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Saturday, December 19, 2015 FOOTBALL Rabia I 8, 1437 AH Van Gaal fears same GULF TIMES fate as Mourinho if United keep losing SPORT Page 4 CYCLING: TOUR OF ZUBARAH Schweizer’s slick fi nish sees him take win in Stage Two ‘I am very pleased with the win. I came here with expecting nothing and going home with at least one victory’

By Yash Mudgal Results & Classifi cation Doha STAGE (TOP 5) erman rider Michael Sch- 1. Michael Schweizer weizer of Team Rose NRW (Team Rose NRW) clinched the second stage of 2. Andrea Palini (Skydive Team) the third Tour of Zubarah with 3. Koos Jeroen Kers Ga slick fi nish, yesterday at Dukhan. (Wilton Cycling Team) Schweizer, who was piloted well by his 4. Abderrahmane Bechlagheme team, clocked 3:15:01s to fi nish ahead of (Sharjah Team) ST Italian Andrea Palini of Skydive Dubai 5 Jacob Tipper (Team Giant RBS) ST for his best in last two years. “I am very pleased with the win. I OVERALL CLASSIFICATION came here with expecting nothing and 1. Jacob Tipper (Team Giant RBS) going home with at least one victory,” 2. Maher Hasnaoui Schweizer said. (Skydive Dubai Pro Cycling Team) His best fi nish was a stage win at the 3. Koos Jeroen Kers 24th Course Cycliste de Solidarnosc et (Wilton Cycling Team) des Champions Olympiques in 2013. 4. Andrea Palini (Skydive Dubai) 5. Hamid Beikhormizi “It was really a hard race as it was (Pisghaman Giant Team) not as windy as yesterday. We were lucky to have a breakaway POINTS CLASSIFICATION one kilometre before the fi nish 1. Andrea Palini and Schneider did a perfect 2. Jacob Tipper lead out form me. He was in the 3. Koos Jeroen Kers breakaway all the day and still he 4. Michael Schweizer has the good leg in the end… he 5. Maher Hasnaoui did a superb job for me” YOUTH CLASSIFICATION The German, who was riding for the 1. Mahdi Rajabikaboodcheshme fi rst time in Qatar, was almost given an (Pishgaman Giant Team) easy ride to the fi nish by his teammate Ste- 2. Abderrahmane Mansouri fan Schneider, who gave a perfect lead-out (Shrajah Team) from 1200m to only 200m and then he un- 3. Ben Hetherington leashed his sprint to win the stage. (Achieve Northside Skinnergate) 4. Islam Shawky (Sharjah Team) 5. Isa Ayoob Ismail (Bahrain Team)

TEAM CLASSIFICATION Pishgaman Giant Team Shrajah Team Kuwait Cycling Project Skydive Dubai Kazakhstan Track Team Astana

Germany’s Michael Schweizer celebrates after winning second stage of the Tour of Zubarah yesterday. (Left) Brit Jacob Tipper retains the yellow jersey. PICTURES: Jayaram. I don’t have good guys to set me up for The 32-year-old stage winner laud- British rider Jacob Tipper fi nished “I somehow managed to retain the Mahdi Rajabikaboodcheshme of the sprint. I am pleased with my results ed the eff ort of Schneider. fi fth in the bunch to retain his yellow yellow jersey. We have last stage to- Pishgaman Giant Team retained best today.” “It was really a hard race as it was jersey. morrow and I am sure it’s going to be young rider’s white jersey. “Tomorrow, we’ll try to make the not as windy as yesterday. We were “It was a very tough race today… going to be tougher,” he said. Andrea Palini was satisfi ed with his race close with the Team Giant. I don’t lucky to have a breakaway one kilome- there was no wind today. There was a The first sprint was won by second spot and red jersey as he said: know if it’s will be possible or not but tre before the fi nish and Schneider did lot of pressure on me in the end. I was British rider Thomas Timothy of “My objective is not the yellow Jersey. we’ll see (what we can do in the fi nal a perfect lead out form me. He was in too tired for the last sprint,” Tipper, Achieve Northside Skinnergate, My goal is the ranking in Asia. As a stage),” the Italian said. the breakaway all the day and still he who has four second lead over Maher while Kazakhstan’s Artyom Zakha- tour, for me it is ok if I take the second The 119.8km third and fi nal stage of has the good leg in the end… he did a Hasnaoui, Skydive Dubai Pro Cycling rov of Team Track Astana won the place. I would like to win a stage, but the tour will be held from Simaisma superb job for me.” Team, said. second sprint. every team is fi ghting hard against me. Youth Center to Al Zubarah Fort today.

BOTTOMLINE Recalled Amir vows to respect Pakistan colours

AFP Yesterday selectors cleared Since his return, Amir has taken 22 Amir said he will do his best to Karachi him for fi tness training camp, which in four non fi rst-class games, prove he is a changed man. could pave the way for his inclusion in while his tally of wickets in the qualify- “I promise that I will do my best the national team. ing rounds of the Quaid-e-Azam tro- to respect the prestige of the aceman Mohamed Amir Amir was tipped as one of the most phy stood at 34. green cap and Pakistan shirt,” he (right) promised to respect talented young fast bowlers when He then took nine wickets in two fi rst told AFP Pakistan’s green cap and shirt he was jailed in 2011 after admitting class matches of Quaid-e-Azam trophy after being named for a nation- bowling no balls the previous summer while scoring two half centuries. tional events,” said a Pakistan Cricket Pal camp on Friday, the fi rst step toward against England at Lord’s in exchange Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Board press release. regaining his place in country’s team for cash. Shaharyar Khan and head coach Waqar Pakistan will play three one-day and following a spot-fi xing ban. His Salman Butt and fellow Younis earlier this month hinted Amir as many Twenty20 internationals on The 23-year-old has shown impres- bowler Mohammad Asif were jailed for could return to the national team after their tour of New Zealand. They then sive form in domestic matches as well similar off ences. completing a rehabilitation programme feature in the Asia Cup in Bangladesh as in the Bangladesh Amir said he will do his best to prove following the lifting of his ban. followed by the World Twenty20 in In- since his fi ve-year ban was relaxed in he is a changed man. The 26 players included for the fi t- dia in March-April. April this year then completely lifted “I promise that I will do my best to ness camp will be eligible for team’s Amir’s return was opposed by some three months ago. respect the prestige of the green cap limited over series in New Zealand current players, including former and Pakistan shirt,” he told AFP. starting from January 15. Twenty20 skipper Mohammad Hafeez, Since his return, Amir has taken At the time of his ban, which derailed “The main objective of the camp is to who vowed not to share a dressing room 22 wickets in four non fi rst-class his career, Amir was only 18. Legendary improve the overall physical fi tness of with the tainted player. games, while his tally of wickets Pakistan fast bowler Imran Khan had all players and to enhance the technical But Amir said he hoped he could win in the qualifying rounds of the described him as “the hottest property aspect of each player’s game and to pre- them over “with my performances and Quaid-e-Azam trophy stood at 34 in international cricket”. pare them for the upcoming interna- with my acts”. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, December 19, 2015 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS New Zealand failed to make most of Late strikes rock green pitch: Boult

Reuters Southee, fell within fi ve runs of Hamilton each other, the third and fourth within six runs, and the fi nal three wickets of the day for just Sri Lanka as Kiwis Seddon Park pitch so fi ve runs. green it was barely “The odd ball an over was let- distinguishable from ting us down in terms of trying to the outfi eld had domi- build pressure,” Boult said. Anated the buildup to the second “We just had to go out there test between New Zealand and and put the ball in the right area Sri Lanka with many fearing the but a couple of balls really let us batsmen would suff er most on down there. I think we missed a engineer fi ghtback the volatile surface. trick there a little bit. The fi rst day’s play yesterday, however, put paid to any theo- “We just had to go out there ‘They would probably be sitting pretty at lunchtime but the last couple of sessions ries that conditions in the mid- and put the ball in the right dle would be unplayable with the area but a couple of balls we created pressure and last half hour swung back our way’ visitors reaching 264 for seven really let us down there. before heavy rain forced them off I think we missed a trick with 23 overs lost to the weather. there a little bit On paper, the home side may hold the upper hand having “The positive is that we did reached the tail with less than manage to group them nicely and 300 runs on the board, though get them seven down.” it was only one stellar over from Boult, who said there was good Trent Boult and two run outs that pace and bounce in the had given Brendon McCullum’s but not as much sideways move- side a marginal advantage. ment as might have been expect- “They batted pretty well ed, produced arguably the best across the whole day actually,” over of the day with the older Boult told Radio Sport after play ball as the clouds thickened and was abandoned at about 5 pm inched towards the ground. (0400 GMT). “They knocked up He coaxed Siriwardana into about 110 in the fi rst couple of an edge then had Kithurawan hours. Vithanage caught by McCullum “We could tell that they were at mid-off for a duck three balls looking to jump on our bad balls later after he got a leading edge to and credit to them, they batted a swinging . very well.” “When the sun’s out it doesn’t Despite having a four-pronged swing as much as you think it’s go- pace attack at their disposal, ing to (and) when the clouds came New Zealand failed to create in just before the rain it started to any sustained pressure and were swing a bit more,” he said. fortunate they took wickets in “It’s a good wicket and I think bunches. it will be at its best late tomorrow The fi rst two wickets, to Tim and on day three.”

OPINION Shoddy facilities Trent Boult being congratulated by teammates after taking a wicket during day one of the second Test. (Right) Lanka’s was on 63. key to WI decline: AFP Just before the rain came down, Ran- the day dropping before Sri ly overs but by lunch were 108-2 after Hamilton gana Herath was run out for four by a fi ne Lanka had any runs on the board. Southee had removed Dimuth Karu- throw from Kane Williamson in the gully. naratne for 12 and the aggressive Mendis former vice captain With three wickets after tea, New Zea- DELIBERATE AGGRESSION for 31 off 42 balls. rent Boult led a late New Zealand land enjoyed their most productive ses- Siriwardana, who scored his 62 off 81 Both were caught behind by wicket- IANS because training facilities are fi ght-back to leave Sri Lanka on sion after winning the toss and making deliveries, said Sri Lanka’s aggression keeper BJ Watling who also featured in Melbourne poor. Even club matches, fa- 264-7 when rain ended play early Sri Lanka bat on a green pitch expected to was deliberate after conservative New Zealand’s second two-wicket burst cilities are terrible. I can’t see on day one of the second Test in be a bowler’s paradise. backfi red in Dunedin. soon after lunch. it getting better any time soon, HamiltonT yesterday. They could only manage two wickets “In the previous match we tried to Udara Jayasundera was run out for 26 ormer West Indies vice- unfortunately,” he added. Three wickets in two overs after tea in each of the fi rst two sessions as Sri stay at the crease and lost wickets. So we when he was sent back by Dinesh Chan- captain Brendan Nash Much of the decline in the rocked Sri Lanka just as captain Angelo Lanka fought to atone for their 122-run talked about attacking a bit more in this dimal but was not quick enough to beat believes the poor standard West Indies cricket has also been Mathews and Milinda Siriwardana were loss in the fi rst Test in Dunedin. game. That worked when myself and An- Santner’s throw to Watling who whipped of cricket facilities in the attributed to the breakdown in looking solid with a record fi fth-wicket In part the tourists were helped by New gelo Mathews were batting,” he said. off the bails. FCaribbean has played a role in the the relationship between the partnership. Zealand’s inconsistency with line and “We batted through very well in the Three overs later, Chandimal on 47 was decline of the game in the region. West Indies Cricket Board and When rain halted play 23 overs short length, but they also played an aggressive fi rst two sessions. We had a collapse in caught behind off Doug Bracewell. The Australian-born left- the players, and Nash said this of the day’s scheduled 90, Mathews was game. “I don’t think we executed to our the last few overs.” Boult took two for 43 and Southee two hander, who played 21 Tests be- appeared to be the case. unbeaten on 63 with Dushmantha Cha- liking in the fi rst couple of hours. Went Sri Lanka had a couple of shaky ear- for 51. tween 2008 and 2011 after quali- “I’ve been out of it for two or meera yet to score. past the bat a little bit but didn’t create fying to represent the West Indies three years, but from an outsider Siriwardana, in only his fourth Test, enough pressure in fi rst session,” quick Scoreboard through his father, who is Jamai- looking in, there is just no trust was out for 62 after joining Mathews for Tim Southee said. can, said the quality of the facili- between either party,” he said. Sri Lanka’s record fi fth-wicket partner- “They would probably be sitting pretty Scoreboard at stumps on day one of D. Chameera not out 0 ties at all levels had fallen off , and The 38-year-old said he was ship against New Zealand of 138, eclips- at lunchtime but the last couple of ses- the second Test between New Zealand Extras: (lb7, w12) 19 this had directly impacted on de- still available for international ing the 133 set by sions we created pressure and last half and Sri Lanka in Hamilton yesterday: Total (7 wickets; 67 overs) 264 velopment, reports CMC. duty if the West Indies required and Hashan Tillakaratne in 2003. hour swung back our way.” Fall of wickets: 1-39 (Karunaratne), 2-44 “A lot of money was spent on his services. “I’m still available. On a day in which fortunes ebbed and Sri Lanka have so far produced six Sri Lanka 1st innings (Mendis), 3-115 (Jayasundera), 4-121 the 2007 World Cup to increase I’d like to think I can still move fl owed, the valuable Mathews-Siri- sixes, double their entire fi rst Test total. Karunaratne c Watling b Southee 12 (Chandimal), 5-259 (Siriwardana), 6-259 the standard of facilities,” Nash around the fi eld quite well, and wardana pairing began when Sri Lanka Three of them have been belted by Math- K. Mendis c Watling b Southee 31 (Vithanage), 7-264 (Herath) said on Thursday. I’ve been playing county cricket, were heading for trouble at 121-4. ews including one to bring up his 23rd Jayasundera run out Santner/W’ing 26 To bat: S. Lakmal, N. Pradeep “I know when I was there to- which has its challenges over Siriwardana was caught at fi rst slip by Test 50 by driving Mitchell Santner over D. Chandimal c Watling b Bracewell 47 wards the end of 2010, the facili- there, and done pretty well in Ross Taylor off the bowling of Boult, who the rope. A. Mathews not out 63 Bowling: Boult 17-2-43-2, Southee ties really dropped off . So within the last four seasons.” claimed his second wicket three balls Siriwardana, who also hit three sixes, M. Siriwardana c Taylor b Boult 62 16-5-51-2 (w1), Bracewell 19-2-79-1 (w1), four years, they just didn’t have He added: “They (West Indies) later when Kithuruwan Vithanage was was particularly tough on the bowlers K. Vithanage c McCullum b Boult 0 Wagner 7-0-49-0 (w2), Santner 7-0-34- the money to keep it going or it still need that mix of experience caught by a diving Brendon McCullum at after tea when he smacked a rapid 36 be- R. Herath run out (Williamson) 4 0, Williamson 1-0-1-0 wasn’t run correctly.” and youth, but they need the right mid-off without scoring. fore being caught by Taylor who started “It starts with the facilities, kind of experienced players.”

BOTTOMLINE Sri Lanka probes bid to fi x West Indies Test

AFP era’s recent failure in a doping test dur- “They wanted Sri Lanka to get out ing the ongoing tour of New Zealand early for a very low score. This is may have been linked to his raising the a match Sri Lanka was expected alarm over the match-fi xing attempt. to win, but if they lost, the bookie ri Lankan authorities are inves- “It is possible that something was would have made a lot of money,” tigating a bid to bribe members slipped into his food or his urine sample Jayasekera told AFP of the national cricket team to was tampered with to get this result,” under-perform in a recent Test Jayasekera said of Perera, who was sent Ronnie Flanagan, who heads the toS ensure a surprise victory for the West back to Sri Lanka after failing the dop- ICC’s anti-corruption unit, recently Indies, the government said yesterday. ing test. We are doing our best to de- acknowledged match fi xing would nev- Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasek- fend him,” the minister said. er be eradicated even though a string of era said a man linked to a bookmaker Ashley de Silva, the chief executive of international stars have been exposed had off ered wicketkeeper Sri Lanka Cricket, said the board could as in the pay of bookmakers. and star bowler tens not discuss the case in line with Inter- Although no big-name Sri Lankan of thousands of dollars to engineer a national Cricket Council (ICC) anti- player has ever been convicted of cor- Sri Lankan batting collapse at a Test in corruption regulations. ruption, several former stars have made in October, which the hosts went “Because of the anti-corruption reg- allegations of either match fi xing or on to win emphatically. ulations, we cannot say anything,” de spot-fi xing, when players deliberately “They wanted Sri Lanka to get out Silva told AFP. bowl or fi eld badly to give away a set early for a very low score. This is a However a source on the board con- number of runs. match Sri Lanka was expected to win, fi rmed that the organisation was con- Former skipper Hashan Tillakaratne but if they lost, the bookie would have ducting its own investigation into the dropped a bombshell in May 2011 when made a lot of money,” said Jayasekera. A file picture shows Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath (C) being congratulated by teammates during the opening Test claims. he claimed he had been an eye-witness The minister said some 10 million ru- match between Sri Lanka and the West Indies at the Galle International Cricket Stadium in Galle. “The two players brought this to our to match-fi xing by fellow players since pees (around $70,000) had been off ered notice,” said the source, speaking on 1992. Tillakaratne never disclosed any to the players to lose the match. Police rejected the off er and alerted the au- Sri Lanka beat the tourists from the won a Test match in Sri Lanka and went condition of anonymity. names. had mounted a search for the suspect thorities,” he said. Caribbean by an innings and six runs on to lose the two-match series 2-0, Although betting is illegal in most Two Sri Lankan umpires were who was said to have approached the “We have started a police inquiry in after veteran left-arm spinner Herath were rank outsiders for the showdown of the cricket-mad Indian subconti- banned in 2013 after an Indian televi- two players. addition to an anti-corruption probe by took 10 wickets in the match on the in Galle where the home team have a nent, there is no shortage of backstreet sion station claimed they were willing “After Kusal turned down the off er, Sri Lanka Cricket,” Jayasekera added, in country’s south coast. particularly strong record. bookmakers—many of whom have links to make favourable decisions during the man approached Herath who also reference to the national cricket board. The West Indies, who have never Jayasekera also suggested that Per- to the underworld. matches for cash. Gulf Times Saturday, December 19, 2015 3 FOOTBALL

DEJA VU SPOTLIGHT Quotable quotes from the mouth of Abramovich gets the ‘Special One’ ready for life aft er Mourinho — again After nine defeats in 16 league games, Chelsea’s squad is clearly in need of a jolt and it is therefore little surprise to see and high on the list of potential long-term successors

AFP Roman Abramovic Reuters to recruit players and boost his London Chelsea squad in 2007: n search of the 10th manager of his “It is omelettes and eggs. No 12-year tenure as Chelsea owner, Ro- eggs—no omelettes! It depends man Abramovich appears no nearer ose Mourinho, whose on the quality of the eggs. In to his dream of owning a self-sus- contract as Chelsea man- the supermarket you have class taining,I crowd-pleasing football team. ager was terminated by one, two or class three eggs and Jose Mourinho, sacked on Thursday, mutual consent on Thurs- some are more expensive than came back to Chelsea in 2013 vowing to day,J leaves a legacy of colourful others and some give you bet- build a legacy, but he instead brought quotes from his time in charge ter omelettes. So when the class characteristic short-term success, fol- at the west London club in two one eggs are in Waitrose and lowed by a staggeringly rapid collapse. separate stints from 2004-07 you cannot go there, you have a He leaves behind a squad full of un- and from 2013. problem.” derperforming big-name players such as Cesc Fabregas and and in which highly regarded youngsters like Ruben Loftus-Cheek remain desperately ‘A SPECIAL ONE’ - His self- YOUNG PLAYERS ARE MEL- short of top-level experience. appraisal upon arriving at Chel- ONS - Also in 2007. Abramovich is a known admirer of Pep sea in 2004 for his fi rst stint as “Young players are like mel- Guardiola, who has given youth its head manager, having just won the ons. Only when you open and at both Barcelona and Bayern Munich Champions League with Portu- taste the melon are you 100 per- and instilled playing systems based on guese club Porto. cent sure that the melon is good. intricate, passing football. “We have top players. I am “Sometimes you have beauti- Guardiola, though, is tipped to join sorry I am a bit arrogant, we have ful melons but they don’t taste Manchester City, where owner Sheikh a top manager ... Again, please very good and some other mel- Mansour has stolen a march on Abram- don’t call me arrogant because ons are a bit ugly and when you ovich by installing the Catalan’s former what I am saying is true. I am open them, the taste is fantas- Barcelona allies Ferran Soriano and Txiki European champion so I’m not tic.” Begiristain. one (out) of the bottle. I’m a—I Abramovich has been snubbed by think I’m a special one.” Guardiola before and with Manchester United also felt to be a potential desti- ‘THE HAPPY ONE’ - On his nation for the Bayern coach, the Russian return to Chelsea in 2013 for his may miss out on his man again. WENGER THE ‘VOYEUR’ - second stint at the club After nine defeats in 16 league games, On long-serving Arsenal man- “I am the happy one. Time Chelsea’s squad is clearly in need of a ager Arsene Wenger’s keen in- fl ies. It looks like it was a couple jolt and it is therefore little surprise to terest in Chelsea’s performances of days ago but it was nine years see Diego Simeone and Antonio Conte and steering Chelsea to FA Cup glory, someone coming in because make no himself sitting in the home dug-out there in 2005. ago ... I have the same heart, the high on the list of potential long-term although his stock has fallen in the years mistake, whoever comes in, that club is before long. “I think he is one of these peo- same kind of emotions related to successors. Both coaches are passion- since. going to fl y now. They’re going to win a “ will be looking behind ple who is a voyeur. He likes to my passion for football and for ate and relatively young (Simeone is 45, First-team coach Steve Holland could lot of games and in a way prove it’s not him,” former Arsenal midfi elder Paul watch other people. my job. But of course I’m a dif- Conte 46) and exponents of aggressive, be asked to take charge for Saturday’s just about Jose Mourinho.” Merson told News. “There are some guys who, ferent person.” in-your-face football. home game with Sunderland if an ap- Paris Saint-Germain await Chelsea in “If it doesn’t go well for Man United in when they are at home, have a Neither would be afraid to ruffl e feath- pointment cannot be made in time. the Champions League in February, but the next week or two, I think they might big telescope to see what hap- ers, but Simeone is under contract at Chelsea’s fans will mourn the depar- the new manager’s immediate priority look and think, ‘One of the best managers pens in other families. He Atletico Madrid until 2020 and Conte has ture of the club’s greatest manager, hav- will be steering the club clear of the rel- in the world of football is available. Let’s speaks, speaks, speaks about ‘BETRAYED’ - On his frustra- his sights set on leading Italy into battle ing noisily broadcast their support for egation zone. get him.’” Chelsea.” tion with his players following at Euro 2016. Mourinho throughout recent games. Chelsea face four matches in 16 days PSG and Bayern have also been touted Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Leicester Former Chelsea manager Carlo An- But former midfi elder Jamie over Christmas, with home games as potential destinations for Mourinho, City on Monday, his last game in celotti is another candidate, but in the Redknapp, cousin of Chelsea great Frank against Sunderland and Watford fol- who could also be tempted by a return to charge. short term is the leading Lampard, believes the players will relish lowed by trips to Manchester United and Inter . ‘CLOONEY’ MOURINHO - “I feel that my work was be- contender to return to Stamford Bridge the chance of a clean slate. Crystal Palace. In the meantime he retreats to the On who should play him in a fi lm trayed if it’s the right word ... on an interim basis. “A lot of players who have fallen out Mourinho would have relished the De- sidelines, just as he did in September of his life, asked in 2006: All last season I did phenomenal The Dutchman, 69, enjoyed success with him will be pleased to see the back cember 28 trip to Old Traff ord, but there 2007, when Abramovich’s vision for “If they made a fi lm of my life, work and brought them to a level in a similar role in 2009, stepping in af- of him,” Redknapp said. are suggestions that, with Louis van Gaal Chelsea caused their fi rst parting of the I think they should get George that is not their level—is more ter the dismissal of “This is a wonderful opportunity for still struggling to convince, he could fi nd ways. There is unlikely to be a third. Clooney to play me,” he said. than they really are. “He’s a fantastic actor and my “This season we are doing so wife thinks he would be ideal.” bad that they players are, for BOTTOMLINE some reason—I’m not saying all of them, of course, I don’t want to put some of them in the same PLAYERS ARE EGGS AND basket—but clearly with some of Hiddink ‘perfect’ to revive OMELETTES - On lacking funds them, it’s so, so diffi cult.” UNFLATTERING Chelsea’s fortunes: Wilkins Mourinho ‘stuff ed’

AFP squad must take their share of nio Conte, and ex-Chelsea boss like Christmas London responsibility. . “I love Jose and he’s done a “The club is working vigor- fantastic job for Chelsea,” the ously and actively to make sure turkey: British press uus Hiddink is “abso- former England midfi elder said. that the situation with regards lutely perfect” to step “He’ll go elsewhere and do a to a managerial appointment is AFP in as Chelsea’s saviour wonderful job for someone.” taken care of as soon as possi- London “Farewell, then, Jose Mour- following Jose Mour- “I honestly do believe the ble,” Emenalo said. inho,” began coverage by sports Ginho’s sacking, former Blues players need to take a lot of Former England captain and writer Barney Ronay on the assistant boss said blame for this as well because Chelsea defender John Terry ose Mourinho’s sacking front page of the Guardian. yesterday, as reports said the they really haven’t performed. took to Instagram to express his by Chelsea was depicted “It’s been glorious, fun, Dutchman was poised to get the The only player that’s performed thanks and regret after Mourin- as an early Christmas noisy, toxic and interminable. job. on any sort of consistent level is ho’s Stamford Bridge exit, post- carve up yesterday as the Not to mention bad-tempered, The 69-year-old is in a Lon- Willian,” he added. ing a photo of he and the former BritishJ press reported he had hair-raising and, in keeping don hotel “holding discussions “With the ball, more often manager embracing. been let go after a holiday lunch with Mourinho’s own status as with Blues offi cials,” the BBC than not there’s no problem. “Thank you doesn’t seem with players. the fi rst real global celebrity- reported. But without the ball they’ve not enough. Sad sad day,” posted “Jose gets stuff ed: Christmas superstar of his trade, glorious- Hiddink “is yet to sign a con- done half as much as they should Terry. lunch with team... then Mour- ly overblown to the last.” tract but is set to become man- have done. They’ve not worked “Gonna miss you Boss. The inho’s sacked after losing toxic The Telegraph put the “Not so ager on an interim basis,” it said. hard enough.” very best I have EVER worked dressing room,” wrote the Daily special” on its front page, a ref- Sky reported Hiddink was in The Blues take on Sunderland with, unbelievable memories Mirror. erence to Mourinho’s nickname London “where he is expected to on Saturday and host Watford together.” “Carved up at festive feast” “The Special One”. hold talks over the vacant Chel- on December 26. Hull City boss was one headline in the Daily The Independent wrote sea job”. “There’s got to be six points said he was saddened by Mour- Mail. “Sacked again. Now that is spe- Hiddink played a similar role there,” Wilkins added. inho’s departure and believes “Jose Mourinho was sacked cial...” while The Sun dubbed in 2009, when he was appointed “Sunderland aren’t in the best the former Porto, after pulling crackers and eat- him “The Broken One”. after the dismissal of Luiz Felipe perfect to come in to the end of the season prompted owner Ro- form, they’re struggling a bit, and Real Madrid coach should ing roast turkey with Chelsea’s The Daily Mail reported that Scolari and steered Chelsea to FA the season and straighten them man Abramovich to end the deal, and to go the Bridge after this have been given more time. coaching staff and players at the he would be “laughing all the Cup glory. out.” with the club saying it was “in has happened is probably the “What chance have we got, if club’s silver service Christmas way to the bank” because of a “As an interim manager, he Mourinho’s tumultuous sec- the best interests of both parties worst place they could possibly people like Mourinho are getting lunch yesterday.” compensation package. would love the challenge, I’m ond spell at Chelsea ended to go our separate ways”. go.” sacked?” he said. The Sun’s sport back Its front page read “Man with sure,” Wilkins, whose most re- Thursday “by mutual consent”, Nine defeats in 16 games saw While Hiddink could fi ll the Chelsea said that Mourinho page headline simply read God complex exits with £10mn”. cent stint with Chelsea’s back- with the club’s technical direc- the reigning Premier League ti- gap in the Chelsea dugout in the “will always remain a much- “STUFFED”. Many of the news- The news dominated front room team ended in 2010, told tor Michael Emenalo revealing tleholders drop to within a short term, permanent options loved, respected and signifi cant papers made the most of Mour- and back headlines of the news- talkSPORT. that squad disharmony was a of the relegation zone. Emenalo include longstanding target Pep fi gure at Chelsea” and “will al- inho’s reputation as a superstar papers and was given many “He would be the one person signifi cant factor. said Chelsea had had to act. Guardiola, Atletico Madrid’s Di- ways be warmly welcomed back manager with a huge personal- pages of coverage and analysis I would say would be absolutely Chelsea’s disastrous start to Wilkins feels the struggling ego Simeone, Italy coach Anto- to Stamford Bridge”. ity and ego. as a national drama. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, December 19, 2015 FOOTBALL

PREVIEW FEELING THE HEAT Van Gaal fears same fate as Mourinho if Chelsea’s clash United keep losing with Sunderland in the spotlight There will be also be plenty of focus on the Stamford Bridge stands

Reuters have to win because when you London lose too much then even for me it is the end of the world.” Van Gaal spoke of the “crazy” nder-pressure Man- world of football when discuss- chester United man- ing Mourinho’s sacking. ager Louis van Gaal “It was a big surprise for me knows losing too many I didn’t expect that, a fantastic Umore matches “could be the end manager with a record that no- of the world” but said he still body has in his football world,” has the full backing of the club’s Van Gaal said of title-winner board. Mourinho’s exit. Jose Mourinho’s sacking by “But I said last week is that Chelsea took the spotlight off the main thing is results and Dutchman Van Gaal on Friday the second thing is the chemis- but the vultures are circling after try between the players and the his side were knocked out of the manager and his staff . Champions League after defeat “I cannot judge what was hap- by and lost to modest pening there but was very sur- Bournemouth last week. prised. He said his side, labouring in “It’s like that, managers know fourth in the Premier League, in advance, it’s this world. My have to beat Norwich City on players are fi ne (with me). I’ve Saturday. read more than one article that “The only answer is to win this doesn’t look like that, but that’s An empty seat for visitors to sit on is seen in front of a poster photograph of the Chelsea soccer team, including former manager Jose Mourinho (2nd R) at Stamford Bridge. game. It’s still diffi cult because this crazy world.” we are playing in the Premier Van Gaal said three or four AFP his players and, with that in mind, it will like another team on the pitch against Guardiola has long been a target for League, but at home you have players who have been out in- London be fascinating to see how Chelsea’s un- Leicester.” Chelsea and has also been linked with to win, and that’s for sure,” Van jured could be set for a return derachieving stars perform now. Mourinho’s exit has overshadowed a fourth-placed Manchester United, whose Gaal, under fi re for his tactics all and he is hopeful striker Wayne There will be also be plenty of focus on big weekend in the title race as second- manager Louis van Gaal desperately season with fans blaming him for Rooney will be fi t after a full ose Mourinho’s abrupt departure the Stamford Bridge stands, where Chel- placed Arsenal host third-placed Man- needs a win against struggling Norwich a lack of fl air, told a news confer- week’s training. from Chelsea has put the crisis- sea’s fans had remained loyal to Mourinho chester City on Monday, while surprise on Saturday to silence the critics of his ence. Rooney has missed three torn champions’ clash with Sun- right until the bitter end. leaders Leicester travel to Everton on Sat- conservative tactics and keep pace with “I have the full confi dence of matches with an ankle injury. derland today fi rmly in the spot- Even at Leicester they were chant- urday. the leaders. my board and my players, that is Defender Chris Smalling and lightJ on a weekend that would otherwise ing his name and their reaction during Arsenal are two points behind Leices- But, with just one defeat from 16 league what I feel. midfi elder Ander Herrera are have been dominated by Premier League the Sunderland game will show whether ter and one ahead of City and a victory matches, Everton manager Roberto Mar- “But we have to get results, we also in contention for recalls. title tilts. Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’s over ’s side would be tinez insists overhauling Leicester will have to win. We know that, the “Rooney has been out for more Mourinho will be gone but not forgot- move has the support of the masses. the perfect boost heading into the busy be easier said than done for all their title players know that, I know that or less two weeks so it is possible ten at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea’s play- Abramovich was said to be keen to se- Christmas programme. rivals. and the members of staff know that he will play but we have to ers and fans get the chance to respond to cure an interim replacement for Mour- The Gunners’ chances of beating City “Leicester deserve to be top of the that. There is no doubt that we wait and see,” Van Gaal said. the polarising Portuguese coach’s sack- inho in time for Sunderland, with Dutch- would be greatly improved if for- league,” Martinez said. “I think Claudio ing. man Guus Hiddink—who has already ward Alexis Sanchez is fi t to feature af- Ranieri deserves all the credit for devel- Dismissed on Thursday just days af- successfully performed the same role at ter a hamstring injury and boss Arsene oping the belief in that team. SPOTLIGHT ter a 2-1 defeat at Leicester left the Blues Chelsea for three months in 2009 — high Wenger is cautiously optimistic. “Of course they are title contenders. I languishing one point above the relega- on his shortlist. “Maybe there is a slight chance for don’t see why they shouldn’t be. It’s not tion zone, Mourinho had apparently lost But regardless of who is in charge this Alexis to be in the squad again, but it is because they are top of the league, it’s the support of a signifi cant section of the weekend, Chelsea can ill-aff ord a 10th too early to be sure about it,” Wenger said. because they’ve been so competitive in Mourinho sacking Chelsea squad. league defeat of the season, especially City seem more likely to have a key fi g- every game.” Suggestions that several players, Eden against a Sunderland side only three ure back in time for the Emirates Stadium Hazard, Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas and points behind them, as the west London- showdown after striker Sergio Fixtures (1500 GMT unless stated) sets off Europe-wide Nemanja Matic reportedly among them, ers aim to climb away from the relegation Aguero, who has missed the last four games Today had grown unhappy as a result of feeling zone. in all competitions, returned to full training Chelsea v Sunderland, Everton v the lash of Mourinho’s acerbic tongue “I cannot explain why consistency has on Wednesday following a heel problem. Leicester, Manchester United v Norwich, coach alert were substantiated by Chelsea technical been so diffi cult to achieve. I don’t know Aguero’s return would be timely for Southampton v Tottenham, Stoke v Crys- director Michael Emenalo’s talk of “pal- what happened to us against Leicester,” City boss Manuel Pellegrini, who once tal Palace, West Brom v Bournemouth, AFP the club as with him we returned pable discord between the manager and Matic said. again had to endure speculation this week Newcastle v Aston Villa (1730 GMT) London to where we belong.” players”. “In the game against Porto, a very good that Bayern Munich manager Pep Guar- Tomorrow Some reports in Spain and Mourinho had claimed after the Leices- team, we played very well, we scored two diola is being lined up to replace him at Watford v Liverpool (1330 GMT), Swan- have suggested Madrid’s ter loss that he had been “betrayed” by goals and created chances, but we were the end of the season. sea v West Ham (1600 GMT) he sacking of Jose Mour- youth team coach and club leg- inho set off a frantic end is best merry-go-round among placed to take over from Benitez. BOTTOMLINE Europe’s star coaches Other big names such as withT the spotlight now falling on Louis Van Gaal are also said to at Bayern Munich be at risk. The team went out of and Rafa Benitez at Real Madrid. the Champions League at the Ranieri cautious over Leicester’s title chances Carlo Ancelotti, the only man- group stage and their 2-1 defeat ager to have won the Champions at Bournemouth last week left League three times, is also hov- United in fourth place in the Pre- AFP tract which they must respect.” ering on the market. mier League—six points behind London Everton are brimming with attack- But with the lure of Premier the leaders Leicester. ing talent, but their ambitions are being League riches growing, Guar- With pressure growing at Old threatened by an increasingly evident de- diola is to announce on Sunday Traff ord, Van Gaal’s methods, laudio Ranieri is refusing to fensive weakness at set-pieces. whether he will be staying at tactics and team selections all entertain the prospect of a Pre- Having conceded one goal from a corner Bayern Munich. face mounting scrutiny. mier League title challenge from in drawing 1-1 at home to Crystal Palace German media say the Span- Van Gaal acknowledged Friday Leicester City even though his side just under two weeks ago, they let in an- iard has decided to leave. He has that no manager is safe from a travelC to Everton on Saturday as surprise other as they were held 1-1 at Norwich last already been linked to Manches- sudden sacking. leaders. Saturday. ter City and Chelsea. “Yes, it is like that. But we Ranieri’s side, who began the season Roberto Martinez’s side have drawn their Spanish media have said that know that in advance. Also Jose among the favourites for relegation, have last three league matches, having thrown Real Madrid in turn could fi re knows that. This is the world,” he stunned the rest of the division with a su- away a late lead in dramatic circumstances Benitez if they lose again soon, said Friday. perb run that has left them two points clear at Bournemouth too. adding to the intrigue among Diego Simeone is in no ap- of second placed Arsenal. Had they won all three matches, Ever- Europe’s major clubs. parent trouble at Atletico Ma- The Foxes claimed the scalp of Jose ton would be fourth in the Premier League, Reports say Madrid players drid but the Argentine has been Mourinho this week as Chelsea’s 2-1 de- but instead they are 10th heading into the have turned against the 55-year- named as a leading candidate for feat at the King Power Stadium on Monday on Christmas Day, blah, blah, blah,” joked cool all talk of transfers away from the club weekend fi xtures. old Benitez in the same way some the Chelsea job. proved the Blues manager’s fi nal match in Ranieri. “But this is a strange league. Eve- in January. “It is not the time to look at the table,” did against Mourinho in 2010 British media have said that charge before he was sacked on Thursday. rything is strange.” “Already I spoke to the two guys and we Martinez said. “As disappointed as we are and as some Chelsea stars did Guus Hiddink, now holding While many pundits doubt Leicester’s Ranieri has shaken off his old reputation continue together,” Ranieri said. with the number of points we have dropped against him this season. talks in London, will take over at ability to last the pace in the title race, his- as a ‘Tinkerman’ who changed his team “We can improve, to help grow the team, in the last few games, we have been very Madrid have failed to win the Chelsea until the end of the sea- tory suggests Ranieri’s team are genuine every week by staying loyal to a core group and maybe at end of the season we can consistent and some of our attacking play league since Mourinho left. Yet son and that Simeone is the man contenders. of players this season. speak. has been exceptional. club president Florentino Perez that the Chelsea board wants for Victory at would guaran- He must make at least two changes on “In my mind they are the fi rst players I “Now we need to develop a little bit of said Mourinho would not return the long term. tee top spot at Christmas and the Italian is Saturday, however, with sus- want to keep and continue with this group. know-how and manage that attacking play. for now. Italian Ancelotti, 56, who was aware that fi ve of the last six festive table- pended and Danny Drinkwater out with a It’s a good group. If we do that we will end up with the results “No one can predict the future, fi red by Real Madrid in May, has toppers have gone on to lift the trophy. hamstring injury. “It is important to maintain this mental- we deserve.” but right now he will not be com- been linked to many jobs—in- Yet Ranieri wouldn’t discuss Leicester’s Crucially, he will have Algeria winger ity. I didn’t wait for their answer! is aiming to score in a ing to Madrid,” Perez told Span- cluding any looming vacancy at title hopes when asked if they could chal- Riyad Mahrez and England striker Jamie “I suggested to them what is the best for seventh successive Premier League game - ish radio, while adding: “I have Bayern Munich. But he has said lenge and instead gave a typically cryptic Vardy available, with the pair having scored them? If they believe in me, follow me. and an eighth in all competitions - having very good memories of Mourin- he does not want to return to response. 26 goals between them already. “The owners made a contract for them had nine of his 15 goals this season set up by ho, he lifted our competitive level management until the 2016-17 “I read that whoever arrives at the top And the Italian has met with the pair to a long time ago. For them there is a con- winger Gerard Deulofeu. a lot. It wasn’t a dark period for season. Gulf Times Saturday, December 19, 2015 5 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA FOCUS ‘No Real return for Crisis-hit Real Madrid Mourinho’ seek Christmas cheer Madrid have lost three of their last five league games to slip five points behind leaders Barca and Atletico Madrid with Benitez rumoured to be one more defeat away from the sack AFP Madrid

eal Madrid president Florentino Perez has ruled out an immediate return to the RBernabeu for Jose Mourinho, despite holding “good memo- ries” of the Portuguese nation- al’s spell in charge of Madrid. Mourinho left Chelsea “by mutual consent” according to the English champions on Thursday, two years after returning to the Premier League from Madrid, where he won one title in three years in charge. However, just as in his two spells at Chelsea, Mourinho courted plenty of controversy in the Spanish capital and left dur- ing a dressing room revolt lead by Madrid’s current captain Sergio Ramos, among others. Madrid have failed to win the league since Mourinho left and currently trail leaders Barce- lona and Atletico Madrid by fi ve points in the title race. Yet, despite rumours Ma- drid coach Rafael Benitez could be one more defeat away from the sack after just six months in charge, Perez insisted Benitez and not Mourinho is the man to turn Real’s fortunes around. “No one can predict the fu- ture, but right now he will not Under pressure: Rafael Benitez be coming to Madrid,” Perez told Spanish radio station Cadena Ser. “Benitez is capable of solving the problems we have. We are only contemplating that option. “I have very good memories of Mourinho, he lifted our competi- AFP down for 10 days over Christmas. “I would swap Madrid’s crisis for Reus in the Cup on Thursday and are ex- points of the top four with a win. tive level a lot. It wasn’t a dark Madrid Moreover, Benitez could have a fully- ours,” he said. pected to return along with Colombian Celta Vigo currently occupy fourth period for the club as with him fi t squad to choose from as Raphael Var- “If we play like we did against Malaga striker Jackson Martinez after a six- and will be confi dent of staying there we returned to where we belong.” ane and Dani Carvajal stepped up their or today (Wednesday), we can’t even week injury layoff . despite missing top scorer Nolito Reports in Spain and France afael Benitez could take charge recovery from injury this week. compete against a second division team. Valencia were also victors in the Cup through injury as they visit struggling have suggested Madrid’s youth of Real Madrid for the fi nal Toni Kroos was surprisingly left out of “If we play like we did against Villar- in midweek as got his fi rst Granada. team coach and club legend Zin- time should the Spanish giants the starting line-up for the 1-0 defeat at real, Espanyol, Las Palmas or Valencia win as a head coach at the third time of However, any slip up from the Gali- edine Zidane is best placed to fail to end an alarming slump to Villarreal last weekend amid rumours of then yes we will be competitive (against asking and the Englishman will be ex- cians would allow Villarreal to move into take over from Benitez should seeR off humble city rivals Rayo Vallecano a bust up with Benitez. Madrid).” pected to follow that up with a fi rst La the Champions League places should results not improve in the com- tomorrow. The German international also missed Atletico are guaranteed to be at least Liga win at home to Getafe today. they back up their win over Madrid with ing weeks. Madrid have lost three of their last training on Thursday due to the fl u, but joint top at Christmas, but Diego Sime- “There is nothing like winning for another victory at Real Sociedad. However, Perez suggested it is fi ve league games to slip fi ve points be- is expected to be fi t should Benitez wish one’s men can take top spot on their confi dence,” said Neville after Valencia’s too early to hand the 43-year-old hind leaders Barcelona and Atletico Ma- to recall him. own for the fi rst time since they claimed fi rst win in four games in all competi- Fixtures (all times GMT) his fi rst senior managerial role. drid with Benitez rumoured to be one Madrid’s problems appear minimal the title against all odds 18 months ago tions. Today “He will for sure be a great more defeat away from the sack. compared to Rayo, who have slipped should they avoid defeat at Malaga to- “We have to improve and we will with Valencia vs Getafe (1500), Espanyol vs coach one day and, moreover, However, it would take a monumen- into the relegation zone after three con- morrow. these players. They are young, but they are Las Palmas (1715), Real Betis vs Sevilla will be the Madrid coach, but tal collapse for Real to fail to add to a secutive league defeats. Los Rojiblancos have won nine con- willing to learn, to listen and discuss ideas (1930), Deportivo la Coruna vs Eibar that time isn’t today,” he added. run of 14 consecutive wins against Rayo Paco Jemez’s men did reach the last secutive games in all competitions to which has really satisfi ed me this week.” (2105) “Despite what various press stretching back over 15 years. 16 of the Copa del Rey on away goals on book their place in the last 16 of the Elsewhere, Real Betis host a resur- Tomorrow sources have agreed on, I repeat Barca’s participation in the Club Wednesday, despite losing 3-1 at Getafe. Champions League and Copa del Rey, as gent Sevilla in the fi rst Seville derby Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano (1500), that Benitez was brought in to World Cup this weekend does at least Yet the performance off ered Jemez little well as storming to the top of La Liga. in 20 months. Sevilla are unbeaten in Real Sociedad vs Villarreal, Granada vs resolve a problem. Therefore, allow Madrid to cut the gap on one of hope ahead of the trip to the Santiago Diego Godin and Antoine Griezmann six games after a diffi cult start to the Celta Vigo, vs Levante Benitez is the solution not the their title rivals before La Liga shuts Bernabeu. were rested for the win over minnows season and could move within three (1715), Malaga vs Atletico Madrid (1930) problem.”

BUNDESLIGASPOTLIGHT Figueredo to Tired Bayern out to fi nish 2015 on high in Hanover

the Bavarian giants hope their coach will be extradited to AFP Bayern coach Guardiola to announce plans tomorrow Munich sign an extension, but reports from Spain claim Guardiola has already told the club Uruguay: judge AFP, Madrid: Real Madrid president “No one can predict the future, but right he will leave in May. truggling Hanover 96 have the Florentino Perez has ruled out an im- now he will not be coming to Madrid,” Second-placed , the chance to take advantage of jaded mediate return to the Santiago Bernabeu Perez told Spanish radio station Cadena league’s top scorers with 46 goals com- AFP Bayern Munich today and secure for Jose Mourinho, despite holding Ser. pared to Bayern’s 45, play away Zurich their fi rst win over the German “good memories” of the Portuguese “Benitez is capable of solving the prob- on Saturday with the hosts winless in their leagueS leaders for four years. national’s spell in charge of Madrid. lems we have. We are only contemplat- last fi ve home games. Bayern head to Hanover for their fi nal Mourinho left Chelsea “by mutual ing that option. Gabon international Pierre-Emerick witzerland will extra- game of 2015 with a fi ve-point lead in the consent” according to the English “I have very good memories of Mourin- Aubameyang has scored 18 goals in 16 dite former FIFA vice table, but with Pep Guardiola’s Bavarian champions on Thursday, two years after ho, he lifted our competitive level a lot. It league games so far this season having president Eugenio giants admitting fatigue is a factor. returning to the Premier League from wasn’t a dark period for the club as with scored 29 Bundesliga goals in the 2015 cal- Figueredo to his na- “We’ll pick ourselves up once again Madrid, where he won one La Liga title in him we returned to where we belong.” ender year. Two of the German league’s Stive Uruguay instead of the and give it our all to take the three points three years in charge. Reports in Spain and France have sug- surprise packages go head-to-head in the United States after his arrest in from Hanover, even if we haven’t got many However, just as in his two spells at gested Madrid’s youth team coach and capital when third-placed Hertha Berlin the corruption scandal rock- players left,” admitted Germany forward Chelsea, Mourinho courted plenty of club legend Zinedine Zidane is best seek their third straight win tomorrow. ing world football, a judge said Figueredo had agreed to be Thomas Mueller. Bayern are missing in- controversy in the Spanish capital and placed to take over from Benitez should With nine wins, Hertha already have as yesterday. extradited to Uruguay but not jured stars Franck Ribery, Mario Goetze, left during a dressing room revolt lead results not improve in the coming weeks. many victories this season under coach Pal “It’s offi cial, the Swiss au- to the United States. Juan Bernat and David Alaba for their fi nal by Madrid’s current captain Sergio However, Perez suggested it is too early Dardai as they did in the entire 2014/15 cam- thorities have agreed to Eu- The Swiss justice ministry match before the month-long winter break Ramos, among others. to hand the 43-year-old his first senior paign. Mainz, seventh in the league, are un- genio Figueredo’s extradition (FOJ) had approved his extradi- starts tomorrow. Madrid have failed to win the league managerial role. beaten in their last six consecutive league to Uruguay,” said judge Juan tion to both countries, and said Regardless of the result in Hanover, Bay- since Mourinho left and currently trail “He will for sure be a great coach one games (three wins, three draws) and have also Gomez, who is in charge of the in November it would be up ern will be top of the table at Christmas for leaders Barcelona and Atletico Madrid day and, moreover, will be the Madrid not tasted defeat in their last four away fi xtures. Uruguayan case. to the United States to decide the fi fth year in succession with goalkeeper by five points in the title race. coach, but that time isn’t today,” he Mainz conceded 19 goals in their fi rst 11 “The Swiss authorities will whether to let Uruguay have Manuel Neuer set to make his 300th Bun- Yet, despite rumours Madrid coach added. Bundesliga outings this season, but have have until December 30 to priority. desliga appearance. Rafael Benitez could be one more defeat “Despite what various press sources let in just two in the fi ve games since. complete the extradition.” “If the US authorities do not Having struggled to a 2-0 league win away from the sack after just six months have agreed on, I repeat that Benitez Midfi elder Yunus Mali and Japan striker Figueredo, the former presi- agree, the issue will be decided over Ingolstadt last Saturday, Bayern la- in charge, Perez insisted Benitez and was brought in to resolve a problem. Yoshinori Muto have scored 15 goals be- dent of South American feder- by the FOJ,” it said at the time. boured to a 1-0 German Cup win over not Mourinho is the man to turn Real’s Therefore, Benitez is the solution not the tween them. ation CONMEBOL, was arrest- Figueredo, 83, was among Darmstadt on Tuesday to book their quar- fortunes around. problem.” ed in a raid on a Zurich luxury the seven FIFA offi cials arrest- ter-fi nal place. Fixtures (all times 1430 GMT unless hotel in May. ed in May by Swiss authorities It kept alive their dreams of winning the stated) He has been indicted in the acting on the US indictment, treble of Champions League, Bundesliga Today United States on charges of arrests that kicked off an un- and cup titles this season. in recent weeks,” said Lahm. “Of course, Coach is under pres- Hamburg vs Augsburg, Eintracht Frankfurt soliciting multi-million-dollar precedented crisis at FIFA. Mueller admitted the Darmstadt win we’re looking forward to the winter break sure unless results improve and Hanover vs Werder Bremen, Cologne vs Borussia bribes from sports marketing The scandal led to the sus- “was not a Gala performance” while cap- and we’re fi nding it a bit hard at the mo- will be without Japan midfi elder Hiroshi Dortmund, Hanover 96 vs Bayern Munich, fi rms. pension of FIFA president Sepp tain Philipp Lahm says the Bayern squad ment.” Kiyotake, who has a foot injury. Ingolstadt 04 vs Bayer Leverkusen, VfB But authorities in Uruguay Blatter, who is currently an- has been running low on energy for weeks. Despite tired limbs, Bayern should beat Bayern are also bracing themselves to Stuttgart vs VfL Wolfsburg (1730) launched their own investiga- swering to corruption allega- “The players’ condition isn’t so great, Hanover, who are third from bottom, have learn about Guardiola’s future plans with an Tomorrow tion and subsequently charged tions before the world football because we’ve played a lot of games and suff ered ten defeats this season and last announcement expected before Christmas. Hertha Berlin vs Mainz 05, Bor. him with abusing his offi ce. governing body’s ethics judges. have had few opportunities for turnover managed to beat Bayern in 2011. With his current contract to end in June, Moenchengladbach vs Darmstadt (1630) Gulf Times 6 Saturday, December 19, 2015 FOOTBALL

DAY OF RECKONING PREVIEW Artists clash with workmen in Club Platini case before World Cup fi nal FIFA ethics body, verdict on Monday The ruling will determine whether Platini can run for the FIFA presidency at an election Barcelona players Luis Suarez (L) and in a jovial mood scheduled for February 26. If he is banned Europe’s UEFA would also need a new leader before a training session in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, yesterday.

DPA in the case of confl ict of interest. The Reuters injury respectively, will both be Zurich investigatory chamber has demanded Yokohama fi t for Sunday when the Catalans sanctions in its reports on the top offi - could fi eld six South Americans cials. with Claudio Bravo, Dani Alves ichel Platini was absent yes- If sanctioned, the case is to continue outh America’s top play- and Javier Mascherano also set terday as the ethics com- at the Court of Arbitration for Sport ers will be playing against to play. Even without Messi and mittee of the ruling foot- (CAS), as Blatter and Platini have said the team from their conti- Neymar, there is a gaping gap be- ball body FIFA conducted a they would appeal. nent rather than for them tween the two squads. Mhearing into a 2-million dollar payment If cleared, Blatter’s last day as FIFA whenS Barcelona meet River Plate While Barcelona spent an es- the suspended UEFA president received president will be February 26 when he in the Club World Cup fi nal on timated 81 million euros ($87.94 in 2011 for FIFA work done a decade ear- will hand back his mandate and the con- Sunday. million) on Suarez alone, River lier. gress is to elect a new president - and In theory, the match is a meet- Plate’s fi rst-choice starting 11 Instead, his lawyer Thibaud d’Ales approve a wide range reform package in ing between the best teams in cost around 5 million euros in brought 120 pages of documents to the order to restore FIFA’s credibility amid Europe and South America. In transfer fees between them. FIFA headquarters in an attempt to con- arrests of several top offi cials in a United practice, it is more of a contest In contrast to Barcelona, Riv- vince the adjudicatory chamber panel States criminal investigation, and a sep- between South America’s artists, er’s players have only a smatter- that his client is innocent in the aff air. arate Swiss probe. performing for Barcelona, and ing of international appearances Platini’s case was dealt with a day The acting FIFA leadership of presi- its workmen, plying their trade between them, usually in low-key after FIFA president Joseph Blatter ap- dent Issa Hayatou and general secre- with River. Barcelona have been friendlies. Carlos Sanchez is their peared before the chamber over the tary Markus Kattner, in an open letter scintillating this season thanks most capped player with a mod- “disloyal payment” from 2011 which is published Friday, called on all 209 FIFA largely to their forward trio of est 11 outings for Uruguay. investigated by Swiss prosecutors and members “to fully support, implement Argentine , Brazil- Although most of River’s team led to the suspension of Blatter and and abide by the new reforms. ian Neymar and Uruguayan Luis have played abroad, it has been far Platini by FIFA in October. “The future of FIFA and the global Suarez, scorer of a hat-trick in from the glamour of the big clubs. The chamber’s spokesman Marc development of football depend on our Wednesday’s 3-0 semi-fi nal win The most successful was mid- Tenbuecken said the judges headed by full commitment to embracing a change over Guangzhou Evergrande. fi elder , who German Jans-Joachim Eckert would de- in culture from top to bottom,” it said. River Plate, on the other hand, established himself for three sea- liberate over the weekend “and publish FIFA’s executive committee has have achieved dominance in sons at Real Zaragoza. its verdict on Monday,” likely between passed the package which includes term South America with a team of Defender Jonathan Maidana 0900 and 1000 GMT. limits for the president and other top journeymen, moulded into a win- had two seasons with Ukraine’s The ruling will determine whether offi cials, more transparency, and a new ning outfi t by inspirational coach Metalist Kharkiv and Platini can run for the FIFA presidency structure with less power for the presi- Marcelo Gallardo who himself spent fi ve at an election scheduled for February dent and a no longer decision-making could end up in Europe if his suc- seasons in Qatar, while forward 26. If he is banned Europe’s UEFA would council replacing the executive com- cess continues. Modern football was signed by Ben- also need a new leader. mittee. fi nances mean that nearly all of fi ca but made only one appear- Platini said through his legal team “We maintain that the majority of South America’s top players pre- ance for the Portuguese club. Wednesday he would not attend because those working in football governance do fer to play in Europe, and in some Before the exodus to Europe he felt pre-judged by recent statements so in the right way and for the right rea- cases Asia, rather than their own began in the 1980s, South Ameri- of investigatory chamber spokesman sons, but it has become clear that root- region. can teams dominated the old Andreas Bantel. He also named his case and-branch reform is the only way to The only exceptions are young Intercontinental Cup, a one-off political with the intention of stopping deter future wrongdoing and to restore players who have yet to make the match between the champions him from becoming FIFA boss. faith in FIFA,” the letter said. move, such as River Plate’s Eder of the two continents played in Both men protest their innocence and “We will need to work hard together Alvarez and Matias Kranevit- Tokyo. Since the current tourna- while admitting that there was no writ- over the coming years to win back the ter, and some veterans who have ment started in 2005, there have ten contract they say they had a verbal trust and respect of fans, players, com- come home to play out their ca- been only three South American agreement. mercial affi liates and all the many mil- This file photo taken on December 8, 2015 shows journalists surrounding UEFA reers, such as Lucho Gonzalez and wins in 10 attempts and all have The pair face life bans if found guilty lions of participants who make football president and FIFA vice president as he arrives at the Court of Javier Saviola. been achieved by playing as un- of corruption; or bans over several years the world’s most popular sport.” Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to appeal against a 90-day suspension in Lausanne. Barcelona hope that Messi and derdogs, shutting up shop and Neymar, who missed Wednes- catching their rivals on the coun- day’s match through illness and terattack. Chinese game world-class in fi ve years, says Scolari SPOTLIGHT

AFP, Hiroshima: Guangzhou Ever- world-class yet but we’re heading in the Brazil coach after a traumatic World Cup ested in the development of my team,” Neymar in race grande coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said right direction and it’s important we keep last year, the hosts famously crashing out added Scolari, whose first stint as Brazil Chinese football is on track to being going. We’re learning all the time. after a humiliating 7-1 defeat by Germany coach ended with them lifting the World world-class within five years after their “It may take four or five years for Chinese in the semi-finals with star striker Neymar Cup for a fifth time in 2002, at the same to be fi t for Club loss to Barcelona at the Club World Cup. football to catch up to the world but we will sidelined through injury. Yokohama stadium. A Luis Suarez hat-trick gave Barca a 3-0 keep pushing,” added Scolari, who will look Neymar was rested against Scolari’s “My players showed great character, win in Yokohama on Thursday, sending to improve on his club’s fourth-place finish Evergrande side on Wednesday as he great determination and they continue to World Cup fi nal the European Champions through to the last year in by beating Japan’s recovers from a groin strain, while Lionel develop as a group. Many teams in Spain final against Argentina’s River Plate at the on Sunday. Messi pulled out of the game suddenly and Europe have suff ered the same fate, AFP Messi misses training, weekend. “I thanked the players for a truly wonder- with kidney problems. But Barca still had so they know they can play at that level.” Yokohama passes kidney stone But Scolari hailed the growth of the ful year,” said the former Brazil coach Suarez to plunge the dagger into the Evergrande came into the semi-final game in China and lavished praise on whose spoiling tactics had frustrated Chinese side. unbeaten in 24 games, but the manner of Yokohama: Lionel Messi has his players, following another successful Barca until Suarez broke through six “Even without Messi and Neymar, Barce- their defeat served to underline the gulf arcelona could welcome passed a kidney stone which ruled season in which Evergrande won a fifth minutes before half-time. lona have exceptional quality throughout in class between European clubs and the Neymar back from injury him out of their Club World Cup successive Chinese championship and “We’ve lost but we’ve lost to a great team their squad,” shrugged Scolari, who rest of the world. for this weekend’s Club semi-final and Barcelona will now a second AFC Champions League title in in Barcelona. They have beaten many surprisingly opted to keep former Real The Chinese club’s last foray into the Club World Cup fi nal against decide whether he will be fit for the three years. top teams 3-0 so there’s no shame in this Madrid striker Robinho on the bench. World Cup also ended in a 3-0 semi-final RiverB Plate after the Brazilian final, the Spanish sports daily AS “There is still a gap between us and the result.” “They showed us again how to play defeat, when Bayern Munich beat Mar- striker stepped up his training in said yesterday. rest of the world,” he said. “We’re not Scolari was sacked in his second spell as beautiful football. But I am more inter- cello Lippi’s Evergrande in 2013. Yokohama yesterday. The Argentina forward was ruled The 23-year-old, who was out of Thursday’s 3-0 win over rested for Thursday’s 3-0 win Guangzhou Evergrande at the last over Guangzhou Evergrande as he minute because the club said he BOTTOMLINE recovers from a groin strain, per- was suff ering from renal colic, a formed some drills and condition associated with kidney light sprints and could yet play a stones. part against River. The sports daily AS said on its Meanwhile, Lionel Messi, side- website that Messi had endured lined for the semi-fi nal after com- another “bad night” but had passed Germany pledged millions to ing down with a kidney complaint, the stone which was causing him skipped training, although Barca pain. The club said he had missed manager refused to training yesterday but did not give rule out his return for Sunday’s any further details. clash. Warner for vote, says report “I don’t know if we will have Barca’s players also gushed Neymar and Messi for the fi nal,” about Suarez after the former AFP Warner was president of the In addition, $4 million worth tract was “supposedly not im- Der Spiegel had reported in Enrique told reporters. “They Liverpool forward scored with Berlin North American, Central Ameri- of merchandising including Adi- plemented”, but that the DFB had October that Germany had paid don’t know if they will be ready a classic poacher’s strike before can and Caribbean Football Con- das footballs, bags and shoes been hit with a bill for the pro- 6.7 million euros ($7.4 million) to and neither do we, so we’ll have halftime and followed that with a federation (CONCACAF), and would be sent to the Caribbean. duction of Trinidad and Tobago FIFA to buy votes in the bid. to see.” breath-taking fi ve minutes ermany’s football as- he was among an initial group of Bundesliga giants Bayern Mu- fl ags and a separate one for the German authorities launched Messi, who reportedly went to after the break. sociation promised a 14 people indicted last May on nich were also allegedly involved. printing of tickets for a qualifi ca- an investigation into the allega- hospital for tests after being di- He completed his treble from package worth millions racketeering, bribery and money was the tion game between Trinidad and tions and German police raided agnosed with renal colic, posted the penalty spot to give him 22 of euros to secure a cru- laundering charges by the US At- club’s president at the time, and Panama. the offi ces of the German Foot- on his Facebook page: “It’s never goals in 23 competitive matches Gcial vote from disgraced offi cial torney General. under the alleged contract, Bay- Both bills date to 2000, the ball Federation (DFB) in Novem- fun to miss any game, but I hope to this season. Jack Warner for its bid to host the The DFB has admitted to the ern were expected to train for year the hosting rights of the ber. get better to be able to help in the “Luis has been a superb player 2006 World Cup, Der Spiegel said existence of a deal but has said it three weeks every year with a 2006 World Cup were awarded to Prosecutors said they were fi nal.” for many years,” said left-back yesterday. was only a draft. CONCACAF team. Germany. launching a tax probe against With Messi and Neymar miss- Jordi Alba. “But you can see that The news magazine—which in Der Spiegel said that incen- The DFB would take charge The DFB had admitted to the three top offi cials at the federa- ing, Luis Suarez fi red a hat-trick— the way Barca plays suits him October broke the story alleging tives off ered by Germany to the of the printing of tickets for up existence of a draft deal with tion, but could not pursue accu- the fi rst in the tournament’s histo- down to the ground.” Germany bought votes to secure ex-CONCACAF chief included to eight qualifi cation games, as CONCACAF that was signed by sations of corruption because the ry—to give Barca an easy win over Dani Alves missed Friday’s hosting rights for the tourna- 1,000 World Cup tickets of the well as the production of 30,000 Beckenbauer, after German daily statute of limitations on graft had Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Chinese side. practice with a bruised foot, but ment—said it has seen a contract most expensive category that Trinidad and Tobago fl ags. Bild in November said the agree- expired. “Luis is a sensational player,” his availability for Sunday’s fi nal is detailing perks that the Trinidad Warner would be able to sell for The fl ags would be picked up ment was aimed at buying votes. Both former DFB chief Wolf- said Enrique. “He is a killer inside not thought to be in doubt. and Tobago offi cial and the asso- hundreds of thousands of dollars. by a member of Warner’s entou- Germany beat by gang Niersbach and Beckenbauer the box and an essential member European champions Barcelona ciation he headed would be given A “contact person” would get rage, with the fi rst-class fl ights to 12 votes to 11, with one absten- have denied any wrong-doing of the team. When you need a goal, are attempting to become the fi rst by the German football associa- $240,000 for the deal, according be paid for by the DFB. tion, to win the right to host the in connection with winning the he always comes up with one for side to win the Club World Cup tion (DFB). to the report. The magazine said the con- tournament. right to host the tournament. you.” three times. Gulf Times Saturday, december 19, 2015 7 SPORT

NBA NHL Wild’s scoring surge continues in 5-2 James knocks out win over Rangers

By Michael Russo RESULTS Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Buff alo...... 3 Anaheim ...... 0 Florida ...... 5 New Jersey ...... 1 he Wild made the iron Philadelphia ...2 Vancouver ...... 0 Day’s wife as Cavs ring so many times San Jose ...... 5 Toronto ...4 (OT) Thursday night, it Los Angeles ...3 Montreal ...... 0 seemed players were St. Louis ...... 2 Nashville ...... 1 collectingT holiday donations in Minnesota ...... 5 NY Rangers...... 2 front of a Target. Chicago ...... 4 Edmonton ...... 0 The Wild overcame the mad- Calgary ...... 3 Dallas ...... 1 dening posts and crossbar be- Colorado ...... 2 NY Islanders ...... 1 hind Henrik Lundqvist with a Columbus ...... 7 Arizona ...... 5 cool off Thunder third-period onslaught to break open a one-goal game and ex- tend their point streak to nine after Koivu’s third goal in the ‘Obviously, her health is very important and the guys tell me she’s doing great now’ games with a 5-2 win over the past three games. After a slow New York Rangers at Xcel Energy start for both teams compared to Center. the Wild’s pace during the fi rst The Wild put forth another two periods Tuesday against suff ocating defensive eff ort. In Vancouver (10 combined shots in his fi rst start since getting hurt the fi rst period), Thomas Vanek Dec 5, Devan Dubnyk made 21 took a Zach Parise rim around saves, including one on a penalty the end wall and centered for shot 49 seconds into the game, Koivu, who backhanded his sev- and the Wild got two goals from enth goal of the season. Mikko Koivu and one each from Koivu and Vanek, coming off Matt Dumba, Jason Pominville four-point nights, are the Wild’s and Chris Porter to improve to two leading scorers, respec- 6-0-3 in its past nine games. tively. Parise extended his point The Wild have now allowed streak to six games. nine goals in eight games since Dubnyk was tested three times coach Mike Yeo’s Nov 30 furtive in the period. The fi rst came 49 on-ice practice rant designed to seconds in when Vanek turned “rattle the cage.” the puck over, then hooked de- The Wild’s power play has also fenseman Keith Yandle on a come alive at home. One game breakaway. Yandle was awarded after going 3-for-5 on the power a penalty shot, and Dubnyk play, the Wild scored another gloved it down, the 10th time a two on three chances Thursday. Wild goalie has stopped a pen- Dumba scored a power-play alty shot in 17 all-time attempts. goal in the second period and Later, Dubnyk made a couple Koivu, who had a three-point dandy saves on Jesper Fast and night one game after a four- J.T. Miller. point night, sent Pominville in The second period played out alone for a partial breakaway diff erently. Things opened up on a power play in a three-goal from the outset as both teams third for the winning goal. combined for nine shots in the Pominville had hit the post fi rst 5 minutes. earlier in the period after Justin The Wild hits posts twice, Fontaine and Jason Zucker did so once after Fontaine’s short- in the second. handed deke, once on a Zucker With the Rangers playing shot Lunqvist fi rst stopped. That in Winnipeg on Friday, coach would have extended a 2-0 lead Alain Vigneault chose to give to 3-0, but instead, with 8.9 sec- Lundqvist the night off and onds left, Dominic Moore made start backup, Antti Raanta, the it 2-1 after Tanner Glass freed a former Blackhawk whom the loose puck with a big hit on Ryan Wild once pursued as a Euro- Suter off a forecheck. pean free agent. That halted Dubnyk’s shutout Raanta’s night was over by the streak at 165 minutes, 23 seconds 13:49 mark after Marco Scandel- - 1:26 short of his career high. la’s blistering, knuckling slap- In between, Dumba did score shot from the right circle struck a power-play goal by batting him on the helmet protecting his Nino Niederreiter’s rebound out forehead. Lundqvist, who was of the air. Mikael Granlund also 15-6-3 with a 2.14 goals-against picked up an assist for his 14th average and .933 save percent- point in the past 17 games. age, entered to play the rest of It was also the third time in the game. two games the Wild scored after He was trailing 1-0 at the time Charlie Coyle draw a power play.

LeBron James (No 23) of the Cleveland Cavaliers dives for a loose ball as Kyle Singler (C) of the Oklahoma City Thunder look on during the second half of their NBA game at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. (Getty Images/AFP)

DPA The Lakers resorted to inten- Los Angeles tionally fouling Howard with 5:21 left in the contest but the center converted seven-of-12 inutes after crashing free throws. into a courtside fan, The Rockets led 52-39 at the LeBron James and break. They limited the Lakers Cleveland Cavaliers to 34.8 percent shooting while Mknocked off another quality op- hitting 40.9 percent of their ponent. shots. James collected 33 points, Houston also had the edge nine rebounds and 11 assists on in three-pointers, making six- Thursday, and the Cavs cooled of-12 attempts (50 percent) to off the Oklahoma City Thun- three-of-12 (25 percent) for the der’s six-game winning streak, Lakers. 104-100. Overall, the Lakers out-shot James stepped up in the ab- the Rockets 42.9 percent to 38.6 sence of guards Mo Williams, percent. Iman Shumpert and Kyrie Irv- Bryant provided some crowd- ing. pleasing moments in the third “You do whatever it takes to quarter. He had Laker fans roar- help your team win,” James said. ing and on their feet after he “With us being short-handed, drove the lane and slammed a I knew I had to pick it up in all dunk over forward Clint Capela. facets of the game.” He followed with a baseline With 3:07 left to play, James jumper to cut the Rockets’ ad- accidentally ploughed into the Ellie Day, wife of golfer Jason Day, leaves the arena on a stretcher after she was run into by Cleveland vantage 55-48 at 8:49 of the wife of PGA champion Jason Cavaliers forward LeBron James while she sat in the front row during a game between the Cleveland third. Day while chasing down a ball Cavaliers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Quicken Loans Arena. She was later released from the Bryant scored 10 points on headed out of bounds. hospital. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports 5-of-6 shooting in the quar- Unable to brace herself from ter but the Rockets took a 78- the 2-metre, 118-kg James, Ellie court,” said Cavs forward Kevin RESULTS scored 16 points and grabbed 68 lead heading into the fi nal Day fell backwards in her chair Love, following an 11-point, 15 rebounds despite experienc- frame. and landed on her head. seven-rebound outing. “It Charlotte ...... 109 Toronto 99 (OT) ing foul trouble throughout the It was Houston’s second win She stayed down for several wasn’t pretty but we were able Cleveland .104 Oklahoma ...100 contest. over the Lakers within the past minutes before being attended to withstand their push in the Houston...... 107 LA Lakers ...... 87 Forward Terrence Jones had five days. The Rockets coasted by medical personnel, and was fourth quarter.” 16 points and forward Trevor to a 126-97 rout on December taken out of Quicken Loans Russell Westbrook led Okla- Ariza and guard Patrick Bever- 12 Arena on a stretcher with her homa City (17-9) with 27 points, eight seconds left. ley chipped in 13 apiece as the Elsewhere: Charlotte Hor- head in a brace to a nearby hos- Kevin Durant added 25 and The Thunder recovered the Rockets (13-14) ended a two- nets 109, Toronto Raptors 99 pital for overnight observation. Serge Ibaka contributed 23. ball and Westbrook bounced game slide. They also defeated (oneOT): Jeremy Lin dropped in James went over to check on “We put ourselves in a posi- another potential game-tying Los Angeles for the fi fth con- a season-high 35 points, and PJ her during a stoppage of play. tion to win the game,” West- 3-pointer off the lip of the rim secutive time at Staples. Hairston buried the go-ahead “Obviously, her health is very brook said. “We just got to close out of a timeout. James grabbed Forward Kobe Bryant scored triple with 90 seconds remain- important and the guys tell me them out.” the rebound and his free throw 22 points and had eight re- ing in overtime to trigger a 13-3 she’s doing great now,” he said. In a game of runs, the Cavs with seven-tenths of a second bounds for the Lakers (4-22), closing kick as the Hornets ran “I was going for a loose ball and fell behind by eight but went on left sealed the win. who lost seven of their last out from the visiting Raptors. tried to keep the possession go- a 20-4 tear bridging the third eight. Forward Julius Randle had Kemba Walker had 27 for Char- ing.” and fourth quarters to go ahead Harden helps Rockets soar 18 points and 10 boards, while lotte (15-10), which regrouped Richard Jeff erson scored 13 90-80 with eight minutes left over stumbling Lakers guard Lou Williams contributed after blowing a 16-point third- points and fellow-reserve Tris- to play. The Thunder wasn’t Guard James Harden had 25 14 points. quarter cushion. tan Thompson had 12 with a through yet. points, six rebounds and six Randle’s layup pulled Los An- DeMar DeRozan netted 31 game-high 15 boards for the Trailing 103-95, Westbrook assists, leading the Houston geles within 81-76 less than three points and Kyle Lowry had 20 to Eastern Conference-best Cavs hit a jumper and 3-pointer to Rockets to a 107-87 romp over minutes into the fourth quarter pace Toronto (16-11), while Bis- Minnesota Wild forward Jason Pominville (R) celebrates his goal with (17-7), who improved to 31-2 at pull OKC to within three. Du- the Los Angeles Lakers at Sta- but an 11-0 run by Houston gave mack Biyombo added eight with center Mikko Koivu (L) and and forward Thomas Vanek (R) during the home since mid-January. rant had a shot to knot the con- ples Center on Thursday. the visitors a 16-point lead. The a 18 rebounds and seven blocked third period against the New York Rangers at Xcel Energy Center. The “We have to protect our home test but missed a triple with Center Dwight Howard Lakers never recovered. shots against his former club. Wild win 5-2 over the Rangers. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 8 Saturday, December 19, 2015 SPORT

NFL SPOTLIGHT Kershaw gets fi rst-hand view of Cuba’s passion Rams down Bucs for baseball

By Kevin Baxter ers teammate Yasiel Puig and Los Angeles Times Detroit Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera taught hitting. Kershaw and Puig reportedly layton Kershaw never have a strained relationship af- 31-23 in possible doubted Cuba’s pas- ter former major leaguer Andy sion for baseball. But Van Slyke, the father of Dodgers then he had never truly outfi elder Scott Van Slyke, told experiencedC it until Thursday, a St. Louis radio station that the when a crowd of several dozen pitcher asked for Puig to be trad- sat through a 2-hour children’s ed. Kershaw politely declined to clinic, then waited another 30 talk about that here as did Puig, minutes under a blazing sun just who also didn’t want to talk St. Louis farewell to watch Kershaw play catch. about a domestic violence inves- “They love baseball,” the Los tigation in Miami and his weight, Angeles Dodgers’ three-time Cy which was a problem last season. ‘There’s no telling what will happen, but the fans today were incredible’ Young Award winner said with a However a friend said Puig, grin. who is working out regularly Major League Baseball’s with Cabrera in South Florida, is AFP three-day goodwill visit to Cuba aware of the trade demand and St. Louis moved to Matanzas, about 60 wants to remain with the Dodg- miles east of Havana, for its fi nal ers. As for the police investiga- public event Thursday. tion, that is likely to be dropped, n what might have been And that was fi tting since the the friend said. their last home game in St. city is hallowed ground, the site Kershaw, who throws four Louis, the Rams defeated of both the fi rst organized game times a week in December to Tampa Bay 31-23 Thursday in the island’s history as well as prepare for spring training, Iin an emotional win that dented the birth of Martin Dihigo, the tossed his Dodgers cap into the Buccaneers’ playoff hopes. only man enshrined in fi ve sepa- the stands and handed his gray The Rams are among a trio of rate halls of fame and considered Dodgers jersey to a woman in the teams eyeing a possible move to by many to be the greatest player fi rst row before walking to the Los Angeles. of all time. outfi eld for a 15-minute long- The team will fi nish out their So it was an honor that Ker- toss session with Cuban catcher 2015 campaign with games at shaw was chosen to open the Roberto Loredo. Seattle and San Francisco, and clinic by addressing the 150 Kershaw then joined Joe Torre, the crowd of 51,295 took a last youth players, their parents and his former manager, and Seattle opportunity to let owner Stan a few thousand others who fi led Mariners outfi elder Nelson Cruz Kroenke know how they felt into Estadio Victoria de Giron to on a visit to Havana’s Parque about relocation with signs and see the clinic’s eight instructors, Central and the famed “es- chants of “Keep the Rams.” who were taking part in MLB’s quina caliente” — or hot corner “There’s no telling what will fi rst visit to Cuba in 16 years. — where dozens of fans gather happen, but the fans today were Kershaw had the help of an year-round to debate and argue incredible,” said Rams quarter- interpreter in his welcoming re- over baseball. back Case Keenum. marks but as he put dozens of “I try not to have any free “It was a great atmosphere young pitchers through their time,” Kershaw said of his fi rst tonight.” paces, he shouted out com- trip to Cuba. “You’re only here Keenum gave the St. Louis mands in Spanish. for a few days. Go see everything faithful plenty to cheer. He A few dozen yards away Dodg- I possibly can see.” picked apart the Tampa Bay de- fense, throwing for 234 yards and two touchdowns. Dodgers pitcher Clayton Keenum completed 14 of 17 Kershaw with a youth player passes and wide receiver Tavon at a clinic in Havana. Austin scored a pair of touch- downs, including a 21-yard run on a reverse with 5:35 left in the third quarter for a 28-6 lead. St. Louis Rams running back Todd Gurley (No 30) carries the ball for a touchdown in the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Running back Todd Gurley’s Edward Jones Dome. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports three-yard touchdown run in the fi rst half saw him reach the 1,000-yard mark for the sea- ‘Concussion’ inaccurate in portraying Dave Duerson as villain: Family son, making him the Rams’ fi rst rookie to reach the milestone As members of Dave Duerson’s family sat “They completely made up stuff ,” Tregg fice in 2006 with Waters requesting help as since Jerome Bettis in 1993. through a pre-screening of Concussion last said. “They needed a villain, someone to he battled his own post-career depression. Running back Benny Cun- month, the experience proved emotionally take the fall. And he’s not here to defend “Got a headache? See a doctor,” the Duer- ningham added a 102-yard taxing. Duerson’s ex-wife, Alicia, and their himself.” son character tells Waters. kickoff return to the Tampa Bay son, Tregg, felt conflicted at times watch- Concussion will be released in theaters on The film promptly cuts to reveal Waters’ three-yard-line to set up a 19- ing Hollywood’s interpretation of the NFL’s Christmas. The drama portrays the journey suicide, with an insinuation that Duerson yard fi eld goal by Greg Zuerlein concussion crisis. of forensic pathologist Bennet Omalu and was unreceptive and part of the NFL’s resist- in the fourth quarter. The Duersons were pleased with a film his studies of brain damage in NFL players. ance to sharing its knowledge on concus- Tampa Bay quarterback Ja- certain to heighten the awareness and Omalu’s work helping to connect CTE, a sion issues.That portrayal didn’t sit well with meis Winston completed 29 discussion of head injuries in football and degenerative neurological disorder, to the family. of 50 passes for 363 yards and their link to chronic traumatic encephalopa- repetitive head trauma proved influential The Duersons declined an interview fourth quarter touchdowns to thy (CTE). in illuminating the NFL’s head injury crisis, request from the Tribune through family tight ends Luke Stocker and Still, the poetic license the filmmakers an issue some argue the league actively attorneys Thomas Demetrio and Bill Gibbs Austin Seferian-Jenkins. used in their portrayal of the former Bears worked to conceal. of Corboy & Demetrio. But Demetrio and Winston also threw an inter- safety left the family dissatisfied. In a story Duerson, portrayed by actor Adewale Gibbs told the Tribune the family was disap- ception and gave up a fumble. published Thursday, Tregg Duerson told Akinnuoye-Agbaje, isn’t a main character pointed Duerson’s character wasn’t more Connor Barth kicked three the New York Times he was unhappy with in the film. Among the scenes in which he’s developed or nuanced to represent his full fi eld goals for Tampa Bay, who the film’s inaccuracies in how his father was involved is an encounter with former Eagles character, his compassion or the struggles fell to 6-8 with their second depicted. safety Andre Waters outside the league of- he dealt with late in his life. straight defeat.

BASEBALL Dodgers’ deal with Iwakuma could be in jeopardy

By Dylan Hernandez The Dodgers are looking for the manager Dave Roberts’ coaching staff Los Angeles Times 34-year-old Iwakuma to be the only is in place, which will allow the front right-handed starter in a rotation that offi ce to focus on the roster. consists of Clayton Kershaw, Brett An- Gabe Kapler, who was a fi nalist for he Los Angeles Dodgers settled derson, Alex Wood and Hyun-Jin Ryu. the managerial position, was expect- on their coaching staff Thursday, Iwakuma would cost the Dodgers their ed to be part of it. However, Kapler, a but the more important compo- fi rst-round pick in the draft next year, longtime favorite of President of Base- sition of their pitching rotation since the former All-Star rejected a ball Operations Andrew Friedman, will becameT even more of a mystery as their qualifying off er from the Seattle Mari- remain the farm director. agreement with free-agent right-hander ners for $15.8 million. Holdovers from Don Mattingly’s Hisashi Iwakuma may be unraveling Uncertainty over Iwakuma’s status staff will include pitching coach Rick after his physical examination. probably factored into the Wednesday Honeycutt and catching instructor Iwakuma and the Dodgers agreed to acquisition of three prospects from the Steve Yeager. Bullpen catchers Rob a three-year, $45 million contract at Chicago White Sox who could be part Flippo and Steve Cilladi will also re- baseball’s winter meetings and were of a package to trade for a young front- turn. expected to formally announce the deal line starter such as Jose Fernandez, The rest of the staff will be newcom- last week. It never happened. Sonny Gray or Carlos Carrasco. ers. The deal was pending a medical ex- The Dodgers will also be paying a Bob Geren, former manager of the amination in Los Angeles. Japanese refundable $20 million posting fee to Oakland Athletics, will be Roberts’ news services reported Thursday that negotiate with another Japanese right- bench coach. Geren was most recently the examination uncovered problems hander, Kenta Maeda, according to a the bench coach of the New York Mets. and prevented the contract from being person familiar with the team’s think- Turner Ward will be the hitting completed. ing. Maeda won the Japanese league’s coach, with Tim Hyers serving as as- A person familiar with the situation equivalent of the Cy Young Award this sistant hitting coach. Ward used to be told the Los Angeles Times the Dodgers year. the hitting coach of the Arizona Dia- are still talking to Iwakuma in hopes of Other free-agent starting pitchers mondbacks. signing him. The person spoke under still available include Mike Leake, Yo- With Kapler remaining in the front the condition of anonymity because vani Gallardo and Scott Kazmir. offi ce, George Lombard will coach fi rst of the sensitive nature of the negotia- If the deal with Iwakuma falls apart, base and Chris Woodward third. tions. it would mark the second time this win- Josh Bard, a former teammate of The Dodgers could be looking at re- ter the Dodgers had a potential move Roberts on the San Diego Padres, will working the deal, much like the Bos- unexpectedly derailed. Last week, be the bullpen coach. ton Red Sox did with Mike Napoli be- they were set to acquire All-Star closer Former major league infi elder Juan fore the 2013 season. Napoli agreed to Aroldis Chapman from the Cincinnati Castro will be in the newly created po- a three-year, $39 million deal, but his Reds, only the trade was placed on hold sition of quality assurance coach. The physical examination revealed prob- when Chapman became the subject of only member of the staff who speaks lems with his hip. Napoli settled for a a domestic-violence investigation by Spanish, Castro will help Woodward one-year contract with a base salary of the commissioner’s offi ce. with the infi eld defense. He will not be $5 million. If there’s any consolation, it’s that in uniform during games. Gulf Times Saturday, December 19, 2015 9 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT The big names that left us ... A look at the notable sports personalities who died this year

here comes a time when even the infal- lible and the indefatigable have to call it a day. 2015 has seen a few big names in sport passing away. The biggest name wouldT be rugby legend Jonah Lomu. Here’s a look at the big sports personalities who left us this year.

ATHLETICS Yulia Balykina Belarussian Olympic sprinter was discov- ered dead aged 31 in a forest near Minsk in No- vember. Multiple Belarus sprint champion she competed in the 100m and 4x100m relay at London 2012, before picking up a two-year ban for drugs in 2013. A 28-year-old man - said to be her boyfriend - was charged with murder.

BASEBALL Yogi Berra

Iconic New York Yankees catcher, known for his folksy sayings, died on September 22 aged 90. The Hall of Famer and three-time Most Valuable Player was a 15-time All Star and 10- time World Series champion.

Tommy Hanson Former Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles An- gels of Anaheim pitcher died aged 29 on No- vember 10 of catastrophic organ failure, a day after being admitted to hospital following a res- piratory problem.

BASKETBALL Phil ‘Flip’ Saunders

File picture of New Zealand’s Jonah Lomu as he tucks the ball under his arm to run and score the All Black’s first try against Tonga during their Rugby World Cup Group B match at Ashton Gate in Bristol, England, on October 3, 1999. All Blacks great Lomu, who revolutionised wing play to become rugby union’s first global superstar, died on November 18, 2015 in Auckland at the age of 40.

retirement at 30 and began a second career as a winning squad died at the age of 80 on Septem- viding a combination of speed and power that school headmaster, coach, commentator, jour- ber 13. He fi nally received a winner’s medal in terrorised opponents. While the All Blacks ul- nalist and writer. 2009 following a change to FIFA’s rules. timately lost to hosts South Africa in the 1995 Coach/president of the NBA’s Minnesota fi nal, the tournament’s defi ning image was of Timberwolves, who won more than 1,000 Tom Graveney FORMULA ONE Lomu trampling over a hapless Mike Catt on games over a 35-year career, succumbed to can- Former England captain and president of Jules Bianchi his way to four tries in the All Blacks’ semi-fi nal cer aged 60 on October 25. , died aged 88 on No- win over England. “He’s a freak, and the sooner vember 3. Graveney made 11 centuries in 79 Test he goes away the better,” England captain Will BOXING matches for England between 1951 and 1969, Carling said after the match. O’Neil Bell scoring 4,882 runs at an average of 44.38. Af- The Jamaican-born former cruiserweight ter retirement in 1972 he became a commenta- champ was gunned down and killed after get- tor. “Synonymous with a golden era of England ting off a city bus on November 27 in Atlanta batsmen,” was how BBC commentator Jonath- with police suggesting robbery was the motive. an Agnew described him. Bell held the World Boxing Council, Interna- tional Boxing Federation and World Boxing As- FOOTBALL jockey who won a staggering 4,600 races in a sociation titles at the same time after knocking Marton Fulop glittering three-decade career, died after a long out France’s Jean-Marc Mormeck in 2006. He Former Hungary goalkeeper, who played for battle with alcoholism at the age of 63 on No- retired with his record at 27-4 with one draw a string of English Premier League clubs, died vember 10. After riding his fi rst winner in 1969 and 25 KOs. from cancer aged just 32 on November 12. He the Irish-born horseman went on to claim three had spells with Tottenham Hotspur, and Sun- Epsom Derbies among 14 British classics, and CRICKET derland, who signed him in 2007 before loaning four Prix de l’Arc de Triomphes, the highlight Portraits of Jonah Lomu are held by mourners Brian Close him out to English sides Leicester City, Man- Popular and talented French driver died in Dancing Brave in 1986. at his funeral service. chester City and West Bromwich Albion. In hospital in Nice on July 18 from head injuries 2013 he announced that he was taking a break to suff ered in a crash at the Japanese Grand Prix Peter O’Sullevan Lomu scored 37 tries in 63 Tests between recover from a tumour removal operation, but in October 2014. He was 25. Bianchi joined The ‘Voice of Racing’ - whose measured de- 1994 and 2002. All this despite suff ering from never returned to professional football again. the Marussia team in 2013 and competed in 34 livery called thousands of races home in a tow- the rare kidney disorder nephrotic syndrome. grands prix. He was the fi rst F1 driver to perish ering half career as commentator for In 2004 he received a kidney donated by friend from a racing accident since triple world cham- the BBC, died aged 97 on July 29. Using binocu- and radio broadcaster Grant Kereama. Liverpool Town Hall’s fl ag was at half-mast pion Aryton Senna in 1994. lars taken from a World War II German U-Boat When it failed in 2012 Lomu said: “I’m really in honour of the Everton great who died on Oc- O’Sullevan’s voice is indelibly linked with some lucky, I’ve already lived more in one lifetime tober 17 aged 69. He won the league title as a GOLF of the great winners of all time - including tri- than many would in six or seven lifetimes.” player in 1969 as part of the famous ‘Holy Trin- Charlie Siff ord ple Grand National hero Red Rum, the mighty ity’ along with Alan Ball and . Re- A pioneer in breaking the colour barrier as Arkle, and the epic Grundy-Bustino battle at SWIMMING turning as manager in 1981 he guided the club the fi rst African-American golfer on the US Ascot. A Daily Express racing correspondent Camille Muff at to two league titles, the FA Cup and European PGA Tour and in the World Golf Hall of Fame and owner, O’Sullevan may never have taken Cup-Winners’ Cup in the club’s most success- died aged 92 on February 4. A mentor to 14- up commentary if he’d followed his mother’s ful era. time major champion Tiger Woods who re- advice who after his fi rst appearance on televi- garded him as part of the family. “My grandfa- sion told him: “Darling, I saw you on television Former Yorkshire and England captain and ther is gone and we all lost a brave, decent and yesterday and you looked absolutely ghastly. I one of the most physically courageous play- German coach, who won the European Cup, honorable man,” said Woods. He served in the do hope you’re never going to do that again.” ers in cricket history, died at the age of 84 on UEFA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup US Army in World War II, seeing action in the September 14. He became aged 18 the youngest with three diff erent clubs - Bayern Munich, bloody battle for Okinawa. Joined the US PGA Kauto Star player to earn a Test cap when he made his de- Borussia Moenchengladbach, and Barcelona tour in 1960, winning the 1967 Greater Hartford Dual Gold Cup and fi ve-time King George but against New Zealand in 1949. Close scored died on February 4 aged 80. In total, he won 14 Open and 1969 Los Angeles Open. VI Chase winner trained by Paul Nicholls who almost 35,000 runs as a batsman, including 52 titles and along with is the died after complications relating to a paddock centuries with a highest innings score of 198. only coach to have won all three major Euro- Calvin Peete fall aged 15 on June 30. He also took 1,171 fi rst-class wickets as an off - pean club titles. Most successful African-American player spin bowler and over 800 catches as a fi elder. who overcame a debilitating childhood arm RUGBY UNION Junior Malanda injury to win 12 PGA Tour titles, died on April Jonah Lomu Frank Tyson Gifted Belgian under-21 international cap- 29 aged 71. Aff ectionately nicknamed “Mr Ac- Pioneering global superstar died suddenly Former England fast bowler, nicknamed ‘ty- tain and Wolfsburg midfi elder who was killed curacy” for his metronomic ability to hit long aged 40 on November 18 prompting an out- The 400m freestyle gold medallist at the phoon’ for his ferocious pace, died aged 85 in when the car he was travelling in slid off the and accurate drives his heyday came during a pouring of grief at the loss of “a legend of London 2012 Olympics died alongside top his adopted homeland, Australia, on September road and smashed into a tree on January 10. four-year streak between 1982 and 1986 when the game”. The hulking New Zealand winger French sailor Florence Arthaud (57) and Olym- 27. Remembered for his 28-wicket haul in fi ve He had been on the way to Hanover airport to he recorded 11 of his 12 tournament victories. dragged rugby union into the modern era. He pic lightweight boxer Alexis Vastine (28) when Tests during the 1954-55 Ashes series in Aus- join his Bundesliga club teammates for a winter His best fi nish in a Major was joint third in the shot to international fame at the 1995 World two helicopters smashed into each other during tralia, which England won 3-1. Born in Lanca- break in South Africa. 1982 USPGA Championship. Cup in South Africa, a year after becoming the the fi lming of a reality survival TV show in Ar- shire, Tyson played 170 matches for Northamp- youngest ever All Black at the age of 19 years gentina on March 10. Moff at was 25. Her former tonshire, claiming 525 wickets at an average of Ron Springett RACING and 45 days. At his peak, the 1.96 metre (6ft 5in) coach Fabrice Pellerin said: “What’s hard is to 20.94, and took 76 wickets in 17 Tests for his Former Sheffi eld Wednesday goalkeeper who Pat Eddery Lomu weighed 120 kilograms (265 pounds) and reconcile the image I have of Camille, who was country. He emigrated after injury forced his was a member of England’s 1966 World Cup Legendary 11-time British fl at champion could cover 100 metres in 10.8 seconds, pro- unsinkable, with what happened.” Gulf Times 10 Saturday, December 19, 2015 SPORT

TENNIS Federer to skip four Masters 1000 events in 2016

DPA The Swiss has added Stuttgart grass to Dubai his schedule immediately after the , combining that new German date with his traditional entry at Halle. oger Federer has unveiled his After Wimbledon, he takes a month off 2016 Olympic year schedule, with before playing Toronto Masters the world number three set to le- prior to a run which includes the Rio Games, gally skip four straight Masters Cincinnati and the US Open. R1000 dates as he points his campaign to- His autumn commitments are limited to wards the Rio Games in August. Shanghai, his home event at Basel and the The 34-year-old enjoys an exemption Paris Masters before presumably also com- from various ATP commitments based on peting in the year-end championships in his age, the fact that he has won 600 career London. matches and has a career which has spanned The well-planned Swiss is noted for build- more than a dozen years. ing training blocks into his calendars and is The 17-time winner released not shy about taking the time off he needs for his 2016 calendar on his webpage and looks family holidays and other down time. to be taking full advantage of all options as Federer will begins 2016 in early January he skips spring Masters 1000 dates in Mi- at Brisbane, his preparation for the Aus- ami in March and April-May clay tourna- tralian Open. He has also added a return to ments in Monte Carlo, Rome and Madrid. in February to his calendar prior That gap amounts to a two-month break to play his usual date in Dubai, his training from tournament play. base.

OLYMPICS SPOTLIGHT Japan Warriors Top temporary power beat Philippine Mavericks in IPTL

IANS Mirjana Lucic-Baroni-Leander provider pulls out of Paes came out for the mixed dou- Dubai bles and did some more damage when they beat Jarmila Gajdoso- egendary Japan Warriors va/Edouard Roger-Vasselin 6-2, won four of the fi ve sets the experience of Paes on the nets to defeat Philippine Mav- coming in good for the team. Rio tender process ericks 29-15 in an Inter- Men’s doubles saw even more nationalL Premier Tennis League exciting tennis action with Rog- (IPTL) contest yesterday. er-Vasselin- stepping Deals a blow to organisers rushing to secure an energy source for the mega event Warriors’ Marat Safi n brought it up for the Mavericks against alive memories of his sparkling Perre-Hugues Herbert-Paes, Reuters gust that markets were likely to remain past as he won the set 6-3 over taking the set right down to the London diffi cult next year, after a profi t warning -- his big serves wire, with an exciting shoot-out in July. towering through in the legends that went 6-5 in favour of the For the 2012 in Lon- match. Mavericks. ritish temporary power provider don, Aggreko’s power deal was worth Young Kurumi Nara was Herbert overpowered Ivo Kar- Aggreko has pulled out of a ten- nearly $60 million, although the Rio 2016 the cynosure of all eyes as she lovic in the men’s singles 6-3 der to supply generators to the contract was expected to be worth less as handed a crushing 6-1 defeat to to complete the victory for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro it is smaller in scope. Jarmila Gajdosova in just 21 short Warriors. Bnext year, dealing a blow to organisers “It won’t impact earnings expecta- minutes. Japan Warriors win 29-15 over rushing to secure an energy source for the tions but it does support our view that The Warriors were on a roll, Philippine Mavericks in IPTL world’s largest sporting event. Aggreko has lost some of its sparkle in The company, viewed as the most ex- recent years,” said Stifel analyst Caroline perienced bidder, announced its with- de Soujeole, who has a “sell” rating on the drawal yesterday, confi rming a December stock. 14 Reuters report that cited a spokesman Aggreko shares, down 37 percent so for Rio 2016. far this year, were up 0.7 percent at 907 Aggreko said in a statement that as it pence by 0805 GMT. had not been awarded the fi rst tranche The temporary power contract is a vital of contracts, which had been broken into part of Olympic preparations, guarantee- diff erent segments, it had pulled out of ing a stable and secure energy supply for bidding for the rest. international broadcasters, the opening The British fi rm has been involved and closing ceremonies, as well as back- in nine Olympics as well as six football up electricity for the venues. World Cups, and its withdrawal is a wor- Two sources with knowledge of the rying sign for Rio organisers who are un- tender told Reuters earlier this week that der huge pressure to cut spending as Bra- the companies left in the running were a zil languishes in its worst recession in 25 mix of Brazilian and international fi rms, years. but that it was unlikely any of them had The government has already warned the in-country capacity and Olympic there is no money to cover any cost over- experience to fully meet the needs of the runs. contract. Some analysts have said the withdraw- It is likely that whoever wins would Marat Safin of Japan Warriors hits a return against James Blake of al may also hit Aggreko’s 2016 earnings. have to lease generators from Aggreko, For the London Olympics, British firm Aggreko’s power deal was worth nearly $60 million. Philippine Mavericks during their International Premier Tennis League The company had already warned in Au- they said. Aggreko has been involved in nine Olympics as well as six football World Cups. (IPTL) match in Singapore yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS DPA for the first time at the Rio de Janeiro Olym- IOC publishes Berlin pics next year. “We must do everything we can to protect the code against millions of clean athletes around the world. Greek player banned he International Olympic Committee Protecting them goes hand in hand with en- manipulation (IOC) has published a first code to prevent suring the environment in which the athletes in sports Tmanipulation of sports competitions. IOC operate is safe from corrupting influences,” for life for corruption president Thomas Bach, in a statement issued Bach said. competitions Thursday, spoke of “an important step in fight- The Olympic Movement was earlier this year Reuters The ban starts immediately. ing manipulation in sport”. asked to develop a standard to fight competi- London Jakupovic reached a career The IOC said the code, which was approved tion manipulation. A 10-million dollar fund high ranking of 464 in 2009 and last week at IOC executive board meetings, is has been created to prevent match-fixing and was a regular member of the to be binding for all sports federations under related corruption, and an integrity and com- reek tennis player Al- Greek team, playing in the Olympic Charter and to be implemented pliance hotline has also been set up. exandros Jakupovic has 29 ties up to last year. been banned for life af- His best result came in 2007 ter being found guilty of when he beat Ukraine’s Alexandr Gfi ve corruption charges, the Ten- Dolgopolov, now ranked 36 in the BOTTOMLINE nis Integrity Unit said yesterday. world, in straight sets in the fi fth The 34-year-old, who spent rubber of a tie to give Greece vic- his career playing in the lower tory. rungs of the professional game, The Tennis Integrity Unit is Olympic cyclist Lea suspended for doping violation was charged with various of- an initiative of the Grand Slam fences including “directly or in- Board, the International Tennis directly contriving the outcome Federation (ITF) and the ATP and AFP He acknowledged that of an event”. WTA Tours. Los Angeles he failed to check that the medication was approved for in-competition use, but still UPDATE wo-time Olympic said he would appeal. cyclist Bobby Lea “I know that as an ath- said Thursday he will lete, I am accountable for appeal a doping ban everything that I ingest, re- NASCAR champ Busch thatT would end his chances gardless of the source,” said of competing at next year’s Lea, who competed in the Rio Games. points race and Madison at undergoes surgery The US Anti-Doping the 2008 Olympics and in Agency said an arbitra- the omnium at the London Reuters The plates, rod and screws tion panel had approved Games. Cary, North Carolina had been inserted to help sta- a 16-month suspension, “I remain committed to bilize Busch’s injuries after he starting from September the strict rules and ethics incurred a broken leg and frac- 10, which stemmed from a that govern track cycling and yle Busch, the 2015 tured foot in a crash at Daytona positive test for a metabolite Olympic Sport and I sup- NASCAR Series cham- in February. of the narcotic oxycodone port any and all anti-doping pion, underwent foot Busch, 30, missed the fi rst 11 during the US road cycling eff orts that help better it. and leg surgery on races of the NASCAR season but championships in August. However, because I want to KThursday, Joe Gibbs Racing an- returned in style, winning four Lea, 32, said in a letter on his end my career on the track nounced. races in fi ve starts in June and website that the positive test and not in a lawyer’s confer- Busch had two metal plates in July, before taking the season- was the result of taking pre- ence room, I will appeal this his left foot and a metal rod and ending event in November to scribed Percoset as a sleep aid sanction to the Court of Ar- screws in his right leg removed, claim the Sprint Cup title on the the night before competition. bitration for Sport.” the team said. US stock car circuit. Gulf Times Saturday, December 19, 2015 11 SPORT

FOCUS CYCLING Tour organisers pull races from Taking to UCI’s 2017 calendar

Reuters 15 teams in the usual 22-team Paris lineup for the Tour de France, the most prestigious cycling race in the sport. the wings our de France organis- It means that World Tour ers ASO (Amaury Sport teams will be omitted from the Organisation) are with- 2017 Tour lineup as the elite usu- Breitling Wingwalkers have drawing their races from ally features 18 teams. theT International Cycling Union There is no risk of the Tour and been wowing the crowds at calendar in 2017 because of a the ASO’s other major races not disagreement over the reform of taking place but they will do so Al Ain Air Championships the calendar and the selection of outside the umbrella of cycling’s teams, they said yesterday. main calendar, which could lead The ASO said the reform of the to a potentially damaging split. UCI’s World Tour means that the ASO own the Tour de France, 2017 season would be a closed La Vuelta, the top-tier classics circuit whereas it wants a sys- Paris-Roubaix and Liege-Bas- tem based on ‘sporting criteria’, togne-Liege and the one-week meaning no team can be guaran- Paris-Nice and the Criterium du teed a spot on the Tour de France Dauphine. and other top events. In 2008, then defending The reform of the calendar, Tour champion Alberto Conta- approved by the UCI, said teams dor could not enter the Tour de would be handed three-year France because ASO had not in- World Tour licences—rather than vited his Astana team following the one-year licences until 2016. the doping scandals they were “Amaury Sport Organisation involved in the previous year. has informed this day Union Cy- Last year, 11 of the top-tier cliste Internationale it has opted teams regrouped in a joint venture for the registration of its events called VELON, seeking a bigger on the Hors Classe calendar for slice of the pie from organisers and season 2017,” ASO said in a state- a guaranteed three-year presence ment. in the World Tour, which the UCI “The UCI has actually recently has now granted them. adopted, from season 2017, a Re- The ASO and UCI were also form of the World Tour calendar at odds between 2005 and 2008 characterised by a closed sport when the Tour de France organ- system. isers refused, along with their “More than ever, A.S.O. re- counterparts at the Tour of Spain mains committed to the Euro- and Giro d’Italia, to be part of the pean model and cannot compro- UCI Pro-Tour that later became mise the values it represents: an the World Tour. open system giving fi rst priority ASO’s withdrawal is a mas- to the sporting criterion.” sive blow for UCI president Brian By Satya Rath Organisers cannot select more Cookson as the governing body Al Ain, UAE than 70 per cent of World Tour could lose its infl uence in the top teams in a ‘Hors Class’ race, or races.

he year was 1918. The biplane of a 26-year-old US army pi- lot, Ormer Locklear, developed a mechanical problem in the air. LocklearT climbed out onto the lower wing of the plane to fi x the problem and real- ised that it was more fun to be outside the cockpit than inside. Thus was born the sport of wingwalking. Locklear quit his army job a year lat- er, procured an aircraft and formed the ‘Locklear Flying Circus’ along with two military colleagues, Milton Elliott and Shirley Short. Their on-air stunts soon became a craze in the United States, and even caught the attention of Hollywood. In 2008, then defending champion Alberto Contador could not enter Locklear later starred in The Great Air the Tour de France because ASO had not invited his Astana team Robbery, besides performing on-air following the doping scandals they were involved in the previous year. stunts in some other fi lms of the time. Over the years, the trend has caught up and wingwalking has developed by leaps and bounds, with many new and daring Svindal wins as Norway stunts being added to the repertoire. It’s today one of the main attractions at air- dominate Super G shows across the world, and the ongoing Team pilots David Barrell (standing left) and Martyn Carrington (standing right) with wingwalkers Stephanie Pansier and Sarah Al Ain Air Championship is no exception. Tanner (right) at the Al Ain Air Championships. (Twitter/@aerosuperbatics) Val Gardena, Italy: Norway’s Aksel Lund Svindal won yesterday’s On the second day of the three-day men’s alpine skiing World Cup super-G at Val Gardena ahead of event yesterday, being held in the Herit- for the crowd on top of the wings. The UK-based team was formed in the looks so unique... the sand dunes look so compatriots Kjetil Jansrud and Aleksander Kilde. age City of the UAE, the Breitling Wing- The manoeuvres include loops, rolls, late 1980s when pilot Vic Norman decided beautifully serene from the top, which is Svindal, already a winner on the artificial snow on the Saslong walkers were one of the show-stealers, stall turns and even inverted flight. En- it was time to bring back the breathtaking in total contrast to the greenery of our slope in 2010, 2013 and 2014, was posting his fourth success of adding a taste of retro glamour and during speeds of up to 150mph and forces spectacle to airshows. His company was the home base in England,” says Sarah Tan- the season. colourful showmanship to the nearly of up to 4G, the girls execute gymnastic- first to be granted permission to allow per- ner, who joined the team in 2006 and He has already bagged downhills in Lake Louise and Beaver 10,000-strong crowd. like routines on the wings of the aircraft, formers to climb out of the cockpit since it works as an event management profes- Creek where he also claimed the Super G. The world’s only aerobatic forma- even waving to the spell-bound specta- was restricted in the UK in 1933. In 2010 the sional when she’s not wingwalking. Svindal, who missed most of last season with an Achilles tendon tion display team to feature professional tors in between their routine. team became an aviation ambassador for The other wingwalker in the team is injury suff ered in October of last year, cemented his position at wingwalkers, the Breitlings have been “Energy management is critical in this Swiss chronograph brand Breitling, which Stephanie Pansier, who worked as a fl ight the top of the super-G standings. entertaining airshow crowds for almost environment and the pilots must balance is also one of the main sponsors of the Al attendant before an adrenaline rush saw Already a five-time overall winner in the discipline Svindal closed three decades now with their unique the speed and position of the aircraft in the Ain Air Championship. her go wingwalking. She’s the newest and the gap in the overall World Cup standings on leader Marcel Hir- combination of skill, aerial artistry and air through every manoeuvre. The care- Flying at comparatively low speeds of the only French member of the all-Eng- scher to 23 points. The 30-year-old Svindal was under pressure eff ective teamwork. The fl eet of the two fully planned sequences are timed to the around 150mph in the cruise, the pilots lish team and is performing in her debut to overhaul Kilde, the longtime leader yesterday, but did so by 44 iconic Boeing Stearman biplanes and the second and achieving the correct speed in require not only superior handling skills show in Al Ain. hundredths of a second. Jansrud, who went quick early on before aerial ballerinas on their wings evoke the the routine is essential to achieve a polished but also an understanding of the aero- “The new format that they have in- losing ground in the middle section, split the pair. flamboyant and colourful character of display for the crowds,” says pilot Martyn planes themselves, which date back to the troduced for this championship is inter- This was the fourth time Norway had dominated a World Cup aviation’s golden era. Carrington, who has been with Breitling late 1930s. esting as the fans’ votes now carry 35% podium and first in a super-G. The pilots flow the Stearmans through Wingwalkers for more than a decade. “The aircraft is capable of reaching weightage. I think it’s a great idea to have In-form Svindal will once again be the man to beat in today’s a well-rehearsed, energetic routine of The other pilot in the team is David higher speeds but then it becomes dif- some feedback directly from the specta- downhill at the same venue with his main rival the Val Gardena dazzling aerobatics with close formation Barrell, who joined the team in 2007 and fi cult to balance our acts. It feels great to tors. We hope to impress both the judges specialist Steve Nyman of the United States. flypasts as the wingwalker girls perform is today their lead formation pilot. perform in Al Ain, the view from the top and the fans,” said Tanner.

SURFING De Souza rides ‘Brazilian Wave’ to world title in Hawaii Reuters champion,” he said after being earlier this year when he was at- Cary, North Carolina chaired off the beach by a large tacked by a shark during the South crowd of Brazilian fans. African round of the champion- “It’s extra bonus, to be a pipe- ship, was competing with a heavy driano de Souza kept the line champion ... Everything I’ve heart after the death of his brother men’s surfi ng world title learned in 10 years on tour I put to- in Australia just hours before the in Brazilian hands when gether.” event. he was crowned cham- Medina has led the “Brazilian “It’s been a huge day,” Fanning Apion at the fi nal event on the pro Wave” after his 2014 world title, said. “I’ve just got some personal tour, the Pipe Masters in Hawaii, on inspiring a group of young South stuff going on at home and it’s sort Thursday. American surfers who have started of heavy to talk about right now, Competing at the famed Pipe- to make their mark on the world but I don’t know, I’m just sort of line on the north shore of Oahu, de tour, eroding the former of cruising, and just trying to live.” Souza clinched the title by reaching Australian and American surfers. Another Australian surfer, Bede the fi nal against compatriot Gabri- Second place behind de Souza on Durbidge, wiped out in round three el Medina, who was Brazil’s fi rst Thursday was enough to make Me- on Wednesday, suff ering a frac- world champion last year. dina the fi rst Brazilian to win the tured pelvis when he slammed into De Souza went on to beat Medina “Triple Crown” as the surfer with a reef on the notoriously dangerous in the fi nal and become the fi rst the highest total tally from three break. Brazilian to win the prestigious contests in Hawaii at Haleiwa, In the women’s standings, Ha- Pipe Masters. Sunset and Pipeline. waiian Carissa Moore won her third The 28-year-old journeyman Brazilian and Australian surfers world title. thanked his dead brother for buy- occupied the top seven spots in the The organising committee of the ing him his fi rst surfboard for $7 standings, with three-times world Tokyo Olympics has proposed in- and setting him on the path to the champion Mick Fanning fi nishing cluding surfi ng in the 2020 Games, world title. second. but it will not be part of next year’s Adriano De Souza (right) of Brazil celebrates on the podium alongside compatriot Gabriel Medina after they won first and second, respectively, “It’s so wonderful to be a world Fanning, who made headlines Rio Olympics. in the World Surfing League world championship at the Billabong Pipe Masters, on Oahu island, Hawaii, on Thursday. (Reuters)

Saturday, December 19, 2015 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS Qatar Stars take the victory, cricket lovers enjoy the action Pakistan Stars and Qatar Stars play to a packed Asian Town Cricket Stadium in an exhibition match

Qatar Stars players celebrate a Pakistan Stars wicket during their exhibition match at Asian Town Cricket Stadium yesterday. PICTURES: Jayaram

By Sports Reporter for conducting the game, a more Doha professional set-up is required to hold bigger matches. For the record, Qatar Stars won ricket-lovers of Qatar the match by 10 runs. Batting fi rst, were treated to a Twen- the host team, which also com- ty20 match last night. prised number of Pakistan inter- With a holiday crowd national players, including Nasir makingC sure that every inch of Jamshed, made 147 runs in the al- the Asian Town Cricket stadium lotted 20 overs. In reply, Pakistan was fi lled in, there could not have Stars, led by former Pakistan cap- been a better atmosphere for the tain Salman Butt, could only man- exhibition contest between Paki- age 137 for 7. stan Stars and Qatar Stars. That Butt and fast bowler Mohamed the line-up was made up of Paki- Asif, who along with Mohamed stan internationals made it for a Amir were banned from cricket good viewing. for their part in a spot-fi xing The ambience was festive and scandal and only were allowed to the match was organised as part return to offi cial cricket recently, of Qatar’s National Day celebra- were in action yesterday. tions. Heavy traffi c leading to the Saeed Ajmal was also one of stadium was a testimony to the the key attractions. The prolifi c buzz the event had created. off -spinner was forced to re- This wasn’t even a match be- model his bowling action after tween two international sides. being reported for suspect ac- Yet the interest of the expatriate tion in September 2014. He is community to catch a glimpse of currently out of the Pakistan the match was commendable. side despite having corrected his The T20 game was once more bowling action. an indication that cricket will There was also fast bowler thrive in Qatar if promoted prop- Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, who un- erly. While the organisers of yes- til last year was playing Big Bash terday’s match should be praised and county cricket.

BOTTOMLINE PSG’s al-Khelaifi voted ’s favourite chairman

By Our Correspondent our objectives with great ambition and Paris humility, and we were very satisfi ed to be rewarded last season with an historical quadruple.” aris Saint-Germain Chairman “I am also extremely delighted to work and CEO, Nasser al-Khelaifi , was alongside several chairmen, on many voted Ligue 1’s favourite chair- important plans regarding the future of man by Internet users on france- French football. Since 2011, I have met Pfootball.fr. with all the Ligue 1 clubs’ chairmen, start- He fi nished top of the list of nearly ing with my good friend Louis Nicollin, 30,000 votes, and came in ahead of his and created trusting relationships with Lyon counterpart Jean-Michel Aulas and many of them. I have learnt a lot alongside ’s Louis Nicollin. Internet us- them. I admire all these passionate chair- ers were invited to vote from early Decem- men who fi ght every day for their clubs, ber on the website of the famous French and, on a more personal note, I am proud football weekly, and they chose Nasser al- to be the head of a club that has become an Khelaifi , the most successful chairman in ambassador for French football through- Paris Saint-Germain history (9 trophies: out the world.” 3 Ligue 1 championships, 2 Coupes de la “For our clubs’ supporters, we need a Ligue, 1 Coupe de France, 3 Trophées des strong and attractive league. We all have Champions). to strive to help French football grow. “I am very honoured to top this list. I The Ligue 1 needs to become more and take it as a recognition of all the work we more appealing in order to attract great have been doing at Paris Saint-Germain players and turn itself into a showpiece for the last four and a half years, at every for the sport, that people all around the level of the club, from the players to the world will want to follow. With the other coaches and all the administrative staff chairmen, we are determined to reach this at club headquarters. We work towards goal.”