus, which can cause Stadium to a sewage-filled bay, Deodoro, a modest neighborhood will compete over 19 medal count. that could be used on improving the serious birth defects if pregnant moth- Fa huge variety of settings will in the northwest of Rio, will host com- The setting for the globe’s most life of people in Rio, rather than making days in 42 disciplines ers are infected, as well as possibly the greet athletes and sports fans in Rio petitions including equestrian events, in the Brazilian city. devastating Guillain-Barre syndrome. next month. hockey, rugby sevens and canoeing. Several athletes, notably golfers like The challenge has been made all the Neighbourhoods at or near the famous Rory McIlroy, have pulled out. Brazilian more harder for Brazil since the econ- Copacabana beach in southern Rio Guanabara Bay, where sailing and officials insist that the threat is near zero omy skidded into deep recession. will host sailing, rowing, long-distance windsurfing events will take place, is lit- in a season with few mosquitoes about. The good news is that all stadiums and swimming events and beach volleyball. erally a giant cesspool, filling daily with Soaring crime could be the bigger arenas have been declared complete, Some of the most glamorous events the raw sewage of half the city. Sailors danger. Spanish sailing team members barring the odd cosmetic tweak. The — the Opening and Closing Ceremonies are concerned about infections from were mugged at gunpoint in May and main concern is whether a revamped and athletics competitions — will take what Brazilian researchers say is a drug- Australian Paralympians were robbed transport network will be ready for the place in two northern football stadi- resistant super bacteria. while biking. Murder numbers are well August 5 Opening Ceremony. ums: the beloved Maracana and the The Olympics were meant to cele- up on last year. Brazil’s most iconic city has been split Joao Havelange Stadium, now renamed brate Brazil’s rise but instead the run- The authorities say deployment of into four hubs for the Games. the Olympic Stadium. up has been plagued by bad news. Even 85,000 military personnel and police The main complex is the Olympic The football tournament will be spread the nationwide Olympic torch relay has — double the number of security at Park in the well-off western Barra da around the country at 2014 World Cup not been without controversy: a rare, the 2012 London Games – will ensure Tijuca area, which notably will have the sites, before final rounds play out in Rio ššTwo cyclists ride past a giant banner advertising the Games. captive jaguar — the same animal as total safety. tennis, swimming, gymnastics, judo at the Maracana and Olympic stadiums. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 23 Olympics countdown

your life is gone,” said Comaneci, who — fellow Olympic champion Bart Conner INTERVIEW is on a short holiday in California with — and Comaneci’s memory of the occa- her family. sion remains razor-sharp despite the “But to realise that it’s 40 years since it passage of 14,610 days. Pritha Sarkar happened, it’s like ‘oh my gosh, really?’ “I remember when I started to do “Because it’s the 40th year, I feel like the compulsory (on the uneven bars), I’ve been celebrating the anniversary I thought I did a pretty good one, but I the entire year. Everyone I meet this didn’t think I did my perfect routine,” HE was once the ponytailed year wants to talk about it.” said the 54-year-old, who now resides Romanian teenager excited at Those celebrations are set to con- in Oklahoma. DASH Sthe thought of owning coloured “I know I didn’t watch the scoreboard Tunisia’s swimming icon Oussama Mellouli socks and eating bubble gum, yet Nadia as I was already thinking about the bal- Comaneci went on to captivate the I didn’t watch scoreboard ance beam after I finished. sets sights on one last Olympic medal. world by performing an Olympic feat “Then I heard the big noise in the that continues to stir the emotions as I was already thinking arena, I looked around, I turned my head four decades later. about the balance beam. and saw the scoreboard. I first saw the Mellouli, who comes from La Marsa The ponytail is long gone, the child- Then I heard the big noise. 073 which was my competition num-

Akim Rezgui and Guillaume Klein on the coast near Tunis. DSP/Mohan hood cravings have been replaced by ber and 1.00 score which was under. Mellouli had to think seriously, includ- šşNadia Comaneci more sophisticated tastes, but no mat- “I looked at one of my team-mates ing in a six-month retreat, before launch- ter where she goes, Comaneci cannot tinue as Comaneci heads to Montreal, and she shrugged her shoulders, indi- COMANECI FACT FILE ing into this Olympic campaign. Nadia Elena Comaneci is a former gymnast escape the memories of what happened on Thursday, where her 10-year-old cating that something was wrong with UNISIA’S most-decorated sports- He said he wanted to accomplish Was born in Romania on November 12, 1961 in Montreal on July 18, 1976 — the day son Dylan will get his first chance to the scoreboard. It all happened so fast.” man Oussama Mellouli will go his Olympic dream for his family, par- Won three gold medals at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal she became the first gymnast to score see the Olympic Stadium “where his With officials not expecting any gym- Tto the Olympics for the fifth ticularly his mother Khadija, and the Was also awarded a perfect score of 10 in an Olympic gymnastics a perfect 10 at the Olympic Games. mom’s name is engraved”. nast to attain perfection, the electronic event for the first time time in Rio de Janeiro at the end of people who have accompanied him Also won two gold medals at the 1980 Olympics in Moscow “Every time there’s a zero in the anni- Then it will be on to Rio for the August scoreboard installed in Montreal lacked a roller-coaster swimming career of throughout his career. Is credited with popularising her sport around the world versary, it’s kind of bigger. There was 10, 5-21 Games. the space needed to accommodate gold medals and a drug ban. “In Tunis, Marseille, Font-Romeu, in Was named one of the Athletes of the Century by the then 20, then 30 and now 40, it seems The anniversary will be spent together all four figures to illustrate the per- A two-time gold medallist, Mellouli, the US — I’ve had the chance to work Laureus World Sports Academy like a lot of numbers. It’s like half of as a family with Dylan and her husband fect mark! 32, said he was “calm” and “optimis- with exceptional people who’ve pushed tic” that he could win one last medal. me to win these prizes,” he said. “With the Olympics, I’m going to something I know well. For the young ones, it’ll be different,” said Mellouli. The 35-year-old is the first “Eat, swim, sleep, repeat — that’s the Unity through graffiti! rhythm of an athlete. You shouldn’t swimmer to win Olympic think of anything but that.” gold in both pool and After competing in Sydney in 2000 open water competitions. ERCHED atop a cherry picker Kobra and his team spent 15 days and Athens in 2004, Mellouli won the truck several storeys high, Brazil- preparing the former shipyard wall by 1,500M title at the 2008 Beijing Games. Pian graffiti artist Eduardo Kobra plugging its holes and painting it white. He made African history just three Despite his previous victories, Mellouli sprays puffs of paint on a sprawling For the past week, they have been months after returning from an has not yet decided whether to com- mural in the colours of the Olympic working 11 hours a day to cover the wall 18-month ban after testing positive pete in the pool or just focus on rings. — about half the size of a football pitch for a stimulant in late 2006. Mellouli the marathon — just the third in With two weeks to go to the Summer — in spray paint, acrylic and varnish. said it was a substance to help stay the history of the Games. Games, Kobra and his assistants are They have already used 2,000 bottles awake while studying. He lost two “The 1,500M is three days before racing to put the finishing touches world titles because of the ban. the 10km. Competing could affect on the 3,000sqm painting that graces Four years later at the London my freshness,” he said. a wall in the city’s newly overhauled I hope this mural, in the Olympics, he snatched a bronze in Mellouli has mostly trained in port district. 1,500M. California for the last 15 years, The mural depicts five indigenous Olympic spirit, will help And despite a virus that left him but keeps strong ties to Tunisia. faces representing the continents of remind us that we’re vomiting in his hotel room just days As at the Beijing in 2008, he the world, awash in the blue, yellow, all different, but all one. before the 10km swimming marathon, will carry the Tunisian flag at the black, green and red of the Olympics. he headed to the Serpentine lake in Opening Ceremony. And when the Thailand’s Karen people represent Asia, Hyde Park determined to compete. Games are over, he wants to inspire the Huli of Papua New Guinea represent of spray paint, 200 litres of acrylic and Under blazing sun, he beat Germany’s Tunisian youngsters. Oceania, the Tapajos of the Brazilian 100 cans of varnish, says Kobra, who Thomas Lurz to gold in a time of 1: He wants to instill in youth the idea Amazon represent the Americas, the grew up tagging walls in a hardscrab- 49:55.1sec. that “if you dream big and you Chukchi of Siberia represent Europe and ble neighbourhood of Sao Paulo called That made him the first swimmer work hard, you can get the Mursi of Ethiopia represent Africa. Campo Lindo. to win Olympic gold in both pool and there.” “There’s growing intolerance in the From the age of 12, “the street was my open water competitions. world,” said Kobra, 40, of the motiva- way to socialise, have fun and also pro- ş “Ninety-nine percent of athletes are şEduardo Kobra tion behind the work. test against social exclusion,” he said. stands next to dreamers,” he said. “From the moment his huge mural “Look at Europe, where people are His current work, called “We Are All the dream is in our spirit, we strive for representing the rejecting refugees, rejecting what’s dif- One,” is sponsored by the Rio 2016 five continents, it. For me, it has been like that at the Olympic ferent. I hope this mural, in the Olympic organising committee şşOussama since I was 16,” added Boulevard in Rio spirit, will help remind us that we’re all and city hall. Mellouli de Janeiro. different, but all one: the human race.” www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 25

40 years on, perfect 10 still dictates Comaneci

your life is gone,” said Comaneci, who — fellow Olympic champion Bart Conner INTERVIEW is on a short holiday in California with — and Comaneci’s memory of the occa- her family. sion remains razor-sharp despite the “But to realise that it’s 40 years since it passage of 14,610 days. Pritha Sarkar happened, it’s like ‘oh my gosh, really?’ “I remember when I started to do “Because it’s the 40th year, I feel like the compulsory (on the uneven bars), I’ve been celebrating the anniversary I thought I did a pretty good one, but I the entire year. Everyone I meet this didn’t think I did my perfect routine,” HE was once the ponytailed year wants to talk about it.” said the 54-year-old, who now resides Romanian teenager excited at Those celebrations are set to con- in Oklahoma. Sthe thought of owning coloured “I know I didn’t watch the scoreboard socks and eating bubble gum, yet Nadia as I was already thinking about the bal- Comaneci went on to captivate the I didn’t watch scoreboard ance beam after I finished. world by performing an Olympic feat “Then I heard the big noise in the that continues to stir the emotions as I was already thinking arena, I looked around, I turned my head four decades later. about the balance beam. and saw the scoreboard. I first saw the The ponytail is long gone, the child- Then I heard the big noise. 073 which was my competition num-

DSP/Mohan hood cravings have been replaced by ber and 1.00 score which was under. šşNadia Comaneci more sophisticated tastes, but no mat- “I looked at one of my team-mates ter where she goes, Comaneci cannot tinue as Comaneci heads to Montreal, and she shrugged her shoulders, indi- COMANECI FACT FILE Nadia Elena Comaneci is a former gymnast escape the memories of what happened on Thursday, where her 10-year-old cating that something was wrong with Was born in Romania on November 12, 1961 in Montreal on July 18, 1976 — the day son Dylan will get his first chance to the scoreboard. It all happened so fast.” Won three gold medals at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal she became the first gymnast to score see the Olympic Stadium “where his With officials not expecting any gym- Was also awarded a perfect score of 10 in an Olympic gymnastics a perfect 10 at the Olympic Games. mom’s name is engraved”. nast to attain perfection, the electronic event for the first time Also won two gold medals at the 1980 Olympics in Moscow “Every time there’s a zero in the anni- Then it will be on to Rio for the August scoreboard installed in Montreal lacked Is credited with popularising her sport around the world versary, it’s kind of bigger. There was 10, 5-21 Games. the space needed to accommodate Was named one of the Athletes of the Century by the then 20, then 30 and now 40, it seems The anniversary will be spent together all four figures to illustrate the per- Laureus World Sports Academy like a lot of numbers. It’s like half of as a family with Dylan and her husband fect mark!

Unity through graffiti!

ERCHED atop a cherry picker Kobra and his team spent 15 days truck several storeys high, Brazil- preparing the former shipyard wall by Pian graffiti artist Eduardo Kobra plugging its holes and painting it white. sprays puffs of paint on a sprawling For the past week, they have been mural in the colours of the Olympic working 11 hours a day to cover the wall rings. — about half the size of a football pitch With two weeks to go to the Summer — in spray paint, acrylic and varnish. Games, Kobra and his assistants are They have already used 2,000 bottles racing to put the finishing touches on the 3,000sqm painting that graces a wall in the city’s newly overhauled I hope this mural, in the port district. The mural depicts five indigenous Olympic spirit, will help faces representing the continents of remind us that we’re the world, awash in the blue, yellow, all different, but all one. black, green and red of the Olympics. Thailand’s Karen people represent Asia, the Huli of Papua New Guinea represent of spray paint, 200 litres of acrylic and Oceania, the Tapajos of the Brazilian 100 cans of varnish, says Kobra, who Amazon represent the Americas, the grew up tagging walls in a hardscrab- Chukchi of Siberia represent Europe and ble neighbourhood of Sao Paulo called the Mursi of Ethiopia represent Africa. Campo Lindo. “There’s growing intolerance in the From the age of 12, “the street was my world,” said Kobra, 40, of the motiva- way to socialise, have fun and also pro- ş şEduardo Kobra tion behind the work. test against social exclusion,” he said. stands next to his huge mural “Look at Europe, where people are His current work, called “We Are All representing the rejecting refugees, rejecting what’s dif- One,” is sponsored by the Rio 2016 five continents, at the Olympic ferent. I hope this mural, in the Olympic organising committee Boulevard in Rio spirit, will help remind us that we’re all and city hall. de Janeiro. different, but all one: the human race.” 26 Wednesday, July 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 27 At a glance

TABLE TENNIS Aspire boys excel at Morocco Open

OHAMED Adbulwahab won performances in the tournament. “We’re happy about our players’ good the singles and doubles titles Nawaf succeeded in the team and dou- results in Morocco and we’re already Min the Under-18 age category at bles competitions in the U-15 category. looking forward to the Junior Circuit the 2016 ITTF Morocco Open for Juniors Abdulaziz won the team and doubles tournament in Jordan, later this month, and Cadets in Agadir recently. titles in U-15 section and doubles in U-18. where we’re going to face some of the Mohamed’s fellow ASPIRE Academy The tournament was a part of their strongest players from Asia”, said ASPIRE students Nawaf Al Malki and Abdulaziz preparation for the Arab Championships Academy’s table tennis head coach Zlatko Abdulhamid also put up some strong in Tunisia next month. Novakovic. DSP ššAspire trio... on a roll.

CUE SPORTS TENNIS Stage is set for Qatar settle for World 9-Ball Pool third place

HE qualifying rounds of the 26th ATAR failed to progress after World 9-Ball Pool Championship settling for a third place in Twill begin at the Al Arabi Sports QPool A of the Davis Cup Asia/ Club on July 25. Oceania Group III qualification tourna- The tournament proper will get under ment at the Enghelab Sports Complex way on July 27. Chinese Taipei’s Ko Pin Yi clay courts in Tehran, Iran, last week. is the defending champion of the World In the best-of-three format with two Pool-Billiards Association (WPBA) and singles followed by a doubles, Qatar Asian Pocket Billiards Union-sanctioned event, which concludes on August 4. The Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation ššJulian Simon competes at the The five-member Qatar German Grand Prix. has been hosting it since 2010. Pin Yi had defeated USA’s Shane van squad started well in MOTORSPORT Boening 13-11 in last year’s final. Tehran, but could not Mishel Turkey gave the hosts some- sustain the tempo. thing to cheer as he was the only Qatari player out of eight to reach the round of 64. beat both Cambodia and Singapore by The best performance till date by a an identical 3-0 margin, but lost 0-3 to Qatari cueist at the WPBA event was Lebanon and 1-2 to Syria. Waleed Majed’s pre-quarterfinal appear- The Qatar squad comprising Proud on podium ance in 2014, when Dutchman Niels ššMembers of the Qatar team are all joy after their third-place finish. Mohammed Nasser Al Khanji, Jabor Feijen emerged as the winner. Ali Mutawa, and Shanan brothers — Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation Racing Team’s Spanish driver The tournament will see 128 play- Mubarak, Moussa and Abdullah — started ers compete for the most prestigious BEACH HANDBALL well, but could not sustain the tempo. Julian Simon finishes third in Moto2 at the German Grand Prix. prize in men’s pool arena. As per the format, the winners of Pool They will be split into 16 groups and A will play-off against the runners-up Adel eyes a good play a race-to-9 double elimination Qatar retain bronze at of Pool B and the winners of Pool B HE Qatar Motor and Motorcycle lap, allowing Simon to move up to third format. Four players from each group will take on the runners-up of Pool A Federation (QMMF) Racing Team for his maiden podium for the QMMF show in Aragon will make it to the round of 64. DSP to decide the two teams advancing to QMMF’s last podium Tcelebrated their first podium of since joining them three years ago. World Championship the Group II in 2017. DSP Qatar’s Adel Hussein Abdulla, the season as Julian Simon finished finish was in 2014, when The other QMMF rider, Xavier Simeon who competes in support third in the Moto2 category at the Ger- Anthony West won the of Belgium, also crashed out. category (T2) of the FIA World Cup man Grand Prix. Dutch Grand Prix. “In the beginning, it was difficult for Cross-Country Rallies, hopes to ATAR finished third at the Sev- Qatar won the first set 18-16. Their last podium finish was in 2014, because I was surrounded by many impress as heads to Aragon, Spain, enth World Championship in The hosts prevailed 17-16 in the sec- when Anthony West triumphed at the riders and visibility was very poor due for its fifth round, which begins on QBudapest, Hungary, last week. ond, thanks mainly to John Andras’s Dutch GP. four laps, before working his way up to the water spray on the track. But Friday. After maintaining a clean slate in the nine goals, thus sending the match to In wet conditions at the Sachsenring to fifth on lap 15. as the race went on, I started to find Driving a Nissan Patrol Y62 with group stage, Qatar met their match in penalties. support from the Qatar Motor Circuit, Spaniard Simon started cau- Italian Franco Morbidelli and Spaniard rhythm. Of course, it helped in the end and Motorcycle Federation and eventual champions Croatia in the sem- Goalkeeper Mohsin Yafai did the star tiously and held 16th place in the opening Alex Rins crashed in the dramatic last that many riders like Franco (Morbidelli) Nissan Middle East, Adel, who turn for Qatar as he made a crucial save in and Alex (Rins) crashed. When I finally finished fifth in the previous round the tie-breaker while Mahmoud Osman, crossed the line, it was a very sweet in Italy, is currently second overall, Mohsin Yafai had more who announced his international retire- moment and a great feeling for me,” 27 points behind Yasir Saeidan of ment after the game, scored the deci- said Simon, a former 125cc champion. Saudi Arabia. to cheer as he was sive goal to ensure that they retained “I wouldn’t compare it to the day I “I’ve prepared well and will push named as goalkeeper in the bronze medal won in Brazil 2014. hard for a win in Aragon. I need an All Stars team. won the 125 title in 2009, but it was to close the 27-point gap. It isn’t Mohsin had more to cheer as he was still very special to be rewarded for all big, as there’re five more rounds named as goalkeeper in an All Stars the work we put in. As you get older, left in this year’s World Cup. It also team picked by the organising com- you think a lot about such things and I means there’re still a lot of points ifinal, which they lost 12-13, 19-25. mittee. He was the only Qatari in the want to dedicate my success to QMMF, at stake,” said Adel, who will have In the third-place play-off, Qatar beat seven-member squad, which also com- to my crew and myself,” the 29-year- Frenchman Jean-Michel Polato as Hungary 7-6 on penalties after both prised two players each from Croatia his co-driver. DSP old added. DSP Divakaran DSP/Vinod teams won a set apiece. and Brazil, and one each from Spain ššKo Pin Yi Anis Zouaoui scored eight goals as and Hungary. DSP ššMubarak Shanan www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 27

TABLE TENNIS Aspire boys excel at Morocco Open

CUE SPORTS TENNIS Stage is set for Qatar settle for World 9-Ball Pool third place

ATAR finished third at the Sev- Qatar won the first set 18-16. enth World Championship in The hosts prevailed 17-16 in the sec- QBudapest, Hungary, last week. ond, thanks mainly to John Andras’s After maintaining a clean slate in the nine goals, thus sending the match to group stage, Qatar met their match in penalties. eventual champions Croatia in the sem- Goalkeeper Mohsin Yafai did the star turn for Qatar as he made a crucial save in the tie-breaker while Mahmoud Osman, Mohsin Yafai had more who announced his international retirement after the game, scored the deci- to cheer as he was sive goal to ensure that they retained named as goalkeeper in the bronze medal won in Brazil 2014. an All Stars team. Mohsin had more to cheer as he was named as goalkeeper in an All Stars team picked by the organising com- ifinal, which they lost 12-13, 19-25. mittee. He was the only Qatari in the In the third-place play-off, Qatar beat seven-member squad, which also com- Hungary 7-6 on penalties after both prised two players each from Croatia

DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod teams won a set apiece. and Brazil, and one each from Spain ššKo Pin Yi Anis Zouaoui scored eight goals as and Hungary. DSP ššMubarak Shanan 28 Wednesday, July 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 29 Tennis

Halep does a quick job in Bucharest

ORLD No.5 Simona The easy win was in contrast to the Halep raced to the It was a second title of semifinal, in which Halep needed more WBucharest clay- than two hours to come from a set and court title in just 47 minutes with the season for Halep and a break down before beating American a 6-0, 6-0 blitz of Latvia’s Anastasija 13th of the Romanian Vania King 6-7, 6-4, 6-3. Battle lines drawn! Sevastova. player’s overall career. The Romanian won the inaugural It was a second title of the season Bucharest Open in 2014, but did not Unheralded Kyle Edmund takes Great Britain for the top seed and 13th of her over- compete last year. all career. fears over the Zika virus. “I knew she was a tough adversary into Davis Cup semifinal against Argentina. The 24-year-old had earlier triumphed “I think I’ve never won 6-0, 6-0 in a and never dreamt of winning this way. I on clay in Madrid. WTA event,” said Halep, who won close think I was more solid, fought for every Victory came just days after Halep to 70 per cent of points on her serve ball, was aggressive and managed to fin- ĈĈCroatia to face France in the sets to level the quarterfinal. pulled out of the Olympics because of and saved both break points she faced. ish the points very quick,” added Halep. other last-four tie COLLATED RESULTS ššSimona Halep Juan Martin Del Potro teamed AT BELGRADE with Guido Pella to defeat Fognini Serbia lost to Great Britain 2-3 Kyle Edmund (GBR) bt and Paolo Lorenzi in doubles. 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) YLE Edmund won his second Meanwhile in Trinec, Jo-Wilfried Dusan Lajovic (SRB) bt 6-1, 6-3, 6-2 Croat Karlovic is Klizan supreme singles rubber to steer Davis Cup Tsonga sent France into the last four James Ward (GBR) Jamie Murray/Dominic Kchampions Great Britain past after beating Jiri Vesely of the Czech 6-1, 6-7 (2-7), third-time lucky at Hamburg Inglot (GBR) bt Filip Krajinovic/ 6-3, 6-4 Serbia into a mouthwatering semifinal Republic to hand his team an unas- Nenad Zimonjic (SRB) clash against Argentina. sailable 3-1 lead. Kyle Edmund (GBR) bt 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 HE third time was the charm for LOVAKIA’S Martin Klizan claimed In the other last-four encounter, France The world No.10 beat 50th-ranked Dusan Lajovic (SRB) (7-5) Croat Ivo Karlovic, who lifted the fifth ATP Tour title of his Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) bt 6-2, 3-6, 7-5 will face Croatia after the latter rallied Vesely 4-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-4, 7-5 as France James Ward (GBR) Tthe ATP Newport title with a Scareer by beating Pablo Cue- from a 0-2 deficit to oust USA 3-2. won on Czech soil for the first time in AT PESARO 6-7 (2-7), 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (14-12) victory vas of Uruguay 6-1, 6-4 in the final at At Belgrade, Edmund justified his 90 years. Italy lost to Argentina 1-3 over Gilles Muller. Hamburg. Federico Delbonis (ARG) bt 7-6 (7-4), 3-6, position as his country’s top player in In Portland, Borna Coric was the star Andreas Seppi (ITA) 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) In his third straight appearance in the Seventh seed Klizan raced through the absence of Wimbledon champion Fabio Fognini (ITA) bt final, the 37-year-old grabbed his sev- the opening set with two breaks of serve 6-1, 6-1, 7-5 Andy Murray to see off Dusan Lajovic Juan Monaco (ARG) enth ATP Tour title and became the old- in less than half an hour. Juan Martin Del Potro/Guido 6-1, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) on the back of 39 Pella (ARG) bt Fabio Fognini/ est winner in the tournament’s history. The 27-year-old saw an early break in When you know what’s 3-6, 3-6, 6-4 winners. Paolo Lorenzi (ITA) In fact, he is the oldest ATP singles the second set cancelled out by Cuevas, “When you know what’s at stake, you at stake, you want to Federico Delbonis (ARG) bt 6-4, 7-5, 3-6, champion since Marty Riessen in 1979. but another in the seventh game helped Fabio Fognini (ITA) 7-5

win for your country. I’m Coffrini AFP/ Fabrice want to win for your country. I’m so Andreas Seppi (ITA) vs “All these years, I was losing in the him seal victory in just over an hour. not played happy to have done that,” said Edmund. happy to have done that. Juan Monaco (ARG) final. Finally, I was able to do it. I was ššViktorija Golubic is all smiles with the trophy. He had defeated Janko Tipsarevic in AT TRINEC down a match point. That makes it even Czech Republic lost to France 1-3 the opening singles as the hosts paid Lukas Rosol (CZE) bt 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, nicer,” said Karlovic. heavily for not being able to call upon for Croatia as he defeated Jack Sock Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) 7-6 (10-8), 6-4 His usual monster serve again made Novak Djokovic and Viktor Troicki, com- 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the final rubber. Lucas Pouille (FRA) bt 7-6 (7-2), 6-4, the difference. He fired 27 aces and Jiri Vesely (CZE) 7-5 fortably their top two players. Sock had rallied from two sets down won almost 90 per cent of his first- Home girl Golubic Nicolas Mahut/Pierre-Hugues 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, Herbert (FRA) bt Radek Stepanek/ Lajovic levelled the tie with a win to stun former US Open champion 4-6, 6-4 serve points. over James Ward before Jamie Murray Marin Cilic 4-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 in the Lukas Rosol (CZE) But both Karlovic and Muller began Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) bt 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), šMartin Klizan and Dominic Inglot defeated Nenad opening match. Jiri Vesely (CZE) 6-4, 7-5 the match battling nerves. triumphs in Gstaad š Lukas Rosol (CZE) vs Zimonjic and Filip Krajinovic in doubles. John Isner followed it up with a 6-4, not played Karlovic, who had been broken once in Earlier, at Pesaro, Argentina beat 6-4, 6-3 win over Coric as the US swept Lucas Pouille (FRA) Newport heading into the final, dropped AT PORTLAND Italy 3-1. into a 2-0 lead, but the mighty doubles United States lost to Croatia 2-3 his first service game. WITZERLAND’S Viktorija Golu- seven break points she faced as Golubic Argentina, who have never won the duo of Bob and Mike Bryan could not Jack Sock (USA) bt 4-6, 3-6, 6-3, Muller then held to lead 3-0, but bic claimed a home victory at took command at key moments; she Ramos-Vinolas Davis Cup, saw Federico Delbonis defeat seal the deal for the Americans, falling Marin Cilic (CRO) 6-4, 6-4 Karlovic broke back to set the course Sthe Gstaad WTA tournament, lost her own serve five times. John Isner (USA) bt 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 Fabio Fognini 6-4, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 in the to Ivan Dodig and Cilic. Borna Coric (CRO) for what would be the first of three tie- fighting back for a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 defeat “It’s fantastic to win at home. Kiki wins in Sweden reverse singles. Cilic then kept Croatia alive with a Ivan Dodig/Marin Cilic (CRO) bt 6-2, 2-6, 6-2, breakers. of third seed Kiki Bertens. (Bertens) is always so tough to play. I Delbonis had also pocketed the first three-set win over Isner to set the stage Bob Bryan/Mike Bryan (USA) 6-4 The Zurich-based player won the was impressed with her game in Paris PANIARD Albert Ramos-Vinolas

/ Jason Cairnduff Marin Cilic (CRO) bt 7-6 (11-9), 6-3, point by beating Andreas Seppi, before for a decisive duel between Sock and John Isner (USA) 6-4 first title of her career in just over two (where she beat Gstaad top seed Timea beat compatriot and fellow left- Fognini saw off Juan Monaco in straight Coric. Borna Coric (CRO) bt 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, hours as she overhauled her more expe- Shander Fernando Verdasco 6-3, Jack Sock (USA) 6-4 šĈKyle Edmund REUTERS rienced Dutch opponent. 6-4 to clinch his first title at the Swed- Golubic denied 26th-ranked Bertens a The Zurich-based player ish Open. second title this season after Nurnberg The 28-year-old was presented with as she won the tournament returning won the first title of her the trophy by Swedish great Bjorn Borg. to the WTA calendar after a three-dec- career, beating Bertens Ranked 35th in the world, Ramos- Henin and Safin join Hall of Fame ade absence. in just over two hours. Vinolas had only previously made it to Golubic lost the first, set but won one final where he lost to Pablo Andujar the second, which was littered with at Casablanca four years ago. USTINE Henin, a shy, petite Belgian Henin, 34, the first Belgian elected to 2005 Australian Open crown over Lleyton six breaks of serve. Bacsinszky in the quarterfinal).” Verdasco has seven ATP titles, the last with a fierce desire to win, and the shrine, said standing in the spot- Hewitt in addition to helping Russia win The 23-year-old went down a break Bertens praised Golubic for an unbe- of which he won on the clay courts at Jbig-serving Russian Marat Safin light was difficult for her, but appreci- two Davis Cup Championships. in the first game of the final set, but lievable game. Bucharest in April. were honored as the new inductees into ated it as the culmination of a dream Safin, known for taking his frustra- immediately broke back. “We had a lot of trouble with the the International Tennis Hall of Fame that began at the age of six. tions out on his racquets and tennis She broke Bertens in the 10th game weather and scheduling, but Viktorija in Newport. “Being the centre of the attention isn’t balls, said he felt like a kid in Disneyland to complete the proceedings as she came through for the win. She played Seven-time Grand Slam singles win- always the best for me. Being part of in visiting the Hall of Fame museum. sent a return out. a great match when it counted.” ner Henin and twice champion Safin the history of the game, it’s much more “This is an amazing place. You feel Bertens was plagued by six double- Golubic showed much more skill were joined in the festivities by France’s than I could expect for as a little girl. I’m the power and energy. You can see what faults as an event which had been rained through her tennis than with a tradi- Amelie Mauresmo, who was named in really proud and happy,” said Henin. kind of people are living here before. off for three mid-week days finished tional alpenhorn. the list last year, but was unable to attend Safin burst to prominence with a stun- You’ve a museum, a beautiful place,” on schedule in bright sunshine over The 3M long mountain wooden musi-

REUTERS/ Mary Schwalm induction ceremonies due to the birth ning straight-set rout of Pete Sampras in said Safin, 36, who turned to politics the Alps. cal instrument is used as part of the šĈFrom left, Amelie Mauresmo, Marat Safin and Justine Henin. of her son. the 2000 US Open final and added the after retiring. ššIvo Karlovic Bertens was unable to save any of the trophy ceremony in this alpine village. ššAlbert Ramos-Vinolas www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 29

Halep does a quick job in Bucharest

Croat Karlovic is Klizan supreme third-time lucky at Hamburg

HE third time was the charm for LOVAKIA’S Martin Klizan claimed Croat Ivo Karlovic, who lifted the fifth ATP Tour title of his Tthe ATP Newport title with a Scareer by beating Pablo Cue- 6-7 (2-7), 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (14-12) victory vas of Uruguay 6-1, 6-4 in the final at over Gilles Muller. Hamburg. In his third straight appearance in the Seventh seed Klizan raced through final, the 37-year-old grabbed his sev- the opening set with two breaks of serve enth ATP Tour title and became the old- in less than half an hour. est winner in the tournament’s history. The 27-year-old saw an early break in In fact, he is the oldest ATP singles the second set cancelled out by Cuevas, champion since Marty Riessen in 1979. but another in the seventh game helped

“All these years, I was losing in the Coffrini AFP/ Fabrice him seal victory in just over an hour. final. Finally, I was able to do it. I was ššViktorija Golubic is all smiles with the trophy. down a match point. That makes it even nicer,” said Karlovic. His usual monster serve again made the difference. He fired 27 aces and won almost 90 per cent of his first- Home girl Golubic serve points. But both Karlovic and Muller began the match battling nerves. triumphs in Gstaad ššMartin Klizan Karlovic, who had been broken once in Newport heading into the final, dropped his first service game. WITZERLAND’S Viktorija Golu- seven break points she faced as Golubic Muller then held to lead 3-0, but bic claimed a home victory at took command at key moments; she Ramos-Vinolas Karlovic broke back to set the course Sthe Gstaad WTA tournament, lost her own serve five times. for what would be the first of three tie- fighting back for a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 defeat “It’s fantastic to win at home. Kiki wins in Sweden breakers. of third seed Kiki Bertens. (Bertens) is always so tough to play. I The Zurich-based player won the was impressed with her game in Paris PANIARD Albert Ramos-Vinolas first title of her career in just over two (where she beat Gstaad top seed Timea beat compatriot and fellow left- hours as she overhauled her more expe- Shander Fernando Verdasco 6-3, rienced Dutch opponent. 6-4 to clinch his first title at the Swed- Golubic denied 26th-ranked Bertens a The Zurich-based player ish Open. second title this season after Nurnberg The 28-year-old was presented with as she won the tournament returning won the first title of her the trophy by Swedish great Bjorn Borg. to the WTA calendar after a three-dec- career, beating Bertens Ranked 35th in the world, Ramos- ade absence. in just over two hours. Vinolas had only previously made it to Golubic lost the first, set but won one final where he lost to Pablo Andujar the second, which was littered with at Casablanca four years ago. six breaks of serve. Bacsinszky in the quarterfinal).” Verdasco has seven ATP titles, the last The 23-year-old went down a break Bertens praised Golubic for an unbe- of which he won on the clay courts at in the first game of the final set, but lievable game. Bucharest in April. immediately broke back. “We had a lot of trouble with the She broke Bertens in the 10th game weather and scheduling, but Viktorija to complete the proceedings as she came through for the win. She played sent a return out. a great match when it counted.” Bertens was plagued by six double- Golubic showed much more skill faults as an event which had been rained through her tennis than with a tradi- off for three mid-week days finished tional alpenhorn. on schedule in bright sunshine over The 3M long mountain wooden musi- the Alps. cal instrument is used as part of the ššIvo Karlovic Bertens was unable to save any of the trophy ceremony in this alpine village. ššAlbert Ramos-Vinolas 30 Wednesday, July 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 31 At a glance

BOXING MOTORSPORT India’s Singh is the king of Asia! Sensational seventh!

NDIAN star Vijender Singh was ONDA’S MotoGP championship leading riders to change bikes but the crowned the WBO Asia-Pacific Su- leader Marc Marquez won in move paid off with Marquez charg- Iper Middleweight champion after HGermany for the seventh year ing back through the field at the twisty edging out Australia’s Kerry Hope by a in a row, across all categories, after a Sachsenring circuit. unanimous decision in the country’s mid-race tyre gamble paid off. “At a certain point, I thought my run maiden professional fight in New Delhi. The Spaniard forged 48 points clear at at this circuit was going to come to an Singh, who became the first Indian the top of the standings after Yamaha’s end,” said Marquez, whose lap times to win a boxing medal by taking home reigning champion and main rival Jorge on slicks were 4sec faster than those bronze from the 2008 Olympics, kept Lorenzo finished only 15th. still on wets. his undefeated record alive in his sev- Britain’s Cal Crutchlow, on an LCR “But in the end we succeeded and enth bout since turning pro last year. Honda, was second and 9.8sec behind earned a very good result, especially The 30-year-old did not disappoint with Italy’s Andrea Dovizioso third for considering how Valentino and Jorge in front of a packed house at Delhi’s Ducati. finished the race,” he added. Thyagaraj stadium which erupted with Italian great Valentino Rossi, Lorenzo’s joy after the tenth and final round. team mate, finished eighth. RESULTS Singh, who has won all his previous At the halfway point in the season, 1. Marc Marquez (ESP) Honda 47:03.2 fights via knockout or TKO, scored 98-92, after nine of 18 rounds, Marquez has 170 2. Cal Crutchlow (GBR) Honda at 9.8 ššPakistan’s players celebrate after winning the Lord’s Test. 98-92, 100-90 against the former WBC points to Lorenzo’s 122. Rossi has 111. 3. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA) Ducati 11.6 4. Scott Redding (GBR) Ducati 11.9 European champion. Marquez, the 23-year-old who looks 5. Andrea Iannone (ITA) Ducati 22.7 The 34-year-old Hope, who had a set for his third MotoGP title, had started STANDINGS CRICKET 23-7 record heading into the bout, on pole and pitted on lap 17, on a dry- 1. Marc Marquez (ESP) 170 leaned on his 12 years of professional ing track after heavy rain just before the 2. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP) 122 experience to stay in the fight against start, following an excursion into the 3. Valentino Rossi (ITA) 111

the newcomer. But Singh appeared Repsol Honda Photo/ gravel trap that dropped him to ninth. 4. Dani Pedrosa (ESP) 96 unstoppable. ššMarc Marquez The Spaniard was the first of the 5. Maverick Vinales (ESP) 83

Finland is set to host a MotoGP round in 2018, the Finland to country’s first appearance on the calendar since 1982, while Germany has agreed a contract extension until return to at least 2021, promoters Dorna said. PAKISTAN LORds! MotoGP Dorna said that an agreement had been reached for Finland’s KymiRing, a circuit under construction at Tillola near the city of Kouvola, to be approved in The visitors crush England by 75 runs with a day to spare in Leg-spinner Shah time for the 2018 season. Finland hosted Grands Prix in Tampere and Imatra between 1962 and 1982. the first Test to take a 1-0 lead in the four-match series. on top of the world ššVijender Singh After his Lord’s heroics, Yasir Shah has become the No.1 ranked Test AKISTAN foiled a gutsy Eng- England had never chased down such “It’s one of the top wins bowler in the world. GOLF land run chase to win a gripping a total at Lord’s and while Jonny Bairstow as captain and for the Shah is the first Pakistan Aussie Baddeley Pfirst Test by 75 runs at Lord’s was at the crease they appeared to have team. I’m very proud bowler to top the rankings last Sunday. a chance, but he was undone by Shah. of the team and the way since Mushtaq Ahmed ends five-year Having set the hosts a 283-run vic- The end was nigh after that as the they came out and achieved the distinction in December, Swede Stenson wins an tory target after their second innings final three wickets went down for just showed really good 1996. Shane Warne was the last wrist title drought spinner to surge to the top position in ended on 215, Pakistan’s bowlers, led 11 runs. Pakistan’s players celebrated skills,” said Misbah- December, 2005. Australia’s Aaron Baddeley beat by leg spinner Yasir Shah, provided a victory by doing press-ups in front of ul-Haq, who became Shah, who returned figures of six for 72 Open and close affair! Kim Si-Woo in a thrilling play-off to masterclass to bowl England out for 207. their jubilant supporters. the oldest player to score a Test cen- and four for 69, became the first spinner clinch the Barbasol Championship in Mohammad Amir, back from a five- tury when he made 114 in Pakistan’s to take 10 wickets in a Lord’s Test since Alabama that ended a five-year title year ban for spot-fixing, sealed victory first innings total of 339. England’s Derek Underwood in 1974 ECORD-BREAKING Swede Hen- any of the ‘Big Four’ tournaments. drought. when he clean bowled Jake Ball. BRIEF SCORES Meanwhile England have recalled and just the sixth in all. rik Stenson became the first “Wow, this’ll take a little while to sink Baddeley and Kim, a 21-year- After the victory, Pakistan’s win-loss Pakistan 339 (Misbah-ul-Haq 114, Asad Shafiq 73; seamer James Anderson, all-rounder The 30-year-old has a RScandinavian male to capture a in. I’m still trying to find my bearings. old looking for his first win on tour, Chris Woakes 6-70) and 215 (Asad Shafiq 49, Sarfraz brilliant record so far, taking record in Tests at Lord’s stands at 4-4. Ben Stokes and leg-spinner Adil Rashid Major when he won the British Open, I want to thank Phil for a fantastic bat- completed 72 holes tied on 18-under Ahmed 45; Chris Woakes 5-32) beat England 272 86 wickets at an average of 266. Only Australia, with a 15-7 record, has (Alastair Cook 81; Yasir Shah 6-72) and 207 (Jonny for the second Test beginning at Old 23 from just 13 Tests. beating Phil Mickelson in an extraor- tle. We played some great golf and I’m Bairstow 48; Yasir Shah 4-69) by 75 runs. Baddeley shot done better. Trafford on Friday. dinary final-round duel. delighted to come out on top,” said five-under 66 and Stenson as he held aloft the coveted Kim carded a Claret Jug. sizzling 63 in the final round. The world No. 5 finished Like two prize fighters in a ring, ATHLETICS the two men traded blow after stun- Meanwhile, 20-under on 264, three ning blow, reeling off birdie after women’s world No.1 Lydia Ko beat ahead of American birdie to turn the last day of the ššAaron Baddeley Ariya Jutanugarn Semenya sounds Rio warning rival Phil Mickelson. oldest Major into a two-way pro- and Lee Mi-Rim cession. in a four-hole play-off to clinch the The rest were nowhere with Marathon Classic in Sylvania, Ohio. OUTH Africa’s Caster Semenya 1:55.33, more than a second ahead of her 10.94sec, a long way clear of Jamaica’s The world No 5 produced a swash- American J B Holmes (69) taking third Ko, one of the game’s best putters, coasted to victory in the 800M previous world leading time of 1:56.64. Veronica Campbell-Brown (11.12) and buckling eight-under-par 63 to finish spot on 278, 11 behind Mickelson. poured in a seven-footer nearly Sat the Monaco Diamond League World indoor champion Francine South Africa’s Carina Horn (11.14). 20-under on 264, three ahead of play- Steve Stricker (69) of the US was in identical to one she missed on the third extra trip to the par-five 18th, to in a world leading and personal best Niyonsaba trailed in second, with Kenya’s Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi won the ing partner Mickelson (65). fourth place on 279, one in front of win her fourth title of the year and time to underline her status as a heavy Jepkoech Eunice in third. men’s high jump with an effort of 2.39. The 40-year-old’s round equalled the Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, Tyrrell 14th of the precocious 19-year-old’s favourite for next month’s Rio Olympics. Dutchwoman Dafne Schippers won Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim finished lowest in any Major championship and Hatton of England and Spaniard Sergio career. ššCaster Semenya Semenya streaked away to finish in the women’s 100M, crossing the line in fourth with a jump of 2.31. his winning total was also a record for Garcia. ššHenrik Stenson www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 31

BOXING MOTORSPORT India’s Singh is the king of Asia! Sensational seventh!

NDIAN star Vijender Singh was ONDA’S MotoGP championship leading riders to change bikes but the crowned the WBO Asia-Pacific Su- leader Marc Marquez won in move paid off with Marquez charg- Iper Middleweight champion after HGermany for the seventh year ing back through the field at the twisty edging out Australia’s Kerry Hope by a in a row, across all categories, after a Sachsenring circuit. unanimous decision in the country’s mid-race tyre gamble paid off. “At a certain point, I thought my run maiden professional fight in New Delhi. The Spaniard forged 48 points clear at at this circuit was going to come to an Singh, who became the first Indian the top of the standings after Yamaha’s end,” said Marquez, whose lap times to win a boxing medal by taking home reigning champion and main rival Jorge on slicks were 4sec faster than those bronze from the 2008 Olympics, kept Lorenzo finished only 15th. still on wets. his undefeated record alive in his sev- Britain’s Cal Crutchlow, on an LCR “But in the end we succeeded and enth bout since turning pro last year. Honda, was second and 9.8sec behind earned a very good result, especially The 30-year-old did not disappoint with Italy’s Andrea Dovizioso third for considering how Valentino and Jorge in front of a packed house at Delhi’s Ducati. finished the race,” he added. Thyagaraj stadium which erupted with Italian great Valentino Rossi, Lorenzo’s joy after the tenth and final round. team mate, finished eighth. RESULTS Singh, who has won all his previous At the halfway point in the season, 1. Marc Marquez (ESP) Honda 47:03.2 fights via knockout or TKO, scored 98-92, after nine of 18 rounds, Marquez has 170 2. Cal Crutchlow (GBR) Honda at 9.8 98-92, 100-90 against the former WBC points to Lorenzo’s 122. Rossi has 111. 3. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA) Ducati 11.6 4. Scott Redding (GBR) Ducati 11.9 European champion. Marquez, the 23-year-old who looks 5. Andrea Iannone (ITA) Ducati 22.7 The 34-year-old Hope, who had a set for his third MotoGP title, had started STANDINGS 23-7 record heading into the bout, on pole and pitted on lap 17, on a dry- 1. Marc Marquez (ESP) 170 leaned on his 12 years of professional ing track after heavy rain just before the 2. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP) 122 experience to stay in the fight against start, following an excursion into the 3. Valentino Rossi (ITA) 111

GOLF Aussie Baddeley ends five-year Swede Stenson wins an title drought

Australia’s Aaron Baddeley beat Open and close affair! Kim Si-Woo in a thrilling play-off to clinch the Barbasol Championship in Alabama that ended a five-year title ECORD-BREAKING Swede Hen- any of the ‘Big Four’ tournaments. drought. rik Stenson became the first “Wow, this’ll take a little while to sink Baddeley and Kim, a 21-year- RScandinavian male to capture a in. I’m still trying to find my bearings. old looking for his first win on tour, Major when he won the British Open, I want to thank Phil for a fantastic bat- completed 72 holes tied on 18-under 266. beating Phil Mickelson in an extraor- tle. We played some great golf and I’m Baddeley shot dinary final-round duel. delighted to come out on top,” said five-under 66 and Stenson as he held aloft the coveted Kim carded a Claret Jug. sizzling 63 in the final round. The world No. 5 finished Like two prize fighters in a ring, the two men traded blow after stun- Meanwhile, 20-under on 264, three ning blow, reeling off birdie after women’s world No.1 Lydia Ko beat ahead of American birdie to turn the last day of the ššAaron Baddeley Ariya Jutanugarn rival Phil Mickelson. oldest Major into a two-way pro- and Lee Mi-Rim cession. in a four-hole play-off to clinch the The rest were nowhere with Marathon Classic in Sylvania, Ohio. The world No 5 produced a swash- American J B Holmes (69) taking third Ko, one of the game’s best putters, buckling eight-under-par 63 to finish spot on 278, 11 behind Mickelson. poured in a seven-footer nearly 20-under on 264, three ahead of play- Steve Stricker (69) of the US was in identical to one she missed on the third extra trip to the par-five 18th, to ing partner Mickelson (65). fourth place on 279, one in front of win her fourth title of the year and The 40-year-old’s round equalled the Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, Tyrrell 14th of the precocious 19-year-old’s lowest in any Major championship and Hatton of England and Spaniard Sergio career. his winning total was also a record for Garcia. ššHenrik Stenson 32 Wednesday, July 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 33 Movers&Shakers Kaleidoscope

Maradona, from Ali’s memorabilia up for grabs

real to reel life! JOCKSTRAP worn by about auctioning off jockstraps as Both fighters were undefeated boxer Joe Frazier when he an example of something outra- when they met up in the match ššManny Pacquiao A defeated Muhammad Ali for geous. Here we got one consigned on March 8, 1971, at Madison RGENTINIAN football legend life, but did not give details on the for- the combined heavyweight title hit for sale,” said Ken Goldin, owner of Square Garden in New York. Frazier Diego Maradona’s larger-than- mat, cast or release date. the auction block, along with the Goldin Auctions of Runnemede, defeated Ali in a unanimous, Alife exploits are coming to the Maradona said he was happy and Pacman eyeing a gloves Ali wore in that 1971 bout New Jersey. 15-round decision. small screen, producers said, announcing enthusiastic that Telefe was develop- dubbed the ‘Fight of the Century.’ The memorabilia went on sale After the fight, Frazier gave the he will be the subject of a new TV series ing this project for the world. comeback to ring? The auction concludes with live just over a month after Ali’s death jockstrap to corner-man David Wolf, targeting international audiences. The company’s content director, Tomas bidding on August 4. at an Arizona hospital at the age of according to Goldin. Wolf, later “Every month of my life could make 100 Yankelevich, said it was looking for part- ILIPINO boxing hero Manny “People used to make jokes 74. Frazier died in 2011. became a manager for other boxers. episodes. Everything I’ve lived surpasses ners to make an unprecedented super Pacquiao declared he still had any kind of fiction,” said Maradona in a production. Fthe passion for the sport and Press release from Argentinian TV chan- “It’s a challenge as a producer to think might come out of retirement, although nel Telefe, the producer of the new series. about fictionalising the life of the best there are no plans for a fight this year. Telefe said it had signed a deal with player of all time and probably the best- Nicknamed ‘Pacman’, the 37-year- ššDiego Maradona Maradona to make a show about his known person in the world,” he said. old, a newly elected senator in the Philippines, said that his top priority was his political career, but that his love for boxing had not diminished. Pregnant Azarenka to miss rest of the season “When you put your passion and your dedication in one sport, you can’t say you’re leaving that if your passion is ORMER world No.1 tennis player year, but that she intended to resume “We couldn’t be happier and there,” said Pacquiao. and two-time Australian Open her career. feel very blessed to begin this “Boxing is always my passion and I Fchampion Victoria Azarenka “While recovering from the knee injury exciting journey of building a grew up as a boxer. The Lord helped ĈĈThe app uses GPS to let announced that she was pregnant and I sustained at Roland Garros, I received family together,” added Azarenka, me make a name in boxing history,” players roam real world would miss the rest of the season. news from my doctors that my boyfriend who pulled out of her French added Pacquiao. The 26-year-old Belarusian said her and I are going to become parents at the Open first- round tie with a knee Pacquiao added he was still physi- OULD hunting for a Pokemon baby was due towards the end of the end of the year,” said Azarenka. injury and has not played since. cally fit to return to the ring. get any hotter? Maybe in Rio, C so the city about to host the Olympic Games is urging makers of the popular app to come down to Brazil. Centurion keen on more records Broncos’ Miller hits NFL jackpot The app, based on a Nintendo title that debuted 20 years ago, uses GPS S THE world’s top swimmers Mieko Nagaoka has racked up a slew ENVER Broncos outside line- contract, which came hours before the and mapping capabilities in smart- prepare for the Rio Olympics, of jaw-dropping world bests in her age backer and Super Bowl 50 Most NFL’s deadline for franchise players to phones to let players roam the real Aa sprightly Japanese centenar- bracket after only taking up swimming DValuable Player Von Miller be- sign long-term contracts. world to find ‘PokeStops’ stocked Igniting dreams ian insists she will still be smashing in her late eighties. came the NFL’s highest-paid defen- The sides came to the final num- with supplies and hunt cartoon records by the time the 2020 Tokyo “I’m fit as a fiddle. I want to keep sive player after agreeing to a six-year, bers of the pact last month with only monsters to capture and train for in grand fashion! Games roll around. swimming until I’m 105 and beyond $114.5m deal. the guaranteed money serving as the battles. Closing in on her 102nd birthday, that,” said Nagaoka. A record $70m is guaranteed in the sticking point. “Hello Nintendo! Just days to go LOBAL sports brand Puma for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. continues to expand its suc- Everybody’s coming. You should G cessful running franchise come on down too,” said Rio with the all-new IGNITE Dual for Mayor Eduardo Paes on Facebook, Autumn-Winter 2016 shoes that with the welcoming hashtag Australia and New Zealand recently, Some, like Paes, think people offer duality in both function and After serving 21 months in prison The Czech Football Association Distance runner Jo Pavey #PokemonGoNoBrasil (Pokemon Go the free Pokemon Go smartphone might enjoy hunting around the style. for tax evasion, former Bayern named Karel Jarolim as new will become the first British in Brazil). game that overlays play on the real city’s landmarks like Copacabana Engineered to provide ultimate Munich president Uli Hoeness coach, replacing Pavel Vrba, who track athlete to compete in could be soon back in his old lost his job after the team bowed five Olympics after she was Since its release in the US, world has triggered a major craze. beach. flexibility and cushioning for mid- job. German football magazine out in the group stages of the selected in the team for Rio. and-long-distance runners, the Kicker reported Hoeness might recent European Championship The 42-year-old mother of two shoes have the IGNITE Foam mid- be offered the honorary job of in France. Jarolim, 59, is currently will run in the 10,000M, having sole that is visible on the heel and president after a supervisory the coach of Czech top-flight been preferred to 24-year-old TAG Heuer in hidden in the forefoot to offer full- board meeting, with the real side Mlada Boleslav, who are Kate Avery. “So happy to be ‘Star’ signing by Atletico! length energy return. power remaining in the hands playing in the Europa League’s selected for my fifth Olympics,” Articulated chevron grooves are of Managing Director Karl-Heinz third qualifying round later this said Pavey, whose first Games La Liga deal Rummenigge. month. was in Sydney, 2000. designed to compress during land- A LIGA last week announced TAG ORMER La Liga champions Atletico ing and rebound. The moulded EVA Heuer as its official timekeeper Madrid unveiled their latest big sockliner cradles the foot comfort- Land sponsor. F summer ‘signing’ — Hollywood star ably for an easy run. The outsole has Former England batsman Spain’s five-time world Russian weightlifter Alexei Spanish League legends Raul Matt Damon. been technically enhanced by Puma Michael Carberry has been triathlon champion Javier Lovchev will miss the Rio Gonzalez and Fernando Sanz The actor, in the Spanish capital to to mimic the natural gait of the run- diagnosed with cancer. The Gomez fractured his left arm Olympics after his appeal 35-year-old, who played the last in a cycling accident, forcing against a four-year doping ban joined its President Javier promote his new film Jason Bourne, ner. of his six Tests in 2014, consulted him out of the Rio Olympics. was rejected by the Court of Tebas and TAG Heuer Spain was presented with a shirt of the A guidance groove that runs from a specialist after sitting out of The 2012 London Games silver Arbitration for Sport. The ruling General Manager Blanca Champions League finalists by club the heel allows a smoother transfer Hampshire’s county tie against medallist crashed in training means Lovchev will be stripped Panzano in Madrid to celebrate president Enrique Cerezo, a respected of the runner’s weight from heel- Warwickshire as he was feeling and requires surgery on his of his gold medal at the 2015 the new deal. The Swiss watch- film producer, complete with Damon’s strike to toe-off. unwell. Carberry previously broken arm. “It’s the hardest Worlds. Weightlifting’s world maker’s timekeeping systems name on the back. The new IGNITE Dual and running suffered from ill health in moment of my sporting body imposed the ban in May November, 2010, when he had life. I hope to make a quick after the 27-year-old tested will be used by La Liga as has been The 45-year-old said Atletico apparel range are now available blood clots on one of his lungs. recovery,” said the 33-year-old. positive for Ipamorelin. done by the English Premier League reminded him of his favourite team — šĈMatt Damon, right, and Enrique globally at Puma stores, www.puma. and German Bundesliga. the Boston Red Sox baseball side. Cerezo. com and sports retailers. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 33 Kaleidoscope

Ali’s memorabilia up for grabs

JOCKSTRAP worn by about auctioning off jockstraps as Both fighters were undefeated boxer Joe Frazier when he an example of something outra- when they met up in the match A defeated Muhammad Ali for geous. Here we got one consigned on March 8, 1971, at Madison the combined heavyweight title hit for sale,” said Ken Goldin, owner of Square Garden in New York. Frazier the auction block, along with the Goldin Auctions of Runnemede, defeated Ali in a unanimous, gloves Ali wore in that 1971 bout New Jersey. 15-round decision. dubbed the ‘Fight of the Century.’ The memorabilia went on sale After the fight, Frazier gave the The auction concludes with live just over a month after Ali’s death jockstrap to corner-man David Wolf, bidding on August 4. at an Arizona hospital at the age of according to Goldin. Wolf, later “People used to make jokes 74. Frazier died in 2011. became a manager for other boxers.

ĈĈThe app uses GPS to let players roam real world

OULD hunting for a Pokemon get any hotter? Maybe in Rio, C so the city about to host the Olympic Games is urging makers of the popular app to come down to Brazil. The app, based on a Nintendo title that debuted 20 years ago, uses GPS and mapping capabilities in smart- phones to let players roam the real world to find ‘PokeStops’ stocked Igniting dreams with supplies and hunt cartoon monsters to capture and train for in grand fashion! battles. “Hello Nintendo! Just days to go LOBAL sports brand Puma for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. continues to expand its suc- Everybody’s coming. You should G cessful running franchise come on down too,” said Rio with the all-new IGNITE Dual for Mayor Eduardo Paes on Facebook, Autumn-Winter 2016 shoes that with the welcoming hashtag Australia and New Zealand recently, Some, like Paes, think people offer duality in both function and #PokemonGoNoBrasil (Pokemon Go the free Pokemon Go smartphone might enjoy hunting around the style. in Brazil). game that overlays play on the real city’s landmarks like Copacabana Engineered to provide ultimate Since its release in the US, world has triggered a major craze. beach. flexibility and cushioning for mid- and-long-distance runners, the shoes have the IGNITE Foam mid- sole that is visible on the heel and TAG Heuer in hidden in the forefoot to offer full- ‘Star’ signing by Atletico! length energy return. La Liga deal Articulated chevron grooves are designed to compress during land- A LIGA last week announced TAG ORMER La Liga champions Atletico ing and rebound. The moulded EVA Heuer as its official timekeeper Madrid unveiled their latest big sockliner cradles the foot comfort- Land sponsor. F summer ‘signing’ — Hollywood star ably for an easy run. The outsole has Spanish League legends Raul Matt Damon. been technically enhanced by Puma Gonzalez and Fernando Sanz The actor, in the Spanish capital to to mimic the natural gait of the run- joined its President Javier promote his new film Jason Bourne, ner. Tebas and TAG Heuer Spain was presented with a shirt of the A guidance groove that runs from General Manager Blanca Champions League finalists by club the heel allows a smoother transfer Panzano in Madrid to celebrate president Enrique Cerezo, a respected of the runner’s weight from heel- the new deal. The Swiss watch- film producer, complete with Damon’s strike to toe-off. maker’s timekeeping systems name on the back. The new IGNITE Dual and running will be used by La Liga as has been The 45-year-old said Atletico apparel range are now available done by the English Premier League reminded him of his favourite team — šĈMatt Damon, right, and Enrique globally at Puma stores, www.puma. and German Bundesliga. the Boston Red Sox baseball side. Cerezo. com and sports retailers. 34 Wednesday, July 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 35

Spot shots Ĉ 2016 TOUR DE FRANCE www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 35 36 Wednesday, July 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 37

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SPORT THIS WEEK TOP TWEETS BLAST FROM THE PAST INSTAGLOW

Ĉ QATAR EMIL ZATOPEK cristiano 4d The legendary Czech athlete wins 1952 10,000M gold at Helsinki Olympics SUNDAY, JULY 24 MONDAY, JULY 25

HANDBALL CUE SPORTS Qatar vs Poland international World 9-Ball Pool friendly, 6pm at Qatar Championship, 12noon at Handball Association Hall. Al Arabi Sports Club.

The withdrawal of top golfers including world No.1 Jason Day from the Rio Olympics over Zika virus concerns has been disappointing, especially with the sport returning Stallions set for tour of England to the Games after a 112-year gap. Though golf is assured of a spot at Doha-based Stallions Cricket Academy will The trip to Lord’s will also include an indoor the 2020 Tokyo Games, the spate of begin their summer tour of England on training session, where the players will get an pullouts could cast a cloud over its Saturday. opportunity to learn more about the Hawk-Eye future in the Olympic Movement. During their fortnight-long stay, the academy technology. The world of Twitter reacted with 2.4m likes boys will play in a tournament at Leeds and Indica Amarasinghe sent the details and mixed emotions. cristiano The animal arrive visit the famous Lord’s cricket ground. photograph. garbimuguruza 7h Joy Chakravarty @TheJoyofGolf Tennis survived in #Olympics Ĉ despite the absence of Wilander, INTERNATIONAL Becker and Lendl in 1988. I am sure golf too will thrive @OlympicGolf.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 20 GOLF Murray Conallin USPGA at Canadian Open, CYCLING @MConallin Oakville; LPGA at UL These blokes really don’t roll out of Tour de France (till Sunday). International Crown, Gurnee (till Sunday). bed for less then a few million don’t they. #Rio2016 FRIDAY, JULY 22 ICKNAMED ‘Czech Locomotive’, legendary long-distance runner Emil Zatopek of the then Czechoslovakia won the 10,000M ATHLETICS chimp @bubblesinnocent Nrace on July 20, 1952, on the second day of the 15th Olympic London Diamond League (till Saturday). If this was a major I think they’d all Games started at Helsinki, Finland. be there. Sports where Olympics not Zatopek later won the 5,000M and marathon, an event in which he CRICKET the pinnacle should not be in the decided to compete at the last minute. England vs Pakistan, second Olympics Test at Old Trafford (till 8 4 Zatopek broke Olympic records in each event and became the only 11.3k likes Tuesday). athlete in history to win the three long-distance events at the same Shane McInnes 5 7 1 3 4 garbimuguruza SATURDAY, JULY 23 @shanemcinnes Olympics. Jason Day joins Johnson, Spieth9 7 His victory in 5,000M came after a ferocious last lap in 57.5sec, dur- virat.kohli 14h & McIlroy in not contesting. ing which he moved from fourth place to first in the final turn, passing Riding on Tanveer’s all-round Asian Town Stadium, Al Feroz 9 Golf’s return to Olympics is an Alain Mimoun of France, Herbert Schade of the then West Germany show (74 runs and five wickets), made 164 for five before skittling Tanveer embarrassment! 3 6 Al Feroz beat HBK by 52 runs out the opposition for 112. QCA and finally Chris Chataway of Great Britain. TENNIS to clinch the Qatar Cricket General Secretary Manzoor 3 6 9 4 8 2 stars in Al Association’s (QCA) Twenty20 Ahmad awarded the winners. WTA at Stanford, Baastad and Washington DC; ATP 3 1 Super Cup. Jamshaid Ahmad sent the at Washington DC; Gstaad, Feroz’ win Batting first in the final at the details and photograph. Kitzbuhel and Umag (till 7 3 5 9 6 Sunday). THURSDAY, JULY 21 SUDOKU-534 9 5 CRICKET West Indies vs India, 1st Test at 8 4 North Sound (till Monday).

CYCLING HORSERACING Sudoku is a number- 5 7 1 3 4 ЂЂName the Italian coach who took charge Tour de France (until July 24) King George VI and Queen placing puzzle Solution-533 of German Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich Elizabeth Stakes. based on a 9x9 last week. 9 7 SUNDAY, JULY 24 grid with several 4 9 7 3 8 5 2 6 1 given numbers. 9 MOTORSPORT The object is to 2 5 6 9 4 1 3 8 7 Hungarian Formula One Grand place the numbers Name Prix 1 to 9 in the empty 1 8 3 6 2 7 9 5 4 3 6 SEND YOUR ANSWER TO MONDAY, JULY 25 squares so that each 9 7 2 5 1 4 8 3 6 row, each column 3 6 9 4 8 2 218k likes [email protected] Phone No TENNIS and each 3x3 box 3 4 5 8 6 2 1 7 9 virat.kohli What a memorable moment. With the ATP at Toronto Masters; WTA at contains the same greatest ever. Words of pure gold from him. Feel and be the lucky winner to get Montreal (till July 31) 6 1 8 7 3 9 5 4 2 3 1 e-mail number only once. grateful that i could have a chat with him. Hes the three months’ subscription of TUESDAY, JULY 26 5 2 1 4 7 8 6 9 3 7 3 5 9 6 MAN .#sirviv#memorable DSP magazine for free. CRICKET 7 6 9 1 5 3 4 2 8 Sri Lanka vs Australia, 1st Test at Pallekele. 8 3 4 2 9 6 7 1 5 9 5

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SPORT THIS WEEK TOP TWEETS BLAST FROM THE PAST INSTAGLOW

EMIL ZATOPEK cristiano 4d The legendary Czech athlete wins 1952 10,000M gold at Helsinki Olympics

The withdrawal of top golfers including world No.1 Jason Day from the Rio Olympics over Zika virus concerns has been disappointing, especially with the sport returning to the Games after a 112-year gap. Though golf is assured of a spot at the 2020 Tokyo Games, the spate of pullouts could cast a cloud over its future in the Olympic Movement. The world of Twitter reacted with 2.4m likes mixed emotions. cristiano The animal arrive

garbimuguruza 7h Joy Chakravarty @TheJoyofGolf Tennis survived in #Olympics despite the absence of Wilander, Becker and Lendl in 1988. I am sure golf too will thrive @OlympicGolf.

Murray Conallin @MConallin These blokes really don’t roll out of bed for less then a few million don’t they. #Rio2016 ICKNAMED ‘Czech Locomotive’, legendary long-distance run- chimp ner Emil Zatopek of the then Czechoslovakia won the 10,000M @bubblesinnocent Nrace on July 20, 1952, on the second day of the 15th Olympic If this was a major I think they’d all Games started at Helsinki, Finland. be there. Sports where Olympics not Zatopek later won the 5,000M and marathon, an event in which he the pinnacle should not be in the decided to compete at the last minute. Olympics 8 4 Zatopek broke Olympic records in each event and became the only 11.3k likes athlete in history to win the three long-distance events at the same Shane McInnes 5 7 1 3 4 garbimuguruza @shanemcinnes Olympics. Jason Day joins Johnson, Spieth9 7 His victory in 5,000M came after a ferocious last lap in 57.5sec, dur- virat.kohli 14h & McIlroy in not contesting. 9 ing which he moved from fourth place to first in the final turn, passing Golf’s return to Olympics is an Alain Mimoun of France, Herbert Schade of the then West Germany embarrassment! 3 6 and finally Chris Chataway of Great Britain. 3 6 9 4 8 2 3 1 7 3 5 9 6 SUDOKU-534 9 5 8 4

Sudoku is a number- 5 7 1 3 4 placing puzzle Solution-533 based on a 9x9 9 7 grid with several 4 9 7 3 8 5 2 6 1 given numbers. 9 The object is to 2 5 6 9 4 1 3 8 7 place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty 1 8 3 6 2 7 9 5 4 3 6 squares so that each 9 7 2 5 1 4 8 3 6 row, each column 3 6 9 4 8 2 218k likes and each 3x3 box 3 4 5 8 6 2 1 7 9 virat.kohli What a memorable moment. With the contains the same 6 1 8 7 3 9 5 4 2 3 1 greatest ever. Words of pure gold from him. Feel number only once. grateful that i could have a chat with him. Hes the 5 2 1 4 7 8 6 9 3 7 3 5 9 6 MAN .#sirviv#memorable 7 6 9 1 5 3 4 2 8 8 3 4 2 9 6 7 1 5 9 5

4 9 7 3 8 5 2 6 1 2 5 6 9 4 1 3 8 7 1 8 3 6 2 7 9 5 4 9 7 2 5 1 4 8 3 6 3 4 5 8 6 2 1 7 9 6 1 8 7 3 9 5 4 2 5 2 1 4 7 8 6 9 3 7 6 9 1 5 3 4 2 8 8 3 4 2 9 6 7 1 5 38 Wednesday, July 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

Hearsay WE WON’T LET YOU

Goetze might Carvalho is on GET AWAY FROM THE GAME return to Everton’s radar

Dortmund VERTON boss Ronald Koeman is keen on signing Portugal’s Euro ORUSSIA Dortmund have start- E2016 winner William Carvalho. ed transfer talks with Bayern The Dutchman wants a new mid- BMunich over attacking mid- field anchor as he begins his tenure fielderMario Goetze’s possible return at Goodison Park and the Euro win- to Westfalenstadion, according to a ner is on top of his wish list. media report. yxyxyxyxyxAlthough the 24-year-old yxy did not Goetze won two Bundesliga titles shinexy inxy Portugal’s xyxyxxyy 1-0 win over France with Dortmund before joining Bayern in the Euro final earlier this month, in 2013, but failed to secure a starting Evertonyxyxyxy have been yxyxy impressed by his place in three seasons under coach Pep displays at club level for FC Sporting. Guardiola, who has since joined English Carvalho has made 111 appearances Premier League side Manchester City. for the club, winning two domestic The 24-year-old has also been linked trophies. in British media with a move to for- Backed by majority shareholder mer Dortmund boss Juergen Klopp Farhad Moshiri, Koeman has already at Liverpool. landed goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg “I can confirm that talks with Borussia from Fulham. Dortmund have taken place. There’ve Man United close to also been talks with his agent, but the deal isn’t done just yet. Both clubs will have to reach an agree - getting Pogba back ment over a transfer fee first,” said Bayern Chief Executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. ANCHESTER United is close number for the last nine years at Old The Germany international to signing Paul Pogba from Trafford, having worn 8 when he first scored three goals in 14 Bundesliga MJuventus. signed in 2004. appearances last season having only Jose Mourinho is close to snapping Pogba wore the No.15 shirt, which is Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution returned to fitness in February fol- up the Juventus star on a five-year deal available at United, for France at Euro P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. lowing a five-month injury break after for a world record fee of €104m and a 2016 and has previously written ‘+5’ on Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 suffering an adductor muscle injury weekly salary of €300,000. the back of his No.10 shirt at Juventus. e-mail: [email protected] in October. Paul Pogba wore the No.10 shirt at United are now holding back releasing Juventus and may want the same on any more promotional material until Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 his return to United. the entire squad returns from their pre- www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar e-mail: [email protected] Wayne Rooney has worn the iconic season tour of China later this month. Wolfsburg’s Draxler is linked to Gunners TO OUR PUBLICATION RSENAL manager Arsene However, with the Bundesliga club Subscribe Wenger looks to improve his now claiming that the player is 100 per Yes, send to me Asquad ahead of the upcom- cent certain to stay with them this sum- ing English Premier League season mer, Wenger could face a tough task Name: ...... and they are hoping to sign Wolfsburg luring him to the Emirates next season. Julian Draxler midfielder this summer, After scoring 21 goals in Ligue 1 last Company: ...... according to reports. season, Alexandre Lacazette of Lyon has Speculation continues to mount about also attracted the attention of Wenger. Address: ...... the Germany international’s future at It is no secret Wenger is on the look- Wolfsburg, with Arsenal having been out to boost his strike force this sum- Telephone: ...... widely linked with a club-record move mer and the latest name being linked for the midfielder. with is that of Napoli’s Gonzalo Higuain. Fax: ......

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OME of the players of Indian Stuart Binny — could be seen with a with players posting such images on SIX MONTHS ONE YEAR QR 50 (26 ISSUES) QR 100 (52 ISSUES) cricket team, who are currently beer pint, went viral on the social media. social media. There has been no writ- Stouring West Indies, are under The picture also had a member from ten communication, but the manager SEND THIS TO scanner after posting a photograph the management team. has been asked to send a message to with a beer pint on social media. The Board of Control for Cricket in the players to ensure that nothing that The Distribution Manager, Doha Stadium Plus A photograph in which opener Lokesh India (BCCI) asked the team manager to could set a bad example should be posted P O Box: 24598, Tel: +974 44138527/44138567, Fax:+974 44138592/44138597, e-mail: [email protected] Rahul and two other players — fast send a message to the players invloved. online,” a BCCI official was quoted as bowler Umesh Yadav and all-rounder “Some of the officials aren’t happy saying in the Indian media. WE WON’T LET YOU GET AWAY FROM THE GAME

yxyxyxyxyx yxy xy xy xyxyxxyy yxyxyxy yxyxy

Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 e-mail: [email protected] Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar e-mail: [email protected]

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SIX MONTHS ONE YEAR QR 50 (26 ISSUES) QR 100 (52 ISSUES) SEND THIS TO The Distribution Manager, Doha Stadium Plus P O Box: 24598, Tel: +974 44138527/44138567, Fax:+974 44138592/44138597, e-mail: [email protected] www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com WEDNESDAY, JulY 20, 2016 VOluME XI ISSuE NO.24 QR2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

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TO RIO PER EDIT M IO U N B AUGUST Doha Stadium Plus, Qatar’s first and only BEEN English sports weekly, is ready to take you along in its journey through the Rio THERE Olympics. DSP will enable you to get 3 the pulse of some of the best athletes of Qatar and rest of the world as they gear up for the Summer Games. Grab your DONE copy to read views, interviews and much more. THATPAGES 14-15

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Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. P 27 | BEACH HANDBALL Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 P 28 | TENNIS e-mail: [email protected] Qatar retain bronze at Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 Battle lines e-mail: [email protected] World Championship are drawn!