TENNIS | Page 6 FOOTBALL | Page 4 Djokovic Record To Advertise here Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 vows to keep unbeaten run fi ghting to beckons for stay ahead leaders PSG

Tuesday, February 2, 2016 CRICKET Rabia II 23, 1437 AH South Africa seek GULF TIMES redemption in One-day series SPORT Page 10 CYCLING FOOTBALL Dutch star Wild Guardiola to succeed back in Qatar, has Pellegrini at Worlds in mind Man City ‘It is good to see the course…you can feel a bit what kind of conditions would be here when we have the worlds here in October. We will also know where we have to improve’

By Yash Mudgal as the other girls I race against,” said Doha Hosking, who missed much of the end of last season with a hand injury. Hosking is looking forward to her re- irsten Wild is back in Doha turn to the top level of the peloton. “It’s after a gap of one year to sig- been a long time since I raced with the nal her World Champion- ‘big girls’ so I’m nervous to get back in Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola (L) reacts next to Manchester City man- ships ambitions. the international peloton,” the Aus- ager Manuel Pellegrini during their Champions League Group E soccer match KThe Dutch star Wild has spent the tralian said. in Manchester on November 25, 2014. winter taking part in track competi- “It’s always hard to know if what you tions, but is happy to be back in Doha have done over the winter – or sum- AFP “Out of respect for Manuel Pel- for her fi fth Ladies Tour of title. mer for me – is enough to stay with the legrini and the players, the club “It is always nice to be in Doha. I re- top girls. Adding the whole comeback wishes to make its decision public to ally like the racing here. It is my type of from injury just makes things doubly remove the unnecessary burden of race...the winds and the course suits uncertain. utgoing Bayern Munich speculation. me,” Wild told the Gulf Times. Stage two is a 120km dash from the coach Pep Guardiola will “Manuel, who is fully supportive The tour begins today with a preview Sheikh Faisal Museum to the Al Khor take over from Manuel of the decision to make this com- of the World Championships course in Corniche. The third stage heads out Pellegrini at Manchester munication, is entirely focused on Doha, with a tricky 97km route that from the Al Zubarah fort to Madinat OCity on a three-year deal from the achieving his targets for the season could shatter the peloton thanks to the Al Shamal, with the fi nal stage a short end of the season, admitting it was ahead and retains the respect and ever-present crosswinds. but intense 73km stage that starts from a “risk” but also an opportunity he commitment of all involved with the “It is good to see the course…you can Aspire Zone and concludes with 12 laps could not turn down. leadership of the club.” feel a bit what kind of conditions would of a six-km circuit on the Doha Cor- “If I were 55 or 60 years old, I’d Guardiola announced in Decem- be here when we have the worlds here niche. stay (at Bayern) until Karl-Heinz ber that he would leave current club in October. We will also know where we THE TEAMS Rummenigge or Matthias Sammer Bayern Munich in May after three have to improve.” Alé Cipollini said ‘enough’,” Guardiola said. years at the helm, with an intention Talking about her absence last year, receiving her Aromitalia-Vaiano The Spaniard said he thought to coach in England next season. the Team Hitec Products rider said, winner’s trophy from Sheikh Australia himself “young enough. I need a new The 45-year-old Guardiola “Last year, the tour was quite close to the Khalid bin Ali al-Thani in 2014. Boels-Dolmans challenge”. notched up the treble of Champi- world summer track and I was focusing Canyon-SRAM He added that he couldn’t fi nish his ons League, German Cup and Bun- on it so there was not enough time.” China Chongming-Liv career “without experiencing England”. desliga titles in 2013, but in the last With last year’s winner and the world Cylance Pro Cycling “I love getting to know new res- two seasons, Bayern have exited the champion Lizzie Armitstead opting taurants, new cities. I want to sam- Champions League at the semi-fi nal to miss the , the Dutch- Hitec Products ple the atmosphere, the emotions. I stage. woman, who won in 2009, 2010, 2013 Liv-Plantur know it’s a risk, but it’s exactly what The ex-Spain international previ- and 2014, will be seeking a her fi fth title. Lares-Waowdeals I love.” Manchester City, bankrolled ously coached Barcelona from 2008- “I have won four times but it doesn’t Orica-AIS by the Abu Dhabi United Group 12, leading the Catalan giants to do- mean that I’d win here again. I feel a bit “We have a nice bunch of strong rid- all in the last three editions, said. Rabobank-Liv headed by Sheikh Mansour bin Za- mestic and Champions League glory of pressure as there are a lot of strong ers we did not race much together this “I love the winds, the echelons, the UnitedHealthcare yed al-Nahyan, earlier released a in a remarkable run of success. riders in the tour,” the 33-year-old, year, but we have confi dence to put up battles to make the front. And the La- Wiggle-Honda statement saying they could “con- The much-travelled Pellegrini, 62, who has nine stages to her name, said. a good show. Our team is a mix of expe- dies Tour of Qatar is one of the only THE STAGES fi rm that in recent weeks it has com- signed for City in 2013, becoming the “I don’t know much about my form. rience and young,” the sprint start said. races on the calendar that off ers that, FIRST: 97.5km from Katara Cultural menced and fi nalised contractual fi rst Chilean to coach in the Premier I did not race on the road this season so Wild would up against perennial po- day after day, for four days. Village to Qatar University. negotiations with Pep Guardiola to League as he took over from Roberto far. I get a lot of energy by seeing the dium fi nisher in Qatar Chloe Hosking, “This year’s edition is a big goal for SECOND: 120km from the Sheikh become MCFC head coach for the Mancini. nice road here. I have already started who comes with a reinforced Wiggle me,” the Australian said. Faisal Museum to Al Khor Corniche. 2016/17 EPL season onwards”. During his tenure, City have won the track season and am in the middle High team. “I’ve fi nished on the podium here for THIRD: 112.5km from Al Zubarah fort to “The contract is for three years. 64 of the 99 games played. The only of it,” she said. “It’s not a secret that I love racing in the past three years and I’d like to con- Madinat Al Shamal. These negotiations were a re-com- coach to have won more in his open- But, wild has confi dence in her team, the desert,” Hosking, who has fi nished tinue the trend, although the top step FOURTH: 73km from Aspire Zone to mencement of discussions that were ing 99 Premier League games is Jose which is a mix of experience and youth. in second, third and second place over- would be nice, if only so I look as tall Doha Corniche. curtailed in 2012. Mourinho (73).

BOTTOMLINE A chance for riders to sample Worlds course

By Yash Mudgal stage for World Championships.” and will give us a chance to think Doha He added: There are top notch through any extra details we might teams taking part in the tour and the need to consider and for the cyclists important aspect of the 97.5km long to have an idea of how they will need first stage is one round in Pearl Qatar. to prepare in the months before the he Ladies Tour of Qatar is We will test the security there and race. the first trial event for the see if we can close sectors and that “On the course, the laps are spe- UCI World Road Champion- residents of Pearl can have access to cial. You can see the riders from ships Doha 2016, and today’s the race. During the men’s tour we three different spots. It’s a very openingT stage – from Katara Cultural will do more laps,” Sheikh Khalid nice course. There’s always wind. It Village to Qatar University -- will said. makes difficult and interesting for give the riders an opportunity to On the participation of Qatar la- the riders. sample the course that will be in of- dies team in the tour, he said, “I don’t The World Championships 2016 fer for the rainbow jersey race during think so. They are not ready yet.” consists of twelve races; a road race, the global contest from October 9 to Qatar is the first country in the a team time trial and a time trial for 16, 2016. Middle East and the Arab world and elite men and women and a road race Addressing a press conference on second in Asia after Japan to host the and a time trial for men under-23, the eve of the start of the tour, yes- World Championships. junior men and junior women. terday, president of the Qatar Cycling Ambassador of UCI RWC Doha The last UCI world Road Cham- Federation (QCF) and chairman of 2016 said: Ladies Tour pionships were held in Richmond the Doha 2016 Sheikh Khalid bin Ali of Qatar and Tour of Qatar is a test Virginia, USA, in September 2015 in al-Thani said: “The tour will be ex- run for the World Championships. It which and Lizzie Armit- citing like always. But this year it has Qatar Cycling Federation chief Sheikh Khalid bin Ali al-Thani (second from right) and other off icials pose at yesterday’s press will allow participating cyclists and stead won the men’s and women’s ti- an added significance as it is a trial conference. the organisation to test the course tles, respectively. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, February 2, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Guardiola lusts for football’s ultimate dream team Spaniard’s four-year reign at Barcelona is known as the club’s golden age after he transformed a misfunctioning side

GUARDIOLA FACTFILE

The 45-year-old Pep Guardiola makes Name: Josep Guardiola no secret of his desire for success and Age: 45 his record backs him up. (Reuters) Date of birth: January 18, 1971 Birthplace: Santpedor, Spain

PLAYING CAREER Position: defensive midfielder Teams: Barcelona (ESP/1990- 2001), Brescia (ITA/2001-2002), Roma (ITA/2002-2003), Brescia (ITA/2003), Al-Ahli (QTR/2003- 2005), Dorados (MEX/2005- 2006)

MANAGERIAL CAREER Teams: Barcelona B (ESP/2007- 2008), Barcelona (ESP/2008- 2012), Bayern Munich (GER/2013-2016)

PLAYER HONOURS Spanish league (6): 1990-1991, 1991-1992, 1992-1993, 1993-1994, 1997-1998, 1998-1999 Spanish Cup (2): 1996-1997, 1997-1998 Spanish Super Cup: 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996 UEFA Cup Winner’s Cup: 1996-1997 UEFA Super Cup: 1992, 1997 Olympic Gold Medal: 1992 with Spain

MANAGERIAL HONOURS Barcelona Spanish league: 2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2010-2011 Spanish Cup: 2008-2009, 2011-2012 Spanish Super Cup: 2009, 2010, 2011 UEFA Champions League: 2008-2009, 2010-2011 AFP ever to play the game. would make the league “more exciting”. possession,” said the coach. Guardiola ponents. In the fi rst year alone, they won UEFA Super Cup: 2009, 2011 London Even then, Guardiola was linked to And a mole in the Bayern camp caused was born in Santpedor, an hour’s drive six trophies, beating Manchester United FIFA Club World Cup: 2009, English sides like Manchester United. a media frenzy last week after telling from the Catalan capital, and he was 2-0 to win the Champions League. 2011 Yet in January 2013 Guardiola signed a Kicker magazine that players were happy nurtured through the Barca youth team, After another Champions League in Bayern Munich ep Guardiola is a perfectionist three-year deal, worth a reported 22 mil- that the coach had asked for more pro- serving as a ball boy before legendary 2011 and two more La Liga crowns, Bar- German league (2): 2013-14, who has won more major tro- lion euros ($24m), to start coaching Bay- fessionalism because some players were Dutch coach Johan Cruyff spotted his ca’s reign in Spain under Guardiola was 2014-2015 phies than virtually any other ern from the 2013-2014 season. overweight. potential. “Cruyff built the cathedral. fi nally ended when Jose Mourinho’s Real German Cup: 2013-2014 coach in Europe. He starred in Bayern already dominanated the Guardiola already insists Bayern stars We only maintained it,” Guardiola once Madrid won La Liga in 2012. An exhaust- UEFA Super Cup: 2013 Pone dream team and now lusts to con- Bundesliga having won the Champions remain in Munich on their days off to said of the man he described as his most ed Guardiola, who had become worn Club World Cup: 2013 trol another. The Spaniard’s remarks League, Bundesliga and German Cup save their energy for his bid to take the important coaching infl uence. down by the political machinations at about overweight Bayern players and treble in 2013. They soon became almost Champions League, Bundesliga and Guardiola became part of Cruyff ’s the club, promptly resigned, saying there INDIVIDUAL reports that he has clamped down on unbeatable at home. This season Bayern German Cup. “A few players were carry- dream team at Barcelona, which also wasn’t any more he could do. “We were FIFA World Coach of Year: 2011 their movements on days off should be have lost only one Bundesliga game and ing a few extra kilos and that is why I said comprised Michael Laudrup, Hristo playing brilliantly but I was on my knees Spanish league coach of the a warning to Manchester City’s stars are already eight points ahead of Borus- we need to be more professional,” Guar- Stoichkov and Ronald Koeman, making and had no new tactical ideas left. That year: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 about what to expect from next season. sia Dortmund in second. diola said as he rejected reports of dress- his name two decades ago as a tenacious was why I left,” he said. Although capped UEFA Team of the Year Best The 45-year-old Guardiola makes no In the last two years they have swept ing room unrest. “You can’t win titles midfi elder known for his tough-tackling 47 times for Spain, Guardiola, who is Coach: 2008-2009, 2010-2011 secret of his desire for success and his fi ve trophies, but the most-desired when the players aren’t professional.” and astute reading of the game. openly secessionist, has always said his record backs him up. Champions League has so far eluded The Guardiola perfectionism also Guardiola eventually went on to build heart is with the Catalan team—an unof- OTHER His four-year reign at Barcelona is Guardiola’s reign. The team is so suc- showed after his team routed Arsenal 5-1 Barca’s second dream team that included fi cial squad that plays friendly matches. Spain’s Royal Order of Sports known as the club’s golden age after he cessful that ex-Germany goalkeeper last year and complained that 66 percent Argentinian prodigy Lionel Messi. He “If a Catalan state had existed, I would Merit: 2010 transformed a misfunctioning side into said it would be better for possession was not good enough. “What infused the team with a fl uid passing have played for Catalonia, because I was Catalan of the Year: 2009 what is widely regarded as the best team the Bundesliga if Guardiola goes, as it I want, my desire, is to have 100 percent and pressing game that tormented op- born in Santpedor”, he said.

FOCUS HARD YARDS PAYING OFF UNDER Barcelona president maintains ZIDANE, SAYS RONALDO Madrid: Three-time World Player of the Year Cristiano Ro- naldo (right) hailed Zinedine silence in Neymar transfer case Zidane’s impact in improving the Real Madrid squad’s fitness AFP rations in Brazil. Brazilian au- after scoring a hat-trick in a Barcelona thorities have also taken action 6-0 rout of Espanyol on Sun- freezing $47 million in assets day. Madrid have now taken belonging to Neymar over tax 10 points and scored 17 goals arcelona president Josep evasion allegations between 2011 in four games since Zidane Maria Bartomeu and and 2013. replaced Rafael Benitez ear- his predecessor Sandro In another case on Thursday lier this month. And Ronaldo Rosell refused to tes- a Brazilian court rejected the insisted the turnaround is due tifyB before a judge yesterday for player’s appeal against tax fraud to the Frenchman’s demands suspected irregularities in the when he was still a Santos player, for the squad to get fitter. “The transfer of Brazilian star Ney- imposing a fi ne of $112,000. team is working very hard. In mar, insisting on the version of Neymar and his And on Sunday Brazilian mag- the past three weeks you’ve events they had given for a pre- parents have been azine Veja reported the Brazilian seen that with the results on vious hearing, according to judi- called to give tax authorities had reported the the pitch,” Ronaldo said. cial sources. evidence today. player and his father for tax eva- “We needed to work harder Bartomeu and Rosell were sion and falsifying documents in as a team. Now we have a posi- called to give evidence at Spain’s the tax declarations of his salary tive mentality. The pre-season national court in Madrid over a at Santos and his signing for Bar- wasn’t good, there was a lot complaint for fraud and corrup- celona. “There is nothing against of travelling. Zizou has arrived tion brought by Brazilian invest- company owned by the player’s tomeu and Rosell ratifi ed what us. The trial is an investigation with diff erent ideas and we ment fund DIS, which held 40 father with Santos receiving just they had declared to the court to know what happened in Ney- have to continue like this. The percent of Neymar’s sporting 17.1 million. However, Spanish in February 2015 and July 2014 mar’s transfer,” Neymar’s father team is in good shape. Zizou rights when he played at Santos judicial authorities have esti- respectively in a separate case said. “If we committed any tax has done a phenomenal job. I before joining Barca in 2013. mated the number of simultane- in which they and Barcelona as error then tell us, but to accuse feel a lot fitter. We won com- Neymar and his parents have ous deals in the transfer amount- a club face charges of tax fraud. us of tax evasion or falsifying fortably and everything went better physically, which is the leaders Barcelona and one been called to give evidence to- ed to at least 83.3 million. In that case Bartomeu laid the documents goes beyond the lim- as planned.” most important thing for me. of city rivals Atletico Madrid. day. “Before saying nonsense DIS has claimed it was cheated responsibility at Rosell’s door, its.” The controversy surround- Zidane has consistently Our play with the ball doesn’t Barca also have a game in - that we hid this, or hid that - of its real share of the benefi ts of saying the latter “led the ne- ing the deal hasn’t aff ected Ney- stressed the importance of im- worry me. We need to main- hand over both sides from the they should prove it,” Neymar the 23-year-old’s move fi rstly gotiations with the player’s fa- mar’s performances on the fi eld proving Madrid’s fitness since tain this level of intensity and capital, but both Ronaldo and told Globo TV on Sunday. “My because part of the transfer fee ther”. For his part, Rosell - who as he helped Barca to a treble of he was appointed three weeks concentration. Zidane insisted Real can still father is doing everything to was concealed by Barcelona and resigned amidst the scandal over Champions League, La Liga and ago. And his task has been “When the Champions land just their second title in ensure that I can just focus on Santos. Moreover, they also be- how much Neymar cost the club Copa del Rey last season. helped by Real’s early elimina- League starts again we will eight seasons. “We can’t think playing football. He handles the lieve a pre-contract agreement in January 2014 - insisted the Brazil’s golden boy is expected tion from the Copa del Rey for have games every three days about Barcelona or Atletico, books. But in the moment when between Neymar and Barca im- “contracts were done perfectly.” to captain his country on home fielding an ineligible player and won’t have this time to who are playing well. We need you see someone you love suff er- peded other clubs from making The judge has also called rep- soil at the Rio Olympics later this freeing up their midweeks work. I am happy and the play- to work on ourselves because ing, it starts to hurt.” off ers for the player aff ecting the resentatives and the presidents year, and his rising status was through January. ers are happy because they there is still a long way to go The deal was originally val- value of the transfer fee. of Santos when the deal took confi rmed as he made the three “We have had time to work,” can see the diff erence.” and we are a little behind, but ued at 57.1 million euros ($62.1 DIS received just 6.8 million place Odilio Rodriguez and Luis fi nalists for the Ballon d’Or to said Zidane. “This was the third Victory took Real back to we will see at the end of the million) by Barca, 40 million from the deal - 40 percent of the Alvaro de Oliveira, who have crown the world’s best player for week and the team is getting within four points of La Liga season,” said Ronaldo. of which was paid to the N&N 17.1 million paid to Santos. Bar- requested to make their decla- the fi rst time in January. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 2, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

EPL PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT Klopp feels United manager Van squeeze as Gaal braced for fan Leicester loom AFP to make that pressure bigger.” Liverpool One player set to retain his place is central defender Dejan Lovren, who took the opportu- urgen Klopp’s most sig- nity to build up his match fi tness gauntlet against Stoke nifi cant challenge as Liv- after recovering from a recent erpool manager at the mo- hamstring injury. ment is fi guring out how He played his part in a Liver- toJ manage his squad in the face pool clean sheet at the weekend; Van Gaal admits he ‘cannot predict’ how the supporters would react to another loss of an ever-expanding fi xture list. only their third in nine matches. Having played nine games in Liverpool are one of only two January—more than any other clubs to have beaten Leicester Premier League team—Klopp’s in the league to date, so today’s side’s trip to leaders Leicester game gives ’s City today is the fi rst of at least men an opportunity to avenge seven matches in February. that defeat in December and of- That tally will rise to eight fer further proof of their title if they beat West Ham United credentials. in next week’s FA Cup fourth- A 3-0 win against an in-form round replay. Stoke last week answered many Saturday’s 0-0 draw against of the doubts about the Foxes, the Hammers was Liverpool’s but their next three games will 37th fi xture of the campaign, and ask more taxing questions. After it is mathematically possible that facing Liverpool they will take on they could end up playing 69 Manchester City and then Arse- competitive matches this season. nal, the only other club to beat With that in mind, Klopp rest- them in a league game in 2015-16. ed as many of his senior players Defender Christian Fuchs as he possibly could at the week- said: “We’ve got three games end, making 10 changes to the against big teams and they are side who had secured a League important. We want to win Cup fi nal place by overcoming against Liverpool and the (5-2) Stoke City on penalties at Anfi eld defeat to Arsenal was one of our four days earlier. worst games. It was our biggest Teenager Cameron Branna- defeat of the season and we want gan, making only his fourth sen- to win there. ior start, took the opportunity “I don’t see the game against to make a positive impression Arsenal as a title decider. We’re against West Ham, as did other just having fun. We keep winning players with limited experience at the moment and we will try to such as fellow midfi elders Kevin do our best. We’re all happy and Stewart and Joao Teixeira and it was an important three points full-back Brad Smith. against Stoke. We’re solid and But Klopp has indicated that we believe in ourselves. We are a he will return to his tried and really good team on the fi eld and trusted senior players to face we will try to keep winning. Peo- Leicester. “Those players are in ple writing us off isn’t a topic for our squad because they are an us. We focus on our work and we option for us,” Klopp said. “But do it well.” we have to decide if it is the right Ranieri will hope to name an moment or not. Young lads often unchanged team from the win have waves in their development. against Stoke. Winger Jeff Sch- They have ups and downs, and if lupp faces another month on the you bring them in at the wrong sidelines with a serious ham- moment, then it’s not too good string injury, while midfi elder for their development. Matty James will not be involved “They have time to develop. after suff ering a minor setback Manchester United’s manager Louis van Gaal (left) and his assistant Ryan Giggs. (AFP) That’s the best thing. They have in his recovery from a long-term enough pressure. You don’t need knee problem. AFP ways want to win, and we’re trying. Arsenal as a title decider. We’re just hav- whose side have also reached the Cham- London “Even when you’re giving 100 percent, ing fun. We keep winning at the moment pions League last 16, where they will face it doesn’t always come off , but thankfully and we will try to do our best.” Dynamo Kiev. “In that place we have Je- on Friday it did. Hopefully we can put Having preserved their hopes of a third sus Navas, we have Raheem Sterling, we ouis van Gaal will risk the wrath in another performance like this again successive FA Cup triumph by beating have David Silva, we have Brandon Bark- of Manchester United’s fans on Tuesday and take this into the game Burnley 2-1 on Saturday, Arsenal turn er. Fabian Delph can play also on that side again today when his side resume against Stoke.” their attention back to the title race on with two strikers.” their push for a top-four Premier United were beaten 2-0 at Stoke on Tuesday when they host Southampton. Tottenham Hotspur will look to pre- LLeague fi nish against Stoke City. Boxing Day, a result that media reports Arsenal are expected to hand starts to serve their grip on fourth place when Having talked up United’s title chances suggested could cost Van Gaal his job, but Alexis Sanchez and Francis Coquelin, af- they visit Norwich City, while Chelsea, following their 1-0 win at Liverpool, the although he remains in his post, another ter both players made their fi rst starts in reeling from the news that captain John manager saw his team fall to an abject defeat would expose him to renewed two months against Burnley. Terry will leave the club at the end of the 1-0 home defeat against Southampton on scrutiny. United begin the weekend in Manchester City, above Arsenal on goal season, go to Watford. Chelsea’s greatest their last league outing, after which they fi fth place in the table, fi ve points off the diff erence and three points below Leices- captain, Terry made the announcement were booed off by angry fans. Champions League places, and Stoke ter, visit Sunderland, having kept alive after his side’s 5-1 FA Cup win at Milton United won 3-1 at second-tier Derby could move to within a point of them with their dream of a trophy quadruple by Keynes Dons on Sunday, explaining that County in the FA Cup on Friday, but Van victory at Old Traff ord. winning 4-0 at Aston Villa in the FA Cup. the club had refused to grant him a new Gaal admitted afterwards that he “cannot With 15 games of the season to go, City lost Kevin De Bruyne to a knee in- contract. “It’s not going to be a fairytale predict” how the supporters would react Leicester City remain the unexpected jury in last week’s League Cup semi-fi nal ending,” the 35-year-old said. “I’m not to another setback. leaders, but they now face a potentially win over Everton, but manager Manuel going to retire at Chelsea.” However, captain Wayne Rooney said season-defi ning run of fi xtures, starting Pellegrini believes there is suffi cient However, late on Sunday the club that criticism of the beleaguered Dutch- with a home game against Liverpool. depth in his squad to compensate. spokesman said that Chelsea could still man was “unfair” and urged his team- Claudio Ranieri’s men then face back- “We have a squad,” said the Chilean, off er Terry a new contract. mates to use the victory at Derby as a to-back trips to Manchester City and Ar- catalyst for an upturn in the league. senal, but full-back Christian Fuchs says “It was obviously a better performance they will relish each occasion. “We’ve EPL FIXTURES than last week’s game, but the manager got three games against big teams and gave us a lot of freedom to go and play they are important,” said the Austrian Today (1945 GMT unless stated): Hotspur, Sunderland v Manchester City, and I think you can see the diff erence in international. “We want to win against Arsenal v Southampton, Crystal Palace v West Bromwich Albion v Swansea City the team,” he said. Liverpool and the (5-2) defeat to Arsenal Bournemouth (2000 GMT), Leicester City v (2000 GMT), West Ham United v Aston Villa “You could see we were enjoying it, was one of our worst games. It was our Liverpool, Manchester United v Stoke City Tomorrow (1945 GMT): Everton v scoring some good goals and thoroughly biggest defeat of the season and we want (2000 GMT), Norwich City v Tottenham Newcastle United, Watford v Chelsea deserved to win. We want to win, we al- to win there. I don’t see the game against Liverpool’s German manager Jurgen Klopp. (AFP)

FOCUS WENGER EXPECTS IWOBI TO FLOURISH AFTER Chelsea give captain Terry hope of new deal SOLID CUP DISPLAY AFP mer. (Terry) is a huge personality at Chel- London John Terry announced he sea. When you lose these kind of play- London: Arsene Wenger is velops very well because he’s will leave Chelsea when his ers, you have to replace them, but I don’t confident Alex Iwobi can flour- very clever,” Wenger told the current deal expires at the know how John can be replaced. ish at Arsenal after the 19-year- club’s website. “I like his game, helsea captain John Terry may end of the season because “For me he can play many more times. old repaid his manager’s faith I like the timing of his decision yet be off ered a new deal despite the club have not off ered He is still at a top level. He has been play- in him by impressing on his making and the quality of his having announced his departure him a new contract. (AFP) ing very well since I arrived at Chelsea. third start for the club in Satur- decision making. He always from the club, a spokesman for He can continue for sure.” day’s 2-1 FA Cup fourth round turns where you want him theC Premier League champions said. Ter- The prospect of Terry leaving has also victory over Burnley. to turn and he plays the ball ry, 35, announced on Sunday that he will dismayed the club’s fans, for whom he is The attacking midfielder, where you want him to play leave Chelsea when his current deal ex- an emblematic fi gure. nephew of seven-time Nige- the ball. He’s very interesting.” pires at the end of the season because the Trizia Fiorellino, chair of the Chelsea rian footballer of the year The Gunners, who were club have not off ered him a new contract. Supporters Group, told BBC radio: “It Jay-Jay Okocha, rounded out a drawn at home to Hull City in But a Chelsea spokesman said late on seems a very strange time to do it and solid display by laying on key the fifth round, are third in the Sunday: “John requested a meeting with given that we’ve got no manager at the passes in the build up for both league, three points behind the club the week before last. In that moment—we’ve got an interim manager Arsenal goals against their leaders Leicester City after meeting he asked about the possibility (Guus Hiddink) -- who has made this de- Championship (second tier) 23 games. Arsenal will hope of an extension to his existing contract. cision for John Terry to go? opponents. to make ground on Claudio John was advised that while no new deal “He played every minute of every Wenger said he was glad he Ranieri’s charges when they was currently on the table, that situation pearances and is the club’s most success- Terry’s current central defensive part- league game last season and we won persevered with Iwobi, who host eighth-placed Southamp- could change in the coming months. The ful captain, had expressed disappoint- ner Kurt Zouma was shocked by the news the title. It’s just all very peculiar, very has come off the bench four ton in the league today with club has the utmost respect for John and ment that there would be “no fairytale and suggested that it would be hasty strange, and I think the club owe us an times in the Premier League Leicester welcoming Liverpool everything he has helped us achieve to ending” for him at Stamford Bridge. His to jettison him. “I am very surprised. I explanation.” this season, after recognising at the same time. Arsenal are date. former team-mate Frank Lampard paid didn’t know,” the France international Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger the Nigeria international’s raw expected to hand starts to “He is a fantastic servant of Chelsea tribute to the ex-England captain, post- told the Evening Standard newspaper. signed goalkeeper Petr Cech from Chel- talent a few years ago. Alexis Sanchez and Francis Football Club and a superb captain and, ing a picture of the pair on Instagram “Now we have to see what John wants sea last year, but he ruled out a move for “He is a boy who, two years Coquelin, after both players as such, the club will keep the channels of accompanied by the simple caption: to do because I think he can play for an- Terry, who had said in any case that he ago, not many would have said made their first starts in two dialogue open.” “#captain #legend #chelsea #winner @ other one or two years. This feels like would not be joining another Premier he (will make it). You see he de- months against Burnley. Terry, who has made 696 Chelsea ap- johnterry.26” when we lost Didier (Drogba) last sum- League club. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, February 2, 2016 FOOTBALL

LIGUE 1 Dzeko adds to Record unbeaten run Roma woes

AFP beckons leaders PSG Rome isfi ring Bosnian Laurent Blanc’s men are now a staggering 24 points clear of second-placed Monaco striker Edin Dzeko has added to Roma’s AFP injury crisis after Mbeing ruled out of the match- Paris day squad for their league trip to Sassuolo today. Roma claimed aris Saint Germain take their fi rst win in fi ve league on Lorient at the Parc des games with a 3-1 defeat of Frosi- Princes tomorrow, needing none on Saturday, their fi rst un- only to avoid defeat to break der new coach Luciano Spalletti. PNantes’ 20-year-old record unbeat- But Spalletti, in his second en run in Ligue 1. spell at Roma following the re- The runaway league leaders saw cent sacking of Rudi Garcia, off a stubborn Saint Etienne 2-0 on faces a forwards crisis with club Sunday to notch a 13th consecutive captain Francesco Totti ruled as win and extend their streak with- doubtful after suff ering a muscle out a loss to 32 matches. They have problem on his comeback from a totally dominated French football lengthy injury lay-off . in the last few years, but this sea- “Dzeko won’t be travelling son they have found a higher level as because he received a knock on their rivals have fallen away. Saturday and it quickly fl ared Laurent Blanc’s men are now a up. To play him would be too staggering 24 points clear of second- risky,” said Spalletti yesterday. placed Monaco after the principality Totti came off the bench to re- outfi t were well-beaten at surprise place Dzeko 14 minutes into the package Angers. Lorient should second half at the weekend but not pose much of a threat to PSG’s has “a problem with his gluteus”, record bid, although manager Blanc according to Spalletti. “We’re may choose to ring the changes after monitoring his condition, but a run of fi ve games in a fortnight. we’ll let the doctors decide if he The luxury of the depth of the can play,” he said. Frenchman’s squad is far greater It could force Spalletti into than any other manager in the divi- some last-minute tinkering, sion can enjoy, but Blanc said after Zlatan Ibrahimovic (centre) with on-loan AC forward Sunday’s match that he does men- brace saw Paris Saint Germain Stephan El Shaarawy and Iago tion records to his expensively-as- stretch their lead atop Ligue 1 to Falque his only available strik- sembled group of players. a massive 24 points on Sunday ers. Although Nigerian starlet “There’s been a great deal of talk in a 2-0 away win over a spirited Umar Sadiq scored twice during about the record and it helped me Saint Etienne. (Reuters) a handful of appearances under motivate the players, even if they Garcia, Spalletti played down his don’t really need that,” Blanc said. possible inclusion. “I ask a lot from the players, I de- “We only have Sadiq left to mand it. And what I take away to- us as a lone striker. He doesn’t night as much as the record is the have great technique, but he way this team never gives up.” knows how to get in behind the PSG were pushed hard for long opposition defence,” said Spal- periods by a feisty Les Verts before letti. El Shaarawy hit his maiden closing out victory with Zlatan Ib- Roma goal on Saturday with a rahimovic’s sixth league brace this deft fl ick that he said was in- term. The defending champions will spired by Sweden striker Zlatan be without the injured defending Ibrahimovic, but the Italy inter- trio of , David Luiz and national is likely to be kept on a Gregory van der Wiel for the visit of tight rein on Tuesday night. Lorient, but it is hard to see Sylvain Sassuolo are enjoying a great Ripoll’s men throwing much caution season so far and sit in seventh to the wind in the capital. Both Lyon and Marseille have been much-maligned winger Florian place, 17 points behind lead- Monaco currently occupy second struggling. Lyon, who were runners- Thauvin back to the club on loan PSG fans banned from Marseille game ers Napoli but only a handful of place in the table despite having a up last season have now won just one from Newcastle United, and the points adrift of the European nine-match unbeaten run ended of their last 10 Ligue 1 matches and 23-year-old could be in the lineup Paris: Paris Saint-Germain must face Mar- between Marseille and PSG fans over the places. Part of that success is by a comprehensive loss at third- new head coach Bruno Genesio will for the game against Montpellier. seille at the Stade Velodrome this weekend years. down to their formidable form at placed Angers on Saturday. Leon- be looking for just his second win in FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) without their travelling fans, the local police “Relations between Marseille and PSG home, where they suff ered their ardo Jardim’s side will be expecting charge when they host in-form Bor- Today: Monaco vs Bastia (1800); ordered yesterday. fans have been marked by animosity for fi rst defeat of the season to Bolo- to fi nish in the top three and qualify deaux tomorrow. Montpellier vs Marseille (2000) “It’s forbidden for anyone who is a PSG many years,” the police noted. gna eight days ago. for a third successive Champions Marseille, meanwhile, have not Tomorrow: Guingamp vs Troyes supporter to enter the Stade Velodrome”, or This is the second time in a week that At their Mapei Stadium, Sas- League campaign. They kick off the won at the Velodrome in the league (1800); Nantes vs Gazelec Ajaccio drive or park their cars in the streets around PSG have been deprived of their supporters suolo have so far beaten Napoli, midweek programme today evening since September 13 against Bastia (1800); Lille vs Caen (1800); Nice vs the ground, a police statement declared after their fans were banned from Sunday’s Lazio and Juventus and drawn when they host Bastia, who gave and their Spanish manager Michel Toulouse (1800); Lyon vs Bordeaux yesterday. trip to Saint Etienne. with Fiorentina, and on their their new manager Francois Cic- is still struggling to turn the tide (1800); Reims vs Angers (1800); PSG Sunday’s clash is considered high risk PSG won that fixture 2-0 to stretch their travels have beaten colini the perfect start with victory of negativity on the south coast. vs Lorient (2000). On Thursday: with trouble flaring at numerous meetings lead at the top of ligue 1 to 24 points. and held Roma to a 2-2 draw at over Lyon at the weekend. His most recent move was to bring Rennes vs St Etienne 2000) the Stadio Olimpico.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS ‘Disrespectful’ Mancini hit with fi ne, ban Mourinho and stars AFP endorse Infantino’s Milan

nter Milan coach FIFA presidential bid has been handed a fi ne and a one- match ban by Serie A offi cials fol- AFP midfi elder Geremi, former Italy lowing a series of incidents at Sun- London goalkeeper Iday’s 3-0 derby defeat to AC Milan. and former Liverpool winger Mancini was sent from the touchlines Vladimir Smicer completed the in the second half after arguing with the stellar cast of football line-up. fourth offi cial when the referee failed to fi gures including Jose Infantino, 45, faces competi- award a penalty after Milan ‘keeper Gi- Mourinho and Luis tion from Bahrain’s Asian Foot- anluigi Donnarumma clashed with strik- Figo appeared in sup- ball Confederation president er Eder. portA of Gianni Infantino’s FIFA Sheikh Salman Bin Ebrahim al- As Mancini was entering the players’ presidential bid at an event at Khalifah, South African busi- tunnel, he off ered a one-fi ngered gesture London’s Wembley Stadium nessman Tokyo Sexwale, Jor- to AC Milan supporters and then after- yesterday. UEFA general secre- dan’s Prince Ali bin al-Hussein, wards was involved in a foul-mouthed tary Infantino, who is bidding to a former FIFA vice-president, rant on live television. A Serie A state- succeed the disgraced Sepp Blat- and former FIFA offi cial Jerome ment yesterday said Mancini “was disre- ter in the February 26 election in Champagne of France. spectful towards the referee in the sixth Zurich, was accompanied by a Addressing the challenges minute of the second half. host of glittering names from the facing the world governing body, “When he was faced with expul- game as he outlined his plans for reeling from the biggest corrup- sion from the touchlines he insulted Inter Milan's coach Roberto Mancini (centre) reacts after his expulsion during the match against AC Milan. (Reuters) the fi rst 90 days of his presiden- tion scandal in its history, In- the fourth offi cial and then directed an cy. Mourinho, sacked as Chelsea fantino said: “My main task will insulting gesture towards fans, an in- favour of hosts Milan when Inter striker ($27million) on the fi nal day of transfer Mancini last week publicly lambasted manager in December, and Figo, be to bring football back to FIFA fringement that was caught on camera ’s 70th minute penalty came action. his misfi ring front men when they failed himself a former FIFA presiden- and FIFA back to football. “The afterwards.” off the post. Inter are now winless in their past four to convert a series of chances before 10- tial candidate, were joined by ex- image of FIFA has to grow and As well as paying a 5,000-euro fi ne, Inter’s heads dropped and Milan capi- league outings, and have scored only two man Carpi fought back to level 1-1 at the England and AC Milan manager come to the top again, and we can Mancini will now watch from the stands talised with two quick goals in succession goals in that time. The Nerazzurri moved death. “I’m 51 years old and even I would Fabio Capello, Brazil great Rob- do this only if we live and breathe when Inter host Chievo tomorrow look- from and M’Baye Niang to remedy the drought by snapping up have scored some of those goals,” Man- erto Carlos, former Spain cap- football and work 2,000 percent ing to secure their fi rst win in fi ve games. adding to Alex’s 35th minute opener to Eder from Sampdoria last Friday, but a cini said after last week’s draw. tain Fernando Hierro and former for football. These legends who Mancini admitted to media afterwards hand Mancini’s men their heaviest derby promising start by the Brazil-born Italy Mancini failed to point the fi nger at midfi elder Clarence are here are a testimony for the he had gestured to Milan fans “who were defeat since a 3-0 reverse in April 2011. striker failed to produce much-needed Icardi on Sunday but the crushing defeat Seedorf. love we all have for football.” In- insulting me. I was being verbally abused Inter remain in fourth place but are goals. to Inter’s bitter rivals has left its mark “I feel a lot of emotion to be fantino’s proposals for his fi rst and ended up doing what I did.” now nine points adrift of leaders Napoli, When Inter were rewarded a penalty on the former Manchester City man- here in front of you,” Infantino 90 days include appointing a He added: “I don’t agree with a lot of who thumped Empoli 5-1 at home the for handball by Alex, Icardi stepped up ager. “It’s defi nitely the worst January of told his audience after video new FIFA general secretary, to the referee’s decisions tonight, some of same day as champions Juventus routed in confi dent fashion. The under-fi re Ar- my coaching career,” Mancini told Inter messages from several of the replace Jerome Valcke, who was them were disastrous. In saying that, we Chievo 4-0 in Verona to stay within two gentinian did himself no favours by hit- Channel. fi gures present had been played. sacked for corruption off ences, lost 3-0 and so we have some problems points. In a matter of weeks, Inter’s title ting a game-changing penalty against “I’m sorry for the fans and I apologise “These messages mean a lot and launching the bidding proc- to resolve.” bid has slipped dramatically and reports the post. for how we lost the derby, but we’ll get to me because they come from ess for the 2026 World Cup. The Mancini is set for crunch talks at the on Monday claimed relations between Icardi has hit only eight league goals over this diffi cult period and get back to those who make football the multilingual Swiss also pledged club after a crushing derby defeat. The Mancini and Argentine striker Icardi this term. Last season, Icardi shared the winning. I’m 100 percent sure of that.” sport we love.” to create a “Legends Team” in 164th ‘Derby della Madonnina’—as the are so bad the club are considering sell- top scorer’s ‘Capocannoniere’ prize with Inter have a chance to remedy the situ- Former Real Madrid striker order to “promote the social im- fi xture is commonly known—turned in ing him for a cut price of 25million euros Luca Toni after both hit 22 goals. ation when they host Chievo tomorrow. Pedrag Mijatovic, ex-Chelsea pact of football globally”. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 2, 2016 5 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT - GOLF FOCUS Bangladeshi ‘Tiger’ desperate to earn Korean Song beats Olympic stripes idol Spieth to Singapore title ‘A very nerve-wracking one to hit, knowing that you have to make it for what you Reuters medal, with sport too expensive Singapore for most and a low priority for think will be the play-off . I’m really happy I put a good stroke on it’ many others. Siddikur, though, is hoping hile former world to change that and the “village number one Adam boy” who started playing at eight Scott dismisses the with a homemade iron and was value of an Olympic 15 before he got his hands on an Wgold medal, Bangladeshi golfer authentic set of clubs, could be- Siddikur Rahman (pictured) is come the fi rst Bangladeshi to unequivocal about its impor- qualify for an Olympics. tance to the wider world ahead “Maybe I could be the fi rst. I of the sport’s return at the Rio hope I will get in, let’s see, there Games later this year. is a long way to go. If I can play The self-taught world number my own game, I think it won’t be 310, dubbed the ‘Bangladeshi Ti- a problem,” the former child cad- ger Woods’ at home, has never dy said after he missed the cut in competed at one of golf’s four Singapore. major championships, meaning Australian Scott, a three-time the Olympics, should he qualify, winner of the Singapore title and would easily stand out as the also the 2013 U.S. Masters, has pinnacle of his career. been dismissive of the fi rst Ol- “Wow, yes, It would be very ympic golf event since the 1904 exciting for me if I can get in,” the Games, describing it as an exhi- 31-year-old told Reuters during a bition that did not merit a place. rain delay at the recent Singapore For Siddikur, the fi rst Bang- Open. ladeshi to play and win on the “Obviously I have a target for Asian Tour, the opportunity is a that, I just need to play better to welcome one for both him and get in. It would be a very good his peers from other emerging impact for my country to get into golf markets. it.” “Philippines, Sri Lanka, more The top 15 players in the world countries have a chance to get rankings on July 11 will qualify in,” said the golfer, who rose to automatically for the Aug. 5-21 prominence as a teenager when Games but only four can come he used his homemade seven iron from any one country. to win a tournament for caddies The remainder of the 60-man in Dhaka. fi eld will be determined by the “I would say its a great thing rankings, with a maximum of because golf, all over the world two players from each country we play golf, so it should be in the that does not already have two or Olympics. It is a really good deci- more players among the top 15. sion to put it in,” he said, before Siddikur currently sits 58th on pausing to imagine the impact of the list, just inside the qualifi ca- winning gold. tion spots. “I don’t know what will hap- Bangladesh’s Olympic record pen. The Olympics is something Younghan Song of South Korea poses with the trophy following his win in the Singapore Open at the Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore yesterday. is far from spectacular since it all over the world. An Olym- fi rst sent athletes to the 1988 pic gold medal is just ‘wow’, I AFP ing two groups behind, refused to buckle Selected Scores Seoul Games following invites couldn’t imagine what would Singapore and parred his fi nal three holes to secure from the International Olympic happen. the title. 272 - Song Yong-Han (KOR) 70-63- Committee (IOC). “Honestly, if I can get into It was Song’s fi rst career victory after 69-70 The country of 160 million the Olympics that is the one outh Korea’s Song Young-Han six second-place fi nishes in Japan and 273 - Jordan Spieth (USA) 67-70-70-66 is frequently described as the achievement, if I can play good won the $1.0 million SMBC Sin- Korea since 2013. 274 - Liang Wen-Chong (CHN) 71-67- largest to never win an Olympic that is another.” gapore Open yesterday, edging Song became the fi rst Asian to win the 67-69 out world number one Jordan Singapore Open since India’s Jeev Milkha 275 - Miguel Tabuena (PHI) 69-67- SpiethS in a nail-biting fi nish. Singh took home the trophy in 2008. 71-68, Shintaro Kobayashi (JPN) Song shot a one-under-par 70 over The South Korean never relinquished 66-69-69-71 Maldonado loses Renault drive, the fi nal round to fi nish the tournament the lead after Friday’s second round when 276 - Wang Jeung-Hun (KOR) 73-67- at 12-under 272, one stroke ahead of the he fi red a blistering eight-under 63 that 67-69, Hideto Tanihara (JPN) 68-67- Magnussen set to replace him American who wrapped up a 66 yester- equalled the course record. 71-70 Jordan Spieth (L) and Younghan Song of Pastor Maldonado, the only last year on the sidelines. day. Spieth was playing in Singapore for the South Korea take a selfie yesterday. Venezuelan to win a grand Media reports said Magnussen China’s Liang Wen-Chong (69) was fi rst time, but the co-sanctioned Asian prix but also one of Formula had signed a contract with alone in third place on 274, while Miguel Tour and Japan Tour event was no easy the whole night I was thinking about the hit, knowing that you have to make it for One’s most incident-prone Renault after problems with Tabuena (68) of the Philippines and Ja- ride for the world number one. 16th green. what you think will be the play-off . I’m drivers, will be absent from Maldonado’s sponsorship. pan’s Shintaro Kobayashi (71) were tied Playing in his seventh competition in “I ‘hated’ Jordan last night,” he added. really happy I put a good stroke on it.” the 2016 starting grid after The Venezuelan state oil fourth on 275. nearly four months, the 22-year-old Tex- “The situation made me very nervous and I Despite his less-than-perfect week, losing his place at Renault- company PDVSA has backed The fi nal round at the Serapong Golf an was plagued by inconsistent form and just left it to luck and the golfi ng gods.” the American said he enjoyed playing in owned Lotus. the driver throughout his F1 Course on Sentosa Island was suspended entered the fi nal round trailing the South It was also a restless night for Spieth as the tournament, which returned from a “Today, with the utmost humil- career to the tune of tens of Sunday because of thunderstorms just Korean by fi ve strokes. he awaited the cliff -hanger fi nale. three-year hiatus under a new sponsor. ity, I tell you that I will not be millions of dollars but has as Spieth was lining up a fi ve-foot birdie Song said Monday he had felt the pres- “It was tough to sleep on a putt that “Overall, great experience and I had a on the Formula One starting been hit by the plunging price putt on the 18th green. sure building overnight. you have to come back (to), even though it really great time here. I fought hard in the grid for the 2016 season,” of oil and domestic economic Spieth got his birdie when play re- “Last night felt like a week,” the wasn’t the most challenging putt,” he said. fi nal round but (I) was just a little too far Maldonado told his 710,000 woes. sumed Monday morning but Song, play- 24-year-old said. “I couldn’t eat because “Still a very nerve-wracking one to back,” Spieth said. followers in a lengthy state- Renault, who acquired Lotus ment on his Twitter account. in December, are due to “Thanks for all your messages present their team and plans BOTTOMLINE of support, passion and con- for the future at a news con- cern about my future.” ference in Paris tomorrow. The The 30-year-old’s seat looks season starts in Australia on set to be taken by Denmark’s March 20. Kevin Magnussen, the 23-year- The hasmaldonadocrashedto- old who made his debut with day.com site, switched to a sad Lorenzo kicks off MotoGP 2016 McLaren in 2014 only to spend face yesterday. Russian teen Mazepin joins Force India in development role test season on top , Rossi second The Force India Formula One Formula One driver. team have taken on 16-year- Mercedes-powered Force AFP stone as MotoGP’s offi cial tyre end of the fi rst of the three days old Russian Nikita Mazepin, India, who have had cash- Sepang supplier from 2016. of the test session, which ends whose billionaire father flow problems in the past and “I can go fast. I was a second on Wednesday. Dmitry is owner of mineral sought an advance on their ahead of everyone,” a beaming Australia’s Casey Stoner, who fertiliser producer Uralchem, 2016 championship money to eigning MotoGP World Lorenzo told reporters. won the fi rst of his two MotoGP as a development driver. tide them through the winter, Champion Jorge Loren- Spain’s Dani Pedrosa, racing a world titles with Ducati, has “My goal is to race in Formula finished fifth out of 10 teams zo riding a Yamaha was Honda, was third, 1.096 seconds returned to the Italian team for One in the future and today’s last season. fastest on day one as slower than the 28-year-old 2016 as a test rider and is ex- news takes me closer to “We plan to use him extensive- theR 2016 test season got off to Lorenzo. pected to race in Sepang again achieving that objective,” the ly on our new simulator and a blistering start at Malaysia’s Italian Danilo Petrucci on a on Tuesday. teenager said in a statement he will also support our in- Sepang circuit yesterday. Ducati was fourth, 1.127 seconds Stoner, 30, rejoins Ducati af- from the British-based team season testing programme,” With the track temperature slower than Lorenzo. Fellow ter a fi ve-year spell with Honda, yesterday. said Mallya, the liquor baron reaching 52 degrees Celsius, Italian Andrea Iannone on an- with whom he won the 2011 Apart from Force India duties, who co-owns the team with Lorenzo, chasing a fourth Mo- other Ducati was fi fth at 2:01.912 world championship, four years Mazepin will race for Hitech India’s Sahara Group. toGP world championship title, while Spaniard Hector Barbera, after his fi rst title. GP in the European Formula “It’s also exciting for the team overcame the tough conditions also riding for Ducati, was sixth From Malaysia, MotoGP rid- Three championship this year to begin working with a young to clock 2min 00.684sec, 1.033 at 2:02.002. ers will head to Australia for with sponsorship from Ural- Russian driver given the suc- seconds quicker than his Italian Honda’s double MotoGP three days at Phillip Island from chem and Uralkali, the world’s cess of the Russian Grand Prix teammate Valentino Rossi, giv- World Champion Marc Marquez February 17 to 19. largest potash producer. in recent years. ing a strong start for Yamaha. was seventh-fastest, 1.594 sec- After the fi rst two tests, the Force India’s co-owner Vijay “It’s a market with huge poten- Rossi, the charismatic 36-year- Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo takes a break during the first day of onds off the pace. premier class will head to Qa- Mallya said Mazepin would be- tial for Formula One and the old, remains the biggest draw 2016 MotoGP pre-season test at the Sepang International circuit. “We still have a (big) job to tar from the second to fourth of come ‘fully embedded’ in his emergence of young talents, in MotoGP and is eyeing a 10th do, like being able to accelerate March for their fi nal offi cial test. team in a long-term associa- such as Nikita, will ensure world title this year after losing Tyres and electronics are like- pleased with the way his new out of a corner faster. I am try- The MotoGP world champi- tion that would help develop interest in the sport continues out in 2015 to teammate Lorenzo ly to be the focus of this year’s Michelin tyres were performing. ing to learn how to ride with the onship begins in Losail, Qatar, the skills needed to become a to grow rapidly.” amid an ugly rivalry. season and Lorenzo said he was Michelin has replaced Bridge- Michelin tyres,” he said at the on March 17. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, February 2, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Djokovic consolidates rankings lead after Australian Open win Novak Djokovic consolidated of world number five Rafael his big lead in the latest ATP Nadal’s shock first round exit world rankings released to reach the last eight, and the yesterday after beating Andy Frenchman jumps up eight Murray in the Australian Open places in the world rankings Djokovic vows to final for the second year in a to 17th. row. The Serb has now won the title ATP WORLD TOP 20 at Park six times, (as of February 1) which is the joint record with 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) Roy Emerson. 2. Andy Murray (GBR) Roger Federer closed the gap 3. Roger Federer (SUI) on Britain’s Murray in second 4. Stan Wawrinka (SUI) keep fi ghting to place thanks to his run to the 5. (ESP) semi-finals, the Swiss improv- 6. David Ferrer (ESP) ing on his third-round defeat 7. Kei Nishikori (JPN) to Andreas Seppi last year. 8. Tomas Berdych (CZE) The biggest mover in the 9. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) top 10 was David Ferrer, who 10. Richard Gasquet (FRA) has jumped from eighth to sixth. The Spaniard lost out to Other Key players stay ahead of pack Murray in the quarters Down 11. Milos Raonic (CAN) Under, which was one round 12. John Isner (USA) better than he managed 12 13. Marin Cilic (CRO) ‘I heard one nice metaphor: The wolf running up the mountain is hungrier than months ago. 17. Gaël Monfils (FRA) the wolf standing on the hill. I believe that all the guys that are out there fighting Gael Monfils took advantage 20. Bernard Tomic (AUS) Kerber second in the rankings after each week to get to number one are very hungry to get to number one’ Australian Open title

Angelique Kerber has risen 10 at number eight thanks to from sixth to second in the her run to the quarters. latest WTA world rankings re- leased yesterday after claim- WTA WORLD TOP 20 ing her maiden Grand Slam (as of February 1) title at the Australian Open. 1. Serena Williams (USA) The German stunned world 2. Angelique Kerber (GER) number one Serena Williams 3. Simona Halep (ROM) in the final at Melbourne Park 4. Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) on Saturday, but the American 5. Garbine Muguruza (ESP) still holds a large lead at the 6. Maria Sharapova (RUS) top of the rankings. 7. Flavia Pennetta (ITA) Williams’ older sister Venus 8. Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP) has slipped out of the top 10 9. Petra Kvitova (CZE) after her first-round defeat 10. Lucie Safarova (CZE) to unseeded Briton Johanna Konta. Other Key players Kerber’s rise means that Simo- 12. Venus Williams (USA) na Halep, Garbine Muguruza 14. Viktoria Azarenka (BLR) and Maria Sharapova have all 17. Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) slipped down. 18. (DEN) Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro is 19. Jelena Jankovic (SRB) the newest entry into the top 20. (SRB) Nadal takes wild card into Argentina Open, looks to defend his title

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic poses with the men’s singles trophy during a photocall after winning his final match at the Australian Open tennis tournament. Rafael Nadal will defend his been special and full of good Argentina Open title in Buenos memories because the people DPA iron discipline over diet, training and fi t- “It’s actually many years of in your private life, the issues, the prob- Aires next week after taking a are some of the best in the Melbourne ness is legendary, said he must remain on obviously commitment, hard work, lems that we all face, you need to surface wild card into the ATP World world. the edge if he is to keep his number one sacrifi ce and dedication, not just them. Tour 250 clay-court tourna- “I asked for this wild card after status. to training sessions, the things that “You need to fi nd a solution. You need ment. the bad result in Melbourne ovak Djokovic will not be se- Elite challengers include fi ve-time you are obliged to do as a tennis to face, encounter these particular issues The addition of World No. 5 and I hope that Buenos Aires duced by his sixth Austral- Melbourne fi nalist Murray, Roger Federer player. But it’s also to a lifestyle privately in order to maximize your po- Nadal means the tournament will once again be the start of ian Open title, with the world and Rafael Nadal. tential as a player, as well. will boast its strongest field a good run for me. I will try my number one vowing to stay “I can’t allow myself to relax and en- training ground of defending champion “At the end of the day, in these par- yet, with four of the Top 12 in best to make sure it is.” Nhungry like a wolf in the fi ght to remain joy. Of course I want to enjoy, and I will, Federer. ticular matches when it goes down to action - Nadal, No. 6 David Fer- Nadal will open his campaign leader of the tennis pack. but it’s not going to go on more than a During his extended run of success, very few points, when you’re challenged rer, No. 9 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on either Wednesday or “I heard one nice metaphor yester- few days. After that I am already thinking Djokovic has developed his own philoso- in every aspect of your being, if there is and No. 12 John Isner. Thursday in the Argentine day: The wolf running up the mountain about how can I continue on playing well phy on winning. something (troubling) under the surface, Speaking from Mallorca, capital. The 29-year-old is hungrier than the wolf standing on the throughout the rest of the season, in each “It’s actually many years of obviously it will come out and it will play against where he has been training Spaniard won the title for the hill,” Djokovic said after posting a 6-1, tournament,” Djokovic said. commitment, hard work, sacrifi ce and you. It will be your worst enemy.” on clay since his shock first- first time last year with victory 7-5, 7-6 (7-3) victory over Andy Murray “It’s the kind of mindset that one dedication, not just to training sessions, Djokovic added that his constant goal round exit against Fernando over Juan Monaco in the final. to mark half a dozen titles at Melbourne needs to have if one wants to stay up the things that you are obliged to do as a is improvement. Verdasco at the Australian The Argentina Open also wel- Park since 2008. there. I think you need to work double as tennis player. But it’s also to a lifestyle. “I want to improve as everybody else. Open, Nadal said, “I want to comes two of the ATP’s most “I believe that all the guys that are out hard when you’re up there.” “Trying to devote most of your time, I’m not here because I played the same thank the organisers of the exciting young stars - Dominic there fi ghting each week to get to number Djokovic stands alongside Rod Laver energy, thought to make yourself the best tennis I played last year. Argentina Open for giving Thiem and Jack Sock - as well one are very hungry to get to number and Bjorn Borg after winning his 11th person and the best player possible. “I feel like I’m playing better. I always me this wild card to play in as home favourites Monaco, one.” grand slam honour. He won 11 titles in “You can’t separate yourself profes- strive to improve not just the game or Buenos Aires. The times that Leonardo Mayer and Federico The 28-year-old, who has won four of 2015 and two to start this season, with sionally and privately, you’re the same technically, tactically, but also mentally,” I’ve played in Argentina have Delbonis. the last fi ve grand slam titles and whose his next event in three weeks in Dubai, person. So all these emotions that occur added the Serb.

BOTTOMLINE Five things we learned from Australian Open

AFP defeat after six previous victories in the Slam champion. Nadal endured a mis- fi xers, and players who have been in the Melbourne Melbourne fi nal. It capped a women’s erable season in 2015 but there were top 50 have repeatedly fallen under sus- competition that was full of drama, signs of life when he recovered to end picion without facing action, according with world number two Simona Halep the year on a positive note. But 2016 to a bombshell report by the BBC and ive things we learned from knocked out in the fi rst round and Nao- hasn’t started well for Nadal, who was BuzzFeed. It sparked a fl urry of rev- the Australian Open, the fi rst mi Osaka and Zhang Shuai enjoying a thrashed 6-1, 6-2 by Novak Djokovic in elations and accusations, with Djokovic Grand Slam tournament of the dream tournament along with Johanna the Doha fi nal and then was beaten 7-6 among the players to confi rm a match- tennis season: Konta, who became the fi rst British (8/6), 4-6, 3-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 by Fern- fi xing approach early in his career. The F woman since 1983 to reach a Grand ando Verdasco in his fi rst match of the report was initially greeted with barely Men’s tennis needs a rivalry Slam semi-fi nal. Kerber’s win also Australian Open. The tournament has disguised irritation by tennis authori- The world is impressed and amazed set up the women’s season nicely as, previously been problematic for Nadal, ties, but as the controversy snowballed by Novak Djokovic’s dominance but along with becoming the sport’s new- who has been hit by injury more than they wisely took action and announced it isn’t much fun watching him tram- est Grand Slam champion, it left Wil- once in Melbourne, and the match-up an independent review of the sport’s ple over his competitors time and time liams with work to do to win the Grand with his fellow Spanish left-hander is a under-fi re corruption-fi ghting body. again. The wins keep coming for the Slam title that will put her level with tough one, producing a classic semi-fi - Tennis thus used a damaging scandal to Serb and his ruthless recent treatment Steffi Graf’s Open-era record of 22. The nal in 2009. But it seems Nadal remains paint itself in a favourable light, unlike of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and American appeared tortured by expec- nowhere near the form that made him other sports which have become mired in Andy Murray, in Sunday’s one-sided tations as she fell agonisingly short of the terror of the courts for so many scandal in recent months. fi nal, underline his supremacy after a calendar-year Grand Slam last year, years. Australian legend Rod Laver said what was a dominant 2015. Djokovic’s and she seemed almost relieved when it best when he observed: “Potentially It’s only a game main threat is now time, as he pursues her chances of another attempt at a his forehand doesn’t seem to be as good A healthy dose of perspective was of- Federer’s all-time record of 17 Grand clean sweep were blown away by Ker- as it was three and four years ago. That fered by Andy Murray, who shrugged Slam titles, and, he says, the karmic ber. “As much as I would like to be a heavy topspin, that speed he put on the off his latest Australian Open fi nal de- forces that keep his feet on the ground. robot, I’m not. I try to. But, you know, ball. You know, the ball jumps; he hit feat—his fi fth—with nonchalance. The “You can get a big slap from karma very I do the best that I can,” Williams said. it deep; he was on the off ensive all the reason was that Murray has been facing soon,” he warned. But tennis is a sport “I try to win every single time I step out time. It just seems that he’s not quite matters of life and death over the past of two players and Djokovic needs a there, every single point, but realisti- the same when he’s hitting that shot. fortnight, with his fi rst baby on the true competitor across the net to make File picture of Rafael Nadal of Spain. cally I can’t do it.” It’s more keeping it in play, not trying way and his father-in-law collapsing his matches truly compelling. John to be really attacking.” at Rod Laver Arena in the tournament’s McEnroe and Jimmy Connors, Federer Slam fi nal isn’t quite the same. Angelique Kerber any hope at all. But Nadal’s problems haven’t gone away fi rst week. He summed it up early in the and Nadal are rivalries which caught Serena’s not a robot in a mesmerising two hours and eight We didn’t see much of Rafael Nad- Tennis has a corruption problem tournament when he stated fi rmly: “For the imagination and made tennis fans Serena Williams has come to domi- minutes at Rod Laver Arena, the Ger- al in Melbourne, but the fact he was It wasn’t news to those in the know, me, my child is more important to me, tune in. Djokovic clinically dismantling nate women’s tennis so completely man confounded all expectations as she bundled out in the fi rst round does but to everyone else it came like a rocket: and my wife is more important to me, Murray 6-1 in the fi rst set of a Grand that in the women’s fi nal, few gave handed the world number one her fi rst not augur well for the 14-time Grand tennis matches are preyed on by match- than a tennis match.” Gulf Times Tuesday, February 2, 2016 7 SPORT

NBA ANALYSIS Clippers’ bench the diff erence in easy Warriors click in win over the Bulls win over Knicks ‘It was awesome that Draymond admitted that publicly, admitted to his teammates that he was going for a triple-double, and it kind of messed with the flow of the game’

AFP New York

he NBA champion Golden State Warriors dominated the New York Knicks 116-95 at Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (11) celebrates with Square Garden on Sunday with teammates after scoring against the Chicago Bulls at Staples Center. Tthe help of forward Draymond Green’s ninth triple-double of the season. Reuters game (but) we’ve bounced back Green scored 20 points, pulled down Chicago nicely since then.” 10 rebounds and handed out 10 assists Jimmy Butler had 23 points as the Warriors notched their seventh and Derrick Rose contributed 20 straight victory to improve their league- nother productive out- points for the Bulls (26-20), who leading record to 44-4. ing by their bench al- have dropped four of their last He tied Tom Gola for most triple-dou- lowed the Los Angeles six games. Pau Gasol chipped in bles by a Warrior in a season and helped Clippers to bolt past 15 points and 14 rebounds. Golden State bounce back from Satur- ChicagoA on Sunday, with reserve Rose said consistency has been day’s sloppy showing against the 76ers guard Jamal Crawford scoring 26 the Bulls’ biggest foe. in Philadelphia, where the league’s worst points in a 120-93 blowout of the “It’s the story of our year,” said team nearly rallied for an upset before the Bulls at Staples Center. Rose, who made 10 of 17 shots Warriors sealed a 108-105 win with a late J.J. Redick scored 21 points on and grabbed fi ve rebounds. “Like three-pointer. seven-of-11 shooting, hitting all I said, if I could put a fi nger on it Green admitted after that game that four of his three-pointers, Chris ... I watch a lot of basketball and in chasing a triple-double against Phila- Paul had 19 and seven assists and the only thing I could think of is delphia he made too many turnovers—an DeAndre Jordan added 17 points, the eff ort and sticking with the confession that drew praise from coach 20 rebounds and four blocks for game plan.” Steve Kerr. the Clippers (32-16), who cap- A 12-4 Clippers surge to open “It was awesome that Draymond ad- tured their fourth straight win. the fourth quarter doomed the mitted that publicly, admitted to his Austin Rivers came off the Bulls. A three-pointer by backup teammates that he was going for a tri- bench to score 16 points, hitting forward Wesley Johnson, who ple-double, and it kind of messed with fi ve of six from three-point range. had 11 points, gave the Clippers the fl ow of the game,” Kerr said. “I’ve The Clippers’ reserves out- a 95-77 cushion less than two never heard a player actually admit to scored Chicago’s 58-18. That minutes into the period. that.” eff ort comes on the heels of Fri- The Bulls were unable to re- Green didn’t have to press for 10 assists day’s performance, when the duce the lead to under double against the Knicks, and once the Warriors Clippers’ bench torched the Los fi gures the rest of the way. got through a low-scoring fi rst quarter in Angeles Lakers’ second unit 56- “Really, our bench has been which they had eight turnovers to just 25. fantastic,” Clippers coach Doc seven baskets, their vaunted off ense be- “We were so down after that Rivers said. “They are actually gan to click. Toronto game because for a changing games and it’s with They connected on 14 of 17 shots in the month that’s not who we’ve their energy. second period, led by six at halftime and been,” said Crawford, referring “I think early on, they thought it never trailed after the interval. Leandro Barbosa #19, Stephen Curry #30 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate in the second half to a 112-94 loss Jan. 24 when the was going to be with their off ense Stephen Curry, the league’s top scor- against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Warriors won the game 116-95. Raptors’ backups held a 51-29 and now they’ve realized that it is er, had a quiet night with just 13 points. advantage over the Clippers. with their hands, with their de- With his team up by double-digits he tors’ backups held a 51-29 advantage over Results “We were so down aft er that “We got our butts kicked that fense and their defl ections.” played little in the fourth period. the Clippers’. Toronto game because for a month Guard Klay Thompson helped fi ll the “We got our butts kicked that game. New York 95 Golden State 116 that’s not who we’ve been,” said void, posting his ninth game this season We’ve bounced back nicely since then.” LA Lakers 82 Charlotte 101 Crawford, referring to a 112-94 loss PRO BOWL of 30 or more points with 34. Clippers guard J.J. Redick scored 21 Miami 105 Atlanta 87 on January 24 when the Raptors’ points, hitting all four of his three-point Orlando 119 Boston 114 backups held a 51-29 advantage CLIPPERS BLOW OUT BULLS attempts. Point guard Chris Paul had Portland 96 Minnesota 93 over the Clippers’ Reserve guard Jamal Crawford scored 26 19 points and seven assists and center Dallas 91 Phoenix 78 Seahawks’ Wilson points as the Los Angeles Clippers’ bench DeAndre Jordan added 17 points, 20 re- LA Clippers 120 Chicago 93 It’s the Heat’s fi rst four-game win- came up big in a 120-93 victory over the bounds and four blocks for the Clippers, ning streak since superstar LeBron James visiting Chicago Bulls. who captured their fourth straight win. headed back to Cleveland after the 2013- stars as Team Irvin The Clippers reserves outscored the Bulls guard Jimmy Butler had 23 points nothing new. There’s no discovery here. 14 season. “Now that we’ve passed that, Bulls bench 58-18, following up on a and Derrick Rose added 20 points for “It’s frustrating. But it’s been frustrat- hopefully we can extend it,” Bosh said. Friday contest in which the Clippers’ Chicago, who have now dropped four of ing... We’re not disciplined. We’re not. “That was like a mental hurdle for us. We beat Team Rice second unit out-scored the Los Angeles their last six games. That’s it. It’s true. It’s a fact.” jumped it for today.” Lakers reserves 56-25. It was especially disappointing after Amare Stoudemire had 12 points and “We were so down after that Toronto the Bulls’ strong performance in a victory HEATING UP 12 rebounds for his fi rst double-double game because for a month that’s not who over the Lakers on Thursday. In Miami, Chris Bosh scored a game-high 18 of the season and the Heat also got 17 we’ve been,” said Crawford, referring to a “The lack of consistency is very no- point to help the Heat beat the Atlanta Hawks points apiece from Dwyane Wade and 112-94 loss on January 24 when the Rap- ticeable,” said center Pau Gasol. “It’s 105-87, Miami’s fourth victory in a row. Luol Deng.

BOTTOMLINE Manning wants to savour Team Irvin quarterback Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks.

MCT take for granted” any chances to Seattle play football. every moment of Super Bowl 50 During a TV interview in the second half, Wilson said “obvi- MCT Archie, brought her to the fi eld. long since given up the fi ght to he fi ve Seahawks who took ously it sucks to not be in the San Francisco “The fi rst thing she said when limit microphones on the fi eld. part in Sunday’s Pro Bowl Super Bowl. But to be here, I’m she came down there, she said, “It’s real, and it’s not go- pretty much did their grateful as can be.” ‘Daddy, we’re going to the Super ing to change,” he said. “I used usual Seahawk things. Wilson threw touchdown eyton Manning is play- Bowl!’ “ Peyton said. to try to talk to the people who TQuarterback Russell Wilson passes to conclude each of the ing in his fourth Super Minutes later, as Manning were broadcasting the games, threw touchdown passes on fi rst two possessions for Team Bowl. He’s been the stood at a lectern in the inter- encouraging them to talk while three of the four drives he played Irvin. The fi rst was a 14-yarder NFL’s most valuable view room and answered ques- we were up there (at the line of to lead Team Irvin to a 49-27 vic- to Julio Jones of the Atlanta Fal- Pplayer fi ve times, and holds the tions, his son, Marshall, stood scrimmage.) ‘Don’t stop and tory and take home honours as cons, and the next from 11 yards league records for career yards behind him and fi dgeted with a listen. Say whatever it is you say the Off ensive MVP. out to Devonta Freeman, also of passing and touchdown passes. newly minted conference cham- when we’re calling a play out.’ Middle linebacker Bobby the Falcons. He has hosted “Saturday Night pionship hat, fi nally deciding to One of the guys told me, ‘Hey, Wagner led the game in tackles Wilson also threw a two-point Live,” and played catch in the wear it backward. it ain’t changing. Producers are with nine, Tyler Lockett had a pass to Jones after the Freeman belly of a military plane fl ying “He was ready to go,” Peyton telling us to quiet down so they 24-yard punt return and a re- TD to make it 14-7. 30,000 feet above Pakistan. said. “You go through a game can pump up the volume on ception on a fake punt, Richard After a three-and-out, Wilson But until two weeks ago, there and a full press conference, what you’re saying.’ “ Sherman saved a touchdown led another drive that ended in a was something Manning had you’re pushing four hours. He More irked is Archie, who with a defl ection in the end zone 10-yard TD pass to Todd Gurley never done. was ready to go home.” didn’t like that his son’s private while also turning in one of the of the Rams (Gurley breaking open The star quarterback had nev- Manning isn’t nearly as impa- exchange with Belichick is a few game’s most memorable plays in front of Wagner on the play). er set foot in the spacious luxury tient. He’s determined to live in mouse clicks away for anyone (more on which in a minute). Wilson didn’t play again, but he’d suite he’s had since joining the the moment and block out all the who wants to eavesdrop. And Michael Bennett? Well, done enough to earn honours in Denver Broncos four years ago. talk that Sunday might be the “I’m not a real high-tech guy,” he jumped off sides twice, lined a game that is notoriously played But this is a stop-and-smell- last game of his storied career. the elder Manning said. “I’m all for up at quarterback and running with the seriousness of an after- the-roses season for Manning, Speculation about his future improving the game, and the way back, danced with cheerleaders noon at Chuck E. Cheese, and who turns 40 in March. So af- File picture of Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning leaving came to a boil last week when the media has improved. But that and mascots and still found time might have even topped its repu- ter a divisional playoff victory the field after losing to Seattle Seahawks in 2014. a video of him after the AFC shouldn’t have been captured.” to make what turned out to be tation this season. over Pittsburgh on Jan. 17, when championship game went viral. Regardless, Peyton said he the only sack of the game while As All-Star games often do, he fi nished his postgame news between the Broncos and Caro- somebody coming up to you. You He was on the fi eld, encircled by hasn’t made up his mind on also tipping a pass that turned the day featured its share of in- conference he stepped into an lina Panthers. get to visit with some people.” reporters, cameras and micro- anything that happens after into an interception. teresting crossing of paths. elevator at Sports Authority “I don’t know why it took me Manning is taking all the phones, and getting hugged and the game clock expires Sunday Wilson got the start for Team Lockett lined up opposite Field and pressed the button for all this time to realize: What if mental snapshots he can these congratulated by New England night. He is living life minute Irvin and completed 8-12 pass- Sherman on what appeared to Level 2, where about 50 friends I just pop up there?” Manning days, savouring the sweetest coach Bill Belichick. A micro- by minute.“Only somebody es for 164 yards along with the be a punt in the fi rst half, only to and family members were cel- said, standing with a reporter on a moments, such as spending time phone caught the exchange. who has been in that moment three touchdowns to become then cut to the sideline and take ebrating. Broncos practice fi eld recently. “I individually with his 4-year-old “Hey listen ...,” Manning said can speak for themselves,” he only the second Seahawk to win a pass for eight yards and a fi rst He liked the experience so told (my brother) Eli, ‘You’re go- twins in the immediate after- as they leaned in close. “This said. “Even today, we did those Pro Bowl honours, joining War- down thrown by St. Louis Rams much, he did it again last Sunday ing to be playing a lot longer than glow of the win over New Eng- might be my last rodeo, so it sure promos for CBS and they said, ren Moon in 1998 (or following punter Johnny Hekker. after Denver’s victory over New me. That’s a good one to remem- land. First came Mosley, who has been a pleasure.” ‘What are your emotions going the 1997 season). The best news of all might England in the AFC champion- ber.’ You’ve got some high school wanted to go see her dad on the Manning, although intensely to be like during the national Wilson said after the game that have been that all fi ve of the Sea- ship game, the victory that set buddies up there, and you don’t fi eld as the glittering confetti private, shrugs off the fact that anthem?’ I said, ‘I can give you a while the Pro Bowl may be, well, hawks emerged unscathed, now up the Super Bowl 50 showdown get interrupted. You don’t get rained down. Her grandfather, comment went public. He has great answer next Sunday night.’ the Pro Bowl, that “you never ready to head into the off season. Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, February 2, 2016 SPORT

CYCLING UCI promises tough response to motorised doping

Reuters ing stripped of his seven titles Van Den Driessche, whose brother is cur- Paris in 2012. rently banned for doping—using EPO—de- Spanish state to pay Heras 720,000 euros compensation Cookson said the UCI was “trialling new nied wrongdoing, saying the bike belonged to methods” to catch mechanical dopers, but one of her friends. Details were vague about The Spanish state has been ordered to pay over January 2015, claiming over a million euros in com- nternational cycling authorities have declined to elaborate. The organisation has whether it was used for racing or just seized 720,000 euros in damages to former cyclist Rob- pensation to off set losses caused by the sanction. promised to step up testing for mechani- previously used X-rays or dismantling bikes from the team compound. erto Heras for his reversed suspension for doping Heras, 42, is the only man to win the Vuelta four cal doping after an electric motor was to look for the tiny motors. , manager of the Etixx- between 2006 and 2008, according to a court times having also won in 2000, 2003 and 2004. found in an elite rider’s bike, signalling They can be hidden in the downtube, seat- Quick Step team, called for her to be sus- decision obtained by AFP. Spain’s national court in The decision is another legal setback in the fight Idecisive action after struggling for decades to tube or hub and drive the back wheel to give pended for life. Madrid, which specialises in financial aff airs, said in against doping in Spain, which has often been ac- combat illegal drug use. riders a possible speed boost of about 4-5 UCI regulations on ‘technological doping’ its decision that the amount of 724,904.86 euros cused of being a soft touch on drugs in sport. Stewards at the world cyclo-cross cham- kilometres (2-3 miles) per hour for up to an were introduced last year, carrying a mini- corresponded to what Heras could have earned pionships found the motor on Sunday in hour. A tiny battery can be activated from an mum suspension of six months and a fi ne of during his two-year suspension. After testing posi- Innsbruck to host 2018 road world champs the bike of Belgian teenager Femke Van den easily disguised button on the handlebars. up t 200,000 Swiss Francs ($196,000). tive for the banned hormone EPO in September The Austrian city of Innsbruck was yesterday Driessche, the fi rst such fi nd during a com- Random controls for mechanical dop- Asked what he thought of mechanical 2015 after the Vuelta a Espana, Heras had his vic- named host of the 2018 Road World Champion- petitive race. ing have been carried out since it fi rst sur- doping during last year’s Tour de France, FDJ tory in the race stripped and was banned for two ships, the international cycling federation (UCI) “We will be testing more bikes, more of- faced in 2010. Canadian rider Ryder Hesjedal coach Frederic Grappe said it “could be worse years by the Spanish cycling federation causing announced. Innsbruck, twice host to the Winter ten,” International Cycling Union (UCI) boss was scrutinized in 2014 when his rear wheel that (traditional) doping”, a point of view him to retire. Olympic Games (1964, 1976), has also hosted the Brian Cookson said following the discovery. continued to spin furiously after he crashed shared by many in the peloton. The ban was subsequently overturned in the 1984 and 1988 Winter Paralympic Games and was “Our message to those choosing to cheat at the Tour of Spain, though no motor was The Italian manufacturer of Van den Spanish courts in 2012 due to irregularities in the the host city of the maiden Winter Youth Olympic is that we will catch up with you sooner or found. Driessche’s bike, Wilier Triestina, threatened screening of his urine test. Judge Berta Santillan Games in 2012. later.” Last year, grand tour champion Alberto court action. Pedrosa ruled the Spanish state was responsible 2018 will be the third time the UCI Road World For decades, cycling authorities did little Contador had to refute allegations that he “Our company reserves its right to take for the error and liable to compensation to Her- Championships have been held in Austria after to combat the use of performance-enhanc- used a motor-assisted bike during the Giro legal action against the athlete and any per- ras. Lawyers for the state have until February 8 1987 in Villach and 2006 in Salzburg. ing drugs. It was only with the intervention d’Italia after changing bikes ahead of tough son responsible for this serious matter to to lodge an appeal. The cyclist and his company, This year’s championships are scheduled for Doha of outside agencies in the 1990s that the climbs, and on last year’s Tour de France, safeguard the reputation and image of the Bejar&Barcycling Sport SL, who manage his image in October and the 2017 edition will be held in the culture and eff ectiveness of testing begin to eventual champion Chris Froome also had his company,” Wilier managing director Andrea rights had lodged their case against the state in Norwegian city of Bergen. change, culminating in Lance Armstrong be- bike checked. Gastaldello said in a statement.

NHL/ALL STAR GAME RUGBY Brookes draft ed into Scott steals show again, England Six Nations Pacifi c Division win squad AFP ‘I’m not going to lie to you. It’s probably one of the better weekends of my life’ London orthampton tighthead prop Kieran Brookes has been called into England’s squad for their Six Nations opener against NScotland, the (RFU) announced yesterday. Brookes, 25, had been due to miss the start of England’s campaign under new head coach Eddie Jones after undergoing knee surgery. But he returned to action in Northampton’s 24-11 loss to Wasps in the English Premiership on Friday and despite boss Jim Mallinder declaring him “not match-sharp”, he has been drafted into the England fold. Bath’s Henry Tho- mas, who had taken Brookes’s place in the squad, was the player to make way. England open their Six Nations cam- paign against Scotland at Murrayfi eld on Saturday. Revised England squad Backs: (Harlequins), (Saracens), Chris Ashton (Sara- cens), (Exeter), Anthony Watson (Bath), Marland Yarde (Harle- quins), Elliot Daly (Wasps), (Bath) (injury replacement for Manu Tui- lagi, Leicester), Jonathan Joseph (Bath), Sam Hill (Exeter) (injury replacement for Henry Slade, Exeter), (Sa- racens), George Ford (Bath), (Harlequins), (Leicester) Forwards: Josh Beaumont (Sale), Jack Cliff ord (Harlequins), (Wasps), (Harlequins), (Gloucester) (injury replacement for Dave Ewers, Exeter), (Saracens), Maro Itoje (Saracens), (Saracens), (Wasps), (Northampton), (Leicester), Paul Hill (Northampton), Matt Mullan (Wasps), (Harlequins), Kieran Brookes (Northampton), (Saracens), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter), (Saracens), (capt/Northampton)

Japan in a pickle as they wait on Joseph Japan’s plans for building on their re- markable World Cup success have been thrown into chaos after the country’s rugby offi cials failed yesterday to an- nounce an interim national team coach. New Zealander Jamie Joseph, who rep- resented the All Blacks at the 1995 World Cup, has been appointed as the new John Scott of the Arizona Coyotes of the Pacific Division All-Stars poses with his 2016 Honda Pilot as a reward for being named 2016 Honda NHL All-Star Game MVP in the 2016 Honda NHL All-Star Final coach of the Brave Blossoms but will not Game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Getty Images/AFP) take up his post until August, when his current job with the Highlanders ends. The Sports Xchange Scott’s team mates lifted him on their The 6-foot-8, 260-pound Scott couver left winger Daniel Sedin. delivered fi ve saves in the fi nal minute The 46-year-old takes over from Nashville shoulders just before he was named was seen as a poor fi t for the new Florida goalie Roberto Luongo and after the Metro went to an extra at- Australian Eddie Jones, who led Japan MVP and then banged their sticks on 3-on-3 format that emphasizes Los Angeles goalie Jonathan Quick tacker. to three pool wins at last year’s World the ice in approval as the audience speed and skill, yet he scored on his combined for 22 saves, 12 by Luongo, Most players said the new format Cup, including a sensational 34-32 win ridgestone Arena belonged to roared. fi rst shift at 47 seconds of the Pa- in a breathtaking exhibition of save- lent itself to a better quality of play over two-time world champions South the guy the NHL did not want “I’m not going to lie to you,” he cifi c’s semi-fi nal game, tipping in a making over the fi rst 10 minutes. than most All Star games, although Africa—the biggest upset in the tourna- there. said. “It’s probably one of the better pass from San Jose defenseman Brent “Just shows you how good the the Central-Pacifi c period was basi- ment’s history. Left winger John Scott weekends of my life.” Burns. goalies are,” Perry said. cally a track meet on skates. Japan’s new director of rugby Masa- Bcaptained the winning Pacifi c Divi- Winner of a fan vote to captain the “I didn’t expect to score fi rst shift,” Anaheim goalie John Gibson picked But talk about the format change hiro Kunda confi rmed that Japan would sion team on Sunday at the All Star Pacifi c team, Scott absorbed criticism Scott said. “It’s crazy. You can’t make up the win with seven saves, making was totally overshadowed by Scott’s likely be without an interim when they Game, scoring two goals in a 9-6 vic- from some around ice hockey who felt that stuff up.” a couple in the last minute after the unexpected performance and award. host Scotland for a two-test series on tory over the Central and helping his he did not deserve a spot in the game, Scott added a second goal at 13:27 Atlantic pulled Bishop for a fourth “He’s probably on cloud 1,000,” June 18 and 25. squad blank the Atlantic 1-0 for the based on his fi ve goals in 285 career as Burns sprung him on a breakaway skater. Scott’s MVP performance was Subban said of Scott. “Good for him.” “We are still working on it,” he told championship and $1 million. games and a skill set which leans more down the middle. That was part of a a fi tting ending to a day where the Besides his share of the $1 million reporters. “There is a process and all we The Scott story ended in a fashion toward hitting and the occasional six-goal explosion by the Pacifi c in form chart, such as it is in any All Star for the winners, which comes out to can say is we are looking at various op- that would be rejected by any Hol- fi ght than scoring. the last 10 minutes that featured two event, was fl ogged. about $90,000, Scott also won a car. tions.” lywood screen writer, as he won the Arizona traded Scott to Montreal markers from Edmonton left winger Both semi-fi nal favorites—Central His wife is scheduled to give birth to Japan’s involvement in the Asian fans’ write-in vote for Most Valuable on Jan. 15 and the Canadiens sent Taylor Hall. and Metropolitan—lost and an ex- twins in the next week, which will Rugby Championship, which kicks off Player decisively despite not being him down to their AHL affi liate in St. Goals were surprisingly scarce pected fl urry of goals in the champi- double his family to four children. in April, is also set to take place under listed on the original ballot on the John’s, Newfoundland. in the championship period, with onship period never materialized. “I don’t know if it’s going to sink in a cloud of uncertainty. New Zealander scoreboard. The NHL opted at that time to in- Anaheim right winger Corey Perry Montreal defenseman P.K. Sub- any time soon,” Scott summed up. “I Mark Hammett, recently named coach The sellout crowd of 17,006 lust- validate the fan vote, only to have to the only one to crack the code. Perry ban’s marker at 15:22 of the fi rst semi- never thought the fans would get be- of Japan’s new franchise the ily booed and started chanting “John change their minds three days later ripped a wrister by Tampa Bay goalie fi nal lifted the Atlantic to a 4-3 deci- hind me like that. You can’t put that Sunwolves, has been touted as a possible Scott” during the last 6 ½ minutes. after a backlash. Ben Bishop at 13:22 off a pass by Van- sion over the Metropolitan. Bishop into words..” candidate to fi ll in until Joseph’s arrival. Gulf Times Tuesday, January 2, 2016 9 SPORT

RUGBY Six Nations perfect place to bury W Cup woes

AFP to avoid the wooden spoon. the captain’s armband in Toulon’s Guil- Former skipper Eddie Butler, Wales skipper Sam Warburton had faith brace the attacking intent that yielded Paris That England head the odds is re- hem Guirado. writing in the Observer, tipped Wales in what many call the “fi fth” region— success last autumn”. markable in that they have a new coach There is less change for Ireland, Scot- for Six Nations victory, but warned that the national side. But Gatland warned that the Six Na- in Eddie Jones, the Australian who led land and Wales, still headed up by a trio England and Scotland would be threats. “What Wales do have is a club feel tions was “all about winning rather he Six Nations kicks off next Japan at the World Cup to three pool of New Zealand coaches in Joe Schmidt, Italy will be left propping up the table, about us, compared to a few other na- than the way that you play”. weekend with Europe’s elite victories, including a famous one over Vern Cotter and Warren Gatland re- there are doubts over Ireland—with no tions. We are all close and we know “Conversely, on the fi nal weekend -playing countries South Africa, and a relatively inexperi- spectively. province reaching the European Cup each other so well. We are as close as a last year, we saw when the shackles eager to put their disappointing enced squad. The February 6-March 19 tourna- quarter-fi nals—and France were “in a national team as I’ve felt with any team came off and teams had to go out and WorldT Cup campaigns behind them. Jones has also stripped fl anker Chris ment starts with France hosting Italy grim place”, Butler said. I’ve been part of in my years at play, we saw what we are capable of do- England and Italy both failed to make Robshaw of the captaincy, instead con- on Saturday before England later travel “Guy Noves has gone from being the Blues,” Warburton said. ing,” he said. it out of their pools, while France, Ire- troversially handing it to New Zealand- to Edinburgh to take on Scotland. Wales servant of 35 years at Toulouse (13 as a Despite a tricky away game in Dub- “We saw some brilliant rugby. If we land, Scotland and Wales all bombed born hooker Dylan Hartley, whose ter- head to Ireland on Sunday. player and 22 as the coach under whom lin on Sunday, Wales have home games were able to produce that on a more out at the quarter-fi nal stage, leaving rible disciplinary record has seen him There was a frenzied fi nale to last they won 10 French championships against Scotland, France and Italy, with consistent basis, then I think we would an all-southern hemisphere semi-fi nal miss with more than a year of his career year’s Six Nations. and four European Cups) to the posi- the match away to England shaping up compete more with the southern hemi- line-up. New Zealand went on to beat because of bans. Ireland defended their title on an tion of national coach, but there is not to be pivotal in the penultimate round. sphere.” Eddie Jones, who seems sure to Australia in the fi nal. And France, humiliated 62-13 in their unprecedented day of 27 tries in three much expectation in his country that “If Wales beat Ireland they have the galvanise the massive potential England The Six Nations will off er up an im- World Cup quarter-fi nal by the All games. he will be able to light a fi re immedi- best chance of winning the Six Na- have, warned: “The Six Nations is about mediate way to move on from those Blacks, have turned to Toulouse vet- Ireland, England and Wales were ately.” tions,” ex-England fl y-half and re- contest. It’s a contest at the set piece woes. eran Guy Noves, who takes over from pegged level atop the table and playing After the two previous World Cups, spected broadcaster Stuart Barnes said and a contest at the breakdown. According to the bookmakers, Eng- Philippe Saint-Andre. for points in a thrilling climax to a tour- Gatland’s Wales marched to Grand in the Sunday Times. “It’s never been a tournament known land are favourites, followed closely by Erstwhile skipper Thierry Dusautoir nament which also brought out the worst Slams, in 2008 and 2012. Former England skipper Lawrence for its continuity, until the last day of Wales and Ireland. France are next, with has retired from international rugby in Italy and wooden spoon winners Scot- Like the Irish, there are no Welsh re- Dallaglio urged “that the lessons of the last year when everyone decided to Scotland and Italy slated to be battling and it is another hooker who takes over land, and fi nally some French fl air. gions in the European Cup quarters, but World Cup are learnt and teams em- throw the toys out.”

CRICKET WELL DESERVED Pakistan’s Ajmal India rest Kohli for targets World T20 Lanka ties Reuters The 38-year-old, whose accuracy and deceptive doosra helped drive his New Delhi ndia are resting batting team to victory in the 2009 edition, has struggled to make an impact mainstay Virat Kohli for the three 20-over matches since coming back last February from a five-month ban for chucking. against Sri Lanka this month Iwith an eye on the Twenty20 AFP World Cup on home soil. Lahore Kohli, the world’s top-ranked Twenty20 batsman, enjoyed a prolifi c run of form to help India akistan’s discarded off -spinner complete a 3-0 series whitewash Saaed Ajmal says he is hopeful in Australia on Sunday. of proving his form in a forth- With Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s coming domestic league as he men kicking off their bid for a in the fi rst Twenty20 Interna- Ptargets a return to national colours in the second Twenty20 World Cup in tional in Pune on Feb. 9. World Twenty20 this March. six weeks, the team have decided Ranchi and Visakhapatnam The 38-year-old, whose accuracy and to rest Kohli who was top-scorer host the other matches. deceptive doosra helped drive his team to in the series in Australia. Squad: Mahendra Singh Dhoni victory in the 2009 edition, has strug- India recalled Bhuvneshwar (captain), Rohit Sharma, Shikhar gled to make an impact since coming back Kumar after the paceman sus- Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Man- last February from a fi ve-month ban for tained a thumb injury in Aus- ish Pandey, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj chucking. He took just one wicket in two tralia and missed the Twenty20 Singh, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra ODIs when he last played, against Bang- series. Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, ladesh, in April, and a paltry 16 wickets Left-arm spinner Pawan Negi Jasprit Bumrah, Ashish Nehra, at 55 apiece for his English county side received his fi rst call-up to the Harbhajan Singh, Bhuvneshwar Worcestershire. India squad who play Sri Lanka Kumar, Pawan Negi. But speaking on the sidelines of a launch event for Islamabad United, one of fi ve teams taking part in the Pakistan SPOTLIGHT (PSL) to be held in the UAE this month, Ajmal said he had worked on technical fl aws and rediscovered his old menace. Unorthodox Before being suspended in September 2014 for exceeding the 15-degree elbow fl ex limit set by the Bumrah gives International Cricket Council, Ajmal was ranked the world’s number one bowler in ODIs and was almost as Dhoni welcome impressive in Tests. He famously captured 24 wickets in three Tests against England in 2012 option at the death

“I’ve gotten a good platform and Reuters working on my goals. You are going to New Delhi see the Saeed Ajmal of old,” he said. “The World Cup is after this and I want to perform well and make myself y capitalising on his available for the team.” chance selection in Ajmal, who was picked as a last Australia, India pace- minute ‘supplementary player’ by the man Jasprit Bumrah capital’s team, pointed to better show- hasB aff orded his captain Mahen- ings in Bangladesh’s T20 league last dra Singh Dhoni a rare pleas- November as proof the magic had not ant feeling—of having a settled deserted him. bowling unit at his disposal. Before being suspended in Septem- India’s bowling frailties were ber 2014 for exceeding the 15-degree laid bare in the one-day series in elbow fl ex limit set by the International Australia where their inability to Cricket Council, Ajmal was ranked the defend scores around 300 in the world’s number one bowler in ODIs and fi rst three ODIs cost them the was almost as impressive in Tests. He fi ve-match series. famously captured 24 wickets in three A consolation win in the fi nal it or not that’s up to you, but if Tests against England in 2012. one-dayer in and the 3-0 you don’t have that option, then “When I made my comeback against clean sweep of the subsequent defi nitely at some point of time, Bangladesh I was lacking match prac- 20-over series have, however, you will be under pressure.” tice,” he said. “I needed some time. Now convinced Dhoni that he now Bumrah credits Mumbai In- I’ve had some time and I’ve been able to has an attack that can help him dians team mate and Sri Lankan work on myself. I’ve got my variation land a second Twenty20 World speedster Lasith Malinga—also back and you will see the results in the Cup when the tournament gets known for an unorthodox bowl- PSL. underway in India next month. ing action—for helping him “There were several issues. My arm And much of his optimism master the art and practises was falling off too much to the side and stems from the emergence of a yorkers placing a shoe on the I’ve worked on that and straightened it 22-year-old Gujarat fast bowler pitch. up. I’ve worked on my main ball and my with an awkward action, who His death bowling in his Syd- doosra as well as my arm ball. would not have made the squad ney ODI debut, when he took “The variation I got from the revolu- in the fi rst place but for injuries 2-40 in his 10 overs, impressed tions I’d put on the ball in the air—I’ve to pacemen Mohamed Shami many and barely six weeks be- got that back and you’re going to enjoy and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. fore India begin their Twenty20 watching it.” Despite his optimism, it “The fi nd (of the tour) for me World Cup campaign, Dhoni is unclear how much opportunity Aj- was Bumrah. The way he has was satisfi ed with the look of his mal will get to play as he competes for a bowled in the last three games bowling unit. place against teammate Samuel Badree, was really good,” said Dhoni, “I don’t have to worry about the West Indian leg spinner who is cur- particularly impressed by the the bowling line-up. There rently the world’s number one Twenty20 right-arm bowler’s ability to might be one or two changes bowler. But with Pakistan’s favoured bowl yorkers. here or there: we might pick slow bowler, leg spinner Yasir Shah, cur- “I’ve always said that to be another spinner or maybe get a rently suspended for a doping off ence, successful in the shorter format medium-fast bowler of a quick, the door could remain ajar for an improb- you have to execute the yorkers. but overall it has been a good able comeback. “Whether you choose to bowl set-up.” Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, February 2, 2016 CRICKET

PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT South Africa seek NZ prepare triple-spin redemption in threat for one-day series World T20 Both teams will be looking to build on recent good results following disappointing campaigns in the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand

NZ off -spinner Nathan McCullum

Reuters Nicholls, yet to play a T20 for Wellington New Zealand, was also rewarded ODI challenge: South with a spot for his match-win- Africa captain AB de ning 82 against Pakistan in the Villiers fi rst ODI. ew Zealand will be hop- “Henry has shown his talent ing to stifl e their oppo- and versatility with the bat this nents by taking pace off summer and has also been used the ball with the inclu- as a wicketkeeper for New Zea- Nsion of three frontline spinners land A,” Hesson added. in their 15-man squad for next Pacemen Tim Southee and month’s World Twenty20 in In- Mitchell McClenaghan, and dia. batsman Ross Taylor were also Off -spinner Nathan McCul- included in the squad despite lum, left-armer Mitchell Sant- carrying injuries with all three ner and leggie Ish Sodhi all found expected to be fi t for the tourna- a place in the Kane Williamson- ment, NZC added in the state- led side for the March 8-April 3 ment. tournament, and the trio can ex- New Zealand, who will be aim- pect to see plenty of action on the ing to win a fi rst limited-overs host nation’s slow pitches. World Cup, have been drawn “With the Indian conditions in with Australia, India, Pakistan mind, the plan has always been to and a yet-to-be-confi rmed take three frontline spinners, and qualifi er in Group 2 of the Super all three bring something diff er- 10 round of the tournament. ent,” coach Mike Hesson said in a “On top of our four genuine New Zealand Cricket statement pace bowlers and Corey (An- yesterday. derson) as all-rounder, Colin “It’s great to have Nathan (Munro) and Grant (Elliott) are available again and his experi- also options with the ball for us ence in the foreign conditions with their change of pace,” Hes- will be invaluable. son said. New Zealand open their “Both he and Mitch Santner campaign against the hosts in have the ability to bowl in the Nagpur on March 15. fi rst six overs, which gives Kane a Squad: Kane Williamson number of options to work with.” (captain), Martin Guptill, Ross AFP stan 3-1 in the United Arab Emirates. liers, the world’s number one-ranked against England in a warm-up fi xture in McCullum has not played for Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Grant Bloemfontein Several of England’s leading one-day one-day international batsman, will Kimberley on Saturday, taking 2-73 in 10 New Zealand since August but Elliott, Corey Anderson, Colin players did not appear in the recent Test hope for a return to form after making overs and scoring a quickfi re 28. is also handy with the bat, as is Munro, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell series against South Africa, including three ducks in his last three Test innings England opener Jason Roy suff ered a Santner, who impressed during Santner, Nathan McCullum, Tim outh Africa will be keen to avenge wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler, who against England. back spasm on Monday and the tour- the recent limited-overs series at Southee, Trent Boult, Mitchell a Test series defeat when they hit England’s fastest one-day century South Africa added fast bowler ing side will delay naming their team to home against Pakistan. McClenaghan, Adam Milne, Ish meet England in fi ve one-day off 46 balls in the series decider against Marchant de Lange to their squad fol- wait for a fi tness assessment, the BBC Left-handed batsman Henry Sodhi. internationals, starting at the Pakistan in Dubai. lowing the injury-forced withdrawal reported. SMangaung Oval tomorrow. of Dale Steyn and the unavailability James Taylor, who made 116 against “There are no soft series or less im- South African captain AB through injury for the fi rst match of Kyle South Africa A, or Moeen Ali could take FOCUS portant series, they are all important, de Villiers, the world’s Abbott. Roy’s place at the top of the order. particularly coming off a Test series number one-ranked one-day “Marchant gives us more options Squads: loss,” said South African coach Russell international batsman, will hope with our fast bowlers because there is South Africa: AB de Villiers (captain), Domingo. for a return to form after making no Steyn, no (Vernon) Philander, no Kyle Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Farhaan Black Caps’ chance Both teams will be looking to build three ducks in his last three Test Abbott,” said Domingo, who expressed Behardien, Quinton de Kock (wkt), on recent good results following disap- innings against England concern about the workload of Morne Marchant de Lange, JP Duminy, Faf du pointing campaigns in the 2015 Cricket Morkel and new star Kagiso Rabada. Plessis, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Morne to avenge Aussie World Cup in Australia and New Zea- Other new faces include captain Eoin Meanwhile, South Africa have called Morkel, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, land. Morgan, opening batsman Jason Roy all-rounder David Wiese. Wiese re- Rilee Rossouw, David Wiese. South Africa showed patchy form in and bowlers Reece Topley, Chris Jordan, placed Albie Morkel, who was added to England: Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen World Cup drubbing the World Cup but reached the semi- David Willey and Adil Rashid, who all the squad on Sunday but has since been Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Jos fi nals, where they were beaten by New had some success in England’s comfort- laid low by back spasms and will take no Buttler (wkt), Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, AFP Zealand. Since then, they have won a able win in a warm-up match against part in the fi ve-match series, Cricket Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben home series against the Black Caps and South Africa A in Kimberley on Satur- South Africa said yesterday. Stokes, James Taylor, Reece Topley, an away series in India. day. Wiese, 30, made his ODI debut against David Willey, Chris Woakes. England had a poor World Cup, failing South Africa’s one-day specialists New Zealand last August and played all Fixtures: ew Zealand this week to reach the knock-out stage after losing include hard-hitting left-handed bats- three matches of that series. Wednesday : Bloemfontein face Australia in a one- all their matches against other Test na- men David Miller and Rilee Rossouw, The medium-pace bowler and de- Saturday: Port Elizabeth day international for tions. But they then beat New Zealand all-rounder Farhaan Behardien and leg- structive lower-order batsman has also Tuesday: Centurion the fi rst time since the 3-2 in a home series, lost by the same spinner Imran Tahir. featured in 12 Twenty20 internationals. Friday: , Johannesburg BaggyN Greens humiliated their margin against Australia and beat Paki- South African captain AB de Vil- Wiese played for South Africa A Sunday: 14, Cape Town trans-Tasman rivals in the World Cup fi nal last March. While the pressure proved too BOTTOMLINE much on that occasion as Bren- NZ batsman Martin Guptill don McCullum’s men slumped to a seven-wicket loss in Mel- Captain Steve Smith said he bourne, this time New Zealand was keen to improve his team’s are on home soil and in a rich vein away record, particularly on of ODI form. seaming wickets such as those in The Black Caps have just beat- New Zealand. Australia captain Finch avoids en Pakistan 2-0 in a three-match “We’re very hungry for New series, building on a 3-1 series win Zealand. We haven’t performed over Sri Lanka. extremely well away from home,” Opener Martin Guptill said the he said. New Zealanders approached their “That’s top of my agenda, to surgery on injured hamstring fi xtures match-by-match and make sure we’re playing well claimed they had not even spo- away from home.” Reuters required surgery after a sus- India but will have better idea ken about facing the Australians Australia controversially left Sydney taining a tear while playing for about his fi tness for that tour- yet, let alone raised the prospect the in-form Usman Khawaja out Mumbai in last year’s Indian nament in the coming weeks of revenge. But he said there was of the touring party and Smith Premier League T20 competi- once we see how he responds to no doubt Australia was the main said the batsmen who did make ustralia’s Aaron tion. treatment and a rehabilitation drawcard for Kiwi fans during the the trip needed to adapt to local Finch will not require “Aaron had scans on his program.” New Zealand summer. conditions. surgery on his injured injured left hamstring that Finch missed the third T20 “It is going to be pretty excit- “Guys are working hard and we hamstring, the coun- confi rmed a moderate grade match against India, which the ing, and talking to people wher- know what to expect,” he said. Atry’s cricket board said yester- hamstring injury,” Cricket touring side won to sweep the ever we have been everyone is The tourists will also be with- day, raising hopes that the cap- Australia physiotherapist Alex series 3-0, and was also left out excited about the Australians out coach Darren Lehmann for tain will be fi t for next month’s Kountouris said in a statement. of Australia’s squad for three coming,” he said after Sunday’s at least the beginning of the tour World Twenty20 in India. “This is not a recurrence of one-day internationals in New three-wicket win over Pakistan. as he recovers from deep-vein The opening batsman, who the previous hamstring injury Zealand this month. Hostilities commence tomorrow thrombosis (DVT). leads Australia in the shortest that required surgery in April Australia, who have never in Auckland with the fi rst of three “Obviously (I’m) still recov- format of the game, injured his 2015. Although this current won the World Twenty20, have one-dayers, followed by Tests in ering from the DVT, but for me left hamstring while trying to injury doesn’t require surgery been drawn with New Zealand, Wellington and Christchurch. it’s just about hopefully getting complete a quick single in the there is a period of rehabili- India, Pakistan and a yet-to- Australia arrive as favour- medical clearance later on in the second T20 match against India tation required before he can be-confi rmed qualifi er in Group ites despite mixed form at home week and see where we go from in Melbourne on Friday. resume playing. 2 of the Super 10 round. against India, when they won the there and join the New Zealand The 29-year-old has a his- “We are aiming to have Aar- The tournament will be ODI series 4-1 but lost 3-0 in the group,” he told reporters on Sun- tory of hamstring problems and on fi t for the ICC World T20 in played from March 8-April 3. T20 format. day. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 2, 2016 11 SPORT

Sheikh Khalifa crowns winners of Father Emir’s Sword camel race FOCUS One week to go for Doha Dash on National Sport Day

HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad al-Thani crowned the winners of the annual festival of Arabian Thoroughbred Camel Race for the Sword of HH the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani at Al Shahaniya Racetrack yesterday. Sheikh Khalifa crowned the winners of the four main final races. The silver sword was presented to Mohamed Talib Aqil al-Nabit al-Marri, owner of the camel ‘Doha’ that won the title of the fourth main race. Trophies were also presented to Al Jarian owner Ali bin Hamad Khalifa al-Attiyah, Jamran owner Mohamed Mubarak Nasser al-Mansouri, Waddah owner Mana Khalifa al-Rashid al-Suwaidi for winning their respective races.

By Sports Reporter number of fun activities to keep Doha spectators and young fami- lies entertained throughout the event, including the GO Sport nticipation and ex- Fitness Centre equipped with citement are build- state-of-the-art fi tness equip- ing for the start of the ment, GO Sport basketball chal- Dolphin Energy Doha lenge and experts off ering tips DashA 2016, which is now just two and training techniques. The weeks away. More than 3,000 race’s airline partner, Etihad Air- people are expected to turn out ways will be bringing their state- at this year’s event which takes of-the-art Formula 1 simulators place on Tuesday, February 9, for everyone to enjoy. 2016, at Losail International Dolphin Energy Qatar general Circuit. The website for the race manager Hassan al-Emadi said: www.dohadash.com will remain “It has been wonderful see- open for registration until end of ing the positive response to the day today. event. Personally, I am looking The Dolphin Energy Doha forward to joining thousands of International crews Dash 2016 will open to the public runners at the starting line and at 7am. The 10km, 5km and 3km would like to wish everyone the races will start at 8am, 9.15am very best of luck.” and 9.45am respectively, with Go Sport general manager An- a warm up period of 10 minutes drew Fairall added: “For the sec- preceding each race. The 1km ond year, Go Sport will support Mini Doha Dash will start at this popular community event, take to the Gulf for 10:45, followed by the 1km Ladies which is now an important fea- Walk at 11:00 am. Prize giving ture of the Doha calendar. We ceremonies for the 10km, 5km believe in the importance of ex- and 3km races will also be held ercise and leading a healthy and on the day. active lifestyle; Doha Dash em- Double Olympic gold medalist bodies this vision. We are excited Dame Kelly Holmes, the event’s to welcome all participants and Sailing Arabia ambassador for the second year look forward to a fun-fi lled fam- running, Mariam Farid, the Qa- ily day.” tari National title holder for the Supporting the vision behind The tour will see crews navigate 730 nautical miles of the Arabian Gulf in 15 days 400m hurdles, also a Dolphin Qatar National Sport Day, the Energy Doha Dash 2016 ambas- Dolphin Energy Doha Dash has By Sports Reporter sador and Ali Longmate, fi tness established itself as one of the Doha expert and radio personality, will most popular community events all be present at the event and are in the Qatari Capital. Since its scheduled to participate in the launch in 2013, the event has ome of the world’s most highly diff erent races. Ali Longmate will seen a steady year-on-year in- regarded international sailing also lead all warm up sessions crease in participation. More teams are set to grace the waters ahead of the races. than 2,500 participants took part of the Arabian Gulf as they com- The Dolphin Energy Doha in the 2015 event, a 77% increase peteS in the latest edition of EFG Sailing Dash 2016 will also feature a from the inaugural event in 2013. Arabia – The Tour (SATT 2016), which will take place from February 14-29. SATT 2016 will see the return of Dutch team TU Delft Challenge, Swiss outfi t Bi- Al-Heidous, Al-Darwish enne Voile and Team Averda, while Team Mangold will make its debut in the re- finish third, fourth in gion’s unpredictable waters. Welcoming both amateur and profes- UAE Aquabike C’ship sional crews the gruelling sailing chal- lenge sees crews navigate 730 nautical miles of the Arabian Gulf in 15 days of off - shore racing with a brand new route re- designed to visit six of the region’s most prestigious sailing venues – including Khasab, Sohar and The Wave, Muscat. Heading up Team Mangold is Skipper Martin Felgenhauer whose crew includes a diverse mix of members who like many of the Sailing Arabia teams, have never sailed together before. Comprising Aus- trians and Germans, both male and fe- male, experienced recreational sailors and relative novices, Team Mangold’s crew of geo-thermal engineers, ophthal- mologists and biologists set to sea to dis- cover what the GCC has to off er. Dutch outfit Team Delft Challenge will participate in Sailing Arabia for the fourth time . Felgenhauer is one of the more sea- soned sailors in the team, though tacti- Team TU Delft Challenge have con- Jelger Rozendaal and Skipper Wouter miles under their belts, skipper Marcel cian and navigator Martin Lindner has fi rmed that they will return in 2016 for Sonnema complete the team and have Herrera is confi dent his young crew has sailed more than 100,000 nautical miles their fourth year. Skippered by Wouter come to compete in Farr30’s having come what it takes to match the performance as a skipper, sailing instructor and race ‘Wout’ Sonnema, the young team of TU up through the ranks using Optimist and of any of the professional crews, and with offi cial whilst Helmut Mangold has run Delft Challenge have changed their tact Laser sailing dinghies. a second place fi nish under his belt in last the annual Mangold Cup in the Adriatic from previous years as they opt not to Marcel Herrera, veteran sailor with year’s Sailing Arabia – The Tour he will Sea, a one design contest similar to The have professional help on board in the more than 10 years’ experience is an hope they can go one better. Tour, for the past eight years. hopes of bettering their fourth place fi n- old-hand in the EFG Sailing Arabia – Also returning is Bienne Voile of Swit- Despite competing head-on in the ish last year and gaining more invaluable The Tour, returning for his fi fth year to zerland, and team of 12 all hail from a va- Mangold Cup – which Felgenhauer has experience from SATT 2016. skipper Team Averda with high hopes of riety of sailing backgrounds with skills won three times – Felgenhauer and Man- Despite having a young team, the scooping the tour’s trophy after miss- spread across Olympic and match racing gold will be working together to combine Dutch team will rank as one of the fa- ing out in previous years. Pulling out all classes with a glittering collection of na- their skills and passions for sailing in or- vourites for a podium place because of the stops in 2016, Marcel Herrera has tional championship and Tour de France a der to attain the best possible result for the vast wealth of sailing experience selected a crew he believes has the skills Voile medals alongside badges from most 2016 EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour. they possess across a broad spectrum of and qualities required to knock favourites of the classic races around the globe. Completing the crew onboard Team disciplines. Coen ‘Coenchickabouhous’ EFG Bank Monaco off their perch. Among them is Tobias Etter who com- Mangold are both Martin Felgenhauer’s Bouhuijs, Stijn ‘Stino’ Seuren and Jo- The young crew of Team Averda com- peted at the 2008 Olympics for wife Maria, and Helmut Mangold’s wife chem ‘Jotjum’ Nonhebel have plenty of prises sailors mainly from the UK striving in the 470 class and veteran Theresia, who are both regular and ac- experience racing J22s and bigger yachts to forge careers in off shore racing, with Thierry Bosshart, a member of the Bienne complished sailors, along with good as have teammates Jurjen Streng and notable success in the Figaro class, grad- Voile crew in 2015 and the highly-rated Mohamed al-Heidous and Thamer al-Darwish placed third friend Doris Ruskovic with Tom Zahalka Marcel Ceelen. Swedish sailor Pierre uates of the Artemis Off shore Academy or Flurina Schneider, who is just 17 years old and fourth respectively in round 3 of the UAE Aquabike adding an extra pair of hands to the helm- Gronberg – best known for competing in previous members of the British Olympic and one of the four talented women who Championship which was held in Dubai January 29-31, 2016. ing rota. the World Cup Farr30 – promising sailor Sailing Team. With thousands of racing have been selected for the tour.

Tuesday, February 2, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING QREC prepares for HH The Emir’s Sword racing festival

By Sports Reporter communities. “The idea is to have Doha something for everyone, to accommo- date all ages and segments of spectators and racegoers,” al-Kaabi said. reparations are in full swing for According to al-Kaabi, the meet- one of the biggest editions of ing will also see presence of some of the HH The Emir’s Sword Race the biggest racing organisations in the meeting, which will be held world apart from diplomatic entities in Plater this month, the Qatar Racing & Qatar and the QREC sponsors. Equestrian Club (QREC) general man- “France Galop, our partner for the ager has said. Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe; Good- Talking to the media ahead of the wood, our partners for the Qatar Good- February 26-28 event, Nasser Sherida wood Festival and Newbury Racecourse, al-Kaabi said, “There are some inten- our partners for the Al Shaqab Lockinge, sive preparations going on at QREC for have all been invited to be a part of this this edition. The signifi cant meeting, celebration and grand event.” being associated with HH The Emir’s owners in Qatar and from around the ing, the Shalfa, the Laff an Mile Cup, the The 2015 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Tri- Sword, has assumed a special interna- world. Owners from Europe, the USA, Qatar International Cup and the Katara omphe was recently adjudged as the tional dimension.” the UAE and Oman want to be a part of Sprint Cup. 2015 Longines World’s Best Horse Race. Al-Kaabi added that the dates for this prestigious event for a chance to “There will also be cups for races “As far as potential sponsors are con- this year’s meeting have been chosen to compete for the Sword, and other tro- reserved for individual owners,” he cerned, announcements will be made in ensure a wider participation from in- phies and cups, for both Pure Arabians added. due course of time.” ternational owners, trainers and jock- and Thoroughbreds. QREC has been making arrange- He also wished success to all the eys, besides the larger international The three-day race meeting will, in ments to ensure that the event is spe- owners, trainers and jockeys, and said racing community. addition to the coveted HH The Emir’s cial and spectacular at all levels, with that together all of them will work to- “The large number of entries are a Sword, see very high level of competi- an intention to enhance the popularity wards producing a great and successful proof of the interest shown by major tion in other prestigious races, includ- of horse racing and equestrian across international event. QREC general manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi.

MIDDLE EAST RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT QRF to host Participants get beach touch rugby on NSD

By Sports Reporter 5 on 5 and run for fi ve minutes ready for Qatar Doha per half, with an interval of one minute. QRF general secretary Ali al- his year’s Beach Rugby Malki said, “We have added rules Challenge will take place and regulations from both the on National Sport Day rugby and international touch at the Cultural Village laws. This was designed so to al- International Rally TFoundation - Katara Beach No.4. low those who never played rug- Beach touch rugby is a non- by before to understand the game contact, fast-moving game that with ease and enjoy the sport. All ‘We have enough confidence to achieve a victory’ is suitable for adults or children. games will be offi ciated by quali- It is a safe, soft-contact sport full fi ed rugby referees.” By Sports Reporter of fast-moving ball action. The Al-Malki continued, “Katara Doha Qatar Rugby Federation (QRF) beach is a world class facility encourages all clubs and playing that will be fi lled by a spectacu- organisations to look to organise lar sports atmosphere on the day. he participants of Qatar Inter- regular touch rugby activity to The beach touch rugby challenge national Rally will be conduct- increase fi tness and participa- will be one of many sports on ing their trial tests today as the tion. display.” preparation for the 2016 Middle Talking about the compe- QRF co-ordinator Samuel TEast Rally Championship (MERC) enters tition, which will be held on Rico said, “Touch rugby is one of the fi nal stages. Tuesday, February 9, the QRF the fastest growing sports in the The 535-km long Qatar rally, which is president Yousef al-Kuwari said, world with over eighty nations considered as one of the most important “The aim of the competition is now participating. The game has events in the programme of Qatar Mo- to provide a fun, family-friendly been enthralling spectators and tor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), event with a healthy amount of wooing sponsors for decades. will see as many as 15 participants led by competitiveness.” This year we are very thankful Qatari defending champion Nasser Saleh Al-Kuwari added: “The beach to our partners Katara, Woqod, al-Attiyah. The rally will also witness challenge has attracted fourteen Integrated Engagement Com- European participation with teams from teams this year including, clubs, munication and catering spon- Sweden and Italy making their way to schools and corporate entities sors Nando’s, who understand the Qatari desert, apart from the regional such as Woqod. It is a great op- the value of health and fi tness stars from Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Jor- portunity for the whole family through sport.” dan and Turkey. and community to get involved in Competition on the day will Qatari driver Rashid al-Naimi, talk- a great sport and have a fantastic kick off at 8.00am and conclude ing about the upcoming rally, confi rmed day down on the beach.” by 5.00pm. There will be food his readiness for the event. Along with The open men’s division will and drinks available all weekend his Italian co-driver Nicola Arena, he consist of four groups playing a along with music and kids en- said, “Everything is going okay as per the minimum of three games before tertainment. All registered teams agreed plan, especially the preparation advancing to the knock out stag- will receive complementary of the car. We have enough confi dence to es of the event. Games are played playing shirts. achieve a victory.” About the nature of Qatar rally, he said, “Qatar rally stages need special care as they are desert land, a little mistake would cost much.” Talking about QMMF’s role, he said, “QMMF headed by Mr Nasser Khalifa al- Attiyah has been doing a good job of pro- moting motorsport. We, as Qatari riders, promise to do all we can to sustain Qatari Qatar’s Rashid al-Naimi will be participating in the Qatar International Rally with Italian co-driver Nicola Arena. motorsport.” His co-driver Arena said, “Al-Naimi other rounds of MERC.” well. I hope this round would be a good aim this season is to achieve the Group N is enthusiastic enough to achieve the ti- The Qatari-Cypriot duo of Khalifa al- start to this season and that I am able to title. tle after the good fi nish in 2015. I think he Attiyah and Laos Savaas has a lot to look complete the other rounds of MERC suc- “Finally, I would like to thank QMMF, has good experience to be the champion. forward to in the 2016 season. “I will do cessfully. headed by Mr Nasser Khalifa al-Attiyah We will cooperate together to have a good my best to achieve the title, as I know “This season will be a crucial season for for his support in both local , regional and result in Qatar International Rally and the the geographical diversity of my country me after a strong fi nish last season. Our international championships.”

FOCUS Rugby teams in Qatar gear up for Sevens tournament

By Sports Reporter domestic and national representa- rigours of Sevens which is a much there are now more and more players Doha tion. It will also provide an incentive faster game. and we are not sure who we will face for all clubs in Doha and further en- “We hope to perform well. We but we are really looking forward to gage new players, supporters, volun- played some teams in a Sevens tour- the league. We now have a good level ollowing the success at the teers and sponsors. nament early last year - but prob- in 15s, and for the fi rst time, a Blue Dubai and the Qatar National “In the coming years Qatar Rugby ably the majority has changed. The Falcon Team participated in the Du- Day Rugby Sevens, the Qatar hopes to develop this competition quality of rugby has been improving bai Sevens. We are really looking for- Rugby Federation (QRF) has and others to further improve the in Qatar, so we are quite unsure as to ward to improve our level and to be decidedF to launch its fi rst-ever Qatar quality of Rugby and help embrace what we’ll face.” very competitive.” Rugby 7’s League from February 6. more players from clubs from all Blue Falcons captain Rony Georg- He added that French rugby infl u- The tournament spans over eight over the region,” said al-Kuwari. es said his team, in only its second ence is an advantage for them. “We weeks and includes preliminary “We hope the Qatar rugby com- year of existence, is looking for- have a good aerobic level, and these rounds with each team playing each munity will come and support their ward to the new competition. “We little things that make the French other twice and a fi nals series (semis favourite team, and this wonderful are quite excited about this tourna- Rugby: Offl oads, repetition of phas- and fi nals). sport that we admire so much.” ment. Our club is in its second year es, and insane runs.” The eight teams will play against Isaac Banks, player cum manager of existence and we have more and College of North Atlantic-Qatar each other for the right to call of DRFC Hurricanes said, “We think more Francophone players joining. player-manager Bertus Pool said, themselves Qatar’s 2016 Rugby 7’s the Sevens Championship is a fan- So it will be a perfect opportunity to “This is a new challenge for us as we champions. This initiative has been tastic addition to the QRF calendar. let as many players participate in all usually play 15’s Rugby. Our team is brought about by the commitment A lot of players will enjoy the wide the diff erent competitions,” Georges always up for new challenges and of the Doha registered rugby clubs open spaces. said. we are looking forward to the 7’s. and QRF president Yousef al-Ku- “We’ve been playing a lot of 15s “We hope to win a couple of We have been working much harder wari. The new annual competition rugby. We have been focusing more games, and we also hope to face our on fi tness and skills in spreading the will act as a bridge between senior on conditioning our bodies for the opponents proudly. Thanks to QRF, ball around faster.”