FOOTBALL | Page 2 TTENNISENNIS | Page 6 Umm Salal Djokjovic, frustrate Nadal enter Sadd with last eight in 0-0 draw Acapulco

Friday, March 3, 2017 FORMULA ONE Jumada II 4, 1438 AH Raikkonen makes GULF TIMES splash as Hamilton stays off the track SPORT Page 4

EQUESTRIANISM Allen claims fi rst day’s honours at CHI Al Shaqab Allen and his mare Molly Winner Bertram Allen in action Malone V were quite clearly on his mare Molly Malone V on the opening day of the CHI the fastest in the CSI5* field Al Shaqab yesterday. Picture: Lotfi Garsi By Sahan Bidappa rider against the clock, ” said the Doha Frenchman, who will only be riding with Qoud’Coeur de La Loge at CHI Al Shaqab this year. “My horse enjoys it ighly-rated Bertram Allen here, with the big arena and the bright drew fi rst blood at the CHI lights, he really performs well,” Bost Al Shaqab as the Irish rider added. Hwon the Table A against the In the CSI5* two phase 1.45m class, clock 1.50m, the feature event on the Morocco’s Abdelkebir Ouaddar beat opening day at the Al Shaqab arena 41other riders, including World No. 1 yesterday. showjumper Daniel Duesser of Ger- The 21-year-old has been in fi ne many to win the top prize. form off lately, having registered vic- Ouaddar had won one of the events tories in Spain and continued his at the HH The Emir Sword last week, winning run last night. Allen and his and the Moroccan didn’t put a foot 13-year-old mare Molly Malone V wrong with his experienced grey stal- were quite clearly the fastest in the lion Cordano Site Z yesterday. They CSI5* fi eld as the pair negotiated the combined perfectly with a second tricky course quite smoothly. phase time of 28.94 seconds. Allen and Molly Malone V were the Sweden’s Henrik Von Eckerman 42nd pair to get off the blocks out of rode a well measured round to post a 43, and the Irish rider exactly knew time of 29.4 seconds with Chacanno, what they needed to do. Roger Yves to take the second spot. Bost of France had set an early lead There were a number of early clears with Qoud’Coeur de La Loge in 58.04 to set the standard and some strong seconds. But Allen and his mare put performances from Qatari riders, who on a lightening quick performance to are quickly becoming a force to be stop the clock at 57.70 seconds. Pius reckoned with under the tutelage of Schwizer of Switzerland was third their Dutch coach Jan Topps. Bassem with Balou Rubin R, just a shade be- Hassan Mohamed was one such rider, hind Bost in 58.06 secs. who fi nished third on Argelith Squid in Allen was quite pleased with Molly a time of 30.31 seconds. Malone V’s performance and set his In the CSI3*, Kuwaiti Ali al-Khorafi sights on winning tomorrow’s Grand riding Cheryl won against the clock Prix, the feature event of the cham- 1.45m class. Al-Khorafi performed a pionship. The British bred mare by blazing round to fi nish in a time of 56.8 Kannan is 14 now and the horse has seconds. “I love competing here at Al brought the young Irish rider much Shaqab and there are some great riders success during a long partnership. to beat this year. I was really pleased “She has been a great horse for me. with my horse and I hope next year, I Molly will have off day tomorrow as will compete her in the 5* class, ” said I am saving her for the Grand prix on al-Khorafi . Saturday,” said Allen, who took home Mubarak Yousef A S al- Rumaihi The opening event of championship, Saudi Arabia’s Ramzy Hamad al- RESULTS €23000 from a total pot of €92,000. from Qatar was second with Vivaldi K the CSI3* Two Phases 1.30m class, Duhami (High Quality J) was second Bost didn’t mince his words as he in 57.6. A close third was another Qa- was clinched by Andres Penalosa of in 31.73, while Ali al-Khorafi com- CSI5* Table A. against the clock 2. Mubarak Yousuf A S al-Rumaihi paid credit to Allen. “I will ride faster tari rider, Nasser Al Ghazeli, who post- Colombia. Penalosa astride Barcelona pleted the podium with Columbus in 1.50m (Qatar) Vivaldi K 57.60 secs. €5000 next time but Bertram is a very fast ed a time of 57.70 on board Delloren. cleared his round in 31.02 seconds. 32.12. 1. Bertram Allen (Ireland) Molly 3. Nasser al-Ghazali (Qatar) Delloren. Malone. Time: 57.70 secs. Prize 57.70 secs. €3750 money: €23000 CSI3* Two Phases (274.5.3) YOUNGEST COMPETITOR: The first day of the CHI 2. Roger Yves Bost (France) 1.30m Al Shaqab was marked with the participation of the Qoud’Coeur de La Loge. 58.04 secs. 1. Andres Penalosa (Colombia) youngest female Qatari Rider Tamader Said al-Marri €18400 Barcelona. Time: 31.02 secs. Prize competing in the first course of CSI3*, where she 3. Pius Schwizer (Switzerland) Balou money: €3000 came 29th out of 53 riders. Rubin R. 58.06 secs. €13800 2. Ramzy Hamad al-Duhami (Saudi The Qatari rider commented: “I first started practic- CSI5* Two Phases (274.5.3) 1.45m Arabia) High Quality J. 31.73 secs. ing and jumping back in 2012 and I was able to par- 1. Abdelkebir Ouaddar (Morocco) €2400 ticipate in my first tournament the year after. Being Cordano Sitte Z. Time: 28.94 secs. 3. Ali al-Khorafi (FEI) Columbus. 32.12 part of CHI Al Shaqab and being able to compete in Prize money: €6250 secs. €1800 this championship is building on my experience and 2. Henrik von Eckermann (Sweden) PARA-DRESSAGE I aim to take advantage of it to further enhance my Chacanno. 29.41 secs. €5000 CPEDI3* Team Grade I performance in the future.” 3. Bassem Hassan Mohamed (Qatar) 1. Jens Lasse Dokkan (Norway); Argelith Squid. 30.31 secs. €3750 Cypres, 72.560% Prize Euros 330 CSI3* Table A. against the clock 2. Elke Philipp (Germany); Fuerst (238.2.1) 1.45m Sinclair, 70.298% Prize Euros 250 1. Ali al-Khorafi (FEI) Cheril. Time: 3. Magdalena Cycak (Poland); Sybilla 56.88 seconds. Prize money: €6250 59.583% Prize Euros 200

Qatar’s Bassem Mohamed who took third place in the CSI5* Two Phases (274.5.3) 1.45m. At bottom, Morocco’s Abdelkebir Ouaddar who won the event. A

I want a prize too...a young girl gets a ride yesterday. Gulf Times 2 Friday, March 3, 2017 FOOTBALL

QATAR STARS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Umm Salal frustrate Hong Kong trailblazer Sadd with goalless Chan hopes to inspire draw, El Jaish win women

Reuters form to develop my career. Hong Kong “If I was in another Asian country, where women are not of the same social status as men, han Yuen-ting, the I would never be able to do what fi rst female coach to lead I can.” a men’s professional Leading Eastern to the Hong soccer club to a top- Kong Premier league title last Cfl ight title, hopes her success year was an achievement in itself with Hong Kong’s Eastern will for a relatively modest club and inspire other women to follow meant a maiden campaign in the their dreams. continent’s top competition, the The 28-year-old turned a Asian Champions League. childhood crush on former Eng- The club’s fi rst very fi rst land captain David Beckham into group game enabled Chan to pit Al Sadd’s Xavi is challenged by Umm Salal players. At right El Jaish star Seydou Kieta (24) in action against Muaither. Bottom picture shows Al Sailiya players celebrating during a groundbreaking career that has her coaching wits against Luiz their upset win over Al Gharafa. earned her plaudits from around Felipe Scolari, the Guangzhou the world and a place in the Evergrande boss who led Brazil Guinness Book of Records. to their World Cup triumph of Hassan al-Haydos missses last-gasp penalty as Al Sadd leave door open for Chan is nicknamed “Beef Ball” 2002. in a play on her name and for the While a 7-0 defeat starkly il- Lekhwiya to storm to the top of the table with the tournament nearing its climax similarities of her personality to lustrated the huge step up in class Chinese perceptions of the char- Eastern were making, Scolari acteristics of the cow. making time to come over after By Sports Reporter page time winner from striker Temur- Among those characteristics the match and give Chan some Doha khuja Abdukholiqov to defeat Al Gharafa are an appetite for hard work and words of encouragement was an 3-2 to give their survival chances a major determination, both of which experience which still brought a boost yesterday evening. Chan showed in spades as she big smile to her face. eague leaders Al Sadd’s quest for Sami Trabelsi’s team made a perfect shattered the glass ceiling for “For me that moment was their 14th Qatar Stars League ti- start to the match against Al Ghara- women coaches in football. exciting. I mean aside from just tle hit a roadblock after they were fa, taking the lead on the 24th minute Remaining persistent is Chan’s competing against him, he’s a Lheld to a goalless draw by Umm through January signing Abdukholiqov. advice to other women looking former World Cup winner, I’ve Salal at the Qatar Sports Club Stadium The Uzbek striker latched onto a ball for- to break into environments, in watched him from a young age yesterday. ward, getting the better of Gharafa de- sport and elsewhere, where men on TV,” she recalled. The Wolves did all the work in front fender George Kwasi before coolly slot- still dominate. “So when I saw him in person, of goal, but was unable to convert their ting away the opening goal of the match. “There might be many women it was quite inspiring. And the chances in what was a frustrating game Making up for his defensive mistake who work in a male-dominated things he said to me really sank in for head coach Jesaldo Ferriera. To cap for the opening goal, Kwasi scored his environment and are waiting for and I was very happy to be able to off a miserable night for Al Sadd, winger sides equalizing goal on the 31st minute. opportunities to rise or to break meet a coach of that standard.” Hassan Haydoos missed a last-gasp pen- A drifted free-kick caused panic in the Al through,” she told Reuters ahead Eastern’s second Champi- alty for his side. Sailiya penalty area and Mohamed Ra- of the club’s Asian Champions ons League match in front of a The fi rst half was a quiet aff air, with zak’s header rebounded off keeper Gre- League group match against Ka- packed house at Hong Kong’s Al Sadd predictably bossing posses- gory Gomis leaving Kwasi with the sim- wasaki Frontale this week. Mongkok Stadium on Wednes- sion. However, they were unable to con- plest of fi nishes to settle the scores. “They might think, ‘oh there day had a better outcome with an vert their dominance into any clear-cut Seven minutes later Al Sailiya fought are so few opportunities or it’s early penalty earning Chan’s side chances. their way back into the lead, again with a super diffi cult’. But I keep telling a 1-1 draw and their fi rst point in Umm Salal came attacking in the sec- for the fi nal whistle. The result leaves Al Sabri Lamouchi’s side kicked into life January signing making a key contribu- them believe in it and it’ll be- the competition. ond half and despite being without key Sadd with 54 points from 23 QSL games. after conceding the lead, grabbing an tion. Midfi elder Wagner Ribero curled come reality. “The (Champions League) is a striker Yannick Sagbo they registered the They are ahead of Lekhwiya by one point impressive equalizer through Uzbekistan in a perfect cross which eluded keeper “Even though you might be competition of really high stand- fi rst chance of note in the game. Brazilian (54-53) but the latter can go top if they international Sardor Rashidov. Brazilian Yusef Hassan and found the back of the ready sometimes the opportu- ard and we’re quite lucky to be defender Anderson Martins produced a beat Al Kharaitiyat tomorrow. attacker drove into the Muaither penalty net. Sailiya headed into the fi rst half nities aren’t there, but at least able to compete and for us, as a trademark free-kick from distance which Earlier, El Jaish came from a goal down box, showing a good turn of pace to beat break with a 2-1 lead. when the time comes you’ll be Hong Kong team, to be apart of fl ew just over the Al Sadd cross bar. to defeat relegation strugglers Muaither two defenders. His shot rebounded off a Al Gharafa pushed hard for an equal- ready.” it is quite groundbreaking,” she As the second half progressed Al Sadd 2-1 at Al Gharafa stadium. Phillipe Birol’s Muaither defender, and fell into the path izer and eventually broke Al Sailiya’s After gaining a masters degree said on the eve of the match. laid siege to the Umm Salal goal, look- side took an early lead from the penalty of Rashidov who lashed a perfect drilled resistance in second half stoppage time. in sports science, Chan got her “We all understand that the ing for than all important winner. In the spot at the start of the second half, but shot into the bottom corner to give Jaish With 92 minutes on the clock, Johnson start in soccer as a data analyst quality of football is a whole new 89th minute Hassan Haydoos picked Jaish duly fought back with former Ma- a lifeline. Kendrick cut the ball across the penalty before moving into a coaching level. For us, it’s defi nitely a chal- out international collogue Ali Asad with lian international Seydou Keita scoring Jaish grew rapidly in confi dence, and area, fortunately Moayad Hassan was on role and then joining Eastern, lenge.” a drilled cross, but his shot thumped off the winner with ten minutes left to play. began to pepper the Muaither goal with hand to lash the ball in to level the scores where she assumed the top job While she has no solid plans to the cross bar. In the 92nd minute of the The fi rst half was a timid aff air, with shots. The pressure eventually tolled as at the death. after her predecessor left for a leave Hong Kong in the near fu- tie leading scorer Badgad Bounjah turned Muaither’s defence working hard to keep Seydou Keita nodded in the winner on Al Sailiya had other ideas and in the club in mainland China. ture, Chan has expressed interest his man well, but his shot skidded just out the El Jaish attack. However in the sec- the 80th minute. Jaish put together a fi nal minute of extra time Abdukholiqov Chan believes she was fortu- in taking her career overseas in wide. ond half that all changed when Muaither slick passing move in the Muather penal- struck his second of the match to give his nate that she grew up in Hong the long-term and to then bring Al Sadd were given a lifeline on the were awarded a penalty on the 50th minute ty box, with defender Murad Naji knock- side a vital three points. Romanian wing- Kong as she may not have had the her knowledge back to Hong 94th minute, when the referee pointed to mark. Moroccan attacker Ayoub Ouadrassi ing in a inch perfect cross to Keita who er Valentin Lazar saw his shot palmed same opportunities elsewhere in Kong would be ideal. the penalty spot after Ali Asad was bun- stepped up for the stallions and confi dently produced a diving header to give his side away by Yusef Hassan falling into the Asia. But for now, she is focusing on dled down in the area. Hassan Haydoos dispatched the ball into the bottom right all three points, and their thirteenth win path of the Uzbeki striker who made no “I’m really lucky to be born, to improving herself as a coach and stepped up for the Wolves but his penalty hand corner, just out of the reach of Jaish of the season. mistake from close range to give Sami live and work in Hong Kong,” she continuing to build her relation- struck the post before the referee blew up stopper Khalifa Ababacar. Meanwhile, Al Sailiya needed a stop- Trabelsi’s side a much needed win. said. ship with her team. “While I was growing up, and “It’s nerve-racking,” she said. even now, I believe there has “There’s defi nitely more nerves BOTTOMLINE hardly been any discrimination than excitement, because there’s against women. It’s because of never been a female coach lead- this, Hong Kong Football Associ- ing an all-male team.” FIFA struggling to regain fan confi dence: Transparency ation was able to give me a plat-

Reuters Fifty-three percent of 25,000 sense so far the news has been “FIFA puts out 50-page bro- is too much, and fans see this in Leicester make £16.4mn profi t from title season Zurich fans interviewed from 50 coun- only moderately good.” chures talking of reform, but to what they have to pay for tickets, tries said they had no confi dence Only 34 % of those interviewed the average fan, when I talk to merchandise, etc,” he said. London: Leicester City made title triumph — also contributed in FIFA, which is trying to regain thought FIFA was actively fi ght- them about what has changed in He added that FIFA’s struggle a pre-tax profit of £16.4mn to the increase in turnover. IFA is still struggling to credibility after a corruption ing corruption. Sixty-six % said FIFA, they shake their heads,” he to attract new sponsors was an- ($20.1mn, 19.1mn euros) in the “Our long-term commitment to regain the trust of soc- crisis in 2015 that saw dozens of that match-fi xing was the type said. “They have no idea what has other symptom of its troubles. season of their fairytale Pre- financial sustainability includes cer fans, with more than offi cials indicted in the United of corruption which most wor- really changed.” FIFA has signed only one mier League title win, the club regular reinvestment back into half those interviewed States. Even so, that was an im- ried them. Shortly after Infantino took top-tier partner, China’s Wanda announced yesterday. the club, keeping it competitive sayingF they had no confi dence provement over 69% last year, Meanwhile, 43 % said they over, FIFA said it had revised its Group, since Infantino took over. Prize money from winning the as we bid to bring continued in the sport’s governing body, the survey said. disapproved of next year’s fl ag- projected revenue for the 2015- Russia’s Alfa Bank has agreed to 2015-16 title saw the Thai- success to its growing support- according to a survey published “For any organisation that re- ship World Cup being staged in 2018 cycle upwards from $5bn to be a regional sponsor. owned club’s turnover swell by er-base and the community yesterday. lies so much on the fans — with- Russia. $5.65bn, with projected invest- “FIFA hasn’t been really re- over £24mn from the previous that has supported it for over a Corruption watchdog Trans- out the fans football is dead, it’s FIFA President Gianni Infan- ments amounting to $5.55bn. built to the extent where spon- financial year, when Leicester century,” chief executive Susan parency International, which commercially dead, its passion tino, elected one year ago to re- However, de Swardt said this sors are falling over their feet had finished 14th. Whelan said in a statement. conducted the survey jointly is dead — that is a rather serious place the disgraced Sepp Blatter, might have been perceived nega- to be associated with the FIFA A rise in domestic television “We will continue to work with Swedish-based Forza Foot- situation,” Transparency head said the body has taken steps to tively. name,” said de Swardt. “I’ve revenue and higher attend- diligently and purposefully to ball, added that FIFA’s image may Cobus de Swardt told Reuters. make offi cials more accountable. “For the average fan, the prob- had sponsors telling me that the ances at the King Power build a legacy they can all be have been hurt by its attempts to “We don’t underestimate the But de Swardt said the public did lem is not that there is too lit- would love to be associated with Stadium — both linked to the proud of.” increase revenue. toughness of the job, but in that not see it that way. tle money in football, but there football but not with FIFA.” Gulf Times Friday, March 3, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

LONDON BERLIN ABUJA LONDON BEIJING MAYBANK CHAMPIONSHIP Burnley sign grandson of Germany’s Podolski Watford’s Success called Wenger not interested in Guangzhou the team to England World Cup winner confirms Kobe deal up for Nigeria friendlies Barcelona job beat in Chinese League

Burnley have signed the grandson of Ron German World Cup winning striker Lukas Podol- Watford striker Isaac Success is one of six Arsene Wenger said he had After outspending even the English Premier Flowers,SPOTLIGHT a member of England’s 1966 World ski is to leave Istanbul giant Galatasaray and uncapped players called up by Nigeria for two no interest in succeeding League with an avalanche of cash to assemble a Cup winning squad, the Premier League club join Japan’s Vissel Kobe when the season ends, friendly matches against Senegal and Burkina Luis Enrique as Barcelona glittering array of foreign footballing talent, the announced yesterday. Harry Flowers caught the striker confirmed via Instagram yesterday. Faso in London later this month. coach on Thursday, but ad- 14th version of the Chinese Super League (CSL) the eye of Burnley’s scouts while playing for The switch was first revealed in the Turkish The Super Eagles first take on Senegal on March mitted his future as Arsenal finally gets underway today. Website www. Brocton in the ninth tier of English football. press two weeks ago, but Podolski had previ- 23 and Burkina Faso four days later as part of manager remains up in the transfermarkt.com estimates, and in the world “Harry is an old-school defender, he’s really ously declined to comment. their build-up for Africa Cup of Nations 2019 air.Luis Enrique announced of international transfers these can only be esti- keen to do the basics very well and keep the ball The 31-year-old, who started out at Cologne, has qualifier against South Africa in June. after Barcelona’s 6-1 win over mates, that the CSL’s 16 clubs spent a combined out of our net,” Burnley’s development squad enjoyed spells at Bayern Munich and Arsenal Both matches will be played at Barnet’s Hive Sporting Gijon on Wednes- $411mn in the Chinese transfer window, which coach Michael Jolley said. and racked up 129 games and 48 goals for Stadium. day that he will step down from his role at the closed on Tuesday. The 20-year-old has a long way to go to emulate Germany in three World Cups. The other uncapped players are defenders end of the season in order to take a break. The result is that over the next nine months the the achievements of his grandfather Ron, who He now follows in the footsteps of England Chiedozie Awaziem, Tyronne Ebuehi and Uche Wenger, 67, is due to make a decision on skills of players such as Carlos Teves, Demba earned 49 caps for England and starred for great Gary Lineker, who wound down his career Henry Agbo, and strikers Noah Joel Bazee and whether to extend his 20-year association with Ba, Oscar, Hulk, Ramires and Gervinho will be Wolves, winning the top-flight title three times. at Nagoya Grampus Eight. Victor Osimhen. Arsenal either this month or next. entertaining Chinese fans all over the world.

SPOTLIGHT FRENCH CUP Monaco outgun Marseille, PSG Barcelona go top of wade into quarters

AFP came off the bench to bundle in Paris a free-kick from Christopher Nkunku on 78 minutes at a rain- soaked Stade Rene Gaillard be- La Liga as Enrique homas Lemar swept fore Cavani struck his 36th goal Monaco into the quar- of the campaign deep into stop- ter-fi nals of the French page time. Cup in a thrilling 4-3 The capital club have won the Textra-time victory at Marseille competition each of the past on Wednesday, while holders two seasons and are bidding for Paris Saint-Germain trudged a record-breaking 11th title af- past second tier Niort 2-0. ter matching Marseille’s haul by confi rms his exit League leaders Monaco led beating their arch rivals in last three times at the Stade Velo- year’s fi nal. Madrid’s slip up, though, means a third title in as many seasons for drome through an own goal from “(The pitch) was unplayable Marseille keeper Yohann Pele but in times like this you have Enrique is back in Barcelona’s hands with the two sides still to meet in April and strikes from Kylian Mbappe to look for something else. We and Benjamin Mendy. demonstrated tonight that we But Marseille, coming off Sun- don’t just have talent, we also AFP with the sending-off ,” said Real Madrid day’s 5-1 thrashing against PSG, have the state of mind to match,” Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane. Barcelona’s coach Luis Enrique fought back on each occasion said midfi elder Blaise Matuidi. Things got much worse for the hosts in gestures during Lionel Messi’s courtesy of Dimitri Payet and a “We showed we could also be the next 10 minutes as, fi rstly, Viera con- substitution on Wednesday. brace from substitute Remy Ca- fi ghters. We know in the French arcelona moved top of La Liga verted from the penalty spot after a clear bella — the second coming af- Cup, to win this competition, on the night Luis Enrique con- handball by Ramos inside the area. ter Mendy had put Monaco 3-2 you also have to get through fi rmed he will not continue as And then a huge mistake from Navas ahead in extra time. matches like that and when you coach next season as Gareth Bale allowed Kevin-Prince Boateng to knock However, there was no way back win, it’s just as good.” Bwas sent-off in Real Madrid’s thrilling 3-3 the ball past the Costa Rican as he fl ew once Lemar struck on 113 minutes Twice former winners Guin- draw at home to Las Palmas. from his goal before rolling the ball into as Monaco, who will meet PSG in gamp, who lifted the trophy in Enrique announced his decision to step an empty net. However, despite their nu- the French League Cup fi nal on 2009 and 2014, saw off third- down after Barca’s 6-1 rout of Sporting merical disadvantage, Madrid laid seige to April 1, remained alive in all four tier Quevilly 2-1 with second- Gijon earlier on Wednesday which leaves the Las Palmas goal and were rewarded in competitions this season. half goals from Alexandre Mendy Barcelona a point clear at the top, but the fi nal minutes. Javier Pastore and Edinson and Nill de Pauw. having played a game more. Ronaldo fi red a penalty into the top Cavani scored late as PSG saw off Third division Avranches Bale’s fi rst ever red card in a Madrid corner after Dani Castellano was penal- Niort amidst a torrential down- reached the last eight after over- shirt look set to cost the European cham- ised for handball. pour in western France in their coming three-time champions pions dear as Las Palmas led the 10 men And the World Player of the Year then last-16 tie. Strasbourg 6-5 on penalties fol- 3-1 with just three minutes remaining. bulleted home a header from a corner a Argentine midfi elder Pastore lowing a 1-1 draw. However, Cristiano Ronaldo struck minute from time to salvage a point. twice in an incredible fi nale to salvage a “We are not leaders, but the league is point. still open and we are not going to give up,” LEGEND Madrid’s slip up, though, means a third added Zidane. title in as many seasons for Enrique is Barca enjoyed a far more comfortable back in Barcelona’s hands with the two night against a Sporting side still mired in sides still to meet in April. the relegation zone. Celtic ‘Lisbon Lion’ “I will not be the coach of Barcelona Messi netted his 36th goal in as many next season,” Enrique said, citing the games this season in unusual fashion on need for a break from the pressures at the his 500th start before Juan Rodriguez’s Gemmell dies at 73 Camp Nou as the reason for his decision. own goal made it 2-0. “It is a diffi cult, measured and well The visitors were handed a brief lifeline thought out decision and I think I have to when Carlos Castro pulled a goal back. AFP He spent 10 years at Celtic be loyal to what I think.” However, there was no time for any London Park between 1961 and 1971, After Barca had swept aside Sporting Barca doubts to seep in as Suarez’s spec- making 418 appearances and with all of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and tacular volley restored their two-goal scoring 63 goals. Neymar on the scoresheet, Madrid also lead. eltic great Tommy In addition to the break- looked in for an easy night at the Berna- Paco Alcacer was given a rare chance Gemmell, who inspired through European Cup win, he beu when Isco slotted home the opener for the second half as he replaced Suarez the club to glory in the also amassed six league titles, after just eight minutes. and took just four minutes to make it 4-1 1967 European Cup, has three Scottish Cups and four However, Real were in front for just two when he slotted home from Messi’s pass. Cdied aged 73 after a long illness, Scottish League Cups. minutes before Tana spun Sergio Ramos Messi also hit the bar from a trademark the Scottish giants announced Celtic added: “Tommy Gem- on the edge of the box before fi ring high free-kick before the fi ve-time World yesterday. mell is a true Celtic legend, part past Keylor Navas. Player of the Year was rested for the fi nal Gemmell scored Celtic’s of the greatest side in the club’s The game turned just three minutes half hour as he was replaced by Andre equaliser and played a part in history and a man who played a into the second-half when Bale unchar- Gomes. Stevie Chalmers’s 84th-minute pivotal role in our greatest ever acteristically lost his temper after a late Neymar took advantage of the Argen- winner as Celtic came from be- triumph when, in Lisbon’s Es- challenge from Jonathan Viera. tine’s absence to take over free-kick duty hind to beat Inter Milan 2-1 in tadio Nacional, 11 men all born The Welshman pushed Viera to the and he produced a stunning strike of his Lisbon in the 1967 fi nal. within a 30-mile (48.3-kilome- ground and was punished with a red card. own into the top corner for his fi rst La It made them Britain’s fi rst tre) radius of Celtic Park beat “He has apologised. He is not happy Liga goal at the Camp Nou this season. European champions and saw Inter Milan to win the European the team dubbed ‘the Lisbon Li- Cup. ons’. “The legend of the Lisbon Li- RESULTS “The whole Celtic Family is ons was created that night and mourning his passing and eve- Tommy and his team-mates Osasuna 1 (Roberto Torres 64-pen) Villarreal 4 (Soriano 2, Soldado 27-pen, Santos ryone associated with the club were assured their place in the Borre 74, 79) sends their thoughts and prayers pantheon of Celtic greats. Barcelona 6 (Messi 9, Juan Rodriguez 11-og, Suarez 27, Alcacer 49, Neymar 66, Rak- to his family, his fellow Lions and “And, like the rest of the Li- itic 87) Sporting Gijon 1 (Carlos Castro 21) his many friends at this desper- ons, Tommy remained humble Granada 2 (Wakaso 38, Cuenca 53) Alaves 1 (Camarasa 57) ately sad time,” Celtic said in a about his incredible football Celta Vigo 2 (Aspas 21, Wass 30) Espanyol 2 (Gerard 28, Piatti 32) statement. achievements.” Real Madrid 3 (Isco 8, Cristiano Ronaldo 86-pen, 89) Las Palmas 3 (Tana 10, Viera Gemmell also scored in the Gemmell joined Nottingham 56-pen, KP Boateng 59) 1970 fi nal, when Celtic lost 2-1 to Forest in 1971 and spent two Dutch side Feyenoord in Milan. years there.

BOTTOMLINE Aguero ends drought in Man City Cup romp

AFP spond to an early scare after the visi- fore his pass was touched by Collin There was yet another penalty ap- Manchester tors, who made nine changes with an Quaner into the path of Bunn whose peal, again for a Stankovic hand, after eye on their eff orts to win promotion drive went through the legs of recalled Raheem Sterling’s cross struck the de- to the Premier League, took the lead keeper Claudio Bravo. fender. ergio Aguero scored twice, through Harry Bunn. City had already struck the post, af- But, on the half hour, the appeals ending a run of six domestic City fi nally gained a foothold with ter Sane cut in from the left and struck did not matter after De Bruyne’s cross games without a goal, as Man- Sane’s equaliser on the half hour, took a thunderous eff ort against the right- found Sterling on the right and the chester City advanced to the the lead four minutes later from Ague- hand upright. England forward’s low centre handed SFA Cup quarter-fi nals with an em- ro’s penalty and made it three goals And after falling behind, the only Sane the simple task of tapping the phatic 5-1 victory over Championship in eight minutes via Zabaleta.Despite surprise was that it took until the 30th ball over the line from point-blank side Huddersfi eld. making nine changes from their last minute for the Premier League side to range. Leroy Sane, Pablo Zabaleta and league performance, Huddersfi eld equalise. Four minutes later, City fi nally re- Kelechi Iheanacho also scored for Pep Manchester City’s took a surprise lead with just seven Joel Coleman gathered Kevin De ceived the penalty decision they want- Guardiola’s side who booked a place Argentinian striker minutes gone after year another disas- Bruyne’s powerful free-kick at the ed when Zabaleta chipped the ball into in the last eight of the competition, Sergio Aguero (R) trous example of City’s defending and second attempt and City felt they the area, Stankovic wrestled Nicolas where they will travel to take on Pre- celebrates with Leroy goalkeeping. should have had a penalty when Jon Otamendi to the ground and Aguero mier League rivals Middlesbrough. Sane on Wednesday. Philip Billing was allowed to make a Stankovic appeared to handle a De nonchalantly stroked in his 21st goal of However, City were forced to re- long run deep into the home half be- Bruyne eff ort soon after. the season from the spot. Gulf Times 4 Friday, March 3, 2017 SPORT

FORMULA ONE GOLF Wie uses helping hands to climb up Raikkonen makes Singapore leaderboard

Reuters David Leadbetter, who she Singapore leaned on for some putting ad- vice last week. “Yeah, I’m standing up ichelle Wie has now,” Wie said of her tech- splash as Hamilton endured a star- nique on the greens after tling decline since abandoning the bent over ‘ta- her US Open tri- ble top’ stance she had used for Mumph in 2014 following a two seasons. string of niggling injuries but “I was home (in Florida) last the American made the most week and the men were play- of a couple of favours to climb ing, so my coach was there. I to the top of the HSBC Wom- went to the Honda Classic and stays off the track en’s Champions leaderboard kind of stole him away for a lit- yesterday. tle bit. Ranked as high as world “I begged him to come over ‘Shame not to drive but it’s been a great few days. The guys have done an awesome job’ number two after her maiden and watch me putt. We worked major victory at Pinehurst, on it quite a bit. We made some the 27-year-old Hawaiian has changes to it and hopefully it’s only managed one top-10 fi n- been working.” ish since and has undergone Wie added that it was a re- a series of swing and putting lief to feel healthy again but style changes in a bid to arrest with a power-packed quintet her extended slump. that includes Ariya Jutanu- Now ranked a lowly 179, Wie garn and Park In-bee breath- was back to her best on a blus- ing down her neck just a stroke tery day in Singapore, how- back, she cannot aff ord to take ever, racking up eight bird- her foot off the accelerator. ies around the New Tanjong “Yeah, you know, it feels Course to move one shot clear good to play without much of a strong fi eld with an open- pain. To go out there and just ing round six-under-par 66. play some golf and focus on my “It’s a marathon this week, game rather than trying to fi n- not a sprint, but I have to say ish out rounds. I’m very proud I’m very proud of where I’ve of myself today,” she said. positioned myself today, and “Putting myself in a posi- hopefully the next three days I tion, it’s always exciting to be can keep it going, keep it roll- on the top of the leaderboard ing and keep having fun,” Wie or near the top of the leader- told reporters. board. Wie’s fi rst favour came from “Even though it’s just the the sponsors, who off ered an fi rst day I want to just keep invite for the popular Ameri- building and hopefully the can to line up in the 63-player next three days I can take it day restricted-fi eld event. The by day, hole by hole, shot by second came from her coach shot and play as hard as I can.”

Simon Hobday dies aged 76 Cape Town: Simon Hobday, one of golf’s most colourful characters, has died aged 76, South Africa’s Sunshine Tour an- nounced yesterday. Hobday won 17 professional events in his career, which started in 1969, including two on the European Tour and the US Senior Open in 1994. South African-born Hobday had a reputation as a carouser, practical joker and rac- onteur but also as one of the best ball-strikers on the circuit. Ferrari’s Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen drives at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo during the fourth day of the first week of tests for the Formula One Grand Prix season. (AFP)

AFP been a great few days. The guys rookie Lance Stroll’s crash on breath, I’d say.” lifting. “In actual fact we are Barcelona have done an awesome job. Can’t Wednesday. The testing time set by Ham- slower on the straights but it’s SPOTLIGHT wait to be back in the car next “A second chassis will be pre- ilton’s new team mate Valtteri how late and deep you can brake week!” pared at track this afternoon, Bottas on Wednesday would into the corners, it’s how quick imi Raikkonen posted Hamilton’s Mercedes team- as originally planned, with the have put the Finn on pole at the you can get back to the gas, how the fastest time on a mate Valtteri Bottas did man- team aiming to be back on track Spanish Grand Prix in any year you are able to take the corners Frenchman Havret track artifi cially soaked age to run in the afternoon, but for the second test next week,” since the Circuit de Catalunya fl at out easily,” said Hamilton. to test wet conditions as was way down the timesheets in Williams said in a statement. changed layout in 2007. “It’s quite unreal. It’s amaz- Kan electrical fault brought Lewis eighth fastest for his 68 laps. The second and fi nal four-day Hamilton, who had concen- ing. I’m coming through some fi res 65 in bid to end Hamilton’s fi rst week of testing to However, Bottas’ time of 1min test before the season opening trated mainly on putting on of these corners...and I’m like a a premature end yesterday. 19.705sec on Wednesday re- Grand Prix in Australia also takes mileage, said the performance kid on a roller-coaster ride be- Raikkonen’s best time of mained the fastest of the week. place in Barcelona from March was “amazing” in terms of the cause it’s so much better than it trophy drought 1min 20.872 in his Ferrari came In a recurring theme over the 7-10. speed carried through corners. was before. But following is not late in the day in Barcelona as fi rst few days of pre-season test- Hamilton, clear title favourite “It defi nitely is the fastest that good.” AFP on the inward trek in pursuit of the track dried out after trucks ing, Red Bull were the best of the after the retirement of Mercedes I have ever driven in Formula He said it was great that For- Pretoria a second European triumph af- dumped water on the surface rest behind Ferrari and Mercedes team mate and champion Nico One,” said the 32-year-old, who mula One had made changes ter the 2016 Joburg Open. overnight and again during the as Dutch wonder kid Max Ver- Rosberg, on Wednesday said made his debut with McLaren in but engineers had warned of the lunch break. Three-time world stappen was second fastest. overtaking could be even more of 2007. “We’re fl at (out) in corners consequences. renchman Gregory IOC gets tough with Tokyo champion Hamilton didn’t even British driver Jolyon Palmer a problem than it was before. that we’ve never been before. “Following is not easy. It’s Havret fi red a 65 yes- 2020 golf venue get out of the Mercedes garage as was third quickest for Renault. “Now the turbulence is easily “I hope that it splits the men worse to follow another car,” terday to share the The International Olym- an electrical fault prevented him The beleaguered McLaren- twice as powerful from the car, from the boys,” he said of the said Hamilton. “I don’t know Tshwane Open fi rst- pic Committee (IOC) issued a from running as scheduled dur- Honda team had a more posi- coming out of the back of the physical challenges the cars im- how that’s going to play out in roundF lead as he seeks to end sharp warning to the private ing the morning session. tive day in terms of mileage as car,” he told reporters after three pose on drivers with the fatter an actual race when there’s lots a nine-season trophy drought. club set to host golf at the 2020 “Electrical fault kept us in the Belgian rookie Stoff el Vandoorne days of testing, with Mercedes tyres and revised aerodynamics of cars.” He is at the top of the lead- Tokyo Games: Admit women garage this morning, so I’ve de- completed 67 laps, but F1’s fallen doing more laps and going faster subjecting them to increased G- That may not be so much of erboard at six under par with or you’re out. cided with the team not to drive giants remain well off the pace of than any of their rivals. forces through corners. a problem for Hamilton, whose Swede Alexander Bjork and On a visit to Tokyo to check today as I wouldn’t have learned those at the front of the grid. “So that just magnifi es the is- The greater downforce means Mercedes looks so quick that South African Haydn Porteous on the city’s Olympic prepara- much,” Hamilton posted on his Williams also called an early sue we had before. drivers no longer have to brake he can expect to start from the in the European Tour event tions, IOC vice president John Twitter account. end to their fi rst test after dam- “Let’s hope the racing’s fan- into some corners, allowing front. in Pretoria. They lead by one Coates said the Kasumigas- “Shame not to drive but it’s age suff ered to the FW40 in tastic, but don’t hold your them to go through without even He smiled: “That’s the plan.” stroke from Australian Ben eki Country Club in Saitama Eccles, Finn Mikko Korhonen, prefecture was running out Scot Duncan Stewart, Toby of time to change its policy of FOCUS Tree of England and South Af- refusing to grant full member- rica’s Justin Walters. ship to women. Havret has triumphed three “Our principles are based times on the European cir- on non-discrimination, that’s cuit, but not since 2008 when the position we’ve made quite he lifted the Johnnie Walker clear,” Coates, chairman of Championship trophy. the coordination commission ‘Mr 1,000 volts’ fi res jolt into Sky The 40-year-old birdied six which oversees preparations for holes on the front nine at Pre- the Olympics, told reporters. Reuters in France, which he won. confi rm or disprove this. toria Country Club, then bo- “There has been progress - as Paris “It’s quite surprising coming “Why go through the trouble geyed 11 and 13 before recover- recently as this week there have from people who are claiming to of fl ying in a product that you ing to claim two more birdies. been more discussions with the be experts in mastering details,” can buy over the counter for fi ve Bjork birdied two holes on club (to suggest) it’s heading he French former Olym- Madiot told Reuters. euros in any French pharmacy?” the front nine and four on the in the right direction for them pic cyclist Marc Madiot, Sky, who have won four of the Madiot asked. back half of the 6,476-metre to have a non-discriminatory known as “Mr 1,000 last fi ve Tour de France titles, Some cycling teams are reluc- (7,081-yard) layout as he chas- membership procedure,” he Volts” yesterday fi red a have repeatedly said they owe tant to go to pharmacies dur- es a fi rst European Tour title. added, fl agging the end of June Tjolt into Team Sky, telling Reu- their success to “marginal gains”. ing races because they fear they Porteous also had two birdies as a possible time frame to re- ters the British outfi t had done No British team won the race in are under surveillance, a former on the outward nine and four solve the awkward standoff . little to dispel suspicions of its fi rst 108 years. anti-doping offi cial told Reuters doping. Madiot’s swipe is the latest yesterday, on condition of ano- Madiot, a twice Paris-Roubaix spat between French and English nymity. British Cycling chief sorry over champion and now head of the cycling fi gures. He added that French police French Cycling League and man- It takes little for the ancient are usually set up surveillance at bullying, doping claims ager of the FDJ team, questioned enmity between the two nations top races, especially on the Tour British Cycling chairman committee hearing into doping. a number of Sky’s statements to surface, and Britain’s recent de France. Jonathan Browning yesterday “Where there are failings we regarding an investigation into a stellar success in a sport for British Cycling acknowledged vowed to address the doping apologise,” Browning told the package delivered to rider Brad- years considered France’s own “serious failings” in its system. controversy rocking his sport BBC. “Athlete and participant ley Wiggins in 2011. has ruffl ed Gallic feathers. “Our medicine management and apologised after accu- welfare is our highest priority. Sky did not respond to Madi- Marc Madiot processes have been reviewed sations of bullying against We deeply regret any instance ot’s comments when contacted OLD RIVALRY several times since 2011 and... leading cyclists. Browning was where we have failed to deliver. by Reuters yesterday, simply French cyclists have won the to explain Britain’s dominance. top, which allegedly contained we have identifi ed further ar- responding to an investiga- My ambition for athletes is saying they had nothing to add Tour de France 36 times, far On Wednesday, Sky denied his records, was stolen in 2014. eas for improvement,” it said in a tion into the culture at British anyone leaving programme to a statement they had issued more than any other nation with any wrongdoing. “Our commit- Madiot appeared sceptical. statement. Cycling after former riders, in- says ‘I would recommend it to on Wednesday. Belgium riders second on 18. ment to anti-doping has been “They are... world champions Two weeks ago, former British cluding Great Britain’s Jess Var- my younger brother or sister’.” That statement came as head Britain’s four wins place them in one of the founding principles and, awkwardly, the doctor’s Olympic champion Chris Board- nish, complained about their Browning, who only took on of UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) sixth place. Team Sky chief Dave of the team,” Sky said in a state- laptop disappears,” he said. man told Reuters he doubted treatment. He said Cycling’s the role of British Cycling Nicole Sapstead told a British Brailsford riled the French dur- ment. “We have worked hard to Brailsford told the committee the full truth would be known: governing body are planning to chairman last month, is keen parliamentary select committee ing the 2012 Olympics when, as put the right governance struc- in December that Freeman had “Clearly they are not going to address any “failings” and also to resolve the row over doping that there were “zero records” Team GB’s performance director, tures in place.” told him the package contained get any more answers. But that pledged to deal with concerns which continues to plague the from the doctor who delivered he teased his rivals, claiming to The Committee were told that Fluimucil, a legal decongestant. typifi es the last 20 years, to be raised by British MPs at a select sport. the package to Wiggins at a race have “specially round” wheels, doctor Richard Freeman’s lap- Sapstead said UKAD could not honest.” Gulf Times Friday, March 3, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Sixers Embiid out for season with Leonard leads Spurs knee injury

Agencies games averaged 20.2 points, 7.8 Washington rebounds and 2.5 blocks in 25.4 minutes per contest. The 76ers (22-37) last week hiladelphia 76ers offi cially ruled out forward past Pacers, Pelicans center Joel Embiid will Ben Simmons, the 2016 No. 1 miss the remainder of overall pick, for the remainder the season to recover of his rookie season after tests Pfrom a left knee injury, the revealed his broken right foot team announced Wednesday. was not fully healed. Embiid underwent an MRI Meanwhile Golden State exam on his knee on Monday Warriors star forward Kevin and the results revealed the Durant will miss at least four stop Detroit Pistons meniscus tear “appears more weeks after being diagnosed pronounced.” with a Grade 2 sprained MCL His status was changed by and a bone bruise on his left ‘There’s no A-B-C-D to Kawhi’s game — he’s going to go A to B with no shortcuts’ the 76ers from out indefi nitely, leg, the team announced while dealing with swelling and Wednesday. soreness in his left knee, to out The Warriors said Durant AFP for the remainder of this sea- will be re-evaluated after the Los Angeles son. The 22-year-old Embiid, four-week period and it is pos- the No. 3 overall pick in 2014, sible he could return before has not played in a game since the end of the regular season, awhi Leonard nailed a January 27. which ends in six weeks on clutch jump shot with “We will continue to work April 12. two seconds remaining with leading specialists to “At this time it’s just specu- to lift the San Antonio gather additional information lation to guess when that is,” KSpurs to a 100-99 victory over the through clinical examination general manager Bob Myers Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. and sequential testing to de- told reporters in a conference Leonard’s game winning shot termine the best course of ac- call later Wednesday. “He’ll capped a 31-point performance tion and next steps,” said Dr. heal as his body heals.” for the American in front of a Jonathan Glashow, the Sixers’ The Warriors signed veteran crowd of 18,400 at the AT&T chief medical director. Spanish guard Jose Calderon Center arena. The 7-foot, 250-pound Em- to a contract. Terms of the deal Leonard drained the shot biid missed the fi rst two seasons were not announced by the despite being guarded by Pac- of his career with foot injuries. team for the 35-year-old Cal- ers star Paul George. It was The Cameroon native took deron, who was waived by the then George’s turn at glory but the court this season and in 31 Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. his shot from beyond the arc bounced harmlessly off the rim, ending the contest. “Coach drew up a good play Bargain shoppers dominate quiet and LaMarcus (Aldridge) set a good screen for me,” Leonard NHL trade deadline day said about his fi nal shot. “We The National Hockey League’s how I’ve been throughout my had about nine seconds. I want- trade deadline day failed to whole career,” Ott told the ed to take my time and try to get produce any blockbusters as Canadiens website. off a good shot and it ended up bargain shoppers rummaged “He expressed to me that going in for me.” through rosters on Wednesday was his interest and what he The Spurs led 98-97 before tweaking lineups for a Stanley wanted me to do as a Montreal Danny Green missed a layup Cup run or getting an early Canadien.” with 1:46 to play. Myles Turner jump on a rebuild. The Pittsburgh Penguins took advantage on the other end A total of 18 mostly minor added some depth to an with a jumper 11 seconds later to deals involving 33 players injury-hit blueline getting Mark give Indiana a 99-98 lead. were consummated before Streit from the Tampa Bay After a pair of empty posses- the 3 pm ET (2000 GMT) trade Lightning while the Kings, sit- sions by both teams, Monta Ellis window closed with the Florida ting a point outside of a playoff missed two free throws for the Panthers, Montreal Canadiens spot, acquired former 50-goal Pacers with nine seconds to play, and Los Angeles Kings among scorer Jarome Iginla from the giving San Antonio a fi nal shot at the most active teams on a Colorado Avalanche. the victory. slow day. It marked the fewest It was a winding road to Pitts- “There’s no A-B-C-D to deals since 2013 when 17 deals burgh for Streit who began the Kawhi’s game — he’s going to go trades were made involving day as a member of the Phila- A to B with no shortcuts,” George 30 players. The Canadiens, try- delphia Flyers, who traded the said. ing to get back on track after Swiss to Tampa Bay for forward “I knew he was going to try to midseason swoon, added size Valtteri Filppula and two draft work his way in. Kawhi is really and grit by acquiring rugged picks and then an hour later good at getting to a spot — he forwards Steve Ott, Andreas was flipped to the Stanley Cup made some tough shots and the Martinsen and Dwight King. champions. last one was a tough one.” Ott obtained from the Detroit An off ensive-minded blue- Elsewhere, Anthony Davis San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (No 2) celebrates after his game winning basket against Indiana Pacers during their NBA Red Wings for a sixth round liner, Streit had five goals and reached the 7,000 point mile- game. The Spurs won 100-99. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports draft pick in 2018 has six points 21 points this season for the stone and Jrue Holiday snapped this season but has 109 goals Flyers and has 95 goals and his scoring slump as the New never looked back in front of a Wizards topple Raptors second quarter and were control from Kristaps Porzingis. and 1,538 penalty minutes 428 over an 11-year career. The Orleans Pelicans defeated the crowd of 14,400 at the Smoothie In Toronto, the Washington the rest of the way. Washington over 14 bruising NHL seasons. Panthers also added a veteran Detroit Pistons 109-86. King Centre. The Pistons looked Wizards seized control early in led by as many as 24 points late RESULTS Martinsen, a hard-hitting scorer sending defenceman Davis scored 24 of his game like a tired team as they fell to the second quarter and never in the fi rst half. In Sacramento, Nets 109 Kings 100 Norwegian, comes to Montreal Dylan McIlrath and a third high 33 points in the opening half 29-32 on the season. looked back, with a 105-96 win Brook Lopez scored 24 points Pelicans 109 Pistons 86 from the Colorado Avalanche round draft pick to the Detroit to become the seventh-youngest They shot three of 17 from the over the Toronto Raptors who and grabbed eight rebounds, Spurs 100 Pacers 99 for Sven Andrighetto while Los Red Wings for Thomas Vanek. player in league history to score free-throw line and three of 23 had their four game win streak and the Brooklyn Nets snapped Heat 125 76ers 98 Angeles received a 2018 fourth Vanek has twice scored 40 goals 7,000 points. from three-point range. halted. Bojan Bogdanovic came their 16-game losing streak with Wizards 105 Raptors 96 round pick from the Canadiens and continues to display a good Holiday fi nished with 22 Forward Jon Leuer led the Pis- off the bench to score 27 points a 109-100 victory over the Sac- Knicks 101 Magic 90 for King. “He (Montreal general nose for the net potting 15 goals points for the Pelicans who im- tons with 22 points, while centre for the Wizards who won their ramento Kings. The New York Hawks 100 Mavericks 95 manager Marc Bergevin) ex- and 38 points in 48 games for proved to 24-37 and ended a Andre Drummond was ejected second in a row. Knicks meanwhile kept their slim Timberwolves 107 Jazz 80 pects me to come in and be the the floundering Red Wings who three game losing streak. late in the third quarter on a foul The Raptors led by two points playoff hopes alive with a 101- Celtics 103 Cavaliers 99 player I have been and that’s sit second from the bottom of The Pelicans began a 28-17 and fi nished with 13 points and after the fi rst quarter, but the 90 win over the Orlando Magic, Nuggets 110 Bucks 98 hard to play against. He knows the Eastern Conference. run late in the third quarter and 17 rebounds. Wizards used a surge early in the behind a 20 point performance Rockets 122 Clippers 103

NHL Kane’s hat-trick in Blackhawks’ win over Penguins

By Chris Hine After Anisimov’s injury, coach Chicago Tribune Joel Quenneville blended his lines with Nick Schmaltz playing center on Kane’s line with Ar- t was hard not to look at temi Panarin. The move worked. Wednesday’s matchup be- Schmaltz helped set up Kane’s tween the Penguins and goal with a skilled defensive play Blackhawks, the last two to strip the puck from a Penguin IStanley Cup winners, and wonder and get a pass over to Kane for what it would look like in June. the goal. It helped those daydreams that the game lived up to its billing as The Hawks came away a potential Stanley Cup preview. with a 4-1 victory thanks The Hawks came away with to another hat-trick from a 4-1 victory thanks to another Patrick Kane, who scored hat-trick from Patrick Kane, who three goals in a game for the scored three goals in a game for second time in three outings the second time in three outings. Kane continued his tear as one In the third period, Kane iced of the hottest players in the NHL the game at 16:52 with another – he now has 12 goals in his last 11 goal off another eff ective pass games. Goaltender Scott Darling from Schmaltz. Kane then added had a sterling night in net with 36 an empty netter with 40.7 sec- saves. The only drawback for the onds remaining to complete the Hawks was that they lost center hat-trick. The Hawks got their Artem Anisimov to an appar- second goal with 23.9 seconds ent right leg injury in the second remaining in the second period period. There was no immediate when Richard Panik executed a word on Anisimov’s status. pretty toe drag to get around Ev- Kane snapped a wrist shot that geni Malkin and send a shot top beat Penguins goaltender Marc- left corner on Fleury for a 2-1 lead. Andre Fluery in the fi ve-hole from the left circle 8 minutes, 49 RESULTS seconds into the second period Lightning 4 Hurricanes 3 (OT) for his fi rst goal of the night. Blackhawks 4 Penguins 1 Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (No 88) is celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against against the Pittsburgh Penguins. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Friday, March 3, 2017 SPORT

TENNIS RUGBY Ireland’s Payne returns to squad Djoko, Nadal enter for Six Nations

AFP March 18. Dublin Ireland squad Forwards (19): Rory Best ared Payne and Joey (Ulster, capt), Jack Conan Acapulco quarters Carbery were both in- (Leinster), Ultan Dillane cluded in the 36-man (Connacht), Tadhg Furlong Ireland squad for the (Leinster), Cian Healy (Lein- lastJ two rounds of the Six Na- ‘I played a complete match today and I’m feeling great after a month without playing’ ster), Jamie Heaslip (Leinster), tions announced by Irish rug- Iain Henderson (Ulster), Dave by yesterday. Kilcoyne (Munster), Dan Leavy Ulster centre Payne has not (Leinster), Jack McGrath (Lein- played since sustaining a kid- ster), Sean O’Brien (Leinster), ney injury during the 27-24 Tommy O’Donnell (Munster), win over Australia last No- Peter O’Mahony (Munster), vember. Quinn Roux (Connacht), Don- Leinster fl y-half Carbery nacha Ryan (Munster), John made his fi rst three appear- Ryan (Munster), Niall Scannell ances for Ireland in the No- (Munster), CJ Stander (Mun- vember Tests, but subse- ster), Devin Toner (Leinster), quently injured his ankle. James Tracy (Leinster) Carbery’s back-row club- Backs (17): Joey Carbery mate Jack Conan also re- (Leinster), Andrew Conway turned, along with Munster (Munster), Keith Earls (Mun- prop Dave Kilcoyne. ster), Craig Gilroy (Ulster), Rob Kearney keeps his place Robbie Henshaw (Leinster), despite sustaining a groin in- Paddy Jackson (Ulster), Rob jury during last month’s win Kearney (Leinster), Kieran over France, but Ulster’s Tom- Marmion (Connacht), Luke my Bowe misses out. Marshall (Ulster), Luke Ireland are currently second McGrath (Leinster), Conor in the Six Nations table, three Murray (Munster), Tiernan points below leaders England. O’Halloran (Connacht), Jared Joe Schmidt’s side tackle Payne (Ulster), Garry Ringrose Wales in Cardiff on March (Leinster), Jonathan Sexton 10 before hosting England in (Leinster), Andrew Trimble (Ul- Dublin in their fi nal game on ster), Simon Zebo (Munster).

Injured Eastmond to miss title run-in England international centre Kyle Eastmond will miss out on Wasps’ bid to win the English Premiership crown after being ruled out for the rest of the season. The 27-year-old - who was capped four times by England in rugby league before switching codes in 2011 -tore his Achilles tendon in last Sunday’s 35-22 victory over Gloucester that kept the winners six points clear in the table. “Following the injury sustained against Gloucester, Eastmond has undergone routine surgery to repair his Achilles tendon which we are pleased to confirm went well, with no complications anticipated,” read a state- ment from his club. “Kyle is expected to be sidelined for six months, which will unfortunately rule him out of the remain- der of Wasps’ 2016/17 campaign.” Dai Young, Wasps director of rugby, conceded Eastmond would be a big loss to the team especially as he had put a good run of form together of late.

Bedene’s Davis Cup appeal rejected Slovenia born Aljaz Bedene’s attempt to overturn a ban stopping him representing Great Britain in the Davis Cup was snubbed by an independent arbitrator yesterday. Bedene, ranked 104th in the world, has been fighting to play for Britain since 2015 when the International Tennis Federation (ITF) introduced rules bar- ring players from competing for two diff erent countries. Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates his victory against Argentina’s Juan Martin Del Potro. (Reuters) Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates his victory against Italy’s Paolo Lorenzi. (Reuters) The 27-year-old became a British citizen in March 2015, but be- cause previously played for his native Slovenia, he has not been AFP action this week for the fi rst time “I am very happy and proud fi rst tournament since falling to berth with a 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 victory eligible for Leon Smith’s side. Acapulco, Mexico since his shock second-round to win this match, even though I Roger Federer in the Australian over fellow Croatian Borna Coric. After appeals were turned down by the ITF and the ITF board, exit at the Australian Open in was close to losing when he was Open fi nal. Cilic, the 2014 US Open cham- British number four Bedene and the Lawn Tennis Association January, had to dig deep against serving at 4-3 up in the third set. “I think I played a very solid pion, remained unbeaten against took the case to Sport Resolutions. orld number two former US Open champion del “I just tried to get as many re- match... some great shots, some his 20-year-old compatriot. But arbitrator Charles Hollander QC ruled in favour of the gov- Novak Djoko- Potro after falling a break down turns back in play as possible.” good winners,” added the Span- He fi red a dozen aces, and erning body. vic battled into in the third set. The Serbian advanced to a iard, who dropped just seven broke Coric three times in the In his judgement, Hollander said: “I have no doubt that his desire the quarter-fi nals He broke back immediately quarter-fi nal clash with Aus- points on his serve and never match — including twice in the to settle in the UK has been genuine and that he has a genuine ofW the ATP Acapulco event on to level the set at 4-4 then held tralia’s Nick Kyrgios, a 6-2, 6-4 faced a break point against the fi nal set to set up a clash with desire to play for Great Britain. Wednesday, rallying for a 4-6, at love to pile the pressure on winner over American Donald 38th-ranked Italian. American Steve Johnson, a 7-6 “I have the greatest sympathy for Mr Bedene and his predica- 6-4, 6-4 triumph over Juan del Potro — who fended off one Young. Djokovic’s travails in a Nadal broke Lorenzi for the (7/5), 6-3 winner over American ment and consider that he has acted in good faith throughout.” Martin del Potro. match point with a service win- match lasting two hours and fi fth time in the fi nal game of wildcard Ernesto Escobedo. Hollander expressed hope the ITF might reconsider its decision The Serbian star led a parade ner but couldn’t hold off Djoko- 38 minutes were a far cry from the match, delivering a sting- Austria’s Thiem advanced at some point in the future. of the top four seeds into the last vic on the next. Nadal’s comprehensive 6-1, 6-1 ing forehand winner to wrap with a 7-5, 6-3 victory over “Of course it will be a matter for the ITF to decide whether such eight, with second-seeded Ra- “Every match that I’ve played victory over Paolo Lorenzi. up the win in just 66 minutes. Adrian Mannarino. an application should succeed,” he said. fael Nadal, number three Marin against delPo in the past couple “I played a complete match Nadal next faces Japanese quali- Thiem, winner at Rio de Ja- “But I hope that the passage of time, and perhaps some mended Cilic and fourth-seeded defend- of years has been very close, re- today and I’m feeling great af- fi er Yoshihito Nishioka, a 6-4, neiro last week, booked a meet- fences with the STA (Slovenian Tennis Association), will be suf- ing champion Dominic Thiem all ally enjoyable to play and great ter a month without playing,” 3-6, 6-0 winner over Australian ing with American Sam Querrey, ficient to persuade the ITF that Mr Bedene is a worthy candidate advancing. for the crowd to watch,” said said Nadal, a two-time winner lucky loser Jordan Thompson. who toppled fi fth-seeded Bel- for an exemption.” Top-seeded Djokovic, back in Djokovic. in Acapulco who is playing his Cilic booked his quarter-fi nal gian David Goffi n 6-2, 6-3.

FOCUS Fourth seed Monfi ls falls in Dubai quarter-fi nals

AFP with the unseeded Spaniard tak- Dubai ing charge from the start. Verdas- co spent 35 minutes in winning the opening set and set about ael Monfi ls fi red down consolidating in the second. The 10 aces but the fourth 33-year-old, ranked 35th, broke seed still crashed out for 3-2 with Monfi ls saving three 6-3, 7-5 to Fernando break points in the seventh game GVerdasco in the quarter-fi nals to stay in touch. of the Dubai Championships yesterday. Spain’s Verdasco will play The French showman was un- his second semi-fi nal of the able to make a major impression season on Friday, facing in a match which was paused for Dutchman Robin Haase, almost half an hour in the closing winner over Bosnian Damir stages due to light rain. Dzumhur 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 Spain’s Verdasco will play his second semi-fi nal of the season But Verdasco then produced on Friday, facing Dutchman Rob- a love game, 5-3, just before rain in Haase, winner over Bosnian stopped play. The Spaniard fi - Damir Dzumhur 6-2, 4-6, 6-4. nally prevailed after 81 minutes. World number one Andy Mur- “I played almost a perfect ray will aim for the fi nal four lat- match,” Verdasco said. “I’m very er, facing German Philipp Kohls- happy, it was a really complete chreiber. match in all the ways that you can Russian qualifi er Evgeny Don- imagine. skoy, who sensationally knocked “After the rain delay I tried to out Roger Federer in the second be focused, just looking for the round, will put his form to a fol- next point and trying to keep do- low-up test when he plays French ing the same as before the rain. seventh seed Lucas Pouille. “I’m very happy I’m in the Monfi ls lost for the fi rst time in semi-fi nals now. I’ll try to recov- four meetings against Verdasco, er and get ready for tomorrow.” France’s Gael Monfils falls during his quarter-final with Fernando Verdasco of Spain at the Dubai Duty Free Championships in Dubai yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Friday, March 3, 2017 7 CRICKET

AUSTRALIA’S TOUR OF INDIA COMMENT Starc remains No room at the top in Australia’s biggest Tests for ODI weapon: Marsh matchwinner India coach Kumble urges his team to move on from first Test debacle Guptill

Reuters Bengaluru

ast bowler Mitchell Starc re- mains Australia’s most potent weapon with the ball despite their spinners stealing the showF in the series opener against In- dia, team mate Mitchell Marsh said yesterday. On the turning track in Pune, left- arm spinner Steve O’Keefe bagged 12 wickets while slow-bowling partner Nathan Lyon took fi ve as the touring side thumped India by 333 runs inside three days in the fi rst match of the four-Test series. Nature of the pitch meant left- armer Starc bowled only 11 overs in the fi rst Test but his workload could increase signifi cantly at the M. Chin- naswamy Stadium which hosts the second Test from tomorrow. “He’s one of the best bowlers in the world, if not the best bowler in the world,” all-rounder Marsh told re- porters on Thursday. “He’s certainly the best reverse swing bowler in the world. “In these conditions, whilst all the talk has been about the spinners he’s still our biggest weapon, I think. Australia’s Mitchell Starc (right) reacts after bowling to Matthew Wade during a net practice session prior to the second Test “It’s great if he’s in the Indians’ against India in Bangalore yesterday. (AFP) heads, hopefully he can take a few wickets for us.” porters yesterday. The Bengaluru track is not expected “Twenty games in current scenario to provide as much turn as Pune for of Test cricket, it’s quite challenging the slow bowlers and the pacemen’s for an international side to keep going ability to reverse swing the old ball out there and winning. That’s what Reuters to convert his success in limited overs could prove crucial. this team has been able to do across Wellington cricket into the longer format. Marsh said Australia is well equipped conditions. While his ODI average is 43.98, and in that department with Starc and Josh “We have adapted to various condi- Wednesday’s eff ort gave him all three Hazlewood in their side. tions and various situations and that’s artin Guptill will not be of New Zealand’s top scores in the for- “In Pune the wicket itself did a lot what we didn’t do in the last game. included in the New Zea- mat, his Test average is 29.38. of work for us, it’s not necessarily the That’s why the result didn’t go our land squad for the up- Guptill’s technique has been exposed square here,” Marsh said. “These balls way.” coming Test series against in Test matches, where he has been scuff up well early on. Reverse swing The former spinner, also India’s MSouth Africa despite a brilliant match- vulnerable to deliveries moving away will be huge for us. highest wicket-taker in Tests, said winning innings in the one-dayer outside off stump or short-pitched “If we can get it going we’ve got Pune was just a blip in an otherwise against the Proteas on Wednesday. bowling. two of the best reverse swing bowlers bumper home season. Guptill, playing for the fi rst time in South Africa have been particularly in the world. They will still be huge “I don’t want to look back. We are a month after two hamstring injuries, ruthless at exploiting that weakness, weapons for us.” here to look ahead. As a coach it’s more scored 180 not out in the seven-wicket with his average against the Proteas in On the slow and dry tracks in Asia, important for me to look ahead,” said victory over the tourists in Hamilton to seven Tests just 14.38. where Australia had lost their last nine Kumble, who took over the coaching level the fi ve-match series at 2-2. He averages 27.49 batting in the top Tests before their Pune heroics, de- reins last year. Even the third highest one-day in- order but in the middle order, where fence was a key aspect of batting, ac- “It was one of those games where ternational score by a New Zealander the ball tends to move less, his average cording to Marsh. things didn’t go our way and we just was not enough to earn Guptill a Test is a far healthier 43.37. “It’s a big part of playing well over need to move on. Another three Test recall as an opener, coach Mike Hesson Hesson said that while Henry Ni- here, and it’s something all our bats- matches in the series and we are really said, but the 30-year-old could soon cholls had earned the right to hold on to men have worked on,” the 25-year-old looking forward to that. press a case for inclusion in the middle the number fi ve spot that Guptill would said. “Against a turning ball, if you can “We have had a fantastic home sea- order. be looking to fi ll, good form in domestic back your defence then attacking the son and it’s just one of those games “The Test team is performing pretty cricket was diffi cult to ignore. ball that’s there will be much better. where things didn’t go our way.” well at the moment,” Hesson told re- “It’s something that Martin is really “In these conditions you’ve got to Kumble said Australia were a qual- porters yesterday. keen to have a crack at and certainly earn the right to attack and that’s by ity opposition but India did not play to “Martin and I have talked about Test something that we are keen for him to having a solid defence. That’s what their potential. cricket a lot and we certainly gave bat- explore at fi rst class level fi rst,” Hesson I’ve been working on.” Indian cricket coach Anil Kumble (left) discusses the pitch with groundsmen at Asked about the nature of pitch to ting at the top of the order a decent told Radio New Zealand. The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore yesterday. (AFP) be used for the second Test, the Ben- crack. Certainly batting in the mid- “Hopefully get some success in that PUNE DEFEAT HISTORY: KUMBLE galuru native said: “It’s generally been dle order is something we are keen to and then... there might be a (Test) op- Meanwhile, India coach Anil Kumble While Virat Kohli’s men won in straight series victories. a good batting surface and I’m sure it’s explore and he will do that fi rst with portunity down the line.” urged his team to move on from the Sri Lanka and West Indies, they also “You can’t keep winning every going to be a result wicket. Auckland.” The fi nal one-day international is debacle in the opening Test against vanquished South Africa, New Zea- game. It has to come to an end at some “That’s exactly what we want in a Guptill has played 47 Tests, 40 of on Saturday at Eden Park with the fi rst Australia. land, England and Bangladesh for six point of time,” Kumble, 46, told re- Test match.” them in the top order, but has struggled Test starting in Dunedin on March 8.

BOTTOMLINE Brathwaite, Stokes face off again aft er fi nal bludgeoning

Reuters fi nal he has scored just 423 runs at an backyard. That’s my main goal. There North Sound, Antigua average of 12, with a solitary half-cen- are big things to come from Carlos tury. Brathwaite,” he told reporters. “Unfortunately, it went downhill Stokes insisted their previous encoun- arlos Brathwaite and Ben quickly. Because of what happened ter had been expunged from his memory. Stokes face off today for the that night, people expected things and “You try and put good performances be- fi rst time since the giant West I guess, for a brief period, I expected hind you as much as you put bad ones be- Indian clubbed four successive them as well. It became a negative. hind you. Success is great and you don’t sixesC off the fi ery Englishman to help want to start thinking too far ahead when win last year’s World Twenty20. “Obviously, four sixes shot me to you do well because it comes under the The pair play against each other in prominence, but people forget same bracket when things don’t go your the fi rst of three One Day Internation- that my Test average is 45 and way as well,” he told a press conference on als as both the West Indies and England I have three Test 50s in three Wednesday. prepare for the Champions Trophy in matches,” Brathwaite said. Last month the 25-year-old Stokes June with a brief series in Antigua and set a new IPL record for a foreigner by Barbados. “Obviously, four sixes shot me to joining the Rising Pune Supergiants for Brathwaite’s demolition job in the prominence, but people forget that my $2.16mn. fi nal in Kolkata last April left Stokes Test average is 45 and I have three Test Today’s ODI is followed by a second humiliated and bereft. But while the 50s in three matches,” he told reporters in Antigua on Sunday and then a third Englishman has gone on to be named in the build-up to the fi rst ODI at the in Barbados on Thursday, March 9. vice-captain of his team and become Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. the expensive foreign signing in the “I’m in a better space now than when Indian Premier League, Brathwaite has I was at the end of last year. I’m just In this April 3, 2016, picture, England’s been struggling with form. looking forward to ripping the page Ben Stokes (left) is consoled by Joe The 28-year-old from Barbados, who out and starting afresh. I just want to Root after losing the World T20 final stands two metres (6’6” ft) tall, has in get back the love I had for the game against West Indies at The Eden Gar- 39 innings since the World Twenty20 as a young boy, running around in the dens in Kolkata. (AFP)

Friday, March 3, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

ASIA RUGBY SEVENS TROPHY High stakes Asia Sevens tournament kicks off today With promotion on the line, top-seeded Singapore, hosts Qatar and nine other teams will vie for glory

ARST FACTS EVENT: Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy (ARST) DATES: March 3-4, 2017 (kickoff 1:30pm-8pm) GATES OPEN: 11.30pm ENTRY: Free LOCATION: Aspire Rugby Stadium

POOLS POOL A: Singapore, Pakistan, Jordan POOL B: Philippines, Qatar, Nepal POOL C: UAE, India POOL D: Thailand, Iran, Bang- ladesh

TODAY’S SCHEDULE Time Pool Match 13:30 A Pakistan vs Jordan Qatar (left) and Philippines (right) have been drawn together in Pool B with Nepal completing the group. (QRF, Asia Rugby) 13:52 B Qatar vs Nepal 14:14 D Iran vs Bangladesh By Sports Reporter 16:15 A Singapore vs Jordan Doha 16:37 B Philippines vs Nepal here is a lot at stake at the Asia 16:59 C UAE vs India Rugby Sevens Trophy that will 17:21 D Thailand vs be hosted by the Qatar Rugby Bangladesh Federation at the Aspire Warm TUp and Rugby Stadium today and to- 18:30 A Singapore vs Pakistan morrow. 18:52 B Philippines vs Qatar Top seeds Singapore will be looking to put the disappointment of 2016 behind 19:14 C UAE vs India them as they look to bounce immedi- 19:36 D Thailand vs Iran ately back into the Asia Rugby Sevens Series 2017 by winning the promotion. The Singapore squad have been RUGBY SEVENS pooled with Pakistan and Jordan, new- Rugby Sevens is played 7 comers to the international game in the players verses 7 players (five Asia Rugby ranks, and record says they substitutes) shouldn’t face too many problems in Two seven minute halves progressing through their pool. with a one-minute half-time Singapore will also bring some side break (15 minutes for the full line experience with them to Doha hav- ing secured the services of one of the match) Sevens greats, Ben Gollings, as mentor, India’s ambassador to Qatar P Kumaran with the Indian national 7s team at the Both teams try to outscore who will no doubt bring a confi dence Indian Sports Centre in Doha yesterday. India has been drawn with the UAE in Pool each other by scoring points and a competitive edge to the side. C for the two-day tournament that starts today. PICTURE: Jayaram through tries (5 points), goals/ But not to be overawed, the remain- drop kicks (3 points) ing seeds of Thailand, the UAE and and Nepal, should also progress through is our advantage, and style. Idea is to run the Philippines will all have their eyes to the quarterfi nal stage, but will be straight at them, use offl oads and break Players can pass backwards fi rmly on the trophy as they also look to weary of a host side who will be looking the opposition’s defence line.” or laterally to each other or can return their Sevens programmes to the to impress the local fans on home soil. Qatar’s forward line is led by captain kick and chase the ball top echelon of Sevens rugby. Mubarak al-Malik, who leads an eclec- A conversion follows a try And with it, continue their path in the “...we should not underestimate tic mix of nationals and expat talent. (it’s a drop kick between the qualifi cation for the 2018 Rugby World any of the teams. All the teams This is also the fi rst time Qatar will be posts and worth 2 points) Cup Sevens that will take place in San are prepared well and we hosting such a high-profi le rugby tour- Francisco. nament. Drop kicks and penalty Second seeds Thailand have been should treat each game as a For Nabin Giri-led Nepal side, the goals are worth 3 points but are pooled with Iran and Bangladesh. fi nal,” Qatar coach Usaia tournament, their third outside the rare in sevens rugby play While UAE and India are guaranteed Biumaiwai said Himalayan country, is expected to be a After a stoppage play is a top-eight spot after Lebanon’s pull- good learning experience. reset with a scrum where 3 out from the tournament, leaving only Earlier this week, Qatar’s Fijian coach “We are representing our nation and players from each team bind two teams in Pool C, they will be trying Usaia Biumaiwai had told Gulf Times, we want to do our best. There should be against each other and battle to top their pool for a favourable draw in “The Philippines are a good team and I no lack of eff orts, the rest is up to God. for the ball use only their the knockout stages. have told the boys that we should not be Let us see what happens,” team man- strength and feet Indian women’s team fi nished run- underestimating any of the teams in the ager Gopal Chhetri had said at the pre- ners-up at the Asia Rugby Sevens Tro- tournament. All the teams are prepared event press conference on Wednesday. If the ball goes out of phy in Laos recently, and now the spot- well and we should treat each game as a bound into touch the play is light will be on the men. fi nal. Pakistan will be up against Singapore, reset through a lineout The Philippines, pooled with Qatar “We have a few big forwards and that the top seed, and Jordan in Pool A.

CRICKET / PAKISTAN SUPER LEAGUE Bangladesh’s Tamim smashes Karachi down champs as fearful stars snub fi nal ton in Lanka warm-up Opener Tamim Iqbal smashed 136 yesterday to propel Bang- ladesh to 391-7 on day one of a warm-up match in Sri Lanka AFP people and left over 100 injured. ahead of their Test series starting in Galle next week. Tamim hit Sharjah, United Arab Emirates However, fi ve Quetta players — seven sixes and nine fours before retiring in the two-day match Kevin Pietersen, Luke Wright, Rilee against a Sri Lanka Board President’s XI squad at Moratuwa Rossouw, Tymal Mills and Nathan stadium, just outside the capital Colombo. Mominul Haque arachi Kings upset defend- McCullum — have refused to go to also found form in what is the first match of Bangladesh’s tour, ing Pakistan Super League Pakistan over security fears. hitting 10 boundaries in a knock of 73 before also retiring. Sri champions Islamabad The PCB insist they will be re- Lanka’s right-arm medium pacer Chamika Karunaratne took by 44 runs in Sharjah on placed by some other foreign play- three wickets for 61, while Lahiru Samarakoon and Lasith KWednesday as a host of foreign stars ers. Ambuldeniya claimed one apiece. The hosts won the toss and refused to travel to violence-plagued Lahore has been the scene of vio- sent the tourists in to bat amid forecasts of scattered showers Lahore for the fi nal citing safety lence aff ecting cricketers before. In which failed to materialise. Bangladesh will face Sri Lanka in fears. 2009, Sri Lanka’s team bus was at- two Tests, the first starting in Galle on Tuesday, before playing Paceman Mohamed Amir (3-7) tacked by gunmen who killed six po- three 50-over internationals and two Twenty20 matches. and spinners Imad Wasim (3-18) and licemen. Usama Mir (3-24) sent Islamabad Several of the Sri Lanka team and BRIEF SCORES: Bangladesh 391/7 (Tamim Iqbal 136 ret, crashing to 82 all out in 15.2 overs as staff were injured and the bloodshed Mominul Haque 73 ret; Karunaratne 3-61, Samarakoon 1-70, Karachi defended 126, the lowest to- turned Pakistan into a ‘no-go zone’ Ambuldeniya 1-57) vs Sri Lanka Cricket President’s XI tal in Pakistan Super League history. as far as international teams were Opener Asif Ali played a lone hand involved. of 39 as stalwarts like Brad Haddin “It’s with a heavy heart I will not Pakistan batsman Akmal (nought), Misbah-ul-Haq (13) and be coming to Lahore. I have a young tangles with traffi c police Shane Watson (eight) all failed. family and for me a game of cricket Karachi’s batsmen had also strug- is just not worth the risk,” tweeted Temperamental Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal yesterday gled after left-arm paceman Rum- 31-year-old Wright. was involved in a heated argument with police over a traff ic man Raees returned fi gures of 4-25 “I’m sorry as I know how much it violation for the second time in his controversy-beset career. in his four overs. Babar Azam and means to you all and hopefully in the The 26-year-old was stopped in his hometown of Lahore for Shoaib Malik top-scored with 25 future the safety will not be in doubt driving a car bearing a personalised number plate deemed each in the play-off clash. to come play there.” illegal by customs and excise off icials. “Police stopped me and Karachi will now meet Peshawar Rossouw — the highest scoring used foul language and they told me I would have to remove Zalmi in the last play-off today in batsman for the Gladiators — also the number plate myself,” he later told reporters. Akmal is a Dubai with the winner to take on took to Twitter to confi rm he would regular for the Pakistan team and had just flown home after his Quetta Gladiators in Sunday’s fi nal not be playing in the fi nal. Lahore Qalandars team was knocked out of the Pakistan Super in Lahore. “It’s with a sad heart that I must League being staged in the United Arab Emirates. An explosive The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announce that I will not be taking part hitter who was rated highly when he burst on the scene as a on Monday decided to still stage the in the fi nal,” tweeted the 27-year-old, teenager, his career has suff ered from disciplinary problems fi nal in the city despite last week’s who has played over 30 one-day in- both on and off the field. two bomb blasts which killed 22 ternationals for South Africa. Karachi Kings’ Imad Wasim was adjudged player of the match for his bowling figures of 3 for 18.