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Saturday, March 5, 2016 Jumada I 25, 1437 AH CRICKET Pakistan salvage GULF TIMES their pride with consolation win SPORT Page 5 FOOTBALL Al Rayyan get ready for Qatar Stars League party With 57 points in their kitty, a draw against Al Wakrah today would be enough for the Lions to nail their eighth league title

By Sports Reporter need in this moment and we are missing Doha it. We have a week before our next game Jorge Fossati being embraced by and we will work on this aspect during his adoring players after one of Al Rayyan’s that,” said Osim during his pre-match t’s no secret that Al Rayyan fans have matches. At right, captain Rodrigo Tabata press conference. endured a frustrating time over the Kharaitiyat have performed incon- years, thanks to their team’s inabili- sistently this season and are not where ty to translate promise and potential they ought to be, but Osim believes that intoI titles as often as they would have his team should accept the situation and wanted. work hard to get out of it. But today, as Jorge Fossati’s men take “We have many people in our club on Al Wakrah in the Qatar Stars League who think that we don’t belong where at Al Sadd Club, they would be hoping we are in the standings right now. But that the joy of winning the league title we are where we are. We have to act ac- after a gap of 21 years would wash away cording to where we are and not like we some of that pain and lay the foundation belong somewhere else. We need to work for greater glories in the future. hard and get out of this situation,” said In fact, Al Rayyan have announced the Bosnian. plans for a big celebration complete with Meanwhile Arabi are also under pres- an open bus tour as their win is only a sure, having suff ered two consecutive matter of formality. With 57 points from losses but Zola is keen to use this game 20 matches in their kitty, a draw against to get back to winning and move closer Al Wakrah today would be enough to nail to their aim of achieving a top-4 fi n- their eighth league title, the previous ish. “This is an opportunity for us. As one coming in 1994-95. a game, it’s easier than the last two we The Lions’ relentless march towards have played. But I will treat it as a game the title has left El Jaish, Lekhwiya and like we are playing a team that’s a top of Al Sadd now scrapping for second place the league,” said Zola. with 39, 37 and 35 points, respectively, The Italian added that his team will taking some of the edge from the tour- have to play with total focus if they were nament that has witnessed some close to emerge victorious. “We are com- fi nishes during the past few years. ing from two losses. We lost the last But the current scenario is such that tion can tilt the balance heavily in your team has even managed to hold them to Meanwhile, in another game today, have played since the start of 2016, they one badly. I am sure that the players are even if the sporting gods conspire to en- favour. a draw. sixth-placed Al Arabi — coached by have won just one match, had a draw and aware of that. We will have to be focused sure that second-placed El Jaish go on to Attacking midfi elder and captain Fossati, who led Al Sadd to the Asian Gianfranco Zola — will be looking to suff ered four losses. This set of results if we want to win the game, because win their next six games while Al Rayyan Rodrigo Tabata has marshalled his re- Champions League title in 2011, howev- pick up points to get back into the top has seen them drop to 12th in the stand- Kharaitiyat will also want to win. It’s an lose theirs, the Lions would probably sources with distinction, emerging as er is keen to carry on with the good work, four. ings, just one point away from Qatar easy game on paper but we will have to still win the title on goal diff erence. the leading scorer in the tournament so saying he won’t be resting on his laurels Al Arabi, with a tally of 30 points, take Sports Club in 13th place. treat it with respect.” While the 18-point gap between the far with 17 goals, while teammates Ser- after winning the league. on Al Kharaitiyat who are placed 12 with Relegation is suddenly a huge threat In the day’s last match, 10th placed Al top two teams with six games to go be- gio Garcia and Sebastian Soria are not far “There are more games left in the tour- 21 points from 20 matches. To enter- and Kharaitiyat coach Amar Osim be- Ahli will look to pull away from the QSL fore the league concludes may be un- behind on 12 and 9, respectively. nament and we would like to win them tain ideas of sneaking back into top four lieves improving the confi dence of the relegation zone when they face Al Sailiya precedented in the history of the com- A solid defence has also ensured that too. And then with the Qatar Cup and would require Zola’s men to break the players is the key to getting back to win- at Al Ahli stadium. Ahli will be hoping to petition, it also underlines the fact how a Al Rayyan have lost only one match in 20 Emir Cup coming up we want to be at our two-match losing streak. ning ways. “We will try to improve our add to their tally of 22 points, to relieve good coach and a perfect team combina- games, against Al Sadd in December. No best,” the Uruguayan said on Thursday. In the six matches that Al Kharaitiyat confi dence which is the main thing we their relegation fears.

BOTTOMLINE Probe ‘can’t rule out’ vote-buying for 2006 WC

AFP FIFA welcomed the report, but said “many Frankfurt questions still remain to be answered.” It added This file photo taken on July 6, 2000 shows German bidding committee leader that its inquiry into Germany’s 2006 bid had Franz Beckenbauer (R) being congratulated on stage by German delegation been “hampered” by key witnesses refusing to member and Interior Minister Otto Schily after Germany was designated to host the n independent inquiry said yesterday give evidence. 2006 FIFA soccer World Cup by the vote of the FIFA executive committee in Zurich. it could not rule out Germany bought German football has been roiled by allega- An inquiry by lawyers from Freshfields, commissioned by the German Football votes to secure the 2006 World Cup tions, fi rst levelled by magazine Spiegel last Federation DFB, said it could not rule out the possibility that bribes were paid. and linked Franz Beckenbauer to a October, that the DFB used a slush fund to buy “mysterious”A deal with disgraced FIFA offi cial votes to secure the tournament. Jack Warner. It is the latest in a series of scandals to rock The investigation commissioned by the Ger- world football. Thirty-nine individuals face US man Football Federation (DFB) said that some charges over more than $200 million in bribes paper documents were missing, electronic fi les for football deals. Swiss authorities are inves- were password-protected, and some key wit- tigating FIFA whose longtime president Sepp nesses refused to co-operate. Blatter has been banned for six years. World body FIFA separately complained that At the heart of the German claims was a 10 its investigation into the 2006 World Cup had million Swiss franc (6.7 million euro/ $8 mil- been “hampered” by key witnesses who re- lion, according to the exchange rate at that fused to give evidence. time) payment that Spiegel said was bor- The German inquiry outlined a money trail rowed by the DFB from the late Robert Louis- linking Beckenbauer, the national football Dreyfus, when he was CEO of German sports- legend and World Cup organising commit- wear giant Adidas. It said the money was to tee chief, former Adidas chief Robert Louis- buy the votes of four Asian members of FIFA’s Dreyfus and Qatar’s Mohammed bin Hamman, 24-strong executive committee. who has since been banned from football for life In 2000, Germany won the bid to stage the over corruption claims. 2006 World Cup, beating South Africa by 12 million Swiss francs into a joint account with Duve said that although the payments the World Cup 2006 was awarded to Germany, Beckenbauer was warned and fi ned by FIFA votes to 11, with one abstention. Louis-Dreyfus from which money was trans- raised questions, the inquiry was unable to Franz Beckenbauer on behalf of DFB and Jack last month for his failure to co-operate with Following the allegations, the DFB’s former ferred to a Qatari account reportedly linked to establish a direct link to the World Cup votes. Warner on behalf of CONCACAF signed a deal a separate investigation into the award of the boss Wolfgang Niersbach claimed the fed- bin Hamman. “It is correct that 10 million francs land- that off ered signifi cant benefi ts to Jack Warner 2018 and 2022 World Cups. eration had transferred the 10 million Swiss However the money transfer to Qatar was ed somewhere in Qatar... but from there on and CONCACAF,” he said. “We have no proof that votes were bought, francs to FIFA to obtain a grant worth 250 made in 2002, two years after the hosting we would be in the area of speculation and The contract included “unusual items” in- but we cannot rule this out,” said Christian million Swiss francs (about 170 million eu- rights were awarded. we have been charged with establishing the cluding 1,000 tickets of the most expensive Duve of Freshfi elds, the law fi rm commissioned ros). Freshfields said the fund remains mysteri- facts,” he told journalists. category for the World Cup fi nals promised to to probe corruption allegations. In the 380 page report, Freshfields con- ous. Freshfields also questioned a contract be- Warner as well as paid fl ight tickets, Duve said. “We have been able to see that there could firmed that the sum was borrowed from Lou- “It is not clear whether the payment of 10 tween Beckenbauer and Warner, then president Warner is one of the 39 people indicted by have been a change in the voting behaviour and is-Dreyfus, but also drew a link to Becken- million francs was used only to secure a fund- of the North, Central American and Caribbean US authorities and is fi ghting extradition from this could have aff ected Asian FIFA offi cial,” he bauer and his adviser Robert Schwan. ing grant of FIFA amounting to 250 million football confederation CONCACAF. his native Trinidad and Tobago to the United added. Beckenbauer or Schwan apparently paid six francs, or for other purposes,” it said. “It remains mysterious why four days before States. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, March 5, 2016 FOOTBALL

NEW MAN AT HELM Theodoridis named new UEFA general secretary

AFP The French football legend is cur- of January that no UEFA presidential traordinary congress could also be held Nyon rently hit by a six-year ban over a sus- elections will be scheduled until a de- before June 10. pect $2 million payment from former cision has been made by the Court of “After we have the (CAS) decision, FIFA boss Sepp Blatter and so cannot Arbitration for Sport on Michel Plati- we can shorten the time for the elec- EFA yesterday named Theo- take any UEFA decisions. ni’s appeal,” said a statement. tion from three months to nothing,” dore Theodoridis (pic) as But if he wins an appeal at the Court Theodoridis told a press confer- Alasdair Bell, UEFA’s legal director told interim general secretary of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Platini ence the committee decided “unani- reporters. to take over from new FIFA could return to decide who he wants as mously” to wait for the CAS verdict. Theodoridis, 50, joined UEFA in Upresident Gianni Infantino. his right-hand man. Platini made a formal appeal to CAS, 2008 and has been in charge of rela- But it insisted no decision on wheth- Reinhard Rauball, the head of Ger- which is based in Lausanne, this tions with the European national as- er to replace Michel Platini as presi- many’s powerful football federation, week. The tribunal has said it is aim- sociations. If Platini is forced to leave dent would be taken until his appeals this week called on Platini to resign ing to have a verdict before the Euro- UEFA, the next president could choose are fi nished. now. Rauball said there is a power pean Championships start in France a diff erent general secretary. Greek administrator Theodoridis vacuum with Platini suspended and on June 10. Theodoridis’ father Savvas is vice- moves up from deputy secretary gen- Infantino gone. “One has to distin- Platini, who has denied any wrong- president at Greek champions Olympia- eral in place of Infantino who was guish between the personal interests doing over the payment, is desperate kos, whose owner Evangelos Marinakis elected as president of world body of Platini and the capacity to function to keep his post at UEFA and be at the has been banned from football activities FIFA last week. of UEFA, which is a venture worth bil- tournament in his home country. by a magistrate investigating a match- With world football stuck in corrup- lions,” he told Sport Bild magazine. UEFA offi cials said that if CAS rules fi xing scandal between 2011 and 2013. tion turmoil, Theodoridis cannot per- But the UEFA executive decided at against Platini an election could be Marinakis, a 47-year-old shipowner, manently take over the key post at the yesterday’s meeting to keep faith with held before Euro 2016 starts. was recently cleared for lack of evi- wealthiest continental confederation the Frenchman. “The UEFA executive UEFA is to hold a congress in Bu- dence in another match-fi xing scandal until Platini’s future is decided. Committee reconfi rmed its decision dapest on May 3, but they said an ex- involving the 2010-2011 season.

FOCUS Champions League needs United more than Leicester, says US sports mogul

Wenger hits back at Reuters London

op European soccer clubs have discussed changing the Champi- Tons League to ensure the elite are always in it and the likes of Leicester Henry over claims of City—who are leading the English Pre- mier League—are not, according to a US sports executive involved in the talks. Charlie Stillitano, chairman of Relevent Sports, met representatives of five of the biggest clubs last Tuesday to discuss a new structure for Europe’s top club competition, which he says would supporters’ unrest better reward those clubs which generate most of the revenues in the sport. Relevent Sports is controlled by ‘Thierry Henry has his opinions. He has not found the measurement of the fans’ angriness of 60,000 billionaire Stephen Ross, owner of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. people straight away because he sits in the best seats in the stadium. This is one game where fans Arsenal—who joined Chelsea, Liver- pool, Manchester City and Manchester are always behind us, and it is down to us to give them more belief and make them more vocal’ United at the talks in London—said afterwards they supported the current competition structure. Entry into the Champions League is Arsenal manager currently determined solely by where Arsene Wenger teams finish in their own domestic league, meaning even the giants of the game can miss out if they have a bad season. However, Stillitano said that a possible restructuring of the Champions League was being discussed all over Europe. “When they came up with the Cham- pions League, the idea wasn’t to have PSV (Eindhoven) and Ghent playing in the knockout stage,” he said. Ghent, who last year ended a 115-year wait for the Belgian league title, made their Champions League debut this season and in December became only the second Belgian side to advance to the knockout phase. They joined the likes of European giants Real Madrid, Barcelona and Ju- ventus in the last 16 while past winners Manchester United and Liverpool are absent and may not make the grade next season either. On current form, unheralded Premier League leaders Leicester City, who could take a surprise first domestic title, and Tottenham Hot- spur will be close behind. Stillitano indicated the likes of Leices- ter and Ghent would have no place in a closed Champions League. “There are several diff erent groups among Europe’s top clubs that want a fairer share from the Champions League,” he said, point- ing to the ICC, or International Champi- ons Cup, as a better example. The ICC is a friendly pre-season tourna- ment played in the United States, China and Australia between local and top Euro- pean clubs and organised by Relevent. “What would Manchester United argue? Did we create soccer or did Leicester?” asked Stillitano. “Let’s call it the money pot created by soccer and the fandom around the world. Who has had more of an integral role, Manchester United or Leicester? (Leicester is) a wonderful, wonderful By Amy Lawrence in London awkward because Henry currently Arsenal travel to White Hart Lane general. Alexis Sanchez’s suggestion chester United or Swansea?” Pochet- story but you could see it from Man- theguardian.com works at Arsenal, coaching their Un- without Petr Cech and Laurent Ko- that the team “lacked the hunger” to tino asked. chester United’s point of view too.” der-19 side. scielny, two infl uential components win the title was another tough accu- With manager Arsene Wenger A spokeswoman for Manchester Wenger fi nds the whole scenario of a defence that has anyway been sation for the manager to absorb. spending roughly 70 million pounds United did not comment on Stillitano’s rsene Wenger has cast as- unhelpful as his priority is to focus on struggling in recent weeks. Cech will “You have to take these comments ($99.08 million) to bring in playmaker specific remarks but said the club persions on the opinion a critical game. be out for three-to-four weeks. a bit into perspective,” said Wenger. Mesut Ozil and infl uential winger was happy with current competition of his old protege Thierry “The fans will be behind us, I don’t “It’s a serious calf injury,” said “Belief comes with the last results you Alexis Sanchez, Pochettino said sign- structures. Henry on the sensitive sub- worry for that,” he added. “This is one Wenger. “He had a groin alert on the have made.” ing marquee players did not always Leicester, known as the Foxes, were jectA of supporter unrest ahead of to- game where fans are always behind fi rst goal. Maybe he compensated a guarantee success. founded in 1884 and elected to the day’s north London derby against title us, and it is down to us to give them bit too much and provoked another “Football is simple, not too compli- Football league in 1894. challengers Tottenham Hotspur. more belief and make them more vo- muscular injury. We had to make the Pochettino questions cated. You have a lot of examples. Dif- United are England’s richest club, Henry, the club’s record goalscor- cal. Confi dence has been a bit jaded. decision before the game because he Arsenal’s credentials ferent clubs sometimes sign a player having won 20 league titles and in 1998- er, declared in his column in the Sun Always in football, we do 98 per cent had a little groin problem but he de- or a manager with a big background 99 becoming the first English club to newspaper that he had “never heard of things right and need to fi nd two clared himself 100 per cent fi t. Then Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur man- or big trophies behind them,” the Ar- achieve the treble of Premier League, FA the Arsenal supporters as angry as per cent. That’s down to our collective you have to trust the player. ager Mauricio Pochettino said he be- gentine said. “Sometimes (they have) Cup and Champions League. They trace they were at the Emirates on Wednes- qualities and putting more eff ort in.” “He’s 33-years-old and he knows lieves Arsenal are no better equipped success and sometimes not. You nev- their existence back to 1878 but only day night”, following Arsenal’s 2-1 loss This particular north London colli- his body. If he says he’s fi t then he is to handle pressure than his side ahead er know. Football is not an ordinary took their current name in 1902. to Swansea City. sion comes when both teams are under available. You want the players to be of today’s north London derby be- business. Anything can happen.” Stillitano said big clubs might not When these comments were put some scrutiny about their capacity to tough enough to sometimes be able to tween the title-chasing neighbours. Spurs sit three points behind have a Champions League ‘birthright’ to Wenger at his weekly press con- handle the pressure of a title chal- play through a little pain. You’re never Back-to-back defeats to Manches- Leicester with 10 games remain- but “it’s the age-old argument: US sports ference yesterday, his response was lenge, both having lost in midweek. completely perfect before a game in ter United and Swansea have stalled ing, enough fi xtures for Pochettino franchises versus what they have in pointed: “Thierry Henry has his opin- “This is maybe one of the few where March. He took that very well and I Arsenal’s bid to end their 12-year wait to claim it was too early for his side’s Europe. “There are wonderful, wonderful ions. He has not found the measure- the title race is at stake, maybe the respect that.” for the title, while Tottenham’s loss to title hopes to hinge on the clash with elements to relegation and promotion ment of the fans’ angriness of 60,000 only one since I am here,” said Wenger. Wenger reiterated his faith in re- West Ham United on Wednesday was the Gunners at White Hart Lane. and there are good arguments for a people straight away because he sits in Arsenal’s form has been badly dam- serve goalkeeper David Ospina. also a setback to their hopes of over- “It’s not a decisive game. It’s im- closed system.” the best seats in the stadium.” aging, with three consecutive defeats “I have complete confi dence in taking table-toppers Leicester. portant for us and for them. But European soccer’s governing body When he is not working, Henry and a draw at home against Hull in the David and I am not worried at all on “If they have players that have the we don’t have only two games after UEFA, which organises the Champions watches Arsenal from an executive FA Cup since the promise of a last- that front,” Wenger said. advantage (of experience) to win the to achieve something,” the former League, was unavailable for comment. box. The situation is particularly gasp win over Leicester. Arsenal’s worries are perhaps more title, what happened against Man- Southampton manager said. Gulf Times Saturday, March 5, 2016 3 FOOTBALL Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend David Ospina’s first league game this season couldn’t be any bigger, Leicester can build on their midweek bonus, and Aston Villa should press Manchester City hard

By Paul Doyle and Gregg Bakowski in London theguardian.com

Ospina in at the deep end for Arsenal David Ospina has already contributed to an Arsenal victory at White Hart Lane this season--in the Capital One Cup, back in September--but one week after that win the goalkeeper’s standing among Arsenal fans collapsed. A couple of goofs in the Champions League defeat by Olympiakos triggered derision for the Colombian and, most of all, for Arsene Wenger, who was accused of complacency for deploying his second-choice keeper in such a high-stakes game. Ospina may be an experienced and highly talented international goalkeeper but he is no Petr Cech. Wenger insisted that the criticism was unfair but Ospina’s outings for Arsenal since then have been restricted, partially because of injury, to a pair of FA Cup games. Now a calf injury to Cech means Ospina will make his first league appearance of the season in what is the biggest north London derby in a generation. The form of Arsenal’s outfield players suggests that their goalkeeper is going to have to rise to the occasion. Leicester seek Watford boost Last Wednesday’s wondrous Premier League results amounted to a rousing pep talk for Leicester, who could hardly have imagined that a point against West Bromwich Albion would increase their advantage over the chasing mob. They will go to Vicarage Road confident that if they reproduce the performance that they did in midweek, then they can win away to a Watford team that is admirably solid but has already lost at home this season to teams seemingly worse than Leicester, including Arsenal, Tottenham, Man- chester City and Manchester United. For a while it looked like Odion Ighalo was going to challenge Jamie Vardy for this season’s Premier League golden boot, but the Nige- rian has been off the boil in recent weeks, finishing rashly and failing to find the net in his last six matches. If Andy With Arsenal first-choice goalkeeper Petr King continues to deputise well for N’Golo Kanté, Leicester Cech out with groin injury, David Ospina should still have at least a three-point lead at the top of the will deputise in goal for their crucial table after this weekend. game against Tottenham Hotspur today Villa to target City’s soft centre It’s well established now that Manchester City have been ing qualities together, West Brom no longer look like the of Spurs at Upton Park and also utilised the athleticism of that Newcastle seldom show. What is more, the January awful against the better teams in the Premier League this one-dimensional team they have done at times this season. Michail Antonio at right wing-back. With Romelu Lukaku purchase of Benik Afobe and the return from injury of Max season. Their three league defeats in a row--against Leices- Van Gaal’s resurgent side will have to stay alert if they are to enjoying another hot streak West Ham would be well ad- Gradel have given them the sharpness up front that Newcas- ter, Spurs and Liverpool--attest to this. One clear theme runs keep the pressure on Manchester City. vised to double up on him. There may be renewed optimism tle lack. On the evidence of the season so far, then, Eddie through those losses: a lack of energy in midfield when the at Everton since Farhad Moshiri’s investment but Roberto Howe’s team are logically above Steve McClaren’s rabble chips are down. City are a team that play in moments, and Upbeat Liverpool visit Palace Mártinez’s side are still yet to convince in front of their own and are likely to stay there. The thing is, there is quality when those moments are good, they can be so slick as to It was December 1997 when Liverpool last beat Crystal fans regularly in the league. If West Ham win the physical somewhere in that there rabble, and Newcastle have man- get the better of any opponent. But those moments can be Palace at Selhurst Park in a league game. They don’t have battle and stay patient, as they have done so well on many aged to win their last two matches at home, amid dismal too easily suppressed. City’s most regular central midfield- Steve McManaman, Michael Owen and Oyvind Leonhard- occasions this term, the creeping anxiety that has inhibited away performances. But the hosts will have to play to their ers, Yaya Touré, Fernando and Fernandinho, average 30 sen on hand this time to score the goals required to earn a Everton at times could lead to a twitchy moment or two that potential if they are to avoid a costly defeat this weekend. years of age between them. Fabian Delph was bought last 3-0 away win, but after racing past Manchester City by the West Ham are well served to exploit. summer to add much-needed zeal but injuries have limited same scoreline at Anfield on Wednesday they should feel Pato to break his duck against Stoke? his impact. The team’s dynamism comes further forward confident that a similarly high-energy performance would Shot-shy Saints take on Sunderland The excellence of Jack Butland has ensured that despite from their more spritely players. So while hardly anyone be good enough to end a near two-decade wait for a victory Southampton have scored only one league goal more than the extended absence of the imperious Ryan Shawcross-- will be giving Aston Villa a chance of an away victory, Remí there. Liverpool haven’t won three league games in a row all Sunderland this season and their chances of adding to their and the fact that Stoke have scored fewer league goals this Garde will know that his best chance of getting anything term. Klopp’s biggest immediate challenge is to find consist- tally this weekend have been lengthened by injuries to season than Norwich--Mark Hughes’ side are still in with an from the game will come from putting numbers in midfield ency in his side at the business end of the season. One of Shane Long and Charlie Austin. Those absences probably unlikely chance of a top four finish. Maybe even Chelsea are, and telling them to hunt down possession in packs, as the notable things against City at Anfield was Divock Origi’s mean that Graziano Pellè, who is without a league goal since too. But this weekend Guus Hiddink may have his mind on Jürgen Klopp’s team did so eff ectively on Wednesday night. discipline in leading the line. Daniel Sturridge is undoubt- November, and , who is without one for even the second leg of this season’s Champions League competi- Garde’s first game in charge was against City. The score? Nil- edly the club’s most talented forward but, as evidenced in longer, will start. Meanwhile, it has been over three months tion, with the visit of Paris Saint-Germain looming. That need nil. Villa’s squad may have given up the ghost long ago, but Liverpool’s defeat by City at Wembley, he is prone to drop- since Sunderland kept a clean sheet. Chances are, at least to overturn the deficit from the first leg could persuade if they are to add to the damage already done to City’s title ping deep and searching for the ball when it is not coming one sorry streak will end at St Mary’s today. But Southamp- the manager to omit Diego Costa, among others, helping hopes, it’ll likely begin in the Etihad centre-circle. his way, thus filling the space that Liverpool’s creators like to ton’s superior defence suggests that the visitors are unlikely Butland and a depleted Stoke defence keep another clean operate in. Origi stayed high up the pitch and ensured there to return home with the three points they crave. sheet. Or perhaps this is Alexandre Pato’s time to shine? Pulis to keep handbrake off against Utd was a gap between City’s defence and midfield, a gap that No one could ever accuse Tony Pulis of being freewheeling James Milner, Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana utilised Norwich hope to trouble Swansea but in sticking with the attacking trio of Stéphane Sessè- brilliantly to do serious damage to City’s title hopes. It may Following their unexpected but deserved win at the Emir- Playing Today gnon, Saido Berahino and Salomón Rondón at Leicester City be that, even if Sturridge is fit enough to start at Palace, ates, Swansea now have a prime opportunity to put further Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal (15:45) it felt like the much-maligned West Bromwich Albion man- Origi is handed the central attacking role. distance between themselves and Norwich, who slipped Chelsea vs Stoke City (18:00) ager was being about as carefree as he dares to be. In two into the relegation zone as a result of an unfortunate defeat Everton vs West Ham United (18:00) games the Baggies have bagged five goals. Are the shackles West Ham to stick with 3 centre-backs to Chelsea. And consistently inept defending throughout Manchester City vs Aston Villa (18:00) off for good? Only time will tell, but for the visit of Manches- West Ham haven’t won against Everton in 18 games, so a the season. And consistently ropey finishing. That’s a flat Newcastle United vs Bournemouth (18:00) ter United they should be. The rapid movement and trickery visit to Goodison Park could hardly be a better test of their cocktail, to be sure, and Norwich need to find missing ingre- Southampton vs Sunderland (18:00) of Sessègnon and Berahino could be key if West Brom are credentials as they move ever closer to the Champions dients quick smart if they are to pull Swansea back into the Swansea City vs Norwich City (18:00) going to exploit the space in behind what could be a central League places. They usually come away from Merseyside relegation mix. Steven Naismith missed the defeat to Chel- Watford vs Leicester City (20:30) defensive partnership lacking pace, fitness or experience empty-handed. Well, they used to until they beat Liverpool sea but is expected to make the trip to Wales; he will need to depending on who Louis van Gaal cobbles together this 3-0 at Anfield in August. Slaven Bilic’s best hope of upset- bring his shooting boots if Norwich are to return with their week. And then there’s the menacing and burly presence ting his former employers and staking a legitimate claim first win since he joined them in January. Playing Tomorrow of Rondón who, fresh from bullying Robert Huth, would for Champions League football may lie in playing three Crystal Palace vs Liverpool (16:30) be only too keen to get his teeth into any underpowered centre-backs for the second match running. It was a tactic Time for Newcastle to fi nd cohesion West Brom vs Manchester United (19:00) backline. Either way, by starting three attackers with diff er- that worked perfectly in nullifying the movement and threat Bournemouth generally play with a cohesion and energy (*All Timings Qatar Time)

FOCUS ‘Rooney must prove fi tness to lead England at Euro 2016’

DPA an integral part of his plans. with Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere and Man- “I’m happy that we have been able London “Form is transient,” Hodgson said. chester United’s Luke Shaw both in the to secure three challenging opponents “His qualities, and the fact he is cap- hunt, if they can get back on the pitch that will help us prepare for the tourna- tain of England, is not transient. That for their respective clubs. ment,” England boss Roy Hodgson said. ngland manager Roy Hodg- is a given. There is no way I should be Midfi elder Wilshere has not played “Since the Euro group draw in Paris son says Wayne Rooney must looking to dismiss a Wayne Rooney who this season after breaking his leg in last December, The FA has worked hard prove his fi tness for Manches- is fi t and playing football on the basis he the summer while defender Shaw also to put together a programme of games ter United before the end of the is out of form, because he is our captain. broke his leg in September. around the country and we’re looking seasonE if he is to lead the country at this “What he has got to try and do is Neither man will be fi t for this forward to playing in the north-west summer’s European Championships. get fi t so I can pick him and then show month’s friendlies with Germany and and north-east of the country before Rooney is currently recovering from enough form when he is with us to de- the . “We’re still monitor- the fi nal home game at Wembley.” a knee injury that looks set to keep him mand a place in the team—that is what ing Luke Shaw—I know he’s making Hodgson’s side play Turkey at Man- out until April. Wayne fully understands. good progress—and we’re monitoring chester City’s Etihad Stadium on May Hodgson said Rooney was a key fi g- “All his life he has had to do that. Jack Wilshere, who’s making very good 22, followed by Australia at Sunder- ure to his England side and will be his Wayne Rooney, for me, is someone I’m progress, but I have to accept that, for land’s Stadium of Light fi ve days later captain, if he proves his fi tness. really counting on going to the Euros and these (friendly) games in March, we with Portugal at Wembley on June 2. “He has got to come back before the I’m fully expecting him to be fi t for it.” won’t have those players,” Hodgson said. Hodgson will announce his 23-man end of the season, there is no doubt The FA quoted Hodgson as saying “Hopefully by May, when I re- squad for the European Championship about that,” The Guardian quoted that he is in constant touch with United ally have to make a decision, they’ll be on May 12 at Wembley. Hodgson, who was speaking at a UEFA about Rooney’s recovery. available for selection,” he said. England begin their Euro campaign workshop in Paris. “Our doctor speaks to the club doc- against Russia in Marseille on June 11. Rooney has been criticized this sea- tor, and we were told that it was proba- England map out They then face Wales in Lens, before son for his performances with United, bly going to take six weeks - at the very, ‘friendly’ path to Euro 2016 travelling to Saint-Etienne to play Slo- for whom he has scored just seven goals very worst or could take a week or two vakia in their fi nal Group B match. in 22 league appearances. more, which would take him into the England will prepare for Euro 2016 with Hodgson’s men step up their prepara- But Hodgson said the 30-year-old, fi rst week of April.” warm-up friendlies against Turkey, Aus- tions for France by this month travelling who played his fi rst major champion- Hodgson also off ered hope to two tralia and Portugal, the English Football to world champions Germany and then ship 12 years ago in Portugal, remained other players recovering from injuries, Association announced yesterday. hosting the Netherlands in friendlies. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, March 5, 2016 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA UEFA set to introduce goal-line technology for Champions League fi nal EFA will introduce goal-line technology to its compe- titions in time for this season’s Champions League Messi treble extends Uand Europa League finals, European football’s governing body announced yesterday. A decision to bring in the technology (GLT) in time for Euro 2016 and for next season’s Champions League had already been announced in January, but will now also be in place for the Champions League final in Milan on May 28 and the Europa League showpiece in Basel, Switzerland, on May 18. The technology, which determines whether the ball has Barca’s unbeaten run completely crossed the line, is already used in the English Premier League, Italy’s , the German Bundesliga and Ligue 1 in France. World governing body FIFA also brought it in for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil after a series of successful trials. UEFA confirmed in January that GLT would be used in the European Championship in France in June and July and in the Champions League from next season, and to record 35 matches added that it would likely ultimately be extended to all UEFA competitions. However, former general secretary Gianni Infantino, now The 5-1 win over Rayo helps Barcelona lead second-placed Atletico Madrid by eight the FIFA president, has admitted that fitting all grounds with the necessary technology would be a logistical headache, points with Real Madrid a further four points adrift in third with 11 games remaining particularly in a competition as extensive as the Europa League. Even in countries where the technology is already in place, a diff erent system is used in France to that used in England, Germany and Italy. UEFA have said that, in conjunction with GLT, they will continue to use additional assistant referees to monitor activity in each penalty area.

BUNDESLIGA Guardiola looking forward to today’s clash at Dortmund

DPA Munich

ayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola says he is look- ing forward to today’s top-of-the-table clash with Borussia Dortmund as “one of the best matches in Europe”. BGuardiola told a news conference he hoped the Bundes- liga duel will be “good advertisement for German football” as his side seeks to restore the gap at the top of the table to eight points. “I think a lot of countries will be watching and I hope we can put on a spectacle,” Guardiola said. Bayern go into the match after a 2-1 defeat on Wednes- day at home to Mainz, their fi rst this season in the Allianz Arena and only their second in the league, with Dortmund winning 2-0 at Darmstadt to reduce the gap at the top to fi ve points. Guardiola said a victory for his side would not be decisive in the title race. “It’s not over with this Dortmund team. This is one of the best teams in Europe and the best Bun- desliga rivals of all time, the best second (at this stage of the season),” he said. Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel is “a top, top, top, top Barcelona's Lionel Messi celebrates after coach” and “one of the world’s best coaches,” Guardiola scoring his third goal against nine-man said. Bayern have no new injury worries but Guardiola in their 5-1 win, that would not be drawn on whether fi t-again attacking mid- helped his team set a new Spanish football fi elder Mario Goetze could play against his former club fol- record of 35 games unbeaten. (Reuters) lowing a fi ve-month injury break. “He deserves to play but we have seven strikers. To play with fi ve forwards is sometimes complicated,” he added. Dormund keeper Roman Buerki is meanwhile again AFP points with Real Madrid a further four points was straight out of the Barca textbook, Cristiano Ronaldo to be ’s top scorer. available after recovering from a fl u virus and all the squad Barcelona adrift in third with 11 games remaining. though, as a brilliant one-two between However, Barca’s awful record from is available bar injured defender Sokratis Papastathopou- “We played very well and when we are at Neymar and Messi freed the Argentine to the spot this season continued as los. Midfi elder Marco Reus and defenders Lukasz Piszczek this level in terms of attitude and intensity, slot home from close range. Carlos made amends for his earlier error and Marcel Schmelzer, who were rested against Darmstadt, ionel Messi scored a hat-trick as it is very hard for the opponents,” said Barca Llorente let Rayo’s frustration boil over with a fi ne save. could return. “We will do everything poossible to make it Barcelona took another step towards boss Luis Enrique. three minutes before the break when he The fi ve-time World Player of the Year diffi cult for Bayern,” said Tuchel, whose side were beaten the La Liga title and set a new Span- Rayo were unbeaten in their seven league lunged in studs up on Rakitic and was right- had to wait just three minutes more to get 5-1 by Bayern when the met in Munich in October. ish football record of 35 games un- games themselves and forced Barca ‘keeper ly shown a straight red card. his third of the night as Messi sauntered The Dortmund coach dismissed any notion of his side Lbeaten in the process with a 5-1 win at nine- into a smart early save as the Messi piled on further punishment for the through on goal before slotting past the ad- having a psychological advantage following Bayern’s de- man Rayo Vallecano on Thursday. Chilean international fl ew to his right to hosts when he casually rolled the ball home vancing Carlos. feat. “It won’t be the fi rst time that Bayern give their best Two goals in as many minutes midway turn away Adrian Embarba’s drive. after Suarez had smashed against the post And Turan rounded off a perfect evening performance in a situation like this,” he said. “We will have through the fi rst-half killed the game as a However, Rayo’s high defensive line was soon after the restart. for Luis Enrique’s men when he headed times (in the ganme) when we suff er, but in this phase we contest as Ivan Rakitic and Messi netted be- off ering plenty of encouragement to the Rayo showed some resistence as Manu- home from Jeremy Mathieu’s cross fi ve musn’t lose our belief.” fore Diego Llorente saw a straight red card European champions and it seemed only a cho nodded home his fourth goal in three minutes from time. for a high challenge on Rakitic. matter of time before Barca took advantage game from Bebe’s knockdown. Rayo are now just above the drop zone Fixtures (All Timings Qatar Time) Messi completed his hat-trick either side as Carlos made a good save at his near post Yet, the hosts momentum was short- on goal diff erence as Granada struck twice Augsburg vs Bayer Leverkusen (17:30) of ’s consolation for Rayo. to deny Messi. lived as they were reduced to nine men when in the fi nal 20 minutes through Youssef El Eintracht Frankfurt vs Ingolstadt (17:30) Luis Suarez also missed a penalty af- The opener arrived in unusual fashion for Iturra chopped down Sergio Busquets inside Arabi and Isaac Success to beat Sporting FC Cologne vs Schalke-04 (17:30) ter Manuel Iturra was also sent-off for the Barca, though, as an aimless ball punted into the area after Neymar’s free-kick had come Gijon 2-0. VfB Stuttgart vs Hoff enheim (17:30) hosts before Arda Turan rounded off the the box was dropped by Carlos and Rakitic back off the crossbar. also eased their relegation fears Werder Bremen vs Hannover-96 (17:30) scoring with his fi rst Barca goal. was on hand to sweep into an empty net. Messi passed up the chance to seal his as they took advantage of an Espanyol side Wolfsburg vs Borussia Moenchengladbach (17:30) Barca now lead Atletico Madrid by eight The visitors’ second two minutes later hat-trick to help Suarez in his battle with ravaged by gastroenteritis to win 3-0. Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich (20:30)

PREVIEW Minnows Eibar next on rampant Barca’s radar AFP ted he was relishing the business end of lash against his comments after the Atletico could be boosted by the re- Barcelona the season. derby pinning the blame on his team- turn of Belgian winger Yannick Car- “We are approaching the fi nal third mates for Madrid’s poor season to date rasco after three weeks out with ankle of the season and the most beautiful with a goal and an assist in Real’s 3-1 ligament damage, but inspirational uropean champions Barcelona part is still to come.” win at Levante in midweek. defender Diego Godin is a doubt with a can take another step closer Barca will be shorn of one of their And Zidane should have a far stronger hamstring injury. to a sixth La Liga title in eight star attacking triumvirate in the Basque squad to choose from for the visit of high- Villarreal hold a commanding nine- years when they travel to the country as Neymar is suspended. fl ying Celta as captain Sergio Ramos and point advantage over Sevilla in the race humbleE surroundings of Eibar’s 6,000 But with a fi rst free midweek since Dani Carvajal return from suspension, for the fourth Champions League place capacity Ipurua tomorrow. December to come, Enrique is unlikely whilst Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and and will be expected to stretch their Barca are on a record 35-game un- to waver too much from his strong- Marcelo are in contention after varying unbeaten league run to 15 games when beaten streak stretching back to Oc- est side with full-backs Jordi Alba and spells on the sidelines due to injury. Las Palmas visit El Madrigal today. tober to put them well on course to Dani Alves set to return. The game of the weekend sees sec- Sevilla go in search of their fi rst away repeat the treble of league, Cup and Eibar have punched well above their ond-placed Atletico travel to Gary win of the season at struggling Getafe, Champions League they won last sea- weight in just their second ever season Neville’s Valencia tomorrow. who have lost their last seven in the son. in the top-fl ight to sit eighth in the ta- Valencia moved into the top half of league. The Catalans hold an eight-point ble. However, they have lost six of their the table with their fi fth win in their lead over Atletico Madrid with eternal last seven games. last six games in all competitions Fixtures (all times GMT) rivals Real Madrid a further four points “We are having a signifi cantly poorer against Malaga in midweek. Playing Today back in third with just 11 games of the second-half of the season than the fi rst, However, Neville’s men face a much Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo (1500) league season to go. but I am sure we will turn it around,” stiff er task against an Atletico side that Villarreal vs Las Palmas (1715) Despite Barca’s incredible run, they coach Jose Luis Mendilibar said after a hasn’t conceded in fi ve games. Getafe vs Sevilla (1930) had been far from their best in recent 1-0 defeat at Sevilla on Wednesday. “Obviously it is a diffi cult game and Deportivo la Coruna vs Malaga (2105) weeks until Lionel Messi scored his 35th Real Madrid’s realistic title hopes are we won’t get carried away,” Atletico Playing Tomorrow hat-trick for the club in a 5-1 rout of all but over, but Zinedine Zidane’s men boss Diego Simeone said of his side’s Real Betis vs Granada (1100) nine-man Rayo Vallecano on Thursday. will be keen to make amends for defeat title chances. Eibar vs Barcelona (1500) “The league isn’t fi nished, there to Atletico in the Madrid derby last “Above all what matters in football is Sporting Gijon vs Athletic Bilbao (1715) Barca will be without the are still plenty of points to play for,” weekend when they host Celta Vigo at winning. We know it is very diffi cult to Real Sociedad vs Levante (1715) suspended Neymar in their warned captain Andres Iniesta. the Santiago Bernabeu. see Barcelona losing matches. We are Valencia vs Atletico Madrid (1930) match at Eibar tomorrow. However, coach Luis Enrique admit- Cristiano Ronaldo eased the back- only thinking about ourselves.” (Qatar is 3 hours ahead of GMT) Gulf Times Saturday, March 5, 2016 5 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT DELIGHT Miller heroics blast South Africa past Bowlers beware! Australia World T20 seeks to sate boundary-lust There is more chance of discovering life on Mars than in the docile Indian tracks, which will be rolled out for a tournament that concludes with the final on April 3 South Africa’s Kyle Abbott (L) and David Miller celebrate beating Reuters India were the last major team Australia in their first T20 International in Durban yesterday. New Delhi to embrace the format but went on to win the inaugural World Reuters Marsh’s fi ne 35 from 25 balls, Twenty20 in 2007. Durban the home side would have been atsmen will be encour- They top the current rankings chasing considerably less. aged to satisfy contem- and recent series wins over Aus- South Africa’s reply could not porary cricket’s seem- tralia and Sri Lanka suggest they avid Miller smashed an have got off to a worse start as AB ingly insatiable lust for have sorted out their death bowl- unbeaten 53 as South de Villiers was out fi rst ball try- boundariesB and bowlers reduced ing issues and are a good bet for a Africa claimed a three- ing to guide a Nathan Coulter- to mere cannon fodder when the second crown. wicket victory over Nile delivery to third man but sixth World Twenty20 gets un- AustraliaD in the fi rst Twenty20 only succeeding in picking out derway in India on Tuesday. SAMMY’S CHALLENGE International at Kingsmead yes- wicketkeeper Peter Nevill. With 35 matches spread over Darren Sammy will attempt to terday. When they slipped to 95-6 one 27 days, starting with eight “min- bring a second title to West In- Set 158 for victory, South Afri- ball shy of 13 overs, the touring nows” battling it out for two dies but the ever-smiling all- ca reached their target with four side were favourites, but Miller spots in the Super 10 round, the rounder will have to inspire a balls to spare as Miller blasted his constructed an innings that was tournament looks set to illustrate team who just weeks ago were highest score in the format off 35 a mix of power, timing and com- once again just how skewed the planning to boycott the tourna- deliveries and rescued the home posure to see his side home. 20-overs game is against bowlers. ment over a contractual dispute. side’s fl agging chase. Australia handed a debut to There is more chance of dis- The 2012 champions averted After winning the toss and leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who covering life on Mars than in the the crisis but Sammy is likely to electing to bat, Australia made a recorded fi gures of 0-26 in his docile Indian tracks, which will miss spinner Sunil Narine’s guile rollicking start and were 69 for four overs. be rolled out for a tournament and all-rounder Kieron Pollard’s one after six overs, thanks largely The teams are using the se- that concludes with the April 3 power-hitting down the order. to Aaron Finch’s 40 from 18 balls. ries as a warmup for the World fi nal at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. Sri Lanka will be defending But once the powerplay was Twenty20 that starts in India on While cricket purists may Champions in India but skipper over and South Africa got leg- Tuesday. look on it with disdain, there is a Lasith Malinga must marshal a spinner Imran Tahir into the The second of three matches growing acceptance that the for- team in transition since the re- game, the pace slowed and wick- will be played in Johannesburg mat is the only way the game can tirements of stalwarts Kumar ets started tumbling. tomorrow. expand beyond its current stag- Sangakkara and Mahela Jaya- Australia managed only 88 nation in former British colonies. wardene. for eight from the next 14 overs BRIEF SCORES: South Africa 158 The International Cricket Australia’s spectacular lack as Tahir (3-21) and David Wiese for 7 (Miller 53*, du Plessis 40, Council (ICC) last month re- of success is one of the most in- (2-16) did an excellent job in re- Coulter-Nile 3-29) beat Australia ceived a status report on its on- triguing points in the short his- stricting the tourists. 157 for 9 (Finch 40, Tahir 3-21) by going dialogue over the game’s tory of the tournament, which If it were not for Mitchell three wickets possible inclusion at Olympics has seen three Asian champions and Commonwealth Games. in the fi ve editions. Like before it, The reigning 50-over world there seems little doubt that champions have responded by BCCI, government pledge security cricket’s best hope of being giv- putting test and one-day cap- for India-Pakistan tie en a place at such international tain Steven Smith in charge of multi-sport events is to push the a squad boasting an explosive Asserting that the World T20 we will be hosting the match shorter form of the game. lineup that also includes David clash between India and Paki- there (Dharamsala) as per That Twenty20 has the po- Warner, Glenn Maxwell and stan will be held in Dharamsa- schedule because there are in- tential to break new ground was James Faulkner. la, Himachal Praesh, on March terests of commitment which evident in November when “All- England will look to the expe- 19 as scheduled, the Indian requires to be fulfilled,” senior Stars” games featuring retired rience of skipper Eoin Morgan, cricket board and the central Board of Control for Cricket greats such as Shane Warne and who was part of Paul Colling- government yesterday sought in India (BCCI) off icial Rajiv Sachin Tendulkar drew an ag- wood’s victorious 2010 team and to allay security concerns over Shukla told the media here. gregate crowd of 83,900 to three has been playing in the Indian the highly emotive match. “Otherwise, the ICC (Interna- matches in the United States. Premier League. Political leaders in Himachal tional Cricket Council) will The ICC, who have had little Few teams can match the fl air Pradesh have expressed reser- take a stern action against the success selling the game in the that a mercurial Pakistan team vations on holding the Super venue. The state government land of baseball, lauded the All- under Shahid Afridi brings to the 10 Group 2 match in the state. is also willing to cooperate,” Stars series, convinced it would table and the 2009 champions Serving and retired Indian Army he said. “help cricket to reach its sig- have also been boosted by pace- personnel have also voiced “We will be providing fool- nifi cant potential in the United man Mohammad Amir’s return their opposition as Kangra proof security to the Pakistan States”. after a fi ve-year spot-fi xing ban. district -- where Dharamsala cricket team. All the players The format has long proved a Fellow contenders South Af- is located -- is home to a large will be safe. Now, it is for the smash hit in cricket’s traditional rica and New Zealand will have number of martyred soldiers. Pakistan cricket board to take heartlands, spawning franchise- to overcome a tendency to fl op “As far as the match is a decision,” Shukla asserted Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma plays a shot during the Asia Cup T20 cricket tournament match based leagues across the cricket- on the big stage if they are to take concerned, we are firm that yesterday. between United Arab Emirates and India at The Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. ing globe. home the trophy.

ASIA CUP Pakistan post consolation win over Sri Lanka

AFP Scoreboard Dhaka PCB head Shaharyar Khan blasts ‘painful’ SRI LANKA Pakistan performance in Asia Cup D. Chandimal c Sharjeel b Wahab 58 akistan put their disappoint- T. Dilshan not out 75 Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chair- Shahid Afridi’s team appeared unfit. ment at not making the Asia S. Jayasuriya c Sharjeel b Malik 4 man Shaharyar Khan has slammed Pakistan’s batting has let them Cup fi nal behind them in Dha- C. Kapugedera b Irfan 2 the team’s performance at the Asia down. They were bundled out for ka yesterday, with a consola- D. Shanaka b Irfan 0 Cup but admitted it was too late to 83 against India and managed 129-7 Ption six-wicket win against Sri Lanka in M. Siriwardana not out 4 make sweeping changes ahead of against Bangladesh. their fi nal match. Extras (lb6, w1) 7 the World Twenty20 this month. “We will bring changes in selecto- Pakistan’s top-order batsmen fi nally Total (four wickets, 20 overs) 150 The 2009 World Twenty20 cham- rial process, coaching process and hit some form to help the side reach Fall of wickets: 1-110 (Chandimal), pions lost to arch-rivals India and leadership process,” Shaharyar said, 151-4 in 19.2 overs, after their bowl- 2-117 (Jayasuriya), 3-125 (Kapuged- hosts Bangladesh, and only man- adding that he had already sought ers restricted Sri Lanka to 150-4 at the era), 4-125 (Shanaka) aged to beat United Arab Emirates, advice from senior test batsmen Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. Bowling: Amir 4-0-31-0 (w1), Irfan raising serious doubts about their Younus Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq. Umar Akmal made the top 48 off 37 4-0-18-2, Afridi 4-0-24-0, Nawaz 3-0- potential to challenge for the title in Pakistan added fast bowler Moham- balls after Sharjeel Khan (31) and Sarfraz 38-0, Riaz 4-0-30-1, Malik 1-0-3-1 the March 8-April 3 tournament. mad Sami and batsman Sharjeel Ahmed (38) laid the foundation of their Shaharyar said everyone from the Khan to their original squad for innings, overshadowing an unbeaten 75 PAKISTAN coach to those involved in the selec- the World T20 following injuries to by Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan. Sharjeel Khan c K’gedera b Dilshan 31 tion process would be held account- Babar Azam and Rumman Raes but The match, also the last for Sri Lan- Mohd. Hafeez c&b Jayasuriya 14 able but added there would not be the PCB chairman did not rule out ka, turned out to be a routine contest Sarfraz Ahmed lbw b Siriwardana 38 no knee-jerk reaction. “It wasn’t just further changes. after Bangladesh eliminated both teams Umar Akmal c Perera b Kulasekara 48 a matter of disappointment but it Afridi has also come under intense from the fi nal with a fi ve-wicket win Shoaib Malik not out 13 was a painful experience to watch scrutiny due to his failures with the over Pakistan on Wednesday. Iftikhar Ahmed not out 0 Pakistan play like that,” Shaharyar bat but Shaharyar said the 36-year-old Bangladesh will face India in the fi nal Extras (b4 lb1 w2) 7 told reporters in Lahore. all-rounder would captain the side on Sunday. Total ( four wickets; 19.2 overs) 151 “The performance was very poor, in India. “I understand there is a lot of “We’re good cricketers, just that we Umar Akmal top scored for Pakistan with 48 runs off 37 balls yesterday. Fall of wickets: 1-23 (Hafeez) 2-58 other then a few individuals’ criticism but I am not going to change need to have more self-belief,” said Pa- (Sharjeel), 3-94 (Sarfraz), 4-150 (Akmal) performances, but I can assure that anything one week before the major kistan captain Shahid Afridi. Wahab Riaz broke their stand when absence of injured Lasith Malinga and Bowling: Kulasekara 4-0-20-1, Perera accountability is inevitable and who- tournament in India,” Shaharyar said. “That’s what helped us in the chase he forced Chandimal to give a catch to Angelo Mathews, made 58 off 49 balls, 2.2-0-25-0(w1), Jayasuriya 1-0-13-1, ever is responsible has to answer. “Afridi will remain captain unless he today. We wanted to keep wickets in- Sharjeel Khan at midwicket. his second half-century in the tourna- Shanaka 1-0-6-0, Chameera 4-0-32-0 “Changes are important in the elec- himself pulls out of the job. He has tact in the fi rst six overs and it worked.” Shoaib Malik struck in the next over ment, which included seven fours and (w1), Herath 4-0-28-0, Dilshan 1-0-2-1, toral process and leadership but we been serving Pakistan from the last With nothing but pride at stake, to remove Shehan Jayasuriya for four, a six. Siriwardana 2-0-20-1 have to sit and think wisely.” 15 years. Some changes you will see both teams looked less tense—and Sri before Mohammad Irfan bowled Cha- “Overall we played some good crick- The PCB chairman, who has empha- will be done before we play our first Lankan opening duo Dilshan and Di- mara Kapugedera and Dasun Shanaka et,” said Chandimal. “We were 10-15 sized the importance of conditioning matches in World T20 and other im- nesh Chandimal took full advantage in the space of three balls to halt Sri short with the bat and that was the a decent total with his 11th Twenty20 in the shortest format of the game, portant changes will be done after to put on 110 runs, the best start in the Lanka’s progress. turning point in this game.” half-century, with 10 fours and a six. said at least three to four players in the tournament.” tournament. Chandimal, who led Sri Lanka in the Dilshan ensured Sri Lanka still got Irfan fi nished with 2-18 for Pakistan. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, March 5, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT NFL US court mulls reinstatement of Warriors roll Brady’s ban Thunder to match Bulls’ 1996 record ‘It’s an amazing accomplishment and special for our fans’

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) controls the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Randy Foye (6) during their NBA game on Thursday. Picture: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports AFP sense whatsoever,” Parker said. NFL The victory over Indianapolis in the “Defl ate-gate” game sent the Patriots to the Super Bowl, US appeals court in where they defeated the Seattle New York on Thursday Seahawks. heard testimony in the In overturning the four-game long-running “Defl ate- suspension handed down by Agate” saga on Thursday, with the Goodell, Berman had questioned NFL seeking the restoration of the independence of investiga- its four-game ban of New Eng- tors who found Brady was prob- land Patriots quarterback Tom ably “generally aware” that Pa- Brady. triots employees had purposely Brady was banned for his al- defl ated the balls—making them leged knowledge that footballs easier to grip, grab and throw. used by the Patriots in the AFC Berman concluded that Good- Championship game against the ell overstepped his bounds, Indianapolis Colts in January of handing down a punishment that 2015 were purposely defl ated be- was based on “several signifi cant low league minimums. legal defi ciencies”. In September, district judge It was not clear how quickly Richard M. Berman vacated the the appeals panel will rule. suspension and Brady played all zDefensive end Charles John- of the 2015 season, a punishment son was released by the Carolina the league wants restored. Panthers, who will save $11 mil- Neither Brady nor NFL Com- lion against the 2016 salary cap. missioner Roger Goodell was Johnson started at left end for present at the hearing before the the NFC champions and was a 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals, third-round draft pick in 2007. which lasted a little over an hour. He turns 30 in July and joins re- Lead NFL attorney Paul Clem- cently released Mario Williams, ent requested a quick resolution cut Tuesday by the Buff alo Bills, from the judges. on the market of veteran pass DPA every single night and we want to keep Kevin Durant had 32 points, 10 re- don tossed in 23 points while Anthony “It would be an awful shame rushers available before free Los Angeles it going. If we don’t lose a home game bounds and nine assists while Russell Davis had 17 with 13 boards for New Or- if this issue has to hang over agency begins March 9. the rest of the season, good thing are Westbrook fi nished with 22 points on just leans, (23-37) winners of the last three the league for another season,” zThe Jacksonville Jaguars going to happen.” 8-of-22 shooting for the Thunder (42-20), home meetings in the series. Clement said. “End it now.” waived guard Zane Beadles and eigning league MVP Stephen “We’re in the moment right now,” which lost for the sixth time in the last zMiami Heat 108, Phoenix Suns The judges quizzed Clement defensive end Chris Clemons in Curry returned to the lineup added Warriors guard Shaun Living- eight games, including Saturday’s 121-118 92: Dwyane Wade dropped in 27 points, about the severity of the sanc- moves made to save the team $9.5 and the Golden State Warriors ston, who had 11 points and a team-high overtime thriller against the Warriors. Goran Dragic added 25 against his tion, and also took up the matter million against the 2016 salary remained undefeated at home eight assists. “If we look back it’s pretty “I’m not happy with the way we’re former club and the Heat (35-26) won of Brady’s actions while he knew cap. inR a historic way. cool to be in that company because playing,” Durant said. “We’ve definitely their third in a row while sending the he was being investigated. Beadles started every game the Curry hit five triples en route to 33 those are legends.” got to get it under control.” downward-spiraling Suns to a fran- Judge Barrington Parker Jr. past two years, but his produc- points to help the Warriors tie the NBA With their sixth straight win and 17th Golden State trailed 80-71 with 4:53 chise-record tying 17th consecutive mentioned Brady destroying his tion didn’t meet the Jaguars’ ex- record with their 44th consecutive reg- in the last 18 outings, the defending left in the third quarter, but closed on a road loss. Rookie guard Devin Booker cell phone before meeting with pectations after they signed him ular-season home victory, 121-106 over NBA champs (55-5) are also taking seri- 9-1 run to pull within one. had a career-best 34 points for Phoenix NFL investigator Ted Wells. to a fi ve-year, $30 million con- the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thurs- ous aim at the Bulls’ 72-10 record as the (15-46), which never led en route to its “Anyone within 100 yards of tract in 2014 that included $12.5 day night. best in history. Elsewhere: 30th loss in 33 games. this case would have known that million guaranteed. Golden State haven’t lost at Oracle Klay Thompson tallied 21 points, zSan Antonio Spurs 94, New Or- zSacramento Kings 104 Dallas the cell phone issue elevates this zThe San Diego Chargers re- Arena since January of 2015, as they Draymond Green had 14 points eight leans Pelicans 86: Kawhi Leonard had Mavericks 101: DeMarcus Cousins merely from defl ated balls to a se- leased inside linebacker Donald matched the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, rebounds and seven assists for Golden 30 points, 11 rebounds and his sixth had 22 points and 13 rebounds, Rajon rious tone of obstruction,” Parker Butler, who had fi ve seasons re- who ran the table from March 30, 1995 State, which outscored their oppo- triple of the game with 35 seconds left Rondo added 18 points with 12 assists said in court. maining on a seven-year, $51.8 until April 4, 1996. nents 39-23 in the decisive final frame to cap a 20-5 run, sending the visiting against his former club, and the visit- NFL Players Association at- million contract extension he “It’s an amazing accomplishment to complete a 3-0 season series sweep. Spurs past the Pelicans for their sev- ing Kings (25-35) snapped a 22-game torney Jeff rey Kessler attempted signed in 2014. and special for our fans,” said Curry, “In the second half we picked up the enth straight win and 13 in 14 games. regular-season losing streak at Dallas. to defend Brady’s action and was Butler’s release was not a sur- who sat out the last game with a left an- intensity,” Livingston added. LaMarcus Aldridge netted 26 points Chandler Parsons scored 28 points for interrupted by Parker. prise after he lost his starting job kle injury. “In the first half we weren’t very good for San Antonio (52-9) which won its the Mavericks (33-19), whose three- “With all due respect, Mr. last season and carried a $9.28 “That’s a high level of consistency defensively.” fifth consecutive road game. Eric Gor- game winning streak ended. Brady’s explanation made no million cap fi gure for 2016.

NHL Avalanche win to gatecrash Jagr’s record party

The Sports Xchange assists to lead the Buff alo Sabres to a 6-3 victory Just when you thought the Winnipeg Jets were New York over the Calgary Flames on Thursday. about to pull off a rare third-period comeback Center Jack Eichel, left winger Johan Larsson, victory, the snake-bitten team snatched defeat left winger Evander Kane, defenseman Rasmus from the jaws of victory. alvin Pickard made 38 saves, Gabriel Ristolainen and left winger Nicolas Deslauriers Jets centre Mark Scheifele scored his second Landeskog had a goal and an assist, also scored for the Sabres (26-31-8). Goalie Robin goal of the game and 17th of the season with just and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Lehner made 26 saves. over two minutes to play against the New York Florida Panthers 3-2 on Thursday Oilers 4, Flyers 0 Islanders, but Winnipeg couldn’t make the lead nightC to spoil Jaromir Jagr’s record-setting The Edmonton Oilers stayed hot while cooling stand up. night. off the Philadelphia Flyers in convincing fash- Devils 5, Predators 4 (overtime) Jagr had an assist for his 1,850th career point, ion on Thursday with a 4-0 win at Wells Fargo The Nashville Predators set a franchise record tying him with Gordie Howe for third all-time. Center. by earning a point in their 11th consecutive game, He is 37 points behind Mark Messier for second. Despite sitting in last place of the Western but the New Jersey Devils stole two points as a re- Penguins 4, Rangers 1 Conference and owning the NHL’s fewest road sult of their power-play success. Led by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, the wins, the Oilers (25-34-7) outplayed the Flyers Center Adam Henrique scored at 1:54 of over- Pittsburgh Penguins took advantage of an un- for a third straight victory and just their ninth time, 12 seconds into a power play after goalie characteristic meltdown by Rangers goalie Hen- away from home. Pekka Rinne was called for delay of game, as New rik Lundqvist to score three times in less than two Wild 2, Maple Leafs 1 Jersey rallied for a 5-4 victory Thursday night at minutes late in the second period and beat New Mikael Granlund’s third-period power-play sold-out Bridgestone Arena. York 4-1 on Thursday night. marker pushed the Minnesota Wild to a 2-1 win Ducks 5, Coyotes 1 Patric Hornqvist added his fi fth goal in three over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night No Ryan Getzlaf was no problem for the soar- games as the Penguins bounced back from a at Air Canada Centre. ing Anaheim Ducks. tough 3-2 loss Tuesday at the NHL-leading Granland one-timed a cross-ice feed from Corey Perry had a goal and two assists, and Washington Capitals to rally and beat the Rang- Thomas Vanek, glove-side on Garret Sparks, at Jamie McGinn scored his second goal in two ers—the Eastern Conference rival that torments 11:35 of the third period for his eighth goal of the games with his new team as Anaheim rolled over them the most. season. Mikko Koivu had the other Minnesota the Arizona Coyotes 5-1 Thursday at Gila River Counting the playoff s, the Penguins had goal. Arena. dropped 11 of their previous 13 to the Rangers. Lightning 4, Senators 1 Sharks 3, Canucks 2 Bruins 4, Blackhawks 2 Ben Bishop made 33 saves to lead the Tampa Patrick Marleau scored on a two-on-one Brad Marchand scored his 33rd goal of the Bay Lightning to its eighth consecutive victory, a breakaway at 5:29 of the third period as the San season, and the Boston Bruins won consecutive 4-1 decision over the Ottawa Senators on Thurs- Jose Sharks rallied from a 2-0 defi cit to defeat the games at home for the fi rst time in nearly three day night at Canadian Tire Centre. Vancouver Canucks 3-2 Thursday night. months, beating the Chicago Blackhawks 4-2 The victory moved Tampa Bay (38-22-4) into a It was Marleau’s 92nd career game-winning Thursday night at TD Garden. tie with the Florida Panthers for fi rst place in the goal. Boston’s Claude Julien tied Art Ross for the Los Angeles Kings center Jeff Carter (77) plays Atlantic Division. Kings 3, Canadiens 2 franchise record in coaching wins with his 387th for the puck against Montreal Bishop, who played 23 games for the Senators Dwight King’s third-period goal was the dif- victory. Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov (79) between 2011-2013, improved his record to 9-0-3 ference, and the Los Angeles Kings held on for Sabres 6, Flames 3 during their NHL game on Thursday. against his former team. a 3-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Left winger Marcus Foligno had a goal and two PICTURE: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports Islanders 4, Jets 3 (overtime) Thursday night at Staples Center. Gulf Times Saturday, March 5, 2016 7 SPORT

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Baker & Isles Tokyo boss denies setting a scorching pace image problem amid for US rugby

Reuters that one position,” he told Reu- Sydney ters. “Everyone’s like a quarterback corruption probe so you got to be aware all the arlin Isles and Perry time. It’s all a bit diff erent.” Baker both had dreams Used to taking big hits from of success in other defensive backs, albeit in pads A comedy of errors continues as bungling organisers have not worked out where sports but in August and a helmet, Baker said in rugby theirC scorching pace will be vi- you were probably less exposed to put the cauldron without creating a fire risk tal to US hopes of a medal when than when going up for a pass on rugby sevens makes its Olympic the gridiron. bow in Rio de Janeiro. “I play on a such a good side Sevens, a shorter version of that they very rarely give you a the 15-man game, may not be hospital ball,” he grinned. just about speed but it certain- “In football, you’re looking at ly helps and in Isles, a former the ball all the time, here you’ve with a 100 metres per- got a bit more time to see it com- sonal best of 10.24 seconds, the ing.” Eagles boast the “fastest man in Isles, who like Baker looks slen- rugby”. der alongside some of their hulk- Baker, a former wide receiver ing team mates, also played foot- in college football and the Arena ball at high school and has worked League, is a more recent convert hard on the physical side of rugby. but his pace is no less impressive, “Our coach has built me up so as any number of opponents on I can take big hits,” the 26-year- the World Sevens Series would old added. “I’m a tenacious play- no doubt attest. er so I just brush it off and just Played into space, the duo are keep moving.” all-but impossible to catch and The 17th season of the World have already racked up 30 tries be- Series has an extra edge because tween them in four rounds of the it leads up to the Olympics, a series heading into their home leg tournament the United States in Las Vegas this weekend. qualifi ed for in June last year. “To have another fast guy “That was a blessing, that’s helps me a lot, I don’t have to take what I fi rst wanted to do when I all the load,” Isles, whose pace came over,” said Isles, who once has made him one of the biggest harboured realistic hopes of rep- names in sevens, told Reuters at resenting his country on the Ol- the Sydney round. ympic track. “We alternate, I may start, he “I’m ready for the Olympics may start, it depends. We play a and the focus that’s going to bit diff erently, which is good, so come with that. I’ll just stay lev- the coach can use us according to el-headed and learn what I can who we’re playing.” from the experience.” Baker, a nephew of San Di- As for which of the pair is the ego Chargers Hall of Famer Wes quickest, Baker is more than Chandler, said he was “loving” happy to accede to his team mate. rugby even if it had taken him “Carlin, that’s why he’s the a while to get used to the less fastest man in rugby,” said the structured nature of the game. 29-year-old. “It’s a little tougher, it forces “From the moment I got a con- you to think a bit more. In foot- tract, he welcomed me in and it’s ball you don’t have to do much just been brotherly love the en- thinking because you’re stuck in tire time.”

In this February 26, 2016, picture, Olympic gold medal gymnast Kohei Uchimura takes part in a training session at the National Training Center in Tokyo, Japan. (Reuters)

AFP tion is beyond our understanding,” said pensive as a result of the rise in the cost crown would be fi nished in time for the Tokyo Muto, a former deputy governor of the of living and as plans change,” said Muto. Olympics, despite slipping too far behind Bank of Japan. “It is unclear at this stage by how schedule to be used for the fi nal of the “We understand that the Games were much,” he added. “We will not get a com- 2019 Rugby World Cup. he chief organiser of the 2020 awarded to Tokyo because the city pre- plete picture of the overall fi gures until Unsavoury public rows between To- Tokyo Olympics has expressed sented the best bid.” the Olympics are close. kyo organisers and politicians at city and confi dence the Games will over- International Olympic Committee “Construction costs in Japan are among national level, all pointing the fi nger of come their “hurdles” after a se- president Thomas Bach has stressed the highest in the world. Given that, I be- blame at each other, have also left a bad Tries of problems, including a French in- there is “so far no evidence” of corrup- lieve it is a reasonable budget. However, we taste. quiry into the bidding process. tion surrounding bidding for the Rio or will keep a close eye on costs and make an- “Tokyo has the full support of the gov- “Preparations are going smoothly,” Tokyo Games. nual revisions to keep them under control. ernment and it’s the job of the organising Tokyo CEO Toshiro Muto told AFP in an Back in Tokyo, a comedy of errors The public should bear as little burden for committee to manage the Games,” Muto interview. “It’s important to overcome continued yesterday when it emerged the overall cost as possible.” said. “At the beginning there may have hurdles one by one.” bungling organisers had not worked out ECONOMIC BOOST been a lot of diff ering opinions, but now Tokyo has lurched from one crisis to where to put the Games cauldron without Organisers have shaved $1.5 billion off we perfectly understand our roles.” another since beating Madrid and Istan- creating a fi re risk. the cost by factoring in existing venues— Muto underlined Tokyo’s commitment bul in the race to host the Games, the low “They realise that NOW?” shrieked some used in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics— to deliver a safe Olympics, admitting that point coming when Prime Minister Shin- one television presenter. “It’s like going with the hamburger-shaped replacement last November’s deadly terror attacks in zo Abe scrapped plans for the main sta- camping and forgetting your tent.” for the National Stadium coming in at Paris had brought the subject of Games dium last July over its $2-billion price tag. Image problems aside, however, Tokyo half the price of London-based architect security sharply into focus. Claims of plagiarism then forced or- has struggled to contain escalating costs Zaha Hadid’s now-scrapped futuristic “Compared to the 1964 Tokyo Ol- ganisers to ditch the Olympic logo, while since being selected by the International design. ympics, the issue of public safety has the decision by French prosecutors to in- Olympic Committee in 2013, with fears With the Tokyo Olympics likely to changed,” he said. vestigate how Tokyo and this year’s Rio the total budget could exceed $15 bil- boost the Japanese economy by as much “Tokyo is still one of the world’s safest Games won their bids is set to cause fur- lion—six times the original plan and three as 30 trillion yen ($263 billion) by 2020, cities but if you look at what happened in In this March 23, 2013, photo, Carlin Isles of the US (centre) is tackled ther embarrassment. times more than Rio. the stakes are high. Paris, there’s no guarantee that it won’t by France’s Vincent Inigo (right) during their Hong Kong Sevens “Tokyo 2020 considers that the allega- “Of course the budget will get more ex- But Muto promised the jewel in the happen in Japan. preliminary match. (Reuters)

SWIMMING Quiet man Van Niekerk unconcerned Phelps kicks off Orlando meet with 100m fl y win by training disruption World 400 metres champion Wayde van Niekerk is hoping dis- ruptions to his training programme will not stop him becoming AFP South Africa’s first Olympic gold medallist in the event for almost Orlando, Florida a century at this year’s Games in Rio de Janeiro. The marketing student at Free State University was not allowed to run in his first major race of the season on Friday after failing to lympic superstar Michael attend enough classes for a minimum 60 academic credits during Phelps (pictured) kicked off 2015 when he emerged as a major talent. the Orlando Pro Swim meet Van Niekerk, 23, collapsed in a heap after the world championship Thursday with a victory in the final in Beijing in August after holding off two former champions 100mO butterfl y in 52.28sec. to run the sixth fastest 400m of all time in 43.48 seconds. Phelps, hoping to add to his stunning “I still have a big year ahead of me and I’m going to try and find tally of 18 Olympic gold medals at the Rio myself the appropriate races to race and find myself the right Games in August, swam the fi rst 50m in competitions to compete at so that I can find fitness before the 24.62sec and held off fellow American Olympics at the end of the year,” Van Niekerk told Reuters in a Tom Shields for the victory. telephone interview. Shields clocked 52.35, with Brazilian Van Niekerk plans to compete in the 100m and 200m races at the Henrique Martins third in 52.59. Free State championship next week. Germany’s Aliena Schmidtke won the “For the Olympics I am purely focused on the 400. I believe that I women’s 100m fl y in 59.94. Yuliya Efi - stand quite a good chance there now, so I don’t think I’m going to mova of Russia produced a season’s best gamble too much at Rio,” he said. of 1:05.70 in winning the women’s 100m American Michael Johnson set the world record of 43.18 in 1999. breaststroke. “At the moment I am just focused on improving me and if that In the men’s 100m breaststroke, Bra- means I get my own personal world record then I will accept it,” zil’s Joao Gomes edged American Josh Van Niekerk said. Prenot at the wall, winning in 1:00.64 to Van Niekerk is becoming used to life in the media spotlight and Prenot’s 1:00.66. Brazil’s Felipe Lima was guess it was about where I thought I would was second in 1:57.67 and Allison Schmitt 4:39.64 ahead of American Becca Mann the celebrity status of being world champion. third in 1:00.73. be time-wise. I worked this morning and was third in 1:58.18. (4:40.44). Freestyle queen Ledecky was “I am good shape, I am in good health,” said the self-confessed Katie Ledecky won the 200m freestyle this afternoon on some of the details I’ve The women’s 400m individual medley fourth in 4:40.95. introvert who relaxes at home in his spare time watching movies in a time of 1:55.73 -- second-fastest in been working on around my turns. I was went to world championships silver med- American Chase Kalisz won the men’s or playing video games with his brother and girlfriend. the world this year behind the 1:54.43 she pleased with how I put it all together.” allist Maya DiRado, whose time of 4:36.82 400m medley in 4:15.36, with South South Africa’s only 400 metres Olympic gold medal winner was posted in Austin in January. Missy Franklin, winner of four gold made her the fourth-fastest this season. Africa’s Sebastien Rousseau second in Bevil Rudd, who triumphed at the 1920 Antwerp Games. “It felt pretty good,” Ledecky said. “I medals at the 2012 London Olympics, Vietnam’s Vien Nguyen was second in 4:20.06. Gulf Times 8 Saturday, March 5, 2016 SPORT

CYCLING RUGBY Wiggins denied Sio signing a big boost for as Australia win Wallabies team pursuit gold ‘...the last few Olympic cycles, the team that won the worlds, won the Olympics’

In this July 18, 2015, picture, Wallabies lock James Horwill (centre) celebrates a try with Scott Sio (right) during their Rugby championship match against South Africa in Brisbane. Australian rugby received a piece of good news this week when prop Scott Sio signed a new contract. (Reuters)

Reuters He emerged in Super Rugby Sydney with the ACT Brumbies and was handed his test debut by Ewen McKenzie off the bench against ith the player drain New Zealand in 2013 at the age to Europe con- of 21. tinuing apace and Injury blighted his 2014 in- uncertainty sur- ternational season but a strong Wrounding the future of fl anker Super Rugby season, particularly David Pocock, Australian rugby against New Zealand teams, en- received a piece of good news sured Cheika would hand him his this week when prop Scott Sio fi rst start against the All Blacks signed a new contract. in the Rugby Championship in Australia’s unexpected run to Sydney last year. last year’s World Cup fi nal won That Australia won the match justifi ed plaudits for Michael was extraordinary enough but Cheika, his coaching staff and a more so was the sight of the Wal- string of senior players but Sio’s labies pack outmuscling the All role in the revival of the Wallabies Blacks’ eight, with Sio giving should not be underestimated. New Zealand tighthead Owen The transformation of the Franks a torrid night. Australia scrum from near It was a harbinger of things to laughing stock to potent weapon come and by October, Sio was was undoubtedly a team eff ort one of the fi rst names on Chei- based on sound coaching strat- ka’s team sheet. egy but at its foundation was He played in all the World strong scrummaging on Sio’s Cup matches barring the semi- Australia’s , Callum Scotson, and cycle to gold in the Team Pursuit final at the 2016 World Championships at the Lee loosehead side. fi nal against Argentina, which he Valley VeloPark in London on Thursday. (AFP) Wallabies set piece coach missed with an elbow injury. Mario Ledesma told Reuters in a “Maybe he started to get a lit- Reuters race but clawed back the defi cit and led recent interview Sio had played tle tired at the end of the compe- London Russia’s Voinova wins women’s TT gold at worlds briefl y with about three laps to go before a key role in the improvement of tition where we saw him strug- Clancy, a key member of Britain’s 2008 the scrum. gle against Scotland, maybe one World record holder Anastasiia Voinova Elis Ligtlee from the Netherlands finish- and 2012 Olympic-winning teams in the “What we’re trying to achieve scrum against the Kiwis too,” Ar- radley Wiggins’ hopes of leading of Russia retained her 500m time trial ing with the bronze medal. event, cracked—a legacy of the back inju- is having a good system that any- gentine Ledesma recalled. Britain to team pursuit gold at title with a blistering ride at the world Later on Friday three more gold medals ry that nearly ruled him out of the cham- one that comes in can perform,” “But I think he was really, re- the world track championships track championships at London’s velo- are up for grabs in the women’s team pionships. he said. ally one of our more consistent were foiled by old rivals Australia drome yesterday. pursuit, men’s individual pursuit and “It’s disappointing, but we are close,” “But I really think that Scotty scrummagers and he’s only 24, inB a thrilling fi nal on Thursday. Wiggins told reporters. “I knew we had was really important because I so he can only get better. I think Voinova, the last of the 16 riders to take men’s points race. It looked as though Wiggins, 35, and to the boards for the two-lap event, Britain’s Rio Olympics hopeful Mark gone ahead but it’s 4km and they had it think when you want to scrum- he will be one of Australia’s great teammates Jonathan Dibben, clocked 32.959 to add the TT gold Cavendish, taking time out from his for 4km. Ed just didn’t quite have it at the mage square, everyone has to buy looseheads.” and Owain Doull would raise the roof in to the women’s team gold she road schedule to try and qualify for end. in, but especially the loosehead. Sio’s new contract will keep the Olympic velodrome as they recovered claimed on Wednesday. the Olympic track team, also begins “We’ve just got to take it on the chin.” “What he really needed to do him in Australia until after the from an early defi cit but a youthful Aus- Hong Kong’s Lee Wai Sze, world cham- his challenge in the omnium which Australian veteran Anna Meares just was throw out the window eve- next World Cup in 2019 but next tralia outfi t struck back to claim the title. pion in 2013, was second quickest with concludes today. failed to add a 12th world gold to her col- rything he knew up to that point, up in the test arena is another Victory for Sam Welsford, Michael lection when she was edged out in an and get him scrummaging for his encounter with England and Hepburn, Callum Scotson and Miles thrilling fi nal by Germany’s Kris- hooker and for his tighthead. their scrum during their three- Scotson was Australia’s sixth world title Trott’s perfectly-timed sprint in the “I know this is not an Olympic event tina Vogel with Britain’s Rebecca James “Almost pulling pressure match test tour. in the event in the past 11 editions of the 10km scratch race gave the hosts their but last year in Paris this was the event taking the bronze. across the scrum for the tight- “The World Cup was an amaz- championships and laid down the gaunt- fi rst medal at the championships after that let me down in the omnium and “When the door opened up just past head to feel safe and scrummage ing experience and is obviously let for this year’s Rio Olympics. the disappointment of Britain’s women’s I’ve worked so hard on it over the past 12 the bell I was licking my lips a bit but I square. I think that from the start the biggest stage in the game, so Their time of 3:52:727 was just outside team pursuit quartet only managing the months,” Trott said. just couldn’t step off the wheel, but I love Scotty got the message,” added to get back there in three years’ the world record set by Britain on the fi fth-fastest time in their qualifi ers, rul- good hard racing,” said the 32-year-old Ledesma. time is a huge personal goal,” Sio same boards at London 2012. ing them out of gold medal contention. FAVOURITE SON Meares, who is hoping to contest the kei- said this week. “When you look back at the last few Trott, part of Britain’s dominant track The home crowd had mainly come to roar rin in Rio. ONLY GETTING BETTER “The boys are really hungry Olympic cycles, the team that has won at team at the 2012 Olympics when she won on Wiggins though—Britain’s favourite It proved a good day for Germany Still only 24, Sio is the son of Sa- to build on that tournament and the worlds has won the Olympics,” Hep- gold in the omnium and team pursuit, burst cycling son who has returned to his track with winning the men’s moa prop David and was named it’s a massive year with England burn, 24, told reporters. “But there’s still to the front on the 40th and fi nal lap at the roots with an eye on a fi fth Olympic gold 1km time trial by beating Dutch veteran Scott because his father was in coming to Australia, the Rugby a hell of a lot of work to do.” London velodrome and edged out Kirsten in Rio. Theo Bos and Frenchman Quentin La- Edinburgh preparing for a World Championship and a grand slam Double Olympic champion Laura Wild of the Netherlands on the line. Britain trailed for most of the 4,000m fargue. Cup match when he was born. tour at the end of the year.”

BOTTOMLINE New Zealand 7s prepare for turf war in Las Vegas

AFP on an artifi cial surface at the Sam season by the fact that rugby will land and Japan grouped together in Las Vegas Boyd Stadium. make a return to the Olympics this Pool B. Tietjens anticipates the state-of- year. Interest will surround Australia, the-art fi eld—which normally hosts Several teams have drafted stars who have selected the elusive Quade ew Zealand coach Gordon the University of Nevada Las Vegas from the 15-a-side game into their Cooper, a star of the 15-a-side game. Tietjens has warned his Rebels American football team—will Sevens squads although New Zea- “We’re delighted to welcome new-look team they will take an energy-sapping physical toll. land have not brought World Cup Quade into the fold for Las Vegas,” need to adapt quickly to the “The legs will probably be a bit winner to Las Australia coach Andy Friend said af- Nartifi cial turf being used at the Las heavier, we may have a few grazes so Vegas following his appearance in ter announcing his squad. Vegas Sevens this weekend if they we’ll have to get over that,” Tietjens Sydney. Cooper trained with the Austral- are to bag their third tournament in said. Tietjens said he had opted to rest ians last month at the Sydney Sevens a row. “But one thing you can be guaran- Williams from the squad but has in- but did not play. ’s International teed is that you’ll have a fi rm surface, stead included All Black Liam Mes- Friend meanwhile believes Austral- Sevens Series kicks off in the Ne- so I think the teams that adjust to it, sam. ia, who open against Scotland, face vada gambling haven on Friday and adjust to it quickly, will have a “We’re training pretty well. New multiple threats in the fi rst round. with the New Zealanders look- good tournament. players coming into the squad has “We have drawn one of those pools ing to extend a fine run of results “We trained on grass all week and made it a bit of a challenge but we’re that is evenly matched across the which saw them win both the Wel- we’re playing our fi rst two tourna- coming to grips with what we need board,” Friend said. lington and Sydney tournaments ments on (artifi cial turf) over the to do as a team,” Tietjens said. “The “We know what England will bring this year. next two weeks. team’s starting to gel.” to the table while Scotland, no mat- However Tietjens sounded a note “We’ll certainly know what that’s New Zealand also face Kenya and ter what level, has always caused of caution as his team prepare to kick all about come Friday.” Russia in the fi rst round. Australian rugby sides a headache.” off on Friday against Portugal in Pool The stakes for competing teams The tournament’s Pool of Death The tournament kicks off on Fri- A, with the tournament being staged have been given an added edge this sees Australia, England, Scot- day before culminating on Sunday. New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens has included for the trip to Las Vegas. Gulf Times Saturday, March 5, 2016 9 TENNIS

ROUND-UP LOOKING AHEAD Rio a prime goal for Serena on return Nishikori victory to competition

Reuters Los Angeles brings Japan level aving played just one tournament since mid- September due to vari- ous injuries and a re- Hcent bout of fl u, Serena Williams is now itching to get back into competition with the Rio Olym- pics among her top priorities for with Great Britain the year. The American world number one has not competed since her Evans had 0-40 in the seventh game of the second set, but failed to break and then stunning loss to Germany’s An- gelique Kerber in the Australian saved two set points only to give it away with a missed volley and double fault Open fi nal in January, and says she has learned lessons from that “The Olympics have had such defeat which she will use to her a big impact on everyone. It (the AFP Earlier, world number two Murray had advantage. August Games) will probably af- Birmingham cruised through his fi rst match since los- “Whenever I lose, it defi nitely fect my schedule a little bit and ing to Novak Djokovic in the Australian motivates me to do better,” Wil- I probably won’t be playing as Open fi nal. liams, 34, said on a conference much because I will be in Rio. I ei Nishikori avenged one of the The Scot had spent time with new call on Thursday to promote am really looking forward to it.” worst defeats of his career as daughter Sophia, born on February 7, and her exhibition match with good A growing number of interna- the Japanese star defeated Dan wife Kim Sears and seemed refreshed by friend Caroline Wozniacki of tional athletes in recent weeks Evans 6-3, 7-5, 7-6 (7/3) to his brief time as a father. Denmark in New York next week. have said they are concerned Kbring his country level with Great Britain “The last few weeks have been the best “There’s a lot from that match about Zika, a virus that has been in their Davis Cup clash yesterday. of my life, it’s been really, really special,” (in Australia) that I feel like I can linked in Brazil to more than Nishikori suff ered a miserable straight he told the BBC. improve on and do a lot better. 4,000 suspected cases of mi- sets loss to Evans in the pair’s only previ- “It’s been tough the last few days being Hopefully I will achieve that this crocephaly, a rare condition that ous meeting in the US Open fi rst round in away from her (new daughter Sophia) for Japan’s Kei Nishikori returns the ball year.” causes abnormally small heads in 2013. the fi rst time. It had to happen at some to Great Britain’s Daniel Evans during Asked if she felt fully rested infants and can lead to develop- But the world number six made time. It’s a pleasure to come and repre- their Davis Cup World Group first round after her limited playing time mental problems. amends as he dismissed Evans in the sent my country though.” match in Birmingham yesterday. since mid-September, Williams Asked what she thought about Briton’s hometown of Birmingham to He added: “The second set was tough, replied: “Oh yeah. I was ready to the Zika threat, Williams replied: take the second singles rubber after Andy lot of close games.... I was getting a little go in Australia and I will be ready “I have read a few articles about Murray got the holders’ Davis Cup de- out of breath but I played a good match, to go today and tomorrow, and it, but I haven’t been following it fence off to the best possible start with a served well, missed a few second serves I’ll defi nitely be ready to go on a great deal. 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 win over Taro Daniel. but the fi rst serve went extremely well so Tuesday.” “I’m going to have to read a Evans, only in the team after Kyle Ed- it was a nice start.” Williams, who will face Woz- little more about it before I can mund suff ered a back injury on Wednes- Murray and captain Leon Smith must niacki in the BNP Paribas Show- give a proper answer. I defi nitely day, has played some of his best tennis in now decide whether he plays dou- down at Madison Square Garden think it’s something that you Davis Cup, but he couldn’t fi nd a way to bles alongside his brother Jamie, which in New York on Tuesday, has want to be careful about and we unsettle the relentless Nishikori in the proved a winning combination three already won Olympic gold four will see what happens.” world group fi rst round tie. times last year, or whether Jamie partners times, once in the singles and on No scientifi c proof exists that Evans had 0-40 in the seventh game Dom Inglot. three occasions in the doubles. Zika causes microcephaly or of the second set, but failed to break and The Murray brothers inspired Britain Success in Rio counts among other suspected complications, then saved two set points only to give it to their fi rst Davis triumph in 79 years her biggest goals for this year. but traces of the virus have been away with a missed volley and double with victory over Belgium in Ghent in “Tennis players never really found in the bodily fl uids and fault. November. thought about winning the Ol- tissues of mothers and babies af- In the third set he fought back from In Belgrade, world number one Novak ympics, you grew up thinking fected by it. 2-0 down to twice lead by a break, much Djokovic shrugged off a shoulder prob- about winning grand slams but The link has led the World to the delight of the noisy crowd, but lem to secure Serbia a 1-0 lead over Ka- now, with tennis in the Olym- Health Organization to declare could not hold on to his own serve. zakhstan by easily defeating Aleksandr pics, of course you think about the Zika outbreak a global emer- He dug deep to save a match point and Nedovyesov. it,” Williams said. gency. take it to a tie-break but slipped behind Djokovic, who was playing for the fi rst early on and could not recover, blasting a time in front of his home fans since the fi nal forehand wide after two hours and Davis Cup against Croatia in March last SPOTLIGHT 44 minutes. year, defeated world number 200 Ne- dovyesov 6-1, 6-2, 6-3. The 28-year-old appeared recovered from an eye infection which forced him USA confi dent with to retire from his Dubai ATP quarter-fi nal last week ending his streak of 17 succes- sive fi nals. Bryans on their side On Friday, Djokovic suff ered from some minor problems with his left shoul- der at the end of the fi rst set and the be- AFP ginning of the second. Melbourne He had to seek help from the trainer, but the shoulder problems did not pre- vent him from securing an easy win over aptain Jim Courier said his Kazakh opponent. the heavyweight Bryan In Colombo, China secured a 2-0 lead brothers doubles pairing against Pakistan, winning both matches gave the United States on day one at the Sri Lanka Tennis Asso- theC edge over Australia in their ciation courts. Davis Cup tie with the scores China’s Zhang Ze beat Aqil Khan con- locked at 1-1 after the opening vincingly 6-4, 6-2 and 6-2 in the open- singles matches yesterday. ing match of the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Australia’s Bernard Tomic Group I tie in Sri Lankan capital Colom- beat Jack Sock to level the World bo, to gain an early lead. Group round one tie between the The match was played in Sri Lanka great, traditional Davis Cup ri- instead of Pakistan due to security con- vals after John Isner breezed past cerns. Sam Groth in the fi rst match. Australia’s Bernard Tomic Khan fought hard, winning the third Tomic rolled through the and fourth games in the fi rst set, but opening two sets against Sock “The Bryans obviously are the Zhang went on to win the last two sets of before being forced to battle hard favourites tomorrow in the dou- the match that lasted for an hour and 52 to win 7-6 (7/2), 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 bles. But I still think our guys minutes. in sweltering conditions at the have got a good shot at it, and In the second match, Aqil’s younger famous Kooyong centre court in then on the last day anything can brother Yasir put in an even braver ef- Melbourne. happen.” fort against China’s Wu Di, but could not The victory, in sweltering Hewitt has until an hour be- snatch victory for Pakistan despite win- temperatures, was crucial for fore the doubles tie to fi nalise Serbia’s Novak Djokovic returns a shot ning the fi rst set 6-3. Lleyton Hewitt’s Australians, his combination and choose be- to Kazakhstan’s Aleksandr Nedovyesov Wu came back strongly in the second after world number 11 Isner tween the team’s doubles spe- during their Davis Cup World Group first set and levelled the score with a 6-1 win trounced the 77th-ranked Groth cialist John Peers, Groth and round match at the Aleksandar Nikolic before taking the third at 6-4. 7-6 (7/2), 6-2, 6-2. himself. hall in Belgrade yesterday. The retired Hewitt is on Earlier Tomic, ranked 20, sent standby for a possible play- tremors through the Australian ing appearance following the camp when he hit a fl at spot dur- BOTTOMLINE match-eve withdrawal of star ing the third set of his tie, invit- youngster Nick Krygios with a ing world number 24 Sock back virus and back trouble. Cou- into the match and a fourth set. rier, who works as a television But Tomic rallied and broke commentator alongside Hewitt the American in the ninth game at the Australian Open, said he and served out for a four-set win was confi dent America held the on the grass of Kooyong, former Bud Collins, long-time US whip hand with doubles special- venue for the Australian Open. ists Bob and Mike Bryan, who are “It was very tough out there. multiple Grand Slam champions. I haven’t beaten Sock before so “Bob and Mike seem to be at I knew that it was going to be an advantage in the historical tough,” Tomic said. tennis authority, dead at 86 count of doubles in Davis Cup, “But playing him on a (grass) but every day is a diff erent day,” surface where I could beat him AFP became authoritative standards in this country. He educated. He land, Bangkok and the Himala- Courier said. on I was very happy because the Boston in the sport. entertained.” yas. One pair of pants was made “They’ve played awfully well. conditions were very tough.” “No media fi gure in history The self-described “scrib- from Vietnamese fl ags. We feel confi dent in them, but we Earlier Isner’s serve was too in my mind has ever been as bler and babbler” was known Collins had his first byline don’t take anything for granted. strong for Groth and he wrapped ud Collins, a veteran important to one sport as Bud sartorially for bow ties and cus- for the Globe in 1963 from Aus- We’ll be ready to go—but I love up the contest in one hour 49 television commenta- Collins was to the sport of ten- tom-tailored pants that feature tralia covering the Davis Cup. having them on our side.” minutes. tor and newspaper col- nis,” said Mike Lupica, the New bright, vivid colors and often His last came in 2011, a story Hewitt, in his fi rst Davis Cup Isner served his way out of umnist known for his York Daily News sports column- wild designs and unique as the about Serena Williams from as captain after retiring at the three break points down in the flB amboyant trousers and tennis ist and ESPN commentator who man who wore them as he spent the US Open. Australian Open in January, was fi rst set to confi dently take the expertise, has died at age 86, his followed the path Collins pio- more than half a century cover- He covered Wimbledon 44 giving little away about his se- opening set in a tiebreaker 7-2. long-time newspaper the Bos- lic appearances last September, neered from the print ranks to ing major tennis events. times, the fi rst of them in 1968, lection options for the doubles, The beanpole American ton Globe announced Friday. when the media center at the US TV fame. His tailor, Charlie David- making “Breakfast at Wim- even about his own chances of smashed 20 aces as Groth’s game Collins, who died at his home Open was named in his honour, “You can’t minimize it. He son from Harvard Square, used bledon” his realm during the playing a role. deteriorated and posed an early in the Boston suburb of Brook- and he wrote both an encyclo- became the de facto ambassador swaths of cloth Collins brought years when the sport enjoyed its “We haven’t spoken about it selection dilemma for new Aus- line, made one of his fi nal pub- pedia and history of tennis that to that sport as it was exploding from as far away as New Zea- greatest US interest. yet,” he said. tralian captain Hewitt. Gulf Times 10 Saturday, March 5, 2016 SPORT

Doha 1st XV demolish Jebel Ali Dragons 61-24 GOLF / CADILLAC CHAMPIONSHIP Fraser, Piercy share lead at Doral AFP Mickelson, who has found the Miami going diffi cult at Doral in recent years, had seven birdies and two bogeys in his fi ve-under eff ort. ordan Spieth won the bat- Each of his bogeys was fol- tle of the “Big Three” but lowed by a birdie at the next hole. it was Scott Piercy and “It was a good day,” said Mick- Marcus Fraser atop the elson, who claimed the most re- leaderboardJ after the fi rst round cent of his 42 career wins in 2013. of the Cadillac Championship at “I hit a lot of good shots, made Doral here on Thursday. some good putts and just drove The focus as the elite World it well.” Golf Championships event teed Former world number one off was fi rmly on the marquee Adam Scott of Australia, who group of Spieth, Jason Day and won his fi rst title in nearly two Rory McIlroy—the top three years at the Honda Classic in players in the world rankings Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, who are grouped together for the on Sunday, headlined a group fi rst two rounds. sharing fourth on 68 that also World number one Spieth had included England’s Danny Wil- fi ve birdies in his three-under- lett, Jason Dufner and Charley par 69 that left him three shots Hoff man. Action from the match between Doha RFC 1st XV and Jebel Ali Dragons in Doha yesterday. Doha won the game 61-24 and also earned a bonus point taking their points haul off the lead. Spieth was joined on 69 by to 25 in the West Asia Championship. Leaders Exiles, with 29 points, faced their first defeat of the competition, a 32-24 loss to second-placed Abu Dhabi Harlequins. Harle- Third-ranked McIlroy signed Bubba Watson and Jimmy Walk- quins now have 28 points. The championship will now be decided on March 18 when the final round of games are played. While Exiles will play Hurricanes, and Harlequins for a 71 that ended on a sour note er. Despite the benign condi- host Bahrain, Doha will travel to Muscat, on what promises to be a exciting day of rugby in the region. PICTURES: Nasar T K with a double-bogey fi ve at the tions, Spieth said the tour of par-three ninth—where he was Doral’s Blue Monster was the in the water off the tee. usual grind. World number two Day settled “It always is here,” he said. RALLYING for an even-par 72 that included “And this would be a day that four birdies and four bogeys. should play about as easy as it He was upstaged by fellow possibly can ... Still, the scores Aussie Fraser, winner of the aren’t extremely low.” Maybank Championship in Ma- laysia a fortnight ago. LEADING ROUND I SCORES Fraser had seven birdies and 66 - Scott Piercy (USA), Marcus was in sole possession of the lead Fraser (AUS) before his only bogey of the day 67 - Phil Mickelson (USA) Ogier takes narrow at his penultimate hole, the par- 68 - Danny Willett (USA), Adam fi ve eighth, dropped him into a tie Scott (AUS), Jason Dufner (USA), for the lead with early pacesetter Charley Hoff man (USA) Piercy, who had rolled in eight 69 - Jordan Spieth (USA), Jimmy birdies en route to a six-under 66. Walker (USA), Bubba Watson The leading duo were one (USA) shot in front of fi ve-time major 70 - Hideki Matsuyama (JPN), champion Phil Mickelson. Jamie Donaldson (WAL), Anirban lead in Mexico “We all know we’re trying to Lahiri (IND), Rickie Fowler (USA), beat those guys week-in, week- Matt Kuchar (USA) out,” Piercy said of the marquee 71 - Kim Kyung-Tae (KOR), Andy Frenchman has 1.7 second lead over Hyundai’s Neuville after opening three stages names chasing him and Fraser. Sullivan (ENG), Rory McIlroy “They have proved it. (NIR), Danny Lee (NZL), Shane Agencies “I haven’t proven it week-in, Lowry (IRL), Harris English (USA), Leon, Mexico week-out,” added Piercy, owner Zach Johnson (USA), Brooks of three PGA Tour titles, “but Koepka, Henrik Stenson (SWE), when my game’s there I’m pretty Smylie Kaufman (USA), Russell ebastien Ogier and Julien In- decent.” Knox (SCO), Paul Casey (ENG) grassia entertained the massive crowds in their Volkswagen Polo R WRC and held a slender advan- tageS of just 1.7 seconds after three short LPGA, US PGA Tour unite in spectator stages at the start of the 13th Rally Guanajuato Corona on Thursday strategic alliance evening. The traditional ceremonial start out- Elite global men’s and women’s golf circuits, the US PGA and LPGA side the Alhóndiga de Granaditas in the tours, announced a long-term strategic agreement yesterday that historic centre of Guanajuato was as includes potential development of joint events and schedule co- popular as ever and it got the crowd into ordination. Joint marketing programmes, television representation fever pitch in time for the fi rst of the three and digital media unity will also be part of the agreement. stages – a short 1.09km blast through the “From our collaboration in bringing golf back as an Olympic sport tunnels and across the treacherous cob- as joint members of the International Golf Federation to our co- bles of one of the most beautiful cities in operation in helping to grow the game of golf as part of the World North America. Two runs through the Golf Foundation, our organizations have had a long history of 2.30km super special that will be used six working together for the common good of our sport,” PGA Tour times between Silao and León brought commissioner Tim Finchem said. the day’s action to a conclusion. The spe- Both groups emphasised that while they will work together, there cial featured a jump and a water splash at was no formal financial investment or transfer or ownership or the local motor racing circuit. control between the groups, which remain two independent, Behind overnight leader Ogier, Hy- Sebastien Ogier in action on the opening day of the Rally Guanajuato in Leon, Mexico, on Thursday. separate organisations. undai’s Thierry Neuville claimed the sec- “We believe the PGA Tour has significant expertise in the areas ond quickest time over the three stages fi rst stage I am not hopefully running fi rst Mikkelsen was the busiest of the lead- did a little bit of work with the tyres and that we will focus on together and working more closely with and headed back to Parc Ferme 1.6 seconds on the road. I am happy, for once, that we ing drivers at the morning’s traditional the ride heights.” them carries with it the very real potential of positively impacting ahead of third-placed Jari-Matti Latvala. have a lot of kilometres on Sunday and it’s Shakedown stage. The Norwegian ran for our members, our tournaments, and our ability to grow our sport Qatar’s Abdulaziz al-Kuwari and Mex- going to be the longest challenge we have seven laps and recorded the fastest time POSITIONS AFTER SS3 (TOP FIVE) around the world,” said LPGA commissioner Mike Whan. ico’s Benito Guerra had the privilege of ever done. Everyone will have to adapt to of 3min 43.9sec. Neuville edged ahead 1. Sébastien Ogier (FRA)/Julien Ingrassia The possibility of joint events could lead to events where the best running fi rst on the road for the opening this. Whoever is leading the rally on Satur- of Ogier into second place with a best of (FRA) Volkswagen Polo R WRC 4min men’s and women’s players tackle the same or nearby courses, stages. But three-time World Champion day night must have a very big gap for Sun- 3min 45.5sec, while Jari-Matti Latvala 16.5sec similar in style to the Grand Slam tennis events and other major Sébastien Ogier will lead 27 rivals into the day, because we know a lot of things can and Hayden Paddon were the only other 2. Thierry Neuville (BEL)/Nicolas Gilsoul tournaments where men’s and women’s matches are played over fi rst of the gravel stages on Friday morn- still happen in this 80km.” drivers to break the 3min 50sec barrier. (BEL) Hyundai New i20 WRC 4min 18.2sec the same week at the same venue. ing. The Frenchman is confi dent that he Ricardo Trivino made a late car change “It’s nice to be back in Mexico,” said 3. Jari-Matti Latvala (FIN)/Miikka Ant- can achieve a fourth successive victory after his Citroën DS3 R5 failed to arrive in Mikkelsen. “Normally I have been far tila (FIN) Volkswagen Polo R WRC 4min in Mexico on his 100th WRC start. He is León as planned. The Mexican, therefore, behind on this Shakedown, so I decided 19.8sec relishing the monster 80km Guanajuato started in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution to do more runs today. It was a bit chal- 4. Andreas Mikkelsen (NOR)/Anders GOLF / HSBC WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS stage on Sunday as well. X and has sacrifi ced his chance of scor- lenging with the altitude and the car with Jaeger (NOR) Volkswagen Polo R WRC “The long stage is a bit like my highlight ing WRC 2 points. Fellow Mexican Miguel the engine power. If you are in the wrong 4min 20.3sec of the weekend actually,” said the three- Ortuño was a non-starter in his Mitsubi- gear, then you will be penalised on this 5. Dani Sordo (ESP)/Marc Marti (ESP) time World Champion. “It’s going to be the shi Lancer. rally. I wanted to get used to that and we Hyundai New i20 WRC 4min 20.6sec Jang, Lee lead as Ko slips back in Singapore GCC Golf Championship 2016 AFP nine and I told myself, ‘Don’t do Singapore too much thinking, just be pa- tient. There are two more days, so I have to concentrate more.” op-ranked Lydia Ko Like Jang, Lee had a fl awless carded an ugly 74 as she day and carded fi ve birdies to slipped nine shots off the move six places to the top. But pace set by South Kore- the windy conditions aff ected ansT Jang Ha-Na and Lee Mi-Rim her drives and she said she had to at the HSBC Women’s Champi- be sharper on the greens. ons yesterday. Lee said: “I feel that my swing The 18-year-old, seeking her right now is not good, but my fi rst win at the tournament in short game is better and I am Singapore, has much ground to scoring well.” make up at the par-72 Sentosa Norway’s Suzann Pettersen course after an unsatisfying fi rst and Pornanong Phatlum of Thai- two rounds. land are trailing the leading pair Defending champion Park In- by a stroke. Bee was also fi ve shots back from Pettersen, who fi red 69 to go Jang and Lee, who fi red 66 and 67 with her opening round of 68, respectively for matching aggre- said she was in a good position gate scores of 136. heading into the weekend. Park, who didn’t card a single “I’ve been playing some solid bogey as she romped to the title golf, hitting good golf shots and last year, struggled to a 73 on an- manoeuvring myself around this other windy day at the resort is- golf course in a pretty easy way,” land course. said Pettersen. Jang shot to the top of the “I’m hitting the ball better and leaderboard after shooting four better each day, which is for me birdies and an eagle on the par- my bread and butter usually. It’s Action from the third round of the 2016 GCC Golf Championships at the Doha Golf Club yesterday. Qatar’s Saleh Ali al-Kaabi continued his confident run in the tournament fi ve seventh, before Lee joined nice that I feel comfortable and with another under-par round to tighten his grip on the lead. Al-Kaabi carded a two-under 70 for a three-shot lead at two-over with Bahrain’s Sager Diyab al-Noaimi second her at the top. being able to hit the shots you see in the leaderboard with a total score of five-over. Al-Noaimi and Qatar’s Ali al-Shahrani both carded a par score of 72 yesterday, with al-Shahrani third on the leaderboard “First round and second and execute. going into today’s final round. In the juniors’ category, Kuwait’s Ali al-Ansari has a nine-shot lead over second-placed Arnav Jain from Qatar. While al-Ansari is at 18 over to round, two eagles, so I feel very “For me, it’s a good starting lead the category, Jain is at 27 over, with Bahrain’s Ahmed M Ahmed at 30 over for third spot going into the final round. PICTURES: Jayaram comfortable,” said Jang. “Today point, but still got a job to do on I’m very comfortable on the front the weekend.” Gulf Times Saturday, March 5, 2016 11 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT PORSCHE GT3 CUP CHALLENGE MIDDLE EAST Qatar’s Frijns grabs pole for Race 1 of Alonso, Hamilton the fi nal round hit out at ‘broken Formula 1’ ‘It’s sad. I am sad. I am sad for the sport... it doesn’t look right from outside when in one week we change the qualifying format three times’ Frijns being congratulated after he qualified on pole yesterday.

By Our Correspondent weekend so far so I know I can go Bahrain faster out on the track but I man- aged to get into pole position for Race 1 which is the most impor- oha-based driver Char- tant thing and gives me a great lie Frijns has today pro- chance to get maximum points duced a superb perform- here in the fi rst race. ance to qualify on pole “I was aiming to get into the positionD of the opening race of top 4 for qualifying but when I the fi nal round of the Porsche GT3 came back In and everyone was Cup Challenge Middle East Sea- clapping and around the car I son 7. For Frijns this is the second knew I had got pole. I now need time he has qualifi ed on pole at to take this into the race and look the Bahrain International Circuit, for my fi rst win of the season!” a feat he accomplished during the Regarded as the purest form of fi rst race of the season. racing, every lap and every corner Qatar based Charlie Frijns con- of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge tinues his hunt for a podium posi- Middle East counts. Qualifying is

tion in the overall driver’s title as split by hundredths of seconds and he currently sits in fourth place racing is pushed to the limits with just 22 points adrift of third- driver talent and race craft the placed Ryan Cullen and with a diff erence between winning and maximum of 25 points per race losing as all drivers competing in available this weekend. Clearly it is identical fi fth generation Porsche still all to play for especially thanks 911 GT3 Cups. to Frijns performance in qualify- The unique one-make series Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team’s British driver Lewis Hamilton talks with journalists at the Circuit de Catalunya yesterday in Montmelo on the outskirts of Barcelona. ing, with rival for a podium place, consists of 12 races between No- Cullen languishing down in fi fth vember 2015 and March 2016. Reuters With the opening race of the 2016 posed to be faster, more aggressive and the direction it had taken with the quali- on the grid. Season 7 concludes at the illus- London championship in Australia little more harder to handle—kicked down the road fying change. A strong qualifying session trious Bahrain International Cir- than two weeks away, the sport has yet for further discussion. “It’s sad. I am sad,” said the Spaniard. saw drivers pushing to deliver cuit between 4th and 5th March. to decide what format qualifying will be “I am sad for the sport... it doesn’t their fastest times of the Cham- ewis Hamilton and Fernando this season and when any new version ‘HALO’ PROTECTION look right from outside when in one week pionship as the weekend sees the Standings Alonso, two drivers with fi ve might be introduced. Much of the talk at the Circuit de Catalun- we change the qualifying format three curtain close on the 2015/16 sea- world titles between them, por- A change was announced last week but ya on Thursday was about a proposed new times,” he added. son. Each driver will know that Overall Driver Standings trayed Formula One on Thursday commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone ‘halo’ cockpit head protection device being “If I was... from another sport, I would putting everything into these Pos Name Pts Las a ‘broken’ sport burdened with over- said the necessary software could not be trialled on Kimi Raikkonen’s Ferrari. look at Formula One a bit surprised. I last two races of the season could 1 Jeff rey Schmidt (UAE) 225 complicated rules and uncertain where it ready in time for Melbourne. Hamilton made his views clear on In- don’t think it’s right... too many changes, potentially cause upset across all 2 Zaid Ashkanani (KUW) 199 was heading. Team managers then agreed a further stagram: “Please no! This is the worst and the complexity of the rules, also for categories in the driver’s stand- 3 Ryan Cullen (IRL) 191 Hamilton, who can win a third succes- change, with a knock-out system for the looking mod (modifi cation) in Formula the spectators, is quite high.” ings with results over the previ- 4 Abdulaziz AlFaisal (KSA) 180 sive title with Mercedes this season and fi rst two phases but reverting to the old One history,” he said. Alonso said his friends wanted to ous few rounds leaving things too 5 Charlie Frijns (QAT) 169 the fourth of his career, was asked dur- format for the last one. That has yet to be “I appreciate the quest for safety but watch big battles, fast cars, big tyres, close to call. 6 Saud AlFaisal (KSA) 139 ing pre-season testing whether he felt accepted by the governing FIA, however. this is Formula One and the way it is now plenty of noise and clear rules. Following qualifying, Char- the sport was broken, lacking direction “It was fi ne, it was okay. Why confuse is perfectly fi ne,” added the 31-year-old Instead they were baffl ed by the com- lie Frijns said: “I feel really good Team Standings or healthy. people more,” Hamilton said of the pro- Briton. plexities of the hybrid energy stor- after qualifying, this is my third Pos Team Points “I would probably say the fi rst two,” he posed qualifying switch to an elimination Alonso, a double world champion age systems and a baffl ing range of tyre pole of the season and always 1 Al Nabooda Racing 424 told a news conference. “I don’t want to format. There is also uncertainty over who endured a nightmare season with choices and compounds. feels good to get the fastest times 2 AlFaisal Racing 319 say too much about it, but I do agree with future rules, with an attempt to reach McLaren last year, told reporters sepa- “Things like that... it’s normal they when it really matters. It actu- 3 Frijns Structural Steel 259 the fi rst two.” agreement for 2017 -- when cars are sup- rately that he felt ‘sad’ for the sport and switch off the television,” he said. ally wasn’t my quickest lap of the

MOTOGP TESTING QATAR Young Suzuki star Vinales back to his best By Sports Reporter ing to further his understanding of how Doha Honda rider Marc Marquez the bike will change over race distance. suff ers an accident. With Andrea Dovizioso in sixth, Ducati riders are clearly going well at he second day of testing in Qa- the Qatar circuit, the kilometre long tar sees three manufacturers straight playing to Ducati’s famously split by under 0.1s at the top strong engine. As with Lorenzo and with Viñales back to his best. Barbera, Dovizioso’s focus was on long- TOnce again it was Hiroshi Aoyama er runs throughout the second day. and Michele Pirro who were the fi rst Seventh on day two and 0.421s back out of the pits at the Qatar Test, the rest on Viñales, it was another diffi cult day of the fi eld beginning to slowly trickle for Dani Pedrosa and all the Honda rid- out of the pits some hours later when ers. Qatar has been a diffi cult track for track conditions improved. Valentino Honda in recent years and this does not Rossi was the fi rst full-time Grand Prix look to have changed. Pedrosa did man- rider out on track, but quickly returned age to fi nish ahead of Valentino Rossi, to his box after an exploratory run. the Movistar Yamaha rider in eighth on A fall for Michele Pirro, who is re- the second day and almost half a sec- placing the injured Danilo Petrucci for manufacturers within 0.1s at the top, ond behind his teammate once again. the Qatar Test, left the Octo Pramac the triple MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez made an explosive Yakhnich team with substantial work setting a 1’55.535 to end 0.099s behind start to the test, almost immediately to do repairing his damaged GP15. For- Viñales on the second day. This time improving his best time by half a sec- tunately Pirro escaped injury and com- was 0.1s back on his best time from ond during his opening laps. Unfor- pleted a total of 21 laps. Wednesday, the Movistar Yamaha Mo- tunately a fast crash at Turn 1 dented After his exploratory run, Rossi toGP man second on combined times his confi dence and saw him unable to seized control of the time sheets dur- Suzuki rider Maverick Vinales during Day 2 of the testing at the Losail Circuit. across the two days with Iannone be- improve his time. His 1’56.046 was ing the early stages of the second day, hind in third. an improvement of half a second over Marc Marquez and Jorge Lorenzo then tyre options brought to the Losail In- lap of the test so far; proving his pace in Scott Redding and Hector Barbera Wednesday, but saw ninth on the sec- battling it out for the top spot as the ternational Circuit by Michelin. Many Phillip Island was no fl uke. were once again inside the top fi ve with ond day and ninth overall. halfway point of the test approached. riders were also able to do race runs, Andrea Iannone continued his run both riders getting into the 1’55s for the Completing the top ten was Aleix Ducati continued to show well with all Jorge Lorenzo, Andrea Dovizioso and as the top Ducati rider with a 1’55.508, fi rst time at the test. Just over 0.1s back Espargaro who was able to sample the their bikes, Andrea Iannone, Hector Loris Baz all putting in their longest a minuscule 0.072s back on Viñales’ on the factory Ducati of Iannone, Red- fully seamless gearbox on his Team Su- Barbera and Scott Redding close to the consecutive runs of the test so far. fastest time. The Ducati Team rider ding is feeling confi dent on the Ducati, zuki Ecstar machine for the fi rst time. top fi ve throughout the day. There was a fl urry of activity with completed 41 laps as he once more fo- Ducati rider Andrea Iannone. fi nding his confi dence again after a dif- This was mostly a shakedown test and Aside from their own testing plans, under three hours to go as Maverick cused on smaller runs of fi ve or six laps, fi cult year with Honda in 2015. Mean- to ensure that the gearbox is reliable as the MotoGP World Championship rid- Viñales set a 1’55.436 to top the second continually making adjustments to his It was a ferociously tight top three as while Hector Barbera completed a 14 he and the team aim to implement it for ers were also tasked with testing new day of testing. This was also the fastest 2016 Desmosedici GP. Jorge Lorenzo made it three diff erent lap run on his Avintia Ducati, attempt- the fi rst race.

Saturday, March 5, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

CHI AL SHAQAB DELIGHT Sweden’s Kittel produces great run Wathelet keeps to win Grand Prix Dressage n the third day of CHI Al Shaqab 2016, the composure to discipline of dressage could be witnessed in itsO highest form. 22 riders came forward to contest the Grand Prix, a competition which saved the best until last. In Grand Prix Dressage, riders perform a sequence of move- fi nally grab a win ments specifi ed in a particular test and are judged on their per- formance of these movements. Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet shrugged off the disappointment of finishing second As is customary in this sport, the test was displayed in an arena on the first two nights at the CHI Al Shaqab, by winning the main Class event measuring 60 metres by 20 me- tres in the indoor arena in front of seven highly qualifi ed judges invited from all over the world. Each movement is given a score from 0-10 by all the judges with zero being “not executed” and Patrik Kittel finished on an 10 meaning “excellent”. The total impeccable score of 77.10%. scores are added between judges and an average is produced in the was delighted with scoring her form of a percentage. The high- personal best- achieving a score est percentage wins. of 74.320%. Reynolds has been to After a stunning display by the CHI Al Shaqab several times and penultimate rider, Jessica von loves coming here more than any Bredow-Werndl (GER) who scored other event. CHI Al Shaqab 2016 75.56% we thought we had our is a crucial event for her as she is winner. But, just minutes later, in line for one of the fi nal indi- Sweden’s Patrik Kittel produced vidual places at the forthcoming the winning test, fi nishing on an Olympics, so good results like impeccable score of 77.10%. this are essential. Speaking after his test, he was The entries list also included thrilled with his performance Danish Royalty- Nathalie zu Sayn- and explained that he had been to Wittgenstein whose maternal every CHI Al Shaqab event since grandfather was Danish King Fre- it’s advent in 2013. derick. She is the niece of Queen “I’ve been to CHI Al Shaqab Margrethe II of Denmark and every year since it started,” he Queen Anne- Marie of Greece. said. “This is my fourth year here Although she fi nished 12th, was and I absolutely love being here. pleased with her score of 69.180 % It’s such a great show and they on a horse that had been diffi cult to take such well care of us. I am train. She explained how much she very happy with my performance loves competing at CHI Al Shaqab, today, the horse was amazing. I riding a horse that was bred by her went in as the last rider, and she and her mother which makes the did such a super job.” experience of competing extra Kittel’s execution of this com- special. Zu Sayn-Wittgenstei was plex dressage test earned him a part of the national team at the last number high marks throughout two Olympic Games (Beijing and his test from the seven judges. London), winning a team bronze in Third place was claimed by 2008 and fi nishing 12th individu- Judy Reynolds from Ireland who ally in London 2012.

IN SHORT Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet, astride his stallion Citizenguard Taalex, in action during the CSI5* Table A (238.2.2) 1.55m event at the Al Shaqab Arena yesterday. US ambassador impressed by By Sahan Bidappa his spot at this year’s Rio Olympics. Results & Today’s Schedule ‘phenomenal’ CHI Al Shaqab 2016 Doha “I am not too disappointed to fi nish sec- ond,” said Karaevli. “My target was to get CSI5* Table A (238.2.2) 1.55m Dance) 71.232. 500 Euros On the third day of CHI Al supporting the competition. good points for Olympic qualifi cation and 1. Gregory Wathelet, Belgium (Citizen- 3. Ana Isabel Mota Veiga, Portugal (Con- Shaqab 2016, Dana Shell With Qatar becoming a pre- elgium’s Gregory Wathelet to increase my lead over the others. I think guard Taalex) Time: 45.75 secs. Prize victo) 65.145. 400 Euros Smith, the US ambassador to mier destination for sporting shrugged off the disappointment I have qualifi ed. I was leading my group in money: 50820 Euros the State of Qatar, attended events in the region, ambas- of fi nishing second on the fi rst two the last 15 months but the gap had got a bit 2. Omer Karaevli, Turkey (Dadjak Ter CPEDI3* Individual Ib (Ib Ch Ind) the event for the first time and sador Smith expressed every nights at the CHI Al Shaqab, by closer. For a week I was lagging behind. But Puttenen) 46.68 secs. 30800 Euros 1. Nicole den Dulk, Netherlands (Faust) was highly impressed with confidence in the nation’s winningB the main Class event last night. I did two good rounds. In the Al Rayyan, I 3. Kevin Staut (France) (Elky van het Points: 73.506. Prize money: 600 Euros what she witnessed. “It is just ability to deliver on the world The victory in the CSI5* Table A came second and in the Grand Prix I was Indihof Hdc) 47.68 secs. 23100 Euros 2. Pepo Puch, Austria (Fontainenoir) phenomenal,” she enthused. stage. “From what I saw today, (238.2.2) 1.55m event didn’t come on a sixth, which put me again in the lead. With 73.391. 500 Euros “I didn’t know what to expect, Qatar is going to host the platter though for Wathelet, as he had to tonight’s result, it gives me a very good Doha Tour: CSI3* Accumulator (269) 3. Céline Gerny, France (Flint) 66.494. but I certainly didn’t expect most incredible event that fi ght it out till the last hurdle. lead. Still let’s wait till tomorrow, as it 1.30m 400 Euros this. It’s an incredible facility the world has ever seen,” she The feature Class of last night’s com- deadline day but I think I had done enough 1. Khaled Abdulaziz al-Eid, Saudi Arabia and this event is just world- predicted, looking ahead to petition at the Al Shaqab arena went into to qualify,” he added. (Valuta S) Time: 50.83 secs. Prize CPEDI3* Individual IV (IV Ch Ind 20x60) class and beautiful.” Ambas- the FIFA World Cup 2022. Jump off , after nine riders made no faults. Kevin Staut, France, the winner on the money: 3000 Euros 1. Camilla Christensen, Denmark sador Smith also praised “It’s clear that Qatar can host However, Wathelet and his ride, 12-year- opening night was third on the night. He 2. Nasser Al Ghazali, Qatar (Dynamic (Oestergaardens Deleight) Points: ExxonMobil, the off icial spon- events that rival any our world old Stallion, Citizenguard Taalex, kept and his 12-yaear-old Mare, Elky van het Diablo) 53.65 secs. 2400 Euros 69.167. Prize money: 600 sor for CHI Al Shaqab 2016, for has ever seen.” their composure to win in style. Indihof Hdc posted a time of 47.68 sec- 3. Saeed Nasser S A al-Qadi, Qatar (Des- 2. Carolin Schnarre, Germany (del Wathelet and Citizenguard Taalex onds to pocket 23100 Euros. peradito). 55.77 secs. 1800 Euros Rusch) 68.254. 500 Euros Al Shaqab is a phenomenal facility: cleared the obstacles without much fuss Today is the last day of the fourth edi- 3. James Dwyer, Ireland (Fleurette van UAE Judge Khalil Hassan to fi nish in 45.75 seconds and take home tion of Chi Al Shaqab, with the marquee Dressage de Kreungel) 62.778. 400 Euros 50820 euros in prize money. and the big money event CSI5* Grand CDI5* GP - Grand Prix Dressage Khalil Ibrahim Murad Has- “I knew he (Citizenguard Taalex) is Prix Two Rounds with Jump Off 1.60m 1.Patrik Kittel, Sweden (Deja) Points: CPEDI3* Individual III (III Ch Ind 20x60) san has been a professional fast so I was only concentrating on doing on show at 5: 30 pm 77.100. Prize money: 10000 Euros 1. Susanne Jensby Sunesen, Denmark horseman for over three well,” Wathelet said. “I know he can go Earlier, In the Doha Tour fi rst leg also be- 2. Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, Germany (Thy’s Que Faire) Points: 72.886. Prize decades, and during his career faster. He did really well on 1, 2, 3, 4 and ing held at Al Shaqab arena, Saudi Arabia’s (Zaire) 75.560. 8000 Euros money: 600 Euros has judged multiple interna- then a short sprint towards the next ob- Khaled Abdulaziz al-Eid was a runaway 3. Judy Reynolds, Ireland (Vancouver K) 2. Ann Cathrin Lübbe, Norway (Pors- tional equestrian competitions. stacles. I am going to ride the same horse winner with his ride Valuta S in the CSI3* 74.320. 6000 Euros borggaardens Donatello) 71.260. 500 Hailing from the United Arab (on Saturday),” the Belgian added. Accumulator (269) 1.30m competition. Euros Emirates, Khalil is judging at Wathelet was last but one to go, and CPEDI3* Individual II (II Ch Ind) 3. Philippa Johnson-Dwyer, South Africa CHI Al Shaqab for the fourth was under pressure after Omer Karaevli The horses are so fast. Then I rode 1. Demi Vermeulen, Netherlands (Burb- (Lord Louis) 70.081. 400 Euros time this year, and remains just of Turkey had posted an impressive time. really well. I was more concerned erry) Points: 73.905. Prize money: 600 as impressed as he was on his But Wathelet kept his focus. “I didn’t see what I can do, what my horse can Euros TODAY’S SCHEDULE first visit to Al Shaqab. of Al Shaqab is exceptional, Omar. I saw Kevin (Staut) and I knew I do. I had the chance to win today 2. Caroline Cecilie Nielsen, Denmark 8am: CPEDI3* Freestyle para-dressage “Al Shaqab is a phenom- and CHI Al Shaqab is always had to do a fast time. The horses are so and I am happy,” Wathelet said (Leon) 70.810. 500 Euros 12:30pm: CDI5* Grand Prix Special, enal equestrian facility. It organised to the highest pos- fast. Then I rode really well. I was more 3. Rixt van der Horst, Netherlands Dressage has expansive, well cared for sible standards. This competi- concerned what I can do, what my horse The pair put on a great show and came (Caraat) 68.524. 400 Euros 1pm: CSI3* Final - Table A (238.2.2a) grounds, incredible amenities tion is an extremely high calibre can do. I had the chance to win today and three seconds clear off Qatar’s Nasser Al 1.45m show jumping for horses and riders, and off ers international event that off ers I am happy,” Wathelet said. Ghazali (Dynamic Diablo), who timed CPEDI3* Individual Ia (Ia Ch Ind) 2:30pm: CDI5* GP FS - Grand Prix Free- a comfortable environment for substantial prize money, and at- Karaevli, astride his 11-year-old Geld- 53.65 seconds. The third spot also went 1. Jens Lasse Dokkan, Norway (Cypres) style to Music Dressage both training and competitions tracts the top ranked riders and ing Dadjak Ter Puttenen, had to be con- to Qatar, Saeed Nasser S A al-Qadi team- Points: 74.493. Prize money: 600 Euros 5:30pm: CSI5* Grand Prix Two Rounds such as this,” he said. “More horses from around the world tent with second place but was satisfi ed ing up with Desperadito to fi nish in the 2. Rihards Snikus, Latvia (King Of The with Jump Off 1.60m Show jumping importantly, the management to Qatar.” with the result, as it more or less ensured 55.77 seconds.

It’s a big source of pride for me, says Qatari woman rider Maryam Mubarak A al-Ali

aryam Mubarak A al-Ali is a enthusiasm for riding, it is perhaps not to the unpredictable nature of the sport. Qatari equestrian who spe- surprising that she is currently the high- “You work really hard and everything cialises in the fi eld of Jump- est profile Qatari equestrian sportswom- is going well, then you go to the show ing. While she is fairly new an in a typically male-dominated field. and something bad happens, so you’re Mto the pursuit, having taken up the sport “There are a lot of men in this field and really disappointed because it didn’t go professionally only three years ago, Mar- I’m the only female,” she says, “but it’s a according to plan,” she reflects. “But it yam has quickly risen to prominence big source of pride for me.” happens – with horses, you can’t predict with her impressive dedication and rid- She is highly supportive of other Qatari how they’ll be. Today he’s in top shape, ing skills. riders, and says the Qatar Equestrian tomorrow he’s not in the mood.” Always a keen sportswoman – her Federation is similarly encouraging. “This Maryam, however, is thoroughly enjoying father was a professional footballer, and season the federation is really promoting the experience of participating at CHI Al she briefly considered following in his female involvement in the sport. How- Shaqab, and is excited about what is to footsteps – Maryam trains twice a day to ever, because of the culture and the time come. “The last two seasons were really ensure she is constantly at the top of her required to train properly, it’s diff icult to good for me,” she says. “They were both game. Her commitment sees her spend- find someone who can fully commit to very positive and helped me improve. ing the summer season in Europe, where the sport in this field, you really have to I’m a very ambitious woman. I really look the cooler climate allows her to train give it your all.” forward to continuing to represent my outdoors for a longer period. During CHI Al Shaqab, Maryam is and while she is hopeful of achieving a country in many more big international Given Maryam’s strong work ethic and competing with two of her four horses, successful result, she has no illusions as events such as this.” Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet (left) receiving his winner’s badge.