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Monday, May 9, 2016 FOOTBALL Sha’baan 2, 1437 AH Barcelona, Real GULF TIMES Madrid set up fi nal day showdown SPORT Page 3 INTERVIEW Villarreal move a dream come true for Qatar’s Akram ‘I want to do something for Qatar. Playing in the Champions League is an objective for me’

ne of the brightest prospects to representing his national team in the Talking about the players who in- in Qatari football, Akram home FIFA World Cup in six years’ time. spire him, Akram pointed out that Afi f, has expressed his de- “I dream of playing for Qatar in the former FC Barcelona captain light at joining Spanish La World Cup in 2022. I think we will have Hernandez has helped him greatly in LigaO side Villarreal CF after helping a good team for Qatar 2022, our youth recent months: “Xavi is a big player Belgian outfi t KAS Eupen win promo- team is readying for the Asian Cup in and he gives me advice about how I can tion to the top division – and said he October and they have a good team, we improve,” he added. believes more players have the poten- also won the last Asian Cup in Myan- “Everyone knows that Xavi is one tial to join European sides ahead of the mar. We have a good young generation of the best players in the world. I am 2022 FIFA World Cup on home soil. developing.” inspired by a lot of players from the “It is a dream come true for me to be Akram made his debut for the Qatari Spanish league, Messi, Cristiano, Ney- the fi rst Qatari player in ,” Afi f national side during Qatar’s 15-0 win mar, Iniesta, I like Denis Suarez at Vil- told www.sc.qa in an interview yes- over Bhutan in an Asian qualifi er for the larreal, and they also have some of the terday. “I hope I can be one of the best 2018 FIFA World Cup, and believes his best defenders in the world like Sergio players in La Liga for Villarreal, and country could make it to the fi nals with Ramos.” to help Qatar for the World Cup and the current group of players. represent the players from the Aspire “Our target in the national team is Akram made his debut for the Academy. that we want to play in the World Cup Qatari national side during “I want to do something for Qatar. in Russia in 2018. We have the chance to Qatar’s 15-0 win over Bhutan in Playing in the Champions League is an do so because we have a very good team. an Asian qualifi er for the 2018 objective for me, but fi rst I want to help It is a diffi cult group but nothing is easy FIFA World Cup, and believes his the team, that is the most important in life, and I hope that we can take third country could make it to the fi nals thing.” or second position.” with the current group of players The 19-year-old forward who was The youngster played an important on loan at KAS Eupen in Belgium from part in Eupen getting promoted to Bel- So as he prepares for a new life in one club Al Sadd, said gium’s top fl ight, and said the team was of world football’s top tiers, the Aspire he was excited to begin competing for a a fantastic place for Qatar’s future tal- Academy graduate ended by saying the fi rst team place in one of the top sides in ents to develop. experience of playing against the best Spain’s La Liga. “It was a great season for us, we had in the world in Europe is something “I am very happy to sign for Villar- a diffi cult time from November to Janu- that he will greatly benefi t from ahead real, they are a big team and one of the ary, but we played as one team with one of 2022. best teams in Spain. I hope I can learn a heart and kept pushing hard. We got to “I want to learn from the experience lot of things in the next years from the third position and we said ‘why not, we of training with and playing against players and the coaches with the club. can go to the fi rst position’, and I was the best players in the world, and take I know some of the players in the team very happy when we got the promotion that experience back to Qatar with me and the city is very nice so I hope that I to the fi rst division. when it comes around to the 2022 FIFA can do something for the team. “It is a big success also for the Aspire World Cup. I also hope more Qatari “Villarreal will play the Champions Academy, we have a lot of good play- players can play in Europe to improve, League next season so we’ll try to be a ers in Qatar who can come here to play to fi ght, to keep working hard and to diffi cult team to beat in La Liga and go in the fi rst division. I wish for them to learn a lot of things for the World Cup. as far as we can in all competitions. I but when I do I want to play for the fi rst The Doha-born striker, who already trained in the youth team of Sevilla in come here and have the chance to make The World Cup is in our country and it haven’t started training yet at Villarreal, team and I hope to compete for a place.” has some experience in Spain as he fi rst 2012, added that he was looking forward it.” is a big chance for Qatari players.”

EMIR CUP Romarinho hat-trick fi res El Jaish into semis

By Sports Reporter out really driving home their superior- Doha ity. However, they could have gone ahead as early as in the 16th minute sensational hat-trick by Ro- but Ismail Mohamed hit the post from marinho (Romario Ricardo da close with Al Sailiya’s French goal- Silva) helped El Jaish bounce keeper Gregory Gomis out of position. back from a goal down and Gomis, one of the best custodians Lekhwiya coach Athrash Al Ahli 4-2 in the Emir Cup plying their trade in Qatar, was un- Djamel Belmadi quarter-fi nals at the Abdulla bin Kha- doubtedly the hero for his team by reacts during lifa Stadium here yesterday. pulling off some key saves and denying his team’s match Al Ahli had taken an unexpected lead Lekhwiya before Msakni’s late strike against Al Sailiya. in the 15th minute thanks to a pen- off a corner put paid to his eff orts. alty scored by Ngombo Mubele after Al Sailiya, who fi nished seventh in Mohsin Hassan al-Yazidi was brought the QSL, had only 28 percent of the down but after Ali Sanad al-Nuaimi possession and failed to make much equalised in fi rst half injury time, Bra- headway up front although they de- zilian Romarinho produced a one-man fended stoutly to prevent Lekhwiya demolishing act in a matter of six min- from running away with the match. utes to put his team in the last four of Lekhwiya’s inability to score from the prestigious tournament. good chances continued to haunt Romarinho’s fi rst struck in the 52nd them throughout the match much to minute and came up with two more in coach Belmadi’s frustration. the 53rd and 57th minutes as El Jaish Belmadi had expressed his strong hit a purple patch to overshadow Al desire to add the Emir Cup to his list Ahli. of achievements in Qatar, and short of And although Mubele scored his ripping off his hair he did everything second goal of the match in the 82nd to suggest that he was not enjoying minute, it was too little too late for Al watching his players miss chance after Ahli as they exited the tournament. chance. Earlier, Lekhwiya scraped into the In the 59th minute Mohamed Moosa ner much to Belmadi’s relief. achieved much but we did very well to semi-fi nals with an unconvincing 1-0 headed wide from close and in the “It was a tough match but we should keep them at bay for most of the match win over 2014 champions Al Sailiya. 72nd Chico Flores missed the target have won convincingly,” Belmadi said. before the goal was scored,” said Tra- Star forward Yousef Msakni spared with an attempt of his own. “We kept on missing chances and that blesi. the blushes for Djamel Belmadi’s side In between goalkeeper Gomis also bogged down the team,” he added. “The Emir Cup is a tournament that with an 88th minute goal that proved came up with a couple of saves, in- “In the end though a 1-0 victory is off ers even lesser teams a chance to win the lone saving grace in a match that cluding one off a powerful shot from something we will take. We need to the title. We did that two years ago but failed to live up to expectations. Alain Dioko. play much better in the semi-fi nals.” this time we were unlucky,” he added. Struggling to fi nd any rhythm, four- The match appeared headed into Al Sailiya coach Sami Trablesi was In the semi-fi nals on May 13, El Jaish time Qatar Stars League champions extra time before Msakni turned in a clearly disappointed with the defeat. will face Lekhwiya, while Al Rayyan El Jaish’s Romarinho celebrates one of his three goals against Al Ahli yesterday. Lekhwiya dominated possession with- pass from Ismail Mohamed off a cor- “Lekhwiya are a team who have play Al Sadd Gulf Times 2 Monday, May 9, 2016 FOOTBALL

EPL DESIRE Van Gaal wants two more victories City hand C’League AFP Manchester

ouis van Gaal is targeting two more victories in his Manchester United side’s fi nal initiative to United Lgames of the season as they con- tinue their quest for a Champi- ons League spot. Juan Mata’s second-half goal against second-from-bottom Manchester United manager Norwich City secured a 1-0 win at Louis Van Gaal. Carrow Road on Saturday that left United fi fth in the Premier League. Ham game as is full back Matteo as Spurs stumble Anything other than victory for Darmian who was stretchered off City would put United’s bid for a in the fi rst half following a clash top-four fi nish in their own hands. with Norwich defender Ivo Pinto. We needed to be more solid and show more consistency. I’m disappointed but we’re FA Cup fi nalists United head Darmian’s knee injury was to West Ham on Tuesday before the more serious of the two and still fighting. It’s important to finish second: Spurs manager completing their league season the Italian’s participation at the against Bournemouth. European Championships in “Obviously the main thing for France, which start in June, could us was to get the three points to- be at risk. day and we did that well,” United “We don’t know the extent of manager van Gaal said. the injuries to either at this stage “I thought we looked comfort- but it was a blow for everybody able. It was much-needed and because we had to change my now we can concentrate on the plans,” said van Gaal. West Ham game. “With Wayne Rooney up front “They (Norwich) sat back deep after Anthony was injured in the and let us play, they made it tough warm-up we had to adapt but he for us,” the Dutchman added. did the job today. When players are out of the team, it can be hard to fi ll INJURIES the void but we did that today. Victory came at a price as van “Especially here it is a tight Gaal was forced to re-think his pitch and it’s a battle to draw plans when 15-goal attacker An- out points like that, but they all thony Martial was injured in the count at the end of the season. warm-up. “I was expecting them (Nor- Wayne Rooney moved further wich) to press more but they let forward as the main attacking us play. Our focus now is recov- threat and it was Rooney who ery, we have got to prepare right capitalised on Sebastian Bas- mentally as there will be a good song’s mistake to tee-up Mata atmosphere there (West Ham) for the winner. and hopefully we will get the job Martial is a doubt for the West done there as well.”

Mesaimeer can draw many lessons from their maiden QSL season Newly promoted Meisameer came into the 2015/2016 full of optimism making their first appearance in the QSL. The flames overhauled their squad in the summer, bringing in experienced head coach Rodion Gacanin. The Croatian tactician has had considerable experienced and was charged in helping beat Meisameer beat the drop. Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny (L) in action with Manchester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho during their Barclays Premier League at the Etihad Stadium yesterday. Four professional players joined the side, all of whom AFP Results City, beaten in the Champions League rivals Chelsea on Monday—a result that was their first experience Manchester semi-fi nals by Real Madrid in midweek, confi rmed 5,000/1 pre-season rank out- of Qatari football. Brazilian Liverpool 2 Watford 0 restored their lead in the 51st minute siders Leicester had won the title instead. defender Rafael Amorim, Mesimeer failed to kick on and Manchester City 2 Arsenal 2 when Belgium midfi elder de Bruyne’s low Sunday’s match at White Hart Lane Helio Pinto from Portugal and suff ered a run of nine straight ep Guardiola could fi nd him- Tottenham 1 Southampton 2 shot from the edge of the box beat Arse- started well enough for the hosts, with Everlito Silva all joined with defeats in the QSL, eff ectively self without Champions League nal goalkeeper Petr Cech. Tottenham opening the scoring in the European experience whilst sealing their relegation. Hum- football next season after Man- Arsenal rallied again when Chile striker 16th minute through South Korea mid- veteran Moham- bling defeats to Al Sadd (5-1) chester City’s hopes of qualify- Champions League titles before joining Sanchez, ultimately denying compatriot fi elder Son Heung-Min. med Nouri was recruited from and Al Arabi (4-1) underlined Ping suff ered a major setback in a 2-2 draw Bayern, a place in European football’s Pellegrini a farewell home win, struck in But two goals from Northern Ireland’s Iran. the clubs fragility in defense. with Premier League top-four rivals Ar- premier club competition if they end the 68th-minute after getting on the end Steven Davis saw Southampton to vic- The opening game promised Whilst in the January transfer senal at Eastlands on Sunday. their league season with wins against of Giroud’s fl ick into the box. tory and meant Spurs had now gone three to be exciting with the newly window both Rafael Amorim & Arsenal twice came from behind, goals West Ham and Bournemouth. City though almost won the game late games without a win. promoted side facing Al Sadd, Helio Pinto made way for Wa- from Olivier Giroud and Alexis Sanchez, The draw meant Arsenal remained on, only for ’s shot to hit Tottenham, however, do still have a the most successful side in jdi Bouazzi & Adama Traoré. cancelling out eff orts from Sergio Aguero third but they moved to within two points the crossbar. vastly superior goal diff erence to Arse- Qatari football. Unfortunately Meisameer’s most memorable and Kevin de Bruyne in what was City of second-placed Tottenham Hotspur, Concerningly, ahead of June’s Euro- nal and can still fi nish above them for the 4-0 humbling by Sadd was result of their maiden season manager Manuel Pellegrini’s fi nal home after their arch-north London rivals saw pean Championships, Gunners striker the fi rst time since 1994/95 if they win at the start of a long hard season came in March when they game in charge before he is replaced by a miserable week end with a 2-1 loss at Danny Welbeck went off with an appar- relegation-threatened Newcastle in their for the flames. Five defeats drew 1-1 with highflying El Bayern Munich’s Guardiola after the end home to Southampton just hours earlier ent knee injury in the fi rst half. fi nal game of the season. followed to the likes of Al Jaish. Wajdi Bouazzi regis- of the season. on Sunday. manager Roy Hodgson is due “We needed to be more solid and show Gharafa and Al Sailiya often by tered a second half penalty This result left fourth-placed City just City were ahead as early as the eighth to name his France 2016 squad on Thurs- more consistency. I’m disappointed but a solitary goal as Meisameer and the Flames held on our two points in front of Manchester Unit- minute when Argentina striker Aguero day. we’re still fi ghting,” said Spurs manager struggled to adapt to the pace only their second draw of ed, who have two games in hand on their got on the end of Fernandinho’s header Mauricio Pochettino, in charge at South- of the QSL. the season. Despite being local rivals. into the box. DAVIS DOUBLE DOWNS SPURS ampton until moving to White Hart Lane In round six Meisameer relegated Mesiameer still put FA Cup fi nalists United, currently fi fth, But just minutes later, France striker Tottenham had already seen their slim in 2014. grabbed their first ever win in in good performances and will defi nitely fi nish above City and deny Giroud equalised for Arsenal when he chance of winning the Premier League “It’s important to fi nish second,” the the QSL, a 2-1 over struggling registered their second draw Guardiola, who guided Barcelona to two rose unmarked to head in a corner. evaporate with a 2-2 draw away to capital Argentinian added. Al Kharitiyat. The flames came of the season in their penulti- from a goal down to win the mate game. A 0-0 draw with tie, thanks to a brace from Al Arabi showed that Rodion BOTTOMLINE Everlito Silva. Unfortunately it Gačanin’s side still had plenty proved to be their only win of of fight. the domestic season. Meisameer’s season in the Four straight defeats in the QSL was poor, but the small league were punctuated with side from South Doha can a 2-2 draw with Al Ahli in draw plenty of lessons from December, the Flames again their maiden season the QSL. Pellegrini makes low-key exit having Everlito Silva to thank. They will now return to the His brace helped his side Qatar Gas league and focus on AFP to fi nish the season. We wanted “Most of all, don’t change. register their first ever draw in returning back to the QSL at Manchester to qualify for the fi nal of the Continue the same way the QSL. the first time of asking. Champions League and win our because this team needs game today, for the next Cham- you and I’m sure that next anuel Pellegrini pions (League). year you will be a very QFA Awards nominees confirmed could not conceal “But for me they were three successful team in all the The board of trustees for the for the awards: his disappointment wonderful years of working, competitions. Thanks for QFA awards headed by HE Best U23 Player: Ahmed after his fi nal home three unforgettable years. So all all, and I’ll see you” Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Moein (El Jaish), Abdulkarim gameM as Manchester City man- I can say to the fans is thanks for Ahmed al-Thani, head of the Hassan (Al Sadd), Ali Asad (Al ager ended in a damaging 2-2 all. I will never forget you. League Cup, having also done Qatar Football Association Sadd) draw with Arsenal yesterday. “Most of all, don’t change. so in his 2013-14 debut season, have confirmed nominees for Coach of the year: Jorge Fos- The result means that City’s Continue the same way because when City claimed a Premier a number of awards up for sati (Al Rayyan), Yusef Adam hopes of fi nishing in the Premier this team needs you and I’m sure League and League Cup double. grabs on April 21st. (Al Ahli), Sabri Lamouchi (El League’s top four and qualify- that next year you will be a very While the Chilean addressed Firstly a host of voting forms Jaish) ing for the Champions League successful team in all the com- the fans, and with his players have been passed around to Player of the year: Rodrigo are no longer in their own hands, petitions. Thanks for all, and I’ll looking on, the home supporters key stakeholders in football Tabata (Al Rayyan), Abder- raising the prospect that Pel- see you.” unfurled a giant sky-blue ban- to vote across the following razak Hamdallah (El Jaish), legrini’s successor, Pep Guar- City twice led at a sun-soaked ner bearing the message: “GRA- categories: Best U23 Player, Meshal Abdulla (Al Ahli) diola, will start life at the club in Etihad on Sunday, through Ser- CIAS MANUEL”. Coach of the year & Player of The trustees also confirmed the Europa League. gio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne, The match programme con- the Year. The following individ- again that the Mansor Muftah City must win at Swansea City only for Arsenal to hit back twice tained a message from Emi- uals have been asked to make award, which is given to the top in their fi nal league game next via goals from Olivier Giroud rati club chairman Khaldoon al- their choice: local media, scorer in the QSL season will Sunday and hope that Manches- and Alexis Sanchez. Mubarak thanking Pellegrini and trainers, QSL teams, first team be shared between Rayyan’s ter United drop points in one City reached the Champi- hailing his “engaging approach, coaches, QFA representatives, Tabata and Jaish’s Abderra- of their two last games or that ons League semi-fi nals for the integrity and humility”. QSL representatives, chairman zak Hamdallah. Both strikers Arsenal lose at home to bottom fi rst time this season, but were In his own notes, Pellegrini and members of the Board of grabbed 21 goals this term. club Aston Villa. eliminated by Real Madrid on describing managing City as Trustees for the QFA Awards. The remaining awards will be Addressing a half-full Etihad Wednesday after a tame 1-0 de- a “privilege” and said that he Based on the returned nomi- distributed on the evening of Stadium after the fi nal whis- feat in the Spanish capital. would “take nothing but great nation forms, the following Saturday the 21st of May at the tle, Pellegrini told City’s fans: Manchester City’s Chilean manager Manuel Pellegrini applauds the Pellegrini, 64, had earlier memories” to his next job. players have been shortlisted QNCC. “It was not the way we wanted fans after his team’s EPL game against Arsenal yesterday. steered the club to glory in the Over to you Pep! Gulf Times Monday, May 9, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT DUTCH LEAGUE PSV retain title as Ajax falter on Barcelona, Real dramatic fi nal day Madrid set up fi nal day showdown ‘Real Madrid and ourselves are in the same situation of playing away from home and PSV Eindhoven teammates celebrate after winning the Dutch having to win. The prize is there and it is attractive enough that we’ll be very motivated’ title after defeating PEC Zwolle 3-1 in Zwolle yesterday.

AFP Reuters Results Barcelona Amsterdam FC Utrecht 1 AZ Alkmaar 3 FC Zwolle 1 PSV Eindhoven 3 arcelona are one win away from SV Eindhoven retained De Graafschap 1 Ajax 1 retaining their La Liga title af- the Dutch league title af- 1 NEC Nijmegen 0 ter Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez ter rivals Ajax Amsterdam and Neymar all scored as they blew their chance when thrashedB Espanyol 5-0 in the Catalan Pthey failed to beat second-bottom ber this day for many years as one derby yesterday. De Graafschap in a dramatic fi nal of missed opportunity. Real Madrid moved into second place, a round of matches yesterday. They led the league for most of point behind Barca with one game remain- PSV won 3-1 at PEC Zwolle the season, only to falter against a ing, as they racked up an 11th straight La to move to 84 points from 34 team they have beaten in their last Liga win, 3-2 over Valencia, thanks to two games, two more than Ajax who 13 meetings dating back to 2000. goals from Cristiano Ronaldo. were held to a 1-1 draw when Amin Younes gave Ajax a 16th- However, Atletico Madrid’s title hopes victory would have made them minute lead to set them on their are over as they lost 2-1 at already rel- champions on goal diff erence. way but Bryan Smeets equalised egated Levante. netted twice for for De Graafschap 10 minutes Barca will be champions with victory PSV to take his season tally to 26 after halftime when he drilled at Granada next weekend, who crucially goals, one behind AZ Alkmaar’s the ball into the corner of the net are now mathematically safe from rel- Vincent Janssen at the top of the from the edge of the area. egation after a 4-1 win at Sevilla. scorers list, after Jurgen Locadia Ajax had almost 60 percent Real Madrid travel to Deportivo la Co- had given them an early lead. possession and 21 shots on goal, runa on the fi nal day of the season. It was a comfortable victory for but it wasn’t enough. “We are going to play for a league of 38 manager Phillip Cocu to ensure De Graafschap now enter the games in one match,” said Barca boss Luis back-to-back league titles at the relegation playoff s along with Enrique. expense of Ajax who will remem- Willem II, who could not escape “There will be tension, Real Madrid and the bottom three despite a vic- ourselves are in the same situation of play- tory at Roda JC. ing away from home and having to win. Excelsior claimed a The prize is there and it is attractive enough 2-0 win at relegated Cambuur to that we will all be very motivated.” secure their survival while third- Barcelona got off to a perfect start when placed Feyenoord sealed a 1-0 Messi curled a delightful free-kick into the home victory over NEC. top corner after just eight minutes. They will play in the Europa However, they had to wait until seven League next season along with minutes into the second half for the sec- AZ Alkmaar who fi nished fourth. ond as Messi teed up Suarez to fi re high Utrecht, Heracles Almelo, past Pau Lopez. Ajax coach Frank de Boer reacts Groningen and PEC Zwolle will Suarez maintained his four-goal lead after his team’s 1-1 draw against contest the Europa League play- over Ronaldo as the league’s top scorer De Graafschap Doetinchem. off competition. as he powered home his 56th goal of the season from Neymar’s corner. A howler from Lopez handed Rafi nha Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal against RCD Espanyol at the Camp Nou stadium. an open goal to tap home his fi rst goal Ibrahimovic crowned ’s player since suff ering a serious knee injury at happen. We need to be aware of that, give Results scoring from Koke’s pass after two min- of year , Blanc wins coach award the start of the season, before Neymar our all until the end and see what hap- utes. rounded off the scoring. pens.” Las Palmas 0 Athletic Club 0 had left inspirational Madrid shrugged off the absences of Ronaldo opened the scoring when he Celta Vigo 1 Malaga 0 central defender Diego Godin and top Gareth Bale and Luka Modric through fi red into the far corner for his 48th goal Levante 2 Atletico Madrid 1 scorer Antoine Griezmann on the bench injury to move above Atletico for the fi rst of the season. Real Sociedad 2 Rayo Vallecano 1 and was made to pay when Victor Ca- time in 2016 with victory over Valencia. Valencia felt hard done by for Ma- Real Madrid 3 Valencia 2 sadesus headed Levante level on the half “Now we are second, there is one game drid’s second three minutes before Villarreal 0 Deportivo La Coruna 2 hour mark. to go and anything can happen,” said Real half-time as the referee overruled his Getafe 1 Sporting Gijon 1 Griezmann was introduced for the coach . linesman, who had flagged Karim Ben- Eibar 1 Real Betis 1 second half and came closest to fi nding “In football you never know what can zema offside, before he slotted home as Barcelona 5 Espanyol 0 a winner for Atletico when Diego Marino Sevilla 1 Granada 4 turned his near post eff ort wide 15 min- utes from time. But Giuseppe Rossi finished off the ball through to the French striker a sweeping Levante counter-attack deflected off Valencia defender Joao in the final minute to end Atletico’s Paris Saint-Germain striker last month, with the final of Cancelo. hopes of an unlikely second title in Zlatan Ibrahimovic was voted the French Cup on May 21 The visitors’ bright start to the sec- three years. France’s Ligue 1 player of the against bitter rivals Marseille. ond period was rewarded when Rodrigo “We are ending a fantastic season and year for a record third time However, Ibrahimovic’s future pounced on an error from Raphael Varane we are one game away from competing yesterday. in Paris remains uncertain to halve the defi cit. with Barcelona and Real Madrid,” said Ibrahimovic won the award, with the 34-year-old out of Ronaldo quickly restored Real’s two- Simeone. voted for by his peers, ahead contract at the end of the goal advantage, but Andre Gomes en- “We were a little bit short. I am hurting of PSG teammate Angel Di season. sured a nervy fi nish when he smashed to fall at the penultimate hurdle, but I am Maria, Nice forward Hatem PSG coach home from the edge of the box before delighted to have been fi ghting until now Ben Arfa and Marseille claimed the Ligue 1 coach of Valencia were reduced to 10 men late on for the championship.” midfielder Lassana Diarra the year prize for the second when Rodrigo was shown a straight red At the bottom, Sporting Gijon remain after scoring 35 goals in the straight season, while 18-year- card. out of the relegation zone thanks to capital club’s romp to a fourth old Rennes striker Ousmane Atletico paid for their exertions in set- their superior head-to-head record with straight French title. Dembele was named France’s ting up a second all-Madrid Champions Getafe after the two drew 1-1. PSG are on course to repeat young player of the year after League fi nal against Bayern Munich in Rayo Vallecano also remain in the bot- last year’s domestic treble, netting 12 goals in a remark- midweek, despite getting off to a brilliant tom three after losing 2-1 at Real Socie- having won the League Cup able debut campaign. Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring a goal against Valencia. start when Fernando Torres opened the dad.

BUNDESLIGA Controversial RB Leipzig win promotion

AFP many fans of Germany’s top clubs. ditional clubs like Borussia Dortmund “Right now there is nothing Berlin Rasenballsport Leipzig were founded and Schalke. better, it’s unbelievable,” said in 2009 when Red Bull, owned by Aus- Like Bayer Leverkusen, who are spon- Leipzig’s ex-Germany defender trian billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz, sored by pharmaceutical company Bayer, Marvin Compper ust seven years after being bought the licence from lower league VW-backed Wolfsburg and Hoff enheim, founded, RB Leipzig, sponsored side SSV Markranstaedt. who are bank-rolled by software mag- nickname)”, questioned one banner at by energy drinks giants Red Bull, They changed their name, but German nate Dietmar Hopp, RB Leipzig are un- Ingolstadt’s Audi-Sportpark stadium. will play in the next Football League (DFL) rules meant they popular with fans due to their backing. The current Leipzig squad includes seasonJ after their second division pro- were not allowed to copy the likes of Red During RB’s rise through the leagues, Rani Khedira, brother of Germany motion was confi rmed Sunday. Bull New York or Red Bull Salzburg in us- opposition fans rioted during matches, midfi elder , Compper, Goals by Sweden’s Emil Forsberg and ing the company name in the title. organised protests and staged boycotts, who won his single cap for Germany Marcel Halstenberg sealed their 2-0 After a year in Germany’s fi fth divi- while Leipzig’s players have been spat at. in 2008, and USA international striker win at home to Karlsruhe, in front of sion, the rise was constant: three years After a long search, Ingolstadt’s Terrence Boyd, but bigger names are 42,559 fans, which means they will join in the regional (fourth division), a year Ralph Hasenhuettl was appointed as sure to be signed before next season. second division champions Freiburg in in the third tier and two in the second, Leipzig coach for next season, while The only downside to Leipzig’s pro- Germany’s top fl ight next season. before fi nally winning full Bundesliga will be director of foot- motion celebrations at their Red Bull “Right now there is nothing better, status. ball after coaching the side this term. Arena stadium on Sunday was written it’s unbelievable,” said Leipzig’s ex- RB Leipzig will become the 55th club Hasenhuettl was booed by his club’s all over Rangnick’s grimacing face. Germany defender Marvin Compper. to play in the Bundesliga, and next own fans in his fi nal home match The RB boss suff ered a suspected “We had to break down a lot of resist- season will be the fi rst since 2008/09 against Bayern Munich on Saturday torn hamstring after slipping while be- ance, but at the end we deserve to go up. when a club from the former East Ger- and later broke down in tears in the ing chased by players who were suc- “There are no other words for this.” many will feature in the top fl ight. post-match press conference. cessful in their attempts to pour beer But RB Leipzig will not receive a Leipzig’s players and fans celebrate after the German second division Bundesliga They can expect a cold reception in “You’d rather be Rangnick’s jester over him. One of those situations where warm welcome in the Bundesliga from football match between RB Leipzig and Karlsruher SC in Leipzig. the Bundesliga, especially against tra- than king of the Schanzer? (Ingolstadt’s the pain will be worth it. Gulf Times 4 Monday, May 9, 2016 FOOTBALL

SERIE A OPINION Costa no criminal, Fans rally round insists Del Bosque Totti as Roma

move up to second File picture of Spain striker Diego Costa. ‘Today we showed how much we wanted to win and it was great to see a stadium full AFP being too loyal to some of Spain’s Madrid golden generation whose glory days are now behind them. of fans. Their support is precious. It was a great win, everyone enjoyed themselves...’ The debate between whether pain coach Vicente del 166-cap captain or Bosque has insisted bad- Manchester United’s more in- boy striker Diego Costa is form should start no criminal despite admit- in goal being the most glaring tingS the Chelsea striker has a pen- example. However, Del Bosque chant for “unsavoury incidents.” insisted he will pick a side with Costa’s repeated selection has enough youthful enthusiasm to been controversial ever since he mount a serious challenge to re- was convinced by Del Bosque to tain their title. turn his back on the country of “I believe a lot in the veterans his birth Brazil to play for Spain that have spent a lot of time with at the 2014 World Cup. us and the new ones that are com- Spain’s defence of their world ing to give us the boost of fresh title was subsequently disastrous blood that they off er,” he added. as they bowed out after just two “Our objective is not to think group games after thrashings by that we have won two consecutive the Netherlands and Chile. European Championships because Meanwhile, Costa’s individual people aren’t going to value that, displays at international level have but what we do in this Euros. done little to justify his place since “We have the dream and the ob- as he has scored just once in 10 ap- jective to have a good tournament, pearances—in a 4-0 rout of Lux- but we are not so arrogant to think embourg 19 months ago. we will turn up and win it. Costa’s fi ery temperament has “Having won two in a row also come under even greater shows we have a strong team, but scrutiny during a diffi cult second nothing more. We need to show season at Chelsea. it out on the fi eld.” Yet, Del Bosque insisted if Worryingly for Del Bosque, Costa is left out of his squad for some of the circumstances pre- Euro 2016 on May 17, it will be ceding their fl op in Brazil two due to his form and not a fear that years ago have been repeated this he could cost his side by losing season. his cool in France this summer. Real Madrid and Atletico Ma- “We can justify if he has played drid will once again contest the well or badly, but he has commit- Champions League fi nal just 15 ted no crime,” Del Bosque said in days before Spain’s opening match an interview with news agencies, against Croatia, whilst the two including AFP. Madrid clubs are also involved in “With us he has always acted a tight three-way battle for the La correctly. There have been some Liga title with Barcelona. unsavoury incidents, but he But Del Bosque believes get- hasn’t committed any crime and ting some of his players mentally he always comes here with plenty right after the disappointment of of desire. “That is what we value missing out on the Champions Roma’s forward from Italy Francesco Totti waves to fans after the Italian football match Roma vs Chievo at the Olympic Stadium in Rome yesterday. and we are not going to doubt League and La Liga is as impor- him because of his behaviour.” tant as being physically fresh. AFP went about staking their claim for the Results the fans before he even kicked a ball in La Roja are looking to bounce “There are always concerns be- Rome league’s second automatic Champions anger when he replaced Egyptian winger back from their World Cup dis- cause the seasons are very intense League qualifying spot. Roma 3 Chievo 0 Mohamed Salah on the hour. appointment in style by winning at club level and, as we have seen, Roma’s 22nd win of the campaign Sampdoria 0 Genoa 3 Only legend a third consecutive European the players get to the end of the rancesco Totti made his 600th Se- moved them one point above Napoli into Carpi 1 Lazio 3 (615) and AC Milan great Paolo Maldini Championships in what is likely season very tired,” he continued. rie A appearance as Roma heaped second place, and has heaped the pres- Fiorentina 0 Palermo 0 (647) have made more appearances in to be Del Bosque’s last stand after “We will see if we are capable the pressure on Napoli to move up sure on Maurizio Sarri’s men before a Frosinone 0 Sassuolo 1 Serie A. four major international tourna- of managing it so that we start to second spot with a festive 3-0 tough away fi xture at Torino later Sun- Atalanta 1 Udinese 1 The club talisman’s fi rst touch left him ments in charge. the competition not just in good homeF win over Chievo yesterday. day. crumbling to the ground after a challenge The former Real Madrid coach condition physically, but men- One-club man Totti has yet to settle his “I wouldn’t say no to them (Torino) but hopes of earning a free kick were im- has been criticised in the past for tally too.” future despite reports in midweek claiming getting a result for us, but no stress, half-time when he headed Miralem Pjan- mediately waved away. Roma are fi nally warming to his request for we’ve done what we had to do today,” said ic’s curling free kick past the stranded Again, Chievo threatened, Antonio a 24th and fi nal year’s contract. Spalletti. ‘keeper at the back post, although there Floro Flores nodding just wide before But with some believing this could be “Today we showed how much we was more than a hint of off side. Szczesny was forced to bat away Ser- FIFPro concerned about first-aid in the 39-year-old’s fi nal season in Italy’s wanted to win and it was great to see a He, too, is praying Napoli drop points gio Pellissier’s eff ort when the towering top fl ight, fans, including ultras who had stadium full of fans. Their support is pre- at Torino. striker got his head to M’Poku’s cross on Romania after Ekeng death boycotted the Curva Sud for most of the cious. “We’ll be watching the game and I the edge of the box. World soccer players’ union Ekeng had the required health season, fl ocked to the Stadio Olimpico to “It was a great win, everyone enjoyed hope, like all Roma fans, Napoli drop Yet Roma were a constant threat and FIFPro raised concerns about checks in Bucharest during show their appreciation for the club leg- themselves and that’s the way it should some points on their trip,” said Rudiger. Stephan El Shaarawy twice came close to the level of first-aid treatment his time playing in the Black end through banners, T-shirts and fl ags always be.” Chievo earned more than their fair adding to the scoreline. for footballers in Romania Sea state but claimed there which all paid tribute to the longevity and Reported Chelsea target Radja Naing- share of chances and Paul Jose M’Poku Totti has scored several goals for Roma following the death of Dinamo was evidence that clubs from loyalty of ‘Il Re de Roma’ (King of Rome). golan got the party started when he fi red smacked the near post on the half-volley recently after coming off the bench but Bucharest and Cameroon outside the capital were not Some declared they had grown up on home from the edge of the area to beat as Wojciech Szczesny came out of the this time settled for an assist, his one- midfielder Patrick Ekeng on doing so to save money. ‘Bread and Totti’, as opposed to bread and Albano Bizzarri on 18 minutes. Roma net to close down the angle shortly touch pass allowing Pjanic to run clear Friday. “Footballers in Romania are a water, but the veteran playmaker was left Germany defender Antonio Rudiger after the restart. and prod past Bizzarri with fi ve minutes The 26-year-old collapsed long way from being treated on the bench as Luciano Spalletti’s men doubled Roma’s lead six minutes before Totti was given a standing ovation by to play. on the field after suff ering a the way normal workers suspected heart attack shortly should be,” Hulubei said. after coming on as a 62nd- Prosecutors in Bucharest BOTTOMLINE minute substitute during a announced on Saturday they league match against Viitorul had opened an enquiry into Constanta and was pro- Ekeng’s death, amid criticism nounced dead two hours after of the treatment he received. the incident. “After local authorities com- “While it is too early to draw plete their investigation, we conclusions from this tragic expect answers as to whether Celtic clinch championship accident, as police continue to or not this tragedy could have investigate the circumstances, been avoided,” FIFPro General AFP McInnes felt his players de- ternational almost repeated the it is clear that some Romanian Secretary Theo van Seggelen Glasgow served credit for the fi ght they feat minutes later as he was once clubs have a history of skimp- said. showed. again given time and space on ing on medical facilities,” An autopsy will be performed “At 3-0 with 40-odd minutes the edge of the box but this time FIFPro said in a statement. on Monday with Romania’s eltic clinched the Scot- played at Celtic Park it is diffi - his eff ort was charged down by In 2012, FIFPro’s Romanian interior ministry also an- tish Premiership cham- cult, but the players deserve a lot Ash Taylor and defl ected wide. member AFAN asked the nouncing that a probe would pionship for the fi fth of credit for not folding and giv- However, Roberts wasn’t to domestic federation to make it be carried out into the private time in a row as they ing up and coming back fi ghting be denied for long. Leigh Grif- compulsory for clubs to have ambulance company which survivedC a nervy fi nish to seal a strong,” McInnes said. fi ths found him just inside the fully-equipped ambulances transported the player to 3-2 win over nearest challengers “We let them know we were box with a perfectly-weighted at all off icial and friendly hospital, to determine if equip- Aberdeen at Parkhead yesterday. there and weren’t going any- pass that split the Dons defence matches. ment complied with norms The Glasgow giants got off where and they had a fi ght but and he curled a fi rst-time shot The AFAN demand came after and staff were suff iciently to the perfect start as Patrick ultimately we just fell a bit beyond the despairing Collin in Nigerian player Henry Chinon- qualified. Roberts’ sensational strike fi red short.” goal. so Ihelewere died at the age The Romanian football federa- them into a seventh minute lead. Celtic showed they weren’t There was no let-up from of 21 after suff ering a cardiac tion postponed all matches The on-loan Manchester City content to settle for just the Celtic in the second half as arrest during a friendly match in the top three divisions, the winger added a second in the point they needed to seal the stand-in captain Lustig made it in August 2012. junior championship, futsal 20th minute before stand-in championship as they played 3-0. Callum McGregor showed “It would have cost as little as (indoor football) and women’s skipper made it with an intensity and tempo that good skill to cut in from the right 400 euros ($456.12) per club games that were scheduled to 3-0 four minutes after the break. has been lacking at times during and cut the ball back into the per match to have state-of- take place between May 7 and The Dons, who have pushed the season. path of Lustig who swept the ball the-art equipment available 9 were postponed. the Hoops close this season, It was Roberts who got the into the net. but the plan was not adopted,” The domestic Cup final be- pulled one back through Niall party started as he fi red Celtic in Aberdeen almost pulled AFAN president Emilian tween Dinamo and CFR Cluj, McGinn in the 57th minute be- front. The on-loan Manchester one back when a mistake from Hulubei said in a statement which was due to be played on fore ’s header File picture of Celtic manager Ronny Deila. City winger was allowed to drift substitute Efe Ambrose al- issued by the FIFPro. Tuesday, was also postponed reduced the defi cit further. in from the right and left the lowed Jonny Hayes to race in on “Instead, clubs in the top three until May 17. However, Celtic hung on to “It was good to beat Aberdeen fi rst 60 minutes and we got a bit Aberdeen defence trailing in his goal but his initial strike was divisions have been allowed to The 18-times Romanian cham- claim the victory that moves to show we are the best team in edgy in the end but I’m happy we wake before unleashing an un- palmed away by ‘keeper Craig have ambulances on standby pions Dinamo announced they them 12 clear of Aberdeen with the country,” out-going Celtic got the three points and got eve- stoppable strike past Adam Col- Gordon and the winger fired with minimal equipment.” will retire the number 14 shirt two games remaining and seals manager Ronny Deila said. rything over the line.” lin from 25 yards. the rebound into the side net- Hulubei said he understood as a mark of respect to Ekeng. their 47th top fl ight title. “We played very well in the Aberdeen manager Derek The England under-19 in- ting from a tight angle. Gulf Times Monday, May 9, 2016 5 CRICKET

IPL/ MUMBAI INDIANS vs SUNRISERS HYDERABAD All-round Hyderabad crush Mumbai Indians by 85 runs Chasing Sunrisers’ 177-3, Mumbai were bowled out for a paltry 92, with Nehra and Mustafizur taking 3 wickets each

Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer Ashish Nehra (3rd left) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Mumbai Indians batsman Ambati Rayudu (not in pic) during their Indian Premier League clash in Visakhapatnam yesterday. (AFP)

Agencies While Mumbai slip to fi fth after their up with various lengths and angles, catch off his boot-laces. a 57-ball innings. The Mumbai Indians were clinging Visakhapatnam fi fth defeat in 10 games, the Sunrisers’ around and over the wicket, but failed All of a sudden the Sunrisers were 91 Mumbai were guilty of some way- on by their fi nger-nails on 30 for fi ve, sixth win in nine games propelled them to make an impression. It was Har- for two, after 12 overs. ward bowling, with the last seven overs their lowest total ever for the fi rst fi ve to the top of the points table. bhajan Singh who nipped the blossom- However, Dhawan continued on un- going for 81 runs. wickets. Pollard tried to wrest back fi ne all-round showing from Earlier, the Sunrisers, who lost ing partnership in the bud. perturbed, reaching his half-century For Mumbai, the chase was almost the initiative, but his eff orts were Sunrisers Hyderabad was the the toss and were invited to take fi rst Warner (48) went for a lofted drive off 43 balls with fi ve boundaries and a lost cause from the outset. They lost in vain. It was a procession as Mumbai main factor in their crush- strike, showed their intent from the off the spinner but failed to get hold of the 50-run partnership with Yuvraj the wickets of Parthiv Patel to the last capitulated. ing 85-run win over Mumbai outset with their captain, David Warn- it and was caught by Pollard at long- Singh came off fi ve overs. ball of the fi rst over and Rohit Sharma Nehra and Rahman fi nished with IndiansA in their Indian Premier League er, cracking a four through the covers off . But by then he had compiled 85 for With three balls to go, Yuvraj (39) to the fi rst ball of the second. Patel was three wickets apiece off three overs clash in the Eastern Indian city of Visa- off Tim Southee’s first delivery. the fi rst wicket with Dhawan, a perfect went out in a most unlikely manner, trapped in the crease by Bhuvneshwar each, and Sran weighed in with two. khapatnam yesterday. Shikhar Dhawan appeared content platform to continue the assault. looking to cut Mitchell McClenaghan Kumar and Sharma was castled by Mumbai’s quest for the 178 runs they to play the passive role to Warner’s Harbhajan struck again 10 balls later, before deciding to opt out of the shot Ashish Nehra. Brief scores needed for victory, after the Sunris- aggression, the fi rst fi ve overs yield- claiming the wicket of the dangerous to see his stumps shattered. But he The rot failed to stop there, as the Sunrisers Hyderabad: 177 for 3 (S ers had posted 177 for three, did not go ing 40 runs. And after the six overs Kane Williamson. and Dhawan had contributed 85 for the Indians lost three more wickets in fi ve Dhawan 82*, D Warner 48, Yuvraj Singh swimmingly, as they were restricted of powerplay, the Sunrisers were 51 The spinner gave the off -break lots third wicket. balls for just two runs. Nehra picked up 39; Harbhajan Singh 2/29) beat Mum- and bowled out for a paltry 92 with 3.3 without loss. of air, the batsman was early on the Dhawan was unbeaten at the death the wickets of Ambati Rayudu and Jos bai Indians: 92 all out in 16.3 overs overs to spare, equalling their second Kieron Pollard was brought into shot, got a leading edge to mid-wicket on 82, fi nding the boundary ropes on Buttler, and Barinda Sran weighed in (Harbhajan 21; A Nehra 3/15, Mustafizur lowest score in the tournament. the attack and immediately mixed it and Rohit Sharma running in took the 10 occasions and clearing them once in with the wicket of Krunal Pandya. 3/16) by 85 runs.

IPL/ KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS vs GUJARAT LIONS Lions end Knights’ winning streak to top table

Agencies swing bowler Praveen Kumar in the maximums in the 18th over and then Kolkata third over for fi ve. Kumar then struck smashing another in the fi nal over. again two balls later when Manish Kumar fi nished as the pick of the Pandey (0) nicked off an outswinger bowlers with 2-19 in his four overs, ujarat Lions wrested back to wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik. while Kulkarni (1-30 in 4 overs) and both their top spot and win- An over later, KKR found them- Smith (1-14 in 2 overs) also made de- ning touch with a compre- selves in further trouble as opener cent contributions. hensive fi ve-wicket win over Robin Uthappa (14) got a faint tickle Kolkata skipper Gambhir said they GKolkata Knight Riders at the Eden on a Dhawal Kulkarni delivery which fell short by 20-30 runs on a good Gardens in Kolkata yesterday. was gobbled up behind the stumps by batting wicket: “I think the way Dinesh Karthik’s busy half-century Karthik. Shakib and Yusuf batted, they got us and a string of cameos sealed Lions’ Captain Suresh Raina made a big to a total we could bowl at but it was seventh win with 12 balls to spare, af- call to use medium pacer Dwayne still 20-30 runs short. ter their bowlers, led by Praveen Ku- Smith as fi rst change bowler and it “We didn’t start well, we could mar, restricted Kolkata to 158-4 after paid off almost immediately. have batted more cleverly. Credit goes being sent in. Off the fi fth ball of Smith’s over, to Praveen and Dhawal, you need to Earlier, an unbeaten 134-run fi fth- the West Indian removed Suryaku- pick wickets early and they did that. wicket stand between all-rounders mar Yadav (4), thanks to a screamer of We started with fast bowlers but Shakib Al Hasan and Yusuf Pathan a catch from Raina. Yadav attempted Brendon and Dwayne had a go at eve- helped the Kolkata Knight Riders a ramp over slip and Raina leaped high rything. We tried to take the pace off reach a respectable total. into the Eden Gardens sky to grab a but against them nothing works. Di- From 24 for 4, Shakib (66 not out cracking one-handed catch. nesh batted really well for them.” off 49 balls) and Yusuf (63 not out From 24-4, Shakib and Pathan took Gujarat’s seventh win in 11 games off 41), rescued Kolkata from a posi- charge of the rescue operation. The comes after three back-to-back de- tion of dire straits to reach a competi- duo proceeded to put the Lions under feats, while Kolkata, with six wins tive total. Shakib’s composed knock pressure immediately, with Pathan in from 10 games, slip to third in the was studded with four boundaries particular being brutal with the wil- points standings. and as many sixes, while Pathan hit low. With the scoring moving briskly just one massive six besides seven hits and the wickets column lying dor- to the fence. mant, KKR were allowed to make a Brief scores Having been asked to bat fi rst, push at the death. Kolkata Knight Riders: 158 for 4 KKR were in all sort of trouble early The last fi ve overs proved very (Shakib Al Hasan 66*, Yusuf Pathan on, losing four wickets inside the fi rst profi table for KKR as Yusuf and Shak- 63*; Praveen Kumar 2/19) lost to six overs. ib smashed 60 runs. Shakib in partic- Gujarat Lions: 164 for 5 in 18 overs Captain Gautam Gambhir was the ular favoured death bowling specialist (Dinesh Karthik 51, B McCullum 29, A Gujarat Lions wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik plays a shot during his match-winning knock of 51 off just 29 balls against fi rst to depart when he was bowled by Dwayne Bravo, launching him for two Finch 29, D Smith 27) by 5 wickets Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata yesterday. The Lions overhauled Knight Riders’ total of 158-4 in 18 overs. (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Monday, May 9, 2016 SPORT

BOXING Brutal Alvarez punch ends Khan’s WBC title challenge As they got to half way, Canelo, more relaxed, began to let his hands go and, for the first time, looked the more dominant fighter. And that is when the crunching conclusion arrived – a long right hand from out of the blue that landed with such precision the British challenger was unconscious before he hit the canvas

Canelo Alvarez (L) throws a left at Amir Khan during their WBC middleweight title fight in Las Vegas on Saturday. At right, the referee declares the fight over after Khan is knocked out.

By Kevin Mitchell “I got in the ring with a big guy, but Canelo, admitting he had been 16,540 squeezed into the new arena. and in 2012 against Garcia – here he was, thirst for a fi ght and hold his concentra- The Guardian this is boxing,” Khan said after the fi ght, in a tricky engagement before The mood of high drama and respect- “en fuego”, as they say. tion? looking suitably recovered. “I want to be pulling off a peach of a punch, said ful confl ict could not have been more Khan stole the fi rst round with stealth As they got to half way, Canelo, the best, I want to fi ght the best, but my through an interpreter, “I knew intense. and that snaking jab, as expected, snip- more relaxed, began to let his hands go mir Khan suff ered a knockout natural weight is 147.” time would come to my favour” This, though, was Canelo’s town for ing from distance and circling his prey. and, for the fi rst time, looked the more every bit as brutal as the fi rst Canelo, admitting he had been in a the weekend, Cinco de Mayo, co-opted Khan said beforehand he expected to dominant fi ghter. And that is when the one of his career here on Satur- tricky engagement before pulling off a Honeyghan’s inspired victory in six since the days of Julio Cesar Chavez we be hit and hurt, but he was doing his crunching conclusion arrived – a long day night when Saul “Canelo” peach of a punch, said through an inter- rounds over a weight-drained but still were told, even if, contrary to the sales- damnedest to make a liar of himself as he right hand from out of the blue that AÁlvarez threaded a chilling right hand preter, “I knew time would come to my estimable Don Curry in Atlantic City manship of the event’s golden-tongued made the early running – literally – and landed with such precision the British on to his briefl y exposed jaw in the sixth favour.” 30 years ago is in that mix; before that, promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, only a a rare left hook rattled his teeth without challenger was unconscious before he round to leave the Briton senseless on At ringside, the man considered by we have to dip into ancient history. This handful of his fi ghts in this city coin- obvious discomfort. hit the canvas. the canvas for a couple of worrying min- many as the best 160lb fi ghter operating was some wall to climb, too tall as it hap- cided with Mexico’s most cherished na- Canelo found his range a couple of Boxing always craves fresh talent and utes. today, Gennady Golovkin, watched his pened. tional holiday. Still, this is boxing; on a times in the third, but Khan continued on the undercard the virtuoso boxing “I’m all right, I’m all right,” Khan rival’s work with interest. “I will fi ght And speaking of walls, every Las Ve- night when the great Panamanian Rob- to shift left, right and every which way to of the promoter’s baby-faced cousin, told his concerned corner after ris- him later this year,” Canelo said to the gas cleaner, janitor, construction worker erto Durán was introduced at ringside as stay out of trouble, picking on the move Diego De La Hoya, caught the eye of ing – but the tears fl owed as he lent raucous cheers of his supporters. “Viva and cab driver with roots south of the Mexican, we were reminded that myth like a bird in the park. knowledgeable fans who turned up be- his head on the shoulder of his trainer, Mexico!” border were pulling for their cinna- and hokum are perennial ingredients of “Canelo never backs down” said the fore the pay-per-view broadcast began. Virgil Hunter, knowing a split-second For Khan, there is the consolation of mon-topped hero, and would mightily the pie. message on the T-shirts of his compa- The smooth moving super-bantam- lapse in concentration had undone all dropping back down to welterweight, have loved it had their bête noir, Donald There was nothing counterfeit about dres, but Khan was taking that out of weight toyed with the unbeaten and his good early work, as he “dared to be where he is the mandatory challenger Trump, been dumb enough to accept the fi ght, however. It was as honest as a the equation by not asking him to, as he game Californian, Rocco Santomauro, great” by going up two weights to chal- for Danny Garcia’s WBC belt, but it will an invitation to sit somewhere in the desert sunset. The most common larce- continued to box at range, scoring with in nearly every exchange before an au- lenge the Mexican for his world mid- take him a little while to come to terms cheaper seats. ny in this town and this business is of the intermittent fl urries. It was nearly 12 dacious uppercut on-the-walk in the dleweight title. with the manner of his defeat. Khan’s small but vociferous army, spirit and the pocket, but nobody could minutes before they clinched, so clean seventh coincided with the merciful They shared anxieties, but diff ering Nobody could – and no sensible pun- who have been by his side here since complain they were shortchanged while was the action. intervention of his opponent’s trainer, forms: Khan’s in concern for his chin, dit would – accuse Khan of not reach- he began his grand American adven- it lasted. There was a case for giving the cham- Shane Mosley. We will be hearing a lot Canelo perhaps worried he would run ing high. He was attempting the biggest ture nine fi ghts and nearly six years From round one, Khan’s refl exes and pion the fi fth, as he landed a couple of of 21-year-old De La Hoya, who has out of time if he fell too far behind. As it upset by a British boxer fi ghting abroad ago in Madison Square Garden, were concentration were on fi re. If those fac- solid head shots, but Khan remained stopped nine of his 15 opponents, and happened, the Mexican timed his fi ght since John H Stracey beat the great Jose vastly outnumbered, of course. And ulties let him down in previous disasters cool under fi re. And there was some way embarrassed all of them. to perfection. Napoles in Mexico City in 1975; Lloyd there weren’t many neutrals among the – against Breidis Prescott eight years to go. Could Khan contain his natural All in all, not a bad night for Mexico.

HORSE RACING Unbeaten Nyquist wins Kentucky Derby

AFP whether he’d handle the 1 ¼-mile Despite Nyquist’s unbeaten Washington Derby distance. record, which included a win in “There was no way you could be the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile last nervous,” O’Neill said. “You know he year, the colt’s connections heard yquist amply lived up to his would fi nd a way to pull it out at the plenty of doubters, especially favourites billing, winning end and he did. Mario gets a lot of those who questioned whether the 142nd Kentucky Derby credit too. What a ride.” he’d handle the 1 ¼-mile Derby on Saturday to become the Gutierrez, who has been aboard distance. eighthN unbeaten horse to capture the Nyquist for all eight of his races, said fi rst jewel of US racing’s Triple Crown. the colt has a knack for knowing just we’ll fi nd out why he can’t win the Trained by Doug O’Neill and ridden what he needs to do. Preakness.” by Mario Gutierrez, Nyquist went off “It was an amazing feeling. I only In the meantime, Reddam was just a 2-1 favourite at Churchill Downs in had to push him out. If he sees some- enjoying his colt’s performance. Louisville, Kentucky, and posted his thing coming he keeps going as fast as “His run was awesome,” Reddam eighth victory in as many starts. he needs to go,” the jockey said. said. “I loved the way he fi red out of The last undefeated Kentucky Derby It was a second Kentucky Derby vic- there and sat behind Danzing Candy winner was Seattle Slew in 1977. tory for O’Neill, Gutierrez and Cana- and had a little breather. In a crowded fi eld of 20, Nyquist dian owner Paul Reddam, who teamed “This horse is really something. broke well out of the 13th gate and set- to win the 2012 Run for the Roses with We’re just lucky to be part of that. tled in as Danzing Candy took the lead. I’ll Have Another. A brief but heavy rainstorm pum- Gun Runner moved to the front at I’ll Have Another went on to win melled Churchill Downs less than two the far turn, but Nyquist surged past as the Preakness Stakes, but was denied hours before post time, but the sun they entered the fi nishing straight and his chance at the Triple Crown when was shining and the track was good by beat the fast-fi nishing Exaggerator by an injury forced him out of the Bel- the time riders were ready to mount. 1 ¼-lengths. mont. A crowd of 167,227 was the second Gun Runner was third, another 3 ¼ That disappointment came in the largest in Kentucky Derby history, be- lengths back. midst of a Triple Crown drought that hind only the 170,000 on hand last year “He’s just such a special horse,” stretched 37 years—until American to see American Pharoah launch what O’Neill said of Nyquist. “You see it in Pharoah swept all three races last year. proved to be an historic Triple Crown his eye on a daily basis. He’s just fi rst Nyquist will now likely be pointed at campaign. class.” the 141st Preakness Stakes, on May 21 Now Nyquist is poised for a bid to give Despite Nyquist’s unbeaten record, at Pimlico in Baltimore. the sport back-to-back Triple Crown which included a win in the Breed- “I think he fi nally silenced all the winners since Seattle Slew in ‘77 and ers’ Cup Juvenile last year, the colt’s critics, at least I’m hoping he did,” Affi rmed in 1978 accomplished the feat. connections heard plenty of doubt- Nyquist (C), ridden by Mario Gutierrez, and Gun Runner (R), ridden by Florent Geroux, come out of the fourth turn during the Reddam said. “Although next time “We will see,” O’Neill said. “He has ers, especially those who questioned 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday. there will be a horse race again and to stay healthy, but he is a great horse.” Gulf Times Monday, May 9, 2016 7 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Joerger axing underlines Lillard scores 40 points lack of job security in the as Blazers shoot down coaching box Reuters Los Angeles

f the National Basketball Association’s 2015-16 campaign has revealed any- thing about coaching, it is that no job Golden Warriors can be considered safe any more. IThe Memphis Grizzlies dismissed coach Dave Joerger on Saturday, a move which ‘We understand the situation our team was in. I wanted to come out and be aggressive and that’s what I did’ would have come as a surprise in any other season bar this one. Joerger, who had been with the franchise DPA since becoming an assistant in 2007, en- Los Angeles Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (L) dribbles past joyed three winning seasons and recently Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson in game three pushed the Grizzlies to a third consecutive of the second round of the NBA Playoff s at Moda Center at playoff appearance, despite serious injuries amian Lillard and the Port- the Rose Quarter. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports to key players. land Trail Blazers showed Those achievements were not enough, the Golden State Warriors however, to secure his job. that they can shoot the long “After careful consideration, I con- ball,D too. cluded that a change was needed to fos- Lillard had 40 points and 10 assists ter the strong culture required to achieve Saturday night the host Trail Blazers sustainable, long-term success for this made 17 three-pointers to beat the organisation, the city and our fans,” Mem- Warriors 120-108 in Game 3 of their phis general manager Chris Wallace said in Western Conference semifi nal series. a statement. Al-Farouq Aminu made his fi rst Changes to the faces in the coaching box eight shots and scored 23 points for have come fast and furious almost since the the fi fth-seeded Trail Blazers, who opening tipoff . lost the fi rst two games on the road In November, the Houston Rockets but bounced back with their best of- sacked Kevin McHale despite his having led fensive performance of the postsea- them to the Western Conference Finals the son. previous year. Portland shot 47 per cent (40- David Blatt got Cleveland to the NBA of-86) overall and made a franchise Finals last summer but that could not save playoff record 17-of-30 from the arc. him from being ousted by the Cavaliers in “We understand the situation our January. team was in,” said Lillard, who made In all, there were fi ve coaching changes 14-of-27 shots, including 8-of-13 prior to the All Star Break. three-pointers. “I wanted to come The terminations have come even more out and be aggressive and leave it all frequently in recent months, and included out here and that’s what I did.” yet more head-scratchers. In three home games against the It was no surprise to see the Los Angeles Warriors this season, Lillard has Lakers cut ties with Byron Scott but In- scored 51, 40 and 40 points. Portland diana’s removal of Frank Vogel was by no has won two of those, becoming the means predictable. fi rst team to beat Golden State twice. Vogel was yet another playoff winning “I think we match up well with coach who seemed to have the ear of his these guys,” Lillard said. “We can go players, but clearly not the management. small. We can score the ball ... We’ve George Karl can blame his exit from Sac- just gotta play hard and play smart.” ramento on his diffi cult relationship with “You kind of run out of superla- franchise player DeMarcus Cousins, and tives, but he’s such a great competi- he essentially did when speaking about his tor,” Portland coach Terry Stotts said. tenure recently. “There’s no question in my mind that “I never felt I got into a good place with he was going to come and have a really (Cousins),” Karl told reporters. good game tonight.” “Some of that was my stupidity when I Aminu was 8-of-9 overall and said that no player is untradeable. I’m old 4-of-5 from the arc, adding 10 re- school enough to think that a coach has to bounds. Reserve Allen Crabbe sank feel powerful, has to feel supported.” two threes and scored 10 points. Old school or new, successful or not, few “(Aminu) was big time,” Lillard NBA coaches are feeling powerful these said. “It seems like all season long, Blazers fi nally took advantage of his play diff erent people based on what land’s largest lead at 105-85 with 7:19 Green had 37 points, nine rebounds days, knowing that the axe could fall on whenever we’ve needed a big night, absence, grabbing the lead for good we see and what we need.” remaining. The Warriors scored nine and eight assists and Thompson them next. he’s come through for us.” in the second quarter and never let- Thompson scored 18 points in the straight points before a jumper by scored 35 points for the Warriors, who En route to an NBA record 73 wins ting up. fi rst quarter as the Warriors built a C.J. McCollum and a layup by Lillard sank 14 three-pointers but had their this season, the defending champion The top-seeded Warriors have to 28-22 lead. But Lillard had 12 in the rebuilt the margin to 15 points. Lillard worst defensive eff ort of the playoff s. Warriors shattered league marks for be wondering how long they can go fi nal fi ve-plus minutes of the second buried two three-pointers to seal it. PLAYOFF RESULTS three-pointers made and attempt- without Curry. Coach Steve Kerr quarter that extended a one-point “We let him get too many rhythm Eastern Conference ed, led by superstar Stephen Curry said before game that Curry would lead to 58-46 at halftime. A three- threes off the catch tonight and off At Miami and All-Star backcourt mate Klay not play despite showing progress in pointer by Lillard gave Portland a 93- the ball screens because that’s where Toronto 95 Miami 91 Thompson, known as the “Splash his recovery, playing 2-on-2 with the 77 lead late in the third quarter be- he’s deadly,” Thompson said. (Toronto leads series 2-1) Brothers.” coaching staff earlier Saturday. fore Golden State’s Draymond Green McCollum overcame a slow start Western Conference But Curry, the reigning Most Valu- “We don’t have the luxury of stay- made his fi fth three-pointer of the to score 22 points for Portland, which At Portland able Player, has not played in this ing with a set rotation,” Kerr said. period. is 4-0 at home in the postseason and Portland 120 Golden State 108 series due to a sprained knee. The “We have to read what’s going on and A jumper by Lillard opened Port- hosts Game 4 on Monday. (Golden State leads series 2-1)

NHL Blues push Stars to brink with comfortable win

AFP games in Dallas to push the Stars to the brink of Dallas elimination. Alex Goligoski scored the lone goal for the Stars in the fi rst period. “We’ve got to cash in (on our he St. Louis Blues beat the Dallas Stars chances),” Stars coach Lindy Ruff said. “We hit 4-1 on Saturday to move within one win some posts, we hit a crossbar, we missed a couple of reaching the NHL Western Conference point blank.” fi nals for the fi rst time since 2001. In Washington, Capitals right winger Justin TDmitrij Jaskin and Troy Brouwer scored sec- Williams scored a key second-period goal and ond-period goals and Brian Elliott made 27 saves Braden Holtby was dominant in net once again as for St. Louis, who can wrap up the second-round the Capitals stayed alive in the Eastern Confer- playoff series at home on Monday. ence series with a 3-1 victory over the Pittsburgh “That’s what you play for,” Elliott said. “It’s Penguins. three games down. It’s one more. That’s what it The Penguins still lead the best-of-seven se- comes down to, getting the fourth.” ries 3-2 with game six scheduled for Tuesday in In San Jose, California, Joe Pavelski scored two Pittsburgh. In a series in which all four games had goals and the San Jose Sharks were another step been decided by one goal, Williams gave the Cap- closer to advancing with a 5-1 victory over the itals some breathing room halfway through the Nashville Predators. The Sharks lead the series second period. He collected the puck inside the 3-2 heading into Monday’s game six. blue line and fi red a shot that squeezed between Jaskin, playing his fi rst game of the post-sea- the pads of goaltender Matthew Murray to give son, scored the eventual game-winner for the Washington a 3-1 lead with 10:02 left. Blues, collecting his own rebound to score his Washington then relied on goaltender Holtby, fi rst career playoff goal midway through the sec- who fi nished with 30 saves. That included con- ond period. “I’ve been waiting for this moment secutive stops against Patric Hornqvist and Jus- for three, four weeks,” Jaskin said of his return. tin Schultz late in the second period. “It’s great. I found out this morning and I was Playoff results ready.” (Series best of seven): Scottie Upshall made Jaskin’s goal possible, Western Conference keeping the puck in the off ensive zone. He moved At Dallas the puck to Jay Bouwmeester, who fed a pass in St. Louis 4 Dallas 1 the slot to Jaskin. Dallas goalie Kari Lehtonen (St. Louis leads series 3-2) made the save on Jaskin’s fi rst shot, but he fi red in At San Jose the rebound for a 2-1 lead. San Jose 5 Nashville 1 “I thought it was a double crossbar or some- (San Jose leads series 3-2) thing, a double post,” Jaskin said. “So I didn’t re- Eastern Conference ally celebrate. It was nice to fi nd out it was in.” At Washington Alex Pietrangelo (No 27) of the St. Louis Blues battles for control of the puck against Cody Eakin (No 20) of the Dallas Stars and Patrick Sharp (No Robby Fabgri and Paul Stastny each had a goal Washington 3 Pittsburgh 1 10) of the Dallas Stars in the third period in Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff s at and an assist for the Blues, who won two straight (Pittsburgh leads series 3-2) American Airlines Center in Dallas. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times 8 Monday, May 9, 2016 SPORT

BASEBALL ICE HOCKEY Colon hits home run Czechs beat Latvia to stay as Mets beat Padres top of group

AFP the match just over fi ve minutes ‘This is probably the biggest moment in my career’ Moscow before the fi nal horn. Winger Damien Fleury mean- while netted the shootout win- zech Republic, seeking ner to give France a hard-fought their fi rst ice hockey 3-2 win over Germany. world title since 2010, Veteran forward Damien maintained their lead in Raux, 31, put France into the GroupC A of the world champion- lead in the fi rst period. ships with a 4-3 shootout win In the second Arizona Coyo- over Latvia on Saturday. tes winger Tobias Rieder and Montreal Canadiens center Felix Schutz scored one apiece Tomas Plekanec scored twice to put Germany in front, but in the fi rst period to give the Valentin Claireaux levelled at Czechs a comfortable 2-0 lead, 2-2 shortly before the second but Latvia never gave up and lev- break. elled with goals by Roberts Bu- After a goalless third period karts and Buff alo Sabres center and overtime Germany squan- Zemgus Girgensons. dered all three of their shootout Mikelis Redlihs put Latvia into attempts, while Fleury scored the lead with just over two min- by slapping the puck high past utes left, but Michal Repic lev- German keeper Timo Pielmeier. elled at 3-3 just 59 sec before the The result improved France’s end of the third period. all-time record to fi ve wins and After a goalless overtime, fi ve losses against Germany at Czech Lukas Kaspar scored his the worlds. shootout attempt while the “It was good for me to score Latvians failed to fi nd the net at the winner,” said Fleury. all. “I was under pressure as I’ve “There are no weak teams in missed too many chances dur- our group,” Czech forward David ing training camp, so this goal Pastrnak said. was great for my confi dence.” “Latvia got two points in In Moscow Nicklas Jensen two games against Sweden and scored either side of Jesper us and it’s obviously gonna be Jensen’s second-period goal, tough for any team to advance while keeper Sebastian Dahm into play-off s. produced 44 saves to record a “It means that now every shutout and set Denmark on point matters and we’re very their way to a confi dent 3-0 happy we’ve got the second win Group A win in the Scandina- here.” vian derby with Norway. In the last Group B game the In the early Group B match, USA beat Belarus 6-3 in Saint 2002 winners Slovakia beat Petersburg. promoted Hungary 4-1 in their Boston college winger Miles opening game. Wood and Ottawa Senators In Group A Kazakhstan, who blueliner Chris Wideman both also won promotion last year, scored in the opening period, produced the fi rst upset at the while Detroit Red Wings center event, beating 2013 runners-up Dylan Larkin added his power- Switzerland in a penalty shoot- play goal in the second to put out after a 2-2 draw. the Americans 3-0 up. “We were nervous from the CSKA Moscow center Geoff start as last year we didn’t play New York Mets starting pitcher Bartolo Colon pitches during the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Platt pulled one back, but Noah in elite division,” Kazakhstan Hanfi n and Auston Matthews manager Andrei Nazarov said. By Marc Carig the absurd beauty of a man batting practice, such as the no cheapie. According to Stat- hours might be a Colon home added one apiece to make it fi ve, “Of course we’ve been a bit Newsday with a beer league softball body time he triggered a Twitter cast, the ball came off Colon’s run trot. before Andrei Stas and Dmitri lucky when Roman (Savchenko) achieving one of the most dif- fi restorm one quiet morning in bat at 97 mph and traveled 365 He made Kirk Gibson on a Korobov scored Belarus’ second produced a kind of a miracle fi cult individual accomplish- spring training, when one of his feet. bad leg look like Usain Bolt in and third respectively. scoring from the far blue line ith one magi- ments in sports. His last home homers took out a distant tree Colon is beloved in the Mets’ the 100. Statcast measured his Matthews completed the but after that my guys spread cal swing, Bartolo run had come in the off season, branch. “We all had a hunch clubhouse because he is a living, journey at 30.6 seconds, but it scoring with his second goal of their wings.” Colon tested the during the Friday night softball that if he were to run into one, it breathing reminder that baseball seemed to take much longer. bounds of human game he’s played in for years was going to go,” Kevin Plawecki ought to be fun. And he again Nobody paid any mind, though. Wcomprehension and confi rmed, with old pals in the Domini- said. inspired that kind of joy. In the He had waited nearly 20 years at long last, the existence of a can Republic. “It’s one of those Plawecki was at second when dugout, his teammates jumped for this and had earned the right Wake inks deal to stay in Miami through 2017 baseball God. things where you come to the Shields tossed a get-me-over up and down, moved by their to savor it. How else to explain the sight ballpark never knowing what 90-mph meatball over the heart sheer disbelief. “My heart was beating a lot,” The Dolphins have agreed a contract extension with Cameron Wake of the portly part-time cult you’re going to see,” Wright of the plate. Colon tightened the As a smiling Colon rounded Colon said. “Today is a day that that will keep the defensive end in Miami through the end of 2017, hero floating around the bases said. “And you saw it.” grip on his 34-ounce bat, coiled third, he noticed the dugout I’m never going to forget.” the team announced on Saturday. last night, savoring the end Before ending one of the his hulking body and uncorked a suddenly was empty. Like mis- The 34-year-old suff ered a torn Achilles’ tendon that cut short his of a 19-year chase for his first most entertaining homerless quick swing. chievous boys, his teammates RESULTS season last year but has secured a deal that includes $10 million major league home run, prov- streaks in baseball history, Co- “Any time I see a fastball, I had scurried into the tunnel Oakland 8 Baltimore 4 guaranteed and can max out at $17.8 million over the two years, the ing once again that absolutely lon stepped to the plate for the swing hard because I’m not a leading to the clubhouse. NY Yankees 8 Boston 2 NFL reported on its website. anything on a baseball field is 247th time, a career .089 hitter curveball hitter,” he said, disbe- At 42, Colon became the old- LA Dodgers 6 Toronto 2 “We are pleased that we were able to reach an extension with Cam,” possible? with two extra-base hits on his lief coloring his words. “Once I est player in baseball history Texas 10 Detroit 5 Dolphins executive vice president of football operations Mike Tan- “This is probably the biggest ledger. Three pitches later, Pa- hit it, I knew it was gone.” to hit his fi rst home run. And St. Louis 6 Pittsburgh 4 nenbaum said in a press release. moment in my career,” said the dres righthander James Shields The bat barrel met the ball, now he would receive the silent San Francisco 2 Colorado 1 (13 inn) “We are excited how he will fit in this new defense and continue to former Cy Young Award winner, became a footnote to history, and for an instant, Colon stag- treatment, no diff erent from Chicago Cubs 8 Washington 5 be a key contributor.” who pitched the New York Mets watching Colon round the bases gered off balance. From the bat- a rookie. “We all know he’s an Kansas City 7 Cleveland 0 Miami signed Wake in 2009 and he has paid big dividends since, to a 6-3 victory over the Padres. on his second-inning two-run ter’s box, he tracked the fl ight entertaining guy at home plate,” Baltimore 5 Oakland 2 compiling 70 sacks during his tenure. Of course, what he did in 6 shot. of the ball, near a “hit it here” Collins said. Arizona 4 Atlanta 2 Wake went undrafted out of college and played in the Canadian 1/3 innings on the mound was In the dugout, manager Terry target just beyond the fence in “So to have him ambush Milwaukee 13 Cincinnati 7 (10inn) Football League before landing in the NFL, where he has been incidental. As were the other Collins doubted his own senses. leftfi eld. The drive carried, and something like that and hit a White Sox 7 Minnesota 2 named to four Pro Bowls. three home runs hit by the Mets, He needed a moment to process carried, and carried. As Colon homer, it’s pretty special.” Philadelphia 4 MIAMI 3 Injury limited Wake to just seven games in 2015 but he still regis- including one by David Wright, it all. “Oh, my God,” he thought. approached fi rst base _ the bat If the Kentucky Derby is the Seattle 3 Houston 2 (10 inn) tered seven sacks and the Dolphins are betting that he can regain who reached base fi ve times. “He hit a home run.” still in his hands _ history disap- most exciting two minutes in NY Mets 6 San Diego 3 his stellar form next season. This was a night to celebrate Colon has fl ashed power in peared over the fence. And it was sports, the most exciting two Tampa Bay 4 LA Angels 2

TRI-SERIES FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT Aspire Academy U-12 Feeder Teams dominate

By Sports Reporter Osaka Academy, Masami Karatsu, we are not used to back in England”. opportunity to play against opposi- Doha hailed the tournament and its organ- Arsenal players Kieran Petrie and tion from some of the world’s most isers saying: “lt’s been a very good Freddie Winfi eld said they had thor- established footballing countries experience for us here in Doha, play- oughly enjoyed their time in Qatar, helps the Academy’s players develop spire Academy recently ing against teams of a standard we despite having to adjust to the heat their talent and fulfi l their potential. hosted the latest round of would not encounter normally in a on match days. “We think the World It is a vital part of Aspire Academy’s the Aspire Academy Tri- wonderful tournament. For example, Cup taking place here in 2022 will be commitment to enabling the sporting Series Tournament, in we have found out that, at this age, awesome. The facilities are excellent success of its student-athletes. whichA the Academy’s U-12 feeder our boys are smaller than and not as and we would love to be back here for Arsenal FC is a British profes- teams competed against their coun- quick as our opponents and we will the World Cup, as any football loving sional football club based in London terparts from British football club take this valuable lesson and others people should”. that competes in the English Premier Arsenal F.C. and Japanese football back home with us”. During their stay in Qatar, the vis- League. Gamba Osaka is a Japanese club Gamba Osaka. Meanwhile, Arsenal U-12 Head iting teams stayed at the Torch and professional football club based in At the conclusion of the tourna- Coach, Luke Hobbs, welcomed the Grand Heritage Hotels. On the days the city of Osaka, which competes ment, Aspire Academy’s U-12 feeder invitation from Aspire to a different when they were not competing in the in the Japan’s top division football teams won both matches against Ar- environment, culture and football tournament, the teams were given league – the J1 League. senal and Gamba Osaka to clinch the experience to that which his side is a tour of Doha and visited a number In recent years, the Tri-Series title of the latest Aspire Academy used to. “It’s been an eye opener for of the city’s best-known tourist at- tournament has brought some of the Tri-Series Tournament. The Acad- us being here at Aspire. Not only are tractions and important landmarks, world’s fi nest youth teams together to emy side scored a total of six goals the facilities here second to none, learning about Qatari history and compete against the student-athletes during the competition, three each in the infusion of Spanish and Dutch culture. currently enrolled at Aspire Acade- the two matches, and conceded just coaching into Aspire’s playing style The Tri-Series competitions play my. Doing so provides unique oppor- one, all while playing what spectators bodes well for their teams and we a major role in the development of tunities to support the development described as “clinical football”. were surprised at the quality that Aspire Academy’s student-athletes. of local players, aligning with Aspire Arsenal fi nished in second place their players exhibit already. The Giving teams from the Academy ex- Academy’s vision to be recognised as and Gamba Osaka, whose best result Aspire team performed better than posure to diff erent playing styles, the world’s leading sports academy was a 2-2 draw with the Gunners, we had expected, their more direct management philosophies and tac- for the development of youth athletes came third. The Director of Gamba style presenting us with challenges tics from around the globe and the by 2020. Gulf Times Monday, May 9, 2016 9 SPORT

CYCLING Auditions continue to fi ll All Blacks void left by Carter Saturday’s clash between the Waikato Chiefs and Otago High- landers was expected to go some way to settling the argument Kittel at the double on Giro d’Italia over who will inherit Daniel Carter’s All Blacks number 10 jersey against Wales next month. In the end, it probably did little to AFP Giro, and I’ve also got leader’s jersey as sway armchair selectors one way or the other as neither Aaron Arnhem, The Netherlands well,” said Kittel. Cruden nor Lima Sopoaga was able to truly shut out the other “I’m very happy to be able to say that from coach Steve Hansen’s plans. While Sopoaga’s superb tacti- I’ve worn the yellow jersey at the Tour cal kicking and control of his backline in the 26-13 victory for the ermany sprint ace Marcel de France and now the pink jersey at the Highlanders probably edged Cruden, the Chiefs flyhalf has the Kittel pulled off an impres- Giro d’Italia, which is something quite inside running for the All Blacks jersey. sive double coup yesterday by unique.” Cruden has already accumulated 37 test caps since 2010 -- 23 as winning his second stage of Kittel admitted hopes of a second starting flyhalf—and played well this season after returning from Gthe 99th Giro d’Italia to claim the race successive stage win were kept in check a serious knee injury that ruled him out of last year’s World Cup. leader’s pink jersey. by the windy conditions, and a stub- The biggest issue for 27-year-old Cruden in stepping into Carter’s Kittel claimed his fi rst win of this born breakaway that saw Johann Van boots is that he has yet to consistently stamp his mark on a year’s edition with a dominant sprint Zyl solo away on his own with 12 km to game in the same way the three-times World Player of the Year fi nish on Saturday in Nijmegen, the race. did. While Carter’s goalkicking, running and distribution often Netherlands. The South African’s move forced garnered headlines, it was his game management—doing the On the third and fi nal stage to be held Etixx to use precious energy chasing, right thing at the right time under immense pressure—that in the country on Sunday, the Etixx- but Kittel’s team completed the job elevated his play to that of the rugby greats. Quickstep rider again proved unstop- with aplomb and delivered him to the Cruden has demonstrated he can play close to that level during pable in a fi nal dash to the fi nish line of home straight ready and willing to put tests but there have also been games when he has struggled the 190km race from Nijmegen, which the cherry on the cake. if the pack is under pressure and does not provide him with a saw the peloton chase down the last “It was a super tough day, with lots of solid platform. Sopoaga does not have the same test pedigree, remnants of an early breakaway just wind, which made it diffi cult to stay in having made just one appearance during last year’s Rugby 1km from the line. position,” added Kittel. Championship. In the seething cauldron of Ellis Park against the Team Sky fast man Elia Viviani fi n- “The breakaway also got a big gap. Springboks, however, he showed he has what it takes to be an ished a distant second, with fellow Ital- But the boys did an amazing job of international flyhalf and earned plaudits for his composure, kick- ian Giacomo Nizzolo completing the keeping me out of trouble and then get- ing, general play and game management. podium. Thanks to bonus seconds on ting Matteo Trentin, Fabio Sabatini and He was considered unlucky to miss out on Hansen’s World Cup off er at the fi nish, Kittel has taken the me into position for the sprint. squad with the coach preferring the versatility of Beauden Bar- race lead from Giant-Alpecin rider Tom “Matteo and Fabio also did an amaz- rett and Colin Slade as backups to Carter for what proved to be Dumoulin. ing job, and that made it easier for me.” a successful defence of the Webb Ellis Cup. Hurricanes flyhalf Kittel now heads Dumoulin by nine After a rest day today, the race Barrett is also in contention to replace Carter, having earned 36 seconds, with Movistar rider Andrey resumes tomorrow’s 200km fourth test caps since he made his debut in 2012 and usurped Cruden Amador in third at 15 behind. stage from Catanzaro to Praia a Mare in as Hansen’s first choice in the latter part of 2014 when Carter was “I’m super happy with this victory, the south of Italy. Germany’s cyclist Marcel Kittel of Etixx-Quick Step team crosses the finish line to won the 3rd injured. which is my fourth stage win at the The race fi nishes in Turin on May 29. stage of the 99th Giro d’Italia, Tour of Italy, from Nijmegen to Arnhem in Arnhem yesterday. (AFP)

ATHLETICS RUGBY Jones gives new faces chance to ‘Wiser’ Gatlin plots shine in England training squad

AFP Saracens alone provided London the likes of , Owen Bolt revenge aft er Farrell, , , and Mako ngland coach Eddie Vunipola for the squad that Jones named eight completed England’s clean uncapped players in sweep of their major European a 26-man squad yes- rivals. terdayE for a three-day train- Just how many players from ing camp in Brighton ahead of the training squad make it onto Japan victory the Six Nations’ champions the June tour of Australia re- one-off international against mains to be seen, but Saturday’s Wales and three-Test tour of 26 will have a decent shot at the ‘Definitely it’s given me motivation, but also it’s made me smarter and wiser’ Australia. Wales game—England’s fi rst Among those yet to play international since the Six Na- Test rugby selected by the tions at Twickenham on May Australian are Northampton’s 29, a match that takes place just New Zealand-born back-row 24 hours after the Premiership Teimana Harrison, who has fi nal at ‘headquarters’. been in fi ne form for the Saints “The Brighton training this season, Bath lock Charlie camp is a good opportunity Ewels and wing for England to get together and Alex Lewington. train hard ahead of the Wales Dylan Hartley, England’s game and summer tour,” said New Zealand-born captain, Jones. was included after returning to action with Northampton England training squad: on Saturday after nearly two Backs: (Harle- months out with a concussion quins), Luther Burrell (North- injury suff ered when Jones’s ampton), (Harle- men clinched a Six Nations quins), (Sale), grand slam with victory over Ollie Devoto (Bath), George France in Paris. Ford (Bath), Jonathan Joseph Former Melbourne Rebels (Bath), Mike Haley (Sale), Alex playmaker Danny Cipriani, Lewington (London Irish), who will leave Sale to join (Bath), former club Wasps next sea- Anthony Watson (Bath), Mar- son, was also among the 26- land Yarde (Harlequins), Micky man squad heading to the Young (Newcastle) south coast, where training Forwards: Dave Attwood will take place at Brighton (Bath), Kieran Brookes (North- College secondary school from ampton), Jack Cliff ord (Harle- May 17-19. quins), (Bath), However, Australian coach Dylan Hartley (Northampton), Jones’s latest squad had a Teimana Harrison (Northamp- very diff erent look to the won ton), Paul Hill (Northampton), that one the Six Nations as Matt Kvesic (Gloucester), no players from the four sides (Northamp- involved in the English Pre- ton), (Harlequins), miership play-off s—Saracens, (Harlequins), Justin Gatlin of the US meets supporters after winning the 100m event during the Seiko Golden Grand Prix at Todoroki Stadium in Kawasaki yesterday. (AFP) Exeter, Wasps and Leicester— Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins), were selected. Tommy Taylor (Sale) AFP unique in stature and talent, pan, who won in a personal best led a Chinese double in the 110m with a magnifi cent run, breaking Kawasaki you’ve got to come with a con- of 45.68 with Jarrin Solomon of hurdles, clocking 13.36 seconds away from the women’s fi eld in tingency plan, a plan B.” Trinidad and Tobago (45.77). with Zhang Honglin runner- the last 60m to win by a massive Gatlin had been unbeaten in 28 Wariner, hoping to make the up in 13.59 and Japan’s Hideki margin in a wind-aided 22.14 Toulouse hammer Agen to merican Justin Gatlin races over two years before Bolt’s United States team for Rio his Omuro third in 13.61. seconds. Anneisha McLaugh- roared to a 100m vic- ruthless Beijing take-down of country’s Olympic trials in July, lin-Whilby was second in 22.79 edge closer to play-off s tory in Japan yester- his American rival, whose frus- faded badly in the home straight Powell struggles to find seconds and Shalonda Solomon day, as track and fi eld’s tration at being demonised in the to fi nish in 46.04. form in winning 200m took third in 22.80 seconds. Toulouse outpowered Agen 52-19 in a eight-try mauling to edge pantomimeA villain kicked off his media was plain to see. “No excuses,” the 2004 Ath- Former 100 metre world Kemar Bailey-Cole’s win- ever closer to a berth in the Top 14 play-off s yesterday. preparations for this summer’s “It has made me a smarter and ens gold medallist and twice record holder Asafa Powell ning time of 10.01 seconds in the Ugo Mola’s Toulouse now sit on 66 points in fifth spot, two Rio Olympics. wiser competitor to know when world champion told AFP. “It fl ashed across the fi nish line in men’s 100m was also a highlight behind both Toulon and Racing 92 and five ahead of Bordeaux, Floored by Jamaican sprint to stay within my technique, wasn’t what I wanted. My (fi rst) 20.45 seconds to win the men’s of the night. Bailey-Cole, who is with only the top six heading into the play-off s. king Usain Bolt in the 100m and execute my race and just worry 200 was good but I think the 200m race at the Jamaica Inter- still recovering from a hamstring For Agen, however, the result meant they joined Oyonnax in rel- 200m at last year’s world cham- about myself,” said Gatlin, who wind got to me down the home national Invitational on Satur- injury that kept him out of the egation to the ProD2, France’s second division, with three games pionships, two-time doping of- runs in Shanghai next week. stretch. day. Powell held off a strong fi eld World Championships in Beijing of the season still to play. fender Gatlin clocked a time of “I rolled my ankle in Novem- “It is what it is,” added Warin- at Kingston’s National Stadium last year, surprised himself with In a free-running contest in blustery conditions at the Stade 10.02 seconds into a slight head- ber—it was almost a break. It’s er, who took silver at the 2008 and later described the 200m his fast time, the joint sixth fast- Ernest-Wallon, Toulouse built up a comfortable 33-7 lead by half- wind in Kawasaki in his fi rst test still swollen so to be able to come Beijing Olympics before a torn victory as a learning experience. est in the world so far. time. France international trio Sebastien Bezy, centre Gael Fickou of the season. out here and run this race, just hamstring sabotaged his bid in “Honestly I don’t remem- Tyson Gay, of the US, fi nished and veteran winger Vincent Clerc all crossed for tries in the “Defi nitely it’s given me mo- smooth, I’m happy with that.” London four years ago. “I’ve got ber how to even run the 200m fi fth in a time of 10.08 seconds. first 22 minutes before Agen’s South African back Johann Sadie tivation, but also it’s made me Local favourite Yoshihide Kir- some work to do.” event so this is a work in proc- Elaine Thompson, who won pulled one back for the visitors. smarter and wiser,” Gatlin told yu, who has run a wind-assisted World champion Tianna Bar- ess,” he said. The 33-year-old the bronze in the world indoor Louis Picamoles guaranteed Toulouse a bonus point with the AFP, referring to his Beijing dis- 9.87, fi nished fourth in 10.27, toletta won the women’s long Powell said he felt good for the 60m in Portland in March, was team’s fourth, swiftly followed by Fickou going over for his appointment. just ahead of Japanese school- jump with a best leap of 6.61 fi rst 150m then got tired over the brilliant in winning the women’s second. All Black hooker Corey Flynn crossed for Toulouse’s “Usually you can come with boy sensation Abdul Hakim Sani metres, the American edging last 50m. “But I worked hard all 100m in a time of 10.71 seconds. sixth, while Tamaz Mchedlidze pulled one back for an Agen side a strategy that can combat the Brown, the 17-year-old who out Australian Brooke Stratton week,” he added. “This was my second 100m that refused to lie down. Gilian Galan, on as a replacement for whole fi eld,” added the 34-year- broke Bolt’s meet record in the (6.55m) and China’s Xu Xiaolang Powell fi nished ahead of for the season and I am training Picamoles, enjoyed a barn-storming cameo display, barging his old after fi nishing well clear of 200m at last year’s world youth (6.47m). American Bejee Lee and Jamai- hard,” she said. “I am working on way over for a brace of late tries, punctuated by one for Agen’s Japan’s Ryota Yamagata (10.21) championships. Canada’s Shawn Barber, who can Rasheed Dwyer, who both my start and just went out to ex- Fijian winger Leka Tagotago. But it was all too late for Agen, who and Ramon Gittens of Barbados Former 400m Olympic cham- captured pole vault gold in Bei- ran 20.52 seconds. ecute a good race.” remain bottom of the Top 14 and were confirmed for relegation (10.26), despite a sore right ankle. pion Jeremy Wariner trailed jing, claimed top spot in Kawa- World Championships me- She described the race as a for the third time in the professional era after similar returns to “But when you go against home third behind Jamaican- saki after clearing 5.62 metres. dalist Shaunae Miller of the Ba- “stepping stone to see where I the ProD2 in 2007 and 2013. someone like Usain, who is born teenager Julian Walsh of Ja- Asian champion Xie Wenjun hamas retained her 200m title am at.” Gulf Times 10 Monday, May 9, 2016 SPORT

TENNIS GOLF Fowler leads Wells Fargo as Mickelson Record-breaking fi nishes with quad Djokovic wins Madrid Masters Victory in Rome next week will make him the first man to win $100 million in prize money

AFP defend the title—it wasn’t to be today. Madrid But Novak showed that he is doing great things.” Djokovic admitted that he just scraped ovak Djokovic claimed a record to the win in a tight match where he fi red 29th Masters title when he de- 25 winners and the same number of un- Rickie Fowler watches a shot on the 12th hole during the third feated Andy Murray 6-2, 3-6, forced errors while breaking four times. round of the 2016 Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow 6-3 yesterday to win the Madrid “It was a great match to be a part of,” the Club in Charlotte on Saturday. crownN for a second time. winner said. “Congratulations to Andy for The world number one captured his a big fi ght. It was all decided by just a few Reuter ing all but disappeared. fi fth trophy of 2016 as he defeated de- points at the end. Charlotte, USA Fowler has won once this year, fending champion Murray for the 12th “I don’t know how I dug my way out, on the European Tour, and had time in their last 13 matches to stand at an but that’s how it happens when you play a playoff loss in the U.S. at the overwhelming 23-9 in their career head- against one of the best in the world. I’m ickie Fowler tamed Phoenix Open. to-head. Djokovic has defeated the world just happy to have overcome this chal- lightning-fast greens “It was nice to drive it well,” number two Scot in all four of their clay- lenge.” to vault into a one- Fowler said after carrying his tee court meetings as he added the 2016 Ma- Djokovic began the fi nal on a tear, shot lead after the third shot more than 300 yards at the drid trophy to the title he earned fi ve years sweeping the opening set in 30 minutes roundR at the Wells Fargo Cham- par-four 18th. ago in the Spanish capital. only to see Murray rise to the occasion by pionship on Saturday. “That’s going to be a positive Murray saved a match point in the winning the second. The American matched the going into tomorrow. And I’ve eighth game of the deciding set and an- best score of the day, a four- continued to swing it better and other in the 13-minute ninth game while under-par 68 on a Quail Hollow better as the tournament’s gone also seeing the Serb save seven break course that turned into a beast as on. points. low humidity and a stiff breeze “It wasn’t very good the fi rst The 28-year-old Djokovic has now won dried out the greens and caused two days and nice to fi nally get 33 of the past 35 sets against top 10 oppo- nightmares for the late starters. into a little bit of a rhythm out nents—a stretch of 15 matches. World number fi ve Fowler, there today and hopefully it’s He’s also won fi ve of the past six and 10 who recorded his fi rst PGA Tour even better tomorrow.” of the past 14 Masters titles. victory here in 2012, will start the Fowler added that he eagerly The Belgrade native won 912,900 euros fi nal round at nine-under 207, anticipated even tougher condi- ($1.04 million) and victory in Rome next with fellow American Roberto tions on Sunday, with the greens week will make him the fi rst man to win Castro (71) alone at eight-under expected to continue to dry out $100 million in prize money. after bogeying the last. after heavy rain earlier in the Murray will fall to three in the world in Englishman Justin Rose and week. the new rankings on Monday behind Roger American James Hahn are two “You’re going to have to be in Federer after failing to defend his title. shots behind, while halfway control of your golf ball, espe- Djokovic, who has now gone past Rafael leader Andrew Loupe double- cially out of the fairway. You’re Nadal’s record of 28 Masters trophies, had bogeyed the brutal par-four 18th not going to be able to play this to fi ght hard for a victory in just over two to fall three strokes off the pace. golf course out of the rough to- hours on Sunday against Murray, who ap- Phil Mickelson fared even morrow,” he said. peared out of contention after losing the worse at the last. His hopes were McIlroy, meanwhile, made a opening set in half an hour. literally washed away when he monster curling 80-foot birdie “I’ve been three years away from Ma- ran up a quadruple bogey after putt at the 17th, but the rest of drid and I missed it,” said Djokovic, who yanking his second shot into the his round was less impressive last played the event in 2013. creek. as he again struggled with his Murray, who saved a fi rst match point He shot 76 to plunge eight driver. with a 10th ace and played his role in a strokes from the lead, in a tie “Maybe (I am) a little bit too dramatic fi nal game, paid tribute to the ri- for 19th with, among others, far back, but at least I can go out val who has dominated their career series Australian Adam Scott and 2015 there tomorrow and try to give it since their fi rst ever meeting in Madrid a champion Rory McIlroy, whose my all and try to post a good one,” decade ago. chances of successfully defend- he said after carding 73. “It was a fantastic win for Novak, con- gratulations to him. I’ve had a lot of suc- Serbia's Novak Djokovic in action against Britian's Andy Murray during the Madrid cess here the last two years,” said Murray. Britian's Andy Murray gestures after LPGA Open final at the Caja Magica (Magic Box) sports complex in Madrid yesterday. “It’s a shame I could not come back and losing a point

BOTTOMLINE Thailand’s Ariya fi nishes strong with Pressure on Wawrinka as career-best 63 AFP said. “When I got up to the tee Prattville, USA shot I just felt like, OK, just make a birdie on this hole, and I did.” First round leader Laetitia French Open defence looms hailand’s Ariya Jutanu- Beck of Israel started her day garn fi red a career-best three strokes back of Ryu, re- DPA nine-under 63 Saturday mained in the hunt with a two- Rome to take a three-shot lead under par, 70 that left her six off afterT the third round of the LPGA the lead. “Today I had much less French Open champion Stan Wawrinka Yokohama Tire Classic. pressure, knowing that I’m not rench Open winner Stan Wawrin- Ariya caught fi re on the back leading and having to keep that ka insisted yesterday that his nine Saturday, making birdie lead. It made it so much easier somewhat modest start to the on eight of nine holes to reach today,” Beck said. clay season would not hamper his 14-under 202 on the Robert Seoul: South Korea’s Park FrenchF Open title defence as the Swiss Trent Golf Trail course in Prat- Sang-Hyun triumphed in the GS prepared for his fi rst match at the Rome tville, Alabama. Caltex Maekyung Open yester- Masters. “A little bit excited,” Ariya day after beating fellow country- The fourth seed comes to the Foro said. “Tomorrow is going to be so man Lee Soomin on the second Italico with a Monte Carlo quarter-fi nal much fun. I just want to enjoy it hole of a sudden-death play-off . against Rafael Nadal before losing his and have fun.” Park won his fi rst OneAsia opening match in Madrid to Australian The Thai had a three-shot lead title by shooting a fi nal round Nick Kyrgios. over Australia’s Minjee Lee and four-under-par 68 to fi nish tied The 30-year-old learned the name American Ryann O’Toole, who with Lee, in with a 70, on eight- of his opening Rome opponent as good both carded 68 for 205. under-par 280. friend Benoit Paire of France advanced Overnight leader Ryu So- A par on the second extra hole when Australia’s Bernard Tomic quit their Yeon of South Korea carded a 71 was enough to secure victory and fi rst-round match injured after only three and was alone in fourth on 206, a cheque for nearly US$170,000. games. one shot in front of Americans Lee led by one shot at the Wawrinka, a 2008 Rome fi nalist against Stacy Lewis (68) and Morgan start of the day at Namseoul Novak Djokovic, said that he can handle Pressel (70). Ariya is hoping to Country Club and was left to pressure with his Roland Garros defence fi nally break through and pick rue a costly bogey on the fi nal approaching in a fortnight. up her fi rst US Tour victory. She hole of normal time. Trailing “For sure there is extra attention af- has twice held 54-hole leads but in third place were two South ter doing what I did last year winning failed to convert those to vic- Koreans, Kim Kyung-Tae, the there. Way more people and things tories. Earlier this season at the winner of The Crowns tourna- to do and to talk about French Open,” ANA Inspiration, the fi rst major ment last weekend in Japan, Wawrinka said. of the year, she led by two shots and Lee Chang-Woo, who won “There is not more pressure and not less with three to play in the fi nal the 2013 Asia-Pacifi c Amateur. pressure. Every year I go to French Open, round but bogeyed her fi nal three They both closed with 69. I put a lot of pressure on myself because I ing the right thing, I know it’s going to mis-step prior with his Italian start fast Anderson, who underwent shoulder sur- holes to lose to Lydia Ko. This is the biggest victory in want to play well there. I love this tourna- come.” approaching. gery, won his fi rst match since January, On Saturday her only back- 33-year-old Park’s career, after ment. Wawrinka reached the Rome semis a “Losing fi rst round in Madrid doesn’t beating Feliciano Lopez 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) to nine par came on the 15th hole. coming close to winning OneA- “This year is going to be the same of the year ago, losing to compatriot Roger Fe- give me a lot of matches and a lot of reach the second round. Her storming fi nish came af- sia events several times in the pressure-wise. Going to be really hard like derer. The senior Swiss drew more than points,” he said. Two Americans lost with Argentine ter a shaky start that included a past. He has been playing on every year, but that’s it.” 6,000 Roman fans to a Sunday practise “But I’m here, I’ve been practising well, Juan Monaco dispatching Steve Johnson bogey on the par-three second. the Japan Golf Tour since 2014, “It’s not about not having matches for session as the 17-time grand slam winner my level is good. Hopefully I can start well 6-4, 6-4 while Californians Sam Querrey But she rebounded with birdies where he is also waiting for his Paris, for me it’s more about playing well plays only his second event and fourth clay and do something big. Last years I start went down 6-4, 6-4 to Spaniard Albert at fi ve and eight. maiden win despite a wealth of every week I play. That’s the most impor- match after withdrawing from Madrid little by little to play better and better in Ramos-Vinolas. “After I made a birdie on 10 strong results including a play- tant thing. with back pain. Rome, Geneva, and then in Paris.” Viktor Troicki defeated Teymuraz Ga- I felt better, because I missed a off loss in the Tsuruya Open in “As long as I’m practising well and do- Wawrinka is not dwelling on his Madrid In Sunday opening play, 16th seed Kevin bashvili 6-4, 6-1. few putts on the front nine,” she 2014. Gulf Times Monday, May 9, 2016 11 SPORT

MOTO GP Lorenzo, Rossi make it a Yamaha 1-2 in France ‘I wanted to keep a high pace and not lose concentration. I could breathe a little more when Marquez and Dovizioso crashed’

AFP Suzuki) 14.177, 4. Dani Pedrosa Le Mans, France (ESP/Honda) 18.719, 5. Pol Espar- garo (ESP/Yamaha Tech3) 24.931, 6. Aleix Espargaro (ESP/Suzuki) orge Lorenzo put in an 32.921, 7. Danilo Petrucci (ITA/ exhibition ride to win a Ducati Pramac) 38.251, 8. Hector thrilling French MotoGP Barbera (ESP/Ducati Avintia) Grand Prix and go top of 38.504, 9. Alvaro Bautista (ESP/ theJ world championship stand- Aprilia) 48.536, 10. Stefan Bradl ings yesterday. (GER/Aprilia) 54.502, 11. Eugene The Yamaha rider crossed the Laverty (IRL/Ducati Aspar) line more than 10 seconds clear 1:02.677, 12. Loris Baz (Ducati Av- of his teammate Valentino Rossi, intia) 1:07.658, 13. Marc Marquez with Maverick Vinales on a Su- (ESP/Honda) 1 lap zuki in third. Retired: Bradley Smith, Jack Lorenzo, who takes over the Miller, Andrea Dovizioso, lead of the 2016 title race from Andrea Iannone, Tito Rabat, Cal Marc Marquez, was completing Crutchlow, Yonny Hernandez. a perfect weekend in Le Mans af- World Championship stand- ter setting a record-breaking lap ings: 1. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/ in qualifying on Saturday. Yamaha) 90 points, 2. Marc The defending world cham- Marquez (ESP/Honda) 85, 3. pion enjoyed a serene afternoon Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) 78, at the historic Bugatti circuit, 4. Dani Pedrosa (ESP/Honda) 53, avoiding mayhem behind with 5. Maverick Vinales (ESP/Suzuki) no fewer than eight riders part- 49, 6. Pol Espargaro (ESP/Yama- ing company from their bikes. ha Tech3) 47, 7. Aleix Espargaro “This was a very important (ESP/Suzuki) 42, 8. Hector Bar- race, a great race for the champi- bera (ESP/Ducati Avintia) 39, 9. onship,” said Lorenzo, who now Eugene Laverty (IRL/Ducati As- leads Marquez by fi ve points. par) 33, 10. Andrea Iannone (ITA/ Marquez was one of those to Ducati) 25, 11. Andrea Dovizioso crash, although he remounted (ITA/Ducati) 23, 12. Stefan Bradl his Honda to trail in at the rear of (GER/Aprilia) 23 the pack. From pole Lorenzo got Moto2: 1. Alex Rins (ESP/Kalex) off to a quick start to boss this 42min 27.312sec, 2. Simone Corsi fi fth leg of the season. (ITA/Speed Up) at 1.802s, 3. Tom The main winner at the start Lüthi (SUI/Kalex) 4.608, 4. Franco was Andrea Dovizioso, riding for Morbidelli (ITA/Kalex) 9.148, 5. Ducati, who surged from sixth Takaaki Nakagami (JPN/Kalex) on the grid to race in second, 9.828, 6. Sam Lowes (GBR/Kalex) tracked by Marquez. 10.626, 7. Axel Pons (ESP/Kalex) Rossi, who set off from a 25.477, 8.Hafizh Syarhin (MAL/ season-lowest seventh after a Kalex) 25.961, 9. Luis Salom (ESP/ mistake-strewn qualifying, trig- Jorge Lorenzo (centre) is flanked by second-placed Valentino Rossi (left) and Maverick Vinales as they celebrate on the podium after the French Grand Prix in Le Mans yesterday. (AFP) Kalex) 29.481, 10. Miguel Oliveira gered a huge roar from the crowd (POR/Kalex) 29.568 when he nipped past Marquez as quez manfully climbed back in the closing stages, refl ected ginning but that’s normal when on the fi rst few laps then I recov- his second Moto2 win of the sea- Moto3: 1. Brad Binder (RSA/KTM) the midway point of the race ap- on board. Unaff ected by all on his 63rd overall victory and you start from the 10th row,” the ered and pushed, pushed, pushed.” son to go top of the standings. 41min 31.041sec, 2. Romano proached. And the hugely popu- that drama Lorenzo was racing 42nd in MotoGP. “I wanted to Italian said. “After good pace, Earlier, South Africa’s Brad The Kalex rider comfort- Fenati (ITA/KTM) at 0.099s, 3. lar Italian veteran soon only had smoothly in front, well clear of keep a high pace and not lose I got in front of Marquez and Binder won the Moto3 race to ably saw off Italian Simone Corsi Jorge Navarro (ESP/Honda) his teammate Lorenzo ahead of Rossi, who was seeking to follow concentration, I kept pushing Dovizioso but Lorenzo was too extend his lead in the world (Speed Up) by almost two sec- 0.387, 4. Aron Canet (ESP/Honda) him after overtaking Dovizioso. up his win in Spain a fortnight on the throttle,” he said. “I could far in front. I’m happy, after a dif- championship title race. onds with Rins’ Swiss teammate 1.354, 5. Nicolo Bulega (ITA/KTM) With 13 laps to go Marquez ago with 10 laps remaining. breathe a little more when Mar- fi cult weekend—20 points is good The KTM rider recorded suc- Thomas Luthi taking third. 7.147, 6. Fabio Quartararo (FRA/ and Dovizioso exited the scene Turn seven was to prove the quez and Dovizioso crashed.” for the championship,” which cessive wins after his debut tri- Results Honda) 7.616, 7. Andrea Migno in carbon copy crashes on turn undoing of a third rider when Rossi was a relieved man to now moves on to Italy on May 22. umph in Spain last time out by (ITA/KTM) 8.016, 8. Niccolo seven, their bikes slipping from British Yamaha rider Bradley add 20 points to his champion- Vinales, after securing his fi rst shading his Italian teammate MotoGP: 1. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/ Antonelli (ITA/Honda) 8.457, underneath them, to promote Smith slithered out of the race. ship standings tally - he is placed MotoGP podium and his team’s Romano Fenati and Spanish Yamaha) 43min 51.290sec, 2. 9. Jakub Kornfeil (CZE/Honda) Vinales to third. Lorenzo, who was never in third, 12 points adrift of Lorenzo. fi rst since 2008, said: “We did a Honda rider Jorge Navarro. Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) at 9.850, 10. Andrea Locatelli (ITA/ Championship leader Mar- danger of being caught by Rossi “I lost a lot of time at the be- good job today, I lost many places Spain’s Alex Rins notched up 10.654, 3. Maverick Vinales (ESP/ KTM) 9.926

LOSAIL RACES QOA set to organise seminar on sports Title triumphs for Al-Khater, Karama arbitration tomorrow By Sports Reporter hard to make the podium again.” Doha The second competition of the day was the Qatar Touring Car Champi- onship (QTCC) which saw the par- osail Circuit Sports Club con- ticipation of 11 drivers in the second cluded a competitive racing sea- round of the championship. son before the summer by hosting Palestinian driver Omaran Karama a series of spectacular motor- won the Championship by a slender sportsL tournaments over the weekend. one-point margin ahead of Peter De In spite of the hot weather, around Vido. Qatar’s Mansour al-Hajri fi n- 20 local and international riders ished third. competed in the fi nal rounds of the Qatari driver Abdulla al-Khelafi Losail 600 Cup and the Qatar Tour- led the 10-lap race from start to fi n- ing Car Championship. ish while Peter De Vido too kept his Saif al-Nuaimi, Executive Director of The fi nal round of the Losail 600 second place throughout the race. Qatari Olympic Academy Cup saw Fadhel al-Khater winning the Qatar’s Mansour al-Hajri stayed third championship with a total of 91 points, for the better part of the race but in By Sports Reporter while Soud al-Thani and Abdulla al- the fi nal lap Omran Karama overtook Doha Qubaisi ended second and third with him to fi nish third. 71 and 58 points, respectively. The second race of the day was The Qatar Olympic Academy (QOA), in In the fi rst race of the Losail 600 highly competitive as well due to the collaboration with Court of Arbitration for Cup, Qatar’s Nasser al-Malki, who reverse starting grid order and ended Sport (CAS), is organising a productive got the pole position in the qualifying with the same winners as Race 1. Pe- seminar on international sports arbitration session, dominated the race from the ter De Vido managed to be in front at its headquarters in Doha tomorrow. start till the checkered fl ag for a com- for the fi rst two laps but Abdulla al- The prestigious course will bring to- manding win. Khelaifi took the lead in the second gether more than 70 trainees, representing Al-Malki, who didn’t take part in Winners of the Losail 600 Cup and Qatar Touring Car Championship (below) during the podium ceremony lap to secure a second win of the day. diff erent government and non-government the previous rounds, was happy with Omran Karama fi nished third again. organisations in Qatar besides participants his victory. “I am very happy to be race again next season,” al-Khater said. The winner of the championship, from GCC nations. back after six months and to partici- Al-Shammari ended in second Karama, said he thoroughly enjoyed the At the seminar, experts will shed light pate and win. It will give me a lot of place and Soud al-Thani rounded up challenge. “The second race was hard as on the importance of arbitration in sport, confi dence for the next season. I will the podium of the second race. I started from the back. I had to push a highlight legal procedures at FIFA and come back more prepared and you For al-Shammari, it was a tough day lot and I had a great fi ght with Mansour. speak about the jurisprudence of CAS in will see better results,” he said. as he had just returned from Bahrain He pushed me a lot but I succeeded in football-related matters. Ali al-Shammari fi nished the race where he participated in the Bahrain taking the third place. I am ecstatic to Matthieu Reeb (CAS Secretary General), in second position after battling hard Superbike. “I am very satisfi ed with get this title as this is the fi rst time I was Dr Jan Kleiner (lecturer of international with Fadhel al-Khater, who suff ered a my result, but I am very tired having racing here,” Karama said. sports law at the University of Zurich), Dr crash in the fourth lap while riding in travelled from Bahrain to race here. Al-Hajri said he faced problems Abdullah al-Hayyan (a member of the Inter- second place. “I lost a gear in corner 13 I am happy for my result and it is a with his car: “I changed my car setting national Court of Arbitration for Sport) and and crashed in lap 4 but the good thing shame that in the previous round I from the last race but it was not as good Michele Bernasconi (teaching assistant at was that the bike was good and I could had some technical problems with my as in the previous round and I had a lot the University of Zurich) will be the speak- run again. I pushed hard to go back to bike and couldn’t get many points, but of problems with the under steer. But it ers at the event. my second place but Ali was very good. overall I am happy with my perform- is fi ne, I am happy with my third posi- The topics scheduled to be discussed But overall I am happy to fi nish third ance,” al-Shammari said. tion considering the circumstances.” include ‘The Court of Arbitration for Sport: despite the crash,” al-Khater said. Soud al-Thani was happy with his The closing ceremonies for the History, Structure and Landmark Cases’, The second race of Losail 600 Cup second-place fi nish. “In the fi rst race, two championships were held on ‘The Typical Football-Related Dispute: FIFA witnessed some tough competition. my aim was to get as much points as Saturday and attended by Abdulrah- and CAS Procedure’ and ‘The Jurispru- The fi rst fi ve laps of the race saw al- from the race. With al-Malki out of him. I respect all the riders, fast or possible and am happy to secure second man al-Mannai, QMMF President, dence of CAS in Football-Related Matters’. Malki, al-Khater and al-Shammari the race, al-Khater pushed hard to slow, and it was a great honour to race position in the championship. In Race 2, and Khalid al-Remaihi, Losail Cir- A round-table on the importance of riding very close, but unfortunately, stay in front till the fi nal lap. with him in this championship. I am I needed to push and show my potential cuit Sports Club Vice-Chairman and arbitration in sport is also scheduled to be al-Malki suff ered a mechanical prob- “Ali al-Shammari was a really good very happy with my fi rst title in this as I had already secured second posi- Secretary General, who presented the held during the seminar. lem with his Yamaha and had to retire rider, today I learnt something from championship and looking forward to tion and had nothing to lose, so I pushed trophies to the winners. Monday, May 9, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS World Stadium Congress in Doha from May 16-19 FIFA 2022 World Cup Zabinsky, Conference Director. Qatar preparation, legacy “With presentations from govern- implementation, and stadium ment, federation, club, and stadium di- security and technology to serve rectors from Barcelona, Brussels, Cairo, as key themes at World Stadium Geneva, Frankfurt, London, Zurich, and Congress 2016—in partnership more, the event will allow Qatar to pre- with the Supreme Committee for pare for a successful delivery of sports Delivery & Legacy and stadia projects bound to spur socio- economic growth in the region for all. By Sports Reporter “I’m confi dent that this year’s sum- Doha mit will act as the most diverse and comprehensive summit of its kind. Not only will you hear from the stadium he seventh edition of the architect, consultant, or operator on World Stadium Congress—in venue enhancement, but you will also partnership with the Supreme gain the perspective from the player Committee for Delivery & Leg- himself, as famous retired footballer Tacy—returns to Doha this month. Louis Saha and high jump athlete Serving as a comprehensive sports Mutaz Barshim will speak on the im- and stadia summit, the event will lay the portance of stadia perfection, ranging groundwork for 2022 FIFA World Cup from the locker room to the white on- Qatar and other future FIFA World Cups, fi eld lines to the pitch. distinguish among the latest in stadium “ESSMA will also host a pre-confer- Partners of the event, the Supreme our plans for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Speakers confi rmed to showcase John Beattie, Stadium and Facilities technologies, outline the best venue and ence workshop dedicated to venue and Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), and the legacy it will leave behind will their expertise and discuss respective Director, Arsenal Football Club; Dim- event security systems and protocols, event security, while FIFA and UEFA is tasked with delivering proposed benefi t Qatar and the region for future projects include: HE Sheikh Nasser itri Huygen, Managing Director and share best-practice legacy programmes, representatives will deliver keynotes tournament venues and projects for the generations to come,” said Othman bin Hamad bin Nasser al-Thani, Chief EURO Brussels 2020 Project Director, and make transparent the social and eco- on tournament and league require- 2022 FIFA World Cup—the fi rst to be Zarzour, Competition Venues Deputy New Line of Business Offi cer, Ooredoo ESSMA; Prof. Dr Ashraf Sobhi, Deputy nomic growth that sporting excellence ments, respectively.” held in the Middle East—while ensur- Executive Director at the SC. Qatar; Jürgen Müller, Head of Planning Minister, Ministry of Youth & Sports, and tournaments can bring to society. While the event boasts global and in- ing that its preparations align with Qa- With such a potential to impact and & Infrastructure and Head of 2022 FIFA Egypt; Bill Mannarelli, Director, Àrea “As 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar ternational intrigue, with case studies tar’s other development imperatives. catalyse sports and stadia projects in World Cup Qatar; Othman Zarzour, Patrimonial, Espai Barça; Chris Dite, gradually approaches, it’s important from Bilbao Arena (Spain), Camp Nou “The SC is proud to be partners for Qatar, the Middle East and beyond, the Competition Venues Deputy Execu- Associate Director, Sport Venue De- for Qatar to have access to unparal- (Spain), DFL Bundesliga (Germany), Es- this year’s summit, which will bring World Stadium Congress—in partner- tive Director, Supreme Committee for sign and Major Events, Arup. leled knowledge, expertise, and topical tádio Plácido (Brazil), Emirates Stadium together experts from around the ship with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy; Keith Dalton, Sen- World Stadium Congress will be held case studies from the most proven and (UK), the summit will also dedicate world on innovative discussions and Delivery & Legacy—is slated to serve as ior Match Operations Manager, UEFA; from May 16-19 at Westin Doha Hotel & renowned sports and stadia industry much of the agenda to 2022 FIFA World solutions to stadium planning, opera- a precursor to successful tournament Birger Nass, Head of Stadium & Se- Spa. For more information, visit: www. leaders across the globe,” said David Cup Qatar and other Qatari themes. tion and management. The impact of and project delivery around the world. curity Department, DFL Bundesliga; worldstadiumcongress.com/bljpr

SPOTLIGHT Tale of Workers Cup winner’s unlikely journey from Ghana ‘WINNING A TROPHY IN FRONT OF CHEERING CROWDS IS WHAT I DREAMT OF WHEN I STARTED PLAYING FOOTBALL. THE ICING ON THE CAKE WAS THE MEETING WITH FIFA PRESIDENT INFANTINO . I MIGHT NOT HAVE MADE IT AS A PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLER BUT I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE MOMENTS ANY STAR WOULD WISH FOR THANKS TO QATAR’

rom a 17-year-old forward in the Ghana Premier League with stars in his eyes to a heroic performance at the heart of the WorkersF Cup champions Taleb Group’s defence—Gerry Ayitey’s long foot- ball journey has traversed a decade, two continents and potentially over- whelming adversity. Ayitey’s story has been anything but dull. Ten years before Friday night’s success, he had suff ered a knee injury that ended his hopes of a professional career. He has been the protagonist in a Marc Bosman-like court battle—and to crown it all has met FIFA President Gianni Infantino on the pitch as he cel- ebrated semi-fi nal success. Yet, Ayitey had no hesitation in de- scribing the win in the fourth edition of the Workers Cup on May 6 in front of 11,050 spectators as one of the most memorable moments of his life. “John Terry is a hard man and when the going is tough only the tough get going. I so badly wanted to win a title in the country which is soon going to host a FIFA World Cup and there is no defender with greater determination than Terry. GCC forwards gave me a lot of tough moments out there but I fought it out till the end.” Hasaacas FC and with dreams of join- two seasons in the second division as a “Winning a trophy in front of cheer- ing a 20-year-old Asamoah Gyan—who central defender but my knee eventu- ing crowds is what I dreamt of when I was then in his third season at Serie A ally gave way and I had to wind up my started playing football,” the experi- club Udinese—Ayitey started the Ghana career in 2010,” he said. enced Ghanaian player told www.sc.qa FA Cup game against Gyan’s fi rst pro- The joy and pride of having won the minutes after he had slotted in his fessional club, Liberty Professionals. Workers Cup in his maiden appearance side’s fi rst penalty in the 3-1 shootout Late into the second half, he received in the Supreme Committee for Deliv- win against a valiant Gulf Contracting the ball at the edge of the penalty box ery & Legacy-sponsored tournament at Al Ahli Stadium. and as he raced clear of the opposing de- was good enough for Ayitey to make “The icing on the cake was the fence he had the goalkeeper at his mercy. peace with the pain and uncertainties meeting with FIFA President Infantino It was then that a Liberty defender of the past. (in the semi-fi nal). I might not have brought him down with a two-footed But the fi nal was no walkover. made it as a professional footballer but tackle from behind. “As I fell forward, “It was tough in regular time,” he I have experienced the moments any I could hear a crackling noise from said. “GCC are a good side and domi- star would wish for thanks to Qatar,” my knee and then I blacked out,” he nated possession. I had to be at my very said Ayitey, who arrived in Qatar in recalled. “It was a bad fracture of the best at the back and I am proud we did June 2015, and is a mason in his day job. knee and I had to undergo surgery. It not concede.” “It was unbelievable when Mr. In- took me about fi ve months to start Ayitey says he derived inspiration fantino came on to the pitch while we training but my career was never the from Chelsea defender John Terry dur- were celebrating our semi-fi nal vic- same again.” ing the fi nal. “JT is a hard man and tory. I did not realise he was there. Ayitey spent the whole of the 2006- when the going is tough only the tough “A British journalist informed me 07 season in his club’s second team. get going,” he said with a smile. and my eyes really popped out. I went There was a glimmer of hope when the “I so badly wanted to win a title in up to the President, shook his hand then six-time Saudi Premier League the country which is soon going to and told him that this was a childhood winners Al-Ittihad were interested in host a FIFA World Cup and there is no dream come true.” him that season. defender with greater determination Perhaps it was destiny that part “Unfortunately, nothing further than JT. GCC forwards gave me a lot of two of Ayitey’s moment of truth— happened as my club did not want to tough moments out there but I fought the Workers Cup triumph—arrived sell me,” Ayitey continued. it out till the end.” through the roulette of shootout on an He was then forced to set about to Those may have been some of the emotionally-charged May evening. move to a second division club in Gha- smaller battles won by Jerry Ayitey in For it was sheer bad luck on another na the following season. his rollercoaster football journey, but May evening a decade ago, which had “Sekondi were averse to me leaving it provided a fi tting crowning moment ended his fl edgling career as profes- but I took the legal route and following as he celebrated with teammates, fans sional footballer. the advice of the courts the Ghana FA and colleagues long into the balmy In his fi rst season for Sekondi declared me to be a free agent. I played Doha night. (www.sc.qa)