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Wednesday, March 15, 2017 Jumada II 16, 1438 AH FOOTBALL Conte feud with GULF TIMES ‘Judas’ Mourinho boils over SPORT Page 3

FOOTBALL CRICKET Pakistan suspends Mohamed Irfan in Tabata double spot-fi xing case as Rayyan win; Lekhwiya held Persepolis had taken a sixth minute lead through Mehdi Karimi on an assist from Mohsen Musalman, but the home side got their act together quickly

AFP cricket.” Karachi Sharjeel Khan and Khalid La- tif, fellow members of the Islamabad United team that took part in the akistan yesterday charged tournament, were also provisionally and suspended giant fast suspended and charged last month bowler Mohamed Irfan over meeting a man suspected of be- over allegations of spot-fi x- ing linked to an international betting ingP during a recent Twenty20 league, syndicate. in a case that has so far ensnared three Former Pakistan opener Nasir Jam- other current or former national shed was also provisionally suspend- stars. ed on charges of being a “go between” The widening scandal threatens in the spot-fi xing incident. Jamshed to take some of the sheen off the re- and another unnamed person were cently completed Pakistan Super arrested in Britain last month but League (PSL), which was hailed as a were bailed until April. step towards restoring international The PCB, which has formed a cricket in the terror-hit country after three-member tribunal under re- the fi nal in Lahore passed without in- tired judge Asghar Haider to probe cident. the allegations, said the investigation A guilty verdict for the players would continue. Al Rayyan players acknowledge fans after their win over Persepolis in the Asian Champions League yesterday. At bottom: Tabata celebrates one of his goals. would prove disastrous for Pakistan Irfan, 34, appeared before the PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil cricket, which was last rocked by a anti-corruption unit of the PCB on match-fi xing scandal in 2010 that Monday and confessed to being ap- Sports Reporter another UAE side, Al Hilal in the sec- deprived it of three top players in- proached by a bookmaker about fi x- Doha ond match of this year’s continental cluding paceman Mohamed Amir, ing matches in the past six months. competition. who has since made a comeback. He admitted he failed to report the Yesterday, they once again proved “The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) incidents because of the death of his ational team coach Jorge Fos- how formidable they can be on home in furtherance to its investigation is- father in September followed by his sati would have gained a few turf by dominating the Iranians despite sued a Notice of Charge and provi- mother’s passing in January. valuable insights into Ira- going down by an early goal. sionally suspended Irfan under the Irfan made headlines for his ex- nian football after Al Rayyan Tabata, of Japanese-Brazilian herit- PCB Anti-Corruption Code,” the traordinary height — seven feet and Nand Lekhwiya produced dazzling per- age and now a naturalised Qatari citi- body said in a statement. one inch or 216 centimetres — when formances against opposition from zen, put Al Rayyan back in the game It added: “Irfan has been charged he made his international debut in that country in the Asian Champions with a fi ne left-footed shot from close with two violations of the anti-cor- 2010 and stands as the tallest-ever League yesterday. after a pass from Sergio Garcia on the ruption code and now has 14 days player to feature in world cricket. While Al Rayyan, who were coached left fl ank. to respond to the Notice of Charge,” He has so far played four Tests and by Fossati before he was picked to head Al Rayyan, however had to wait un- without giving further details. 20 Twenty20 internationals, but has the national team, bounced back from til the 58th minute for the lead, Tabata “He has also been provisionally achieved most success in his 60 one- a goal down to beat Persepolis 3-1, Le- making no mistake from the penalty suspended with immediate eff ect day internationals where he has taken khwiya were unlucky to come away spot after Seyed Jalal Hosseini brought from participating in all forms of 83 at an average of 30.71. down Sebastian Soria with a dangerous tackle. Results Former Barcelona player Garcia SPOTLIGHT completed Persepolis’ misery with a Group B late goal as the Iranians dropped to Esteghlal Khuzestan (IRN) 1 (Beytsaied 7, third. pen) Lekhwiya (QAT) 1 (Ismail Mohamed 11) Meanwhile Lekhwiya, the second World Cup projects Al Fateh (KSA) 3 (Zaqan 12, 50, Juhaim 45+1) Qatari club in the competition, man- Al Jazira (UAE) 1 (Mabkhout 38) aged to secure a point after a 1-1 draw Group D with Iran’s Esteghlal Kouzestan in to conclude in 2020, Al Rayyan (QAT) 3 (Tabata 19, 58 pen, Garcia Group B. 88) Persepolis (IRN) 1 (Taremi 6) The draw helped Lekhwiya stay sec- Al Wahda (UAE) 2 (Tagliabue 45+1, Dzsudz- ond in the group with fi ve points from says al-Thawadi sak 54) Al Hilal (KSA) 2 (Abid 5, Khirbin 69) three matches, while Kouzestan have Group E seven. ports infrastructure projects fi rst venues to complete construction Kashima Antlers (JPN) 3 (Suzuki 43, Young with just a point following a 1-1 draw Al Rayyan jump to the top of Group D A foul by Ali Hassan Afi f on Has- related to the 2022 World Cup work, with other venues to be ready og 76, Endo 79) Brisbane Roar (AUS) 0 against Esteghlal Kouzestan in Ahwaz. with a 3-1 win over Persepolis. san Beit Saeid in the sixth minute saw are progressing according to between 2018 and 2020. Ulsan Hyundai FC (KOR) 0 Muangthong Several Lekhwiya and Al Rayyan Persepolis had taken a sixth minute Kouzestan win a penalty and Saeid schedule and will be complet- Al-Thawadi said the SC has so far United (THA) 0 players fi gure in the squad, and lead through Mehdi Karimi on an assist himself took the shot to put his team edS by 2020, Hassan al-Thawadi, sec- announced the start of the design Group G their show against the Iranians, many from Mohsen Musalman, but the home ahead. retary general of the Supreme Com- process for fi ve venues, while two Eastern SC (HKG) 0 Suwon Bluewings (KOR) of who also play for their national side got their act together quickly to However, Ismail Mohamed’s fi ne mittee for and Legacy (SC), further venues had contracts awarded 1 (Johnathan 78) team, would certainly help Fossati dominate the remainder of the match. header just fi ve minutes later saw Le- said on Monday. to the main contractor. Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) 1 (Alan 26) draw a plan for Qatar’s key World Cup Al Rayyan, who are now coached by khwiya draw level, but despite the Qa- Speaking on the sidelines of the The SC secretary general said work Kawasaki Frontale (JPN) 1 (Kobayashi pen qualifi er in Doha later this month. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Denmark tari side’s domination they couldn’t Tarsheed 22 competition for energy has already begun in fi ve to six current 90+5) It was Tabata who was the great Michael Laudrup, had accounted add to their tally and had to be content effi ciency, al-Thawadi said Kha- venues, adding that the remaining star yesterday as he struck twice to help for UAE’s Al Wahda 2-1 before losing to with one point. lifa International Stadium will be the ones will be announced soon. (QNA) Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, March 15, 2017 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PREVIEW GOOD NEWS Torres returns as Griezmann keen to Atletico eye quarters end nearly man tag ‘Simeone is the one who has made me take the leap. In three years, Cholo has helped me take the leap to in 2016 be among the three best players in the world’

File picture of Atletico Madrid’s Fernando Torres during training.

AFP ent show of Atletico’s confi dence Madrid that they already have one foot in the quarters, midfi elder Koke warned against complacency. ernando Torres is ex- “We have a great result from pected to return just two the fi rst leg, but we can’t be weeks after losing con- complacent. We need to give our sciousness in a sickening all again on Wednesday,” said the Fhead clash as Atletico Madrid Spanish international. look to seal their place in the Leverkusen travel to Spain un- Champions League quarter-fi - der new management as Tayfun nals today. Korkut replaced the sacked Roger Atletico are strong favour- Schmidt after the Germans fi rst ites to reach the last eight for a leg defeat was followed up by a fourth straight year as Torres was 6-2 thrashing at Borussia Dort- on target in a 4-2 fi rst leg win mund. against Beyer Leverkusen in Ger- Atletico have only lost one of many three weeks ago to give the 20 Champions League games at Spanish side a commanding lead. home under Simeone. Torres returned to full train- However, Leverkusen are hop- ing for the fi rst time on Mon- ing for a comeback of Barcelona day since losing consciousness proportions after the Spanish in a challenge with Deportivo la champions fought back from a Coruna’s Alex Bergantinos that 4-0 fi rst leg defeat to beat Paris provoked consternation among Saint-Germain 6-1 last week. those on the fi eld and watching “We know it’s going to be dif- around the world. fi cult and it’s hardly possible, but However, thankfully the we will give it our all and try to 32-year-old was released from make the impossible possible,” hospital less than 24 hours later said centre-back Omer Toprak. having suff ered no serious injuries. Leverkusen, though, will be “We imagine that for Wednesday depleted by injury and suspen- he will be available,” said Atletico sion themselves. boss Diego Simeone. Benjamin Henrichs and infl u- Whether Torres starts depends ential midfi elder Hakan Calha- on Kevin Gameiro’s fi tness as the noglu are banned, whilst Toprak, French international missed Sat- Jonathan Tah, Stefan Kiessling urday’s 1-0 win at Granada with and captain Lars Bender are out an abdominal injury. injured. Atletico will defi nitely be “Everything is possible in without captain Gabi and left- football and we know we can do File picture of Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann celebrating after scoring a goal against Granada during the Spanish La Liga match in Granada, Spain. back Filipe Luis as they picked up better,” said striker Kevin Volland yellow cards towards the end of after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with AFP form, revitalised with the 25-year-old Fixtures (1945GMT) “The weather helps a lot, my team- the fi rst leg to ensure they will be Werder Bremen left Leverkusen Madrid scoring 12 of his 21 goals this season in mates are amongst the best and free to play in the quarter-fi nals. languishing in the bottom half of 2017. At Madrid I have a top coach, so I am very However, despite that appar- the Bundesliga table. Once again under the tutelage of Diego Atletico Madrid (ESP) v Bayer happy here and there is no reason ropelled by an on-fi re Antoine ‘Cholo’ Simeone, Atletico are coming Leverkusen (GER) 1st leg: 4-2 to leave” Griezmann, Atletico Madrid good at the right time of the campaign to stand on the brink of a fourth launch another bid for a fi rst ever Cham- At Monaco falling at the fi nal hurdle has been all the Toure insists City will “It will be very tough against consecutive Champions League pions League title. Monaco (FRA) v Manchester City (ENG) more painful for Atletico and Simeone, maintain positive Monaco, they are doing Pquarter-fi nal, determined to fi nally end especially as they have lost to cross-city approach 1st leg: 3-5 extremely well at the moment, their tag as Europe’s nearly men. BARCELONA-LIKE COMEBACK rivals Real Madrid for the past three sea- but we are very positive and if Griezmann has experienced that feel- Bayer Leverkusen will need to launch sons in the Champions League, twice in Midfielder Yaya Toure sees no we beat them we are through ing more than most. a comeback of Barcelona proportions me take the leap to in 2016 be among the the fi nal. reason for Manchester City to to the quarter-finals, after which In 2016 the Frenchman proved himself when they visit the Vicente Calderon to- three best players in the world,” Griez- Atletico are the only club to ever lose change the attacking style of the final is not that far away.” as one of world football’s most deadly day needing to overcome a 4-2 fi rst-leg mann told Television Espanola this week. three European Cup fi nals without win- play that has been rewarded De Bruyne also felt that City forwards, but also missed out in agonis- defeat at home three weeks ago. “To take that leap, Simeone is the best ning the trophy. by an 11-game unbeaten run as must improve their perform- ing fashion in the Champions League and The esteem with which Griezmann coach I could possibly have had. And Griezmann, who missed a pen- the side reaches a crunch part ances in high-pressure games Euro 2016 fi nals, as well as fi nishing third holds Simeone was key to him remaining “The weather helps a lot, my team- alty in last season’s fi nal, believes he and of the season both domesti- if they hope to be fighting for behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel at the Calderon last summer and why he mates are amongst the best and I have a Simeone have unfi nished business with cally and in Europe. some of the most prestigious Messi for the Ballon d’Or. says he will stay when Atletico move into top coach, so I am very happy here and the Champions League before they look “When you’re a winner and trophies on a regular basis. Burdened by that disappointment and the new 67,000-capacity Wanda Met- there is no reason to leave.” to pastures new. when you want to achieve “I think it was important as a the physical and mental fatigue of car- ropolitano next season despite rumours To put the scale of Simeone’s achieve- “He likes it here, he sees in us a squad important things you have to team to make the next step. rying France to the fi nal of Euro 2016 on Manchester United are willing to pay the ments at Atletico into context, Los Roji- that has more to give and he does as well,” work hard,” the 33-year-old City have had a diff icult time in home soil, Griezmann’s form tailed off as 100 million euro ($107 million) release blancos had only reached fi ve European said Griezmann. Ivorian told British media. Europe, which is new for this he failed to score a league goal between clause in his contract. Cup quarter-fi nals in their history be- “He wants to go very far in Champions “Sometimes it’s diff icult club, but last year we did great October and January. “Simeone is the one who has made fore the Argentine took over in December and La Liga and soon we will have a new but you have to be positive in the Champions League,” the However, the new year has seen Griez- me take the leap I needed. I was promis- 2011. stadium. I am sure he will continue with because we know people are Belgian added. mann, and as a consequence Atletico’s ing but in three years, Cholo has helped However, getting so close to glory and us,” added the diminutive striker. waiting for us to fail.” City hold a 5-3 advantage over Jardim channels spirit Monaco ahead of the away of Monaco’s 2004 BOTTOMLINE leg in their Champions League vintage comeback last 16 clash today and have risen to third in the Premier Leonardo Jardim is draw- League after winning four of ing inspiration from Didier their last five matches. Deschamps’ Monaco side that “We are playing very well at made an unlikely run to the the moment and we have a 2004 Champions League final Monaco turn to veteran Falcao team that plays mostly attrac- as his team attempt to reverse tive games and sometimes a 5-3 deficit against Manches- the pundits are waiting to ter City in the last 16. analyse,” Toure added of the “It will be diff icult,” admitted Monaco clash. Jardim. “One thing is sure, for to knock Manchester City out “We are going to attack, we us to qualify in our current Reuters petition.” never do it the other way, we state, we’ll need to score three Paris Falcao, who has recovered will attack and they will expect goals. Two will not be enough. from a hip injury, is expected that as well. The best defence We will play with this target.” to start in a 4-4-2 forma- is try to score.” Jardim singled out Monaco’s onaco owe most of tion alongside prodigy Kylian After the European tie, City dramatic quarter-final victory their recent suc- Mbappe with Bernardo Silva, host fourth-placed Liverpool over Real Madrid 13 years ago cess to their young another young gem in the squad, in a vital Premier League as the reference point for his guns, but when they expected to provide them with encounter on Sunday. players. Mface Manchester City looking to scoring opportunities. Beaten 4-2 in Spain in the first overturn a two-goal defi cit in Monaco’s only concern is the Man City’s De Bruyne leg of that season’s last eight their Champions League last-16 absence of centre back Kamil aiming for Champions Monaco looked doomed when tie today, they will turn to a more Glick, who will be replaced by League fi nal Real grabbed the lead in the experienced player in Radamel Jemerson. principality, but two goals Falcao. City, who warmed up with Manchester City midfielder from Ludovic Giuly and one The Colombia striker, who a 2-0 FA Cup win at Middles- Kevin De Bruyne believes from on-loan Madrid striker endured two dismal injury- brough, have vowed to take the the Premier League side can Fernando Morientes capped a plagued seasons in the Premier same off ensive approach at Lou- reach this season’s Champions remarkable turnaround. League, has been near his best is II. League final as they head into And like Deschamps, who on since he returned this sea- “We’re not going to change,” today’s last-16 second leg at that famous night warned his son from a season-long loan at said full back Pablo Zabaleta. AS Monaco with a 5-3 lead. players they would concede Chelsea. “This is the way we’ve been City, who have struggled to “one goal and perhaps the first “This season, I’ve been play- playing until now and I think translate their domestic suc- of the match”, Jardim wants his ing consistently. The club has it would be a big mistake if we cess on to the European stage team to stick to the game plan full confi dence in me, the staff went to Monaco to defend. in recent years, were elimi- should a similar scenario arise. and my team mates make me However, defensive improve- nated in the semi-finals by “We’re ahead in the league, feel important,” said Falcao, who ment is needed. Real Madrid last year but De through to the League Cup scored two but missed a poten- Monaco’s Radamel Falcao (left) during a training session yesterday. “We have to attack in the Bruyne is hoping to go at least final, in the French Cup quar- tially decisive penalty in Mona- same way that we did here at the one step further this term. ters, everyone is in a good co’s 5-3 defeat in the fi rst leg in and continuity. You don’t for- urday, will need to show more has scored16 goals in Ligue 1 this Etihad and if we do we’ll create “I think we can reach the final, frame of mind,” Jardim said. Manchester. get how to score goals,” Falcao focus if they are to go through. season and six in the Champions chances and score goals,” goal- but of course the other teams “We were able to score three “With confi dence, the rest added. “We’re at a crucial stage in League. keeper Willy Caballero said. will think the same. And that goals in the first leg. We can do comes naturally. I don’t think Monaco, who geared up for the season. In the Champions “We need to raise our level of “But the most important doesn’t make it easier,” the it again, we score a lot,” said full- players forget how to play foot- the game with a 2-1 victory over League, one mistake in a game concentration to make up for our thing is to defend better than we 25-year-old told British media. back Benjamin Mendy. ball. I just needed playing time Girondins de Bordeaux on Sat- can be fatal,” said Falcao, who lack of experience in this com- did in the fi rst leg.” Gulf Times Wednesday, March 15, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

FA CUP HIGHLIGHT Legend Ronaldinho to visit Pakistan Conte battle with AFP pand to Pakistan. Karachi Shahrukh Sohail, a Pakistan representative for the company confi rmed the visit yesterday, razilian football leg- adding the company would be end Ronaldinho is set launching tournaments next to visit Pakistan as part month in Pakistan’s major cities of a goodwill mission to Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore. ‘Judas’ Mourinho Bpromote the game in the cricket- He declined to say whether the mad country. Brazilian would arrive in time to The recently retired 36-year- make an appearance. old, who won the World Player of Cricket-obsessed Pakistan has the Year twice and was part of the a strong base of football fans and 2002 World Cup winning team, players, particularly in south- issued a short video message on western Balochistan and the Twitter saying simply “Pakistan, southern city of Karachi. at boiling point I am coming” as he unfurled a But its national team has Pakistani fl ag. struggled in recent decades and News of Ronaldinho’s visit has fallen to a lowly 198th place ‘This is the truth... It’s not football for me. It could be United’s tactic. Sometimes when has generated excitement among in the FIFA rankings. fans, and comes as the South Pakistan Football Federation you play against players with great talent you try to intimidate them’ Asian nation seeks to revive in- (PFF) offi cials were involved in ternational sports fi xtures that court wranglings against each were disrupted by a militant at- other for the last two years, tack on Sri Lanka’s cricket team forcing the men’s and women’s in 2009. teams out of international com- Those eff orts were given a boost petitions. when the country successfully The Lahore High Court last staged the fi nal of its Pakistan Su- month decided in favour of rec- per League cricket tournament in ognising Faisal Saleh Hayat as Lahore earlier this month, a rare the federation’s chief, a post match featuring prominent inter- he has held on-and-off since national sports stars. 2003 without being able to turn Ronaldinho is being brought around the team’s fortunes. to the country by UK-based Lei- Earlier this month, Spanish gi- sure Leagues — organisers of 5, 6 ants Barcelona announced their and 7-a-side tournaments which former star would return to act recently announced plans to ex- as an ambassador for the club.

Man United’s Rojo in slowly starting to recover. eye of the storm over Foreign players have also Hazard stamp been badly treated by Indo- nesian clubs, with at least two Manchester United defender known to have died in recent Marcos Rojo could face a Foot- years after going unpaid and ball Association charge for being unable to aff ord medical what appeared to be a stamp treatment. on Chelsea playmaker Eden Essien is the best-known Hazard during an explosive FA international footballer to join Cup quarter-final. an Indonesian side since the The 26-year-old Argentinian 1990s, when Cameroon World international — who had been Cup star Roger Milla and involved in feisty exchanges Argentine World Cup winner with Chelsea striker Diego Mario Kempes both played in Costa throughout the game the country. — was caught on camera The club would not be drawn treading on Hazard’s chest in on how much they had paid the second-half of Monday’s for him. “The contract value is match which Chelsea won 1-0 large because he is a former to oust the holders. Chelsea player, I cannot reveal Former England captain Alan (the amount),” said Teddy Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho and Chelsea manager Antonio Conte clash as the fourth off icial Mike Jones looks on during their FA Cup match. Shearer thought Rojo should Tjahjono, one of the club’s have been sent off . directors. AFP Asked what he made of United’s tactics, Mourinho, sacked by the Blues last sea- pens outside the pitch is just a circus.” “That is a stamp. It wouldn’t London Conte said: “My players want to play foot- son, took the opportunity to remind Conte saluted Hazard for refusing surprise me at all. He should Former Rangers boss ball, but for 25 minutes it was impossible. Conte and Chelsea’s supporters that to be intimidated by United’s bullying have been sent off for that,” Warburton named “I think only that Eden got a lot of they have a long way to go to match his as N’Golo Kante’s superb second-half said Shearer, who was a Forest manager ntonio Conte slammed Man- kicks. I don’t think I’m crazy. achievements at the Bridge. winner gave the Premier League leaders pundit for the BBC covering chester United’s cynical at- “He started the match receiving kicks “They can call me what they want. I’m a Wembley semi-fi nal showdown with the match. Mark Warburton has been tempts to intimidate Chelsea in and he fi nished it receiving kicks. a professional,” he said. London rivals Tottenham next month. Former England and Man- tasked with keeping two-time his side’s bitter FA Cup quarter- “This is the truth and I don’t think one “I feel responsibilities on Chelsea’s bad “For sure, he showed strong character. chester United defender Phil European Cup winners Not- fiA nal win, but Jose Mourinho hit back person can say this didn’t happen. It’s Premier League last season, but when I After the fi rst 25 minutes, every player Neville told the BBC he felt tingham Forest in the Champi- at his rival by insisting he remains the not football for me. left we were in the Champions League, would have a fear of being kicked. It’s Rojo could face the type of onship after being appointed Blues’ best ever manager. “It could be United’s tactic. Some- winning the Champions League group. very dangerous to receive a kick from the retrospective action Bourne- their new manager yesterday. While the Chelsea crowd taunted times when you play against players with “Now they don’t play in Europe. It’s back,” he said. mouth defender Tyrone Mings The 54-year-old — who has Mourinho as a “Judas”, Chelsea boss great talent you try to intimidate them. not my fault. Inevitably, Mourinho refused to accept had for stamping on United’s had an unconventional career Conte was furious with United’s no- “Until the moment they have a man- blame for his team’s approach and turned Zlatan Ibrahimovic in their for a manager having been a holds barred approach. MATCH OF JIBES ager that wins four Premier Leagues, I the focus on referee Michael Oliver’s de- Premier League match earlier city trader — takes over after Ander Herrera was sent off for two “The referee must try to protect these am number one. If a manager wins four I cision to send off Herrera for what was this month. leaving Rangers in confusing fouls on Eden Hazard in Monday’s 1-0 type of players because they can go out become number two. Until then, Judas is one of the less vicious tackles on Hazard. Mings — described by Bourne- circumstances last month with victory and Marcos Rojo escaped a red with a bad injury.” number one.” “Herrera’s second yellow card, com- mouth manager Eddie Howe him claiming he had been card for a spiteful second half stamp on It was a chastening return to west Lon- pare that with (Marcus) Rashford going as a ‘gentle giant’ — received a sacked and the Scottish giants Hazard. don for former Chelsea boss Mourinho, ‘JUST A CIRCUS’ to attack the ball in a counter-attacking five game ban. “After what we saying he had resigned. The United defender is likely to face a who endured his old club’s fans calling Although Conte and Mourinho didn’t situation. He was fouled and the referee saw last week at Old Traff ord Warburton joins Forest along ban if the Football Association retrospec- him “Judas” and chanting “you’re not shake hands at full-time, the Italian in- doesn’t give a booking,” Mourinho said. with Tyrone Mings, you’d think with David Weir, who was his tively look at the off ence. special anymore”. Mourinho responded sisted he had done nothing wrong in their “We all saw the game. We can all agree the FA will have a look at that,” assistant manager at Rangers. Video of the stamp erupted on social to the jibes by holding up three fi ngers touchline clash. there was one match until Herrera saw said Neville. “Nottingham Forest are media as did images of Conte embroiled to the crowd to remind them how many “It was hard work for the fourth offi - the red card and another after that. delighted to announce the ap- in a touchline row with United boss Premier League titles he won in his two cial but I controlled my emotion very well “I thought we were going to win be- Ex-Chelsea star pointment of Mark Warburton Mourinho that ended with the rivals be- spells with Chelsea. today,” Conte said. “It’s normal for the cause everything was under control, then Essien joins as the club’s first-team man- ing separated by the fourth offi cial. And, determined to have the last word, manager to push his players. What hap- with 10 men it was very diffi cult for us.” ’s Persib ager, replacing Gary Brazil,” read a statement on the club’s Former Chelsea, AC Milan off icial website. BOTTOMLINE and Real Madrid midfielder Warburton takes over a side Michael Essien has signed which sits just two points with Indonesia’s Persib above the relegation places Bandung, the club announced and coming off a 2-1 defeat by yesterday, the highest-profile fellow strugglers Burton Al- player to join a team in the bion, coached by Nigel Clough Kante leaves Pogba in his wake country for years. son of the late great Forest The Ghanaian signed a one- manager Brian. AFP come the best midfi eld player “I’d go as far to say that he’s year contract for an undis- London ever,” tweeted Lineker. (Kante) the best central closed sum to join Persib, Everton’s Schneiderlin Former England captain Alan midfi eld player in the world which is one of the best clubs lost “joy of football” at Shearer said for his money there on current form, I really in the country. Manchester United ’golo Kante’s sublime would be no competition when would,” said Lampard The 34-year-old had not been performance in Chel- it comes to handing out the two playing with a team since he Everton midfielder Morgan sea’s 1-0 victory over player of the year awards. for the goal. Showed little inci- left Greece’s Panathinaikos at Schneiderlin has admitted he Manchester United in “I think you’re looking at the sion and wasted his only good the end of last season. nearly fell out of love with the NMonday’s FA Cup quarter-fi nal Football Writers’ Player of the chance”. Pogba, for whom the “I will give my very best to game at former club Manches- prompted former England great Year and the PFA Player of the criticism of his performances Persib,” Essien, wearing a club ter United due to his lack of Frank Lampard to dub him the Year,” Shearer told the BBC. have become stronger in recent shirt, told media at the team’s opportunities under manager best central midfi elder in the “We are not used to him scor- games, has only been substitut- headquarters in Bandung. Jose Mourinho. world. ing too many goals but he was ed in just one of his 38 appear- When asked what he knew Schneiderlin, who joined the Kante — whose superb goal absolutely superb, he was all ances this term. about football in Indonesia, he Manchester club in 2015, was ended United’s hold on the trophy over the park as usual. Perhaps the only person to conceded “not very much” but a regular under former United — escaped his opponents rough- “When United did get the ball disagree with the assessment added that he had visited the boss Louis van Gaal but was house treatment of playmaker back he was straight at them and of the performances of the two country with Chelsea before. limited to three substitute Eden Hazard and allowed the getting it for Chelsea.” players was United manager Jose However the move to Indo- league appearances under 25-year-old French international Kante, who has proved an un- Mourinho. nesia could turn out to be a Mourinho before switching to to dominate the encounter. qualifi ed success since Chelsea “The players were phenom- shock. Football in Southeast Everton in January. His performance left his paid £30 million to champions enal but I would refer to one Asia’s biggest nation has been “I did lose my joy of football French international teammate Leicester who have equally felt because he’s the one that the wracked by crisis for years, with a little bit because when you and the world’s most expensive Chelsea’s French midfielder N’Golo Kante (L) vies with Manchester his loss keenly, outshone French specialists enjoy to go after,” an explosive row between the don’t play, you don’t play with footballer, United’s Paul Pogba, United’s French midfielder Paul Pogba during the FA Cup tie. international team-mate Pogba. Mourinho told MUTV. domestic association and gov- freedom and everything is very chasing shadows and at the re- The Times player ratings “Probably because in that ernment prompting FIFA to ban hard,” said the 27-year old. ceiving end of more criticism. told the BBC. better than him at the moment.” awarded Kante 9/10 while Pogba time they were not getting 10 Indonesia from international “Since I’ve come here the Kante, though, had former “Looking at the way he’s per- Former England and Barcelo- received just four. percent of the money he was competition in 2015. manager (Ronald Koeman) Chelsea midfi eld legend Lamp- forming this year, he may not be na striker Gary Lineker tweeted The paper opined of Kante: getting. The domestic league ground knows what I’m all about. He ard positively purring. scoring lots of goals but what if Kante became a more regular “buzzed around Pogba when “It probably comes from envy to a halt for a while amid placed confidence in me in the “I’d go as far to say that he’s he’s giving to the team in the way goalscorer then he would be the United had the ball....” whilst for but I have to say, that for me Paul the row, but FIFA lifted the past and he has done so again. (Kante) the best central midfi eld he’s playing, the driving force undisputed number one. Pogba it labelled his perform- Pogba was by far the best player suspension in May last year It’s a joy to work with him player in the world on current that he is, I cannot see anyone “Bloody hell, if Kante starts ance as “Eff ectively stifl ed by on the pitch. and football in the country is every day.” form, I really would,” Lampard else out there in world football scoring goals as well he’ll be- Kante and failed to pick him up “He was a giant.” Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, March 15, 2017 SPORT

TENNIS Wawrinka cruises into fourth round, Kerber survives scare Wawrinka is the highest-ranked player remaining in the top half of the draw after No. 1 Andy Murray lost earlier

AFP Indian Wells, California Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland whips a forehand shot during his win hird-seeded Stan Wawrinka continued over Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany his dominance of Philipp Kohlschreib- in Indian Wells, California. (AFP) er, rolling past the German 7-5, 6-3 on Monday to reach the fourth round of the TATP Indian Wells Masters. Wawrinka recorded his fi fth victory over Kohlschreiber in as many meetings in a performance that left him cau- tiously encouraged about his prospects of mak- ing it past the quarter-fi nals in the California desert for the fi rst time. “It was a really good match,” said Wawrinka, who owns three Grand Slam titles but has won just one of the tour’s coveted Masters titles. “The fi rst set was not easy, for sure, but in general I’m happy with my game. I was serving well. I think I’m moving better and better and it’s all posi- tive so far.” A break in each set was enough for Wawrinka, who didn’t face a break point him- self as he advanced to a meeting with lucky loser Yoshihito Nishioka of Japan, who staged a re- markable rally to get past 13th-seeded Czech To- mas Berdych 1-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4. Wawrinka is the highest-ranked player remain- ing in the top half of the draw after world number one Andy Murray’s shock loss to 129th-ranked qualifi er Vasek Pospisil in the second round. With superstars Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer all jammed into the bottom quar- ter of the draw, Wawrinka’s path looks wide open. Eighth-seeded Austrian Dominic Thiem powered into the fourth round with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Germany’s Mischa Zverev. World number nine Thiem next faces 10th-seeded Gael Monfi ls, who dispatched American John Isner 6-2, 6-4 in just 68 minutes. Elsewhere, Pospisil was unable to build on the best win of his career falling to fellow qualifi er Dusan Lajovic 7-6 (7/4), 3-6, 7-5 just two days af- ter toppling Murray. Pospisil served for the match in the seventh game and another in a marathon enovic 6-3, 6-3. France’s Mladenovic, who has al- THIRD ROUND RESULTS Zverev (GER x29) 6-1, 6-4 at 5-3 in the third set but was broken to love, then 11th game that gave her a 6-5 lead and a chance to ready lifted one trophy and reached another WTA (x denotes seeded player): Women’s: Madison Keys (USA x9) bt Naomi Osaka failed to convert a match point in the 10th game as serve for the match. Kerber, who rose to number fi nal in 2017, had no trouble notching another Men’s: Dusan Lajovic (SRB) bt Vasek Pospisil (CAN) (JPN) 6-1, 6-4; Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x13) bt Lajovic won the last four games to take the match. one in the world with her US Open triumph last top-fi ve win. 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 7-5; Pablo Carreno-Busta (ESP x21) bt Katerina Siniakova (CZE) 6-3, 6-1; Lauren Davis (USA) In the women’s, Angelique Kerber might yet year, is set to regain the summit no matter how Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Wil- Roberto Bautista (ESP x16) walkover; David Goff in bt Julia Goerges (GER) 6-1, 6-4; Kristina Mladenovic celebrate her return to number one with an Indian far she goes this week thanks to the injury with- liams booked a fourth-round berth with a 6-4, (BEL x11) bt Albert Ramos (ESP x22) 7-6 (7/3), 6-4; (FRA x28) bt Simona Halep (ROM x4) 6-3, 6-3; Wells title after battling past Pauline Parmentier drawal of Serena Williams. 6-2 victory over Lucie Safarova. The American Pablo Cuevas (URU x27) bt Fabio Fognini (ITA) Peng Shuai (CHN) bt Agnieszka Radwanska (POL 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 to reach the fourth round. Parmen- Kerber next faces Russian Elena Vesnina, a next faces China’s Peng Shuai, who ousted sixth- 6-1, 6-4; Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI x3) bt Philipp x6) 6-4, 6-4; Venus Williams (USA x12) bt Lucie tier, the world number 62 from France, had the 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 winner over Hungarian Timea Ba- seeded Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland 6-4, 6-4. Kohlschreiber (GER x28) 7-5, 6-3; Yoshihito Safarova (CZE) 6-4, 6-2; Elena Vesnina (RUS x14) two-time Grand Slam champion from Germany bos. Fourth-seeded Romanian Simona Halep, yet American Madison Keys, playing her fi rst event of Nishioka (JPN) bt Tomas Berdych (CZE x13) 1-6, 7-6 bt Tímea Babos (HUN x25) 6-4, 1-6, 6-4; on the ropes with a break and a 4-1 lead in the to regain peak form in the wake of a nagging knee the year after surgery on her left wrist, eased past (7/5), 6-4; Gael Monfils (FRA x10) bt John Isner (USA Angelique Kerber (GER x2) bt Pauline Parmentier third set. But Kerber fought back with a break injury, was dispatched by in-form Kristina Mlad- Japan’s Naomi Osaka 6-1, 6-4. x20) 6-2, 6-4; Dominic Thiem (AUT x8) bt Mischa (FRA) 7-5, 3-6, 7-5

India coach has moved on from CRICKET review row ahead of third test Green pitch delights South Africa AFP ness. “I don’t think ideally we want to play The loss of Taylor means captain Kane Wil- Ranchi, India: India’s coach Anil Kumble said Wellington South Africa on a seamer friendly surface,” liamson is New Zealand’s sole batting fi gure- attention would be back on the pitch for the third said coach Mike Hesson, who was satisfi ed head and “if we get through him we can put Test against Australia after the last match ended with the eff orts of his twin-spin attack in the some real pressure on their batters”. on a sour note over the use of Decision Review fter four days of rain the covers fi rst Test where New Zealand had a chance “So there’s excitement for our seamers and System (DRS) technology. were peeled off the Basin Reserve until rain ensured a frustrating draw on the they will enjoy that, but so will New Zealand, Following the end of the Test won by India, cap- yesterday and to South Af- fi nal day. they’ve got a good seam attack depending tain Virat Kohli alleged his Australian counterpart rica’s delight it was green ahead of South African captain Faf du Plessis, how- on Boult’s fi tness,” added the South African theA second Test against New Zealand. The ever, could barely contain his excitement at skipper. The captain who wins the toss is ex- Steve Smith had flouted the rules on reviewing umpire decisions. greener the better in Wellington has been the state of the wicket and New Zealand’s in- pected to bowl which puts the odds in South “I think what was important was to bring the New Zealand’s mantra in the past. jury woes. “We’ve been surprised. New Zea- Africa’s favour after they called correctly in focus back on cricket and I am really glad that But their tone has been softened for the land conditions have changed since we were all fi ve one-day internationals and the fi rst the BCCI took a mature call along with Cricket second Test starting tomorrow given the last here,” he said, with South Africa confi rm- Test. New Zealand have replaced the injured Australia to issue a joint statement that cricket ruthlessness of South Africa’s pace trio Ver- ing they were bringing in an extra spinner — Taylor with 33-year-old Neil Broom who did needs to move on and we have moved on from non Philander, Kagiso Rabada and Morne Dane Piedt — for the third Test in Hamilton not have the happiest time in the one-day se- whatever happened in that background,” Kumble Morkel. New Zealand’s situation is not helped next week. ries against South Africa. said yesterday. by the loss of batsman and injury But with the Basin Reserve having it’s tra- In three innings he had scores of two, two, Both captains escaped any charges from the concerns surrounding fast bowler Trent Boult ditional green cover, du Plessis said his seam- and a duck and was caught around the wicket International Cricket Council over the dispute who has until today evening to prove his fi t- ers were looking forward to the second Test. at square leg, point and in the slips. involving the Decision Review System (DRS) in Bengaluru, while the Board of Control for Cricket in India and Cricket Australia released a joint RUGBY statement to resolve the matter. India succumbed to their first defeat in 15 Test matches with a humiliating 333-run loss against Australia in the first Test at Pune last month, but clinched the second in Bengaluru last week, beat- Scottish-born Biagi to start for Italy ing the visitors by 75 runs. Head coach of the Indian cricket team, Anil “We would like to finish the last two test Kumble speaks in Ranchi yesterday. (AFP) Agencies the 2019 global tournament in Japan. matches in a very good way, and I am sure it will Rome “For us everything’s about the World Cup,” be something that we will be cherishing. I think In- physically on the back of one Shield game, that’s the 57-year-old Australian said. “If you look dia have responded really well,” he said ahead of a completely diff erent kettle of fish. There’s a at where we are now, we’ve been together the third match of the four-Test series which starts number of diff erent factors when it comes into cottish-born lock George Biagi approximately eight weeks. You’re together from tomorrow at first-time Test venue Ranchi. selecting guys to play for Australia in those sorts has been named in the Italy side eight or nine weeks to get to a World Cup After a series win against West Indies in July, India of conditions.” that will close a disappointing Six fi nal. It’s the team that prepares with the hosted and won test series against New Zealand Nations campaign against Scotland mind-set that nothing’s going to stop them atS Murrayfi eld on Saturday. The return of being at their best that wins the World Cup.” and England as well as a victory over Bangladesh. SOUTH AFRICA DRAFT IN EXTRA SPINNER FOR NEW ZEALAND Biagi in place of Dries van Schalkwyk is one Jones said his squad discussed the pos- QUESTION MARK OVER TEST South Africa yesterday called up off -spinner Dane of four changes from coach Conor O’Shea sibility of extending the unbeaten run after FITNESS OF ‘FREAK’ CUMMINS Piedt to join their squad for the third and final for an Italian side that has lost all four of defeating Italy 36-15 last month to notch A recall for one-Test paceman Pat Cummins has Test against New Zealand in Hamilton, starting their championship matches to date, con- up a 17th consecutive win. A 61-21 triumph been a long time coming but New South Wales on March 25. The South African selectors packed ceding 172 points in the process. over Scotland last Saturday matched New captain Moises Henriques believes it still might be their original touring squad with seam bowlers Biagi came off the bench in defeats by Ire- Zealand’s record for wins in a row. too soon for the bowler he considers a “freak of and only selected one specialist spinner in left- land, England and France, but started in the nature”. Cummins may have only played one Test armer Keshav Maharaj. The drawn first Test in opening 33-7 defeat at home to Wales. Flank ALL BLACKS MILNER-SKUDDER but his was a pretty impressive performance, tak- Dunedin was played on a slow, turning pitch and Maxime Mbanda also returns to the team in OUT FOR SIX WEEKS ing 6-79 in the second innings to lead Australia to New Zealand picked two spinners, who bowled a place of while Ornel Gega, All Blacks utility back Nehe Milner-Skudder a two-wicket victory over South Africa at Wander- combined 106 overs out of a total of 224.4 during back from injury, takes over hooker duties was told yesterday he will be out for at least ers in November 2011. South Africa’s two innings. from . Panico, 18-, 19-Dries van Schalk- six weeks with a foot injury, leaving his After more than five years of injury setbacks Maharaj bowled 28.3 overs in New Zealand’s The fi nal change to the starting XV sees wyk, 20-Federico Ruzza, 21-, dream of facing the British and Irish Lions preventing his talent from blooming in the Test only innings, which lasted 114.3 overs, and took Tommaso Benvenuti replace Michele Cam- 22-, 23-Luca Sperandio hanging by a thread. Milner-Skudder fell arena, the 23-year-old was called up to replace the five for 94. Piedt will not arrive in New Zealand in pagnaro at outside centre. Uncapped loose- awkwardly in a tackle during Wellington injured Mitchell Starc in the squad for the last two time for the second Test, which starts in Welling- forward Federico Ruzza has been named on ENGLAND READY FOR ‘WORLD CUP Hurricanes’ Super Rugby loss to Waikato matches in the series in India. A man-of-the-match ton tomorrow, but could be drafted into the line- the bench, along with scrumhalf Marcello FINAL’ AGAINST IRELAND - JONES Chiefs on Friday and scans showed a break performance on his return to first class cricket for up for the third Test if the Hamilton pitch is similar Violi, who has yet to play in the Six Nations. England coach Eddie Jones has urged his in his right foot. The Hurricanes said it was a the first time in six years last week was enough for to the spin-friendly surface that was used for two Italy team: 15-Edoardo Padovani, 14-Angelo side to treat the Six Nations fi nale against small fracture that required rest, not surgery, selectors to give him the call, but his New South one-day internationals. Esposito, 13-Tommaso Benvenuti, 12-Luke Ireland like a Rugby World Cup fi nal as the but Milner-Skudder would be out for at least Wales captain was not so sure. Piedt, 27, took 24 wickets at an average of 36.04 McLean, 11-, 10-Carlo back-to-back champions target a second six weeks. “I think Pat is a very special bowler, so in terms in seven Tests before he was dropped from the Canna, 9-, 8-, 7-Abra- consecutive grand slam on Saturday. The match was only Milner-Skudder’s of skill-wise and if you want someone to play squad that won a Test series in Australia in No- ham Steyn, 6-Maxime Mbanda, 5-George Biagi, A victory in Dublin would also see England second outing after a season-long layoff in cricket for Australia, I think Pat Cummins is your vember when two previously uncapped left-arm- 4-, 3-, 2-Ornel set a tier-one record of 19 consecutive wins 2016 due to shoulder surgery. He scored a man,” Henriques said. “But whether he’s ready ers, Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi were selected. Gega, 1-. and Jones believes the pressure on the week- hat-trick of tries in his comeback against the Replacements: 16-Leonardo Ghiraldini, 17-Sami end’s performance is ideal preparation for Melbourne Rebels. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 15, 2017 5 SPORT

GCC CLUB VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Qatar’s Al Rayyan players celebrate their victory over Bahrain’s Al Ahli in their GCC Club Volleyball Championship match at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena yesterday. Rayyan won 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-21). (R) Bahrain’s Dar Kulaib defeated UAE’s Al Ain 3-0 (25-18, 29-27, 25-12) ). PICTURES: Jayaram

NBA SPOTLIGHT Sanders returns to sign with Cavs Leonard inspires AFP the game he loves and hope- Los Angeles fully this is his destination. You don’t know how much you can get out of a guy that’s been ree agent Larry Sand- out so long, but I’d love to see ers ended his two-year it. Why not?” exile from the NBA by joining the injury-hit Iguodala fined over as Spurs draw level ClevelandF Cavaliers on Mon- racially charged comments day, the team announced. Golden State Warriors guard Former Bucks star Sanders, Andre Iguodala was fi ned 28, has not played since 2015, $10,000 on Monday for ra- when he walked away from the cially charged remarks deemed NBA following multiple posi- “inappropriate” by the NBA. tive tests for marijuana. Iguodala incurred the wrath He later underwent treat- of the league for comments with Warriors ment for anxiety, depression made following the Warriors’ and mood disorders. 103-102 defeat to the Minne- However, he announced in sota Timberwolves last Friday. ‘I felt good — it was just like any other game. Our trainers did a good job of getting me prepared’ January his intention to re- Asked about a plan by coach turn to the sport and Cleveland Steve Kerr to rest Iguodala and have swooped following the other Warriors stars for Satur- AFP injury which ruled out Andrew day’s game against San Anto- Los Angeles Bogut for the remainder of the nio, Iguodala replied: “Nope, season. Aussie big man Bogut no clue. I do what master say.” was waived by the Cavs on He later used a notorious awhi Leonard shrugged Monday, the team confi rmed. racial slur when quizzed about off the after-eff ects of Sanders was selected by the the Warriors’ loss to Min- a recent concussion Bucks with the 15th overall nesota. NBA executive vice to score 31 points as pick in the 2010 draft. In fi ve president of basketball opera- Kthe San Antonio Spurs downed seasons with Milwaukee he av- tions Kiki VanDeWeghe said in Atlanta to go level with Golden eraged 6.5 points, 5.8 rebounds a statement Iguodala had been State Warriors at the top of the and 1.8 blocks per game. fi ned for “making inappropri- Western Conference on Monday. Cleveland star LeBron James ate comments during a post- Leonard, who had been con- said at the weekend Sanders game media interview.” cussed after a clash with Okla- would be welcome at the Cavs. Warriors coach Kerr later homa City Thunder guard Victor “With his hiatus, I don’t laughed off the remarks, tell- Oladipo last Thursday, showed know what he was going ing reporters: “You guys just no sign of the knock as he led the through so I can’t comment got Andre’d.” “Andre is one Spurs to a 107-99 victory over about somebody’s personal life of those guys who likes to stir the Hawks. because I wasn’t a part of it,” the pot and has a lot of cryp- The win gave San Antonio an James told Cleveland.com. tic messaging at times,” Kerr identical 52-14 record to Western “But it looks like he wants added. Conference pace-setters Golden another opportunity and “(He) jokes around. I didn’t State, who host Philadelphia on hopefully if we’re the team, take anything from it. It’s just Tuesday. hopefully we give him an op- Andre being Andre.” Leonard was backed by an all- portunity. Why not? Iguodala scored eight points round scoring display from his “Everyone deserves a sec- in 32 minutes after coming on Spurs team-mates with David ond chance and it looks like off the bench against the Tim- Lee, Danny Green, Patty Mills he wants to get back to playing berwolves. and Pau Gasol all posting double fi gure points tallies. Leonard also chipped in with fi ve rebounds and four assists as the Spurs claimed back-to-back wins following their victory over an under-strength Golden State on Saturday. For Atlanta, Dennis Schroder led the scoring with 22 points, with Tim Hardaway adding 17 points and Paul Millsap 16. The Spurs lived dangerously San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (No 2) dribbles the ball as Atlanta Hawks small forward Kent Bazemore (left) defends during at times however, and gave up a the second half at AT&T Centre. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports season-high 23 turnovers during an uneven performance. Anthony Towns poured on 39 the Raptors past the Dallas Mav- The veteran added seven Dwyane Wade, who scored 23 “All teams make mistakes — points as the Minnesota Tim- ericks 100-78. points and six assists and was points, said Rondo’s speed had nobody plays a perfect game,” berwolves pulled away for a sur- The Raptors improved to 39- the key fi gure in helping Chi- been the key to a rejuvenated Spurs coach Gregg Popovich prisingly comfortable 119-104 28 after losing their two previous cago’s sputtering off ense fi nd its performance. “What Rondo said. win over the in-form Washing- games. rhythm again. brings to the game is his pace, “But overall, I was pleased ton Wizards. Toronto eff ectively settled Rondo was brought back into which allows us to get the ball up with our defense, given the fact Ricky Rubio scored 22 points the contest in the third quarter, the starting line-up by coach the court and we’re moving the that we turned it over 23 times and added 19 assists for Min- building a 13-point lead which Fred Hoiberg after the Bulls limp ball and our bodies are moving and still held Atlanta below 100 nesota as Washington slipped to was soon stretched to 22 points 100-80 surrender against Bos- as well,” Wade said. points. I’m really pleased that 41-25 for the season. The Tim- in the fourth quarter after Fred ton on Sunday. It was Rondo’s “It’s easy basketball to play, so we continued to guard and hus- berwolves have now won eight of VanVleet’s three pointer. fi rst start since late December. it becomes contagious. It starts tle the way we did despite being their past 12 games. Norman Powell scored 19 “We had to make a change,” at our point guard, and then it sloppy with the ball.” Washington’s scoring was led points while Jonas Valanciunas Hoiberg said. goes down the line.” Leonard meanwhile said he by John Wall with 27 points while weighed in with 14 points and 12 “We had fi ve straight losses was fully recovered from his Bradley Beal contributed 20 rebounds. and we had to shake things up, RESULTS concussion which had left him points despite a wayward shoot- Harrison Barnes with 18 points and that’s what we decided to Spurs 107 Hawks 99 complaining of headaches and ing performance that saw him and Dirk Nowitzki with 17 points do to try to inject some pace into Grizzlies 113 Bucks 93 blurred vision in his left eye. make just seven of 21 attempts. were top scorers for Dallas. our team,” Hoiberg added, sin- Timberwolves 119 Wizards 104 “I felt good — it was just like In Charlotte, the Chicago gling out Rondo for praise. Bulls 115 Hornets 109 any other game,” said Leonard. Raptors claw Mavs Bulls ended a fi ve-game losing “Hopefully he’ll play well the Raptors 100 Mavericks 78 “Our trainers did a good job of In Toronto, DeMar DeRozan streak with a 115-109 win over rest of the year and hopefully Jazz 114 Clippers 108 getting me prepared.” scored 25 points with six re- the Hornets after Rajon Rondo’s he’ll continue to inject life into Kings 120 Magic 115 Elsewhere Monday, Karl- bounds and two assists to guide 20-point haul. our team.” Nuggets 129 Lakers 101 Larry Sanders. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, March 15, 2017 SPORT

NHL WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC Japan hammer Cuba 8-5, moving closer Pittsburgh Penguins to the fi nal stage

AFP reporters. Tokyo “We are aiming at the world number one, but fi rst we will beat our opponents at hand,” wo-time champi- Yamada said. lose 4-3 to Calgary ons Japan knocked Japan manager Hiroki out Cuba 8-5 in the Kokubo said: “It was a tough second round at the game today, but our batters TWorld Baseball Classic with held on. What happened so far two stunning homers by slug- today is a thing of the past. We ger Tetsuto Yamada yesterday, will go for a victory tomorrow moving another step closer to at any cost.” the fi nal stage. Japan will take on Israel on Flames in shootout Japan, unbeaten in the tour- Wednesday, while Cuba will nament, got off to a good start play the Netherlands. when Yamada blasted a lead- Japan, chasing a third title ‘We would’ve liked to have gotten the two points tonight, but it didn’t work out’ off homer in the fi rst inning, after scooping the fi rst two to an explosive reaction from editions of the World Base- 32,700 local fans. ball Classic in 2006 and 2009, But Cuba, defeated by Japan narrowly beat the Netherlands in the fi rst round, turned the on Sunday in their second match around as Yurisbel Gra- round opener. cial hit a two-run homer in the In a separate match of the second inning. quarter-fi nal pool in Tokyo The two teams progressed on Sunday, Cuba was defeated fairly evenly in the seesaw by Israel, who have pulled off match, but Japan fi nally took a string of upsets, battering the lead as substitute Seiichi South Korea, Chinese Taipei Uchikawa scored the decisive and the Netherlands in the run with a sacrifi ce fl y in the fi rst round. bottom half of the eighth Baseball’s birthplace, the inning. United States, has never won Yamada silenced the Carib- the Classic with Major League beans by smashing his second clubs refusing to release play- homer of the game in the same ers, giving rise to questions inning before ace closer Ka- over the tournament’s future. zuhisa Makita sealed victory This year’s 16-team compe- in style. tition concludes with a fi nal at “It was good to have my own Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, swings,” upbeat Yamada told on March 22.

Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury reacts as Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman (not in picture) scores a goal during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

By Sam Werner shootout goal for Calgary, which absolutely lethal off ensively on lead a few minutes after Engel- but not much longer. Dennis Pittsburgh Post-Gazette extended its winning streak to 10 this road trip - struck again early land’s score with a power-play Wideman tied the score at 2 at games. Evgeni Malkin, Sidney in the fi rst period to put the Pen- goal from Evgeni Malkin at 15:51 1:34 of the second period. Wide- Crosby and Phil Kessel all missed guins on the board fi rst. of the fi rst period. man threw a shot at the net that ntil Monday night, the their shootout attempts. Sheary put the Penguins up Malkin worked a picture- seemed to knuckle past Fleury Penguins’ Western Crosby did force overtime, 1-0 when he fi nished off a se- perfect give-and-go with Chris and into the crease. Canada road trip had though, tying the score at 16:29 ries of tic-tac-toe passing from Kunitz and beat Flames goalie Flames center Sam Bennett been a masterclass in of the third period to add some Crosby and Guentzel for his 20th Brian Elliott for his 33rd score of tried to get a stick on it to knock Uovercoming injuries. drama late. Conor Sheary and goal of the season. the season. it in, but as he whiff ed, the puck Combine the litany of absent Jake Guentzel assisted on the The 20 goals is, obviously, a Elliott, though, kept the bounced into the net its own players with a red-hot Flames score, marking the second time career high for Sheary in his sec- Flames in the game after that, to even up the score, where it team, though, and it was just a of the night the trio combined to ond NHL season. He has 20 goals stopping 32 shots. For the fi rst stayed until the third. bit too much to weather. put the puck in the net. in 47 games this season after time this road trip, the Pen- The overtime loss moves the The Penguins lost to Calgary, Johnny Gaudreau had broken a scoring seven in 44 last year. guins did not lose a player to Penguins into a tie with Wash- 4-3, in a shootout Monday night, 2-2 tie earlier in the third with a The Flames tied the game injury minutes before the puck ington for fi rst place in the di- snapping their fi ve-game win- nifty wraparound goal past Pen- midway through the fi rst on a dropped. Instead, they waited vision and in the overall NHL ning streak and ending what guins defenseman Ron Hainsey goal from former Penguin Deryk until late in the fi rst period. standings. had otherwise been a successful and Marc-Andre Fleury. Engelland. Engelland threw a Defenseman Mark Streit trip out west on a bit of a sour The frenetic third period shot from the point that bounced blocked a Sean Monahan shot RESULTS note. proved a fi tting cap to a game off a skate and past Fleury, who late in the fi rst and had to leave Flames 4 Penguins 3 (SO) “We would’ve liked to have that featured plenty of high- got the nod in goal Monday over the game. He did not return for Hurricanes 8 Islanders 4 gotten the two points tonight,” quality chances - and high- Matt Murray. the fi nal two periods, and, ac- Blue Jackets 5 Flyers 3 Penguins coach Mike Sullivan quality goaltending - on both Fleury - starting two out of cording to the SportsNet televi- Lightning 3 Rangers 2 said. “But, it didn’t work out, sides. three games for the fi rst time sion broadcast, left the Saddled- Predators 5 Jets 4 (OT) but certainly it was a big point The line combination of Jake since early February - stopped ome for further evaluation. Coyotes 1 Avalanche 0 Japanese designated hitter Tetsuto Yamada hits a two-run homer for us.” Guenztel, Sidney Crosby and 26 of 29 Calgary shots. The Penguins’ lead lasted Blues 3 Kings 1 in bottom of the eighth inning during the World Baseball Classic Kris Versteeg scored the lone Conor Sheary - which has been The Penguins reclaimed the through the fi rst intermission, Bruins 6 Canucks 3 Pool E second round match against Cuba. (AFP)

SPOTLIGHT MLB’s Manfred is trying to speed up baseball

By Geoff Baker prisingly, the MLB Players As- when we can do this; we have MLB has the oldest age demo- playoff aff airs that go four-plus The Seattle Times sociation has shown resistance existing commitments. But, that graphics of any of North Ameri- hours and keep viewers glued to anything that substantially certainly should be an issue we ca’s four major sports. to every heart-stopping pitch. alters what it calls the “nuances” look at, as well.” Half its television viewers, It’s the 3-hour games in mid- ajor League Baseball of the game. There are obvious issues to according to Neilsen’s annual August between two teams going commissioner Rob While those “nuances” may reducing commercial breaks. If sports media report, are aged nowhere, punctuated by seem- Manfred is in a bit feel like watching a C-SPAN you reduce the number of com- 55 and up. The average age of ingly endless mound visits, that of a hurry these days. marathon to many young view- mercials shown between in- baseball viewers is 54, compared most everyone agrees is turning MHis biggest urgency is grab- ers, the players see them as com- nings, or cut the time devoted to 47 for NFL and 37 for NBA – younger viewers off . bing hold of the next generation petitive edges. There’s strategy to spots, it reduces the money which had the youngest viewers “If you sit and watch games, of sports viewers before they in stepping out of the batter’s made off such ads. of the four big leagues. usually the pace between the latch on to something else. And box to disrupt a pitcher, or a Brown mentioned Manfred MLB saw some youth gains in fi rst and the fi fth innings or one of the ways he’s gone about pitcher stepping off the rubber was looking at alternatives to the most recent World Series, maybe the sixth, when your it is trying to speed up the games to hurt the batter’s focus, that recouping some of that lost rev- where the 3.7 million viewers in starter is in usually isn’t too bad,” his sport is presenting to those does more than merely drag a enue. Back in 2013, Brown add- the 18-34 age category was the Brown said. But, after that, he younger fans. game out. ed, Sportsnet in Canada sold su- highest since 2004. added, “you get into a lot of situ- A fl urry of recent rules chang- The players will fi ght to keep perimposed on-fi eld advertising But that merely dented a much ational lefty-on-lefty, righty- es introduced by Manfred his those intact. And Manfred needs visible only to television viewers bigger problem. Especially when on-righty, a pitcher that’s in for fi rst two years since taking over the players onboard, which is during its broadcast of a Toronto the number of people between only one batter and then we’re the top MLB job from Bud Selig why he’s looking to cut as many Blue Jays game. ages 7-17 playing baseball in the going to make another call to the are designed to quicken the ineffi ciencies as he can without “They had used the fi eld as US has declined 41 percent since bullpen. pace of games. The most recent taking aim at game nuances that green screen and put advertis- 2002. “And then, you’ve got com- will see the elimination of the have existed for 100 years. years. In that there’s been more But Manfred told Brown that ing in the foul areas and on the Also, studies show the league mercial breaks that are associat- four-pitch intentional walk this This month, he told Forbes. television and now every game not only was he interested in ex- batter’s eye just for television,” outpacing all others for gar- ed with all of them, where ‘This season and tweaks to the video com he’d even look at shortening is broadcast and that if you really ploring that, but Red Sox owner Brown said. “So, they could do nering fans in their teens and bullpen call is sponsored by’ and replay system to eliminate dead television commercial breaks. wanted to get into the ineffi cien- Tom Werner also supports the this. That’s one way. They cer- younger is Major League Soc- then basically, you hang a spon- time. “This was the most surpris- cies part, you’d go after com- idea. tainly experimented with it even cer. The average MLS game lasts sorship around everything. And Manfred would also like to ing thing,” said Forbes sports mercials. “I fully agree with the idea of if it was just for a game. It just about two hours, compared to so, I think, then, that the diffi - implement a 20-second pitch contributor Maury Brown, who “Well, everybody was un- examining our commercial load showed that they were willing to three hours for MLB. culty is really trying to keep the clock, reduce the number of trips interviewed Manfred for the der the impression that there’s in our broadcasts and is some- go there.” Manfred has argued it isn’t the pace going at the end.” to the mound and alter the strike story. “There’s been so much no way they’d do that because thing that we should be doing,” Whatever the solution, there time of the games that matters as And so, Manfred is trying to zone so pitchers throw more hit- talk about how that’s where the there’s revenues involved with Manfred said in the story. “There is certainly evidence that Man- much as entertainment value. help MLB pick up that pace. Be- table pitches. Thus far, not sur- biggest change was in the last 40 it.” are contractual limitations on fred’s urgency isn’t misguided. There have been thrilling MLB fore it gets left behind. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 15, 2017 7 SPORT

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Double Olympic cycling champ Birmingham, Rowsell-Shand Liverpool want ends stellar career 2022 CW Games The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) said Durban, which had hoped to be the first African city to host the Games, had failed to meet bid promises

Director General of the South African department of Sport and Recreation Alec Moemi speaks during a media briefing by the Department of Sport and Recreation of South Africa yesterday. South Africa voiced disappointment that Durban had been stripped of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, blaming financial disagreements but vowing to host major tournaments in future. AFP “I have enjoyed this fabulous London career and the decision to step away has been the hardest I’ve ever had to make, but now is the ouble Olympic cycling time for me to move on track gold medallist “I believe I have more to off er Joanna Rowsell- the world and I’m now looking Shand brought the forward to the next phase of my Dcurtain down on her stellar ca- life and new challenges.” reer yesterday. British Cycling hailed Rowsell- The 28-year-old — who stood Shand, tweeting: “One of the out from her teammates because best there has ever been. What an of the loss of her hair through incredible British Cycling team alopecia — won team pursuit career for @JoRowsellShand. gold both in the London Games #GoodluckJoanna.” in 2012 and in Rio last year. She also received a warm trib- “Having been part of the GB ute from Olympic team pursuit Cycling Team for over 10 years, teammate Laura Trott. travelling around the world “I will miss you @joan- racing my bike, today I am an- narowsellshand. Congratula- nouncing my retirement from tions on such a wonderful ca- international cycling competi- reer,” wrote Trott, now married tion,” she said in a statement to men’s track great Jason Kenny, on her website, joannarowsell. on her Instagram account. com. “I have been lucky enough to Rowsell-Shand — who was have you there when my own also a fi ve-time world champion, journey began and have loved four in the team pursuit and one every minute of it. Good luck in individual pursuit crown — also your next chapter.” Reuters choose a new host city without a formal The 2018 Games will be held on Aus- The Commonwealth Games Federa- gave some much-needed praise Rowsell-Shand — who was London bid process. tralia’s Gold Coast. tion said on Monday it was seeking a to British Cycling, the subject also Commonwealth Games in- Its executive vice president Kereyn Smith held out the possibility of the new host because the coastal city had of adverse headlines for the past dividual pursuit champion in Smith, also the head of the New Zealand Gold Coast holding back-to-back Games failed to deliver on the promises it had year over sexism and bullying al- 2014 — is to coach and will com- he English cities of Birmingham Olympic Committee, confi rmed the CGF to host 2022 but city offi cials poured cold made in its bid, including on govern- legations. pete in L’Etape du Jour in July. and Liverpool have expressed would invite cities seen as willing and water on the idea. ance, venues, funding and risk man- “I want to thank the amaz- “I’m also training for L’Etape interest in hosting the 2022 capable of holding the Games to step in, “Council will not consider hosting the agement. ing team at British Cycling,” said du Tour in July — riders take on Commonwealth Games after and said the next host needed to be set- 2022 games as we will be working tire- But South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Rowsell-Shand. one of the stages of the Tour de DurbanT was stripped of the right on tled quickly. lessly on our legacy outcomes from the Fikile Mbalula, said the fi nancial de- “From the world class team France — which will be my long- Monday. “I think the time frame is a matter of 2018 Games experience,” Gold Coast mands of the CGF were excessive, and behind the team who work tire- est bike ride ever,” she said. “Here in Birmingham we are already in months, certainly not longer than that,” mayor Tom Tate said. that in a tough economic climate the lessly to ensure we have the best “Being more accustomed to the advanced stages of producing a de- she told New Zealand radio. Australia has been an enthusiastic par- country would not leave itself exposed preparation for events, to the racing for 4km, the challenge of tailed feasibility study on what would be “The President (of the CGF) Louise ticipant in the Commonwealth Games, to an “open-ended guarantee” on the very fi rst youth coaches who tal- riding 180km in mountainous needed for a truly memorable games in Martin is working with cities that have which take place every four years and event’s budget. ent spotted me back when I was terrain will be a long way from the city,” said Ian Ward, the deputy leader the ability and the facilities and they can bring together athletes from the 52 mem- He said the government disagreed with 15. what I am used to but I am never of Birmingham City Council in a state- quickly get the money together to make a bers of the Commonwealth, most of which the CGF’s statement, while respecting its “I couldn’t have done it with- one for shying away from a tough ment. commitment to do that.” were at one time colonies of Britain. decision as the rights holder. out you! target.” “That is due to be completed in the New Zealand, which last hosted the Melbourne (2006), Brisbane (1982) and “Our country is regrettably not in a coming weeks and we are in close contact Commonwealth Games in Auckland in Perth (1962) have all hosted the Games position to make huge fi nancial com- with the Government about the develop- 1990, said it had no interest in hosting before. mitments given the current competing ‘Pyeongchang Olympics can help unite nation’ ing situation.” 2022. Commonwealth Games Australia socio-economic needs and global eco- Birmingham had already expressed an “We have no intention of taking over (CGA) said it would “support the CGF in nomic downturn,” he told reporters on Seoul: The 2018 Winter Olym- Bach, speaking after receiving interest in staging the 2026 Games, as the 2022 Commonwealth Games,” sports any way required” to ensure 2022 went Tuesday. pic Games in Pyeongchang an honorary doctorate from had Liverpool. minister Jonathan Coleman told local ahead. “In the interests of fi scal discipline and can help unite politically the National Sport University The BBC quoted a spokesperson for media. “Commonwealth Games Australia has fi nancial prudency, our government has divided South Korea, Interna- in Seoul, was alluding to the Liverpool City Council as saying they “There is a lot of infrastructure that not been approached by the CGF regard- considered all options and remains con- tional Olympic Committee (IOC) corruption scandal that led to had “already indicated to the government needs to be built across the country and ing an alternate host city for 2022,” it said fi dent that we have acted in the best in- president Thomas Bach said former president Park Geun that we are very willing to host them (the this ranks well down our list of priorities.” in a statement. terest of South Africa.” yesterday. Hye’s impeachment and loss 2022 Games) instead.” Canadian media said Durban’s with- “If that approach does come, it is Durban missed deadlines last Novem- “After the political diff erences of off ice. The Commonwealth Games Federa- drawal might revive interest in Edmonton something that we will give due consid- ber to sign the host city contract, estab- that your country is going Support for the Olympics from tion (CGF) said Durban, which had hoped which pulled out of the 2022 bid in 2015, eration.” lish an organising committee and make through now, the Pyeongchang South Koreans and the national to be the fi rst African city to host the leaving the South African city the sole Meanwhile, South Africa’s government contracted payments to the CGF. Olympic Games can unite the government is “going beyond Games, had failed to meet the promises bidder. has expressed disappointment at the de- Mbalula said the government had ap- Koreans and make them proud all the political diff erences,” contained in its bid and the search for a “This raises the some interesting possi- cision to strip Durban of the right to host proved a budget of 4.32bn rand ($327.5mn) again of their country, and Bach said. replacement host was now on. bilities... but the city could not undertake the 2022 Commonwealth Games, saying which it believed was ample, using the of their athletes,” Bach was Bach will be attending the Anticipating trouble with Durban, this alone,” the Edmonton Journal quoted the budget it had guaranteed for the event country’s hosting of the All Africa Games quoted by Yonhap news agency IOC executive committee in the CGF recently acquired the power to the city’s mayor Don Iveson as saying. was suffi cient. 18 years ago as a yardstick. as saying. Pyeongchang tomorrow.

BOTTOMLINE ‘Populist surge impacting on Olympics image’

AFP we are in a period where establishments president Thomas Bach and the mem- an Olympics is which is at its core 28 London are on the back foot,” the British Olympic bers to allocate the 2024 and 2028 Games world championships in 16/17 day pe- Association (BOA) chairman told AFP. to Paris and Los Angeles when they con- riod.” Robertson, who was ennobled for “You’ve seen that whether it be Brexit, vene in Lima in September. his part in the successful delivery and he anti-establishment surge that Trump and also look at what is happen- “There is a very very strong argument, hosting of the Games, said it was time led to Brexit and Donald Trump ing to a lesser extent in Germany and a if members want it, to sit out this present for the IOC to remind people that sport becoming US President has also greater extent in France, indeed right mood by securing their future for as far is the essential ingredient of the Games. impacted on bids to host the across Europe. “This won’t last for ever. forward as possible. “Probably part of the error in as much TOlympic Games, British Olympic chief There are establishments for good rea- “Also looking from the outside the at- as an error has been made has been to Hugh Robertson told AFP in an interview sons. It’s not because people want to traction to the IOC to award two Olym- lose sight of that (the sporting side) and yesterday. club together and protect themselves as pics would be to give themselves com- if you brought it back to its DNA that it There has been much debate about the is commonly held to be the case at the mercial security and knowing what they becomes a sports competition then it health of the Olympics brand with just moment. are doing a decade out must be an ex- would be much more palatable. two bidders left in the race for the 2024 “Establishments are a means of doing traordinarily attractive option.” “You don’t see too many people re- Summer Games — Paris and Los Ange- politics, doing government and doing Robertson, who said one of London’s volting against hosting a football World les.Rome and Budapest dropped out due business that tends to work for people. innate strengths was that they had an Cup in anything like the same way. to a perceived lack of popular support to “The sense at the moment is that it has all-Party binding agreement to fi rst sup- “So getting it back to its core values is a host them. broken down. I sense that at some point port the bid and then the delivery of the big part of the solution. Robertson, a former Conservative there will be a gravitation back to the es- Games, said casting the Olympics as part “Even if the IOC were to take my ad- lawmaker who was Sports Minister in tablishment.” of the establishment was wrong. vice and wait for in that great modern the lead-up to and during the 2012 Lon- Robertson, who went on to become a “Voting against the Olympics as a tool phrase the caravan to move on (allocat- don Games, said the present political Foreign Offi ce minister before stepping of the establishment is a profoundly il- ing the two Games at same time) it would mood did not see the Olympics in a fa- down from his seat in 2015, says with the logical thing to do,” said Roberston. be worth going through this process in vourable light. mood as it is he believes it would be wise “In amongst everything else that hap- stripping the Games back so it becomes “All political cycles rise and fall and for International Olympic Committee British Olympic chief Hugh Robertson. pens at an Olympics you can forget what just 16/17 days of sport.”

Wednesday, March 15, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Registration begins for Sixes Gully Cricket UAE riders dominate Carnival Doha: In an eff ort to tap into the talent at the grassroots level in Qatar, QPLAYS is conducting a Sixes Gully Cricket Carnival 2017. The two-day event will be held at day one of GCC Road the Asian Town International Cricket Stadium on March 23rd and 24th. Gully cricket is a popular norm of cricket, played in the streets and grounds by aspiring cricketers around the world. The tournament Cycling Championship will be played with soft ten- nis ball. Winners will take home a cash prize of QR 5,000 and a Hosts Qatar finished fourth in the 46km Elite class team time trial title trophy, while the runner-up will get QR 2,500 and also a trophy. The registration fee to play in the tournament is QR1,000 with the process already underway. Interested teams can register for the Sixes Gully Cricket Carnival 2017 by calling up 66501238. They can also contact through WhatsApp at +974-33448203 or log in to www.qatarplays. com/sixes The event is organised by QPLAYS, in association with Ibn Ajayan Projects, one of the leading facility manage- ment companies in Qatar and QECC – The Largest Cricket Players Community in Qatar. The tournament is managed by Qbiz Events. Ibn Ajayan have been conducting many cricket tournaments every year, also bringing popular international cricket stars to Qatar, with the game widely followed by the expats. The aim of QPLAYS is to organise, manage and coor- dinate sporting events with a high standard of excel- lence whilst always placing the needs of players and participant’s at the forefront of our business. Team UAE won the 46km Elite class team time trial title during the 19th GCC Road Cycling Championship at the Losail International Circuit yesterday. Bahrain finished second, while Kuwait was third. Each match will be played between two teams of six By Sports Reporter players each. A match con- Doha sists of a maximum of five overs, bowled by each side. A team shall not be permit- AE riders made a clean sweep on the fi rst ted to declare its innings day of the 19th GCC Road Cycling Cham- closed. To be eligible for the pionship by winning all the three team QPLAYS Super 6 Series, play- time trial titles at the Losail International ers must be a minimum of 14 UCircuit yesterday. years of age. The UAE team comprising Badr Neerzra al- Each member of the field- Hamadi, Muhamed Hasan al-Marwi, Jabir al ing team shall bowl, with ex- -Mansuri and Ahmed al-Mansuri won the 46km ception of the wicketkeeper Elite class team time trial title, the feature event of 1 over each. A Batsman must the day, in 58:46 seconds as they accelerated with retire upon reaching a speed of 47.21km per hour. a personal score of 30 runs, Bahrain team riders – Syed Ahmed Khalil Ibra- but may not retire before him, Mansur Muhamed Mansur, Ali Hasan Jawad reaching 30 runs (except for and Saad Talal Saad – fi nished runners-up after injury). completing the race in 1:1.23 seconds with a speed of 45.23km per hour. Kuwait came third followed by hosts Qatar. Qatar riders have been preparing well for this event as they had an extensive summer training camp in Europe last year. After that they also fea- tured in numerous events at the regional and Asian Qatari riders in action on the opening day of the GCC Road Cycling Championship yesterday. level in the winter. Earlier in the day, UAE won their fi rst title when faar fi nished second with a time of 34:40s. Oman Hasan secured second position with a time of 48 Thursday individual time trial races for cadet, jun- Umar Abdurrazzaq, Umar Salim, Rashid Ahmed and Bahrain fi nished third and fourth respectively. minutes and 58 seconds. Bahrain and Oman com- ior and elite will be held. and Khalil Essa won the 23km cadet class race. UAE also won the 34.5km junior class race as pleted the race in third and fourth positions, re- The event ends on Friday when the cadets and They took 33 minutes 49 seconds with a speed of Rashid Abdullah, Abdullah Abdul Karim, Moham- spectively. elite classes have separate road race around Losail 41.20km per hour to reach the milestone. The Sau- ed Farooq and Hamd Abdullah who took 46:12s to Earlier the four-day competition was kicked Circuit and Katara. The elite class will complete di Arabian team comprising Abdur Rehman, Al- fi nish the job. The Saudi team of Yusuf al-Yusuf, off with an impressive opening ceremony. Today 101kms, the longest race this week, while cadet will Hasan Momin, Nasir al-Hamd and Mehdi al-Sa- Hasan Ibrahim, Hasan al-Habib and Ahmed al- 69km junior road race will be held at Losail and on have a 34.5km race.

FOCUS GOLF SC-sponsored Women’s Muirfi eld admits women members aft er 273 years AFP restore the reputation” of Muirfi eld fol- University Football Cup London lowing last year’s ballot. “Sports refl ect the values of the soci- ety in which we live and today men and kicks off in Qatar he prestigious Muirfi eld golf women have equal rights. We believe this course in Scotland voted yester- should be refl ected not only in top-level By Sports Reporter as well creating an awareness of day to admit women members to international tournaments but also at Doha healthy lifestyle among women.” the club after 273 years, immedi- club level,” he said. The tournament, which runs Tately making the historic venue eligible to Muirfi eld is the last of the clubs on the until 26 March, will also help to host the British Open again Open roster — fi ve in Scotland, four in he Supreme Committee nurture women’s football tal- The Honourable Company of Edin- England and one in Northern Ireland — to for Delivery & Legacy ent in Qatar and further enhance burgh Golfers overwhelmingly voted in permit women members. In 2014, St An- (SC)-sponsored Wom- the passion for the sport among favour of admitting women members for drews chose to admit female members for en’s University Foot- Qatar’s women audiences. The the fi rst time by 498 to 123, club captain the fi rst time after 260 years, with Royal Tball Cup kicked off this week, tournament will also promote Henry Fairweather said. The Royal and St George’s in Kent following suit in 2015. as another major milestone was healthy lifestyle among the Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A), Royal Troon, which hosted the 2016 reached in the commitment to women of Qatar especially the the sport’s joint-governing body with Open, voted in July last year to admit bring inclusivity and diversity to country’s university students. the United States Golf Association, said women members, in the wake of the football across the region. The participating teams are Muirfi eld could now become a venue for R&A’s decision over Muirfi eld. Troon had The eight-team, fi ve-a-side divided into two groups of four the British Open once again. previously considered itself a special case tournament is being hosted by each with the hosts HBKU drawn Fairweather said: “This is a signifi cant because it shares facilities with The La- the Hamad Bin Khalifa Univer- in Group A along with College decision for a club which was founded in dies Golf Club, Troon. sity (HBKU). It will seek to make of the North Atlantic, Virginia 1744 and retains many of the values and Women have played golf at Muirfield since 1904, though only as guests. (Reuters) Britain’s sports minister Tracey the sport more accessible for Qa- Commonwealth University and aspirations of its founding members. The Crouch said Muirfi eld’s decision had tar’s female university students. Qatar Aeronautical College. Qa- rules of the club will be changed accord- guests, not as members. The club said the falling short of the two-thirds majority been a long time coming. “Golf has the SC Education and Sport En- tar University, Georgetown Uni- ingly with immediate eff ect. We look for- current waiting list suggested that new required to change the rules. potential to attract a more diverse audi- gagement Offi cer, Anfal al- versity, Carnegie Mellon Uni- ward to welcoming women as members candidates for membership could expect The British Open is the oldest of golf’s ence to the game and this decision sends Kandari, said: “The SC’s in- versity Qatar and Northwestern who will enjoy, and benefi t from, the to wait two to three years, or longer, to four annual majors, dating back to 1860. out an important message. It is vital clubs volvement is indicative of the University in Qatar are in Group great traditions and friendly spirit of this join the club. Women’s and men’s single-sex golf and sports organisations play their part in organisation’s mission of pro- B. The top two sides in each group remarkable club.” Muirfi eld has staged the Open on 16 clubs, although reducing in number, have promoting equality,” she said. moting gender-based inclusive- will qualify for the semi-fi nals on The Honourable Company is one of occasions since 1892 and most recently been a feature of golf provision in Great Scotland’s top female player Catriona ness and access in the home na- 21 March with the fi nal, to be at- the oldest golf clubs in the world and its in 2013. It was due to host the Open again Britain and Ireland and comply with Matthew called it a “positive step” for tion of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. tended by SC Director of Com- Muirfi eld course, east of Edinburgh, is in 2023 but the R&A dropped it from its equality legislation. Ivan Khodabakhsh, Muirfi eld and golf as a whole. Golf was The tournament will go a long munications Fatma al-Nuaimi, world famous. Women have played golf 10-course venue roster after a vote last the Ladies European Tour’s chief execu- fi rst played at the prestigious course in way towards realising these goals scheduled fi ve days later. at Muirfi eld since 1904, though only as year failed to permit women members, tive, said Tuesday’s vote would “begin to 1891. A round costs visitors £235.