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FOOTBALL TOUGH STANCE Lekhwiya thrash Infantino says will talk to Al Fateh, take on Muntari, fi ght racist ‘idiots’

Reuters Persepolis next Manama

Qatar giants show intent as they look to emulate Al Sadd who brushed aside IFA president Gianni Infan- tino said he intends to talk all opposition to win the Asian Champions League under Jorge Fossati in 2011 with Pescara midfi elder Sulley FMuntari, the victim of racist abuse in Italian football, and vowed to By Sports Reporter fi ght racist “idiots”. Doha Muntari was booked for complain- ing about racist abuse during a match at Cagliari and subsequently suspend- The player said the referee told him an Lekhwiya emulate the ed, although that sanction was later to stop talking to the crowd and ended 2011 feat of their great local lifted. up showing him the yellow card for rivals Al Sadd by going all the The Ghanaian then walked off the dissent in the 90th minute. Cway to win the AFC Cham- fi eld in protest in the fi nal minutes of The decision to punish Muntari has pions League? the game. been widely criticised and the player It doesn’t seem that a far-fetched Infantino told reporters yesterday himself has said FIFA and UEFA are not scenario after Djamel Belmadi’s that he intended to talk with Muntari taking the issue of racism seriously. showed intent with a 4-1 thrashing and would give him FIFA’s “full soli- But FIFA Secretary General Fatma of Saudi Arabia’s Al Fateh in their last darity”. The FIFA president also said Samoura rejected that charge and said Group B match in Doha yesterday. he would be discussing the issue with the organisation had the structures to The Qatar Stars League champi- Italian Football Federation President deal with the problem. ons had already qualifi ed for the last Carlo Tavecchio about the issue. “I don’t have to call people anytime 16 with a match to spare but yester- “Of course I will speak to Tavecchio, that they have been victim of an abuse. day they hardly displayed any sense I will speak to Muntari as well... We have a committee that is in of complacency as they went on to we will work together,” Infantino, charge of monitoring those actions. top the group with 14 points from six who is in Bahrain for Thursday’s FIFA And the committee will take action,” matches without losing a single one. Congress, said. she told reporters. Lekhwiya will now meet Iran’s Asked what could be done about the “We’ve been very severe in Europe, Persepolis, who fi nished as runners- issue, Infantino said: “Fight. Continue in Latin America — we’ve been regu- up in Group D, in the Round of 16 on to fi ght. It’s good to bring these things larly publicising the action of the com- May 23. out when they happen. We have to mittee on every action that relates to Al Sadd’s amazing run in the 2011 work. We have to work on the people.” racism, homophobic chants and any Asian Champions League under Jorge Infantino said the protocol, estab- kind of discrimination,” she added. Fossati will be always etched in golden lished by UEFA in Europe, with a series Asked for her personal view on the letters in Qatar’s history as they beat of stadium announcements leading Muntari case, the Senegalese offi cial current holders Jeonbuk Hyundai in up to a possible stopping of the game, said that was irrelevant. Seoul to clinch the title. should be applied. “My personal view does not matter. And with Lekhwiya showing no “Unfortunately idiots, there are al- What matters is that the disciplinary signs of relenting despite a hectic sea- Lekhwiya’s Yousef Msakni top and Ali Hassan Afif (bottom) react after scoring against Saudi Arabia’s Al Fateh ways idiots everywhere but we have to committee has to act and the sooner son that sees them on the cusp of a yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil and AFP fi ght them,” he said. the better,” she said. domestic treble, there’s no reason why Muntari said he had complained that “I have my personal feelings on any- they too can accomplish the feat before Kaveh Rezaei netted a 76th winner Results parts of the crowd, including a group body that is treated like he has been their merger with El Jaish next season. for Esteghlal after Al Tawoon’s Mo- of children, had hurled racist insults treated, on the pitch and off the pitch Yesterday, Al Fateh were no match hamed al-Saiari 36th minute strike Group A at him from the start of the game in but I’m not here for my personal mat- for the Qatari outfi t who could have had put them on level terms after Jaber Al Ahli (UAE) 4 (Salmeen Khamis 27, Cagliari on April 30. ters.” scored at least fi ve more goals but for Ansari’s 19th minute goal. Mamur Ikramov 58-og, Asamoah some bad luck and poor fi nishing. Earlier, a Ricardo Goulart dou- Gyan 72, Everton Ribeiro 77) Loko- Lekhwiya took a ninth minute lead ble steered two-time winners motiv (UZB) 0 SPOTLIGHT through Mohamed Musa, who stabbed Guangzhou Evergrande into the Al Tawoon (KSA) 1 (Mohamed in a volley following a fumble by the Al AFC Champions League last 16 as al-Saiari 36) Esteghlal (IRI) 2 (Jaber Fateh goalkeeper Ali al-Mazidi while they drew 2-2 with Suwon Samsung Ansari 19, Kaveh Rezaei 76) trying to stop a powerful Ali Hassan Bluewings.After cancelling out Yeom Group B Indian kabaddi league Afi f shot. Ki-Hun’s opener, Goulart looked Esteghlal Kouzestan (IRI) 1 (Mehdi Yousef Msakni made it 2-0 in the off side as he headed Evergrande 2-1 Zobeydi 86) Al Jazira (UAE) 1 (Hu- 20th minute from a diffi cult angle after ahead on 68 minutes, before Kim maid Ahmed 43) signs $46.7mn deal a crisp pass from the left fl ank by Nam Jong-Woo’s late equaliser caused Lekhwiya (QAT) 4 (Mohamed Musa Tae-hee. some late jitters. 9, Yousef Maskni 20, Ali Hassan Afif South Korean Nam was again at his But the single point was enough to 27, Chico Flores 45+2) Al Fateh (KSA) AFP as Pro Kabaddi league has reached in- creative best when he did most of the take Evergrande, the 2013 and 2015 1 (Chico Flores 87-og) New Delhi credible heights and now proudly stands spadework down the middle and ad- champions, into the knock-out rounds Group G as one of the most successful leagues in vanced into the box but allowed the in second place in Group G behind Ja- Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) 2 India,” Vivo India CEO Kent Cheng said. better-positioned Afi f to score. pan’s Kawasaki Frontale. (Goulart 17, 68) Suwon Samsung he Indian sport of kabaddi has VIVO, who are also title sponsors of Lekhwiya scored their fourth goal Scolari celebrated wildly on the Bluewings (KOR) 2 (Yeom Ki-Hun 9, received a major boost with the IPL, is not the fi rst Chinese smart- in fi rst half stoppage time with Chico touchline as the Chinese giants erased Kim Jong-Woo 80) Chinese mobile company VIVO phone manufacturer to enter the mas- Flores displaying some great turn of memories of last year’s embarrassing Kawasaki Frontale (JPN) 4 (Rhayner signing a fi ve-year deal worth sive Indian sporting market. feet and shooting home from close. group-stage exit when they were de- T$46.7mn to sponsor the game’s popu- OPPO this year replaced Star India 28, Taniguchi 45, Hasegawa 49, Nara Al Fateh, who fi nished in third spot fending champions. 53) Eastern (HKG) 0 lar league. Pro Kabaddi has held its own to become the major sponsor of India’s with just one win, fi nally registered on Japan’s Kawasaki smashed Hong Group H among the myriad professional sport- hugely popular national cricket side. the scoreboard but they have Flores to Kong debutants Eastern, led by their Adelaide United (AUS) 0 Jiangsu ing leagues to emerge in the wake of the Star India, and its broadcaster Star thank for that after the Lekhwiya star trailblazing female coach Chan Yuen- Suning (CHN) 1 (Ji Xiang 81) lucrative and hugely successful Indian Sports, already backs the Pro Kabaddi miscued an intended clearance from Dubai before a Mamur Ikramov own ting, 4-0 to rise from third place to top Jeju United (KOR) 2 (Chung Woon Premier League Twenty20 cricket tour- as it moves into its fi fth edition with 12 a corner and sent the ball into his own goal in the second half helped them spot. 29, Hwang Il-Su 66) Gamba Osaka nament in 2008. teams duelling it out over more than 130 net. consolidate while Asamoah Gyan and Elsewhere Ji Xiang’s 81st-minute (JPN) 0 Kabaddi attracts impressive viewer matches. “Vivo coming on board as the Meanwhile there were no surprises Everton Ribeiro put the result beyond winner handed Group H table-toppers ratings in a competitive market domi- title sponsor is a signifi cant milestone in Group A as the UAE’s Al Ahli topped doubt. Jiangsu Suning a 1-0 win over 2008 Adelaide’s faint hopes of progressing. nated by cricket, but where smaller in the growth story of the league. Star on goal diff erence after thrashing Iran’s Esteghlal also fi nished on 11 runners-up Adelaide United. South Korea’s Jeju United made sure shares are fi ercely contested by other Sports will continue its eff orts to elevate Lokomotiv of Uzbekistan 4-0. points after edging out Saudi Arabia’s Ji produced a clinical fi nish when it of second spot when they beat Gamba popular sports leagues including bad- the stature of the sport further,” Star Salmeen Khamis put the Emira- Al Tawoon 2-1 to secure second spot mattered – in what was only the Chinese Osaka 2-0 thanks to goals from Chung minton and hockey. India managing director Sanjay Gupta tis ahead with a 27th minute strike in and advance to the last 16. team’s second shot on target – to end Woon and Hwang Il-Su. “This association is important for us said. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, May 10, 2017 FOOTBALL

EPL SPOTLIGHT Courtois relishing prospect of title Chelsea close in on aft er Chelsea woes

AFP “But this year was maybe London even more special, because last year was a very bad year. “We had a lot of critics, the helsea goalkeeper new manager came in at the title and condemn Thibault Courtois beginning of the season, we reckons winning the won some games but then we Premier League title lost and there were again a lot withC Chelsea this season will of critics. be all the sweeter after their “But then we bounced back struggles last term. as a team very hard and we The Blues were crowned played very well. champions of England in the “From that point of view I Boro to relegation 2014/15 season only to suff er think it’s very nice to hope- a dramatic slump in form the fully be able to lift that Premier following season that led to League title soon. ‘This is a big step because there are three games and we need to take three points to win title’ the sacking of manager Jose “I know we’re not there yet, Mourinho. but we’re very close and it will Chelsea eventually fi nished be very enjoyable after last Reuters 10th in the table as Leicester, year.” London 5,000/1 pre-season no-hopers Courtois added: “We hope completed a remarkable title to do it at the fi rst attempt. We triumph. know West Brom are a hard helsea moved within three But ‘normal service’ has team to play against — we had points of clinching the been resumed under Italian a very tough game here (a 1-0 Premier League title with boss Antonio Conte, Mourin- win at Stamford Bridge in De- a 3-0 victory that con- ho’s successor, and now west cember). demnedC Middlesbrough to rel- London club Chelsea will be “Every opponent who goes egation on Monday after goals from crowned champions if they there has a hard game, they are Spaniards Diego Costa and Marcos win away to West Bromwich eighth in the league and have Alonso plus a tap-in by Nemanja Albion on Friday following had a very good year.” Matic. Monday’s 3-0 victory which Chelsea suff ered September A win at West Bromwich Albion relegated Middlesbrough. defeats by both Liverpool and on Friday will secure the title in Even if they slip up against Arsenal but responded by em- coach Antonio Conte’s fi rst sea- the Baggies, Chelsea will still barking upon a 13-match win- son at Chelsea. Costa got his 20th be overwhelming favourites ning run in the league. league goal this season in the 23rd given they need just three They have since won four minute, controlling a ball lofted points from their fi nal three matches in a row following a into the area by compatriot Cesc league games this season to defeat by Manchester United, Fabregas and neatly nutmegging take the title. including an FA Cup semi- keeper Brad Guzan. Two Span- Courtois spent three years fi nal success against London iards were involved in Chelsea’s on loan at Atletico Madrid, rivals Tottenham Hotspur, second goal in the 34th minute, winning La Liga before claim- their nearest challengers in the Cesar Azpilicueta lifting the ball to ing a Premier League title in league, that left Conte on the Alonso on the left, who squeezed it his fi rst season in English foot- brink of completing a domes- under Guzan, with the ball hitting ball. tic ‘Double’ in his fi rst season the stranded keeper’s legs on the The Belgium goalkeeper, in English football. way into the net. Nemanja Matic asked to compare winning “After every bad game we got the third goal in the 65th from the title with Chelsea under always recover very quickly, another neat Fabregas chip to pile Mourinho to this season with we always respond very well the misery on Boro, who will join Conte, told Talksport Radio and win,” Blues midfi elder Ne- north-east neighbours Sunderland yesterday: “It’s hard to say manja Matic told Chelsea TV. in the second tier next season. because obviously in the fi rst “We have everything in our “This game was very important year I came here, I came from hands. We decide our future. for us after Tottenham’s defeat (at winning the league in Spain On Friday, we have an oppor- West Ham on Friday) and the pos- and straight away we won the tunity to win and to take a sibility to take three points and go league, so that was very nice. title.” seven points clear of Tottenham,” said Conte. This is a big step because there are three games and we need to take three points to win the title. We ‘Macho’ players need help fighting need another win and then to cele- mental health issues: Gascoigne brate another fantastic target for us.” Chelsea have 84 points from 35 Former England midfielder Paul Gascoigne, who has spent games followed by Tottenham Hot- several spells in rehab battling alcohol and drug addiction, has spur on 77 points also with three called for more help for players dealing with stress-related is- games remaining. Chelsea were sues. Gascoigne said soccer’s “macho” culture often deterred without their injured France inter- players who are constantly in the public limelight from seek- national N’Golo Kante, who won ing help. His appeal comes after Everton winger Aaron Lennon this season’s PFA and football writ- was detained under Britain’s Mental Health Act last week ers’ Player of the Year awards, but because of concerns for his welfare. Spaniard Cesc Fabregas control- Chelsea manager Antonio Conte celebrates with John Terry and Nemanja Matic after their victory over Middlesbrough. (Reuters) “There needs to be more done — especially with the guys. It’s led the midfi eld with almost lan- a macho thing. They think, ‘Nah, I’m not doing this because no guid confi dence in his absence. By Fabregas wants Chelsea to wrap up title in a hurry one will like us’,” Gascoigne told ITV’s Good Morning Britain. the second half Conte’s team were Gascoigne said he himself was going through his “worst year buzzing and an increasingly belea- Cesc Fabregas urged Chelsea to wrap up the Fabregas has his sights set on a title party at pions if they clinch the title on Friday. ever” following the death of his cousin but that he was now guered Middlesbrough side rarely Premier League title on Friday after the lead- the Hawthorns. “We are close and in football “At this stage it was important to win and looking forward to a “happy and sober future”. “Sometimes managed to move out of their own ers moved within touching distance of the nothing is done until it’s done. Hopefully on exploit Tottenham’s defeat. We must be I’m in a good mood and then all of a sudden I wake up and I’ve half as they headed for the trap door. silverware thanks to the Spaniard’s inspired Friday we can have the title,” Fabregas said. pleased. It was a great performance, my play- got a bottle of gin and I think ‘where’s that come from?’.” Despite his side’s total con- display. “It would be amazing to do it Friday - the ers showed commitment and work-rate for “You look at the Everton player (Lennon), who’s just been trol of the game, the ever fever- Fabregas was the creative fulcrum of Chel- quicker the better “Today is a big step for- three important points,” he said. sectioned... There’s a lot of people who have got everything, ish Conte prowled the touchline sea’s 3-0 win over Middlesbrough at Stam- ward. Nothing is done yet and it’s a big final “This is my first season in England in a tough but inside they don’t share enough,” Gascoigne said. as usual, gesticulating wildly and ford Bridge on Monday and his assists set up on Friday.” Conte has made a huge impact Championship. I’m delighted for my players, Last week, the Professional Footballers’ Association said 178 yelling commands to his play- goals for Diego Costa and Nemanja Matic. in his first season at the Bridge, reviving a they deserve this. We are showing that we current and former players had started using a dedicated ers. Chants of “Antonio, Anto- Marcos Alonso was also on target for the squad that imploded under Jose Mourinho deserve to win the league. service to provide help on mental health so far this year, more nio” reverberated around the Blues, who are now seven points clear of last season. “Now, another step to the title. We have to than in the whole of last year. ground as the whistle went and second placed Tottenham. The former Italy coach was delighted with rest well and prepare for West Brom. “Sometimes their ego’s getting battered,” he added. the Italian hugged his assistants Chelsea will be crowned champions in An- the way his players capitalised on Totten- “We must try in the next game to become “With me, sometimes I needed my ego to be battered and before applauding and shaking tonio Conte’s first season as manager if they ham’s shock defeat at West Ham on Friday champions. West Brom will want to play a squashed. That’s the only way of going forward — by talking hands with the despondent Boro beat West Bromwich Albion on Friday and and he believes Chelsea will be worthy cham- good game against us, but we are ready.” about it.” players.

FOCUS Dutch turn to Advocaat for World Cup rescue mission

Reuters until the end of the World Cup next year, if Amsterdam the country qualifi es. The KNVB will then appoint a new coach with a longer-term perspective. eteran coach Dick Advocaat is to “There were two scenarios. We opt for take charge of the Dutch national the longer term or we do everything that is team for a third time to try to re- possible to get to the 2018 World Cup. We vive their faltering campaign to chose the second scenario. It had to be a Vqualify for next year’s World Cup in Russia. very experienced professional, preferably The 69-year-old, who becomes the an authority,” Van Breukelen added. country’s oldest coach, will be assisted by In his fi rst spell in charge, Advocaat took Ruud Gullit. Advocaat will leave Turkish the Netherlands to the quarter-fi nals of side Fenerbahce at the end of the current the World Cup in the United States in 1994, season to lead the national team for the where they lost to eventual winners Brazil. fi rst time since they reached the semi-fi - He has also had three stints as assistant nals of Euro 2004. coach, most recently briefl y last year when “I welcome the appointments of Ad- he spent just three months working under vocaat and Gullit,” Dutch soccer associa- Blind before leaving for Turkey amid much tion (KNVB) technical director Hans van criticism of his decision. Breukelen said at a press conference. Advocaat was reportedly not the fi rst Advocaat replaces Danny Blind, who was choice of the KNVB. According to local sacked in March after a 2-0 defeat in Bul- media Louis van Gaal, Ronald Koeman, garia left the country fourth in their quali- Frank de Boer, Henk ten Cate and German fi cation pool midway through the cam- coach Roger Schmidt all turned the job paign, six points behind leaders France. down. The Dutch, World Cup runners-up on Ten Cate, now coaching in Abu Dhabi, three occasions, are in danger of missing ran into a media storm last month after in- out on a place in Russia after also failing to itially accepting the post but then chang- qualify for Euro 2016. ing his mind, saying in a statement that he Advocaat, the former Sunderland man- felt he did not have the full support of the ager, has been given a contract running KNVB. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 10, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE COMMENT We are not from Beverly Hills, Ramos Simeone boys eye warns Atletico

AFP No vertigo Madrid Even by their standards Real are on the verge of completing the most glorious season in the eal Madrid captain club’s decorated history. 2015 repeat to stage Sergio Ramos insists Zinedine Zidane’s men are the European cham- three games away from a fi rst pions will not be league title in fi ve years and, coweredR by an intimidating at- should they complete a La mosphere as they visit Atletico Liga and Champions League Madrid’s Vicente Calderon for double, it will be Real’s fi rst the fi nal time today. since 1957/58. Moreover, they Los Blancos are looking to could become the fi rst side in stunning turnaround seal their place in the Champi- the Champions League era to ons League fi nal once more and retain the trophy. And Ramos enjoy a commanding 3-0 fi rst insisted he is relishing a chal- ‘We’re going to approach the second leg just as any other game’ leg lead. And Ramos hit back at lenging end to the campaign the simplifi cation of the rivalry rather than wilting under the between the two Madrid giants pressure. as Real’s riches against Atleti- “There is no feeling of ver- co’s hard work. tigo. The contrary, it is in our “It seems like here we have own hands,” added the Spanish grown up in Beverly Hills,” said international. Ramos yesterday. “The good part of the season “Here there are people from is coming, there are two weeks humble backgrounds too. left and we’ll see what happens “The sacrifi ce is what fi lls in the end. you with desire to win.” An “I would settle to be in this already intense rivalry has position every year.” reached new levels in recent Despite his stellar record seasons as under Diego Sime- since taking charge of Real 17 one Atletico’s status and abil- months ago, Zidane has been ity to challenge Real has grown. evasive over his future in recent However, the red and white weeks. However, the French- side of Madrid has consist- man believes even if Real ended ently fallen short against Real up missing out on both La Liga in the Champions League. Un- and the Champions League, it less they pull off a remarkable would be unfair to categorise comeback, Atletico will bow their season as a failure. out of European competition “After eight or nine months against their fi ercest rivals for the players have worked with the fourth consecutive season. incredible professionalism, but “We know playing at home we have to keep showing that is always a plus for us,” said every three days. Until now we Atletico midfi elder Saul have done well, but we have to Niguez. show it again tomorrow and on “We have to give every- Sunday. “An injustice or a fail- thing and make sure the fans ure is not giving your all, and we go home proud of their players are giving everything we have.” whether we go through or not.” Zidane is expected to resort However, the size of Atleti- back to the side that started co’s task is illustrated by the the fi rst leg after making nine fact that Real have scored in all changes for Saturday’s 4-0 win of their last 60 games stretch- at Granada bar the introduc- ing back over a year. tion of Nacho for the injured “We can’t go crazy,” added Dani Carvajal at right-back. Saul. “We know it is very dif- Gareth Bale remains side- fi cult, but we need to go step- lined with a calf injury. by-step, we need to keep a Atletico’s injury crisis at Atletico Madrid’s Argentinian coach Diego Simeone looks on during a press conference at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid on the eve of their UEFA Champions League clean sheet. right-back is expected to be re- semi final second leg match against Real Madrid. (AFP) “If they score the tie is even solved by the return of Juanfran more diffi cult, but a goal in the after three weeks out. Other- Reuters Real thrashed Granada 4-0 “After the last game I told the their last eight league games game, to go out strong and give fi rst-half would give us a lot of wise, Simeone is also expected Barcelona on Saturday despite Zinedine players it was very tough, that against Atletico but have found everything,” Zidane told a news strength and could make them to name the same side that Zidane making nine changes we’re facing the best team in the the magic formula against their conference ahead of today’s nervous.” started the fi rst leg. from the team that beat Atletico world that scores in every game rivals in the Champions League, game at the Vicente Calderon. tletico Madrid have so convincingly, while Sime- but we can do it. I’m convinced we which winger Lucas Vazquez “We’ll see what happens then, built a reputation for one only rested one player in his can, if I wasn’t I wouldn’t say so.” said was due to their history in but our aim wont change, the re- gargantuan achieve- side’s 1-0 victory over Eibar. Captain Gabi, meanwhile, is the competition. sult changes nothing and we’re ments under coach Di- With Real feeling fresher and taking inspiration from Barcelo- “Real Madrid have a special going to try and score.” egoA Simeone and have not given their confi dence soaring as they na’s record-breaking comeback connection with Europe and the The prospect of going out to up hope of a remarkable turna- remain on track to win the do- from a four-goal defi cit against fans feel the same way. Playing pile more misery on Atletico will round against Real Madrid in to- mestic title, all signs point to Paris St Germain this season. in a Champions League game for be music to the ears of Ronaldo, day’s Champions League semi- the 11-times European champi- “Of course we can do it, look Madrid gives you goosebumps,” who has scored eight times in fi nal second leg. ons piling more misery on their at Barcelona, and they had an he said. “Every game against the last three Champions League Last week’s chastening 3-0 neighbours who they beat in the even more diffi cult result,” he Atletico is diffi cult because they games and also hit a treble in the defeat at the Bernabeu left 2014 and 2016 fi nals. said. are a great team but we know quarter-fi nal second leg against Atletico needing a repeat of their Simeone, however, off ered a “We’re convinced we can do how to beat them.” Bayern Munich. sensational 4-0 win over their typically defi ant message ahead it, we’re going to fi ght for it and Real Madrid will attack city The Portuguese player has fi erce local rivals in La Liga in of the second leg, alluding to if not we can at least go out with rivals Atletico Madrid and not shone in games against Real’s 2015 to prevent a fourth straight his side’s remarkable title win our heads held high.” sit back and defend their 3-0 neighbours this season, also European defeat by Real side in 2014 and their Champions Atletico were boosted on Sun- lead as they chase a place in the scoring all three goals in their who have not lost by more than League successes over the likes day by the return of defender Jose fi nal, coach Zinedine Zidane 3-0 win at Atletico in the league one goal this campaign. of Barcelona, Chelsea and Bay- Gimenez to training although yesterday. Cristiano Ronaldo’s in November. Real have also scored in each ern Munich. they are still without right backs hat-trick in a dominant fi rst leg Zidane joined an elite group to of their last 60 games in all com- “On Wednesday we have an Juanfran and Sime Vrsaljko, who display put the 11-times Euro- have won the Champions League petitions, increasing the like- extremely diffi cult game which they missed badly in the fi rst leg pean champions on the brink of as a player and a coach when he lihood of an away goal which for some would be impossible, as they struggled to cause Real’s a third fi nal in four years. steered Los Blancos to a penalty would oblige Atletico to win by but not for us,” Simeone told re- defence any problems. “We’re going to approach shoot-out victory over Atletico Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos speaks during a press conference at four goals to reach the fi nal. porters. Real have won only one of the second leg just as any other last year. Valdebebas Sport City in Madrid yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS Wenger determined to retain full control at Arsenal

AFP right and left? I don’t understand FA Cup fi nal in four seasons later this Liverpool must win last two games, says Milner London and I never did understand what it month, while Sunday’s success saw means.” Wenger at last get the better of Jose Liverpool have no margin for error in the race for a top-four Wenger previously said that he Mourinho at the 13th attempt. place and must win their remaining two Premier League games rsene Wenger has ruled had made up his mind about his fu- “It gives us still a chance to go into to make sure of a spot in next season’s Champions League, said out working alongside a ture and would announce it in March the top four,” said Wenger. left back James Milner. director of football if he or April, but no announcement was Former United defender Phil Nev- Third-placed Liverpool (70 points, 36 games) are a point and a stays at Arsenal, saying he forthcoming. ille criticised the cordial way players place above Manchester City, who have a game in hand. Man- mustA have full control of the Premier His Arsenal contract expires at the from both sides were seen joking and chester United are not out of the running in fifth but it is Arsenal League club. end of this season and while a fresh hugging each other before kick-off , who look the biggest threat for a place in the top four. The Frenchman’s hardline stance deal is reportedly on the table, some a far cry from the frosty atmosphere The Gunners trail Liverpool by seven points but have two games puts him on a potential collision Arsenal fans have called for his head that pervaded his own encounters in hand, including Wednesday’s trip to Southampton. course with members of the Arse- after a disappointing run that saw with the Gunners. Liverpool have a diff icult visit to West Ham and a home tie nal hierarchy who reportedly want them humiliated in the Champions “I think I understand that the against an already-relegated Middlesbrough left to play. to bring in a director of football League to Bayern Munich and fall pundits are a bit surprised by that “We have got to win the last two,” Milner told British media. “How this summer to work with Wenger. out of the Premier League top four. because 10 or 15 years ago that did would we feel if we miss out? Sick. This is a team and a club that Wenger has called the shots at the Asked yesterday if he would now re- not exist,” Wenger said. “But it is an needs to be in the Champions League.” north London club since he joined in veal his decision over whether to sign overall, international thing now. Liverpool have struggled for consistency in their last few games, 1996 and said he had no interest in the contract, he replied simply: “No.” “You can watch Real Madrid losing at home to Crystal Palace, scraping a 1-0 win at Watford having his authority diminished, even against Barcelona – it’s the same and drawing 0-0 at home to Southampton at the weekend in a as his future remains mired in uncer- Wenger surprised because people play together, come game Milner failed to convert a penalty. tainty and with the fans restless. Arsenal are in danger of failing to from the same country. “We have shown on any one day we can beat anyone so if we “I’m the manager of Arsenal Foot- qualify for the Champions League “I was surprised as well I must could get in the Champions League we know we could be a ball Club and as long as I’m manager for the fi rst time in Wenger’s long say, but I must confess as well that it match for anyone,” he said. of Arsenal Football Club, I will decide reign, even though Sunday’s 2-0 doesn’t stop the players to focus and “We have got to do it consistently.” what happens on the technical front, win over Manchester United moved concentrate after on the game.” Milner added that Liverpool would be home and dry had they that’s it,” Wenger, 67, said on the eve them to within six points of fourth- Arsenal, beaten 4-0 by South- taken full points from sides down the table. of today’s league match at South- placed Manchester City with a game ampton in last season’s correspond- “We’ve dropped points where we shouldn’t have done,” he said. ampton. in hand. ing fi xture at St Mary’s, travel to the “Against the top teams, our record is very, very good but against “I don’t know what director of While the Premier League and south coast with a fi tness doubt over the teams that come to sit back and play on the break and look football means. Is it somebody who Europe has been a source of frustra- Laurent Koscielny after the defender to get something from a set-piece, we need to improve.” stands in the road and directs play tion, Arsenal will contest their third suff ered a calf injury against United. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, March 10, 2017 SPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Murray makes strong start in Madrid Bouchard claims AFP second game of the match. Madrid But Murray eventually made his move and let out a cry of joy with a brilliant cross-court orld number one half-volley to break Copil’s re- Andy Murray en- sistance and take the fi rst set joyed a comfort- 6-4. One break in the sixth able start to his game was also enough for win over Sharapova Wquest for a third Madrid Mas- Murray to take the second set ters title with a 6-4, 6-3 win as he easily served out for the over Romania’s Marius Copil match. Ninth seed David Gof- yesterday. fi n became the fi rst man into Murray has struggled for the third round with a routine form and fi tness since soaring 7-6 (7/3), 6-0 win over Ger- to the top of the world rankings many’s Florian Mayer. at the end of last year. Australia’s Bernard Tomic in Madrid thriller However, the Scot had far was dumped out by Ryan Har- too much guile for the big- rison in his fi rst-round clash serving world number 104 as 7-5, 4-6, 6-2. ‘...so I wanted to do it for myself, but also all these people. I really felt support’ he didn’t face a single break And Nicolas Almagro will point in sealing victory in just face second seed Novak Djok- under 90 minutes on court. ovic as he begins life without Murray will face either Lu- long-term coach Marian Va- cas Pouille or Pierre-Hugues jda on Wednesday after beat- Herbert in the last 16 tomor- ing fellow Spaniard Tommy row . The Wimbledon cham- Robredo 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. Rafael pion passed up two chances Nadal is also in action today to break the Copil serve in the against Italy’s Fabio Fognini.

Johnson, Day in marquee Players groups Defending champion Jason Day plays with past champions Rickie Fowler and Henrik Stenson, while world number one Dus- tin Johnson tees it up with Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas in to- morrow’s opening round of The Players. Day, the world number three, won last year’s event by four strokes after opening with a course-record 63. The Australian helps kick off the tournament in the morning wave on Thursday with fellow top 10 players, Swe- den’s Stenson (7) and Rickie Fowler (9), teeing off at the 10th tee at 8:16 AM (1216 GMT) in the so-called ‘fourth major’ of the sea- son. Another glamour group follows them to the tee 11 minutes later as world number five Jordan Spieth, number four Hideki Matsuyama of Japan and five-times major winner Phil Mickel- son set off on the revamped Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. Johnson, whose run of three victories in his previous three starts ended with a tie for second at last week’s Wells Fargo Champion- ship, hopes to get started on a new winning streak when he tees off at 1:52 PM from the first tee in the afternoon wave. World number two McIlroy, the FedExCup champion, celebrates a return to competition after a month off to get married. They are preceded by groupings of Masters champion Sergio Garcia of Spain and former winners Adam Scott of Australia and Matt Kuchar, and an international trio of Briton Justin Rose, Ger- man Martin Kaymer and Spaniard Jon Rahm. The elite field at The Players will see numerous changes at the permanent site of the championship, including a new drivable par-four 12th hole, where eagles are possible if one risks the danger posed by a water hazard left of the green. There is also a new hazard between the sixth and seventh, and subtle changes to several holes, including expanded greens and the removal of rough to promote creative recovery shots.

Eugenie Bouchard of Canada celebrates her victory over Maria Sharapova of Russia in Madrid. (Reuters)

Reuters have been allowed to compete rounding the game. sian by clinching the 12th game. not only physically and tennis- Madrid again following her positive test. “I’ve been part of this game Sharapova, who reached the wise, but also mentally and Froome ‘rammed’ by hit-and-run Bouchard stood by her com- for many years. I know what the Stuttgart Grand Prix semi-fi nals emotionally,” Bouchard added. ments about Sharapova on ar- drill is,” she said. “But at the end last month in her fi rst tourna- “Each point was a battle from driver in France ugenie Bouchard pulled riving in the Spanish capital of the day, it’s just two athletes ment since being banned, was the fi rst point. It was really a Reigning Tour de France champion Chris Froome filed a off her fi rst win over and after Monday’s victory the competing against each other, given a pep-talk by coach Sven fi ght. I’m just proud that I came report to police yesterday alleging that he was deliberately Maria Sharapova with a Canadian said recent events had and I’m one of them. That’s how Groeneveld at 2-1 down in the out stronger in the end and held “rammed” off his bicycle by a hit-and-run driver while training 7-5 2-6 6-4 triumph in made her more fi red up for the I treat this game. second and roared back to win it together in the third set.” in southern France. theE Madrid Open on Monday in game.“I defi nitely had some ex- “What you work for for so four straight games to wrap up Defending champion Simona The British rider posted a picture of his badly damaged bike a thrilling contest full of tension tra motivation going into today, many hours every single day is to the set. Halep came from 5-2 down in on Twitter but said he had escaped injury during the incident after the Canadian had called the Obviously I had never beaten her be on the winning end of match- But the Russian played too the fi nal set to beat Roberta Vin- near his home in Monaco. “Just got rammed on purpose by Russian a cheater following her before and then there were other es. Today was just not that day.” many risky shots in the decider ci 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (7/2) to reach the an impatient driver who followed me onto the pavement!” doping ban. circumstances,” she told a news and, after saving three break third round. Halep very nearly tweeted the 31-year-old Froome, a three-time winner of the Bouchard, 23, saw the fi ve- conference. THRILLING CONTEST points in two consecutive serv- became the latest seed to fall in Tour, road cycling’s most prestigious race. time grand slam winner as her “I was actually quite inspired Monday’s enthralling contest, ice games, she was broken in the a decimated bottom half of the “Thankfully I’m okay. Bike totaled. Driver kept going!” idol when she was growing up before the match because I had which lasted nearly three hours, seventh game. draw after early exits for Karo- The picture was geotagged from the French town of Beau- but her admiration vanished a lot of players coming up to me certainly lived up to the hype. Sharapova broke back im- lina Pliskova, Garbine Muguruza soleil, just next to Monaco, and retweeted more than 16,000 when Sharapova tested positive privately wishing me good luck, Bouchard, ranked 60th in the mediately but then dropped an- and Johanna Konta. times in just a few hours. A police source in the neighbouring for the banned substance mel- players I don’t normally speak world, entered Madrid after fi ve other service game to allow Bou- However, the Romanian town of Menton said: “Mr Froome filed a complaint at the donium at the 2016 Australian to, getting a lot of texts from tour-level opening round losses chard to serve out for the match. bounced back from losing nine police station in Beausoleil, where he was met by an off icer. He Open, which led to a 15-month people in the tennis world that in a row and her three-set fi rst The pair endured a brief, awk- of 11 games from 2-2 in the sec- was very calm. He was hit by a vehicle which was right on his suspension. were just rooting for me. round win over Alize Cornet ward handshake after Bouchard ond set to force the deciding tail. He wasn’t hurt but his bike was in bits. The problem is that The match was the most ea- “So I wanted to do it for my- was her fi rst since the Australian claimed a place in the third set into a tie-break. And with he does not have the registration number of the car and it will gerly anticipated when the draw self, but also all these people. I Open in January. But her extra round against top seed Angel- 34-year-old Vinci sensing her be a bit complicated (to find the motorist).” was made after Bouchard’s com- really felt support.” determination to beat Sharapova ique Kerber, who she beat on her chance had gone, Halep raced Police will study CCTV footage along the road, the source said. ments in the Turkish media in After suff ering a tough de- was on display as she managed to way to the Wimbledon fi nal in through the tie-break to set up Froome’s team Sky said he returned home to get a spare bike April when she said Sharapova feat, Sharapova avoided getting win a gruelling 70-minute fi rst 2014. a last-16 clash with Australian and continued his training after the incident. was a “cheater” and should not drawn into the extra furore sur- set against the 30-year-old Rus- “It was a very tough match, 16th seed Samantha Stosur.

CYCLING Polanc conquers Etna, Jungels in Giro pink

AFP Vincenzo Nibali and Colombian race,” said Thomas. just before the climb,” said Kru- Etna, Italy challenger Nairo Quintana. “Everyone was unsure, testing ijswijk, who saw his hopes of “The climb was diffi cult with each other, it was a little bit of winning the 2016 race crushed a constant headwind, especially cat and mouse.” by a crash while chasing Ni- lovenian Jan Polanc con- after a long break,” added Po- Despite his reputed climbing bali on the descent of the Colle quered the prestigious lanc, who fi nished 19secs ahead abilities, Polanc was given little dell’Agnello. Giro d’Italia fourth stage of Russia’s Ilnur Zakarin after chance of taking his escape all A number of solo attacks came to Mount Etna on Tues- the Katusha rider made a last- the way to the fi nish from a four- and went in the fi nal kilometres, dayS as Luxembourg’s Bob Jun- gasp bid for glory. man breakaway that went early but none stuck. gels took the pink jersey to keep A reduced peloton containing in the stage. Astana veteran Paolo Tiralon- the race lead with his Quick Step all the main favourites crossed But after the peloton upped go, 39, had hoped to dedicate team. the line 29secs behind the Slov- the pace signifi cantly with 30km a victory to former teammate Climbing specialist Polanc, enian, Britain’s Geraint Thomas to race to begin eating into their Michele Scarponi, whose death who races for the United Arab (Sky) beating France’s Thibaut defi cit, the Slovenian was given a in a training ride accident last Emirates (UAE) team, was part Pinot to fi nish third and claim gentle push to the fi nish. month has prompted fans to dis- of a four-man breakaway that precious bonus seconds that A straightforward, right-hand play banners in memory of the pulled free early in the 181 km moved him up to second overall. bend on a wide road caused con- 37-year-old Italian. ride from Cefalu. The Welshman, leading Team fusion, some riders hesitating to But the Astana rider was Despite being left on his own Sky’s bid for glory along with take the bend while others rode quickly reeled in, as was French- for the last 16 km of the 18.1 km Spaniard Mikel Landa, is now straight on. man Pierre Rolland after an at- climb to the summit, Polanc held six seconds behind Jungels with The scene would have been tempt 12km from the fi nish that on to solo over the fi nish line in compatriot Adam Yates (Orica) comical had it not left several lasted only minutes. just over 4hr 55min. in third at 10. stage contenders, including Three kilometres from the fi n- “It was probably the hardest Steven Kruijswijk and Zakarin, ish, Nibali pulled away from the day of my life,” said Polanc. And ‘Cat and mouse’ among the bodies lying on the chasing peloton in a move de- most of the peloton agreed. Claiming he felt “good”, Tho- ground suff ering road rash. signed more, said Bahrain team- While locals are used to seeing mas said the expected hostili- It was the second disaster in mate Giovanni Visconti, to see sparks from the regular erup- ties were tempered by the tough four days of racing for the pair, how his rivals would respond. tions on Europe’s highest ac- conditions. who are among several riders “He’s (Nibali) obviously not in tive volcano, a tough headwind “It (the climb) didn’t go ballis- looking for a podium fi nish. peak form yet, but it will be dif- ended hopes of a stage four duel tic, there was a strong headwind “I’m not so good. I crashed ferent by the time he arrives on Slovenia’s Jan Polanc of team UAE Emirates celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the 4th stage of between defending champion and it’s the fi rst big stage of the pretty hard, which wasn’t great the third week,” said Visconti. the 100th Giro d’Italia in Sicily yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Wednesday, May 10, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA NBA opens fi rst prospects,” Tatum said. academy in India “Here we have 21 of the best prospects in India. What we The National Basketball Asso- want to do is make sure they ciation (NBA) opened its first reach their full potentials, academy in India yesterday, whatever that is.” hoping the facility on the out- skirts of Delhi will trigger the Nene out of Rockets’ game’s growth in a country playoff push Curry leads rout of obsessed with cricket. “We opened our first off ice Houston Rockets forward in India in 2011 but we had to Nene has been ruled out of understand the market place,” the remainder of the season NBA Deputy Commissioner after suff ering a torn thigh Mark Tatum said after launch- muscle, the team confirmed ing the academy at Jaypee on Monday. Greens in Greater Noida. The 34-year-old Brazilian was Jazz as Warriors “We recognised there was op- injured in the first quarter of portunity for us now to bring Sunday’s Game 4 win over the NBA-style coaching, develop- San Antonio Spurs, hobbling ment and training to kids off after just two minutes. around the world who may “The Rockets medical staff is not have access to that.” currently reviewing treatment It follows the launch of acad- options,” the team said in a emies in Hangzhou, Jinan and statement. complete sweep Urumqi in China and in Thies Nene’s absence is a blow to in Senegal. the Rockets as they prepare The NBA’s plans also include for Tuesday’s Game 5 with the ‘We gotta good thing going, we’re playing well. That’s our approach to every game. launching a global academy in series finely balanced at 2-2. Canberra. The 6ft 11in (2.1 metre) forward We don’t know who’s going to have a hot night. We want to keep that going’ A total of 21 male players are has averaged 10.8 points and to receive NBA-level coach- 5.3 rebounds per game during ing and scholarship at the the playoff s. academy. Rockets star James Harden The number of international called on Houston to rally players in the NBA has been around following Nene’s injury increasing, with a record 113 blow, with Montrezl Harrell a on opening night rosters for likely back-up option at center the 2016-17 season. despite only playing 18 min- The NBA has an Indian owner utes in the postseason. in Sacramento Kings Vivek “He’s a big part of what we Ranadive, who was born do,” teammate Harden said in Mumbai, but a player to of Nene. galvanise a fan base has yet “Guys have to step up. It’s an to arrive. opportunity for guys who Satnam Singh Bhamara, the don’t play big minutes and son of a farmer, became the for guys like Montrezl who first Indian to be drafted into haven’t really played and the NBA when the Dallas might get some opportunities. Mavericks used the 52nd pick Whoever it is, we’ve got to try on the 7-foot-2-inch centre in to fill that role.” 2015. Nene joined the Rockets last “This initiative is not about year after a four-year stint finding more sponsors or with the Washington Wizards marketing partners. It’s about which followed a decade with developing elite basketball the Denver Nuggets.

MLB Toronto Blue Jays ruin Encarnacion’s homecoming

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (R) controls the ball against Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (L) during game four of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoff s.

AFP the deal and thankfully we came out on riors always looked capable of fi nding an suggestion that the Warriors may suf- Los Angeles top,” added Curry, praising the Warriors extra gear when it mattered. fer deeper into the playoff s after romp- all-round off ensive display. The decisive period came at the end ing through the fi rst two rounds without “That’s our approach to every game. We of the third period when both Curry and dropping a game. “Every team that we’ve tephen Curry scored 30 points don’t know who’s going to have a hot night. Andre Iguodala both hit three-pointers in played had a lot of pride,” Curry said. as the Golden State Warriors We want to keep that going,” he said. quick succession to help the Dubs pull away “We haven’t lost but within these games wrapped up a series sweep with The Warriors laid the foundation for to 93-79 heading into the fourth quarter. we’ve really had to check ourselves. a 121-95 rout of the Utah Jazz on the win with a devastating fi rst quarter “You can learn lessons through win- Monday.S performance which saw them pour on LESSONS THROUGH WINNING ning and that’s what we’ve done.” The Warriors advanced to a Western 39 points to open up a double-digit lead That burst of scoring was a foretaste of Jazz star Hayward, who may have played Conference fi nals showdown against against a shellshocked Utah. what was to follow in the fourth quarter, his last game for the team as he prepares for either Houston or San Antonio after “Guys really came out focused,” said with the Warriors pulling further clear to free agency, said Utah had been defeated by overcoming a fl eeting Utah rally to take Warriors forward Draymond Green, who wrap up victory by a 26-point margin. a “historically great team.” Toronto Blue Jays players celebrate the win over Cleveland Indians. the series 4-0 at Salt Lake City’s Vivint had a triple-double. “We knew what the Curry was one of fi ve Warriors players “They make you pay for your mis- Smart Home Arena. game plan was and executed that game to hit double fi gures, with Klay Thomp- takes,” said Hayward. “You have to be MCT ging .200 on that pitch, Morales It was a second consecutive 4-0 se- plan. I think the most important thing, son adding 21 points and Kevin Durant 18. almost perfect every possession, or else Toronto is slugging .167, Smoak is slug- ries victory for the Warriors, who also though, is we imposed our will on the Green added 17 points, 10 rebounds they turn it into a 9-0 run or 10-0 run. ging .167, Travis is slugging .333 notched a sweep against Portland in the game. We had the game at our pace.” and 11 assists for a triple-double. “You can’t have one mental lapse against on his double. opening round of the playoff s. The Jazz battled back to reduce the defi - For Utah, Gordon Hayward top scored them. This was a great learning experience. dwin Encarnacion re- “I don’t know. I’m playing the “We gotta good thing going, we’re cit to eight points at half-time at 60-52. with 25 points while Shelvin Mack had 18 They showed why they are who they are, ceived a warm reception odds and right now they’re defi - playing well,” Curry said afterward. Utah remained in touching distance and Dante Exum 15. and we’re not quite there yet. But you have from the fans who used nitely against me.” “Tonight we had an opportunity to seal throughout the third period but the War- Curry meanwhile played down the to take positives from it.” Eto call him their own on In the sixth, Pillar denied the Monday night. Indians a big inning when he made Then he went out and got a great diving catch against Jose NHL two hits and reached base three Ramirez to end the inning. times. Unfortunately for the “That’s one of the best catches Tribe, his new teammates didn’t I’ve seen in a long time,” said contribute much to his home- manager Terry Francona. “It was coming as Toronto beat the In- a game-changing play.” dians, 4-2, at Rogers Centre. The The win went to Marcus Indians have been held to three Stroman (3-2, 3.38). He threw Burakovsky double helps Caps or fewer runs in 17 of their 31 six scoreless innings, allowing games this season. six hits with two walks and a Trevor Bauer (2-3, 7.36) al- strikeout. Stroman left his previ- lowed two runs each in the sec- ous start after three innings with ond and third innings and that right shoulder tightness. down Penguins to tie series was enough to beat the Indians. Bauer allowed four runs on AFP to win a game like this and win during a Penguins power play. Bauer, working on six days’ rest, six hits. He struck out six and New York a series at home. To a man, we Washington’s early pressure set a career-high with 125 pitches walked three. weren’t good enough.” was rewarded when Burakovsky as he worked six innings. The Capitals attacking domi- doubled the lead at 6:36 of the Over 40,000 fans came to WHAT JUST HAPPENED? ndre Burakovsky nance was backed by a solid dis- second after forcing a turnover Rogers Centre on Monday to see The Indians fi nally broke through scored twice as the play in goal by Braden Holtby by Ron Hainsey. if Encarnacion would do what against Toronto in the eighth, Washington Capitals who made 16 saves. The game was settled with he did so well for the seven-plus but it took some doing. thrashed the Pitts- Penguins goalie Marc-Andre a fl urry of scoring in the third, years he played for the Jays — hit After Roberto Perez walked burghA Penguins 5-2 to level their Fleury was given a torrid time, with Backstrom beating Fleury a home run. It turned out the and Carlos Santana doubled him Eastern Conference semi-fi nal blocking 21 of 26 shots. for 3-0 before Carlson added a only home run of the game was to third, Francisco Lindor sin- series on Monday. Pittsburgh struggled to gen- power-play goal to make it 4-0 hit by shortstop Ryan Goins. gled to right against former Tribe T.J. Oshie opened the scor- erate any early fl uency and their at 11:17 of the third. Goins hit just his third homer of reliever Joe Smith. Perez scored ing in the fi rst period before fi rst shot on goal didn’t arrive Burakovsky then rifl ed a shot the season in the second for a 2-0 and when Lindor got caught in a Burakovsky grabbed his fi rst of until 12:17 of the fi rst period, a past Fleury at 12:29 for 5-0. lead following a double by Devon rundown between fi rst and sec- the night in the second period long clear by Brian Dumoulin. Caps goalscorer Oshie be- Travis. It came with two out as ond, Santana scored as well. to give the Caps a deserved 2-0 Washington opened the scor- lieves momentum is now fi rmly Bauer made a good pitch inside, To make things sting a little lead at Pittsburgh’s PPG Paints ing on the same power play, with Washington heading into but Goins made a better swing. more for the Blue Jays, Travis, Arena. when Backstrom released Evg- the decider. The Blue Jays made it 4-0 on playing second base, was called Nicklas Backstrom, John eny Kuznetsov who set up Oshie “It gives us a little bit more Justin Smoak’s two-run single for obstruction with Lindor dur- Carlson and Burakovsky all for a 1-0 lead. confi dence,” Oshie said. “We have in the third. Bauer walked Kevin ing the rundown. Lindor was struck in quick succession to fi re Fleury kept Pittsburgh in to be pretty mature about this, Pillar and gave up a double to awarded second base and To- Washington into a commanding touch with several key saves, in- though. We know it’s not going to Kendrys Morales to bring Smoak ronto manager John Gibbons was 5-0 lead in the third period to all Washington Capitals left wing Andre Burakovsky (R) in action during cluding a superb block from Alex be the exact same story. They’re to the plate. The Indians were ejected for arguing. but guarantee victory. the game against Pittsburgh Penguins. Ovechkin in the left circle. not just going to go away. playing the infi eld in on Smoak’s Travis was charged with an er- Two late goals from Jake The Penguins were also given “They’re Stanley Cup cham- soft single to right. ror on the play. Guentzel and Evegeni Malkin ing. We’re having fun now,” said van off ered no excuses after the a scare when Sidney Crosby, in pions for a reason. We’ll re- “Everything they hit was lo- Smith, who came on to face were mere consolation for the Capitals coach Barry Trotz. defending champions fl uff ed only his second game back from group. We’re going to enjoy this. cated right where I wanted to,” Lindor, gathered himself nice- Penguins, who at one stage had The series will now be settled another chance to wrap up the a concussion, suff ered a bloody It was a fun one tonight for us, said Bauer. “If you go back and ly to retire Jason Kipnis on a led the best-of-seven series 3-1. in a decisive Game 7 in Washing- series. nose from a team-mate’s stick. but we defi nitely have to regroup look at their slugging percent- grounder and strike out Encar- “Since Game 3, we’ve had a ton today. “It’s frustrating,” Sullivan The Canadian star was also and get refocused on the start for ages on those pitches over the nacion and Ramirez to end the calmness about what we’re do- Penguins coach Mike Sulli- said. “You’ve got an opportunity sent crashing into the boards Game 7.” last two years — Goins is slug- inning. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, May 10, 2017 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT TOP MAN Roberts to lead Wales Who will Lady on summer tour Luck favour at World Cup draw? Leading nations will be hoping for a big slice of luck at today’s 2019 WC draw, where File picture of Jamie Roberts. seedings stacked with dangerous teams could throw up more than one ‘Pool of Death’ arlequins centre Jamie WALES SQUAD: Roberts will captain Forwards: Scott Baldwin (Os- Wales on their two- preys), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Adam test summer tour as Beard (Ospreys), Kristian Dacey coachH Robin McBryde named 13 (Cardiff Blues), Seb Davies (Car- uncapped players in his 32-man diff Blues), Ryan Elias (Scarlets), squad for the campaign yesterday. Rob Evans (Scarlets), Tomas Fran- Wales take on Tonga on June cis (Exeter Chiefs), Ollie Griff iths 16 at Eden Park in Auckland and (Newport Gwent Dragons), Cory a week later face Samoa in Apia. Hill (Newport Gwent Dragons), “I’m immensely honoured,” Ellis Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Wyn the 30-year-old, who has made Jones (Scarlets), James King 91 appearances for the national (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), side, said in a statement. Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues), Nicky “I’m excited for the new players Smith (Ospreys), Rory Thorn- in the squad as they get the chance ton (Ospreys), Thomas Young to test themselves at this level, and (Wasps). also for the more established play- ers who now have a chance to be- Backs: Cory Allen (Cardiff Blues), come leaders in this team.” Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues), Among the 13 uncapped play- Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), ers in the Welsh party, Seb Dav- Aled Davies (Scarlets), Gareth ies, Adam Beard, Ryan Elias, Davies (Scarlets), Sam Davies Ollie Griffi ths, Wyn Jones, Rory (Ospreys), Steff Evans (Scarlets), Thornton and Thomas Young Keelan Giles (Ospreys), Tyler Mor- could feature in the forward line. gan (Newport Gwent Dragons), Wales will be missing 12 play- Jamie Roberts (captain, Harle- ers, including captain Alun Wyn quins), Owen Williams (Leicester Jones, who are a part of Warren Tigers), Rhun Williams (Cardiff Gatland’s British and Irish Lions Blues), Scott Williams (Scarlets), squad for the New Zealand tour. Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues).

All Blacks to face Samoa in Pasifika doubleheader before Lions test New Zealand will prepare for you’ve got Pasifika rugby on the first test against the Brit- show and Welsh rugby and ish & Irish Lions with a game New Zealand rugby. against Samoa in Auckland on “It allows us to fill a need for June 16 as part of a Pasifika ourselves as we need a game doubleheader straight after to prepare for the Lions and Wales face Tonga, New Zea- also give something back to land Rugby said yesterday. Pasifika rugby.” The All Blacks play the Lions New Zealand have typically File picture of All Blacks. Today’s 2019 World Cup draw will determine which teams will be pooled together and others will be keen to avoid the two-time defending champions. in the first test at Eden Park on been slow starters in their June 24 and the Samoa match international seasons and AFP The second band of seeds is Scotland, Seedings for today’s draw Steve Hansen’s New Zealand are striv- had long been discussed as a Hansen had asked NZR to Tokyo Wales, South Africa and France, while the ing to complete a hat-trick of World Cup chance for Steve Hansen’s side schedule a game in order to third contains dangerous fl oaters in Ar- Band One: New Zealand, England, victories, while England, up to second in to work on their combinations ensure they were not under gentina, the 2015 semi-fi nalists, Georgia, Australia, Ireland the rankings under Jones, are dreaming of before the series begins. prepared before they faced ugby’s leading nations will be Italy and hosts Japan. Band Two: Scotland, Wales, South ending the All Blacks’ dominance. Wales’s test against Tonga had Warren Gatland’s side. hoping for a big slice of luck at Another eight teams from Oceania, Africa, France South Africa, Australia, Wales and been moved from Nuku’alofa The All Blacks used a similar today’s 2019 World Cup draw, Europe, the Americas and Africa will be Band Three: Argentina, Japan, Geor- France are likely to be revamped and re- after concerns over the state tactic ahead of the 2005 Lions where seedings stacked with added after qualifying, with 10th-ranked gia, Italy vitalised by 2019, while Argentina and of the pitch at the National series when they played Fiji in dangerousR teams could throw up more Fiji, Tonga and Samoa among the leading Japan will look to build on their successes Band Four: Oceania 1, Americas 1, Stadium. Albany. than one ‘Pool of Death’. contenders. Europe 1, Africa 1 of 2015. “It’s great that we’re going The Wales-Tonga game will kick More than two years before the tour- It raises the possibility of New Zea- Band Five: Oceania 2, Americas 2, Rugby is striving to make inroads into to play Samoa,” Hansen said off at 0530 GMT before the All nament in Japan, the draw ceremony land, the two-time defending champi- Winner of play-off between Europe 2 Asia, including China, where World Rug- in a statement. “Along with Blacks play Samoa at 8pm. in historic Kyoto could go a long way to ons, South Africa, Argentina and Samoa and Oceania 3, Repechage Winner by announced a $100 million investment Tonga and Wales it’s going to The Lions play the Maori All deciding who will lift the trophy in Yoko- all landing in the same pool, along with a from Alisports, an off shoot of e-com- be a wonderful evening where Blacks in Rotorua on June 17. hama on November 2, 2019. host of other treacherous combinations. merce giant Alibaba, last year. England fell victim to a nightmare sce- A strong showing by Japan is consid- ex-Japan coach Eddie Jones. Participation in Asia has almost dou- nario at the last World Cup, where the ered crucial for attendances and atmos- “I’d like to get Eddie’s team, England. bled since 2009 to more than 500,000 hosts failed to reach the knock-out stages phere as the World Cup arrives, for the I want him to see Japan’s new style of players, according to the governing body, ATHLETICS after being drawn against Wales, Austral- fi rst time, in a country where rugby isn’t rugby after four years,” insisted Yamada. which hopes to have one million new ia, Fiji and Uruguay. a mainstream sport. Captain Shota Horie said: “All the players in the region by 2019. This time around, for the tournament’s But the Brave Blossoms, who stunned teams will be strong so I don’t have any The World Cup will be played in 12 fi rst edition in Asia, New Zealand, England, South Africa at the last World Cup, are real preferred opposition. The fi rst game stadiums across Japan, with 75 percent Hurdler Harrison set Australia and Ireland make up the top seeds bullish, with winger Akihito Yamada say- will be key so we will prepare for that as if of the population living within an hour’s to be divided among the four pools of fi ve. ing he hoped to draw England and their our lives depend on it.” drive from a match venue, organisers say. for fi nger surgery, CHANGE OF HEART HOPE expects quick return urdles world record SA Rugby gets approval Omitted players still holder Keni Harri- son will have surgery Hon a broken fi nger to- to bid for 2023 World have a chance: Gatland morrow but the American hopes to be back racing in less than a Reuters month, her coach told Reuters on Cup aft er ban lift ed London Monday. Harrison broke the bone when Reuters “I would like to congratulate she hit a hurdle in warm-ups be- Cape Town rugby, cricket and netball on their ritish and Irish Lions head coach fore the Diamond League meet- improved scores, you were clearly Warren Gatland has said players ing in Doha. willing to walk the extra mile,” that were omitted from the 41- Despite the pain, she went on he South African government Sports Minister Thulas Nxesi said man squad for the New Zealand to win the race. yesterday said it had lifted a ban tourB could still receive a call-up due to Doctors will determine when in a statement issued by South on the country’s rugby union African Rugby injuries and withdrawals. she is able to race again but “she’ll fornia on June 22-25. hosting international events During the course of the 2009 and be ready to hurdle in about three Harrison may not need to Tafter it made progress improving racial sanctions lifted, while the ban remained 2013 tours, at least fi ve changes were weeks,” coach Edrick Floreal said compete in the hurdles there to diversity in the sport, paving the way for in place for the athletics federation. made to the initial squad as players British and Irish Lions Head Coach in a telephone interview. make the US team for August’s a 2023 Rugby World Cup bid. Nxesi, who is new in the post, said he picked up injuries in the tests or were Warren Gatland. Harrison returned to sprint world championships in London. The government imposed the ban last expected sporting federations to provide suspended prior to the tour. workouts on Monday, posting a As the 2016 Diamond League year having pushed for the country’s leadership on racial diversity at school In 2013, captain Sam Warburton was back Mike Brown and hooker Dylan video of the session on her Twit- champion in the 100 metres hur- main sports to create more opportuni- and club levels. ruled out after picking up an injury in Hartley were notable exclusions from ter account. dles, Harrison has a wild card ties for black players and administrators The government report also exam- the second test while Dylan Hartley was Gatland’s squad with Brown expressing “There’s no danger,” Floreal entry into the world champion- more than two-decades after the end of ines participation demographics, gov- replaced in the squad by Rory Best after his disappointment on Monday. said, adding that the injury was ships and needs only to run in white-minority rule under the Apart- ernance, and employment equity from picking up a 11-week suspension before “I can understand the frustration and to the middle fi nger of her left any event at the US nationals to heid system. school to elite level. the tour started. disappointment,” Gatland said. “I am hand. collect the free pass. The ban also applied to athletics, “This is great news and a tribute to the Gatland said history could repeat it- more than happy for him to give me a call “She has a cast on the hand, so “She could run the 100 or cricket and netball. work that the sport has been doing in re- self and several players could still receive if he feels he has been hard done by. she is able to practice. She can’t 200,” Floreal said. “I would like to congratulate rugby, cent years to stay in tune and relevant to surprise call-ups. “There are a number of players in the move the arm-swing really crazy Harrison will be looking for- cricket and netball on their improved modern South Africa,” SA Rugby presi- “If you look at the history of the Lions, same situation and if any player wants but the hand doesn’t hurt mov- ward to a return to the London scores, you were clearly willing to walk dent Mark Alexander said. six to 10 players get replaced,” Gatland to call us we are more than happy to take ing it back and forth.” track. the extra mile,” Sports Minister Thu- “We can now put the fi nishing touch- said. “That is what has happened on that call. A specialist will insert a pin in Days after failing to make the las Nxesi said in a statement issued by es to what we believe will be an out- previous tours so there are six to 10 play- “When we select a squad and make a her broken fi nger on Thursday in US team for the 2016 Rio Olym- South African Rugby. standing bid to host the 2023 Rugby ers out there who are probably going to decision on players it is not always about Lexington, Kentucky, allowing pics, Harrison broke the 100m “Their right to bid for and host major World Cup.” be called upon at some stage on this tour. the rugby content.” her to hurdle again in practice. hurdles world record there last sporting events, which was revoked be- South Africa are bidding to host the “So be prepared and be ready if you get The 10-match tour starts on June Her next major race will be the July, clocking 12.20 seconds. fore, is hereby immediately reinstated.” global showpiece along with Ireland and that opportunity to come out.” 3 and ends with back-to-back games US nationals/world champion- The record had stood for 28 Cricket and netball have also had their France. A decision is due in November. England fl anker James Haskell, full- against the All Blacks. ships trials in Sacramento, Cali- years. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 10, 2017 7 CRICKET

IPL Punjab beat KKR to stay in contention for play-off s berth Opener Lynn made 52-ball 84 but wickets fell around him as Knight Riders, chasing 168, fell short by 15 runs

IANS vals and could not get partnerships going as Mohali Kings XI Punjab wicketkeeper Wriddhaman Saha KKR restricted them to 167/6 in 20 overs. (right) runs out Kolkata Knight Riders batsman Glenn Maxwell (44; 25b; 1x4, 4x6) and Wrid- Chris Lynn during the IPL in Mohali yesterday. (AFP) dhiman Saha 38 (33b; 2x4, 1x6) stitched together ings XI Punjab stayed in contention in a 71-run stand for the fourth wicket but it was the race for playoff s with an upset vic- KKR’s England all-rounder Chris Woakes who tory over the second-placed Kolkata stole the show with best bowling fi gures of 2/20 Knight Riders even as its top batsman in his allotted four overs. KChris Lynn’s 52-ball 84 went up in smoke in an Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav also Indian Premier League game here yesterday. returned decent fi gures of 2/34 as the Gautam Punjab now have 12 points from the same Gambhir-led side never let the Punjab batsmen number of matches and play Mumbai Indians pull away. Axar (not out 8) and Tewatia (not out and Rising Pune Supergiant away. KKR, on the 14) were at the crease at the end of the innings. other hand, remained second despite the defeat In the absence of Hashim Amla, Martin Gup- with 16 points from 13 outings. They have al- till opened the batting with Manan Vohra. The ready made the knockout stages. pair did not last long though. First to go was Lynn struck eight fours and three sixes but Vohra (25; 16b; 4x4, 0x6), falling to in-form fast wickets fell around him as the men in purple bowler Umesh Yadav trying to play fi ne down failed to gun down a par target of 168 set by the the leg side with the ball kissing the glove and hosts batting fi rst at the IS Bindra Stadium here. carrying to fi t-again wicket-keeper Uthappa. Rahul Tewatia (2/18) and Mohit Sharma In the next over, Narine got Guptill (12; 16b (2/24) were the best bowlers for Punjab with the 1x4 0x6) leg before wicket. After Powerplay latter bowling a fantastic penultimate over leak- overs (6), the hosts were 41/2. ing just nine runs and taking the wicket of out- Shaun Marsh looked good for his 11, milk- of-form Yusuf Pathan (2). ing two boundaries before Woakes castled him. The twice champions needed 20 runs off the Maxwell and Saha stemmed the rot with a cau- last over but Colin de Grandhomme (not out 11) tious association. Punjab were 63/3 at the half- and Chris Woakes (not out 8) failed to drag their way stage. Just when Maxwell tried to up the team over the line. Lynn and Narine started from ante, tonking Kuldeep Yadav for two consecu- where they had left off in the last match, tak- tive sixes only to get out in the next ball. Trying ing 14 runs in the fi rst over off Sandeep Sharma to clear the fence again, the big-hitting Austral- where Narine smacked two back-to-back fours ian forced Woakes to run across from long-off in the fi rst two deliveries of the innings, and and complete a superb catch. Lynn struck one too in his fi rst ball. Swapnil Singh departed soon after adding just Narine (18; 10b; 4x4, 0x6) failed to continue two runs to the total as the visitors reined in the his fi reworks as Mohit Sharma cleaned him up run fl ow in the fi nal overs. with a slower one. Gautam Gambhir (8; 18b; 0x4, 0x6) struggled to get going as Rahul Te- BRIEF SCORES watia sent the in-form skipper back early and visitors, who were 61/1 at the end of the fi rst six At no stage did Punjab throw in the towel with Manish Pandey (18; 23b; 1x4, 0x6) and Lynn got Kings XI Punjab 167 for 6 in 20 overs (Maxwell 44, Robin Uthappa got out for a golden duck two overs, could not get going in the next four man- Sandeep Sharma bowling a superb 16th over out. While Pandey holed out to Axar Patel at Saha 38, Woakes 2-20) beat Kolkata Knight Riders balls later. aging just 18 with Manish Pandey joining Lynn where he conceded just fi ve runs. Mohit fol- deep midwicket, Lynn was run out. 153 for 6 in 20 overs (Lynn 84, Tewatia 2-18, Mohit Stung by two wickets in quick succession, the at the crease. lowed that up with an economical over before Earlier, Punjab lost wickets at regular inter- 2-24) by 14 runs

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Stokes fi res IPL vs England Proteas wrecking ball Rabada wants to stay the course debate with searing T20 form Reuters New Delhi

By Andy Bull The Guardian agiso Rabada’s shoul- ders are big enough to carry the burden of be- ignesh runs a bottle shop off the Cal- ing a pace spearhead edonian Road, a short walk north of butK he is also looking to strike a King’s Cross in London. He keeps balance between bowling fl at out a TV by the till, to kill time between and staying the course, the South customers.J It only ever seems to be tuned to African speedster told Reuters. one of two things: Indian soap operas and Fast bowlers are cricket’s most Indian cricket. vulnerable players and South Af- He talks about the sport as much as Eng- ricans are already fretting over lish people do the weather. If there’s a game the workload of a 21-year-old going, he’ll have the IPL on. So at this time who is tipped to lead the Proteas of year the commentators are always chat- attack for years to come, at least ting away, part of the backing track to his lit- once Dale Steyn heads off into tle corner of the city, along with the burble the sunset. of conversation from the pub over the road While his pace-bowling Delhi and the bell that rings whenever someone teammate Pat Cummins has opens his door. His cricket season runs from spent much of the fi ve years April to May, and has nothing to do with since his sensational Test debut what’s going on around the county grounds. wrapped up in cotton wool by a Right now, Jignesh only wants to chat fearful Cricket Australia, Rabada about one thing. Because half a world away, has been playing pretty consist- Ben Stokes has been playing super heroic ently since his international bow. cricket for Rising Pune Supergiant. Stokes Still, Rabada, who fi rst repre- made an ordinary sort of start to the tourna- sented his country in 2014 and ment last month, but now his form is run- turns 22 later this month, reck- ning as hot as the 100-degree weather he’s ons his young body has coped playing in. reasonably well with the consid- Last week, you likely saw the headlines, erable rigours of playing cricket Stokes scored his fi rst T20 century in a in all three formats. match against the Gujarat Lions. It was a “I think the older I get, the ridiculous innings, the kind kids daydream hard it will get, defi nitely,” he about playing during maths classes. Ben Stokes on his way to 103 from 63 balls for Rising Pune Supergiant as he helped his side said in an interview. “But I’m not Supergiant were 10 for three off nine balls squeak to victory against Gujarat Lions. (AFP) there yet. So right now it feels when Stokes came in, chasing 161. Six sixes, nice, I feel like I can do that.” seven fours, and 63 balls later Stokes had get to see Stokes play. But Jignesh did, on 21 against Mumbai Indians. And, though With the ball in his hand, Ra- scored an unbeaten 103, and Pune had won his TV. Six weeks into the county season, neither Strauss or Stokes has mentioned it bada is always looking for wick- South African fast by fi ve wickets, with a ball to spare. fi ve rounds into the Royal London One-Day in public, the tournament has made him a ets but a parallel search is also on bowler Kagiso Rabada. Last Saturday, Stokes came in at No. 4 in Cup, two games into England’s summer, richer, happier player, too. to fi nd ways to ensure he does not a game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad and three of England’s best players are busy It was a good piece of man management, burn out. “Have I found the bal- clobbered 39 off 25 balls, with three sizeable winning games, and new fans, for franchise because it means there’s no fear of missing ance?” he shrugs. sixes. Then he came on fi rst change, with the teams in India. out for Stokes. Or for his agent. At the same “I don’t know. That’s an ongo- some runs down the order,” he a bowler and a batter.” score 25 for nought, and dismissed Shikhar The odd thing is, it seems almost everyone time the decision has allowed Strauss and ing process... There are also some added. “I don’t see myself as a Rabada feels the IPL has had Dhawan and Kane Williamson in his fi rst accepts that this is just the way of the game Trevor Bayliss to play both Bairstow and precautions you take to avoid leader, no one’s told me that.” a profound impact on Indian over, one bowled with a scuttling cutter, the now. It’s how cricket works in 2017. So most Billings, which has given them both a little certain mishaps. I think I’ve been Rabada played six matches for cricket, bringing fi nancial stabil- other caught behind off a ball that snorted of the debate after the England match has extra experience and sharpened the com- training nicely, doing what I need Delhi Daredevils in the ongoing ity to the game and broadening off a length. Stokes came back in the mid- been about whether or not Jonny Bairstow petition for places within the squad. So the to do. I’m continuously fi nd- 2017 Indian Premier League be- the local talent pool. Twenty20 dle of the match and got David Warner too, will be able to force his way into the fi rst XI thinking behind the decision was sound. ing that balance — how much to fore returning home and he said cricket’s constant innovations caught off a short ball he tried to uppercut for the Champions Trophy. But the implication here is clear. Eng- bowl, how much to rest and how the Twenty20 tournament was have caught the fancy of the as it jagged back in towards him. Stokes fi n- Strauss made his decision back in Febru- land’s management felt that those two ODIs much to train.” “a huge network of ideas.” He young fans in South Africa and ished off with two catches on the leg side, ary. And though he didn’t actually come out were less worthwhile than the IPL. The de- Rabada announced his ar- cited interactions with Cummins the country has launched the one of them especially fi ne, running in from and say it, his argument was that Stokes, cision was also an implicit acknowledge- rival as an emerging talent on the and team “chief mentor” Rahul T20 Global Destination League the boundary as the ball rose and fell. All Woakes and Buttler would gain more from ment, then, that Indian domestic cricket is world stage in 2015 by claiming Dravid, the India test batting scheduled for later this year. he’s missing is a cape. playing in India than they would in two in- being played at a higher standard than some a record six for 16, including a great, to illustrate his point. Rabada, one of its marquee Either side of that match, that same ternational matches against Ireland. And, international matches, and that England’s hat-trick, in his one-day debut “Myself and Pat, we are basi- players, hopes it will have an im- weekend, England were playing in Bristol like most everyone who plays in the IPL, best players would rather be overseas than against Bangladesh. cally the same age and bowl the pact in South Africa comparable and at Lord’s, the latter 20 minutes’ drive Stokes has been keen to stress how much representing their country at Lord’s. His 71 wickets from 17 tests same thing with very similar to that the IPL has had in India. from Jignesh’s off -licence if you get lucky he’s learned from the experience. His bowl- Which may be so. But it stands in sharp further attest to his potential actions. We talk about diff erent “Whole lot of people are in IPL with the traffi c. Eoin Morgan, Sam Billings ing, he says, has come on in leaps since contrast with some of the lip service we as a future leader of the Pro- things about bowling, network- because of the money. Not only and Jason Roy were all back for the matches, he started working with Pune’s specialist hear about the priorities of the sport, and teas attack but at the moment ing once again,” he said. the money though but money but England’s director of cricket, Andrew coach, Eric Simons. speaks to the fact that these are strange days the strapping right-armer has a “Speaking to someone like Ra- is a massive thing. Hopefully it Strauss, gave Stokes, Chris Woakes and Jos Stokes is perhaps right. The IPL prob- for the game, that the landscape of cricket more rudimentary approach to hul Dravid, his batting experience will be a similar thing in South Buttler permission to skip the series so they ably has made him a better cricketer. He’s is quickly shifting. Because, right now, the his role in the national team. and what he found hard what he Africa,” he said. “Young players could stay on in India. won a couple of man of the match awards best cricketer in England isn’t in England. “My role in the South Africa fi nds hard, a lot of batsmen would would have ambitions of playing So the thousands of fans who paid to for his bowling, with a three for 18 against In fact, the only place I’ve seen him play live team is to try and get wickets, fi nd hard too,” Rabada added. “So in the league. Hopefully it kicks watch England on those two days didn’t Royal Challengers Bangalore and two for lately is on Jignesh’s TV screen. to fi eld well and to try and score you get insight, as a bowler, from off and becomes a good one.”

Wednesday, May 10, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT ICSS shares safety and security expertise with Saudi Pro League Doha: Safety and security and with the increased media experts from the International spotlight on major events, it Emir Cup trophy Centre for Sport Security is clear that this approach is (ICSS) travelled to Saudi Arabia simply not cost eff ective or recently to share their experi- relevant anymore. ences of securing major inter- “As a result and with the national sporting events with sport security landscape con- off icials from the Saudi Arabian tinuing to increase in complex- Pro League. With over 25 years’ ity and becoming more chal- tour makes more experience in the security lenging, at the ICSS we believe and risk management sector, in a multi-layered and inte- Andrew Cooke, ICSS Director of grated approach to major event Security Operations, presented security is required in order to at a special workshop and ensure a 360 viewpoint of all highlighted the need to develop potential and existing risk and a more cost-eff ective, proactive threats, as well as subsequent stops across Qatar and integrated approach to risk mitigation, is incorporated major event security. into a security plan. Attended by senior gov- “Whilst there is no silver bul- ernment and private sector let to guaranteeing 100% secu- The 45th edition of the Emir Cup has reached the semi-finals stage off icials, stadium managers, rity at an event, it is possible to architects and off icials from ensure that potential security the Saudi Arabian Football risks are mitigated against by Federation and Pro League, applying a tailored, integrated the workshop builds on the and scientific approach to your memorandum of understand- major event security plan.” ing (MoU) signed between the The International Centre ICSS and Saudi Arabian Football for Sport Security (ICSS) is Federation in August 2016. an independent and non- Speaking during the profit organisation that plays workshop, Andrew Cooke, an integral role in addressing Director of Security Opera- the most prominent challenges tions at the ICSS, said: “For far facing the world of sport today. too long, many major events Having assembled a team of and organising bodies in sport top international experts in have applied the principle of sport safety, security, integrity ‘guards, gates and guns’ to their and good governance; the ICSS security planning and opera- works with multiple sectors tions. With many events now with the aim of safeguarding experiencing tighter budgets sport.

FOCUS

The QFA delegation handling the trophy tour campaign visited the following schools: the Bangladesh Mashoor-ul-Haque Memorial High School, the Ideal Indian School (above), the Birla Public School and the Pakistan Education Centre. Bairstow unlikely to ith the fi nal just days away, the Emir Cup trophy tour is kicking up a storm in the start in Champions country with more schools welcoming the QFA delegation to their premises for stu- Wdents to have the chance to take pictures with the trophy. Trophy: Morgan The 45th edition of the Emir Cup has reached the semi-fi nals stage with the last four clashes set to take Reuters batsman in their fi nal 11. place on May 13 and 14 with the fi nal slated for May 19. London “It is looking like that at the Asian community schools have also stepped up in moment, which is unfortunate welcoming the QFA delegation as students have been for him (Bairstow),” Morgan told known to engage in Q&A session ahead of the decisive ngland wicket-keep- British media. stages of the tournament. er batsman Jonny “You can’t guarantee how The QFA delegation handling the trophy tour cam- Bairstow’s impressive often he would be used. We’ve paign visited the following schools: the Bangladesh knock against Ireland is a really strong batting lineup, Mashoor-ul-Haque Memorial High School (MHM), the unlikelyE to earn him a Champi- particularly when Stokes, Chris Ideal Indian School, the Birla Public School and the Pa- ons Trophy starting spot as the Woakes and Buttler come back kistan Education Centre (PEC). one-day side will stick with its in. I’m not sure about justifying The QFA delegation was represented by Ali al-Mah- regular batting lineup, captain an out-and-out batter at seven.” moud, Othman Blaik and Anish Ghangad-Haran. At the Eoin Morgan has said. All-rounder Moeen Ali of- MHM, Professor Mohammed Delwar, co-ordinator of Bairstow, batting at number fers another off -spinning option physical education, said: “There was a great response fi ve, hit 72 off 44 deliveries to in England’s 15-man squad and from students and we loved their enthusiasm at the help England wrap up a 2-0 se- Morgan is keen to use him ahead gathering. The students were keen to know more about ries victory over the Irish at of Bairstow to bring more sta- the event and the teams involved.” Lord’s on Sunday. With fi rst- bility to the hosts who will start At the IIS, Akbar Ali, the PE teacher, said: “The visit backed the promotional activities associated with the engaged in football related conversations with players choice keeper-batsman Jos But- their campaign on June 1 against was wonderful and the students added an atmosphere of Emir Cup. It is the biggest football tournament in the and offi cials. tler and all-rounder Ben Stokes Bangladesh at The Oval. enthusiasm that expressed their passion for football. We country and the students just loved posing for pictures The trophy tour will continue until the day of the fi nal due to arrive back from the In- “With Ben coming back into value the importance of this event and wish good luck to with the Emir Cup trophy.” as football fans across the country interact with players dian Premier League, Morgan the side, it allows us to play an- the teams.” Professor Nargis Raza, the school’s princi- At the Birla Public School, the QFA delegation was and offi cials and engage in conversations related to the believes England would not be other all-rounder — with Mo at pal at PEC, said: “The Pakistani community has always welcomed by the staff of the school where students also hugely popular event. able to fi eld another specialist seven,” he added.

SWIM FOR A CAUSE CRICKET Venue for Perth Ashes Test unconfi rmed

Agencies stadium ... we’re looking towards the end of this Perth month to make a decision.” CA could host the Test at the new venue even if grandstands are yet to be fully completed. That he Ashes build-up has started in earnest was the case during the 2013 Ashes Test at the re- but construction work in Perth is yet to developed Adelaide Oval. Australia and England fi nish, with Cricket Australia still mulling will square off in an ODI at Edgbaston during next the venue for this summer’s third Test. month’s Champions Trophy but the Ashes is al- TThe third match in the fi ve-Test series between ready at the back of many players’ minds. Australia and England will be in Perth but the “Both teams have got a fair amount of cricket venue is yet to be fi nalised. between the Champions Trophy and the Ash- Cricket Australia chief executive James Suth- es but it’s always important to beat the Poms,” erland remains upbeat it will be the fi rst major Mitchell Starc recently said. “Hopefully we can event at Perth’s new 60,000-capacity stadium. A create a bit of doubt or open up a few old wounds; confl icting report claimed last month the WACA or fi nd a few extra weaknesses heading into the Ground will host the much-anticipated contest summer back here.” because the $1.2bn ground at Burswood will not Joe Root, who will lead England following be ready in time. captain Alastair Cook’s resignation, joked vice- Sutherland is heading to Perth this week for captain Ben Stokes would be on a reconnaissance further talks with stadium offi cials and the state mission during the Indian Premier League. Stokes government. A fi nal call is likely to be made later is playing under Steve Smith at Rising Pune Su- this month. “The completion dates for the sta- pergiant. “The one thing Stokesy can do for us dium actually work pretty well for us,” Suther- is make sure he fi nds a little weakness in Steve land said in Melbourne on Monday, when tickets Smith’s armoury,” Root said. “If he can.” for the other four Ashes Tests went on sale to the Meanwhile, Sutherland confi rmed Australia public. “But ... there’s little room for things to go were set to travel to Bangladesh for a two-Test wrong in terms of teething problems that are in tour later this year. “There’s still some things we some ways perhaps inevitable. need to work through, just to lock down on se- “We’re really optimistic and positive about the curity but ... we’re confi dent the tour will take way in which the event could be staged in the new place,” he said.

A general view of WACA in Perth.

Winners of ‘Swim for a Cause’, a popular event hosted by Sharq Village & Spa, pose during the victory ceremony at Sharq Village & Spa beach. Joshua Pasco completed a double winning the open sea water 500m and 1,000m races. For the shorter race, he pushed Omar Mohamed, to the second place while Jostin Kraatz bagged the third position. In the 1,000m race, Krataaz finished second behind Pasco while Simon Younger took the third place. In the 250m race, Sainna Valdez emerged on top while Niki Keminskas finished second followed by Alexander Younger. Over 110 contestants took part in the three races. Qatar Charity, H2O Swim Club, Six Senses Spa, MAD Triathlon and Tri Club Doha were the event partners.