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Wednesday, December 30, 2015 FOOTBALL Rabia I 19, 1437 AH attacks GULF TIMES ‘lies’ and says he is staying at Man United SPORT Page 3 PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN VS AL SADD STADIUM, 7:30PM READY STEADY PLAY! After days of anticipation, Qatar will finally witness the blockbuster match between PSG and Inter today evening

By Joe Koraith are doing a good job in the local league. Doha And we have great ambitions for the Champions League. PSG has done a good job during the last few seasons. he wait is over. After days of We are keen to match the expectations anticipation, football fans in of our fans and our administration,” Qatar will fi nally get to wit- said the 50-year-old. ness the blockbuster match “We are working towards our goal of Tbetween Paris Saint-Germain and In- winning the Champions League. I have ter Milan today evening. Such has been confi dence in my players and know the excitement surrounding this high- that we will do well. I am hoping that profi le friendly that the tickets for the success in the Champions League re- encounter at the Jassim bin Hamad fl ects our success in the French cham- stadium were sold out with a few days pionship,” he added. to spare. The Frenchman feels that his team Apart from the fans, the teams not only represents the French league themselves are also looking forward to but also Qatar in the Champions this duel. Both teams are leading their League and he believes that his team is respective leagues and are looking to not too far away from winning the ti- test themselves against quality Euro- tle. “In the last four seasons, PSG have pean opponents. PSG are here as part of had bigger objectives at the European their Qatar Winter Tour training pro- level. And we are not just represent- gramme and are using this camp and ing the French football but now we the friendly to prepare for the second have another role to represent Qatar. half of their season. “This winter camp Because they are the owners of our is of great importance to us. There are a team. Players have the determination lot of important matches in the French to achieve these objectives. If not this League and in the Champions League season, then in the coming couple of in the second half of the season. We are seasons, we will achieve our objective training hard here and looking to ben- of winning the Champions League,” efi t from this training camp. We hope said Blanc. for a good match tomorrow,” said PSG Inter are not playing in the Cham- coach Laurent Blanc during the press pions League because they failed to conference yesterday. fi nish in the top 3 last season but with Inter coach Roberto Mancini is ex- their current form which sees them top pecting a high-voltage clash, one that the standings, coach Mancini will entertain the thousands of fans in is feeling positive. “We have improved the stadium. “We are very happy to be a lot from last year. Inter should be here. We have good weather and good playing Champions League regularly. infrastructure here. We will play PSG, When we started this season, our tar- one of the top European teams. It will get was to qualify for the Champions be a good game and the fans who come League. We are now at the top of the to the stadium will see a fantastic game table but we don’t know what will hap- with fantastic players,” said Mancini pen by the end of the season. It’s pos- yesterday. sible for us to win the title but there are For PSG, this match will also help teams that are better than us. But we them prepare for their Champions are at the top at the moment and that is League Round of 16 tie against famil- important for us,” said the Italian. iar opponents Chelsea. There’s a lot of With both teams looking to show- pressure on PSG to match their league case to the world that they are Euro- success with a Champions League title. pean powerhouses and not just kings of But coach Blanc believes that success their own backyard, this match prom- in the Champions League shouldn’t ises to be a keenly-contested aff air. be the only yardstick to judge PSG. “If And that only bodes well for the packed we want to judge one team, we have to stadium that is expected to turn up to- judge it on the basis of all the compe- day evening. titions that we are taking part in. We Game on.

BOTTOMLINE We are amazed at the response, says al-Ansari By Sports Reporter was unbelievable. We are proud of this sponsors have played a big role,” said time that Inter paid a visit and al-An- Doha achievement. It shows the passion for al-Ansari yesterday. sari hoped that it would be a pleasant both the teams,” said Mansour al-An- This is the second leg of a two-match experience for the Italian team. “PSG sari, QFA General Secretary and LOC, agreement that QFA had with PSG and have been having their winter camp uch is the excitement surround- CEO during the press conference yes- Inter and the QFA General Secretary is here in Qatar for many years now. This ing the friendly match between terday. hoping that it will be a match that spec- is the fi rst time that Inter Milan are Paris Saint-Germain and Inter tators will remember for a long time. experiencing these facilities. We hope Milan that the tickets were sold COLLECTIVE EFFORT “We are extremely proud and excited to they will be pleased with the hospitality outS days in advance. The Local Organ- Organising such a high-profi le match host this friendly in Qatar. This is part of and the facilities.” ising Committee (LOC), which will be requires a lot of planning and execution our two-match agreement between the The ticket sales success was another same team that are organising the AFC and al-Ansari praised the eff orts of the teams. The fi rst leg was in Marrakesh last feather in the organising committee’s U23 Asian Cup are delighted with the diff erent stakeholders in hosting a suc- year which PSG won 1-0. We are looking cap. “100 percent of the tickets were response. cessful match. “This is the same com- forward to the second leg. I hope every- sold out a few days before the match “We were amazed at the response for mittee that is organising the U23 Asian one enjoys the match. And I wish that it’s and it was all online sales. This to us is the tickets for this friendly match. We Cup. There are many stake holders who one which everyone can talk about later,” an achievement and we look forward to have been sold out for the past three are playing a big role in organising this said the CEO of the LOC. having an organised match and give the days. The demand for tickets from Mansour al-Ansari, QFA General Secretary and Local Organising Committee, CEO event. I would like to say a big thank While PSG has visited Qatar multi- spectators an experience that they will people here in Qatar and even outside (centre) with PSG coach Laurent Blanc (R) and Inter coach Roberto Mancini yesterday. you to the men behind the show. The ple times for training, this was the fi rst love,” said al-Ansari. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, December 30, 2015 FOOTBALL

FOCUS PSG academy inspiring the ‘They’ll stand there and listen to you. It’s when you can make the most progress, and when you really youth of Qatar appreciate all that you can do for them’ PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

PSG and Inter players during a training session yesterday.

PSG players pose with the lucky kids who got to train with the likes of star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and coach Laurent Blanc.

By Sports Reporter see that Paris Saint-Germain is really since there are very few kids who get this with a global reputation. Regardless of Doha taking on an extra dimension, and that’s chance. It was a really good experience.” whether they attend throughout the year a good thing,” said Paris Saint-Germain or at a camp during their school holidays, coach Laurent Blanc. “It is important for ABOUT THE PSG ACADEMY the children who take part get quality ome 50 boys and girls aged be- young people fi rst and foremost to want The Paris Saint-Germain Academy is a coaching based on the Paris Saint-Ger- tween 10 – 12 took part in a very to play football, and also to wear the Paris football school that is open to children main philosophy. special training session Tuesday Saint-Germain jersey. To let you in on a – both boys and girls – aged 5 – 16. It is The Paris Saint-Germain Academy morning held on the Aspire Zone little secret, once I retire from profes- run at 45 diff erent centres open around has enjoyed real success at its 11 cen- grounds.S Under the watchful eye of Lau- sional football, if I still have the energy, the year, and in 2015/2016 it is holding tres in the Paris area, four elsewhere in rent Blanc, Papus Camara and the coach- I want to coach kids – that’s what I fi nd over 120 seasonal camps in 12 countries. France and a further 30 in fi ve diff erent es of the Paris Saint-Germain Academy, most interesting. They’ll stand there and 8,000 kids will be able to take part, half countries around the world (Brazil, USA, they were able to hone their technique listen to you. It’s when you can make the of them in camps run outside France. Canada, Morocco and India), refl ecting and take inspiration from the pros who most progress, and when you really ap- The centres are host to over 110 coaches the growing attraction of the Club both are taking part in the Qatar Tour before preciate all that you can do for them.” who have been trained by the Club, who domestically and abroad. taking on Inter on 30 December. “It was great!” said Lylia, one of the off er top-level training and management The Paris Saint-Germain Academy is The kids had been selected by four of girls taking part. “We watched the Paris based on the values of excellence, fun and also part of the Club’s international de- Paris Saint-Germain’s local partners Saint-Germain training session this fairness, ensuring that those taking part velopment strategy, and is a way of shar- (QNB, Ooredoo, beIN Sports and Emir- morning then afterwards, it was our turn are motivated and fulfi lled. The train- ing the Paris Saint-Germain experience ates). to train with Laurent Blanc and Zouma- ing off ered by the Paris Saint-Germain with younger generations throughout the “On our various tournaments, we can na Camara. It was a unique opportunity Academy is that of a major European club world.

BOTTOMLINE Partnership with PSG football team boosts tourism in Qatar By Sports Reporter Doha

atar’s partnership with French football giants, Paris Saint-Ger- main, is refl ecting a positive im- pact on the country’s tourism in- dustry,Q according to a senior Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) offi cial, speaking on the eve of the friendly between PSG and Inter Milan FC at Doha’s Al Sadd Stadium. The number of French visitor arrivals during 2015 has reached 45,626 as of 26th December, which refl ects a growth of 43% in leisure visitors from France, and an 8% growth on arrivals since 2014, placing France as Qatar’s second largest source market in Europe. “We believe there is positive potential for further healthy growth in the French market,” stated Rashed AlQurese, Chief Marketing & Promotions Offi cer. “Since establishing our QTA Paris representative offi ce in 2013, our relationships within the French market has shown incredible growth with 20 French Tour Operators now featuring Qatar from only two Tour PSG striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic (C) during a training session yesterday. ... AND A LITTLE BIT OF STARDOM Operators in 2013.” Equally impressive is the interest in the destination from French travel agency main have worked on a strategic partner- sports events is key in developing a strong the itinerary of their choice, titled ‘My front end staff with over 500 individual ship to promote Qatar’s sport and leisure sports and leisure tourism industry. Our Dream Trip’, to enter into a draw. French travel agents registering to join tourism off erings. QTA has hosted fi ve partners at PSG are great ambassadors in The prize on off er gave two of the par- QTA’s ‘Tawash’ online destination train- tours for PSG teams, including the Qa- promoting Qatar’s tourist attractions and ticipants the opportunity to travel with a ing course. To date 205 members have tar Winter Tour of 2013 and 2015, Qatar we wish them an enjoyable stay with us in friend and the PSG team to Qatar to expe- successfully graduated to become quali- Handball Tour 2014 and 2015, and Qatar Qatar once again.” rience their Dream Trip and this further fi ed Qatar tourism experts creating a Ladies Tour 2015. The friendly with Inter Milan takes included attending PSG training sessions, powerful and enthusiastic network of A further aspect of this partnership place as the culmination of PSG’s tradi- participating in tourism activities, and knowledgeable partners promoting and aff ords QTA the continuous presence at tional mid-season training camp in Qa- attending the Inter Milan friendly. selling Qatar’s tourist attractions. PSG’s home stadium in Paris where thou- tar. The squad have been preparing for the Yesterday afternoon, six Paris Saint- “Our partnership with a prominent sands of football fans experience a fl avour second half of the season at Doha’s Aspire Germain team members took time out sporting institution like Paris Saint-Ger- of Qatari culture and hospitality through Zone sports complex. from their training camp at Aspire Zone main is a key pillar in our strategic approach interaction with Qatari cultural and her- For the Qatar Winter Tour, QTA de- for some relaxation. The players, Edinson to promote Qatar in the French market. The itage off erings. veloped an innovative campaign that al- Cavani, Layvin Kurzawa, Marquinhos, positive growth results have clearly dem- “We are delighted to welcome the PSG lowed PSG fans to take a virtual journey Blaise Matuidi, Javier Pastore and Marco onstrated the eff ectiveness of this strategy,” team back to Qatar closing 2015 with with their favourite player to experience Verratti, explored Doha through a series commented AlQurese, QTA’s Chief Mar- what promises to be a memorable game diff erent routings in Qatar, including vis- of activities organised by QTA, includ- Inter coach Roberto Mancini gets mobbed by fans. keting and Promotions Offi cer. between two of Europe’s top clubs,” said its to landmarks, restaurants and hotels. ing a round of golf, trip to Katara Cultural PICS; Noushad Thekkayil Since 2012, QTA and Paris Saint-Ger- AlQurese. “Attracting visitors to top level By the end of it, users of the app created Village and stroll along the Corniche. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 30, 2015 3 FOOTBALL

FIRM SPOTLIGHT Chelsea heading in right direction, Van Gaal blasts says skipper Terry media ‘lies’, says he is not quitting

John Terry is confident Chelsea are on the mend.

‘You have seen the players fighting for me’ AFP “I think we owed them Manchester that performance and I think they can slowly see the tide turning and us helsea’s recovery has putting in performances begun, John and getting results” Terry claimed yesterday with the Blues unbeat- “With a quick succession enC in the three games since Jose of wins we can climb the table Mourinho’s departure. quickly.” A victory over Sunderland The normal order of things has been followed by draws with in the has been Watford and Manchester United. turned upside down in 2015/16, A surge up the Premier League with the likes of Leicester and table has yet to materialise, how- Crystal Palace challenging at ever, and the champions remain the top of the table and Chel- in 14th place, only three points sea languishing near the bottom off the relegation zone. three. Chelsea travelled to Old Traf- “I think it has been bizarre,” ford on Monday to take on a said Terry. “Being amongst it United team that had lost four has been really diffi cult and that games in a row, but were un- is credit to teams you wouldn’t able to make that fi ve as the two expect to win games throughout struggling giants fought out a the year improving their squads 0-0 draw. and improving individuals. The hosts edged the chances, “It’s now down to us as a but Chelsea skipper Terry was group and a club to step up and proud of the performance of his go again to that next level where team. we want to be. He told Chelsea TV: “I think “This year it’s probably too far the desire and the eff ort was to go, but the season after that spot on. The work-rate was and long when I have gone we diff erent class throughout the have set the levels and we need to whole starting XI. But more keep that year after year.” importantly I just want to say ’s side slipped thank you to the fans. 19 points behind leaders Arsenal “I think we owed them that with the draw at Old Traff ord and performance and I think they 15 points adrift of the top four. can slowly see the tide turning Although it seems inconceiv- and us putting in performances able they could go down, goal- and getting results. keeper Thibaut Courtois is not “The desire in the group is discounting the possibility, even there for everyone to see the last if, like Terry, he feels Chelsea are few games. For whatever reason heading in the right direction. we weren’t winning games from He told the club website: “Of the start and we are where we course you cannot think it is not are and we have to build upon possible to get relegated. We that and we have to change look forward and I think with the Manchester United’s Dutch manager Louis van Gaal (C) leaves the pitch after the final whistle of the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea things around very quickly be- dynamic we are in now and the at Old Traff ord in Manchester on Monday. cause, looking at the league ta- games we are playing, soon we ble, it’s horrible. will start winning games.” By Jamie Jackson I have said that a club can sack you but with a lot of pressure, there is not any the last days but also before but that is the The Guardian that a manager can also resign by him- reason to resign for me. Maybe the media consequence. I have said to Dutch TV that self. When a colleague of you then writes wants me to but I shall not resign. It’s not Manchester United has a lot of confi dence PRAISE it in another context, no, I have given you a question of staying, it’s a question of in his manager and I have received that defi ant Louis van Gaal com- in a press conference a [comment] that it fulfi lling my contract.” not in every club,” he said. plained of “lies” in the media is not only part of the decision, also the Van Gaal resisted the notion of there “But, of course, I know that there are regarding his position as Man- manager can take that decision. being a crisis at the club and it now being circumstances that the board has to de- Wenger hails Ozil as chester United, manager and “I have said also in all my press con- over. “I don’t know because the crisis is cide to sack the manager and I am look- theA Dutchman insisted he is not con- ferences, they are asking all the time: more or less the environment is making ing always from my point of view and that cerned he will be sacked nor will he re- ‘Are you concerned that maybe they sack the crisis,” he said. can be not the right view and in this crazy Bergkamp’s equal sign following his side’s improved display you?’ Of course I am concerned, but I am “Inside the club the players are willing football world that can happen every day, in the goalless draw with Chelsea at Old more concerned to prepare my players. to fi ght for every metre, the manager is also with me. When it happens to José Traff ord. “Then I read things in the press. They willing to fi ght, the members of staff are Mourinho, then it can happen with me.” The Dutchman entered the game are lies, not based on facts. They are the willing to fi ght and the board is very con- Guus Hiddink, the new Chelsea interim with his future as manager in serious reasons I walk away in a press conference fi dent in the staff and the manager so it is manager, said he was pleased with a point doubt as United looked to avoid losing a and not angrily. No, I walk with quietness not inside Manchester United.” from his side after being forced to fi eld fi fth match in a row for the fi rst time in because I want to make my point. However, when it was put to Van Gaal Eden Hazard as an auxiliary forward. 79 years. Yet despite the result being a “For me, it [his future] is not an in- that four consecutive defeats at a club the “Everyone knows we have some prob- seventh goalless draw and the sixth at teresting subject because I cannot have stature of United might constitute a cri- lems in our striker’s position due to sus- United’s stadium this season, Van Gaal any infl uence on that, I can only work sis, he said: “Yes, but also for me and also pension and injuries and we had to think was heartened by the way his players re- with my players and you can see they are for the players. Maybe you can investigate how to solve that. We did it with Hazard. sponded. fi ghting for me. Even after this result the in my career how many times I lost four “The players have experienced a very Following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at fans were applauding so I cannot say I’m matches in a row. I cannot remember but bad half year. They have to lift it up and Stoke City Van Gaal mentioned he could very much concerned. In this football maybe I put it away because it is a dark that’s what we have talked about in the resign. However, the manager claimed world you never know, but I’m fully con- period.” locker room. Everyone is convinced we his comments had been reported out of fi dent in the board and my players. Van Gaal indicated he is continuing to couldn’t go on the same path and we have context. “Will I resign? On the contrary. When plan to try and strengthen in the January shown that in the last three games,” Hid- Match-winner: Mesut Ozil of Arsenal Van Gaal said: “I think I didn’t say that. the players can give such a performance transfer window. “Of course, it is not only dink said. AFP When asked if Ozil is now London the best player in the Premier BOTTOMLINE League, he said simply: “Look at the number of the assists and rsene Wenger hailed they speak for him.” Mesut Ozil as the best The Frenchman also acknowl- player in the Premier edged comparison with Dutch League and an equal of forward Bergkamp, who was ArsenalA legend Dennis Bergkamp such an inspiration in Wenger’s ‘United unlucky not to win’ following another infl uential early days in north London. display in a 2-0 win over Bourne- “Bergkamp was more of a Reuters ley late in the match as United ‘We created a lot of mouth. goalscorer than him. But now Manchester struggled to take advantage of chances,” Rooney, the German midfi elder Ozil made Ozil becomes a goalscorer too. greater possession and chanc- club’s joint second-highest one assist and scored another at They could be comparable,” he es. He has scored one goal in 14 goal scorer told British the Emirates Stadium on Mon- said. anchester United league appearances this season. Media. “We didn’t manage day to help Arsenal back to the All this from a player who last were unlucky not “We’re going through a tough to take one but I thought top of the table, leaving pundits season was labelled as a luxury by to beat Chelsea time but we’ve all stuck together running out of superlatives to some onlookers, singled out by we played some great despite dominat- and put up a great fi ght,” said stuff ” describe his performance. Henry as a someone who needed ingM the game, skipper Wayne Rooney, who was the surprise Ozil’s statistics are astonishing to “step up his game” and ac- Rooney said following the goal- Man of the Match. Anthony Martial has been one even by his own high standards. cused of drifting out of matches less home draw against the “It’s a disappointing result of United’s best performers af- So far this season he has made by German legend Lothar Mat- struggling champions. as we dominated the game but ter joining in a massive deal last 16 assists and score fi ve goals in thaus. Throughout it all, how- The exciting draw on Mon- that’s football.” summer. Despite scoring four the Premier League—closing in ever, Wenger remained staunchly day extended United’s winless United have found the net goals in his fi rst four matches, fast on the all-time record of 20 loyal to a player he signed from run to eight games, and left the just three times in their past six the 20-year old has been pushed assists set by another Arsenal Real Madrid, insisting that Ozil most successful club in the Pre- League games, leading to calls out to the wing due to Memphis great Thierry Henry. would eventually become a Foot- miership era in sixth place on the for a new striker by former Liv- Depay’s poor form. Against Bournemouth he set baller of the Year in England. table. erpool captain . The Red Devils sold strikers another mark, too, creating nine “Ozil was the focal point of “We created a lot of chances,” “I think they need an extra Robin van Persie and Javier Her- goalscoring opportunities for our team,” Wenger said after Rooney, the club’s joint second- striker,” Gerrard, a former Eng- nandez at the start of the season. teammates—the highest fi gure goals from the German and de- highest goal scorer told British land team mate of Rooney, told Manager Louis van Gaal also registered in the league this sea- fender Gilberto, from an Ozil Media. “We didn’t manage to BT Sport. ended Radamel Falcao’s loan son. No wonder Gunners boss corner, clinched a crucial victory take one but I thought we played “There’s too much pressure on spell and let record signing An- Wenger was happy to suggest his against Bournemouth that sent some great stuff .” Wayne Rooney, Martial is very gel Di Maria move to Paris Saint- midfi elder has been peerless in Arsenal one point clear at the top Rooney skied a tough vol- Rooney reacts after a missed chance against Chelsea on Monday. young, Depay is very young.” Germain. the league this season. of the Premier League. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, December 30, 2015 FOOTBALL

PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT Villarreal’s Suarez on Barca’s radar, History-makers says

Reuters Barcelona

Real seek boost to arcelona coach Luis Enrique has been im- pressed by Villarreal winger Denis Suarez Band could try to bring him back during the January transfer win- dow. Suarez has stood out with his shore up Benitez poise and dribbling skills having been given a regular run in the Villarreal side this season, and he ‘We’ve failed to be at our best at certain points of the season’ would be a cost-eff ective option to boost the Barca ranks which have been depleted by the FIFA transfer ban. Barca have a buy-back op- tion on Suarez, reported to be three million euros ($3.3 million), which they could activate at the did not stop them winning fi ve end of the season but may pay a trophies in 2015. reported 4.5 million euros ($4.9 They will be able to use Arda million) to bring him in earlier. Turan and Aleix Vidal in Janu- “We have been watching him,” ary. They have not been able to Luis Enrique told a news confer- play so far this season due to the ence yesterday. sanction. “He is a player that was at Se- Barca face their fi nal match villa but lacked minutes. He is of the year against Real Betis on playing at a very good level at the Wednesday lying joint top of La moment, an important player, Liga with Atletico Madrid on 35 and could be an interesting op- points having played a game less tion.” The 21-year-old is real- due to their participation in the ising his early promise having Club World Cup this month. struggled to adapt after being “The aim is to get to the fi nal picked up by Manchester City, stage of this season in the same aged 17, having come through physical state as last year,” Luis Celta Vigo’s youth academy. Enrique said. He signed for Barcelona and “We are working to rotate was loaned out to Sevilla before players and soon we will be able a deal was agreed with Villarreal to include those who have been before this campaign. banned by FIFA. Barca were unable to sign “They (Turan and Vidal) have players during the last two trans- fi tted in very well from the start fer windows following a ban for and now we are going to be able illegally recruiting minors but it to watch their skill on the pitch.”

ALLEGATION FIFA ex-VP ‘took $50,000 a month in bribes’

AFP vested in Uruguayan real estate. Monte Video The indictment said the sources of the illicit cash includ- ed Argentine fi rms Full Play and allen FIFA vice president Torneos y Competencias, both Eugenio Figueredo re- of which are in the cross-hairs ceived $50,000 a month of the US investigation that un- Under fire: Real madrid coach Rafael Benitez in “improper payments” leashed the corruption scandal fromF sports marketing compa- roiling world football. AFP Barca, who have a game in hand, hael Varane, out for the past month with Atletico, second on goal diff erence, are nies, authorities in his native Figueredo used “ploys and Madrid welcome Real Betis to the Camp a hamstring injury, could start after re- on the road at Rayo where they will seek Uruguay alleged yesterday in an deceit to the detriment of Uru- Nou with the players planning to turning to full training. to return to winning ways after missing indictment. guayan clubs and professional show off the fi ve trophies collected However, the club on Monday lost the chance to go top when succumbing The 83-year-old ex-football footballers,” said the indictment. eal Madrid host Real Sociedad in 2015 in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, their appeal against being kicked out of 1-0 to Malaga before Christmas, with boss, one of seven top FIFA offi - “These ploys aimed to main- today intent on producing an- Champions League, Super Cup and the Copa del Rey for fi elding an ineligible captain Gabi sent-off . cials arrested at a Zurich luxury tain the status quo that had other tub-thumping perform- last weekend’s Club World Cup in player, with Spain’s Administrative Tri- Fourth-placed Celta Vigo could end the hotel in May, received “hefty reigned for years at CONMEBOL ance to follow up their historic Japan bunal for Sport (TAD) insisting the deci- year in third if Real come unstuck against sums” each month to ensure two and which resulted in avoiding 10R goals and shore up under-fi re Rafael sion was fi nal. Sociedad and they see off Athletic Bilbao. fi rms retained their exclusive new off ers and/or companies for Benitez’s position as coach. er and for our fans,” he told the club’s of- Barca, who have a game in hand, wel- Elsewhere, newly-appointed Valencia rights to various South American the sale of television rights to the Real became the fi rst side to reach fi cial website. come Real Betis to the Camp Nou with the coach Gary Neville faces a momentous tournaments, said the indict- diff erent tournaments.” double fi gures in a La Liga match in 55 “We’ve failed to be at our best at cer- players planning to show off the vefi tro- four days, with Thursday’s derby at Vil- ment published by a Uruguayan Figueredo faces two to 15 years years in their 10-2 dissection of Rayo tain points of the season. phies collected in 2015 in La Liga, the Copa larreal followed Sunday by Real’s visit to court. Figueredo, who was extra- in prison if convicted. Vallecano prior to the short Spanish “We work our socks off on a daily basis del Rey, Champions League, Super Cup and Valencia’s Mestalla stadium. dited from Switzerland to Uru- The head of the Uruguayan winter break. and the pay off for that hard work will end last weekend’s Club World Cup in Japan. Fixtures guay last week, faces charges of Football Association from 1997 But not even that was enough to deter up being refl ected in the results. On Sunday Barca and club superstar Today (all times GMT) fraud and money laundering, and to 2006, Figueredo became fans at the Santiago Bernabeu from boo- “I’m positive that we’ll fi nd that con- Lionel Messi triumphed at the Globe Levante v Malaga, Real Madrid v Real is currently in jail pending trial. CONMEBOL president in 2013. ing Benitez, whose position remains pre- sistency that is not only demanded of us Soccer Awards in Dubai, taking home the Sociedad (1500), Rayo Vallecano v Detailing their case against CONMEBOL’s last three presi- carious if reports are to be believed. by our fans, but that we too yearn for.” prizes for best team and best player. Atletico Madrid, Sevilla v Espanyol (1715), him, prosecutors said records dents have all been arrested in Real closed the gap on league lead- The World Cup winner begged Real’s Messi had travelled from Argentina to Eibar v Sporting Gijón (1730), Barcelona showed Figueredo received the scandal, plunging the South ers Barcelona and Atletico Madrid to supporters to keep the faith. attend the ceremony. v Real Betis, Celta Vigo v Athletic Bilbao, not only a monthly salary of American confederation into cri- two points, with German midfi elder “It’s too early to be making evaluations. “It’s very nice to receive these awards, Getafe v Deportivo La Coruna (1930), Las $40,000 as president of South sis. In all, 25 current or former top Toni Kroos summing up the end-of-year We are Real Madrid and being successful but I always say that the team makes it Palmas v Granada (2000) American football confederation football offi cials have been indict- mood in the Madrid dressing room. is part of our DNA.” possible,” said Messi. “It’s been an ex- Tomorrow CONMEBOL, but also $50,000 ed in the US investigation, leaving “We all want to do better, for each oth- France international defender Rap- traordinary year.” Villarreal v Valencia (1500) a month in bribes, which he in- FIFA’s reputation in tatters.

BOTTOMLINE Pochettino cautious about Spurs title talk

AFP Not since 1961 have Tottenham won ward Son Heung-min’s 89th minute winner. London the league but their gritty 2-1 win over The visitors had led via Erik Lamela before 10-man Watford on Monday was another Watford striker Odion Ighalo struck in the fi rst- clear indication this could yet be their half for his sixth goal in as many games. auricio Pochettino urged his Tot- year in this topsy-turvy Premier League Watford saw Nathan Ake red-carded for a tenham stars to keep their feet on the high challenge on Lamela before Son won it ground as they head into 2016 fi rmly “We are very young and you need to show your right at the end. in the Premier League title race. strengths in all the league. We have the youngest Hornets manager Quique Sanchez Flores MPochettino’s side move into the new year squad in the Premier League. But to speak about said: “I’m proud of my players as they fi ght a primed to not just battle for a Champions League the title, it’s more important to keep working lot and have a big soul and amazing spirit. They place but also vie for the domestic crown. hard and showing our maturity. play for the fans against a very tough team. Not since 1961 have Tottenham won the “The most important thing is that we have “The feeling for us is sad as we are close to league but their gritty 2-1 win over 10-man smart players who are always looking to im- a point but proud of my players. They tried to Watford on Monday was another clear indica- prove. We must be proud of our players. solve every situation. tion this could yet be their year in this topsy- We have the youngest squad in the Premier “I support Nathan as he’s a fair player who turvy Premier League. League. plays in a good way. These kind of players need They lie in third place but, while Pochettino “It’s very important to keep our feet on the love. knows silverware is for the taking, the Totten- ground. This is the key in football. We have to “He went for the ball and it’s football. He ham manager refuses to get distracted by talk of keep working hard and behave in the same way doesn’t need to apologise. We move on and it’s a title charge. that we started in the league six months ago. been a fantastic start for us. “I think that the numbers refl ect that it (title “But we have to continue showing this matu- “Nobody would have expected us to be in this push) is possible but the only important thing rity. We showed how to fi ght and we got a reac- position heading into the new year. for us is to try to keep inside our thoughts, try tion so we must be proud of our players.” “I’m very proud and must continue showing to win every game and keep working hard,” Po- Tottenham continued their march to the this amazing spirit. Teams show us great respect chettino said. top thanks to substitute South Korea for- which is a measure of our progress.” Gulf Times Wednesday, December 30, 2015 5 SPORT

NBA Slow-starting Curry catches fi re as Warriors down Kings ‘I got tired of missing. I just found a spark, shots started to fall. It was a good way to end the first half’

DPA TJ Warren netted 23 points off the bench Los Angeles for Phoenix (12-21) which will be without starting guard Eric Bledsoe for the next six weeks to repair a torn meniscus in his tephen Curry caught fi re after a left knee suff ered on Saturday. slow start to fi nish with 23 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists for his Utah Jazz 95, Philadelphia 76ers 91: sixth career triple-double Mon- Gordon Hayward scored 24 points, day,S sparking the league-best Golden including the go-ahead triple with 33 State Warriors to a 122-103 victory over seconds left and the Jazz (13-16) - de- the visiting Sacramento Kings. spite shooting a frigid 33 per cent from Stephen Curry (right) of “Steph is Steph,” Warriors interim the field - slipped past the league-worst the Golden State Warriors head coach Luke Walton said. “That’s Sixers (2-31) paced by Ish Smith’s 22 and shoots over Omri Casspi of why he’s the MVP.” 11 assists. the Sacramento Kings at Klay Thompson netted 29 points, ORACLE Arena in Oakland, while Draymond Green added 25 as the Charlotte Hornets 108, LA Lakers 98: California, on Monday. (AFP) defending NBA Champions improved Kemba Walker poured in 18 of his 38 to 29-1, with their 33rd consecutive points in the final quarter, leading the home win since January, including 14-0 Hornets (17-13) past the visiting Lakers this season. in Kobe Bryant’s final game in Charlotte. “It was a weird game, we weren’t Bryant, who already announced his playing with the intensity we needed plans to retire after this season, scored to,” Thompson said. “But we made the 20 points on a frosty 5-of-20 shooting necessary adjustments at halftime.” as the West-worst Lakers (5-26) lost After missing his fi rst six shots and their fourth in a row. going scoreless the fi rst 20 minutes, 44 seconds, Curry found his stroke. LA Clippers 108, Washington Wizards The league top scorer put on a clinic, 91: Chris Paul scored 23 points, Jamal hitting fi ve straight triples and totalled Crawford added 21 off the bench and 17 points in the fi nal 3:16 of the second the visiting Clippers (19-13) - minus All- quarter to pull the Warriors within 61- Star forward Blake Griff in (quadriceps 58 at halftime. strain) - beat the Wizards for their third “I got tired of missing,” Curry said. “I consecutive win. just found a spark, shots started to fall. John Wall had 23 points and 11 assists It was a good way to end the fi rst half for the Wizards (14-15 whose four-game and helped us get back in the game.” winning streak ended. Golden State trailed 66-64 when Kings centre DeMarcus Cousins lost his Orlando Magic 104, New Orleans Peli- cool and was ejected with 8:57 left in the cans 89: Nik Vucevic scored 28 points, third quarter for arguing with offi cials. Frenchman Evan Fournier added 20 The Warriors, then, went on a 15-0 and the Magic (18-13) pulled away in the blitz capped by Curry’s three free second half to beat the visiting Pelicans throws to go ahead 79-66 with 6:08 (10-21) led by Anthony Davis’ 20 points. left in the period. Curry added a period-ending Indiana Pacers 93, Atlanta Hawks 3-pointer to open up a 90-75 advan- 87: Monta Ellis tossed in 26 points, Ian tage and Golden State cruised the rest Mahinmi made the game-sealing tip-in of the way to its 11th straight victory in with 16 seconds left, and the Pacers the series. (18-12) halted the visiting Hawks’ (20-13) “The third quarter we responded six-game winning streak. well,” Walton added. “The second half is who we are.” Brooklyn Nets 111, Miami Heat 105: Israeli Omri Caspi led the Kings (12- Wayne Ellington drilled a career-best 19) with a career-best 36 points, in- seven triples en route to a career-high- cluding nine triples. tying 26 points, Brook Lopez also had 26 with 12 rebounds, and the visiting Elsewhere Nets (0-22) stormed from 16 down in San Antonio Spurs 101, Minnesota the third quarter to beat the Heat for Timberwolves 95: Kawhi Leonard their first time in eight meetings. had 17 points with 11 rebounds, while Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade topped Serbian rookie Boban Marjanovic also Miami (18-12) with 24 points apiece. netted 17 in just 15 minutes off the bench, and the Spurs (27-5) improved Chicago Bulls 104, Toronto Raptors to 18-0 at home after trimming the 97: Spaniard Pau Gasol and Tony Snell T-Wolves (11-19). tallied 22 points, and the Bulls (17-12) beat the visiting Raptors (19-13) despite Cleveland Cavaliers 101, Phoenix Kyle Lowry’s game-high 28 points. Suns 97: Kyrie scored 22 points, includ- Dallas Mavericks 103, Milwaukee Bucks ing the game-sealing triple with 21 93: Wes Matthews scored 22 points to seconds left, LeBron James added just off set just seven by German juggernaut 14 and the visiting Cavs (20-9) hit 17-of- Dirk Nowitzki, and the Mavs (18-13) 41 from behind the arc to send the Suns bounced the visiting Bucks (12-20) for to their fifth straight loss. their third straight win.

NOTEBOOK Grizzlies Barnes Jordan loves watching Bryant play suspended two games MJ praises Kobe Cavaliers drew nearly 11 million view- Michael Jordan paid tribute to Kobe ers, making it the most-watched NBA Memphis Grizzlies guard Bryant (pictured) in a pre-game video Christmas Day broadcast since 2011. Matt Barnes was slapped before Monday night’s matchup be- The Warriors’ 89-83 win over the with a two-game ban by the tween the Los Angeles Lakers and Char- Cavaliers on ABC reprised their champi- National Basketball Associa- lotte Hornets. onship series, in which the Warriors tri- tion on Monday for a physi- Jordan, who owns the Hornets, did umphed in the most-watched NBA fi nals cal altercation with New York not attend the game but made sure the ever broadcast on the ABC network. Knicks’ coach Derek Fisher retiring Bryant got a warm send off from “Fast Nationals” ratings released by earlier this year. the Charlotte organization. Nielsen said the game drew 10.9 million The league, which con- “I’m a big fan,” said Jordan. “I still viewers. The average audience for the ducted its own probe of the love watching you play.” Oklahoma City Thunder-Chicago Bulls incident, said Barnes had In the video, Jordan describes the game on ABC averaged almost six mil- threatened Fisher in the 37-year-old Bryant as a “big help to the lion viewers. October 3 altercation which game of basketball.” He then refers to took place at the Redondo him as a little brother. Hornacek in hot water Beach, California home of “We are very proud of what you have Phoenix head coach Jeff Hornacek ap- Barnes’ estranged wife Gloria accomplished over the years. Have a pears to have been given a reprieve as Govan. great game. But not too good .” the struggling Suns have fallen well Barnes’ suspension will begin Jordan competed against Bryant in short of expectations this season. when the Grizzlies face the the latter part of his brilliant NBA ca- The Suns are in the midst of a 5-15 Miami Heat on Tuesday and reer. stretch, including a 111-104 home loss to he will also miss Saturday’s Bryant announced recently he would the Philadelphia 76ers on the weekend. game against the Utah Jazz. retire at the end of the 2015-16 season. On Monday, the Suns shook up their Fisher had flown to Los coaching staff but Hornacek survived Angeles on an off day of the Currying disfavour Curry. Work on your other aspects of Bron James, he stands a modest 1.90 “great” to play once more in the mid- the cuts. Knicks’ training camp and Former Golden State Warriors head the game. metre (6-foot-3) and weighs 84 kilo- season exhibition, but said he’d support Phoenix promoted longtime NBA was visiting with Govan at coach Mark Jackson, now working as “People don’t think that he’s just a grams (185 pounds). the showcase no matter what. guard Earl Watson and former NBA D- her home. an ABC television commentator, pro- knock-down shooter. That’s not why “It’s good for kids to think they can When early returns were announced League head coach Nate Bjorkgren to The 35-year-old Barnes said voked a storm with clumsy Christmas he’s the MVP. He’s a complete basket- be Steph because it gives them realistic on Friday, Bryant led the likes of reign- the bench to work closer to Hornacek at the time that he went to Day comments on Warriors superstar ball player.” hope,” Green said. ing Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry and dismissed veteran assistants Mike Govan’s home to check on Stephen Curry. Curry, who is leading the league in of Golden State and Cleveland Cavaliers Longabardi, who was in charge of Phoe- his 6-year-old twin sons. In a backhanded compliment, Jack- scoring, laughed off the controversy. Star shock superstar LeBron James. nix’s defense, and Jerry Sichting. Barnes confronted Fisher son said during the broadcast of the Aussie teammate Andrew Bogut was Kobe Bryant was stunned to learn he’s “I was like, ‘What the hell?’” the Phoenix began the season with play- and a physical altercation Warriors’ holiday win over the Cleve- irked and said of Jackson: “Anything he the runaway leader in fan voting for the 37-year-old said. “Shocked doesn’t do off aspirations after posting records of took place. Police were land Cavaliers that Curry had “hurt the says, you can take that with a grain of 65th NBA All-Star Game as he battles it justice. It’s exciting. What can I say? 48-34 and 39-43 in Hornacek’s fi rst two called but no one was game”. salt.” through his 20th and fi nal season with a Just thankful.” seasons. charged. “And what I mean by that is, I go into Teammate Draymond Green said lackluster Los Angeles Lakers team. The Suns were also expected to con- Barnes and Fisher played these high school gyms, I watch these Curry was a great role model for aspir- Amid debate earlier this month on Holiday hit tend after adding Tyson Chandler in the together on the Los Angeles kids and the fi rst thing they do is run to ing players, because unlike such physi- whether he deserved an 18th all-star The NBA fi nals rematch between the off season and Brandon Knight in a Feb- Lakers from 2010 to 2012. the three-point line. You are not Steph cal behemoth’s such as Cavs star Le- appearance, Bryant said it would be Golden State Warriors and Cleveland ruary trade. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, December 30, 2015 SPORT

FOCUS World body takes aim at NFL testing aft er doping report

Reuters tory drugs, also denied any wrongdo- According to WADA, the NFLPA used human growth hormone. Los Angeles ing. has long been concerned that foot- “As it relates to the particular alle- David Howman, director general of ball players could possess different gations by Al-Jazeera, WADA expects WADA, said he was nevertheless tak- threshold levels of HGH than other that they will be carefully investi- he World Anti-Doping Agen- ing the report seriously and took aim athletes while the players’ union has gated by the relevant authorities and cy (WADA) on Monday de- at the NFL. not trusted WADA over the validity that, if warranted, necessary and ap- scribed allegations made in an “Al-Jazeera’s allegations are very and fairness of its HGH testing. propriate steps would be taken,” said Al-Jazeera report that Denver concerning, particularly as it relates “Any investigation by WADA Howman. TBroncos quarterback Peyton Man- to the NFL’s and MLB’s testing pro- should begin with an independent The NFL collective bargaining ning (pictured) took human growth grams,” Howman said in a statement. one into their own practices, includ- agreement, ratified in 2011, banned hormone (HGH) as “very concerning” While the documentary’s makers ing the scientific basis for their tests human growth hormone but players and has urged “increased collaboration” and its critics have clashed over the and governance,” George Atallah, the were not tested for the banned sub- with sports leagues in the United States. validity of the allegations, the report NFLPA’s assistant executive director stance until 2014. No NFL player has Though Manning has vehemently has nevertheless pushed concerns of of external affairs, told Reuters. tested positive for HGH. denied the allegations and the source illegal performance enhancements “We rejected WADA participation Major League Baseball said it would of the Al-Jazeera report has since re- in America’s most popular sports into our drug policies precisely be- investigate allegations made in the canted the claims he was shown mak- leagues into the spotlight once again. cause they failed to be transparent documentary that several of its play- ing in the film, WADA says that it Athletics, cycling and baseball have with us over these very issues. Our ers took banned hormone supplement expects a careful investigation by the all suffered huge embarrassment over union is working closely with UNI Delta-2. relevant authorities. doping in the past decade and Al- Global Union to develop strong and Among those baseball players named The Dec. 27 investigative docu- Jazeera’s report at the very least has fair standards for drug testing.” in the Al-Jazeera report by Charlie Sly mentary The dark side: The secret highlighted long-running differences have been offering guidance to en- PLAYERS HIT BACK AT WADA The Al-Jazeera report claimed that as having received supplies of Delta-2 world of sports doping, linked well between WADA and NFL in their an- hance, and increase the transparency In August 2011, the NFL became the Manning took human growth hormone were Ryan Howard of the Philadelphia known players from the National ti-doping strategy. of, their testing program.” first major U.S. professional sports following neck surgery in 2011, and on Phillies and Ryan Zimmerman of the Football League (NFL) and Major “While the NFL and the MLB are NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy league to use blood testing for HGH, Sunday the football player acknowl- Washington Nationals. League Baseball (MLB) with perform- not signatories to the World Anti- told Reuters: “Regarding Mr. How- bringing the league closer to interna- edged he visited a clinic that allegedly A lawyer for Howard and Zimmer- ance enhancing drugs. Doping Code, in recent years WADA man’s statement, we have valued tional standards. supplied the banned substance. man denied the claims. Green Bay Packers linebackers Clay has been working with them and oth- our long-standing association with Though WADA welcomed the move However, Manning, who missed the In a follow-up email to Al-Jazeera, Matthews, Julius Peppers and Mike er professional leagues in the United WADA and look forward to continu- at the time, it has since repeatedly entire 2011 National Football League Sly said that when he was speaking on Neal, who the report said have used States to try to bring them closer to ing to work closely with the organiza- called for much closer liaising with season with a serious neck injury, camera, he was “in no state of mind to either banned hormone supplement WADA’s program,” Howman said. tion to improve the effectiveness of the league and the NFL Players Asso- strenuously denied the claim made by be making any coherent statements as Delta-2 or powerful anti-inflamma- “In particular with the NFL, we all anti-doping programs.” ciation (NFLPA). the news network’s report that he had I was grieving the death of my fiance.”

NFL National Football League roundup

ouston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer His in the final stage of the concussion protocol and will start Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars if he is cleared in Broncos to stay with time, coach Bill O’Brien said Monday. Brandon Weeden completed 15 of 24 passes with two touchdown throws and no intercep- tions in the Texans’ 34-6 victory over the Ten- nessee Titans on Sunday, but Hoyer will be back in the starting lineup if things progress as expected. Osweiler in fi nale - - - ndianapolis placed quarterback Charlie ‘Our football team is moving forward and our mindset goes to San Diego’ IWhitehurst on injured reserve with a pulled hamstring, meaning the Colts will likely turn to their number four QB for Sunday’s game against Tennessee. Whitehurst was in line to start, because Matt Hasselbeck suff ered a shoulder injury in last Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins. Andrew Luck is still recovering from a lacer- ated kidney and a partially torn abdominal muscle he sustained on Nov. 10. That leaves Stephen Morris as the lone healthy quarterback. He was signed off the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad last week and has never appeared in an NFL game. - - - akland Raiders fullback Marcel Reece Ohas been suspended four games without pay for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances, the NFL announced. Reese will miss Oakland’s final regular- season contest and the first three games of the 2016 season. He was named to the Pro Bowl but is no longer eligible to participate in the game. - - - ix wins likely will not be enough for Tom SCoughlin to save his job with the New York Giants. Quarterback Eli Manning said on a confer- ence call Monday that he was concerned this could be the end for Coughlin. “I wanted to do my job and do my job well and get into the playoff s and have a big season so he could continue being the head coach, because I have such respect for him and he’s the only coach I’ve had in the NFL,” Manning said. “In that sense, I feel disappointed that I wasn’t able to play at a better level for him.” - - - ew England Patriots quarterback Tom NBrady defended coach Bill Belichick’s decision to kick off at the start of overtime in Sunday’s 26-20 loss to the New York Jets. Although the move backfired on the team, Brady pointed out that the off ense had not played well against the Jets. “I think when Coach makes decisions like that, he takes everything into consideration, everything that’s happened over the course of the afternoon. He obviously did what he thought was best to help the team win,” Brady said on WEEI radio in Boston. “As far as an off ense goes, I said after the game, it wasn’t like we were really tracking the ball up and down the field. It’s hard to inspire your coach when you don’t do much Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (left) looks to pass the ball during their NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Denver, Colorado, on Monday. (USA TODAY Sports) off ensively all day.” - - - Reuters “Our football team is moving forward and a fumble to end overtime as Denver clinched Denver improved to 11-4 after starting the he Patriots released running back Joey Denver, Colorado our mindset goes to San Diego.” a playoff spot. season 7-0. TIosefa, the club announced. Iosefa, 24, A Denver win over the Chargers and a loss McManus booted a 37-yard fi eld goal in Trailing by 11, the Broncos took to the air to played in two games for the Patriots and had from the New England Patriots on Sunday overtime after having a chance to win the begin the third quarter, marching 81 yards on 51 yards on 15 carries. oments after his Denver Broncos would give the Broncos the number one seed game at the end of regulation but he shanked the strength of Osweiler’s superb passing. - - - clinched a playoff berth on Mon- in the American Football Conference. a 45-yard attempt wide, setting the stage for He fi nished off the drive with an eight-yard he wife of Miami Dolphins cornerback day with a 20-17 overtime victory Manning has missed the last six games with the extra session. pass to wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, who TBrent Grimes went on a Twitter rant at home against the Cincinnati a foot injury and he watched from the sidelines Osweiler led the overtime drive that result- broke through cornerback Adam Jones’ tackle against quarterback Ryan Tannehill and oth- MBengals, Broncos coach Gary Kubiak said he on Monday, but was one of the fi rst Broncos to ed in McManus’ game-winning kick. near the goal line for Denver’s fi rst touchdown ers after Sunday’s 18-12 loss to the Indiana- will stay with Brock Osweiler as his starter in jump for joy alongside Osweiler after the win. The Broncos win was offi cially sealed when of the game with just over 10 minutes left in polis Colts. next week’s fi nal. Since late Saturday evening, he has stren- Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron fumbled a the period. Miko Grimes, the wife of Grimes, said on There was speculation that if veteran Pey- uously denied the Al-Jazeera investigative shotgun snap and Ware recovered the ball on It was Denver’s fi rst second-half score in Twitter: “I knew this qb stunk the minute we ton Manning was healthy he could return for documentary The dark side: The secret world the fi nal play of the contest which featured four games but it would not stop there. signed to this team but I tried to keep quiet next week’s fi nale at home against the San of sports doping, that linked Manning and two of the best teams in the American Football After the Broncos forced a punt, Denver so I didn’t discourage bae from believing in Diego Chargers if Osweiler failed to beat the other well-known players from the National Conference. took over on its 48. Osweiler passed 13 yards his team. Bengals. Football League (NFL) and Major League Starter-in-waiting Osweiler fi nished 27-of- to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas and then Of Tannehill, she tweeted: “I should’ve known But Osweiler rallied the Broncos to the win Baseball (MLB) with performance enhanc- 39 for 299 yards with one touchdown pass and handed off to CJ Anderson for a 39 yard touch- we were gonna lose when I heard we didn’t amid the storm caused by a television report ing drugs. no interceptions in front of a crowd of 76,000 down run. complete a single pass in two minute drills which accused Manning of human growth “Most of all this isn’t about Peyton, this at Sports Authority Field. Anderson broke the tackle of defensive end this week against the practice squad defense. hormone (HGH) use in 2011 following neck isn’t about myself,” Osweiler said. “Tonight Like Osweiler, Bengals quarterback McCar- Wallace Gilberry and sprinted down the left My Column: how many people does Ryan surgery. was about this football team and what this ron is learning on the job after being pushed sideline for the score to put Denver up by three Tannehill have to get fired before you realize “Nothing has changed with Brock,” Kubiak football team went out there and did was truly into duty because of an injury to Andy Dalton. with 11:17 left. he’s the problem.” said. “If something would change with Brock, special.” McCarron completed 22-of-35 for 200 yards But Cincinnati, who are also playoff bound, Her Twitter account was suspended later in the players would know fi rst and you all (re- Brandon McManus kicked the game-win- with one touchdown pass and no intercep- evened the score on kicker Mike Nugent’s 52- the day. porters) would know second. ning fi eld goal and DeMarcus Ware recovered tions. yard fi eld goal with 6:46 left to play. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 30, 2015 7 SPORT

NHL BASEBALL Yankees sign Lightning lose wild All-Star closer Chapman in trade

Reuters into the garage of his Miami-area New York home following an October ar- game vs Canadiens gument with his girlfriend, who told police Chapman choked her he New York Yankees and pushed her against a wall. bolstered their strong The story said Major League bullpen by landing con- Baseball had begun a domestic troversial All-Star closer violence investigation into the TAroldis Chapman (pictured) incident. No arrests were made, in shootout in a trade with the Cincinnati but more than a dozen offi cers Reds on Monday. responded to the Oct. 30 call to ‘I’m (ticked) at myself, our line, for giving up that goal the next shift’ In exchange for the 27-year- police, according to police re- old Chapman, the Yankees moved ports viewed by Yahoo! Sports. four minor-league prospects in Chapman has a 2.17 career pitchers Caleb Cotham and Rookie ERA and 146 saves in 164 chanc- Davis, as well as infi elders Eric es with 546 strikeouts in 319 in- Jagielo and Tony Renda. nings during his six seasons in Chapman, whose expected Cincinnati. move to the Los Angeles Dodgers Last season, he posted a 1.63 earlier this month was quashed ERA with 33 saves in 36 chances because of an alleged domestic vi- and made the National League olence incident, will join Andrew All-Star team for a fourth con- Miller and Dellin Betances at the secutive year. back end of New York’s bullpen. Chapman made just over $8 Yahoo! Sports reported that million in 2015 and is eligible for Chapman fi red eight gunshots salary arbitration this off season.

Montreal Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty (#67) is congratulated by defenseman PK Subban and teammates after he scored the game-winning goal during a shootout against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, on Monday. (USA TODAY Sports )

By Erik Erlendsson secutive games in regulation and 10 of the Pacioretty gave Montreal the victory that allowed the tying goal to be scored. Tampa Tribune (TNS) previous 11 - tied the game on a goal that converting the deciding goal in the third “You have to be able to close those was missed at live speed. round of the shootout. games out and we didn’t,’’ Lightning head During a timeout, the NHL situation Though points are points and Tampa coach Jon Cooper said. “The most impor- he Lightning received a stark re- room in Toronto initiated a video review Bay is hanging on to stay with the tightly tant shifts are the ones after goals, so that minder that last season has noth- after it was determined that an in-tight compacted pack of teams in the Atlantic was a problem for sure.’’ ing to do with this season. shot from Dale Weise crossed the goal line Division, seeing this game result in just a And it ended up costing Tampa Bay not National Hockey League roundup Last season, Tampa Bay owned before Tampa Bay goaltender Ben Bishop single point felt like a loss. just the one point, but in actuality two Tthe Montreal Canadiens. was able to get his pad on the puck and “In my eyes, we gave away a couple of losing in the shootout to a team ahead of he Montreal Last season, the Lightning rarely lost quickly push it out of the net with 5:46 points tonight,’’ captain Steven Stamkos them in the standings. TCanadiens ac- third-period leads. remaining in the game. said. “I’m (ticked) at myself, our line, for “Against a team we’re chasing... it’s quired goaltender But this season, well, it’s this season Lightning head coach Jon Cooper asked giving up that goal the next shift (after a costly one to let get away,’’ Callahan Ben Scrivens and a 4-3 shootout loss to Montreal was a for a challenge on the play as Weise cut taking the lead) . . . that’s unacceptable.’’ said. “We end up scoring two goals in the (pictured) from reminder of just that as the Lightning had across the crease and appeared to push That fi rst shift after a goal is scored is third and we can’t hold on to it, that’s the Edmonton won seven consecutive regular season Bishop back slightly in to the net just as always important for a team. And ironi- something that wasn’t good enough and Oilers on Monday games against the Canadiens. Montreal’s Weise got his stick on a pass from David cally, it was the Lightning that were able something that needs to be better. We in exchange for last victory against Tampa Bay came two Desharnais. to use that to their advantage when Gar- have a lead at home, that late, we have to forward Zack Kas- years ago to the day, Dec. 28, 2013. “He goes through the crease, he hits me rison scored his second goal in as many hold on to it.’’ sian. The Lightning seemed primed for a in the head, he scores the goal,’’ Bishop games at 13:21 that was followed on the The Canadiens season-turnaround opportunity and climb said. “Obviously they thought diff erent next shift by Callahan’s fi rst goal in 23 RESULTS needed goaltend- right back in to the playoff picture in the (but) if he doesn’t hit me in the head, I games dating back to Nov. 1. Washington 2 Buff alo 0 ing depth with Eastern Conference, rallying from down a make the save.’’ But the Canadiens buzzed on the shift Montreal 4 Tampa Bay 3 (SO) the absence of goal in the third period to take a lead with The call on the ice was upheld and play after Callahan’s goal and as Anton Stral- Nashville 5 NY Rangers 3 Carey Price, who goals by Jason Garrison and Ryan Callahan continued. After Tampa Bay missed on a man lost inside coverage on Weise in Minnesota 3 Detroit 1 has been out 21 seconds apart. But on the very next shift, late power play chance and neither team the crease, Desharnais was able to shed Los Angeles 5 Vancouver 0 since Nov. 25 after the Canadiens - which had lost six con- scored during the 3-on-3 overtime, Max Stamkos for a split-second behind the net Colorado 6 San Jose 3 he sustained his second lower- body injury of the SKIING season. Ex-France There is no time- line on when Price will return to the ice. Montreal has used rookie international Mike Condon and backup Dustin Tokarski in his absence. Camberabero Scrivens, 29, was with the Bakersfield Condors of the American Svindal goes top overall Hockey League, but has 129 games of NHL experience and was passes away the No. 1 goalie for the Oilers in 2014-15. Kassian, who was suspended without pay while he was in Stage 2 of the NHL/NHLPA Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Pro- but Theaux wins in Italy Former France scrum-half gram this season, was reinstated Dec. 15 and immediately placed Lilian Camberabero has on waivers by the Canadiens. died from liver cancer. - - - DPA He was 78. Camberabero he Nashville Predators activated forward Mike Fisher from Santa Caterina, Italy played alongside his fly- Tinjured reserve. half brother Guy for both Fisher, 35, has missed the past 11 games after sustaining a lower- France and Ardeche-based body injury on Dec. 1 against Arizona. He has seven points (five orwegian Aksel Lund Svin- club La Voulte-sur-Rhone, goals, two assists) in 24 games in 2015-16. dal went top of the World winning the French cham- The Predators also reassigned forward Colton Sissons to Milwau- Cup overall standings de- pionship in 1970. kee of the American Hockey League. spite fi nishing only seventh Notable international - - - Nin yesterday’s downhill in Santa Cate- success was a 1967 victory he Detroit Red Wings recalled left winger Eric Tangradi from rina which was won by Adrien Theaux over Australia when the Tthe Grand Rapids Griff ins of the American Hockey League. of France. two brothers scored all Tangradi, 26, has skated in 24 games with the Griff ins this season, Theaux posted a winning time of France’s points. The fol- leading the team and tying for fifth in the AHL with 13 goals. 1 minute 47.29 seconds to claim his lowing year, the pair were - - - third World Cup career victory, and part of the team that won he Chicago Blackhawks recalled defenseman Erik Gustafsson fi rst of the season, 1.04 seconds ahead France’s first-ever Grand Tfrom the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League. of Austria’s Hannes Reichelt. Another Slam in the then-Five Na- Gustafsson, 23, has recorded 11 points (three goals, eight assists) Frenchman, David Poisson, could cel- tions tournament. in 27 games with Rockford this year in his first professional sea- ebrate his fi rst-ever career podium Lilian Camberabero went son in North America. He also has three assists in six games with place in third, a further 11 hundredths on to win 13 caps for the Blackhawks. behind. France, retiring in 1971 at - - - With previous standings leader the age of 34. he Anaheim Ducks recalled defenseman Shea Theodore from Marcel Hirscher, a technical special- Tthe San Diego Gulls of the American Hockey League. ist, not in the race, Svindal had the Theodore, 20, has recorded 16 points (four goals, 12 assists) and chance to leapfrog him into top spot 14 penalty minutes in 27 games with San Diego this season. He and now leads on 636 points to the has never played in an NHL game. Austrian’s 621. - - - However, fi nishing 1.61 seconds off he NHL will host the first-ever Outdoor Women’s Classic in an the pace represents an opportunity Tabbreviated exhibition game on the outdoor rink at Gillette missed for Svindal to put the pres- Stadium, the league announced. sure on four-time reigning overall The game will be part of the 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Clas- champion Hirscher before the World sic festivities in Foxborough, Mass., including the game between Cup continues with a slalom, again in Adrien Theaux of France celebrates after winning the men’s downhill race at the Alpine Skiing the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens on New Year’s Day. Santa Caterina, on January 6. World Cup in Santa Caterina Valfurva, Italy, yesterday. (Reuters) Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, December 30, 2015 CRICKET

SECOND TEST Smith to seek explanation Lyon and Marsh bowl aft er DRS failure Melbourne: Australia captain Steve Smith will seek an explanation from match referee Chris Broad over a Aussies to big series win Decision Review System mal- function during his team’s march to victory over West Indies in the second test The Hosts, who won the first Test by an innings and 212 runs, beat West Indies by 177 runs in the second yesterday. Australia won by 177 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, sealing the series 2-0 with a game in hand, but a failure of the ball-tracking technology shone the spot- light on the often divisive DRS. With West Indies on 210-5 and battling to keep the match alive, paceman Peter Siddle cannoned a into captain Jason Holder’s pads and Smith demanded a review after umpire Marais Erasmus waved away the appeal. The third umpire went through the usual protocols of checking for a no-ball and a nick on the bat, but there was an awkward pause as the ‘Hawk-Eye’ ball-tracking failed to display on the scoreboard. Moments passed before the malfunction sunk in and a resigned Erasmus shrugged that the DRS had failed. Australia were allowed to keep the review and play went on, but a few overs later the technology was back online. Its projection of the delivery, beamed on the scoreboard and TV screens, endorsed Erasmus’s decision. “We’ve made a few enquir- ies and we’re going to talk to the match referee later on,” Australian bowler Mitch Marsh (second left) celebrates with teammates Smith told reporters. “But it’s after dismissing West Indies batsman Marlon Samuels (third right) not ideal if it’s shut down and during the second cricket Test in Melbourne yesterday. (AFP) not working.” West Indies skipper Holder said he found the incident AFP cially Darren Bravo in the fi rst innings couple of no-balls taking the extra three “quite surprising”. Melbourne SCORECARD and Denesh Ramdin in the second in- , probably takes a bit of time out “I think the quality of test- nings. I thought the bowlers tried (too). of the game,” Smith said. “I was glad the playing nations like Australia Australia I innings 551-3 declared J. Warrican not out 4 A better eff ort in this game.” way we fi nished off . Taking that is pretty much up there with athan Lyon and Mitchell West Indies I innings 271 Extras (lb7, w1, nb2) 10 Skipper Holder’s resistance ended just before the new ball was crucial for all of the technology,” he Marsh bowled Australia to a Australia II innings 179 for 3 decl Total (all out; 88.3 overs) 282 in the fi nal overs of the day as he drove us. I thought our energy, intent and all added. “It was just unfortu- 177-run victory over the West West Indies 2nd innings Fall of wickets: 1-35 (K. Brathwaite), 2-83 Marsh straight to Josh Hazlewood at that in the fi eld was probably as good as nate (it happened) at that Indies in the second Test yes- K. Brathwaite c Smith b Lyon 31 (Bravo), 3-91 (Chandrika), 4-118 (Samuels), mid-off . The wickets then quickly tum- it’s been this summer.” stage.” Nterday, to win the series and retain the bled. Kemar Roach went for 11 and Jer- Australia dismissed top order bats- R. Chandrika lbw b Pattinson 37 5-150 (Blackwood), 6-250 (Ramdin), 7-253 Smith was otherwise satis- Frank Worrell Trophy. The Australians, D. Bravo c Nevill b Siddle 21 (C. Brathwaite), 8-274 (Holder), 9-278 ome Taylor was last man out for a duck men Bravo, Rajendra Chandrika and fied with the day and how his who won the fi rst Test in Hobart by an M. Samuels c Nevill b Marsh 19 (Roach), 10-282 (Taylor) after skying Marsh to a sprawling James Marlon Samuels after lunch. bowlers grinded out the win innings and 212 runs, dismissed the J. Blackwood lbw b Lyon 20 Bowling: Hazlewood 20-6-40-0 (1nb, 1w), Pattinson at fi ne leg. Bravo, the fi rst-innings top-scorer on an unresponsive pitch. visitors for 282 in the fi nal overs of the D. Ramdin c Nevill b Marsh 59 Pattinson 17-4-49-2, Lyon 23-7-85-3, Siddle It was an improved eff ort by the out- with 81, was caught behind off Peter He felt they had made hard fourth day after declaring their second J. Holder c Hazlewood b Marsh 68 9-2-35-1, Marsh 17.3-2-61-4 (1nb), Smith gunned West Indies. The last time they Siddle for 21, and Chandrika’s 130-ball work of it, however, having innings on their overnight 179 for three C. Brathwaite b Lyon 2 2-1-5-0 batted for more than 80 overs in both vigil ended when he was trapped leg be- let three wickets go begging with a 459-run lead. K. Roach c Warner b Pattinson 11 Series: Australia lead 2-0 innings of an overseas Test was against fore wicket to Pattinson for 37. Senior due to no-balls from step- The embattled Caribbean tourists re- J. Taylor c Pattinson b Marsh 0 Man of the match: Nathan Lyon (AUS) England at Lord’s in May 2012. batsman Samuels continued his dismal ping over the crease. James sisted the Australian push with a spir- Yet they have still failed to pass 300 in tour when he prodded at Marsh and was Pattinson reprieved Carlos ited 100-run sixth-wicket stand be- man of the match with seven match moment, and he hit that rhythm today.” eight Test innings against Australia this snapped up by Nevill for 19. Brathwaite twice on day tween skipper Jason Holder and former wickets, while all-rounder Marsh fi n- Ramdin and Holder held the Austral- year. Earlier, Australia’s no-ball wicket Smith was on 70 not out when he three and the debutant pace- captain Denesh Ramdin. But they ished with four for 61 in the second in- ians at bay for 21 overs until Ramdin was curse continued when Bravo survived declared at the start of the fourth day. man went on to score 59. quickly lost their remaining four wick- nings. caught behind by Peter Nevill off Marsh. on 12 after he was given out caught be- He fi nished the year with the most Test Josh Hazlewood also over- ets to crash to defeat 1.3 overs before the “’Lyono’ did what he’s done so well It was the fi rst century partnership of hind, only to be saved by a front-foot runs of 1,474 at an average of 73.70. stepped on day four, letting scheduled close. for us this summer, got wickets for us at the series for the embattled Windies. no-ball by Hazlewood. Only (1,372) was in a position, Darren Bravo off the hook on Holder was out for 68 off 86 balls, crucial times. He’s bowled beautifully,” “I’m obviously proud of the way the Pattinson had two wickets denied to in England’s current Test against South 12. “We made it diff icult for while Ramdin chipped in with 59 off 90 said Australia skipper Steve Smith. guys showed some fi ght in this game,” him for overstepping on Sunday’s third Africa in Durban, to overtake him in the ourselves, overstepping, we balls in his best Test score for two years. Smith said of Marsh: “I think when Holder said. “I’m still disappointed day, and it was the wicketless Hazle- fi nal Test of the year. The fi nal Test of had to take 23 wickets, not Lyon, Australia’s all-time leading off - he’s in a good rhythm he’s as good as any we didn’t put up a better fi ght but still wood’s turn on day four. “We probably the three-match series gets under way 20,” Smith remarked. spin wicket-taker with 182, was named of the bowlers around the country at the credit to the way the guys played, espe- let ourselves down a little bit with the in Sydney on Sunday.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Hazlewood, Siddle concerns Holder demands more ahead of fi nal Sydney Test from bowlers in fi nal Test AFP AFP Melbourne Melbourne

he demands of bowling Australia to kipper Jason Holder called yesterday series victory in yesterday’s second for greater discipline from his bowlers Test may have repercussions with as the West Indies head to Sydney this pacemen Josh Hazlewood and Peter week with the series lost but plenty still TSiddle struggling to be fi t for the fi nal Sydney Sto prove. Test against the West Indies. The once-great Windies crashed to their sec- Australia’s attack for Sunday’s third Test ond heavy defeat of the series in a 177-run maul- is far from settled, with Hazlewood and Sid- ing by the Australians in the second Test in Mel- dle fi nishing the Melbourne win sore and in bourne that ended a day early yesterday. doubt. The pace pair will be assessed when Yet again the tourists could not bowl out Aus- the Test squad trains in Sydney on Friday tralia, who made two innings declarations on the ahead of the Sydney Cricket Ground Test. way to setting the Windies an unachievable 460 Hazlewood’s workloads have been under runs for victory over the fi nal two days. scrutiny throughout the New Zealand and Holder’s team still have the third and fi nal Test Windies series over the last two months and against the Australians getting underway at the he failed to take a wicket in the Melbourne Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday to salvage Test. Siddle has an ankle problem and was something out of the ruins of a miserable tour. well down on pace in bowling just nine overs “Our bowlers still need to be a lot more disci- on the fourth day at the MCG. plined than we are at the moment,” Holder told “I’ve no idea at this stage, I haven’t really reporters after yesterday’s defeat. had a chance to talk to the medical staff yet,” Australian paceman Peter Siddle (centre) has an ankle problem and was well down on pace in “We need to fi nd ways to control the game a lot skipper Steve Smith said, when asked about bowling just nine overs on the fourth day at the MCG. (AFP) more. Although the pitches have been very good West Indies skipper Jason Holder made for 68 Siddle’s chances of making the Sydney Test. for , we still have to fi nd ways to contain off 86 balls against Australia at the MCG. (AFP) “But he was able to get through and get the Mitchell Marsh more in Sydney after his im- “If the conditions are going to suit... the batsmen. We’ve been allowing them to score job done, I just thought today it was best not pressive four for 61 off 17.3 overs. “Yeah, it’s there’s a pretty good chance we could see a on both sides of the wicket, and we haven’t been gotten starts, so it’s about carrying on,” he said. using him much late in the day to try to get very possible. I think when he’s in a good second spinner playing. We go to Sri Lanka able to contain them and control the game thus “Darren Bravo has been exceptional so far. He’s him a bit of a rest.” rhythm he’s as good as any of the bowlers later in the year, where there is a good chance far, having them run away at certain stages of the really led our batting. He’s showing some signs of On Hazlewood’s chances, Smith added: around the country at the moment, and he we’ll see two spinners playing - or in the game.” maturity. Hopefully he can continue and lead our “It’s obviously a pretty short turnaround be- hit that rhythm today,” Smith said. touring party.” Holder was reasonably content with his bats- batting in this third Test match.” tween games so we’ll wait and see how he pulls Smith raised the prospect of Steven O’Keefe Not since 2006, when Stuart MacGill and men, despite the damning statistic that the West Holder said taking the Sydney Test to a fi fth up and we’ll see what the best team is when we playing as a second spinner at his home ground. Shane Warne bowled together at the SCG Indies have yet to pass 300 in any of their eight in- day was not the primary task. “Not only to get to get to Sydney and see what the wicket is like.” “It’d be good to see a second spinner play and against South Africa, have Australia used two nings against Australia at home and away this year. fi ve days but the goal is to win. I still believe we One option could be using all-rounder see what he’s got to off er,” the skipper said. spinners in a home Test. “Most of our batsmen if you look at this game have can,” Holder said. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 30, 2015 9 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT ROUND-UP Chandimal to Finn strikes South stand in for injured Malinga Africa as England Agencies Colombo

inesh Chandimal (right) was named Sri Lanka’s captain for push for victory their Inter- nationalD series against New Zea- land after a chronic knee injury ruled Lasith Malinga out. Set to make 416 to win, South Africa were 136 for four at the close of play Malinga is absent from the One-Day International series AFP got a bit of extra bounce.” too, which Sri Lanka trail 0-2 Durban Finn said he was confi dent with three games to go. He has England’s fast bowler England could take the re- not played a game since tak- Steven Finn bowls during maining six wickets on the ing two wickets in the fi rst T20I the fourth day of the first teven Finn took three fi nal day today. “We’re in a against West Indies at home in cricket Test against South crucial wickets, in- fantastic position to press for November. Africa at the Kingsmead cluding two in suc- that victory. The rewards we Chandimal fi rst became Sri fi rst ODI on January 12, after he stadium in Durban, South cessive overs, as Eng- got from both a batting and Lanka’s T20I captain in 2013 helped Gujarat win their maiden landS pushed for victory on bowling perspective were born and led the country in 12 games Vijay Hazare Trophy by lapping Africa yesterday. (AFP) the fourth day of the fi rst Test through patience and hard for eight wins. Malinga took up 19 wickets in nine matches at against South Africa at Kings- work. “We’re going to have to over from him when Chandimal 14.63. mead yesterday. be patient again tomorrow but was suspended during the 2014 However, it will be hard for MS Set to make 416 to win, we back ourselves to get those World Twenty20, and led the Dhoni to pick him as R Ashwin’s South Africa were 136 for four six wickets.” team to the title. spin partner over Jadeja, who at the close of play, facing a De Villiers, who made 37 not While Suranga Lakmal was made a roaring return to inter- long struggle to bat out the fi - out off 83 balls, escaped with named Malinga’s replacement national cricket in the Test series nal day to earn a draw and pre- his score on 33 when he went for the two T20Is, Danushka against South Africa and is now vent England from going ahead down the pitch to off -spinner Gunathilaka came in for the sus- in both the ODI and T20 squads in the four-match series. Moeen Ali and wicketkeeper pended Kusal Perera. for the Australia tour. England hopes soared soon Jonny Bairstow failed to catch Perera tested positive for a “There is always going to be after tea when the tall Finn had a sharply-turning ball to make banned substance earlier this competition when you are play- South African captain Hashim a stumping. month, and faces a four-year ing for India but it has not come Amla caught behind for 12 be- Elgar and Stiaan van Zyl ban after his B sample too tested in the way of the personal rap- fore removing the limpet-like put on 53 for South Africa’s positive. Gunathilaka has played port I share with some of the Dean Elgar for 40. fi rst wicket before Ben Stokes three ODIs, two of them in the team members. Jaddu bhai (Jade- Elgar, who carried his bat for bowled Van Zyl for 33. current series. The fi rst T20I is at ja) is back so there is going to be 118 not out in the fi rst innings, The left-handed Van Zyl Mount Maunganui on January 7 competition as most likely there was caught at second slip by played some handsome strokes before the teams travel to Auck- will be only one left-arm spinner Joe Root. He had been on the before he fell in similar fashion land for the fi nal game of the bi- in the playing eleven. But that is fi eld for the entire match up to to his fi rst innings duck against lateral series, which also includ- how it is. It is nice that he is back that point. AB de Villiers and Stuart Broad, misjudging a ball ed two Tests, on January 10. in all formats. We are both from Faf du Plessis batted through bowled from around the wicket Gujarat and it is always fun to be 103 minutes and 23.5 overs to which hit his off stump. AXAR NOT BOTHERED BY in his company,” Patel said. raise hopes that South Africa England were bowled out for COMPETITION FROM JADEJA The selectors are trying out might pull off another rear- 326 in their second innings just In-form Axar Patel feels fully diff erent players for the three guard action to save the game under an hour after lunch. ready for his second tour of Aus- T20 Internationals in Australia as they have done against Aus- Bairstow hit an aggressive 79 tralia and is not losing sleep over and Patel, who earned his India tralia, India and Sri Lanka in off 76 balls to provide impetus the close competition between cap courtesy a stellar showing in recent seasons. to the England innings as they him and Ravindra Jadeja for the IPL 2014, is disappointed to miss But, in what proved to be sought to score quickly to give India’s number one left-arm out from the T20 squad. the last over of the day, Finn themselves time to bowl out spinner’s role in the fi ve ODIs “It is disappointing obviously. struck again, having Du Ples- South Africa. Down Under. The World T20 is around the sis caught by England captain Bairstow hit nine fours and Patel could not have made a corner and it would have been Alastair Cook at fi rst slip off three sixes before he was last stronger case for his inclusion good to play three matches in a ball that kicked viciously to man out, caught at long-off , in the playing eleven for the Austral,” he said. glance off the shoulder of the after he provided a rare exam- bat. Finn fi nished the day with ple of a batsman scoring freely three for 27. Du Plessis made on a dry, slow pitch. nine off 66 balls. With fast bowler Dale Steyn Speaking about his late missing because of a shoulder Court clears Amir’s path to evening burst to dismiss Du strain, off -spinner Dane Piedt Plessis, Finn said: “(Bowl- bowled 18 overs unchanged return to Pakistan team ing coach) Ottis (Gibson) and from the start of play. He fi n- Broady (Stuart Broad) told me ished with fi ve for 153 in 36 Karachi: A Pakistani court tion he has every right to play at the drinks break, ‘bowl as overs, his fi rst fi ve-wicket haul yesterday rejected a petition cricket,” Rizvi told AFP. “The quick as you can and hit the in Tests. against the inclusion of con- judge on hearing the argu- deck as hard as you can and Piedt acknowledged that victed spot-fixer Mohammad ments rejected the petition see if something might hap- South Africa faced a tough Amir in the national cricket filed by a lawyer, Munsif Awan,” pen’. It’s been quite hot, sticky battle. “We’re really going to team, clearing the last hurdle he added. conditions for bowlers but I ran knuckle down and take it as to his predicted comeback Pakistan’s selectors included in as hard as I could and luckily long as possible,” he said. after a five-year ban. Amir in a fitness camp staged Amir, 23, was one of three to select the squad for next Pakistan players banned for ar- month’s tour of New Zealand. SCORECARD ranging deliberate no-balls as Because of his extraordinary part of a betting scam during wicket-taking form Amir is ENGLAND I INNINGS 303 3-62-1, Piedt 36-4-153-5, Elgar a Test match in England 2010. tipped to be in the squad. SOUTH AFRICA I INNINGS 214 9-0-32-0, Van Zyl 10.1-3-20-3, The two other were the then- The squad for the three ENGLAND II SECOND Duminy 1-0-5-0 Test captain Salman Butt and one-dayers and three INNINGS (OVERNIGHT 172-3) SOUTH AFRICA II INNINGS bowler Mohammad Asif. All Twenty20 internationals is J. Root c Van Zyl b Abbott 73 D. Elgar c Root b Finn 40 three were also sentenced to likely to be announced in the J. Taylor st De Villiers b Piedt 42 S. van Zyl b Stokes 33 six months in prison in Britain. next couple of days. B. Stokes c Elgar b Piedt 5 H. Amla c Bairstow b Finn 12 The prospect of the trio Amir, who was 18 at the Bairstow c Duminy b Van Zyl 79 A. de Villiers not out 37 returning to national colours time of his conviction, pleaded M. Ali lbw b Piedt 16 F. du Plessis c Cook b Finn 9 after serving their bans has guilty to spot-fixing in 2011, Woakes c Duminy b Van Zyl 23 D. Steyn not out 0 polarised opinions, with one while Butt and Asif maintained S. Broad c De Villiers b Van Zyl 0 Extras (b2, lb3) 5 lawyer petitioning the Lahore their innocence until all their S. Finn not out 0 Total (4 wkts, 47 overs) 136 High Court to issue a stay appeals were exhausted. Extras (b3, lb3) 6 Fall of wickets: 1-53 (Van Zyl), order against a recall for Amir. Legendary Pakistan pacemen Total (102.1 overs) 326 2-85 (Amla), 3-88 (Elgar), 4-136 Justice Shahid Bilal Hasan Imran Khan and Wasim Akram Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Cook), (Du Plessis) rejected the petition, according have also backed Amir’s return 2-48 (Hales), 3-119 (Compton), Bowling: Broad 11-4-25-0, to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s to international cricket. 4-192 (Root), 5-197 (Stokes), Woakes 6-2-17-0, Finn 8-3-27-3, legal adviser Taff azul Rizvi. “We also informed the court 6-224 (Taylor), 7-272 (Ali), 8-315 Stokes 7-1-26-1, Ali 15-3-36-0 “I pleaded the case on behalf that Amir will play under the (Woakes), 9-315 (Broad) Match situation: South Africa of the PCB and our opinion is microscopic eyes of the ICC Bowling: Steyn 3.5-0-10-0, need 280 runs to win with six that Amir completed his ban (International Cricket Council) Morkel 20.3-5-38-1, Abbott 21.4- wickets remaining and as per country’s constitu- and the PCB,” said Rizvi.

FOCUS Pakistan rejects Azhar Ali’s resignation over Amir return

Reuters said the ODI skipper would stay on. Karachi “Azhar Ali met the chairman PCB (Sha- haryar Khan). He tendered his resignation,” PCB said in a statement. “The chairman akistan has rejected one-day cap- didn’t accept his resignation, Azhar Ali tain Azhar Ali’s off er to resign over agreed and he will continue as captain,” it tainted teammate Mohammad added. Amir’s presence at a Lahore train- Amir, fellow fast bowler Mohammad Ping camp, the country’s cricket board said Asif and former Test captain Salman Butt yesterday. served jail sentences in Britain after being Amir’s return to the selection mix found guilty in 2011 of various off ences of after serving a five-year ban for spot- corrupt behaviour. fixing in the 2010 Lord’s test has po- Former captain Imran Khan has backed larised Pakistan cricket with several of Amir’s return to international cricket but his team mates resenting his reintegra- test skipper Misbah-ul-Haq feared the tion. Azhar, along with former captain bowler’s comeback would prove a big dis- Mohammad Hafeez, initially refused traction for the team. to join the camp ahead of next month’s According to local media reports, former limited-over matches in New Zea- captain Shoaib Malik has been assigned to land but Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) guide Amir on his comeback. Pakistani coach Waqar Younis (left) speaks to players as Mohammad Amir (centre) and Azhar Ali listen during a practice session in Lahore. (AFP) Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, December 30, 2015 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT ICSS’s Save the Dream project makes a diff erence in 2015 Save the Dream project has been working to restore hope in young people through the power of sport

By Sports Reporter Doha

risis, confl ict and natural disaster have a signifi cant human impact on people around the world. In particular, it can change the lives of many children and youngC people, often taking away their right to education and access to play sport. In 2015, the world has witnessed numerous tragedies, resulting in many families and young people being displaced from their homes. How- ever, Save the Dream – an initiative established by the ICSS in partnership with the Qatar Ol- ympic Committee (QOC) and with the support of Ooredoo – has been working to restore hope in young people through the power of sport. Created to help inspire, educate and empower children and young people through the values of sport, as well as promoting inter-cultural dialogue and social innovation, over the last 12 months, Save the Dream has delivered a range of projects and initiatives around the world and alongside leading international institutions to achieve these aims.

EMPOWERING YOUNG PEOPLE In 2015, Save the Dream has worked with young people around the world, including projects in Brazil, India and Haiti to name a few. This year, Save the Dream signed a new agree- ment with the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to improve the lives of young refugees through sport and related educational opportunities. The agreement envisages initial projects in sup- port of children and youth fl eeing confl icts in Somalia and Yemen by helping to set up several sport programmes, as well as distributing sports equipment, throughout camps in Kenya and in the Republic of Djibouti. In addition, working in cooperation with Centro Sportivo Italiano (CSI) from Italy and the Haitian government, Save the Dream also visited Haiti this year to run a special sport and education programme for young people aff ected by confl ict and natural disaster in the country which will result in the re-building of sports fa- cilities in the country. Alongside these projects in Haiti and Africa, Save the Dream was also recognised by Premier League side, Aston Villa FC, for its work in In- dia alongside local organisations with the Delhi Dreams project. As part of the project, over 120 Former Italian footballer (centre) and President of the International Centre for Sport Security Mohammed Hanzab (front centre) with Children in Times Square. young girls from slum areas in New Delhi took part in a special football tournament, resulting New York involving hundreds of local children, in two female footballers being selected to travel artists, Save the Dream ambassadors and event Save the Dream volunteer to the UK to train with the Aston Villa under-13 sponsors Qatar Airways, Gulf Warehousing and with children in Delhi. and under-15 teams. Ooredoo. In addition to these highlights, Save the The song, titled Save the Dream, was written Dream capped off a busy 2015 by running sev- to raise funds for new projects, which will aim to eral other projects and forums in 2015, engaging restore access to sport for displaced children in with key international entities including Unicef, aff ected refugee communities. For more infor- Unesco, the European Union, the UN Offi ce on mation about how to download the song, please Sport for Peace and Development, the Global visit the Save the Dream website. Child Forum, the International Olympic Truce In addition to the Save the Dream song, Save Center, as well as many sport bodies such as the Dream has also teamed up with Cultural y the Spanish La Liga, the Italian Serie A, Aspire Deportiva Leonesa in Spain as part of its part- Academy and several sport and civil society or- nership with Aspire Academy to launch a special ganisations from in the Americas to name a few. tuxedo jersey for the 2015 / 16 season. With ‘La Culta’ fl ying high and pushing for RAISING AWARENESS promotion this season, the special tuxedo jersey As part of its eff ort to raise awareness of its mis- will add a touch of sophistication to Cultural y sion, engage new partners and enhance support Deportiva Leonesa football players this year and for its projects, Save the Dream also organised will aim to raise funds for future Save the Dream several high-profi le international events and projects. Looking towards 2016, Save the Dream activities of note this year. will continue its work inspiring and empower- In partnership with renowned Senegalese ing young people through its various interna- singer and political leader Youssou N’Dour, tional sports projects, as well as working with Save the Dream launched a new charity song global partners and institutions. during a spectacular event in Times Square,

GOLF Asian players shine, but tour outlook uncertain

AFP His fellow countryman Kiradech ing from Ireland to the shores of the Pa- Kula Lumpur Aphibarnrat won three times globally cifi c in the Far East. While the increased with nine other top-10s, while Wu Ashun presence, sponsorship and prize money became the fi rst Chinese player to win opportunities such a tour could harness hile the stars of Asian golf a European Tour event on home soil were broadly welcomed by the European shone brightly in 2015, the when he lifted the China Open trophy in players, their Asian counterparts were Asian Tour heads into an un- Shanghai. less convinced. certain new year with play- Thongchai and Lahiri then capped The players held a long meeting at Wers unhappy with a proposed European their stellar year by making the Presidents the Macau Open in October and it be- Tour merger. On the fairways and greens Cup debut against the United States in came clear there were deep divisions in all was well, as Asian players matched Incheon, South Korea, the fi rst time the the ranks over the merger. Players who their international rivals and made an prestigious team matchplay event had ply their trade on both tours seemed in impression at events across the globe. been staged in Asia. The event proved a favour, but some members of the Asian India’s Anirban Lahiri wrapped up roaring success with huge crowds and a Tour were scared their opportunities to the Asian Order of Merit with two wins nail-biting denouement. The US won on make a living could be eroded by an infl ux in co-sanctioned Asian-European the fi nal green of the fi nal singles match, of higher-ranked players from Europe. Tour events—the Malaysian and Indian when home favourite Bae Sang-Moon Asian Tour CEO Mike Kerr came under Opens—and a slew of top-10 fi nishes agonisingly fl uff ed a crucial chip to the fi re at the meeting and European Tour around the world, including an admirable 18th green to hand Bill Haas the winning CEO Keith Pelley fl ew in to meet the play- fi fth place at the US PGA Championship point in a 15.5-14.5 victory. It was a sad ers. At the beginning of December, the at Whistling Straits. end for Bae, who now has his pro golf ca- Asian Tour confi rmed Kerr had stepped South Korea’s An Byeong-Hun took reer put on hold while he serves at least 18 down as CEO, without giving any rea- Rookie of the Year honours on the Eu- months compulsory national service in sons for his resignation, while the body’s ropean Tour and carried off the biggest the South Korean military. board also had a shake-up in personnel. prize of his career with a stunning six- Off the course, meanwhile, major de- European Tour tournament commit- shot triumph at the PGA Championship velopments were brewing in Asia that tee chairman Thomas Bjorn told AFP in at Wentworth to pocket a cool $1 million. will rumble on into 2016. In August, the Thailand last week that the merger is “the Evergreen Thai Thongchai Jaidee European and Asian Tours announced in only way forward”, and said Asian players India’s Anirban Lahiri wrapped up the showed he was still young at heart with a vaguely worded statement a “joint vi- had no need to worry. Indian veteran Jeev Asian Order of Merit with two wins in a game to match, winning the European sion” for the future. Milkha Singh said players were awaiting co-sanctioned Asian-European Tour Open in September, recording eight top- It soon emerged that the proposal was the Asian Tour’s next move. “We have a events—the Malaysian and Indian Opens. 10s and reaching a career-high world for a fully-fl edged merger of the two or- new board and we will wait to see what ranking of 28, at the tender age of 45. ganisations to form a mega-tour stretch- they recommend,” he said. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 30, 2015 11 SPORT

HORSE RACING Shaqab’s Aba’ath dazzles in Qatar Pure Arabian Derby win ‘He is a good horse who held back when I wanted him to and then took off as the finish line approached’

Julien Auge rides Al Shaqab Racing’s Aba’ath to victory in the Qatar Pure Arabian Derby at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim

By Mikhil Bhat RESULTS into the final two furlongs. Doha The Sibbertoft Bloodstock Race 1: 1. Fer’Ha (Harry Bentley), Avranche), 3. Flying Empress (Ri- Ladjadj). Won by: 4, 3, 2 ½. Time: Limited’s gelding zoomed past 2. Rawaa (Richard Mullen), 3. chard Mullen), 4. Ediye (Adrie de 1:40.513. Owner: Abdulhadi Mana the fi eld and soon Astley Hall or the second straight Abeah (Pier Convertino), 4. Lina Vries). Won by: Shd, 1 ¼, ½. Time: al-Hajri, Trainer: S. Ibido. was left behind too as Perkunas year, an Amer colt, Al Mels (Tadgh O’Shea). Won by: 1:11.016. Owner: Mohammed Race 6: 1. Bronze Maquette took a two-length victory. trained by Thomas Four- Hd, 2 ½, Nk. Time: 1:32.35 Owner: Kazim al-Ansari & Sons. Trainer: (Tadgh O’Shea), 2. Akeed Misk The win for Brian Meehan was cy and ridden by Julien HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa Ahmed Kobeissi. (Harry Bentley), 3. Juventas (Dar- a fi rst for a Europe-based train- AugeF in the silks of Al Shaqab er in Qatar. In one of the most al-Thani. Trainer: Julian Smart. Race 4: 1. Perkunas (Jamie ren Williams), 4. Rock Heroine Racing, ran a commanding race Race 2: 1. Barrelaman (Pier Spencer), 2. Astley Hall (Marvin (JP Guillambert). Won by: 2 ½, thrilling race on the day, Secret to win the Qatar Pure Arabian Convertino), 2. Reda (Harry Suerland), 3. Above N Beyond ½, ¾. Time: 2:03.026. Owner: Ha- Tale survived a big scare by Re- Derby at the Qatar Racing and Bentley), 3. Wahhaaj (Marvin (Martin Harley), 4. Opera Baron mad Adel al-Muslimani. Trainer: gality, edging out Mansoor Ib- Equestrian Club turf. Suerland), 4. Dheeb Al Shajaa (Richard Mullen). Won by: 2, ½, Mohamed Hussain rahim al-Mahmood’s fi lly by the After Mister Ginoux’s brilliant (Marco Monteriso). Won by: 2 ½. Time: 1:22.422. Owner: Sibber- Race 7: 1. Aba’ath (Julien Auge), tiniest of margins that must have run last year, yesterday, Aba’ath ½, 3, Hd. Time: 1:42.12. Owner: toft Bloodstock Limited. Trainer: 2. Almuheet (Darren Williams), sent the stewards zooming in brushed aside the competi- Sheikh Khalifa bin Mohamed bin Brian Meehan. 3. Majdan (Pier Convertino), 4. down to the fi nal pixel for a deci- tion to win the mile long event, Khalifa al-Thani. Trainer: Pierre Race 5: 1. Tanja Bu Thaila (Marco Carab (Richard Mullen). Won by: sion in the Qatar Nursery Stakes, which had a prize purse of USD Deymonaz. Monteriso), 2. Abrar (Adrie de 7, 3, ½. Time: 1:43.296. Owner: Al a six furlong event for two-year- 100,000. Race 3: 1. Secret Tale (Seb Vries), 3. Mahbooba (Tadgh Shaqab Racing. Trainer: Thomas old fi llies. TM Majid Texas, Secret An- Sanders), 2. Regality (Gerald O’Shea), 4. Muraqabah (Stephan Fourcy Jockey Seb Sanders, riding gel and Civaldi De Montegut Ahmed Kobeissi’s charge Secret jostled for lead early on, while Tale out of Gate 9, moved into Auge, who rode the same colt to Ginoux, who is set to start stud into the lead because I know S Ibido, went into the lead and the lead and had built a healthy a win in their last race in Tou- duties, Auge was very excited. that she gallops well on to the as the post approached stead- one with 300m to go. louse, France, two months ago, “I do think he (Aba’ath) is bet- straight,” Hussain said. ily increased her lead to fi nish Gerald Avranche, riding Re- held Aba’ath back till the action ter. They are not the same kind “So that was the plan. four lengths ahead of Zuhair gality, hit the button just then moved on to the home straight. of horses but I think with a little “She ran well in the Oaks Trial Mohsen’s chestnut fi lly. and the fi lly treated the audi- With a furlong to go, Aba’ath bit of work, Aba’ath is set for big and with this 2000m coming up, English raider Perkunas ences to an amazing turn of foot was already in lead, which kept things.” I let her rest for the month. She snatched a fi ne victory from that had Sanders looking over his increasing till he made it to the Hamad Adel al-Muslimani’s was fresh and she showed what Sheail bin Khalifa al-Kuwari’s shoulder way too often for his post seven lengths ahead of Al Bronze Maquette produced an she is capable of. I am so happy Astley Hall with a turn of foot own comfort. Jeryan Stud duo Almuheet, win- encore of the run that won her with her win.” that propelled the two-year- Secret Tale’s lead started dis- ner in the Derby Trial earlier this the Oaks Trial a month ago to O’Shea added: “She has such a old gelding from the back of the appearing into cold air but the month, and Majdan. win the Qatar Oaks for Thor- potent turn of foot and that was pack into the spotlight in the Al post, for Jassim al-Ghazali’s fi lly, “It’s a fantastic bit of history oughbreds, a Class 1 race for evident today. A brilliant vic- Rayyan Stakes for two-year-old a tad bit too near. that we are making at the Qatar three-year-old fi llies. tory.” Qatar Oaks for local Thor- thoroughbreds. In the fi rst race of the day, QREC chairman Sheikh Mohamed bin Faleh al-Thani presents a trophy Derby,” Auge told Gulf Times. The Dark Angel progeny, oughbreds belonged to Tanja Astley Hall had taken the lead Harry Bentley, in the colours of after Tanja Bu Thaila won the Qatar Oaks for Local Thoroughbreds. “To win the Derby for the second trained by Mohamed Hussain, Bu Thaila, owned by Abdulhadi in the 1400m event, which had HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa straight year; it’s such a good was third in the 11-horse fi eld on Mana al-Hajri. a purse of USD 100,000, early al-Thani, rode Fer’Ha to her fi rst Pier Convertino rode Abeah to a cal Purebred Arabian Derby. time. “He is a good horse who to the home straight, but a fi ne The three-year-old fi lly, rid- on and looked like the Mo- career victory in the Purebred third-place fi nish. In the eight-furlong event, held back when I wanted him to gallop, with Tadgh O’Shea at the den by Marco Monteriso, picked hamed Jassim Ghazali-trained Arabian Maiden Plate event. Convertino then switched to which was sponsored by Diet- and then took off as the fi nish helm, quickly saw her move past up her fi rst career victory in her colt would take a narrow win The Julian Smart charge the colours of Sheikh Khalifa rich, Pierre Deymonaz’s charge line approached.” leader Akeed Misk to a two and a third outing, fi nishing ahead of but Perkunas, ridden by Jamie did well to edge out Al Shaha- bin Mohamed bin Khalifa al- fi nished ahead of Reda, owned Asked about Aba’ath as a half-length victory. Oaks Trials winner Abrar. Spencer, stepped out and began nia Stud’s al-Ghazali-trained Thani to ride Barrelaman to a by Sheikh Mohamed, and Al racehorse compared to Mister “There was no hurry to get Tanja Bu Thaila, trained by his raid as the action moved Rawaa in the seven furlong aff air. comfortable victory in the Lo- Shaqab Racing’s Wahhaaj.

QREC general manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi with the winners of the Al Rayyan Stakes. Jockey Jamie Spencer (right) rode Perkunas, trained by Brian QREC head of PR Saleh Ghanim al-Ghanim presents a memento to Pakistani ambassador to Qatar Meehan (left), to a victory in the Class 1 event. Shahzad Ahmad. Wednesday, December 30, 2015 GULF TIMES SPORT

CHESS CARLSEN WINS PLAYOFF TO CLINCH QATAR MASTERS World No 1 from Norway outclasses his Chinese rival Yu Yangyi in tie break blitz games

By Yash Mudgal Yangyi failed to repeat Norwegian, Carlsen said: “There Doha his feat of 2014, when he were many highs during the year magically won the title and few forgettable performanc- aft er trailing half a point es as well, but I am overall happy orld Champion before the last round as with my performance. The rea- Magnus Carlsen of the Carlsen dominated son why they say I had a bad year Norway kept his the blitz playoff , winning because the fans set high stand- reputation of never two straight games and the ards, and I take that as a compli- Wlosing a play-off game intact yes- ment.” winner’s purse of $27,000 terday, when he defeated defend- Serjey Karjakin, Sjugirov ing champion Yu Yangyi of china ment Grand Tour, coming from Sanan, Vassily Ivanchuk, Ni Hua in blitz playoff games to claim the behind in the fi nal round and in a and Kramnik fi nished joint third. Qatar Masters, the biggest-ever tie-break earlier this month. World No 2 Anish Giri, who open tournament. The Qatar Open -- the strong- started with three wins but then The 25-year-old Carlsen drew est ever of its kind – attracted 77 had six consecutive draws, fi n- with former world champion grandmasters, while Carslen was ished joint fourth. Vladimir Kramnik in the fi nal the fi rst reigning world cham- China’s Hou Yifan clinched round game, while Yangyi de- pion to compete in such an event the best woman player prize with feated US-based Filipino GM since Boris Spassky at Vancouver a last round win against compa- Wesley So to fi nish tied for the 1971. The tournament started triot Li Di. She went home richer fi rst spot, as the pair took the with a massive shock, as Carlsen by $8000. India’s Harika Drona- fi ght to a playoff . was held to a history-making valli came third. Yangyi failed to repeat his draw in the opening round by UAE’s Salem AR Saleh claimed feat of 2014, when he magically the Georgian women’s champion the best Arab player trophy, while won the title after trailing half Nino Batsiashvili. Qatar’s GM Mohamed al-Sayed a point before the last round as However, Carlsen showed his came second in the category. the Carlsen dominated the blitz class act, as the Norwegian soon Twelve-year-old Firouzja Ali- playoff , winning two straight became the sole leader with 6.5 reza of Iran, who had already se- games and the winner’s purse of points, while Kramnik and Yangyi cured his IM norm on Monday, $27,000. shared the second place with six ended the tournament on a win- “I am happy with the way year points apiece after the penulti- ning note defeating GM Neelot- ended. It was a tough tourna- mate round. Carlsen eased past pal Das of India. ment, especially last four or fi ve GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov of IMs Shardul Gagare and Vig- rounds were very competitive,” Azerbaijan, then Kramnik and Yu nesh NR of India, IM Daniil the Carlsen said. “The playoff scored important wins against Yuff a of Russia, IM Lin Chen and is always thrilling. It was never Russia’s GM Sanan Sjugirov and Xu Yinglun of China achieved easy against Yangyi. I was just Sweden’s GM Nils Grandelius, grandmaster norms during the concentrating to keep my moves respectively. tournament. President of Qatar right,” the World No 1 added. Talking about his performance Chess Federation and FIDE vice- Carlsen had won the London during the year, which many be- president Khalifa Mohamad al- Classic and the three-tourna- lieve was a diffi cult year for the Hitmi distributed the prizes.

World Champion Magnus Carlsen celebrates his win with President of Qatar Chess Federation and FIDE Magnus Carlsen of Norway poses with the trophy after winning the Qatar Masters 2015 title. PICTURES: Jayaram vice-president Khalifa Mohamad al-Hitmi (right).

TENNIS Promotional activities launched for Qatar ExxonMobil Open

By Sports Reporter Doha another edition of great tennis,” he added. Karim Alami also said of the event, “We are proud to get the support of a Qatari and Inter- xxonMobil Qatar and the Qatar Tennis national company, and we hope they will con- Federation (QTF) have kick-started a tinue to support us in the future so that we can series of promotional activities leading turn our plans and projects into real achieve- up to the launch of the Qatar ExxonMo- ments. We also look forward to building strong bilE Open 2016, which will take place at the Kha- local relations. We are putting the fi nal touches lifa International Tennis and Squash Complex to our preparations for the tournament in its on January 4-9, 2016. 24th edition, and are ready for the all tennis As the fi rst ATP World Tour tennis tourna- fans who are coming to enjoy its world-class ment of the year, the Qatar ExxonMobil Open atmosphere.” is a much-anticipated sporting event that hosts Aside from the Giant Selfi e Ball Competi- some of the world’s top tennis players, and at- tion, ExxonMobil Qatar will use its Twitter and tracts thousands of tennis enthusiasts from the Instagram accounts to introduce a tennis trivia region and beyond. competition, giving its social media followers Although several exciting activities have more chances to win exciting prizes by post- been lined up ahead of the tournament, the ing their answers using the hashtag #GetRead- main attraction is the Giant Selfi e Ball Compe- yEMtennis. tition. Under this particular activity, a number ExxonMobil Qatar and QTF will also place of oversized tennis balls have been placed at key mini courts at Gulf Mall and Villaggio for peo- locations including Souq Waqif, the Corniche ple to compete against one another in three- and Katara for visitors and residents of Doha to minute tennis matches. Winners of these see and access. Followers of ExxonMobil Qatar’s Tareq Zeinal (left), Secretary General Assistant of Qatar Tennis Federation, Karim Alami (right) Tournament Director and Saleh al-Mana, Vice matches will receive valuable prizes. Instagram and Twitter accounts will be invited President and Director of Government and Public Aff airs for ExxonMobil Qatar take a selfie in front of the giant tennis ball located at Souk Waqif Marking the 24th anniversary of the tourna- to photograph themselves with these oversized to kick off the selfie competition leading up to the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2016. ment, this year’s Qatar ExxonMobil Open will tennis balls and post their images on either run from January 4 – 9, 2016, bringing some platforms using the hashtag #EMtennis. By do- of QTF; and Karim Alami, Tournament Director “Much thought and planning has gone into through this promotional plan with our loyal of the world’s top players together to compete ing so, participants have the opportunity to win attended the ceremony. the multitude of activities we have organized title partner ExxonMobil Qatar! We have been for the trophy and a share of the prize money. a number of valuable prizes. “We are extremely pleased to begin promo- with the Qatar Tennis Federation this year working hand in hand with ExxonMobil for 22 Confi rmed tournament participants include Earlier this week, a ribbon cutting event was tional activities for the Qatar ExxonMobil Open ahead of the tournament. We are proud of the years and through this cooperation we could world no. 1 Novak Djokovic, the Matador Rafael held at the site of one of the oversized tennis 2016 together with our valued partner the Qatar eff orts that have transpired and what promises prove that Qatar is a leader in hosting such Nadal, world no. 6 Tomas Berdych and defend- balls located on the Corniche, marking the of- Tennis Federation, and to inform the residents to be yet another thrilling tournament to add world-class events.” ing Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2015 champion fi cial launch of the promotional activities. Saleh of Qatar and the country’s visitors that this to Qatar’s long list of exceptional, world-class “This initiative aims to highlight the success David Ferrer. al-Mana, Vice President and Director of Gov- annual world-class sporting events is fast ap- sporting events that showcase the bright en- that the tournament has gained, we are so proud Tickets for the six-day event are available to ernment and Public Aff airs for ExxonMobil Qa- proaching,” said Alistair Routledge, President ergy of the country,” he added. of what we have reached and the best is yet to the public online at www.qatartennis.org, as tar; Tareq Zeinal, Secretary General Assistant and General Manager for ExxonMobil Qatar. Tareq Zeinal said, “We are thrilled to go come. We promise to introduce all our fans to well as at various locations across Doha.