SPORT

Tuesday 28 February 2017

PAGE | 29 PAGE | 31 FowlerFow seals Honda Bale, Ronaldo heroics ClassicC victory by lift Real Madrid four strokes back to the top QMMF to host counting round of National Baja series

The Peninsula standings in the main Qatar under FIM Jury President Cross-Country Rally,” said Al Jean-Francois Wulveriqk. fficials at the Qatar Motor Mannai. Nevels hails from Argentina and and Motorcycle Federa- “This will not affect the has vast experience of cross- Otion (QMMF) have results at the passage control.” country rallying, having worked confirmed that they will host a The 2017 Qatar National on events such as the Dakar counting round of the Qatar Baja will be open to cars in FIA Rally in South America on sev- National Baja Championship in group T1, T2 and T3 as well as eral occasions. conjunction with the Qatar the National T3 category for The Polish Overdrive Rac- Cross-Country Rally, round four desert buggies complying with ing duo of Aron Domzala and of the FIA Cross-Country Rally technical regulations published Szymon Gospodarczyk claimed World Cup and round two of the as an appendix to the supple- victory in last weekend’s Baja FIM Cross-Country Rallies mentary regulations. National Russia Northern Forest Rally, World Championship, on April T3 category vehicles may also the opening round of the FIA 17 to 22. be transported along road sec- World Cup for Cross-Country QMMF President Abdulrah- tions and teams will benefit Rallies, through the remote man Al Mannai confirmed that from reduced entry fees. snowy wastelands of the Kare- the first part of legs two, three, Meanwhile, staff at the lia region of northwestern four and five will count towards QMMF have now published the Russia. They hold an early lead the domestic off-road series and official Rally Guide and are over Czech driver Miroslav the classification of each day will finalising the regulations for the Zapletal and Slovakian navi- be determined on results regis- FIM motorcycle and quad sec- gator Marek Sykora in the tered at a passage control after tion of the international event. points’ standings. around 150km of each leg. Erick Nevels has been The closing date for entries “Qatar National Baja com- appointed as Clerk of the at reduced rates for the Qatar petitors may continue the race Course for the first time and Cross-Country Rally is March 6, The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) will run a National Baja in conjunction with after the passage control and be will work alongside FIM Tech- with the final cut-off planned for the Qatar Cross-Country Rally from April 17 to 22. registered for the overall nical Delegate Izak Santej and March 27.

Al Rayyan seek Lekhwiya, Al Fateh share spoils to extend unbeaten run Nam's rescue act The Peninsula Nam Tae-hee equaliser four atar Stars League (QSL) minutes from final defending champions whistle helps QAl Rayyan will be look- Lekhwiya to share ing to maintain their points with the Saudi unbeaten run in the 2017 AFC Arabian club in an Champions League (ACL) exciting 2-2 draw. when they take on Saudi club Al Hilal in the Group D match at Prince Faisal Bin Fahd The Peninsula Stadium. Players of Al Fateh club of Saudi Arabia celebrate after scoring The QSL club started their stunning 86th minute against Lekhwiya in their AFC Champions League match at campaign in impressive fash- Nam Tae-hee equaliser Prince Abdullah Bin Jalawi Stadium yesterday. ion by registering a 2-1 win Ahelped Lekhwiya to share over Al Wahda in their first spoils in an exciting 2-2 draw club would finally end a run of quarter-finalists Lokomotiv match of the campaign as against Al Fateh in the AFC seven games without a win in shook off the opening day defeat goals from South American Champions League Group B Asia's premier club competition, in record time as Kutibaev duo Gonzalo Viera and Vic- match at the Prince Abdullah Bin but it was not to be as Korea headed home Marat Bikmaev’s tor Caceres ensured a win on Jalawi Stadium yesterday. Republic Nam struck left-wing cross in under 18 sec- their return to the Youssef El Arabi had netted a sweet volley from just inside onds of the match – an competition. a third continental goal in two the area that arced over Abdul- achievement bettered only by Al Rayyan, will know a games to open the scoring for lah Al Oaisher and into the top Sebastian Soria’s nine-second positive result in Riyadh will the Qatari visitors after his 19th corner. opener for Lekhwiya, also in leave them in a strong posi- minute header from Youssef In Tashkent, Lokomotiv Tashkent, against Pakhtakor at tion after just two games. Msakni’s cross, but Nathan Jun- midfielder Salamat Kutibaev the 2013 edition. On the other hand, Al ior’s successfully converted scored the second fastest goal Shell-shocked, the 2015 run- Hilal are also unbeaten start penalty kick saw the sides go in AFC Champions League his- ners-up did respond and were in the continental tournament into the break all-square. tory as the Uzbek side picked up kept out by some excellent goal- group stages. Al Fateh defender Sayyaf Al their first points of the 2017 keeping by Ignatiy Nesterov but Brazilian Carlos Eduardo Bishi then took full advantage competition after a 2-0 win over just three minutes before the netted with eight minutes of ‘keeper Amine Lecomte’s fail- visitors Al Ahli of the United hour mark Bikmaev went from remaining as Al Hilal secured ure to deal with Ahmed Al Arab Emirates at Lokomotiv Sta- provider to goalscorer and a 1-1 draw with Persepolis in Mubarak’s corner to stab home dium in the Group A clash. added Lokomotiv’s all-impor- their opening game of the Lekhwiya's Nam Tae-Hee celebrates after scoring a goal during from close range. After suffering a 1-0 reversal tant second, slotting past visiting tournament after falling With time running out, it to Saudi Arabia’s Al Taawoun on custodian Majed Naser after Sar- their AFC Champions League match against Al Fateh at Prince behind midway through the looked like the Saudi Arabian Matchday One, 2016 dor Mirzayev’s assist. Abdullah Bin Jalawi Stadium yesterday. second half. Saudi Arabian giants look to make it three wins in a row against their Qatari opponents after claim- ing a double in the 2013 group Werner hoping for Germany call-up stage. Al-Hilal won both of the previous two encounters between these teams, out- Berlin Werner's clinical finishing "It's an honour for me when young talent ahead of the 2018 scoring Al Rayyan by a AFP has been a key part of Leipzig's the national coach says that World Cup, when his team will combined score of 5-1 in the rise this season since his arrival about me," Werner told Kicker defend their title. 2013 Group Stage. ising star Timo Werner last year from relegated having scored in Leipzig's 3-1 Werner will be involved with Elsewhere, Al Wahda tar- (pictured), currently the Stuttgart. win over Cologne on Saturday. Germany's under-21s at the get their first points of the RBundesliga's best homeg- Germany play a home "There is still a lot of work to European junior championships 2017 group stage but face a rown striker, is in line for a friendly against England in Dort- do, but hearing something like in Poland -- unless the senior Persepolis side that are rid- senior call-up for next month's mund on March 22 and a 2018 that is of course an incentive." call-up comes to go to Russia. ing high domestically and internationals against England World Cup qualifier away to Werner says he is not count- Werner is fourth in the scor- secured a credible draw will and Azerbaijan after praise from Azerbaijan four days later in ing on a first call-up, "but I hope ing charts in Germany, behind Al Hilal in their Group D Germany coach Joachim Loew. Baku. for one. Every footballer wishes Gabon's Pierre-Emerick Aubam- opener. With 13 league goals for sec- Last week Loew said Werner to be called up for the national eyang of Borussia Dortmund, Bunyodkor will be seek- ond-placed RB Leipzig, Werner has the potential to develop into team". Poland's Robert Lewandowski ing their first AFC Champions -- who only turns 21 next Mon- a world-class striker, suggest- Germany play in the Confed- at Bayern Munich and Cologne's League win since 2014 when day -- is the top-scoring German ing he could hand Werner his erations Cup this June in Russia French striker Anthony they host last year’s runners- in the Bundesliga. first full cap. and Loew says he wants to blood Modeste. up Al Ain in Group C. SPORT TUESDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2017 29 Fowler seals Honda Classic victory by four strokes

New York WORLD RANKINGS meaningless. "The wind was Club, edging Stuart Manley of Reuters tough today," said Fowler. Wales and Englishman Paul 1. (1) Dustin Johnson (US) 1 0.33 "I fought as hard as I could. I Waring. merican Rickie Fowler 2. (2) Jason Day (Australia) 9.57 hit a lot of shots I thought were Fichardt and Waring had breathed a sigh of relief 3. (3) Rory McIlroy (Britain) 8.95 going to turn out good (but did been level going into the last Aafter clinching a four- 4. (5) Hideki Matsuyama (Japan) 8.49 not). It was blowing pretty good, round after the tournament was stroke victory at the $6.4m 5. (4) Henrik Stenson (Sweden) 8.49 so kept us on our toes." cut to 54-holes because of per- Honda Classic in Florida on 6. (6) Jordan Spieth (US) 8.28 Fellow Americans Gary sistent thunderstorms through Sunday. 7. (7) Adam Scott (Australia) 5.68 Woodland and Morgan Hoff- the week that left the course Fowler, previously 0-for-4 8. (8) Justin Thomas (US) 5.46 mann tied for second on waterlogged. after starting the final round 9. (14) Rickie Fowler (US) 5.38 eight-under, but the day There was another two-hour leading on the PGA Tour, frit- 10. (9) Sergio Garcia (Spain) 5.20 belonged to one man, who will delay on Sunday before Fichardt tered away almost all of his 11. (10) Alexander Noren (Sweden) 5.00 head to the Masters in April with set the early pace, along with four-stroke advantage on a 12. (11) Patrick Reed (US) 4.99 a new spring in his step. compatriot Jacques Kruyswijk, breezy day at PGA National in 13. (12) Justin Rose (Britain) 4.73 "There’s less pressure, less whose hopes ended with a dou- Palm Beach Gardens. 14. (13) Danny Willett (Britain) 4.43 stress," said Fowler, who will ble bogey six on the 14th.

But he steadied a leaky ship 15. (15) Bubba Watson (US) 4.34 jump from 14th in the world Fichardt was two shots by sinking consecutive long rankings to inside the top 10. ahead going into the last three birdie putts, a 40-footer at the "I think this is something we holes but Waring birdied the 12th hole followed by a 25-footer got a pretty tight race." Fowler needed going into Augusta and 16th and Fichardt carded his at the next, and extended his lead gave his adoring gallery a I like the spot were we’re at right only bogey of the round on the to five strokes with two holes left. moment of panic when he leaked now." 17th. "My putter saved me," his seven-iron tee shot into a Meanwhile, Darren Fichardt A birdie from close range on Fowler, 28, said in a greenside water hazard at the par-three birdied the final hole to secure a the 18th, however, secured his interview after carding 71 to fin- 17th. one-shot victory at the Joburg fifth Tour victory and first since ish at 12-under-par 268 for his But after taking a penalty Open on Sunday and a first Euro- the Africa Open in 2013. fourth PGA Tour victory. He also stroke, he calmly negotiated the pean Tour title in four years. Manley had finished early to has won three times water with his third shot and The 41-year-old South Afri- take the clubhouse lead with a Rickie Fowler of the United States celebrates with the winner's internationally. sank a six-foot putt to salvage a can held his nerve at the last to third successive 67. trophy after the final round of the Honda Classic at PGA "I made some good putts. The bogey, before taking a victory finish 15-under-par at the rain- Waring, looking for a first National Resort and Spa on Sunday in Palm Beach Gardens, two birdies I made on 12 and 13, stroll down the last, where affected tournament at the Royal win in his nine years on the Tour, Florida. if I don’t make those putts I’ve another bogey proved almost Johannesburg and Kensington shot 69 to share second. Westbrook takes charge; Griffin powers Clippers

Los Angeles NBA RESULTS AFP LA Clippers 124 Charlotte 121 ussell Westbrook Oklahoma City 118 New Orleans 110 scored 21 points in Toronto 112 Portland 106 the fourth quarter en Boston 104 Detroit 98 Columbus Blue Jackets' players celebrate a goal against the route to his 29th tri- Memphis 105 Denver 98 New York Rangers during their NHL game at Madison Square ple double of the Utah 102 Washington 92

Garden in New York on Sunday.

Rseason as the Oklahoma City San Antonio 119 LA Lakers 98 Thunder beat the New Orleans Milwaukee 100 Phoenix 96 Pelicans 118-110 on Sunday. Westbrook posted his sev- Blue Jackets, Predators enth career 40-point triple Los Angeles. Kemba Walker led double, which tied him with Wilt the Hornets with 34 points and Chamberlain for the second Nicolas Batum added 31 and claim impressive wins most in NBA history. eight rebounds for the Hornets, Westbrook finished with 41 who lost for the sixth time in points on 14-of-29 shooting from their last seven games. New York NHL RESULTS the field in front of a crowd of In Milwaukee, Malcolm Agencies 18,200 at the Thunder's Chesa- Brogdon provided the second Arizona 3 Buffalo 2 peake Energy Arena. He also had half spark off the bench as the he Columbus Blue Jack- Chicago 4 St. Louis 2 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Bucks won their fourth game in ets, who returned to Ottawa 2 Florida 1 "I just stay in attack mode Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (centre) shoots the ball five contests with a 100-96 vic- Taction from their bye Nashville 5 Edmonton 4 and tried to help us win," West- as Detroit Pistons guards defend during the fourth quarter tory over the Phoenix Suns after week with a home win on Sat- Columbus 5 NY Rangers 2

brook said. of their NBA game at the Palace of Auburn Hills on Sunday. a thrilling contest. urday, followed that up with an Calgary 3 Carolina 1 The 21 points is the most impressive 5-2 road victory Boston 6 Dallas 3 Westbrook has ever scored in over the New York Rangers at the fourth during his career. seven rebounds. "I thought we "I don't feel I did anything Madison Square Garden. "I think throughout the played well," New Orleans coach wrong to receive it," said Cous- Cam Atkinson and Alexan- in four games for the Predators game, I try to find ways to pick Alvin Gentry said. "I thought we ins, who leads the league in der Wennberg both scored a and James Neal collected three my spots," Westbrook said. did a good job. We started the technical fouls. I just stay in attack pair of goals for the Blue Jack- assists. Defensemen P.K. Sub- "Tonight was the fourth quarter. game the right way. Elsewhere, Blake Griffin mode and tried to ets, and Josh Anderson scored ban and Roman Josi each added Some nights it may be early, "At the end of the day, Russ scored 43 points and collected help us win. I think once. Sergei Bobrovsky spar- two assists. Ryan Ellis, Vernon some nights it may be late. I just made all the plays down the 10 rebounds, lifting the Los kled with 28 saves, while Fiddler and Colin Wilson also play. stretch. You have to give them Angeles Clippers to a 124-121 throughout the earning his 32nd victory of the scored for the Predators. "The game will tell you what credit." overtime victory over the slump- game, I try to find season, tying his career high set In other game, Johnny to do. If something is working, I Pelicans forward DeMarcus ing Charlotte Hornets. in 2013-14. Gaudreau scored two goals as keep doing it." Cousins added 31 points and 10 DeAndre Jordan finished ways to pick my Rick Nash and Jesper Fast Calgary completed a splendid Enes Kanter came off the rebounds before fouling out. with 20 points and 19 rebounds spots: Russell scored the Rangers. road trip by defeating bench to add 20 points and nine Cousins picked up a tech- for the Clippers, who defeated Westbrook Meanwhile, Viktor Arvids- Carolina. rebounds. Steven Adams and nical foul 32 seconds into the the Hornets at Staples Center for son scored Nashville's third Michael Ferland also scored Alex Abrines each had 13 points game. It was the 18th of the the seventh straight game. power-play goal of the game at for the Flames, who went 4-0-1 for the Thunder. season for Cousins which Chris Paul had 15 points, 17 1:19 of the third period, lifting in five road games to gain more Anthony Davis led the Peli- means he will be suspended for assists and nine rebounds, while his team over Edmonton. Filip traction in a bid for a Western cans (23-37) with 38 points and one game. J.J. Redick scored 22 points for Forsberg scored his eighth goal Conference play-off spot.

WTA RANKINGS Tsonga moves up 4 places after win ATP RANKINGS 1 (1) Serena Williams (US) 7780 1 (1) Andy Murray (Britain) 11540 Pouille also gained two places Raonic withdrew before the Del- tightness from the match, but this 2 (2) Angelique Kerber (Germany) 7405 2 (2) Novak Djokovic (Serbia) 9735 AFP to move up to 15th while Austria's ray Beach Open final with a torn morning I woke up unable to walk 3 (3) Karolina Pliskova (C' Republic) 5640 3 (3) Stan Wawrinka (Switzerland) 5195 Dominic Thiem dropped one spot hamstring. properly and did quite extensive 4 (4) Simona Halep (Romania) 5172 4 (4) Milos Raonic (Canada) 5080 arseille winner Jo-Wil- to ninth despite winning the title Canada's Raonic, ranked treatment with my team. 5 (5) Kei Nishikori (Japan) 4730 5 (5) Dominika Cibulkova (Slovakia) 5075 fried Tsonga returned to in Rio de Janeiro. fourth in the world, was playing "We came down to the con- 6 (6) Agnieszka Radwanska (Poland) 4670 the world's top 10 when American Jack Sock moved his first tournament since suffer- clusion that it was a slight tear of 6 (6) Rafa Nadal (Spain) 4115 M 7 (11) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga () 3480 7 (7) Garbine Muguruza (Spain) 4585 the ATP rankings were released up three places into the top 20 ing his fourth adductor muscle the hamstring in my right leg." 8 (8) Svetlana Kuznetsova (Russia) 3915 yesterday. after winning the Delray Beach injury in 12 months at the Austral- Sock, who added a second 8 (7) Marin Cilic (Croatia) 3410 9 (9) Madison Keys (US) 3897 The 31-year-old Frenchman tournament. ian Open in January. title of the year to the one he lifted 9 (8) Dominic Thiem (Austria) 3375 10 (13) Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) 3890 won his third title on the south Andy Murray held onto the Raonic told the Tennis Chan- in Auckland in January, called it 10 (9) Roger Federer (Switzerland) 3260 11 (10) Johanna Konta (Britain) 3600 coast of France on Sunday, beat- world number one ranking ahead nel he was hurt in a semi-final "very unfortunate". 11 (10) David Goffin (Belgium) 3245 12 (11) Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) 3310 ing compatriot Lucas Pouille 6-4, of Novak Djokovic, with neither win over former US Open cham- "We've had a lot of good bat- 12 (12) Gael Monfils (France) 3190

13 (12) Venus Williams (US) 3280 6-4 in the final. of them in action last week. pion Juan Martin Del Potro on tles and I was looking forward to 13 (13) Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria) 2925

14 (15) Caroline Wozniacki (Den) 3020 Tsonga moved up four places Meanwhile, Jack Sock claimed Saturday night. the challenge," added Sock, who 14 (14) Tomas Berdych (C' Republic) 2790

15 (16) Elena Vesnina (Russia) 2340 to seventh, his highest ranking his second ATP title of 2017 on "I didn't think much of it," claimed a third ATP title of his 15 (17) Lucas Pouille (France) 2261 since June last year. Sunday as top-seeded Milos Raonic said. "I thought it was just career. 30 SPORT TUESDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2017 Sheikh Ali to lead Qatari charge at Al Shaqab

The Peninsula CHI Al Shaqab ‘horse dancing’, dressage encapsulates the agility, lympian Sheikh Ali This year’s edition responsiveness and obedience Al Thani will lead will feature three of the horse as the rider uses the Qatari charge equestrian the reins to make subtle as top riders are disciplines: movements that prompt the set to take part in Showjumping CSI5* horse to manoeuvre in a O the highly-anticipated CHI Al specific way. and CSI3*, Dressage Shaqab 2017 which will be held Patrik Kittel (Sweden) won CDI5*, and Para- this weekend at Al Shaqab. both the Grand Prix and the Dressage CPEDI3* Thrilling action and a freestyle test at Al Shaqab last unique display of showmanship year, and he’ll seek to add will be on the recipe for enthu- Sheikh Ali will again another trophy to his mantle siasts when the world’s top compete at this at this year’s event. riders and horses compete from year’s CHI Al Shaqab Other dressage riders to March 2 to 4. which will be held watch this year include Carl This year’s edition of CHI from March 2 to 4 Hester (United Kingdom), the Al Shaqab, the only equestrian world’s number five, and competition of its kind in Asia Inessa Merkulova (Russia), and Middle East will feature Al Shaqab. Appropriately ranked sixth. three equestrian disciplines: enough, Al Shaqab is built on CHI Al Shaqab is proud to showjumping CSI5* and CSI3*, the site of Sheikh Jassim’s host the para-dressage Dressage CDI5*, and Para- decisive victory over the discipline for the third year Dressage CPEDI3*. Ottoman Empire, which led to running. para-dressage gives In the showjumping CSI5* the foundation of the modern riders with physical and CSI3*, spectators will state of Qatar. disabilities the opportunity to witness the complete focus and Sheikh Ali will be hoping to compete in dressage. endurance of the world’s top build on the legacy of the Spectators will be given a horses as, with the rider’s country’s founder to achieve a special opportunity to see the guidance, they navigate remarkable success at this special bond shared between challenging obstacle courses year’s competition. horse and rider, as the horse that consist of wide and vertical Other top competitors in compensates for the riders’ jumps. the event include Daniel disabilities. The visiting fans will get a Deusser (Germany), Christian Several riders will be chance to see how a horse and Ahlmann (Germany), and defending their 2016 crowns rider work together to Simon Delestre (France), all of in para-dressage, including seamlessly clear the obstacles whom rank in the top five Grade1b winner Nicole Den as they increase in difficulty worldwide. Horses and riders Dulk (Netherlands), GradeII with each round. will put on an exceptional winner Rixt van der Horst Qatar’s Sheikh Ali Al Thani in action during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, As part of the group of display of teamwork as their (Netherlands), and Philippa in this file photo. The top rider will lead the Qatari charge at CHI Al Shaqab which will be Qatari riders, Sheikh Ali will extensive training is put to the Johnson-Dwyer (South Africa), held this week at Al Shaqab. again compete at this year’s CHI test. Often referred to as who won the GradeIII event. Lahore final looms as PSL enters play-offs Italy tactics will 'kill

Dubai meet in the first play-offs in AFP Sharjah on Tuesday. The win- the game', warns ner will qualify for the final. he Pakistan Super League The second play-off will be entered the play-offs on between Islamabad and Kara- TSunday with title-hold- chi in Sharjah on March 1, the England's Ford ers Islamabad, Peshawar, winner of which will play the Quetta and Karachi progress- loser of first play-off in Dubai ing as security fears dominated on March 3. Twickenham, UK build-up to the March 5 final But uncertainty remains AFP in Lahore. over the final in Lahore. Karachi Kings beat Islam- Pakistan Cricket Board ngland fly-half George Ford abad United by six wickets in (PCB) and officials of the (pictured) urged rugby chiefs a must-win game in Dubai, league have been adamant that Eto outlaw the spoiling tactics eliminating Lahore Qalandars the March 5 final will be held employed by Italy at Twickenham from the next round. in Lahore despite two bomb on Sunday, saying they had the For the first time in the blasts, the first on February 13 potential to "kill the game". league Chris Gayle showed left 14 people killed and over Six Nations champions England Islamabad United players celebrate during a Pakistan why he was regarded as the 100 injured. eventually won 36-15 to remain on Super League 2016 match in this file photo. Islamabad most destructive limited over Another blast on Friday course for back-to-back Grand batsman, hitting a 17-ball 44 won the inaugural edition and entered the play-offs to killed eight people in a cafe in Slams and extend their winning run with five towering sixes and remain on course of title defence. Lahore left serious question to 17 successive victories. two boundaries. marks on the staging of the But the final score did not tell Gayle was dropped from Islamabad United, who game, smashing two sixes off final. the story of an extraordinary match frustrating to say the least. "We had the last match after managing were already in the play-offs, the last two balls of the match Pakistan Army and federal where perennial whipping boys spoken about it because Fiji in the just 59 runs in six games. had posted 123-7 with West to help Karachi chase down government have vowed to give Italy, against all predictions, led autumn wouldn't have a ruck and Gayle's quickfire knock Indian Dwayne Smith hitting the 156-run target. full support and tight security 10-5 at half-time. their 9 (scrum-half) would come eased Karachi Kings's 124-run a 36-ball 49. Peshawar Zalmi (Youth) for teams in Lahore but the Pun- England were repeatedly frus- between our 9 and 10 (fly-half)," target in a match reduced to It was Gayle's West Indian and Quetta Gladiators, who jab province government – of trated during the first half by Italy's explained Ford after Italy scrum- 15-over-a-side due to rain in team-mate who brought finished one and two respec- which Lahore is the capital – has novel tactic of refusing to commit half Edoardo Gori had done exactly Dubai. Lahore's downfall in the last tively in the league phase, will yet to take a final decision. \ anyone other than the tackler to the that early on at Twickenham. breakdown, meaning no ruck was "But it's a different matter if a formed. side is doing it every ruck. As a result offside became irrel- "I hope it will get addressed India frugal with praise for O'Keefe evant and Italy players could stand before the Scotland game because directly between scrum-half Danny if teams do that it is going to kill the Care and fly-half Ford. game quickly. There's no rugby New Delhi Australian players, said he was Steve O'Keefe French referee Romain Poite, going to be played." Reuters not convinced by O'Keefe's who had been warned about Ita- England coach Eddie Jones said performance and would need ly's approach at the traditional Italy, thrashed 63-10 by Ireland last teve O'Keefe was instru- to see him in action on a bet- pre-match meeting officials have time out, were merely intent on mental in helping ter track. with both teams, saw nothing damage limitation on Sunday as he S Australia record one of the "I will have to see (O'Keefe) wrong in what the visitors were called for World Rugby chairman most famous Test victories in bowl on a good Test match doing, with England eventually Bill Beaumont, himself a former recent times but hosts India wicket. Not this one," the playing in similar fashion. England captain, to take action. have been quick to put their 36-year-old, who had pre- England, deploying aggressive "They (Italy) brilliantly executed heavy defeat down to the pitch dicted a 4-0 series defeat for runners down the middle, finally that game and that got them what in Pune rather than the Australia, told reporters. "Until got their act together by scoring five they wanted which was a close 32-year-old spinner's then, I will reserve my second-half tries through Danny loss," said Jones. performance. comments." Care, Elliot Daly, Jack Nowell (two) "In football they say park the O'Keefe's 12-wicket match "To be honest, that wasn't and Ben Te'o. bus. I don't know what they had, haul, the best figures recorded a pitch," Singh, a veteran of 103 But having seen the tactic in but it was bigger than a bus...If that's by a visiting spinner on Indian Tests, said of the surface used action once, Ford urged officials to rugby, I'm going to retire. That's not soil, earned him the man-of- for the series opener. prevent a repeat before England rugby. the-match award but little else "Test cricket should last face old rivals Scotland in a match He added: "I'm sure Bill Beau- in terms of praise from the five days. You cannot play on the batsmen room to either rewarded for his accuracy for the Triple Crown at Twicken- mont watched that game today and vanquished hosts. such wickets where anyone come down the track, or be against the leaden-footed ham on March 11. will take some action." India captain Virat Kohli runs in to bowl and takes wick- able to manoeuvre the ball Indian batsmen. "Italy came with a tactic of But unrepentant Italy coach blamed his side's twin batting ets. I have played in over 100 around. "Steve O'Keefe was con- doing what they did around the Conor O'Shea, who insisted his side collapses on their recklessness, tests, and I know how hard I "Bowling six deliveries in trolled and accurate while his breakdown which basically meant had "played to the law", said: "We while others felt the turning had to work to earn every sin- the same spot is all you need preys looked for spin which there was no rugby being played," are not going to roll over and we track had backfired on them. gle wicket." to get wickets on such tracks," wasn't always there," the he said. are going to fight. Out-of-favour off-spinner "You don't need to flight he added. former Test batsman wrote in "We sussed out what they were "Just because we took people Harbhajan Singh, who has had the ball or anything. You just Former coach Ravi Shastri a column that appeared in doing pretty quickly but we didn't by surprise, what do they want us several run-ins with need to bowl fast and not give also felt O'Keefe was richly Times of India newspaper. act on it quick enough...It was to do?" TUESDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2017 SPORT 31 QU emerge University League champions

The Peninsula The ceremony was attended by people to adopt healthy lifestyles Hilal Al Mohannadi, Chairman of the through playing football.” atar University (QU) took top School and University League Com- The fourth University League saw honours in the University mittee of Qatar Football Association eight colleges and universities from QLeague 2016-17 when they beat (QFA), Mohammed Al Soud, Head of across Qatar competing for the title. Qatar Aeronautical College (QAC) 5-0 Recreation Services at Qatar Founda- Group A included Qatar University, in a thrilling final at Qatar Founda- tion, and Ali Al Mahmoud, Acting Texas A&M University at Qatar, Carn- tion’s Recreation Centre Pitch 1 last Community Engagement Manager egie Mellon University in Qatar, and weekend. from the Supreme Committee for Qatar Aeronautical College; while Northwestern University in Qatar Delivery and Legacy. Group B included Northwestern Uni- (NU-Q) beat Hamad Bin Khalifa Uni- Hilal Al Mohannadi commented: versity in Qatar, University of Calgary versity (HBKU) in the league’s third “Congratulations to Qatar University in Qatar, Georgetown University place playoff, with a final score of 2-0. for winning the title of the University School of Foreign Service in Qatar, During the presentation cere- League for the fourth time. We look and College of the North Atlantic mony, Best Goalkeeper (Omar Al forward to collaborating with Qatar - Qatar. Ansari from NU-Q), Top Scorer (Eslam Foundation next year for the fifth edi- Sponsored by the Supreme Com- Yassin Elsherif from QAC), and Best tion of this exciting tournament. I mittee for Delivery and Legacy as the Player (Abdullah Al Majed from QU) would like to thank the sponsors for Strategic Partner, the University were each presented with special their continued support to help League is a joint collaboration prizes worth QR 5,000. develop the league.” between the Qatar Football Associa- Qatar University players and team officials celebrate with tournament officials Champion QU received a cash He added: “The University League tion (QFA) and Qatar Foundation for prize of QR 40,000, while QAC and is an example of QFA’s commitment Education, Science and Community after they emerged University League football champions at Qatar Foundation’s NU-Q received QR 30,000 and QR to nurturing a football culture among Development (QF) and was launched Recreation Centre Pitch 1. Qatar University beat Qatar Aeronautical College 5-0 in 20,000 respectively. the youth, and encouraging young in 2013. a thrilling final. Bale, Ronaldo heroics lift Umm Salal seek revenge Real Madrid back to the top against strong Al Sadd Madrid AFP Chinthana Wasala The Peninsula areth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo mm Salal will be looking for hauled Real sweet revenge against strong Madrid back from UAl Sadd when they confront 2-0 down to win each other in the Qatar Stars League G3-2 at Villarreal on Sunday (QSL) this Thursday at the Suheim and regain top spot in Bin Hamad Stadium. from Barcelona. After suffering a horrible 8-0 Earlier, Barca had defeat against the joint League lead- momentarily usurped Real ers Al Sadd in the 11th round at the thanks to Lionel Messi's win- Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, the ner four minutes from time Orange Fortress will be looking to in a 2-1 victory at Atletico put in all efforts to disappoint coach Madrid. Hussain Ammouta's boys. Real lead Barca by a However, confronting the strong point, but also have a game Al Sadd outfit will not be an easy task in hand on their title rivals. for them. Bale was recalled to the Both sides will be looking for full starting line-up for the first points to further strengthen their time in three months after a positions in the QSL standings. Umm long-term injury layoff and Salal seeks to improve from their Real's shock 2-1 defeat to current position, while Al Sadd has Valencia in midweek. Real Madrid's Portuguese forward, Cristiano Ronaldo (right) shoots to score all eyes on the QSL title. And the European cham- a goal during the Spanish League football match against Villarreal CF at El Both teams are coming into this pions looked set for a second Madrigal Stadium in Vila-real on Sunday. game with victories in last week's straight defeat as Villarreal games. struck twice early in the sec- Umm Salal defeated Muaither ond half. The visitors needed a slice Los Blancos win League slot. Following their was eventually broken in and are currently at the sixth posi- Firstly, of luck, though, when Soriano Champions League thrashing scrappy fashion on 63 min- tion with 29 points. On the other volleyed home Samu Castille- was harshly adjudged to have Real Madrid fight back at the hands of Paris Saint- utes as Rafinha profited from hand, Al Sadd are now on top of the jo's knockdown. handled inside his own area 15 from 2-0 down to win Germain and struggles at home a loose ball inside the area to QSL standings, level on points but Then Cedric Bakambu minutes from time. 3-2 at Villarreal. to Leganes last weekend, fire low into the far corner. and ahead on goal difference above burst onto Bruno Soriano's Ronaldo took responsibil- Enrique switched from the However, the lead lasted Lekhwiya. through ball to slot past Key- ity from the spot to smash Catalans' habitual 4-3-3 to a only seven minutes as Godin The Wolves defeated Al Khor in lor Navas. home the equaliser. pitch for Messi's winner at the 3-4-3 with Messi forced into rose higher than a host of the last round by four goals to reach Ronaldo almost replied Villarreal had lost goal- Vicente Calderon. an advanced midfield role. Barca defenders to flick home 53 points. immediately, but Madrid's luck keeper Sergio Asenjo midway Messi stabbed home at the The change in tactics did Koke's free-kick for the There will surely be a fierce looked out when his sweetly through the first half to injury. second attempt after his first little to stem Barca's slump in equaliser. opposition between players of both struck volley came back off the And his absence was to effort was blocked to register form early on as Atletico dom- Yet, when Barca needed teams. Both sides have a number of post. prove crucial for Real's winner his 27th career goal against inated the opening half hour. a potential season-defining star players in all positions. However, Bale started seven minutes from time as Atletico. Both sides passed up huge goal, Messi again came up Al Sadd are looking to bring in Madrid's fightback as he rose substitute goalkeeper Andres Rafinha's scrappy effort chances at the start of the sec- trumps with his 35th in as Algerian professional Jogurtha Ham- highest to power home Dani Fernandez let Alvaro Morata's fired Barca into the lead just ond half. many games this season. roun who missed the previous match Carvajal's cross 25 minutes powerful header from Marce- after the hour, but Atletico Firstly, Luis Suarez The five-time World against Al Khor due to fitness issues. from time. lo's cross squeeze under his responded seven minutes later screwed his shot horribly wide Player of the Year's first effort In the meantime, Al Sadd will miss Villarreal had enjoyed the body to complete a rousing through Diego Godin. after being played in by Messi. from Suarez's cut-back was the services of their star defender better of the opening hour, but Real fightback. Defeat leaves fourth- Then at the other end, ter Ste- blocked, but he followed up Pedro Miguel due to automatic sus- were swamped by wave upon Under-fire Barcelona placed Atletico just one point gen made another excellent to prod past the helpless Jan pension, having conceded four yellow wave of Real attack for the coach Luis Enrique thanked clear of Real Sociedad in the stop to deny Griezmann from Oblak and move Barca top of cards. final 30 minutes. the "terrible" state of Atletico's battle for the final Champions a narrow angle. The deadlock the table for a few hours. PSG hammer Marseille to move second in

Paris a three-way tussle for the title. Payet, who forced his way home goal to continue his from poor defending to prod in , before Matuidi AFP A Stade Velodrome record out of West Ham in the winter deadly form in front of goal. from close range. made it a rout with the goal of 65,252 packed into the stands transfer window for 30 million It was the Uruguayan pred- claimed the the night, steering the ball into dinson Cavani bagged his in the hopes of seeing a Mar- euros ($32m), had Marseille's ator's 35th goal in all assist but it was Pastore, back the top corner from just out- 35th goal of a spectacular seille side buoyed by fresh first real chance when he competitions this term and 26th in boss Unai Emery's starting side the box. Eseason as Paris Saint Ger- investment and the return of flashed a long-distance strike in the league. XI and back to fitness, who pro- The heavy defeat leaves main swept aside Marseille 5-1 derail their old just wide on the quarter hour. Cavani might have had a vided a classy touch on the way. Marseille in seventh. on Sunday in "Le Classique" to rival's title charge. A minute later however it second on 23 minutes as PSG Emery replaced Pastore Earlier, Manchester United move second in Ligue 1. But the vociferous home was 2-0 when the Argentine dominated, but he miscued his with Draxler early in the sec- flop Memphis Depay struck The reigning French cham- fans were silenced after just six attacking midfielder Javier Pas- scissor kick over with the goal ond half and just after the hour twice as Lyon, a distant fourth, pions are three points behind minutes when skipper Thiago tore -- recalled after injury at gaping. the German international made smashed Metz 5-0. prolific league leaders Monaco Silva rose to powerfully nod the the expense of -- The second half was more it 4-0, firing in first time after Nerveless Fabinho chipped and level with Nice, but go sec- ball back across goal and fellow cleverly dinked the ball through of the same and it was 3-0 on a pinpoint Thomas Meunier in a late penalty as Monaco beat ond thanks to a better goal Brazilian defender to Cavani, who poked in past the 50 minutes when another Bra- cross. Marseille grabbed a 70th- Guingamp 2-1 away on Satur- difference in what has become headed home unchallenged. advancing Yohann Pele in the zilian, , profited minute consolation through day to move clear at the top.