FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 2 CRICKET | Page 4 Manchester Star all-rounder attack scars Stokes happy for Europa England to take League fi nal precedence

Wednesday, May 24, 2017 TENNIS Sha’baan 28, 1438 AH Kvitova set for GULF TIMES Wimbledon aft er stabbing SPORT Page 7 AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Lekhwiya survive Persepolis assault to eke out draw Persepolis enjoyed 60 percent possession and had many chances including a penalty but they still couldn’t score

By Sports Reporter

t the end of it, Persepolis players will be left wondering how ended up without a win in their AFC Champions League Round of 16 tie against Lekhwiya. The AIranian side — playing at home at the Azadi Sta- dium in — dominated proceedings, cre- ated multiple chances and were even awarded a penalty but they still couldn’t score. The fi rst leg of this tie ended goalless and it will be Le- khwiya who will be happy this result. They have goalkeeper Qasem Burhan to thank, for keeping them in the tie with timely saves including de- nying that crucial penalty. Just six minutes into the match and Perse- polis had their fi rst chance. Mehdi Taremi had a free header inside the box after getting a cross from Hossein Mahini down the left fl ank but the striker missed the target. It was an ominous sign for Lekhwiya. Taremi is this season’s top scorer in this competition having scored six of Perse- polis FC’s last seven goals. In the 14th minute Lekhwiya could have sprung a surprise but Luiz Junior’s shot ended up hitting the post and going wide. Yousef Msa- kni had another shot on target for Lekhwiya in the 25th minute but it was saved by Persepolis keeper Alireza Beiranvand. The visitors had an- other chance in the 38th minute but Nam Tae- Hee shot over the bar. Persepolis had a couple of chances themselves but they couldn’t score either. Both teams went into the break goalless but with the amount of possession that Persepolis had, a goal looked in- evitable. The second half began in a similar fashion as the fi rst. Two minutes into the restart and Persepolis missed another chance. This time it was Mohsen Mosalman who was the culprit, shooting wide. The Persepolis midfi elder had an even better chance two minutes later. Taremi provided him with a good pass inside the box but Mosalman’s shot was just wide. Lekhwiya, reduced to attacking on the coun- ter, got a chance through in the 57th minute but his shot was saved by Beiran- vand. Three minutes later, Tae-Hee’s curler was Lekhwiya’s Ahmed Yasser (left) vies for the ball with Persepolis’ Mehdi Taremi during the Asian Champions League match at the in Tehran yesterday. (AFP) tipped over the bar was Beiranvand. Taremi was constantly troubling the Lekhwi- on target but they will be happy to have eked out ya defenders but was lacking in the fi nal touch. this draw. But of all the wasted opportunities, it would be Before this match, Persepolis had never lost the missed penalty that will haunt the striker a home game against Qatari opposition in this the most. In the 80th minute Lekhwiya’s Ali competition and that record is still intact. The Afi f brought down Taremi and the Uzbek ref- Qatari side had been undefeated in their last eree Valentin Kovalenko pointed to the spot. seven games away from home in the Asian The Persepolis striker himself stepped up but Champions League and now have extended that his shot was saved by Lekhwiya keeper Qasem to eight. Both teams will be looking forward to Burhan. The tall keeper guessed correctly and the second leg in a week’s time. Persepolis will stepped out to produce a good save and keep Le- be looking to reproduce the attacking form they khwiya in the game. showed in this match, except they would want The Qatari side could snatched a goal through to score. Lekhwiya will be relieved to have come Luiz Junior but his shot from outside the box away with this crucial draw and will be banking was blocked by Beiranvand. Persepolis stepped on home advantage to win the tie and progress up their attack in these closing minutes of the to the quarter-fi nals. match. Burahn produced a great save in the 86th RESULTS minute when he got down low to deny Vahid Round of 16 1st leg Amiri from within the six yard box. Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) 1 (Paulinho 75) In 92nd minute, Taremi had another chance (JPN) 0 to win it for his side. He got a Sadegh Moharrami Muangthong United (THA) 1 (Teerasil 45+3) Kawa- inside the six-yard box but his shot was saved saki Frontale (JPN) 3 (Nakamura 66, Kobayashi 69, by Burhan. The home side enjoyed 60 per cent Abe 89) Lekhwiya’s of the possession, had 10 shots at the Lekhwiya Persepolis (IRI) 0 Lekhwiya (QAT) 0 reacts during the match. (AFP) goal out of which three were on target but they Esteghlal Khuzestan (IRI) 1 (Saeid 42) Al Hilal (KSA) still couldn’t score. Lekhwiya too had two shots 2 (Al Zori 52, Carlos Eduardo 57)

FOCUS Paulinho on target as Guangzhou secure fi rst leg advantage

Reuters Guangzhou, Asian champions in 2013 and time we controlled the match. We had four or Ricardo Goulart, Ricardo Goulart and Li Teerasil Dangda gave Muangthong the lead Hong Kong 2015, dominated the game but had to wait un- fi ve good scoring opportunities. Today we have Xuepeng all squandered scoring opportunities in fi rst half injury time but two goals in three til the 75th minute for the Brazil international been outstanding, both in the performance and before Paulinho gave his team a deserved lead second-half minutes put Kawasaki in control. to score from close range after the Kashima de- the result. However, this round isn’t fi nished and a one-goal advantage ahead of the sec- rolled his eff ort over the line in ormer Tottenham Hotspur midfi elder fence failed to clear Yu Hanchao’s corner. and they still have their chance.” ond leg next Tuesday in . It was a mixed the 66th minute before Kengo Nakamura curl- Paulinho scored the only goal of the game “Today we have achieved our target,” said Guangzhou were on top throughout in a evening for Japanese clubs as ing volley three minutes later gave Muangthong as Guangzhou Evergrande emerged with Guangzhou coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. “Kashima game that saw the reigning Chinese and Japa- came from going a goal behind to pick up a 3-1 goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan little chance, a 1-0 win over Japan’s Kashima Antlers is a well-known, strong side. Probably because nese champions go head-to-head, only for the away win over ’s Muangthong United and the J.League side secured a two-goal lead inF the fi rst leg of their round of 16 meeting in the they were playing away, they were a bit conserv- profl igacy of Scolari’s frontline to deprive Ever- as J.League clubs look to claim the title for the and three away goals ahead of the second leg Asian Champions League yesterday. ative... It was pretty tight, however most of the grande of a more signifi cant margin of victory. fi rst time since Gamba ’s win in 2008. when Hiroyuki Abe added a late third. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, May 24, 2017 FOOTBALL

EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL: AJAX VS MANCHESTER UNITED Manchester attack scars

‘We’re all sad about the tragic events; we can’t take out of Europa fi nal our minds and hearts the victims and their families’ AFP Manchester, United Kingdom

anchester United’s prepa- rations for today’s Europa League fi nal were plunged into sadness on Tuesday Mafter a bomb attack at a Manchester pop concert killed 22 people and in- jured dozens more. Manager Jose Mourinho led his play- ers in a solemn minute’s silence on United’s Carrington training pitches west of Manchester city centre and said the club had been deeply aff ected by the tragedy. “We’re all very sad about the tragic events last night; we can’t take out of our minds and hearts the victims and their families,” Mourinho said in quotes published on United’s account. United were due to fl y to Stockholm, scene of the fi nal, later yesterday, but the club cancelled their pre-match press conference scheduled to take place at the city’s Friends Arena. “We have a job to do and will fl y to Sweden to do that job,” Mourinho add- ed. “It’s a pity we cannot fl y with the happiness we always have before a big game. “I know, even during my short time here, that the people of Manchester will pull together as one.” Announcing the decision to cancel their press conference, United said in a statement: “We are sure that, in the cir- cumstances, you will all understand our position on this matter. “Our thoughts are with the victims at this terribly diffi cult time.” United’s opponents in the fi nal, Dutch club Ajax, tweeted: “From Am- sterdam with love to Manchester. Our thoughts are with the victims and the Manchester United players and off icials observe a minute’s silence for the victims of the terror attack at Manchester Arena during a team training session near Carrington, west of Manchester, yesterday. (AFP) loved ones of those aff ected.” Ajax head coach Peter Bosz was City wrote in a statement. scheduled to hold a pre-match con- United are targeting victory in the ference at the Friends Arena later on Europa League fi nal has lost ‘glow’: Ajax coach Europa League fi nal in order to com- Tuesday. plete their trophy collection and secure The suicide bomb attack in Man- AFP ter, we’re all aff ected, particularly as we’re a place in next season’s Champions chester, which claimed the lives of Stockholm playing against Manchester. It’s horrible. League, having failed to qualify via the children and also injured 59 people, My heartfelt sympathies.” . struck after a concert by American pop Twenty-two people were killed and 59 Ajax will be appearing in their fi rst star Ariana Grande at the Manchester he Europa League final between injured in a suicide bomb attack that European fi nal since losing on penal- Arena. Manchester United and Ajax will not targeted a concert by American pop star ties to Juventus in the 1996 Champions It was the deadliest attack to hit Brit- Tbe the same following the deadly Ariana Grande at Manchester Arena on League fi nal. ain since the July 2005 attack on the terror attack in Manchester, the Dutch Monday. London transport network, which left club’s coach Peter Bosz said yesterday. Grande, who was unhurt in the attack, UEFA ANNOUNCES MINUTE’S 52 people dead. “What happened in Manchester is some- recently performed in Amsterdam and SILENCE AT FINAL European governing body UEFA said thing that we all feel at Ajax,” Bosz told his several of the Ajax players’ wives and UEFA has announced that a minute’s it had “no specifi c intelligence” sug- pre-match press conference at Stock- children attended the concert. silence for the victims of the Manches- gesting the Europa League fi nal would holm’s Friends Arena. “It’s devastating,” said midfielder Lasse ter bomb attack will be observed before be targeted by attacks. “On behalf of the players and the staff , we Schone. “Ariana Grande performed in Am- the fi nal today. at Ajax would like to express sympathy sterdam two weeks ago. My wife and my Speaking at the end of a media con- ROONEY ‘DEVASTATED’ with the victims who unfortunately fell child were there. It’s so close. It’s terrible, ference featuring two Ajax players, a It said security arrangements had al- yesterday. it’s horrible. UEFA offi cial said that a minute’s si- ready been beefed up following last “The feeling that prevails is that the final “Our sympathies go out to the victims’ lence would be observed and that the month’s truck attack in the Swedish doesn’t have the glow it should have. friends and families. It takes away some of opening ceremony would be scaled capital, which claimed fi ve lives and in- Tomorrow evening should be a football the sparkle of what will happen tomor- back in the wake of the attack at a pop jured around 15 people. feast, but because of events in Manches- row.” concert in Manchester. UEFA urged fans to arrive at the sta- dium “as early as possible” today as RECENT EUROPA LEAGUE WINNERS “detailed (security) checks will be made “robust security measures” would be with Monaco. those affected.” the victims.” 2015-16: Sevilla (ESP) at the entrances”. in place for Saturday’s FA Cup fi nal That attack, which left defender Former United player Cristiano Ro- A help centre was opened at Man- 2014-15: Sevilla (ESP) UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin between Arsenal and Premier League Marc Bartra with a fractured wrist, is naldo published a picture of a Brit- chester City’s Etihad Stadium for those 2013-14: Sevilla (ESP) said he was “deeply saddened” by the champions Chelsea at London’s Wem- believed to have been carried out by a ish Union Jack fl ag bearing the word aff ected by the blast. 2012-13: Chelsea (ENG) “horrible terrorist attack”. bley Stadium. man who hoped to profi t from a fall in “MANCHESTER” on his social media “The thoughts and prayers of our 2011-12: Atletico (ESP) “It shocks me that so many innocent It comes just over a month after Dortmund’s share price. accounts. ownership, board and everyone at 2010-11: Porto (POR) people lost their lives and I would like to the team bus of German side Borus- United club captain “So sad to hear the news from Man- Manchester City are with the people 2009-10: Atletico Madrid (ESP) send my condolences to the families of sia Dortmund was targeted by three expressed his shock on Twitter, writ- chester,” the Real Madrid superstar of Manchester and all those affected 2008-09: Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) those aff ected,” he added. roadside bomb blasts prior to a ing: “Devastating news this morn- wrote on Instagram. “My thoughts following the horrifying events of last 2007-08: Zenit Saint Petersburg (RUS) England’s Football Association said Champions League home game ing. Thoughts and prayers are with all are with the families and friends of night’s Manchester Arena attack,” 2006-07: Sevilla (ESP)

BOTTOMLINE SPOTLIGHT Dortmund bomb blasts still haunt Kagawa Sign Arsenal’s Sanchez,

AFP “When we heard the match was to Vidal tells Bayern Berlin take place the next day, I couldn’t im- agine playing it — I don’t think any of AFP as German league winners. us could.” Berlin “I’d fi nd it awesome if he comes, he apan star says The night of the bomb blast, Ka- would fi t in well here,” Vidal told Ger- he is still haunted by the April gawa said he spoke with concerned man daily Bild. 11 bomb attack on the Borussia family and friends by telephone, but rturo Vidal “If he wants to measure himself Dortmund team bus. sleep was hard to come by. has urged with the best, then he has to come here J“I was frightened — and I am still “I couldn’t fall asleep, although I Bayern where the best play,” added the self- frightened, to be honest,” the 28-year- tried,” he added. Munich’s confi dent Vidal. old wrote on his Japanese blog. “At some point, I dozed and had a bossesA to sign his He said Bayern’s senior fi gures have “I’m afraid to get on the (team) bus, dream: it was scenes from the bus, the Chile international already asked him about Sanchez. I am afraid to drive to games.” detonation and broken glass.” teammate Alexis “When they asked me about him, of Kagawa, like the rest of the Dort- Kagawa said he was aff ected when Sanchez from course I said that he is a player who has mund squad, was left shell-shocked Dortmund’s bus was briefl y delayed by Arsenal after the to come here,” added Vidal. when three bombs blasted the team French police on the way to the away Gunners missed out on a Champions “He has a year left on his contract and bus on the way to a Champions League match in Monaco a week later, which League place next season. everyone wants to have him, because it’s quarter-fi nal home match against forced the kick-off to be delayed as Sanchez scored 24 league goals for easier to pay the money now than if he Monaco. Dortmund lost 3-1 — 6-3 on aggregate. the Gunners in 2016/17, but it was not had three years still (on his contract).” Defender Marc Bartra needed sur- “I was frightened in the bus in Mo- enough to secure Champions League On Saturday, club president Uli gery on a fractured wrist and a police- naco, which drove us to the game,” he qualifi cation as Arsene Wenger’s Arse- Hoeness said Bayern are looking to sign man was stunned by the blasts, which added. nal fi nished fi fth in the Premier League. a ‘big name’ before next season after Kagawa said he “immediately felt” A German-Russian, identifi ed only The Chile hot-shot has a year left on Carlo Ancelotti’s team lifted the Bun- was an attack. as 28-year-old Sergej W, has been his contract, but has stalled on exten- desliga title for a fi fth straight season. “At that moment, I could not say any- charged with the attack and prosecu- sion talks and fell off side with Gunners’ Bayern are reportedly already in talks thing — I could not move,” he added. tors have said the motive was fi nancial boss Wenger in March after storming with both Manchester United-target “I was petrifi ed, — I looked back and and not terror-related. out of a training session. Antoine Griezmann, who is currently saw the shattered window panes. He had hoped to profi t from a drop Bayern’s defensive midfi elder Vidal at Atletico Madrid, and Sanchez. “I saw Marc Bartra curled up. Like in the football team’s share price as has urged the club to splash out and Sanchez and Vidal will team up for everybody else, I was completely the bomb attack. a daze. a result of the attack and has been lure Sanchez, who is reportedly worth Chile at next month’s Confederations shaken.” Dortmund ended up losing 3-2 at “In my head was only the scenes charged with attempted murder, set- around 65 million euros ($72.9mn, Cup, where they face world champions The fi rst-leg match was postponed, home and Kagawa, like many of his from the bus and thoughts of the hell- ting off explosions and causing serious £56.2mn), to the Bavarian giants, who Germany, plus and Cameroon then played less than 24 hours after team-mates, admits he was playing in ish detonation,” he said. physical injury. booked their Champions League berth in Group B. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 24, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

FOCUS Russia gets Infantino boost to approval over WCup prep Spanish economy League off icial at World Stadium Congress in Qatar FIFA chief Gianni Infantino (left) told President Vladimir says La Liga will Putin (right) yesterday he was satisfied with Russia’s preparations ahead of hosting the Confederations Cup in account for 1.63 June and the 2018 World Cup. “I’ve always been convinced that Russia will meet all of its obligations — now we can percent of Spain’s see the concrete facts,” RIA Novosti news agency quoted Infantino as saying in the southern city of Krasnodar in GDP in two years comments translated into Russian. “As FIFA president — and what is more important as a football fan, I can invite the AFP entire world to come to Russia to watch the Confederations Doha Cup and the World Cup games and to discover this beauti- ful country,” he added after visiting the purpose-built World Cup arena in Krasnodar. Meanwhile, Putin assured Infantino a Liga is so lucrative it is set to that Russia would strive to make sure the construction double its contribution to Spain’s of the Confederations Cup and World Cup facilities was economy, reaching almost two per completed in time. cent of the country’s GDP by 2019, La Doha conference heard yesterday. The global impact of stars such as Lionel French police search PSG Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and their footballers’ homes: source clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid, means the game will account for a predicted 1.63 French anti-corruption police searched the homes of Paris per cent of Spain’s gross domestic product Saint-Germain footballers Angel Di Maria and Javier Pastore in two years’ time. as well as the club’s off ices yesterday as part of an investi- Currently it is worth around 0.75 per- gation into alleged financial off ences, a source close to the cent, Alfredo Lorenzo, La Liga’s security probe said. The police operations were conducted as part director said. of an investigation opened last December by the national “We expect to double the fi gures by (From left) Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcelo and Lucas Vazquez greet supporters at the Madrid Community headquarters on financial prosecutors’ off ice into alleged laundering of 2019,” he told the World Stadium Congress Monday, a day after the club won their first La Liga title in five years. (AFP) money acquired by fraud, the source said. According to the in Qatar. Mediapart Internet site, the searches of the Argentinians’ “There’s been a huge transformation in An estimated global audience of 650mn and developments such as eSports and 4.15pm local time on a Saturday, an uncon- homes and PSG off ices in Paris and Boulogne-Billancourt professional football in Spain, we are in- tuned in to watch football’s biggest do- gaming, said Lorenzo. ventional time to stage a football match in stemmed from media reports last December of large-scale vesting in many ways.” mestic clash, last month’s El Clasico be- Spanish football administrators have Spain. tax evasion by football stars. That same month, a group of If Spain’s 2015 GDP fi gure of $1.19tn, as tween Barcelona and Real Madrid. previously said La Liga wants a global The move is designed to maximise Asian 12 European news outlets began publishing the results of calculated by the World Bank, is the same La Liga’s “global network” also has of- television audience of three bn people TV viewers as well as compete with the months of investigations into millions of financial docu- in 2019, it would mean Spain’s top two di- fi ces in more than 50 countries worldwide. by the end of the 2017/2018 season, dou- English Premier League, which has some ments obtained by the German magazine Der Spiegel and visions — La Liga and La Liga 2 — generat- “International expansion is one of bling the amount that tuned in during three bn viewers tuning in globally. dubbed the “Football Leaks”. ing almost $20bn (18bn euros). the important elements. We want to be 2015/16. Spain’s economy has shown signs of a In the past few years La Liga has pushed number one in the world,” he said. The aggressive push to build-up world- rebound in recent times as the country re- hard to raise its global profi le. “We want to be a world class competi- wide audiences was behind the league’s covers from a damaging crisis marked by Spanish police arrest former TV rights have been sold to every coun- tion, fi ghting with the NBA, Formula One decision to change kick-off times for Bar- sky-high unemployment. Barca president in graft probe try in the world, except four — Papua New and the Premier League.” celona and Madrid in the season just com- Figures published in April showed GDP Guinea, Mongolia, North Korea and Russia La Liga also tries to “engage with fans” pleted. expanded by 0.8% between January and Former Barcelona football club president Sandro Rosell — added Lorenzo. through social media such as WhatsApp One of the “big two” plays every week at March from the previous three months. was arrested yesterday as part of an investigation into money laundering, a Spanish police spokesman said. Five people were arrested in total, according to a police state- SPOTLIGHT ment, which said the probe was centred on audiovisual rights sales linked to Brazil’s national soccer team. Sporting events organisers were also among those arrested after a series of raids on homes in the northern Spanish region of and in neighbouring Andorra, police said. They Asia to beat Africa to World Cup win: James added that authorities were gathering evidence of bribes being paid to people who illegally arranged the rights sales AFP vide that,” said James, 46, who made 53 catch up with that but it’s not something and that they were also investigating allegations that the Changsha, China England appearances. that will take 30 years to achieve,” James profits of the scheme were later laundered. Rosell’s lawyers “But I think with the enthusiasm for said. were not available for comment. Rosell resigned as presi- football in India, plus there is obviously a “The technology within football, the dent of Barcelona in 2014 after Spain’s High Court began sia has overtaken Africa and now fi nancial potential to back them, I think the understanding of building pitches and investigating irregularities in the way the club signed Brazil- looks the more likely continent to opportunity is massive, massive. training facilities, that’s one thing. To ian player Neymar. He had denied any wrongdoing in that produce a World Cup-winning “There’s something like two-and-a- compete you need these things, but to im- case, which is set to go to trial. team, according to the former half bn people if you take the two coun- prove you need better coaching. EnglandA goalkeeper David James. tries, it’s a third of the world’s population.” “And it’s whether or not the investment Speaking at the World Football Forum in is made into the coaching side of things ei- FA seeking information on Changsha, James said Asia’s fi nancial clout ‘ENTHUSIASTIC FOR ASIA’ ther in China or in India.” betting on Terry withdrawal and passion would propel it to the fore- The World Cup will return to the Asian James said there was “no reason” why front of the game in the coming decades. fl opped at the last World Cup in 2014, confederation at Qatar 2022, and China is Asia’s national teams wouldn’t be at the The English Football Association has asked betting companies “I genuinely think that an Asian coun- with none reaching the knock-out rounds, actively considering a bid to host the tour- same level as their European rivals 30 years to provide information on wagers placed on John Terry’s try has got a better chance of winning South Korea reached the semis on home nament, probably in the 2030s. from now. stage-managed substitution during Chelsea’s 5-1 win over the World Cup than an African one,” the soil in 2002. China has spent hundreds of millions of “With the size of the countries... some- Sunderland last weekend. Terry, who will leave champions former Liverpool goalkeeper told AFP. Currently, Asia’s top-ranked team is dollars on foreign players and coaches after where you can fi nd the perfect areas for a Chelsea at the end of the season, was given a guard of honour “When I was growing up in the Nineties, at 28, while South Korea, Japan and an offi cial decree that the country hopes to super camp or whatever. I’m enthusiastic as he left the pitch in the 26th minute of his final Premier it was all about how Africa was going to be Australia are the others inside the world’s host and win the World Cup. for Asia,” he said. League game at Stamford Bridge. He later confirmed that the the next continent to win the World Cup. I top 50. But James said he was also optimistic for But he warned: “You can’t have the send-off in the minute that matched his shirt number was can’t see it.” But James, whose CV includes playing India, recalling crowds of 50,000 turning best national team and the best domestic orchestrated following talks with Chelsea manager Antonio James was referring to Brazilian legend for the Indian Super League’s Kerala Blast- up to watch Kerala Blasters. league... You can’t have both. Conte. The governing body confirmed yesterday it had con- Pele’s famous prediction that an African ers, said China and even India — ranked India will also be in the limelight later “It’s a diffi cult beast — it’s almost like tacted bookmakers in relation to the incident. team would win the World Cup before 2000, 81st and 100th respectively — could this year when it hosts the U17 World Cup, the dog with a bone looking at his refl ec- which turned out to be wide of the mark. emerge as World Cup contenders. its biggest football tournament to date. tion in the pond,” he said, quoting one of No African team has made it past the “I think there’s such fertile soil (in Asia). “There’s a better infrastructure in China Aesop’s fables. Chelsea coach Conte picks up quarter-fi nals, and although Asian sides Maybe the fi nancial aspects of China pro- at the moment. India’s got a bit of a way to “What do you go for?” award from peers

NEW SIGNING ANNOUNCEMENT Antonio Conte’s achievement in coaching Chelsea to the Premier League title in his first season in charge saw him named manager of the year by his peers, the League Managers Association (LMA), on Monday. The 47-year-old Sadd unveil Khoukhi Qatar coach Fossati names Italian — who performed a similar feat at Juventus in his first season with them in 2011-12 — could land the domestic double if Chelsea beat Arsenal in Saturday’s FA Cup final. squad for UAE friendly Conte — a former midfield workhorse for Juventus and Italy — won praise for turning a demoralised squad which By Sports Reporter had gone from being champions in 2015 to 10th place in the Doha 2015/16 campaign back into title winners in such a short space of time. Chelsea claimed a Premier League-record 30 victories under the stewardship of Conte, including 13 in a atar football coach Jorge Fossati row from October 1, to finish seven points ahead of second- named a 16-player squad on Monday placed Tottenham. for a friendly against the UAE on June 6, the Qatar Football Association (QFA) hasQ confi rmed. Griezmann says six out of 10 Qatar will host the UAE before playing the 2018 chances of United move FIFA World Cup qualifying match against South Korea in Doha on June 13. The Asian Zone Group A game will be the 8th for Qatar in this phase. French international striker Antoine Griezmann said Mon- The UAE is also preparing for their Group B day he had a six out of 10 chance of moving to Manchester clash against Thailand. The June 6 friendly is United from Atletico Madrid. After saying a transfer to the aimed to give Qatar and the UAE some much- English Premier League was “possible”, 26-year-old Griez- By Sports Reporter tar national team. Speaking to the clubs needed practice ahead of their 2018 FIFA World mann was asked to rate the possibility out of 10. “Six,” he Doha offi cial website, the 26 year old revealed Cup qualifying matches. said without hesitation on French television channel TMC. his joy at joining the Wolves. “I’m very Qatar currently are at the bottom of Group A Atletico are likely to be powerless over top-scorer Griez- happy to play at Al-Sadd. I hope I can with 4 points. Iran lead the group with 17 points, mann’s ability to leave with a number of clubs willing to l Sadd has confi rmed the impress the management and the fans followed by South Korea (13 points), Uzbekistan meet his 100mn euro ($109mn) buyout clause. Griezmann signing of Qatar international during the new season.” (12), Syria (8) and China (5). joined this season’s losing Champions League semi-finalists midfi elder Boualem will now join up with his new Atletico in 2014 for 30million euros after five seasons at on a two year contract from Al team-mates ahead of their preparations QATAR SQUAD: Meshaal Abdullah, Ahmed Abdel Real Sociedad. Manchester United are not for the moment Arabi.A The club revealed the news late for the new 2017/2018 QSL season. Al Maqsoud, Boualem Khoukhi, Yasser Abu Bakr, guaranteed Champions League football next season, Jose last night via their offi cial website. Sadd won both the Qatar & Emir Cup Khalifa Abu Bakr, Hassan al-Haydos, Saad Al- Mourinho’s team aiming for victory over Ajax in Wednes- The signing of the former Al Arabi this campaign, and will be hoping that Sheeb, , Pedro Miguel, Abdul Karim day’s Europa League final for a spot after finishing sixth in captain is considered a coup for Al the addition of Khoukhi will further Hassan, Ali Asad Allah, Khadar, Moussa Harun, the Premier League. Sadd, with Khoukhi a regular in the Qa- strengthen their title bit next term. Rodrigo Tabata and Omar Bari Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, May 24, 2017 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Star all-rounder Stokes happy for England to take precedence Stokes has no issue with being recalled and missing the IPL final and remains focused on the ODI series against starting today

By Andy Bull better measure of his infl uence, for his three for 18 The Guardian against RCB, his two for 21 against Mumbai and his 103 against Gujarat Lions. As for the money, “once the whole thing started here are 5,000 miles between England and you wipe that under the carpet,” he says, “and you India and for Ben Stokes, just back from the judge yourself solely on how you perform on the IPL, Leeds seems a world away from Pune. pitch. That’s where all the pressure came on myself, He is here to prepare for England’s ODI in wanting to go out there and put in performances Tagainst South Africa today and, though Yorkshire for the team I was playing for.” is one of the few places on earth aside from India If he is a richer, happier and more famous player where cricket could fairly be described, to borrow now, he says he is also a better one. For the fi rst time Stokes’ phrase, as “a religion”, they are a little more in his career he was able to spend a stretch of time solemn in their observance of it round Headingley on specialist T20 skills, instead of fi tting the prac- way. “It’s completely diff erent to England,” he says. tice into his schedule between one-day, Test and “They go mad for it. They’ll queue up for fi ve hours championship games. just to see Dhoni walk out on to the pitch.” It’s a re- “Being able to work hard on those skills for six lief, he says, to be able to “walk across the road and weeks was a really good thing to be able to do,” get a coff ee” without having everyone pester you for Stokes says. “Being able to work with specialist “selfi e, selfi e, selfi e”. coaches in Twenty20 cricket, I think my bowling While most of Stokes’ English team-mates were has gone up another level.” pottering about the county grounds he was play- The main benefi t is that “all in all I think my ar- ing alongside MS Dhoni and Steve Smith for Rising eas are a lot better and tighter than they have been Pune Supergiant. They made the IPL fi nal – where recently in one-day cricket, which came down from they lost to the Mumbai Indians by a single run on just working solely with [the bowling coach] Eric Sunday – but Stokes missed the game. He, Chris Simons over the six weeks I was there.” On top of Woakes and Jos Buttler were recalled from the IPL that he got more experience “batting in diff erent for England’s training camp in Spain, even though situations and under diff erent pressure” so, he says, they were allowed to skip the two one-day interna- “all parts of my game have got better”. tionals against Ireland. If the traditionalists were The curious thing about the IPL is Stokes found annoyed the trio had missed the England matches, himself working with the Australia captain, Smith. IPL fans were just as irked that they were not around “I remember doing a batting session with some to take part in the tournament’s fi nal rounds. power-hitting towards the end where the guy who “It’s pathetic,” said Kevin Pietersen said, “an I will be playing against in the Ashes in our win- absolute shambles.” Stokes, stuck in the middle, is ter was helping me, which is something that you a little more diplomatic. “Before the tournament would never be able to fathom when you are play- started it was made clear that all of us, me, Woakesy ing against each other. When you have got two guys and Jos, were available for the 14 group games and who are going to play each other and want to be then, if either of the teams got through to the fi nals, winning and have their own ways of going about it which obviously Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune man- end up working together – IPL is probably the only aged to do, we weren’t available for that,” he said. place where you get that.” “So all three teams were aware of that and we Next up are the three ODIs against South Africa, were aware of that as players as well, so that was then the Champions Trophy. “We’ve earned the always the thing going into it.” In Spain, he said, right to be the favourites,” Stokes says. “But we’re the England squad had done “a lot of fi tness work, keeping our feet fi rmly on the ground and we know fi elding work and a lot of team-bonding stuff ”. this is the competition with the best eight teams in Pune certainly missed him. The coach, Stephen the world and anyone can beat anyone.” Fleming, admitted as much after the game. Stokes, The worry is that it will all take a toll. And while who started the IPL as the most expensive player in he says he hopes he will be able to play “everything the tournament after he sold for £1.7m,n fi nished it in the next two or three seasons”, including the IPL, by being named the most valuable. he does admit “we just have to see how the body He scored 316 runs in 12 matches, with a strike copes with everything”. And if there are any more rate of 143 and an average of 32, and he took 12 wick- confl icts in the schedule he is clear about where his ets at 26 runs each, with an economy rate of 7.18. He loyalties lie. “Playing for England,” he says, “is al- England’s Ben Stokes bats during a net session in Headingley yesterday. (Reuters) won three man-of-the-match awards, which is a ways the main priority.”

FOCUS ROUND-UP South Africa ‘concerns’ aft er Sri Lankan great Sangakkara to Manchester terror attack AFP Dr Mohammed Moosajee said his side were happy retire from fi rst class game London to remain in England as things stood. “As you can understand we have some genuine Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara concerns, the players are uneasy there was a lot of will retire from fi rst-class cricket in Septem- Kumar Sangakkara, who quit Test outh Africa’s team manager said his side chatter at the breakfast table,” Moosajee told re- ber at the end of England’s county cham- cricket in 2015 with 12,400 runs, is had “genuine concerns” about remaining porters at Leeds’s Headingley ground yesterday. pionship season. The Surrey batsman, who fifth on the all-time list of run scorers, in England following the deadly terror at- “I am happy to say we’ve had constant communi- quit Test cricket in 2015 with 12,400 runs, is averaging 57.40 in 134 Tests. tack in Manchester, but there are no im- cations from the ECB and their security manager. fi fth on the all-time list of Test run scorers, mediateS plans to return home. There have been guarantees put in place that se- averaging 57.40 in 134 Tests. The Islamic State extremist group claimed re- curity arrangements will be supplemented, start- “You try to fi ght the inevitable but you sponsibility for the suicide bomb attack at the ing today. We’re told there will be more visible need to get out while you’re ahead,” the end of a concert by US pop star Ariana Grande at police at the stadium, at practice sessions as well 39-year-old told the BBC on Monday. “It’s Manchester Arena Monday night that killed 22 as the hotels we will reside at.” the last time I’ll play a four-day game here. people, including children. Moosajee said the hotel the South Africans are I’ll be 40 in a few months, this is about the Britain’s deadliest terror attack for 12 years took booked in for in Manchester for the last Test “is end of my time in county cricket.” place just two days before the start of a three- literally walking distance from where events un- As well as his Test exploits, Sangakkara has match one-day series between England and South folded last night and there has been genuine con- been one of the game’s great limited overs Africa in the nearby city of Leeds. It is the fi rst in- cern. The process has started to make the players batsmen and was part of the Sri Lanka team ternational fi xture of a lengthy, three-month tour reassured that arrangements are in place to keep that reached the 2007 and 2011 World Cup for South Africa that includes the June Cham- them safe.” While players had briefl y talked about fi nals, although they lost to Australia and pions Trophy and subsequent four-Test series leaving England, Moosajee stressed: “As things India respectively. His Twenty20 commit- against England. No major international cricket stand there’s no mention of us even thinking of ments will take him through to 2018, but his has taken place in Pakistan since 2009 because of abandoning the tour. If the intelligence informa- time in the longer format is almost over. “My security concerns following an attack, while Eng- tion tells us something else we would obviously career might have a few more months (left) land one-day captain Eoin Morgan and opening have to reconsider.” but that’s about it,” he added. Having joined batsman Alex Hales refused to tour Bangladesh Champions Trophy tournament director Steve Surrey for the 2015 season, Sangakkara is still because of safety fears. Elworthy was not anticipating any withdrawals. in good form. He scored over 1,000 fi rst- last 10 Tests with a shoulder injury last year, Series Cricket. “I’m delighted the players But having received security briefi ngs from the “We’re planning for all eight teams to be here,” class runs last term and hit two centuries could still feature in three county matches in are sticking together and staying strong on England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), whose Elworthy said. “It’s critical and paramount that against Middlesex at the weekend but felt it June to prove his fi tness ahead of the interna- it,” Chappell said in comments published by security advisor Reg Dickason is well-respected we deliver a safe, impressive and exciting tourna- was still time to walk away. tional season. England host South Africa in Sydney newspaper the Daily Telegraph. throughout the sport, South Africa team manager ment for everybody involved.” “The biggest mistake that sometimes you fi rst of four Tests starting on July 6 at Lord’s “From afar it looks as though the board can make is that you think you’re better than before welcoming West Indies in a three- are trying to splinter the players, which I you really are,” he said. “Cricketers, or any match series to wrap up the Test summer in fi nd a rather strange tactic. Maybe the board sort of sportsperson, have an expiry date and August and September. thought, ‘You know what the players are like’. you need to walk away. I have been very lucky They were working on the theory of greed, to play for as long as I did so but there’s a lot AUSTRALIA BOARD GAMBLED ON that you keep the top blokes happy with more life to be lived away from the game.” PLAYERS’ GREED AND LOST: CHAPPELL money and they won’t care about the rest. It Australia’s cricket board gambled that greed looks like they’ve picked the wrong target.” ANDERSON SUFFERS GROIN INJURY would motivate top players into accepting a CA CEO James Sutherland raised tensions AHEAD OF ENGLAND’S TEST SUMMER pay off er and while that bet has backfi red the earlier this month when he told players to England pace spearhead James Anderson parties are likely to thrash out a deal in time agree to terms by the June 30 deadline or risk faces a battle to be fi t for the opening Test to avert an Ashes boycott, former captain Ian being unemployed. against South Africa in July after scans Chappell has said. It elicited a heated response from the confi rmed he had suff ered a tear to his right Players have rejected Cricket Australia’s Australian Cricketers’ Association, the groin when playing for Lancashire in the (CA) off er that would end a 20-year-old rev- players’ union, and opening batsman David county championship. enue-sharing model when the next collec- Warner warned the board it might not have Anderson, England’s leading test wicket- tive bargaining agreement starts in July. The a team for the fi ve-Test Ashes series starting taker, limped off midway through his sixth proposal off ers more money than the current in November. CA have declined to comment over on Friday against Yorkshire at Old Traf- fi ve-year CBA but allows only international further on the pay dispute. ford and did not bowl again in the match. The players to share in surplus revenues, while Chappell said Australia’s top players could 34-year-old will miss Lancashire’s return domestic cricketers would have to settle for easily play as free agents in the world’s lucra- fi xture against Yorkshire starting June 2 as he fi xed amounts. Former Test skipper Chappell tive domestic Twenty20 competitions. But will be assessed by England’s medical team to was a leading fi gure in Australian cricket’s he doubted it would come to that. “There understand the extend of the injury. most bitter pay dispute in the 1970s, which will be more posturing and eventually they’ll South Africa’s AB De Villiers (right) talks to coach Russell Domingo. (Reuters) Anderson, who missed four of England’s paved the way for the breakaway World come to their senses,” he said. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 24, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Sissons hat-trick as Nashville sink Curry, Durant shine Ducks to reach fi nal

AFP has seen him drift in and out of Miami the Predators starting line-up. “It was a wild ride so far this year, a lot of challenges for me as Warriors sweep olton Sissons struck a personally, obviously being out hat-trick as the Nash- of the lineup. I just wanted to ville Predators reached be a regular guy playing every the Stanley Cup fi nals single night. But it feels good forC the fi rst time with a 6-3 win and I’m just enjoying it,” Sis- over the Anaheim Ducks on sons said. Monday. “I’m not going to lie. Ob- Austin Watson and Sissons viously I don’t think I even into NBA fi nals had fi red Nashville into a 2-0 dreamt this moment, scoring a fi rst period lead but Ondrej hat trick in a Western Confer- Kase pulled one back in the ence-clinching game.” ‘Our chemistry is getting better and better and we’re going to need it even more in finals’ second period to make it 2-1. Laviolette said his team Sissons grabbed a second to would be allowed to savour the make it 3-1 before Chris Wag- moment before turning atten- AFP ner and Cam Fowler scored for tion to the fi nals. Los Angeles Anaheim to tie it at 3-3. “Our guys fought incredibly But the Anaheim fi ghtback hard through the course of the was the cue for a decisive burst year to try and get better, to get tephen Curry and Kevin of scoring that began when ourselves in a position to make Durant led the way as the Sissons smashed in a one- the Playoff s and then certainly Golden State Warriors timer from the left circle after fought hard in the Playoff s,” he sealed a clean sweep of good work by Calle Jarnkrok. said. theS San Antonio Spurs to reach Filip Forsberg and Watson “Our guys know the big pic- their third consecutive NBA Fi- then applied the coups de ture. They understand what it nals berth on Monday. grace, scoring into an empty is that we’re trying to do here. Curry scored 36 points and net to make it 6-3. And when that time comes, Durant weighed in with 29 as the Nashville coach Peter La- we’ll be ready. But tonight Warriors powered to a 129-115 violette lavished praise on hat- they’re going to enjoy the fact win to complete a 4-0 victory in trick hero Sissons after a win that they just won a game and the best-of-seven Western Con- that he said came after a year of they’re moving on.” ference fi nals series. hard work. Nashville now face either the It was the third consecutive “Colton’s answered all the Ottawa Senators or the Pitts- series sweep of the 2017 posts- challenges that we’ve asked of burgh Penguins in the fi nals, eason for the Warriors, who are him lately, and tonight, I think, which get under way on May now 12-0 in the playoff s head- his game tonight went to an- 29 in the Eastern Conference ing into the fi nals. Durant, who other level,” Laviolette said. venue. Goalie Pekka Rinne also attracted controversy after his “The goals are one thing, but had another strong night for blockbuster move from Okla- the way he competed, the way Nashville, making 38 saves. homa City Thunder last year to he defended, the penalties he Anaheim outshot the Preda- the Warriors, was delighted to killed, the faceoff battles he tors by 41-18 and dominated be back in the NBA Finals once got into. The hits that he took, the closing stages. again. the hits that he gave, he was — But Nashville’s sharper eye The 28-year-old forward, who that’s the best I’ve seen him.” for goal proved decisive. Ducks also pulled down 12 rebounds Sissons meanwhile de- goalie Jonathan Bernier, in for and contributed four assists, scribed his three-goal blast as the injured starter John Gibson admitted he and Curry had re- the latest stop on a season that stopped only 12 of the 16 shots discovered their understanding had been a “wild ride,” which he faced. following the mid-season injury that sidelined him for around 20 games. “Our chemistry is getting bet- ter and better and we’re going to need it even more whoever we play in the fi nals,” Durant told an interviewer. “It’s great to be one of the last two teams standing – we’ll see what happens,” he said. Curry meanwhile admitted he was relishing his partnership with Durant. “It makes the game fun,” Du- Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after defeating the San Antonio Spurs 129-115 in game four of the 2017 NBA Western rant said. “The way we play the Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas. (AFP) game and move the ball. Watch- ing him do what he does. It’s a watching,” Durant said. “An or something because it would ing the game as the powerful to grab a 21-7, giving the contest fun way to play and we want to amazing competitor. I got noth- make us a better team overall,” Warriors off ense dominated al- an ominously familiar pattern. keep that up. I’m having fun, en- ing but love and respect for him.” Popovich said. most from fi rst to last. Thereafter the Warriors com- joying what I do. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich “He’s a big reason for our suc- The Warriors win keeps them fortably kept the Spurs at arm’s meanwhile spoke admiringly of cess. He deserved to have that on course for an unprecedented length, with their multifaceted ‘Things are flowing’ the Warriors. night of respect so that he really third consecutive NBA Finals off ense proving too much for San “Things are fl owing. It’s a part “They were fantastic. To all feels that we appreciate every- meeting with the Cleveland Antonio. of our identity to get that mojo of them. From ownership, to the thing he’s done for us over the Cavaliers, who lead their Eastern The Warriors maintained a going. I think we’re prepared for coaches, the players. They play years. Conference fi nals series against 14-point cushion at half-time to pretty much anything. We’re go- a great brand of basketball. Hats “If he decides he’s going to Boston 2-1. lead 65-51 and opened the sec- ing to be confi dent and ready to off to them. Great job,” said Pop- play again that’s up to him,” said The Spurs were always strug- ond half with a 25-foot three- go.” ovich, who also saluted Ginobili Popovich. “Manu is a grown gling after an early points blitz pointer from Thompson to make Spurs fans meanwhile bade in what might have been his fi nal man. He’ll fi gure out what is best from the Warriors that saw the it 68-51. what looked like a farewell to game. Popovich said Ginobili for him and his family.” visitors power into a 31-19 at the They remained 96-78 ahead 39-year-old Argentinian legend had been handed a starting berth end to silence the AT&T Center at the end of the third quarter Manu Ginobili, who was given “out of respect.” Warriors dominate crowd in Texas. and there was only going to be Nashville Predators centre Colton Sissons (centre) celebrates with a rousing ovation as he left the “This is a hall of fame player The depleted Spurs, missing The writing was on the wall one winner from there, with the teammates after scoring his hat-trick against the Anaheim Ducks court. who allowed me to play him off the injured Kawhi Leonard and from the moment the Warriors Warriors keeping the score tick- in the third period in game six of the Western Conference final of “He’s somebody I grew up the bench for the last decade Tony Parker, were always chas- reeled off 13 unanswered points ing over to the buzzer. the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoff s. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

MLB Phillies get clobbered by Rockies as frustration sets in

By Matt Gelb sacrifi ce a regular player yet, although $9 but they don’t go 0 for 20 or 0 for 25. They The Philadelphia Inquirer million outfi elder Michael Saunders batted somehow fi gure out a way. And those are eighth Monday, and that is about as close as some of the things we need our players to the Phillies have come to a sea change. There start doing, too.” hese are the nights, in a month is a great deal of baseball still to be played in The Phillies did not have a solution full of them, that can test even 2017, and that is the perspective the Phillies for Rockies right-hander Jeff Hoff man, a the most patient. A thick haze have adopted upstairs in the executive suites pitcher drafted ninth overall in 2014, who descended Monday night upon and the basement clubhouse. fi red fastballs that averaged 96mph. The Ta half-full stadium, and it was hard to “I’m a big believer that players, at some Phillies picked seventh that year and went see progress. It is there, Phillies general point, they’re going to level off at where with Aaron Nola, a fi ne pitching prospect, manager Matt Klentak said. But no one they’re supposed to be at,” Phillies manager too. Their career arcs could generate a pro- can dispute that the Phillies have under- Pete Mackanin said. “That’s the whole idea, vocative debate for the years to follow. performed. The frustration mounted dur- to fi nd out.” Three of their most important For now, these Phillies are what they are. ing an 8-1 loss to Colorado, the National pieces – Franco, Herrera, and Cesar Her- The search for a pebble, no matter how League’s surprising pacesetter with one nandez – have not produced in May. They small, is what guides the decision mak- quarter completed. Here, a peek at the sev- were 0 for 10 in Monday’s loss. They own a ers each night. That is a worthwhile but enth inning, which began with Aaron Al- combined .225 batting average, a .282 on- sometimes agonizing endeavour. “I’m get- therr’s second double of the game: base percentage, and a .297 slugging per- ting frustrated, too,” Klentak said. “There Tommy Joseph swung and missed at two centage this month. is more talent on this team than we’ve pitches out of the zone for the fi rst out. “I’m not ready to call it regression,” shown in terms of our record. We’ll pull out Maikel Franco wildly whiff ed at a slider in Klentak said before Monday’s game. “I of it. We will. That’s what talented play- the dirt and returned to the dugout with a think there’s been a lack of consistency on ers will do. I’m not going to tell the fans soundtrack of scattered boos. Odubel Her- our team in general. Some players more they shouldn’t be frustrated. We’ve gone rera tapped a roller toward third base on an than others. There’s been a lack of consist- through a tough stretch.” awkward swing that ended the inning. He ency – but, especially for young players, stepped on fi rst, removed his red Phillies two months is a relatively small sample size RESULTS helmet, and smashed it on the ground. to categorise it as regression. Twins 14 Orioles 7 So the Phillies, a team in transition, “I do think building a team that performs Rockies 8 Phillies 1 lugged another loss to bed. They have lost consistently is very important. I think Yankees 4 Royals 2 18 of their last 22. They have matched their when we look around the league and we see Reds 5 Indians 1 worst 42-game start to a season since 2000. the teams that year in and year out that are Astros 1 Tigers 0 This season is about killing time. No one competing for championships, they’re con- Braves 5 Pirates 2 wants to say it aloud, but that is the gray area sistent. They might have a player that goes Angels 3 Rays 2 Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jeff Hoff man throws a pitch during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia occupied by these Phillies. They will not 0 for 4 or 0 for 8 over a two-game stretch, Giants 6 Cubs 4 Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, May 24, 2017 SPORT

GIRO D’ITALIA SPOTLIGHT ‘Terrible’ toilet Nibali ends hosts’ win stop wrecks drought, desperate Dumoulin hopes AFP eff ort on the sinewy downhill Bormio, Italy to come over the line 2:17 in ar- rears after Nibali beat Span- ish rival Mikel Landa (Sky) in a iro d’Italia leader Tom two-up sprint to end the hosts’ Dumoulin saves jersey Dumoulin suff ered a long wait for a stage win on the “terrible” day but re- 100th edition. With another four fused to blame his rivals mountain stages still to come, Nibali, the two-time and defending champion, held off Spanish rival Mikel Landa Gfor capitalising on an unsched- time-trial specialist Dumoulin uled toilet stop that badly hurt was left despondent. “I’m still his overall victory hopes yes- in (the leader’s jersey) but not terday. The Sunweb team rider with the lead I had hoped for,” a started the “Queen” mountain dejected-looking Dumoulin said stage of the 100th edition with at the fi nish. a lead of 2min 41sec on Colom- “I’m disappointed with my- bian climbing specialist and 2014 self. I lost two minutes not be- champion Nairo Quintana (Mo- cause I had bad legs, just because vistar), and with high hopes of I had other problems. It was becoming the fi rst Dutchman to terrible. I had to stop because I win the pink jersey. couldn’t hold it anymore. I had But by the end of the 222km to fi ght and fi ght and fi ght, and ride from Rovetta to Bormio — take conclusions after the fi nish. won by Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali That’s what I did. I’m very disap- ( team) — Dumoulin’s pointed with today.” dream was shattered after seeing Nibali, who suggested Du- his lead over Quintana slashed to moulin had “not been feeding 31secs. There were some sugges- right” or perhaps suff ered a chill tions his rivals had shown poor due to the “cold temperatures”, sportsmanship, attacking while had little sympathy for the he made a desperate toilet stop Dutchman. “It wasn’t a crash,” following the fi rst of two ascen- said Nibali when asked if he and sions of the Stelvio climb. the peloton had thought to stop “I don’t know, it’s diffi cult to and wait. say,” said Dumoulin, when asked “No one has ever stopped and if he was angry. In professional waited for me whenever I’ve cycling rivals often wait for each ever had a problem, and I’ve had other following unexpected plenty in the past whether it’s Italy’s Merida Vincenzo Nibali incidents to ensure a fair bat- being sick, a crash or a fl at tire. (right) sprints to cross the finish tle. On Sunday, Movistar leader Maybe I’ll be attacked for what I line ahead Spain’s Mikel Landa Quintana thanked Dumoulin for say but if you look at the history during the 16th stage of the slowing the pace of the pelo- of cycling, there are plenty of in- 100th Giro d’Italia, Tour of Italy, ton when he crashed so he could cidents of riders attacking their cycling race from Rovetta to catch up. In contrast, no teams rivals in such circumstances.” Bormio yesterday. (AFP) slowed when Dumoulin suff ered Now in third place overall at his mishap, the Dutchman forced 1:12 behind Dumoulin, Nibali is to hurriedly throw his bike into back in with a fi ghting chance the grass and rip off his cycling of winning his home race on its shorts in desperation as he suf- 100th edition. But after the hosts fered a bout of diarrhoea. “It was waited 16 stages to celebrate a AFP aggressive climber, a good downhill rider a race situation, we were going home win, he said: “Climbing Bormio, Italy and a sprinter. “I’m delighted to have won full gas and I didn’t expect them the Mortirolo and the Stelvio — and I’m closer to Dumoulin in the overall RESULTS (16TH STAGE) to stop,” added Dumoulin. the highest peak on this year’s standings now. But there are more dif- 1. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/BAH) 6hr 24min 22sec, 2. Mikel Landa (ESP/SKY) same time, 3. In the end, he battled on the race — twice? This is a great stage taly’s Vincenzo Nibali ended the fi cult stages to come and Dumoulin also Nairo Quintana (COL/MOV) at 12sec, 4. Domenico Pozzovivo (ITA/ALM) 0:24, 5. Ilnur Zaka- second ascension of the Stelvio win for me. “The only regret I hosts’ wait for stage glory in the has a time trial to his advantage in Mi- rin (RUS/KAT) 0:32, 6. Davide Formolo (ITA/CAN) 1:26, 7. Bauke Mollema (NED/TRE) 1:35, to crest the snow-hit summit have is not putting my hands up 100th Giro d’Italia yesterday as race lan.” Exactly a week after crushing his 8. Bob Jungels (LUX/QST) s.t., 9. Adam Yates (GBR/ORI) s.t., 10. Thibaut Pinot (FRA/FDJ) s.t 2:06 behind Quintana and Ni- at the fi nish to celebrate. But I leader Tom Dumoulin struggled to rivals with a 10th stage time trial victory Selected: 12. Steven Kruijswijk (NED/TLJ) s.t., 13. Tom Dumoulin (NED/SUN) 2:18 bali, and continued his valiant was too busy sprinting.” Iretain the pink jersey after a desperate that left Quintana nearly three minutes in GENERAL CLASSIFICATION toilet stop. Nibali, the two-time and de- arrears — boosting his hopes of becom- 1. Tom Dumoulin (NED/SUN) 70hr 14min 48sec, 2. Nairo Quintana (COL/MOV) at 31sec, fending champion who rides for Bahrain, ing the fi rst Dutchman to win the race — 3. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/BAH) 1:12, 4. Thibaut Pinot (FRA/FDJ) 2:38, 5. Ilnur Zakarin (RUS/ held off Spanish rival Mikel Landa (Sky) Dumoulin is now hoping he can survive KAT) 2:40, 6. Domenico Pozzovivo (ITA/ALM) 3:05, 7. Bauke Mollema (NED/TRE) 3:49, in a two-up sprint at the end of a climb- another tough day in the high mountains. 8. Bob Jungels (LUX/QST) 4:35, 9. Steven Kruijswijk (NED/TLJ) 6:20, 10. Adam Yates (GBR/ heavy “Queen” stage to hand the Italians The Sunweb team leader started the 222 ORI) 7:00 their fi rst victory of the race. km ride from Rovetta to Bormio, includ- Nibali resurrected his bid for a third ing a climb over the formidable Mortirolo “maglia rosa” by moving up to third place and two ascensions of the Stelvio inside clusions after the fi nish. I’m still in the Dumoulin for slowing the pace of the overall. Although 2014 champion Nairo the fi nal 100 km, with a comfortable lead ‘maglia rosa’ but I’m very disappointed.” peloton when he crashed so he could Quintana is just 31secs behind Dumoulin of 2:41 on Quintana. But his race unrav- The setback left Dumoulin, already catch up. “It was a nice gesture from a big after the Dutchman was left chasing his elled in dramatic fashion as the peloton without teammates following a punish- rival and a great person,” said Quintana. rivals desperately following an unsched- raced through the valley following the ing fi rst few hours in the saddle, in a des- On his way to reigniting his own pink uled toilet stop, Nibali is only 33secs fi rst descent of the Stelvio in pursuit of a perate chase to limit the damage. Given jersey bid Quintana didn’t return the fa- further back at 1min 12secs behind the group of frontrunners. Stopping by a traf- his circumstances, the big Dutchman vour. “It was a very positive day, with re- Dutchman. fi c sign and throwing his bike hurriedly won plaudits for a gutsy ride up the 13.4 ally good teamwork,” said the diminutive “I wasn’t even thinking about giving into the grass verge, Dumoulin couldn’t km climb to the summit of the Stelvio Colombian.”We knew we could pull back Italy our fi rst stage win,” said Nibali, after get his cycling bib off quickly enough in a from the Swiss side of the mountain. time on the leader (Dumoulin) today one he and Landa raced away from Quintana bid to relieve himself. He crested with a defi cit of just over way or another. Of course I would have on the 20km descent to the fi nish line. “I started to feel it in the downhill of two minutes on Nibali and Quintana, and liked to take fi ve minutes but the reality is “This is the victory of a complete rider. the Stelvio and I had to stop,” a dejected- doubled his eff orts on the sinewy down- you often want to do something but do- I had to be consistent from start to fi nish looking Dumoulin said later. “Back on hill before crossing the fi nish 2:17 down ing it is another story. But we’re satisfi ed Overall leader Tom Dumoulin suff ered a bout of diarrhoea during the in a long and diffi cult stage. I had to be an the bike I decided to fi ght and draw con- on Nibali. On Sunday, Quintana thanked enough with what we’ve done today.” 16th stage of the 100th Giro d’Italia yesterday. (AFP)

RUGBY ROUND-UP FOCUS France winger Palisson Whiteley named South Africa captain

AFP the France series at home, he chose Johannesburg four foreign-based and eight un- quits Toulouse for Lyon capped players. Vermeulen, Bordeaux prop Steven Kitshoff , Montpellier AFP the Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt. olden Lions No. 8 Warren centre Francois Steyn and Worcester Lyon “Fosie has led the team’s back play and attack, Whiteley was named the scrum-half are the which was second to none last year, with the All new captain of South Africa South Africans playing abroad. Blacks topping the international try-scoring table yesterday ahead of a three- Steyn last played for the green and rance international winger Alexis Palis- with 80 tries, almost double their nearest rival,” GTest series against France in June that gold in 2012 and Coastal hook- son has quit Toulouse to join rivals said Tew. coach Allister Coetzee dare not lose. er returns after a Lyon on a two-year contract. Palisson, 29, Smith, on announcing his decision to leave the The 15-cap forward won what was ef- three-year absence. Full-back An- previously played for Brive (2005-11) and All Blacks, endorsed Foster as head coach mate- fectively a two-man race with another dries Coetzee, wingers , ToulonF (2011-14) and has won 29 caps for France, rial. “I’ve been really, really impressed with Ian No. 8, from French Raymond Rhule and Courtnall Sko- with whom he won the Six Nations championship Foster. He’s a hard worker, he’s got a good analyt- outfi t Toulon, to succeed retired Adri- san, centre Lukhanyo Am, scrum-half in 2010 and was fi nalist in the 2011 Rugby World ical brain, a good personality, great connections aan Strauss. Ross Cronje and props Lizo Gqoboka Cup in New Zealand. Palisson’s signing is Lyon’s with the players and he’s improving immensely. “I am honoured and excited,” said and Ruan Dreyer have no Test experi- 11th ahead of next season as the club looks to im- He would stack up with any coach in the world,” Whiteley after a 31-man squad was ence. South Africa play France in Pre- prove on its 10th place fi nish this season. Smith said. Hansen described Foster as an “in- named by South African Rugby presi- toria (June 10), (June 17) and tegral member” of the All Blacks coaching and dent Mark Alexander at a Johannes- Johannesburg (June 24) FOSTER DEAL BOOSTS management group over the past fi ve years and burg TV studio. The under-pressure CHANCE OF ALL BLACKS TOP JOB someone who “brings a lot of composure, rugby Coetzee hailed his new skipper: SOUTH AFRICA SQUAD All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster re-signed nous and intellect to the team”. “Warren has been one of the out- Forwards: Ruan Dreyer, Jaco Kriel, with New Zealand Rugby yesterday, boosting his standing leaders in South African Malcolm Marx, , Warren chances of being the next head coach of the world RACING ORDERED TO PAY rugby for many years. He is respected Whiteley (capt)(all Golden Lions), Eben champion All Blacks. Foster and forwards coach 750,000 EUROS IN BACK TAXES by his team-mates and opposition Etzebeth, , , Mike Cron both extended their commitment French champions Racing 92 have been ordered to alike and has a lot of experience when , Pieter-Steph du Toit through to the 2019 World Cup in Japan. pay more than 750,000 euros in unpaid taxes on it comes to captaincy. Warren has (all Western ), , The announcement came just four days af- match revenues dating between 2008-13, a Ver- led the Lions with great authority for , Chiliboy Ralepelle ter defence coach Wayne Smith said he needed a sailles appeal court ruled. The Paris club had been many seasons. He is resilient, copes (all Coastal Sharks), Lizo Gqoboka, Lood break and would step away from the Test envi- subject of an initial probe by customs offi cials in well under pressure and makes good de Jager (both Northern ), Steven ronment at the end of this year’s Rugby Cham- January 2012 on its four previous seasons. decisions.” Kitshoff (Bordeaux Begles/FRA), Oupa pionship. Current head coach Steve Hansen, who That investigation found that Racing had Northern Bulls hooker Strauss quit Mohoje (Central ), Duane Ver- guided the All Blacks to the 2015 world crown, is avoided paying taxes under a local law dating following a calamitous 2016 season meulen (Toulon/FRA) expected to stand down after the 2019 World Cup back to 1997 which exonerated any rugby or foot- in which the Springboks lost eight of Backs: Andries Coetzee, Ross Cronje, El- in Japan. ball played in Colombes, where their stadium is, 12 Tests — a calender year record for ton Jantjies, (all Lions), New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew from paying taxes. But fi nancial offi cials argued the team. A nightmare fi rst season in , , has said he would like the next head coach to be that when the club changed its status from an as- charge for Coetzee included conced- (all Bulls), , Dillyn involved in the 2019 campaign, which would sociation to commercial company in 2001 match- ing 57 points at home to New Zealand Leyds (both Stormers), Lukhanyo Am count against other leading contenders such as es were open to be taxed. A fi rst backdate totalled and a fi rst loss to Italy. (Sharks), Francois Hougaard (Worcester the Wales head coach Warren Gatland, who is 659,648 euros, followed by a second of 91,805 eu- Amid media speculation that Co- Warriors/ENG), Raymond Rhule (Chee- also in charge of the British and Irish Lions, and ros for the 2012-13 season. Warren Whiteley etzee will be fi red if South Africa lose tahs), Francois Steyn (Montpellier/FRA) Gulf Times Wednesday, May 24, 2017 7 TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT Kvitova set for Wimbledon aft er stabbing

Reuters Wimbledon, and would be delighted if tive mind-set as she continued her re- London Petra Kvitova is able to compete in The covery. Championships this year,” Wimbledon Earlier this month, she posted a pho- said in a statement to Reuters. to of herself practising in Monte Carlo. wice champion Petra Kvitova “We wish her well with her ongoing The draw for the French Open is due is set to play at Wimbledon preparations to return to competition.” to be made at Roland Garros on Friday. this summer, less than seven Given the physicality required to play months after she was stabbed ATTACKED AT HOME on clay, and the stress of a grand slam, it Tby an intruder in her home, a member Kvitova was attacked at around would still be a surprise if she does take of her support team told Reuters yes- 8.30am on December 20 by a man who her place in the draw at Roland Garros. terday. gained access to her apartment block by If she decides not to play, Kvitova is The Czech, who required four hours posing as a utilities man, before holding likely to look to play a warm-up event of surgery to her left, playing, hand a knife to her throat. In pulling the knife on grass before Wimbledon, the venue after the December attack at home in away, Kvitova sustained injuries to ten- where she has achieved most success. her home city of Prostejov, has made a dons in all four fi ngers and the thumb on One of the cleanest ball-strikers on faster than expected recovery and could her left hand. She said she was “shaken, the Tour, she won her fi rst grand slam even be ready to play in the French but fortunate to be alive”. title there in 2011, when she upset Maria Open, which begins in Paris on Sunday. Doctors had said at the time the Sharapova in the fi nal. “She is on track for Wimbledon,” Ka- “best-case scenario” was that Kvitova In 2014, she won the title again with a tie Spellman, Kvitova’s publicity man- could be playing tennis again within six crushing 6-3 6-0 victory over Eugenie ager, told Reuters. “She will make a last months. Bouchard in what is remembered as one minute decision this week about Roland Throughout her recovery, the of the best performances ever produced Garros.” 27-year-old has amazed everyone in her in the fi nal. Kvitova, who won Wimbledon in 2011 team with her positivity and belief that Her return would also be a welcome and 2014, will be included on the offi cial she would be back on Tour, and sooner boost for the women’s Tour, especially entry list for this year’s Championships, rather than later. with Serena Williams on maternity which will be released on Wednesday. Last month, Kvitova said she had left leave. Kvitova, who last played in the “The AELTC is always pleased to her name on the entry list for the French Fed Cup fi nal against France on Novem- Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic holds the championship trophy following her victory over Eugenie Bouchard of Canada in welcome former champions back to Open, in part to ensure she had a posi- ber 12, is ranked 16th. the women’s singles final of the Wimbledon Championships in London on July 5, 2014. (EPA)

FOCUS OPINION Agassi could bring something special Murray searching to Djoko: Leconte

Reuters struggled to rediscover his best London form since winning last year’s French Open to complete a ca- reer grand slam and this sea- ovak Djokovic could son has seen a run of surprise for form ahead be on the verge of losses. “something special” Leconte says American after teaming up with Agassi, who came back from a NAndre Agassi for the French career slump to win the 1999 Open, former Roland Garros French Open, could help the runner-up Henri Leconte said 30-year-old fi nd the spark that yesterday. appears to have been missing. Serbian Djokovic, the de- “I really believe that he can of French Open fending French Open cham- help Novak fi nd his way back pion, announced on Sunday to the top,” Leconte, who will that he would have eight-times work as a pundit for Eurosport ‘I’m just not playing good tennis and I need to try and work out how to turn that around’ grand slam champion Agassi in during the French Open, his corner in Paris after parting said. Reuters ways with his coaching team “Andre has the strength of Paris Britain’s Andy Murray reacts during his earlier this month. personality to give Novak ad- singles second round match against Russia’s “It’s brand new and good vice. He had the experience Andrey Rublev at the Australian Open in for tennis,” Leconte, the last of coming back after injury hen the ATP Race on January 18, 2017. (Reuters) Frenchman to reach the fi nal in problems and other setbacks standings were up- 1988, told Reuters. to come back from 150 in the dated this week “I really hope it works be- world to number one. Andy Murray, the cause if it does, it could be “It’s not about coaching. I Wworld number one, languished something special for Novak.” think the likes of Novak, Roger down at 13th. Twelve-times grand slam (Federer) and Rafa (Nadal) just It is not a statistical anomaly winner Djokovic ended a need something new. A brand either. Unlike the actual world three-year partnership with new direction. I really hope ranking that is a rolling 12-month Boris Becker late last year when Novak has enough strength points total, the Race standings he lost his world number one and power to produce what he are a gauge of form since January status to Andy Murray. He has produced last year.” when everybody starts on zero. On current form 13th is probably generous. With the French Open starting on Sunday, Murray has Roland Garros to have 1,200 security staff accrued 1,210 to the 4,915 of Ra- Security staff numbers have been increased for Roland Gar- fael Nadal and looks a pale imi- ros, which starts on Sunday, off icials announced in the wake tation of the player who won his of a suicide bombing at a pop concert in Manchester that left last 24 matches of 2016 to knock at least 22 dead. Novak Djokovic off his pedestal “We’ve accredited 1,200 security staff , which is a little more and seize power in men’s tennis. than in 2016,” said Jacques Le Mene, head of security at the Not since Pete Sampras in French Open. French tennis federation (FFT) spokesman 1999 has a world number one had Stephan Post added that France remained at level two of its a worse start to a year with Mur- security alert system, Plan Vigipirate, which specifies rein- ray’s win percentage at a fairly forced security and risk of attack. modest 70.8% — a fi gure that ac- “There’s been no particular advice from our security partner, tually disguises just how bad the the Paris police,” Post said. “We really make security a prior- slump has become of late. ity in our actions. We’re not experienced in a situation of an There was an encouraging run attack in the sense that we’ve not experienced one, but we’re to the semi-fi nals in Barcelona trained, we’ve done simulations and training drills. where he lost to Dominic Thiem for being too passive with his “With the experience of last year, our system is more ef- but in Madrid, where he went game — a preference for playing Zverev shrugs off German expectations at French Open ficient.” down with a whimper against counter-attacking tennis based As in 2016, the FFT has installed a three-ring layer of security, Borna Coric, and in Rome where on rock-solid defence and su- It’s been 80 years since a German man won Ro- German after Boris Becker, Michael Stich and with around 450,000 spectators expected between Sunday he was defending champion he perhuman court coverage rather land Garros but despite his stunning demolition Tommy Haas. and the men’s final on June 11, with peaks of 35,000 fans for was outclassed by Fabio Fognini. than taking it on. of Novak Djokovic in Rome, Alexander Zverev The legacy of Becker, the last German man to win the busiest days. Last year, when Murray won With the help of coach Ivan insists he is not the French Open champion in a Slam of any description at the 1996 Australian nine titles including a second Lendl, he became more forceful, waiting. The 20-year-old Zverev heads for Paris Open — a year before Zverev was even born — Wimbledon, a second Olympic leading to breakthrough titles at viewed as the man most likely to profit should stalks the young pretender, like so many of his title and the ATP Tour Finals in the 2012 US Open and Wimble- nine-time champion Rafael Nadal, world number compatriots in the last two decades. Triumph to tragedy for Germany’s French Open champs London, he suff ered nine losses don in 2013 and Lendl’s second one Andy Murray and 2016 winner Djokovic falter. But he has already achieved what Becker, a six- all season. This time his win- stint as coach spurred Murray to “You know, when I was about 11, 12, I thought by time major champion and winner of 49 career Alexander Zverev will bid to went on to be wounded while loss record reads 16-7 and it’s become world number one. the age of 20 I’d probably win about four Slams titles, failed to do — win a clay court tournament. become the first German man fighting on the Eastern Front only May. Murray seems mud- However, he seems to have already,” joked the beanpole German keen to At Roland Garros, Becker never made it past the in 80 years to win Roland in World War II, receiving the dled and at a loss to explain his slipped back into lock-down keep a lid on growing expectations that the semi-finals. Zverev, now at a career high of 10 in Garros when the French Iron Cross. struggles. But with a huge haul mode and has paid the price es- sport’s much-touted ‘Next Gen’ is about to gate- the world following his Rome triumph, will be Open starts on Sunday. Only His personal life continued of ranking points to defend in the pecially against aggressive op- crash the Grand Slam closed shop. playing in his third Roland Garros. two German men have ever to be colourful, becoming next couple of months, starting ponents who enjoy playing on There’s little doubt that 20-year-old Zverev is He made the third round last year while, in 2013, won in Paris — Gottfried von the sixth husband of Barbara at Roland Garros where he lost the front foot such as Thiem and the real deal. He boasts an address amongst the he was runner-up in the junior final. Cramm, in 1934 and 1936, and Hutton, the Woolworth heir- to Djokovic in last year’s fi nal af- Fognini. A closer look at the data high-rollers of Monte Carlo, while flitting between But he has no doubt that the rejuvenated Nadal, Henner Henkel in 1937. ess, a marriage that ended ter his best claycourt season, he off ers some clues on Murray’s Hamburg and Florida. bidding for a 10th French Open, remains the over- AFP Sports looks at the dra- in divorce in 1959 after four needs a solution fast. woes. Last year he won 85% of Three titles have already come his way in 2017 — whelming favourite for the 2017 title. matic and tragic lives of the years. Von Cramm was killed “There is no reason for it from his service games compared to indoors at Montpellier and crucially, in terms of “Strong favourite,” he added for emphasis. two men: in a car crash in Cairo in 1976 my end,” Murray said. “I’m just 79% this year. Roland Garros, on clay at Munich and in Rome on “I think Novak is playing quite great again. Do- at the age of 67. not playing good tennis and I need In 2016 he won 54 % of points Sunday. minic (Thiem, who beat Nadal in Rome) has been Gottfried von Cramm — Born to try and work out how to turn on second serve — an area of There he stunned Djokovic in straight sets, showing he’s been playing very, very well. the son of a baron in 1909, Henner Henkel — Born in that around. Last couple of weeks weakness he worked tirelessly becoming the youngest champion in the Italian “I’ve got to put me on that list even though, you von Cramm won Roland Gar- 1915, Henkel won the Roland have been a struggle and a long to make more of a weapon. That capital since a 19-year-old Nadal in 2006. know, I don’t want to sound like I want to say that ros in 1934 and 1936, beating Garros title in 1937, defeating way from where I’d like to be.” vulnerability seems to have re- He was also the youngest Masters winner since I’m the favourite myself or something like this. Australia’s Jack Crawford and Bunny Austin of Britain. He It is the nature of the defeats turned as in his last two defeats Djokovic, at 19, captured Miami a decade ago. “But, you know, those kind of guys who have Fred Perry of Britain respec- also teamed with von Cramm that is most surprising. he managed to win 37 and 35% Furthermore, he was the first player born in the been playing the best over the last few weeks are tively. He had been runner- to win the men’s doubles in At the start of the European respectively. 1990s to win a Masters crown and only the fourth definitely the favourites.” up in 1935, losing to Perry. Paris and the US Champion- claycourt swing in Monte Carlo And his forehand, another Tall, blond, handsome and ships later that same year. He Murray lost to Spaniard Albert shot that became far more po- athletic, von Cramm was the played his last tennis event Ramos-Vinolas having led 4-0 tent under Lendl, seems to have to be the new 20. while there are suggestions his coaching duties to Jamie Delgado picture-perfect Aryan sports- in 1942 during which he re- in the fi nal set. In Madrid he was lost some fi zz. The bout of shingles he suf- pre-season training block left for most of this year. But with man as far as the Nazis were ceived his draft notice. Henkel bullied by the 20-year-old Co- Murray insists the number fered after the Australian Open him jaded for the battles ahead. vulnerability having replaced concerned, but he refused was wounded at the Battle of ric and in Rome he was fl attered one ranking has not weighed him and elbow problem that fl ared It could all turn round at Ro- the sense of invincibility Murray to be exploited as a poster- Stalingrad in 1943 and died by the 6-2 6-4 scoreline against down and the fact that he has up during a fi rst-round defeat land Garros, where Lendl will worked so hard to build, the vul- boy for Hitler. In 1938, he was from his wounds shortly after. an inspired Fognini. Earlier in reached 30 should not be signifi - to Vasek Pospisil at Indian Wells be a reassuring presence back in tures will be circling above him jailed for homosexuality. He He was 27 years old. his career Murray was criticised cant — as these days 30 appears have been contributory factors his box after leaving match-day on the red Parisian clay.

Wednesday, May 24, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING SPOTLIGHT Al Shaqab’s Almaa wins Prix Neft a Aspire Zone

Agencies Toulouse, France to run indoor

l Shaqab Racing’s Almaa won the Prix Nefta (Gr2 PA), her second Group suc- cess, in Toulouse, France, on Monday. hockey event The Thomas Fourcy-trained fi lly canteredA in third position, behind Diva du Paon, in the lead, and Naziq. Almaa attacked and easily passed Diva du Paon in the middle of the home straight. A furlong from the post, this Ramadan Almaa had to fi ght against Naziq in order to en- sure the success and eventually imposed herself by half a length. “She surprises me and progresses day after day,” Fourcy said. “She confronted older mares today, who for most of them were making their seasonal de- buts; maybe that helped her today. However, she did a real thing today because she cantered several lengths behind Naziq who led at a good pace and she reaccelerated. The distance is not a problem. She is easy to ride and a sweetheart. She should now go for a rest before the two rac- es for 4yos and then the one on the day of the Arc.” Almaa has now secured three consecutive wins since making a second-place debut in Oc- tober 2016. Julien Auge (left) rides Almaa to victory in the Prix Nefta (Gr2 PA) in Toulouse, France, on Monday.

RALLY KAZAKHSTAN Aspire Zone Foundation Events manager Abdullah al-Khater

By Sports Reporter was held in Aspire Dome. To our Doha surprise, the indoor hockey was widely popular among residents in Qatar. Adding a new sport each s part of its sixth Ra- year to our programme expands madan Sports Festival, the list of sporting opportunities Al-Attiyah extends Aspire Zone Founda- available to people in Qatar.” tion will organise an In addition, the much-antic- indoorA hockey tournament for ipated cricket tournament will men, with eight teams set to resume this year, following last compete in knock-outs. year’s big success. The three- The tournament, which will day cricket tournament will take run for three days at Aspire place at Aspire Zone’s Warm-up Dome, the world’s largest multi- Track, from the 6th until the 8th lead, al-Rajhi wins purpose arena, follows the suc- day of Ramadan. The tourna- cess of the Asian Nations Cup in- ment will feature two groups door hockey championship 2017, of fi ve teams, competing head- Qatar’s Abu Issa withdraws which took place in April. to-head in group stages, before “The Ramadan Sports Festi- moving ahead to the knock-outs. while Adel Abdulla retains val provides an ideal outlet for Cricket is one of the most popu- people who are looking to main- lar sports among the Asian expa- second in T2 category tain active lifestyles during the triates in Qatar. second stage month of Ramadan. Ramadan Other sporting tournaments is a month of social interaction, included in this year’s festival Agencies where families and friends come programme are football, futsal, Kenderly, Kazakhstan together. That is why, AZF made volleyball and basketball. AZF sure to organise competitions for will also hold table tennis com- groups so they can all participate petitions for people with special audi Arabia’s Yazeed al-Rajhi led together in a fun interactive en- needs and is organising a vol- from the start of yesterday’s third vironment. As a sporting organi- leyball tournament for ladies in stage around the remote deserts sation, AZF always aims to raise collaboration with Qatar Women of the Mangystau oblast to record awareness and encourage people Sports Committee. aS second successive quickest time at what to remain healthy, including Ra- The Ramadan Sports Festival is turning out to be a tough test of man madan,” Aspire Zone Foundation will be held during the fi rst two and machine at Rally Kazakhstan. Events manager Abdullah Aman weeks of Ramadan (June 1-14). The Mini John Cooper Works Rally al-Khater said. During the two weeks, thou- driver carded a time of 4hrs 12min 10sec “We have decided to include sands of members from the local to beat Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah the Indoor Hockey tournament community are expected to par- by 5min 05sec, but it mattered little to in this year’s Ramadan activities ticipate in sports tournaments al-Attiyah after the Saudi’s substantial following the massive success of taking place across Aspire Zone’s time penalties after day one. The second the Asian Nations Cup 2017 that world class sporting facilities. quickest time on the demanding section enabled the Qatari to extend his outright lead over Jakub Przygonski to 8min 53sec. FOCUS “We had another good day and we en- joyed it a lot. We pushed hard from the start and we had a good rhythm to the fi n- ish,” said al-Rajhi. “The dunes today were Aspetar provides even more diffi cult, very slow with bush- es and some bumps. Between the bushes was where we could have problems.” medical support to Pole Przygonski remains al-Attiyah’s closest challenger in the second of the X-raid Minis, but the Orlen Team driver Qatar’s triathlete dropped valuable minutes after a minor navigational mistake, but retains second place. Abdulla al-Homaidi At 421km, the day’s selective section was the longest of the event and ran in- Yazeed al-Rajhi of Saudi Arabia in action during the third stage of Rally Kazakhstan yesterday. By Sports Reporter land, south of Zhanaozen, and then deep Doha into the heart of the Mangystau oblast. It entire event. A liaison of 111.1km takes fi nished a short distance from Kenderly crews through Zhanaozen and on to the via a winding trail that ran close to the stage start to the west of Senek. The route n keeping with its pivotal small town of Senek. then heads north-west and deep into the role helping star athletes “It was a good day for us. We try to Mangystau wilderness before turning achieve maximum results, control our pace. Yazeed was pushing east and then looping back to fi nish on Aspetar – the orthopaedic because he doesn’t have anything to lose. the road between Senek and Zhanaozen. Iand sports medicine hospital in I am happy with the car. Everything is A 118km liaison then takes teams back to Qatar –provided medical sup- working very well. We enjoyed the stage. I the Kenderly Sea Resort. port to Qatari triathlon star, Ab- am really surprised about these stages. It dulla al-Homaidi, at the recent is not easy,” al-Attiyah, who is driving an STAGE RESULTS (TOP FIVE) Ironman Championship 2017 Overdrive Racing Toyota Hilux, said. 1. Yazeed al-Rajhi (SAU)/Timo Gottschalk in Australia. Ironman Australia Poland’s Aron Domzala was in good (DEU) Mini John Cooper Works Rally 4hrs Championship 2017 comprised form in the second of the Toyotas. He 12min 40sec a 3.8km swimming event, 180km and navigator Maciej Marton tightened 2. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT)/Matthieu of cycling and 42km of running. their grip on third overall with the fourth Baumel (FRA) Toyota Hilux Overdrive Aspetar acting director general quickest time, despite one puncture and 4hrs 17min 49sec Dr Mohamed Ghaith al-Kuwari the driver commenting about the bumpy 3. Jakub Przygonski (POL)/Tom Colsoul congratulated al-Homaidi and nature of one section of dunes. (BEL) Mini All4 Racing 4hrs 23min 03sec awarded him an honorary certifi - Czech driver Miroslav Zapletal main- 4. Aron Domzala (POL)/Maciej Marton cate for his remarkable perform- tains a solid fourth in his Hummer H3 and (POL) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 4hrs 23min ance at the championship. Yuriy Sazonov remains on course for a top 28sec “I speak for the whole country fi ve fi nish for the host nation in a second 5. Yuriy Sazonov (KAZ)/Vitalyi Yevtyekhov when I say I am proud of Abdul- Hummer. (KAZ) Hummer H3 Evo VIII 4hrs 28min lah al-Homaidi’s performance. Kazakh Yerden Shagirov and Lithua- 00sec To have done so well in such a nia’s Antanas Juknevicius are sixth and diffi cult sport, which requires seventh overall, while Yasir Saiedan is OVERALL STANDINGS (TOP FIVE) very high levels of physical, a distant eighth overall and well clear of 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT)/Matthieu mental and technical fi tness, is any of his rivals in the T2 category for se- Baumel (FRA) Toyota Hilux Overdrive a considerable achievement,” al- ries production cross-country vehicles. Qatar’s T2 competitor Adel Abdulla (left) to compatriot Mohamed Abu Issa and Yazeed 10hrs 51min 52sec Kuwari said. Qatar’s Mohamed Abu Issa took the al-Rajhi (right). 2. Jakub Przygonski (POL)/Tom Colsoul Talking about his participa- Aspetar and relevant organisa- decision to withdraw from ninth posi- (BEL) Mini All4 Racing 11hrs 00min 45sec tion, al-Homaidi said, “It was an tions in future competitions to tion after a third day with minor nig- blocked our fuel fi lter and we cannot test sues for AMFK President Marat Abykayev 3. Aron Domzala (POL)/Maciej Marton honour to represent Qatar and achieve even greater results.” gling issues. “We had some electrical anything because the stages are too long. and previous time penalties for the likes (POL) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 11hrs 05min raise our fl ag in front of thou- Aspetar, through its Sports Sci- problems. It was just a fuse. Nothing big. I know kilometres are important but, at of Kirill Chernenkov and Pavel Loginov. 23sec sands of participants and specta- ence Department, will continue We thought it might be bigger than that this point, I’m going home to refocus for Frenchman Claude Fournier continues 4. Miroslav Zapletal (CZE)/Marek Sykora tors. I’d like to thank Aspetar and supporting local athletes by look- and didn’t want to break the engine. It’s Italy.” to run near the rear of the fi eld in his T3 (SLO) Hummer H3 Evo VII 11hrs 14min everyone else for their support, ing for further opportunities to better to happen now than in Dakar. I Delays in the sand dunes cost Qatar’s Polaris RR 1000. 06sec who played a vital role in keeping collaborate with local sports or- decided to stop now. We had some small Adel Abdulla a lot of time on the day’s Today’s fourth selective section of 5. Yuriy Sazonov (KAZ)/Vitalyi Yevtyekhov me motivated and focused dur- ganisations, and by implementing technical issues every day. We bent the special, although the Nissan Patrol driver 276.2km and the second of the loops out (KAZ) Hummer H3 Evo VIII 11hrs 49min ing my triathlon tour in Austral- exercise plans to prepare athletes jack on day one, the fuel was dirty and it retains second in T2 after mechanical is- of Kenderly is the most remote of the 10sec ia. I look forward to working with for major competitions.